cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Dravet syndrome: inroads into understanding epileptic encephalopathies.

ravet syndrome is a severe childhood epilepsy characterized by intractable seizures and neurodevelopmental delay. First described in 1978 by Dravet as severe myoclonic epilepsy of infancy (SMEI), the syndrome was renamed in light of the widening spectrum of clinical phenotypes associated with the more-recently discovered underlying genetic basis. Based on clinical diagnostic criteria, Dravet syndrome has been estimated to affect 1 in 40 000 children, accounting for about 7% of severe epilepsy occurring in children under age 3 years. These numbers likely underestimate the actual incidence, given that genetic testing has dramatically increased diagnosis of this disorder. Dravet syndrome has been mainly associated with mutations in a neuronal voltage-gated sodium channel gene, SCN1A (sodium channel subunit 1A). SCN1A mutations also have been associated with febrile seizures (FS) and milder forms of epilepsy, and more recently, SCN1A polymorphisms have been implicated in susceptibility to FS. Unravelling the mechanisms of epileptic seizures in Dravet syndrome is of great importance, because SCN1A mutations confer varying degrees of seizure susceptibility, in part determining the seizure threshold. The recent association of this childhood epilepsy with the occurrence of vaccine-related seizures and encephalopathy has led to a reexamination of this historically charged medicolegal controversy. An animal model for Dravet syndrome has reproduced many of the clinical features and has expanded our understanding of how seizures occur in this syndrome. The most greatly affected neurons appear to be interneurons, which serve as part of the inhibitory circuitry in the brain. The emerging concept of epilepsy resulting from interneuron dysfunction, or ‘‘interneuronopathy,’’ has been useful in understanding the mechanisms of seizures in Dravet syndrome. Dravet syndrome is recognized as an epileptic encephalopathy because of the association between frequent seizures and cognitive impairment and poor developmental outcome. The effect of seizures on the developing brain is of great interest and critical importance in the field of pediatric epilepsy.
Angle dependence of levitation force in a YBa2Cu3Ox sphere

Abstract Crystal angle dependence of the levitation force has been measured for a YBa 2 Cu 3 O x sphere at 77 K and low magnetic field (∼2000 Gauss). The spherically-shaped sample is obtained from a single-domain material processed by the seeded melt growth (SMG) method. The levitation force has been found to vary in a cosine law fashion with the crystal orientation from 0°–360° regardless of the height between the sample and the testing magnet. However, the exponential height dependence of the levitation force that has been commonly observed in previous studies no longer holds for the spherical sample at various orientations. A physical model is proposed to explain the observed angle dependence.
The Scope of Coronary Heart Disease in Patients With Chronic Kidney Disease

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) affects approximately 13% of the U.S. population and is associated with increased risk of cardiovascular complications. Once renal replacement therapy became available, it became apparent that the mode of death of patients with advanced CKD was more likely than not related to cardiovascular compromise. Further observation revealed that such compromise was related to myocardial disease (related to hypertension, stiff vessels, coronary heart disease, or uremic toxins). Early on, the excess of cardiovascular events was attributed to accelerated atherosclerosis, inadequate control of blood pressure, lipids, or inflammatory cytokines, or perhaps poor glycemia control. In more recent times, outcome research has given us further information that relates even lesser degrees of renal compromise to an excess of cardiovascular events in the general population and in those with already present atherosclerotic disease. As renal function deteriorates, certain physiologic changes occur (perhaps due to hemodynamic, inflammatory, or metabolic changes) that decrease oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood by virtue of anemia, make blood vessels stiffer by altering collagen or through medial calcinosis, raise the blood pressure, increase shearing stresses, or alter the constituents of atherosclerotic plaque or the balance of thrombogenesis and thrombolysis. At further levels of renal dysfunction, tangible metabolic perturbations are recognized as requiring specific therapy to reduce complications (such as for anemia and hyperparathyroidism), although outcome research to support some of our current guidelines is sorely lacking. Understanding the process by which renal dysfunction alters the prognosis of cardiac disease might lead to further methods of treatment. This review will outline the relationship of CKD to coronary heart disease with respect to the current understanding of the traditional and nontraditional risk factors, the role of various imaging modalities, and the impact of coronary revascularization on outcome.
Catalytic electrodes for the Redox Flow Cell energy storage device

Several porous electrode materials have been studied for the redox couple Cr3+/Cr2+. The electrochemically active surface area, the hydrogen evolution overpotential and the limiting current of the chromium redox reactions were measured. Useful kinetic parameters can be deduced although their accuracies are limited due to the porous nature of the materials studied. The results presented will primarily be for one kind of graphite material and for ZrC. The performance of the ZrC electrode is promising and exhibits a significant improvement over carbon electrodes. The effects of lead chloride as a catalytic additive to the solution have been studied. Finally, the correlation between electrode performance and chromium complex formation will be discussed since the bridging mechanism is important in the Cr3+/Cr2+ redox reaction.
Latitudinal differences in fish community trophic structure, and the role of fish herbivory in a Costa Rican stream

We experimentally manipulated fish grazing pressure to determine whether fish herbivory played an important role in the structure of a Costa Rican stream. Non-planktonic plant matter represented a significant percentage (≥ 25%) of the diet of 77% of the 17 fish species in the community. We prevented fish grazing on macrophytes, tree leaves, and periphyton using fish exclusion cages. Fish grazedPanicum sp., used as a generalized aquatic macrophyte, to the stems after 6 days in control areas, and consumed all or much ofFicus insipida andMonstera sp. leaves when placed in the stream after 48 hours. Plants and leaves experimentally protected by cages remained intact. In periphyton studies, fifty percent more ash free dry weight occurred on 25 × 25 cm floor tiles protected from fish grazing by cages than on tiles in roofless controls exposed to fish grazing for 19 days, suggesting a reduction in periphyton biomass. These results demonstrate that fish herbivory affects macrophyte abundance, and impacts the amount of leaf litter in the stream. Fish herbivory may also have an important effect on overall periphyton biomass. Herbivorous fish species generally represent a larger proportion of the total fish community in tropical compared to temperate streams; thus fish grazing is more likely to have an important influence on plant and animal abundances and distributions in tropical streams.
Field reconnaissance of the 2007 Niigata-Chuetsu Oki earthquake

As part of the 2007 Tri-Center Field Mission to Japan, a reconnaissance team comprised of fourteen graduate students and three faculty members from three U.S. earthquake engineering research centers, namely, Multidisciplinary Center for Earthquake Engineering Research (MCEER), Mid-America Earthquake Center (MAE), and Pacific Earthquake Engineering Research Center (PEER), undertook a reconnaissance visit to the affected area shortly after the 2007 Niigata-Chuetsu Oki earthquake. This mission provided an opportunity to review the nature of the earthquake damage that occurred, as well as to assess the significance of the damage from an educational perspective. This paper reports on the seismological characteristics of the earthquake, preliminary findings of geotechnical and structural damage, and the causes of the observed failures or collapses. In addition, economic and socio-economic considerations and experiences to enhance earthquake resilience are presented.
The motivations to enter teaching by age related career stage and certification path

In this research I compare the motivations to enter the teaching occupation among 49 novice teachers who participated in traditional and alternative preparation programs to explore the influence of age and career stage on the decision making process. Early career entrants in both groups were more likely to cite the subject specialty as a reason to enter the occupation but only mid-career traditionally certified teachers included social concerns as a motivator. Overall, twice as many alternatively certified teachers cited the opportunity for a stable career as a motivator than did traditionally certified teachers.
Transient behavior of a continuous stirred tank biological reactor utilizing phenol as an inhibitory substrate

Transient experiments were conducted on a Pseudomomas utilizing phenol in a continuous culture by disturbing the influent substrate concentration and dilution rate. Two stable steady states existed for some ranges of the parameters. Highly damped oscillations were observed in approaching a new high conversion steady state or in returning to a new high conversion steady state following a small disturbance. When a large disturbance was applied there was a smooth (overdamped) approach to a new low conversion steady state. The observed oscillatory behavior for small disturbances was predicted by a modified Powell-Ierusalemskii bottleneck model, but could not be predicted by a Monod-Haldane model; neither model was accurate for predicting the effect of large disturbances. A constant wall growth factor was used to account for microbial film activity, and the existence of two stable states was directly due to the presence of the film.
Application of gas-liquid film theory to base hydrolysis of HMX powder and HMX-based plastic-bonded explosives using sodium carbonate

Sodium carbonate (Na{sub 2}CO{sub 3}) is identified as a hydrolysis reagent for decomposing HMX and HMX-based explosives to water-soluble, nonenergetic products. The reaction kinetics of Na{sub 2}CO{sub 3} hydrolysis are examined, and a reaction rate model is developed. Greater than 99% of the explosive at an initial concentration of 10 wt % PBX 9404 was destroyed in less than 5 min at 150 C. The primary products from Na{sub 2}CO{sub 3} hydrolysis were nitrite (NO{sub 2}), formate (HCOO{sup {minus}}), nitrate (NO{sub 3}{sup {minus}}), and acetate (CH{sub 3}COO{sup {minus}}) ions, hexamethylenetetramine, (hexamine: C{sub 6}H{sub 12}N{sub 4}), nitrogen gas (N{sub 2}), nitrous oxide (N{sub 2}O), and ammonia (NH{sub 3}). The rate of hydrolysis was characterized for HMX powder and PBX 9404 molding powder from 110 to 150 C. The rate was found to be dependent on both the chemical kinetics and the mass transfer resistance. Since the HMX particles are nonporous and external mass transfer dominates, gas-liquid film theory for fast chemical kinetics was used to model the reaction rate.
Microtubules and actin in giant nerve fibers of the spiny lobster, Panulirus argus

Abstract Giant axons of the spiny lobster, Panulirus argus , are filled with microtubules that are decorated with fine, irregular filaments. Mitochondria and membranelimited clear vesicles are the only other distinguishable elements in the axoplasm and are located around the periphery of the axon near the axolemma. Neither 100 A neurofilaments nor 70 A microfilaments are evident in fixed, intact axons or in negatively stained axoplasm. Actin-like microfilaments are a prominent constituent of the glial cells that closely ensheathe the axons, and gel electrophoresis studies suggest that most of the actin in the nerve fibers is located in the glia rather than in the axons. Studies of isolated axoplasm indicate that microtubules are the primary elements stabilizing the axoplasm. The microtubules in the isolated axoplasm are disrupted by Ca 2+ in the medium in the presence of protease inhibitors.
“Should we sell human organs?” Correction of a faulty analysis

Purpose – The purpose of this research is to correct the flawed analysis contained in a recent paper by Kolnsberg that appeared in this journal.Design/methodology/approach – In her paper, Kolnsberg raises the extremely important question of whether we should allow the sale of human organs for transplantation. She concludes, mistakenly, that we should not allow such sales. The error that leads her to this incorrect conclusion is the application of a nonsensical criterion for determination of whether sales of a good should be allowed. Specifically, she argues that, if the suppliers of living donor organs will be unable to earn substantial economic profits in the long run, then such sales should be banned. This arbitrary (and erroneous) criterion ignores: the social welfare gains achievable through organ sales; the much greater promise offered by cadaveric donor payments; and the very real and tragic consequences of the current ban on such payments – over 6,000 lives lost unnecessarily each year in the US al...
Vibrational structure of multiplicity-forbidden spectra. Non-condon effects and vibronic interference in hetero-aromatics☆

Abstract It is shown that totally symmetric progressions in multiplicity-forbidden spectra are generally subject to non-Condon effects. Their intensity distribution is not given by the usual Franck—Condon factors between the states in transition but depends on the vibrational properties of other states,namely states interacting with the states in transition through spin-orbit or vibronic coupling. This is due to the fact that the spin—orbit and vibronic matrix elements giving intensity to the forbidden transitions, are themselves subject to the Franck—Condon principle. The analytical form and numerical magnitude of these non-Condon effects are explored for simple model systems with special emphasis on a model expected to be appropriate to hetero-aromatics. This model involves four excited states, namely 1,3 ππ** and 1,3 nπ*, coupled pair-wise, whereby vibronic and spin—orbit coupling give rise to interference effects. Large intensity changes, which may distort the usual Franck—Condon progressions beyond recognition, are expected when the interacting states are separated by small energy gaps. These predictions are compared with phosphorescence intensities reported for dimethylpyrazine and three isomeric dimethylbenzaldehydes.
Exo- and Endo-Receptors in One. A Novel Class of Supramolecular Structures Housing Transition-Metal-Binding Bi- and Terpyridine Units alongside Lithium Ion-Selective Trispirotetrahydrofuranyl Components

The preparation of bipyridine and terpyridine ligands covalently linked via acetylenic and alkoxy tethers to rigid inositol orthoformate platforms is described. The constitution of compounds 3−6 is such that latent exo- and endo-receptor properties are simultaneously present with specific binding sites for Li+ and transition-metal ions. The 2-fold complexation in different regions is not dependent on prior molecular association. To gauge this unprecedented property, the model systems 11−14 were synthesized and their response to CuCl and FeCl2 probed by UV−vis and MS techniques. In a similar fashion, the ability of 3−6 to ligate lithium ions chemoselectively was evaluated by electrospray methods. The introduction of controlled amounts of both types of cation followed, and conversion to insoluble oligomeric products presumed to result from integral incorporation of the different metal ions in the expected fashion was achieved.
Right bundle branch block in complete transposition.

Abstract Two of 26 infants with complete transposition presented with complete right bundle branch block in the first year of life, and 10 showed incomplete right bundle branch block. In no instance was the right ventricular conduction anomaly related to surgery or cardiac catheterization and it was not present at birth. The two cases with complete right bundle branch block had prolonged and severe hypoxemia and markedly dilated right ventricles. One had depressed right ventricular function and died after a Mustard procedure from low output syndrome. Whereas incomplete right bundle branch block may reflect right ventricular hypertrophy, it is suggested that complete right bundle branch block in complete transposition may signify right ventricular dysfunction and possibly irreversible changes of the right ventricular myocardium. It may be a sequel of long-term hypoxemia and pressure overload. Once observed, it is perhaps an indication for an alternative surgical approach other than an intra-atrial repair procedure.
Quantum Optics with Single Optical Cycles

In recent years technologies were developed to generate pulses shorter than 5 fs and consisting of less than two optical cycles in full-width at half maximum (few-cycle pulses). The (quite often extremely) nonlinear interaction of such pulses with matter renders important only one or a fraction of one optical cycle. In recent months it became possible to stabilize the phase of the carrier with respect to the pulse envelope (“absolute” phase) for powerful few-cycle pulses. Almost at the same time the absolute phase has been measured and controlled thus tailoring the temporal evolution of single optical cycles. First experiments investigating photoionization were performed and showed a wealth of information inaccessible so far.
Prostate Cancer Masquerading as a Zygomatic Posttraumatic Mass

A zygomatic mass is a rare occurrence. We describe a 52-year-old man with a zygomatic arch mass and a recent history of facial trauma. Findings on a computed tomographic scan of the facial bones were interpreted as callus formation, consistent with fracture of the zygomatic arch. The level of the prostate-specific antigen was increased to 62.3 ng/mL, and a biopsy of a nodular prostate specimen revealed adenocarcinoma (Gleason sum, 3 + 4 = 7). Because the laboratory data, history, and findings on physical examination did not correlate, we suspected a tumor metastatic to the facial bones.
Age irrelevancy in society: The test of mate selection

Abstract This research focuses on age differences in marriage. The purpose is to develop a partial test of whether over the past five decades age has become less relevant and age norms less constraining. A reduction in the strength of age norms should result in a decrease in coeval marriages. If age norms become less binding, then one should expect people to cast a wider age net when selecting their mate, leading to an increase in the number of marriages with unconventional age differences. Microdata samples of 111000 from 1940 through the 1980 Census of the United States Population were used to derive trends in the proportion of ageheterogamous and age-homogamous couples. The results show that between 1940 and 1980 there was no abatement of age homogamy. In fact a strong trend towards increasing homogamy was discovered. This movement toward increased homogamy, and the converse decrease in the age heterogamy, indicates that age has become more, not less, relevant in mate selection.
Technology and circuit design considerations in quasi-planar double-gate SRAM

SRAM is likely to remain the largest, leakiest, and most process-sensitive circuit block on chip. FinFET, a width-quantized, quasi-planar, double-gate technology, has emerged as the most likely candidate to replace classical technologies around the 45-nm node. This paper studies the impact of FinFET design choices on device and SRAM circuit metrics to understand how its unique properties can be suitably harnessed. Width-quantization limits SRAM sizing choices, while quasi-planarity allows increased cell current by increasing fin height. Conversely, the latter property can be exploited to increase V/sub t/ and/or decrease V/sub dd/ to achieve exponential leakage savings at constant area and read access time. We explore both approaches to selecting the right combination of device structure, V/sub t/ and V/sub dd/ that achieves maximum stability and minimum leakage over the design space. Increasing V/sub t/ with fin height and body thickness improves stability, decreases variability, and decreases source-drain leakage exponentially. But this necessitates the use of small t/sub ox/ to control short channel effect; this increases gate leakage exponentially. On the other hand, increasing V/sub t/ and decreasing V/sub dd/ allows the use of larger t/sub ox/ to maintain short-channel effect and control gate leakage; however, this worsens stability. Careful co-design of device structure, V/sub t/ and V/sub dd/ is imperative to optimize SRAM metrics.
Impaired ventilation in infants sleeping facedown : potential significance for sudden infant death syndrome

Although accidental suffocation has been suggested as a cause of sudden infant death syndrome in infants who are found prone with their faces straight down, the occurrence and effects on breathing of this position in living infants are unknown. We studied prone sleeping infants to see whether they will sleep with their faces straight down; whether they can spontaneously change from this position; the way that thermal stimuli or bedding softness influences this change; and whether rebreathing or airway obstruction occurs. We studied 11 healthy infants, aged 0.2 to 6 months, while they slept on soft and on firm bedding. Most infants slept facedown spontaneously or when turned to this position. Al could turn their heads readily but slept facedown for variable periods. All infants out their faces straight down more often after cold than after warm stimuli. Obstructive apnea occurred only once, but rebreathing occurred in all subjects. When the infants were in the facedown position, inspired carbon dioxide was three times greater on soft than on hard bedding. End-tidal carbon dioxide partial pressure rose in all subjects while they were in the facedown position; in one infant, high end-tidal carbon dioxide partial pressure and desaturation occurred without signs of arousal. We conclude that infants sleeping facedown may occasionally have significant asphyxia; this sleep position may have a role in some infant deaths diagnosed as sudden infant death syndrome.
Psychiatry and endocrinology: an expanding interface.

There is growing documentation that a variety of hormones can both influence mood and behavior and be affected by them. Endocrine measures thus provide us with a readily accessible source of information about how the brain mediates between stimuli arising from the external social environment, intrapsychic phenomena, and the body's internal physiological needs. This paper will review recent psychoendocrine research which has in particular suggested several new concepts: (1) the brain itself might be viewed as a “target organ” for certain hormones; (2) specific hormonal correlates of certain clinical psychiatric syndromes, such as anorexia nervosa and depressive illness, might serve as biological markers which could help in the differential diagnosis of these conditions; and (3) peripheral hormonal determinations, by virtue of the role played by central nervous system (CNS) neurotransmitters in endocrine regulation, may provide important specific information about possible CNS biogenic amine abnormalities associated with the pathogenesis of certain psychiatric disorders.
Fecundity of the Black Crappie in a Reservoir Receiving Heated Effluent

In a comparison of several models used to predict the impact of power plant operations on economically important fishes, fecundity was an important variable used in most models. The objective of the study presented was to describe the fecundity of the black crappie in Keowee Reservoir, South Carolina, and to determine whether it was affected by the elevated water temperatures resulting from the discharge of heated water from a nuclear power plant. The study concluded that black crappies in the Keowee Reservoir were apparently unaffected by the temperature alteration caused by plant operation, and that they have probably avoided severe physiological stresses that might result in changes in fecundity by moving about. (JMT)
The effects of breed on the growth of the chick embryo

The growth of chick embryos of heavy and light breeds and the reciprocal crosses between them is described. The embryos of the heavier breed and the hybrids were found to be somewhat heavier than the embryos of the lighter breed from the tenth day of incubation to hatching time. In eggs of the same weight from the two breeds the size difference tends to disappear toward hatching time, probably due to the equivalence of the strictly limited food supply. It is pointed out that the size difference is more probably due to difference in the proportion of cells dividing at a given time than to a difference in duration of mitoses. The mortality of the hybrid embryos was intermediate between that characteristic of the parent breeds, while the percentage of monsters in the hybrids was less than that for either parent breed. There is thus some indication of heterosis.
Urological applications of the Holmium laser

While the role of endoscopy was initially diagnostic, the advent of improved endoscopes and working instruments have increased its therapeutic applications. One of the most recent advances is the holmium laser. It has a broad range of urological applications due to its ability to fragment all urinary calculi and its soft tissue effects. This laser is based on laser energy delivered in a pulsatile fashion at 2100 nm. The purpose of this study is to report our experience with the holmium laser. A retrospective study of patients undergoing endourological procedures with the holmium laser was performed. One hundred and forty patients underwent 157 procedures. The holmium laser was used for the treatment of urinary calculi in 122 patients. Stone location included 61 renal, 64 ureteral, and 17 bladder stones. Renal stone burden was 17 mm (range 3-50), ureteral stone size averaged 10 mm (range 3 - 35), and mean bladder stone size was 31 mm (range 10 - 60). Other uses included treatment of transitional cell carcinoma of the renal pelvis, ureter, and bladder, incision of ureteral strictures, ureterocele, and prostate, and ablation of renal hemangiomas. Intraoperative and post operative complications were noted. Follow-up for calculi consisted of a plain film of the abdomen at one week and an ultrasound or intravenous pyelogram at six to eight weeks post procedure. No ureteral perforations or strictures occurred. The Holmium laser was capable of fragmenting all urinary calculi in this study. No complications were directly attributable to the Holmium laser. In our initial experience, the Holmium laser is safe and effective in the treatment of urinary pathology. It is the most effective lithotrite available and is able to incise and coagulate soft tissue as well. This combination allows the urologist to treat a variety of urinary pathology using a single modality. Its main limitation is the ability to access lower pole lesions in the upper urinary tract due to the fiber's stiffness. Use of laser fibers larger than 200 microns occasionally limit deflection into a lower pole or dependent calyx.
The extraction of lead iodide by methyl iso-propyl ketone

Abstract A method is proposed for the isolation of lead by solvent extraction. When solutions of lead ions are treated with excess potassium iodide and hydrochloric acid (5 %), lead iodide is extracted quantitatively by methyl iso -propyl ketone. Employing a preliminary extraction with methyl iso -propyl ketone after conditioning the aqueous solution with ammonium thiocyanate and hydrochloric acid, practically all interferences are eliminated (except Cd and Ru).
Involvement of trainees in routine unsedated colonoscopy : review of a pilot experience

Background Unsedated colonoscopy is not required by the Accreditation Council of Graduate Medical Education in the curriculum of GI trainees. Objective We describe our pilot experience with trainee participation in unsedated colonoscopy. Design A retrospective review of a performance improvement program to provide access to colonoscopy. Setting A Veteran's Affair ambulatory care facility that discontinued sedated colonoscopy because of a nursing shortage. Patients A total of 145 of 483 patients who chose unsedated colonoscopy after both sedated and unsedated options were discussed. Interventions GI fellows performed unsedated colonoscopy under the supervision of the attending physician. Main Outcome Measurements Cecal intubation rate, patient assessment of the reasons for the choice, the unsedated experience, willingness to have another colonoscopy, and the rate of return for unsedated colonoscopy among eligible patients. Results Cecal intubation was achieved in 112 of 145 patients. The adjusted success rate (excluding inadequate bowel preparation and an obstructing lesion) was 81%. The most frequently acknowledged reason for the choice was the ability to communicate with the colonoscopist. Eighty-six patients reported a good experience and were likely to accept another unsedated colonoscopy. To date, all 8 patients eligible for 3-year follow-up successfully completed another unsedated examination. Limitation An uncontrolled, nonrandomized review in predominantly male older veterans. Conclusions An unsedated colonoscopy might be acceptable to some populations, particularly when communication with clinicians and procedural convenience are highly valued. Involvement of trainees is feasible. Randomized controlled comparisons of sedated and unsedated options in terms of safety (eg, sedation and procedure-related complications) and cost in settings with and without a nursing shortage deserve to be considered.
Quick Approximation to Matrices and Applications

×n matrix A with entries between say −1 and 1, and an error parameter e between 0 and 1, we find a matrix D (implicitly) which is the sum of \(\) simple rank 1 matrices so that the sum of entries of any submatrix (among the \(\)) of (A−D) is at most emn in absolute value. Our algorithm takes time dependent only on e and the allowed probability of failure (not on m, n).
Direct evidence that two cysteines in the dopamine transporter form a disulfide bond

We have generated a fully functional dopamine transporter (DAT) mutant (dmDATx7) with all cysteines removed except the two cysteines in extracellular loop 2 (EL2). Random mutagenesis at either or both EL2 cysteines did not produce any functional transporter mutants, suggesting that the two cysteines cannot be replaced by any other amino acids. The cysteine-specific reagent MTSEA-biotin labeled dmDATx7 only after a DTT treatment which reduces disulfide bond. Since there are no other cysteines in dmDATx7, the MTSEA-biotin labeling must be on the EL2 cysteines made available by the DTT treatment. This result provides the first direct evidence that the EL2 cysteines form a disulfide bond. Interestingly, the DTT treatment had little effect on transport activity suggesting that the disulfide bond is not necessary for the uptake function of DAT. Our results and previous results are consistent with the notion that the disulfide bond between EL2 cysteines is required for DAT biosynthesis and/or its delivery to the cell surface.
One-Way Nested Large-Eddy Simulation over the Askervein Hill

[1] Large-eddy simulation (LES) models have been used extensively to study atmospheric boundary layer turbulence over flat surfaces; however, LES applications over topography are less common. We evaluate the ability of an existing model – COAMPS®-LES – to simulate flow over terrain using data from the Askervein Hill Project. A new approach is suggested for the treatment of the lateral boundaries using one-way grid nesting. LES wind profile and speed-up are compared with observations at various locations around the hill. The COAMPS-LES model performs generally well. This case could serve as a useful benchmark for evaluating LES models for applications over topography.
The diagnostic use of radionuclides in the thyroid disorders of childhood

The radioisotopes of iodine have proven useful in the differential diagnosis of thyroid disorders in infancy and childhood. Their use has been somewhat limited for technical reasons and because of concern that radiation from any source is particularly hazardous in this age group. The introduction of 99 m Tc-labeled pertechnetate and of radioisotopes of iodine that are free of beta emission or that have a short half-life, or both, and instrumentation that permits measurement in the nanocurie range are advances that promise to extend into the pediatric group the full range of diagnostic techniques employing these agents. Although exact measurements of thyrotropin and circulating thyroid hormones have reduced substantially the need for diagnostic procedures employing radionuclides, there are still occasions when the added information provided by these tests is invaluable. Included in this list are measurements of thyroid function for the diagnosis of hyper- or hypothyroidism, thyroid scanning for the activity of discrete nodules or of metastatic disease in areas remote from the thyroid, definition of the nature of certain rare inborn metabolic errors that impair thyroid function, studies on thyroiditis, and differential diagnosis of certain hypothyroid states due to defective embryological development.
Effects of acute hypoxia on the VO2 max of trained and untrained subjects

The purpose of this study was to compare the responses of highly trained (TR) and untrained (UT) subjects’ maximal oxygen uptake (VO2 max) while breathing a hypoxic gas mixture. Two groups of healthy volunteers were recruited: (1) trained subjects (n = 8), VO2 max = 67.2 ± 4.0 ml kg‐1 min‐1; (2) untrained subjects (n = 8), VO2 max = 45.4±5.5 ml kg‐1 min‐1. Both groups were administered maximal cycle ergometer tests under hypoxic (13% O2, 87% N2) and normoxic conditions (21 % O2, 79% N2). A pulse oximeter (Ohmeda 3700) was used to estimate arterial haemoglobin saturation (SpO2). The trained group had lower values for SpO2 at maximal exercise (TR = 67.0±7.1%; UT = 77.5±9.0%) and greater reductions in VO2 max (TR= ‐26.0 ± 2.3%; UT= ‐14.9 + 5.1%) under hypoxic conditions. The percent change in VO2 max while breathing the hypoxic gas mixture was linearly correlated with the subjects’ normoxic VO2 max (ml kg‐1 min‐1: r= ‐0.91). These results indicate that highly trained subjects experience greater percent decre...
Multimodal Retinal Vessel Segmentation From Spectral-Domain Optical Coherence Tomography and Fundus Photography

Segmenting retinal vessels in optic nerve head (ONH) centered spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) volumes is particularly challenging due to the projected neural canal opening (NCO) and relatively low visibility in the ONH center. Color fundus photographs provide a relatively high vessel contrast in the region inside the NCO, but have not been previously used to aid the SD-OCT vessel segmentation process. Thus, in this paper, we present two approaches for the segmentation of retinal vessels in SD-OCT volumes that each take advantage of complimentary information from fundus photographs. In the first approach (referred to as the registered-fundus vessel segmentation approach), vessels are first segmented on the fundus photograph directly (using a k-NN pixel classifier) and this vessel segmentation result is mapped to the SD-OCT volume through the registration of the fundus photograph to the SD-OCT volume. In the second approach (referred to as the multimodal vessel segmentation approach), after fundus-to-SD-OCT registration, vessels are simultaneously segmented with a k-NN classifier using features from both modalities. Three-dimensional structural information from the intraretinal layers and neural canal opening obtained through graph-theoretic segmentation approaches of the SD-OCT volume are used in combination with Gaussian filter banks and Gabor wavelets to generate the features. The approach is trained on 15 and tested on 19 randomly chosen independent image pairs of SD-OCT volumes and fundus images from 34 subjects with glaucoma. Based on a receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis, the present registered-fundus and multimodal vessel segmentation approaches [area under the curve (AUC) of 0.85 and 0.89, respectively] both perform significantly better than the two previous OCT-based approaches (AUC of 0.78 and 0.83, p <; 0.05). The multimodal approach overall performs significantly better than the other three approaches (p <; 0.05).
Massenspektrometrie und ihre Anwendung auf strukturelle und stereochemische Probleme, CL. Fragmentierungsverhalten und Synthese von bicyclischen und monocyclischen Modellen der 20‐Ketosteroide

Das elektronenstosinduzierte Fragmentierungsverhalten der vier stereoisomeren 8-Methyl-1-acetyl-hydrindane wird durch Deuterium-Markierung und exakte Massenmessungen unter-sucht. Es zeigt sich weitgehende Ubereinstimmung mit den Fragmentierungen der im Ring C und D analog gebauten 20-Ketosteroide. Dagegen zeigen monocyclische Analoga der 20-Ketosteroide wie 2.2-Dimethyl-1-acetyl- oder 2.2.3-Trimethyl-1-acetyl-cyclopentan signifikante Unterschiede, was einer Methylgruppenwanderung beim Zerfall zugeschrieben wird. Das bisher noch nicht dargestellte 5α-Pregnanon-(20)-14α-d1 wird in die Untersuchung einbezogen. — Die Stereochemie der isomeren 8-Methyl-1-acetyl-hydrindane wird mit Hilfe der Kernresonanzspektroskopie aufgeklart und die basenkatalysierte Equilibrierung an der Acetylseitenkette mit analogen Versuchen in der Pregnanon-(20)-Reihe verglichen.
Effects of diffusion and surface interactions on the line shape of electron paramagnetic resonances in the presence of a magnetic field gradient

In an evanescent wave magnetometer the Zeeman polarization is probed at micrometer to submicrometer distances from the cell surface. The electron paramagnetic resonance lines of an evanescent wave magnetometer in the presence of a magnetic field gradient exhibit edge enhancement seen previously in nuclear magnetic resonance lines. We present a theoretical model that describes quantitatively the shape of the magnetic resonance lines of an evanescent wave magnetometer under a wide range of experimental conditions. It accounts for diffusion broadening in the presence of a magnetic field gradient as well as interactions of spin polarized Rb atoms with the coated Pyrex glass surfaces. Depending on the field gradient, cell thickness, and buffer gas pressure, the resonance line may have the form of a single asymmetric peak or two peaks localized near the front and back surfaces in frequency space. The double-peaked response depends on average characteristics of the surface interactions. Its shape is sensitive to the dwell time, relaxation probability, and average phase shift of adsorbed spin polarized Rb atoms.
Environmental physiology of the banner-tailed kangaroo rat—I. Influences of ambient temperature, humidity and carbon dioxide on body temperature

Abstract 1. 1. Mean body temperature of Dipodomys spectabilis acclimated to 25°C was constant at ambient temperatures from − 5 to 15°C, and was reduced in the thermoneutral zone (20–30°C). 2. 2. Lethal air temperature was 40°C. 3. 3. There was no apparent response of body temperature to levels of CO2 normally found in the burrow environment. 4. 4. There was a suggestion of decreased body temperature at decreased vapor density or increased saturation deficit. 5. 5. The major factor affecting body temperature of D. spectabilis was ambient temperature.
Carrageenan ecology of Gigartina stellata (Stackhouse) Batters

Abstract Seasonal variations of carrageenan and other biochemical properties in estuarine and open coastal populations of Gigartina stellata (Stackhouse) Batters were recorded monthly during 1972–1973. Protein and viscosity values were highest during late winter—early spring when nitrogen nutrient levels were highest. The levels of carbohydrate and carrageenan exhibited erratic and minimal seasonal variations, even so the lowest values were found during the spring periods of maximum protein levels. Estuarine populations of Gigartina exhibited lower protein and greater carrageenan contents than open coastal populations; earlier studies with the closely related red alga, Chondrus crispus Stackhouse, showed the opposite situation. Differential physiologies and tolerances of Chondrus and Gigartina may explain their contrasting biochemical properties.
Protecting bridges: Reorganizing sensor networks after catastrophic events

The worst case scenario for the life cycle of a sensor network is the fragmentation of a network which still has many functional and well-powered nodes. The loss of connectivity renders even the functional nodes useless as the nodes are not able to transmit their observations to the sink. A well-engineered sensor network will not fragment due to the energy consumption occurring during normal functioning. However, catastrophic events, which unpredictably destroy a large subset of the nodes, can transform a well engineered network into a heavily unbalanced one. Very often, even if the network is not yet fragmented, the connectivity is relying on one or more bridge nodes, which survived the catastrophic event accidentally. If the network operates as before, the bridge nodes will soon exhaust their power resources by having to route an unexpectedly large number of packets.
A regulatory network of Drosophila germline stem cell self- renewal

Stem cells possess the capacity to generate two cells of distinct fate upon division: one cell retaining stem cell identity and the other cell destined to differentiate. These cell fates are established by cell-type-specific genetic networks. To comprehensively identify components of these networks, we performed a large-scale RNAi screen in Drosophila female germline stem cells (GSCs) covering ∼25% of the genome. The screen identified 366 genes that affect GSC maintenance, differentiation, or other processes involved in oogenesis. Comparison of GSC regulators with neural stem cell self-renewal factors identifies common and cell-type-specific self-renewal genes. Importantly, we identify the histone methyltransferase Set1 as a GSC-specific self-renewal factor. Loss of Set1 in neural stem cells does not affect cell fate decisions, suggesting a differential requirement of H3K4me3 in different stem cell lineages. Altogether, our study provides a resource that will help to further dissect the networks underlying stem cell self-renewal.
Do Amnesics Exhibit Cognitive Dissonance Reduction? The Role of Explicit Memory and Attention in Attitude Change

In two studies, we investigated the roles of explicit memory and attentional resources in the process of behavior-induced attitude change. Although most theories of attitude change (cognitive dissonance and self-perception theories) assume an important role for both mechanisms, we propose that behavior-induced attitude change can be a relatively automatic process that does not require explicit memory for, or consciously controlled processing of, the discrepancy between attitude and behavior. Using a free-choice paradigm, we found that both amnesics and normal participants under cognitive load showed as much attitude change as did control participants.
High performance networking for supercomputers

This paper provides a case study on how a high performance network was designed and implemented for the world's fastest supercomputer, i.e. the ASCI Red at Sandia National Laboratories. It presents the methodology that increased the throughput of ASCI Red from less than 1 Megabyte/sec. to 60 Megabytes/sec. This methodology is based upon viewing the network as a whole and not merely disjoint components that are connected together. The case study analyzes the many variables which affect the throughput, including network technology, transport media, distance between nodes, memory buffer size, maximum transfer unit size, protocol, achieving parallelism, and IP stack tuning. This paper begins by describing some of the special purpose machines which comprise the Sandia National Laboratories High Performance Computing Environment. It then discusses how these machines and the above variables were optimized in an integrated network.
The Beginnings of Optoelectronic Integrated Circuits—A Personal Perspective

The early work (1960s, 1970s) on Integrated Optics at the Bell Telephone Laboratories and at the California Institute of Technology (Caltech), with which the author was involved, is described from a personal perspective.
Investigation of Kodak extended dose range (EDR) film for megavoltage photon beam dosimetry

We have investigated the dependence of the measured optical density on the incident beam energy, field size and depth for a new type of film, Kodak extended dose range (Kodak EDR). Film measurements have been conducted over a range of field sizes (3 × 3c m 2 to 25 × 25 cm 2 )a nddepths (dmax to 15 cm), for 6 MV and 15 MV photons within a solid water phantom, and the variation in sensitometric response (net optical density versus dose) has been reported. Kodak EDR film is found to have a linear response with dose, from 0 to 350 cGy, which is much higher than that typically seen for Kodak XV film (0–50 cGy). The variation in sensitometric response for Kodak EDR film as af unction of field size and depth is observed to be similar to that of Kodak XV film; the optical density varied in the order of 2–3% for field sizes of 3 × 3c m 2 and 10 × 10 cm 2 at depths of dmax ,5 cmand 1 5c m in the phantom. Measurements for a 25 × 25 cm 2 field size showed consistently higher optical densities at depths of dmax ,5c mand 15 cm, relative to a 10 × 10 cm 2 field size at 5 cm depth, with 4–5% differences noted at a depth of 15 cm. Fractional depth dose and profiles conducted with Kodak EDR film showed good agreement (2%/2 mm) with ion chamber measurements for all field sizes except for the 25 × 25 cm 2 at depths greater than 15 cm, where differences in the order of 3–5% were observed. In addition, Kodak EDR film measurements were found to be consistent with those of Kodak XV film for all fractional depth doses and profiles. The results of this study indicate that Kodak EDR film may be a useful tool for relative dosimetry at higher dose ranges.
Micro magnetic stir-bar mixer integrated with parylene microfluidic channels

Previously, we reported a micro magnetic stir-bar mixer driven by an external rotating magnetic field and its rapid mixing performance in polydimethyl-siloxane (PDMS) channels. The PDMS piece with embedded fluid channels were manually aligned to a glass substrate and assembled. In this paper, we report the fabrication and testing results of a micro magnetic stir-bar monolithically integrated in parylene surface-micromachined channels with improved design features, including small tolerance of the stir-bar to channel wall (10 µm). Using of parylene based microchannels with improved design not only provides improved mixing, but also eliminates certain problems associated with PDMS-based channels. For example, porosity of PDMS causes evaporation and absorption of chemicals and thus channels made of PDMS are prone to cross-contamination. We have also demonstrated that the magnetic stir-bar can be used to pump liquid in micro channels.
Performance Evaluation of Pre-Congestion Notification

Pre-Congestion Notification (PCN) has been proposed at IETF as a framework for scalable measurement-based admission control (MBAC) for a DiffServ-capable network domain. PCN encompasses two functions: admission control of new flows and termination of admitted flows when the available capacity is unexpectedly reduced after a network failure. While there has been extensive research on MBAC, our goal is to understand practical limitations of the specific admission algorithms proposed for PCN and to understand the properties of the termination algorithms of which little is known from prior research.