cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
On the myosin-adenosinetriphosphate complex in a rephosphorylated and in a transient system.

Abstract By means of firefly enzyme luminescence the ATP concentration has been measured as a function of time during its hydrolysis by myosin. The concentration of the myosin-ATP complex and that of the product have been deduced as functions of time. For a rephosphorylated system the time dependence of the complex has been expressed in an integrated formula. For a transient system an approximate formula for this time function has been developed. In a transient system the complex is only briefly in a steady state, unless the enzyme concentration is considerably smaller than the substrate concentration. The maximum value of the complex concentration is near to the maximum level of this concentration in the rephosphorylated system.
Habitat segregation based on soil texture and body size in the seed-harvester ants Pogonomyrmex rugosus and P. barbatus

Summary 1. The seed-harvester ants Pogonomyrmex rugosus and P. barbatus are ecologically equivalent sister species that have broadly overlapping distributions in the south-western U.S.A.; however the two species are only sympatric in localised contact zones. 2. Soil regimes at 25–50 cm below the surface were quantified across contact zones to assess abiotic habitat factors related to distribution pattern. Physiological parameters related to foundress survival were also measured in order to test for a correlation between these parameters and distribution pattern. 3. The two species segregated among microhabitats based on soil texture; P. barbatus occurred alone in soils with a higher clay content and/or higher moisture retention. In areas of sympatry, soil texture was similar for both species but was intermediate to that in areas where the two species occurred allopatrically. The pattern of microhabitat segregation was similar across three sites that encompassed a broad range of soil regimes. 4. The only measure of foundress survival correlated with microhabitat differences was an ≈ 8% greater dry mass for alate females of P. rugosus. This resulted in their surviving significantly longer than did alate females of P. barbatus under desiccating conditions. 5. This microdistribution pattern may be caused indirectly by soil texture affecting plant species distribution and hence the seeds available to ants. A companion laboratory experiment demonstrated, however, that soils could also cause this distribution pattern of both ant species directly via effects on foundress wet mass.
Sorafenib use while waiting for liver transplant: we still need to wait.

With its approval in 2007 for advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), sorafenib became the first systemic agent with proven activity against the disease. To date, two large randomized studies in advanced stage HCC (BCLC C and a subset of BCLC B) have demonstrated its anti-cancer activity and ability to extend survival in patients with Childs A cirrhosis [1,2]. Since then, several studies have been launched to evaluate sorafenib’s potential role in less advanced HCC. Uniquely, sorafenib’s ability to improve survival is not mediated by inducing significant tumor shrinkage, but by its ability to slow progression and prolong the time to tumor progression (TTP). While some data has been presented [3], several ongoing studies including the SPACE (NCT00855218) and STORM (NCT0692770) studies are evaluating sorafenib as an adjuvant (after definitive therapy) to transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) and curative resection or radiofrequency ablation (RFA), respectively. The current study by Vitale and colleagues uses a cost–benefit analysis to determine the potential utility of using sorafenib in the neo-adjuvant setting, prior to liver transplant [4]. The clinical need to ask this question is real, as the authors highlight, drop-out from HCC progression beyond Milan criteria is one of the main reasons why patients awaiting transplant for HCC do not receive an organ. The Milan criteria was initially described by Mazzaferro and colleagues over a decade ago and has served as the benchmark for prioritizing patients with HCC and otherwise lower MELD scores [5]. However, even with priority, there is still a relative shortage of livers available and HCC patients are competing with those with decompensated liver disease for organs. Though there are regional differences for wait times, the optimal management
Familial bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome: report of two families.

Abstract Cases of familial carpal tunnel syndrome without other associated conditions are rare. We report two families in which multiple members had bilateral carpal tunnel syndromes. The pattern was consistent with autosomal dominant inheritance. Electrophysologic studies were performed on nine of the 15 patients, and they demonstrated bilateral pathology of the median nerves at the wrist in all but one patient, without evidence for subclinical, generalized peripheral neuropathy. Quantitative sensory testing was performed in two cases, and it corroborated the absence of peripheral neuropathy. Five of the six patients who underwent carpal tunnel release improved after surgery.
Industrialization and its manifold discontents: West, East and South

Abstract The principal complaints about recent industrialization patterns that are voiced today in Eastern Europe and Latin America offer an interesting contrast: in Eastern Europe they are about the neglect of consumer goods; in Latin America, to the contrary, there has been much criticism of the failure of industry to advance toward the production of more complex capital goods. These critiques are viewed against the background of earlier concerns about the rise of manufacturing in the West, particularly in England and France at the beginning of industrialization, and in Germany during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
Synthesis and mesomorphic behaviour of a homologous series of 1,1′-bis[4(4′-alkyloxy)benzaldimine]ferrocene dicarboxylates

Abstract A new series of ferrocene derivatives, 1,1′-bis[4(4′-alkyloxy) benzaldimine]ferrocene dicarboxylates, (FeESADCn, where the number of carbon atoms in the alkyloxy chain, n, varies from 4–12) have been synthesized. The thermal behaviour was investigated by means of polarizing microscopy and differential scanning calorimetry. All members of the series exhibit liquid-crystalline behaviour. While the shorter chain members exhibit a nematic mesophase, the longer chain members exhibit a smectic A mesophase. The electronic spectrum of the n = 7 member is also presented.
Transcriptome-wide target profiling of RNA cytosine methyltransferases using the mechanism-based enrichment procedure Aza-IP

Cytosine methylation within RNA is common, but its full scope and functions are poorly understood, as the RNA targets of most mammalian cytosine RNA methyltransferases (m(5)C-RMTs) remain uncharacterized. To enable their characterization, we developed a mechanism-based method for transcriptome-wide m(5)C-RMT target profiling. All characterized mammalian m(5)C-RMTs form a reversible covalent intermediate with their cytosine substrate-a covalent linkage that is trapped when conducted on the cytosine analog 5-azacytidine (5-aza-C). We used this property to develop Aza-immunoprecipitation (Aza-IP), a methodology to form stable m(5)C-RMT-RNA linkages in cell culture, followed by IP and high-throughput sequencing, to identify direct RNA substrates of m(5)C-RMTs. Remarkably, a cytosine-to-guanine (C→G) transversion occurs specifically at target cytosines, allowing the simultaneous identification of the precise target cytosine within each RNA. Thus, Aza-IP reports only direct RNA substrates and the C→G transversion provides an important criterion for target cytosine identification, which is not available in alternative approaches. Here we present a step-by-step protocol for Aza-IP and downstream analysis, designed to reveal identification of substrate RNAs and precise cytosine targets of m(5)C-RMTs. The entire protocol takes 40-50 d to complete.
Experimental evaluation of secondary blood cardioplegia

Reperfusion damage after ischemia may be evidenced by myocardial cell edema, intracellular calcium accumulation, and limited utilization of oxygen. The need for cardioplegic arrest during initial reperfusion to allow oxygen to be used for reversing ischemic damage rather than for electromechanical activity has been propounded by some researchers. Reports of greater postischemic compliance and performance, low postischemic edema, and greater oxygen uptake at a perfusion pressure of 50 mm Hg or lower have been cited. The present study was conducted on 24 pigs having 2-hr cardioplegic arrest, which of 12 underwent normal reperfusion and 12 experienced secondary cardioplegia followed by normal reperfusion. The results showed that in spite of improved high-energy phosphate preservation, the secondary cardioplegia group had higher myocardial edema, less coronary flow, and poorer contractility and compliance at the end of 1 hr of reperfusion. Because of these findings and contradictory results reported by other groups, caution is urged in the clinical extrapolation of the results of such studies pending further investigations.
Ni3Si surface-film formation caused by radiation-induced segregation

A substantial Ni/sub 3/Si film is shown to form on the surface of irradiated specimens of NiSi solid solution as well as two-phase Ni-Si alloys. (GHT)
Tumour Hypoxia: The Picture Has Changed in the 1990s

Since the 1950s, the presence of hypoxic cells in human tumours has been widely regarded as a problem, and a variety of strategies have been developed and tested, both in experimental and clinical studies, to overcome this perceived problem. One of these strategies was the development of bioreductive cytotoxins–drugs which in themselves were relatively innocuous, but when metabolized under hypoxic conditions, became highly cytotoxic, thereby preferentially killing the hypoxic cells. Modelling studies and experimental data with newly developed hypoxic cytotoxins, such as SR 4233 (tirapazamine) and RSU 1069, have led to the realization not only that it is better to kill hypoxic cells in tumours than to radiosensitize or oxygenate them, but also that with these bioreductive cytotoxins hypoxic cells in tumours can be an advantage in cancer therapy. However, to realize the advantage of adding the drug with each radiation dose, the tumour must undergo a process analogous to reoxygenation, which we have termed ‘...
Comparison of the Abbott m2000 RealTime CT Assay and the Cepheid GeneXpert CT/NG Assay to the Roche Amplicor CT Assay for Detection of Chlamydia trachomatis in Ocular Samples from Tanzania

The GeneXpert CT/NG assay (GeneXpert) and the Abbott m2000 RealTime CT (m2000) assay were compared to Amplicor for detecting ocular Chlamydia trachomatis. Discordant specimens were tested by the Aptima CT assay. The m2000 assay sensitivity was 100% (95% confidence interval [CI], 90% to 100%), and specificity was 98.46% (95% CI, 95.2% to 99.2%); GeneXpert sensitivity was 100% (95% CI, 90% to 100%), and specificity was 100% (95% CI, 98.1% to 100%). The m2000 and GeneXpert assays appear to perform as well as the Amplicor assay.
PERFORMANCE EVALUATION OF A “COCOONED” OFFICE BUILDING IN A COLD CLIMATE INTEGRATING PASSIVE SOLAR TECHNIQUES WITH MODERN TECHNOLOGY

ABSTRACT The performance evaluation of the RPI passive solar Visitors Information Center (VIC) has an actual yearly total energy use of 172 MBtu/yr, or on a per unit floor area basis, 33.28 kBtu/ft2 -yr. This represents a 70% reduction in total energy consumption compared to a similar non-solar building designed under the same energy conservation building code. The actual performance of the VIC is within 2% of the simulated performance used during the design phase. The design of the VIC utilizes timeless passive solar heating, cooling and daylighting techniques, but integrated within a high technology building context. Passive systems are integrated with a complex set of energy flow controls and HVAC back-up systems. Occupants are provided with multiple-comfort-options including personalized comfort systems. The findings associated with this project suggest a new use of passive solar techniques through the use of “Comfort Optimization Membranes”. These membranes, spaces in themselves, utilize renewable forms of energy, contain numerous energy flow controls and sensing devices to reduce the impact of microclimate liabilities and maximize the use of renewable energies. The VIC is one application of the Comfort Optimization Membrane concept and suggests a potential for new form-giving architectural elements. This concept integrates passive and active technologies and simultaneously modulates thermal, visual, and oral comfort.
Effectiveness of shielding for patients during cardiac catheterization or electrophysiologic testing.

1. Magee AG, McCrindle BW, Mawson J, Benson LN, Williams WG, Freedom RM. Systemic venous collateral development after the bidirectional cavopulmonary anastomosis. Prevalence and predictors. J Am Coll Cardiol 1998;32:502– 508. 2. McElhinney DB, Reddy VM, Hanley FL, Moore P. Systemic venous collateral channels causing desaturation after bidirectional cavopulmonary anastomosis: evaluation and management. J Am Coll Cardiol 1997;30:817–824. 3. Gatzoulis MA, Shinebourne EA, Redington AN, Rigby ML, Ho SY, Shore DF. Increasing cyanosis early after cavopulmonary connection caused by abnormal systemic venous channels. Br Heart J 1995;73:182–186. 4. Filippini LH, Ovaert C, Nykanen DG, Freedom RM. Reopening of persistent left superior caval vein after bidirectional cavopulmonary connections. Heart 1998;79:509–512. 5. Yoshimura N, Yamaguchi M, Oshima Y, Tei T, Ogawa K. Intrahepatic venovenous shunting to an accessory hepatic vein after Fontan type operation. Ann Thorac Surg 1999;67:1494–1496. 6. Fernandez-Martorell P, Sklansky MS, Lucas VW, Kashani IA, Cocalis MW, Jamieson SW, Rothman A. Accessory hepatic vein to pulmonary venous atrium as a cause of cyanosis after the Fontan operation. Am J Cardiol 1996;77:1386– 1387.
Importance of thiol group(s) in the binding of 125I-labeled neurotensin to membranes from porcine brain

Abstract In a radioreceptor assay employing 125I-labeled neurotensin (125I-NT) and membranes from porcine brain, the reducing agent, dithiothreitol (DTT), was found to enhance binding (ED50, ∼10 μM), whereas alkylating agents such as N- ethyl-maleimide (NEM) suppressed binding (ED50, ∼0.7 mM). The enhanced binding appeared to be due to an effect on disulfide group(s) within the NT-receptor or associated protein(s), since the stability of 125I-NT in the presence of membranes was not altered by 2 mM DTT. Scatchard analysis indicated that treatment with 2 mM DTT increased the total number of binding sites ∼ 1.6-fold without much effect on the apparent K d s for the high- and low-affinity states. In a similar manner, the effect of 1 mM NEM was shown to result primarily from a decrease (∼60%) in the number of binding sites with little change in the K d s . The additional receptors gained by exposure to DTT appeared not to be sensitive to NEM unless pretreated with DTT, suggesting that reduction of disulfide bond(s) converted latent receptors into active receptors. Interestingly, nine Cys residues have been found to be present in the recently cloned rat NT receptor. In other studies, preincubation of membranes with NT prior to treatment with NEM diminished the inhibitory effect of NEM on agonist binding, suggesting that the critical sulfhydryl group(s) were located at the NT binding site or were protected by an allosteric effect. These finding are consistent with the idea that sulfhydryl group(s) within the binding pocket of the NT receptor or located on closely associated protein(s) have critical role(s) in the binding reaction and that this may provide a means of regulation.
The effect of propylene glycol on antipyrine clearance in humans

To evaluate the potential interaction of propylene glycol on hepatic drug oxidation, antipyrine disposition was measured in 10 healthy subjects who received 1.2 gm antipyrine alone on one occasion and 1.2 gm antipyrine with propylene glycol on a second occasion. Propylene glycol was given as a 5 ml dose every 4 hours during the 48 hours of the study. Propylene glycol had no effect on antipyrine half life (11.7 hours control vs. 12.1 hours treatment), clearance (42.6 vs. 39.2 ml/min), or volume of distribution (42.1 vs 41.9 L). At a dose similar to that used as a vehicle for administration of other drugs, propylene glycol had no significant effect on antipyrine clearance in humans. Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics (1987) 41, 571–573; doi:10.1038/clpt.1987.73
Solidification behavior of AlSi/SiC MMCs, during wedge-mold casting

Abstract The solidification behavior of particulate reinforced AlSi/SiC MMCs was studied using wedge-mold casting. The results suggest that both rejection and entrapment of SiC occurred as a result of interactions with the S/L interface. Three types of entrapment mechanisms of SiC were observed: (i) particulate engulfment by the S/L interface at high interfacial velocities; (ii) particulate trapping between secondary dendrite arms; and (iii) particulate trapping between primary dendrite arms. The segregation behavior of the SiC was noted to depend on the particular interaction mechanisms. Accordingly, the first mechanism did not result in significant redistribution of SiC; the second mechanism caused limited segregation; and the third mechanism led to severe segregation of SiC. Furthermore, the presence of SiC resulted in a refinement of the secondary dendrite arms of the α-Al phase. Consequently the distribution of SiC was more uniform in high volume fraction MMCs, relative to that present in low volume fraction MMCs.
“Butterfly Under a Pin”: An Emergent Teacher Image amid Mandated Curriculum Reform

ABSTRACT The author examines 1 experienced teacher's image of teaching and how it was purposely changed—through external intervention and against the individual's will—from the view of teacher as curriculum maker to the view of teacher as curriculum implementer. Laura's account of the “butterfly under a pin” image, a version of the teacher-as-curriculum-implementer image discussed in the literature, vividly portrays the events that led up to the imposed transition and demonstrates how the press for accountability in U.S. schools appeared to supersede in importance other ethical and professional considerations. The findings of this research study form a sharp reminder of what is lost and gained in compulsory curriculum reform efforts—even welcomed ones.
Sea surface temperature fronts in the California Current System from geostationary satellite observations

[1] Sea surface temperature (SST) fronts are determined for the 2001–2004 time period from Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellites (GOES) data in the California Current System (CCS). The probability of detecting a SST front at an individual pixel location in the CCS is presented as a bi-monthly climatology. Fronts clearly indicate the seasonal evolution of coastal upwelling, as well as meanders and filaments that are often linked with irregularities in coastline geometry. Winter is characterized by low frontal activity along the entire coast. Fronts first appear close to the coast during spring, particularly south of Cape Blanco, where upwelling favorable winds are already persistent. The area of high frontal activity continues to increase during summer, especially between Monterey Bay and Cape Blanco, extending more than 300 km from the coast. The region with high frontal activity widens at ∼2.6 km day−1. Off northern Baja California, a band with persistent fronts is found close to the coast year-round, but there is no evidence of a seasonal widening of the area of higher activity. During fall, the weakening of upwelling favorable winds leads to a gradual decrease in frontal activity. An empirical orthogonal function (EOF) decomposition reveals the development of SST fronts associated with seasonal upwelling for locations north of Monterey Bay, with less summer intensification to the south. The first appearance of fronts close to the coast during spring and the occurrence of the fronts offshore later in the season are represented by additional statistically significant EOF modes.
The Recent Surge In Nurse Employment: Causes And Implications

Registered nurse (RN) employment has increased during the current recession, and we may soon see an end to the decade-long nurse shortage. This would give hospitals welcome relief and an opportunity to strengthen the nurse workforce by addressing issues associated with an increasingly older and foreign-born workforce. The recent increase in employment is also improving projections of the future supply of RNs, yet large shortages are still expected in the next decade. Until nursing education capacity is increased, future imbalances in the nurse labor market will be unavoidable.
Role of Vascular Cell Adhesion Molecule-1 and Fibronectin Connecting Segment-1 in Monocyte Rolling and Adhesion on Early Atherosclerotic Lesions

Atherosclerotic lesion development seems to be inflammatory in nature and involves the recruitment of monocytes to the vessel wall. In this study, we investigated the role of vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1) and fibronectin (FN) connecting segment-1 containing the amino acid sequence ILDV as functional ligands for alpha(4)beta(1) integrin (VLA-4) in monocyte rolling and adherence to early atherosclerotic lesions. Carotid arteries of apolipoprotein E-deficient mice were isolated and perfused with monocytes or U937 cells. Cell adhesion was reduced 95+/-4% by monoclonal antibodies HP1/2 and HP2/1, which block VLA-4 binding to both VCAM-1 and FN connecting segment-1. mAb HP1/3 preferentially blocked interaction of VLA-4 with FN but not VCAM-1 and decreased adhesion by 30+/-8%. In contrast, blocking VCAM-1 by perfusing the isolated carotid artery with mAb MK-2.7 reduced adhesion by 75+/-12%. Mononuclear cell adhesion to the early atherosclerotic endothelium was inhibited by 68+/-10% in the presence of EILDVPST but not in the presence of control peptide EIDVLPST. When VLA-4 or VCAM-1 was blocked, more mononuclear cells rolled on early lesions at significantly higher (approximately doubled) rolling velocities. These data demonstrate that (1) blockade of VCAM-1 can abrogate the majority (75+/-12%) of VLA-4-dependent monocyte adhesion on early atherosclerotic endothelia and (2) ILDV peptide interferes with VLA-4 binding to both VCAM-1 and FN and may be useful in limiting monocyte adhesion to atherosclerotic lesions.
Diesel Truck Traffic in Low-Income and Minority Communities Adjacent to Ports: Environmental Justice Implications of Near-Roadway Land Use Conflicts

Container traffic at the Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach, California, has tripled in the past 15 years, resulting in massive port-related heavyduty diesel truck (HDDT) traffic on surface streets in the low-income and minority communities of Wilmington and western Long Beach adjacent to the ports. In response to the limitations of existing data on the volumes of HDDTs on surface streets, this study used direct video measurements of surface street traffic at 11 intersections and line segments in these communities to document port-related truck traffic traveling to and from intermodal facilities, truck service sites, local amenities. and regional goods movement roadways. The volumes of HDDTs often reached 400 to 600/h for several hours immediately upwind of sensitive land uses, such as schools, open-field parks, and residences. Diurnal truck traffic patterns on surface streets varied by intersection, local conditions, and passenger car commute patterns. Given the documented health and environmental conse...
ADVERSARY POLLING AND THE CONSTRUCTION OF SOCIAL MEANING: Implications in Gun Control Elections in Massachusetts and California

Opinion survey data have been used to assert that the public's desire for serious gun control has been blocked by the "gun lobby." This construction is opposed by a survey-based counter construction developed by the gun lobby. The superiority of the gun lobby's construction is supported by this article's survey data and by analysis of actual elections in 1976 in Massachusetts and in 1982 in California. What blocks the public from getting strict gun control is that the public does not want it. Language: en
Vibration Effect on Mean Flow of Non-Newtonian Fluid in Two-Dimensional Channel

Acoustic stimulation is a promising method for increasing drainage of non-Newtonian fluids through porous structures in various applications. In this study, a mathematical model is developed for unsteady flow of a bi-viscous incompressible fluid in a two-dimensional straight channel. Longitudinal vibrations are superimposed on the flow driven by pressure gradient along the channel. Simulations are carried out for a range of relevant dimensionless parameters. Effects of vibration amplitude, frequency, fluid viscosity ratio, channel width, and mean pressure gradient on the enhancement of mean flow rate are discussed.© 2008 ASME
Expression of Anchorin CII (Cartilage Annexin V) in Human Young, Normal Adult, and Osteoarthritic Cartilage

In its tissue-specific function as a collagen receptor of chondrocytes, cartilage annexin V (anchorin CII) occupies a key position in the organization of the cell-extracellular matrix (ECM) junction for the tissue. The general role of annexin V (Anx V) in other tissues suggests involvement in cellular secretory processes and in regulation of apoptosis. Immunohistochemical analysis of Anx V in growth plate cartilage, confirmed by in situ hybridization, suggests that Anx V is prominently expressed and forms a major constituent of growth plate chondrocytes. Anx V epitopes are also located in the pericellular matrix of hypertrophic cartilage. In adult articular cartilage the expression is downregulated, with the highest levels of immunostaining found in the upper third of the articular cartilage layers and almost no antigen found in the deep layers. Osteoarthritic (OA) cartilage is characterized by a significant upregulation of message and protein throughout the entire depth of the tissue, an accumulation of cytoplasmic annexin V epitopes, and a release of epitopes into the pericellular and interterritorial matrix, in part co-localized with granular structures. Therefore, Anx V expression and tissue distribution may serve as a histological marker for metabolic alterations and for changes in the cellular phenotype associated with OA.
Empirical Bayes Testing for the Mean Lifetime of Exponential Distributions: Unequal Sample Sizes Case

This paper deals with an empirical Bayes testing problem for the mean lifetimes of exponential distributions with unequal sample sizes. We study a method to construct empirical Bayes tests {δ∗ nl + 1,n }∞ n = 1 for the sequence of the testing problems. The asymptotic optimality of {δ∗ nl + 1,n }∞ n = 1 is studied. It is shown that the sequence of empirical Bayes tests {δ∗ nl + 1,n }∞ n = 1 is asymptotically optimal, and its associated sequence of regrets converges to zero at a rate (ln n)4M−1/n, where M is an upper bound of sample sizes.
Collaborative ways of knowing: issues in facilitation

This paper describes a detailed analysis of a student-centered problem-based learning group. The focus of this analysis is to understand the goals and strategies of an expert facilitator. This was accomplished by examining the questions and statements that the students and facilitators generated and inferring the facilitator's goals and strategies. Studying facilitation in a face to face situation provides some guidance in designing support to use in an online problem-based learning environment; however, considerable adaptation is necessary as some facilitation can be built into the system but some facilitation may need to be done by a human tutor. Implications for CSCL system design for problem-based learning will be discussed.
A Collocation Method for the Solution of an Inverse Scattering Problem from Gradient-Type Interfaces

A numerical scheme for solving the inverse problem that represents the gradient-type interface is presented in this paper. Such an interface is a point at which the velocity profile suffers a jump in the first derivative. The time domain approach to scattering from gradient–type interface leads to an integro–differential equation involving the impulse response. Using Legendre–Gauss–Lobatto nodes we construct the Nth polynomial interpolation to approximate the impulse response and solve the integro–differential equation. Illustrative examples are included to demonstrate the accuracy of the proposed method.
DETERMINATION OF TOTAL ORGANIC PHOSPHORUS IN LAKE SEDIMENTS1

A comparison of five methods differing in principle and complexity showed that one involving sequential extraction with hot HCl and cold and hot NaOH was best for the routine determination of organic phosphorus in lake sediment. Total organic phosphorus ranged from 23 to 147 mg P/100 g oven-dried sediments and from 8 to 63% of the total phosphorus.
Borderline personality characteristics: A betrayal trauma approach.

Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) has been associated with both trauma and insecure attachment styles. Betrayal Trauma Theory proposes survivors of interpersonal trauma may remain unaware of betrayal in order to maintain a necessary attachment. This preliminary study reports on the relations between self-reports of betrayal trauma experiences and borderline personality characteristics in a college sample. Using multiple regression, betrayal was significantly associated with BPD characteristics. High-betrayal trauma was the largest contributor to borderline traits and medium-betrayal trauma was also a significant predictor. However, traumas of low betrayal were not associated with BPD features. These results stand even after controlling for gender. These findings suggest betrayal may be a key, and yet heretofore unaddressed, feature of borderline personality disorder.
The effects of magnetic structure on the conduction cooling of flare loops

A model of the sheared magnetic field in a coronal loop is used to evaluate the average cross-field suppression of axial thermal conduction. If the energy source is uniform in radius, this can lead to heat-flux reduction by a factor greater than three. When the source is annular, in a region of radius where the current density and shear are peaked, the effect can be significantly larger. In one extreme case, however, in which magnetic tearing provides the heating in a very narrow layer, the spatial resonance of the source excitation in a long loop leads to approximately axial conduction.
Structured deferral: synchronization via procrastination

Developers often take a proactive approach to software design, especially those from cultures valuing industriousness over procrastination. Lazy approaches, however, have proven their value, with e...
Examining the Effectiveness of Solution-Focused Brief Therapy: A Meta-Analysis:

Objective: A meta-analysis was conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of solution-focused brief therapy (SFBT). Method: Hierarchical linear modeling software was used to synthesize the primary stu...
The Interplay of Habitat Change, Human Disturbance and Species Interactions in a Waterbird Colony

Abstract Potential responses to human disturbance at breeding colonies of waterbirds include reproductive failure, population declines and displacement from activity areas. Several additional factors, including species interactions and environmental change, can either mask or intensify the effects of human activity. This study highlights the importance of considering these factors in concert with breeding biology when assessing the impacts of human disturbance on wildlife. We studied the effects of a Wildlife Viewing Area (WVA) at Chatfield State Recreation Area, Colorado, on a nesting colony of great blue herons (Ardea herodias) and double-crested cormorants (Phalacrocorax auritus). We stratified the colony's nest trees into near, middle and far areas relative to distances from the WVA and compared the distribution of nests, nesting and fledging success and breeding chronology among areas 2 y before and 2 y after construction of the WVA. We also evaluated whether adult nest attendance patterns and chick ...
Large-Scale Explanations: Aggregation and Interpretation

The relation between Durkheim’s Suicide and his Rules of Sociological Method is this: Suicide is, at least in part, an attempt to exemplify the doctrine expounded in the Rules. The relation between Weber’s methodological works and his writings on capitalism, both of which develop and change, is less straightforward. Weber referred to ‘Objectivity’ in ‘The Protestant Ethic’ (1958, p. 200), but he did not make explicit appeals to von Kriesian language or considerations in the body of the essay ‘The Protestant Ethic’. The primary evidence in Weber’s own writ for connections between the thesis of the protestant ethic essay and the methodological essays comes from the contemporary methodological essays themselves. In ‘Objectivity’, when he discussed the methodological problems of explaining capitalism, he seems to have been telling us how he regarded the explanation in ‘The Protestant Ethic’ (1949, pp. 89–98; 1922, pp. 189–99; 1958, p. 200).1
Southern Higher Education History: A Synthesis and New Directions for Research

This chapter synthesizes and critiques the multidisciplinary, race-focused historical literature on southern higher education since the 1930s, portrayed in two thematic strands, striving and dissent. The first theme captures the dominant narrative arc of institutional histories and biographies of academic leaders as aspiring to achieve within a framework of the emerging university. The second theme uncovers how White southerners opposed national ideals for higher education and resisted integration while Blacks fought southern cultural orthodoxy by supporting Black institutions, attracting philanthropy, and advancing the civil rights movement. Directions for future research are discussed, including scholarship on memory and trauma as well as the Global South.
4.2.3 A Systems Approach to Medical Device Compliance with IEC 60601–1:2005

The development of electrical medical devices requires compliance with a host of regulations and standards to help ensure their safety and effectiveness. One of the most notable additions in recent years is the 3rd Edition of IEC 60601-1 (IEC 60601–1, 2005), “Medical electrical equipment – General requirements for basic safety and essential performance.” Medical devices sold to the European Community and Canada must comply with the standard in 2012, and devices in the U.S. and other countries must follow shortly thereafter. This standard represents a sea change in the way medical devices are typically developed, and includes a heavy reliance on safety risk management and usability engineering processes. This paper presents the systems engineer as the ideal candidate to lead these activities and facilitate device development; the standard impacts many areas (e.g., engineering, regulatory, human factors, and project management) and requires a methodical approach to implement in a cost-effective manner while ensuring safety and effectiveness of the device. This paper details techniques developed to efficiently comply with the standard, leveraging existing systems engineering practices and emerging methods such as Model Based Systems Engineering.
Evaluation of Diamond-Like Carbon as a Protective Coating for Holographic Filters

Diamond-like carbon (DLC), a hard, optically transparent, and chemically inert material, is becoming increasingly important for many applications. With the development of low-temperature deposition techniques, DLC can now be applied to many heat-sensitive polymers. This paper will discuss the application of a DLC coating as an abrasion and moisture barrier for three different laser-protective holographic filters. The objective of this investigation is to study the influence of the coating process on the holographic filters, and to determine the effectiveness of the DLC coating as the environmental seal for these filters. The DLC coated filters were characterized by UV/visible spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, before and after exposure in an environmental chamber set at 71°C, and 90% humidity. The structure and hardness of the DLC coating were evaluated respectively by Raman spectroscopy and nanoindentation method.
Time Is on My Side A Framework to Examine When Unemployed Individuals Volunteer

In light of high unemployment and declining volunteer rates, this study examines the complex relationship between time, employment, and volunteering. Are unemployed people more likely to volunteer ...
Assembly of Lipoic Acid on Its Cognate Enzymes: an Extraordinary and Essential Biosynthetic Pathway

Although the structure of lipoic acid and its role in bacterial metabolism were clear over 50 years ago, it is only in the past decade that the pathways of biosynthesis of this universally conserved cofactor have become understood. Unlike most cofactors, lipoic acid must be covalently bound to its cognate enzyme proteins (the 2-oxoacid dehydrogenases and the glycine cleavage system) in order to function in central metabolism. Indeed, the cofactor is assembled on its cognate proteins rather than being assembled and subsequently attached as in the typical pathway, like that of biotin attachment. The first lipoate biosynthetic pathway determined was that of Escherichia coli, which utilizes two enzymes to form the active lipoylated protein from a fatty acid biosynthetic intermediate. Recently, a more complex pathway requiring four proteins was discovered in Bacillus subtilis, which is probably an evolutionary relic. This pathway requires the H protein of the glycine cleavage system of single-carbon metabolism to form active (lipoyl) 2-oxoacid dehydrogenases. The bacterial pathways inform the lipoate pathways of eukaryotic organisms. Plants use the E. coli pathway, whereas mammals and fungi probably use the B. subtilis pathway. The lipoate metabolism enzymes (except those of sulfur insertion) are members of PFAM family PF03099 (the cofactor transferase family). Although these enzymes share some sequence similarity, they catalyze three markedly distinct enzyme reactions, making the usual assignment of function based on alignments prone to frequent mistaken annotations. This state of affairs has possibly clouded the interpretation of one of the disorders of human lipoate metabolism.
Pediatric splenectomy. Indications, technique, complications, and mortality.

The rationale for splenectomy in childhood is briefly described, the technique employed is discussed, some complications are elucidated, and the expected mortality is considered.
Antibiotics in trauma.

Hospital acquired infection with resistant microorganisms is an increasing problem. Antibiotics may predispose the patient to certain serious infections. An understanding of the biology of infectious diseases and the clinical pharmacology of antibiotics helps the surgeon treat infection correctly.
Applications of First-Order Differential Equations

Abstract When a space shuttle was launched from the Kennedy Space Center, the minimum initial velocity needed for the shuttle to escape the Earth’s atmosphere is determined by solving a first-order differential equation. The same can be said for finding the flow of electromagnetic forces, the temperature of a cup of coffee, the population of a species, and numerous other applications. In this chapter, we show how these problems can be expressed as first-order equations. We focus our attention on setting up problems and explaining the meaning of the subsequent solutions because techniques for solving the first-order equations were discussed in Chapter 2 .
Molecular Architecture and Neurobiology of the Epilepsies

Epilepsy is one of the most prevalent serious neurological disorders worldwide. Genetic research is making a major impact on epilepsy in terms of both clinical management and understanding the underlying neurobiology to guide drug development. Critically, current antiepileptic drugs are ineffective in one-third of patients, almost certainly owing in large part to an insufficient understanding of the basic molecular underpinnings of disease in treatment-resistant patients. Next-generation sequencing approaches, however, are making tremendous progress in identifying the genetic causes of disease, which provide new directions for elucidating the molecular pathophysiological processes underlying epileptogenesis. Although there has been limited progress in understanding the genetics of common epilepsies, genetic and neurobiological discoveries are being made in the rare, strongly genetic epilepsies at an unprecedented rate. These findings have already led to some personalized treatment options in the clinic.
Waldenstrom Macroglobulinemia: Genomic Aberrations and Treatment

Waldenstrom macroglobulinemia (WM) is a rare, indolent, and monoclonal immunoglobulin M-associated lymphoplasmacytic disorder with unique clinicopathologic characteristics. Over the past decade, remarkable progress has occurred on both the diagnostic and therapeutic fronts in WM. A deeper understanding of the disease biology emanates from the seminal discoveries of myeloid differentiation primary response 88 (MYD88) L265P somatic mutation in the vast majority of cases and C-X-C chemokine receptor, type 4, mutations in about a third of patients. Although WM remains an incurable malignancy, and the indications to initiate treatment are largely unchanged, the therapeutic armamentarium continues to expand. Acknowledging the paucity of high-level evidence from large randomized controlled trials, herein, we evaluate the genomic aberrations and provide a strategic framework for the management in the frontline as well as the relapsed/refractory settings of symptomatic WM.
Bacterial Culture Reduces but Does Not Eliminate the Risk of Septic Transfusion Reactions to Single Donor Platelets

BACKGROUND: Transfusion-associated bacterial sepsis is a significant risk of morbidity and mortality related to platelet (PLT) transfusions. Previously the rate of septic PLT transfusion reactions (SPTRs) to single-donor PLTs (SDPs) in our hospital was determined to be 1 in 15,098 (6.6 per 100,000; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.17-36.9 per 100,000) transfusions. The goal of this study was to determine if bacterial testing of SDPs reduced the rate of SPTRs in our hospital. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: An automated microbial detection system was implemented by our blood supplier in February 2004. A retrospective examination of the number of SPTRs that have occurred to SDPs at our hospital since that time was performed, using the same criteria used before bacterial screening. Transfusions over a 3.5-year period were examined. Clinical and laboratory data were gathered and correlated from transfusion reaction files and three independent computer systems. RESULTS: From March 1, 2004, through August 31, 2007, there were 49,625 transfusions of SDPs with 1096 transfusion reactions reported. Only one reaction detected the same organism in two of three sites, meeting our criteria for a SPTR. The rate of SPTRs in SDPs was identified as 1 in 49,625 (2.0 per 100,000; 95% CI, 0.05-11.2 per 100,000). This represents a 69.7% reduction in the incidence of SPTRs (p = 0.41). CONCLUSION: With the implementation of bacterial testing, a decrease in the rate of SPTRs to SDPs from 6.6 per 100,000 to 2.0 per 100,000 transfusions was observed. Although not significant, these findings suggest a trend.
Protein Kinase A-Dependent Phosphorylation Modulates the Affinity of Kv7.5 Potassium Channels to Phosphatidylinositol 4,5-Bisphosphate to Enhance Potassium Conductance

PKA-dependent phosphorylation of Kv7.5 potassium channels was previously found to enhance Kv7.5 currents, but the mechanism of the enhancement by PKA as well as putative PKA phosphorylation sites remained unknown. Activity of all known Kv7 channels critically depends on the presence of a minor membrane phospholipid, phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate (PIP2). In the present study, we tested the hypothesis that PKA-dependent phosphorylation increases the affinity of Kv7.5 potassium channels to PIP2. Application of wortmannin (10 µM), an inhibitor of PI-4 kinase that decreases the level of membrane PIP2, caused time-dependent inhibition of the endogenous Kv7.5 current in A7r5 rat aortic smooth muscle cells. Activation of PKA by co-application of forskolin (activator of adenylyl cyclase, 1 µM) with IBMX (phosphodiesterase inhibitor, 500 µM) significantly attenuated the rate and total amount of wortmannin-induced inhibition of endogenous Kv7.5 current. Co-expression of ci-VSP, a voltage dependent phosphatase that dephosphorylates PIP2, with human Kv7.5 (hKv7.5) in A7r5 cells caused pronounced voltage and time-dependent inhibition of hKv7.5 current at membrane voltages positive to 0 mV. Enhancement of the hKv7.5 current observed in the presence of forskolin (10 µM) and IBMX (500 µM) occurred in parallel with the positive shift of the ci-VSP-induced voltage-dependent inhibition of the Kv7.5 current. In the presence of forskolin and IBMX, ci-VSP induced inhibition of the Kv7.5 current at voltages positive to +60 mV. To identify PKA phosphorylation sites we mutated predicted PKA phosphorylation sites S406 and S412 (located near the putative PIP2 binding domain on the C-terminus of the Kv7.5 channels) to alanine. Currents through both mutant channels Kv7.5 S406A and Kv7.5 S412A were enhanced by co-application of forskolin with IBMX to the same degree as wild type Kv7.5 current. Thus, phosphorylation of S406 and S412 cannot account for PKA-dependent Kv7.5 current enhancement. Overall, experimental results support our hypothesis that enhancement of Kv7.5 currents caused by PKA activation is associated with increased affinity of the Kv7.5 potassium channels to PIP2.
Haptic feedback influences calibration to veridical object size in pantomime-guided grasping of Müller-Lyer figures

A topic of debate in the early 2000's surrounded whether pictorial illusions (e.g., Muller-Lyer [ML] illusion) influence grasping. The general conclusion from this literature was that pantomime-grasps are 'tricked' by illusions, whereas naturalistic grasp are immune – a result attributed to actions mediated via functionally and anatomically distinct visual pathways. It is, however, important to note that pantomime- and naturalistic grasps differ not only in terms of their visual properties but also because the former does not entail haptic feedback. This is an important distinction because recent work by our group has shown that haptic feedback supports an absolute calibration. In the present study, participants complete pantomime-grasps following a brief memory-delay to target objects embedded in fins-in and fins-out ML figures. Notably, the target object was removed during the memory delay. In the no-haptic feedback condition, the target remained unavailable to physically grasp, whereas in the haptic feedback condition the experimenter placed the physical object between participants' thumb and forefinger at the end of their response – a manipulation providing haptic feedback related to object size. Results yielded a main effect for ML configuration such that PGAs for the fins-in figure were smaller than the fins-out. Additionally, an interaction between ML configuration and feedback condition indicated that the illusory effect was larger for the no-haptic than the haptic feedback condition. Thus, although haptic feedback was not sufficient to ameliorate illusory effects in pantomime- grasping, results show that haptic feedback does influence a calibration to veridical object size. Acknowledgments: Supported by NSERC.