cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
SGP-2 expression as a genetic marker of progressive cellular pathology in experimental hydronephrosis.

SGP-2 expression as a genetic marker of progressive cellular pathology in experimental hydronephrosis. The onset of hydronephrosis following unilateral ureteral obstruction is associated with the induced expression of RNA and proteins encoded by the SGP-2 gene. SGP-2 expression has been shown to demarcate mammalian cells undergoing apoptosis. Using in situ hybridization, the cellular localization of SGP-2 expression in the obstructed kidney was determined as a means to study the various phases involved in the progression of hydronephrosis. Within 30 minutes of obstruction, SGP-2 mRNA expression was localized to the adventitial layers of the hilar arteries and intrarenal arterioles. Increasing time of obstruction resulted in the notable absence or depletion of this layer. In addition, the pattern of SGP-2 expression changed with time to the collecting ducts and distal tubules. This study identifies the vascular support tissue of the kidney as the initial site of reaction and potential cell death following ureteral obstruction. We believe that this observation may be of importance in explaining the early alterations in blood flow associated with hydronephrosis.
Power Consumption in Stirred Tanks Provided with Multiple Pitched-Blade Turbines

The power consumed by one, two, or three downward pumping, 45° six-blade pitched-blade turbines (6-PBTs) mounted on the same shaft was experimentally determined in stirred tanks under turbulent conditions. The power drawn by each individual impeller (in single- or multiple-impeller configurations), as well as the total power consumption, was measured with strain gauges mounted on the shaft and reported as individual or total power numbers. The power dissipated by single downward pumping, 45° four-blade pitched-blade turbines (4-PBTs) was also determined. Different combinations of the number of impellers, impeller diameter-to-tank diameter ratio, off-bottom clearance of the lowest impeller, Cb1, and spacing among impellers were tested. The overall power numbers of double 6-PBT systems were typically found to be smaller than twice the power number of a single 6-PBT. When Cb1 was low and the upper impeller distant from the lower impeller, the power number of the lower impeller and the overall power number we...
Out-of-hospital cardiac arrest: Significance of symptoms in patients collapsing before and after arrival of paramedics☆

The authors retrospectively studied victims of sudden cardiac death who experienced cardiac arrest before and after arrival of emergency personnel in order to define possible etiologic factors. There were 265 patients in the arrest-after-arrival (AAA) group and 414 patients in the arrest-before-arrival (ABA) group. All patients in the AAA group had symptoms prior to cardiac arrest. Approximately half the patients in the ABA group had symptoms. The presence or absence of symptoms prior to cardiac arrest appeared strongly associated with the cardiac rhythm at time of collapse and with discharge. Of patients with symptoms, 61% were in ventricular fibrillation or ventricular tachycardia, as compared with 93% of patients without symptoms (P < 0.001); 32% of patients with symptoms were discharged, as compared with 57% of patients without symptoms (P < 0.001). These data suggest two potential etiologies for sudden cardiac arrest; thrombosis/ischemia (associated with symptoms) and electrical (associated with no symptoms). Inasmuch as the AAA group represented 14% of witnessed cardiac arrests, patients with symptoms of myocardial ischemia or infarction should be aggressively treated.
One-dimensional constitutive equation for temperature-rate sensitive materials

Abstract It is known that there are materials that are strain-rate and temperature-rate sensitive (Babcock, S.G., Michaels, T.E., Langan, J.J., Scherloh, F.L., Norvey, D.B., Green, S.J., Characterization of three aluminum alloys, Final report to Army Materials and Mechanics Research Center, Watertown, MA, AMMRC CR 71-3, 1971; Chou, S.C., Dandekar, D.P., Green, J.L., Martin, A.G., Swanson, R.A., Frankel, J., Ganguly, J., Lopatin, C., Deformation behavior of SiC/2014 A1 Metal-Matrix composite, Technical Report to Army Materials Technology Laboratory, MTL TR 89-42, 1989). Their stress–strain relations depend on the temperature as well as on how fast the temperature is raised. We propose a constitutive relation that describes the response of this class of materials.
Wavelength-modulated reflectivity of the noble metals

Abstract The interband transitions of evaporated films of the noble metals copper, gold, and silver have been studied in reflectivity in the energy region 2.0 – 5.0 eV as a function of temperature, using wavelength modulation. In copper and gold, features have been observed in the imaginary part of the dielectric constant which support recent band theories as to their location in the Brillouin zone. In silver, new weak structure has been resolved near the onset of interband absorption. The surface plasmon in silver has been studied, and shown to possess a strong temperature dependence.
Low toric soft contact lens acceptance study

Abstract Purpose The aim of the study was to evaluate the objective and subjective visual performance of custom toric contact lenses (TL) and their spherical off-the-shelf counterparts (SL) in subjects with low amounts of astigmatism. Methods Twenty-three habitual soft lens wearers (40 eyes, 25–35 years) manifesting 0.50–1.00 DC and ≤±3.00 DS were recruited. Air Optix Aqua (Lotrafilcon B) was fit using the spherical equivalent of the manifest refraction. Intelliwave toric in Efrofilcon A (Definitive) was fit using the manifest refraction and keratometric data. Comprehensive visual performance tests were done through manifest refraction in a trial frame; in SL; and in TL. A subjective evaluation of quality of vision was also obtained. Results ANOVA revealed that, at the morning visit (AM), high contrast logMAR distance visual acuity (HCDVA) was significantly better (p 0.05) in subjective vision rating scores was noted between SL and TL. Conclusions The present investigation found no clinically significant difference in visual performance between spherical and toric soft contact lenses in low astigmats.
Tax/compensation schemes: Misleading advice in a rent-seeking society

The central message of this paper was captured by Kipling when he wrote of the Dane's conquest of his country more than a thousand years ago. He added to the passage at the head of the paper: qu]And that is called paying the Dane-geld; But we've proved it again and again, That if once you have paid him the Dane-geld You never get rid of the Dane.
TYPE OF INTERPOLATED ACTIVITY AND SHORT-TERM MEMORY.

This study was designed to determine the effects of retention interval (0, 4, 8, or 16 sec.), trials, and type of interpolated material (nothing, numbers, consonants, or CVCs) on STM. The results indicated that: (1) retention is inversely related to similarity of test and interpolated items, and (2) similarity interacts with both length of the retention interval and the number of practice trials.
Object-based control of attention is sensitive to recent experience.

How is attention guided by past experience? In visual search, numerous studies have shown that recent trials influence responses to the current trial. Repeating features such as color, shape, or location of a target facilitates performance. Here we examine whether recent experience also modulates a more abstract dimension of attentional control, object-based and location-based control. Participants performed a cued target discrimination task with stimuli presented on 2 rectangles. Response times to targets appearing in an uncued location on a cued rectangle were faster than to targets on the uncued rectangle, demonstrating an object-based attentional benefit. We investigated the object-based benefit on the current trial contingent on the cue-target relationship on the previous trial. The object-based benefit was significant only when the cued object contained the target on the previous trial, not when the uncued object contained the target. This effect of recent experience was not due to either the repetition of spatial cue-target location or the repetition of the response, but to adaptation to contingencies in the environ- ment. Our results suggest a unifying view of attentional control that spans the concrete dimensions of control (e.g., determining the relative importance of red vs. blue) to the abstract (determining the relative importance of objects vs. locations in space). Attention closely tracks the short time scale structure of the environment and automatically adapts to optimize performance to this structure. Picture yourself at a busy train terminal searching for a friend. At any given moment, your visual system is confronted with a massive quantity of information. To find your friend in a bustling and con- stantly moving crowd, you have to filter the spatiotemporal stream into a manageable quantity by granting priority to task-relevant items (i.e., your friend and others that look like her) and locations (i.e., where in the visual field people are likely to be standing). Directing attention to your friend involves attentional control, the guidance of attention in a task and goal relevant manner. Successful guidance of attention may involve following instruc- tions, for example, if your friend has advised you to look for her yellow hat or that she is standing near the top of the stairs. More generally, however, attentional control depends on past experi- ence—experience with your friend's appearance, and with the broader population's appearance, which is key to directing your search based on features that are likely to discriminate your friend from all the other people in the station. If her hair color or height is distinctive, those features can guide attention.
In vitro selection methodologies to probe RNA function and structure

In vitro selection, or SELEX, has been used both to characterize the interaction of natural nucleic acids with proteins and to generate novel nucleic acid-binding species, or aptamers. Although numerous reports have demonstrated the power of the technique, they have not expanded on the methodologies that can be used for selection. This review focuses on the considerations and problems involved in selecting protein-binding aptamers from a random-sequence RNA pool. As an illustration, we describe two approaches to selecting aptamers to a particular target, the HTLV-I Rex protein. In the first, complete randomization is used to find an artificial, high-affinity RNA binding site. In the second, the contributions of individual nucleotides and/or base pairs to the natural Rex-binding element are determined by mutating the wild-type sequence and selecting active binding variants.
Amplitude requirements, visual information, and the spatial structure of movement

Studies using a variety of experimental tasks have established that when humans repeatedly produce an action, the amount of variability in system output is distributed across a range of time scales or frequencies. A finding of particular interest is that fluctuations in the output of cognitive systems are the highest at the lowest frequencies with fluctuation magnitude (power) systematically declining as frequency increases. Such time-series structure—captured by spectral analysis—is termed pink noise. However, the appearance of pink noise seems to be limited to tasks where action is executed in the absence of external, task-related feedback. In contrast, a few studies have demonstrated that when action was executed in the presence of external, task-related feedback, power was evenly distributed across all spectral frequencies—that is, a white-noise time-series structure was revealed. Here, we sought to determine if the time-series structure of movement amplitude values would change when movement amplitude requirements increased (6.35, 12.70, 25.40, 50.80, and 101.60 mm) under conditions of full visual feedback. Given that increases in movement amplitude requirements are known to induce increased reliance on the available visual feedback, we predicted an amplitude-requirement-induced shift in time-series structure from pink to white noise. Indeed, those results were revealed. Last, the main findings were captured by a computer simulation that was based on established principles of motor control.
A new paradigm of injury intentionality

Objective—To improve understanding of processes leading to injury and assess more specifically the degree of intentionality. Methods—A new paradigm was developed that characterizes the act of inflicting injury (self, other, not inflicted) and the motive. Motives are determined for the act of injury and for the outcome. To test this, 986 cases of adolescent injuries in seven hospitals were reviewed. Three investigators independently classified all cases using the new paradigm and three used standard definitions of intent. Inter-rater reliability was measured. Results—Of injuries inflicted by others, 61% were intentional using the standard classification. In the new paradigm 67% were intended acts and 59% involved intentional motive for outcome. Altogether 87% of sports injuries were coded as unintentional acts compared with 96% using standard methods. Using standard classification there was 93% agreement between paired raters, with an average κ of 0.86. In the new paradigm questions on intentionality of act, outcome, and infliction of act, the agreement was 89%, 91%, 88%, with a κ of 0.79, 0.80, 0.76, respectively. Conclusions—This paradigm defines a spectrum of injury intent, enhances understanding of the causal sequence of injury, and has important implications for research and prevention.
The Effects of Ejection Fraction on N-Terminal ProBNP and BNP Levels in Patients With Acute CHF: Analysis From the ProBNP Investigation of Dyspnea in the Emergency Department (PRIDE) Study

Abstract Background Limited data exist regarding the impact of left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) on N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) and B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) levels in patients with acute congestive heart failure (CHF). Methods and Results LVEF data were analyzed for 153 subjects with acute CHF. LVEF ≥50% was defined as non-systolic CHF (NS-CHF); LVEF >50% was defined as systolic CHF (S-CHF). 76 subjects (49.7%) had NS-CHF. Median NT-proBNP and BNP levels were significantly higher among patients with S-CHF (6196 pg/mL, 592pg/mL, respectively) compared with those patients with NS-CHF (2849 pg/mL, 259 pg/mL, respectively). With optimal cut-points, a false-negative rate of 7% was observed for both assays among patients with S-CHF. Among patients with NS-CHF, BNP had a significantly higher false-negative rate (20%) than did NT-proBNP (9%; P Conclusion Levels of both NT-proBNP and BNP are significantly lower in patients with NS-CHF; however, in contrast to NT-proBNP, BNP may be falsely negative in up to 20% of patients with NS-CHF and does not correlate with symptom severity in NS-CHF. NT-proBNP appears superior to BNP for the evaluation of suspected acute CHF in patients with preserved LVEF.
Local Interleukin 2 Therapy of Mouse Mammary Tumors of Various Immunogenicities

The local and systemic therapeutic effects of multiple injections of recombinant human interleukin 2 (IL-2), at doses of 5,000 to 100,000 units each, were tested against intramammary implants of 12 syngeneic C3H mouse mammary tumors of various immunogenicities. Among 5 tumors with transplantation-type immunogenicity and with mononuclear leukocyte infiltration, 4 tumors were affected by IL-2 therapy. A fast-growing, moderately immunogenic tumor was not affected. Among 7 tumors which did not display transplantation-type immunogenicity, 4 tumors did, nevertheless, attract mononuclear leukocytes. Among these 4 tumors, the 2 slowest growing tumors were affected by IL-2 therapy. Local and systemic therapeutic effects resulted from peritumor IL-2 injections, but not from injections 2 cm from a tumor. The results indicate that the therapeutic effectiveness of IL-2 depends on the ability of a tumor to attract IL-2 responsive immune effector cells and that therapeutic effectiveness is reduced by faster tumor growth.
A METHOD FOR THE QUANTITATIVE ESTIMATION OF BACTERIA IN SUSPENSIONS

A method is described for estimating the cell concentration of bacterial suspensions by measurement of the column lengths of packed cells centrifuged into a capillary tube of fine bore. The total error, under the experimental conditions employed, checked by direct count, was >2 per cent for dense suspensions and about 5 per cent for light suspensions. The method is suitable for work requiring rapid and accurate routine preparation of bacterial suspensions of known cell concentrations.
The Geopolitics of Natural Gas in Asia

Over the last few years, natural gas has been the fastest-growing component of primary world energy consumption. This study seeks to examine the recent efforts by the Islamic Republic of Iran, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia to develop their natural gas resources and capture a large share of the Asian market, particularly in Turkey, India, China, Japan and South Korea. Counter-efforts by rivals, such as the Russian Federation and the Caspian Basin states, are analysed. Finally, international ventures to transport natural gas from producers to consumers, including the Dolphin Project, the Trans-Caspian Pipeline and Blue Stream, are discussed.
Stiff-person syndrome with amphiphysin antibodies: Distinctive features of a rare disease

Drs. Murinson and Guarnaccia1 convincingly demonstrate different patterns of stiffness in glutamic acid decarboxylase (GAD65) autoimmunity (stiff-person syndrome) and amphiphysin autoimmunity. All of the 11 patients seropositive for amphiphysin antibody were women and 10 had breast adenocarcinoma. The authors state that “testing for the relevant antibodies is no longer performed by immunocytochemistry, a labor intensive method that could identify multiple antigens in a single serum sample” and “antibodies are now measured by immunoassay, using purified antigen and detecting only the antibody specifically requested.” In our experience with amphiphysin-immunoglobulin G (IgG) seropositive patients, the detection of this antibody predicts the presence of small-cell lung carcinoma or breast adenocarcinoma but does not further refine the cancer search.2 Cancer diagnosis and definitive treatment are expedited by a comprehensive serologic evaluation by immunofluorescence to screen for neuronal and glial nuclear and cytoplasmic autoantibodies, radioimmunoprecipitation to detect plasma membrane cation channel antibodies, and ELISA and Western blotting, permitting detection of autoantibody profiles that predict a specific neoplasm.3 Using this screening protocol on a service basis (1990–2008), the Mayo Clinic Neuroimmunology Laboratory has identified 58 amphiphysin antibody seropositive patients with histologically confirmed small-cell lung carcinoma (33 patients; 22 men and 11 women) or breast adenocarcinoma (25 patients; all women). Amphiphysin autoantibody was detected in all patients by immunohistochemical characteristics and was confirmed by reflexive Western blot using recombinant full-length human amphiphysin protein.2 Of 33 …
Thermophotovoltaics - a New Concept Evolving in Energy Conversion: Summary of a Panel Session Presentation

Thermophotovoltaic (TPV) systems are designed to produce direct-current electrical energy via high-temperature semiconductors receiving radiant energy from the combustion of fuel. Unique system elements and design are required to maximize the transfer of energy from the flame to a radiator to the receiving cells and cooling apparatus. The new concept of a micron-gap TPV system (MTPV) is also discussed. This panel session presentation is a basic introduction to these concepts, which have more potential for non-grid-connected distributed generation (DG) applications than typical grid-connected DG.
Emerging infections, biosecurity and public health.

The NIH issued an initiative in 2002 to construct new laboratories designed to safely handle high containment pathogens at biosafety level 3 (BSL-3)/animal biosafety level 3 (ABSL-3) and BSL-4/ABSL-4. This initiative was largely a joint venture …
The need for implementing evidence-based practices.

convened to attempt to articulate the substantial concerns of six stakeholder groups: consumers, family members, practitioners, administrators, policy makers, and researchers. Consumers and families, whose self-help interventions have not been subjected to rigorous research, worry that the absence of evidence for these interventions will be mistaken as evidence for the absence of effectiveness. Such interventions were created outside the biomedical infrastructure and its brand of science and hypothesis testing. Consumers and families also worry that an effec
Substrate temperature effects on film chemistry in plasma depositions of organics. II. Polymerizable precursors

The influence of substrate temperature during plasma deposition on the chemistry of the organic films formed was examined. Plasma ionization of precursor gases that are polymerizable by conventional mechanisms was studied. Film chemistry was analyzed by x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). Monomers that polymerize by a free radical mechanism [2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA) and hexafluorobutadiene (HFB)] form more regular polymers (i.e. with less molecular rearrangement) by plasma deposition at low substrate temperatures than monomers that polymerize by ionic mechanisms [ethylene oxide (EO) and tetrahydrofuran (THF)]. In all cases, lowering the substrate temperature during deposition produces films with elemental composition virtually identical to that of the precursor gas. Comparison of high-resolution XPS spectra of the deposited films with those for model polymers suggests that functional groups in the monomers used to generate the plasma are incorporated to a greater extent at low substrate temperatures. The effect of plasma power on the degree of precursor structure retention obtained when reduced substrate temperatures are employed was also examined. Plasma deposition of HEMA at low substrate temperatures and low plasma power produces thin films which are, by core level XPS, indistinguishable from HEMA polymerized by conventional methods. EO and THF films coated at low substrate temperatures on glass, polyethylene, or polytetrafluoroethylene varied widely in surface chemistry due to differences in film uniformity. Film quality (uniformity) is enhanced for these low reactivity precursors by pretreating substrates with an argon plasma. © 1992 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Effects of Temperature, Moon Phase, and Prey on Nocturnal Activity in Ratsnakes: An Automated Telemetry Study

Abstract Nocturnal activity is important for many animals, but difficulty in documenting that activity has hampered efforts to understand factors that influence when animals are active at night. We used automated radiotelemetry to provide the first detailed tests of the hypothesis that the nocturnal activity of free-ranging snakes should be influenced by temperature, moon phase, and prey abundance by using data for Ratsnakes (Pantherophis spp.) from Texas and Illinois. Ratsnakes exhibited some nocturnal behavior throughout their active season in both Texas and Illinois, although snakes were much more active at night in Texas than in Illinois. Texas snakes transitioned from primarily diurnal activity to primarily nocturnal activity over this snake's active season, whereas Illinois snakes were always most active in the middle of the day. For both populations, nocturnal activity was positively related to temperature but unrelated to moon phase. Ratsnakes in Texas exhibited a stepwise increase in nocturnal ac...
Cloning and expression of the Escherichia coli K-12 sad gene.

Abstract The Escherichia coli K-12 sad gene, which encodes an NAD-dependent succinic semialdehyde dehydrogenase, was cloned into a high-copy-number vector. Minicells carrying a sad+ plasmid produced a 55,000-dalton peptide, the probable sad gene product.
The simulated countercurrent moving bed chromatographic reactor: a novel reactor—separator

Abstract The simulated countercurrent moving bed chromatographic reactor (SCMCR) is a device for carrying out chemical reaction and separation simultaneously in a fixed bed. This is a novel reactor type in which separation takes place at the site of chemical reaction to improve product purities and conversions beyond those prescribed by thermodynamic equilibrium. The simulated countercurrent system mimics the behavior of a countercurrent moving bed by periodically changing feed and product locations sequentially along a fixed bed. The present investigations endeavor to determine to what extent the moving bed reactor advantages of high product purity and favorable equilibrium shifts are retained in SCMCR operations. An equilibrium stage model of the SCMCR consisting of a single fixed bed having series of inlets and outlets along its length is considered. The mass balance equations are discretized to give an equilibrium plate model. Predictions of the concentration profiles in the column(s) are obtained for the 1,3,5-trimethylbenzene hydrogenation reaction at 463 K. It is shown that reaction and separation can be achieved simultaneously and that the yield of the reversible reaction can be improved greatly. Under appropriate operating conditions, the model calculations predict high-purity product streams and nearly complete conversion of a reaction which would otherwise be limited by equilibrium to 62%.
‘Quelque romancier hardi’: The Literary Bergsonist

Bergson's legacy to literature was nothing short of transformative. His theories of duration, memory, intuition, the elan vital, and comedy inspired a wide range of vital literary innovations. Techniques essential to modern literature—stream of consciousness, imagistic precision, time-shift, plotlessness, multiple perspective—can be traced to Bergson, and Bergsonian tendencies—his focus on subjective consciousness, interest in novelty, and critique of materialism—yet determine literature written today. But what made Bergson such a powerful influence on such a diverse array of writers was his theory of the artist: throughout his work, Bergson honors aesthetic insight and grants the artist authority over discoveries central to his philosophy. Writers were indeed inspired by Bergson's theories of duration, memory, and intuition, but they were truly galvanized to pursue Bersgonian ends by the power promised in his account of the artist's relationship to reality. Any account of Bergson's literary influence sho...
Cognitive side-effects of adjuvant treatments

Abstract Symptoms associated with cognitive dysfunction—difficulties with memory, concentration, and language—are frequent among breast cancer survivors after chemotherapy. The true incidence, functional significance, and causes of these symptoms remain unclear. Models of cognitive dysfunction suggest multiple possible contributors including changes in hormonal milieu, direct effects of chemotherapy, medications given as supportive care, psychiatric changes including depression and anxiety, and mediators of inflammation. Novel neuro-cognitive testing and imaging methods are being evaluated in breast cancer survivors to better understand cognitive side-effects of therapy.
A spaniard in the attic: The texture of gender in Friederike Helene Unger's Rosalie and Nettchen

L'A. explore la relation existant entre vetements et romans, textes et textiles, prenant pour point de depart le fait que le developpement du commerce international de textiles a coincide avec le portrait de modeles 'importes' de la feminite dans la fiction. Apres un bref historique des textiles dans leurs differents aspects, elle aborde ensuite les fondations theoriques pour une conceptualisation de la nationalite et des categories de sexe, se centrant plus specialement sur la deviance sexuelle et le lien entre transnationalisme et transvestisme. Puis elle decrit les representations des textiles dans les textes, afin de montrer comment les categories de sexe sont construites a travers les textes et les textiles
Diagnosis and Classification in Psychiatry: Gerald Klerman's Contribution

Gerald Klerman (1928-1992) made substantial contributions to diagnosis and classification in psychiatry during a time of great change. He understood and appreciated the importance of descriptive, biological, psychoanalytic, social, interpersonal and behavioral approaches and was uniquely able to integrate them cogently. He demanded that theories and hypotheses be tested empirically, and he spearheaded many key scientific research programs directed toward this goal, including the Clinical Studies of the National Institute of Mental Health Program on the Psychobiology of Depression. This article provides an overview of his contributions.
Cutting Edge: OX40 Inhibits TGF-β- and Antigen-Driven Conversion of Naive CD4 T Cells into CD25+Foxp3+ T cells

Naive CD4 T cells can develop into regulatory T cells by acquiring the transcription factor Foxp3. Combined signals from the TCR, CD28, IL-2R, and TGF-βR promote Foxp3 expression in activated naive CD25− CD4 T cells. Here we show that OX40 (CD134) signaling inhibits TGF-β-driven Foxp3 mRNA and suppresses the conversion of naive Ag-specific transgenic CD4 T cells into CD25+Foxp3+ T cells. These data identify OX40 as a negative regulator of Foxp3 and suggest that OX40 can concomitantly promote effector T cell generation while antagonizing the differentiation of adaptive Foxp3+ regulatory T cells.
Regulation by oligomerization in a mycobacterial folate biosynthetic enzyme.

Folate derivatives are essential cofactors in the biosynthesis of purines, pyrimidines and amino acids across all forms of life. Mammals uptake folate from their diets, whereas most bacteria must synthesize folate de novo. Therefore, the enzymes in the folate biosynthetic pathway are attractive drug targets against bacterial pathogens such as Mycobacterium tuberculosis, the cause of the world's most deadly infectious disease, tuberculosis (TB). M. tuberculosis 7,8-dihydroneopterin aldolase (Mtb FolB, DHNA) is the second enzyme in the folate biosynthetic pathway, which catalyzes the conversion of 7,8-dihydroneopterin to 6-hydroxymethyl-7,8-dihydropterin and glycoaldehyde. The 1.6 A X-ray crystal structure of Mtb FolB complexed with its product, 6-hydroxymethyl-7,8-dihydropterin, reveals an octameric assembly similar to that seen in crystal structures of other FolB homologs. However, the 2.5 A crystal structure of unliganded Mtb FolB reveals a novel tetrameric oligomerization state, with only partially formed active sites. A substrate induced conformational change appears to be necessary to convert the inactive tetramer to the active octamer. Ultracentrifugation confirmed that in solution unliganded Mtb FolB is mainly tetrameric and upon addition of substrate FolB is predominantly octameric. Kinetic analysis of substrate binding gives a Hill coefficient of 2.0, indicating positive cooperativity. We hypothesize that Mtb FolB displays cooperativity in substrate binding to regulate the cellular concentration of 7,8-dihydroneopterin, so that it may function not only as a precursor to folate but also as an antioxidant for the survival of M. tuberculosis against host defenses.
Analysis of solid wood surfaces by internal reflection Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR-IRS)

Abstract The refractive index of white fir wood in the infrared region of the spectrum was determined by a measurement of the critical angle in FTIR-IRS to be 1.43. The depth of light penetration into wood (decrease in the original light intensity to 1/e) was calculated to be 0.13–2.15 μm depending upon the wavelength of light, angle of incidence, and the refractive index of the prism used. It was found that the signal-to-noise ratio in FTIR-IRS of wood could be greatly increased by either pressing the wood for 10 min. at 2,500 psi or sanding it against a flat surface with fine (600 grit) sandpaper. Microtoming alone was not satisfactory in producing a smooth surface and a high signal/noise ratio. The FTIR-IRS spectrum of oxygen plasma-treated wood indicated a substantial absorbance increase in the 1648–1633 cm−1 region due to formation of carbonyl groups.
Fiber Based Composites from Recycled Mixed Paper and Magazine Stock

For most products, processing recycled paper back into paper will require de-inking and removal of coatings and fillers. Paper to paper recycling will also require sorting the paper waste stream to insure that the stock used contains the type of fiber needed. These problems can be eliminated if the waste paper product stream is used to make fiber based composites, Mixed office waste, packaging materials, paperboard, newspaper, and many other types of paper fiber can be used directly for the production of thermosetting or thermoplastic fiber based composites. High levels of clay used in magazine paper can be tolerated in these composites. This paper will review research in making fiber based composites from several waste paper streams and the properties of these products.
Drug screening and criminal prosecution of pregnant women.

According to the U.S. Supreme Court, the Fourth Amendment rights of 10 women were violated by a hospital that provided them prenatal care. The incidence of prenatal drug testing for criminal prosecution with or without a woman's knowledge is increasing. Concurrently, funding and availability of drug treatment programs for pregnant women are declining. Nurses and physicians who act as advocates for the state rather than the patient damage the patient-provider relationship and breach their ethical responsibility to the patient.
Capillary waves and thermodynamics of multisteps on Pt(111)

Abstract We describe observations of multisteps, up to n=5 steps high, that form on Pt(1 1 1) at temperatures above 1400 K. Using step fluctuation spectroscopy, we determine the multistep stiffnesses, β n , and so estimate their line free energies, assumed isotropic. Measurements of mode relaxation times τnq, for modes of wavevector q, reveal that β n τ nq /n 2 depends only weakly on step height, n, in agreement with capillary theory. From the measured energies, we infer that multisteps have large free energies of internal motion, such that the net thermal free energy, including capillary modes, undergoes only small changes when steps merge.
Series input modular architecture for driving multiple LEDs

This paper introduces a modular power converter architecture based on series input connected converter cells with independent outputs that each drive a small series string of LEDs. The approach provides the benefits of operating from a high bus voltage while using low voltage cells that independently regulate LED currents for improved light uniformity and LED failure mitigation. Stability of the series converter string and independent regulation of the floating LED output currents are achieved using a two-loop controller that relies on chain control communications between cells to share system information. Experimental verification of input bus voltage sharing and independent cell current regulation is provided using a prototype of the proposed system with four series buck-boost converter cells, where each cell drives four 700 mA LEDs.
Forensic Accountants: Financial Investigators

The public fraud scandals with companies like Enron and WorldCom, the Internet and other technological advances, and even the threat of terrorists have created a large demand for the skills and services provided by forensic accountants. Forensic accountants are in high demand because they play a critical role in an investigation of suspected financial scandals and misappropriation of assets. It is their job to bring independence and credibility to these investigations.
Graphic design for scientists.

Drawing a clear and compelling figure is vital in science communication, so Karen Cheng and Marco Rolandi set up a help desk for scientists and engineers to consult with design students.
Gas chromatographic estimation of urinary estriol in pregnancy. A rapid and practical way to forecast fetal survival.

Abstract The recent introduction of urinary estriol determination as a test of fetoplacental function has offered the clinician a dependable, albeit indirect, method for the assessment of the intrauterine environment. The complexity of the classical chemical assay has, however, sharply curtailed its immediate clinical usefulness. A gas chromatographic technique for estriol assay has provided a simple, yet precise tool which has been confidently employed in our laboratory. Its demonstrated usefulness in suspected cases of placental insufficiency, such as toxemia, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and postmature pregnancies, compares favorably with that of the chemical methods. It appears to have a value in the management of Rh-sensitized pregnancies, but its scope requires further investigation. Gas chromatography might well make possible a more widespread use of estriol assay which in turn would contribute to improvement in perinatal survival.
Physicians, partners, and people with AIDS: deciding about suicide.

In places such as The Netherlands and the US west coast, assistance in suicide has become a choice actually available to persons with AIDS. Hence, it is important to consider the "rational structure" of choices about suicide in AIDS. There are four principal levels of choice: (1) the question of active control over dying; (2) the question of holding out for a cure; (3) the choice of going early or going late; and (4) the question of what weight to give to the interests of others. Language: en
Absorption and Urinary Excretion of Chloramphenicol and 2 Analogues, Thiocymetin and U-15,442 in Normal Men.

SummaryComparison of absorption and urinary recovery of chloramphenicol and 2 of its derivatives, Thiocymetin and U-15,442, has been carried out following administration of single oral doses of 500 mg each in 6 healthy human volunteers. Similar peak concentrations of these drugs were noted in serum but they were achieved later after the dose of Thiocymetin. At 25 hours slight antibiotic activity was still discernible with the 2 derivatives, but not with chloramphenicol. In view of the superior antimicrobial activity of chloramphenicol the 2 derivatives are considered to be inferior to the parent compound in producing antimicrobial activity in serum. In contrast, much higher urinary recoveries were achieved with the 2 derivatives than with chloramphenicol. In the case of Thiocymetin urinary recovery was so great as to more than offset its inferior antimicrobial activity; this was not the case with U-15,442. The high recovery of active Thiomycetin in urine suggests that it is inactivated more slowly or by a...
Reactivity and Selectivity Differences between Catecholate and Catechothiolate Ru Complexes. Implications Regarding Design of Stereoselective Olefin Metathesis Catalysts

The origins of the unexpected finding that Ru catechothiolate complexes, in contrast to catecholate derivatives, promote exceptional Z-selective olefin metathesis reactions are elucidated. We show that species containing a catechothiolate ligand, unlike catecholates, preserve their structural integrity under commonly used reaction conditions. DFT calculations indicate that, whereas alkene coordination is the stereochemistry-determining step with catecholate complexes, it is through the metallacyclobutane formation that the identity of the major isomer is determined with catechothiolate systems. The present findings suggest that previous models for Z selectivity, largely based on steric differences, should be altered to incorporate electronic factors as well.
A Novel Overvoltage Protection Approach Using Thyristor Valve Triggered by Breakdown Diode for Overcurrent Test Equipment

Firstly the principle of overcurrent test equipment and the forming mechanism,harm and features of its fault overvoltage are analyzed.According to the defects of existing overvoltage protection modes,e.g.,discharging gap and ZnO arrester,a novel type of overvoltage protection approach,i.e.,thyristor valve triggered by breakdown diode(BOD),is proposed.The proposed approach possesses following advantages: suitable to frequent action;accurate and stable action voltage that is easy to adjust,fast response speed,low residual voltage and high blowout capacity.The principle of triggering thyristor valve by BOD,its design highlights and features are analyzed.Both simulation and testing results show that the proposed protection approach is effective and practicable.
On the Reform of the Public Pedagogical Course in Normal Colleges

The reform of the higher educational system and the progress of the elementary and secondary school quality education demand the improvement of the professional education in normal colleges for their existence and development.So the public pedagogical course is forced to take the reform. The reform must change essentially the course system and teaching method. With regard to the base of the practical demands in the quality education, and in the light of the purpose of the students' modern education concept, teaching and educating capabilities,we must make them have higher professional levels and leading forward thought so as to serve better the all round development education of the elementary and secondary education.
Shifting the Paradigm: Value-Chain Analysis Applied to Online Learning

This paper supports an interactive session focuses on participating in shifting the paradigm toward learner-centered curriculum delivery. The key factors for adult education are maturity, accumulation of experience; readiness for learning; being problem vs. subject centered; intrinsic vs. extrinsic motivation; and curriculum that is anchored as problem-centered rather than content-oriented. Where there is a challenge achieving true innovation, this paper and the planned interactive session offers a series of framework based on Porter's idea on Value Chain Analysis to identify factors which leverage activities along a "chain" of delivering an educational service to self-directed learners. Specifically, course design for online delivery is the scenario for open dialog on shifting the paradigm. This paper contains diagrams for discussion slides that introduce the topic and support open dialog among practitioners at the TCC conference. Background This conference paper extends some practical tips for shifting toward becoming learner- centered paradigm. This paper contains a practitioner's direct experience about leveraging product life cycle and service delivery to known and prospective customers. The application of Value Chain Analysis is the focus of this conference proceeding paper and interactive dialog prepared for discussion about "Emerging Technologies, Making it Work" specifically for perspectives about managing information technology and change. Twelve tips were presented at the Technology, Colleges and Community (TCC) conference in the Spring 2010 (Lauridsen, 2010). VCA applies to the last tip, "Participate in shifting the paradigm". The working scenario is that the customers of a university are the enrolled learners and sponsoring agencies for research. The service providers are the school, publishers, teachers and designers of the learning media environments. Introduction to Value Chain Analysis (VCA)
Familial clustering of end-stage renal disease in Mississippi.

Background Familial clustering of ESRD has been noted in the families of 20-40% of African-Americans (AA) with ESRD but has been observed much less often in Caucasians (Cau). Because our impression indicated a higher frequency in Caucasians than reported in several recent studies we conducted a 2-year prospective evaluation of patients referred for renal transplantation to assess the frequency of familial clustering of ESRD in both Caucasians and African-Americans. Methods Detailed family histories were obtained in 350 ESRD patients referred for renal transplantation, 335 of whom could provide appropriate information regarding first- and second-degree family members (252AA and 83 Cau) who were maintained on out-patient dialysis at least one month or had received a renal transplant. Results Patient race and sex paralleled that of the current Mississippi ESRD population but mean age was 17 years younger in the transplant candidates (39.9 vs. 57.2 yrs). If polycystic kidney disease (PKD) is included in the analysis, 31.7% of AA and 30.1% of Cau had at least one other family member with ESRD. If PKD is eliminated then 30.9% of AA and 25% of Cau had at least one other family member with ESRD. In both races the frequency of a positive family history was greatest in index cases with chronic glomerulonephritis, and of those with renal biopsies (n = 59), patients with focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) had the strongest family histories of ESRD (40% and 36%, respectively). Cau and AA with FSGS had comparable familial clustering of ESRD (41% vs, 38%) but SLE was confined to AA. Conclusions In younger individuals with ESRD, familial clustering of end stage renal disease occurs with almost equal frequency in Caucasians and in African Americans. Screening of family members of index cases in both races might define a high-risk group of patients in whom prophylactic measures might be directed to thwart the progression [table: see text] of renal failure.
The Top Three Health Care Developments Impacting the Practice of Interventional Radiology in the Next Decade.

OBJECTIVE. We discuss three health care trends that will have a profound impact on interventional radiology (IR) in the next decade. CONCLUSION. Precision medicine, representing the next frontier of medicine, will bring opportunities and challenges to the field. Significant changes in payment models may prove beneficial to the subspecialty if proactive steps are taken by its members. Finally, shifts in population demographics are predicted to increase demand for services while intensifying the need to cultivate a complementary workforce.
Cardiovascular Health Status and Incidence of Heart Failure in the Framingham Offspring Study

Background— The American Heart Association Cardiovascular Health (CVH) score is inversely associated with cardiovascular disease, but its relations to cardiac remodeling traits and heart failure (HF) incidence have not been examined. Methods and Results— A 14-point score was constructed for each participant based on the presence of poor, intermediate, or ideal status on each of the 7 CVH metrics (ideal score=14). We related the CVH score to echocardiographic traits cross-sectionally and to HF incidence prospectively in the Framingham Offspring Study. In age- and sex-adjusted models, a higher CVH score was associated with lower left ventricular (LV) mass, LV wall thickness, LV diastolic dimension, and left atrial dimension ( P <0.01 for all; n=2392; mean age, 58 years; 56% women), and with a 12% to 15% lower odds of prevalent LV concentric remodeling and concentric hypertrophy, respectively ( P <0.0001 for both). On follow-up (mean, 12.3 years), 188 incident HF events were observed in 3201 participants (mean age, 59 years; 53% women). In age- and sex-adjusted Cox proportional hazard models, the CVH score was inversely associated with HF incidence (hazard ratio per 1-point higher CVH score, 0.77; 95% confidence interval, 0.72–0.83). This association was partially attenuated upon adjustment for LV mass and interim myocardial infarction (hazard ratio, 0.84; 95% confidence interval, 0.76–0.93), and it was consistent for HF with preserved and reduced ejection fractions. Conclusions— In our community-based sample, comprised predominantly of middle-aged white individuals of European descent, better CVH was associated with lower HF incidence, in part due to a lower prevalence of adverse cardiac remodeling.