cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Clinical analysis of complications after frontal muscle flap suspension

Objective To analyze the reasons of complications after frontal muscle flap suspension for congenital ptosis and possible preventing measures. Methods The clinical data of 122 patients with congenital ptosis who underwent frontal muscle flap suspension at the Department of Ophthalmology of Shenzhen Children's Hospital were retrospectively analyzed. Results Complications occurred in 19 eyes (13.67%). The complications include undercorrection in 5 eyes (3.6%), entropion and trichiasis in 5 eyes (3.6%), corneal epithelial defects in 2 eyes (1.44%), suture slippage in 1 eye (0.72%), overcorrection in 1 eye (0.72%), hematoma in the eyebrow region in 3 eyes (2.15%), prolapse of the superior fornix conjunctivae in 1 eye (0.72%), corneal ulcers in 1 eye (0.72%). Conclusions The outcome of frontal muscle flap suspension is influenced by the surgeon's clinical experience and the patients' individual variation, therefore may result in various complications and limit cosmetic and functional improvement. However, with adequate pre-operative examination, careful intra-operative procedure and appropriate post-operative observation and management, most complications can be prevented and avoided. Key words: Congenital ptosis; Frontal muscle flap suspension; Complications
The impact of an enhanced recovery perioperative pathway for pediatric pectus deformity repair

Pediatric repair of chest wall deformities is associated with significant pain, morbidity, and resource utilization. We sought to determine outcomes of a perioperative enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) pathway for patients undergoing minimally invasive (Nuss) and traditional (Ravitch) corrective procedures. Our ERAS protocol was implemented in 2015. We performed a retrospective review of patients for Nuss or Ravitch procedures before and after ERAS implementation. Combined and procedure segregated bivariate analyses were conducted on postoperative outcomes and resource utilization. There are 17 patients in the pre-intervention group (Nuss = 13 and Ravitch = 4) compared to 38 patients in the post-intervention group (Nuss = 28 and Ravitch = 10). Protocol implementation increased utilization of pre-operative non-narcotic medication. The combined and Nuss post-intervention groups had a significant decrease in epidural duration and time to enteral medications, but had increased total postoperative opioid usage. The Ravitch post-intervention group had a significant decrease in intra-operative narcotics and discharge pain scores. There were no differences in length of stay or complications. Implementation of our ERAS protocol standardized pectus perioperative care, but did not improve postoperative opioid usage, complications, or resource utilization. Alterations in the protocol may lead to achieving desired goals of better pain management and decreased resource utilization.
Linear and fully nonlinear elliptic equations with Ld -drift

In subdomains of R d , we consider uniformly elliptic equations H ( v ( x ) , D v ( x ) , D 2 v ( x ) , x ) = 0 with the growth of H with respect to | D v | controlled by the product of a function ...
Hydrothermal pretreatment of sewage sludge for enhanced anaerobic digestion: Resource transformation and energy balance

Abstract The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of hydrothermal pretreatment (HTP) at 90, 125 and 155 °C on the extent of anaerobic digestion (AD) of sewage sludge, energy balance, and the distribution and availability of N and P. AD was evaluated with four bench-scale mesophilic, semi-continuous digesters with 20-d (Phase 1) and 10-d (Phase 2) solids retention time (SRT), fed with raw sludge (R1), 90 °C (R2), 125 °C (R3) and 155 °C (R4) HTP sludge. The two sludge mixtures used in this study had high ultimate biodegradability (58.3 for Phase 1 and 56.9% for Phase 2). With the exception of Phase 2 R4, HTP increased organic matter destruction and methane production. HTP of Phase 2 sludge mixture at 155 °C resulted in the formation of high propionate levels, which led to a lower methane production. HTP significantly changed the digesters’ bacterial communities, but had a minor effect on the archaeal communities. Abundance of well-known propionate degraders in all digesters was very low; however, Proteiniphilum, which is involved in the degradation of intermediates in the propionate degradation pathway, was found in relatively high abundance in Phase 2 R4. The highest net energy gain (ΔE) was obtained with the control (i.e., raw sludge AD without HTP) for both phases. HTP heat recovery greater than 85% is required to attain the same net energy as the control or higher. HTP at 155 °C followed by AD led to increased solids reduction, overall crude protein removal and release of ammonium N. HTP-AD decreased P availability. Thus, P and N recovery is recommended before and after HTP-AD, respectively.
The Effects of Language on the Gender Patterns of Highly Skilled Migration

We study how sociocultural and cognitive institutions, as well as women’s rights, differentially influence highly-skilled women and men’s migration patterns. For this matter, we utilize language gr...
Ultrafast cation doping of perovskite quantum dots in flow

Summary Among all-inorganic metal halide perovskite quantum dots (PQDs), cesium lead chloride (CsPbCl3) with its large band-gap energy is an excellent candidate for enhancement of PQD radiative pathways through incorporation of additional internal energy transfer within its exciton band gap. In this study, we introduce a post-synthetic chemistry for ultrafast metal cation doping of CsPbCl3 QDs with a high degree of tunability, using a model transition metal impurity dopant, manganese. Due to the fast nature of the post-synthetic metal cation-doping reaction, an engineered time-to-space transformation strategy is employed to unravel the kinetics and fundamental mechanism of the doping process. Using a modular microfluidic platform equipped with a translational in situ absorption and photoluminescence spectroscopy probe, we propose a heterogeneous surface-doping mechanism through a vacancy-assisted metal cation migration. The developed in-flow doping strategy can open new avenues for on-demand optoelectronic properties tuning and scalable precision synthesis of high-quality metal cation-doped PQDs.
Melatonin effects on bone: Implications for use as a therapy for managing bone loss

Melatonin is the primary circadian output signal from the brain and is mainly synthesized in pinealocytes. The rhythm and secretion of melatonin are under the control of an endogenous oscillator located in the SCN or the master biological clock. Disruptions in circadian rhythms by shift work, aging, or light at night are associated with bone loss and increased fracture risk. Restoration of nocturnal melatonin peaks to normal levels or therapeutic levels through timed melatonin supplementation has been demonstrated to provide bone-protective actions in various models. Melatonin is a unique molecule with diverse molecular actions targeting melatonin receptors located on the plasma membrane or mitochondria or acting independently of receptors through its actions as an antioxidant or free radical scavenger to stimulate osteoblastogenesis, inhibit osteoclastogenesis, and improve bone density. Its additional actions on entraining circadian rhythms and improving quality of life in an aging population coupled with its safety profile make it an ideal therapeutic candidate for protecting against bone loss in susceptible populations. The intent of this review is to provide a focused discussion on bone loss and disorders of the bone as it relates to melatonin and conditions that modify melatonin levels with the hope that future therapies include those that include melatonin and correct those factors that modify melatonin levels like circadian disruption.
Vibration of natural rock arches and towers excited by helicopter-sourced infrasound

Abstract. Helicopters emit high-power infrasound in a frequency range that can coincide with the natural frequencies of rock landforms. While a single previous study demonstrated that close-proximity helicopter flight was able to excite potentially damaging vibration of rock pinnacles, the effects on a broader range of landforms remain unknown. We performed a series of controlled flights at seven sandstone arches and towers in Utah, USA, recording their vibration response to helicopter-sourced infrasound. We found that landform vibration velocities increased by a factor of up to 1000 during close-proximity helicopter flight as compared to ambient conditions immediately prior and that precise spectral alignment between infrasound and landform natural frequencies is required to excite resonance. We define admittance as the ratio of vibration velocity to infrasound pressure and recorded values of up to 0.11 mm s −1 Pa −1 . While our results demonstrate a strong vibration response, the measured velocities are lower than likely instantaneously damaging values. Our results serve as a basis for predicting unfavorable degradation of culturally significant rock landforms due to regular helicopter overflights.
Repeated Endovascular Interventions Are Worthwhile, Even After Thrombosis, to Maintain Long-Term Use of Autogenous Dialysis Fistulas.

Objectives:Patients often require multiple access re-interventions to improve fistula patency and the overall usable lifespan of autogenous arteriovenous fistula (aAVF). There is no consensus on th...
Differences in consulting experiences with for-profit and non-profit clients: Implications for practice and research

Abstract There have been calls to incorporate more experiential learning activities such as problem-based learning and service-learning in business and management program curricula. Although there has been greater implementation of such pedagogies and more research on the effect of these pedagogies on learning outcomes, there still are gaps in our understanding of how to use them. One form of problem-based learning that has increased in popularity involves incorporating consulting projects in a variety of business courses. Students, in such courses, typically are organized into teams and act as “consultants” to local non-profit or for-profit businesses. Despite the growing popularity of student consulting courses and their potential advantages, few studies compare experiences when consulting with for-profit organizations with experiences when consulting with non-profit organizations. This article sought to identify the differences in the two and offer suggestions for instructors designing a project-based course, to maximize student learning and the likelihood of success. We draw from our own reflections in teaching courses that have incorporated these projects over the course of nearly two decades. Our experience indicates that projects with non-profit organizations require greater instructor preparation in advance of the project start date, more active management from the instructor during project completion, and more time for reflection after the projects are completed. We explore the implications for research and practice and offer suggestions for future research.
Testing Cognitive and Interpersonal Asymmetry vs. Symmetry Among Voters in the 2020 Presidential Primaries

During the 2020 U.S. Presidential primary season, we measured candidate support and cognitive and interpersonal variables associated with political ideology among 831 U.S. participants. Cognitive style variables included openness to experience, active open-minded thinking, dogmatism, and preference for one right answer. Interpersonal variables were compassion and empathy. We modeled candidate support across the political spectrum, ranging from the most conservative to the most liberal (Trump, Bloomberg, Biden, Warren, Sanders), testing competing pre-registered predictions informed by the symmetry and asymmetry perspectives on political ideology. Specifically, we tested whether mean levels on the variables of interest across candidate supporters conformed to patterns consistent with symmetry (i.e., a curvilinear pattern with supporters of relatively extreme candidates being similar to each other relative to supporters of moderate candidates) vs. asymmetry (e.g., linear differences across supporters of liberal vs. conservative candidates). Results broadly supported the asymmetry perspective: Supporters of liberal candidates were generally lower on cognitive rigidity and higher on interpersonal warmth than supporters of conservative candidates. Results and implications are discussed.
Crystal‐density measurements

Crystal-density measurements may be necessary to define a crystal’s molecular-packing arrangement, particularly when a crystal has an unusual packing density (very dense or very open); when there are a large number of subunits in the crystallographic asymmetric unit; when the structure consists of heterogeneous subunits, so the molecular symmetry or packing is uncertain; and for crystals of nucleic acids, nucleic acid/protein complexes and viruses. Topics covered in this chapter include: solvent in macromolecular crystals; the Matthews number; algebraic concepts related to crystal density; experimental estimation of hydration; and methods for measuring crystal denisty. A discussion of how to handle solvent density is also given. Keywords: Archimedes’ method; Matthews number; crystal-density measurement; flotation method; gradient-tube method; estimation of hydration; immersion microbalance; pycnometry; solvent; solvent density; tomographic crystal-volume measurement; volumenometry
A real-time hardware-in-the-loop vehicle simulator for traction assist

A computer simulation technique which simulates a vehicle in real–time is presented. The vehicle has been divided into a number of subsystems, and each subsystem is modelled separately. Along with the models, the hardware components of several control units were linked together to provide a generic real–time Hardware–In–The–Loop (HITL) vehicle simulation. Such a model provides the capability to verify analytical and experimental data, and adjust the hardware of certain vehicle components on the test bench. It also provides powerful, complex and dynamic real–time simulations while being portable (unlike large mainframe systems developed for DYNMOD (DeLosh et al.) in non–real–time), reduces on–board vehicle testing time, makes it adaptable to include different types of vehicles, and is cost–effective. This paper outlines the major features of the simulation models, showing a typical application for Traction Assist (TA) development. The simulation model was verified for a TA event by taking measurements from an on–board computer while the vehicle was driven on various types of road surfaces. The results obtained experimentally corresponded well with those obtained through simulation. Due to length limitations, only the results for the dry asphalt and packed snow type surfaces are shown.
Re-examining the Transnational Nanny

AbstractThis article explores whether the concept of a global care chain is useful in understanding the migration of careworkers internationally. It examines how an affective approach to understanding migration could supplement the care chain analysis by accounting for the overlapping, shifting, contingent and non-linear networks of emotion that arise during migrations. Analyzing carework through the lens of an “affective economy” is more revealing of the multiple experiences of Filipino gay and transgender caregivers in Tel Aviv and New York, Peruvian careworkers in Spain and Polish careworkers in Germany, as but three brief, illustrative examples. First I will discuss what the care chain approach can illuminate about the multiple and varied stories of migrant careworkers and how it may also essentialize or oversimplify their experiences. I will then suggest that the model naturalizes the caring, biological mother and reinforces geographical and ideological binaries such as North/South, winner/loser and ...
Liver Transplantation in Hemophilia A

Four patients with hemophilia A have undergone liver transplantation in our institution, three successfully. The first was a 21-year-old man with chronic active hepatitis (CAH) in whom the effects of previous abdominal operations prevented the satisfactory technical insertion of the new liver. He died intraoperatively. The second patient was a 15-year-old boy with CAH who began to synthesize factor VIII coagulant activity (F VIII:C) within 18 hours of successful liver transplantation and has continued to do so for almost 2 years (F VIII:C range 0.89 to 3.20 U/mL). The first 2 months of his postoperative course were complicated by infections, but since that time he has done well and has returned to school. The third patient was a 48-year-old man with portal fibrosis and severe ascites. He synthesized F VIII:C (range 0.96 to 1.50 U/mL) within six hours after reestablishment of circulation through the new liver. His postoperative course was complicated by numerous infections, and he died with sepsis and an acquired immunodeficiency-like syndrome 4 months after transplantation. The fourth patient was a 47-year-old mild hemophiliac with CAH who produced adequate factor VIII:C levels following transplantation (range 0.79 to 2.80 U/mL). These patients demonstrate that liver transplantation in hemophiliacs with end-stage liver disease may be lifesaving and results in correction of the F VIII:C deficiency and associated hemorrhagic tendency.
Secure query processing in intelligent database management systems

In a multilevel secure database management system, users cleared at different security levels access and share a database with data at different sensitivity levels. A serious threat to database security, not adequately addressed at present, is the inference problem. That is users acquire unauthorized information from the responses that they legitimately receive. It is the inferencing capability and deductive power of intelligent database systems that could provide viable approaches for handling the inference problem. The author describes secure query processing in intelligent database systems. The types of database systems that are considered are augmented relational systems, fuzzy relational systems and object-oriented systems. >
Feminist Empathy: Unsettling African Cultural Norms in The Secret Lives of Baba Segi's Wives

Africa has produced some of the more exciting literary works of the 21st century, and most were written by women. One of the things that these women have in common is their preoccupation with the pain that the African woman's body is subjected to by her society due to her gender. The writers are not shy about being called feminists, quite in contrast to the generation of writers before theirs. How are we to understand the concerns of these writers? What is the relationship between their feminist concerns and those of their literary and intellectual foremothers in Africa? This article re-examines African feminism, and suggests feminist empathy as a theoretical approach to African women's writings. Using Lola Shoneyin's novel The Secret Lives of Baba Segi's Wives as an example, I argue that the writers employ the riches of empathy as a social, liberatory virtue that not only throws light on the pains of ordinary Africans, but also can enhance human flourishing in African communities.
ESD protection of open-drain I2C using fragile devices in embedded systems

Design guidelines are presented to achieve efficient ESD protection on open-drain outputs. We will show that standard characterization techniques may lead to an inaccurate estimate of the device failure current and hence oversizing the output transistor. A design framework for I2C output stage based on a new characterization technique is presented to minimize the cost of ESD protection.
Membrane-restricted regulation of Ca2+ release and influx in polarized epithelia.

EPITHELIAL cells exist in a complex setting in which responses to mucosal or serosal environments are mediated by receptors expressed on specialized cellular domains, such as apical versus basolateral cell membranes. We investigated whether airway epithelia can react selectively through G-protein-coupled receptors to stimuli in the mucosal or serosal environments by measuring inositol phosphate and intracellular Ca2+ responses in polarized human nasal epithelial monolayers. We report here that unilateral ATP (10a¤-4 M) administration stimulated P2 purinoceptors and tapped pools of intracellular Ca2+ associated with the plasma membrane ipsilateral but not contralateral to stimulated receptors. Similarly, activation of plasma membrane Ca2+ influx by ATP was confined to the membrane ipsilateral to receptor stimulation. These findings demonstrate that polarized epithelia restrict P2 receptor-mediated responses to a single domain of the cell, reflecting membrane-specific generation and catabolism of inositol phosphates and confinement of calcium influx regulation to the membrane ipsilateral to the stimulated receptors.
Modeling and analysis of filtration combustion for synthesis of transition metal nitrides

Abstract Refractory nitrides can be synthesized from their elements in the combustion regime. This process is self sustaining given the highly exothermic nature of synthesis reactions. Non-isothermal measurements of combustion parameters were used to calculate the activation energy for the reaction between tantalum and nitrogen. A two dimensional pseudo-homogenous, unsteady state model of the process was solved numerically, employing a two-dimensional moving adaptive mesh. Reasonable agreement between experimental observations and numerical predictions was reached.
Regulatory interactions involving two hemoglobin loci of Chironomus

Loci encoding two very similar monomeric hemoglobins among the 10–12 larval hemoglobins of Chironomus tentans show opposite, apparently compensatory, changes in activity in the presence of a spontaneous regulatory mutant. The regulatory mutant maps near the structural loci for both hemoglobins in the right arm of chromosome 3. The locus showing a regulatory increase in rate of synthesis does so in both cis and trans alleles. The locus showing decreased activity, however, undergoes nearly complete inactivation in cis. The regulatory mutant may represent a lesion of a promoter serving the latter.
The North American Naturalization Gap: An Institutional Approach to Citizenship Acquisition in the United States and Canada

Using 1990 U.S. Census 5% PUMS and 1991 Canadian Census 3% public and 20% restricted microfiles, this article demonstrates the existence of a North American naturalization gap: immigrants living in Canada are on average much more likely to be citizens than their counterparts in the United States, and they acquire citizenship much faster than those living south of the border. Current theories explaining naturalization differences - focusing on citizenship laws, group traits or the characteristics of individual migrants - fail to explain the naturalization gap. Instead, I propose an institutional approach to citizenship acquisition. States' normative stances regarding immigrant integration (interventionist or autonomous) generate integrated or disconnected institutional configurations between government, ethnic organizations and individuals. Evidence from a case study of Portuguese immigrants living in Massachusetts and Ontario suggests that in Toronto government bureaucrats and federal policy encourage citizenship through symbolic support and instrumental aid to ethnic organizations and community leaders. In contrast, Boston area grassroots groups are expected to mobilize and aid their constituents without direct state support, resulting in lower citizenship levels.
Identification of immunological reagents for use in the study of freshwater planarians by means of whole-mount immunofluorescence and confocal microscopy.

In recent years, interest in planarians as a model system for the study of metazoan regeneration, adult stem cell biology, and the evolution of metazoan body plans has been growing steadily. The availability of RNA interference (RNAi), BrdU-labeling of planarian stem cells, and thousands of planarian cDNA sequences soon to be released into public databases has opened planarians to molecular dissection. However, the successful application of large-scale RNAi-based screens, for example, will depend in part on the availability of markers to characterize the resulting phenotypes. Given the paucity of antibodies available for the study of planarian biology, we have screened various public and commercial antibody resources to identify immunoreagents capable of cross-reacting with planarian tissues. Here we report the identification and characterization of 33 such antibodies recognizing a wide variety of tissues in freshwater planarians.
Effect of purine derivatives on Trypanosoma cruzi in vitro

Abstract One pyrimidine and nine purine derivatives were studied in vitro against T. cruzi. Concentrations of 1/750 to 1/30,000 inhibited the trypanosomes studied manometrically and also in cultures both aerobically and anaerobically. 2,6-diamino purine hydrate appeared to be the most active of the agents studied.
Bilateral Kienbock's Disease Concomitant with Bilateral Legg–Calvé–Perthes Disease: A Case Report

Osteonecrosis may occur in major joints, including the hips, knees, shoulders, and wrists. In most cases, we believe it is caused by a combination of mechanical and circulatory etiologies, which ultimately result in the loss of blood supply to the bone [1]. Necrosis usually occurs unilaterally and affects one joint, although bilateral, multisite occurrence of this condition has been described [2]. Kienbock’s disease—avascular necrosis of the lunate—most commonly occurs unilaterally and its pathogenesis and therefore appropriate method of treatment remains unclear. In this report, we describe a patient with concurrent bilateral Kienbock’s disease, Perthes disease, and transient ischemic attack (TIA). We suggest that in this case the bilateral Kienbock’s disease stems from a patient-related pathological tendency rather than from mechanical overload on the joints alone.
The effect of urea on the aggregate state and elastase inhibitor activity of the water-insoluble fraction from bovine and human lens.

Preparations of α-crystallin from bovine and human lens exhibited elastase inhibitor activity with a specific activity of 100–250 U mg−1 protein. A washed water-insoluble fraction from bovine, human and cataractous lens nuclei, when solubilized by sonication, gave specific activities of 910, 950 and 1270 U mg−1, respectively. Disaggregation of these water-insoluble fractions in 8·0 m urea, with subsequent reaggregation by urea removal, resulted in a decrease in inhibitor activity. Agarose A-5m gel filtration chromatography after the urea treatment resolved a residual high molecular weight (HMW) fraction and a peak which eluted at the position of water soluble α-crystallin. Assays showed that the urea-induced ‘α-crystallin’ peaks from all three preparations had specific activities, equivalent to native α-crystallin, whereas the HMW fractions retained their original high specific activity. We conclude that the increased elastase inhibitor activity of the water-insoluble fraction is a property of the aggregate state of the component α-crystallin molecules, which is lost upon reaggregation to an 800-kDa α-crystallin. Amino acid analysis of the bovine water-insoluble fraction suggested a content of 85–90% α-crystallin and 10–15% βH-crystallin, which was confirmed by SDS-PAGE. The urea-induced ‘α-crystallin’ peak had an amino acid composition which was almost identical to that of water-soluble α-crystallin except for a 20% decrease in serine. The water-insoluble sonicate supernatant (WISS) fractions from normal human and cataractous lens nuclei had identical amino acid compositions, which were most similar to α-crystallin but as much as 30–40% of the WISS fraction was derived from other crystallins. The high α-crystallin content of the human water-insoluble fraction was confirmed by the D2 spectrum of the sonication solubilized proteins. In spite of the fact that these proteins are extensively cross-linked, and contain low molecular weight peptides as well as other crystallins, these solubilized WI proteins reassembled into α-crystallin-sized molecules after dissociation by urea.
AMOUNTS AND TURNOVER RATES OF BRAIN PROTEINS IN MORPHINE-TOLERANT MICE

— Mice were injected intracerebrally with radioactive leucine 30 min before decapitation. A double-label technique was used; e.g. [3H]leucine in control, untreated mice and [14C]leucine in morphine-tolerant (dependent) mice. Proteins were extracted sequentially from mouse brain with aqueous buffer, Triton X-100, and sodium lauryl sulphate. Each extract was subjected to electrophoresis on discontinuous, porosity-gradient acrylamide gels. When the protein patterns from untreated, acutely morphinized mice were compared with those from morphine-tolerant (dependent) mice, we observed no differences in the amounts of protein or of radioactivity in any of the 55 discrete bands.
Liposomes as drug carriers

Abstract The use of liposomes as drug carrying vehicles are summarized. Introduction of smaller doses, increased permeability, reduced toxicological and allergic effects and altered immunological responses are the advantages of the method. Experimental techniques for the preparation of drug containing liposomes and for their deliveries are surveyed. Proposed mechanisms for the incorporation of liposomes in cells are discussed. Examples for in vivo applications and for functional liposomes capable of “homing-in” to given targets are presented.
Protein methylation: a signal event in post-translational modification

Despite the data discussed here, little is known about the precise mechanisms that regulate protein methylation in eukaryotic cells. Ligand-stimulated regulation of a specific methyltransferase has not been directly demonstrated. In the case of the interferon receptor, histone methylating activity is constitutive and was not altered by treating intact cells for 5 min with interferon β. PRMT1 activity is qualitatively and quantitatively regulated by GST–TIS21 and GST–BTG1, two similar immediate-early gene fusion proteins, but these effects have only been demonstrated in vitro. The evidence for the involvement of protein methylation in differentiation is indirect, since these studies either rely on methylation inhibitors or measure the changes in methylation associated with unidentified, albeit specific, cellular proteins. The effects of methylation on the function of these proteins are also unknown. Thus, further efforts are required to establish the identities of both the enzymes and the substrates involved in regulated protein methylation in any given cellular model. For example, the nonreceptor agonist, elevated glucose, was recently shown to increase the incorporation of base-labile methyl groups (indicative of carboxyl methylation) into anti-CDC42 and anti-Rap1 immunoprecipitates from intact cells[24xKowluru, A. et al. J. Clin. Invest. 1996; 98: 540–555CrossrefSee all References][24]. Additional experiments indicate that carboxyl methylation of G proteins in this system is a requisite step in nutrient-induced insulin secretion. Similar approaches aimed at the identification of specific substrates altered by receptor-mediated events and the identification of the protein methyltransferase and methylesterase involved will further focus the molecular analysis of the role of regulated protein methylation in distinct cellular functions.The abundance of important signaling molecules that are methylated (including PP2A, G proteins, the Ras family of proteins, transcription factors and RNA processing proteins) and recent studies coupling growth factor receptors with protein methylation ensure that the role of protein methylation in cellular signaling events will receive a renewed and deserved interest in the near future.
Public health decisions: Actions and consequences

The goal of public health is to promote the best possible health for the whole population. Public health issues are numerous and can be unbelievably complex in form, scope, and possible consequence. Most public health decisions involve assessing several different options, weighing the respective benefits and risks of those options, and making difficult decisions that hopefully provide the greatest benefit to the affected populations. Many risk management decisions involve a variety of societal factors which modify risk assessment choices. The purpose of this paper is to point out difficulties in making decisions that impact public health. The intent of such decisions is to improve public health, but as illustrated in the paper, there can be unintended adverse consequences. Such unplanned issues require continued attention and efforts for responsible officials in the protection of environmental public health. This article presents examples of such events, when in the past, it was necessary to assess and regulate a number of potentially hazardous chemicals commonly used as insecticides, gasoline additives, and wood preservatives.
Saxagliptin: the evidence for its place in the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Introduction: The worldwide prevalence of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is high, and the chronically poor metabolic control that can result from T2DM is associated with a high risk for microvascular and macrovascular complications. Because of the progressive pathophysiology of T2DM, oral antidiabetic agents often fail to provide sustained glycemic control, indicating the need for new therapies. Saxagliptin (Onglyza™; Bristol-Myers Squibb Company, Princeton, NJ, USA; AstraZeneca Pharmaceuticals LP, Wilmington, DE, USA) is an oral dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitor, recently approved for the treatment of T2DM.
Voluntary ethanol drinking in C57Bl/6J and DBA/2J mice before and after sensitization to the locomotor stimulant effects of ethanol

Rationale: Drug-induced sensitization has been associated with enhanced drug self-administration and may contribute to drug addiction. Objectives: We investigated the possible association between sensitization to the locomotor stimulant effects of ethanol (EtOH) and voluntary EtOH consumption. Methods: Mice of the EtOH-avoiding DBA/2J (D2) and EtOH-preferring C57BL/6J (B6) inbred strains were offered the choice of an EtOH solution versus tap water (EtOH-experienced) or just water (Naive), and voluntary consumption was measured. Mice from each condition then received repeated EtOH or saline injections, and locomotor responses were measured. Subsequently, all mice were offered the choice of EtOH versus water, and voluntary consumption was again measured. A subsequent study examined relative susceptibility of D2 and B6 mice to EtOH-induced locomotor sensitization. Results: Voluntary EtOH consumption induced locomotor sensitization to an EtOH challenge in B6 mice. D2 mice consumed little EtOH, but developed sensitization with repeated EtOH treatments as expected. EtOH consumption was not altered in EtOH-sensitized D2 mice. Unexpectedly, B6 mice developed significant sensitization, and following sensitization, the EtOH-experienced EtOH-sensitized group consumed more EtOH than their EtOH-experienced saline-treated (non-sensitized) counterparts. In an independent study, B6 mice required between three and five EtOH injections to express sensitization, whereas for D2 mice, between one and three EtOH exposures were sufficient. Conclusions: Development of sensitization to the locomotor stimulant effects of EtOH may be associated with increased EtOH consumption in mice with high initial avidity for EtOH. In the same mice, voluntary EtOH consumption can also produce behavioral sensitization to the effects of EtOH.
Towards reconstructing the Muqaddimah following Ibn Khaldun's reading of the Idrisian text and maps1

This article is based on a paper that was intended initially to examine the only world map included in a manuscript of the Muqaddimah made probably under the supervision of Ibn Khaldun himself. Yet because the world map is an integral part of the Muqaddimah's sections on geography (Chapter One: ‘Second Prefatory Discussion’ and its ‘Supplement Note’) and since it has been well established now that Ibn Khaldun's text kept growing throughout his life, the author's investigation turned out to be about the history of the geographic text and the ways in which the latter would help ultimately to understand better the growth of the text of the Muqaddimah as a whole. This article will also examine the geographic sections' relationship to prior and contemporary sources, notably the manner in which the Muqaddimah's surviving ‘original’ world map could have played a major role in propagating the so-called ‘Al-Idrisi world map’.
Effects of short-duration transients on cardiac rhythm

Cardiac stimulation thresholds of short-duration large-amplitude electrical transients were studied. An isolated rabbit heart model was used and transients were applied directly to the heart through electrodes of 1 mm2 and 1 cm2 surface area. A variety of oscillatory waveforms and pulse configurations were studied and indicated that, for transients shorter than 100 μs, stimulation thresholds approach a constant charge-transfer density of 3·4 μC cm−2.
Katalytische enantioselektive Retro‐Aldolreaktion: kinetische Racematspaltung von β‐Hydroxyketonen durch Aldolase‐Antikörper

Hohe Enantiomerenanreicherung nach 50 % Umsatz: Racemate von Aldolen konnten durch die Titelreaktion [Gl. (1)] mit den Aldolase-Antikorpern 38C2 und 33F12 gespalten werden; die ee-Werte der nicht umgesetzten Aldole betrugen in den meisten Fallen >95 %. Weil die Antikorper auch die Aldolreaktion, also die Ruckreaktion, katalysieren, ist es moglich, beide Enantiomere mit einem einzigen katalytischen Antikorper zu synthetisieren.
The fine structure and morphological organization of non-myelinated nerve fibres.

The fine structure and morphological organization of non-myelinated nerve fibres were studied by ultra-thin sectioning and electron microscopy in peripheral nerves, autonomic nerves and dorsal roots. Several non-myelinated fibres share the cytoplasm of a Schwann cell. The Schwann cells of non-myelinated fibres form a syncytium. The fibres are incompletely surrounded by Schwann cell cytoplasm and are suspended in the cytoplasm by mesaxons formed by the plasma membranes of the Schwann cell. The various relationships of mesaxon and nerve fibre are described. Non-myelinated fibres which do not share a Schwann cell are seen very frequently in the sciatic nerve of a new-born mouse but become less common as myelination proceeds and are rare in adults. It is therefore suggested that in developing peripheral nerves, the non-myelinated fibres that are destined to myelinate are not organized into groups within a single Schwann cell, even before their myelin sheath has appeared; they are, at least for the ages examined here, individuals in relation to a surrounding individual Schwann cell. It is also suggested that the non-myelinated fibres that will never acquire a myelin sheath are organized in a developing peripheral nerve in the same manner as in the adult nerve--several fibres sharing a single Schwann cell that is part of a syncytial system of Schwann cells. Thus, in a developing peripheral nerve, it appears that two types of non-myelinated fibres are present--one destined to myelinate and lying alone in its own Schwann cell and the other, destined to remain unmyelinated and sharing, along with other non-myelinated fibres of the same type, a Schwann cell. The significance of these observations is discussed in relation to the development of nerve fibres and possible physiological importance.
The origin of aluminum-poor ferromanganoan sediments in areas of high heat flow on the East Pacific Rise

Abstract Over large areas with high heat flow on the East Pacific Rise the sediments are abnormally poor in aluminum and titanium and rich in iron, manganese, boron, arsenic, cadmium, vanadium and chromium compared to pelagic sediments in general. Most likely the sediments have incorporated precipitates from volcanic emanations that debouch on the crest of the rise. The mineralizing emanations probably originate in the crust or upper mantle, or both.
Nicotine withdrawal and depressive symptomatology during short-term smoking abstinence: a comparison of postmenopausal women using and not using hormone replacement therapy

This study investigated whether taking medications for transdermal hormone replacement therapy (HRT) influenced smoking-cessation variables in postmenopausal women undergoing short-term abstinence from cigarettes. Women were recruited into two groups according to their pre-enrollment medication status--those currently on HRT (n = 17) or those not on HRT (n = 13). The HRT group had their previous medication replaced with a standard 0.1 mg estradiol transdermal system and 2.5 mg of Cycrin daily. After 2 weeks of medication adjustment, participants continued smoking as usual for 1 week, at which time baseline measurements were taken. Participants were then instructed to quit smoking for the remaining 2 weeks. They were provided with smoking-cessation counseling and monitored for abstinence. Data were collected during five clinic visits on all dependent measures: Minnesota Nicotine Withdrawal Scale, Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) scale, Profile of Mood States, Motor Speed Tasks, and Reaction Time Test. Contrary to our hypothesis, the exogenous hormone use did not have a differential effect on most of the dependent variables during the first 2 weeks of smoking abstinence. One exception was depressive symptomatology: the BDI change scores (week 2 - baseline) differed significantly for the HRT and non-HRT groups (p = .045), with women in the HRT group experiencing an increase in depressive symptomatology. This finding, though preliminary, may have clinical implications for postmenopausal women who attempt to quit smoking while on HRT, particularly since depressed mood following abstinence is associated with a relapse to smoking.
An overview of contemporary office automation technology

Abstract Technological innovations have, until recently, had little impact on the office environment. The advent of the microelectronic revolution has generated devices and mechanisms that support a wide spectrum of administrative functions and increase both the efficiency and effectiveness of office workers. This paper presents a state-of-the-art perspective on the newer technological aids developed specifically for the office environment. The speed and versatility of these aids is a tribute to recent innovations in the field of computers and communications.
Compression of Quality Factors in Next Generation Sequencing

We propose a compression algorithm for the quality scores contained in FASTQ files which are generated in large volumes during high throughput sequencing. The proposed algorithm is a context dependent arithmetic coder which is based on observations of the structure of quality scores in FASTQ files. Simulation results indicate a significantly superior performance of the algorithm to the current state of the art.
Book Review: Is Research on Beauty Only Skin Deep? Review of The Psychology of Physical Attraction

(2008). Book Review: Is Research on Beauty Only Skin Deep? Review of The Psychology of Physical Attraction. The Journal of Social Psychology: Vol. 148, No. 3, pp. 379-384.
Dicopper moieties stabilized by Fréchet-type dendrons: Syntheses and structural characterizations

Abstract Five paddlewheel-shaped dicopper molecules, 1, 2a, 2b, 3 and 4, were synthesized from the reaction of copper acetate and different generations of Frechet-type dendrons (HG1–HG4). All compounds showed diagnostic bands in their FTIR spectra for the coordinated carboxylate groups with separations of COasym and COsym lower than 200 cm−1 suggesting the formation of dimers. A broad absorbance band centered at 700, 695, 695 and 693 nm was observed for compounds 1–4 respectively, which is ascribed to the d–d charge-transfer in Cu(II) complexes. A LMCT absorption was observed near 304, 290, 298 and 294 nm for compounds 1–4 respectively. Magnetic susceptibility measurements for 1, 2a and 3 at 1.53, 1.53 and 1.7 respectively in the solid state at 293 K are also suggestive of a dimeric arrangement. The structures of HG2, 1, 2a, and 2b were characterized unambiguously with single crystal X-ray diffraction. Three molecules constituted the asymmetric unit of HG2 in the monoclinic space group P21/n and resulted in dimers formed via intermolecular carboxylic acid-type hydrogen bonds. Compounds 1, 2a, and 2b contain centrosymmetric paddlewheel-shaped dinuclear copper molecules bridged by four carboxylate groups in syn, syn arrangements. The copper centers in compounds 1, 2a, and 2b are all coordinated by four carboxylate O atoms in a square pyramidal geometry and the ligands on the apical positions are disordered and occupied by either water, THF, pyridine or methanol molecules. In 1, all the hydroxyl O atoms are involved in hydrogen bonding, which results in the formation of a 3D network. π–π stacking interactions involving phenyl rings were observed in the crystal structures of HG2, 2a and 2b.
A new hybrid transfinite element computational methodology for applicability to conduction/convection/radiation heat transfer

This paper describes new and recent advances in the development of a hybrid transfinite element computational methodology for applicability to conduction/convection/radiation heat transfer problems. The transfinite element methodology, while retaining the modeling versatility of contemporary finite element formulations, is based on application of transform techniques in conjunction with classical Galerkin schemes and is a hybrid approach. The purpose of this paper is to provide a viable hybrid computational methodology for applicability to general transient thermal analysis. Highlights and features of the methodology are described and developed via generalized formulations and applications to several test problems. The proposed transfinite element methodology successfully provides a viable computational approach and numerical test problems validate the proposed developments for conduction/convection/radiation thermal analysis.
Cloning, expression and characterization of thymidylate synthase from Cryptococcus neoformans.

Abstract The thymidylate synthase (TS)-encoding gene from Cryptococcus neoformans ( Cn ) has been isolated from cDNA and genomic libraries. The 1127-bp gene contains three introns and a 951-bp open reading frame encoding a 35844-Da protein. The cDNA clones lack 324 bp of the 5' coding region of the gene. The complete coding sequence was assembled as an expression cassette in pUC19 using parts of the coding sequence from the cDNA and genomic DNA and completing the sequence using synthetic DNA. Production of active TS from Cn (CnTS) was first demonstrated by complementation of a thymine(Thy)-requiring Escherichia coli strain. The expression cassette was subsequently subcloned into the T7 polymerase vector pET15-b. In this construct, CnTS is produced as approximately 10% of the total soluble protein in E. coli . Homogeneous enzyme was obtained at a 36% yield after consecutive chromatography on DEAE-cellulose, Q-Sepharose, phenyl-Sepharose and Affi-Gel Blue. Steady-state kinetic analysis showed that the K m values for dUMP and CH 2 H 4 -folate were 2.7 ± 0.5 μM and 38.2 ± 2.5 μM, respectively, and the K cat was 5.1 s −1 . The enzyme was stable upon storage at −80°C in Tris-HCl pH 7.4 and thiol.