cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Sponging of cellular proteins by viral RNAs

Viral RNAs accumulate to high levels during infection and interact with a variety of cellular factors including miRNAs and RNA-binding proteins. Although many of these interactions exist to directly modulate replication, translation and decay of viral transcripts, evidence is emerging that abundant viral RNAs may in certain cases serve as a sponge to sequester host non-coding RNAs and proteins. By effectively reducing the ability of cellular RNA binding proteins to regulate host cell gene expression, viral RNAs can alter the response to infection and favor viral replication. This review focuses on the potential contribution that sequestration of cellular proteins by viral RNAs makes to viral replication and cytopathology.
Coronary rotational ablation : initial experience in 302 procedures

Abstract Objectives . The aim of this study was to assess the utility of percutaneous transluminal coronary rotational ablation in the treatment of coronary artery disease. Background . Although numerous advances have been made in the treatment of coronary artery disease, there are lesions with complex morphology that are not amenable to current intravascular therapy. Methods . A consecutive series of 242 patients having 302 coronary rotational ablasion procedures was analyzed. One hundred nineteen (49%) of tbe patients had previously undergone attempted coronary angioplasty, which was unsuccessful in 31 patients (13%). The left ventricular ejection fraction was normal in 196 patients (81%). The ablation procedure was attempted in 308 vessels and 346 lesions. Of the 346 lesions treated, 26 (7.5%) were classified as American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association type A, and 320 (92.5%) as either type B or type C. Results . Procedural success was achieved in 284 (94%) of the 302 procedures and 330 (95.4%) of the 346 lesions in which ablation was attempted. Five procedures (1.7%) were unsuccessful, but no cardiac event occurred during the hospital stay. A major cardiac event occurred in 13 cases (4.3%); 9 (3%) of these complications were due to the ablation procedure. Six patients sustained a Q wave myocardial infarction alone, two had a Q wave infarction and required emergency surgery and one needed emergency surgery but did not have a Q wave infarction. No procedural deaths were attributed to the ablation procedure. Follow-up has been obtained in 182 of the 242 patients at a mean interval of 9 ± 5 months. Of the 182 patients, 174 (95, 6%) were alive and free of myocardial infarction. Angiographic follow-up is available thus far in 87 patients. By combining angiographic and clinical outcome, an overall estimated restenosis rate of 37.4% (68 of 182) was calculated. Conclusions . These data suggest that coronary rotational ablation can be performed on lesions with a variety of morphologic features with high initial success rates. The overall rate of restenosis is similar to that of balloon angioplasty.
The generation of tunable coherent radiation in the wavelength range 2300-3000 Å using lithium formate monohydride

Abstract The generation of continuously tunable UV radiation in the wavelength range 2300–3000 A by frequency doubling the output of a nitrogen pumped dye laser is described. A lithium formate monohydride crystal 10 mm long yields a conversion efficiency of typically 2% at fundamental powers in excess of 50 kW and allows the generation of harmonic radiation at wavelengths 150 A below those attainable using a refrigerated ammonium dihydrogen phosphate crystal.
Effect of mobile helium on void nucleation in materials during irradiation

Abstract The steady-state rate of void nucleation is calculated for irradiated materials containing mobile helium. At the low displacement rates typical of a fast-breeder reactor a concentration of less than 10 −10 atom fraction helium can cause a 10 20 increase in nucleation rate. The helium is less effective at the high displacement rates typical of accelerator experiments, but can increase the void-nucleation rate by 10 4 at a helium concentration of 10 −8 . The calculated void-nucleation rates for low displacement rates and without helium are too low to explain the void number densities observed in breeder-reactor irradiated materials. Therefore, void nucleation in reactor environments is helium-assisted. Accelerator experiments intended to simulate void nucleation under reactor conditions must be carefully designed to observe gas-assisted rather than homogeneous void nucleation.
Adrenergic-receptor desensitization and course of clinical improvement with desipramine treatment.

α2-Adrenergic receptor sensitivity was assessed during desipramine treatment by carefully monitoring clonidine-induced blood pressure changes, as well as symptomatology, in three patients with major depressive disorder. The data appear to be consistent with the hypothesis that the antidepressant action of desipramine is mediated by α2-autoreceptor desensitization.
New type of periodic long-range restructuring of ordered metal surfaces induced by lateral adsorbate interactions: Iodide on Au(110) electrodes.

A new form of long-range surface restructuring of Au(110) is reported, specifically for Au(110) in aqueous iodide electrolyte at high electrode potentials where an ordered iodide adlayer is present. In situ scanning tunneling microscopy reveals the formation of periodic terrace strips paralleling the (110) direction with widths, ca. 25-40 \AA{}A, that diminish as the surface potential is increased. The (1 \ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{} 1) substrate unit cell, however, remains unaffected. The restructuring is postulated to be due to dipole-dipole repulsive interactions destabilizing terrace sites distant from steps, and hence limiting the size of the substrate-adlayer domains.
Flexibility and stiffness in nicked DNA.

Abstract The effect of single-strand breaks (“nicks”) on the flexibility of DNA in saline solution was studied over a range of temperature. The nicked DNA was prepared by treating mechanically-degraded calf thymus DNA with pancreatic DNase. The flexibility was determined by observations of [η] and sedimentation. Two main results were obtained: (1) at room temperature even samples with more than one nick per persistence length exhibited no increased flexibility; (2) at temperatures near the melting region, [η] of nicked DNA showed a decrease relative to intact DNA at the same temperature. The second observation can be quantitatively explained by denaturation of the short helical portions between closely-spaced nicks, since the viscosity loss was largely irreversible and was proportional to the square of the frequency of nicks.
Fall in liver DNA polymerase activity in cortisone-treated rats.

THE physiological properties of glucocorticoid hormones include inhibitory effects on growth and cell division both in intact animals and in tissue culture: administration of these compounds stops net DNA synthesis in the livers of growing rats1, inhibits mitosis in various cells in tissue culture2–4, and reduces the burst of DNA synthesis which ordinarily follows partial hepatectomy5,6. Administration of glucocorticoid hormones is well known to inhibit DNA synthesis in a number of systems, but the mechanisms by which this might occur remain obscure. While Guzek has shown that the administration of cortisone or ACTH to partially hepatectomized rats quickly inhibits incorporation of radioactive thymidine into liver DNA in vivo7, attempts to demonstrate a direct effect of glucocorticoid hormones on DNA polymerase activity in vitro have been unsuccessful8. The possibility exists, however, that the administration of these hormones in vivo may result in significant changes in enzyme activity, and because of the good correlation between mitotic activity and DNA polymerase activity of liver in a number of different conditions9–13, we thought it of interest to examine the effects of glucocorticoid administration on the DNA polymerase activity of rat liver. We shall show that the administration of cortisone to young rats rapidly decreases liver DNA polymerase activity. This decline can be demonstrated within a day of the onset of treatment and can be observed at considerably lower doses of hormone than have generally been used in other studies on rat liver.
Mask 3D effects on contact layouts of 1Xnm NAND flash devices

It is a distinctive feature of the metal contact layout in NAND flash memory devices that there are small-pitch contact patterns and random-pitch contact patterns in one layout. This kind of pitch difference between cell array patterns and isolated single patterns hadn’t had a decisive effect on wafers when the illumination condition is not aggressive. However, the pattern pitch difference has caused various problems including the best focus shift due to extreme illuminations. The common DOF margin of a contact layout is degraded when the best focus depth for each pattern is variable. Mask topography effect is well known for the major cause of best focus shift between contact patterns which have different pitches. The demand for device technology node shrink for production cost reduction has required adoption of hyper NA illumination conditions, and this aggressive illumination made it hard to secure an enough common DOF margin due to the best focus shift. In this work, the best focus shift phenomenon among different-pitch patterns caused by mask 3D effects is studied according to the various illumination conditions. It is found that the more aggressive illumination condition is and the bigger the pitch difference among patterns in one layout is, the bigger the best focus shift become. Also, we suggest the solution for avoiding this DOF margin degradation, which is SRAF optimization.
Effect of slurry heating rate on short-contact-time coal liquefaction

Abstract The effects of changes in heating rate of a coal/solvent slurry on conversions to pyridine-soluble material have been examined. Dramatic increases in conversions were observed when the coal/solvent mixture was maintained at a temperature of 589 K for 10 min before heating to reaction conditions of 700 K for 5 min. In particular, conversion increased from 32.0 to 76.7 wt % and the ratio of oils to preasphaltenes increased by a factor of four. The temperature range for the greatest effect is observed to be 550–595 K while 450 K shows no change in conversion. The mechanism is thought to be chemisorption of the solvent or solvent occlusion which would increase the concentration of hydrogen donor in the coal matrix thus affecting the reaction environment. Additional studies to further define the details of the programmed heating rate as well as explore the mechanism are needed.
Bio-cooperation and the benefits of crop genetic resources: the case of Mexican maize

Abstract Concern for equity and conservation has prompted the creation of “bio-prospecting contracts” for biological resources from less developed countries. One potential type of contract is between farmers who provide crop genetic resources and seed companies or agencies that use these resources. Theoretically bio-contracts will reward peasant farmers for preserving genetic resources and balance equities between farmers and seed companies. Using maize from Mexico as a case study, this paper concludes that contracting is problematic on both efficacy and equity grounds. “Bio-cooperation” is presented as an alternative. Institutional support and licensing agreements that support human capital development are proposed as alternatives.
The impact of disruptive innovations in orthopaedics

The US healthcare system is currently facing daunting demographic and economic challenges. Because musculoskeletal disorders and disease represent a substantial and growing portion of this healthcare burden, novel approaches will be needed to continue to provide high-quality, affordable, and accessible orthopaedic care to our population. The concept of “disruptive innovations,” which has been studied and popularized by Harvard Business School Professor Clayton Christensen, may offer a potential framework for developing strategies to improve quality and control costs associated with musculoskeletal care. The introduction of mobile fluoroscopic imaging systems, the development of the Surgical Implant Generation Network intramedullary nail for treatment of long bone fractures in the developing world, the expanding role and contributions of physician assistants and nurse practitioners to the orthopaedic team, and the rise of ambulatory surgery centers are all examples of disruptive innovations in the field of orthopaedics. Although numerous cultural and regulatory barriers have limited the widespread adoption of these “disruptive innovations,” we believe they represent an opportunity for clinicians to regain leadership in health care while at the same time improving quality and access to care for patients with musculoskeletal disease.
A phylogeny of the temperate seabasses (Moronidae) characterized by a translocation of the mt-nd6 gene

The entire mitochondrial genome of the striped bass Morone saxatilis was sequenced together with the mitochondrial (mt) control regions of the white bass Morone chrysops, white perch Morone americana, yellow bass Morone mississippiensis, spotted seabass Dicentrarchus punctatus, European seabass Dicentrarchus labrax and the Japanese seabass Lateolabrax japonicus. The resultant 17 580 base pair circular genome of M. saxatilis contains 38 genes (13 proteins, 23 transfer RNAs and two ribosomal RNAs) and a control region bordered by the proline and phenylalanine mitochondrial tRNAs. Gene arrangement was similar to other vertebrates, except that the mt-nd6 gene was found within the control region rather than the canonical position between the mt-nd5 and mt-cyb genes. This translocation was found in all the Morone and Dicentrarchus species studied without functional copies or pseudogenes in the ancestral position. In L. japonicus, the mt-nd6 gene was found in the canonical position without evidence of an mt-nd6 gene in the control region. A Bayesian analysis of these and published mt-nd6 sequences from 45 other Perciformes grouped the Morone and Dicentrarchus species monophyletically with a probability of 1·00 with respect to L. japonicus and all other perciforms, and placed the Dicentrarchus species in the basal position. These data reinforce current placement of L. japonicus outside the Moronidae and provide a clear evolutionary character to define this family. The phylogeny of the Moronidae presented here also supports the hypothesis of an anadromous common ancestor to this family that gave rise to the North American estuarine and freshwater species. A series of tandem repeats previously reported in M. saxatilis was found in the control region of all Morone species between the mt-nd6 and mt-rnr1 genes, but not in either Dicentrarchus species, which reinforces the continued use of these two separate genera.
Level structure and predicted intercombination lines in magnesium-like V xii, Cr xiii, Mn xiv, and Co xvi

Improved energy levels for V xii, Cr xiii, Mn xiv, and Co xvi are obtained from comparison of observed values with results calculated by the Superstructure program. Predicted wavelengths of important intercombination lines are given and some probable misidentifications in the literature are noted.
Why Seattle? An Examination of an Alternative Rock Culture Hearth

This article examines the emergence of the "Seattle sound" as a form of alternative rock music in the late 1980s and early 1990s. Sometimes called "grunge," the "Seattle sound" is reflective of the youth culture in the region. The music of the extraordinarily creative Seattle bands ranged from folk rock to heavy metal. Three common elements in the music seem to emerge: it is loud, it is honest, and it has often been difficult for the bands that play this music to receive a high degree of local recognition. The media have posited explicitly environmental deterministic arguments to explain the Seattle phenomenon ranging from the region's geographic isolation to its weather pattern. Seattle grew to predominance because of the juxtaposition of creative talent, record company agents anxious to sign new talent, and several successful independent record labels such as Sub Pop Records. As the music of Seattle became more mainstream, much of the creative energy was lost. Grunge metamorphosed into a Madison Avenue ...
Posthemorrhagic hydrocephalus in low-birth-weight infants: Treatment by serial lumbar punctures

We have performed weekly computed tomographic brain scans on 28 surviving low-birth-weight infants with cerebral intraventricular hemorrhage and acute ventricular dilatation. Evolving hydrocephalus was observed in 15 infants. Twelve of the 15 infants were treated by removing large volumes of cerebrospinal fluid with serial lumbar punctures. Arrest in the progression of hydrocephalus was evident in 11 of the 12. Clinical hydrocephalus requiring surgical intervention occurred in one of the treated infants and in all three untreated infants. No complications of serial lumbar punctures were noted, whereas shunt-related morbidity was 100%. Our results suggest that serial lumbar punctures are effective in arresting the development of posthemorrhagic hydrocephalus.
On the Crack Characteristic Signal From an Open-Ended Coaxial Probe

Detection of surface-breaking cracks in metals is an important issue in many industries (e.g., transportation, aerospace, nuclear). Commonly, eddy current and ultrasonic techniques are used for this purpose. In recent years, a significant amount of work has also been conducted using microwave methods. Consequently, to better understand the interaction between a microwave probe (i.e., open-ended rectangular waveguide or coax) and a crack, a number of electromagnetic models have been developed. For an open-ended coaxial probe, when a crack coincides with the center conductor region of the probe, all previously developed models significantly underestimate the results obtained from measurements. This paper examines the primary reason for this discrepancy, which turns out to be due to a geometrical perturbation in the probe center conductor geometry and its subsequent interaction with a crack.
Modeling of compressive failure in fiber reinforced composites

Abstract The classical results of compressive strength in fiber reinforced composites are briefly reviewed. The microbuckling analysis by Rosen (1965) and the Argon-Budiansky analysis for kink band formation ( Argon, 1972 , Budiansky, 1974 ) are discussed and their results are rederived by using a new generalized Timoshenko beam model which is developed for a two-dimensional periodic matrix–fiber–matrix laminate. Introducing a ‘shear hinge’ to simulate a kink band and using the method of split rigidities it is shown that not only an initial fiber misalignment but also any misalignment in the loading system can affect the critical stress for kinking. A new mechanism based on shear instability of matrix is proposed for kink band formation and a simple formula is then derived to predict the kink band angle. Finally, a criterion for matrix yielding combining axial compressive stress and transverse shear perturbation is applied to modify the Argon–Budiansky kinking formula.
Aqueous salt transport through soft contact lenses: An osmotic-withdrawal mechanism for prevention of adherence

In addition to improving oxygen permeability, modern silicone-hydrogel (SiHy) soft contact lenses (SCLs) exceed a limiting diffusive ion permeability to aqueous sodium chloride. Below the ion-permeability threshold, siloxane-based SCLs are prone to bind against the corneal epithelium. Salt permeability is argued to reflect indirectly water hydraulic permeability. However, no quantitative explanation is available to date for a threshold salt permeability. We hypothesize that molecular salt diffusion through a SCL supports the postlens tear film (PoLTF) by enhancing water flow into the PoLTF from the cornea. Higher salt concentrations in the PoLTF raise the osmotic pressure there relative to that in the cornea increasing osmotic water withdrawal from the cornea. The proposed osmotic-withdrawal mechanism successfully predicts a self-consistent threshold lens salt permeability when thin-film attractive binding forces are introduced. For the first time, we present a quantitative picture for the possible origin of a threshold salt permeability in SCL manufacture.
Palladium π-adduct of corannulene

The ternary palladium π-adduct of corannulene and benzene, [Pd 6 Cl 12 ·(C 20 H 10 ) 2 ·(C 6 H 6 ) 2 ]·C 6 H 6 ( 1 ), has been prepared by reacting the cubic Pd 6 Cl 12 -cluster with C 20 H 10 in benzene. It was structurally characterized to reveal η 1 -binding of Pd 6 Cl 12 to a hub C-atom of the convex surface of corannulene (Pd⋯C, 3.085(3) A) and its η 6 -complexation to benzene (Pd⋯C centroid , 3.431(3) A). The behavior and persistence of 1 in some aromatic solvents has been revealed by UV–vis and 1 H NMR spectroscopy studies.
Conflicting functional assessment of stenoses in patients with previous myocardial infarction

The utility of fractional flow reserve, absolute and relative flow reserve, and intravascular ultrasound may have an impact on decision-making for percutaneous coronary intervention in patients with previous myocardial infarction and microvascular dysfunction. The role for fractional flow reserve, absolute and relative flow reserve, and intravascular ultrasound is discussed.
The verification of nucleic acid amplification testing (Gen-Probe Aptima Assay) for chlamydia trachomatis from ocular samples.

Objective Chlamydia trachomatis conjunctivitis may present with extended symptoms, and it can have social ramifications as a sexually transmitted disease. For appropriate therapy, C. trachomatis conjunctivitis should be diagnosed definitively. This study presents the verification of nucleic acid amplification testing (NAAT; Gen-Probe Aptima Combo 2 assay) for detection of C. trachomatis ribosomal RNA (rRNA) from direct ocular samples. Design Retrospective laboratory verification study. Subjects Patients with infectious conjunctivitis. Methods A battery of 25 true-positive specimens (direct ocular specimens from patients with symptoms consistent with C. trachomatis conjunctivitis and with previously demonstrated positive polymerase chain reaction [PCR] results for C. trachomatis DNA by Roche Amplicor) and 25 true-negative specimens (direct ocular specimens with culture-positive results for herpes simplex virus [n = 5], adenovirus [n = 5], Haemophilus influenzae [n = 5], and Streptococcus pneumoniae [n = 5]), and transport medium (n = 5) were tested for C. trachomatis rRNA by NAAT. These true-negative specimens have differential etiologic agents of infectious conjunctivitis. The 25 C. trachomatis specimens with PCR-positive results (obtained May 1994–May 2012) and 20 true-negative infectious ocular specimens (obtained December 2008–August 2013) were collected with soft-tipped applicators and placed in transport medium. All excess specimens were stored at −80°C. All samples were centrifuged at 13,000 rpm for 1 hour at 6°C. For each sample, using the Aptima Unisex collection blue swab, a specimen was collected from the conical apex of the storage tube where a pellet was formed. The Aptima Unisex collection swab was placed in a tube of Aptima swab transport medium for testing. All samples were tested in duplicate. Main Outcome Measures Detection of C. trachomatis rRNA. Results Of 25 true-positive samples, 24 (96%) were positive by NAAT, whereas 25 of 25 true-negative samples (100%) showed negative results. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, and efficiency were determined to be 96%, 100%, 100%, 96%, and 98%, respectively. Conclusions The detection of C. trachomatis in ocular specimens by NAAT was verified for laboratory diagnosis. The test will be evaluated prospectively to determine future test performance precisely.
Delay discounting moderates the effect of food reinforcement on energy intake among non-obese women

Recent theoretical approaches to food intake hypothesize that eating represents a balance between reward-driven motivation to eat versus inhibitory executive function processes, however this hypothesis remains to be tested. The objective of the current study was to test the hypothesis that the motivation to eat, operationalized by the relative reinforcing value (RRV) of food, and inhibitory processes, assessed by delay discounting (DD), interact to influence energy intake in an ad libitum eating task. Female subjects (n = 24) completed a DD of money procedure, RRV task, and an ad libitum eating task in counterbalanced sessions. RRV of food predicted total energy intake, however the effect of the RRV of food on energy intake was moderated by DD. Women higher in DD and RRV of food consumed greater total energy, whereas women higher in RRV of food but lower in DD consumed less total energy. Our findings support the hypothesis that reinforcing value and executive function mediated processes interactively influence food consumption.
Cardiac Sodium Channel: Activation by CaM Involves a NaV1.5-NaV1.5 Interaction

Voltage-gated sodium channels (NaV) are integral membrane proteins, part of a macromolecular complex that is central to signaling in the heart and other excitable tissues. Regulation of the essential functions of the channel are complex and may differ among tissue-specific isoforms nevertheless, mechanistic understanding of the molecular regulation of the channel is beginning to emerge. We and others have demonstrated the importance of the carboxyl terminus (CT) in the regulation of the channel. The CT is a hot spot for mutations that produce inherited cardiac arrhythmias, myotonias, epilepsy and autism. In the case of NaV1.5, the cardiac channel, mutations of critical structural motifs in the CT (including an EF hand-like motif and an IQ motif) result in disease conditions such as Brugada and LQT syndromes. Also, altered NaV channel trafficking and function with consequent intracellular Na+ overload contributes to the development of dilated cardiomyopathy. The structure of the CT of the Nav1.5 channel in complex with calmodulin (CaM), determined to 2.9 A resolution, shows that many of the mutations associated with disease states occur at CTNav1.5-CaM interfaces. Based on this structure a mechanism for the transition to the non-inactivated state of the channel is proposed.
Carotid artery intima-media thickness measurements in the youth: reproducibility and technical considerations.

Background Carotid artery intima-media thickness (CIMT), a marker of atherosclerosis, is increased in youth at risk for future cardiovascular disease. Some pediatric studies have used CIMT as a primary outcome in clinical trials, yet data are limited on the standardization of methodology in children. The goal of this study was to evaluate reproducibility of CIMT measurements using two different measurement techniques. Methods Carotid artery ultrasound studies of children and adolescents obtained as a component of a research study in Kawasaki syndrome were retrospectively analyzed. The CIMTs of both common carotid arteries (CCAs) were measured by one of two sonographers at the time in the cardiac cycle when resolution subjectively was determined to be optimal (Opt-CIMT). These sonographers blindly remeasured a random sample of studies of their own and each other's, using the same method. Another observer made CIMT measurements using exclusively frames on the R wave (R-CIMT). A fourth observer independently measured a random sample of studies twice with the R-CIMT method. Results Carotid artery images from 184 subjects (mean age, 14.7 ± 2.2 years) were analyzed. The intraclass correlation coefficient for interobserver variability was 0.86 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.69–0.94) compared with 0.85 (95% CI, 0.65–0.93) for the right and 0.86 (95% CI, 0.67–0.94) versus 0.95 (95% CI, 0.87–0.98) for the left CCA for Opt-CIMT and R-CIMT, respectively. R-CIMT was significantly thicker than Opt-CIMT (right CCA, 0.439 ± 0.030 vs 0.428 ± 0.024 mm, P P Conclusion Pediatric CIMT measurements have excellent reproducibility when the same methodology is applied but vary significantly throughout the cardiac cycle. This report highlights the need to standardize CIMT measurements in the youth and supports the use of electrocardiographic timing, as recommended in adults, in pediatric longitudinal studies.
Performance calculations of tubular cover collectors

Abstract The transmittance of the tubular cover system is calculated by treating interactive problems of the array of tubular units. The thermal analysis of the tubular cover system with a plane absorber surface underneath is studied. It is assumed that the tube wall is composed of an infinitely long nodal structure. The energy balance and radiosity equations for each element of the node is evaluated and solved. The effectiveness of convection suppression is determined by the magnitude of imposed heat transfer through the tube walls.
Autoreduction of ferryl myoglobin: discrimination among the three tyrosine and two tryptophan residues as electron donors.

Ferric myoglobin undergoes a two-electron oxidation in its reaction with H2O2. One oxidation equivalent is used to oxidize Fe(III) to the Fe(IV) ferryl species, while the second is associated with a protein radical but is rapidly dissipated. The ferryl species is then slowly reduced back to the ferric state by unknown mechanisms. To clarify this process, the formation and stability of the ferryl forms of the Tyr → Phe and Trp → Phe mutants of recombinant sperm whale myoglobin (SwMb) were investigated. Kinetic studies showed that all the mutants react normally with H2O2 to give the ferryl species. However, the rapid phase of ferryl autoreduction typical of wild-type SwMb was absent in the triple Tyr → Phe mutant and considerably reduced in the Y103F and Y151F mutants, strongly implicating these two residues as intramolecular electron donors. Replacement of Tyr146, Trp7, or Trp14 did not significantly alter the autoreduction, indicating that these residues do not contribute to ferryl reduction despite the f...
A charge-recovery 600MHz FIR filter with 1.5-cycle latency overhead

We present a 14-tap 8-bit FIR chip designed using a novel charge-recovery logic family with only 1.5 cycles of additional latency over the best possible static CMOS design. Fabricated in a 0.13µm CMOS process, the chip operates in the 365—600MHz range with a 3nH on-chip inductor. At its resonant frequency of 466MHz, it dissipates 39.1mW and recovers 45% of the energy supplied to it.
Vasoprotection by heme oxygenase-1: interactions with soluble guanylate cyclase

Background Heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) is a highly inducible enzyme that metabolizes heme to generate equimolar amounts of carbon monoxide (CO), biliverdin, and ferrous iron. Subsequently, biliverdin is metabolized to the potent antioxidant bilirubin by biliverdin reductase. Compelling experimental evidence indicates that HO-1 and its end products protect against the development of vascular dysfunction in animal models atherosclerosis, postangioplasty restenosis, vein graft stenosis, thrombosis, myocardial infarction, and hypertension.
Recent Advances in Functional Testing of Ferroelectric Nanostructures

Rapid development of ferroelectric-based devices with reduced dimensions generated a strong need for extensive investigation of the size effects in these materials. This paper considers recent progress in application of the advanced modes of piezoresponse force microscopy (PFM), such as such as resonance-enhanced PFM, stroboscopic PFM and switching spectroscopy PFM, to investigation of the static and dynamic properties of nanoscale ferroelectric structures.
Fluctuation statistics of mesoscopic Bose-Einstein condensates: Reconciling the master equation with the partition function to reexamine the Uhlenbeck-Einstein dilemma

The atom fluctuation statistics of an ideal, mesoscopic, Bose-Einstein condensate are investigated from several different perspectives. By generalizing the grand canonical analysis (applied to the canonical ensemble problem), we obtain a self-consistent equation for the mean condensate particle number that coincides with the microscopic result calculated from the laser master equation approach. For the case of a harmonic trap, we obtain an analytic expression for the condensate particle number that is very accurate at all temperatures, when compared with numerical canonical ensemble results. Applying a similar generalized grand canonical treatment to the variance, we obtain an accurate result only below the critical temperature. Analytic results are found for all higher moments of the fluctuation distribution by employing the stochastic path integral formalism, with excellent accuracy. We further discuss a hybrid treatment, which combines the master equation and stochastic path integral analysis with results obtained based on the canonical ensemble quasiparticle formalism [Kocharovsky et al., Phys. Rev. A 61, 053606 (2000)], producing essentially perfect agreement with numerical simulation at all temperatures.
High-strain-rate testing of rapidly heated conductive materials to 7000° F

Electrically conductive materials are rapidly heated to temperatures near 7000° F in the newly developed facility described in this paper. The facility was designed to be used in conjunction with a high-strain-rate machine for testing a variety of materials including graphites, carbon phenolic and many metals under uniaxial stress states. A description of the direct resistance (I2R) heating technique is given, including discussion on the design problems and considerations associated with heating materials to very high temperatures. Among these considerations are measurement of true temperature, measurement of load and strain, reduction of radiative losse from the sample surface, protection of the gripping contact and alignment of the specimen for uniaxia-stress high-strain-rate testing. Heating rates approaching 20,000° F/sec have been realized and some preliminary test results are shown.
Nonspecific cytotoxic cells in fish : antigenic cross-reactivity of a function associated molecule with the intermediate filament vimentin

Abstract Nonspecific cytotoxic cells (NCC) in fish may lyse tumor cells and protozoan parasites in a similar fashion as their mammalian NK counterparts. Previous studies have shown that recognition and binding by NCC may be mediated by a receptor. In the present study the putative receptor of function-associated molecule (FAM) on NCC was shown to contain antigenic cross-reactivity with the mammalian intermediate filament vimentin. This was accomplished by comparing the specificity of anti-FAM monoclonal antibody 5C6 with commercially available anti-vimentin mabs V9 and 13.2 and with a polyclonal anti-vimentin antiserum. Tissue distribution studies indicated that tile anti-vimentin antibodies bound to significantly fewer (
Spatial Performance Is More Sensitive to Ethanol Than Nonspatial Performance Regardless of Cue Proximity

In rodents, ethanol produces a greater impact on the ability to perform spatial reference memory tasks than nonspatial reference memory tasks. Such evidence may reflect a selective disruption in the use of previously acquired spatial information. However, a nonmnemonic explanation has yet to be ruled out Tasks used to study ethanol's effects on spatial memory commonly require subjects to utilize distal, or extramaze, cues to respond correctly. In contrast, many previously used nonspatial tasks could be solved using cues located on the maze itself. Because ethanol has been shown to disrupt sensory processing, it is possible that previously observed differences in the effects of ethanol on spatial and nonspatial performance were actually due to differences in the proximity of relevant cues in the spatial and nonspatial tasks and not to a selective disruption in spatial memory. The present study compares the effects of ethanol on the performance of spatial and nonspatial reference memory tasks that require subjects to discriminate among extramaze cues for correct responding. Subjects were trained while sober to navigate to a goal arm on a 12-arm maze. In the spatial task, the goal arm was defined by its location with respect to a number of extramaze cues. In the nonspatial task, the goal arm was defined by the presence of a single extramaze cue located directly beyond the end of the arm. Subjects were tested under 1 of 4 doses of ethanol (0.0, 0.7, 1.4, and 2.1 g/kg). Performance on the nonspatial task was more resistant to the effects of ethanol than performance on the spatial task. The results suggest that differences in the effects of ethanol on spatial and nonspatial performance are not due to differences in the proximity of relevant cues in previously used spatial and nonspatial tasks.
COBioSIFTER – A CORBA-Based Distributed Multi-Agent Biological Information Management System

In this paper, we describe the COBioSIFTER project that aims at constructing a framework for managing information from the biological domain. It uses a distributed multi-agent approach based on the CORBA middleware and contains an architecture made up of functionally heterogeneous agents. A series of experiments has been carried out with a prototype of COBioSIFTER to illustrate its advantages such as high performance, scalability, heterogeneity, and fault tolerance. The results of these experiments demonstrate the effectiveness of such an agent-based biological information framework.
Distortion-product otoacoustic emissions in nonacoustic tumors of the cerebellopontine angle.

OBJECTIVES: The goal of the present study was to compare the frequencies of cochlear and noncochlear patterns of distortion-product otoacoustic emissions (DPOAEs) in patients with nonacoustic (non-...
Impact of expert psychological testimony on the unreliability of eyewitness identification.

The purpose of the present research was to study the influence on jurors ofexpert testimony about eyewitness identification. In Experiment 1 240 students(all registered voters) acted as jurors and received evidence against a defendantin a violent or a nonviolent case. The major piece of prosecution evidencewas the testimony of the eyewitness. Half of the jurors read about the testimonyof a defense expert on the reliability of eyewitness identification, whereas halfdid not. Individual verdicts were reached. The results indicated that therewere fewer convictions when expert testimony was permitted. In Experiment2 120 students received evidence in a hypothetical violent crime and thendeliberated injuries of 6 to reach a verdict for or against the defendant. Jurorswho had read about the expert testimony spent much more time discussingthe eyewitness account than did jurors who had not been presented with experttestimony. The results indicate that one consequence of presenting psychologi-cal expert testimony is an increase in the amount of attention that jurors giveto eyewitness accounts, perhaps enhancing their scrutinization. Some pros andcons of the psychological expert testimony are discussed.
Bolus management and aspiration pneumonia in patients with pseudobulbar dysphagia

The effect of bolus manipulation on the recurrence of aspiration pneumonia in 56 patients with pseudobulbar dysphagia was studied. Group I patients received a pureed diet with thin liquids, whereas those in group II received a soft mechanical diet with thickened liquids. Members of group II experienced significantly fewer incidences of aspiration pneumonia during a 6-month period.
Evaluation of glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitors in carotid angioplasty and stenting.

Purpose:To review the immediate neurological and bleeding complications associated with the use of glycoprotein (GP) IIb/IIIa inhibitors in patients undergoing extracranial carotid artery stent placement.Methods:A retrospective review was performed of 550 patients (321 men; mean age 71.1 years, range 28–91) who underwent carotid artery angioplasty and stent placement. Glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitors were given prophylactically along with heparin to 216 patients, whose outcomes were compared to a control group of 334 patients who received intravenous heparin alone. Primary endpoints were the immediate and 30-day neurological complications, including transient ischemic attacks (TIAs), minor and major strokes, and neurologically-related deaths. The secondary endpoint was any abnormal bleeding.Results:The all stroke/neurological death rate in 216 patients treated with heparin and GP IIb/IIIa inhibitors was 6.0% (13 events) compared 2.4% (8 events) in the 334 patients in the heparin-only control group (p = 0....
Women and Alcohol Abuse

Alcohol and drug abuse are becoming increasingly serious problems among American women. The most recent estimates suggest that there are from 1.5 million to 2.5 million adult American women with alcohol problems. The proportion of adult women who drink and the proportion of women among alcohol abusers have increased steadily over the last 10 years. Now, approximately one out of three alcohol abusers is a woman, as compared to one out of six women among alcohol abusers 10 years ago. Estimates of the number of women with other drug problems are equally alarming. Twice as many women as men use minor tranquilizers, 50% more women than men use barbiturates, three times as many women as men use amphetamines, and 30% more women than men use pills of various types to cope with stress. Although these numbers alone do not reflect abuse, the fact that so many women use so many potentially abused drugs increases the risk of abuse. The best estimates of the number of American women abusing any kind of prescription drug is 1 million to 2 million.
Dynamics of Mycoplasmal Conjunctivitis in the Native and Introduced Range of the Host

In 1994, Mycoplasma gallisepticum, a common bacterial poultry pathogen, caused an epidemic in house finches in the eastern part of their North American range where the species had been introduced in the 1940s. Birds with mycoplasmal conjunctivitis were reported across the entire eastern United States within 3-4 years. Here we track the course of the Mycoplasma gallisepticum epidemic as it reached native, western North American populations of the house finch. In 2002, Mycoplasma gallisepticum was first observed in a native house finch population in Missoula, MT, where it gradually increased in prevalence during the next 2 years. Concurrently, house finches with conjunctivitis were reported with increasing number in the Pacific North- west. In native populations of the host, the epidemic expanded more slowly, and reached lower levels of prevalence than in the eastern, introduced range of the species. Maximal prevalence was about half in the Missoula population than in local populations in the East. Although many factors can contribute to these differences, we argue that it is most likely the higher genetic heterogeneity in western than in eastern popu- lations caused the lower impact of the pathogen.
Do Tobacco-Control Programs Lower Tobacco Consumption? Evidence from California

California is often considered the model for tobacco-control programs due to its early adoption of comprehensive programs aimed at lowering tobacco consumption. Tobacco control began when voters ap...
Consensus Over Numerosity-Constrained Random Networks

We analyze the discrete-time consensus problem for a group of agents that communicate through a stochastic directed network with fixed out-degree. This network construction models the perceptual phenomenon of numerosity observed in animal groups exhibiting collective behavior. We find necessary and sufficient conditions for mean square consentability of the averaging protocol and we derive a closed form expression for the asymptotic convergence factor. Analytical results are illustrated through simulations.
Sertraline: A New Specific Serotonin Reuptake Blocker

Sertraline hydrochloride is a new naphthylamino compound that specifically blocks neuronal reuptake of serotonin. It is currently available in the United Kingdom and under review in the US. Sertraline follows first-order kinetics, with a plasma elimination half-life of 24-26 hours. It is highly bound to plasma proteins and has a large volume of distribution. Multicenter studies conducted by the manufacturer have shown sertraline to be efficacious in the treatment of depression and obsessive-compulsive disorder. The daily dose will range from 50 to 200 mg/d for the treatment of depression. The adverse-effect profile differs greatly from the tricyclic antidepressants, but is similar to that of fluoxetine. The most prominent adverse effects are gastrointestinal (nausea, diarrhea/loose stools, dyspepsia).
Comparing trophic position of stream fishes using stable isotope and gut contents analyses

– Stable isotope analysis (SIA) and gut contents analysis (GCA) are commonly used in food web studies, but few studies analyse these data in concert. We used SIA (δ15N) and GCA (% composition) to identify diets and trophic position (TP) of six stream fishes and to compare TP estimates between methods. Ordination analysis of gut contents identified two primary trophic groups, omnivores and predators. Significant differences in TPGCA and TPSIA were similar in direction among-species and among-trophic groups; neither method detected seasonal changes in omnivore diets. Within-species TPGCA and TPSIA were similar except for one omnivore. TPGCA was less variable than TPSIA for predators, but variation between methods was similar for omnivores. While both methods were equally robust at discriminating trophic groups of fishes, TPSIA is less laborious to estimate and may facilitate cross-stream comparisons of food web structure and energy flow.
The Cancer Pain Inventory: preliminary development and validation.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to develop a Cancer Pain Inventory (CPI) that measures cancer patients' beliefs and concerns about pain. This paper describes development and pilot testing of a preliminary version of the CPI and describes its psychometric properties including its reliability and validity relative to established pain measures. Methods: Subjects were recruited from inpatient and outpatient oncology services of an NCI-designated comprehensive cancer center. Participants completed the 50 potential CPI items and these standard measures—Orientation-Memory-Concentration Test, Survey of Pain Attitudes, Brief Pain Inventory, Pain Disability Index, and Center for Epidemiological Studies—Depression Scale. The magnitude and significance of associations between the CPI and the other measures were examined. Results: Of 366 patients who were eligible and agreed to participate in the study, 262 completed the questionnaires. Principal components analyses were used to select items most appropriate for retention in the preliminary version of the CPI and to describe its factor structure. Based on the content of items that loaded on each factor, the five factors were labeled as Catastrophizing, Interference with Functioning, Stoicism, Social Aspects, and Concerns about Pain Medication. Correlations between the CPI and other measures supported construct validity of the five CPI factors. Conclusions: The results supported the validity of the CPI as a measure of five constructs relevant to the experience of pain in the cancer setting. The results also underscored the presence of unique features of cancer-related pain that clearly differ from commonly recognized dimensions of chronic, non-cancer-related pain. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.