cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Antiepileptic drugs and memory

Impaired memory is among the most common complaints of patients with epilepsy. Multiple factors contribute to memory impairment in patients with epilepsy. Thus, delineation of the effects of antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) on memory in clinical populations faces methodological difficulties. Further, subjective perception of memory problems by patients is influenced by mood. However, there is evidence from animal and healthy volunteer studies supporting an independent potential for AEDs to impair memory. Differential AED effects on memory have been observed, and AED effects may interact with focal brain lesions. Memory impairment from AEDs is a greater concern at the age extremes, although the effects of AEDs, especially the newer agents, have not been thoroughly studied in these populations. Well-controlled studies are needed to understand the underlying mechanisms and to further delineate the magnitude and relative effects of AEDs on memory.
The differential sensitivity of T-Cell and B-Cell mitogenesis to in vitro zinc deficiency

Abstract The relative requirement for zinc in B-cell and T-cell mitogenesis was investigated utilizing a tritiated thymidine uptake assay. When ethylene diaminetetraacetate (EDTA) was added to the culture medium at concentrations less than 0.02 mM, B-cell mitogenesis, induced by lipopolysaccharide B (LPS), was not affected. However, T-cell mitogenesis, induced by either phytohemagglutinin P (PHA) or concanavalin A (Con A), was inhibited. When fetal calf serum (FCS) dialyzed against EDTA was used in the medium, B-cell mitogenesis was again unaffected, whereas T-cell mitogenesis was reduced by nearly one-half, even in the absence of EDTA in the medium. Cell viability was practically unaffected by the dialysis procedure. However, the addition of EDTA at concentrations of 0.01 to 0.05 mM reduced the percentage of viable cells by about one-third. Cell viability was reduced to practically zero at a concentration of 0.5 mM EDTA. The inhibitory effect of EDTA on Con A-stimulated mitogenesis was completely reversed by zinc, only partially reversed by nickel, and unaffected by either calcium or magnesium. Thus it appears that B-cell mitogenesis is not affected by zinc deficiency in vitro, whereas T-cell mitogenesis is substantially inhibited, indicating the requirement of zinc for T-cell function.
Amit - the situation manager

This paper presents the “situation manager”, a tool that includes both a language and an efficient runtime execution mechanism aimed at reducing the complexity of active applications. This tool follows the observation that in many cases there is a gap between current tools that enable one to react to a single event (following the ECA: event-condition-action paradigm) and the reality in which a single event may not require any reaction; however, the reaction should be given to patterns over the event history.The concept of presented in this paper extends the concept of in its expressive power, flexibility, and usability. This paper motivates the work, surveys other efforts in this area, and discusses both the language and the execution model.
RecA protein self-assembly. Multiple discrete aggregation states.

Abstract Light scattering, sedimentation and electron microscopy have been used to investigate the aggregation states of highly purified RecA protein in solution. We show that RecA protein will self-assemble into a discrete series of quaternary structures depending upon protein concentration, ionic environment, and nucleotide cofactors. In a stock solution at moderate concentration (10 to 50 μ m ) RecA protein exists as small particles ~ 4 nm in diameter, larger particles ~ 12 nm in diameter (most probably rings of RecA protein), 10 nm diameter rods varying from 50 to 200 nm in length, and finally as much larger bundles of rods. The addition of monovalent salt shifts the distribution of RecA protein between its various oligomeric states. Increasing protein concentration favors more highly aggregated structures. At a given protein concentration, addition of m m levels of MgCl 2 promotes the rapid formation of rods and slow formation of bundles. Under conditions typical of in vitro strand exchange reactions, RecA protein was found to exist as a mixture of rods and 12 nm particles with relatively few monomers.
New Injection Scheme at the ZGS

A new scheme of injection into the Zero Gradient Synchrotron (ZGS) from the 50 MeV linac was implemented, and we have obtained a factor of two in the accelerated beam intensity. The new scheme consists of lowering the B during the early acceleration period in order to enlarge the RF bucket area and injection period, tuning the debuncher to achiieve the minimum instantaneous energy spread of ±100 keV, and ramping the debuncher phase so that the instantaneous momentum of the injected beam during the injection period follows the rise of the ring magnetic field strength. By doing so, the betatron amplitude is set close to minimum, and the total energy spread accumulated during the injection period due to the energy ramp by the debuncher phase ramp would fit the RF acceptance. This method has been used for all three operating modes of the ZGS (unpolarized proton, polarized proton, and H- injection).
Different effects of amphetamine on reinforced variations versus repetitions in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR)

Abstract The spontaneously hypertensive rat (SHR) may serve as an animal model of human attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). We compared performances of SHRs and Wystar-Kyoto normotensive controls rats (WKY) in two experiments. When rewarded for varying sequences of responses across two manipulanda, the SHRs were more likely to vary than the WKYs. On the other hand, when rewarded for repetitions of a small number of sequences, the WKYs were more likely to learn to repeat. Both of these results confirm previous findings. Injecting 0.75 mg/kg d -amphetamine facilitated learning by SHRs to repeat the required sequences, with amphetamine-injected SHRs learning as rapidly as saline-injected, control WKYs. On the other hand, amphetamine tended to increase variability in both strains when high levels of variations were required for reward, and to decrease it in both strains when low levels of variability were required. Thus, amphetamine may have different effects on reinforced repetitions vs. reinforced variations.
Synthesis and structure of [(C5Me5)2Sm(THF)]2(μ-η1:η1-C2)

Abstract (C 5 Me 5 ) 2 Sm(THF) 2 reacts with acetylene in THF to form [(C 5 Me 5 ) 2 Sm(THF)] 2 (μ-η 1 : η 1 -C 2 ) ( 1 ). Compound 1 crystallized from benzene in the monoclinic space group P 2 1 / c [C 2h 5 ; No. 14] with unit cell parameters at 168 K of a = 10.889 (2) A, b = 15.048(2) A, c = 31.904(3) A, β = 96.38(1)°, V = 5196(1) A 3 and D calcd = 1.391 g cm −3 for Z = 4. Least squares refinement of the model based on 8058 reflections (| F o | > 2.0σ-(| F o |)) converged to a final R F = 5.5%. The two (C 5 Me 5 ) 2 SM units in 1 are connected by a nearly linear SmCCSm bridge with SmCC angles of 175.3(6) and 176.3(6)°. Each samarium in 1 has a typical (C 5 Me 5 ) 2 SmL 2 geometry in which the two C 5 Me 5 ring centroids, the THF oxygen atom, and the carbon of the acetylide ligand describe a distorted tetrahedron. The Sm-C distances are 2.438(7) and 2.448(8) A and the CC bond length is 1.21(1) A. The average SMC(C 5 Me 5 ) distance is 2.742(4)A.
Association of lambda bacteriophage DNA with a rapidly sedimenting Escherichia coli component.

Abstract After infection of a sensitive host by bacteriophage lambda, lambda DNA associates with a component of Escherichia coli which sediments rapidly in a sucrose gradient. This association, which is resistant to hydrodynamic shear, is partially blocked after infection of a lysogenic host. The shear-resistant, immunity-blocked association is not found after infection of a sensitive host by lambda phage with a mutation in gene N , but is found after infection by lambda phage with mutations in genes O and P . An N -product-independent lambda DNA complex was formed by the lambda-promotor mutant, lambda c 17 , but this association was also largely blocked in the immune host. A lambda x mutant which is unable to transcribe a region of the lambda genome controlling lambda DNA replication also forms the fast-sedimenting complex. These results suggest that the lambda DNA complex may not be related directly to lambda DNA replication, but may result from the formation of a lambda DNA, mRNA-transcription complex associated with a rapidly sedimenting host cell component. The role of the lambda repressor in blocking complex formation and the role of the lambda gene product N in the formation of the complex are discussed.
INTERREGIONAL WAGE DIFFERENTIAL DYNAMICS

The lack of a proper index of regional cost of living differences and of data on total compensation per hour worked has hindered tests of theories of interregional migration and wage convergence. Theory implies that real wage differentials should be smaller for more skilled workers. Tests performed in this paper use this information to form wage-based indexes of cost of living differences and to test for converegence of real wage differentials in unskilled occupations. The tests use high-quality data on intal compensation per hour. The estimates of nominal and real wage changes for 1974-1979 and 1979-1984 do not substantiate predictions of wage convergence.
Differentiated thyroid cancer—Papillary and follicular carcinomas

The presence of a palpable mass in the thyroid gland always raises concern about the possibility of thyroid cancer. Any thyroid disease can present as a palpable mass and thus complicate the differentiation between thyroid carcinoma and more benign conditions. Noncancerous abnormalities of the thyroid are very common, and palpable or dominant thyroid nodules are found in approximately 4% of the population of the United States. While the true incidence rate varies across regions of the country, the incidence of palpable thyroid abnormalities generally increases with increasing age. Palpable thyroid masses are rare in children, but when present, are more frequently malignant. Single nodules are more common in women. The likelihood of a single nodule being a carcinoma depends on the demographic characteristics of the sample group, the selection criteria used, and the local prevalence of thyroid disease.lm3 Fortunately, thyroid malignancies are rare. Thyroid cancer accounts for only about 1.3% of all cancers, with approximately 8,000 to 10,000 new cases diagnosed per year. Similarly, the mortality rate attributable to thyroid cancer is low. An estimated 1,000 to 1,200 patients die of this disease annually in the United States. The relatively indolent nature of thyroid malignancy is generally ascribed to the inherent, innocuous biologic behavior that
Ultrastructure of hamster bronchiolar epithelium in freeze fracture replicas.

The morphology of the plasma membrane of ciliated and nonciliated bronchiolar epithelial cells of the hamster lung was studied using freeze fracture electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy of thin sections. Tight junction structure of bronchiolar epithelial cells was evaluated with respect to the total number of junctional strands, and the organization of tight junctional fibrils. Tight junctional complexes seen on the surfaces of nonciliated cells had from 4 to 9 junctional strands (mean: 6.0±0.1). Ciliated cells displayed 4 to 10 tight junctional strands (mean: 6.9±0.1). Nonciliated bronchiolar epithelial cell (NC) membranes showed aggregates of 6 nm particles organized into rectilinear arrays of 2 to 30 particles. These particle clusters were seen predominantly at the basal pole of cells in close association with areas of intercellular interdigitation. NC cells also displayed membrane areas of particle clearing and aggregation consistent with intermediate phases of membrane fusion and exocytosis.
Physical therapy evaluation of patients with chronic pelvic pain: a controlled study.

Objective The purpose of this study was to determine the relative frequency of positive musculoskeletal exam findings between patients with chronic pelvic pain (CPP) and healthy control subjects. Study Design We conducted a masked, prospective, cross-sectional study of abnormal pelvic, abdominal, and back examination findings in 19 women with CPP vs 20 healthy control subjects. Results Women with CPP had more frequent abnormal musculoskeletal findings than did control subjects asymmetric iliac crests (61% vs 25%), pubic symphysis heights (50% vs 10%), and positive posterior pelvic provocation testing (37% vs 5%; all P P P Conclusion The higher frequency of positive pelvic musculoskeletal findings in CPP suggests that an investigation of somatic pain generators is warranted in these patients.
Comparison of base inclination in ribo-GC and deoxybribo-GC polymers, and synthesis of poly(rGrC)-poly(rGrC)

The inclination angle between the base normal and the helix axis, and the axes around which the bases incline, are measured for ribo-GC polymers in buffer by using flow linear dichroism (LD), and compared to measurements for deoxyribo-GC polymers in buffer and under dehydrating conditions. A new method is designed to synthesize poly(rGrC) -poly(rGrC), which is not available commercially, in large quantities. The LD of this RNA reveals inclination angles that are similar to the B-form DNA in buffer, although the axes are different. The CD of poly(dGdC)-poly(dGdC) under the dehydrating conditions is similar to poly(rGrC)-poly(rGrC), indicating it is in the A form, and the LD gives larger inclination angles than either the B form or the corresponding RNA. Poly(dG)-poly(dC) is in the A form in buffer. Comparison among poly(rG)-poly(rC) in buffer, and poly (dG)-poly(dC) in buffer and under dehydrating conditions, reveals similar inclination angles and axes, although the LD shows that the DNA has the largest inclination angles. Except for poly(rGrC)-poly(rGrC), which has a unique reduced dichroism, all the axes for G are similar, as are the axes for C. © 1995 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Cooked Blue Crab Claw Meat Aroma Compared with Lump Meat

Sensory evaluation of claw and lump crabmeats by sniffing indicated no aroma difference (p > 0.05); however, differences (p 0.05). Aroma notes found to have highest intensity in both meats were: meaty/salty/soy sauce [3-(methylthio)-propanal], sweet/fruity, metallic/rubber/gasoline, nutty/popcorn [2-acetyl-l-pyrroline], nutty/popcorn, pine/sweet/hay/dry seaweed, and mushroom/solvent.
On the reversibility of stripping reactions

Abstract The basis for the equivalence of prior and post forms of the T -matrix in both the Born and the distorted wave Born approximations is here studied in a one-dimensional model that facilitates clarification of some of the underlying mechanism. One sees how important it is that changes in the wave functions bring it about that averages of different perturbing potentials over different regions can still be equal. The post form commonly employed for a (d, p) reaction makes it seem at first sight that the potential stripping the deuteron apart is the potential that holds it together. The prior form DWBA has as a perturbation the intuitively appealing interaction responsible for the classical break-up of the deuteron and contributing to the “surface reaction” nature of stripping.
High frequency graphene nanomechanical resonators and transducers

This digest paper presents our initial explorations of engineering graphene 2D nanostructures into nanomechanical resonators and transducers vibrating at high frequencies (i.e., ∼1–30MHz, in the HF band in radio frequency spectrum) at T ∼300K. We explore very small graphene devices that are suspended over micrometer-scale trenches or cavities and are free to vibrate in out-of-plane modes. The devices are derived from single- or few-layer graphene flakes and membranes, made by either mechanical exfoliation of graphite, or transfer of monolayer graphene grown on polycrystalline copper (Cu) by a chemical vapor deposition (CVD) process. We report measured resonance characteristics from our typical exfoliated single- and bi-layer graphene resonators of ∼1–5μm in size, with resonance frequency (f) in the ∼10–20MHz range, and measured quality (Q) factors of ∼800–1200. From a transferred CVD graphene membrane device of ∼10μm in size, we have measured a nanomechanical resonance at f≈2.39MHz, with Q≈350. We further explore the potentials of these resonators for enabling sensitive transducers, by evaluating their sensitivities for detecting small displacements, forces, and mass loading effects. Moreover, in this study we have clearly identified and analyzed the striking discrepancies in the measurements and interpretations of both resonance frequency and strain from recently reported studies. Our analyses of these issues help find solutions toward gaining meaningful understandings that will be applicable to future designs and development of graphene nanomechanical devices.
Quantitative trait locus analysis of contextual fear conditioning in mice

Family, twin and adoption studies provide evidence for a substantial genetic component underlying individual differences in general intelligence, specific cognitive abilities and susceptibility to psychopathologies related to fear-inducing events. Contextual fear conditioning, which is highly conserved across species, can serve as a model for elucidating genes that regulate individual differences in learning and emotion. In fear conditioning, an initially neutral stimulus, such as a tone or a particular environment (context), elicits a fear response after it has been paired with an aversive stimulus, such as shock. Two neural circuits have been implicated in fear conditioning. The fear component is regulated by amygdaloid pathways, while the contextual component is, at least in part, dependent on the hippocampus. C57BL/6J (B6) and DBA/2J (D2) mice differ in several types of complex learning. including contextual fear conditioning. A quantitative trait locus (QTL) analysis of contextual fear conditioning was performed in a B6/D2 F2 intercross population. Two QTLs for contextual conditioning (lod score > 4.3) were identified on chromosomes 10 and 16. QTLs for conditioning to the auditory cue (lod score > 4.3) were localized to chromosomes 1 and 10. Suggestive QTLs (lod score = 2.8-4.1) for contextual conditioning were detected on chromosomes 1, 2 and 3.
Covalent inhibition of recombinant human carboxylesterase 1 and 2 and monoacylglycerol lipase by the carbamates JZL184 and URB597

Carboxylesterase type 1 (CES1) and CES2 are serine hydrolases located in the liver and small intestine. CES1 and CES2 actively participate in the metabolism of several pharmaceuticals. Recently, carbamate compounds were developed to inhibit members of the serine hydrolase family via covalent modification of the active site serine. URB597 and JZL184 inhibit fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) and monoacylglycerol lipase (MAGL), respectively; however, carboxylesterases in liver have been identified as a major off-target. We report the kinetic rate constants for inhibition of human recombinant CES1 and CES2 by URB597 and JZL184. Bimolecular rate constants (k(inact)/K(i)) for inhibition of CES1 by JZL184 and URB597 were similar [3.9 (±0.2) × 10(3) M(-1) s(-1) and 4.5 (±1.3) × 10(3) M(-1) s(-1), respectively]. However, k(inact)/K(i) for inhibition of CES2 by JZL184 and URB597 were significantly different [2.3 (±1.3) × 10(2) M(-1) s(-1) and 3.9 (±1.0) × 10(3) M(-1) s(-1), respectively]. Rates of inhibition of CES1 and CES2 by URB597 were similar; however, CES1 and MAGL were more potently inhibited by JZL184 than CES2. We also determined kinetic constants for spontaneous reactivation of CES1 carbamoylated by either JZL184 or URB597 and CES1 diethylphosphorylated by paraoxon. The reactivation rate was significantly slower (4.5×) for CES1 inhibited by JZL184 than CES1 inhibited by URB597. Half-life of reactivation for CES1 carbamoylated by JZL184 was 49 ± 15 h, which is faster than carboxylesterase turnover in HepG2 cells. Together, the results define the kinetics of inhibition for a class of drugs that target hydrolytic enzymes involved in drug and lipid metabolism.
A study of traveling wave instabilities in a horizontal channel flow with applications to chemical vapor deposition

Abstract The flow and heat transfer of helium in a horizontal channel of height H and length L with a heated bottom surface and a cooled top surface are studied. Numerical solutions of the transient, two-dimensional Navier-Stokes and energy equations reveal that for conditions of interest in chemical vapor deposition (CVD), a thermal instability in the fluid (the Rayleigh-Benard instability), produced by the temperature difference between the horizontal surfaces of the channel, can result in traveling, transverse waves. The results show the effects of these waves on the flow and the heat transfer over a range of Reynolds numbers, Re = u H v o (10 −1 2 ) , Grashof numbers, Gr = gϵH 3 v o 2 (2.5 × 10 3 5 ) , aspect ratios, L H (4 L H , for two temperature ratios, ϵ = (T s − T o ) T o , 0.0333 and 2.333, corresponding to constant and variable property flow, respectively. The existence of transverse, traveling waves is shown to enhance the heat transfer from 50 to more than 300% over the condition without traveling waves. The important effect of the aspect ratio on the results is also emphasized.
THE EFFECT OF ANDROGENS ON THE SURVIVAL OF ADRENALECTOMIZED RATS1-2

There is considerable evidence supporting an adreno-gonadal relationship(I). The similarity in embryological development and the histological changes produced in the adrenal following gonadectomy are well known. Many workers (i) report that the survival of adrenalectomised female ani' mals is longer when the operation is performed during estrus or pregnancy. Furthermore, the gonadal hormones and the adrenal cortical hormones are all steroids (2). It is naturally suggested, therefore, that sex hormones might be used by the body to fulfill the vital function of the adrenal cortex. Since little else is known of the function of corticosterone than that it suffices to keep adrenalectomized animals alive, the only crucial test of the substitutional properties of the sex hormones available at present is their effect upon survival time of such animals. The month'old adrenalectornised rat has served as subject of many analogous experiments (3-6). An attempt was made throughout this work to control all factors know...
Sphingosine Kinase: A Closer Look at Last

Sphingosine-1-phosphate is a potent sphingolipid mediator, and the kinase that produces it, sphingosine kinase 1 (SphK1), has been implicated in cancer progression, inflammation, and cardiovascular diseases. In this issue of Structure, Wang and colleagues provide the scientific community with the long awaited structure of SphK1.
Throughput-constrained scheduling in OFDMA wireless networks

Adaptive modulation and coding is an important characteristic of OFDMA based wireless networks. A group of subcarriers and symbols (which we refer to as “allocation unit”) can be assigned to an user equipment (UE) based on its channel conditions. The “allocation units” can have different bandwidths for different UEs depending on the current channel conditions of the UEs. The UEs typically have a minimum throughput requirement. In this article our goal is to design a scheduler that maximizes the number of scheduled UEs while meeting their minimum throughput requirements. First we define an analytical model for scheduling and then propose three algorithms for the optimization problem. We show that, given the sets of “allocation units”, maximizing the number of UEs is equivalent to finding the maximum independent set of a bounded degree graph. We also define the set allocation problem that minimizes the number of intersecting sets subject to certain constraints.
The relationship between willingness to communicate and solidarity with frequency, breadth, and depth of communication in the sibling relationship

People communicate differently based on their willingness to communicate, along with their feelings of solidarity with the receivers (McCroskey & Richmond, 1987). People who are high in their willingness to communicate and feel close to their receivers would seemingly communicate more frequently and intimately. This study investigated this proposition by considering the late adolescent sibling relationship. College students were asked to complete a questionnaire focusing on the frequency, breadth, and depth of their communication with their siblings. Participants also completed measures of their trait willingness to communicate, their willingness to communicate with their siblings, and their solidarity with their siblings. People's willingness to communicate and willingness to communicate with their siblings was positively related to their frequency, breadth, and depth of communication with their siblings. Solidarity was also found to be positively related to frequency, breadth, and depth of communication.
Effects of Hyperthyroidism on the Rectus Muscles in Mice

Background: Structural details of vertebrate extraocular muscles (EOMs) have shown an anatomically and functionally distinct laminar organization into an outer orbital (OL) and an inner global layer (GL). Since hyperthyroidism alters tissue oxidative metabolism through mitochondrial enzymes, it is expected that structural/mitochondrial changes may be seen in hyperthyroid EOMs. We investigated the alterations in the laminar organization and mitochondrial changes in hyperthyroid mouse EOMs. Methods: Hyperthyroidism was induced in C57BL/6 mice and fresh rectus muscles were obtained to identify functional mitochondria using MitoTracker® Green and confocal microscopy; frozen sections from rectus muscles were stained with anti-rabbit Troponin T (selectively present in the OL) to demonstrate changes in the OL and GL of the EOMs. Ultrastructural features of EOMs were studied using transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Results: Of all 4 rectus EOMs studied, the maximum change was seen in the inferior rectus muscle (IR) followed by medial rectus (MR). Myofiber cross sectional area measurements and Troponin T staining in the control IR EOMs demonstrated a smaller OL (113.2 ± 3.66 μm2 ) and higher density staining with Troponin T (90%) and a larger GL (411 ± 13.84 μm2 ) with low intensity staining (10%), while hyperthyroidism resulted in an increased OL (205.9 ± 5.3 μm2 ) and decreased GL (271.7 ± 7.5 μm2 ) p=0.001. Confocal microscopy demonstrated an intense staining especially in the outer rims in the hyperthyroid IR which was confirmed by TEM showing structural alterations in the mitochondria and a subsarcolemmal migration. Conclusions: The outer, thinner, orbital layer (OL) of the mouse EOM contains smaller diameter myofibers and fewer mitochondria while the inner, larger global layer (GL) contains larger diameter myofibers and larger density of mitochondria. Hyperthyroidism results in a significant alteration in the laminar organization and mitochondria of mouse EOMs.
An unexpected C-19 product from reaction of retinal with MnO2. Structure characterization and bacteriorhodopsin analogs

Abstract Reaction of retinal with an excess amount of MnO 2 resulted in the formation of isomers of the C-19 pentaene aldehyde from apparent loss of the C-15 carbon. Similar reactions were also observed for two other unsaturated aldehydes. Characterization of the products and their reactions with apo-proteins, opsin and bacterioopsin are reported. Results of the bacteriorhodopsin (BR) analogs are in agreement with preferred 6-S-trans conformation in BR.
Characterization of a Mutation in the Lens-Specific CP49 in the 129 Strain of Mouse

PURPOSE The 129 strain of mouse carries a mutation in the gene for CP49 (phakinin), an intermediate filament protein thus far demonstrated only in the lens fiber cell. As such, these mice represent naturally occurring mutants of interest in the study of the lens cytoskeleton. However, this strain of mouse is also widely used as a source of embryonic stem cells in gene-targeting studies. The presence of a mutation in a lens-specific gene can confound interpretation of studies in which lens genes have been knocked out. In the present study, both the genotype and phenotype of these mice were characterized, to permit an evaluation of the biological impact of this mutation and to facilitate the discrimination between wild-type and mutant animals that have been derived from this strain in gene-targeting studies. METHODS The CP49 cDNA and, when relevant, the genomic DNA sequences were determined for the 129/SvJ and C57BL/6J mice and from a commercially available 129/OLa P1 genomic clone. PCR primers were screened for their capacity to discriminate between the mutant and wild-type CP49 genes. Northern blot analysis was used to assess mRNA levels for CP49, filensin, and gammaS-crystallin (control). Western blot analysis was used to identify changes in protein size and abundance. The impact of the mutation on lens architecture was evaluated at the light-microscope level. Lens fiber cell ghosts from mutant and wild-type mice were examined in the electron microscope for the presence of beaded filaments. Lens clarity was assessed by slit lamp. RESULTS The 129 strain of mice exhibited a 6303-bp deletion from the end of intron B, and the beginning of exon 2. This deletion results in the loss of the exon 2 splice acceptor site, absence of exon 2 from the CP49 mRNA, and dramatically reduced levels of CP49 mRNA. The CP49 protein was undetectable by Western blot analysis. Messenger RNA levels for filensin, CP49's assembly partner, were normal, but protein levels were sharply reduced. Light microscopy established that the initial differentiation and elongation of the fiber cells proceeded normally. Electron microscopy showed the absence of beaded filaments, whereas slit lamp microscopy showed a slowly emerging and progressive loss of optical clarity. CONCLUSIONS The 129/SvJ and 129/OLa strains of mice harbor a mutation that sharply reduces CP49 mRNA levels and essentially eliminates both CP49 and the beaded filament. These lenses exhibited a slow but progressive loss of optical clarity with age. Thus, the 129 strain of mouse behaves as a functional CP49 knockout. The loss of clarity in the lenses of these animals and the absence of beaded filaments (and any attendant interactions that may exist between beaded filaments and other lens proteins/structures) suggest that gene-targeting studies of lens proteins in which the 129 strain was used as a source of embryonic stem cells may need reevaluation.
Synthesis, characterization and nitric oxide release profile of nitrosylcobalamin: a potential chemotherapeutic agent

Nitrosylcobalamin, a vitamin B12-based, non-toxic carrier of nitric oxide (NO), has been synthesized, isolated and characterized in vitro. A UV/Vis analysis was performed confirming the reduction of the cobalt atom of hydroxocobalamin (vitamin B12a) with the binding of NO, causing a shift in the absorption spectra of CO3+ (lambdamax=530) to CO2+ (lambdamax=500) with the formation of nitrosylcobalamin. The extinction coefficient (epsilonmax) of nitrosylcobalamin, as calculated, was 4.8 (mM(-1), cm(-1)). An IR analysis determined the v(NO) vibrational frequency at 1652 cm(-1), supporting the binding of NO and suggesting a bent bonding geometry. NO release was maximized utilizing acidic conditions (pH 4.9, 32 degrees C) with a cumulative release of about 4610 nmol of NO in 675 h (calculated half-life of 210 h), representing 39% NO loading based on 11,890 nmol NO, theoretically possible (one NO per molecule of hydroxocobalamin). The cumulative NO release followed first-order kinetics and was pH dependent. NO release was minimal at pH 6.0 and 7.4 (37 degrees C), and undetected at pH 10 (37 degrees C). The possibility for nitrosylcobalamin to deliver NO (the active chemotherapeutic agent) to neoplastic cells is suggested because tumor cells, specifically leukemia cells, possess surface cell receptors for vitamin B12 which is readily utilized in the cellular proliferation process. Nitrosylcobalamin may offer a 'drug targeting' approach as a potential, biologically compatible and selective chemotherapeutic agent.
Non-parametric scan statistics for event detection and forecasting in heterogeneous social media graphs

Event detection in social media is an important but challenging problem. Most existing approaches are based on burst detection, topic modeling, or clustering techniques, which cannot naturally model the implicit heterogeneous network structure in social media. As a result, only limited information, such as terms and geographic locations, can be used. This paper presents Non-Parametric Heterogeneous Graph Scan (NPHGS), a new approach that considers the entire heterogeneous network for event detection: we first model the network as a "sensor" network, in which each node senses its "neighborhood environment" and reports an empirical p-value measuring its current level of anomalousness for each time interval (e.g., hour or day). Then, we efficiently maximize a nonparametric scan statistic over connected subgraphs to identify the most anomalous network clusters. Finally, the event represented by each cluster is summarized with information such as type of event, geographical locations, time, and participants. As a case study, we consider two applications using Twitter data, civil unrest event detection and rare disease outbreak detection, and present empirical evaluations illustrating the effectiveness and efficiency of our proposed approach.
Delirium often not recognized or treated despite serious long-term consequences.

PREVALENCE STUDIES HAVE FOUND that between 10% and 85% of hospitalized patients develop delirium, which evidence suggests has lasting consequences. Yet the condition often goes undiagnosed, resulting in missed opportunities for intervention. Clinicians treating critically ill patients in the intensive care unit (ICU) often grapple with caring for patients who are experiencing acute and serious threats to multiple organ systems, including renal, cardiovascular, and pulmonary. In such an intense environment, threats to another key organ, the brain, may be overlooked or minimized as not being as essential to the patient’s immediate well-being. But a growing body of evidence suggests that delirium can have a devastating impact on patients’ immediate and longterm health and that interventions to prevent or minimize such brain dysfunction may help to improve patient outcomes. “Delirium is an external sign of organ damage,” said E. Wesley Ely, MD, MPH, a professor of medicine at Vanderbilt University and an intensivist specializing in aging, in an interview. “It’s an external manifestation of the neurons being injured.” The consequences of such injury can be serious. According to a review presented at the American Psychiatric Association (APA) meeting in May by Jose R. Maldonado, MD, patients with delirium are substantially more likely to die within 6 months than similar unaffected patients (34% vs 15%), have hospital stays that are on average 5 to 10 days longer, and are more likely to end up in a nursing home (16% vs 3%) (Maldonado JR. Crit Care Clin. 2008; 24[4]:657-722). “They will never be the same,” said Maldonado, assistant professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences at Stanford University School of Medicine in California, in an interview. “Not the way they were before.” Recent research indicates that delirium also is associated with lasting cognitive impairment and psychiatric problems. A prospective cohort study of 126 mechanically ventilated ICU patients conducted by Ely and colleagues found that the duration of delirium predicted long-term cognitive outcomes, even after adjustment for patients’ age, level of education, preexisting cognitive function, the severity of illness, severe sepsis, and exposure to sedative medications (Girard TD et al. Crit Care Med. 2010;38[7]:15131520). Additionally, patients with delirium who experience disturbing delusions or hallucinations may develop posttraumatic stress disorder, Maldonado noted. Caring for patients with delirium costs at least twice as much as caring for similarly ill patients without delirium, according to Maldonado. These patients may also pose emotional and physical challenges to clinicians and family members. For example, patients with hyperactive delirium may attempt to get out of bed or remove medical equipment, while patients with hypoactive delirium may express wishes to die.
Accuracy of biomarkers to diagnose acute cardiac ischemia in the emergency department: a meta-analysis.

Abstract Study Objective: We sought to evaluate quantitatively the evidence on the diagnostic performance of presentation and serial biochemical markers for emergency department diagnosis of acute cardiac ischemia (ACI), including acute myocardial infarction (AMI) and unstable angina. Methods: We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of the English-language literature published between 1966 and December 1998. We examined the diagnostic performance of creatine kinase, creatine kinase-MB, myoglobin, and troponin I and T testing. Diagnostic performance was assessed by using estimates of test sensitivity and specificity and was summarized by summary receiver-operating characteristic curves. Results: Only 4 studies were found that evaluated all patients with ACI; 73 were found that focused only on a diagnosis of AMI. To diagnose ACI, presentation biomarker tests had sensitivities of 16% to 19% and specificities of 96% to 100%; serial biomarker tests had sensitivities of 31% to 45% and specificities of 95% to 98%. Considering only the diagnosis of AMI, presentation biomarker tests had summary sensitivities of 37% to 49% and summary specificities of 87% to 97%; serial biomarker tests had summary sensitivities of 79% to 93% and summary specificities of 85% to 96%. Variation of test sensitivity was best explained by test timing. Longer symptom duration or time between serial tests yielded higher sensitivity. Conclusion: The limited evidence available to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of biomarkers for ACI suggests that biomarkers have very low sensitivity to diagnose ACI. Thus, biomarkers alone will greatly underdiagnose ACI and will be inadequate to make triage decisions. For AMI diagnosis alone, multiple testing of individual biomarkers over time substantially improves sensitivity, while retaining high specificity, at the expense of additional time. Further high-quality studies are needed on the clinical effect of using biomarkers for patients with ACI in the ED and on optimal timing of serial testing and in combination with other tests. [Balk EM, Ioannidis JPA, Salem D, Chew PW, Lau J. Accuracy of biomarkers to diagnose acute cardiac ischemia in the emergency department: a meta-analysis. Ann Emerg Med. May 2001;37:478-494.]
International policy coordination in an uncertain world

Abstract The gains from international macroeconomic policy coordination are seen to be a decreasing function of the degree of model uncertainty. In practice, therefore, despite the predictions of most theoretical models, the gains from cooperation may be relatively small.
The Association between Preschool Children's Socio-Emotional Functioning and Their Mathematical Skills.

One hundred eight preschool children and their teachers participated in a cross-sectional study of the socio-emotional correlates of mathematics skills. Children's strengths and difficulties were considered as possible correlates of skills. Initiative, self-control, and attachment were all related to better math skills. Overall behavior problems, internalizing symptoms, withdrawal, social problems, and attention problems were related to poorer skills. There were no sex differences in these relationships. Participation in an early math intervention was associated with fewer behavior problems, compared to children who did not receive the intervention. Additionally, participation in the intervention moderated the relationships between socio-emotional strengths and math skills, such that initiative, self-control, and attachment were less strongly correlated with math skills in children who received the intervention.
Cyclicality in metal prices

Abstract This paper tests the proposition that the flactuations in metal prices can be termed ‘cyclical’ as opposed to the proposition that they are random and thus that any apparent cyclicality is imaginary. We find that variations in metal prices over the medium term are not random and in many cases can be characterized as having some degree of periodicity.
Laboratory results indicating complex and potentially unstable frictional behavior of smectite clay

A central problem in explaining the apparent weakness of the San Andreas and other plate boundary faults has been identifying candidate fault zone materials that are both weak and capable of hosting earthquake-like unstable rupture. Our results demonstrate that smectite clay can be both weak and velocity weakening at low normal stress (<30 MPa). Our data are consistent with previous work, which has focused on higher normal stress conditions (50 MPa and greater) and found only velocity strengthening. If natural fault zones contain significant smectite, one key implication of our results is that localized zones of high pore pressure, which reduce effective normal stress, could be important in controlling potential sites of earthquake nucleation. Our experiments indicate that friction of smectite is complex, and depends upon both sliding velocity and normal stress. This complexity highlights the need for detailed experiments that reflect in-situ conditions for fault gouges.
Primitive Ideals of Cq(SL(n))

Abstract The primitive ideals of the quantum group C q [ SL ( n )] are classified in the case where q is a non-zero complex number which is not a root of unity. It is shown that the orbits in Prim C q [ SL ( n )] under the action of the character group H ≅ ( C *) n −1 are parameterized naturally by W × W where W is the associated Weyl group. It is shown that there is a natural one-to-one correspondence between primitive ideals of C q [ SL ( n )] and symplectic leaves of the associated Poisson algebraic group SL ( n , C ).
Maintaining Skin Integrity: Setting the Standard in a Rehabilitation Facility

Impaired skin integrity and a high risk for developing it are two of the more common nursing diagnoses made in the rehabilitation setting. Pressure sores and their consequences are directly related to increased length of stay for patients and can create higher costs for the institution. Most of the sequelae of pressure sores can be avoided, as the identification, prevention, and treatment of pressure sores have become more standardized. The rehabilitation facility discussed in this article developed a standard of care for the maintenance of skin integrity, a pressure sore protocol, and nursing care plans to provide a standardized format for nursing care. The standard was designed to ensure consistency among the nursing staff when they assess, plan, evaluate, and document care of patients who have pressure sores or are at risk of developing them. The standard also created a mechanism for evaluating the knowledge and skill of the nursing staff in preventing and treating pressure sores. This article describes the components of the standard of care and its supporting policies as well as its implementation and use.
Polyphosphate: a target for thrombosis attenuation

In this issue of Blood, Travers et al report that a number of synthetic polyphosphate (polyP) inhibitors are able to reduce thrombosis in mice without increasing bleeding as much as heparin.
AtAzg1 and AtAzg2 comprise a novel family of purine transporters in Arabidopsis.

In plants, nucleobase biochemistry is highly compartmented relying upon a well-regulated and selective membrane transport system. In Arabidopsis two proteins, AtAzg1 and AtAzg2, show substantial amino acid sequence similarity to the adenine–guanine–hypoxanthine transporter AzgA of Aspergillus nidulans. Analysis of single and double mutant lines harboring T-DNA insertion alleles AtAzg1-1 and AtAzg2-1 reveal a marked resistance to growth in the presence of 8-azaadenine and 8-azaguanine but not to other toxic nucleobase analogues. Conversely, yeast strains expressing AtAzg1 and AtAzg2 gain heightened sensitivity to growth on 8-azaadenine and 8-azaguanine. Radio-labeled purine uptake experiments in yeast and in planta confirm the function of AtAzg1 and AtAzg2 as plant adenine–guanine transporters.
A novel variant of avian infectious bronchitis virus resulting from recombination among three different strains

An antigenic variant of avian infectious bronchitis virus (IBV), a coronavirus, was isolated and characterized. This strain, CU-T2, possesses a number of unusual features, which have not been previously observed in IBV. The S1 glycoprotein of CU-T2 carries virus-neutralizing and serotype-specific epitopes of two IBV serotypes, Arkansas (Ark) and Massachusetts (Mass). Sequence analysis revealed that the virus, originally an Ark serotype, has acquired the Mass-specific epitope by mutation(s). This provides evidence that point mutations may lead to generation of IBV antigenic variants in the field. It was further observed that two independent recombination events involving three different IBV strains had occurred in the S2 glycoprotein gene and N protein gene of CU-T2, indicating that genomic RNA recombination in IBV may occur in multiple genes in nature. It was especially significant that a sequence of Holland 52 (a vaccine strain) had replaced half of the N gene of CU-T2. This proves that recombination among vaccine strains is contributing to the generation of IBV variants in the field. Based on these observations it is predicted that every IBV field isolate could have unique genetic nature. Therefore, several recently reported diagnostic and serotyping methods of IBV which are based on dot-blot hybridization, restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP), and polymerase chain reaction (PCR), may not reveal the true antigenic and/or genetic nature of IBV isolates, and may in fact yield misleading information.
The effect on interpersonal attraction of successive and simultaneous presentation of strangers

The experiment was designed to compare two within-Ss designs with the between-groups design generally used in Byrne’s interpersonal attraction research. Ss received three agreeing strangers (having 4, 8, or 16 similar attitudes to the Ss) consecutively and evaluated each stranger after reading his attitudes. Other Ss received all three strangers simultaneously and then evaluated each stranger. Whereas Ss in the successive-stranger design did not give significantly different attraction scores to the three strangers, for the Ss in the simultaneous-stranger design there was a significant effect attributable to the number of similar attitudes (p <.05).
Polyamine dendrimer-based MRI contrast agents for functional kidney imaging to diagnose acute renal failure.

Purpose To choose an efficacious renal functional MRI contrast agent to image early renal tubular damage. We synthesized and compared smaller polyamine dendrimer-based MRI contrast agents (<60 kD) that, unlike Gd-[DTPA], transiently accumulate in renal tubules and can be used to visualize renal structural and functional damage. Materials and Methods Six dendrimer-based MRI contrast agents smaller than 60 kD were studied by high resolution dynamic micro-MRI and compared to Gd-[DTPA]-dimeglumine and Gadomer-17. The best agent, DAB-G2, was further tested in a mouse ischemia/reperfusion model to validate its efficacy. Results Despite unequal renal clearance rates, all polyamine dendrimer agents visualized the renal functional anatomy of the mice better than Gd-[DTPA]-dimeglumine and Gadomer-17. DAB-G2 was excreted most rapidly, yet was able to visualize mild renal tubular injury very early after injury. Conclusion DAB-G2 was found to be the best candidate for functional kidney imaging and enabled early diagnosis of acute renal injury. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2004;20:512–518. Published 2004 Wiley-Liss, Inc.