cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Characterization of RIPK3-mediated phosphorylation of the activation loop of MLKL during necroptosis

Mixed lineage kinase domain-like pseudokinase (MLKL) mediates necroptosis by translocating to the plasma membrane and inducing its rupture. The activation of MLKL occurs in a multimolecular complex (the 'necrosome'), which is comprised of MLKL, receptor-interacting serine/threonine kinase (RIPK)-3 (RIPK3) and, in some cases, RIPK1. Within this complex, RIPK3 phosphorylates the activation loop of MLKL, promoting conformational changes and allowing the formation of MLKL oligomers, which migrate to the plasma membrane. Previous studies suggested that RIPK3 could phosphorylate the murine MLKL activation loop at Ser345, Ser347 and Thr349. Moreover, substitution of the Ser345 for an aspartic acid creates a constitutively active MLKL, independent of RIPK3 function. Here we examine the role of each of these residues and found that the phosphorylation of Ser345 is critical for RIPK3-mediated necroptosis, Ser347 has a minor accessory role and Thr349 seems to be irrelevant. We generated a specific monoclonal antibody to detect phospho-Ser345 in murine cells. Using this antibody, a series of MLKL mutants and a novel RIPK3 inhibitor, we demonstrate that the phosphorylation of Ser345 is not required for the interaction between RIPK3 and MLKL in the necrosome, but is essential for MLKL translocation, accumulation in the plasma membrane, and consequent necroptosis.
Significance of Time Variations in the Be Phenomenon

When I prepared the discussion in the subsequent sections I did not realize just how subject to question were certain basic ideas relating to the interpretation of the Be phenomenon. In view of the points already raised in the course of this Colloquium, I should like to preface my prepared remarks with certain additional ones.
Functionalizing silica-coated iron oxide nanoparticles for imaging and targeted cancer therapeutics (780.3)

This project focuses on the surface modification of silica-coated superparamagnetic iron oxide NPs to achieve tissue specific drug delivery to pancreatic tumors. The treatment of pancreatic cancer ...
Chapter 5. Corticotropin-Releasing Hormone (CRH) Receptors and the Discovery of Selective Non-Peptide CRH1 Antagonists

Publisher Summary There is a serious unmet medical need for new neuropsychiatric drugs that are mechanistically distinct from existing therapeutic agents. Large patient subpopulations do not respond well or tolerate well current anxiolytics or anti-depressant drugs. The need is more urgent for other related affective disorders, such as obsessive-compulsive disorder, anorexia nervosa, post-traumatic stress disorder, and drug withdrawal. The primacy of corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) as regulator of the hypothalamus pituitary adrenal (HPA) axis suggests that agents acting at CRH receptors or the CRH binding protein may have profound therapeutic effects in these disorders. Receptors for corticotropin releasing hormone have become targets for drug design, because dysfunction in the HPA axis has been correlated with various diseases. Two subtypes of CRH receptors are known, one of which has splice variants, and a CRH binding protein. The receptor subtypes are G-protein coupled receptors that are distinguished by the rank order of potencies of peptide agonists in a CRH-coupled adenylate cyclase assay and by their anatomical localization. The CRH1 receptor, which consists of 415 amino acids, is positively coupled to adenylate cyclase and is primarily expressed in the rat cortex, hypothalamus, amygdala, cerebellum, and pituitary. In recent times, significant progress has been made in defining the roles of CRH receptor subtypes and the binding protein in disease through studies on knockout and transgenic mice as well as the discovery of peptidic and nonpeptidic antagonists, some of which are likely to be used as therapeutic agents. This chapter discusses such recent developments in CRH molecular biology, pharmacology, clinical data, and drug design studies.
Facilitating Creativity in Adult Learners Through Brainstorming and Play

Creativity has become a topic of ever-increasing interest in educational settings. The major findings arrive at two conclusions about creativity: (a) everyone possesses creativity and (b) creativity can be taught and developed. The major focus of creativity research, however, is on children rather than on adults. Thus, the purpose of the study was to examine the effects of brainstorming and play activities on adults’ creative performance. Three major findings were found: males outperformed females in creativity; GPA played an important role in affecting creativity performance; and finally brainstorming and play had no effects on creativity in this experiment. Further research possibilities and implications were also discussed. Key word: Creativity; Adult learners; Adult education; Brainstorming; Play
Low Self-Esteem: The Uphill Struggle for Self-Integrity

Like Steinbeck, we have wondered why some people are more resilient to the vicissitudes of life than others, that is, why their sense of worth and the psychological states that vary with it (e.g., defensiveness, efficacy, positive affect) are less affected by particular threats to their self- image. They have “thicker skins.” Clearly all of us fluctuate in this respect; sometimes and in some settings, we are more resilient than at other times or in other settings. But personal experience suggests there are reliable individual differences in this capacity. For example, one of the authors was presented with an option to buy a particularly risky stock by his brother. Like most such stocks, there was a good chance of a high payoff, coupled with, a good chance of a big loss. The author’s brother, thick of skin, was eager to buy. If the stock failed, he may have calculated, he had lots of esteem cushioning, a happy family, a good career as a lawyer, and so on. But the author, who had a thinner skin (perhaps because he was a poor graduate student at the time), was wary of the gamble. He focused on the possibility that the stock might lose value, and how foolish he would feel if he gambled away his tenuous financial security.
A Universal HPLC-MS Method to Determine the Stereochemistry of Common and Unusual Amino Acids

The determination of the stereochemistry of common and unusual amino acids is important in food chemistry, archeology, medicine, and life sciences, including such diverse areas as marine biology and extraterrestrial chemistry and has greatly contributed to our current knowledge in these fields. To determine the stereochemistry of amino acids, many chromatographic methods have been developed and refined over the last decades. Here, we describe a state-of-the-art indirect chromatography-based LC-MS method. Diastereomers were formed from amino acids that were reacted with chiral derivatizing agents, such as Marfey’s reagent (FDAA), GITC, S-NIFE, and OPA-IBLC and separated on a reversed phase column using mass spectrometry compatible buffers.
Human papillomavirus in amniotic fluid.

Background There is evidence to suggest that human papillomavirus (HPV) can cross the placenta resulting in in-utero transmission. The goal of this study was to determine if HPV can be detected in amniotic fluid from women with intact amniotic membranes.
Remyelination of the Rat Spinal Cord by Transplantation of Identified Bone Marrow Stromal Cells

Bone marrow contains a population of stem-like cells that can differentiate into neurons or glia. Stromal cells from green fluorescent protein (GFP)-expressing mice were isolated by initial separation on a density gradient and then cultured as adherent cells on plastic that proliferated in culture to confluency with a typical flattened elongative morphology. The large majority of the isolated stromal cells were GFP expressing and immunopositive for collagen type I, fibronectin, and CD44. Transplantation of these cells by direct microinjection into the demyelinated spinal cord of the immunosuppressed rat resulted in remyelination. The remyelinated axons showed characteristics of both central and peripheral myelination as observed by electron microscopy; conduction velocity of the axons was improved. GFP-positive cells and myelin profiles were observed in the remyelinated spinal cord region, indicating that the donor-isolated stromal cells were responsible for the formation of the new myelin. The GFP-positive cells were colocalized with myelin basic protein-positive and P0-positive cellular elements. These findings indicate that cells contained within the stromal cell fraction of the mononuclear cell layer of bone marrow can form functional myelin during transplantation into demyelinated spinal cord.
Collision-induced dissociation of N3+ (X3Σ−) with Ne, Ar, Kr, and Xe

Abstract A guided-ion beam mass spectrometer is used to examine the collision-induced dissociation of ground state N 3 + ( 3 Σ − ) from thermal to 20 eV energy with Ne, Ar, Kr, and Xe. The product distribution observed in these systems varies substantially, a result that can be attributed to the large variation in the polarizabilities and ionization energies of the rare gases. The threshold for appearance of N + in these systems is measured to be 3.74 ± 0.08 eV and is equated with the N + N 2 bond energy. The adiabatic charge transfer reaction of N 3 + with Xe allows a determination of the ionization energy of N 3 as 11.10 ± 0.04 eV, in good agreement with a literature value determined by photoelectron spectroscopy. This information allows the heats of formation of N 3 and N 3 + to be determined as 4.61 ± 0.09 and 15.67 ± 0.08 eV, respectively. This thermodynamic information is compared with other available values. We also measured the adiabatic bond energies D 0 (N + Ar) = 1.22 ± 0.46 eV, D 0 (Kr + N) = 1.38 ± 0.13 eV and D 0 (Xe + N) = 0.65 ± 0.10 eV.
FACTORS AFFECTING LOWER ESOPHAGEAL SPHINCTER COMPETENCY IN CHILDREN

Esophageal manometry was performed on 40 children with severe gastroesophageal (GE) reflux less than 25 months of age. Lower esophageal sphincter (LES) pressures were recorded as end-expiratory pressure in mm Kg using gastric pressure as a base line. Patients with respiratory symptoms (Resp Sx) had repeated bouts of aspiration pneumonia and/or repeated apnea spells caused by aspiration. LES pressures were not depressed in reflux patients and did not increase after surgery. Resp Sx patients had elevated LES pressures and there was a significant decrease in postoperative LES pressure in the 5 patients requiring surgery. The intra-abdominal length of the LES was shorter in patients requiring surgery and increased after surgery. Factors other than LES pressure, especially the infra-abdominal length of the LES play a major role in sphincter competency in children.
Digital control and data acquisition system for the QUIET experiment

Abstract We present the Digital Control and Data Acquisition System (DCDAQ) for Phase I of the Q/U Imaging Experiment (QUIET), arrays of 91 W-band and 19 Q-band receivers, placed on 1.4 m telescopes, in Chajnantor, Chile to measure the polarization of the cosmic microwave background. QUIET uses custom-built electronics boards that control and monitor its polarimeters. Each of these boards is digitally addressable, so that the DCDAQ can set and monitor any of the 1600 biases needed to operate the 91 receivers. The DCDAQ consists of a controller and up to 13 custom-made 32-channel ADC cards. Local FPGAs allow real-time data processing for each channel. This immediate data reduction is necessary, as it is planned to scale this technology beyond Phase I. The DCDAQ system is implemented with this future in mind and can easily be scaled to operate 1000 receivers.
An Examination of Adverse Selection in the Public Provision of Insurance

Using a unique data set from Florida's residual property insurer, we test for adverse selection in the public provision of homeowners’ insurance in Florida. We find a significant relationship between the losses and deductible choices of insureds in Florida's residual homeowners’ insurance market. This relationship provides strong evidence of the existence of an adverse selection problem in Florida's residual property insurance market. While this relationship is important to Florida regulators (and taxpayers) specifically, a finding of an adverse selection problem in residual markets in general has implications more broadly for government providers of insurance as an adverse selection problem in these settings will impact the public policy debates and decisions involving these markets.
Functional Outcome at Adolescence for Infants Less Than 801 G Birth Weight: Perceptions of Children and Parents

OBJECTIVE: To compare functional, emotional, and academic status of adolescents who had been extremely low birth weight (ELBW) with those who were full term. STUDY DESIGN: Twenty-six adolescents who were born in 1983 to 1984 at less than 801 g birth weight were compared with 26 adolescents born at term. Adolescent-perceived status was assessed using the Behavior Assessment System for Children (BASC-SR) and the Self-Perception Profile. Parents' perceptions were assessed using BASC Parent Report, Family Impact Questionnaire, and Functional Status Measure. Health status was obtained through written requests to primary care providers and parent interviews. Academic and attendance information was obtained through school records. RESULTS: Compared to the term adolescents, the ELBW group had significantly lower function related to health status, increased need for special education, and tended to score lower on academic performance measures. However, ELBW adolescents' perceptions regarding their scholastic, athletic, or social competencies did not differ from the term group or national normative data. Parents of ELBWs reported lower adaptive skills, but no other behavioral differences from the term group. CONCLUSION: ELBW survivors and their parents perceived outcome at adolescence positively in spite of evident limitations. Mechanisms that ELBW families use to cope may be important determinants for successful, long-term outcome.
Modelling solar irradiances using ground-based measurements

The first results of photometric measurements of Ca-K plage remnants are presented. They show that during the fall of 1986 the remnants gave a significant contribution to the irradiance variations and that the averaged remnant component is less than assumed in the present UV models. The contribution of the plage remnants to the combined plage and remnant index was on average about 13 percent, and it changed with time.
Nicotine response and nicotinic receptors in long-sleep and short-sleep mice.

Abstract Nicotine response and nicotinic receptor binding were characterized in long-sleep (LS) and short-sleep (SS) mice which have been selectively bred for differential “sleep-time” following ethanol administration. LS mice are more sensitive than SS mice to nicotine as measured by a battery of behavioral and physiological tests and as measured by sensitivity to nicotine-induced seizures. The greater sensitivity of the LS mice is not due to differences in binding of [3H]nicotine. Unlike inbred mouse strains which differ in sensitivity to nicotine-induced seizures, these selected mouse lines do not differ in levels of binding of [125I]alpha-bungarotoxin (BTX) in the hippocampus. Significant differences in BTX binding were found in the cerebellum and striatum. Although these two mouse lines do not differ in blood levels of nicotine following nicotine administration, they differ slightly in brain levels of nicotine indicating differential distribution of the drug. Since this distribution difference is much smaller than the observed behavioral differences, these mice probably differ in CNS sensitivity to nicotine; however, follow-up studies are necessary to test whether the differential response of these mice is due to subtle differences in distribution of nicotine to the brain.
Translocation of mercury and microbial adaptation in a model aquatic system.

Higher levels of mercury-resistant bacteria have been found in mercury-contaminated sediments than in sediments containing low levels of mercury. The work described in this report was undertaken to investigate the movement of mercury (initially as Hg/sup 0/) through components of an aquarium model aquatic system. Changes in mercury-resistant levels of bacterial populations were followed with increasing sediment mercury load.
Polarization dependence of vibrational coupling signals in femtosecond stimulated Raman spectroscopy.

The polarization dependence of vibrational coupling signals seen in femtosecond stimulated Raman spectroscopy (FSRS) is investigated. Changing the polarization of a pulse used to impulsively excite coherent low frequency chlorine bending motion in CDCl3 has a dramatic effect on the line shape of vibrational sidebands which arise from the anharmonic coupling of the pumped modes at 262 and 365cm−1 with the higher frequency symmetric stretching mode at 652cm−1. The asymmetric bend sideband (652+262cm−1) changes sign and magnitude as the impulsive pulse polarization is rotated relative to the Raman pulses, while the symmetric bend sideband (652+365cm−1) is relatively polarization independent. These experiments demonstrate the ability of FSRS to obtain time-resolved information on not only the vibrational coupling strength but also the symmetry of anharmonically coupled modes.
Inhibition of the neutrophil oxidative response to a chemotactic peptide by inhibitors of arachidonic acid oxygenation.

Abstract N-formylmethionylphenylalanine stimulates a short burst of antimycin A-insensitive O2 uptake, O2− production and hexosemonophosphate shunt oxidation of glucose by guinea pig peritoneal neutrophils. The stimulated oxidative metabolism, as well as release of lysosomal enzymes ± cytochalasin B, are inhibited by 5,8,11,14-eicosatetraynoic acid (ID50 1.5 × 10−5 M). High concentrations of indomethacin inhibit the peptide-stimulated oxidations (ID50 1.6 × 10−4 M) while acetylsalicylic acid (2.5 × 10−3 M) does not. Digitonin-stimulated oxidative metabolism and enzyme release are not inhibited by 5,8,11,14-eicosatetraynoic acid or indomethacin at concentrations that depress effects of the N-formylated peptide.
Optimizing Sensor Placement for Intruder Detection with Genetic Algorithms

Sensor networks are effective tools for detecting intruders. However, the standard technique of placing sensors in a perimeter is not optimal. Using optimization techniques to determine sensor placement can improve the effectiveness of the sensor network. The optimization should take into account the environmental conditions and place sensors to take advantage of these conditions. Additionally, there are multiple objectives to consider in sensor placement, specifically the probability of detection and the time to detect. Genetic algorithms are capable of optimizing both objectives simultaneously, achieving the Pareto-optimal curve. This allows the designer of the network to specify a necessary value for one objective and get sensor placements that optimize the other objective. Compared to the standard perimeter configurations, the genetic algorithm networks perform significantly better with respect to both probability of detection and time to detect.
Surviving the Storm: How the Recession is Influencing College Students Today for Positive Change

The author compares the current financial crises to a storm that influences all members of the academic community–students, faculty, and staff. She provides several suggestions for how institutions and individuals could and should react to the financial storm that has changed all of our lives. She specifically urges clear and direct communication between students and parents and students and institutions. In addition, she urges institutions to examine their policies and procedures to see if they are responsive to the current financial situation.
Band-tail states and the localized-to-extended transition in amorphous diamond.

The electronic structure of a large (4096 atom) and realistic model of amorphous diamond is studied. The density of states and the individual eigenstates in the valence-band tail and midgap region are computed with two ``order-N'' spectral electronic-structure methods: the maximum entropy method and the shifted Lanczos method. We observe approximately exponential band tails at both valence- and conduction-band edges. The electronic states are explicitly computed in the vicinity of the gap through the valence-band tail region, and we track their spatial transition from highly local to extended. A simple model leading to exponential band tailing is described. \textcopyright{} 1996 The American Physical Society.
Cell biology: Import and nuclear size.

The size of a cell's nucleus is usually proportional to the size of the cell itself. How are the two linked? The answer lies, at least in part, in the import of one or more cytoplasmic cargoes into the nucleus.
Origin of the connective tissue scar in the transected rat spinal cord

Abstract The dense collagenous tissue that invades the site of spinal transection or hemisection in the rat constitutes a physical impediment to axonal regeneration and prevents functional reunion of the cut ends of the spinal cord. If this connective tissue response in the injured spinal cord were prevented, one barrier to regeneration would be eliminated, and we could better evaluate the role of other factors which affect regeneration of spinal axons. In the present study, the transected and hemisected spinal cords of rats were covered on the dorsal surface with a synthetic dural sheath composed of dacron and silicone. The dural sheath significantly reduced the invasion of connective tissue into the site of transection or hemisection. Because the sheath was located extradurally, we conclude that the fibroblasts which give rise to the connective tissue scar derive not from the dura mater but from connective tissue components of injured bone and muscle tissue adjacent to the spinal cord.
A micromachined scanning grating interferometer for the out-of-plane vibration measurement of MEMS

A micromachined scanning grating interferometer (?SGI) is presented for use in measuring the out-of-plane vibration of microelectromechanical systems (MEMS). The ?SGI uses a phase sensitive deformable diffraction grating to achieve interferometric axial resolution and a microfabricated lens to improve lateral resolution of the measurement. The grating is intended to be actuated to control diffraction patterns while measuring the MEMS vibration to increase measurement sensitivity. The deformable grating and the microlens are fabricated by surface micromachining techniques on separate wafers which are then precisely aligned and assembled. The fabricated deformable grating shows an actuation range of 0.54 ?m and an operating voltage of under 31 V. An assembled grating and lens chip are successfully integrated with a silicon photodiode in less than 2 cm3. The integrated ?SGI has been demonstrated by measuring 4.4 nm, 900 kHz vibration of a MEMS device while actuating the deformable grating in the measurement.
Global pollution aerosol monitoring (GPAM) in the atmospheric boundary layer using future earth observing satellite remote sensing

Global pollution aerosol monitoring is a very important climatic and environmental problem. It affects not only human health but also ecological systems. Because most pollution aerosols are concentrated in the atmospheric boundary layer where human, animal and vegetation live, global pollution aerosol stuides have been an important topic since about a decade ago. Recently, many new chemistry remote sensing satellite systems, such as NASA's Aura (EOS-CHEM), have been established. However, pollution aerosols in the atmospheric boundary layer cannot be detected using current remote sensing technologies. George Mason University (GMU) proposes to design scientific algorithms and technologies to monitor the atmospheric boundary layer pollution aerosols, using both satellite remote sensing measurements and ground measurements, collaborating with NASA and the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA)/Forest Services (FS). Boundary layer pollution aerosols result from industrial pollution, desert dust storms, smoke from wildfires and biomass burning, volcanic eruptions, and from other trace gases. The current and next generation satellite instruments, such as The Ozone Mapping and Profiler Suite (OMPS), Ozone Monitoring Instrument (OMI), Thermal Emission Spectrometer (TES), and High Resolution Dynamics Limb Sounder (HIRDLS) can be used for this study. Some surface measurements from USDA/FS and other agencies may also be used in this study. We will discuss critical issues for GPAM in the boundary layer using Earth observing satellite remote sensing in detail in this paper.
Macrophages from nephrotic rats regulate apolipoprotein E biosynthesis and cholesterol content independently

Abstract The effects of the nephrotic syndrome in rats on the cholesterol content and the biosynthesis of apolipoprotein E (apoE) by resident peritoneal macrophages have been investigated. Since the nephrotic syndrome has been associated with an increased risk of coronary atherosclerosis, we hypothesized that macrophages from nephrotic rats would accumulate cholesterol and undergo transformation into foam cells, with a concomitant increase in apoE biosynthesis. The nephrotic syndrome was induced in rats with puromycin aminonucleoside. Peritoneal macrophages exposed in vivo for 7-21 d to ascites fluid derived from plasma containing sixfold elevations of lipoproteins did not accumulate unesterified or esterified cholesterol. Nevertheless, immunoprecipitation assays after incubation of the isolated cells with [35S]methionine, or immunoblot analysis of the incubation medium demonstrated a 2.6-fold increase in apoE secretion compared with normal macrophages. This increase was accompanied by 5- to 10-fold increases in cellular apoE messenger RNA as determined by quantitative solution hybridization assay. Peritoneal macrophages cultured from nephrotic rats during the period of hypercholesterolemia also showed distinct and highly reproducible morphologic changes. The dissociation between apoE biosynthesis and macrophage cholesterol content provides new insight into the response of peritoneal macrophages in vivo to endogenous hyperlipemia.
Identification of 90% of Patients Ultimately Diagnosed With Community-Acquired Pneumonia Within Four Hours of Emergency Department Arrival May Not Be Feasible

Study objective We determine whether it is feasible to identify 90% of emergency department (ED) patients who subsequently receive a hospital discharge diagnosis of community-acquired pneumonia using the current Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO)/Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) community-acquired pneumonia core measures criteria. Methods This was a retrospective case series in a university tertiary care ED. From a random sample of patients discharged from the hospital between January and December 2005 who were eligible for JCAHO/CMS community-acquired pneumonia antibiotic timing measure PN-5b, we identified the proportion of patients admitted through the ED who received antibiotics more than 4 hours after hospital arrival (outliers). Medical records of outliers were reviewed to determine whether they received a final ED community-acquired pneumonia diagnosis. Presenting characteristics of outliers with and without final ED community-acquired pneumonia diagnoses were compared to determine feature(s) that might explain failure to diagnose community-acquired pneumonia in the ED. Results Of 152 eligible ED community-acquired pneumonia patients, 53 (34.9%) were identified as outliers. Thirty-one of the outliers did not have a final ED community-acquired pneumonia diagnosis. Thus, at least 20.4% (95% confidence interval [CI] 14.3% to 27.7%) of all ED community-acquired pneumonia patients did not have an ED community-acquired pneumonia diagnosis. Of outliers without an ED community-acquired pneumonia diagnosis, 43.3% had an abnormal chest radiograph compared with 95% with an ED community-acquired pneumonia diagnosis (odds ratio 24.8; 95% CI 3.63 to ∞). Conclusion It may not be possible to identify 90% of hospitalized patients with a discharge diagnosis of community-acquired pneumonia during their ED assessment by using the current JCAHO/CMS criteria. It may therefore be unrealistic to expect that 90% of such patients will have antibiotics delivered within 4 hours of hospital presentation. A more realistic performance standard for antibiotic administration should be established or case definitions modified to include only patients with a final ED community-acquired pneumonia diagnosis or objective clinical and radiographic evidence.
The Effects of Communication Efficacy on Information-Seeking Following Events That Increase Uncertainty: A Cross-Lagged Panel Analysis

This study examined how past information-seeking experience influences individuals’ information-seeking decision process following an event that increases uncertainty in close relationships. To examine this issue, a two-wave, cross-lagged, panel-design study was conducted, and outcome expectancy, communication efficacy, and information-seeking were measured at each time. Analyses revealed that communication efficacy mediates the link between outcome expectancies and information-seeking under the conditions of uncertainty. The results also suggest that communication efficacy and information-seeking impact each other cyclically. The findings of this research suggest that scholars should focus on people's information-seeking experience and communication efficacy when examining information-seeking following events that increase uncertainty in close relationships.
Evaluation of the knee.

Abstract The knee is frequently injured and affected by a variety of diseases. A precise history of injury or onset of symptoms is essential. the joint is ideally examined as soon after injury as possible. Examination should include observation of swelling, palpation of bony prominences, determination of the presence of effusion, recording of range of motion and evaluation of joint stability. Although x-ray studies constitute an important part of overall assessment, they only augment and not supplant thorough physical examination. Aspiration of joint effusion should be performed for diagnostic purposes, or to relieve pain. Arthrocentesis is indicated when effusion of uncertain etiology is present.
Self-catenated and interdigitated layered coordination polymers constructed from kinked dicarboxylate and organodiimine ligands.

Hydrothermal combination of divalent nickel or cobalt nitrates with the kinked carboxylic acid 4,4‘-oxybis(benzoic acid) (H2oba) and the kinked and hydrogen-bonding capable organodiimine 4,4‘-dipyridylamine (dpa) under basic conditions has afforded a pair of coordination polymers with a formulation of {[M(oba)(dpa)]·H2O} (M = Ni, 1; M = Co, 2). Both materials were characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction, infrared spectroscopy, and thermogravimetric analysis. The structures of 1 and 2 are isomorphous and manifest intriguing self-catenated two-dimensional layered motifs with very rare non-diamond 66 topology constructed from the direct covalent linkage of [M(oba)]n double helices through [M(dpa)]n undulating chains. Adjacent self-catenated layers engage in mutual interdigitation to form double-layer patterns that further aggregate via supramolecular hydrogen-bonding patterns imparted by the central amine of the dpa ligand. These coordination polymers are very thermally robust, with decomposition o...
Robust Indoor Localization on a Commercial Smart Phone

Low-cost localization solutions for indoor environments have a variety of real-world applications ranging from emergency evacuation to mobility aids for people with disabilities. In this paper, we introduce a methodology for indoor localization using a commercial smart-phone combining dead reckoning and Wifi signal strength fingerprinting. Additionally, we outline an automated procedure for collecting Wifi calibration data that uses a robot equipped with a laser rangefinder and fiber optic gyroscope. These measurements along with a generated robot map of the environment are combined using a particle filter towards robust pose estimation. The uniqueness of our approach lies in the implementation of the complementary nature of the solution as well as in the efficient adaptation to the smart-phone platform. The system was tested using multiple participants in two different indoor environments, and achieved localization accuracies on the order of 5 meters; sufficient for a variety of navigation and context-aware applications.
Road Financing and Management in the Baltic States

Until the early 1990s, the Baltic states, namely, Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania, were constituents of the former Soviet Union. When the Baltic states achieved independence, they faced challenges in finding ways to develop and maintain their neglected road networks. The new republics organized individual road administrations according to their specific needs and governmental frameworks. They chose different means of collecting and distributing the funds needed for their national road networks. Before independence, all road construction and maintenance were done by force account. Since independence, the road administrative structures and financing arrangements have undergone considerable change. A common concern in the three Baltic states is that the current levels of funding for roads are lower than those needed to maintain their national road networks. If adequate funding is not available, it is likely that there will be increased backlogs of periodic maintenance, resulting in a greater need for reconstr...
Topographically Specific Effects of ELF-1 on Retinal Axon Guidance In Vitro and Retinal Axon Mapping In Vivo

Topographic maps, which maintain the spatial order of neurons in the order of their axonal connections, are found throughout the nervous system. In the visual retinotectal projection, ELF-1, a ligand in the tectum, and its receptors in the retina show complementary gradients in expression and binding, indicating they may be positional labels for map development. Here we show that ELF-1 acts as a repellent axon guidance factor in vitro. In vivo, when the tectal ELF-1 pattern is modified by retroviral overexpression, retinal axons avoid ectopic ELF-1 patches and map to abnormally anterior positions. All these effects were seen on axons from temporal but not nasal retina, indicating that ELF-1 could determine nasal versus temporal retinotectal specificity, and providing a direct demonstration of a cell recognition molecule with topographically specific effects on neural map development.
A distributed shortest path algorithm for a planar network

Abstract An algorithm is presented for finding a single source shortest path tree in a planar undirected distributed network with nonnegative edge costs. The number of messages used by the algorithm is O(n 5 3 ) on an n-node network. Distributed algorithms are also presented for finding a breath-first spanning tree in general network, for finding a shortest path tree in a general network, for finding a separator of a planar network, and for finding a division of a planar network.
Model pillar tests for evaluating the structural stability of openings in rock salt utilized for the disposal of radioactive wastes

Abstract Perhaps the most promising geologic environment for the disposal of large quantities of heat-generating, high-level, radioactive waste is subterranean rock salt deposits. In order to design an actual disposal facility in salt, it is necessary that the effects of elevated temperature, load, and stratigraphic relations on structural openings be determined. To predict flow in rock salt, scale models of salt pillars and their surrounding rooms have been fabricated from cores taken in mines at Lyons and Hutchinson, Kansas; Retsof, New York; Detroit, Michigan; Grand Saline, Texas; Cote Blanche, Louisiana; and Asse, Germany. Tests have been conducted at temperatures of 22.5°, 60°, 100°, and 200°C for axial loads of 2,000, 4,000, 6,000, 8,000, and 10,000 psi at each temperature. From these tests, it has been observed that the deformation of the pillars increases markedly with increasing loads. However, even more significant is the greatly accelerated creep rates of the salt at elevated temperatures. At all axial loads and constant temperatures, there is initially a high creep rate that decreases with time. Creep rates have been observed to continue to decline even after 3 1 3 years of testing. Laboratory studies show that thin shale beds, which commonly occur with bedded salt deposits, cause greatly accelerated rates of deformation in excavated cavities when they occur in the pillars at the roof and floor interfaces. Under these conditions the shales, which are effective friction reducers, serve to reduce significantly the transfer of lateral confining stresses from the roof and floor of the openings into the pillars.
Predicting the Crohn's disease activity index from the harvey‐bradshaw index

Background The Crohn's Disease Activity Index (CDAI) was developed in the 1970s to assess the degree of illness in individuals with Crohn's disease and has since been used widely in clinical trials of the condition. The Harvey-Bradshaw Index (HBI) is a simplification of the CDAI, designed to make data collection and computation easier. It is purported, on the basis of a 0.93 correlation coefficient, to give "essentially the same information." However, correlation is an incomplete way to assess sameness, and this study aimed to develop a method for predicting CDAI from HBI values, including relevant prediction limits. Materials and methods Data used in developing both indexes were combined. Single visits of 224 patients with Crohn's disease were plotted on a scattergram. HBI values seen were integers from 0 through 19. Mean and standard deviation of CDAI were determined for each HBI value that included a sufficient number of patients. Standard deviation of CDAI showed a linear increase with increasing HBI. Therefore, regression of CDAI on HBI was weighted on the inverse of the estimated CDAI standard deviation. Results Regression predicted a 27-CDAI-unit increase for each HBI unit. Calculated 95% prediction limits were almost straight, diverging lines, bracketing 95% of observations. A table gives central tendency and 95% prediction limits of CDAI for any HBI, as well as key clinical benchmarks. Conclusions There is a good but far from perfect relationship between CDAI and HBI. CDAI is preferred for clinical trials; HBI is easier to use.
TU‐D‐201B‐03: The Latest in Radiation Dose Reduction Techniques in CT

The dose per exam for a CT of the abdomen and pelvis has decreased by a factor of 2–3 since the 1980s due to a number of technical innovations. This was accomplished in parallel to scan times being reduced from several minutes to several seconds and routine image thicknesses being decreased from 10 mm to 3 – 5 mm. Some of the advances responsible for these improvements included: use of solid‐state scintillating detectors and electronic circuits with lower levels of “background” noise, wider multiple‐detector‐row arrays having thin individual detector elements, more powerful x‐ray tubes and generators which allow greater pre‐patient “beam‐hardening,” and beam shaping filters that vary decrease intensity to the patient periphery or restrict the majority of the dose to the center of the patient for cardiacimaging. A number of additional dose reduction techniques now exist and are gaining wide‐spread use, including automated adjustment of scanner output according to patient size, tube current modulation based on patient attenuation or ECG, automated selection of the most dose‐efficient tube potential, iterative reconstruction methods, increased spiral pitch or non‐spiral cardiacCT acquisition modes, dynamic z‐axis collimation, and novel noise reduction techniques, some of which require raw data and some of which operate on reconstructed images. This presentation will provide an overview of CT dose reduction techniques, emphasizing those with the greatest clinical impact, and new and emerging techniques. The participant will learn about the general classes of CT dose reduction techniques, and examples of specific implementations will be given. Learning Objectives: 1. Recognize the general classes of dose reduction techniques in CT 2. Understand the basic principles of each general class 3. Learn how specific implementations of each class function 4. Appreciate the magnitude of dose reduction that can be achieved using the described techniques
Galectin-1 as a fusion partner for the production of soluble and folded human β-1,4-galactosyltransferase-T7 in E. coli

The expression of recombinant proteins in Escherichia coli often leads to inactive aggregated proteins known as the inclusion bodies. To date, the best available tool has been the use of fusion tags, including the carbohydrate-binding protein; e.g., the maltose-binding protein (MBP) that enhances the solubility of recombinant proteins. However, none of these fusion tags work universally with every partner protein. We hypothesized that galectins, which are also carbohydrate-binding proteins, may help as fusion partners in folding the mammalian proteins in E. coli. Here we show for the first time that a small soluble lectin, human galectin-1, one member of a large galectin family, can function as a fusion partner to produce soluble folded recombinant human glycosyltransferase, beta-1,4-galactosyltransferase-7 (beta4Gal-T7), in E. coli. The enzyme beta4Gal-T7 transfers galactose to xylose during the synthesis of the tetrasaccharide linker sequence attached to a Ser residue of proteoglycans. Without a fusion partner, beta4Gal-T7 is expressed in E. coli as inclusion bodies. We have designed a new vector construct, pLgals1, from pET-23a that includes the sequence for human galectin-1, followed by the Tev protease cleavage site, a 6x His-coding sequence, and a multi-cloning site where a cloned gene is inserted. After lactose affinity column purification of galectin-1-beta4Gal-T7 fusion protein, the unique protease cleavage site allows the protein beta4Gal-T7 to be cleaved from galectin-1 that binds and elutes from UDP-agarose column. The eluted protein is enzymatically active, and shows CD spectra comparable to the folded beta4Gal-T1. The engineered galectin-1 vector could prove to be a valuable tool for expressing other proteins in E. coli.
Microorganism removal from wastewater by rapid mixed media filtration

Abstract Reuse of domestic sewage effluents in Arizona requires that certain microbiological standards be met. The purpose of this project was to determine the effectiveness of rapid mixed media filtration in the removal of enteric viruses, fecal coliforms and roundworm eggs from sewage destined for reuse as irrigation water. Two surrogate viruses, the simian rotavirus SA-11, used in place of human rotavirus which is pathogenic to man, and f2 coliphage, known to adsorb poorly to surfaces, were used to evaluate filter performance. No significant removal of coliphages occurred by the filters. Addition of ferric chloride and anionic polymer did not enhance virus removal. When small amounts of alum and polymer were added, removal of colliphage increased to 37–40%. Average removal of rotavirus ranged from 21 to 27% after addition of alum and polymer. Mixed media filtration effectively reduced coliform numbers. The removal of Ascaris ova by filtration was essentially complete.
Carcinoma of the prostate: Treatment with external radiotherapy

Among 146 prostate carcinoma patients treated with external radiotherapy at Columbia-Presbyterian Medical Center, the 5 and 10 year survival rates were 64.1% and 40.5%, respectively. The 5-year survival rate was 88.2% for patients with Stage A, 86.8% for Stage B, and 58% for Stage C; it was 64.4% for patients with more differentiated carcinomas, but only 28.7% for patients with undifferentiated tumors. Patients with obstructive changes on IVP had a 5 year survival rate of 24.1%, whereas, for patients with no obstruction on IVP, this rate was 71.3%. When radiotherapy started within 6 months after the diagnosis, the 5 year survival rate was 70.3%, whereas, a delay in starting radiotherapy, for more than 6 months after the diagnosis, was associated with a survival rate of 31.9%. Radiation dose of 6500 rad or more was associated with a 5-year survival rate of 86.7%, whereas, for a dose of less than 6500 rad this survival rate was 57.1%. All the above differences were statistically significant (p < 0.05). Other factors found to influence the prognosis to a degree that was not statistically significant included: age of the patient at the time of radiotherapy, presenting symptoms, levels of acid phosphatase in the serummore » and in the bone marrow, and size of the irradiated volume. In agreement with other published series the complications were usually mild and their incidence low. Tumor involving and protruding into the urethra may have contributed to the formation of urethral strictures. Local control of this cancer with external radiotherapy appears very successful. Treatment failures were manifested most often with distant metastases with or without local recurrence, suggesting that subclinical distant metastases might have been present prior to initiation of radiotherapy. External radiotherapy rather than brachytherapy, appears to be the treatment of choice for cancer of the prostate with indications for radiotherapy.« less
The Feeling of the Absurd: Towards an Integrative Theory of Sense-Making

This commentary begins where Van den Bos (this issue) leaves off his impressive review—with high hopes for a framework that integrates the sense-making literature. When looking for insights into wh...
Evaluating invasive cutaneous melanoma: is the initial biopsy representative of the final depth?

Abstract Background: An accurate initial biopsy of the deepest portion of the melanoma is vital to the management of patients with melanomas. Objective: Our goal was to evaluate the accuracy of preliminary biopsies performed by a group of predominantly experienced dermatologists (n = 46/72). Methods: A total of 145 cases of cutaneous melanoma were examined retrospectively. We compared Breslow depth on preliminary biopsy with Breslow depth on subsequent excision. Was the initial diagnostic biopsy performed on the deepest part of the melanoma? Results: Of nonexcisional initial shave and punch biopsies, 88% were accurate, with Breslow depth greater than or equal to subsequent excision Breslow depth. Both superficial and deep shave biopsies were more accurate than punch biopsy for melanomas less than 1 mm. Excisional biopsy was found to be the most accurate method of biopsy. Conclusions: Deep shave biopsy is preferable to superficial shave or punch biopsy for thin and intermediate depth (
BETA-BLOCKADE AND BLOOD-LEVELS AFTER LOW-DOSE ORAL PROPRANOLOL: THE HEPATIC "FIRST-PASS" THRESHOLD REVISITED

Abstract Heart-rate, arterial pressure, and plasma-renin activity were determined in six normal subjects at rest and after an injection of 8 μg isoprenaline with and without prior propranolol administered orally in a dose of 5 mg 8-hourly for a total of five doses. After propranolol, resting heart-rate, systolic pressure, and plasma-renin activity all fell significantly (p