cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Optimal Fraction of Hydrophobic Residues Required to Ensure Protein Collapse

The hydrophobic interaction is the main driving force for protein folding. Here, we address the question of what is the optimal fraction, f of hydrophobic (H) residues required to ensure protein collapse. For very small f (say f f this local coverage cannot be achieved and the thermodynamic alternative to avoid contact with water is burying the H residues in the interior of a compact chain structure. The interior also contains P residues that are known to be clustered to optimize their electrostatic interactions. This means that the H residues are clustered as well, i.e. they effectively attract each other like the H-monomers in Dill's HP lattice model. Previously, we asked the question: assuming that the H monomers in the HP model are distributed randomly along the chain, what fraction of them is required to ensure a compact ground state? We claimed there that f ≈ p c , where p c is the site percolation threshold of the lattice (in a percolation experiment, each site of an initially empty lattice is visited and a particle is placed there with a probability p . The interest is in the critical (minimal) value, p c , for which percolation occurs, i.e. a cluster connecting the opposite sides of the lattice is created). Due to the above correspondence between the HP model and real proteins (and assuming that the H residues are distributed at random) we suggest that the experimental f should lead to percolating clusters of H residues over the highly dense protein core, i.e. clusters of the core size. To check this theory, we treat a simplified model consisting of H and P residues represented by their α-carbon atoms only. The structure is defined by the C α –C α virtual bond lengths, angles and dihedral angles, and the X-ray structure is best-fitted onto a face-centered cubic lattice. Percolation experiments are carried out for 103 single-chain proteins using six different hydrophobic sets of residues. Indeed, on average, percolating clusters are generated, which supports our theory; however, some sets lead to a better core coverage than others. We also calculate the largest actual hydrophobic cluster of each protein and show that, on average, these clusters span the core, again in accord with our theory. We discuss the effect of protein size, deviations from the average picture, and implications of this study for defining reliable simplified models of proteins.
Planetary companions of pulsars.

THE recent observation of a “quasi-sinusoidal” period variation in the pulsar NP 0532 has been attributed to perturbations produced by a planetary companion with an orbital period of about three months and a minimum mass of 1.0 M⊕ assuming the mass of the pulsar to be 1 M⊙ (ref. 1). It is therefore desirable to investigate the orbit of a planet after a supernova explosion of the central star, and the effect of the new orbit on the observed period of the pulsar.
N = 1 supergravity with nonminimal coupling: A class of models

The component formulation of the Wess-Zumino superspace action leads, when compared with the general results of Cremmer et al., to a nonminimal version of N = 1 supergravity. A new superpotential, g/sub 2/(z), has been found that gives a scalar potential V(z) that is even in z and which breaks supersymmetry inside the circle of radius ..sqrt..6 /kappa in the complex plane.
Factoring groups and tiling space

The problem of tiling space by translates of certain star bodies, called ‘crosses’ and ‘semicrosses’, is intimately connected with finding a subsetA of a finite abelian groupG such that for a particular subset of the integersS each non-zero element ofG is uniquely expressible in the forms·g withs inS andg inA. This paper examines some of the algebraic questions raised; in particular it obtains bounds on the number of elements inS, constructs factorizations ofZ p n , and presents an example of a setS that factors no group.
Extrinsic properties of optical activity in adrenal iron-sulfur protein (adrenodoxin).

Abstract From studies on the protein denaturation of adrenal iron-sulfur protein (adrenodoxin) by urea and guanidine hydrochloride, it was revealed by optical absorption, optical rotatory dispersion and circular dichroism measurements that the iron-sulfur chromophore, per se, is optically inactive. The origin of multiple Cotton effects in the untreated protein at the visible region is due to asymmetric interaction of an ordered structure of polypeptide chain with the chromophore. The initial phase of the denaturation process is reversible upon the removal of the denaturants.
Sedimentary proxy evidence of a mid-Holocene hypsithermal event in the location of a current warming hole, North Carolina, USA

Abstract A wetland deposit from the southern Appalachian mountains of North Carolina, USA, has been radiocarbon dated and shows continuous deposition from the early Holocene to the present. Non-coastal records of Holocene paleoenvironments are rare from the southeastern USA. Increased stable carbon isotope ratios (δ13C) of sedimentary organic matter and pollen percentages indicate warm, dry early- to mid-Holocene conditions. This interpretation is also supported by n-alkane biomarker data and bulk sedimentary C/N ratios. These warm, dry conditions coincide with a mid-Holocene hypsithermal, or altithermal, documented elsewhere in North America. Our data indicate that the southeastern USA warmed concurrently with much of the rest of the continent during the mid-Holocene. If the current “warming hole” in the southeastern USA persists, during a time of greenhouse gas-induced warming elsewhere, it will be anomalous both in space and time.
Albumin levels predict survival in patients with systolic heart failure.

Background Hypoalbuminemia is associated with poor prognosis in patients with certain chronic diseases, such as end-stage renal disease and cancer. Although low serum albumin is common in patients with heart failure (HF), the relationship between albumin and HF prognosis has not been well characterized. This study investigated the effect of serum albumin level on survival in patients with advanced HF. Methods We analyzed 1726 systolic HF patients (age 52 ± 13 years, ejection fraction [EF] 23% ± 7%) followed at a university HF center. Albumin level was determined at initial referral. Patients were divided by into groups based on presence of hypoalbuminemia (≤3.4 g/dL). Mean albumin was 3.8 ± 0.6 g/dL, and 25% of patients had hypoalbuminemia. Results Patients with and without low albumin levels were similar in age, HF etiology, and EF. Hypoalbuminemia was associated with higher New York Heart Association (NYHA) class, higher serum urea nitrogen, creatinine level, C-reactive protein, and B-type natriuretic peptide but lower levels of sodium, hemoglobin, and cholesterol. In patients with BMI <25 kg/m2, 27% had albumin ≤3.4 g/dL, compared to 22% of those with BMI ≥25 kg/m2 (P < .01). One-year survival was 66% in patients with and 83% in those without hypoalbuminemia (P < .0001). Risk-adjusted hazard ratios for 1- and 5-year mortality were 2.2 (1.4-3.3) and 2.2 (1.4-3.2), respectively. Conclusions Hypoalbuminemia is common in HF and is independently associated with increased risk of death in HF. Further investigation of pathophysiologic mechanisms underlying hypoalbuminemia in HF is warranted.
Continuous monitoring of brain ethanol levels by intracerebral microdialysis

Abstract A method is described which allows simultaneous collection of blood and perfusate of discrete brain regions from an individual animal over several hours. This procedure involves catheterization of a peripheral blood vessel (jugular vein) and the insertion of a microdialysis probe into a specified brain area (lateral hypothalamus) for sampling of blood and brain perfusate, respectively. Using this procedure, levels of ethanol in blood and brain perfusates were determined by scintillation counting following administration of [ 14 C]-ethanol (20 μCi) to adult male rats at a dose of 0.8 or 2.4 g/kg. Ethanol levels in brain and blood as well as the time-course of disappearance were dependent on the dose administered. Peak blood levels were observed in the first sample taken (i.e., at 10 min), whereas a slight delay was noted in the time to peak level in brain. At subsequent time points, a good correlation was observed between blood and brain perfusate radioactivity levels although perfusate levels were slightly lower. It is concluded that this approach will prove useful for investigating the molecular and cellular mechanisms of action of ethanol by enabling the direct correlation of blood and brain ethanol levels with various behavioral, electrophysiological and/or biochemical measures.
Bioaugmentation for improved recovery of anaerobic digesters after toxicant exposure.

Bioaugmentation was investigated as a method to decrease the recovery period of anaerobic digesters exposed to a transient toxic event. Two sets of laboratory-scale digesters (SRT = 10 days, OLR = 2 g COD/L-day), started with inoculum from a digester stabilizing synthetic municipal wastewater solids (MW) and synthetic industrial wastewater (WW), respectively, were transiently exposed to the model toxicant, oxygen. Bioaugmented digesters received 1.2 g VSS/L-day of an H2-utilizing culture for which the archaeal community was analyzed. Soon after oxygen exposure, the bioaugmented digesters produced 25–60% more methane than non-bioaugmented controls (p < 0.05). One set of digesters produced lingering high propionate concentrations, and bioaugmentation resulted in significantly shorter recovery periods. The second set of digesters did not display lingering propionate, and bioaugmented digesters recovered at the same time as non-bioaugmented controls. The difference in the effect of bioaugmentation on recovery may be due to differences between microbial communities of the digester inocula originally employed. In conclusion, bioaugmentation with an H2-utilizing culture is a potential tool to decrease the recovery period, decrease propionate concentration, and increase biogas production of some anaerobic digesters after a toxic event. Digesters already containing rapidly adaptable microbial communities may not benefit from bioaugmentation, whereas other digesters with poorly adaptable microbial communities may benefit greatly.
Knowledge management practices and firm capabilities development: The moderating role of knowledge expropriation hazard in supply chain

Previous studies have established the significant relationships between knowledge management practices (KMPs) and firm capabilities development (FCD). These relationships, however, could possibly be moderated by knowledge expropriation hazard (KEH) arising from the opportunism of human beings. Based on knowledge management and strategic alliance research, the main objective of this paper is to empirically examine this moderating effect in a supply chain context. The results revealed that KEH significantly affected the relationship between mutual-codification practices (which is a component of KMPs) and FCD, but it did not moderate the relationship between high-interaction practices (which is another component of KMPs) and FCD.
Inherent structure analysis of protein folding.

An analysis in terms of the inherent structures (IS, local minima) of the multidimensional potential energy landscape is applied to proteins. Detailed calculations are performed for the 46 bead BLN model, which folds into a four-stranded β-barrel. Enhanced sampling has allowed determination of 239 199 IS states, believed to encompass nearly all the compact, low-energy states, and of well-averaged thermodynamic quantities at low temperature. The density of states shows distinct lobes for compact and extended states, and entropic barriers for the collapse and local ordering transitions. A two-dimensional scatterplot or density of states clearly shows the multifunnel structure of the energy landscape. The anharmonic vibrational free energy is found to play a crucial role in protein folding. The problem of determining the folding transition in a multifunnel system is discussed, and novel indicators of folding are introduced. A particularly clear picture is obtained through the occupation probabilities, pi, of...
Does a Glucostatic Mechanism for Food Intake Control Exist in Chickens

Abstract A series of experiments involving modification of the circulating blood glucose level were performed in an attempt to ascertain whether or not the glucostatic mechanism of food intake control is operative in chickens. The use of insulin, glucagon, glucose or fructose to modify the circulating level of glucose did not result in any significantly consistent alterations in food intake over the four hour testing period. The data raised the possibility that the glucostatic mechanism of food intake control, as it has been proposed for mammals, is either not present in birds, or operates in a manner which is not readily detectable using protocols that are effective in mammals.
Prey capture in mantids: A non-stereotyped component of lunge

The praying mantis Tenodora aridifolia sinensis strikes at prey with the pincer-like motion of its prothoracic legs. During strike the mantis moves its body forward toward the prey in a lunge which is propelled by its four walking legs. Using a tethered mantis preparation we have studied the lunge produced by the movement of the walking legs. We have found that lunge is correctly oriented toward prey no matter where it moves in three-dimensional space. This demonstrates that the lunge that accompanies the strike is in this species aimed and not invariant in distance and direction as suggested for other mantids.
MAPkinaseQuest: novel roadway to αIIbβ3 activation

Comment on Li et al, page [965][1] In this issue, Li and colleagues delineate a novel signaling pathway, in which 2 MAPK kinases are shown to regulate the activation of integrin αIIbβ3 on platelets. Platelet stimulation begins with the binding of agonists, such as thrombin and von Willebrand
Using spreadsheet software in water-balance modeling

Abstract Water-balance techniques are used in several disciplines to model surface hydrology and also are used extensively in teaching. Typically, water-budgets are constructed by using graphs and tables or by using conventional computer programs. In this paper, water budgets are constructed using commercial spreadsheet software. Such an approach has at least two advantages over other methods. First, the programming is streamlined and less time is needed to enter (or modify) the necessary code. Second, upon change of an independent variable, spreadsheets recalculate all dependent variables virtually in realtime. In addition, spreadsheets have powerful graphing capabilities allowing for construction of custom multivariate line plots, climographs, etc. These factors make spreadsheet-based water-balance techniques especially attractive for teaching and “what if” modeling. The procedures are presented in a tutorial format so that working water-balance spreadsheet templates can be constructed by users with little or no spreadsheet experience.
Integration and Test of a Second Generation Dual Purpose Pulse Forming Network Into the P&E HWIL SIL

A second-generation dual purpose pulse forming network (DP-PFN) has been developed to power both the electro-thermal-chemical (ETC)/electro-thermal-ignition (ETI) lethality capability and the electro-magnetic armor (EMA) survivability capability improvements envisioned for future hybrid-electric vehicles. ETI decreases the ignition variability associated with the launching of conventional munitions by roughly a factor of ten which, in conjunction with the systems ballistic computer, greatly enhances hit probability of the round. ETC provides maximum performance in all conditions, including temperature compensation, resulting in increased lethality and range with higher average muzzle velocities. EMA uses stored electric energy to disrupt a shaped-charge jet and reduce it's depth of penetration. The second-generation DP-PFN for driving both ETI/ETC and EMA emulators is scheduled to be integrated into the power and energy (P&E) hardware-in-the-loop (HWIL) System Integration Laboratory (SIL) in Santa Clara, CA, in 2006. The DP-PFN is capable of providing either the short pulse lengths required by the EMA or the considerably longer pulse lengths required by the ETI/ETC gun as well as emulating various "degraded functionality" states such as loss of individual capacitors. Integration of this DP-PFN marks another great milestone for the SIL, ensuring that it continues to be capable of emulating all the major hybrid-electric mobility functions of a ground combat vehicle as well as the major lethality and survivability electrical loads. This paper describes the DP-PFN components, the overall DP-PFN design philosophy and the planned integration and testing of the DP-PFN in the P&E HWIL SIL
Nutrition and immunity

The effects of nutrition on immunity function, and the consequences of these effects for the development of several diseases, have been the focus of a growing number of clinical and experimental studies. Field studies in developing countries have consistently linked severe malnutrition with immunologic crippling and increased susceptibility to infection. However, studies of moderately protein-deprived individuals showed that although their B-cell immunity function was debilitated by dietary restriction, certain aspects of their T-cell immunity function were apparently enhanced. Subsequent extensive laboratory investigations have confirmed that dietary restriction has differential effects on the B-cell and T-cell immunity systems, associated with a highly specific influence of nutritional factors on the thymus. In addition to protein, fat, and total calories, the single element zinc in the diet has a profound effect on immunity function, at least in part through its direct relationship with the thymus. Clinical studies have linked low serum levels of zinc, caused by malabsorption or unavailability, with both immunodeficiency disease and certain forms of cancer. As well as nutritional deficiency, malnutrition associated with excessive food intake has proved to be related to early disorganization of immunity function, especially of thymus-derived immunity, in several strains of short-lived autoimmune-prone mice. Dietary restriction inhibits development of disease and prolongs life in these strains, which reflect virtually all of the major human diseases of aging. We are hopeful that the therapeutic possibilities of a scientifically modified diet may eventually be realized and added to our clinical resources in combating immunodeficiencies, cancer, arteriosclerosis and other vascular diseases, renal disease, artherosclerosis, amyloidosis, vasculitis, and autoimmunities such as arthritis.
The phenomenon of decreased mandibular arch width in opening movements.

Abstract Recent measurements indicate that deformation of the mandible occurs during opening movements. This important phenomenon is of considerable clinical significance. Further investigation, with a measuring apparatus rigidly attached to the teeth and possibly using strain gauges attached to fixed restorations, is indicated. Meanwhile, it is advisable not to make mandibular impressions with the mouth wide open and to question the advisability of rigidly joining the lower teeth together with a cross-arch splint.
The "City of Lit" digital library: a case study of interdisciplinary research and collaboration

In 2008, Iowa City was designated as one of only five"Cities of Literature worldwide by UNESCO. To take advantage of our rich local literary history, an interdisciplinary research team from the University of Iowa collaborated to develop a digital library featuring Iowa City authors and locations. The UNESCO City of Literature digital library (referred to internally as "City of Lit") consists of a mobile application for the general public to access the database and a set of web-based interfaces for researcher and content creators to contribute to the database. Members of the research team have developed undergraduate literature courses to study the feasibility of using young scholars for digital content creation, and the pedagogical effect of including digital research in traditional literary courses. Students in the courses were trained to conduct scholarly research and generate a variety of digital resources to be included in the digital collection. This paper reports our experience building the City of Lit digital library and the results from evaluations and studies of the students in the courses. We also outline the implementation and development of the digital library, its framework, and the client-side mobile application.
Arguing about ASEAN: what do we disagree about?

This article argues that ASEAN has been, will remain, an essentially contested institution. No one has claimed, or could claim, that ASEAN is a flawless organization, but at the same time, the characterization of ASEAN as a dysfunctional entity or a talk shop is misplaced. The reality lies in taking the middle ground as the articles in this special issue show. Research and debate on ASEAN should be based on comparing its record with other regional associations in the developing world and using some agreed criteria about what success or failure means. And disagreements about ASEAN's role should be welcomed as part of a healthy debate.
Tunneling-enabled spectrally selective thermal emitter based on flat metallic films

Infrared thermal emission from metals has important energy applications in thermophotovoltaics, radiative cooling, and lighting. Unfortunately, the emissivity of flat metal films is close to zero because the screening effect prevents metals' fluctuating currents from emitting to the far field. As a result, metal films are often used as reflecting mirrors instead of thermal emitters. Recently, nanostructured metals, such as metamaterials, have emerged as an interesting way to enhance and to spectrally control thermal emission based on plasmonic resonant effects. However, they require sophisticated lithography. Here, we proposed and experimentally demonstrated a completely different mechanism to achieve spectrally selective metallic emitters based on a tunneling effect. This effect allows a simple flat metal film to achieve a near-unity emissivity with controlled spectral selectivity for efficient heat-to-light energy conversion.
Enhancement of antioxidant activity and inhibition of Helicobacter pylori by phenolic phytochemical-enriched alcoholic beverages

Abstract Ulcer-associated dyspepsia is caused by an infection of Helicobacter pylori . H. pylori is a food-related pathogen that infects the stomach and weakens the stomach lining and is linked to a majority of peptic ulcers. Antibiotic treatment does not always inhibit or kill H. pylori as it has side effects with potential for antibiotic resistance. Previous research has indicated that phytochemical-enriched wines have therapeutic benefits. The objective of this study was to determine the potential of phenolic phytochemical-enriched wine and vodka to inhibit H. pylori in laboratory medium. This offers a novel approach to couple antioxidant-enriched benefits of alcoholic beverages with synergistic antimicrobial effectiveness and can be considered as ‘generally regarded as safe’ (GRAS). This approach involved the development of phenolic phytochemical-enriched alcoholic beverages through release from dry botanicals enclosed in tea bags. Phenolic phytochemical-enriched alcoholic beverages were then assayed for total phenolics, antioxidant activity, and phenolic profile by HPLC. Various phenolic-enriched concentrations were then used for antioxidant assay and corresponding antimicrobial activity against H. pylori . Results indicate that total phenolics increased from 80 μg/ml in control to an average of 186 μg/ml in phenolic-enriched white wine. Corresponding antioxidant activity increased from 38% 1,1-Diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radical inhibition in control to an average of 83% in phenolic-enriched white wines. Total phenolics increased from 5.7 μg/ml in control to an average of 289 μg/ml in phenolic-enriched vodka. The antioxidant activity increased from 2% DPPH inhibition in control to 69% inhibition in phenolic-enriched vodka. Phenolic-enriched wine enhanced the inhibitory activity against H. pylori but there was no concentration-dependent correlation. Raspberry, cinnamon and peppermint-enriched wines had the highest antimicrobial activity. In the case of phytochemicals-enriched vodka, raspberry was most inhibitory. Results indicate that the synergistic contribution of phenolics and antioxidant activity may be more important for inhibition than any specific phenolic concentration. This research has implications for diet-based management of H. pylori .
Pancreatic duct stents for the prevention of post ERCP pancreatitis: for all or some?

Nuzhat A. Ahmad, Philadelphia, PA Darren M. Brenner, Chicago, IL Andrew T. Chan, Boston, MA Francis K. L. Chan, Hong Kong, China Lin Chang, Los Angeles, CA Tsutomu Chiba, Kyoto, Japan Massimo Colombo, Milan, Italy B. Joseph Elmunzer, Ann Arbor, MI Timothy B. Gardner, Lebanon, NH Lauren B. Gerson, Stanford, CA Colin W. Howden, Chicago, IL W. Ray Kim, Rochester, MN Paul Y. Kwo, Indianapolis, IN Edward V. Loftus, Rochester, MN Josep M. Llovet, New York, NY Julian Panes, Barcelona, Spain Sameer Saini, Ann Arbor, MI Shiv K. Sarin, New Delhi, India Shamita B. Shah, Stanford, CA Amit Singal, Dallas, TX Jan Tack, Leuven, Belgium Michael L. Volk, Ann Arbor, MI Akbar Waljee, Ann Arbor, MI Kenneth K. Wang, Rochester, MN Alex Ford, Leeds, United Kingdom Joel Rubenstein, Ann Arbor, MI Alastair J. M. Watson, Norwich, UK
Single‐stage repair of subglottic stenosis using the radial forearm free flap as a vascularized carrier

Background. We present a case report of a patient with history of subglottic carcinoma who underwent chemoradiation and subsequently developed subglottic stenosis (SGS). Methods and Results. She was treated with an anterior cricoid split maintained by septal cartilage wrapped in a partially deepithelialized radial forearm free flap (RFFF). To date, with a follow-up of 6 months, the patient has been fully decannulated and has not experienced airway collapse or any other complications. Conclusions. Upper airway reconstruction using a single-stage autogenous cartilage graft wrapped in a vascularized carrier is a real option for those patients with extensive SGS in the setting of an irradiated and devascularized tissue bed. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck, 2010
Miocene Distribution of Molluscan Provinces Along the East Coast of The United States

Three major faunal provinces have been defined for the east coast of the United States, based upon a Q-mode analysis of 110 living bivalves and 70 gastropods. The major discontinuities in distribution exist at Cape Cod and at Cape Hatteras. The Hatteras break can be attributed to a temperature barrier imposed by the Gulf Stream, while the Cape Cod break can be attributed to a temperature barrier imposed by southward-flowing arctic currents. The distribution of Miocene mollusks, when analyzed by cluster analysis and compared to the recent model, shows no major discontinuity between Florida and New Jersey. Also, no discontinuity is observed when only the percent of species crossing station boundaries is considered. It thus appears that within this region, no major temperature barrier to molluscan distribution existed during the Miocene.
Myofascial pain syndromes in the upper extremity

Myofascial pain syndromes of the upper extremity are common causes of pain that may follow trauma and are associated with acute or chronic musculoskeletal stress. The syndromes are characterized by the presence of the myofascial trigger point, a physical finding that is reliably identified by palpation. Local and referred pain are hallmarks of the syndrome, and the referred pain patterns may mimic such conditions as radiculopathy and nerve entrapment syndromes. Treatment is directed toward inactivating the myofascial trigger point, correcting underlying perpetuating factors, and restoring the normal relationships between the muscles of the affected functional motor units.
PSMA-targeted dendrimers: a patent evaluation (WO2012078534).

Prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA) is a cell surface protein expressed primarily in prostate cancer and solid tumor neovasculature. PSMA has been a target for both imaging and therapeutic investigations due to its increased expression in advanced disease and in prostate cancer patients receiving hormonal therapy. The recent approval of new androgen receptor pathway targeted drugs for prostate cancer has sharply increased this interest in creating novel probes to measure this disease-specific biomarker. Monoclonal antibodies and small molecules targeting PSMA, however, have been investigated for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes, with only limited success. In fact, only one agent (monoclonal antibody agent - capromab pendetide) has been FDA-approved for human use. PSMA-targeting dendrimers may provide a targeting method that might maintain the specificity of monoclonal antibodies, achieve high levels of tumor concentration (similar to small molecule antagonist ligands) and avoid accumulation in no...
Rigid Phencyclidine Analogues. Binding to the Phencyclidine and σ1 Receptors

Three phencyclidine (PCP) analogues possessing a highly rigid carbocyclic structure and an attached piperidine ring which is free to rotate were synthesized. Each analogue has a specific fixed orientation of the ammonium center of the piperidinium ring to the centrum of the phenyl ring. The binding affinities of the rigid analogues 1-piperidino-7,8-benzobicyclo[4.2.0]octene (14), 1-piperidinobenzobicyclo[2.2.1]heptene (16), and 1-piperidinobenzobicyclo[2.2.2]octene (13) for the PCP receptor ([3H]TCP) and σ-receptor (NANM) were determined. The three analogues show low to no affinity for the PCP receptor but good affinity for the σ-receptor and can be considered σ-receptor selective ligands with PCP/σ ratios of 13, 293, and 368, respectively. The binding affinities for the σ-receptor are rationalized in terms of a model for the σ-pharmacophore.
The drag coefficient, bottom roughness, and wave-breaking in the nearshore

The bottom drag coefficient in the nearshore has been suggested to depend on bottom roughness (bedforms) or alternatively on wave breaking. The hypothesis that bottom drag coefficient depends on bottom roughness is tested with 2 months of field observations collected on a sandy ocean beach during the Duck94 field experiment. Both the drag coefficient (estimated from alongshore momentum balances) and bottom roughness (estimated from fixed altimeters) are larger within the surfzone than in the region farther seaward. Although the drag coefficient increases with roughness seaward of the surfzone, no relationship was found between the drag coefficient and roughness-related quantities within the surfzone. These results suggest that breaking-wave generated turbulence increases the surfzone drag coefficient.
Detection of inborn errors of metabolism

Human fibroblasts, cultured on glass microscope slides, were examined autoradiographically for their ability to incorporate radioactivity from Na-propionate-l- 14C into TCA-insoluble cell material. Cells from patients with propionic acidemia (PA) and methylmalonic acidemia (MMA), both B12-sensitive and B12-insensitive, incorporate little or no radioactivity and thus can be readily distinguished from cells of a number of individuals with no defects in this pathway. Incorporation in cells from non-MMA individuals is significantly enhanced in a basal medium by high levels of glucose. This procedure should be readily adaptable for use in screening for disorders of propionate metabolism, particularly before birth.
Linear dimensional variability of three denture base resins after processing and in water storage.

Abstract It has been shown that denture base resins shrink during curing and expand during storage in water. This investigation measured and compared linear dimensional changes of three denture base resins that occurred during processing and after storage in water for 30, 60, and 90 days. Triad, Accelar 20, and Lucitone 199 long and short-cured resins were studied, and it was found that Accelar 20 resin exhibited the least curing shrinkage and Lucitone 199 resin short-cured exhibited the most. However, no significant differences occurred between the groups. After 90 days of water storage, the only resin that exhibited a shrinkage from the processed state was Accelar 20. All of the expansion or shrinkage changes were so small that they were not statistically significant and should not be clinically detectable.
Purification and Culture of Spinal Motor Neurons from Rat Embryos

We describe an immunopanning protocol to isolate, enrich, and culture spinal motor neurons from rat embryonic spinal cords. The method takes advantage of several distinct properties of rat lower motor neurons to isolate them from neighboring cells. First, an ideal stage in development after motor neurons are born (embryonic day 14 during rat gestation), but prior to extensive axonal extension or developmental apoptosis, is exploited. Lower motor neurons cannot be viably isolated using this method after birth. After dissociating embryonic spinal cord tissue, which contains lower motor neurons among many other cell types, the uniquely large motor neurons are enriched using density gradient centrifugation. Finally, the collected cell population is further purified based on selective immunopanning for motor neurons, which express the low-affinity nerve growth factor (NGF) receptor often referred to as p75. The near-pure lower motor neuron cultures are plated and seeded in defined conditions optimal for survival and can be maintained for several weeks. The expected yield is approximately 70,000 cells per embryonic spinal cord.
Genetic Interactions With C-Terminal Domain (CTD) Kinases and the CTD of RNA Pol II Suggest a Role for ESS1 in Transcription Initiation and Elongation in Saccharomyces cerevisiae

Ess1 is an essential prolyl isomerase that binds the C-terminal domain (CTD) of Rpb1, the large subunit of RNA polymerase II. Ess1 is proposed to control transcription by isomerizing phospho-Ser-Pro peptide bonds within the CTD repeat. To determine which step(s) in the transcription cycle might require Ess1, we examined genetic interactions between ESS1 and genes encoding the known CTD kinases (KIN28, CTK1, BUR1, and SRB10). Although genetic interactions were identified between ESS1 and all four kinases, the clearest interactions were with CTK1 and SRB10. Reduced dosage of CTK1 rescued the growth defect of ess1(ts) mutants, while overexpression of CTK1 enhanced the growth defects of ess1(ts) mutants. Deletion of SRB10 suppressed ess1(ts) and ess1Delta mutants. The interactions suggest that Ess1 opposes the functions of these kinases, which are thought to function in preinitiation and elongation. Using a series of CTD substitution alleles, we also identified Ser5-Pro6 as a potential target for Ess1 isomerization within the first "half" of the CTD repeats. On the basis of the results, we suggest a model in which Ess1-directed conformational changes promote dephosphorylation of Ser5 to stimulate preinitiation complex formation and, later, to inhibit elongation.
The influence of sialylation on glycan negative ion dissociation and energetics

For the analysis of native glycans using tandem mass spectrometry (MS), it is desirable to choose conditions whereby abundances of cross-ring cleavages indicative of branch positions are maximized. Recently, negative ion tandem mass spectrometry has been shown to produce significantly higher abundances of such ions in glycans compared to the positive ion mode. Much of this prior work has concerned fragmentation patterns in asialo glycans. The present work compares the abundances of critical cross-ring cleavage ions using negative mode tandem mass spectrometry for milk oligosaccharides and N-linked glycans. For comparison, product ion formation was studied for deprotonated and nitrated ions formed from asialo glycans and deprotonated ions from sialylated glycans. Breakdown profiles demonstrate clearly that more energy was required to fragment sialylated compounds to the same extent as either their asialo or nitrate adducted counterparts. The extraction of a proton from a ring hydroxyl group during the ionization process may be viewed, qualitatively, as imparting significantly more energy to the ion than would that from a molecule bearing an acidic group, so that acidic glycans are more stable in the gas phase, as the negative charge resides on the carboxyl group. These results have strong practical implications because a major portion of glycans released from mammalian proteins will be sialylated.
A model for medication safety event detection.

Background Hospital medication safety event detection predominantly emphasizes the identification of preventable adverse drug events (ADEs) through self-reports. These relatively rare events only provide insight into patient harm and self-reports identify only a small portion of ADEs. A broader system-focused approach to medication safety event detection that uses an array of event detection methods is recommended. This approach illuminates medication system deficits and supports improvement strategies that can prevent future patient risk. Objectives To: (i) describe a system-focused approach to hospital medication safety event detection, and (ii) present a case illustration of approach application. System-Focused Model and Methodology A three-level medication safety event detection model that ranges from a narrow harm-focused to broader system-focused approach is described. A standardized cross-level methodology to detect medication safety events is presented. Case Illustration A Level 3 system-focused methodology that incorporated both voluntary and non-voluntary event detection strategies was used in 17 critical care ( n = 4), intermediate care ( n = 7) and medical-surgical units ( n = 6) across two hospitals. A total of 431 events were detected: 78 (18.1%) ADEs and 353 (81.9%) potential ADEs. Of the 353 PADEs, 302 (70.0%) were non-intercepted events. Non-voluntary detection methods yielded the majority of events (367, 85.1%). Conclusions The incidence of ADEs was low when compared with non-intercepted PADEs. This was indicative of medication safety system failures that placed patients at risk for potential harm. Non-voluntary detection methods were much more effective at detecting events than traditional self-report methods.
Inhibition of 5-LOX, COX-1, and COX-2 Increases Tendon Healing and Reduces Muscle Fibrosis and Lipid Accumulation After Rotator Cuff Repair

Background:The repair and restoration of function after chronic rotator cuff tears are often complicated by muscle atrophy, fibrosis, and fatty degeneration of the diseased muscle. The inflammatory response has been implicated in the development of fatty degeneration after cuff injuries. Licofelone is a novel anti-inflammatory drug that inhibits 5-lipoxygenase (5-LOX), as well as cyclooxygenase (COX)–1 and COX-2 enzymes, which play important roles in inducing inflammation after injuries. While previous studies have demonstrated that nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and selective inhibitors of COX-2 (coxibs) may prevent the proper healing of muscles and tendons, studies about bone and cartilage have demonstrated that drugs that inhibit 5-LOX concurrently with COX-1 and COX-2 may enhance tissue regeneration.Hypothesis:After the repair of a chronic rotator cuff tear in rats, licofelone would increase the load to failure of repaired tendons and increase the force production of muscle fibers.Study Design:C...
The temporal course of intracranial haemorrhage progression: how long is observation necessary?

Abstract Introduction Patients with mild traumatic brain injury (MTBI) and intracranial haemorrhage (ICH) are hospitalized and monitored for progression of injury. The timeframe for ICH progression is unknown, and so the optimal duration and location of observation are generally discretionary. The goal of this study was to examine the temporal course of injury progression and establish a timeframe for when haemorrhage ceases. Methods We performed a retrospective review of all adult patients (age ≥ 18) with MTBI (GCS ≥ 13) and ICH admitted to a level 1 trauma centre over a consecutive 36 month period, who underwent a minimum of 2 cranial CT scans (HCT) within 48 h from ED presentation prior to any neurosurgical intervention (NSI). Patients with a history of NSI or nontraumatic cerebral lesions were excluded. Data collected include demographics and the number, timing and findings of serial HCT scans. Results A total of 341 patients met inclusion criteria. The timing for cessation of bleeding could not be confirmed in 37 patients (11 had NSI after 2nd HCT, 1 died of coagulopathy prior to NSI and 25 had no repeat HCT that could confirm the cessation of bleeding). Of the remaining 304 ICH, 96% stopped progressing by 24 h and 99% by 48 h. The remaining 1% stopped by 72 h. Of all 341 ICH, 236 (69%) showed no progression after initial HCT, indicating that haemorrhage had stopped by that time (1.2 h (SD ± 1.1 h) from admission). None required a NSI. Conclusion Almost all ICH in MTBI stop progressing within the first 24 h post injury, supporting a 24-h observational period. In fact, over 3/4 s of ICH has stopped by the time of the initial HCT (
An Electrocardiographic Criterion for Diagnosis of Patent Foramen Ovale Associated With Ischemic Stroke

Background and Purpose —An M-shaped bifid notch on the ascending branch, or on the zenith, of the R wave in inferior ECG leads (II, III, aVF), so called “crochetage,” is an indicator of ostium secundum atrial septal defects. The pathophysiology underlying this finding remains unknown. A crochetage pattern has not been previously reported in patients with patent foramen ovale (PFO); however, the location of this defect and the secundum atrial septum are similar. The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of crochetage in cryptogenic stroke patients with or without PFO. Methods —A conservative selection scheme was used to identify patients likely to have had PFO-associated strokes (ie, cryptogenic) and to exclude any structural, functional, or vascular heart disease responsible for ECG changes. All patients had a standard 12-lead ECG. The prevalence of crochetage in each group was determined. Results —Sixty consecutive patients were studied (28 with echo-documented PFO and 32 echo-negative control subjects). The crochetage pattern was present in at least 1 inferior limb lead in 10 of 28 PFO patients (36%) and 3 of 32 control subjects (9%) ( P <0.05). The sensitivity and specificity of the crochetage pattern for diagnosis of PFO in cryptogenic stroke cases were 36% and 91%, respectively; positive predictive value was 77%. Conclusions —The finding of an ECG crochetage pattern may help to identify stroke patients with PFO, may help to streamline their diagnostic workup, and may warrant future studies to determine its value in stratifying stroke risk in patients with PFO.
Alternatives to Incomplete Colonoscopy

A thorough and complete colonoscopy is critically important in preventing colorectal cancer. Factors associated with difficult and incomplete colonoscopy include a poor bowel preparation, severe diverticulosis, redundant colon, looping, adhesions, young and female patients, patient discomfort, and the expertise of the endoscopist. For difficult colonoscopy, focusing on bowel preparation techniques, appropriate sedation and adjunct techniques such as water immersion, abdominal pressure techniques, and patient positioning can overcome many of these challenges. Occasionally, these fail and other alternatives to incomplete colonoscopy have to be considered. If patients have low risk of polyps, then noninvasive imaging options such as computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance (MR) colonography can be considered. Novel applications such as Colon Capsule™ and Check-Cap are also emerging. In patients in whom a clinically significant lesion is noted on a noninvasive imaging test or if they are at a higher risk of having polyps, balloon-assisted colonoscopy can be performed with either a single- or double-balloon enteroscope or colonoscope. The application of these techniques enables complete colonoscopic examination in the vast majority of patients.
Influence of protein--calorie malnutrition on the circadian rhythm of pineal melatonin in the rat.

AbstractPineal melatonin was measured over a 24-hr period in 50-day-old Sprague-Dawley male rats that had been fed a low-protein diet for 30 days and in a group of age-matched controls that were maintained for the same period on a standard laboratory chow. The patterns of melatonin secretion were similar in both groups. The highest content and concentrations were recorded during the dark phase of the 1ight:dark cycle, while the lowest were measured after the onset of light. At each of the time intervals studied, less of the antigonadotrophin was present within the pineal glands of the malnourished rats.
The Noninvasive Urinary Polyomavirus Haufen Test Predicts BK Virus Nephropathy in Children After Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation: A Pilot Study.

BackgroundAfter hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT), polyoma-BK virus is associated with hemorrhagic cystitis and also with polyomavirus nephropathy (PVN). However, the true burden of post-HCT PVN is unknown because kidney biopsies are avoided due to their bleeding risk. The novel, noninvasive
Matrix Modulus Affects Invasion Rate of Tumor Cells through Synthetic Hydrogels

Understanding factors affecting cell invasion influences the design of engineered constructs for tissue regeneration. The objective of this work was to investigate the effect of matrix stiffness on invasion of tumor cells through a synthetic hydrogel with well-defined properties. A novel star acrylate-functionalized polyethylene glycol-co-lactide (SPELA) macromer was synthesized to produce hydrogels with well-defined water content, elastic modulus, degree of crosslinking and hydrophilicity. The hydrogel was formed by photo-polymerization of the macromer with or without integrin-binding cell adhesive RGD peptide. Cell invasion experiments were carried out in a transwell with SPELA hydrogel as the invading matrix and 4T1 mouse breast cancer cells. The invading cells on the lower membrane side were counted with an inverted fluorescent microscope. The concentration of SPELA macromer ranged from 10–25 wt% and that of RGD ranged from 1×10−4 to 1×10−2 M. The shear modulus of the hydrogel varied from 200 Pa to 25 kPa as the SPELA concentration increased from 10 to 25 wt%. Cell invasion slightly increased with increasing RGD concentration. However, RGD concentration >1% resulted in a significant decrease in cell migration. As the matrix stiffness increased from 0.15 to 0.4, 3, 5, 6, 14, and 25 kPa the invasion rate decreased from 18.0 to 5.5, 6, 5.7, 5.2, 1.5, and 1.0 cells/mm2/h, respectively. There was a sharp decrease in invasion rate for matrix stiffness greater than 10 kPa. Results demonstrate that matrix stiffness plays a major role in invasion of tumor cell through a gelatinous matrix.
Analysis of compliance for rabies vaccination

Objective To study the basic conditions of vaccination compliance in rabies exposures and to provide scientific data for improving compliance.Methods The basic information of rabies vaccination from the Center for Disease Prevention and Control of Xinhui in 2009 was analyzed using EXCEL 2003 software.Results 2 095 cases of rabies exposures were analyzed and the vaccination compliance rate was 73.79%.The compliance rate of level-I,II and III was 90.48%,69.84% and 84.45%,respectively.The compliance rate was high for the first 3 injections,and then reduced significantly after the third injection.The compliance rate was high in children and the also in the residents living in the town areas.Conclusion The compliance rate of rabies vaccination in Xinhui has to be improved in the future.