cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A computer-assisted model for estimating protein secondary structure from circular dichroic spectra: Comparison of animal lactate dehydrogenases

Abstract A statistically valid method has been developed for estimating globular protein secondary structure from circular dichroic analysis. Circular dichroism data, in the form of mean residue ellipticity, at wavelengths between 210 and 240 nm provide an accurate and facile prediction of the fraction of helical structure in an uncharacterized globular protein. β-Strand can also be estimated indirectly using a different procedure once the fraction of helix has been determined. The analysis predicts a helical content of 42.1 ± 1.6, 42.7 ± 1.6, and 45.9 ± 1.6% for lobster tail and leg l -lactate dehydrogenase and Limulus skeletal muscle d -lactate dehydrogenase, respectively. Values of β-strand are calculated to be 28, 27, and 25% for the same enzymes. The results suggest a high degree of structural homology between the three enzymes and compare favorably to the X-ray-determined values of 41.6% helix and 25.8% β-strand for dogfish skeletal muscle lactate dehydrogenase.
Eye findings in 8 children and a spontaneously aborted fetus with RSH/Smith-Lemli-Opitz syndrome†

We evaluate the ophthalmologic findings in 8 children with RSH/Smith-Lemli-Opitz syndrome (SLOS) and document abnormal concentrations of cholesterol and cholesterol precursors in the ocular tissues in a case of SLOS. The most common ophthalmologic finding was blepharoptosis, which was found in 6 of 8 patients, with the severity ranging from mild to moderate. None of the patients in the present study demonstrated cataracts; none had amblyopia from blepharoptosis. One patient had a right hypertropia with overaction of the inferior oblique muscle. This patient also had optic atrophy and a second patient had bilateral optic nerve hypoplasia. The importance of these findings to the visual function remains to be defined. Sterol analysis from ocular tissues of an aborted fetus with SLOS showed increased 7- and 8-dehydrocholesterol and a low cholesterol concentration in the retinal pigment epithelium, lens, cornea, and sclera. Routine ophthalmologic examination is indicated in SLOS because of the high incidence of abnormalities, most likely due to the abnormal synthesis of cholesterol and cholesterol precursors in the ocular tissues of these patients, as evidenced by sterol analysis of the ocular tissues in a case of SLOS.
Electrotonic and dye coupling in hippocampal CA1 pyramidal cells in vitro

Abstract The presence of electrotonic and dye coupling in region CA1 of the guinea-pig hippocampus was investigated in the in vitro hippocampal slice preparation. No electrotonic coupling potentials were observed in simultaneous recordings from 101 pairs of pyramidal cells. Also, no electrotonically-coupled short latency depolarizations were observed in more than 75 pyramidal cells in response to antidromic activation of the pyramidal cell population, either in normal bathing medium or in medium with lowered Ca2+ concentration and added Mn2+. When the fluorescent dye Lucifer Yellow was injected into pyramidal cell somas, spread of the dye to other cells (dye coupling) was often observed. Injection of Lucifer Yellow into the dendrites of these neurons resulted in many fewer cases of dye coupling. The failure to find electrophysiological evidence of electrotonic coupling among CA1 pyramidal cells suggests that such coupling is not a functionally important feature of this area of the CNS. The lack of electrophysiological evidence of coupling combined with the observation that the site of Lucifer Yellow injection influences the extent of dye coupling further suggests that at least part of the observed dye coupling may be artifactual. Electrotonic coupling may exist in a small percentage of hippocampal pyramidal cells. However, it is not clear that this small amount of coupling is either necessary or sufficient for the synchronization of neural activity as has been hypothesized to occur during epileptogenesis.
Foot Laterality in Four-Year-Olds:

This study examined the lateral foot preferences of 153 4-yr.-olds by systematic presentation of three foot dominance tasks. The foot behavior indicated that 46% of the sample preferred use of the ...
HUMAN KNOWLEDGE The Role of Models, Metaphors, and Analogy

Abstract The paper presents an operational description of the procedure by which simulation models arc constructed, verified, and then validated by systemic scientists so as to provide credible and substantiated mimicries of the pertinent attributes of complex, general systems. The operational procedure is shown to equate in a step-by-step fashion with the cybernetics of the well-established, more classical, scientific method, including its reliance on preciseness, logical rectitude, and predictive capability. Modelling is demonstrated as the essence of science, particularly in the context of the definition of science as a search for the explanation of naturally occurring phenomena. and especially so if the communication of the scientist's explanation is subjected to the controls of grammatical and logical verification and of subsequent validation testing by the scientific community. In a historical perspective, the primary classes of scientific models (physical, mathematical, and simular) are each viewed...
Differential drag spacecraft rendezvous using an adaptive Lyapunov control strategy

This paper introduces a novel Lyapunov-based adaptive control strategy for spacecraft maneuvers using atmospheric differential drag. The control forces required for rendezvous maneuvers at low Earth orbits can be generated by varying the aerodynamic drag affecting each spacecraft. This can be accomplished, for example, by rotating dedicated sets of drag panels. Thus, the relative spacecraft motion can be controlled without using any propellant since the motion of the panels can be powered by solar energy. A novel adaptive Lyapunov controller is designed, and a critical value for the relative drag acceleration that ensures Lyapunov stability is found. The critical value is used to adapt the Lyapunov controller, enhancing its performance. The method is validated using simulations. The results show that the Adaptive Lyapunov technique outperforms previous control strategies for differential drag based spacecraft maneuvering.
Ethical, Financial, and Legal Considerations to Implementing Emergency Department HIV Screening: A Report From the 2007 Conference of the National Emergency Department HIV Testing Consortium

Objectives We seek to identify and analyze, from a group of participants experienced with HIV screening, the perceived challenges and solutions to the ethical, financial, and legal considerations of emergency department (ED)–based HIV screening. Methods We performed a qualitative analysis of the focus group discussions from the ethical, financial, and legal considerations portion of the inaugural National Emergency Department HIV Testing Consortium conference. Four groups composed of 20 to 25 consortium participants engaged in semistructured, facilitated focus group discussions. The focus group discussions were audiotaped and transcribed. A primary reader identified major themes and subthemes and representative quotes from the transcripts and summarized the discussions. Secondary and tertiary readers reviewed the themes, subthemes, and summaries for accuracy. Results The focus group discussions centered on the following themes. Ethical considerations included appropriateness of HIV screening in the ED and ethics of key elements of the 2006 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention HIV testing recommendations. Financial considerations included models of payment and support, role of health care insurance, financial ethics and downstream financial burdens, and advocacy approaches. Legal considerations included the adequacy of obtaining consent, partner notification, disclosure of HIV results, difficulties in addressing special populations, failure of not performing universal screening, failure to notify a person of being tested, failure to notify someone of their test results, liability of inaccurate tests, and failure to link to care. Conclusion This qualitative analysis provides a broadly useful foundation to the ethical, financial, and legal considerations of implementing HIV screening programs in EDs throughout the United States.
Mapping ionospheric substorm response

Abstract In this article we briefly review the Assimilative Mapping of Ionospheric Electrodynamics (AMIE) procedure and discuss responses to inferred dayside and nightside reconnection events from an ionospheric viewpoint. Output from the AMIE procedure is used to illustrate our discussion. We focus on events occurring just prior to and during the passage of a non-compressive density enhancement, a type of solar wind transient, on 3 November 1993, and during a more normal substorm event on 10 November 1993. We present instantaneous convection and current maps for several times during the events and ‘difference maps’, which show how the currents and convection change over short periods of time. The ‘differencing’ capability, especially when combined with other information, such as particle injection data and magnetometer pulsation data can provide a powerful diagnostic for identifying substorm onset and investigating substorm and reconnection response.
Condylar fractures: surgical management.

Considering the relatively benign, possibly adverse, consequences of condylar fractures (eg, jaw dysfunction, temporomandibular joint (TMJ)/muscle pain, and malocclusion), and the relatively difficult procedures required for open reduction (compared with reduction of a mandibular angle or symphysis fracture), there will always be a difference of opinion among surgeons concerning the merits of open versus closed reduction. A very good recent article in this Journal by Hayward and Scott reviewed the views and treatment approaches concerning fractures of the mandibular condylar process during 1943 through 1993.’ Readers are encouraged to review this article. The incidence of condylar process fractures among all mandibular fractures is high, most likely in the range of 25% to 50%.2 Thus, it is commonly treated by oral and maxillofacial surgeons. At least 48% of condylar process fractures are associated with other mandibular fractures, with half of these being in the symphysis and parasymphysis regions. A recent evaluation of 382 patients with condylar process fractures by Silvennoinen et al2 found that 1) 84% were unilateral/l6% bilateral; 2) 14% were intracapsular; 3) 24% were condylar neck; 4) 62% were subcondylar (low neck/ramus); and 5) 16% were categorized as having severe displacement (MacLennan’s classification). When analyzed by age group, 41% of the fractures in children 10 years or younger were judged to be intracapsular, whereas 70% were subcondylar in the 20to 29-year age group, and 66% were subcondylar in the 30to 39-year age group. Sixty percent of the fractures occurred in the 20to 39-year age range. There is much concern about ankylosis following condylar process fractures, but the actual incidence
Synthesis and characterization of transferable graphene by CVD method

Synthesis of large-area graphene has been realized on the top of copper substrates by chemical vapor deposition (CVD) at ambient pressure with the flow of a mixture of hydrogen and methane gases. The graphene layers were transferred to the oxidized silicon wafers employing a undercutting method. The intense G (1570 cm−1) and 2D (2700 cm−1) bands observed from Raman spectroscopy reveals the presence of graphene on top of oxidized silicon wafer. Reflectance spectroscopy was measured and compared with the theoretical calculation based on Fresnel's approach estimating the thickness of the graphene layer to be 0.32 A. The optical spectra of graphene layers could be reproduced using the complex refractive index of graphene indicating that the optical properties of graphene is not significantly different from that of in-plane graphite. As part of the device fabrication, graphene layers were tested for oxygen sensitivity in hydrogen as a function of gas composition at different temperatures.
Patronage Motives of Community Pharmacy Patrons

This study analyzed pharmacy patrons' responses in the state of Washington to determine which pharmacy attributes were important in choosing a pharmacy. The patrons were also asked how well their present pharmacy fulfilled their wants and needs and how well their present pharmacy fulfilled their wants and needs compared to competitive pharmacies. The level of satisfaction with the pharmacy and shopping loyalty were also assessed. The data were analyzed using discriminant analysis to determine if the satisfaction level of a pharmacy's patrons could be predicted based on their responses to particular pharmacy attribute statements. Cluster analysis was performed to determine if subpopulations of pharmacy patrons, that differ by shopper orientation, exist in the population.
Selection for decreased sensitivity to propiconazole in experimental field populations of Stagonospora nodorum (syn. Septoria nodorum)

(1994). Selection for decreased sensitivity to propiconazole in experimental field populations of Stagonospora nodorum (syn. Septoria nodorum) Canadian Journal of Plant Pathology: Vol. 16, No. 2, pp. 109-117.
Integrating insecticides and Trichogramma ostriniae to control European corn borer in sweet corn: Economic analysis

Abstract We compared the economics of controlling European corn borer ( Ostrinia nubilalis ) in sweet corn by using the egg parasitoid, Trichogramma ostriniae , alone and integrated with insecticidal sprays. An initial experiment in 2003 compared T. ostriniae alone against insecticide alone and a second set of experiments conducted over 3 years (2006–2008) compared (1) insecticide alone [Insecticide]; (2) no insecticide, no T. ostriniae [Untreated Check]; (3) T. ostriniae alone [ T. ostriniae 1X]; and (4) T. ostriniae + insecticide [Integrated]. In 2007 and 2008, a fifth treatment was added consisting of three approximately weekly releases of T. ostriniae [ T. ostriniae 3X]. Parasitism of O. nubilalis eggs was higher in plots receiving T. ostriniae ; O. nubilalis eclosion was lower with T. ostriniae ; there was no interaction of T. ostriniae and insecticide on parasitism, O. nubilalis eclosion, or total O. nubilalis larvae at harvest time. Partial crop budgets were conducted for each treatment. In three of the 4 years, Untreated Checks had the highest sweet corn ear damage. Ear damage after a single release of T. ostriniae was statistically no different than using insecticides. In two of the three years, the Integrated treatment ( T. ostriniae 1X + insecticide) generated the largest increase in profitability. The insecticide only treatment generated the second best increase in profitability. When comparing a single release of T. ostriniae to the insecticide only, the latter provided a better combination of efficacy and profitability. The breakeven costs of the T. ostriniae justified their use relative to the Untreated Check treatment, but not when compared to the Insecticide treatment. The breakeven costs for T. ostriniae in the Integrated treatment exceeded the actual cost in two out of three years, suggesting again that conventional growers could benefit from integrating T. ostriniae with insecticidal treatments. Projected profitability based on ear packout obtained by combining data among years suggests that in general, for low prices and yields, the increase in profit is quite modest. In the lowest price-yield combination, the change in profit is T. ostriniae 3X > Integrated > Insecticide > T. ostriniae 1X ⩾ Untreated Check. At high prices and high yields, the differences between the management options when compared to Untreated Check are considerable. In the highest price-yield combination, the change in profit is T . ostriniae 3X > Integrated ≫ Insecticide > T. ostriniae 1X ≫ Untreated Check.
Clinical application of a new colonoscope with variable insertion tube rigidity: a pilot study.

Abstract Background: Colonic loop formation can prolong colonoscopy, increase patient discomfort, and preclude complete examination. A colonoscope with variable insertion tube rigidity may facilitate colonoscopy. Our aim was to determine whether the use of a colonoscope with variable insertion tube rigidity reduces insertion time and improves patient acceptance of colonoscopy. Methods: Fifty patients were randomly assigned to undergo colonoscopy with a conventional colonoscope or a variable rigidity colonoscope (VRC). Patient acceptance, dosage of medication, use of abdominal pressure, and patient repositioning were assessed. Statistical analysis was performed by the 2-sample Wilcoxon rank sum test and an extension of Fisher exact test. Results: The groups were comparable with respect to age, gender, and medications required during colonoscopy. The cecum was reached in all 25 patients who underwent colonoscopy with the VRC, including 1 patient in whom the cecum was not reached at a previous colonoscopy with a conventional instrument. In the conventional colonoscopy group, the cecum was not reached in 4 patients (2 poor preparation, 2 loop formation). There was no significant difference between the 2 groups with respect to insertion time. In the group that underwent colonoscopy with the variable rigidity instrument, less abdominal pressure was required ( p = 0.05), and nursing assessment of patient discomfort was more favorable ( p = 0.05). There were no complications and no significant differences in the intubation time to cecum or in repositioning, patient acceptance, or patient assessment of abdominal pain. Conclusion: The use of a variable rigidity colonoscope reduced the frequency of abdominal pressure but did not affect intubation time to cecum, repositioning, patient acceptance, or patient assessment of abdominal pain.
An approach for identifying brainstem dopaminergic pathways using resting state functional MRI.

Here, we present an approach for identifying brainstem dopaminergic pathways using resting state functional MRI. In a group of healthy individuals, we searched for significant functional connectivity between dopamine-rich midbrain areas (substantia nigra; ventral tegmental area) and a striatal region (caudate) that was modulated by both a pharmacological challenge (the administration of the dopaminergic agonist bromocriptine) and a dopamine-sensitive cognitive trait (an individual’s working memory capacity). A significant inverted-U shaped connectivity pattern was found in a subset of midbrain-striatal connections, demonstrating that resting state fMRI data is sufficiently powerful to identify brainstem neuromodulatory brain networks.
The cerebellopontine system in the rat. I. Autoradiographic studies.

This study utilized light microscopic autoradiographic procedures to describe the projections from the three major subdivisions of the deep cere- bellar nuclei (DCN) to the basilar pontine nuclei (BPN). Although the vast majority of cerebellopontine axons reached the BPN via the descending limb of the brachium conjunctivum (BC) after crossing the midline within the midbrain, a relatively small number of ipsilaterally projecting fibers was also observed. Fascicles of cerebellopontine axons left the main bundle of de-scending limb fibers throughout much of the rostrocaudal length of the BPN and passed around and through the medial lemniscus and cerebral peduncle to enter the pontine gray. The lateral cerebellar nucleus gave rise to the largest number of cerebellopontine fibers, whose terminal fields exhibited both diffuse and patchlike labeling patterns within each of the major subdi- visions of the BPN including medial, ventral, lateral, and dorsal areas. Pro- jections from the interpositus complex exclusive of its posterior division were fewer and less widely distributed than those from the lateral nucleus. Interpositopontine fibers terminated primarily in the caudal one-half of the BPN in medial, ventral, and lateral regions and overlapped somewhat with projections from the lateral cerebellar nucleus. Pontine projections ema- nating from the medial cerebellar nucleus were the fewest and most re- stricted in distribution relative to the other two cerebellar efferent systems. Such fibers formed a patchlike network of terminal fields which extended throughout much of the rostrocaudal length of the BPN in medial and dorso- medial regions. A relatively small but considerable number of ipsilateral cer- ebellopontine fibers terminated in pontine regions, which often mirrored the typical contralateral projection fields. Although it proved difficult to deter- mine the precise origin of the ipsilateral fiber systems, it appeared that each of the three major DCN subdivisions made some contribution. Also it was apparent that considerable overlap existed between cerebellopontine projec- tion zones and those of other pontine afferents including sensorimotor, vi- sual, and auditory cortices, the superior colliculus, and the mammillary nu- clei of the hypothalamus. Moreover, cerebellopontine terminal fields were congruent in some instances with discrete clusters of BPN neurons which serve as the source of pontocerebellar fiber systems, reaching portions of the lateral cerebellar hemispheres, posterior vermis, and the paraflocculus.
SSR damping in wind farms using observed-state feedback control of DFIG converters

Abstract This paper studies sub-synchronous resonance (SSR) in doubly-fed induction generator (DFIG)-based wind farms. The paper first briefly reviews the main types of the SSR that may occur in DFIG wind farms, namely: (1) induction generator effect (SSIGE), (2) torsional interactions (SSTI), and (3) control interactions (SSCI). It is shown that the power system is highly unstable due to the SSR mode. Therefore, a supplementary SSR damping controller (SSRDC) is designed for the grid-side converter (GSC) controller of the DFIG. The SSRDC is designed using an observer-based controller tuned through an optimal quadratic technique. Model reduction is applied to the full model of the studied power system in order to obtain a lower order model to make the SSRDC design simpler and more practical. The IEEE first benchmark model, modified to include a 100 MW DFIG-based wind farm, is employed as a case study. In this work, MATLAB/SIMULINK is used for eigenvalue analysis and PSCAD/EMTDC for time-domain simulations, respectively.
Survey of experiments and experimental facilities for control of flexible structures

This paper presents a survey of ground experiments primarily conducted in the United States and U.S. facilities dedicated to the study of active control of flexible structures. The facilities are briefly described in terms of capability, configuration, size, and instruments. Topics on the experiments include vibration suppression, slewing control, and system identification. The experiments are listed in tables containing the experiment's name, the responsible organization, a brief description of the test article configuration, and the actuator/sensor devices used in the experiment. Selected experiments will be further discussed to help illustrate the control problems. Some of the test facilities dedicated to ground testing of large space structures are discussed in more detail, to give the reader a better appreciation of ground-testin g work. Several research issues are mentioned, including real-time computer systems, test article suspension, and new actuator/sensor technology development.
Indications for carbamazepine in mental illness: Atypical psychiatric disorder or temporal lobe syndrome? ☆

Abstract A wide range of atypical, labile-pleomorphic psychiatric disorders respond specifically to carbamazepine. The disorders are characterized by evidence of some CNS impairment or a family history of epilepsy, and by mental changes typical for the interictal phase of temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE). Subtle seizures may be present and allow the diagnosis of TLE; in the absence of any seizures, the disorders are identified as temporal lobe syndrome (TLS). The conclusions are supported by the findings in a series of 28 consecutive psychiatric patients who were exemplary carbamazepine responders.
Segregation control in horizontal Bridgman crystal growth

Abstract An attempt was made to reduce dopant segregation in horizontal Bridgman crystal growth by separating the melt into a growth melt and a replenishing melt, with a long passageway to suppress dopant diffusion between them. NaNO 3 was used as a model material for crystal growth. With proper boat tilting, an effective segregation reduction was obtained.
Novel Fold and Carbohydrate Specificity of the Potent Anti-HIV Cyanobacterial Lectin from Oscillatoria agardhii

Oscillatoria agardhii agglutinin (OAA) is a recently discovered cyanobacterial lectin that exhibits potent anti-HIV activity. Up to now, only its primary structure and carbohydrate binding data have been available. To elucidate the structural basis for the antiviral mechanism of OAA, we determined the structure of this lectin by x-ray crystallography at 1.2 Å resolution and mapped the specific carbohydrate recognition sites of OAA by NMR spectroscopy. The overall architecture of OAA comprises 10 β-strands that fold into a single, compact, β-barrel-like domain, creating a unique topology compared with all known protein structures in the Protein Data Bank. OAA sugar binding was tested against Man-9 and various disaccharide components of Man-9. Two symmetric carbohydrate-binding sites were located on the protein, and a preference for Manα(1–6)Man-linked sugars was found. Altogether, our structural results explain the antiviral activity OAA and add to the growing body of knowledge about antiviral lectins.
Modeling concentration polarization in reverse osmosis processes

Accurate prediction of concentration polarization (CP) phenomena is critical for properly designing reverse osmosis (RO) processes because it enhances trans-membrane osmotic pressure and solute passage, as well as surface fouling and scaling phenomena. The objective of this study was to compare available analytical CP models to a more rigorous numerical CP model and experimental CP data. A numerical concentration polarization model was developed to enable local description of permeate flux and solute rejection in crossflow reverse osmosis separations. Predictions of channel averaged water flux and salt rejection by the developed numerical model, the classical film theory model, and a recently proposed analytical model were compared to well-controlled laboratory scale experimental data. At operating conditions relevant to practical RO applications, film theory and the numerical model accurately predicted channel-averaged experimental permeate flux and salt rejection data, while the more recent analytical model did not. Predictions of local concentration polarization, permeate flux, and solute rejection by film theory and the numerical model also agreed well for realistic ranges of RO process operating conditions.
Phases and phase transitions of the glycoglycerolipids

Abstract LIPIDAT is a computerized database providing access to the wealth of information scattered throughout the literature concerning synthetic and biologically derived polar lipid polymorphic and mesomorphic phase behavior. The database is considered comprehensive for glycerophospholipids, glycoglycerolipids, sphingolipids and natural membrane extracts. Here, a review of the LIPIDAT data subset referring to glycoglycerolipids is presented together with an analysis of these data. The glycoglycerolipids subset represents 4% of all LIPIDAT records. It includes data collected over a 20-year period and consists of 419 records obtained from 37 articles in 13 journals. An analysis of the data in the subset has allowed us to identify trends in hydrated glycoglycerolipids phase behavior reflecting differences in hydrocarbon chain length, chain branching, chain-glycerol linkage type (ether vs. ester), sugar headgroup-glycerol linkage type (α vs. β) and sugar headgroup identity. Included is a summary of the data concerning the effect of pH and of stereochemical purity on glycoglycerolipid phase behavior. Information on the mesomorphism of biologically derived and dry glycoglycerolipids is also presented. This review includes 92 references.
Energetics of quaternary III-V alloys described by incorporation and clustering of impurities

The energetics of alloy formation is generally modeled either by explicit sampling of the possible alloy configurations or by considering only noninteracting impurities in the dilute limit. We describe a model that bridges the two approaches by taking into account the thermodynamic probability to form small clusters by association of impurities, thereby extending the validity of the impurity model to higher concentrations. Since we express the alloy energetics in terms of pair and cluster binding energies there is no need for computationally intensive sampling over the full configuration space. The application to the ${\text{Ga}}_{1\ensuremath{-}x}{\text{In}}_{x}{\text{P}}_{1\ensuremath{-}y}{\text{N}}_{y}$ highlights the importance of short-range ordering due to ``small atom/large atom'' correlation in such quaternary III-V alloys.
Menopause: An evolutionary perspective

Evolutionary biologists classify theories of menopause as either: 1) adaptive, suggesting that female reproductive cessation results from its selective advantage, in that the increased risk of personal reproduction late in life makes it biologically more advantageous to rechannel reproductive energy into helping existing descendents, or 2) nonadaptive, indicating menopause is an artifact of the relatively recent dramatic increase in human longevity. With the possible exception of pilot whales, no mammals studied to date are known to commonly exhibit reproductive cessation in nature. To demonstrate adaptive menopause, one would need to establish both that the longevity of preagricultural humans commonly allowed them to exhibit menopause, and that postreproductive females could assist their descendents sufficiently to compensate for the loss of personal reproduction. The data on longevity of preagricultural humans with respect to the adaptive menopause hypothesis are mixed. Evolutionary models evaluated with data from modern hunting-gathering or agricultural humans fail to find that humans can assist their descendents sufficiently to offset the evolutionary cost of ceasing reproduction. However, assuming the human body has been physiologically adapted to the conditions extant during the vast majority of human history, it may be well worth pursuing how the signs and symptoms of menopause are affected by dietary, exercise, and reproductive hormone regimes mimicking those of the late Paleolithic era.
Genetic changes that increase 5-hydroxymethyl furfural resistance in ethanol-producing Escherichia coli LY180.

The ability of a biocatalyst to tolerate furan inhibitors present in hemicellulose hydrolysates is important for the production of renewable chemicals. This study shows EMFR9, a furfural-tolerant mutant of ethanologenic E. coli LY180, has also acquired tolerance to 5-hydroxymethyl furfural (5-HMF). The mechanism of action of 5-HMF and furfural appear similar. Furan tolerance results primarily from lower expression of yqhD and dkgA, two furan reductases with a low Km for NADPH. Furan tolerance was also increased by adding plasmids encoding a NADPH/NADH transhydrogenase (pntAB). Together, these results support the hypothesis that the NADPH-dependent reduction of furans by YqhD and DkgA inhibits growth by competing with biosynthesis for this limiting cofactor.
Influence of Nonclinical Factors on Choice of Therapy for Early Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Initial therapy for early hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) with well-compensated cirrhosis is controversial. While we previously reported on the effect of clinical factors and surgeon specialty on choice of therapy for early HCC, other nonclinical factors also may impact decision-making. Surgeons who treat HCC were invited to complete a web-based survey that included ten case scenarios. Choice of therapy—liver transplantation (LT), liver resection (LR), or radiofrequency ablation (RFA)—was analyzed using regression models. There were 336 responses for analysis. Most respondents were in academic centers (86 %) that offered LT (71 %). The median number of patients annually evaluated for HCC was 30. Both practice type and HCC case volume were associated with choice of therapy, but these associations were not independent of surgeon specialty. LT surgeons who did not also perform RFA were less likely than those LT surgeons who did offer RFA to choose RFA over LT (relative risk ratios (RRR) 0.38, P < 0.001). Non-LT surgeons were more likely than LT surgeons who also offered RFA to choose RFA over LT (RRR 2.24, P < 0.001). Surgeons who worked at hospitals where LT was performed were much more likely to choose LT over LR and RFA even if they did not personally perform LT (RRR 1.27 and RRR 3.33, P < 0.001). Surgeon- and institution-related factors impact choice of therapy for early HCC even after adjustment for differences in clinical presentation. These data suggest that choice of therapy for patients with early HCC varies across providers independent of case selection.
Transient behavior of serial production lines with Bernoulli machines

The steady-state performance of production systems with unreliable machines has been analyzed extensively during the last 50 years. In contrast, the transient behavior of these systems remains practically unexplored. Transient characteristics, however, may have significant manufacturing implications. Indeed, if, for example, transients are sluggish and the steady state is reached only after a relatively long settling time, the production system may lose some of its throughput, thus leading to a lower efficiency. This paper is devoted to analytical and numerical investigation of the transient behavior of serial production lines with machines having the Bernoulli reliability model. The transients of the states (i.e., the probabilities of buffer occupancy) are described by the Second Largest Eigenvalue (SLE) of the transition matrix of the associated Markov chain. The transients of the outputs (i.e., production rate, PR, and work-in-process, WIP) are characterized by both the SLE and Pre-Exponential Factors ...
Cure induced stresses and damage in particulate reinforced polymer matrix composites: a review of the scientific literature.

When compared to amalgam restorations, polymer-based composites have a shorter longevity [1–3]. Contributing factors include material properties, placement technique, methods of fabrication (e.g. curing) and response to the environment [4]. A substantial obstacle to greater longevity of dental composite restorations has been attributed to polymerization shrinkage of the resin component in response to the curing process. As the composite shrinks and stiffens, two major forces begin to interact: the polymerization contraction force, and a force opposing that contraction mediated by the stiffness of the tooth and adhesive [5–7], both of which form a constraint on the composite. Stresses develop within the composite as a result of curing shrinkage and the deformation of the composite occuring simultaneously with the development of stiffness (elastic modulus) and adhesion with the enamel and dentin surfaces (constraint). The condition under which the composite cures or solidifies inside of the tooth is unique to dentistry. With the development of better dentin adhesives, composites are more fully constrained which perhaps results in higher residual stress [8,9].
Reactions of nitric oxide and peroxynitrite with organic molecules and ferrihorseradish peroxidase: Interference with the determination of hydrogen peroxide

Abstract Endothelial, inflammatory, and other cell types, in addition to forming reactive oxygen species, under proper stimulation release free radicals such as nitric oxide ('NO) and strong oxidants such as peroxynitrite (ONOO-), which is the product of the reaction of nitric oxide with superoxide. Several methods for the detection of H2O2 are based on the ferrihorseradish peroxidase catalyzed oxidation of organic molecules. We investigated the reactions of nitric oxide and peroxynitrite with organic molecules as well as with ferrihorseradish peroxidase and examined the potential interference with the detection of H2O2. Peroxynitrite at low concentrations (010 μM) induced a concentration-dependent oxidation of 1,2 phenylenediamine, 3-3′ dimethoxybenzidine (odianisidine) and para-hydroxyphenylacetic acid (pHPA). With the exception of pHPA, the oxidation of the above compounds by peroxynitrite was not affected by the presence of ferrihorseradish peroxidase. The yield of HPA-dimmer, the oxidation product of pHPA by peroxynitrite, was decreased because ferrihorseradish peroxidase catalyzed the formation of a different product, 3-nitro-HPA. Nitrogen oxides, formed by the reaction of nitric oxide with oxygen, oxidized the aromatic amines o-phenylenediamine and o-dianisidine. A 10-fold excess of nitric oxide over H2O2 decreased the yield of pHPA and dihydrorhodamine 123 (DHR123) by 58 and 72%, respectively, as compared to H2O2 plus ferrihorseradish peroxidase. The inhibition of pHPA oxidation by nitric oxide was due in part to the reaction of nitric oxide with compound I and compound II and in part due to the reaction with the phenoxyl radical. These data suggest that the simultaneous generation of nitric oxide and peroxynitrite can interfere with the detection of H2O2. The overestimation or underestimation of the H2O2 detected is dependent upon the organic molecule utilized for detection and by the relative rate of nitric oxide, superoxide, and peroxynitrite generation.
Effects of nitric oxide and angiotensin II and their interaction on water uptake in Rana catesbeiana

Nitric oxide and angiotensin II are involved in regulation of water uptake at the pelvic patch of empty-bladder Rana catesbeiana. In whole animal studies, inhibition of nitric oxide synthase decreased water uptake by 25% and decreased the sodium content of skin from the pelvic patch region by 30%. The inhibitor of nitric oxide synthase also had no effects on permeability of isolated, unperfused skin from the pelvic patch region. These studies indicate that nitric oxide is regulating tissue salt concentration. Injection of angiotensin II stimulated water uptake at the pelvic patch by 23%, which was correlated with an increase in both the vascular resistance and the mean arterial pressure in the sciatic artery. Inhibition of nitric oxide synthase enhanced angiotensin II constriction of aortic rings from frogs. However, in the whole animal studies, inhibition of nitric oxide synthase before angiotensin II injection did not enhance water uptake as predicted. It is hypothesized that the pre-capillary bed of the pelvic patch in Rana catesbeiana lacks angiotensin II receptors.
On median polish and L 1 estimators

Abstract Recent research has addressed different facets of an iterative procedure called median polish. The question of verifying if any median polish fit is also an L 1 solution, i.e., which also minimizes the sum of absolute deviations, has not been addressed in the recent literature. This note will show that well-known results can be used to verify this equivalence.
Multiagent chemotherapy as neoadjuvant treatment for multifocal intraocular retinoblastoma

Abstract Purpose To evaluate the efficacy of multiagent chemotherapy in the neoadjuvant treatment of retinoblastoma. Design Noncomparative, prospective case series. Participants Twenty consecutive patients with multifocal intraocular retinoblastoma (4 unilateral, 16 bilateral [36 eyes]). Intervention Eight cycles of chemotherapy with carboplatin and vincristine were administered at 3-week intervals over a 6-month period. Supplemental therapy was withheld until disease progression was documented. Main outcome measures Disease progression (defined as tumor growth, vitreous or subretinal seed progression, and new tumor formation), delay of external beam radiotherapy, and ocular survival. Results Thirty-six eyes were treated. Eighteen eyes had Reese-Ellsworth group I–III tumors, and 16 eyes had Reese-Ellsworth group IV–V tumors at diagnosis. Two patients, who had unilateral disease at diagnosis, subsequently had tumors develop in the contralateral eye. Nineteen of 20 patients (95%) completed eight cycles of chemotherapy without disease progression. Three eyes of three different patients were successfully treated with chemotherapy alone. Thirty-three of 36 eyes (92%) progressed after completion of chemotherapy: 15 of the 18 eyes (83.3%) with Reese-Ellsworth group I–III and 16 of 16 eyes (100%) with Reese-Ellsworth group IV–V tumors. Seventeen eyes (52%) had growth of a tumor, whereas 14 eyes (42%) had progressive vitreous seeding, and 2 eyes (6%) had new tumors develop. Fifteen eyes (42%) required external beam radiotherapy. Twenty-nine of 36 (80.5%) eyes were salvaged. The median follow-up after chemotherapy was 19 months (range, 3–42 months). Conclusions Multiagent chemotherapy alone does not ensure a cure for multifocal intraocular retinoblastoma. Supplemental focal therapy is needed to control disease progression.
Sexual Segregation, Cliques, and Social Power in Squirrel Monkey (Saimiri) Groups

This report presents two studies of captive squirrel monkeys living in mixed-sex social groups: In the first study, we quantified social interaction patterns and spacing in two groups during their regular daily feeding period. Dispersal of food was rapid, owing to the animals' tendencies to drop items on the cage floor, and competitive interactions were infrequent. Adult males and females were spatially segregated, and between-sex interactions were relatively infrequent. Dyadic proximity data indicated that each group contained several cliques of from two to three individuals, usually of the same sex. Members of a clique not only spent more time near each other, but favored the same areas in the cage, even when they were not in proximity. Measures of proximity and agonism were positively correlated. In the second study, the same groups were presented with either one or two bottles of fruit drink, a highly desired, non-dispersible resource, or with one or two bottles of plain water. During water-bottle sessions, between-sex interactions were no more frequent or agonistic than they were in the normative study; in the highly competitive fruit-drink sessions, however, males frequently directed agonistic behavior against females and against each other, and they successfully dominated access to the fruit-drink bottles. In contrast, female agonism was directed mainly toward other females. Our observations suggest that membership in a clique may provide a competitive advantage. In one group, a clique consisting of a mother and her daughter successfully excluded other females from the fruit-drink bottles; in another group, the only females to compete vigorously against males were members of the same clique; after one of the two males in this group was removed, females for the first time made occasional joint attacks on the remaining adult male, and he appeared to become less assertive and successful in competitive tests. We suggest that the social and spatial peripherality of males is not simply the result of coercive exclusion by females, but also reflects a "choice" by males to avoid interacting with females under most circumstances. When male motivation is strong, however, they readily approach females, aggress against them, and assert themselves successfully in competitive interactions, even against a substantial female majority.
Gas solubility, diffusivity and permeability in poly(ethylene oxide)

Abstract The effect of pressure on the solubility, diffusivity, and permeability of He, H 2 , O 2 , N 2 , CO 2 , CH 4 , C 2 H 4 , C 2 H 6 , C 3 H 6 and C 3 H 8 in poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) is reported at 35 °C. Additionally, the temperature dependence of permeability is reported. The effect of polar ether linkages in PEO on gas transport is illustrated by comparing transport properties in PEO with those in polyethylene (PE). For example, at 35 °C and infinite dilution, semi-crystalline PEO exhibits CO 2 permeability coefficient of 12 Barrers, and CO 2 /H 2 and CO 2 /N 2 pure gas selectivities of 6.7 and 48, respectively. In contrast, at similar conditions, the permeability of PE to CO 2 is 13 Barrers, but the CO 2 /N 2 selectivity is only 13. In addition to good separation properties for quadrupolar–nonpolar gas pairs, PEO also shows interestingly high selectivity for olefins over paraffins, which is ascribed to favorable interaction between the polar ether groups in PEO and olefins. For example, the infinite dilution permeability of PEO to propylene is 3.8 Barrers and pure gas propylene–propane selectivity is 2.7 at 35 °C. At similar conditions, PE exhibits propylene–propane selectivity of only 1.4.
Activation of both nuclear factor of activated T cells and inhibitor of nuclear factor-κB kinase β-subunit-/nuclear factor-κB is critical for cyclooxygenase-2 induction by benzo[a]pyrene in human bronchial epithelial cells

The carcinogenic effect of benzo[a]pyrene (B[a]P), presenting mainly in cigarette smoke and air pollution, has been well demonstrated both in vitro and in vivo. However, it is still not well understood how B[a]P facilitates pulmonary carcinogenesis. To explore this, we investigated the effect of B[a]P on the induction of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), a critical enzyme implicated in inflammation and cancer development, as well as upstream signaling pathways leading to its expression in human bronchial epithelial cells (Beas-2B). We found that exposure of Beas-2B to B[a]P caused significant COX-2 induction at both the transcriptional and protein levels. B[a]P also switched on the nuclear factor of activated T cells (NFAT) and nuclear factor kappaB (NF-kappaB) signaling pathways. B[a]P-induced COX-2 expression was significantly blocked by inhibition of the NFAT pathway, and impairment of the NF-kappaB signaling pathway by ectopic expression of an inhibitor of nuclear factor-kappaB kinase beta-subunit (IKKbeta) kinase inactive mutant (IKKbeta-KM) also dramatically inhibited COX-2 induction. The IKKbeta/NF-kappaB-dependent COX-2 induction was further confirmed in mouse embryonic fibroblasts with IKKbeta deficiency (IKKbeta(-/-)) and in those that expressed reconstituted IKKbeta. However, activation of the NFAT and NF-kappaB signaling pathways by B[a]P were independent of each other, as blocking one signaling pathway didn't interrupt the activation of the other one. Mutation of either NFAT or NF-kappaB binding sites significantly blocked COX-2 promoter induction by B[a]P. Taken together, these data indicate that exposure of Beas-2B to B[a]P can upregulate COX-2 expression by increasing its transcription, which requires activation of both the NFAT and NF-kappaB signaling pathways.
Intracystic papillary carcinoma of the female breast with secretory activity: The significance of aspiration cytology as diagnostic procedure

We report the case of an intracystic papillary carcinoma of the breast in an elderly woman. Gross and microscopic observations support the contention that intracystic fluid is partly a result of secretory activity by the neoplastic epithelial cells and that, intracystic hemorrhage, which may contribute to it, is a secondary event complicating the primary process. Cytology of the aspirated fluid was negative for malignant cells. It is concluded that in the case of large cystic breast lesions, aspiration cytology may not be helpful in establishing the malignant nature of the lesion and that a negative cytology should be interpreted with caution, always taking under consideration the clinical picture of the disease. A concomitant adenocarcinoma was also present in the opposite breast, the second case reported in the literature.
Human fetal brain cells in culture. Increase in GM2 ganglioside after SV-40 transformation.

Abstract The composition of gangliosides in a cultured human fetal brain cell line was examined before and after SV-40 transformation. In contrast to most reports on other cell lines, an increase was observed in the complex ganglioside G M2 in the SV-40-ttransformed brain cell line.