cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Effects of signal peptide changes on the secretion of bovine somatotropin (bST) from Escherichia coli.

Bovine somatotropin (bST) was secreted from Escherichia coli at moderate levels of 1-2 micrograms/ml/OD using expression vectors in which the bST gene was fused to the lamB secretion signal. To study the secretion properties of bST in E.coli further, two approaches for modifying the secretion signal were employed. In the first case, fusion proteins were constructed with six alternative bacterial secretion signals: three from E.coli proteins (HisJ, MalE and OmpA), two from bacteriophage proteins (M13 coat protein and PA-2 Lc) and one from the chitinase A protein of Serratia marcescens. The results, as monitored by Western blot analysis of both total cell protein and the periplasmic fraction, showed that these changes in the secretion signal did not significantly affect the secretion properties of bST. In the second approach, a library of random mutations was created in the lamB secretion signal and 200 independent clones were screened. The level of secreted bST was determined by growing individual clones in duplicate in microtiter wells, inducing protein expression and measuring the bST released by osmotic shock using a particle concentration fluorescent immunoassay. The secretion properties of several novel variants in the LamB signal peptide are presented.
Prediction of intermediate-energy neutron scattering observables from a Dirac optical potential

Abstract We construct a global optical potential for intermediate-energy nucleon + 208 Pb scattering using the Dirac phenomenology. Experimental proton elastic differential cross sections, analyzing powers, spin-rotation functions, total reaction cross sections, and neutron total cross sections are used to construct a Dirac potential spanning an energy range of 95 to 300 MeV. Calculations of n + 208 Pb scattering observables are performed and significant differences with predictions and measurements of the corresponding proton scattering observables are found. The origins of the differences are explored by performing calculations using a “gedanken” projectile. The predicted neutron observables are as yet unmeasured and thus have relevance for the newly-constructed intermediate-energy neutron beam facilities.
Varieties of Assurance

Abstract Strategies that seek to assure other states about their security have the potential to reduce international conflict and dissuade states from seeking nuclear weapons. Yet, relative to other tools of statecraft such as deterrence, assurance remains understudied. To facilitate further empirical research on assurance strategies, this article identifies variations in the terminology scholars and policymakers have used to refer to such strategies and describes the concept of assurance associated with each variant. It seeks to clarify and standardize usage and show that there is a general, overarching concept of assurance that links the different variants. It also summarizes existing bodies of empirical research that are relevant to assessing the utility of different forms of assurance.
Auger Electron-Induced Double-Strand Breaks Depend on DNA Topology

Abstract Balagurumoorthy, P., Chen, K., Adelstein, S. J. and Kassis, A. I. Auger Electron-Induced Double-Strand Breaks Depend on DNA Topology. Radiat. Res. 170, 70–82 (2008). From a structural perspective, the factors controlling and the mechanisms underlying the toxic effects of ionizing radiation remain elusive. We have studied the consequences of superhelical/torsional stress on the magnitude and mechanism of DSBs induced by low-energy, short-range, high-LET Auger electrons emitted by 125I, targeted to plasmid DNA by m-[125I]iodo-p-ethoxyHoechst 33342 (125IEH). DSB yields per 125I decay for torsionally relaxed nicked (relaxed circular) and linear DNA (1.74 ± 0.11 and 1.62 ± 0.07, respectively) are approximately threefold higher than that for torsionally strained supercoiled DNA (0.52 ± 0.02), despite the same affinity of all forms for 125IEH. In the presence of DMSO, the DSB yield for the supercoiled form remains unchanged, whereas that for nicked and linear forms decreases to 1.05 ± 0.07 and 0.76 ± 0....
Predictors of adequacy of arteriovenous fistulas in hemodialysis patients

Predictors of adequacy of arteriovenous fistulas in hemodialysis patients. Background Dialysis access procedures and complications represent a major cause of morbidity, hospitalization, and cost for chronic dialysis patients. To improve the outcomes of hemodialysis access procedures, recent clinical guidelines have encouraged attempts to place an arteriovenous (A-V) fistula, rather than an A-V graft, whenever possible in hemodialysis patients. There is little information, however, about the success rate of following such an aggressive strategy in the prevalent dialysis population. Methods We evaluated the adequacy of all A-V fistulas placed in University of Alabama at Birmingham dialysis patients during a two-year period. A fistula was considered adequate if it supported a blood flow of ≥350 ml/min on at least six dialysis sessions in one month. Fistula adequacy was correlated with clinical and demographic factors. Results The adequacy could be determined for 101 fistulas; only 47 fistulas (46.5%) developed sufficiently to be used for dialysis. The adequacy rate was lower in older (age ≥ 65) versus younger (age P = 0.03). It was also marginally lower in diabetics versus nondiabetics (35.0 vs. 54.1%, P = 0.061) and in overweight (BMI ≥ 27 kg/m 2 ) versus nonoverweight patients (34.5 vs. 55.2%, P = 0.07). The adequacy rate was not affected by patient race, smoking status, surgeon, serum albumin, or serum parathyroid hormone. The adequacy rate was substantially lower for forearm versus upper arm fistulas (34.0 vs. 58.9%, P = 0.012). The adequacy of forearm fistulas was particularly poor in women (7%), patients age 65 or older (12%), and diabetics (21%). In contrast, upper arm fistulas were adequate in 56% of women, 54% of older patients, and 48% of diabetics. Conclusions An aggressive approach to the placement of fistulas in dialysis patients results in a less than 50% early adequacy rate, which is considerably lower than that reported in the past. Moreover, the success rate of fistulas is even lower for certain patient subsets. To achieve an optimal outcome with A-V fistulas, we recommend that they be constructed preferentially in the upper arm in female, diabetic, and older hemodialysis patients.
Physiologically motivated computational visual target recognition beta selection

This paper investigates the use of a beta value derived from a receiver operator characteristic curve for target recognition. Using a physiologically-motivated sensor-fusion algorithm, lower-level data is filtered and fused using a pulse-coupled neural network (PCNN) to represent the feature processing of the parvocellular and magnetocellular pathways. High level decision making includes feature association from the PCNN filter, information fusion, and selection of a signal-detection beta value that optimizes performance. A beta value is represent bias based on a likelihood ratio of Gaussian distributions that can be used as a decision strategy to discriminate between targets. By employing a beta value as the output of the physiologic- motivated sensor fusion algorithm, targets are classified based on the fusion of feature data.© (2000) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Broadband homonuclear cross polarization using flip-flop spectroscopy

We have developed a new type of pulse sequence for broadband homonuclear cross polarization (l-10), known as TOCSY or HOHAHA in the literature. Our new sequences, called FLOPSY-8 and FLOPSY16 (flip-flop spectroscopy), offer a noticeable improvement in polarization transfer efficiency for a given expenditure of RF power, and outperform commonly used windowless sequences like WALTZ-16, DIPSI-2, DIPSI-3, and MLEV-16 or MLEV-17. In this Communication we describe how the FLOPSY sequences work by a geometrical analogy with the firmly established area of composite 180” pulses, and we compare FLOPSY with the other sequences. In Fig. 1 we show the familiar rotating-frame geometrical picture for an ensemble of isolated spin-f nuclei, in which the orthogonal axes are labeled with the linear spin operators I,, I,,, and I,. The state of the spins is represented as a vector from the origin to a point on the surface of the unit sphere, and evolution under an RF field is represented as a rotation of the spin vector about a vector representing the effective field. Spin inversion is accomplished on resonance by 180” pulse, mapping 1, onto 1,. Off resonance the effective field has a nonzero z component, and complete inversion is not possible with a single elementary rotation. On the right we show an analogous picture for the zero-quantum (ZQ) manifold of a two-spin system. Here it is the average d@erence in z magnetization II, Izz which labels the z component, and the transverse components in the picture label the x and y components of ZQ coherence. The x component is familiar as the transverse part of the scalar spin-spin coupling; the y component does not normally appear as part of the high-resolution spin Hamiltonian. It is formally related to the x component by a zero-quantum phase shift, that is, a unitary transformation by the longitudinal component in the ZQ frame. The three components in the ZQ frame are easily derived by considering the single-transition (II) or fictitious spin-4 (12) operators for the flip-flop transition I+-) I -+). Provided the dynamics remain within the ZQ manifold, our geometrical picture makes it easy to understand broadband cross polarization. An on-resonance 180” pulse in the ZQ frame will invert the average difference in z magnetization. The total z magnetization remains unaffected by the ZQ rotations, so we can write
Molecular cloning of a human, hemicholinium-3-sensitive choline transporter.

Abstract Under many physiological circumstances, Na+- and Cl−-dependent, hemicholinium-3 (HC-3)-sensitive, high-affinity choline uptake (HACU) in cholinergic neurons is thought to be rate-limiting in the biosynthesis of acetylcholine (ACh). Based on sequence information provided by the Human Genome Project and the recently reported rat CHT1 (rCHT1), we cloned a human CHT cDNA from spinal cord. The hCHT cDNA encodes a protein of 580 amino acids having 93% identity to rCHT1 and 51% identity to the Caenorhabditis elegans homolog CHO-1, and is distantly related to members of the Na+-coupled glucose transporter (SGLT) gene family of Na+-coupled glucose (SGLT), nucleoside and iodide transporters. Northern blot analysis reveals the expression of a ∼5 kb transcript in human brain regions rich in cholinergic neurons including the putamen, spinal cord, and medulla. Expression of hCHT cDNA in COS-7 cells results in saturable, Na+/Cl−-dependent choline uptake (Km = 1.2 μM) in membrane vesicles and [3H] HC-3 binding (Kd = 4 nM) in membrane fractions, consistent with characteristics reported in mammalian cholinergic neurons. Using radiation hybrid mapping techniques, we localized the hCHT gene to human chromosome 2q12. These studies elucidate the primary structure and chromosomal localization of hCHT and provide a basis for mechanistic analysis of HACU regulation and an investigation of the role of hCHT in disease states.
Status Epilepticus in the Pediatric Emergency Department

Status epilepticus (SE) is a common childhood condition often seen by emergency physicians. It occurs at a frequency of between 17 and 23 per 100 000, higher in younger children. Risk factors for SE include an acute symptomatic etiology, and for those children with underlying epilepsy, a remote symptomatic etiology and a younger age of epilepsy onset. Treatment paradigms vary by institution but should be rapid and aggressive. Underdosing of anticonvulsants and excessive lag between doses should be avoided. Identification of nonconvulsive and subclinical SE is often missed and requires a high index of suspicion. Refractory SE often requires an intensive care unit admission and the involvement of a neurologist. Etiologic evaluation should include a broad differential and be focused initially on treatable causes, including central nervous system infections, electrolyte and metabolic disorders, and trauma.
Local Government and Environmental Quality A Case Study

This article describes results from an assessment of the status of local environmental protection mechanisms in Cuyahoga County, Ohio, an area typical of many in the Great Lakes region that is experiencing settlement sprawl and declining or stabilizing population and that has a history of industrial pollution. The study was motivated by recent trends infederal and state requirements, shifts in environmental management paradigms, and changing environmental priorities that portend an increasing local role and require local governments to address increasingly sophisticated environmental problems. The study found that local governments operate in a fragmented institutional environment, rarely access technical or resource assistance programs, and seldom use planning and management strategies to enhance or maintain environmental quality. How well local governments can respond to change depends in part on their current environmental management system and their access to and use of technical assistance. Key to th...
Effects of stocking density and dietary protein on green sunfish (Lepomis cyanellus) × bluegill (L. macrochirus) hybrids overwintered in ponds

Abstract Growth, survival, and feed conversion were evaluated in juvenile green sunfish ( L. cyanellus ) × bluegill ( L. macrochirus ) hybrids (mean wt. 40.6 g) stocked in twelve 0.04-ha ponds at densities of 12 350 and 24 700 fish·ha −1 and fed diets containing 25 or 35% protein for 183 days. Final mean weights were higher for fish stocked at 12 350 fish·ha −1 (53 g) than those stocked at 24 700 fish·ha −1 (48 g). There was no difference in weights of fish fed either dietary protein level. Final biomass densities increased with increasing stocking density (range=589–1245 kg·ha −1 ) but were not significantly affected ( P >0.05) by dietary protein level. Percentage increase in biomass density was significantly higher ( P −1 (26%) than for fish stocked at 24 700 (12%). Stocking rate and dietary protein had no significant effect on survival or feed conversion ratio which averaged 95% and 3.6, respectively. Results of this study indicate that stocking rate has a significant effect on winter growth of hybrid bluegill, possibly due to availability of natural foods. The refinement of feeding schedules and use of floating diets should be investigated.
Efficient analytic computation of group delay dispersion from optical interference coatings

An inductive analytic method is presented for computing exact derivatives of phase with respect to frequency for arbitrary dielectric multilayer coatings. This algorithm is useful for the optimization of broadband dispersion compensating femtosecond laser optics.
Wilderness and Recreational Neurology

With increased access to once remote regions of the planet and renewed interest in exploring natural surroundings, previously geographically isolated and rare neurologic conditions can be encountered in any patient population. Rare envenomations and poisonings, once the purview of the tropical neurologist, now can be encountered by travelers to areas where creatures that have developed specialized defenses are endemic. Recognition, therefore, of the potentially neurotoxic fauna and flora in these areas holds value, even for the urban neurologist.
Hypofractionated radiotherapy for elderly or younger low-performance status glioblastoma patients: outcome and prognostic factors.

Abstract Purpose To evaluate the outcome for elderly or younger poor prognosis glioblastoma patients treated with hypofractionated radiotherapy (HypoRT). Methods and materials Retrospective review at The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center identified 59 glioblastoma patients (median age 65 years) treated with HypoRT between 1988 and 2001 with 50 Gy given at 2.5 Gy/fraction/day in 20 fractions within 4 weeks. Classification was according to the Radiation Therapy Oncology Group recursive partitioning analysis and was Class IV in 11, V in 29, and VI in 19. Surgery consisted of gross total resection ( n = 16), subtotal resection ( n = 28), and biopsy only ( n = 13). Two patients were treated presumptively on the basis of radiographic findings. Chemotherapy was given either as part of the initial treatment ( n = 15) or for progression ( n = 9). Results The median survival time for the entire study population was 7 months, and the median progression-free survival was 3.9 months. The median survival time for patients with Class IV, V, and VI was 11, 7, and 5 months, respectively. Concordance was found with Radiation Therapy Oncology Group–established recursive partitioning analysis class survival. Steroid requirements were not increased during RT compared with preoperatively and immediately postoperatively. Late complications of HypoRT were limited to 3 cases of radiation necrosis suggested by MRI, 2 of which were pathologically confirmed. Conclusion HypoRT consisting of 50 Gy in 4 weeks can be used for selected GBM patients to reduce the overall treatment time of conventional RT by 33–39% without apparent increased toxicity or decrement in survival.
Three-dimensional finite element stress analysis of a cantilever fixed partial denture

A three-dimensional mathematical model was generated, representing a three-unit cantilever fixed partial denture and its supporting mandibular structures. First and second premolars were used as abutments with one posterior cantilever pontic. A 5 lb vertical load was applied to the pontic. Vertical and horizontal stresses were analyzed by means of a three-dimensional finite element stress analysis technique. The results showed that a cantilever pontic creates considerable compressive stress on the abutment nearest to the pontic and produces tensile stress on the abutment farthest from the pontic.
Current limitations of high-temperature alloys in practical applications

There are several engineering systems which require materials of construction to tolerate elevated temperatures, and aggressive environments of one kind or another; and where, furthermore, the performance of the system is limited by the materials capability. This paper reviews a number of these systems, drawn principally from the electric power industry, and describes both the current approaches to improving the materials capability, and potential directions for research and development for the future. Particular emphasis is given to cases where the problems related to oxidation and high-temperature corrosion are of major importance.
Federal Income Payments and Mental Retardation: The Political and Economic Context

Federal income maintenance programs for people with mental retardation in the United States were described. Combined SSI and DI spending in fiscal year 2000 totaled an estimated $20.6 billion for people with mental retardation. This population is particularly vulnerable to the vagaries of changing public policy and are particularly reliant upon public support. The relative importance of income programs in the lives of people with mental retardation is discussed and the changing role of federal social welfare policy with regard to these programs analyzed.
Silica particle formation in confined environments via bioinspired polyamine catalysis at near-neutral pH.

The incorporation of a branched polyamine, poly(ethylene imine) (PEI) and monosilic acid into spherical reverse micelles (RMs) by bis(2-ethylehexyl) sulfosuccinate sodium salt (AOT)as a means for bioinspired silica growth, was investigated. Bis(2-ethylehexyl)sulfosuccinate sodium salt (AOT), PEI, isooctane, 8-hydroxypyrene-1,3,6-trisulfonic acid (HPTS), tetremethyl orthosilicate (TMOS) were used and their sizes were determined with QELS Batch 1.0.3.2 software. SEM was performed using HItachi 4500 on samples dropcasted and sputtered with 30 10m of Au/Pd. Solutions of AOT in isooctane were stored over activated molecular sieves. RMs were prepared by the addition of aqueous PEI or silicic acid solutions to 0.1M AOT. It was observed that the size of RM affect the attractive interaction between water pool due to decreased coalescence. Result shows that the condensation of monosillic acid eliminated water, which dynamically alter the structure of RM during particle growth.
Echolalia, IQ, and the Developmental Dichotomy of Speech and Language Systems

Language and speech performances of 22 echolalic three-year-olds were compared with a nonechoic group of the same age who were individually matched for four-year IQ as well as for race and sex. Res...
Minimally Invasive Retrieval of Knotted Nonstimulating Peripheral Nerve Catheters

Objective: Continuous peripheral nerve blockade is rapidly becoming the technique of choice for the management of postoperative orthopedic pain. However, the insertion of perineural catheters may be associated with complications, including catheter kinking and knotting. A knotted catheter may be difficult or impossible to remove at the patient bedside, requiring surgical excision under general anesthesia. We describe a previously unreported minimally invasive technique of retrieving knotted peripheral nerve catheters and avoiding the need for surgical intervention. Although the described technique has been used by interventional radiologists for the removal of knotted intravascular devices, it has not been previously described for the retrieval of knotted perineural catheters. Brief Report: The Mayo Clinic Acute Pain Service database was queried and patients identified with knotted peripheral nerve catheters during the 3-year period from January 2003 to January 2006. The medical records of all identified patients were retrospectively reviewed and details of catheter placement including catheter type and location, size (gauge), ease of placement, distance threaded, and duration of use recorded. During the study period, 5,964 nonstimulating peripheral nerve catheters were placed. Of these, 8 (0.13%) patients experienced catheter knotting resulting in difficult or impossible catheter removal at the bedside. Seven (88%) of the 8 catheters were successfully removed by using a minimally invasive technique of catheter retrieval using guided fluoroscopy. The remaining catheter was removed at the bedside with patient repositioning. Conclusions: The knotting of peripheral nerve catheters is a relatively uncommon phenomenon, occurring in only 0.13% of patients. However, because the use of perineural catheters has increased within anesthesia practice, clinicians may begin to encounter these complications with greater frequency. Practitioners should be aware of surgical alternatives, including guided-fluoroscopic techniques, when simple catheter traction or tension proves unsuccessful at the patient bedside.
Pharmacokinetics of ketoprofen after multiple intravenous doses to mares

The pharmacokinetics and urinary excretion of ketoprofen in six healthy mares after the first and last of five daily intravenous doses of 2.2 mg of ketoprofen per kg body weight were investigated using a high-performance liquid chromatographic (HPLC) method for determining plasma and urinary ketoprofen concentrations. Plasma ketoprofen concentrations declined triexponentially after each dose with no significant differences in plasma concentrations or pharmacokinetic parameter values between the first and last doses. The harmonic mean of the terminal elimination half-life of ketoprofen after the first and last dose was 98.2 and 78.0 min, respectively. The median values of the total plasma clearance and the renal clearance after the first dose were 4.81 and 1.93 mL/min/kg, respectively. Total plasma clearance was attributed to renal excretion of ketoprofen and metabolism of ketoprofen to a base-labile conjugate which was also excreted in the urine. Renal clearance of ketoprofen was attributed to renal tubular secretion since renal clearance was greater than filtration clearance. Urinary recovery of ketoprofen during the first 420 min after the first dose accounted for 26.4% of the dose as unconjugated ketoprofen and 29.8% of the dose as a base-labile conjugate of ketoprofen. Total urinary recovery of ketoprofen as unchanged ketoprofen and from base-labile conjugate represented 56.2% of the dose. Plasma protein binding of ketoprofen was extensive; the mean plasma protein binding of ketoprofen was 92.8% (SD 3.0%) at 500 ng/mL and 91.6% (SD 0.60%) at 10.0 micrograms/mL.
A differential pulse polarographic assay for O-methylation of catechols by catechol-O-methyltransferase

Abstract A new method is described for monitoring the enzyme-eatalyzed O -methylation of norepinephrine (or other catechol substrate) by catechol- O -methyltransferase. Norepinephrine and normetanephrine combine with bis-2-(ethylhexyl)hydrogen phosphate at pH 7.4 to form an ion pair which is quantitatively extracted with an immiscible organic solvent by an application of partition chromatography. The mixture of catechol substrate and O -methylated products are then simultaneously determined in 0.5 m H 2 SO 4 solution by monitoring their oxidation at a carbon paste electrode by a differential pulse polarographic technique.
Klein-Gordon equation is separable on the dyon black-hole metric.

We carry out the separation of variables for the massive complex Klein-Gordon equation in the gravitational and electromagnetic field of a four-parameter (mass, angular momentum, electric, and magnetic charges) black hole.
Livestock grazing effects on ant communities in the eastern Mojave Desert, USA

Abstract The effects of livestock grazing on composition and structure of ant communities were examined in the eastern Mojave Desert, USA for the purpose of evaluating ant communities as potential indicators of rangeland condition. Metrics for ant communities, vegetation, and other ground-cover elements were evaluated as a function of distance from livestock water tanks, which represents a gradient in level of livestock activity in desert settings. Data were collected at six isolated water tanks used by cattle during early summer, with seven plots (90 m × 90 m; 100 pitfall traps) per tank. Thirty-eight species of ants were recorded, with an average of 14 ant species per plot. Ant species richness did not differ as a function of distance from the water tank. Also, overall species composition, as measured by a similarity index for species presence/absence for paired-comparisons of plots, did not show differences attributable to the gradient in grazing impact. In contrast, the relative abundance of several taxa and functional groups was significantly related to distance from the water tank. The predominant pattern was for the greatest abundance to occur at the water tank, with little difference in ant abundance among plots away from the water tank. This pattern was shown by the abundant ants species, Conomyrma bicolor and Pheidole tucsonica, and the groups Conomyrma spp., Pheidole spp., homopteran tenders, and plant foragers. However, two species, Aphaenogaster megommata and Monomorium wheelerorum showed the greatest relative abundance at a distance away from the water tank. A number of ant metrics were significantly related to ground-cover metrics (R2 > 0.5). Organic debris was the variable most frequently related significantly to ant abundance metrics, always in a positive direction, followed by cover for perennial grasses, annual forbs, and shrubs, and bare patch size. Ant community metrics in the study region appear to have little potential to serve as indicators of rangeland condition because differences were evident primarily in severely degraded localized conditions rather than in intermediate widespread conditions.
The Global Phosphorus Cycle: Past, Present, and Future

The cycling of phosphorus, a biocritical element in short supply in nature, is an important Earth system process. Variations in the phosphorus cycle have occurred in the past. For example, the rapid uplift of the Himalayan-Tibet Plateau increased chemical weathering, which led to enhanced input of phosphorus to the oceans. This drove the late Miocene “biogenic bloom.” Additionally, phosphorus is redistributed on glacial timescales, resulting from the loss of the substantial continental margin sink for reactive P during glacial sea-level lowstands. The modern terrestrial phosphorus cycle is dominated by agriculture and human activity. The natural riverine load of phosphorus has doubled due to increased use of fertilizers, deforestation and soil loss, and sewage sources. This has led to eutrophication of lakes and coastal areas, and will continue to have an impact for several thousand years based on forward modeling of human activities.
Do Changes in Chromosomes Cause Aging

It is clearly too early to know with certainty what molecular events cause aging. An exciting possibility based on recent findings is that changes in chromosomal structure or function are a key determinant of aging. The methodology providing this new edge in aging research is the identification of specific genes that control the rate of aging in S. cerevisiae, C. elegans, and humans. It would perhaps be appropriate that chromosomes, which orchestrate the genesis, development, and maturation of organisms, also direct the final chapter in the life cycle.
Nav1.5 underlies the ‘third TTX-R sodium current’ in rat small DRG neurons

In addition to slow-inactivating and persistent TTX-R Na(+) currents produced by Na(v)1.8 and Na(v)1.9 Na(+) channels, respectively, a third TTX-R Na(+) current with fast activation and inactivation can be recorded in 80% of small neurons of dorsal root ganglia (DRG) from E15 rats, but in only 3% of adult small DRG neurons. The half-time for activation, the time constant for inactivation, and the midpoints of activation and inactivation of the third TTX-R Na(+) currents are significantly different from those of Na(v)1.8 and Na(v)1.9 Na(+) currents. The estimated TTX K(i) (2.11+/-0.34 microM) of the third TTX-R Na(+) current is significantly lower than those of Na(v)1.8 and Na(v)1.9 Na(+) currents. The Cd(2+) sensitivity of third TTX-R Na(+) current is closer to cardiac Na(+) currents. A concentration of 1 mM Cd(2+) is required to completely block this current, which is significantly lower than the 5 mM required to block Na(v)1.8 and Na(v)1.9 currents. The third TTX-R Na(+) channel is not co-expressed with Na(v)1.8 and Na(v)1.9 Na(+) channels in DRG neurons of E18 rats, at a time when all three currents show comparable densities. The physiological and pharmacological profiles of the third TTX-R Na(+) current are similar to those of the cardiac Na(+) channel Na(v)1.5 and RT-PCR and restriction enzyme polymorphism analysis, show a parallel pattern of expression of Na(v)1.5 in DRG during development. Taken together, these results demonstrate that Na(v)1.5 is expressed in a developmentally regulated manner in DRG neurons and suggest that Na(v)1.5 Na(+) channel produces the third TTX-R current.
Depression scales in rheumatoid arthritis: criterion contamination in interpretation of patient responses

Self-report depression scales include items concerning somatic symptoms, such as fatigue, pain, and inability to work, which may be symptoms of depression in individuals who do not have a chronic disease. However, in patients with somatic diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, these symptoms may reflect disease rather than depression. Interpretation of responses to these items in patients with chronic disease as indicating depression is known as "criterion contamination". Criterion contamination has been described in responses of patients with rheumatoid arthritis on many widely-used depression scales, including the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI), the Beck Depression Inventory, and the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Index (CES-D). Evidence for criterion contamination in responses of patients with rheumatoid arthritis on these depression scales is summarized in this essay.
In vitro binding of bile acids by kidney bean (Phaseolus vulgaris), black gram (Vigna mungo), bengal gram (Cicer arietinum) and moth bean (Phaseolus aconitifolins)

Abstract The in vitro binding of bile acids by kidney bean (Phaseolus vulgaris), black gram (Vigna mungo), bengal gram (Cicer arietinum) and moth bean (Phaseolus aconitifolins) was determined using a mixture of bile acids secreted in human bile at a duodenal physiological pH of 6.3. Six treatments and two blank incubations were conducted, testing whole mature raw seed as substrates on an equal protein basis. Considering cholestyramine as 100% bound, the relative in vitro bile acid binding for kidney bean, black gram, bengal gram and moth bean on equal protein basis was 12%, 15%, 35% and 13%, respectively. Relative bile acid binding on equal dry matter (DM), total dietary fiber (TDF) and insoluble dietary fiber (IDF) basis was for kidney bean 3%, 11% and 14%, black gram 3%, 29% and 36%, bengal gram 7%, 27% and 29%, and moth bean 3%, 19% and 21%, respectively. Except for bengal gram where values were much higher, bile acid binding by kidney bean, black gram and moth bean appear to be related to their DM and protein content. These results point to bile acid binding by bengal gram > black gram=moth beans=kidney bean as indicative of their health-promoting potential. Data suggest that of all four kinds of beans tested, bile acid binding may be related to the anionic, cationic, physical and chemical structure, composition, metabolites, or their interaction with active binding sites. Animal studies are in progress to validate relationship of in vitro bile acid binding of various beans observed herein to lipid, cholesterol-lowering and atherosclerosis amelioration.
Evidence Based Labor and Delivery Management

Our objective was to provide evidence-based guidance for management decisions during labor and delivery. We performed MEDLINE, PubMed, and COCHRANE searches with the terms labor, delivery, pregnancy, randomized trials, plus each management aspect of labor and delivery (eg, early admission). Each management step of labor and delivery was reviewed separately. Evidence-based good quality data favor hospital births, delayed admission, support by doula, training birth assistants in developing countries, and upright position in the second stage. Home-like births, enema, shaving, routine vaginal irrigation, early amniotomy, "hands-on" method, fundal pressure, and episiotomy can be associated with complications without sufficient benefits and should probably be avoided. We conclude that labor and delivery interventions supported by good quality data as just described should be routinely performed. All aspects with lower data quality should be researched with adequately powered and designed trials.
Diastereoselective intermolecular rhodium-catalyzed [4 + 2 + 2] carbocyclization reactions: computational and experimental evidence for the intermediacy of an alternative metallacycle intermediate.

Intermolecular rhodium-catalyzed [m + n + o] reactions of 1,6-enynes and various π-components (carbon monoxide, alkynes, 1,3-butadienes, etc.) provide an expeditious approach for the construction of polycyclic fragments that represent important synthons for target-directed synthesis. We present computational and experimental evidence for the existence of a previously undescribed reaction pathway for the rhodium-catalyzed [4 + 2 + 2] reaction involving a 1,6-enyne. This model clearly demonstrates the origin of the excellent diastereoselectivity in this type of reaction and the remarkable tolerance of both (E)- and (Z)-isomers within the 1,6-enyne, which is generally prone to competitive ene-cycloisomerization.
Effect of diethylene glycol (DEG) on the crystallization behavior of poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET)

The effect of diethylene glycol (DEG) on the crystallization of poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) was studied under isothermal and dynamic conditions. The strain-induced crystallization of PET and its relationship to DEG content was also studied. The samples were isothermally and dynamically crystallized in the differential scanning calorimeter (DSC). The thermograms were then analyzed to determine the kinetic parameters. Strain-induced crystallization was studied by stretching samples at different strain rates. These samples were then annealed for various periods of time and quenched to room temperature. Birefringence and density were measured on the annealed samples. Results indicate that the DEG content reduces the rate of crystallization of PET when crystallizing from the melt, isothermally and dynamically. When crystallizing from the glassy state, the effects of DEG are not prominent. The mechanism of crystallization is not affected by the amount of DEG, within the range of DEG contents evaluated. In the case of strain-induced crystallization, increased DEG content reduces the crystallinity of PET at intermediate strain rates, but at higher strain rates, the crystallinity is not affected by the DEG content. © 1993 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Reframing Abstract Expressionism: Subjectivity and Painting in the 1940s

In the wake of World War II, the paintings of Jackson Pollock, Mark Rothko, Barnett Newman, Willem de Kooning, and other New York School artists participated in a culture-wide initiative to reimagine the self. At a time when widely held beliefs about human nature and the human condition were coming to seem to many commentators increasingly outdated and inadequate, Abstract Expressionism gave compelling visual form to a new subjectivity-a new experience and idea of self. In this original and wide-ranging study, Michael Leja argues that the interest of these artists in tapping "primitive" and unconscious components of self aligns them with many contemporary essayists, Hollywood filmmakers, journalists, and popular philosophers who were turning, like the artists, to psychology, anthropology, and philosophy in the effort to reformulate individual identity. Taking Pollock's paintings and their reception as a case study, Leja shows that critics located in Pollock's abstract forms a web of metaphors-including spatial entrapment, conflicted production, energy flow, gendered opposition, and unconsciousness-that situated the paintings in mainstream cultural discourses on the individual's sense of self and identity. In this interpretative frame, the cultural and ideological character of the art is illuminated. According to Leja, Abstract Expressionism effectively enacted and represented the new, conflicted, layered subjectivity, a feature that helps to account for the support and interest it garnered from cultural and political institutions alike.
Neutron elastic scattering from 116,118,120,122,124Sn

Abstract Accurate measurements of neutron differential elastic cross sections have been obtained from even isotopes of Sn. Data are presented for the elastic scattering of 11 MeV neutrons from 116, 118, 120, 122, 124Sn, the elastic scattering for 24 MeV neutrons from 116, 118, 124Sn and the neutron total cross section from 118, 120, 122, 124Sn in the energy ranges 5.0–10.6 MeV and 20.0–26.0 MeV. The elastic scattering data are analyzed in terms of an empirical optical-model potential. The obtained optical-potential parameters are analyzed in terms of energy and isospin dependence and compared with those obtained from proton elastic scattering on even Sn isotopes.
A Cognitive Modeling Approach to Decision Support Tool Design for Anesthesia Provider Crisis Management

Prior research has revealed existing operating room (OR) patient monitors to provide limited support for prompt and accurate decision making by anesthesia providers during crises. Decision support tools (DSTs) developed for this purpose typically alert the anesthesia provider to existence of a problem but do not recommend a treatment plan. There is a need for a human-centered approach to the design and development of a crisis management DST. A hierarchical task analysis was conducted to identify anesthesia provider procedures in detecting, diagnosing, and treating a critical incident and a cognitive task analysis to elicit goals, decisions, and information requirements. This information was coded in a computational cognitive model using GOMS (Goals, Operators, Methods, Selection rules) Language. An OR monitor interface was prototyped to present output from the cognitive model following ecological interface design principles. A preliminary assessment of the DST was performed with anesthesiology and usabili...
Steady‐State uniqueness and multiplicity of nonadiabatic gas‐liquid CSTRs, part I: Second‐order reaction model

Steady-state behavior of a non-adiabatic gas-liquid CSTR is classified applying a second-order reaction model without any limitation on the reaction regime. Uniqueness and multiplicity regions are determined in the parameter space of reactivity versus liquid residence time, with the ignition and extinction points explicitly shown. An isola with five steady states is found possible for the adiabatic reactor; however, even a small heat loss reduces the number of steady states to three.
Gamma-Ray Burst Afterglow Broadband Fitting Based Directly on Hydrodynamics Simulations

We present a powerful new tool for fitting broadband gamma-ray burst afterglow data, which can be used to determine the burst explosion parameters and the synchrotron radiation parameters. By making use of scale invariance between relativistic jets of different energies and different circumburst medium densities, and by capturing the output of high-resolution two-dimensional relativistic hydrodynamical (RHD) jet simulations in a concise summary, the jet dynamics are generated quickly. Our method calculates the full light curves and spectra using linear radiative transfer sufficiently fast to allow for a direct iterative fit of RHD simulations to the data. The fit properly accounts for jet features that so far have not been successfully modeled analytically, such as jet decollimation, inhomogeneity along the shock front, and the transitory phase between the early-time relativistic and late-time non-relativistic outflow. As a first application of the model we simultaneously fit the radio, X-ray, and optical data of GRB 990510. We find not only noticeable differences between our findings for the explosion and radiation parameters and those of earlier authors, but also an improved model fit when we include the observer angle in the data fit. The fit method will be made freely available on request and online at http://cosmo.nyu.edu/afterglowlibrary. In addition to data fitting, the software tools can also be used to quickly generate a light curve or spectrum for arbitrary observer position, jet, and radiation parameters.
Evolutionary landscapes for the acquisition of new ligand recognition by RNA aptamers.

The evolution of ligand specificity underlies many important problems in biology, from the appearance of drug resistant pathogens to the re-engineering of substrate specificity in enzymes. In studying biomolecules, however, the contributions of macromolecular sequence to binding specificity can be obscured by other selection pressures critical to bioactivity. Evolution of ligand specificity in vitro—unconstrained by confounding biological factors—is addressed here using variants of three flavin-binding RNA aptamers. Mutagenized pools based on the three aptamers were combined and allowed to compete during in vitro selection for GMP-binding activity. The sequences of the resulting selection isolates were diverse, even though most were derived from the same flavin-binding parent. Individual GMP aptamers differed from the parental flavin aptamers by 7 to 26 mutations (20 to 57% overall change). Acquisition of GMP recognition coincided with the loss of FAD (flavin-adenine dinucleotide) recognition in all isolates, despite the absence of a counter-selection to remove FAD-binding RNAs. To examine more precisely the proximity of these two activities within a defined sequence space, the complete set of all intermediate sequences between an FAD-binding aptamer and a GMP-binding aptamer were synthesized and assayed for activity. For this set of sequences, we observe a portion of a neutral network for FAD-binding function separated from GMP-binding function by a distance of three mutations. Furthermore, enzymatic probing of these aptamers revealed gross structural remodeling of the RNA coincident with the switch in ligand recognition. The capacity for neutral drift along an FAD-binding network in such close approach to RNAs with GMP-binding activity illustrates the degree of phenotypic buffering available to a set of closely related RNA sequences—defined as the set’s functional tolerance for point mutations—and supports neutral evolutionary theory by demonstrating the facility with which a new phenotype becomes accessible as that buffering threshold is crossed.
The organic scintillator as a 10–30 MeV neutron spectrometer☆

Abstract An expression has been derived which accurately represents the high energy portion of the pulse height distribution produced by an organic scintillator used as a detector of approximately mono-energetic neutrons. The expression is applicable to neutrons in the 10–30 MeV range and is readily used in connection with a high speed computer for complex experimental spectra analysis. Such an application is illustrated by determining angular distributions of several high Q value (20 MeV) neutron reactions produced in the lithium bombardment of some light nuclei. The results demonstrate the feasibility of measuring neutron differential cross sections in the 10–100 microbarn region by this method.
Bulk mechanical behavior of rootzone Sand mixtures as influenced by particle shape, moisture and peat

Mechanical properties such as bulk modulus, shear modulus, and failure stress of rootzone sand mixtures are some of the key parameters in understanding the load-response of sands used in professional golf courses. According to the United States Golf Association (USGA) specifications, appropriate particle size distributions and their shape are important for preparing putting greens and bunker sands. Despite being an important parameter, the influence of sand particle shape on the bulk mechanical properties of the rootzone mixtures has not been studied systematically using a fundamental tester. Toward this end, bulk mechanical properties were measured using a low-pressure cubical (true) triaxial tester. In this study, four of the commonly used basic shapes, i.e., round, subround, subangular, and angular sand particles comprising rootzone mixtures with sphagnum peat (organics) were tested at two different moisture levels, air-dried and 30 cm moisture tension conditions. For all rootzone sand mixtures, an increase in bulk modulus was observed with increasing isotropic pressure. The failure stress values increased with the increase in mean pressure for air dried samples. In general, moisture increased compressibility of sands and decreased failure strength and shear modulus values. Peat had a dominant influence on the mechanical response of all four sand shapes. When peat and moisture were added, the rootzone mixture became most compressible and easier to fail, with noticeable changes in bulk mechanical properties.
Feature stabilized digital x-ray coronary angiograms improve human visual detection in JPEG compressed images

We evaluate the effect on human visual detection of a display method that stabilizes the motion of the feature of interest in sequential JPEG compressed x-ray coronary angiogram images. At all levels of image compression the feature stabilized display significantly improved performance with respect to the standard display where the artery is moving. In addition, for both the moving artery and stabilized display, human performance with images compressed at 15:1 was not significantly different from performance with the uncompressed images.