cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Precision Substrate Targeting of Protein Kinases v-Abl and c-Src

Abstract The active site substrate specificities of v-Abl and c-Src are compared and contrasted. Both enzymes catalyze the phosphorylation of a broad assortment of peptide-bound aliphatic and aromatic alcohols, such as achiral and simple straight chain residues. In addition, both protein kinases exhibit a “dual specificity” with respect to the ability to utilize D- and L-configurational isomers as substrates. However, c-Src and v-Abl are extremely inefficient as catalysts for certain structural arrangements, including secondary alcohols and primary alcohols containing large substituents in close proximity to the hydroxyl moiety. In addition to these similarities, these enzymes also display noteworthy differences in catalytic behavior. Whereas c-Src exhibits a modest preference for aromatic versus aliphatic alcohols, v-Abl does not. Most dramatic is the ability of c-Src to utilize short chain alcohols as substrates, an activity virtually absent from the catalytic repertoire of v-Abl. The implications of these observations are 2-fold. First, because both enzymes are able to accommodate a wide variety of structural variants within their respective active site regions, there exists a substantial degree of flexibility with respect to inhibitor design. Second, because these enzymes exhibit disparate active site specificities, it is possible that other tyrosine-specific protein kinases will display unique substrate specificities as well. Consequently, it may ultimately be possible to exploit these differences to generate inhibitors that precisely target specific protein kinases.
Molecular mechanisms for myocardial mitochondrial dysfunction in the metabolic syndrome

The metabolic syndrome represents a cluster of abnormalities, including obesity, insulin resistance, dyslipidaemia and Type 2 diabetes, that increases the risk of developing cardiovascular diseases, such as coronary artery disease and heart failure. The heart failure risk is increased even after adjusting for coronary artery disease and hypertension, and evidence is emerging that changes in cardiac energy metabolism might contribute to the development of contractile dysfunction. Recent findings suggest that myocardial mitochondrial dysfunction may play an important role in the pathogenesis of cardiac contractile dysfunction in obesity, insulin resistance and Type 2 diabetes. This review will discuss potential molecular mechanisms for these mitochondrial abnormalities.
A novel fuzzy logic approach to contrast enhancement

Abstract Contrast enhancement is one of the most important issues of image processing, pattern recognition and computer vision. The commonly used techniques for contrast enhancement fall into two categories: (1) indirect methods of contrast enhancement and (2) direct methods of contrast enhancement. Indirect approaches mainly modify histogram by assigning new values to the original intensity levels. Histogram specification and histogram equalization are two popular indirect contrast enhancement methods. However, histogram modification technique only stretches the global distribution of the intensity. The basic idea of direct contrast enhancement methods is to establish a criterion of contrast measurement and to enhance the image by improving the contrast measure. The contrast can be measured globally and locally. It is more reasonable to define a local contrast when an image contains textual information. Fuzzy logic has been found many applications in image processing, pattern recognition, etc. Fuzzy set theory is a useful tool for handling the uncertainty in the images associated with vagueness and/or imprecision. In this paper, we propose a novel adaptive direct fuzzy contrast enhancement method based on the fuzzy entropy principle and fuzzy set theory. We have conducted experiments on many images. The experimental results demonstrate that the proposed algorithm is very effective in contrast enhancement as well as in preventing over-enhancement.
Effects of block copolymer dispersant and nanotube length on reinforcement of carbon/epoxy composites

The epoxy matrix of a carbon fiber/epoxy composite was modified with multiwall carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) to improve the matrix dominated thermomechanical properties of the composite. Effects of improved dispersion and nanotube length on reinforcement of the composite were investigated experimentally. The dispersion of the CNTs was enhanced with a block copolymer. Two different CNT lengths, 1 and 10 μm on average, were considered. Irrespective of the length, a pronounced improvement of the composite properties was achieved with 0.5 wt% of MWCNTs with the use of block copolymer. Without the block copolymer, it was found that a higher enhancement of composite properties was achieved with the longer nanotubes.
Ion-exchange chromatography of urinary amino acids. I. Normal children.

Abstract An investigation of the quantitative urinary amino acid patterns from twelve children above three years of age has been presented using ion-exchange chromatography. The results indicated that the patterns obtained resembled those previously reported for adults.
Enhance diamond coating adhesion by oriented interlayer microcracking

In this paper, we report a microcrack toughening mechanism for enhancing the adhesion of diamond coating. The oriented microcracks were formed within the TiC interlayer to dissipate strain energy and accommodate deformation via the crack opening-closing mechanism, thus enhancing the coating/substrate interfacial toughness. The delamination of diamond coating was effectively prevented when the parallel microcracks were confined within the interlayer and arrested at interfaces of coating/interlayer/substrate. Density functional theory calculations revealed that the highly anisotropic fracture strength of the TiC phase energetically favors crack initiation and propagation along (100) planes only, which are 54.7° away from the interface. These microcracks are constrained inside the interlayer by the two strong interfaces in the substrate/interlayer/coating system. The new microcrack toughening mechanism with these combined features has a wide application to enhance the adhesion of thin-film coatings.
Some biological effects of electromagnetic fields

Abstract It has been known for some time that specific asymmetric electromagnetic fields can induce union in non-healing bones. Despite the clinical effectiveness of low frequency electromagnetic (e.m.) signals, virtually nothing is known concerning basic mechanisms in cells involved in bone healing, or other cells in soft tissue, which can also be affected by e.m. signals. It has thus become increasingly important to understand the molecular basis of e.m. field stimulation in order to evaluate the clinical effectiveness and the results of inadvertent environmental exposure. We have developed a test system to examine a fundamental cellular function, that of transcription, in Sciara polytene chromosomes. Since RNA synthesis is a basic cellular event, alterations arising from exogenous stimulation of cells by e.m. fields should be reflected in transcriptional patterns. Our results show this to be the case. e.m. signals in the 72 Hz frequency range, both quasi-rectangular and sinusoidal, induce new RNA transcription in the 6–10S size class and augment a RNA size class in the 20–25S range. e.m. signals in the 1.5 to 15 Hz frequency range result in either a similar response as that seen in 72 Hz signals, or one which is indistinguishable from non-stimulated control cells. Since translational effects would be expected to be reflected as a result of alterations in transcription, we examined protein biosynthesis following e.m. field stimulation. Changes in the form of augmentation, deletion, and appearance of new polypeptides are observed. Finally, we found that e.m. signals, even at some distance from the non-stimulated control samples, emit an undefined signal that is detected by the non-stimulated control cells. For this reason, we have shielded non-stimulated cells. Our ultimate goal is to correlate a specific parameter of the e.m. signal waveform with cellular induction of particular classes of RNA and/or molecular weight ranges of protein. To date, the data suggest that the 72 Hz range is an important frequency component and that waveshape may not be as crucial to clinical usefulness as previously supposed.
Automated filtration capture immunoelectrochemical assay of bacteria

An automated system for filtration capture and immunoelectrochemical detection of bactria in liquid samples is described. The detector incorporates a porous electrode in contact with the filter, rather than the solid electrode used previously, to allow sample and reagent solutions to be delivered in a flowing stream. This eliminated the need for manual assembly of the electrode and filter for each assay and allowed repetitive assays on a single filter/electrode. The electrochemical response of the novel gold grid electrode under static and flow conditions was found to be consistent with theory for a planar electrode operating in laminar flow conditions. A computer-controlled fluid handling system was coupled to the detector for delivery of samples and reagents at controlled flow rates and times. The combination of flow detector and fluid handling system allows for automation of the previous assay protocol as well as providing new operating modes with enhanced background rejection and improved sensitivity. The use of these operating modes is demonstrated by a simple assay for Escherichia coli O157:H7 with virtually no background current.
Voices Unheard: The Psychology of Consumption in Poverty and Development

Many facets of contemporary global problems posed by poverty pertain to the deprivation of consumption capability and are within the consumer psychologist's expertise domain. This article (based on my 2004 Presidential Address to the Society for Consumer Psychology [SCP]) outlines how consumer psychology research can contribute an understanding of the cognitive, motivational, and sociocultural dimensions of poverty, and how poverty depletes and alters the human need and capacity to consume. Consumer psychology research can also help suggest the nature and function of material and psychological interventions that can help ameliorate these conditions, focusing their design and monitoring their effects. These are important research priorities for consumer psychologists and deserve more and sustained attention from our community. Apart from garnering voice in policy conversations in government, industry, and academe, such research eventually will enhance our field's substantive contribution to improving the contemporary human condition.
Antacids—A Risk Factor in Travellers Brucellosis?

AbstractTwo cases of brucellosis are reviewed, which were the only ones in their respective groups of travellers on the one hand to acquire the infection, and on the other hand to have been on antacid medication. The theory of the gastric acidity's protective action is revived and the too generous prescription of antacids for travellers to subtropical and tropical regions is discouraged.
The diagnostic challenge of postoperative acute appendicitis.

During the period 1979 to 1989, 0.1 % of all cases of acute appendicitis at our institution occurred soon after another operative procedure. The interval between primary operation and appendectomy was 5 to 31 days (mean, 14 days). Signs and symptoms did not differ from those of classical acute appendicitis. Duration of symptoms ranged from 12 hours to 8 days (mean, 2.4 days). Perforation was present in 3 patients, suppurative appendicitis in 1 patient, and acute inflammation in 4 patients. Two of the perforations were associated with abscess formation. Morbidity related to the appendiceal condition included hepatic abscesses, septic shock, and prolonged ileus. There was no mortality. Hospitalization ranged from 6 to 80 days (mean, 12.5 days).
A shoreward movement of cool subsurface water

Water temperature measurements over the San Pedro Shelf off Southern California have shown that cool subsurface water may move to the surface at the inner margins of the continental shelf in the absence of wind. The movement of the cool water indicates that it may have a tidal period. Possible mechanisms for this motion include, (1) internal waves, and (2) tidally-generated ‘cold spots.’ Both are discussed in relation to the observed temperature changes in the San Pedro area. It is concluded that similar movements of cool subsurface water may occur along any coast regardless of the orientation of the dominant or prevailing winds. Factors of most importance in the development of such upwellings seem to be the range and characteristics of the tide and, perhaps, a properly oriented irregular bottom topography. These observations point to a possible mechanism for the formation of some nearshore fogs, and also show the need for a study of factors other than wind which lead to the rising of cold deeper water over the shelf.
Femtosecond Laser-Induced Microvascular Clots Trigger Alzheimer’s Disease Pathology

We use femtosecond-laser ablation to lesion cortical microvessels in transgenic mouse models of Alzheimer’s Disease. A? plaques and blood flow were imaged in vivo with 2-photon microscopy. A? accumulated after lesions which stalled blood flow.
Model-Based System For On-Line Affine Image Transformations

A technique for performing an on-line transformation of an object from a compact, complete 3-D model in one fixed orientation is described. The model consists of connecting planar polygons in 3-D space and is useful for symbolic, associative, and other Artificial Intelligence (AI) processing. Two potential architectures are presented in which this system can be used in an "intelligent" recognition system.
Excitation ionization and double ionization of helium by high-energy photon impact

The ratio of double to single ionization by photoabsorption is calculated for photon impact energies in the range 2--18 keV. Employing the acceleration form of the dipole operator and representing the electron-electron correlation in the final state by a Coulomb distortion factor, R=${\mathrm{\ensuremath{\sigma}}}^{++}$/${\mathrm{\ensuremath{\sigma}}}^{+}$ approaches an asymptotic value of 1.66% and reaches a value of about 2.5% at 2 keV photon energy. Comparison with experimental data shows good agreement when contributions due to Compton scattering are taken into account.
Valuations and higher level orders in commutative rings

Valuation theory is one of the main tools for studying higher level orders and the reduced theory of forms over fields, see, for example [BR]. In [MW], the theory of higher level orders and reduced forms was generalized to rings with many units and many of the results for fields carried over to this setting. While it seems desirable to extend these results further, the techniques used for rings with many units will not work for general commutative rings. At the same time, there is a general theory of valuations in commutative rings (see [LM], [M], and [G]), which in [Ma] was used to study orders and the reduced theory of quadratic forms over general commutative rings. Thus it seems natural to ask if the connections between valuations and higher level orders in fields exist in commutative rings. In this paper we use valuation theory to study the space of orders and the reduced Witt ring relative to a higher level preorder in a commutative ring. As in [Ma], we first localize our ring at a multiplicative set, without changing the space of orders, in order to make the valuation theory work better. This is a standard idea from real algebraic geometry. Remarkably, many of the notions, methods, and results for fields carry over to this new setting. We define compatiblity between valuations and orders and preorders, and the ring A(T ) associated to a preorder T , which turns out to be Prufer ring as in the field case. We define the relation of dependency on the set of valuations associated to a preorder and we use this to prove a decomposition theorem for the space of orders. We can then apply this to show that, under a certain finiteness condition, the space of orders is equivalent to the space of orders of a preordered field.
Impacts of carbon source addition on denitrification and phosphorus uptake in enhanced biological phosphorus removal systems

In this study, simultaneous denitrification and phosphorus (P) removal were investigated in batch tests using nitrified mixed liquor and secondary wastewater influent from a full-scale treatment plant and different levels of acetate and propionate as supplemental carbon sources. Without supplemental carbon source, denitrification occurred at low rate and P release and P uptake was negatively affected (i.e., P removal of only 59.7%). When acetate and propionate were supplied, denitrification and P release occurred simultaneously under anoxic conditions. For acetate and propionate at a C/N stoichiometric ratio of 7.6, P release was negatively affected by denitrification. For acetate, the percent P removal and denitrification were very similar for C/N ratios of 22 (5X stoichiometric) and 59 (10X stoichiometric). For propionate, both percent P removal and denitrification deteriorated for C/N ratios of 22 (5X stoichiometric) and 45 (10X stoichiometric). It was observed that carbon source added in excess to stoichiometric ratio was consumed in the aerobic zone, but P was not taken up. This implies that PAO bacteria may utilize the excess carbon source in the aerobic zone rather than their polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) reserves, thereby promoting deterioration of the system.
Ring-Closing Metathesis:: An Advanced Guided-Inquiry Experiment for the Organic Laboratory

The design and implementation of an advanced guided-inquiry experiment for the organic laboratory is described. Grubbs’s second-generation catalyst is used to effect the ring-closing metathesis of diethyl diallylmalonate. The reaction is carried out under an inert atmosphere at room temperature and monitored by argentic TLC. The crude reaction is purified with activated carbon, and the product is analyzed using GC−MS and 1H, COSY, 13C, and DEPT-135 NMR. Additionally, a guided-inquiry approach is employed wherein students design a procedure to determine the influence of various parameters on the progress of the reaction and the purity and yield of the product. Student and instructor assessment of the advantages and challenges of using this approach are included.
Microconcentrators for focal plane arrays

Micro-optics can be used to significantly increase the effective fill factor of focal planes. This, in turn, can enhance the overall performance of an imaging system in a number of ways. In this paper, we study the efficiency of different types of micro-concentrators, considering both the imaging and non-imaging varieties. The effective fill factor of a focal plane enhanced by a micro-concentrator is shown to be a function of three parameters: the type of micro- concentrator, the difficulty of the required concentration, and the severity of diffraction effects. For typical focal plane applications, both imaging and non-imaging concentrators are capable of increasing the effective fill factor to almost 100%.
Fair Processes for Societal Decisions Involving Distributional Inequalities

We investigate fair processes for societal decisions that involve different risks and benefits to different groups. A fair decision-making process is particularly important for decisions such as siting hazardous facilities. We experimentally evaluate the impact of alternative decision processes on the final choice of hypothetical facility sites and the resulting benefit and risk distribution to groups. The experimental task required choice among many alternative sites for a hazardous facility. Sites differ by the distribution of risks and benefits to each of two communities, and in the attractiveness of the sites to each community. Subjects were divided into three groups: individuals who judged the best site in the role of arbitrators, pairs of negotiators with one person representing each of the two communities, and trios who identified the best site in the role of a siting jury. We found the choices of negotiating and siting jury groups tended to emphasize the communities’preferences compared to the individual arbitrators who tended to focus on balancing the distribution of risks and benefits. Also, undergraduate psychology students, regardless of the dispute resolution mechanism, tended to display more emphasis on the risks and benefits, and graduate business students tended to focus more on the communities’preferences.
The effect of novel surfactants and solutol® HS 15 on paclitaxel aqueous solubility and permeability across a Caco‐2 monolayer

The effect of novel surfactants on the aqueous solubility and the permeability of paclitaxel across a Caco-2 cell monolayer were examined in this work. The solubility and permeability of paclitaxel was evaluated in the presence of four soft surfactants (SS) KXN441, KXN424, KXN437, and KXN 337 and Solutol HS15. All surfactants increased the aqueous solubility of paclitaxel. Caco-2 cell membrane integrity in the presence of SS and Solutol HS15 was assessed by mannitol permeability and LDH release. All surfactants were tested at 0.5x CMC, 5x CMC and 1.5 mM concentrations. The effect of SSs on paclitaxel permeability was concentration dependent. At all concentrations tested, KXN 441 and Solutol HS 15 showed partially inhibition of drug efflux with no discernable change in mannitol permeability or cytotoxicity as observed with LDH release. At these concentrations, other SSs exhibited some partial efflux inhibition along with compromised membrane integrity and increasing mannitol permeability. In conclusion, all SSs were able to increase the aqueous solubility and permeability of paclitaxel across Caco-2 cells monolayer. However, KXN441 and Solutol HS15 were able to enhance paclitaxel permeability across Caco-2 monolayer without cytotoxicity.
Comparative Studies on Plastoquinones. IV. Plastoquinones in Algae

Plastoquinones A and C have been found in all classes of algae, including representatives of greens, yellow-greens, blue-greens, reds, browns and the flagellate, Euglena. Plastoquinone C from red and brown algae can be separated into 6 different types. An additional plastoquinone C has been found in Gigartina and Rhydomela. From chromatographic evidence this may be equivalent to plastoquinone Co, a C type with a hydroxyl group on the first isoprene unit of the terpenoid sidechain of this substituted benzo-quinone. The ubiquinone, vitamin K and α-tocopherylquinone content of several algae is also reported. The presence of plastoquinone A in all green plants and many algae indicates that it may be a functional element in photosynthesis. Our study shows that plastoquinone C is more regularly present in algae than has been previously shown.
The Societal Benefits and Costs of School Dropout Recovery

This article reports an analysis of the societal benefits and costs of recovering school dropouts. Successful recovery is defined by subsequent graduation from high school. The analysis is based on established estimates of the societal costs of dropping out including reduced government tax collections and higher social costs of welfare, healthcare, and crime. These potential costs are cast as benefits when a dropout is recovered. A large dropout recovery program provides the setting for the analysis. Rigorous attention is given to accurate estimation of the number of students who would not have graduated without the program in the year assessed and to the induced public costs of their continued education. Estimated benefits are weighed against the total annual public costs of the program, which operates in 65 school centers and commands an annual budget of about $70 million. The estimated benefit-cost ratio for this program is 3 to 1, a figure comparable to benefit-cost ratio estimates reported in studies of dropout prevention. The sensitivity of this conclusion to specific assumptions within the analysis is discussed.
Farewell to Notes

The great composer Johannes Brahms once remarked: "It is not difficult to compose; but it is incredibly difficult to let the superfluous notes drop under the table" (as quoted in Musgrave and Pascall 1987, p. 138). Here at the Journal of Economic Perspectives, the challenges of composing each issue remain, but the "Notes" have become superfluous, at least in their paper version. The "Notes," as those who lurk in these back pages of JEP know well, announce forthcoming conferences, calls for papers, awards, and the like. However, the Internet has made it obsolete to deliver such information on paper in a quarterly journal. "News and Notes" from the American Economic Association is at http://www .aeaweb.org/news.php; outside announcements are on the "Bulletin Board" website at http://www.aeaweb.org/bulletinboard.php; and for a complete list of economics conferences by field area, see http://www.aeaweb.org/RFE/conferences.php. But as we say farewell to the print version of the "Notes," a moment of remem brance seems appropriate. The first issue of the American Economic Review, published in 1911, found it worthwhile to devote 13 out of 219 total pages to "Notes." The first "Notes" (freely available online at http://www.jstor.org) was a mixed bag. It started with news on the growth of AEA membership, followed with an announcement more than a page long about the opening of a Bureau of Railway Economics in Washington, DC. The US Bureau of Labor announced a number of jobs for "trained economists." There was progress on the formation of Economic Clubs in various cities under the guidance of the National Economic League, and the Tulane Society of Economics continued to hold monthly meetings.
Body figure preferences of men and women: A comparison of two generations.

Inspired by the earlier work of Rozin and Fallon (1988), this study investigated some potential determinants of the most recent increase of eating disorders among women in this country. Measures of current, preferred attractive, and acceptable body images for opposite- and same-gender figures, in addition to the thinnest and heaviest figures the subjects found attractive, were obtained from the same generation cohort as these students' parents. While gender differences were found, so were cohort differences. These cohort differences speak to factors relevant to understanding why there has been such an increase in the frequency of eating disorders in Western culture since the late 1960s, especially among adolescent women. Possible implications for treatment of eating disorders are discussed. However, the authors note that further studies are needed to determine if the cohort differences found might reflect a developmental or a definite cohort effect.
Developmental toxicity of methoprene and several degradation products in Xenopus laevis

Methoprene is an insect juvenile growth hormone mimic, which inhibits pupation and is used for the control of emergent insect pests such as mosquitoes. Researchers have hypothesized that methoprene use in US may be a contributing factor to the recent increase in malformed amphibians. However, little is known concerning the developmental toxicity of methoprene and its degradation products in amphibians. In these studies, the aqueous stability and developmental toxicity of methoprene and several degradation products (methoprene acid, methoprene epoxide, 7-methoxycitronellal, and 7-methoxycitronellic acid) were examined. Xenopus laevis embryos (stage 8) were exposed to the test chemicals for 96 h. Assays were conducted under static renewal (24 h) conditions and chemical concentrations in water were measured at the beginning and end of the renewal periods. Methoprene exposure did not result in developmental toxicity at concentrations up to 2 mg/l, which is slightly higher than its water solubility. Methoprene acid, a relatively minor degradation product, produced developmental toxicity when concentrations exceeded 1.25 mg/l. Methoprene epoxide and 7-methoxycitronellal caused developmental toxicity at concentrations of 2.5 mg/l and higher. 7-Methoxycitronellic acid was not developmentally toxic at a test concentration as high as 30 mg/l. The five test chemicals had differential stability in aqueous solution that was in some instances affected by the presence of test organisms. These data indicate that methoprene and its degradation products are not potent development toxicants in X. laevis. This, in combination with the fact that field applications of sustained-release formulations of methoprene result in methoprene concentrations that do not typically exceed 0.01 mg/l, suggests that concerns for methoprene-mediated developmental toxicity to amphibians may be unwarranted.
Effect of feeding fluoroacetate to the rat.

SummaryThe tolerance to dietary fluoroacetate and its effect upon skeletal fluorine deposition in the rat has been studied. It has been shown that the rat will survive the addition of 20 ppm of fluoroacetate to the diet, that there was a period of adjustment to it during which time there was a sharp retardation in growth rate, that sufficient physiologic adjustment was made to recover normalcy, that exposure to the toxicant conditions the animals to further increases of dietary fluoroacetate with only transitory outward effects and that this conditioned physiologic tolerance was quickly lost. Further it has been shown that there was an increased storage of fluorine in the femuri when dietary fluoroacetate was fed. It appears that fluoroacetate contributed an amount of fluorine to the femuri equivalent to that contributed by the basal diet.
Transfer matrix realization using RC:GIC Networks

A general synthesis procedure for realizing any stable voltage transfer matrix using current-conversion type generalized impedance converter (GIC)s is outlined. Each row of the transfer matrix is realized separately as an M-input, single-output grounded RC:GIC network where M is the number of columns in the transfer matrix. The realization procedure is illustrated by an example. Using this approach, a second-order filter has been obtained capable of realizing simultaneously highpass, band-pass and low-pass transfer functions and using fewer passive components and operational amplifiers than the popular state-variable realizations. The various sensitivities of the second-order realizations are low and comparable to the state-variable realizations. A similar method can be developed for current transfer matrix invoking duality and thus using the voltage-conversion type GICs.
Oral health of substance-dependent individuals: Impact of specific substances

Little is known about how different types of substances affect oral health. Our objective was to examine the respective effects of alcohol, stimulants, opioids, and marijuana on oral health in substance-dependent persons. Using self-reported data from 563 substance-dependent individuals, we found that most reported unsatisfactory oral health, with their most recent dental visit more than 1 year ago. In multivariable logistic regressions, none of the substance types were significantly associated with oral health status. However, opioid use was significantly related to a worse overall oral health rating compared to 1 year ago. These findings highlight the poor oral health of individuals with substance dependence and the need to address declining oral health among opioid users. General health and specialty addiction care providers should be aware of oral health problems among these patients. In addition, engagement into addiction and medical care may be facilitated by addressing oral health concerns.
Effect of choline and hypothermia upon H+ production and K+ loss from the isolated canine kidney.

Abstract Potassium loss and venous effluent pH were determined in four canine kidneys subjected to 4 hr of intermittent hypoxic perfusion with isotonic NaCl or choline chloride. Although often used as an inert cation, choline may alter sodium flux and metabolic activity of tissue slices. Approximately 60% of estimated renal potassium was lost after NaCl or choline chloride perfusion at 37 °C whereas 18–24% of potassium was lost at 5 °C. During normothermic perfusion with NaCl or choline chloride, venous effluent pH fell to 6.17 and 5.40, respectively. Fall in pH and differential effect of NaCl and choline chloride were diminished at 5 °C. A beneficial effect of hypothermia upon potassium loss and hydrogen ion production in the isolated kidney is demonstrated. Choline is a metabolically active substance but probably has no role in organ preservation.
Low Temperature Cracking Potential of Aged Asphalts Using Simulated Aging Techniques

The objective of this paper is to characterize low temperature properties of recycled asphalt pavements (RAP) binders and artificially-aged asphalt binders. The Rolling Thin Film Oven (RTFO) and Pressure Aging Vessel (PAV) were used to artificially age the asphalt binders with the binder undergoing up to three PAV aging cycles. Low temperature asphalt binder properties were investigated using the Asphalt Binder Cracking Device (ABCD). RAP binder specimens included a 50% RAP binder blend with a virgin PG 58-28 control binder. The ABCD determined the strain jump indicating the temperature where asphalt binder thermal cracking occurred. An average 5.9% difference in thermal cracking temperature was observed when comparing the control binder versus artificially-aged binders. Conclusions reached from this investigation are that RAP binder thermal cracking temperature and strain increases with additional amounts of RAP binder and RAP binder thermal cracking temperatures were similar to one or two PAV aging cycles.
Role of antiemetic drugs for the treatment of acute gastroenteritis in children

Acute gastroenteritis commonly causes diarrhea and vomiting in children and adolescents, resulting in many outpatient clinic visits, emergency department visits and hospitalizations, often owing to dehydration that results from persistent diarrhea and vomiting. The use of antiemetics (medications that prevent nausea and vomiting) has been controversial for children with gastroenteritis. While antiemetics can cause adverse events, including more diarrhea, scientific evidence suggests that certain antiemetics, particularly ondansetron, can reduce vomiting and decrease the chance that a child will need intravenous fluids or have to be admitted to the hospital.
Same sex marriage and civil partnerships: the new law

When the Civil Partnership Act 2004 received royal assent on 18th November 2004 it heralded the single most significant paradigm shift in terms of the socio–legal landscape for the LGBT community i...
Star Formation in Taurus

Data with the 2MASS prototype camera were obtained in a 2.3 sq. deg region in Taurus containing Heiles Cloud 2, a region known from IRAS observations to contain a number of very young solar type stars. Data at 1.25 (J), 1.65 (H), and 2.2 (Ks) µm are presented. These data are representative of the type and quality of data expected from the planned near-IR surveys, 2MASS and DENIS. Near-IR surveys will be useful for determining the large scale variation of extinction with clouds, for determining the luminosity function in nearby clouds down to ranges of 0.1–1.0 L⊙, and for finding highly extincted T Tauri stars missed by IRAS because the bulk of their luminosity is emitted shortward of 12 µm.
Die-level characterization of silicon-nitride membrane/silicon structures using resonant ultrasonic spectroscopy

Theory and experimental confirmation of a new die-level testing methodology is presented to measure physical parameters of the ubiquitous anisotropically etched silicon-nitride membrane on a silicon substrate. We have used this technique to determine the dimensions and material properties of the silicon-nitride-membrane/silicon-substrate structure (Si/sub x/N/sub y//Si die) from the measured ultrasonic resonance spectra, which is obtained within seconds by the use of resonant ultrasound spectroscopy. A linear model of the changes in resonance frequencies of the structural modes to the structural dimensions and material properties is extracted using finite element analysis. Knowing this linear relationship allows one to solve the inverse problem of finding the material's characteristics and dimensions of the structure by measuring the resonance frequencies of the structure. The success in being able to measure many variables in one measurement illustrates that the method presented in this paper is viable for a fast industrial diagnosis for presorting of viable dies, or measurement for the controlled mechanical design of silicon nitride membrane structures.
Distilled single-cell genome sequencing and de novo assembly for sparse microbial communities.

Motivation: Identification of every single genome present in a microbial sample is an important and challenging task with crucial applications. It is challenging because there are typically millions of cells in a microbial sample, the vast majority of which elude cultivation. The most accurate method to date is exhaustive single-cell sequencing using multiple displacement amplification, which is simply intractable for a large number of cells. However, there is hope for breaking this barrier, as the number of different cell types with distinct genome sequences is usually much smaller than the number of cells. Results: Here, we present a novel divide and conquer method to sequence and de novo assemble all distinct genomes present in a microbial sample with a sequencing cost and computational complexity proportional to the number of genome types, rather than the number of cells. The method is implemented in a tool called Squeezambler. We evaluated Squeezambler on simulated data. The proposed divide and conquer method successfully reduces the cost of sequencing in comparison with the naive exhaustive approach. Availability: Squeezambler and datasets are available at http://compbio.cs.wayne.edu/software/squeezambler/. Contact: ude.enyaw@ivahgatz
Predictors of Early Graft Failure After Infrainguinal Bypass Surgery: A Risk-Adjusted Analysis From the NSQIP

Abstract Introduction and objectives Infrainguinal bypass surgery (BPG) is accompanied by significant 30-day mortality and morbidity, including early graft failure. The goal of this study is to identify patient- and procedure-specific factors which predict the rate of early graft failure in contemporary practice. Methods Data was obtained from the private sector National Surgical Quality Improvement Program, a prospective, validated database collected between 2005 and 2008 from 211 hospitals, using primary and modifier Current Procedural Terminology codes for BPG. The primary endpoint was graft failure at 30 days. Procedural parameters, patient demographics and clinical variables were analyzed by univariate and multivariate methods. Results There were 9217 BPG procedures (limb salvage, 49%; infrapopliteal distal anastomosis, 43%; prosthetic 32%) with patient variables: age 67 ± 12 years, male 64%, diabetes 44%, dialysis 7.4%. Mortality was 2.4%, major morbidity was 17.3%, and graft failure rate was 6.3% at 30 days. Multivariate predictors of graft failure demonstrated correlation (p-value, OR) with female gender (p = 0.0054, 1.29), limb salvage indication (p 400K (p = 0.0019, 1.49). High-risk composite constructs utilizing these significant predictive factors can identify cohorts of patients with up to a 98-fold increase in odds of early graft failure. Conclusions These results describe common risk factors that correlate with early graft thrombosis including the unique description of its association with thrombocytosis. Additional risk factors thus identify a subset of patients who are at highest risk for early BPG failure. This data may be used to refine patient selection.
Assessment of Electrical Injection of Corrosion Inhibitor for Corrosion Protection of Reinforced Concrete

Chloride ingress is the major cause of rebar corrosion that deteriorates reinforced concrete structures in chloride-laden environments. A recently emerged electrochemical technique-the electrical injection of corrosion inhibitor (EICI)-shows its potential in protecting a rebar from chloride attack by driving corrosion inhibitors to the rebar surface under an externally applied electric field. Potential applicability of EICI as a routine electrochemical treatment for corrosion protection is assessed. A comprehensive evaluation of currently available organic cation-based inhibitors was conducted on the basis of the measured corrosion inhibition performance and diffusion coefficient of each inhibitor. With the use of a two-dimensional finite element model, the concentration evolution of the selected inhibitors and chloride were predicted on the rebar surface and in concrete, and the applicability of EICI was examined thereafter. Important aspects of EICI were studied including mainly inhibitor type, magnitud...
Ca Ion and the Troponin Switch

Muscle contraction as an event manifest by the sliding of myosin filaments along actin filaments was first proposed about fifty years ago by H. Huxley and J. Hanson (Huxley, 2004). This theory built a foundation for muscle research at the molecular level. A decade later the discovery of troponin by Professor S. Ebashi (Ebashi, 1963; Ebashi et al., 1967) highlighted the importance of regulation of muscle contraction and sparked numerous experimental studies of the mysterious protein troponin whose properties are now becoming understood at satisfying resolution.
Transcription Factor Sterol Regulatory Element Binding Protein 2 Regulates Scavenger Receptor Cla-1 Gene Expression

Objective— The human scavenger receptor class B type I (Cla-1) plays a key role in cellular cholesterol movement in facilitating transport of cholesterol between cells and lipoproteins. Indirect evidence has suggested that Cla-1 gene expression is under the feedback control of cellular cholesterol content. To define the molecular mechanisms underlying such putative regulation, we evaluated whether Cla-1 is a target gene of the sterol regulatory element binding protein (SREBP) transcription factor family. Methods and Results— Transient transfections demonstrated that SREBP factors induce Cla-1 promoter activity and that SREBP-2 is a more potent inducer than the SREBP-1a isoform. The 5′-deletion analysis of 3 kb of the 5′-flanking sequence of the Cla-1 gene, combined with site-directed mutagenesis and electrophoretic mobility shift assay, allowed identification of a unique sterol responsive element. SREBP-mediated Cla-1 regulation was confirmed in stably transfected human embryonic kidney 293 cells expressing the active form of SREBP-2 at incremental levels. In these cell lines, Cla-1 mRNA and protein levels were increased in direct proportion to the level of SREBP-2 expression. Conclusions— These findings provide evidence that SREBP-2, a key regulator of cellular cholesterol uptake through modulation of the expression of the low-density lipoprotein receptor gene, may influence cellular cholesterol homeostasis via regulation of Cla-1 gene expression.
Radiation effects and hardening of MOS technology: devices and circuits

Total ionizing dose radiation effects on the electrical properties of metal-oxide-semiconductor devices and integrated circuits are complex in nature and have changed much during decades of device evolution. These effects are caused by radiation-induced charge buildup in oxide and interfacial regions. This paper presents an overview of these radiation-induced effects, their dependencies, and the many different approaches to their mitigation.
Dermatofibrosarcoma Protuberans: A Review of the Literature

BackgroundDermatofibrosarcoma protuberans (DFSP) is a rare soft tissue tumor that is locally aggressive and has traditionally had a high rate of recurrence after surgical intervention.ObjectiveTo review the current literature on DFSP and present its epidemiology, clinical features, histology, immuno
Fluxes and reactivities of organic matter in a coastal marine bay

Vertical fluxes of bulk particulate material, organic carbon, nitrogen, lignin-derived phenols, and neutral sugars through the water column and into surface sediments of Dabob Bay, Washington, were determined monthly for 1 yr by sediment trap deployments at 30, 60, and 90 m at a site 110 m deep. Vertical fluxes of sinking bulk particulate material in this marine bay were elevated during winter and increased in consistent proportion to sediment trap deployment depth throughout the year. Although annual average particle fluxes at 30 and 60 m bracketed the mean accumulation rate of the underlying sediment, the flux at 90 m was higher by a factor of 2 due to resuspension, horizontal advection, or both. The monthly fluxes of lignin-derived phenols paralleled those of total particulate material, indicating a common riverine origin. The annual average fluxes of vanillyl and cinnamyl phenols through the water column closely matched the corresponding accumulation rates in the underlying sediment, whereas about a third of the total syringyl phenol input was degraded at the watersediment interface. Although p-hydroxyacetophenone exhibited a stability typical of lignin-derived phenols, the distinctly higher reactivities (> 60% degradation) ofp-hydroxybenzaldehyde and p-hydroxybenzoic acid indicate a predominantly nonlignin source. On average, 60 and 70%, respectively, of the total particulate organic carbon and nitrogen and 65-75% of all neutral sugars settling through the midwater column were degraded at the watersediment interface. The elemental and carbohydrate composition of the degraded material was similar to that of local net plankton except for higher percentages of glucose and total neutral sugars. Land-derived organic material accounted for about one-third of the total organic carbon passing through the midwater column and two-thirds of the organic carbon accumulating in the underlying sediments. The amounts of plankton-derived organic matter sinking through the midwater column and being preserved in the sediments below corresponded to 14 and 3% of the annual mean primary productivity. Plankton-derived organic matter exhibited about 5 times the reactivity of local land-derived organic matter at the water-sediment interface of Dabob Bay and supported essentially all of the benthic respiration.
Decisional Involvement: Staff Nurse and Nurse Manager Perceptions

Enhancing involvement in organizational decisions is one strategy to improve the work environment of registered nurses and to increase their recruitment and retention. Little is known about the type of decision making and the level of involvement nurses desire. This was a descriptive study exploring staff nurse and nurse manager ratings of actual and preferred decisional involvement and differences between staff nurses and nurse managers. A sample of 320 RNs from a Midwestern health care network was surveyed using the Decisional Involvement Scale. Nurse managers and staff nurses had statistically significant differences in their perceptions of who was involved in actual decision making in the areas of unit governance and leadership and collaboration or liaison activities. There were statistically significant differences in preferred decisional involvement between staff nurses and nurse managers in the overall DIS scale and the subscales of unit governance and leadership and quality of support staff practice.