cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A rapid sensitive monoclonal assay for lipid A in solution

Lipid A is the toxic component of bacterial endotoxins (LPS) and LPS has been thought to be clinically important in Gram-negative bacterial sepsis, as well as in non-bacteremic states where endotoxemia of enteric origin may be deleterious. The presently accepted method of detecting both LPS and its common lipid A moiety is the Limulus lysate amebocyte assay (LAL), but this test cross-reacts with non-bacterial antigens and serum contains natural inhibitors to the reaction. As an extension of previous work using a polyclonal antibody, we have developed a rapid and sensitive monoclonal antibody assay for lipid A. This 3-step inhibition ELISA is reproducible in aqueous solutions and capable of detecting less than 10 pg/ml of this shared toxic endotoxin component. The assay does not detect intact LPS but acid hydrolysis releases the active lipid A for reaction. While already valuable in detecting lipid A in biological solutions, the presence of naturally occurring anti-lipid A immunoglobulins in serum interfere with the reaction and cause false positives in this inhibition assay. Clinical usefulness of the assay will depend on removal of these antibodies from serum prior to testing.
Effect of single-leg resistance exercise on regional arterial stiffness.

To examine the effects of lower-limb unilateral resistance exercise on central and peripheral arterial stiffness, thirteen participants (7 male and 6 female, mean age = 21.5 ± 0.7 years) performed leg press exercise using their dominant leg. Pulse wave velocity (PWV) was used to measure central (carotid to femoral) and peripheral (femoral to dorsalis pedis of both legs) arterial stiffness before, 5 min post, and 25 min post exercise. No change was found in central PWV. A leg-by-time interaction was found as peripheral PWV in the non-exercised leg did not change (7.9 ± 0.3 m/s to 7.9 ± 0.3 m/s to 8.0 ± 0.3 m/s, P = 0.907) while peripheral PWV in the exercised leg significantly decreased from pre (8.7 ± 0.4 m/s) to 5 min post exercise (7.5 ± 0.3 m/s, P = 0.008) and 25 min post exercise (7.8 ± 0.3 m/s, P = 0.031). Systolic blood pressure (BP) increased significantly from pre (126.9 ± 3.4 mmHg) to 5 min post exercise (133.7 ± 4.3 mmHg, P = 0.023) and was not different than resting values 25 min post exercise (123.2 ± 3.1 mmHg). There was no change in diastolic BP. Compared to heart rate (HR) pre-exercise (55.4 ± 1.4 bpm), HR was significantly increased 5 min post exercise (70.7 ± 3.0 bpm, P = 0.001) and 25 min post exercise (69.1 ± 2.0, P = 0.001). Acute resistance exercise appears to decrease arterial stiffness in the exercised leg while having no effect on central arterial stiffness or arterial stiffness of the non-exercised leg. These findings suggest that regional changes rather than systemic alterations may influence arterial stiffness following acute resistance exercise.
The Reflection of Beams of the Alkali Metals from Crystals

Beams of lithium, potassium, and caesium were reflected from crystals of sodium chloride and lithium fluoride, as a means of studying the wave nature of these atoms. Incident angles from 2\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{} to 60\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{} were investigated. Although one one-hundredth percent of specular reflection could have been detected, no trace of such a reflection or of diffraction was found. The measured angular distribution of reflected atoms followed closely the cosine law. Apparatus, and the detecting device depending on positive ion emission by which this sensitivity of measurement was obtained, are described.
Peroxidase-oxidase oscillator revisited with rigorous control of reaction conditions

The peroxidase-oxidase system is the only in vitro single-enzyme reaction which has been shown to oscillate chaotically. Difficulties in reproducing literature results have led to careful attempts to specify conditions for reproducing experimental parameters. Progress in specifying reaction conditions is reported. Parameters which require further elucidation before control can be adequately achieved are also specified.© (1993) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Equine laminitis: a potential model of Raynaud's phenomenon.

Raynaud's phenomenon (RP) and equine laminitis in the horse are medical enigmas. Clinical and scientific data were compared to evaluate the degree of similarity that exists between these two peripheral vascular diseases. Data indicate that certain pathologic and pharmacologic aspects seem to have common features. Some of the correlations maybe due simply to both diseases having ischemia of the distal digits as a pathologic component. The exact etiology of the ischemia is not known for either disease.The results of this study suggest the hypothesis that RP and laminitis are the same disease in different species. This hypothesis can be tested more efficiently when the pathophysiology of both conditions is better documented. It is possible that comparative studies will promote advances in the understanding of both RP and laminitis. The fact that equine laminitis can be experimentally induced is of potential value in such future studies.
Central pulse pressure (CPP) in obese hypertensive and obese normotensive patients

The purpose of this study was to compare CPP (a surrogate for aortic elasticity) in a population of 59 obese pts whose BMI was >30kg/sqm. These pts were divided into hypertensive obese (HTNO) 35 pts and normotensive obese (NTO) 24 pts. Both groups were also divided according to age to the following groups: 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, and over 60 years of age. We also compared both groups, to a group of 100 volunteers (Control group, CTRL) that were normotensive and nonobese. CPP was determined using the Sphygmocor System. The mean CPP for HTNO pts was 48.8 15 mmHg. Mean CPP for NTO pts was 45.5 13 mmHg. Mean CPP for CTRL pts was 44.0 7.7 mmHg. The mean CPP difference between HTNO pts and CTRL pts was significant with a p 1⁄4 0.03; the mean CPP difference between NTO pts and CTRL pts was nonsignificant with a p 1⁄4 0.198. These results are shown graphically in figure #1. We conclude that even in a small population of HTNO and NTO pts, CPP was able to show a significant difference between HTNO compared to CTRL. This finding may suggest that hypertensive obese pts may have a higher vascular risk than NTO because of impaired aortic elasticity. Our preliminary finding should be confirmed by studying a larger population of obese pts and including pulse wave velocity.
Using LibQUAL+[R] Survey Results to Document the Adequacy of Services to Distance Learning Students for an Accreditation Review.

Accreditation is critical to the viability of institutions of higher education. Each of the six regional groups that accredit two- and four-year institutions has standards specifically addressing online or distance learning. In general, these standards require institutions to show that distance learners have adequate access to appropriate library resources and to library instruction, and that library resources and services are regularly and systematically evaluated. The LibQUAL+® survey developed by the Association of Research Libraries is one tool academic libraries can use to demonstrate compliance with accreditation standards relating to distance learning. A methodology for using LibQUAL+® results to document compliance in this area is described and applied.
Explaining the Discrepancy between Intentions and Actions: The Case of Hypothetical Bias in Contingent Valuation

An experiment was designed to account for intention-behavior discrepancies by applying the theory of planned behavior to contingent valuation. College students (N = 160) voted in hypothetical and real payment referenda to contribute $8 to a scholarship fund. Overestimates of willingness to pay in the hypothetical referendum could not be attributed to moderately favorable latent dispositions. Instead, this hypothetical bias was explained by activation of more favorable beliefs and attitudes in the context of a hypothetical rather than a real referendum. A corrective entreaty was found to eliminate this bias by bringing beliefs, attitudes, and intentions in line with those in the real payment situation. As a result, the theory of planned behavior produced more accurate prediction of real payment when participants were exposed to the corrective entreaty.
Early Induction of Oxidative Stress in Mouse Model of Alzheimer Disease with Reduced Mitochondrial Superoxide Dismutase Activity

While oxidative stress has been linked to Alzheimer's disease, the underlying pathophysiological relationship is unclear. To examine this relationship, we induced oxidative stress through the genetic ablation of one copy of mitochondrial antioxidant superoxide dismutase 2 (Sod2) allele in mutant human amyloid precursor protein (hAPP) transgenic mice. The brains of young (5–7 months of age) and old (25–30 months of age) mice with the four genotypes, wild-type (Sod2+/+), hemizygous Sod2 (Sod2+/−), hAPP/wild-type (Sod2+/+), and hAPP/hemizygous (Sod2+/−) were examined to assess levels of oxidative stress markers 4-hydroxy-2-nonenal and heme oxygenase-1. Sod2 reduction in young hAPP mice resulted in significantly increased oxidative stress in the pyramidal neurons of the hippocampus. Interestingly, while differences resulting from hAPP expression or Sod2 reduction were not apparent in the neurons in old mice, oxidative stress was increased in astrocytes in old, but not young hAPP mice with either Sod2+/+ or Sod2+/−. Our study shows the specific changes in oxidative stress and the causal relationship with the pathological progression of these mice. These results suggest that the early neuronal susceptibility to oxidative stress in the hAPP/Sod2+/− mice may contribute to the pathological and behavioral changes seen in this animal model.
Developing robotic systems with multiple sensors

A general approach is presented for the integration of vision, range, proximity, and touch sensory data to derive a better estimate of the position and orientation (pose) of an object appearing in the work space. Efficient and robust methods for analyzing vision and range data to derive an interpretation of input images are discussed. Vision information analysis includes a model-based object recognition module and an image-to-world coordinate transformation module to identify the three-dimensional (3-D) coordinates of the recognized objects. The range information processing includes modules for reprocessing, segmentation, and 3-D primitive extraction. The multisensory information integration approach represents sensory information in a sensor-independent form and formulates an optimization problem to find a minimum-error solution to the problem. The capabilities of a multisensor robotic system are demonstrated by performing a number of experiments using an industrial robot equipped with several sensors of differing types. >
A New Protecting Group Strategy for Amino Groups in Oligonucleotide Chemistry: CEOC Group

Abstract A new protecting group, 2-cyanoethyloxycarbonyl, or CEOC, has been developed for amino groups and utilized in synthesizing modified oligonucleotides. (CEOC)-oxy-succinimide reagent has been synthesized to introduce this protecting group. The protecting group is removed by standard oligonucleotide deprotection protocols. Using this approach, oligonucleotides have been synthesized with various types of alkylamine substituents.
The Goldkrieg: Revaluing the Bundesbank's reserves and the politics of EMU

In May and June 1997, Germany's commitment to Economic and Monetary Union (EMU) underwent its most serious test ever when the Bundesbank and the government of Chancellor Helmut Kohl clashed openly over the government's plans to revalue the country's gold reserves. Faced with a budget shortfall and strong political opposition to either tax increases or spending cuts, Finance Minister Waigel attempted to introduce a modest change in the Bundesbank's bookkeeping procedures to bring them in line with the standard practices at other European central banks. The Bundesbank resisted, arguing that the changes would infringe upon its closely guarded independence. This paper explores the political and economic circumstances behind the conflict.
Canine muscle blood flow during fractionated hyperthermia.

Blood flow is an important parameter for obtaining uniform thermal distributions in tumour and normal tissue. This study investigated the effect of fractionated hyperthermia on muscle blood flow in 30 dogs treated interstitially. These animals were divided into five groups, each group receiving either 0 (control), 1, 2, 3, or 4 hyperthermia fractions separated by 72 h. Each animal was treated for 40 min at 45°C.Blood flow was measured with four different radioactive microspheres at either 10, 20, 30, or 40 min of heating. During the first treatment, blood flow increased from control of 7.5 ± 1.1 ml min−1/100g of tissue to 39.6 ± 5 8 ml min−1/100g of tissue at 20 min of heating. Blood flow decreased over the next 20 min to 24.4 ± 4.8 ml min−1/100 g of tissue. This pattern was repeated for all hyperthermia treatments and peak blood flows were observed for all groups between 20 and 30 min of heating. Peak blood flows reached 20 0, 16.5 and 11.0 ml min−1/100 g of tissue for animals treated with 2, 3, or 4 hyp...
Infectivity and pathogenesis of iridescent virus type 22 in various insect hosts.

This paper reports the results of a series of laboratory experiments to determine the infectivity and pathogenesis of iridescent virus type 22 (IV 22) for six species of mosquitoes, phlebotomine sand flies and triatomid bugs. Following inoculation, IV 22 replicated in all of the species tested, without producing noticeable mortality within a 14 day observation period. Examination of the infected insects by immunofluorescence demonstrated large amounts of viral antigen in many different organs. Electron microscopy done on infected mosquitoes (Aedes aegypti) showed large numbers of virus particles within cells of the fat body, muscle tracheal and midgut epithelium. Virus replication in the mosquitoes was confined to host cell cytoplasm and was similar to that described in the natural blackfly (Simulium) host. Transovarial transmission of IV 22 could not be demonstraed inA. aegypti, and only a small percentage of mosquito larvae could be infected orally. Results of these experiments are compatible with observations of other iridescent viruses; IV 22 is highly infectious for a wide range of insects when introduced into their hemolymph, but it is not very infectious per os. These characteristics would appear to limit its value as a potential biocontrol agent for Diptera.
Bioisosteric replacement of the hydrazide pharmacophore of the cannabinoid-1 receptor antagonist SR141716A. Part I: Potent, orally-active 1,4-disubstituted imidazoles

A new series of CB(1) receptor antagonists incorporating an imidazole-based isosteric replacement for the hydrazide moiety of rimonabant (SR141716) is disclosed. Members of this imidazole series possess potent/selective binding to the rCB(1) receptor and exhibit potent hCB(1) functional activity. Isopropyl analog 9a demonstrated activity in the tetrad assay and was orally-active in a food intake model.
Ionomer Segregation in Composite MEAs and Its Effect on Polymer Electrolyte Fuel Cell Performance

Further characterization of the catalyst layer of membrane electrode assemblies (MEAs) prepared by the standard decal/hot-press-transfer method was carried out using atomic force microscopy and scanning electron microscopy coupled with energy-dispersive X-ray analysis. It was discovered that a thin dense skin, consisting primarily of Nafion ionomer, formed on the outer surface of the catalyst layer of the completed MEA. The mechanism of the skin formation was attributed to the interaction between the dissolved ionomer in the catalyst ink solution and the hydrophobic Teflon decal surface during the decal fabrication process. The presence of a skin on the catalyst layer was found to diminish the performance of the fuel cell in the mass-transport region of the polarization curve. This suggested a slow rate of diffusion of oxygen through the skin. Removal of water formed in the cathode reaction would be expected to be slowed by the skin as well, leading to potential flooding of the cell at higher current densities. Modifications to the decal preparation procedure to prevent skin formation on the MEA catalyst layer include: use of a decal substrate with a less hydrophobic surface than Teflon, use of a single rather than multiple ink applications, and elimination of hydrophobic lubricants. The reduction/elimination of the skin results in significant improvement in performance in the high current region of the polarization curve.
125I-spiperone: A novel ligand for D2 dopamine receptors

Abstract 125I-Spiperone binds with high affinity (KD 0.3 nM) to a single specific site (Bmax 34 pmol/g wet weight) in homogenates of rat corpus striatum. Specific binding is about 40–60 percent of total binding and is displaced stereo-specifically by butaclamol and clopenthixol. Neuroleptic drugs of various classes are potent inhibitors of 125I-spiperone binding (Ki's 1–10 nM). Selective dopamine antagonists such as sulpiride (Ki 50 nM) are dopamine agonists such as apomorphine (Ki 200 nM) are also potent inhibitors. The drug specificity of 125I-spiperone binding correlates well with that of 3H-spiperone binding, providing good evidence that 125I-spiperone labels D2 dopamine receptors in striatal membranes. 125I-Spiperone, with its high specific activity (2200 Ci/mmol) may prove to be a useful ligand in studies examining D2 dopamine receptors in soluble preparations and by autoradiography. Furthermore iodinated spiperone may be useful in radioreceptor assays of neuroleptic drug levels and, in a 123I-labeled form, for imaging of dopamine receptors, in vivo , using single photon tomography.
Genomic anatomy of Escherichia coli O157:H7 outbreaks

The rapid emergence of Escherichia coli O157:H7 from an unknown strain in 1982 to the dominant hemorrhagic E. coli serotype in the United States and the cause of widespread outbreaks of human food-borne illness highlights a need to evaluate critically the extent to which genomic plasticity of this important enteric pathogen contributes to its pathogenic potential and its evolution as well as its adaptation in different ecological niches. Aimed at a better understanding of the evolution of the E. coli O157:H7 pathogenome, the present study presents the high-quality sequencing and comparative phylogenomic analysis of a comprehensive panel of 25 E. coli O157:H7 strains associated with three nearly simultaneous food-borne outbreaks of human disease in the United States. Here we present a population genetic analysis of more than 200 related strains recovered from patients, contaminated produce, and zoonotic sources. High-resolution phylogenomic approaches allow the dynamics of pathogenome evolution to be followed at a high level of phylogenetic accuracy and resolution. SNP discovery and study of genome architecture and prophage content identified numerous biomarkers to assess the extent of genetic diversity within a set of clinical and environmental strains. A total of 1,225 SNPs were identified in the present study and are now available for typing of the E. coli O157:H7 lineage. These data should prove useful for the development of a refined phylogenomic framework for forensic, diagnostic, and epidemiological studies to define better risk in response to novel and emerging E. coli O157:H7 resistance and virulence phenotypes.
Data verification and reconciliation with generalized error-control codes

We consider the problem of data reconciliation, which we model as two separate multisets of data that must be reconciled with minimum communication. Under this model, we show that the problem of reconciliation is equivalent to a variant of the graph coloring problem and provide consequent upper and lower bounds on the communication complexity of reconciliation. Further, we show by means of an explicit construction that the problem of reconciliation is, under certain general conditions, equivalent to the problem of finding error-correcting codes for a general class of errors. Under this equivalence, reconciling with little communication is linked to codes with large size, and vice versa. We show analogous results for the problem of multiset verification, in which we wish to determine whether two multisets are equal using minimum communication. As a result, a wide body of literature in coding theory may be applied to the problems of reconciliation and verification.
Green manufacturing in the packaging and materials industry: case study of small-to-medium sized corporate eco-friendly initiatives

Via the examination of two medium-to-large Ohio-based companies, analysed from a case study-perspective, revealed that their approaches to product design, green marketing strategy, and strategically becoming operational leaner and greener, has resulted in significant savings and enhanced reputation, although the exact return-on-investment is still unclear. In particular, the present study inspected aspects of product design and how selective changes have been made based on the customer/market demand for sustainability in materials and/or manufacturing processes. Both companies and the packaging industry in general have been under increasing pressure to become more environmentally friendly, especially in promoting aspects of triple bottom-line and changing business processes that help achieve corporate sustainability.
Embolization as treatment for spinal cord compression from renal cell carcinoma: case report.

OBJECTIVE AND IMPORTANCE : Metastatic renal cell carcinoma may involve the vertebrae, resulting in acute spinal cord compression. Embolization has been used to reduce operative blood loss during surgical decompression, but it has not been considered as an alternative that may eliminate the need for open debulking. CLINICAL PRESENTATION : A case is presented of a 30-year-old woman with renal cell carcinoma who developed increasing severe back pain, lower extremity weakness, and sensory loss. Magnetic resonance evaluation revealed a T5 metastasis, resulting in significant spinal cord compression. INTERVENTION : Transarterial embolization was performed with polyvinyl alcohol particles and platinum microcoils. One month after embolization, the patient's lower extremity strength and sensation had improved, and magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated a dramatic response with a significant reduction of cord compression. She deteriorated again 4 months later, and a new sacral mass was embolized. She again improved after treatment. CONCLUSION : This report illustrates that embolization may be used as palliative treatment for spinal cord compression and obviate the need for open surgical decompression.
Limiting factors in ground water remediation

If one is charged with restoring a contaminated aquifer today, the procedure of pumping contaminated water to the surface for treatment and discharge is most often the state-of-practice technology. The perceived success of pump-and-treat technology can be misleading if the hydrology and contaminant characteristics at the site are not adequately understood. A failure to understand the processes controlling contaminant transport can result in extremely long pumping periods and, consequently, costly and inefficient remediation. Effects of tailing, sorption, and residual immiscible fluids on time required for pump-and-treat remediation of ground water are discussed.
Readability of behavior therapy self-help manuals

The American Psychological Association Task Force on Self-Help Therapies (Note 1) recommended that the reading level of written self-help manuals for psychological problems should be provided. The Flesch reading-ease formula was applied to 124 behavior therapy self-help manuals listed in two previous review articles. The median reading level of these manuals requires greater reading capability than can be expected from the 35% of adults in the United States who have completed less than 12 years schooling. These data are provided to help clinicians choose self-help manuals to fit their clients' educational levels.
Su1285 A Prospective Single-Blind Trial Comparing the Efficacy and Patient Satisfaction of Morning Dose PEG + E Versus PEG + ASC for Afternoon Colonoscopy

A Prospective Single-Blind Trial Comparing the Efficacy and Patient Satisfaction of Morning Dose PEG E Versus PEG ASC for Afternoon Colonoscopy Alejandro Perez*, Marlow Hernandez, Alison Schneider, Fernando Castro Internal Medicine, Cleveland Clinic Florida, Weston, FL; Gastroenterology, Cleveland Clinic Florida, Weston, FL Background: The effectiveness of colonoscopy in screening for and preventing colorectal cancer depends heavily on the quality of bowel preparation. Previous studies have demonstrated increased failure rates and lower adenoma detection rates for afternoon procedures. Although the efficacy of 4L PEG administered entirely in the morning for afternoon procedures has been demonstrated, there is no comparison with 2L PEG in this setting. The aim of our study was to compare the effectiveness and patient satisfaction of morning-only 4L PEG E versus 2L PEG Asc for afternoon colonoscopies. Methods: A single-center, prospective, endoscopist-blinded study was conducted in which patients scheduled for afternoon screening colonoscopy underwent randomization to receive either 4L polyethylene glycol electrolytes or 2L polyethylene glycol ascorbic acid the morning of their procedure. The quality of bowel preparation was rated by the endoscopist using the Ottawa scale. Patients were asked to complete a questionnaire evaluating their satisfaction and side effects. The two groups were compared based on aggregate scores, mean scores per colonic segment, and questionnaire outcomes. T-test and chi-square analysis were used as appropriate to compare the two groups. Results: A total of 149 patients participated in the study (59% male, mean age 56 years). There were no significant differences between the groups with regards to age, gender, race, or BMI. Defining a good preparation as total Ottawa score 5, the PEG E group had a good prep 82% of the time versus 64% in the PEG Asc group. This was associated with a 2.6 times greater likelihood of resulting in a good prep (95% CI 1.23-5.66, p-value 0.05). The PEG E group was also superior at maintaining individual colonic segments at scores of 2, 43% vs 23% (OR 2.56, 95% CI 1.43-5.16, p-value 0.01). There was no statistically significant difference between the two groups on mean aggregate scores or overall polyp detection rate. Results of the questionnaire showed similar response rates to patient compliance, acceptability of taste, overall satisfaction and presence of any side effects (nausea, vomit, bloating, abdominal pain), although there was a trend toward less side effects with the PEG E group. Conclusion: The study shows that morning dose 4L PEG E may confer a benefit over 2L PEG Asc with regards to adequacy of bowel preparation for afternoon colonoscopies without a significant increase in the presence of reportable side effects.
Heterodyne-detected vibrational sum frequency generation spectroscopy

We present a new technique of broad-band heterodyne-detected sum frequency generation (HD-SFG) spectroscopy and demonstrate its high sensitivity allowing surface-selective measurements of vibrational spectra at submonolayer surface coverage, as low as a few percent of a monolayer. This was achieved without the help of surface enhancement phenomena, on a transparent dielectric substrate (water), and without introducing fluorescent labels, in fact, without utilizing any electronic resonances. Only the intrinsic vibrational transitions were employed for the detection of the analyte molecules (1-octanol). Unlike conventional (homodyne-detected) SFG spectroscopy, where the signal intensity decreases quadratically with decreasing surface coverage, in HD-SFG, the scaling is linear, and the signal is amplified by interference with a reference beam, significantly improving sensitivity and detection limits. At the same time, HD-SFG provides the phase as well as the amplitude of the signal and thus allows accurate s...
Methodological issues in language acquisition research with very young children

Abstract It is suggested that the dominance of observational methods in child language research with very young children has limited progress in understanding the language acquisition process. Evidence is presented that, contrary to popular belief, naturalistic methods do not guarantee ecological validity, nor are they free of task biases. Furthermore, observational studies do not necessarily provide better measures of linguistic competence than do more structured methods. Instead, it is argued that new insights from cognitive developmental research are applicable in studying language production in children younger than 3 years. A number of structured techniques are reviewed that have been used or could be used to study language production. It is concluded that a combination of methods is necessary in order to disentangle and control the many variables that enter into the language acquisition process.
Power dissipation on edges of coupled microstrip lines

The conventional procedure of computing the resistive losses on coupled microstrip transmission lines underestimates the losses when the strips are modelled as being infinitely thin. More accurate computation shows that the additional power loss on the edges of the finite-thickness strips increases the computed attenuation constants of the odd and even modes by up to a factor of two.
Maximum likelihood method for the analysis of time-resolved fluorescence decay curves

The usefulness of fluorescence techniques for the study of macromolecular structure and dynamics depends on the accuracy and sensitivity of the methods used for data analysis. Many methods for data analysis have been proposed and used, but little attention has been paid to the maximum likelihood method, generally known as the most powerful statistical method for parameter estimation. In this paper we study the properties and behavior of maximum likelihood estimates by using simulated fluorescence intensity decay data. We show that the maximum likelihood method provides generally more accurate estimates of lifetimes and fractions than does the standard least-squares approach especially when the lifetime ratios between individual components are small. Three novelties to the field of fluorescence decay analysis are also introduced and studied in this paper: a) discretization of the convolution integral based on the generalized integral mean value theorem: b) the likelihood ratio test as a tool to determine the number of exponential decay components in a given decay profile; and c) separability and detectability indices which provide measures on how accurately, a particular decay component can be detected. Based on the experience gained from this and from our previous study of the Pade-Laplace method, we make some recommendations on how the complex problem of deconvolution and parameter estimation of multiexponential functions might be approached in an experimental setting.
Quantifying Colorimetric Assays in Paper-Based Microfluidic Devices by Measuring the Transmission of Light through Paper

This article describes a point-of-care (POC) system—comprising a microfluidic, paper-based analytical device (μ-PAD) and a hand-held optical colorimeter—for quantifying the concentration of analytes in biological fluids. The μ-PAD runs colorimetric assays, and consists of paper that has been (i) patterned to expose isolated regions of hydrophilic zones and (ii) wet with an index-matching fluid (e.g., vegetable oil) that is applied using a disposable, plastic sleeve encasement. Measuring transmittance through paper represents a new method of quantitative detection that expands the potential functionality of μ-PADs. This prototype transmittance colorimeter is inexpensive, rugged, and fully self-contained, and thus potentially attractive for use in resource-limited environments and developing countries.
Electrical modeling of strongly-coupled microstrip resonator arrays for microplasma generation

Arrays of microstrip resonators have recently been shown to be useful for generating linear arrays of microplasmas1. Such arrays show promise for deposition of thin films and ozone generation. Power is shared between the resonators via resonant coupling, allowing a single power input port for the entire array.
Functionally distinct communities of ammonia-oxidizing bacteria along an estuarine salinity gradient.

Summary The relationship between ammonia-oxidizing bacteria (AOB) and potential nitrification rates was examined along a salinity gradient in a New England estuary in spring and late summer over 3 years. Ammoniaoxidizing bacteria abundance was estimated by measuring gene copies of the ammonia monooxygenase catalytic subunit (amoA) using real-time polymerase chain reaction. Ammonia-oxidizing bacteria abundance ranged from below detection to 6.0 ¥ 10 7 amoA copies (gdw sediment) -1 . Mean potential nitrification rates ranged from 0.5 to 186.5 nmol N (gdw sediment) -1 day -1 . Both AOB abundance and potential rates were significantly higher in spring than late summer. Correlations between rates and abundance varied significantly among sites, but showed sitespecific ammonia oxidation kinetics related to AOB community structure. The effect of salinity on potential nitrification rates was evaluated by incubating sediment from each site under four salinity conditions (0, 5, 10 and 30 psu). At all sites, rates were generally highest in the intermediate salinity treatments, but rates at the upstream site were inhibited at high salinity, while rates at the two downstream sites were inhibited at the lowest salinity. Although salinity appears to be an important factor in determining AOB distribution, it may not be the primary factor as AOB exhibited a broad range of salinity tolerance in our experiments. Our results indicate that there are significant differences in abundance and community composition of AOB along the salinity gradient, and the differences are reflected in community function.
Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis – Diagnosis, Prognosis and Management

Primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) is a chronic immune-mediated disease of the liver of unclear etiology, characterized by chronic inflammation and fibrosis of bile ducts. It primarily affects middle-aged men and is associated with 4-fold increased mortality as compared with an age- and sex-matched population. Progressive biliary and hepatic damage results in portal hypertension and hepatic failure in a significant majority of patients over a 10- to 15-year period from the initial diagnosis. In addition, PSC confers a markedly increased risk of hepatobiliary cancer, including cholangiocarcinoma and gallbladder cancer, as compared with the general population, and cancer is the leading cause of mortality in patients with PSC. It is associated with inflammatory bowel disease in 70% of patients and increases the risk of colorectal cancer almost 10-fold. Despite significant research efforts in this field, the pathogenic mechanisms of PSC are still incompletely understood, although growing evidence supports the role of genetic and immunologic factors. There are no proven medical therapies that alter the natural course of the disease. Thus, liver transplantation is the only available treatment for patients with advanced PSC, with excellent outcomes in this population.
Does Granulocyte Colony Stimulating Factor (rhG-CSF) Treatment of Premature Infants Affect the Incidence of BPD and Neutrophil Recruitment to the Lungs? 942

Does Granulocyte Colony Stimulating Factor (rhG-CSF) Treatment of Premature Infants Affect the Incidence of BPD and Neutrophil Recruitment to the Lungs? 942
The atypical antipsychotic drug amperozide enhances rat cortical and striatal dopamine efflux

Previous behavioral, biochemical, and electrophysiological studies have indicated that amperozide, a putative atypical antipsychotic drug with potent 5-HT2 receptor antagonist potency, preferentially affects mesocorticolimbic, as compared to mesostriatal dopamine neurons. The present experiment utilized in vivo microdialysis to compare the effects of amperozide on dopamine efflux in medial prefrontal cortex versus caudate-putamen in the freely moving rat. The results demonstrated that amperozide produced a greater elevation of cortical dopamine. These results were similar to those observed with clozapine but not haloperidol.
Kinetics of the Transfer of Ubiquitin from UbcH7 to E6AP

Prior to substrate ubiquitination by HECT-E3 ligases, ubiquitin must first be activated by E1 and then transferred via a series of transthiolation reactions from E1 to E2 and from E2 to E3. We have measured the rate constants and binding affinities underlying the transfer of ubiquitin from E2 UbcH7 to the HECT domain of E3 E6AP. We show that charged UbcH7 and free UbcH7 bind E6AP with similar affinities and that at 37 °C the second-order rate constant for the reaction (kcat/Km) equals ∼2.3 × 105 M−1 s−1. The measured parameters place limits on substrate−E6AP binding lifetimes required for processive polyubiquitination.
Does Computer-Based Motor Skill Assessment Training Transfer To Live Assessing?

Developing competency in motor skill assessment has been identified as a critical need in physical educator preparation. We conducted this study to evaluate (a) the effectiveness of a web-based instructional program—Motor Skill Assessment Program (MSAP)—for developing assessment competency, and specifically (b) whether competency developed by using this method transferred to participants' ability to accurately assess actual students in a gymnasium setting. Participants were 36 (9 men and 27 women) preservice kinesiology majors. Results revealed they performed significantly better on assessing a motor skill after using MSAP training, and this training transferred to significant improvements in accurately assessing students in an actual gymnasium setting.
Hydrogen-to-alkali ratio in hydrated alkali aluminosilicate glass surfaces

Abstract Nuclear Reaction Analysis was used in conjunction with Rutherford Backscattering Spectroscopy to investigate the interaction of water with surfaces of alkali aluminosilicate glasses. The results show that alkali-proton exchange appears to take place, in contrast to the popular notion of alkali–hydronium ion-exchange, when alkali aluminosilicate glasses with different alkali species are treated in water.
Migration and diving behavior of Kemp's ridley (Garman) sea turtles along the U.S. southeastern Atlantic coast

Abstract Three Kemp's ridley (Lepidochelys kempii, Garman) sea turtles were tracked with satellite and radio/sonic telemetry from release points along the Georgia coast beginning in October 1991. The movement demonstrated by these turtles was consistent with seasonal, coastal migration. Radio-tagged juveniles travelled south from Georgia to Florida a distance of 120 and 202 km during 41 and 29 days of monitoring, respectively. Submergence duration was significantly longer at night than during the day for one of two juvenile turtles. A nesting-sized Kemp's ridley tracked via satellite telemetry from October 1991 to July 1992 made longer dives than the radio tagged juveniles, but the percent submergence time was very similar, 94% and 95%, respectively. Seasonal and day–night differences in average submergence duration were significant for the satellite tracked turtle, and longer dives occurred at night throughout all seasons. In spring, average submergence duration was shorter. From mid-November to mid-March the primary overwintering grounds of the nesting-sized ridley sea turtle were within approximately 40 km of the Atlantic coast between Cape Canaveral and Stuart, Florida. During late spring and early summer, coastal South Carolina was the preferred habitat of this individual.
Lack of CCAAT Enhancer Binding Protein Beta (C/EBPβ) in Uterine Epithelial Cells Impairs Estrogen-Induced DNA Replication, Induces DNA Damage Response Pathways, and Promotes Apoptosis

Female mice lacking the transcription factor C/EBPβ are infertile and display markedly reduced estrogen (E)-induced proliferation of the uterine epithelial lining during the reproductive cycle. The present study showed that E-stimulated luminal epithelial cells of a C/EBPβ-null uterus are able to proceed through the G1 phase of the cell cycle before getting arrested in the S phase. This cell cycle arrest was accompanied by markedly reduced levels of expression of E2F3, an E2F family member, and a lack of nuclear localization of cyclin E, a critical regulator of cdk2. An increased nuclear accumulation of p27, an inhibitor of the cyclin E-cdk2 complex, was also observed for the mutant epithelium. Gene expression profiling of C/EBPβ-null uterine epithelial cells revealed that the blockade of E-induced DNA replication triggers the activation of several well-known components of the DNA damage response pathway, such as ATM, ATR, histone H2AX, checkpoint kinase 1, and tumor suppressor p53. The activation of p53 by ATM/ATR kinase led to increased levels of expression of p21, an inhibitor of G1-S-phase progression, which helps maintain cell cycle arrest. Additionally, p53-dependent mechanisms contributed to an increased apoptosis of replication-defective cells in the C/EBPβ-null epithelium. C/EBPβ, therefore, is an essential mediator of E-induced growth and survival of uterine epithelial cells of cycling mice.
Replication of Sindbis virus. VI. Poly(A) and poly(U) in virus-specific RNA species.

Polyadenylic acid [poly(A)] isolated from all species of Sindbis virus RNA is heterogeneous in size with a mean length of 70 nucleotides and a size range of from 46 to 296 nucleotides. Poly(A)s isolated from Sindbis virion RNA grown in chicken, hamster, and mosquito culture cells have similar size distributions. Base composition analysis of Sindbis poly(A) indicates that it is preceded on its 5’-end by a short stretch of pyrimidine residues. Oligo(dT)-cellulose chromatography of whole viral RNA reveals that most Sindbis virus 49 and 26 S molecules contain poly(A); a reproducible fraction of these molecules will not bind to oligo(dT)-cellulose, however, and contains little poly(A). The oligo(dT)-cellulose unbound fraction from virion RNA contains a discrete species of RNA, which does not appear to be due to random degradation, as well as fragments of degraded RNA; this RNA is only 10 to 20% as infectious as oligo(dT)-cellulose-bound or whole virion RNA, suggesting that the poly(A) is essential for replication of the virus. Poly(A) with a size distribution similar to that found in the single-stranded RNAs is also found in Sindbis virus double-stranded RNA species. RF I and RF III contain poly(A) while RF II does not. Stretches of polyuridylic acid (poly(U)) are also found in Sindbis virus double-stranded RNA. This poly(U) is on the minus strand, has a size distribution identical to Sindbis virus poly(A), and occurs once per double-stranded molecule. Poly(U) is found in RF I and RF III but not on RF II. This evidence indicates that the poly(A) in Sindbis virus RNA is synthesized by transcription of a poly(U) template on the viral minus strand.
Diagnosis and treatment of Parkes Weber syndrome: a review of 10 consecutive patients.

Background We sought to retrospectively analyze the clinical presentation, diagnosis, treatment, and outcomes of patients with Parkes Weber syndrome (PWS) who were treated at a single institution. Methods A retrospective review was conducted of medical records of all patients with PWS treated at La Paz Children's Hospital between 1994 and 2010. Results Ten patients (median age, 14.8 years [range, 2–52 years]) were identified, including 7 women and 3 men. Six patients presented with lower limb hypertrophy and capillary malformation at birth, and both the right and left lower extremities were equally involved. Severe tricuspid insufficiency was observed in 1 patient. The median dysmetria between both lower extremities was 2.19 cm. Four patients are being treated successfully with compression garment therapy. Three patients underwent resection of multiple arteriovenous nidus. Three patients had palliative embolizations. One patient required above the knee amputation secondary to ischemia and chronic severe pain. Conclusions The early recognition of PWS is required to establish the most appropriate treatment and prevent short-term morbidity and unnecessary invasive diagnostic tests. Treatment should be individualized according to the age and clinical features of each patient. Although initial conservative management is recommended, surgery continues to play an important role in order to improve the quality of life in these patients.
Is echogenicity a viable metric for evaluating tendon properties in vivo

Material properties of tissue in vivo present an opportunity for clinical analysis of healing progression and pathologies as well as provide an excellent research tool yielding quantified data for longitudinal and cross population studies. Echogenicity is a material׳s ability to reflect sound and, using ultrasound, it has been shown to increase with tendon tension in vitro, though this non-invasive measurement technique for determining mechanical properties has not been tested in vivo. The aim of this study was to establish if echogenicity, seen by the increase in image brightness, could be correlated to stress within a tissue. 18 Achilles tendons were imaged in the sagittal and transverse planes while producing a series of isometric contractions starting from rest and producing the torque equivalent of 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, and 2.0× body weights. Manual tracing identified the tendon in each of the images. The cross-sectional area determined from the transverse plane images in conjunction with the tendon force yielded the tendon stress. The echogenicity of the tendon was determined from the mean brightness change from rest to each of the contraction cases, measured from the sagittal plane images. A weak correlation existed between the echogenicity and stress (R=0.25) but it was found that there was no significant change in axial area during contraction (p=0.683) establishing the tendon as incompressible. Echogenicity proved to be non-functional for measuring the mechanical properties of the Achilles tendon due to the additional factors included with in vivo testing e.g. tendon twist and multi-axial loading.
Complexin Maintains Vesicles in the Primed State in C. elegans

Summary Background Complexin binds the SNARE complex at synapses and regulates exocytosis, but genetic studies indicate contradictory roles: in flies it predominantly inhibits synaptic vesicle fusion, whereas in mice it promotes evoked responses. Results Here we characterize the complexin mutant in the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans and reveal bipolar functions in neurotransmission: complexin inhibits spontaneous fusion of synaptic vesicles but is also essential for evoked responses. Complexin mutants exhibit a doubling of vesicle fusion in the absence of extracellular calcium. Even more profoundly, mutants exhibit an almost complete loss of evoked responses, and current amplitudes are reduced by 94%. One possible interpretation is that complexin is required for the stabilization of docked vesicles and that, in its absence, vesicles may fuse or undock from the plasma membrane. Consistent with this hypothesis, docked synaptic vesicles are reduced by 70% in complexin-1 mutants. Conclusion These data suggest that the main function of complexin is to maintain the docked state both by inhibiting fusion and by promoting priming.