cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Controls of summer stream temperature in the Pacific Northwest

Summary This is a regional study of the landscape, stream, and channel factors that control summer stream temperatures in the Pacific Northwest. The study focusses on two characteristics of stream temperature: the thermal regime, defined as the pattern of seasonal and spatial stream temperature variation in a stream, and the thermal sensitivity, considered here to be the slope of the stream–air temperature relationship. The baseflow index, or degree of groundwater influence in a stream, is hypothesized to be an important regional control of both thermal regime and thermal sensitivity. Weekly stream temperatures were calculated and evaluated at 104 primarily unregulated sites that were geographically distributed across the region. Air temperature and streamflow explained an average of 94% of the variance in annual thermal regimes and 68% of the variance in August thermal regimes at individual sites. Regression results showed that thermal sensitivity to increasing air temperatures was less in summer than at other times of the year. Future climate projections of summer stream temperature, based on thermal sensitivities, are small in comparison to the range of summer stream temperatures that exist across the region. This observation highlights the need to understand summer thermal regimes as well as summer thermal sensitivities when assessing climate change impacts to regional stream temperatures. Multiple regression analysis identified several landscape factors and stream characteristics that explained summer stream temperatures and thermal sensitivities regionally. Two of the most important factors were baseflow index and stream channel slope. Lastly, the summer stream/air temperature ratio of a stream may be useful in assessing existing or expected stream temperature conditions at a site in relation to these factors or in identifying unique environmental conditions or potential restoration needs at a site.
Synchronizing the world of women's health: young Turks and transformational leaders report for duty

Health care and research together in one system is a grand paradigm shift. Partnering with patients via social media can make it real.
University of Washington Geosecs North Atlantic carbon-14 results

Abstract The 14 C activities of North Atlantic water at Geosecs stations 5, 27, and 29 are reported. The influence of the correction for isotope fractionation on the 14 C results is discussed, and experimental procedures are given.
Alphavirus Budding Is Dependent on the Interaction between the Nucleocapsid and Hydrophobic Amino Acids on the Cytoplasmic Domain of the E2 Envelope Glycoprotein

The interaction between the nucleocapsid core and the glycoprotein spikes is a critical component in the budding process of alphaviruses. A molecular model was previously proposed which suggested that this interaction was mediated by the binding of the cytoplasmic domain of glycoprotein E2 into a hydrophobic pocket found on the surface of the nucleocapsid protein [S. Lee, K. E. Owen, H.-K. Choi, H. Lee, G. Lu, G. Wengler, D. T. Brown, M. G. Rossmann, and R. J. Kuhn (1996) Structure 4, 531-541; U. Skoging, M. Vihinen, L. Nilsson, and P. Liljestrom (1996) Structure 4, 519-529]. Two hydrophobic amino acids in the cytoplasmic domain of E2 were predicted to be important in the contact between the proteins. One of the residues, Y400 (Sindbis virus numbering), had previously been shown by mutational studies to be important in the budding of Semliki Forest virus [H. Zhao, B. Lindqvist, H. Garoff, C. H. von Bonsdorf, and P. Liljestrom (1994) EMBO J. 13, 4204-4211]. The role of the second residue, L402, had not been examined. By creating a panel of amino acid substitutions at this residue, followed by phenotypic analysis of rescued mutant viruses, we now show that L402 is critical for the production of Sindbis virus. Substitutions at this amino acid inhibit budding, and the data suggest the L402 plays an important role in the interaction, between the glycoprotein and the nucleocapsid core. These data support the model and suggest that the proposed molecular interactions are important for the budding of alphaviruses from the cell.
Evolution of the Hepatitis E Virus Polyproline Region: Order from Disorder

The hepatitis E virus (HEV) polyproline region (PPR) is an intrinsically unstructured region (IDR). This relaxed structure allows IDRs, which are implicated in the regulation of transcription and translation, to bind multiple ligands. Originally the nucleotide variability seen in the HEV PPR was assumed to be due to high rates of insertion and deletion. This study shows that the mutation rate is about the same in the PPR as in the rest of the nonstructural polyprotein. The difference between the PPR and the rest of the polyprotein is due to the higher tolerance of the PPR for substitutions at the first and second codon positions. With this higher promiscuity there is a shift in nucleotide occupation of these codons leading to translation of more cytosine residues: a shift that leads to more proline, alanine, serine, and threonine being encoded rather than histidine, phenylalanine, tryptophan, and tyrosine. This pattern of amino acid usage is typical of proline-rich IDRs. Increased usage of cytosine also leads to >22% of all amino acids in the PPR being prolines. Alignments of PPR sequences from HEV strains representing all genotypes indicate that all zoonotic isolates share an ancestor, and the carboxyl half of the PPR is more tolerant of mutations than the amino half. The evolution of HEV PPR, in contrast with that of the rest of the nonstructural polyprotein, is molded by pressures that lead toward increased proline usage with a corresponding decrease in the usage of aromatic amino acids, favoring formation of IDR structures.
Deep-Water Flow over the Lomonosov Ridge in the Arctic Ocean

The Arctic Ocean likely impacts global climate through its effect on the rate of deep-water formation and the subsequent influence on global thermohaline circulation. Here, the renewal of the deep waters in the isolated Canadian Basin is quanitified. Using hydraulic theory and hydrographic observations, the authors calculate the magnitude of this renewal where circumstances have thus far prevented direct measurements. A volume flow rate of Q 0.25 0.15 Sv (Sv 10 6 m 3 s 1 ) from the Eurasian Basin to the Canadian Basin via a deep gap in the dividing Lomonosov Ridge is estimated. Deep-water renewal time estimates based on this flow are consistent with 14 C isolation ages. The flow is sufficiently large that it has a greater impac to n the Canadian Basin deep water than either the geothermal heat flux or diffusive fluxes at the deep-water boundaries.
Is the System Dynamics Society ready for virtual proceedings: some empirical findings and recommendations for action

As methods of publishing documents have moved from paper to a wide variety of electronic formats, the publication policies of the System Dynamics Society have also changed from full-text paper proceedings to a mix of paper abstracts, and CD-ROM and Web-based full-text documents. These changes have been instituted not only to facilitate access to documents, but also to save the considerable cost of publishing full-text volumes for conferences. Interview research at the 1997 System Dynamics Conference in Istanbul, Turkey looked at participants' access to and use of electronic information technologies for full-text conference articles. Interviewees reported lack of technology, insufficient knowledge about technologies, lack of professional incentives, and institutional demands as barriers to the use of strictly paperless dissemination of information. The Society will need to consider a multi-step transition to electronic proceedings, serving as an educator as well as clarifying the roles of the proceedings and the journal for dissemination of differing sorts of information about research in this field. Although it seems clear that the future lies in electronic communication, the speed and method of getting there need careful consideration. © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Electron solvation by clustered H-bond complexes of water with tri-n-butylphosphate

Abstract We report the occurrence of electron trapping by HOH···O P(OR)3 complexes in tri-n-butyl phosphate (TBP) containing
The Biochemistry of Opsonization: Central Role of the Reactive Thiolester of the Third Component of Complement

In these studies, we have defined the mechanism by which the opsonic fragment of the third component of complement (C3) binds to pathogenic bacteria. With use of purified human C3 to reconstitute the alternative pathway in human serum in which both C3 and C4 had been chemically inactivated, we showed that opsonization of pathogenic serotypes of Streptococcus pneumoniae (serotypes 3, 4, 6A, 14, and 18C) requires the reactive thiolester of native C3. When purified human C3 (thiolester intact) is added to serum deficient in C3 and C4, phagocytic uptake of 3H-labeled pneumococci by polymorphonuclear leukocytes from normal adults is fully reconstituted. However, hydrolysis of the thiolester or reaction of the thiolester with the inhibitor methylamine abolishes opsonization and phagocytosis. Finally, by characterizing those C3 fragments released from pneumococcal surfaces after treatment with 1.0 M hydroxylamine, we have defined a role for covalent-bond formation in the opsonic interaction. Therefore, the presence of the reactive thiolester of C3 is an absolute requirement for the opsonic and covalent binding of the C3b molecule to pathogenic bacteria.
Premature Termination Codon Read-Through in the ABCC6 Gene: Potential Treatment for Pseudoxanthoma Elasticum

Pseudoxanthoma elasticum (PXE) is an autosomal recessive disorder manifesting with ectopic connective tissue mineralization, caused by mutations in the ABCC6 gene, with ∼35% of all mutations being premature termination mutations. In this study, we investigated the therapeutic potential of the nonsense codon read-through-inducing drug, PTC124, in treating PXE. The ability of this drug to facilitate read-through of nonsense mutations was examined in HEK293 cells transfected with human ABCC6 expression constructs harboring seven different PXE-associated nonsense mutations, and was evaluated by immunofluorescence and In-Cell ELISA. Our data demonstrated that PTC124 did not exhibit cytotoxicity in concentrations up to 20μgml −1 , and the facilitated read-through varied not only with dose but also with sequence context. Considering the redundancy of the genetic code, it was postulated that in case of the most common recurrent nonsense mutation, p.R1141X, the read-through may result in substitution of the arginine 1,141 by glycine, tryptophan, or cysteine. Their potential pathogenicity was tested in a recently developed zebrafish messenger RNA (mRNA) rescue assay, and demonstrated that all three mRNA transcripts were able to rescue abcc6a morpholino-induced phenotype of zebrafish. Thus, our results suggest that read-through of nonsense mutations in ABCC6 by PTC124 may have potential for pharmacologic treatment of PXE.
Reduced indentation recovery temperature at the surface of a crosslinked epoxy coating in humid conditions

Relaxation of surface defects shows that the surface of a crosslinked epoxy system, under normal laboratory conditions, apparently has a softening transition temperature that is approximately 20°C lower than calorimetric measures of Tg in the bulk. Physical aging data here confirms that this transition does resemble a glass transition. This observation is significant for properties that are determined by the surface of a coating. When ambient humidity is such that an epoxy may absorb significant quantities of moisture, it is plasticized, reducing its Tg. When the relaxation of nanoindentations was measured in a humid environment, the value of this softening surface transition temperature was further reduced by 10°C. Thus, the surface properties of a polymer coating, such as wear, durability, friction, will depend not only on the ambient temperature, but also on whether the environment is humid. This is very important when such a coating responds to an environment that changes, e.g., natural weather.
A Parametric Bootstrap Test for Comparing Heteroscedastic Regression Models

Testing equality of regression coefficients in several regression models is a common problem encountered in many applied fields. This article presents a parametric bootstrap (PB) approach and compares its performance to that of another simulation-based approach, namely, the generalized variable approach. Simulation studies indicate that the PB approach controls the Type I error rates satisfactorily regardless of the number of regression models and sample sizes whereas the generalized variable approach tends to be very liberal as the number of regression models goes up. The proposed PB approach is illustrated using a data set from stability study.
Use of soft heat-molded orthoses in sports. A clinical analysis

Podiatrists have had considerable success with the use of orthoses in the treatment of athletic injuries and faulty biomechanics. In-office fabrication of soft orthoses out of heat-moldable plastics provides an alternative to the more rigid, prescription device. Easily constructed in 15 to 30 min, the soft heat-molded orthoses have shown favorable results when used clinically with injured athletes. Although the need for more comprehensive studies exists, podiatrists should consider the use of soft heat-molded orthoses with their athletic patients and possibly in combination with the more permanent, rigid orthoses.
A pilot study on mobile phones as a means to access maternal health education in eastern rural Uganda

Maternal mortality in Uganda has remained relatively high since 2006. We studied access to mobile phones and people's interest in receiving audio-based maternal health lessons delivered via a toll-free telephone line. Interviews were conducted, using a male and a female translator, with 42 men and 41 women in four villages located in eastern rural Uganda. Most of the participants were recruited through systematic sampling, but some were recruited through community organizations and antenatal clinics. Ownership of a mobile phone was reported by 79% of men and by 42% of women. Among those who did not own a mobile phone, 67% of men and 88% of women reported regularly borrowing a mobile phone. Among women, 98% reported interest in receiving maternal mobile health lessons, and 100% of men. Providing local communities with mobile maternal health education offers a new potential method of reducing maternal mortality.
The Large Space Telescope

The scientific objectives of the Large Space Telescope, currently in the preliminary design phase, are summarized in this paper. The conceptual design of the Optical Telescope Assembly (OTA) and system requirements introduced by the Scientific Instruments are also described. LST operations are characterized with emphasis on the fine pointing system, star acquisition, and image motion sensing. The LST is designed for 15 years of useful life, and the Shuttle Space Transportation System will permit earth return for maintenance and equipment updates every 2 to 3 years. Major advances in man's knowledge of the universe are expected to result from the Large Space Telescope.
A Survey of Exposure to Regional Anesthesia Techniques in American Anesthesia Residency Training Programs

Background and Objectives The American Board of Anesthesiologists and the Residency Review Committee for Anesthesiology do not keep records regarding the individual resident9s cumulative exposure to specific peripheral nerve block techniques. Further, little is known about individual trainee confidence in performing regional anesthetic blocks. To improve training and anesthesia practice, such information is necessary. In this nationwide survey, we assessed residents9 perceived cumulative regional anesthesia experience and their confidence level. Methods A survey was distributed to 42 U.S. residency programs in 22 states. Information collected included the resident9s clinical anesthesia (CA) training level, estimated number of regional anesthetics performed, and the resident9s confidence level in performing these techniques. Confidence was graded on a 3-point scale, as being very confident (1.0), somewhat confident (2.0), or not confident (3.0). We analyzed the estimated cumulative number and type of blocks performed in relation to training level and confidence level; differences were considered significant when P Results The response rate was 67.2% (736/1,096); 32% (n = 232) of responders were CA-3 residents. At all training levels, the number of blocks performed varied widely according to type of block, with spinal and epidural blocks being performed most often at all training levels and sciatic, retrobulbar, and femoral blocks being performed least (median = 0 each for CA-1, CA-2, and CA-3 residents). Confidence was high with frequently performed blocks (spinal and lumbar epidural) and low for those performed less than 10 times per resident. The CA-3 residents reported a cumulative experience with a median (interquartile range) of 100 (50–100) spinal anesthestics and 150 (100–200) lumbar epidural blocks with all residents being very confident. The CA-3 residents completed a median of 20 (10–30) axillary blocks but a median of less than 10 for each of these techniques: intravenous regional anes-thesia, ankle, interscalene, femoral, sciatic, and retrobulbar. For interscalene block, 51% of CA-3 residents were not confident; for femoral, 62%; for sciatic, 75%; and for retrobulbar block, 91%, were not confident. Conclusions Most CA-3 residents are confident in performing lumbar epidural and spinal anesthesia. However, many are not confident in performing the blocks with which they have the least exposure. Changes need to be made in the training processes so that residents can graduate with enough confidence to continue selecting less familiar blocks in postgraduate practice. Reg Anesth Pain Med 1999: 24: 11–16.
Semantic-memory sources of episodic retrieval failure

In a cued-recall paradigm, retrieval blocking was investigated as a source of episodic retrieval failure. Each unrelated-interference (UR-I) word pair (e.g., “nurse-dollar”) had its own “competitive alternative” (e.g., “doctor’), which not only was strongly related to the cue word, but also possessed the same first two letters and final letter as did the target word. None of the unrelated-control (UR-C) word pairs (e.g., “clock-dollar”) had such an alternative. Cued recall substantially increased from the cue-word-only (e.g., “nurse- ”) to the three-letters-also cue condition (e.g., “nurse-do___r”) for the UR-C but not for the UR-I word pairs. Instead, subjects frequently reported the competitive alternatives in place of the UR-I target words in the three-letters-also cue condition. It was suggested that, relying on the primary plausibility judgment, subjects falsely accepted the competitive alternatives while the UR-I target words were blocked from retrieval by the potent retrieval of these plausible alternatives.
Yeast dihydroxybutanone phosphate synthase, an enzyme of the riboflavin biosynthetic pathway, has a second unrelated function in expression of mitochondrial respiration.

Next Section Abstract aE280/U1 is a pet mutant ofSaccharomyces cerevisiae partially deficient in cytochromesa, a3, and cytochrome b. The ability of this mutant to respire is restored by RIB3, a gene previously shown to code for 3,4-dihydroxy-2-butanone-4-phosphate synthase (DHBP synthase), an enzyme of the riboflavin biosynthetic pathway. The sequences of RIB3 from wild type and aE280/U1 indicated a single base change resulting in an A137T substitution. The alanine 137 is a conserved residue located in a cavity on the surface of the protein distant from the active site and from the subunit interaction domain involved in homodimer formation. The respiratory defect elicited by this mutation cannot be explained by a flavin insufficiency based on the following evidence: 1) growth of the aE280/U1 on respiratory substrates is not rescued by exogenous riboflavin; 2) the levels of flavin nucleotides are not significantly different in the mutant and wild type. We proposed that in addition to its known function in riboflavin synthesis, RIB3 also functions in expression of mitochondrial respiration. Restoration by riboflavin of growth of arib3 deletion mutant on glucose but not glycerol/ethanol also supported this conclusion. An antibody against the N-terminal half of DHBP synthase was used to study its subcellular distribution. Most of the protein was localized in the cytosolic fraction, but a small fraction was detected in the mitochondrial intermembrane space.
Renormalized Coupled Cluster Approaches in the Cluster-in-Molecule Framework: Predicting Vertical Electron Binding Energies of the Anionic Water Clusters (H2O)n–

Anionic water clusters are generally considered to be extremely challenging to model using fragmentation approaches due to the diffuse nature of the excess electron distribution. The local correlation coupled cluster (CC) framework cluster-in-molecule (CIM) approach combined with the completely renormalized CR-CC(2,3) method [abbreviated CIM/CR-CC(2,3)] is shown to be a viable alternative for computing the vertical electron binding energies (VEBE). CIM/CR-CC(2,3) with the threshold parameter ζ set to 0.001, as a trade-off between accuracy and computational cost, demonstrates the reliability of predicting the VEBE, with an average percentage error of ∼15% compared to the full ab initio calculation at the same level of theory. The errors are predominantly from the electron correlation energy. The CIM/CR-CC(2,3) approach provides the ease of a black-box type calculation with few threshold parameters to manipulate. The cluster sizes that can be studied by high-level ab initio methods are significantly increased in comparison with full CC calculations. Therefore, the VEBE computed by the CIM/CR-CC(2,3) method can be used as benchmarks for testing model potential approaches in small-to-intermediate-sized water clusters.
Independence of brain and trunk temperature during hypothermic preconditioning in rats.

Abstract Hypothermic preconditioning is rapid cooling and warming to induce tolerance to ischemia. The purpose of the study was to examine differences in brain and trunk temperature during hypothermic preconditioning. Methods Rats (n = 18) were implanted with telemetric probes for simultaneous measure of brain and trunk temperature. Hypothermic preconditioning was produced by exposing rats to cool and warm environments that produced rapid cooling to 30 °C and warming to 35 °C. Results Brain temperature was warmer (37.56 ± 0.45 °C) than trunk (37.17 ± 0.29 °C) temperature in unanesthetized, free roaming rats at room temperature (t-test p = 0.04). The brain cooled (0.59 ± 0.1 °C/min) quicker than the trunk (0.44 ± 0.19 °C/min) during cooling cycles of hypothermic preconditioning and the brain (0.28 ± 0.04 °C/min) warmed quicker than the trunk (0.18 ± 0.07 °C/min) during the warming cycle of hypothermic preconditioning (t-test p Conclusion The brain cools and warms quicker than the trunk during hypothermic preconditioning. Failure to anticipate these differences could lead to unrecognized brain hyperthermia during warming. Appreciation of differences in rates of change between brain and trunk temperature may be important when designing hypothermic preconditioning experiments.
Spectrophotometric determination of the dissociation constant (pKa) of arsenous acid

Abstract The dissociation constant of meta -arsenous acid (HAsO 2 ) was accurately determined from spectrophotometric measurements, combined with volumetric methods. The measurement of pH of the analyte solution containing HAsO 2 , which was titrated with sodium hydroxide, was achieved by the spectrophotometric method using thymol blue as a pH indicator. Acetic acid and aqueous ammonia were used as primary standards. The p K a of HAsO 2 was determined to an accuracy of ± 0.005 p K a units at temperatures between 25 and 65°C, and ionic strengths between 0 and 3 M. The standard enthalphy change of HAsO 2 , Δ H °, which was calculated from its dissociation constants, was 29.59 ± 0.78 kJ/mol. Determination of the p K a values is necessary for the characterization of As 2 O 3 as a dual purpose acid-base and oxidation-reduction primary standard reagent under various conditions.
Effects of combined use of sildenafil citrate (Viagra) and 17β-estradiol on ovine coronary and uterine hemodynamics ☆

Abstract Objective This study was undertaken to determine whether Viagra (Pfizer, New York, NY), a type 5 phosphodiesterase (PDE-5) inhibitor, increases baseline coronary and uterine blood flow or potentiates estrogen-induced increases in blood flow. Study design Seven nonpregnant ovariectomized ewes were chronically instrumented to measure blood pressure, heart rate, cardiac output, and coronary and uterine blood flow. Estradiol-17β (E2, 0.3 μg/kg) (Sigma Chemical Co, St Louis, Mo) and Viagra (50 mg) were intravenously administered separately or together and hemodynamic responses monitored. Results Viagra alone rapidly decreased mean arterial pressure and cardiac output while increasing heart rate and uterine blood flow. Viagra tended to decrease coronary blood flow but not significantly. E2 by itself increased coronary and uterine blood flow over a 2-hour time course, whereas mean arterial pressure, cardiac output, and heart rate remained unchanged. Administration of E2 to animals pretreated with Viagra reversed Viagra-related decrease in cardiac output and coronary blood flow, resulting in a time-related increase in both parameters over baseline values. Viagra significantly augmented estradiol-related increases in uterine blood flow. Conclusion In our surgically menopausal ovine model, Viagra alone has a tendency to decrease baseline coronary blood flow, but the reduction does not reach statistical significance. The presence of estradiol reverses this Viagra-related negative trend and results in a net increase in coronary blood flow and cardiac output. Furthermore, Viagra significantly augments baseline and estrogen-induced increases in uterine blood flow suggesting the presence of PDE-5 in the ovine uterine vasculature.
Acute and chronic exposure of Dunaliella salina and Chlamydomonas bullosa to copper and cadmium: Effects on growth

The ultrastructural changes of Dunaliella salina and Chlamydomonas bullosa taking place after short term exposure to established copper and/or cadmium EC(50) or exposure to low levels of these cations for 8 months were examined. Cadmium had a greater impact on the ultrastructure of these species than copper. Metal stress affected a variety of cellular parameters including total cell volume, pyrenoid, nucleus, starch granules, polyphosphate bodies, lipids, vacuoles, cell wall, and periplasmalemmal space. The measurements of these cellular parameters used the technique of electron microscopic stereoscopic morphometry. Differences resulting from acute vs. chronic exposure to the cations are documented.
Low frequency vibrational spectra of bromo‐and iodoantimonates

The Raman and far-infrared spectra of a dozen antimony halide complexes of formula SbX6−3, SbX5−2, Sb2X9−3 and SbX4−1 have been recorded and analyzed for X = Br and I. The stretching frequencies for the bromo complexes range from about 135 to 220 cm−1 for external bonds and from about 110 to 130 cm−1 for bridging bonds. For the iodo complexes the ranges observed are 138–174 cm−1 (external) and 87–127 cm−1 (bridging). Approximate force constants were calculated for the anions and these were compared to values previously determined for halobismuthates. In general, the ordering of the force constants was found to be SbBr>SbI˜BiBr>BiI. As was found for the bismuth complexes, the stretching force constants were greatest for bonds in the anions in which the largest number of other bonds were to bridging halogens.
Sequence Elements Required for Apolipoprotein B mRNA Editing Enhancement Activity from Chicken Enterocytes

Abstract Mammalian intestinal apolipoprotein B (apoB) mRNA edits codon 2153 from CAA in apoB100 mRNA to a stop codon (UAA) in apoB48 mRNA. By contrast, chicken intestinal apoB mRNA contains a CAA codon at the corresponding site, but is not edited. Chicken enterocyte S100 extracts fail to edit mammalian apoB RNA, but contain factor(s) which enhance the mammalian enterocytes editing activity. By converting the chicken apoB mooring sequences to the conserved mammalian sequences, the study confirmed that this 11-nucleotide stretch was necessary and sufficient for minimal RNA editing. Using rat and chicken apoB chimeric constructs, the study revealed that mammalian apoB sequences were required for editing enhancement. In concert with the 29-nucleotide conserved cassette, the 5′ rat apoB element (nucleotides 6615–6629) increased editing at C-6666, and was necessary for editing enhancement of chicken enterocyte S100 extracts. Similarly, the 3′ rat apoB element (nucleotides 6726–6752) was required for editing enhancement of chicken enterocyte S100 extracts, but to a lesser extent in efficiency, compared to the 5′ region. In conclusion, this study identified the sequences required for editing enhancement activity from chicken enterocyte S100 extracts.
Developing a sound basis for the design of vented explosion barricades in chemical processes

Most commonly used barricade design methods are based on taking an explosion scenario and treating it as a “TNT equivalent.” A widely used approach in the chemical industry is documented in TM5-1300. Although this may be a reasonable approach for explosives in cubical barricades, it may not always relate well to the reality of many chemical facilities. This paper discusses some of the limitations of the TM5-1300 method, the need for a good definition of the hazardous event(s), and the use of computational fluid dynamics to define blast loads for barricade design. © 2005 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Process Saf Prog, 2005
Nicotine and drug interaction expectancies among methadone maintained cigarette smokers

Abstract Smoking rates among persons being treated with methadone for opiate dependence are exceptionally high. Nevertheless, there is debate about whether smoking cessation has a negative effect on substance abuse treatment outcomes. To understand patient perceptions of the interaction between smoking and illicit drug use, we administered the Nicotine and Other Substances Interaction Expectancies questionnaire (NOSIE) to 168 smokers—79% Caucasian and 48% female—at two methadone programs in Providence, Rhode Island. The four summed-rating scales of this 20-item instrument exhibited good to excellent internal-consistency reliabilities. The scales measured the effect of drug use on smoking (5 items, α = .84), the effect of smoking on drug use (3 items, α = .73), smoking to cope with drug urges (9 items, α = .91), and the difficulty of concomitantly quitting smoking and drugs (3 items, α = .72). Most subjects believed drug use increased smoking, but that smoking did not trigger drug use. Relatively few reported smoking to cope with drug urges and most did not consider quitting smoking and quitting drug use to be incompatible goals. NOSIE was a reliable instrument that offers insight into patient expectations of the interaction of smoking and drug use.
Preliminary crystallographic analysis of glutamine-binding protein from Escherichia coli.

Abstract Glutamine-binding protein from Escherichia coli, an essential component in the active transport of l -glutamine across the cytoplasmic membrane, has been crystallized by vapor diffusion in the presence of ammonium sulfate. The crystals exhibit pseudo-tetragonal symmetry with cell constants a = 77.5 A , b = 78.5 A and c = 90.2 A . Analysis of the diffraction data indicates that the space group is P212121. There are two molecules per asymmetric unit and the solvent content is estimated to be 53%.
Resonance lamp absorption technique for simultaneous determination of the OH concentration and temperature at 10 spatial positions in combustion environments

A rugged, easy to implement, line-of-sight absorption instrument which utilizes a low pressure water vapor microwave discharge cell as the light source, has been developed to make simultaneous measurements of the OH concentration and temperature at 10 spatial positions. The design, theory, and capability of the instrument are discussed. Results of the measurements obtained on a methane/air flat flame burner are compared with those obtained using a single-frequency, tunable dye laser system.
Cellular and Acellular Pertussis Vaccines in Adults

Immunization against pertussis after childhood previously was considered unnecessary, because severe illness and complications rarely developed in older persons. The rising incidence of pertussis among older adolescents and adults and the transmission of infection from adults to infants suggest that booster immunization may be necessary to more effectively control pertussis in all age groups. Whole cell pertussis vaccines are regarded as unsuitable for routine use in adults because of reports of frequent moderate to severe reactogenicity at the injection site and occasional systemic reactions. The introduction of safe and effective acellular pertussis vaccines provides us with an opportunity to reconsider booster immunization of adolescents and adults. Several vaccines containing purified component(s) of Bordetella pertussis have been well tolerated and highly immunogenic when given to healthy adults. A clear understanding of the impact of pertussis in adolescents and adults will help to define the need for booster immunization after childhood.
A master curve for tensile properties of thermoplastics

Ultimate mechanical properties of polymers can be characterized by a dimensionless Hooke number He ≡ σb/(Eϵb), where σb is the ultimate tensile strength, E the tensile modulus, and ϵb the elongation at break. Hooke numbers are found to be a smooth function of ultimate elongations, independent of the chemical and physical structure of common thermoplastics. This master curve for fracture strengths and elongations can be described by He = [1 + (ϵb/ϵcrit)ab]−1/b with empirically found parameters ϵcrit = 0,0168, a = 0,918, and b ≈ 4. The decrease of He with increasing ϵb at ϵb > ϵcrit reflects the shear flow on deformation. Hooke numbers depend on entanglement densities ve according to He = 1,285·1036 (ve/cm−3)−1,846 for ve > 3,65·1019 cm−3. A correction for additional segment orientation during tensile testing brings the exponent to −1,846/0,918 = −2,01; i. e., a dependence of Hooke numbers on the reciprocal square of entanglement densities.
Dendritic Cells in Transplantation: Origin, Immune Activation, and Allograft Tolerance

For the past 30 years, since their discovery, dendritic cells (DCs) have been the focus of many studies that outline the critical role of DCs in activation and, more recently, regulation of the immune response. As will be discussed in this chapter, DCs are specialized antigen-presenting cells (APCs) that are integral to both the initiation of allograft rejection and the induction and maintenance of transplant tolerance. Both donor and recipient DCs contribute to the rejection response but it seems to be the DCs of the recipient that participate in both the acute and chronic phases of rejection. Therefore, these DCs are an ideal target for manipulation of the rejection response in favor of promoting tolerance induction. Before discussing these developing issues, we must first understand how these cells were first discovered and how we began to understand their importance in transplantation.
Syndrome-Based Light-Weight Video Coding for Mobile Wireless Application

In conventional video coding, the complexity of an encoder is generally much higher than that of a decoder because of operations such as motion estimation consume significant computational resources. Such codec architecture is suitable for downlink transmission model of broadcast. However, in the contemporary applications of mobile wireless video uplink transmission, it is desirable to have low complexity video encoder to meet the resource limitations on the mobile devices. Recent advances in distributed video source coding provide potential reverse in computational complexity for encoder and decoder [1, 2]. In the same spirit, we proposed in this paper a syndrome-based light-weight video encoding scheme for mobile wireless applications. This scheme is based on two innovations: (1) adoption of low resolution low quality reference frames for motion estimation at the decoder; (2) introduction of more powerful product accumulate code. Extensive experimental results have confirmed that this syndrome based encoding can reduce computational complexity at the encoder while maintaining good reconstruction quality at the decoder. Therefore, this light weight video coding scheme is suitable for mobile wireless applications.
Factors Associated with Local–Regional Failure After Definitive Chemoradiation for Locally Advanced Esophageal Cancer

Locally advanced esophageal cancer is often treated with a trimodality approach. While a substantial proportion of such patients initially achieve a clinical complete response (cCR) after chemoradiation, only a small proportion achieve durable control. We analyzed patients who reached cCR after definitive chemoradiation for esophageal cancer to identify clinical predictors of local disease recurrence. We identified 141 patients who obtained initial cCR after definitive chemoradiation without surgery for esophageal cancer from 2002 through 2009. The initial response to treatment was assessed by endoscopic evaluation and biopsy results, with cCR defined as having no evidence of disease present. Patterns of failure were categorized as in-field (within the planned treatment volume [PTV]), outside the radiation treatment field, or both. At a median follow-up of 22 months (range, 6–87 months), 77 patients (55 %) had experienced disease recurrence (local or both). Of first failures, 32 (23 %) were outside the radiation field, followed by 30 (21 %) within the field, and 15 (11 %) were both. By multivariate analysis, in-field failure after cCR was associated with a pretreatment standardized uptake value on positron emission tomography of >10 (subhazard ratio [SHR] 3.31, p = 0.023) and poorly differentiated tumors (SHR 3.69, p = 0.031). All failures, in-field and out-of-field, correlated with non-Caucasian ethnicity (SHR 2.55, p = 0.001), N1 disease (SHR 2.05, p = 0.034), T3/T4 disease (SHR 3.56, p = 0.011), and older age (SHR 0.96, p = 0.008). Our data suggest that selected clinical characteristics can be used to predict failure patterns after definitive chemoradiation. Such risk-assessment strategies can help individualize therapy.
Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptor-γ Is a Target of Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs Mediating Cyclooxygenase-Independent Inhibition of Lung Cancer Cell Growth

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) inhibit the growth of different cancer cell types, suggesting a broad role for their cyclooxygenase (COX) targets and eicosanoid products in tumor cell growth. Sulindac sulfide, a COX inhibitor, inhibited the growth of non-small-cell lung cancers (NSCLC) both in soft agar and as xenografts in nude mice. Importantly, the concentration of sulindac sulfide required to inhibit NSCLC cell growth greatly exceeded the concentration required to inhibit prostaglandin (PG) E(2) synthesis in NSCLC cells, suggesting that NSAID inhibition of cell growth is mediated by additional targets distinct from COX. Both sulindac sulfide and ciglitazone, a defined peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma (PPARgamma) agonist, stimulated a promoter construct containing a PPAR response element linked to luciferase and potently inhibited NSCLC cell growth at similar concentrations, indicating a role for PPARgamma as a target of NSAID action in these cells. Overexpression of PPARgamma in NSCLC cells strongly inhibited the transformed growth properties of the cells, providing a molecular confirmation of the results obtained with the PPARgamma agonists. Increased expression of PPARgamma, as well as ciglitazone and sulindac sulfide induced expression of E-cadherin, which has been linked to increased differentiation of NSCLC. Despite the fact that SCLC cell lines expressed little or no cytosolic phospholipase A(2), COX-1, or COX-2, sulindac sulfide and PPARgamma agonists also inhibited the transformed growth of these lung cancer cells. We propose that PPARgamma serves as a target for NSAIDs that accounts for COX-independent inhibition of lung cancer cell growth.
Comparison of rapid testing methods for enzyme production with the germ tube method for presumptive identification of Candida albicans

The observation of germ tube production as a method for the presumptive identification of Candida albicans has been in use for many years. Methods have recently been developed for detecting the production of the enzymes L-proline aminopeptidase and beta-galactosaminidase by yeast isolates grown in culture. Both enzymes are produced by C. albicans; other yeasts may produce either L-proline aminopeptidase or beta-galactosaminidase but not both enzymes. One hundred thirty-three clinical yeast isolates, including 55 C. albicans, 27 Candida tropicalis, 22 Torulopsis (Candida) glabrata, and 29 other yeast isolates were tested by the germ tube production method and three tests for enzyme production, with the API 20C method used as a "gold standard." All three enzymatic methods evaluated provided more objective and rapid nonmicroscopic alternatives to the germ tube test and may be used to accurately distinguish C. albicans from other yeasts.
Translating pharmacogenomics discoveries into clinical practice: the role of curated databases.

Pharmacogenomics-related genotype information is growing at a supra-linear rate, and phenotype-related information, as determined by computer simulations, in vitro experiments and clinical studies, is also growing. Even when phenotypic information is confirmed via clinical research, numerous barriers exist in translating these discoveries into clinical practice. We consider two of them here: the uncertainty regarding the practical relevance of research observations, and translation of significant research findings into clinical practice and research through electronic information access. This form of access is critical because even leading clinical pharmacologists cannot fully retain mentally today’s large volume of drug-related information.
Understanding mathematical expressions from document images

This paper proposes a system that understands mathematical expressions on binarized printed document images. The system first extracts a set of "primitives" from the image. Each of the extracted primitives is associated with a "bounding box" and its label. Using the attributes of the primitives, the system constructs an initial hierarchy. Construction of an initial hierarchy includes merging a group of primitives into a key word. Next, the system checks the validity of the hierarchy according to conventional mathematical syntax rules. If any syntax error is detected, the system makes attempts to correct the errors. The modification step includes reconfiguring the initial hierarchy, revisiting the original image for possible missing primitives, placing dummy primitives into missing spots in the hierarchy, and so on. The corrected hierarchical structure can be converted into the format for a particular publication system such as T/sub E/X.
Regulation of triacylglycerol and phospholipid trafficking by fatty acids in newborn swine enterocytes.

We (Wang H, Berschneider HM, Du J, and Black DD. Am J Physiol Gastrointest Liver Physiol 272: G935–G942, 1997; Wang H, Lu S, Du J, Yao Y, Berschneider HM, and Black DD. Am J Physiol Gastrointest Li...
The Receptor Tyrosine Kinase MuSK Is Required for Neuromuscular Junction Formation In Vivo

Formation of neuromuscular synapses requires a series of inductive interactions between growing motor axons and differentiating muscle cells, culminating in the precise juxtaposition of a highly specialized nerve terminal with a complex molecular structure on the postsynaptic muscle surface. The receptors and signaling pathways mediating these inductive interactions are not known. We have generated mice with a targeted disruption of the gene encoding MuSK, a receptor tyrosine kinase selectively localized to the postsynaptic muscle surface. Neuromuscular synapses do not form in these mice, suggesting a failure in the induction of synapse formation. Together with the results of an accompanying manuscript, our findings indicate that MuSK responds to a critical nerve-derived signal (agrin), and in turn activates signaling cascades responsible for all aspects of synapse formation, including organization of the postsynaptic membrane, synapse-specific transcription, and presynaptic differentiation.
Paleoenvironmental reconstruction and water balance of a mid-Pleistocene pluvial lake, Dakhleh Oasis, Egypt

Mid-Pleistocene lacustrine sediments exposed as erosional remnants in Dakhleh Oasis in the Western Desert of Egypt provide evidence for a more humid climate than that which persists today. The sediments range in facies from palustrine to fully lacustrine and generally reflect an increase in water depth upward through the strata. Ironstone spring deposits associated with the lacustrine sediments and modern artesian discharge in the oasis indicate that Nubian aquifer water was probably an important component of the water balance, but the high carbonate content of the lake sediments requires the input of surface drainage derived from the nearby limestone-capped Libyan Plateau. Although definitive shorelines have not been observed, a maximum lake size of 1735 km2 is derived from extrapolation of the elevations of the deposits onto the modern deflated topography. Theoretical water balance modeling suggests that in addition to the discharge derived from the Nubian aquifer, ~410–860 mm/yr of rainfall would be required over the Dakhleh Oasis drainage basin in order to maintain the lake at hydrologic steady state. The persistence of climatic and hydrologic conditions amenable to maintaining a shallow freshwater lake would have allowed the region to be inhabited by a savanna fauna, as well as early human groups.
The Development and Application of Optogenetics

Genetically encoded, single-component optogenetic tools have made a significant impact on neuroscience, enabling specific modulation of selected cells within complex neural tissues. As the optogenetic toolbox contents grow and diversify, the opportunities for neuroscience continue to grow. In this review, we outline the development of currently available single-component optogenetic tools and summarize the application of various optogenetic tools in diverse model organisms.
A Study of Performance on SMP and Distributed Memory Architectures Using a Shared Memory Programming Model

In this paper we examine the use of a shared memory programming model to address the problem of portability of application codes between distributed memory and shared memory architectures. We do this with an extension of the Parallel C Preprocessor. The extension, borrowed from Split-C and AC, uses type qualifiers instead of storage class modifiers to declare variables that are shared among processors. The type qualifier declaration supports an abstract shared memory facility on distributed memory machines while making direct use of hardware support on shared memory architectures.Our benchmarking study spans a wide range of shared memory and distributed memory platforms. Benchmarks include Gaussian elimination with backsubstitution, a two-dimensional fast Fourier transform, and a matrix-matrix multiply. We find that the type-qualifier-based shared memory programming model is capable of efficiently spanning both distributed memory and shared memory architectures. Although the resulting shared memory programming model is portable, it does not remove the need to arrange for overlapped or blocked remote memory references on platforms that require these tuning measures in order to obtain good performance.