cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Is Botox for anal pain an effective treatment option

AbstractPurpose: The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of Botulinum toxin-A (Botox) in relieving anal pain associated with anal fissure (AF) and Levator ani syndrome (LS). Methods: All patients with medically refractory AF or LS from 2005 to 2012 and treated with Botox injections were included. Results: One hundred and three patients [66 patients (53 female) with AF and 37 patients (26 female) with LS] were evaluated. The minimum/maximum dose of Botox was 20/100 units for AF and 50/200 units for LS. Thirteen (19.7%) patients with AF and 14 (38%) patients with LS received > 1 Botox treatment. The time interval between injections varied from 1 to 12 months. Mean follow-up was 6.4 months for AF and 9 months for LS. Relief of anal pain was noted in 59% of AF and 43% of LS patients. Significant changes in pre- and post-op pain scores were noted in both groups. Nine out of 12 patients with failed sphincterotomy were relieved after Botox treatment. Temporary fecal incontinence was reported in 2/66 (...
Signalling mechanisms mediating neuronal responses to guidance cues

Several families of extracellular guidance cues have been implicated in guiding neurons and axons to their appropriate destinations in the nervous system. Their receptors include single- and seven-transmembrane receptors, and their signal transduction pathways converge onto the Rho family of small GTPases, which control the cytoskeleton. A single guidance protein can use different mechanisms to regulate different kinds of motility or the motilities of different cell types. There is crosstalk between the signalling pathways initiated by distinct guidance cues. Studies of neuronal guidance mechanisms have shed light not only on neural development, but also on other processes that involve the extracellular regulation of the cytoskeleton.
Proliferation of Terminology and the Illusion of Progress

As scholars and advocates, we are formidable taxonomists and explorers of distinctions, ever probing new conceptual frontiers in the elusive quest to render an overwhelming universe of human struggle more coherent and manageable. The proliferation of terminology, however, the incantation of new strategic mantras, while obviously relevant to the legal and political construction of the world, can often become a self-contained exercise creating the mere illusion of progress. In some circumstances, it can even divert precious resources away from the consolidation of existing, and hard-won, norms and institutions. In considering the introduction of the term ‘‘atrocity crimes’’ to the already complex lexicon of humanitarian discourse, we need to take account of its relative weight in terms of the most important challenges confronting the prevention of genocide. In particular, we need to ask whether the cost–benefit calculus of promoting this new concept and purported discipline justifies a significant commitment of energy and resources, whether intellectual or political, that might otherwise be focused on strengthening established concepts and disciplines that may be adequate but still at the margins of political
Poverty, Mental Health, and Women: Implications for Psychiatric Nurses in Primary Care Settings:

Poverty is one of the most consistent correlates of depression as well as other mental health disorders. Although poverty has negative health outcomes for men and women, the greater burden falls to...
Chain Packing in the Inverted Hexagonal Phase of Phospholipids: A Study by X-ray Anomalous Diffraction on Bromine-Labeled Chains

Although lipid phases are routinely studied by X-ray diffraction, construction of their unit cell structures from the diffraction data is difficult except for the lamellar phases. This is due to the well-known phase problem of X-ray diffraction. Here we successfully applied the multiwavelength anomalous dispersion (MAD) method to solve the phase problem for an inverted hexagonal phase of a phospholipid with brominated chains. Although the principle of the MAD method for all systems is the same, we found that for lipid structures it is necessary to use a procedure of analysis significantly different from that used for protein crystals. The inverted hexagonal phase has been used to study the chain packing in a hydrophobic interstice where three monolayers meet. Hydrophobic interstices are of great interest, because they occur in the intermediate states of membrane fusion. It is generally believed that chain packing in such a region is energy costly. Consequently, it has been speculated that the inverted lipid tube is likely to deviate from a circular shape, and the chain density distribution might be nonuniform. The bromine distribution obtained from the MAD analysis provides the information for the chain packing in the hexagonal unit cell. The intensity of the bromine distribution is undulated around the unit cell. The analysis shows that the lipid chains pack the hexagonal unit cell at constant volume per chain, with no detectable effect from a high-energy interstitial region.
Ocean ventilation during the last 12,000 years: Hypothesis of counterpoint deep water production

Abstract Available radiocarbon data on selected planktonic foraminifera species suggest that differential dissolution reduces the 14 C C ratio in planktonic tests, removing 14C-rich specimens from assemblages of surface-dwelling species. The effect is analogous to that observed for stable isotope composition in planktonic foraminifera. Other disturbing factors apparently affect benthic radiocarbon data, as well. Thus, radiocarbon stratigraphies are difficult to interpret in terms of history of deep-water ages, that is, deep-ocean mixing. The best data at hand (South China Sea ∗ ), after corrections for differential dissolution and benthic (vital?) deviations, suggest a high variability of deep-water mass ages in the late glacial period, which is explained in terms of vertical motion of deep-water mass boundaries across the recording sites. The fluctuations are ascribed to sporadic increases in deep-water production in the North Pacific during cold periods and to the presence of a glacial bottom-water mass which resisted mixing during deglaciation.
A Communitarian Approach to Creativity

The political and cultural milieu and the differential distribution of power among individuals and groups within a society constrain creative activity in science, art, and entrepreneurship. Standard psychological theories view creativity as arising largely from the unique or extraordinary characteristics of individuals (e.g., mental processes, background knowledge, intellective style, personality, motivation, etc.), giving voice to social attitudes and beliefs about the folklore of such terms as the lone genius, brilliant inventor, estranged artist, or ruthless entrepreneur. In fact, any creative product emerges from a unique coincidence of individual intellective abilities; the nature and relative sophistication of a scientific, artistic or entrepreneurial domain; the complexity and structure of the field of legitimization; and the distribution of power and resources within a group, community, or society.
Socialization of Attitudes Toward the Legal System.

Socialization to the legal system was explored with data on attitudes toward policemen, the Supreme Court, and the fairness of laws obtained from approximately 9000 elementary school children tested in 1961–62. Analysis of variance was used to examine differences by school grade, sex, social class, and intelligence. Four models of the process of socialization were also discussed. Lower-middle class children tended to give higher ratings to the policeman than either upper-middle or lower class children, a precursor perhaps of the current “law and order” emphasis in adults from this group. There was also a significant increase with age in the amount of difference between the attitudes of boys and girls.
A simple hobby Computer-based off-gas analysis system

An Apple II computer has been adapted to monitor fermentation offgas in laboratory and pilot scale fermentors. It can calculate oxygen uptake rates, carbon dioxide evolution rates, respiratory quotient as well as initiating recalibration procedures. In this report the computer-based off-gas analysis system is described.
Synovial joints: from development to homeostasis

Synovial joint morphogenesis occurs through the condensation of mesenchymal cells into a non-cartilaginous region known as the interzone and the specification of progenitor cells that commit to the articular fate. Although several signaling molecules are expressed by the interzone, the mechanism is poorly understood. For treatments of cartilage injuries, it is critical to discover the presence of joint progenitor cells in adult tissues and their expression gene pattern. Potential stem cell niches have been found in different joint regions, such as the surface zone of articular cartilage, synovium, and groove of Ranvier. Inherited joint malformations as well as joint-degenerating conditions are often associated with other skeletal defects and may be seen as the failure of morphogenic factors to establish the correct microenvironment in cartilage and bone. Therefore, exploring how joints form can help us understand how cartilage and bone are damaged and develop drugs to reactivate this developing mechanism.
Magnetohydrodynamic Couette flow as affected by wall electrical conductances

Die Effekte der Veranderung der elektrischen Leitfahigkeit der Wande auf eine magnetohydrodynamische Couettestromung werden untersucht. Die Untersuchung wird durchgefuhrt unter der allgemeinen Voraussetzung verschiedener Dicken und Leitfahigkeiten der beiden Wande. Man findet, dass der Einfluss irgendwelcher Wandungsbedingungen durch die sog. ≪elektrischen Leitfahigkeitsverhaltnisse≫ ϕ u und ϕ l wiedergegeben werden kann. Fur ϕ u =ϕ l werden die Resultate vonLehnert (1952) wiedergefunden, wahrend fur ϕ u ≠ϕ l stark abweichende Geschwindigkeitsprofile erhalten werden.
Sound Radiation from a Supersonic Jet Passing Through a Partially Open Exhaust Duct

The radiation of sound from a perfectly expanded Mach 2.5 cold supersonic jet of 25.4 mm exit diameter flowing through a partially open rigid-walled duct with an upstream i-deflector has been studied experimentally. In the experiments, the nozzle is mounted vertically, with the nozzle exit plane at a height of 73 jet diameters above ground level. Relative to the nozzle exit plane (NEP), the location of the duct inlet is varied at 10, 5, and -1 jet diameters. Far-field sound pressure levels were obtained at 54 jet diameters above ground with the aid of acoustic sensors equally spaced around a circular arc of radius equal to 80 jet diameters from the jet axis. Data on the jet acoustic field for the partially open duct were obtained and compared with those with a free jet and with a closed duct. The results suggest that for the partially open duct the overall sound pressure level (OASPL) decreases as the distance between the NEP and the duct inlet plane decreases, while the opposite trend is observed for the closed duct. It is also concluded that the observed peak frequency in the partially open duct increases above the free jet value as the angle from the duct axis is increased, and as the duct inlet plane becomes closer to the NEP.
Another Case of Unequal Crossing-Over in Drosophila Melanogaster

Females homozygous for the sex-linked dominant, Bar, occasionally give rise to wildtype reversions and to forms with more extreme eye reduction than Bar. This behavior was shown by Sturtevant1 to result from unequal crossing-over. The Bar-reverted type was considered to be a deficiency for the Bar gene; while the extreme form, called Ultra-Bar or Double-Bar, was interpreted as a duplication for that gene. Later, Wright2 suggested that Bar itself had something additional present which when lost by unequal crossing-over would give back a normal chromosome (Bar-reverted).
Vomeronasal receptors in Turtles

The functional similarities observed with electrophysiological techniques between olfactory and vomeronasal receptors allow speculation that morphological details essential to the common function should be observed in both cases. Both mucosae have primary receptors within the epithelium which are surrounded, but not completely isolated, by so-called supporting cells. These last secrete a granular product. In both epithelia receptor cells contact each other at the axonal, perikaryal, dendritic and junctional complex levels. The axons of the two types of receptors are unmyelinated and their diameter ranges from 0.1 to 0.4 micron. The most interesting difference between the two types of receptors lies at the level of their exposed endings. The olfactory vesicle, as it is classically represented in olfactory receptors and is common in those of turtles in the form of a ball-like protrusion above the epithelial surface, is usually missing in the vomeronasal receptors. These have a tapering cone-shaped irregular projection always complicated by a set of branched microvilli. They do, furthermore, consistently lack cilia. This observation is in agreement with recent TEM observations. The assumption that cilia are essential in the mechanism of olfactory transduction is discussed on the basis of these anatomical findings.
Cell proliferation and growth in C. elegans.

The cell division and differentiation events that occur during the development of the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans are nearly identical between different individuals, a feature that distinguishes this organism from larger and more complex metazoans, such as humans and Drosophila. In view of this discrepancy, it might be expected that the regulation of cell growth, division and differentiation in C. elegans would involve mechanisms separate from those utilized in larger animals. However, the results of recent genetic, molecular and cellular studies indicate that C. elegans employs an arsenal of developmental regulatory mechanisms quite similar to those wielded by its arthropod and vertebrate relatives. Thus, the nematode system is providing both novel and complementary insights into the general problem of how growth and patterning events are integrated in development. This review offers a general perspective on the regulation of cell division and growth in C. elegans, emphasizing recent studies of these crucial aspects of development.
Passive Microwave Brightness Temperatures as Proxies for Hailstorms

Abstract The Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM) satellite has been used to infer distributions of intense thunderstorms. Besides the lightning measurements from TRMM, the radar reflectivities and passive microwave brightness temperatures have been used as proxies for convective vigor. This is based on large graupel or hail lofted by strong updrafts being the cause of high–radar reflectivity values aloft and extremely low brightness temperatures. This paper seeks to empirically confirm that extremely low brightness temperatures are often accompanied by large hail at the surface. The three frequencies examined (85, 37, and 19 GHz) all show an increasing likelihood of hail reports with decreasing brightness temperature. Quantification is limited by the sparsity of hail reports. Hail reports are common when brightness temperatures are below 70 K at 85 GHz, 180 K at 37 GHz, or 230 K at 19 GHz.
Teaching laboratory medicine to medical students: implementation and evaluation.

Context.—Laboratory medicine is an integral component of patient care. Approximately 60% to 70% of medical decisions are based on laboratory results. Physicians in specialties that order the tests are teaching medical students laboratory medicine and test use with minimal input from laboratory scientists who implement and maintain the quality control for those tests. Objective.—To develop, implement, and evaluate a 1.5-day medical student clinical laboratory experience for fourth-year medical students in their last month of training. Design.—The experience was devised and directed by laboratory scientists and included a panel discussion, laboratory tours, case studies that focused on the goals and objectives recently published by the Academy of Clinical Laboratory Physicians and Scientists, and medical-student presentations highlighting salient points of the experience. The same knowledge quiz was administered at the beginning and end of the experience and 84 students took both quizzes. Results.—A score o...
Balancing Test Length with Sufficiently Reliable Scores

One of the most important indicators of a quality examination is the reliability of the scores. In low to moderate stakes scenarios it is desirable for scores to achieve a minimum estimate of .70. Unfortunately, for many medical educators it is difficult to attain this minimum threshold for “acceptable” statistical reproducibility. A common approach is to include additional items to an exam, but this process can become cumbersome and misguided without clear direction. Fortunately, the Spearman-Brown Prophecy formula can help medical educators identify approximately how many additional items will be necessary to achieve a minimum reliability estimate of .70. This article describes a case in which we were presented with a less than desirable reliability estimate from a previous medical school examination, utilized the Spearman-Brown Prophecy formula, and was able to achieve the minimum estimate of .70 on the next iteration of the examination. We encourage others to make use of this technique rarely utilized outside of the psychometric arena as well.
Ethanol inhibition of N-methyl-D-aspartate-activated current in mouse hippocampal neurones: whole-cell patch-clamp analysis

1 The action of ethanol on N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA)-activated ion current was studied in mouse hippocampal neurones in culture using whole-cell patch-clamp recording. 2 Ethanol inhibited NMDA-activated current in a voltage-independent manner, and did not alter the reversal potential of NMDA-activated current. 3 Concentration–response analysis of NMDA- and glycine-activated current revealed that ethanol decreased the maximal response to both agonists without affecting their EC50 values. 4 The polyamine spermine (1 μM) increased amplitude of NMDA-activated current but did not alter the percentage inhibition of ethanol. 5 Compared to an extracellular pH of 7.0, pH 6.0 decreased and pH 8.0 increased the amplitude of NMDA-activated current, but these changes in pH did not significantly alter the percentage inhibition by ethanol. 6 The sulphydryl reducing agent dithiothreitol (2 mM) increased the amplitude of NMDA-activated current, but did not affect the percentage inhibition by ethanol. 7 Mg2+ (10, 100, 500 μM), Zn2+ (5, 20 μM) or ketamine (2, 10 μM) decreased the amplitude of NMDA-activated current, but did not affect the percentage inhibition by ethanol. 8 The observations are consistent with ethanol inhibiting the function of NMDA receptors by a non-competitive mechanism that does not involve several modulatory sites on the NMDA receptor–ionophore complex. British Journal of Pharmacology (1997) 122, 1035–1042; doi:10.1038/sj.bjp.0701483
Comparison of Partial-Thickness and Full-Thickness Filtration Procedures in Open-Angle Glaucoma

We compared the results of partial-thickness (trabeculectomy) vs full-thickness (trephine) filtration surgery when used as the primary surgical treatment of medically uncontrolled open-angle glaucoma. Prospectively acquired data were used from a series of patients who were examined and operated on by one surgeon. Both groups of data were gathered consecutively and concurrently. The choice of operation was made on the basis of the pressure level required for control of the glaucoma, the full-thickness procedure being chosen for eyes with the most advanced cupping and field loss. The partial-thickness group had a significantly higher postoperative pressure and signficiantly lower incidences of postoperative flat anterior chambers and identifiable filtration blebs.
Group therapists and AIDS groups: An exploration of traumatic stress reactions

As the AIDS epidemic continues unabated, there is growing clinical evidence that the catastrophic nature of this disease is creating a second category of trauma casualties. They are the health care practitioners who witness the narratives of those who are living with and dying from AIDS. This article examines how multiple AIDS-related deaths of group members exert a traumatizing effect on group therapists, creating “vicarious traumatization.” Vignettes are presented that illustrate reactions associated with traumatic stress, including death images, survivors' guilt, psychic numbing, suspicion of counterfeit nurturance, and struggle for meaning. Possible therapeutic interventions for group therapists coping with multiple deaths are also explored.
The Anzac book and the Anzac legend: C.E.W. Bean as editor and image–maker

(1985). The Anzac book and the Anzac legend: C.E.W. Bean as editor and image–maker. Historical Studies: Vol. 21, No. 84, pp. 376-390.
Polar code design for intersymbol interference channels

We analyze the general form of the extrinsic information transfer curve of polar codes viewed as multilevel codes with multistage decoding. Based on this analysis, we propose a graphical design methodology to construct polar codes for intersymbol interference channels. The method matches the extrinsic information transfer curve of the code to that of the intersymbol interference channels, so that there is an open convergence tunnel between the two. We show that polar codes can provide such a matching to the channel curve under soft-cancellation decoding and propose one such method to achieve it. Example code designs are presented to demonstrate that polar codes that are optimized for an ISI channel can significantly outperform polar codes that are designed for an AWGN channel.
Distribution and seismic facies of Mississippi fan channels

Analysis of a closely spaced grid of multifold seismic data across the upper Pliocene-Pleistocene Mississippi fan in the deep Gulf of Mexico allows for the first time a detailed description of a large part of the fan. Mapping of the 17 channel-levee systems show considerable variability in parameters such as size, location, geometry, lateral migration, aggradation, sinuosity, and downfan bifurcation, which suggests that multiple factors control channel evolution. The youngest channel, cored during Deep Sea Drilling Project Leg 96, refects only style in channel evolution. Such complexity in large, mud-dominated, submarine fan systems must be considered in evaluating fan models and interpreting ancient fan systems.
Racial microaggressions in everyday life: Implications for clinical practice.

Racial microaggressions are brief and commonplace daily verbal, behavioral, or environmental indignities, whether intentional or unintentional, that communicate hostile, derogatory, or negative racial slights and insults toward people of color. Perpetrators of microaggressions are often unaware that they engage in such communications when they interact with racial/ethnic minorities. A taxonomy of racial microaggressions in everyday life was created through a review of the social psychological literature on aversive racism, from formulations regarding the manifestation and impact of everyday racism, and from reading numerous personal narratives of counselors (both White and those of color) on their racial/cultural awakening. Microaggressions seem to appear in three forms: microassault, microinsult, and microinvalidation. Almost all interracial encounters are prone to microaggressions; this article uses the White counselor--client of color counseling dyad to illustrate how they impair the development of a therapeutic alliance. Suggestions regarding education and training and research in the helping professions are discussed.
Hamlet: Drama as discovery and as metaphor

(1956). Hamlet: Drama as discovery and as metaphor. Studia Neophilologica: Vol. 28, No. 2, pp. 118-129.
Modeling of the Endosomolytic Activity of HA2-TAT Peptides with Red Blood Cells and Ghosts

HA2-TAT is a peptide-based delivery agent that combines the pH-sensitive HA2 fusion peptide from influenza and the cell-penetrating peptide TAT from HIV. This chimeric peptide is engineered to induce the cellular uptake of macromolecules into endosomes via the TAT moiety and to respond to the acidifying lumen of endosomes to cause membrane leakage and release of macromolecules into cells via the HA2 moiety. The question of how HA2 and TAT affect the properties of one another remains, however, unanswered, and the behavior of the peptide inside endosomes is mostly uncharacterized. To address these issues, the binding and membrane leakage activity of a glutamic acid-enriched analogue E5-TAT was assessed with red blood cells and giant unilamellar vesicles as membrane models for endosomes. Hemolysis and microscopy assays reveal that E5-TAT binds to membranes in a pH-dependent manner and causes membrane leakage by inducing the formation of pores through which macromolecules can escape. The TAT moiety contributes to this activity by causing a shift in the pH response of E5 and by binding to negatively charged phospholipids. On the other hand, TAT binding to glycosaminoglycans reduces the lytic activity of E5-TAT. Addition of TAT to the C-terminus of E5 can therefore either increase or inhibit the activity of E5 depending on the cellular components present at the membrane. Taken together, these results suggest a model for the endosomolytic activity of the peptide and provide the basis for the molecular design of future delivery agents.
Using a Surface Energy Balance Model (ReSET-Raster) to Estimate Seasonal Crop Water Use for Large Agricultural Areas: Case Study of the Palo Verde Irrigation District

AbstractWater accounting for agricultural areas is crucial for irrigation water management. Actual crop evapotranspiration (ET) is needed as an important input for agricultural water accounting, yet obtaining accurate measurements of actual ET for all crops in an area that reflects the spatial variability in crop condition is not possible with the traditional ET estimation methods. The traditional ET estimation methods are based on using weather-based reference ET and crop coefficients (Kc). This traditional approach usually overestimates crop water use because most users assume that crops are in close to optimal growing conditions (i.e., potential ET) which is not always the case. The objective of this paper is to assess the use of actual evapotranspiration estimated by a surface energy balance model called remote sensing of evapotranspiration (ReSET-Raster) in estimating seasonal crop water use for large agricultural areas instead of the traditional ET estimation method based on reference ET and crop Kc...
Unlocking the potential of the Internet to improve college choice: a comparative case study of college-access Web tools

Students and parents rely on Web-based tools to navigate the college-choice process, yet little research has been done to understand this environment. While this shift has made the process easier to navigate for some, we contend that the move will grow an already large digital divide in the USA. We use Hossler and Gallagher's college-choice framework to examine the substance and function of three college-access Web portals. Our findings suggest these tools are likely to serve many students well in the process, but may exacerbate the digital divide with consequences for low-income students.
Investigations into the use of an LLC converter for rep-rate capacitor charging systems

Summary form only given. The Materials Testing Facility (MTF) at the U.S. Naval Research Laboratory (NRL) is developing a battery-powered, rep-rate charger for a 60-kJ capacitor bank. The objective is to charge a 4800-μF capacitor to 5-kV in four seconds for a fifty shot burst. A bank of LiFePO4 batteries is used with a full H-bridge converter, a transformer, and a rectifier to transform the 500V battery voltage to 5-kV secondary voltage.
Interaction of β-endorphin, naloxone and dopamine: effects on melanocyte-stimulating hormone secretion of amphibian pituitaries in vitro

Abstract Neurointermediate lobes from amphibians ( Rana pipiens ) were incubated in Medium 199 containing dopamine, β-endorphin or dopamine plus β-endorphin. Dopamine inhibited melanocyte-stimulating hormone (MSH) secretion as measured by bioassay in hypophysectomized frogs, an effect which was transiently reversed by β-endorphin. The effects of endorphin were in turn partially suppressed by the opiate antagonist, naloxone hydrochloride. Cells treated with all three agents exhibited expanded rough endoplasmic reticulum and decreased secretory granule content, indicative of peptide release and new synthesis. β-Endorphin alone did not stimulate MSH secretion above control levels, and at one time period was seen to reduce MSH secretion. The findings indicate a complex interaction between β-endorphin and dopamine directly upon MSH secretion at the level of the neurointermediate lobe.
Poisson’s ratio of porous and microcracked solids: Theory and application to oxide superconductors

We present a theoretical study of the effective Poisson’s ratio of elastic solids weakened by porosity and microcracks. Explicit expressions of the effective Poisson’s ratio are obtained using the Mori-Tanaka mean-field approach as applied to macroscopically isotropic solids containing randomly distributed and randomly oriented spheroidal pores. We focus on the influence of pore shape and concentration and devote special attention to the limiting cases of spherical, penny-shape, and needle-shape pores. A key result of this study is that the effective Poisson’s ratio depends only on pore concentration, pore shape, and Poisson’s ratio of the bulk solid. In other words, it is independent of any other elastic constants of the bulk solid. Also, the ratio of the shear and bulk moduli behaves similarly. Unlike other elastic constants which monotonically decrease with pore concentration, Poisson’s ratio may increase, decrease, or remain unchanged as a function of pore concentration, depending on the pore shape and Poisson’s ratio of the bulk solid. We discuss ramifications of these findings with regard to the elastic constants of oxide superconductors, especially the bismuth cuprates, which show unusually low Poisson’s ratios. We also discuss these low Poisson’s ratios, including the possibility of negative Poisson’s ratios.
Inhibition Analysis and Inhibitor-resistant Enzymes

AMINO-ACID analogues have proved very useful in numerous investigations involving micro-organisms1. Among these applications is the technique of inhibition analysis whereby one makes a structural comparison of related molecules that competitively inhibit the growth of micro-organisms in order to derive information about the nature of an enzyme-substrate complex2. Thus, the conclusion has been reached that the (β-and e-carbons must lie in a trans-like conformation when lysine is complexed to the enzyme surface3. The terminal and β-methylene groups of methionine were reported to be cis-like to each other in the enzyme–substrate complex4. The steric and spatial relationships of the ring carbons to the (β-carbon position of the alanine side-chain of certain analogues seemingly determ ine whether the phenylalanine or the leucine enzyme-substrate complex is mimicked5.
Signal Disaggregation via Sparse Coding with Featured Discriminative Dictionary

As the issue of freshwater shortage is increasing daily, it's critical to take effective measures for water conservation. Based on previous studies, device level consumption could lead to significant conservation of freshwater. However, current smart meter deployments only produce low sample rate aggregated data. In this paper, we examine the task of separating whole-home water consumption into its component appliances. A key challenge is to address the unique features of low sample rate data. To this end, we propose Sparse Coding with Featured Discriminative Dictionary (SCFDD) by incorporating inherent shape and activation features to capture the discriminative characteristics of devices. In addition, extensive experiments were performed to validate the effectiveness of SCFDD.
The integration of the Vlasov equation for a magnetized plasma

Abstract A second-order splitting scheme is developed to integrate the three-dimensional Vlasov equation for a plasma in a magnetic field. In the scheme we divide the integration of the Vlasov equation into a series of intermediate steps and Fourier interpolation and the accurate space derivative method with a third-order Taylor expansion are used to integrate the fractional equations. Numerical experiments related to cyclotron waves in 2 and 2 1 2 D are demonstrated with high accuracy and efficiency.
The identification of meteorite inclusions with isotope anomalies

Ca-Al refractory inclusions with characteristic chemical and mineralogical compositions show an enhanced occurrence of 20 pct of isotope anomalies reflecting unknown nucleosynthetic effects for O and Mg. The anomalies are characterized by large isotope fractionation in Mg, apparent deficits in Mg-26/Mg-24, and large correlated effects for isotopes of Ca, Ti, and Cr. These isotope patterns define exotic components depleted in the most neutron-rich isotopes of Ca, Ti, and Cr, or components depleted in isotopes produced in explosive O and Si burning. An opaque assemblage within one of the inclusions yields isotope anomalies in Cr similar to the bulk inclusion and must be intrinsically part of the inclusion and not a trapped, foreign grain aggregate.
Alternate crop and weed host plant oviposition preferences by the Mexican rice borer (Lepidoptera: Crambidae)

Abstract The Mexican rice borer, Eoreuma loftini (Dyar), is the key pest of sugarcane, Saccharum hybrids, in south Texas, having largely displaced the sugarcane borer, Diatraea saccharalis (F.), and it is moving into rice- and sugarcane-growing areas of east Texas and Louisiana. While a number of alternative weed and crop hosts have been reported, the extent to which they might support Mexican rice borer populations is unknown. This study involved choice assays that compared oviposition preference for and larval infestations of five mature graminaceous weed species. Levels of infestation between sugarcane and corn, Zea mays L., crop hosts and between corn and sorghum, Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench, were also assessed. We determined that the average number of larval entry holes in sudangrass stems was ≥2.5-fold more than for any of the other four weed host plants, that corn had ≥5.9-fold more larval entry holes than sorghum and ≥8.2-fold more than sugarcane. Greater oviposition and infestation of one non-crop host over another was not related to numbers of stems per plant, but was associated with the greater stem diameter and abundance of dry leaf tissue found in Sudangrass, Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench ssp. drummondi (Nees ex Steud.) de Wet & Harlan, johnsongrass, S . halepense (L.) and barnyardgrass, Echinochloa crus-galli (L.) P. Beauv.; relative to the other weed species in this study. In terms of the crop plants, stalk diameter and quantity of dry leaf tissue were not associated with numbers of eggs or larval entry holes in the choice assays between corn and sorghum, and between sugarcane and corn. While corn has been known as a host of the Mexican rice borer for at least 84 yr, its role in area-wide population dynamics and control efforts has likely been greatly underestimated.
High-order end-to-end model for the ERBE scanning thermistor bolometer radiometers

The Earth Radiation Budget Experiment (ERBE) consists of a suite of three scanning and four nonscanning radiometric instruments on each of three satellites which monitor the solar- reflected and Earth-emitted components of the Earth's radiative energy budget. A numerical model has been formulated to study the dynamic behavior and equivalence of the ERBE scanning thermistor bolometer radiometers. The finite difference method is applied to the detector of the ERBE scanning radiometer to characterize its thermal and electrical dynamic behavior. The thermal analysis confirms the thermal time constant of the instrument claimed by the vendor. The model reveals that the instrument can be very sensitive to spatial variations of the incident thermal radiation. However, the analysis confirms that the hypothesis of equivalence is justified for viewing typical Earth scenes. The high-order numerical model described in this paper is a key component of the end-to-end dynamic electrothermal model under development for the ERBE and CERES scanning radiometric channels.
A comparative study of techniques to write customizable libraries

Code libraries are characterized by feature-richness --- and, consequently, high overhead. The library specialization problem is the problem of obtaining a low-overhead version of library code when the rich feature set is not needed. A version of that problem is this: Given a class with certain core functionality and some "optional" features, how can we offer the client a menu of features such that the specific class answering this request is unencumbered by fields or computation not needed for the requested features? This paper presents a comparative study of several approaches to this version of the library specialization problem. We evaluate object-oriented programming, feature-oriented programming, colored IDE, aspect-oriented programming, C-style preprocessor directives, and fragment-oriented program generation. We find that all of these techniques have shortcomings.
Postoperative Evaluation of Ascending Aortic Prosthetic Conduits by Magnetic Resonance Imaging

Operative repair of ascending thoracic aortic dissection and aneurysm often involves the placement of prosthetic aortic conduits and stents with wrapping of the native aorta around the prosthetic device. Postoperative assessment has been clinical because of the absence of an adequate noninvasive imaging modality and a reluctance to perform invasive contrast aortography. Magnetic resonance imaging was performed on ten patients after operative placement of a prosthetic ascending aortic graft. The MR images were reviewed and a grading system was devised based on appearance of the operative site. An increase in MR signal was noted in some patients between the graft and wrapped native vessel. In 20 percent of patients vascular lumen compromise was noted. Magnetic resonance imaging offers a noninvasive technique to assess postoperative complications and offers a viable alternative to invasive contrast aortography. (Chest 1990; 97:106-10)
Plasmodium gallinaceum: Critical role for microtubules in the transformation of zygotes into ookinetes

The role of microtubules and microfilaments in the transformation of spherical zygotes of Plasmodium gallinaceum (avian malaria parasite) into vermiform ookinetes has been studied by using specific drugs (taxol, colchicine, and cytochalasin-B). Both taxol and colchicine completely abolished the transformation of zygotes into ookinetes. The inhibitory effect was seen only if the drugs were added during the initial 6 hr of total time (20–24 hr) required for complete transformation; the addition of drugs after 6–8 hr of initiation of transformation had no effect. Electron microscopy revealed that microtubules were depolymerized by colchicine treatment, whereas in taxol-treated cells there was an extensive array of cytoplasmic and nuclear microtubules which appeared to be clumped in bundles. In contrast to the effects of taxol and colchicine, cytochalasin-B, which affects the microfilament system, had no effect on the transformation. Protein synthesis and expression of two ookinete-specific surface proteins were not affected in the drug-inhibited parasites. Zygotes treated with taxol for 4 hr at room temperature failed to develop into oocysts when they were subsequently fed to mosquitoes. These studies demonstrate a critical role for microtubules in the initial stages of transformation of zygotes into ookinetes.
Statistical Analysis of Clinical Prediction Rules for Rehabilitation Interventions: Current State of the Literature

Deriving clinical prediction rules (CPRs) to identify specific characteristics of patients who would likely respond to certain interventions has become a research priority in physical rehabilitation. Understanding the appropriate statistical principles and methods of analyses underlying the derivation of CPRs is important for future rehabilitation research and clinical applications. In this article, we aimed to provide an overview of statistical techniques used for the derivation of CPRs to predict success following physical therapy interventions and to generate recommendations for improvements in CPR derivation research and statistical analysis in rehabilitation. We have summarized the current state of CPR intervention-related research by reviewing 26 studies. A common technique was found in most studies and included univariate association of factors with treatment success, stepwise logistic regression to determine the most parsimonious set of predictors for success, and calculation of accuracy statistics (focusing on positive likelihood ratios). We identified several shortcomings related to inadequate ratio of events by number of predictors, lack of standardization regarding acceptable interobserver reliability of predictors, questionable handling of predictors including reliance on univariate analysis and early categorization, and not accounting for dependence and collinearity of predictors in multivariable model construction. Interpretation of the derived CPRs was found to be difficult due to lack of precision of estimates and paradoxical findings when a subset of the predictors yielded a larger positive likelihood ratio than did the full set of predictors. Finally, we make recommendations regarding how to strengthen the use of statistical principles and methods to create consistency across rehabilitation research for CPR derivations.
Gonadal and erectile dysfunction in diabetics.

The high prevalence of erectile dysfunction in patients with diabetes is caused mainly by vascular and neurological conditions; nevertheless, hypogonadism may also contribute to erectile dysfunction and to changes in mood, libido, body composition, and bone density. Age, obesity, and the assay used to measure testosterone will affect the diagnosis of hypogonadism. This article focuses on the interaction of these conditions and attempts to explain possible mechanisms for observations reported in the literature.
A CRITICAL REVIEW OF CHILD CUSTODY EVALUATION REPORTS

This study examined 52 child custody reports drafted by doctoral-level psychologists from across the United States to determine (a) the nature, scope, and quality of the evaluation process as reflected in report content; (b) the degree to which practice as documented in reports is congruent with practice as described by survey data, and (c) the manner in which evaluation results are communicated to the court. In general, the findings suggest that evaluation procedures identified in reports are consistent with those described in past survey research and with custody guidelines. Evaluations tend to be court ordered, comprehensive, and well written. Ways in which reports can be improved were identified. One of the most controversial areas of forensic psychology is child custody practice. Numerous authors have criticized the quality of evaluations completed in this area (Melton, Petrila, Poythress, & Slobogin, 1997; Melton, Weithorn, & Slobogin, 1985; O’Donohue & Bradley, 1999; Turkat, 1993). Complaints have included the lack of empirical methods, the inappropriate use of psychological tests, the improper use and interpretation of data, and the lack of usefulness to the court. O’Donohue & Bradley (1999) even called for a moratorium on such evaluations. In 1994, two professional organizations promulgated child custody guidelines to promote proficiency in this area. These guidelines, the then-Association of Family and Conciliation Courts’ (AFCC‘s) “Courts Model Standards of Practice for Child Custody Evaluations” and the American Psychological Association’s (ApAs) “Guidelines for Child Custody Evaluations in Divorce Proceedings” addressed the purpose of the evaluation, preparatory and training issues, and procedural steps. Adherence to these guidelines and the quality of custody evaluations and reports continue to be areas of debate.
Ultrahigh energy photons, electrons, and neutrinos, the microwave background, and the universal cosmic-ray hypothesis

The production of ultrahigh energy photons, electrons and neutrinos as the decay products of pions produced in photomeson interactions between cosmic ray nucleons and the blackbody microwave background is discussed in terms of the resultant energy spectra of these particles. Simple asymptotic formulas are given for calculating the ultrahigh energy photon spectrum predicted for the universal cosmic ray hypothesis and the resulting spectra are compared with those obtained previously by numerical means using a different propagation equation for the photons. Approximate analytic solutions for the photon spectra are given in terms of simple power-law energy functions and slowly varying logarithmic functions.
Characterization and phenotypic stability of human disc cells in Vitro

Successful in vitro studies of disc cells require interaction of the cell with a compatible microenvironment which favors expression of the disc cell phenotype. The objective of this study was to characterize cells grown by standardized methods of isolation and passage, and culture cells from the human annulus in three-dimensional culture. Cells from the annulus of 11 individuals were cultured in alginate or agarose for ten days, and extracellular matrix components were evaluated with immunohistochemistry and quantitative analysis of the percent of colonies producing Type I or II collagen, 4-sulfated chondroitin sulfate or keratan sulfate. Results show production of these four extracellular matrix products through multiple passages and support the phenotypic stability of disc cells in three-dimensional culture.