cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Poison-drinking in obedience to the faith: a phenomenological study of the experience

In Appalachia, there are certain Christian sects who handle venomous serpents in their church services. Although their serpent handling has received some attention, another of their practices, poison-drinking, has all but escaped the concern of investigators. Addressing this issue, this study included phenomenological interviews with seven believers who ingested strychnine at church. A hermeneutic analysis of their transcribed interviews discovered four major themes that emerged across all protocols to describe the structure of meaning in the experience of poison-drinking: (1) Desire to Drink; (2) “God Moving on Me” (in terms of Anointing and “Insurance” against Harm); (3) Already “Snake Bit”; and (4) “Victory”/“Devil Troubling My Mind”. These interdependent themes are discussed in relation to the existential grounds of body, others, time, and world.
Parameter Estimation from Longitudinal Relaxation Studies in Coupled Two-Spin- {1}/{2} Systems Using Monte Carlo Simulations

Abstract A study of the factors which affect the precision and accuracy of longitudinal relaxation time measurements of coupled nuclearspin systems is performed using Monte Carlo simulations. These factors include the number and type of initial conditions, the signal-to-noise ratio of the experiment, the spacing of the relaxation delays, the maximum relaxation delay, the strength of the magnetic field, and the viscosity of the solution. Parameters obtained from experimental observations of the phosphite anion, PHO2−3, are used as a test case. The results of this study indicate that the optimal condition for obtaining dynamic and structural information from NMR longitudinal relaxation time experiments is to perform the experiments at a temperature slightly above the T1 minimum of the decoupled system (i.e., in the dispersion region). This optimal temperature is dependent upon the system being studied and will be field dependent if the chemical-shift anisotropy is a contributor to the relaxation of the nuclei. Fitting data from three boundary conditions simultaneously is optimal using quadratic spacing of the relaxation delays with the maximum value being three times the apparent T1 of the slowest-relaxing transition. In addition, a description of the J-ordered spin state (antiphase magnetization) using density-matrix theory and its use as an initial condition in longitudinal relaxation experiments is presented. It was found that the spin magnetization in the J-ordered spin state is equally partitioned between the coupled nuclei, in this case phosphorus and proton.
Induction of β-lactamase and methicillin resistance in unusual strains of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus

Two unusual, heterogeneously-resistant, strains of Staphylococcus aureus appeared resistant to oxacillin, but susceptible to methicillin by disc diffusion methods. In agar dilution tests, both strains were oxacillin-resistant. One was susceptible to methicillin, and the other gave a paradoxical reaction, with growth only on plates containing low (0.5, 1 and 2 mg/l) and high (32 and 64 mg/l) concentrations of antibiotic. Induction of methicillin resistance was tested by inoculating each strain on to agar plates containing an inhibitory concentration of methicillin (8 mg/l), and then placing discs containing inducers (oxacillin, nafcillin, methicillin and CBAP [2-(2'-carboxyphenyl) benzoyl-6-aminopenicillanic acid]) on the agar surface. Colonies grew only around discs containing effective inducers. Oxacillin and CBAP were much more potent inducers of methicillin resistance and beta-lactamase than was nafcillin or methicillin. These data suggest that the mechanism that regulates induction of the low-affinity penicillin binding protein (PBP-2') may be altered in these strains. Similar mechanisms appear to induce both beta-lactamase and methicillin resistance.
On complete semicardinal quadrature formulae

Abstract We consider so-called complete semicardinal quadrature formulae (q.f.), as opposed to Euler-Maclaurin or natural semicardinal q.f. By requiring our q.f. to be exact for a particular sequence of B-splines, we are led by a generating function approach to a characterization of these q.f. and are able to determine their coefficients very accurately.
α-Adrenergic inhibition of thyrotropin-releasing hormone-induced prolactin secretion in GH4C1 cells is associated with a depressed rise in intracellular Ca2+

Abstract α-Adrenergic receptors are present on the plasma membrane of normal anterior pituitary cells and α-adrenergic agonists may play a role in the secretion of corticotropin (ACTH) and thyrotropin (TSH). However, α-adrenergic involvement in prolactin (PRL) secretion is uncertain. We have therefore examined this question in the PRL-secreting clonal rat pituitary tumor-derived GH4C1 cells. Norepinephrine (NE), an α-adrenergic agonist, had no effect on basal PRL secretion but abolished thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH)-induced PRL secretion in a dose-dependent manner (EC50 100 nM). NE also significantly suppressed the TRH-stimulated rise in [Ca2+]i. Phentolamine (PA), a non-selective α-adrenergic antagonist, reversed the inhibitory effect of NE on both the TRH-stimulated PRL secretion and [Ca2+]i rise. NE did not inhibit the rise in PRL secretion or [Ca2+]i induced by depolarizing 30 mM K+, 30% hyposmolarity or BAY K-8644, a specific L-type Ca2+ channel agonist. The inhibitory effect of NE on TRH-induced PRL and [Ca2+]i changes was also present when Ca2+ influx was prevented by removing medium Ca2+ or by blocking L-type Ca2+ channels with 2 μM nifedipine. The TRH-stimulated first-phase rise in [Ca2+]i in GH4C1 cells is believed to result primarily from release of sequestered Ca2+ from an intracellular pool through the activation of inositol 1,4,5-tri-sphosphate (IP3) and this [Ca2+]i spike stimulates PRL secretion. Our data thus suggest that GH4C1 cells have α-adrenergic receptors and that α-adrenergic agonists either suppress IP3 generation or block IP3 release of sequestered intracellular Ca2+.
Development of adult thoracic leg muscles during metamorphosis of the hawk moth Manduca sexta

During metamorphosis, the larval thoracic legs of the hawk moth Manduca sexta are replaced by a new set of adult legs. The larval leg motoneurons persist to innervate new adult muscles, and the motor terminals remain within the developing adult legs. Here we describe the fate of the larval leg muscles and the origin of new muscles within the adult legs. During the larval instars, large and small nuclei proliferate within leg muscle fibers. Near the end of the larval stage a subset of the small nuclei undergo a wave of proliferation, as indicated by the incorporation of 5-bromodeoxyuridine, whereas other nuclei die. However, none of the larval leg muscles fibers persist to serve as templates for adult muscle formation, and there was no evidence for persistence of larval myonuclei. Migrating myoblasts that are born within aggregate to form adult muscle anlagen at specific production sites within the developing imaginal legs. Intense nuclear proliferation occurs within the anlagen during the early pupal stage, followed by muscle fiber formation and striation. We conclude that adult leg muscles form mainly, if not exclusively, from migrating myoblasts that without the involvement of larval elements.
Simulation of reactive nanolaminates using reduced models: I. Basic formulation

Abstract Development and testing are described of a reduced model for the simulation of transient reactions in Ni/Al nanolaminates. The model relies on a simplified description of local atomic mixing rates, expressed in terms of an evolution equation for a dimensionless time scale that reflects the age of the mixed layer. The latter is obtained from a theoretical analysis of the quasi-1D evolution equation of a conserved scalar, which also yields canonical curves for the mean composition and its relevant moments as function of the local bilayer age. The reduced model is tested against results of the detailed model of Besnoin et al. [E. Besnoin, S. Cerutti, O.M. Knio, T.P. Weihs, J. Appl. Phys. 92 (2002) 5474–5481] for different scenarios, including self-propagating reactions, and ignition thresholds. Results show that the reduced model predictions are in good agreement with those obtained using the detailed model. By achieving order-of-magnitude increase in computation efficiency, the present model reduction formalism offers a path towards modeling transient reaction fronts in multiple space dimensions.
Pyridinium-derived N-heterocyclic carbene complexes of platinum: synthesis, structure and ligand substitution kinetics.

A series of [(R-iso-BIPY)Pt(CH3)L ]+X- complexes [R-iso-BIPY = N-(2-pyridyl)-R-pyridine-2-ylidene; (R = 4-H, 1; 4-tert-butyl, 2; 4-dimethylamino, 3; 5-dimethylamino, 4); L = SMe2, b; dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), c; carbon monoxide (CO), d; X = OTf- = trifluoromethanesulfonate and/or [BPh4]-] were synthesized by cyclometalation of the [R-iso-BIPY−H]+[OTF]- salts 1a−4a ([R-iso-BIPY−H]+ = N-(2-pyridyl)-R-pyridinium) with dimethylplatinum-μ-dimethyl sulfide dimer. X-ray crystal structures for 1b, 2c−4c as well as complexes having bipyridyl and cyclometalated phenylpyridine ligands, [(bipy)Pt(CH3)(DMSO)]+ (5c) and (C11H8N)Pt(CH3)(DMSO) (6c), have been determined. The pyridinium-derived N-heterocyclic carbene complexes display localized C−C and C−N bonds within the pyridinium ligand that are indicative of carbene π-acidity. The significantly shortened platinum−carbon distance, for “parent” complex 1b, together with NMR parameters and the ν(CO) values for carbonyl cations 1d−4d support a degree of Pt−C10 multiple ...
A theory for free outflow beneath radial gates

An analysis is made of the free outflow of fluid from those underflow gates known as radial or Tainter gates. Attention is focused on a correct treatment of the effects of gate curvature and of gravity on the flow. The rapidly convergent, iterative solution is based on the combined use of conformal mapping and the Riemann-Hilbert solution to a mixed boundary-value problem. A limited comparison with some experimental results shows agreement to be good.
Thymidine accumulation by choroid plexus in vitro

Abstract In vitro, the accumulation and release of [methyl-3H]thymidine ([ 3 H ]thymidine) by the isolated choroid plexus, the anatomical locus of the blood-cerebrospinal fluid barrier, was studied. With concentrations of [ 3 H ]thymidine in the medium of 1.0 μ m (or greater), the choroid plexus accumulated [ 3 H ]thymidine against a concentration gradient by a process that depended on intracellular energy production but did not depend on intracellular binding or metabolism of the [ 3 H ]thymidine. This transport process was inhibited (although differentially) by various nucleosides and low temperatures but not by 2-deoxyribose or pyrimidine bases. With concentrations of less than 1.0 μ m [ 3 H ]thymidine in the medium, the choroid plexus accumulated [ 3 H ]thymidine against a concentration gradient. However, the majority of the [ 3 H ]thymidine within the choroid plexus was metabolized to [ 3 H ]thymidine nucleotides at low extracellular [ 3 H ]thymidine concentrations (3 n m ). This accumulation process depended, in large part, on saturable intracellular phosphorylation. Thymidine was the principal form released from choroid plexuses that had been incubated for various times in media containing concentrations of thymidine from 3 to 1.0 m m . The release of thymidine from choroid plexus was depressed by cold temperatures and a very high (2.56 mmol/kg) intracellular thymidine concentration.
Depression, object relations, and reality testing in women survivors of childhood abuse

This study examined the relationships between history of childhood abuse and intensity and type of depression, object relations (OR), and reality testing (RT). Subjects were 172 adult female volunteers from a university, grouped according to history of sexual abuse, physical abuse, psychological maltreatment, or having had an alcohol-abusing parent. Comparisons were also conducted between groups with histories of a single form of abuse vs. multiple forms vs. no abuse. The results supported that a history of abuse is associated with introjective (self-critical) depression (P < .000), and difficulties in interpersonal relationships (P < .000) and reality testing (P < .000). Subjects who had experienced multiple forms of abuse showed greater severity of depressive symptomatology than non-abused subjects (P < .002), but those who had experienced a single form of abuse did not differ significantly from non-abused subjects. This indicates that high depression scores may be suggestive of a history of multiple forms of abuse. Treatment implications are discussed. Depression 3:278-285 (1995/1996). © 1996 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Insulin-like and non-insulin-like selenium actions in 3T3-L1 adipocytes

In insulin-sensitive 3T3-L1 adipocytes, selenium stimulates glucose transport and antilipolysis and these actions of selenium, like insulin actions, are sensitive to wortmanin, an inhibitor of phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase (PI3K). Selenium stimulates PI3K activity that is sustained up to 24 h. Selenium after 5-10 min increases tyrosine phosphorylation of selective cellular proteins, but after 24 h overall tyrosine phosphorylation is increased. Tyrosine phosphorylation of insulin receptor substrate 1 is detected when enriched by immunoprecipitation with anti-PI3K antibody. Selenium, however, does not stimulate insulin receptor tyrosine kinase activity. Selenium also increases phosphorylation of other insulin signaling proteins, including Akt and extracellular signal regulated kinases. Selenium-stimulated glucose transport is accompanied by increases in glucose transporter-1 content in the plasma membrane. These data are consistent with similar selenium action in glucose transport in 3T3-L1 fibroblasts expressing mainly GLUT1. In chronic insulin-induced insulin resistant cells, selenium unlike insulin fully stimulates glucose transport. In summary, selenium stimulates glucose transport and antilipolysis in a PI3K-dependent manner, but independent of insulin receptor activation. Selenium exerts both insulin-like and non-insulin-like actions in cells.
Ontogeny of trill and J-call vocalizations in the pygmy marmoset, Cebuella pygmaea

Abstract Vocal ontogeny in primates is undescribed for most species, and no general pattern of vocal development has emerged from the studies that have been done. The development of two contact calls, trills and J-calls, was examined in the pygmy marmoset. Five litters (nine individuals) were tape-recorded from infancy to adulthod. The correlation of changes in the acoustical structure with age, whether stereotypy of acoustical structure increased with age, and changes in appropriate usage of trills were evaluated. There was considerable variation among the litters in the correlations of acoustic parameters with age, even in litters from the same parents. The duration of trills and the rate of frequency modulation correlated significantly with age in most litters. Frequency measures decreased with age, but were not consistently significant in litters. Only two variables, cycles per second and lowest crest, showed increasing stereotypy as measured by a progressive reduction of the coefficient of variation. J-calls were given less often than trills and few J-call variables showed significant correlations with age. The acoustic structure and usage of trills and J-calls in pygmy marmosets are not adult-like at birth, but develop with considerable individual variability. Increased stereotypy of call structure did not occur. Although some changes in acoustic structure took place over time, the most consistent aspect of vocal ontogeny in pygmy marmosets was the acquisition of adult usage.
Studies on heat-resistant thermosetting phthalocyanine polymers

New thermosetting poly(copper phthalocyanine) imide polymers with good toughness, superior thermal stability, chemical inertness, and fire resistance characteristics have been prepared. The studies of polymerization of two bisphthalonitriles were made using metal powder or metalic salt. Infrared, differential scanning calorimetry and thermogravimetric studies were used in determining the optimum conditions for polymerization and in characterizing the polymers produced. These polymers are noteworthy for their high char yield (73–76%) at 800°C in nitrogen atmosphere. These phthalocyanine, imide-thermosetting polymers are expected to be useful in preparing heat-resistant molded articles or laminates.
Tensile strip with edge cracks

Abstract The problems of a tensile strip having either a single notch perpendicular to the edge or two notches symmetrically placed is solved. A combined series and integral transform solution is used for the problem formulation and reduction to a Fredholm integral equation is achieved. Stress intensity factor, crack energy, and crack opening displacements are calculated for several values of the ratio of crack length to strip width.
Review of the Biocatalysis/Biodegradation Database (UM-BBD)

The University of Minnesota Biocatalysis/Biodegradation Database (Ellis et al., 2001) is an online compilation of microbial catabolic enzymes, reactions, and pathways for primarily synthetic organic chemical compounds. This database can be accessed free of charge at http:// umbbd.ahc.umn.edu/. As of January 2002, the database encompassed over 113 pathways containing 774 reactions, 696 compounds, and 476 enzymes present in over 306 microorganisms. This information is directly applicable toward enhancing the understanding of biocatalysis leading to specialty chemical manufacture and the biodegradation of environmental pollutants (Ellis et al., 1999). Catabolic routes for compounds having any of the 50 functional groups shown in Table 1 are provided. Unlike pathway databases such as EcoCyc (Karp et al., 2002a), MetaCyc (Karp et al., 2002b), and Kegg (Kanehisa et al., 2002), which focus primarily on intermediary metabolism, the UM-BBD is a key resource for biodegradation pathway information and is recently evolving to include the prediction of specialized catabolic routes for new compounds (Ellis et al., 2000).
An Inside-Out Approach to Storing Electrostatic Energy

The ability to achieve high-energy densities is the central challenge in energy storage and recovery. A promising strategy for increasing energy storage is to use high-performance dielectric materials, such as highly polarizable nanoparticles or polymers, or nanocomposites of the two. In this issue, Kim et al. use a molecular coating and clever chemistry to combine oxide nanoparticles with a polymer matrix, thereby producing an improved nanocomposite dielectric. Some advantages and challenges of using nanocomposites as improved dielectric materials are presented in this Perspective.
Alternating voltage-induced electrochemical synthesis of colloidal Au nanoicosahedra

A simple method of alternating voltage-induced electrochemical synthesis has been developed to synthesize highly dispersed colloidal Au nanoicosahedra of 14 ± 3 nm in size. This simple and effective method uses a common transformer to apply a zero-offset alternating voltage to a pair of identical Au electrodes that are immersed in an electrolyte solution containing ligands. The obtained Au nanoicosahedra in this work are among the smallest Au icosahedra synthesized in aqueous solutions. A series of experimental conditions have been studied, such as voltage, the electrolyte identity and concentration, stabilizer identity and concentration, and reaction temperature. The mechanistic study indicates that Au nanoicosahedra are produced on electrode surfaces through an intermediate state of AuO x . The kinetic rate constant of these Au icosahedra in catalyzing the reduction of 4-nitrophenol with sodium borohydride is found much larger than the literature values of similar Au nanocrystals. In addition, the synthesis of Au–Pd-alloyed NCs has also been attempted.
A cytogenetic study of male breast cancer

Abstract In a direct preparation from a male breast carcinoma two populations of cells were present, one hypodiploid (range 25–34) and the other hypertriploid (range 56–84). Twenty-two marker chromosomes were recognized. One of these, dic(5;11)(p14;q23) was present in one or two coples in every cell and has not been reported in any other case of breast cancer. There was a consistent monosomy of chromosome 7 and, in the hypertriploid cells, a gain of one to three copies of chromosome 3. The breakpoint 11q23 in a rare, folate-sensitive fragile site but was not expressed in peripheral blood cell lymphocytes from the patient.
The expanding genetic toolkit for exploring mechanisms of general anesthesia.

Serious scientific efforts aimed at understanding how general anesthetics produce their powerful effects began soon after the historic demonstration of ether anesthesia on October 16, 1846 in Boston, Massachusetts. Progress was slow for most of the intervening 166 years, but has dramatically advanced during the last three decades, aided by new ideas and the revolutionary techniques of molecular biology. One result of this progress is the report by Zhou et al1 in this month's Anesthesiology, describing studies on ketamine in conditional knockout animals. Here, I briefly sketch how genetic techniques have spurred our understanding of general anesthetic mechanisms.
Promotion increases ratings, doesn't it? The impact of program promotion in the 1992 Olympics

Networks justify huge expenditures for winter and summer Olympic rights partly for the games’ value for promoting other prime‐time programs Analysis of ratings for new and continuing entertainment series promoted on‐air before and after the 1992 Winter and Summer Olympics found little support for this justification. Short‐term comparison of ratings showed some improvement for one of NBC's series after promotion in the Summer Olympics, but long‐term analysis turned gains to losses
Determination of 2′-deoxy-3′-thiacytidine (3TC) in human urine by liquid chromatography: direct injection with column switching☆

Abstract 3TC (GR109714X) is a cytidine dideoxynucleoside analogue which has been shown to have in vitro activity against a variety of strains of HIV- I and is currently being investigated in clinical trials as a treatment for HIV infection. An HPLC method for the determination of 3TC in human urine has been developed and validated. The method allows direct injection of urine (10 μl) using HPLC column switching followed by UV detection. On-line extraction is performed using a Spherisorb-SCX (5 μm, 20 × 4.0 mm) eluted with deionized water at 1 ml min−1. 3TC is retained while the bulk of urine constituents are eluted to waste. The SCX column is then backflushed to a BDS-Hypersil-Cl8. (5 μm, 250 × 4.6 mm) and eluted with 100 mM acetate pH 4.5-methanol (95:5, v/v) for final separation. 3TC is detected by UV absorbance at λ = 285. The quantitation range of the assay was 0.5–500 μg ml−1. The method has demonstrated sufficient ruggedness to be used in support of 3TC clinical trials. Application to other cytidine analogues including DDC has been demonstrated.
Delayed Hemolytic Transfusion Reaction Caused by the Second Example of Anti‐K19

A second example of anti-K19 has been identified in the serum of a black patient immunized by blood transfusions. The antibody was responsible for delayed hemolysis of transfused incompatible red blood cells. The patient's red blood cells are K:--19 but are otherwise of common Kell phenotype. The K19 antigen is closely associated with the Kell blood group although there is, as yet, no pedigree information to confirm that it is produced by the Kell gene. Tests on 10,757 group O blood donors have not revealed any further examples of the K:--19 phenotype.
Effects of weak low frequency sinusoidal and dc magnetic fields on myosin phosphorylation in a cell-free preparation

Abstract The effects of weak, environmental range, sinusoidal (ac), and dc magnetic fields on myosin light chain phosphorylation in a cell-free system were studied. This enzyme system is Ca 2+ calmodulin dependent, providing a well established ion binding mechanism for this investigation. The exposure system applied dc (0–200 μT, vertically and/or horizontally controlled) and/or ac (16 Hz, 20.9 μT) magnetic fields. The results appear to suggest that all of the ac and dc, as well as combinations of ac/dc magnetic fields, significantly (30–100%, p
The relationship between ankle brachial index, other atherosclerotic disease, diabetes, smoking and mortality in older men and women

Abstract The goal of this study is to investigate the relationship between peripheral arterial disease and mortality in a large patient population and assess the effects of other atherosclerotic diseases, diabetes and smoking on this relationship. All patients, 50 years or older and with no history of lower extremity surgery, evaluated for lower extremity arterial disease in a university hospital peripheral vascular laboratory over a 13-year period (1977–1989) were included in the study ( n = 1930). Arterial disease was assessed by measurement of the resting ankle brachial index (ABI) in these patients. The ABI was calculated by dividing the systolic pressure in the tibial arteries by the pressure in the brachial artery. Analyses of the data by use of multivariate statistical techniques and by stratification of the patient population by co-morbid condition indicate that ABI is a robust and independent predictor of all-cause mortality in both men (relative risk (RR) = 1.6,95% confidence interval (CI)1.3, 2.0) and women (RR = 1.9,95% CI 1.4, 2.4). The relative risks are essentially unchanged after exclusion of all patients with clinical history of cardiovascular disease or diabetes. Similarly, a low ABI is an important risk factor for mortality among patients with a history of stroke, angina or diabetes; men and women with a history of smoking and women who are non-smokers. Therefore, the measurement of ABI, a simple, objective, non-invasive technique which can be used in the physician's office, may be useful for early identification of patients at high risk for morbidity and mortality.
Genetic Thinking in the Study of Social Relationships Five Points of Entry

For nearly a generation, researchers studying human behavioral development have combined genetically informed research designs with careful measures of social relationships such as parenting, sibling relationships, peer relationships, marital processes, social class stratifications, and patterns of social engagement in the elderly. In what way have these genetically informed studies altered the construction and testing of social theories of human development? We consider five points of entry where genetic thinking is taking hold. First, genetic findings suggest an alternative scenario for explaining social data. Associations between measures of the social environment and human development may be due to genes that influence both. Second, genetic studies add to other prompts to study the early developmental origins of current social phenomena in midlife and beyond. Third, genetic analyses promise to shed light on understudied social systems, such as sibling relationships, that have an impact on human develo...
Reduction of Sexual Aggressiveness of Male Codling Moths Treated with Tepa or Gamma Irradiation

Sexual aggressiveness of male Laspeyresia pomonella (L.) was measured by comparing the longevity of female codling moths confined at various ratios with untreated males or with males treated with tepa or gamma irradiation. Females held without males lived 9.3 days, females caged at a ratio of 7 untreated males per female lived 4.2 days, and females confined at the same ratio with males treated with 40 kr of gamma irradiation or with 15 or 30 μg of tepa, lived 5.1, 6.1, and 7.6 days, respectively. Also, when untreated males were caged with females at ratios of 1:1 and 7:1, the females contained 2.1 and 3.9 spermatophores, respectively; those caged at the same ratios with males treated with 15 μg of tepa contained 1.7 and 4.3 spermatophores, respectively.
Pion scattering and isobars in nuclei

Abstract General features of pion scattering by systems with equal numbers of neutrons and protons are discussed. To begin with, it is pointed out that most phenomena can be understood within the framework of a simple formalism in terms of an index of refraction for pions traversing nuclear matter. The pion-nucleon scattering amplitude is of resonance type, the resonance being identified with the Δ (1230 MeV) resonance. The Lorentz-Lorenz correction to the scattering, arising from short-range nucleon-nucleon correlations, is first discussed in classical terms, and then later in terms of isobar dynamics. It is found that there are only small differences in descriptions of pion-nucleon scattering in nucleon medium : a) in which the isobar is considered as a composite system of nucleon and pion, b) in which the isobar is considered to be an elementary particle. Self-energy interactions of the isobar with the nuclear medium are estimated, and found to be nearly as attractive as those of a nucleon. In the final section we outline a dynamical approach towards pion scattering from finite nuclei and give instruction on “How to know an isobar when you see one”.
X-Ray Structure of the Cx26 Gap Junction Channel and Comparison with the Cryo-EM Structure of Cx43

Intercellular gap junction channels are formed by the end-to-end docking of connexin (Cx) hexamers that traverse apposing cell membranes. Each Cx subunit has four transmembrane (TM) α-helices and two extracellular loops (E1 and E2). Three-dimensional crystals of recombinant, purified Cx26 were grown using a new class of detergents designated facial amphiphiles (FAs), which have a cholate backbone with polar groups extending from one face and a short alkyl chain extending from the opposite face. FA-solubilized Cx26 crystallized into the H32 space group with two monomers in the asymmetric unit, and the crystals diffracted isotropically to 3.3-A resolution. Using a molecular replacement search model based on a cryoEM map of Cx43 at 5.7-A resolution [Fleishman et al., Mol. Cell 15: 879-888 (2004)], we solved the structure independently from a previously reported 3.5-A resolution X-ray structure [2ZW3, Maeda et al., Nature 458: 597-602 (2009)]. The overall R/Rfree values and completeness were 0.311/0.328 and 98.9%, respectively, and the Molprobity score was 2.07 (100th percentile). The RMS differences between 2ZW3 and our structure were 0.9 and 1.7-A for the main-chain and side-chain atoms in the TM helices and 1.3 and 1.9-A for the main-chain and side-chain atoms in E1 and E2. Although the topology and fold recapitulated 2ZW3, the maximum differences were significant: 2.7 and 5.9-A for the main chain and side chain atoms in the TM helices and 3.9 and 7.6-A for the main-chain and side-chain atoms in E1 and E2. We generated an electron density map at a resolution comparable to the cryoEM structure of the authentic Cx43 channel. The similarity of the maps suggests that detergent-solubilized Cx26 that crystallized as a dodecamer represents the authentic gap junction channel.
Diagnosing problems with the user interface for a strategic planning fuzzy DSS

Stratassist, a prototype fuzzy decision-support system (DSS) for strategic planning, was tested using the research hypothesis that subjects performing a task with the help of a DSS would produce better strategy statements than the control groups. Results supported this hypothesis. Two-factor analysis of variance revealed interaction effects between the treatment levels and the subject work experience levels that merited further study. Since the fuzzy DSS is meant to be used by a variety of planning analysts and executives, it was important to understand why these reactions occurred. Discriminant analysis of demographic information and followup questionnaire responses identified characteristic profiles with which to diagnose and correct problems in the user interface. These results suggested that a color graphics module under development may enhance user satisfaction. >
A network economic model for supply chain versus supply chain competition

We study a supply chain economy (SCE) that comprises heterogeneous SC involving multiple products and competing for multiple markets. The proposed network model is built upon operation links and interface links, representing, respectively, substantial SC operations and coordination functions between the operations. The paper presents a variational inequality formulation of the problem, the solution of which determines the winning SC and their market shares in the equilibrium of SCE. We furnish qualitative properties such as existence and uniqueness of the equilibrium. Numerical examples are presented for illustrative purpose.
New model systems for studying the evolutionary biology of aging: crustacea

Progress in any area of biology has generally required work on a variety of organisms. This is true because particular species often have characteristics that make them especially useful for addressing specific questions. Recent progress in studying the evolutionary biology of senescence has been made through the use of new species, such as Caenorhabditis elegans and Drosophila melanogaster, because of the ease of working with them in the laboratory and because investigators have used theories for the evolution of aging as a basis for discovering the underlying mechanisms.
Kinetic study of oxygen evolution parameters in tris-washed, reactivated chloroplasts

Tris-washed chloroplasts which have lost the ability to evolve oxygen can be reactivated by the procedure of Yamashita T., Tsuji, J. and Tomita G. (1971) Plant Cell Physiol. 12, 117-126) [7] to give 100 percent of the rate of control chloroplasts in continuous illumination. Furthermore, in flashing light the reactivated chloroplasts exhibit oxygen-yield oscillations of period four that are characteristic of the control. Similar kinetic parameters for intermediate steps in the water-splitting process are observed for the two preparations. We conclude that the reactivation procedure restores the native oxygen evolution mechanism to Tris-washed chloroplasts. A relatively rapid and reversible (0.5 s decay) light-induced component of EPR Signal II is observed upon inhibition of O2 evolution by Tris washing (Babcock G. T. and Sauer, K. (1975) Biochim. Biophys. Acta 376, 315-328) [10]. Reactivated chloroplasts are similar to untreated chloroplasts in that this Signal IItransient is not observed. Manganese, which is released by Tris treatment to the interior of the thylakoid membrane in an EPR-detectable state, is returned to an EPR-undetectable state by reactivation. The reactivation procedure does not require light to restore O2 evolution and EDTA has no effect on the extent of reactivation. These results are discussed in terms of possible mechanisms for manganese incorporation into photosynthetic membranes.
Fluid drilling as a delivery system for somatic embryo-derived plantlets of carrot (Daucus carota L.)

Abstract Somatic embryos and/or somatic embryo-derived plantlets (SEPs) of carrot cultivar ‘Orlando Gold’ were subjected to various treatments during either suspension culture or a subsequent incubation period in fluid-drilling gel. Conversion of SEPs in the glasshouse into plants containing primary leaves was greatest when SEPs were incubated for 1–2 weeks in hydroxyethyl cellulose fluid-drilling gel (1.67%, w/v of N-gel™) hydrated with a solution containing Murashige and Skoog salts and vitamins and 2% (w/v) sucrose. Providing 3 days of chilling at 4°C then 3 days at 25°C all under light (60 μmol m−2 s−1) during suspension culture (at the globular to torpedo stage) led to the greatest SEP growth following fluid drilling. Inclusion of either 250 mg TrubanR fungicide or 10 mg chitosan glutamate per litre of gel improved SEP conversion.
Three-impulse plane change for eccentric orbits.

have been used in Eq. (15) to predict deceleration histories for comparison with Eq. (10) of the present work. This comparison is for C = 400, VE = 16,000, and = -30. The 1962 Standard Atmosphere was used for Eq. (10). For this particular case, the peak longitudinal deceleration computed using the hydrostatic equilibrium assumption [Eq. (10)] is 5 to 15% higher than the values based on the various exponential atmospheres. Three-Impulse Plane Change for Eccentric Orbits
The yeast 8-oxoguanine DNA glycosylase (Ogg1) contains a DNA deoxyribophosphodiesterase (dRpase) activity

The yeast OGG1 gene was recently cloned and shown to encode a protein that possesses N-glycosylase/AP lyase activities for the repair of oxidatively damaged DNA at sites of 7,8-dihydro-8-oxoguanine (8-oxoguanine). Similar activities have been identified for Escherichia coli formamidopyrimidine-DNA glycosylase (Fpg) and Drosophila ribosomal protein S3. Both Fpg and S3 also contain a deoxyribophosphodiesterase (dRpase) activity that removes 2-deoxyribose-5-phosphate at an incised 5' apurinic/apyrimidinic (AP) sites via a beta-elimination reaction. Drosophila S3 also has an additional activity that removes trans-4-hydroxy-2-pentenal-5-phosphate at a 3' incised AP site by a Mg2+-dependent hydrolytic mechanism. In view of the substrate similarities between Ogg1, Fpg and S3 at the level of base excision repair, we examined whether Ogg1 also contains dRpase activities. A glutathione S-transferase fusion protein of Ogg1 was purified and subsequently found to efficiently remove sugar-phosphate residues at incised 5' AP sites. Activity was also detected for the Mg2+-dependent removal of trans -4-hydroxy-2-pentenal-5-phosphate at 3' incised AP sites and from intact AP sites. Previous studies have shown that DNA repair proteins that possess AP lyase activity leave an inefficient DNA terminus for subsequent DNA synthesis steps associated with base excision repair. However, the results presented here suggest that in the presence of MgCl2, Ogg1 can efficiently process 8-oxoguanine so as to leave a one nucleotide gap that can be readily filled in by a DNA polymerase, and importantly, does not therefore require additional enzymes to process trans -4-hydroxy-2-pentenal-5-phosphate left at a 3' terminus created by a beta-elimination catalyst.
TWO YEARS TREATMENT OF GH RECEPTOR DEFICIENCY (GHRD) WITH IGF-I: COMPARISON OF 2 DOSE LEVELS. † 520

TWO YEARS TREATMENT OF GH RECEPTOR DEFICIENCY (GHRD) WITH IGF-I: COMPARISON OF 2 DOSE LEVELS. † 520
Asymptotic Theory for Laminated Piezoelectric Circular Cylindrical Shells

An asymptotic theory is presented for laminated piezoelectric circular cylindrical shells under electromechanical loads. The three-dimensional coupled electromechanical problem reduces to a hierarchy of two-dimensional equations, which can be solved systematically. The proposed theory is illustrated by considering two example problems. Numerical results show excellent agreement with an available exact solution and also provide some suggestions in establishing new two-dimensional piezoelectric shell models.
Site-specific mutagenesis of large DNA viral genomes.

Site-specific or target-specific mutagenesis of viral DNA genomes, using a selectable marker system is a powerful tool for the analysis of the function of specific regions of large DNA genomes. Through these techniques the construction of vectors capable of delivering vaccines for the prevention of infectious disease in humans and animals is possible.
The design, synthesis and potential utility of fluorescence probes that target DFG-out conformation of p38alpha for high throughput screening binding assay.

The design, synthesis and utility of fluorescence probes that bind to the DFG-out conformation of p38{alpha} kinase are described. Probes that demonstrate good affinity for p38{alpha}, have been identified and one of the probes, PF-04438255, has been successfully used in an high throughput screening (HTS) assay to identify two novel non-classical p38{alpha} inhibitors. In addition, a cascade activity assay was utilized to validate the selective binding of these non-classical kinase inhibitors to the unactive form of the enzyme.
Recurrent intrathecal baclofen pump catheter leakage: A surgical observation with recommendations.

Intrathecal baclofen pump catheter complications are the most common cause for failure in drug delivery. A 4-year-old boy presented with repeated signs of baclofen tolerance despite progressive increases in dosing. External computerized interrogation of the pump and radiograph evaluation of the pump-catheter-intrathecal sac system were normal. Subsequently, he was taken to the emergency room for baclofen overdosage and brought to the operating room for exploration of the implant. Intraoperative assessment of the pump catheter found a cut on the catheter neck that was visible only when the catheter neck was flexed. The catheter was replaced without complications. Two months later, the patient returned with similar symptoms. Repeat computerized and radiographic assessment of the pump were normal. Intraoperative assessment showed a cut within the same portion of the catheter as previously discovered. The catheter cut was in the least flexible portion, the pump-catheter neck, which was found to be overlying the iliac crest in both surgeries. The authors hypothesize that the repetitive compressive forces of the catheter overlying the iliac crest led to catheter breakdown. Surgical placement of the pump-catheter neck should be superio-medial to reduce the likelihood of either internal or external compressive forces.
Mechanisms of leptin action and leptin resistance.

The adipose tissue–derived hormone leptin acts via its receptor (LRb) in the brain to regulate energy balance and neuroendocrine function. LRb signaling via STAT3 and a number of other pathways is required for the totality of leptin action. The failure of elevated leptin levels to suppress feeding and mediate weight loss in common forms of obesity defines a state of so-called leptin resistance. A number of mechanisms, including the leptin-stimulated phosphorylation of Tyr985 on LRb and the suppressor of cytokine signaling 3, attenuate leptin signaling and promote a cellular leptin resistance in obesity. Several unique features of the arcuate nucleus of the hypothalamus may contribute to the severity of cellular leptin resistance in this region. Other mechanisms that govern feeding behavior and food reward may also underlie the inception of obesity.
HIV-1 Tat protein suppresses cholangiocyte toll-like receptor 4 expression and defense against Cryptosporidium parvum.

Biliary cryptosporidiosis is associated with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) cholangiopathy and occurs almost exclusively in adult patients with AIDS. Infection of biliary epithelial cells (cholangiocytes) with Cryptosporidium parvum induces Toll-like receptor (TLR) 4 expression and stimulates a TLR-dependent response against infection. Here, we tested whether human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) Tat affects TLR expression and, hence, anti–C. parvum defense responses. Using an in vitro model of human biliary cryptosporidiosis, we found that recombinant Tat protein increased TLR4 mRNA expression in both uninfected and C. parvum–infected cholangiocytes. Conversely, Tat decreased TLR4 protein levels and suppressed C. parvum–induced TLR4 protein expression. Using actinomycin to inhibit transcription, we found that Tat increased the half-life of TLR4 mRNA from ~25 to 60 min, and RNA gel-shift assays demonstrated direct binding of Tat to TLR4 mRNA. In vitro transcription/translation studies suggested that Tat does not affect transcription but does decrease TLR4 translation. Importantly, more parasites were found in Tat-treated cells than in control cells 48h after infection. These findings suggest that Tat inhibits cholangiocyte TLR4protein expression through translational inhibition. These events appear to diminish the ability of cholangiocytes to initsiate an innate immune response to C. parvum. We suggest that these findings may contribute to the unusual susceptibility of HIV-infected individuals to biliary cryptosporidiosis.
The effect of nurse manager turnover on patient fall and pressure ulcer rates.

Aims The purpose of this study was to explore the effects of nurse manager turnover on the occurrence of adverse events. Background Nurse managers create professional nurse practice environments to support the provision of quality patient outcomes. Inconsistent findings were reported in the literature testing the relationship between nurse managers and patient outcomes. All prior studies assumed stable nursing management. Methods A longitudinal quasi-experimental study of 23 nursing units in two hospitals was used to determine whether unit characteristics, including nurse manager turnover, have an effect on patient falls or pressure ulcers. Statistical analyses included repeated measures and hierarchical modelling. Results Patients in medical/surgical units experienced more falls than in intensive care units (F1,11 = 15.9, P = 0.002). Patients in units with a nurse manager turnover [odds ratio: 3.16; 95% confidence interval: 1.49–6.70] and intensive care units (odds ratio: 2.70; 95% confidence interval: 1.33–5.49) were more likely to develop pressure ulcers. Conclusions Nurse manager turnover and intensive care unit status were associated with more pressure ulcers. Medical/surgical unit status was associated with more falls. The study was limited by a small sample size. Implications for nurse managers Nurse manager turnover may negatively impact patient outcomes. Stable nursing management, strategic interim management and long-term succession planning may reduce adverse patient events.
Cbl and Akt regulate CXCL8-induced and CXCR1- and CXCR2-mediated chemotaxis

CXCL8 (IL-8) plays an important role in the pathogenesis of a variety of inflammatory diseases. However, little is known about the signaling pathways that regulate CXCL8-induced chemotaxis. Here, we found that CXCL8 treatment of CXCR1- and CXCR2-over-expressing L1.2 cells (CXCR1-L1.2 and CXCR2-L1.2, respectively) induced the phosphorylation of Cbl and Akt. The tyrosine kinase inhibitor Tyrphostin A9, phosphatidylinositol-3 kinase (PI3K) inhibitor LY294002 as well as proteasome inhibitors significantly blocked the CXCL8-induced chemotaxis of L1.2 cells and human neutrophils. We further found that stimulation with CXCL8 enhanced the association of the PI3K subunit p85 with Cbl. Additionally, over-expression of wild-type Cbl and G306E-Cbl (mutation in the tyrosine kinasebinding domain) inhibited chemotaxis by ~50% as compared with the vector control, whereas the 70Z mutant (deletion in the RING finger domain) did not reduce migration. However, wild-type Cbl or its mutants had no effect on the CXCL8-induced activation of MAPK, indicating that Cbl specifically modulated CXCL8-induced chemotaxis. Furthermore, over-expression of the kinase-dead Akt mutant decreased CXCL8-induced chemotaxis by 60% and diminished Cbl phosphorylation as compared with the vector control. The CXCL8-induced phosphorylation of Cbl was also reduced when cells were pre-treated with the PI3K inhibitor LY294002. Lastly, we have shown that pre-treatment of L1.2 cells with the proteasome inhibitor Lactacystin blocks CXCL8-induced internalization of the CXCR1 and CXCR2 receptors. These studies provide new information regarding CXCL8-induced signaling pathways that may regulate chemotaxis and receptor internalization.