cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Carbon isotope effects on the metal ion catalyzed decarboxylation of oxalacetate

The /sup 13/C isotope effect on the metal ion catalyzed decarboxylation of oxalacetate has been measured at 25/sup 0/C and pH 5.2: Mg/sup 2 +/, 1.0489; Mn/sup 2 +/, 1.0505; Ni/sup 2 +/, 1.044; Cd/sup 2 +/, 1.0492; Zn/sup 2 +/, 1.0504; Co/sup 2 +/, 1.0480. The transition state for decarboxylation appears not to change significantly with a change in divalent metal cation. A /sup 13/C isotope effect of 1.038 is observed for the non-metal-catalyzed decarboxylation of monoanionic oxalacetate, indicating an earlier transition state than in the metal ion catalyzed reaction.
Hypocholesterolaemia and anaemia.

The present study has examined the relationship and significance of hypocholesterolaemia to anaemia and to the red cell. The level of plasma cholesterol is closely related to haematocrit levels both initially and throughout the course of the anaemias associated with hypocholesterolaemia. The association is maintained, regardless of the cause of the haematocrit change, i.e. transfusion or response to treatment. Hypocholesterolaemia does not affect the red cell, i.e. its survival, cholesterol concentration or osmotic fragility and occurs in a diverse group of anaemias. As such, it is not causally related to anaemia. The changes in plasma cholesterol are most likely related to its 'redistribution' or to plasma 'dilution', with contributory factors occurring. The presence of anaemia, even to a modest degree, would be important to consider when comparing cholesterol levels between groups of individuals.
Genetic variation for virulence and RFLP markers in Pyrenophora teres

Pyrenophora teres f. teres (causing net blotch) and Pyrenophora teres f. maculata (causing "spot form" of the disease) are important foliar pathogens of barley. In breeding for resistance to disease, it is important to have a thorough knowledge of the degree of genetic variation in the pathogen. This study was undertaken to assess genetic variation in a small, but geographically diverse collection of P. teres isolates. Isolates derived from single conidia were evaluated for their virulence phenotypes on 25 differential barley genotypes. Fifteen pathotypes were identified from a collection of 23 P. t. f. teres isolates, and 4 pathotypes, from a collection of 8 P. t. f. maculata isolates. In general, the P. t. f. teres isolates exhibited a broader spectrum and a higher level of virulence on the host differentials than the P. t. f. maculata isolates. Eight barley genotypes were resistant to all 19 pathotypes identified and should be useful in breeding barley for resistance to both forms of P. teres. Genetic ...
Maximum entropy analysis applied to heavy-ion transfer reactions

Abstract We show that recent data on nucleon transfer to highly excited states in heavy-ion collisions should not be taken as conculsive evidence for a statistical reaction process.
The molecular analysis of synonymy among medically important yeasts within the genus Candida.

SUMMARY: Three sets of medically important yeasts, Candida albicans, C. tropicalis, and C. krusei, were compared with their putative synonyms (C. langeronii and C. claussenii, C. paratropicalis, and Itssatchenkia orientalis, respectively) to determine if these synonyms are genetically distinguishable from each other. Pulsed-field electrophoresis and hybridization to species-specific probes were used to accomplish this goal. The species-specific probes for C. albicans and C. tropicalis have been previously described (27A and CT13.8, respectively) whereas the probe for C. krusei (CK3) was cloned in this study. No distinguishing characteristics between synonyms were identified, thus supporting the current taxonomic treatment of these organisms.
The strain-specific cis-acting element of beet curly top geminivirus DNA replication maps to the directly repeated motif of the ori.

Abstract Strains of beet curly top geminivirus (BCTV) possess distinct cis - and trans -acting replication specificity elements which are not separately interchangeable among strains. Analysis of the replication competency of chimeric BCTV genomes, in which portions of the origin of DNA replication ( ori ) were derived from heterologous BCTV strains, have permitted identification of an essential cis -acting element governing strain-specific replication in a subgroup II geminivirus. Our studies indicate that the cis -acting element responsible for strain-specific replication properties resides within the directly repeated motif of the BCTV ori. Transient replication assays conducted in leaf disks and complementation experiments conducted in whole plants indicated that the trans -acting replication specificity element, residing within the amino-terminal region of the C1 Rep protein, may recognize and replicate a chimeric BCTV genome containing a heterologous ori so long as all or portions of the core element of the directly repeated motif are derived from the same strain as the Rep protein. As Rep protein binding to the core element of the directly repeated motif has been demonstrated by others to be essential for replication of subgroup III geminiviruses, our results support the hypothesis that replication specificity of subgroup II viruses is governed by processes similar to that of subgroup III viruses. However, a second cis -acting element of the ori, which appears to contribute to subgroup III virus replication specificity, does not seem to be required for replication specificity among the subgroup II viruses examined. Nonetheless, a potential role for a second cis -acting element in the BCTV ori contributing to maximal replication cannot be excluded.
Use of Stimulus Fading and Functional Assessment to Treat Pill Refusal With an 8-Year-Old Boy Diagnosed With ADHD

Pharmacological treatments improve functioning for many of the core problems characteristic of attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Pharmacological treatment is also useful when deliver...
High-performance liquid chromatographic analysis of terpene aldehydes in cotton

Abstract A high-performance liquid chromatographic method has been developed for the analysis of terpene aldehydes in cotton plant material. This represents an improvement over previous methods, providing quantitative analysis for all the major terpene aldehydes using a minimum of plant material and preparation time.
FACTORS AFFECTING THE DEGREE OF HOMOGENEITY OF GLASS

The rate of homogenizing of soda-lime-silica glass under conditions of minimum convection mixing and in the absence of refractory materials was measured by the centrifuge density spread technique developed by Turnbull and Ghering. Measurements on melts prepared in pure platinum containers at 2550°F. showed that the density spread decreases rapidly during the first 16 hours of melting following which further decrease occurs at a much slower rate. The portion of glass responsible for the major part of the density spread was a light fraction, which tended to form or accumulate at the surface of the melt.
Boundary in context

A contextualist account of modal assertions is sketched that makes their truth sensitive to the presuppositions of the conversation. Support for the account is mustered by considering its application to the context-sensitivity of assertions of subjunctive conditional sentences, explanation sentences, and knowledge sentences.
Results of Four-Corner Arthrodesis Using Dorsal Circular Plate Fixation

Purpose Four-corner arthrodesis with scaphoid excision has been used to reduce pain and preserve functional range of motion for patients with radioscaphoid arthritis. Early results of 4-corner arthrodesis with scaphoid excision using dorsal circular plate fixation are compared with reported results in the literature. Methods We reviewed retrospectively the first 18 four-corner arthrodeses performed with this system by 4 hand surgeons. Two patients had revision surgery for nonunions before the study that were considered failures. Eight patients returned for final radiographs, objective examination, and functional questionnaire. The average follow-up period was 20 months (range, 13–33 mo). These results were compared with reported results in the literature using alternate fixation methods. Results Radiographic union was achieved in only 3 wrists. Range of motion was 46% that of the opposite normal wrist and grip strength compared with the opposite wrist was 56%. Five patients would have the procedure again and 6 of 8 have returned to their original employment. Conclusions Four-corner arthrodesis with scaphoid excision using a circular internal fixation plate produced a high number of nonunions. Grip strength and range of motion results also were inferior to those reported in the literature.
Nocturnal asthma symptoms may be more prevalent than we think

We evaluated the prevalence of nocturnal asthma in our subspecialty allergy clinic to see whether it was significantly different than the prevalence in a previous study (3). A questionnaire was sent to 1258 patients, and there were 325 responses. Of the 325, 304 patients had asthma. A total of 204 (67%) of these had nocturnal symptoms of asthma. Eleven percent of the total population awakened every night, 16% awakened three to six nights per week, 20% one or two nights per week, 20% one night per month, and 33% not at all. We discovered that patients had a rather nonchalant view of their asthma and frequently did not report nocturnal symptoms to their doctors. We conclude that even in a specialty allergy and asthma practice, nocturnal asthma symptoms may be more prevalent than suspected. The reason for this is unclear but may be related to a problem with patient perception and possibly to a lack of diligence in physician history taking.
Implementing a Remote Laboratory Experience Into a Joint Engineering Degree Program: Aerodynamic Levitation of a Beach Ball

This paper details a successful and inexpensive implementation of a remote laboratory into a distance control systems course using readily available hardware and software. The physical experiment consists of a beach ball and a dc blower; the control objective is to make the height of the aerodynamically levitated beach ball track a reference trajectory by manipulating the voltage to the blower. MATLAB/Simulink coupled with xPC target serve as the controller platform, while microsoft netmeeting and standard Internet video conferencing equipment are used to interface the distance-learning students with the laboratory equipment. Both local students at North Carolina State University's campus in Raleigh and distance students at the University of North Carolina at Asheville completed the laboratory experiment. In a student survey, distance students participating in the lab remotely rated the experience as favorably as local students. Course grades, including the design project grade, were similar between the two groups.
Soil nutrient additions increase invertebrate herbivore abundances, but not herbivory, across three grassland systems

Resource availability may influence invertebrate communities, with important consequences for ecosystem function, such as biomass production. We assessed: (1) the effects of experimental soil nutrient additions on invertebrate abundances and feeding rates and (2) the resultant changes in the effects of invertebrates on aboveground plant biomass at three grassland sites spanning the North American Central Plains, across which plant tissue chemistry and biomass vary. Invertebrate communities and rates of herbivory were sampled within a long-term nutrient-addition experiment established at each site along the broad Central Plains precipitation gradient. Additionally, the effects of invertebrates on aboveground plant biomass were determined under ambient and elevated nutrient conditions. At the more mesic sites, invertebrate herbivore abundances increased and their per capita rate of herbivory decreased with nutrient additions. In contrast, at the semi-arid site where plant biomass is low and plant nutrient concentrations are high, invertebrate herbivore abundances did not vary and per capita rates of herbivory increased with nutrient additions. No change in the effect of invertebrate herbivores on aboveground plant biomass was observed at any of the sites. In sum, nutrient additions induced shifts in both plant biomass and leaf nutrient content, which altered invertebrate abundances and feeding rate. However, due to the inverse relationship between changes in herbivore abundance and per capita rates of herbivory, nutrient additions did not alter the effect of invertebrates on aboveground biomass. Overall, we suggest that this inverse response of herbivore abundance and per capita feeding rate may buffer ecosystems against changes in invertebrate damage in response to fluctuations in nutrient levels.
Terrorism: The Psychological Impact on Youth

Research on the psychological impact of terrorism on youth is reviewed and evaluated. Children having proximal contact with terrorism show elevated posttraumatic stress, separation anxiety, and/or other symptoms. Following a terrorist attack, youth proximal and distal to the attack are exposed to a vast amount of attack-related media coverage and exposure to such media coverage is associated with postattack posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptomatology. However, the research is inchoate, including an insufficient scope and methodological limitations. Research has yet to examine the impact that exposure to an extended context of threat, expectation, and alert has on child development. Importantly, how are children influenced by secondhand terrorism—the context in which cultural influences disproportionately attend to the possibilities, rather than probabilities, of future terrorism? Research is needed to evaluate the impact of terrorism on psychopathology (beyond PTSD), functional impairment, and ethnic stereotyping in youth, and to examine the efficacy of psychological programs that strive to redress the problems of youth affected by terrorism.
Estimates for the sensitivity and false-positive rates for second trimester serum screening for Down syndrome and trisomy 18 with adjustment for cross-identification and double-positive results.

Second trimester screening for fetal Down syndrome and trisomy 18 is available through separate protocols that combine the maternal age-specific risk and the analysis of maternal serum markers. We have determined the extent to which additional Down syndrome affected pregnancies may be identified through trisomy 18 screening, and the extent to which additional cases of trisomy 18 may be screen-positive for Down syndrome. The combined false-positive rate, taking into consideration those pregnancies that are screen-positive by both protocols, has also been determined. Sensitivity and false-positive rates were determined by computer simulation of results that incorporated previously published statistical variables into the model. Using second trimester risk cut-offs of 1:270 for Down syndrome and 1:100 for trisomy 18, it was found that few additional cases of Down syndrome are identified through trisomy 18 screening. However, approximately 6-10% of trisomy 18 affected pregnancies will be screen-positive for Down syndrome but screen-negative for trisomy 18. For women aged 40 or more, the false-positive rate for trisomy 18 exceeds 1% and approximately half of these cases will also be screen-positive for Down syndrome. For a population with maternal ages equivalent to that in the United States in 1998, after adjusting for the cross-identification, the sensitivity for three-analyte trisomy 18 screening is 78%. If this testing is performed in conjunction with Down syndrome "triple" screening, the Down syndrome sensitivity is 75% and the combined false-positive rate is 8.5%. If the three-analyte trisomy 18 screening is performed with the Down syndrome "quad" screen, the trisomy 18 sensitivity remains at 78%, the Down syndrome sensitivity is 79%, and combined false-positive rate is 7.5%. Sensitivity and false-positive rates are also provided for other widely used Down syndrome and trisomy 18 risk cut-offs. Sensitivity and false-positive rates that take into consideration cross-identification and double-positives should be helpful for pre-test counseling and the evaluation of serum screening programs.
Viscosity of rock-ice mixtures and applications to the evolution of icy satellites☆

Theory and experiments are used to establish lower and upper bounds on the ratio of actual viscosity to pure ice viscosity for a suspension of rock particles in a water ice matrix. For typical conditions encountered in icy satellites, this ratio is of order ten or possibly larger, depending on unknown factors such as the particle size distribution. It is shown that even this modest increase in viscosity may be enough to have caused a failure of solid state convective self-regulation early in the evolution of a homogeneous, rock-water ice satellite, provided the satellite is large enough and sufficiently silicate rich. The criteria for this failure are satisfied by Ganymede and are marginal for Callisto, if the silicates are hydrated. Failure of self-regulation means that the viscosity is too high for the interior to remain completely solid and eliminate the heat production of long-lived radioisotopes by solid state convection. Partial melting of the ice then occurs. It is further shown that satellites of this size may then undergo runaway differentiation into a rock core and almost pure ice mantle, because the gravitational energy release is sufficient to melt nearly all the ice and the Rayleigh-Taylor instability time scale is short. (Although the high pressure phases of ice melt, the resulting water quickly refreezes at a higher level.) It is conjectured that these results explain the striking surface dissimilarity of Ganymede and Callisto, if these satellites accreted cold and undifferentiated. Ganymede may have gone supercritical (melted and differentiated) because of a failure of self-regulation, whereas Callisto remained undifferentiated to the present day. Like all proposed explanations for the Ganymede-Callisto dichotomy, this conjecture cannot be quantified with confidence because of inadequate or incomplete observations, theory, and experimental data.
Perceptions and Evaluations of Child Transgressions and Disciplinary Techniques in High- and Low-Risk Mothers and Their Children.

Perceptions and evaluations of children's transgressions (moral, conventional, personal), parental disciplinary actions (power assertion, love withdrawal, induction), and expected outcomes (compliance) were assessed in matched high- and low-risk (for physical abuse) mothers and their children. High-risk mothers and their children evaluated conventional and personal transgressions as more wrong than low-risk mothers and their children. Although both high- and low-risk mothers and their children varied disciplinary responses according to the type of transgression, high-risk mothers used power assertion (verbal and physical force) more often and induction (reasoning and explanation) less often. High-risk mothers also perceived the use of power assertion by others as more appropriate. With respect to outcomes, high-risk mothers, compared to low-risk mothers, expected less compliance following moral transgressions and more compliance after personal transgressions. Children of both high- and low-risk mothers made compliance predictions following moral and personal transgressions that were similar to the low-risk mothers' predictions. Language: en
Kentuckians' Attitudes Toward Children with Epilepsy

We explored Kentuckians' attitudes toward children with epilepsy. Questions compared respondents' attitudes about children with epilepsy, asthma, hyperactivity, and AIDS. Random digit dialing led to 617 completed interviews. The key questions asked concerned (a) how a pupil with each illness would alter the classroom environment, and (b) how the condition would affect the child's quality of life (QOL) at age 21 years. Respondents used a 0-10 rating scale (0 = worst, 5 = normal, 10 = best). A dichotomous variable divided respondents into those who rated below and those who rated at or above the norm: 24% predicted a deterioration of the classroom environment with the addition of a pupil with epilepsy (similar to AIDS at 26%); 41% predicted a lessened QOL at age 21 years (a worse rating than either asthma or hyperactivity). We created summary indexes, using difference scores between epilepsy ratings and ratings for the other conditions: Relative Educational Distance (RED) and Relative Quality of Life Distance (RQLD) measures. On the RED index, rural and Appalachian respondents showed the greatest prejudice toward pupils with epilepsy. Conversely, we noted the greatest prejudice in RQLD among urban residents (the best educated group). Our data do not support contentions that prejudices against persons with epilepsy are disappearing.
Neuromyelitis optica pathogenesis and aquaporin 4

Neuromyelitis optica (NMO) is a severe, debilitating human disease that predominantly features immunopathology in the optic nerves and the spinal cord. An IgG1 autoantibody (NMO-IgG) that binds aquaporin 4 (AQP4) has been identified in the sera of a significant number of NMO patients, as well as in patients with two related neurologic conditions, bilateral optic neuritis (ON), and longitudinal extensive transverse myelitis (LETM), that are generally considered to lie within the NMO spectrum of diseases. NMO-IgG is not the only autoantibody found in NMO patient sera, but the correlation of pathology in central nervous system (CNS) with tissues that normally express high levels of AQP4 suggests NMO-IgG might be pathogenic. If this is the case, it is important to identify and understand the mechanism(s) whereby an immune response is induced against AQP4. This review focuses on open questions about the "events" that need to be understood to determine if AQP4 and NMO-IgG are involved in the pathogenesis of NMO. These questions include: 1) How might AQP4-specific T and B cells be primed by either CNS AQP4 or peripheral pools of AQP4? 2) Do the different AQP4-expressing tissues and perhaps the membrane structural organization of AQP4 influence NMO-IgG binding efficacy and thus pathogenesis? 3) Does prior infection, genetic predisposition, or underlying immune dysregulation contribute to a confluence of events which lead to NMO in select individuals? A small animal model of NMO is essential to demonstrate whether AQP4 is indeed the incipient autoantigen capable of inducing NMO-IgG formation and NMO. If the NMO model is consistent with the human disease, it can be used to examine how changes in AQP4 expression and blood-brain barrier (BBB) integrity, both of which can be regulated by CNS inflammation, contribute to inductive events for anti-AQP4-specific immune response. In this review, we identify reagents and experimental questions that need to be developed and addressed to enhance our understanding of the pathogenesis of NMO. Finally, dysregulation of tolerance associated with autoimmune disease appears to have a role in NMO. Animal models would allow manipulation of hormone levels, B cell growth factors, and other elements known to increase the penetrance of autoimmune disease. Thus an AQP4 animal model would provide a means to manipulate events which are now associated with NMO and thus demonstrate what set of events or multiplicity of events can push the anti-AQP4 response to be pathogenic.
Beyond Atheism and Theism: John Caputo’s Image of God

The younger generation that we find in our classrooms and churches has grown up in a culture where faith in God can no longer be taken for granted. This essay explores how the development of faith and the image of God are influenced by the debate about the existence of God and the trauma of religiously inspired violence. In the past, the challenge of atheism can be said to have helped purge certain superstitions and inadequate images of God from the Christian faith. But today, debate with a new atheism, emboldened by examples of religious violence, is having a more degenerating impact on the faith of many Christians. This is because much of the discussion tends to polarize between the two extremes of religious fundamentalism and atheism that leaves some convinced that they must choose between naturalistic empiricism and authoritative fideism. Appealing to the radical theology of John Caputo, I try to move beyond this unproductive debate. Caputo’s Theology of Perhaps paves the way for a new way of thinking about God and ourselves that promises to be a more responsible way to respond to God’s call. While not for everyone, his work creates an opportunity to gain fresh new insights and rehabilitate some of the world’s most venerable religious traditions, such as Roman Catholicism, in a manner that speaks to many growing up today.
Depressed writing: Cognitive distortions in the works of depressed and nondepressed poets and writers.

Previous research has consistently found that poets and writers suffer from higher rates of psychological disturbance than the general population; what is lacking in the research is analysis of the works themselves. This study examined cognitive distortions, a known indicator of depression, in writing samples of 36 eminent depressed authors and 36 eminent nondepressed authors. Results indicate that depressed authors have more cognitive distortions in their writings than nondepressed authors. However, greater significance was found between poets and prose writers, with poets having substantially more cognitive distortions in their works. An interaction effect was found between study group (depressed or control) and medium (poetry or prose) indicating that nondepressed prose writers had significantly fewer cognitive distortions than nondepressed poets, depressed poets, and depressed writers. Differences in gender and time period are explored as well. Findings suggest a general acceptance of depressive thinking and writing for poets that is not present for prose writers. Implications for the effectiveness of writing as a form of psychotherapy are also discussed.
Increasing medication access for the uninsured and underinsured.

Millions of Americans do not have adequate prescription drug coverage, and over 45 million people were without health insurance in 2003.[1][1] A growing number of individuals cannot afford medications. Several programs have been put in place by state and federal governments, private organizations,
The Mitochondrial Permeability Transition Mediates Both Necrotic and Apoptotic Death of Hepatocytes Exposed to Br-A23187

A23187 and related Ca2+ ionophores are widely used to study Ca2+-dependent cell injury. Here, using laser scanning confocal microscopy and parameter-indicating fluorophores, we investigated the role of the mitochondrial permeability transition (MPT) in Br-A23187 toxicity to cultured rat hepatocytes. After 10 microM Br-A23187, over 60% of hepatocytes lost viability within 1 h. This necrotic cell killing was preceded by increased mitochondrial free Ca2+, mitochondrial depolarization, and onset of the MPT. Cyclosporin A (CsA), a blocker of the permeability transition pore, prevented the MPT and cell killing but had no effect on increased mitochondrial free Ca2+ and depolarization after Br-A23187. To determine whether Br-A23187-induced cell killing was linked to loss of cellular ATP supply, hepatocytes were incubated with fructose and oligomycin, a source of glycolytic ATP and an inhibitor of the uncoupler-stimulated mitochondrial ATPase, respectively. Fructose plus oligomycin prevented cell killing after Br-A23187 but not the MPT. When fructose plus oligomycin prevented necrotic cell killing, apoptosis developed after 10 h. When cells were treated additionally with CsA, these apoptotic changes were prevented. In conclusion, the MPT mediates Br-A23187 cytotoxicity. Acutely, the MPT causes mitochondrial uncoupling and profound ATP depletion, which leads to necrotic cell death. However, when glycolytic ATP generation is available, the MPT induces apoptosis. CsA blocks the MPT and prevents both necrotic and apoptotic cell killing after Br-A23187.
Absorption and Tissue Distribution of Lead in Thiamin-Replete and Thiamin-Deficient Rats

Previous experimental results revealed that thiamin (vitamin B1) reduced lead (Pb) toxicity in calves and decreased tissue lead content in lead-treated calves and rodents. The objective of this experiment was to study the uptake and tissue distribution of lead in rats deprived of thiamin or given excess thiamin and to determine the effect of thiamin on lead absorption. Rats were divided into four groups and fed a thiamin-deficient or thiamin-supplemented diet. The thiamin-replete group also received daily injections of thiamin hydrochloride. Experimental diets were fed for 5 weeks, after which the rats were administered 10 muCi of 203Pb acetate (25 micrograms lead) and killed 6, 24, 48 or 72 hours later. Lead content and concentration of tissues increased twofold in the thiamin-replete group at 24 hours after dosing, but returned to control values 24 hours later. Tissue lead concentration of the thiamin-depleted group was slightly depressed at 24 hours after dosing, but this trend was reversed at the end of the experiment. Tissue lead concentrations in the pair-fed control group were three to seven times greater than in the other treatment groups 6 hours after dosing. The results indicate that thiamin facilitated absorption and increased the amount of lead initially taken up by tissue. Thiamin may also promote more rapid release of lead from tissues.
CHANGING POPULATION STRUCTURE THROUGH THE USE OF COMPOUND CHROMOSOMES

Theoretical calculations and population cage data are presented to illustrate the use of compound chromosomes to change the genetic structure of insect populations.
Experimental optimization of a step aeration waste treatment process

Evolutionary operation (EVOP) was used to experimentally investigate the optimum steady state operating conditions for a step aeration activated sludge waste treatment process. A laboratory scale two tank step aeration activated sludge unit with fixed total volume, total influent flow rate, recycle flow rate, and sludge wasting rate was employed. The volume ratio and flow rate ratio which minimized effluent chemical oxygen demand were determined. The results indicate that EVOP is a useful technique for improving the performance of biological processes.
Critical role of DNA intercalation in enzyme-catalyzed nucleotide flipping

Nucleotide flipping is a common feature of DNA-modifying enzymes that allows access to target sites within duplex DNA. Structural studies have identified many intercalating amino acid side chains in a wide variety of enzymes, but the functional contribution of these intercalating residues is poorly understood. We used site-directed mutagenesis and transient kinetic approaches to dissect the energetic contribution of intercalation for human alkyladenine DNA glycosylase, an enzyme that initiates repair of alkylation damage. When AAG flips out a damaged nucleotide, the void in the duplex is filled by a conserved tyrosine (Y162). We find that tyrosine intercalation confers 140-fold stabilization of the extrahelical specific recognition complex, and that Y162 functions as a plug to slow the rate of unflipping by 6000-fold relative to the Y162A mutant. Surprisingly, mutation to the smaller alanine side chain increases the rate of nucleotide flipping by 50-fold relative to the wild-type enzyme. This provides evidence against the popular model that DNA intercalation accelerates nucleotide flipping. In the case of AAG, DNA intercalation contributes to the specific binding of a damaged nucleotide, but this enhanced specificity comes at the cost of reduced speed of nucleotide flipping.
An Empirical Study Of The Industrial Research And Development Incentives Act Of Canada

The objective of this study is to investigate empirically the effects of the Industrial Research and Development Incentives Act (IRDIA) of Canada on the research and development (R&D) activities of Canadian private enterprises.
Transient receptor potential (TRP) channels as a therapeutic target for intervention of respiratory effects and lethality from phosgene

Phosgene (CG), a toxic inhalation and industrial hazard, causes bronchoconstriction, vasoconstriction and associated pathological effects that could be life threatening. Ion channels of the transient receptor potential (TRP) family have been identified to act as specific chemosensory molecules in the respiratory tract in the detection, control of adaptive responses and initiation of detrimental signaling cascades upon exposure to various toxic inhalation hazards (TIH); their activation due to TIH exposure may result in broncho- and vasoconstriction. We studied changes in the regulation of intracellular free Ca(2+) concentration ([Ca(2+)]i) in cultures of human bronchial smooth muscle cells (BSMC) and human pulmonary microvascular endothelial cells (HPMEC) exposed to CG (16ppm, 8min), using an air/liquid interface exposure system. CG increased [Ca(2+)]i (p<0.05) in both cell types, The CG-induced [Ca(2+)]i was blocked (p<0.05) by two types of TRP channel blockers, SKF-96365, a general TRP channel blocker, and RR, a general TRPV (vanilloid type) blocker, in both BSMC and HPMEC. These effects correlate with the in vivo efficacies of these compounds to protect against lung injury and 24h lethality from whole body CG inhalation exposure in mice (8-10ppm×20min). Thus the TRP channel mechanism appears to be a potential target for intervention in CG toxicity.
Effects in vitro of mercury on rat brain Mg(++)-ATPase.

Mercuric chloride (Hg) in micromolar concentrations inhibited Mg(++)-dependent ATPase activity in rat brain microsomes. Inhibition was higher in oligomycin-sensitive (O.S.) than oligomycin-insensitive (O.I.) Mg(++)-ATPase. Hydrolysis of ATP with 15 and 50 micrograms of microsomal protein for 45 min without and with (2.10(-7M) Hg showed linear rates for 15-20 min. Altered pH vs activity demonstrated comparable inhibitions by Hg in buffered (neutral greater than acidic greater than basic) pH ranges. Inhibition of enzyme activity by Hg was found to be greater at 37 degrees C than at lower temperatures suggesting positive correlation trend. An uncompetitive inhibition with respect to the activation of Mg(++)-ATPase, O.S. Mg(++)-ATPase and O.I. Mg++ ATPase by ATP was indicated by a decrease in apparent Vmax and Km. Mg(++)-activation kinetic studies indicated that Hg causes uncompetitive inhibition of Mg(++)-ATPase and O.I. Mg(++)-ATPase and mixed inhibition of O.S. Mg(++)-ATPase. Inhibition was partially restored by repeated washings. These results indicate that the inhibition of microsomal Mg(++)-ATPase by Hg was pH, temperature, enzyme and Mg++ concentration dependent. Additionally, the data also suggest that O.S. compared to O.I. Mg(++)-ATPase is more sensitive to Hg toxicity.
Prolongation of conduction time during premature stimulation in the human atrium is primarily caused by local stimulus response latency

Backgrounds Conventional clinical electrophysiological techniques cannot accurately differentiate between local stimulus response latency and propagation time of the atrial response. The purpose of this study was to identify and distinguish local stimulus response latency from impulse propagation time in the human right atrium during programmed electrical stimulation. Methods Pacing was performed from two atrial sites (high and low right atrium) in 19 patients, using monophasic action potential recording/pacing combination catheters (interelectrode distance <2 mm). Local stimulus response latency (interval between stimulus art fact and upstroke of the local monophasic action potential), and propagation time (interval between local and remote monophasic action potential upstroke) were evaluated at a basic cycle length (Sl–SI) of 600 ms and as a function of the extrastimulus proximity (interval between extrastimulus and effective refractory period). Data are presented as means ± SEM. Results During basic stimulation, local latency was very small (3.8 ± 1.7 ms). During premature extrastimulation (proximity <70 ms), local latency increased progressively with decreasing coupling intervals. Prolongation of local latency was most pronounced during stimulation close to the effective refractory period with local stimulus response latency increasing to 18.3 ± 1.4 ms (380 ± 7.9%) at 10 ms proximity ( P <0.002) and to 27.9 ± 3.7 ms (630 ± 13.2%) at 5 ms proximity, respectively ( P <0.0001). The impulse propagation time between the stimulation site and the remote recording site was on average 54.5 ± 14.3 ms during basic stimulation, and increased up to 62.1 ± 13.5 ms (14.0 ± 8.4%), which was not significant. Conclusions The intra-atrial impulse propagation remained essentially unchanged during the entire range of premature stimulation. Local stimulus response latency was negligible and constant during late coupling intervals but increased dramatically when extrastimulation approached the preceding repolarization phase. This has the following clinical impact: first, local stimulus response latency during premature extrastimulation curbs the targeted a trial response interval; second, local stimulus response latency, not propagation time, seems responsible for the greater functional than effective refractory period during electrical stimulation; third, local stimulation; response latency should be considered in pace mapping for accurate comparison of conduction time before pacing with that during pacing.
Adequacy of Prenatal Care and Gestational Weight Gain

Abstract Background: The goal of prenatal care is to maximize health outcomes for a woman and her fetus. We examined how prenatal care is associated with meeting the 2009 Institute of Medicine (IOM) guidelines for gestational weight gain. Sample: The study used deidentified birth certificate data supplied by the North Carolina State Center for Health Statistics. The sample included 197,354 women (≥18 years) who delivered singleton full-term infants in 2011 and 2012. Methods: A generalized multinomial model was used to identify how adequate prenatal care was associated with the odds of gaining excessive or insufficient weight during pregnancy according to the 2009 IOM guidelines. The model adjusted for prepregnancy body size, sociodemographic factors, and birth weight. Results: A total of 197,354 women (≥18 years) delivered singleton full-term infants. The odds ratio (OR) for excessive weight gain was 2.44 (95% CI 2.37–2.50) in overweight and 2.33 (95% CI 2.27–2.40) in obese women compared with normal weig...
The Chromatic Polynomial of a Complete r-Partite Graph

(1975). The Chromatic Polynomial of a Complete r-Partite Graph. The American Mathematical Monthly: Vol. 82, No. 7, pp. 752-754.
Adsorption of Structural and Stereoisomers of Cyclohexanediamine at the Ge(100)-2 × 1 Surface: Geometric Effects in Adsorption on a Semiconductor Surface

The effects of structural isomerism and stereoisomerism in molecular adsorption at surfaces are studied through the reaction of four cyclohexanediamine isomers—cis-1,2-, trans-1,2-, cis-1,4-, and trans-1,4-cyclohexanediamine—at the Ge(100)-2 × 1 semiconductor surface. Using a combination of X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, we find that all isomers primarily adsorb by reacting with both functional groups, either forming an N–Ge dative bond to the surface or undergoing N–H dissociation to form Ge–N and Ge–H ordinary covalent bonds. Among the four isomers, differences are observed in the relative amounts of dative bonded versus dissociated amines. Density functional theory calculations explain these results by showing that strain of the surface–adsorbate bonds and in the cyclohexane backbone of the adsorbate give rise to differences in the reaction energetics. In particular, trans-1,4-cyclohexanediamine is the only isomer that must adopt the twist-boat conformatio...
CFD Predictions of Damköhler Number Fields for Reduced Order Modeling of V-Gutter Flame Stability

Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations have been used to extract flow and chemical time scale statistics in the wake of a v-gutter flame. These statistics are used to develop a method for using the local Damkohler number as a predictor of local extinction. CFD predictions are validated by comparing non-reacting flow predictions to available experimental data around the v-gutter. Results are obtained for URANS, DES, and LES turbulence models. URANS reacting flow studies compare two different turbulent combustion models using a one-step global chemical kinetics mechanism. Flow time scale statistics from the different non-reacting turbulence models are compared with those from a URANS reacting model. All flow predictions are obtained using the commercial CFD software package FLUENT. Non-reacting LES and DES simulations showed better agreement with experimental data than URANS. Reacting simulations are used to compare non-reacting and reacting flow time scales, and to extract chemical time scale statistics.
Modeling and analysis of origami structures with smooth folds

Origami has the potential to impact numerous areas of design and manufacturing. Modeling and analysis of origami structures allow for the understanding of their behavior and the development of computational tools for their design. Most available origami models are limited to the idealization of folds as creases of zeroth-order geometric continuity, which is not proper for origami structures having non-negligible fold thickness or with maximum curvature at the folds restricted by material limitations. Structural analysis of origami sheets having creased folds requires further idealizations of the fold mechanical response such as the representation of the folds as torsional springs. In view of this, a novel model analogous to that for rigid origami is presented in this work for origami structures having folds of non-zero surface area that exhibit higher-order geometric continuity (termed smooth folds). This origami model allows for a proper structural analysis of origami sheets using plate or shell representations for the folds. The shape formulation of the smooth folds and the kinematic constraints on their associated shape variables are presented. Modeling of origami structures with smooth folds exhibiting elastic behavior is performed by determining the configuration of the structure that minimizes its total potential energy subject to the derived kinematic constraints. The presented results show that the structural response determined using the proposed model is in good agreement with both experiments and higher-fidelity finite element analyses. A model for origami with smooth folds including kinematics and kinetics is proposed.A model implementation for analysis of arbitrary fold patterns is presented.Arbitrarily complex fold patterns considering real materials can be modeled.The results obtained with the model are in good agreement with experiments and FEA.
Ampicillin-associated diarrhea--A prospective study.

A prospective study of 200 consecutive patients receiving ampicillin for various reasons revealed that bowel habits changed in 16% and diarrhea occurred in 4.5%. No case of pseudomembranous colitis was found. The incidence with which bowel habits changed increased with larger total doses of antibiotic. Oral and intravenous routes caused the same incidence of altered bowel habits. This study provides a proper comparison group to place clindamycin-associated colitis in proper perspective.
Situational and financial barriers to prenatal care in a sample of low-income, inner-city women

The relationship between the use of prenatal care and factors that may impede access to care was examined in a sample of low-income, inner-city women. Situational and financial barriers to care were not important correlates of utilization. In unadjusted analyses, only insurance status and employment status were associated with utilization. Of the sociodemographic characteristics studied, only parity was strongly associated with the use of prenatal care. When the apparent associations between utilization and insurance status and utilization and employment were analyzed controlling for parity, the estimated strength and statistical significance of these relationships diminished considerably. Multiparous women who were more likely than primiparous women to be underutilizers were also more likely to be on medical assistance and to be unemployed. These findings suggest that situational and financial barriers are not important correlates of utilization for low-income, adult women living in urban areas where there are accessible clinic facilities and public transportation. Efforts to identify and surmount other kinds of barriers may prove to be a more effective approach to prenatal outreach for women in these circumstances.
An International Neurology Database Link, Allowing Global Research Queries Across Languages

An epilepsy database has been ported from a US clinic to a german one. The use of consistent terminology and a common view of the database in both institutions allow medical research to be based on the common data pool. Key problems of the database portation are described and automated mechanisms for the sharing of data are presented.
What Works in Crime Prevention

Research Summary This article compares the criteria and methods applied by three registries designed to identify what works in crime and delinquency prevention. We discuss and demonstrate how variation in the methodological rigor of these processes affects the number of interventions identified as “evidence based” and provide recommendations for future list-making to help increase the dissemination of effective crime prevention programs and practices. Policy Implications As support for evidence-based crime prevention grows, so too will reliance on what works registries. We contend that these lists must employ scientifically rigorous review criteria and systematic review processes to protect public resources and ensure interventions recommended for dissemination do not risk harming participants. Lists must also be constructed and findings communicated in ways that are responsive to community needs. Ensuring this balance will help increase public confidence in scientific methods and ensure greater diffusion of evidence-based interventions.
Protein kinase C in cancer: The top five unanswered questions

Few kinases have been studied as extensively as protein kinase C (PKC), particularly in the context of cancer. As major cellular targets for the phorbol ester tumor promoters and diacylglycerol (DAG), a second messenger generated by stimulation of membrane receptors, PKC isozymes play major roles in the control of signaling pathways associated with proliferation, migration, invasion, tumorigenesis, and metastasis. However, despite decades of research, fundamental questions remain to be answered or are the subject of intense controversy. Primary among these unresolved issues are the role of PKC isozymes as either tumor promoter or tumor suppressor kinases and the incomplete understanding on isozyme-specific substrates and effectors. The involvement of PKC isozymes in cancer progression needs to be reassessed in the context of specific oncogenic and tumor suppressing alterations. In addition, there are still major hurdles in addressing isozyme-specific function due to the limited specificity of most pharmacological PKC modulators and the lack of validated predictive biomarkers for response, which impacts the translation of these agents to the clinic. In this review we focus on key controversial issues and upcoming challenges, with the expectation that understanding the intricacies of PKC function will help fulfill the yet unsuccessful promise of targeting PKCs for cancer therapeutics.