cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Exposure Assessment and Respirator Selection in the Cleaning of Crude Oil Process Vessels

Abstract The processes in the oil production industry are generally closed systems. The workers who clean and maintain process vessels, however, are exposed to the hazards of crude oil and confined spaces. Although respiratory protection is often used by these workers, exposures have not been documented and respirator selection procedures using detector tubes to measure benzene concentrations have not been validated. This study evaluates the effectiveness of this approach to respirator selection by examining actual exposures of a group of vessel workers and assessing the adequacy of protection that was provided. Personal breathing zone samples and area samples were collected by active adsorptive sampling during the cleaning of oil separators. Area air samples were also collected prior to entry into the vessels in conjunction with detector tube sampling conducted by safety personnel. Adsorptive air sampling indicated that exposure concentrations ranged from nondetectable to 5.8 ppm, averaged over the durat...
EFFECT OF ELECTRIC FIELD ON CAVITATION IN SUPERPLASTIC ALUMINUM ALLOY 7475

Abstract An externally applied electric field reduced both the volume fraction and the density of cavities which developed during superplastic deformation of aluminum alloy 7475. The decrease in cavitation resulted from a reduction in the nucleation rate of cavities at small strains; their subsequent growth rate was increased by the electric field. The principal nucleation sites for cavities without an electric field were triple junctions of grain boundaries, whereas with an electric field nucleation around second-phase particles also became important. The reduced nucleation rate of cavities in an electric field was attributed to a field-enhanced accommodation of grain boundary sliding. The lower cavitation of aluminum alloy 7475 deformed in an electric field resulted in improved post-deformation strength and ductility.
Assessing Critical Source Areas in Watersheds for Conservation Buffer Planning and Riparian Restoration

A science-based geographic information system (GIS) approach is presented to target critical source areas in watersheds for conservation buffer placement. Critical source areas are the intersection of hydrologically sensitive areas and pollutant source areas in watersheds. Hydrologically sensitive areas are areas that actively generate runoff in the watershed and are derived using a modified topographic index approach based on variable source area hydrology. Pollutant source areas are the areas in watersheds that are actively and intensively used for such activities as agricultural production. The method is applied to the Neshanic River watershed in Hunterdon County, New Jersey. The capacity of the topographic index in predicting the spatial pattern of runoff generation and the runoff contribution to stream flow in the watershed is evaluated. A simple cost-effectiveness assessment is conducted to compare the conservation buffer placement scenario based on this GIS method to conventional riparian buffer scenarios for placing conservation buffers in agricultural lands in the watershed. The results show that the topographic index reasonably predicts the runoff generation in the watershed. The GIS-based conservation buffer scenario appears to be more cost-effective than the conventional riparian buffer scenarios.
Widespread underprovision on Reddit

Many online communities ask their members to do work for the good of everyone on the site. On social voting sites like Reddit, this means that users judge a stream of incoming links by voting them up or down. The links with the most up-votes bubble up to the main page, pointing everyone toward the best content. A threat to all sites designed this way, however, is underprovision: when too many people rely on others to contribute without doing so themselves. In this paper, we present findings suggesting that widespread underprovision of votes is happening on Reddit, arguably the internet's largest social voting community. Notably, Reddit overlooked 52% of the most popular links the first time they were submitted. This suggests that many potentially popular links get ignored, jeopardizing the site's core purpose. We conclude by discussing possible reasons behind it, and suggest future research on social voting sites.
cDNA cloning of canine common α gene and its co-expression with canine thyrotropin β gene in baculovirus expression system☆

Abstract The common α gene of the canine glycoprotein hormones was cloned, sequenced and co-expressed with the canine thyrotropin β (TSHβ) gene in the baculovirus expression system, and a bioactive recombinant canine TSH was purified. The canine common α gene was cloned from the total RNA extracted from the canine pituitary gland by the reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) using primers that were designed based on the consensus sequences from other species. The resulting 476 bp PCR product is consisted of the full coding sequence for the 96 amino acid mature α subunit, and a sequence encoding a 24 amino acid signal peptide. Homology analysis with other species revealed that the canine common α subunit potentially contains five disulfide bonds and two oligosaccharide chains N-linked to Asn residues located at positions 56 and 82. For expression in the baculovirus expression system, the common α gene was cloned downstream of the p10 promoter of the pAcUW51 transfer vector, and the previously cloned canine TSHβ gene was inserted under the polyhedrin promoter of the same vector. The recombinant virus containing both α and β genes was generated and propagated before being used to transfect the Sf9 insect cells for expression. The medium from the Sf9 cultures, presumably containing canine TSH α and β in native heterodimer confirmation, exhibited TSH bioactivity as indicated in the cAMP stimulation assay in FRTL-5 cells. The expressed recombinant protein was purified from the culture medium with an affinity column that was coupled with IgG purified from the polyclonal antibodies generated against the partially purified native canine TSH.
Hierarchical Arrow Social Welfare Functions

In Armstrong [1985] I examined precisely dictatorial social welfare functions. These are those social welfare functions o with associated dictator k so that, for a profile / of preferences, the social preference a(f) agrees precisely with the preference /(/c) of the dictator rather than merely extending that preference. The characterization is that of relational monotonicity for g so that if a preference profile g was obtained by extending the preferences of individuals v in a society V from that of another profile /, (so that as subsets oflxl, where X is the alternative space, the weak order f(v) is contained in the weak order g(v) for all veV) then a(f) must also be extended by a{g). As mentioned in that paper Sarbadhikari had brought to my attention the fact that Arrow Social Welfare Functions (ASWF) other than the precisely dictatorial ones exist. The simplest example is where there is a secondary dictator whose preferences between alternatives are followed in case the primary dictator is indifferent between these alternatives. Indeed one could allow tertiary dictators or quaternary dictators etc. That is, one can conceive of a dictatorial pecking order, finite in extent for finite V, but possibly infinite in extent for infinite V. The purpose of this paper is to characterize which Arrow Social Welfare Functions have such a dictatorial hierarchy. This characterization is that the social welfare function satisfy, in addition, a certain Pareto condition which we call comonotonicity for its intimate connection with current non-linear expected utility literature. Precisely dictatorial ASWFS may be considered conservative or minimally decisive in expressing preference between as few alternatives as possible. We examine here maximally decisive ASWF and characterize them as having maximal hierarchies. At the conclusion we make some remarks as to the rationalizability of ASWFs by weighted majority rule.
High-field negative-ion persistence currents in superfluid helium

The behavior of negative ions in superfluid helium at high electric fields has been investigated. It is concluded that at sufficiently high fields the negative-ion complex is not an electron trapped on a circular, singly quantized vortex ring. The size of the complex is measured and found to be about 35 \ensuremath{\mu}m. The ion complex is observed to break up at very high fields.
Is there a need for additional means of recognizing myocardial necrosis

One might logically question whether there is a need for additional techniques to recognize the presence of acute myocardial infarcts in patients. Traditionally, the ECG and serum measurement of cardiac enzymes have been used to detect the presence or absence of acute myocardial necrosis resulting from coronary artery disease. For recognizing acute myocardial infarcts, these techniques are adequate in many patients, providing an absolute differentiation between the presence of acute myocardial infarction and other coronary artery disease syndromes, including angina pectoris and acute myocardial ischemia. However, there are subgroups of patients who come to the hospital with chest pain, in whom it is difficult to determine with accuracy whether they have had acute myocardial infarcts when just the ECG and cardiac enzymes are used alone. In particular, patients who arrive at the hospital 16 or more hours after the onset of chest pain, those with conduction abnormalities on their ECG,
Immunity to Experimental Pneumococcus Infection with an Artificial Antigen

FOR the past few years, we have been engaged in this laboratory in studying the factors which govern the immunological specificity of carbohydrates. This problem has been approached by an investigation of the chemical structure of the specific bacterial polysaccharides themselves and by a study of the immunological properties of artificial antigens prepared by combining the aminophenol or benzyl glycosides of saccharides of known structure with protein. The latter method has been of particular value in revealing certain of the fundamental factors which govern the specificity of carbohydrates. The stereochemical configuration of simple hexoses1, the configuration of intramolecular linkages of disaccharides and the position of such linkages2 are all-important determinants in orienting the specificities of these saccharides. More recently it has been found that the conversion of the primary alcohol group of a hexose to the carboxyl group likewise alters the immunological properties of artificial antigens containing the hexoses, as opposed to those containing the hexose uronic acids3.
Potato storage quality as influenced by rate of ventilation

Insulated bins containing approximately 1800 kg (2 ton) were ventilated at airflow rates of 0, 2.3, 4.7, 9.4, 18.7, 37.5, and 74.9 m3/h/T(0, 1.25, 2.5, 10, 20, and 40 cfm/t). Replicated trials over a three year period showed that ventilating with an airflow rate of 18.7 m3/h/T (10 cfm/t) resulted in the lowest combined storage loss due to weight, sprouts, and rot. The time required to grade the tubers from the bins ventilated with airflow rates greater than 9.4 m3/h/T (5 cfm/t) was significantly less than that from those receiving lower airflow rates. There was no significant difference in tuber temperature at the top of the bins having an airflow rate of 9.4 m3/h/T (5 cfm/t) or more.
The fine-grained matrix of the Semarkona LL3.0 ordinary chondrite: An induced thermoluminescence study

To investigate the nature, origin, and history of the fine-grained matrix in Semarkona and develop techniques suitable for small samples, we have measured the induced thermoluminescence properties of six matrix samples 10 μm to 400 μm in size. The samples had TL sensitivities comparable with 4 mg of bulk samples of type 3.2-3.4 ordinary chondrites, which is very high relative to bulk Semarkona. The other induced TL properties of these samples, TL peak temperatures, and TL peak widths distinguish them from other ordinary chondrite samples where the TL is caused by feldspar. Cathodoluminescence images and other data suggest that the cause of the luminescence in the Semarkona fine-grained matrix is forsterite. In some respects the matrix TL data resemble that of Semarkona chondrules, in which the phosphor is forsterite and terrestrial forsterites from a variety of igneous and metamorphic environments. However, differences in the TL peak temperature versus TL peak width relationship between the matrix samples and the other forsterites suggest a fundamentally different formation mechanism. We also note that forsterite appears to be a major component in many primitive materials, such as nebulae, cometary dust, and Stardust particles.
Linear dichroism of rhodopsin in air-water interface films.

Air-water interface films of purified cattle rhodopsin and defined phospholipids are formed by the osmotic lysis of reconstituted membrane vesicles. The interface films thus formed consist of a phospholipid monolayer containing vesicle membrane fragments. Rhodopsin molecules at the interface are restricted within the membrane fragments where they are spectrophotometrically intact and capable of undergoing photoregeneration and chemical regeneration. Multilayers of up to 8 layers can be built from these interface films. The visible absorption band of rhodopsin in these multilayers is linearly dichroic. Quantitative analysis of the linear dichroism reveals that the dipole moment of transition of the retinal chromophore in rhodopsin forms an angle of 15°±4° with the plane of the membrane fragments in the interface film. This orientation of the chromophore relative to the plane of the membrane is essentially the same as that observed in the intact retina. Thus, the orientation of rhodopsin in the interface films is similar to that in the intact disc membranes.
Introduction to special section: Titan: Pre--Cassini view

would explore Titan during its descent down to the surface and shortly after landing. While designs for the probe were being made, Lunine et al. [1983] suggested that Titan’s surface may be completely covered by a liquid hydrocarbon ocean, since their calculations showed that methane could only persist in Titan’s atmosphere for � 10 7 yrs, i.e., much shorter than the age of our Solar System, unless it would be recycled back into the atmosphere. The probe was therefore designed to float if it would indeed land in an ocean, so it may be able to transmit data back to Earth for a short time after landing. [3] Approximately half a Titan year after the Voyager encounters, when it became spring in the southern hemisphere, Titan research received a boost with the launch of the Hubble Space Telescope and the development of speckle imaging and adaptive optics (AO) techniques on large, 8–10 m, telescopes. With these new imaging techniques Titan could be resolved (typical resolutions of a few 100 km), and images of its surface, troposphere and stratosphere were obtained. Many results have been published over the past decade, and several more are presented in this special GRL issue.
Malignant Fibrous Histiocytoma of the Clivus: Case Report

A case of malignant fibrous histiocytoma of the clivus in a 2 1/2-year-old boy is reported. There are no prior reports of this tumor in this location. The child was treated with operation, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy. The tumor recurred locally 21 months later. The recurrence was palliated by operation and chemotherapy, permitting an additional 20-month survival.
Selective and irreversible inhibition of glutathione reductase in vitro by carbamate thioester conjugates of methyl isocyanate

Abstract Exposure of yeast glutathione reductase (GR) in vitro to S-(N-methylcarbamoyl)glutathione (SMG) and S-(N-methylcarbamoyl)cysteine (SMC), two carbamoylating metabolites of methyl isocyanate (MIC), led to a time-dependent, irreversible loss of enzyme activity (50–90%) over a period of 3 hr. The extent of inhibition was dependent upon the concentration of these carbamate thioester conjugates (0.1 to 1.0 mM) and on the presence of NADPH (100 μM). Omission of NADPH markedly attenuated the inhibitory effects of both SMG and SMC, while oxidized glutathione (GSSG), the natural substrate of the enzyme, protected against the inhibition. Parallel experiments with the antineoplastic drug N,N′-bis-(2-chloroethyl)-N-nitrosourea (BCNU), a carbamoylating agent which is known to inhibit GR selectively, gave results that were similar to those obtained with the above conjugates. When analogs of SMG and SMC labeled with 14C in the carbamoyl group were incubated with GR, radioactivity became bound covalently to the enzyme. These findings, together with the results of kinetic experiments on the release of GSH from SMG and cysteine from SMC, suggested that while both conjugates inhibit GR by carbamoylation of an active-site thiol(s), sMG exhibits a greater affinity for the active site than SMC. In contrast to the studies with GR, SMG and SMC failed to inhibit either glutathione-S-transferase (GST) or glutathione peroxidase (GPO) enzymes in vitro. It is concluded, therefore, that these conjugates most likely inhibit GR by carbamoylating free thiol groups in the active site of this enzyme, which are absent (or inaccessible) at the active-site of GST and GPO.
Is nighttime the right time? Risk of complications after laparoscopic cholecystectomy at night.

Background Laparoscopic cholecystectomies can be performed at night in high-volume acute care hospitals. We hypothesized that nonelective nighttime laparoscopic cholecystectomies are associated with increased postoperative complications. Study Design We conducted a single-center retrospective review of consecutive laparoscopic cholecystectomy patients between October 2010 and May 2011 at a safety-net hospital in Houston, Texas. Data were collected on demographics, operative time, time of incision, length of stay, 30-day postoperative complications (ie, bile leak/biloma, common bile duct injury, retained stone, superficial surgical site infection, organ space abscess, and bleeding) and death. Statistical analyses were performed using STATA software (version 12; Stata Corp). Results During 8 months, 356 patients had nonelective laparoscopic cholecystectomies. A majority were female (n = 289 [81.1%]) and Hispanic (n = 299 [84%]). There were 108 (30%) nighttime operations. There were 29 complications in 18 patients; there were fewer daytime than nighttime patients who had at least 1 complication (4.0% vs 7.4%; p = 0.18). On multivariate analysis, age (odds ratio = 1.06 per year; 95% CI, 1.02–1.10; p = 0.002), case duration (odds ratio = 1.02 per minute; 95% CI, 1.01–1.02; p = 0.001), and nighttime surgery (odds ratio = 3.33; 95% CI, 1.14–9.74; p = 0.001) were associated with an increased risk of 30-day surgical complications. Length of stay was significantly longer for daytime than nighttime patients (median 3 vs 2 days; p Conclusions Age, case duration, and nighttime laparoscopic cholecystectomy were predictive of increased 30-day surgical complications at a high-volume safety-net hospital. The small but increased risk of complications with nighttime laparoscopic cholecystectomy must be balanced against improved efficiency at a high-volume, resource-poor hospital.
Menopause Symptoms and Attitudes of African American Women: Closing the Knowledge Gap and Expanding Opportunities for Counseling

Menopause a normal midlife transition for women, remains poorly understood, especially for minority women. A total of 226 African American midlife women completed the Menopause Symptoms List (J. M. Perz, 1997); Menopause Attitude Scale (C. Bowles, 1986); Attitudes Toward Menopause checklist (B. L. Neugarten, V. Wood, R. J. Kraines, & B. Loomes, 1963); and instruments to elicit information about health status, stressful life events, social support, and demographics. The results reveal strengths as well as areas of concern for African American women in responding to normative midlife changes. Implications for counselors are explored.
Polymeric Schiff bases. XIV - The synthesis of cross-linked polymeric azomethines by exchange reactions.

Schiff base cross-links effect on synthesis of polymeric azomethines produced by bis exchange reactions, carbonyl and amine
PRICE AND LOCATION CONJECTURES IN MEDIUM‐ AND LONG‐RUN SPATIAL COMPETITION MODELS*

. This paper examines medium-run and long-run equilibria in unbounded (circular) and bounded (linear) one-dimensional multifirm markets. A price-location adjustment model is outlined that dows simulation of the spatial equilibrium when these firms anticipate reactions from their nearest spatial rivals. Thus, the market equilibrium is derived from the interdependent but atomistic decisions of the competing firms and is not imposed by some outside observer or agency. Ail conjectures are exogenous; the three well-known price conjectures (Greenhut-Ohta, Hotelling-Smithies, and Losch) are highlighted; and the relevant comparative statics are provided.
Peer review under review.

From discussions with colleagues around the world, I have found that it is common for authors of a scientific manuscript or grant to receive nonconstructive peer-review reports. In his News Focus article “NIH eyes sweeping reform of peer review” (5 Nov., p. [1074][1]), Bruce Agnew describes some but not all of the issues associated with grant review. Two major problems appear to be the frequent use by reviewers of unsubstantiated statements with no accountability, and the use by reviewers of deliberately dismissive phraseology. The outcome in these instances is usually rejection of the manuscript or grant, but also probably the demoralization of young scientists rather than the provision of constructive feedback from experienced colleagues. Furthermore, these problems appear to be more common for—although certainly not limited to—junior authors or those of foreign countries, especially if English is not their first language. One probable reason for this phenomenon is the anonymity granted to reviewers. Other reasons might include the competition for grant dollars and for space in the top journals, and a professional laziness justified by a chronic shortage of time. Journals and granting agencies should require reviewers to abide by professional standards and reasonable guidelines of civility in reviewing the work of others. Guidelines for the adoption of professional standards for peer review could include such items as the following. (i) The same rigor must be used in review as the writer used in manuscript or grant preparation, in particular, the use of appropriate literature citations to support statements. (ii) Criticism should be constructive rather than destructive or aggressive. (iii) Aggressive statements criticizing the misuse of the English language are not acceptable. It is high time that we, as scientists and physicians, learn to behave at all levels in a professional and courteous manner to one another. [1]: /lookup/doi/10.1126/science.286.5442.1074a
Horizontal basal cell proliferation in the olfactory epithelium of transforming growth factor-α transgenic mice

Transgenic mice in which overexpression of the transforming growth factor alpha (TGF-α) gene was directed by the keratin-14 promoter were used to study the regulation of cell cycle progression and proliferation in vivo in the olfactory epithelium. The level of TGF-α protein was 73% greater in the nasal-olfactory epithelium of the transgenic mice than in that of nontransgenic littermate controls. Increased levels of TGF-α protein were accompanied by a 5.8-fold selective increase in the proliferation of phenotypically characterized horizontal basal cells in the transgenics compared with nontransgenics; in contrast, globose basal cells exhibited a similar low level of proliferation in both transgenics and nontransgenics. The level of expression of epidermal growth factor receptor protein, the receptor for TGF-α, was also upregulated in the transgenics, indicating a role for the ErbB tyrosine kinase receptor family in the response to TGF-α in the olfactory epithelium. TGF-α overexpression was also associated with increased expression of several early cell-cycle-associated proteins, including the growth factor sensor cyclin D1, retinoblastoma, E2F-1 transcription factor, and cyclin E, indicating the progression of relatively quiescent progenitor cells in the G1 phase of the cell cycle toward the G1/S restriction point, after which the cells become refractive to mitogens. These results demonstrate a role for the growth factor TGF-α in the in vivo regulation of cell cycle progression and proliferation in the mitotically active olfactory epithelium in these transgenic mice.
Research Note: Transfer of Natural and Artificially Inoculated Microorganisms from Orange Fruit to Fresh Juice during Extraction

Transfer of natural and inoculated microorganisms from fruit to fresh orange juice was quantified during extraction. The influences of test organisms and inoculation levels on the transfer were also evaluated. About 1.7–2.6% of total aerobic organisms and 2.3–2.6% of aciduric organisms of washed oranges were introduced to the fresh juice during extraction. Approximately 1.3–9.9% of Escherichia coli and 2.7–8.9% ofLactobacillus plantarum were recovered in juice extracted from artificially inoculated fruit. No significant difference (P≥0.05) in transfer was found with the variance of cutter size or strainer tube. Furthermore, the type of test cultures, E. coli or L. plantarum, used for inoculation did not significantly affect the results when an identical broth was used for cell resuspension. In general, microbial levels detected in fresh juice were 90–99% (or 1–2 log) lower than levels found on fruit.
PRODUCTION AND SEARCHES FOR CASCADE BARYONS WITH CLAS

We present the results of photoproduction cross sections of the ground state cascade Ξ- and the first excited state Ξ*-(1530) measured with the CLAS detector. The photoproduction of the cascade resonances has been investigated in the reactions γp → K+K+(X) and γp → K+K+π-(X). The differential and total cross sections of the Ξ- were determined for photon beam energies from 2.75 to 4.75 GeV and are consistent with a production mechanism of Y* → K+Ξ- through a t-channel process. The cross-section of the Ξ*-(1530) has been determined for photon beam energies from 3.35 to 4.75 GeV. The reaction γp → K+K+π-(Ξ0) has also been investigated in the search for excited cascade resonances decaying to π-Ξ0. No significant signal of excited cascade states other than the well-known Ξ*-(1530) is observed. We also present the latest results of a search for the Φ--(1862) exotic pentaquark state in a photoproduction experiment on a deuterium target. A high-statistics sample of π-Ξ- events have been collected and analyzed. A preliminary invariant mass spectrum of the π-Ξ- system is presented, which is used to set upper limits on the photoproduction of the Φ-- pentaquark state.
Korean as a Foreign Language in the USA: The Instructional Settings

The article describes the development of Korean as a foreign language (KFL) in the USA, from its modest beginnings in the 1940s, through a period of rapid growth that began in the late 1970s, to its present strong position at all levels of the educational system, including elementary and secondary school, the universities, and the government sector. Recent growth is attributed to three main factors: the increasing visibility of South Korea on the international stage, greater number of Korean immigrants in the USA, and increasing involvement of the Korean government in the teaching of Korean internationally. An examination of instructional settings shows a growing conflict between the needs of learners of Korean as a heritage language and those who are learning it ‘from scratch’. The implications of the current situation for future research and development in the teaching of Korean in the USA are discussed.
Population dynamics and management of walleye pollock (Theragra chalcogramma) in the Gulf of Alaska, 1976-1986

Abstract Information from resource assessment surveys and commercial fisheries statistics was used to investigate the population dynamics of Gulf of Alaska walleye pollock ( Theragra chalcogramma ) from 1976 to 1986. Stock assessment analyses were used to estimate historical stock size, rates of fishing and numbers of recruits. Three different age-structured stock assessment models were fitted to two data sets; a nonlinear log catch model calibrated with fishery-independent population biomass estimates, a nonlinear catch/effort model, and a linear model based on catch per unit of effort. Variances of parameter estimates were obtained when possible. Results indicate that (1) a shift in selectivity-at-age occurred between the 1976–1981 and 1982–1986 periods; (2) population biomass was 1 000 000 t in 1976, peaked at 2 500 000 t in 1981–1982 and dropped to 400 000 t in 1986; and (3) annual changes in biomass were influenced mainly by five consecutive strong year classes (1975–1979) moving into the fishery followed by four weak year classes (1980–1983). The decline in abundance is supported by independent biomass estimates from hydroacoustic/midwater trawl surveys. Results from different catch-at-age models compare favorably with respect to estimated trends in abundance. Differences in scale are attributed to the data set, the choice of the model, and the way the models were constrained. Estimates of instantaneous natural mortality ( M year −1 ) ranged from 0.35 to 0.50 from stock assessment methods and from 0.23 to 0.44 from empirical and approximate methods. Catchability estimates ranged from 0.014 ( M =0.42) to 0.0191 ( M =0.35). It also appears that catchability varies interannually and may be density dependent. A Ricker spawner-recruit model explained 83.5% of the variation in recruit abundance, indicating that density-dependent processes may be important in pollock population dynamics.
Compatibility of detergents with the microbatch-under-oil crystallization method.

Detergents are required to solubilize integral membrane proteins and are common components of the solutions used to crystallize these molecules. It has been unclear whether these detergents are completely compatible with the oils used in the microbatch-under-oil crystallization technique, because they might conceivably be lost from solution by partitioning into the oil phase. The partitioning of the detergents n-octyl-β-d-glucopyranoside and Fos-Choline-12 into two different oils used for microbatch crystallization experiments has been examined. It was found that vigorous mixing and prolonged incubation of the aqueous detergent solutions with the oils leads to small losses of detergent (approximately 5% of the total detergent mass); however, gentle mixing that is more typical of the mixing encountered in a crystallization experiments leads to negligible loss of detergent.
Psychosocial Adjustment of Hmong Refugees during Their First Decade in the United States: A Longitudinal Study.

Over their first decade in the United States, 100 Hmong refugees were studied on three occasions. Data included demographic characteristics, acculturation skills, traditional affiliations and pastimes, material acquisitions, psychosocial problems, and self-rating scales. In addition to a description
Modification of cryoprecipitate coagulum pyelolithotomy technique

Abstract Cryoprecipitate coagulum pyelolithotomy usually is performed with the use of cryoprecipitate, calcium, and thrombin. We report a simplification of the technique by the use of cryoprecipitate and calcium only. The mechanism of the coagulum formation is discussed. An illustrative case is presented.
Activity of neurons in the beta nucleus of the inferior olive of the rabbit evoked by natural vestibular stimulation.

The inferior olive (IO) appears to be organized functionally in discrete subnuclei that receive transmitter-specific inputs. In particular, the IO receives a GABAergic input that is most densely concentrated in the β -nucleus. In this experiment, we examined the functional specificity of neurons in the β -nucleus of the IO of rabbits by recording their activity during natural vestibular and optokinetic stimulation. Rabbits were anesthetized and positioned in a triaxial servo- controlled rate table with the head fixed at the center of rotation. Contour-rich visual stimuli were rear-projected onto a 70 deg tangent screen and moved at constant velocities. Recording sites in the β -nucleus were verified by subsequent histological analysis of marking microlesions. Neurons in the β -nucleus responded to roll vestibular stimulation about the longitudinal axis. These neurons were excited when the rabbit was rolled onto the side which was contralateral to the recording site, and inhibited when the rabbit was rolled ipsilaterally. Thirty-eight of the 75 β -nucleus neurons that were responsive to roll vestibular stimulation also responded to static tilt, indicating an otolithic as well as a vertical semicircular canal origin of the vestibular input. The modulated activity of none of the neurons could be attributed to stimulation of the horizontal semicircular canals. All the recorded neurons were found in a region of the β -nucleus that was retrogradely labeled following HRP injections into the cerebellar nodulus. Using a “null point” technique, we found that there was a differential projection of information from the anterior and posterior semicircular canals onto to the β -nucleus. Stimulation of the ipsilateral anterior-contralateral posterior semicircular canals modulates activity of the neurons in the caudal 500 μm of the β -nucleus. Stimulation of the ipsilateral posterior-contralateral anterior semicircular canals modulates activity of neurons located more rostrally. β -nucleus neurons and the olivocerebellar circuits in which they participate may constitute an important pathway for the control and adaptive modification of postural reflexes.
Post-transcriptional regulation of glucose transporter-1 by an AU-rich element in the 3′UTR and by hnRNP A2 ☆ ☆☆

Glucose transporter-1 (GLUT1) mediates uptake of glucose and is up-regulated in some cancers. The amount of this membrane protein is regulated by a post-transcriptional mechanism in which mRNA binding proteins recognize cis-acting elements in the 3'-untranslated (3'UTR) of the mRNA. To identify cis elements in GLUT1 mRNA we introduced 3'UTR sequences into the 3'UTR of the luciferase gene in a reporter construct. A 30 nt adenosine-uridine-rich element ("GLUT1 AURE") inhibited luciferase activity in HEK-293 cells. This inhibitory effect was confirmed by deleting the GLUT1 AURE from a reporter containing the full-length 3'UTR. Deletion of the GLUT1 AURE caused reporter activity to increase. Deletion of a larger fragment ("Bsu" region) containing the GLUT1 AURE increased reporter activity still further, suggesting that there are additional cis elements in the GLUT1 mRNA. The GLUT1 AURE was also active in GBM-T98G glioblastoma cells. Next, we tested the action of a trans-acting factor, hnRNP A2, on GLUT1 gene expression. We show that a cytoplasmic-localizing isoform of hnRNP A2 binds human GLUT1 RNA by gel-shift assay and by UV-crosslinking. Finally, over-expression of the hnRNP A2 isoform inhibited GLUT1 reporter expression in GBM-T98G cells. These results identify the AURE cis element in human GLUT1 mRNA and show that hnRNP A2 acts on GLUT1 mRNA to inhibit expression of GLUT1 in a brain cancer cell line.
Spatial integration among cells forming the cranial peripheral nervous system

Neural crest cells represent a unique link between axial and peripheral regions of the developing vertebrate head. Although their fates are well catalogued, the issue of their role in spatial organization is less certain. Recent data, particularly on patterns of expression of Hox genes in the hindbrain and crest cells, have raised anew the debate whether a segmental arrangement is the basis for positional specification of craniofacial epithelial and mesenchymal tissues or is but one manifestation of underlying spatial programming processes. The mechanisms of positional specification of sensory neurons derived from the neural crest and placodes are unknown. This review examines the spatial organization of cells and tissues that develop in proximity to sensory neurons; some of these tissues share a common ancestry, others are targets of cranial sensory and motor nerves. All share the necessity of acquiring and expressing site-specific properties in a functionally integrated manner. This integration occurs in part by coordinating patterns of cell migration, as occurs between migrating crest cells and branchial arch myoblasts. Constant rostro-caudal relations are maintained among these precursors as they move dorsoventrally from the hindbrain–paraxial regions to establish branchial arches. During this period the interactions among these and other mesenchymal cells are hierarchical; each cell population differentially integrates its past with cues emanating from new microenvironments. Analyses of tissue interactions indicate that neural crest cells play a dominant role in this scenario. © 1993 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Evaluation of high-temperature distortion of high-palladium metal-ceramic crowns.

Abstract Statement of problem. Crown fit is a prerequisite for long-term clinical success; however, crown distortion may occur during porcelain firing. The dimensional stability of some high-palladium alloys at high temperatures has been questioned. Purpose. The purpose of this study was to use a new method to measure the distortion of copings for metal-ceramic single units of selected high-palladium alloys with compositions representative of commercial alloys. Material and methods. Four high-palladium alloys containing copper and 3 containing no copper were tested. A palladium-silver alloy was included for comparison, and a gold-palladium alloy served as the control. By using reference points scribed on the margin, the mesiodistal and buccolingual margin diameters of identical copings were measured with a traveling microscope at 4 stages: as-cast, oxidized, after 2 simulated opaque porcelain firings, and after 2 simulated dentin porcelain firings. The margin distortions for the various specimen groups representing combinations of alloys, stages, and measurement diameters were compared with the use of 1-way analysis of variance and a multiple range test. Results. Most of the high-palladium alloys had high-temperature distortions that were not significantly different from those of the control alloy. The distortions occurred principally during the oxidation cycle. The effect of mesiodistal groove reinforcement on preventing distortion was not the same for all alloys. Conclusion. The results suggest that small observed distortions of these alloys will not produce clinical problems. Several laboratory techniques are available to counteract the distortions. (J Prosthet Dent 2001;85:133-40.)
Quantitation of the hydroxyl radical by reaction with dimethyl sulfoxide

This investigation was conducted to validate the use of dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) as a quantitative molecular probe for the generation of hydroxyl radicals (HO.) in aqueous systems. Reaction of HO. with DMSO produces methane sulfinic acid as a primary product, which can be detected by a simple colorimetric assay. To evaluate this method for estimating total HO. production, we studied three model systems, including the Fenton reaction, gamma irradiation of water, and ultraviolet photolysis of hydrogen peroxide, for which the theoretical maximum yield of HO. could be calculated and compared to measured DMSO oxidation. The results confirm that 0.05 to 1 M DMSO may be used to capture nearly all of the expected HO. radicals formed. Thus, methane sulfinic acid production from DMSO holds promise as an easily measured marker for HO. formation in aqueous systems pretreated with DMSO.
Reducing stack usage in Java bytecode execution

For many years, the Tomasulo method of dynamically scheduling instructions for execution in a load/store processor has been known and used. This paper presents an adaptation of the Tomasulo method to a stack-based processor architecture, and illustrates its use in a software simulator of a subset of the Java Virtual Machine. Experimental results show that the adapted Tomasulo method reduces stack usage, in some cases eliminating it altogether. This method should be of interest to computer architects and those involved in the implementation and use of the Java programming language.
Rat brain docosahexaenoic acid metabolism is not altered by a 6-day intracerebral ventricular infusion of bacterial lipopolysaccharide

In a rat model of neuroinflammation, produced by a 6-day intracerebral ventricular infusion of bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS), we reported that the brain concentrations of non-esterified brain arachidonic acid (AA, 20:4 n-6) and its eicosanoid products PGE(2) and PGD(2) were increased, as were AA turnover rates in certain brain phospholipids and the activity of AA-selective cytosolic phospholipase A(2) (cPLA(2)). The activity of Ca(2+)-independent iPLA(2), which is thought to be selective for the release of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA, 22:6 n-3) from membrane phospholipid, was unchanged. In the present study, we measured parameters of brain DHA metabolism in comparable artificial cerebrospinal fluid (control) and LPS-infused rats. In contrast to the reported changes in markers of AA metabolism, the brain non-esterified DHA concentration and DHA turnover rates in individual phospholipids were not significantly altered by LPS infusion. The formation rates of AA-CoA and DHA-CoA in a microsomal brain fraction were also unaltered by the LPS infusion. These observations indicate that LPS-treatment upregulates markers of brain AA but not DHA metabolism. All of which are consistent with other evidence that suggest different sets of enzymes regulate AA and DHA recycling within brain phospholipids and that only selective increases in brain AA metabolism occur following a 6-day LPS infusion.
Components of the type A coronary-prone behavior pattern and cardiovascular responses to psychomotor performance challenge.

The present study tested the general hypothesis that behavioral attributes most predictive of the incidence of coronary heart disease (CHD) in epidemiological research would also be most predictive of sympathetic autonomic nervous system (ANS) arousal in response to performance challenges. Subjects (n=50) were challenged to respond rapidly and accurately on three tasks involving either perceptual-motor or cognitive skills, while the experimenter monitored blood pressure, heart rate, and galvanic skin potential. The hypothesis was generally confirmed in that (1) type A subjects showed significantly greater cardiovascular changes indicative of sympathetic ANS arousal than type B subjects, (2) the Rosenman and Friedman structured interview was a better predictor of this arousal than the Jenkins Activity Survey, as is the case in CHD, and (3) the stylistic and behavioral components of the type A pattern (as defined by the structured interview) which are most predictive of CHD were also found to be the best predictors of challenge-induced sympathetic ANS arousal. The implications of these results for refinements in the definition, assessment, and modification of coronary-prone behavior are discussed.
Single photon absorptiometry imaging as a screening method for diminished dual photon density measures

Abstract Scanning of the new 5-mm distal-radius site and the mid-radius (33% site) was performed using single photon absorptiometry (SPA) and of the L2–L4 region of the spine using dual photon absorptiometry (DPA) in a group of healthy women (age range 36–66 yr) in order to develop parameters to enable SPA to be used to screen for low DPA measures. The study data were analyzed as follows: 1. 1. Women were classified as either ‘intact’ or ‘post pelvic surgery’ and the data for the two groups were separated. 2. 2. Each SPA measurement was scrutinized and the one which produced the lowest score (% young normal [yn]) was entered for data analysis and graphing. The application of these two analytical discriminators represents a new approach in the biomedical literature. The findings were as follows: 1. 1. When women were separated according to whether they were intact or had undergone pelvic surgery, the threshold value for screening using radius measures among intact women was set at 80% YN. 2. 2. The necessary threshold value for the pelvic-surgery group needed to be set higher, at 93% YN. 3. 3. If either the distal density or the mid-shaft density was below its threshold level, DPA was indicated. 4. 4. At these threshold levels, no women with diminished spinal density ( We conclude that by refining our evaluation of each healthy woman according to her pelvic physiology status (intact or post-surgery) and considering whether either of the two SPA measures is below the threshold value, we will be able to screen for diminished DPA density and thereby eliminate a significant number of expensive but uninformative DPA readings.
SU‐GG‐T‐113: Impact of Treatment Planning Optimization Parameters on Dose Painting Plans

Purpose: To develop a methodology for creating voxel‐based dose painting plans that are clinically deliverable using a commercialized, structure‐based treatment planning system (TPS). Methods and Materials: Uptake data from head and neck patients who underwent [61Cu]Cu‐ATSM (hypoxia surrogate) PET/CT scans were retrospectively extracted for treatment planning. Non‐uniform voxel‐based prescriptions were converted to structure‐based prescriptions for compatibility with the TomoTherapy Hi‐ART II™ TPS. Optimized treatment plans were generated using fixed pitch, jaw width, and modulation factor delivery parameters. The effects of structure importance, prescription point normalization, iteration number, DVH volume, Min/Max dose, and dose penalty were investigated by varying these constraints one at a time in each plan. Avoidance structures were constrained to clinical tolerances. Quality‐volume histograms (QVH) as percent receiving within 5 percent of the prescription (Q0.95–1.05) were used to evaluate treatment plan conformity. Results: Conformity of the plans to their non‐uniform dose prescription was insensitive to the optimization parameters when the prescription DVH constraint and the dose normalization point were set to the mean PTV volume and dose. Plan conformity decreased as the prescription DVH constraint (Q0.95–1.05: 88% vs. 84%) or the normalization point (Q0.95–1.05: 88% vs. 85%) deviated from the means. Plan conformity was also negatively impacted by increasing integral boost doses from 10 Gy to 30 Gy (Q0.95–1.05: 97% vs 78%), decreasing iteration number from 1000 to 100 (Q0.95–1.05: 86% vs 80%), and applying conventional planning strategies (Q0.95–1.05: 88% vs 59%). Conclusions: This investigation demonstrates the ability of a structure‐based TPS to create voxel‐based dose painting plans using a relaxed set of optimization parameters and a dose normalization point set to the mean PTV dose. Under these conditions, plan conformity is dominated by few optimization parameters. However, tightening constraints on target structures via conventional planning strategies results in decreased plan conformity.
Protein synthesis-dependent LTP in isolated dendrites of CA1 pyramidal cells.

Local dendritic protein synthesis provides a mechanism by which the effects of gene expression can be spatially restricted within synaptodendritic compartments of neurons. In the present study, we show that long-term potentiation (LTP), induced by two strong tetanic trains, can be produced in isolated CA1 apical dendrites and that new protein synthesis is critical for this dendritic LTP. LTP in isolated dendrites is also blocked by rapamycin, an inhibitor of growth-related protein synthesis, similar to that observed for LTP in the intact hippocampal slice. These results show that increased dendritic translation of proteins is a critical molecular mechanism for hippocampal LTP. © 2005 Wiley-Liss, Inc.