cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Large-scale plant cell culture

Progress towards the commercial-scale use of plant cell cultures over the past three years has been significant. Elicitation, particularly with methyl jasmonate, has been effective at increasing the product yields of a wide variety of secondary metabolites, particularly when it is applied synergistically with enhancement strategies such as immobilization and in situ extraction. Rapid advances in understanding the regulation of the biosynthetic pathways of secondary metabolites are allowing the application of enhancement strategies to move from empirical to semirational. Much of this progress is exemplified by work on paclitaxel (Taxol), where yields have improved more than 100-fold in the past two years.
Understanding Temperature Profiles Experienced by Biological Samples During a Hybrid Vitrification Technique

From thermodynamic point of view, vitrification is considered as a superior preservation technique in comparison with the traditional slow-cooling cryopreservation techniques, due to formation of the glassy state in both intra and extracellular environment. While vitrification of biological samples are difficult to achieve, recently a hybrid technique involving partial desiccation of the cell samples prior to cryogenic exposure has been successfully employed to achieve vitrification. In this technique cells in monolayer attached to a substrate was suspended in a trehalose solution and then rapidly and uniformly desiccated to a low moisture content (<0.12 g of water per g of dry weight) using a spin-drying technique. The spin-dried samples were stored in liquid nitrogen (LN2) at a vitrified state (Fig. 1). It was shown that following re-warming to room temperature and re-hydration with a fully complemented cell culture medium, 51% of the spin-dried and vitrified cells survived and demonstrated normal growth characteristics. The current study further investigates the temperature profiles experienced by the cell samples during partial desiccation and cryogenic exposure to identify possible ways to improve this novel vitrification strategy. Physical Vapor Deposition technique was employed to develop glass substrate having thermocouples (2×2×2 μm) at four radial positions across the substrate to record the thermal history of the cell samples during the entire process. Efforts are undertaken to understand the uncertainties related temperature measurement spatially and with respect to time. These temperature characterization studies are important to optimize the newly developed hybrid vitrification technique for vitrification of cellular samples.Copyright © 2013 by ASME
Structural and topological changes in silica glass at pressure.

The effects of high pressures on the structure of silica glass have been elucidated using high-energy x-ray diffraction up to 43.5 GPa. A decrease in the first two peak positions in the real-space pair-distribution functions up to 15 GPa indicates an initial shrinkage of the tetrahedral units. Above this threshold pressure the Si-O bond peak shape becomes asymmetric and the average Si-O bond length and coordination number both increase linearly with pressure. Also, strained geometries in the O-O correlations lead a pronounced topological rearrangement of the second and third nearest neighbors.
Binding and penetration ofRhizobium japonicum to cultured soybean cells

A cultured soybean cell line, SB-1 was used to evaluate the initial interaction between the soybean cells andRhizobium japonicum. Co-culturing ofR. japonicum with SB-1 cells in suspension resulted in strain-specific polar attachment. This attachment can be inhibited by galactose and antibodies raised against seed soybean agglutinin (SBA). A lectin was purified from SB-1 cells which shares properties with SBA in terms of immunological reactivity, sugar binding activity, polypeptide molecular weight and peptide maps. When the SB-1 cells were co-cultured withR. japonicum for three weeks in solid agar medium, histological staining revealed bacterial penetration into certain SB-1 cells. Furthermore, there were focal regions of cells with prominent nuclei representing actively proliferating regions. These observations are analogous to that ofin vivo nodule initiation in soybean roots.
Radiative lifetimes and transition moments in MgO

Abstract An experimental and theoretical study of several transitions in the MgO molecule is reported. The radiative lifetime of the MgO B 1 Σ + v '=0 level is measured to be 32.7±1.7 nsec, while that of the electronic state(s) excited by 372 nm radiation ( d 3 Δ and/or f 3 Π) is 11.8±0.5 nsec. The B-X and A-X transition moments are calculated using state averaged multiconfiguration self-consistent field and configuration interaction methods. With an estimate of the B-A transition moment derived from an earlier calculation, the radiative lifetime of the B 1 Σ + v '=0 level is computed to be 24 nsec. A value of 0.23 msec is calculated for the lifetime of A 1 Π v '=0.
Phase II Trial of Hyperfractionated Intensity-Modulated Radiation Therapy and Concurrent Weekly Cisplatin for Stage III and IVa Head-and-Neck Cancer

Purpose To investigate a novel chemoradiation regimen designed to maximize locoregional control (LRC) and minimize toxicity for patients with advanced head-and-neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). Methods and Materials Patients received hyperfractionated intensity modulated radiation therapy (HIMRT) in 1.25-Gy fractions b.i.d. to 70 Gy to high-risk planning target volume (PTV). Intermediate and low-risk PTVs received 60 Gy and 50 Gy, at 1.07, and 0.89 Gy per fraction, respectively. Concurrent cisplatin 33 mg/m 2 /week was started Week 1. Patients completed the Quality of Life Radiation Therapy Instrument pretreatment (PRE), at end of treatment (EOT), and at 1, 3, 6, 9, and 12 months. Overall survival (OS), progression-free (PFS), LRC, and toxicities were assessed. Results Of 39 patients, 30 (77%) were alive without disease at median follow-up of 37.5 months. Actuarial 3-year OS, PFS, and LRC were 80%, 82%, and 87%, respectively. No failures occurred in the electively irradiated neck and there were no isolated neck failures. Head and neck QOL was significantly worse in 18 of 35 patients (51%): mean 7.8 PRE vs. 3.9 EOT. By month 1, H&N QOL returned near baseline (mean 6.2, SD=1.7). The most common acute Grade 3+ toxicities were mucositis (38%), fatigue (28%), dysphagia (28%), and leukopenia (26%). Conclusions Hyperfractionated IMRT with low-dose weekly cisplatin resulted in good LRC with acceptable toxicity and QOL. Lack of elective nodal failures despite very low dose per fraction has led to an attempt to further minimize toxicity by reducing elective nodal doses in our subsequent protocol.
Rheological properties of a star-shaped butadiene-styrene block copolymer

Flow curves and viscosity functions at 160, 180, 200 and 220 °C have been determined for a star-shaped butadiene-styrene block copolymer, by means of a slit die rheometer. At a critical shear stress, a transition occurs in flow curves, which suggests a modification in the melt structure. The flow activation energy is deduced by a classical shear rate—temperature superposition method, and the obtained value suggests an aggregates flow mechanism for the star-shaped product. Exit pressure and entrance pressure drop are obtained and show a dependence on the slit depth.
The Use of Eigenvectors of Statistical Covariance Matrices for Interpreting Satellite Sounding Radiometer Observations

Abstract A new technique is formulated for using eigenvectors of covariance matrices to retrieve atmospheric parameters from spectral radiance observations. The eigenvector method permits the use of all spectral radiances in a simultaneous solution for cloud-free infrared sounding radiances from cloud-contaminated observations as well as for the vertical profiles of temperature, moisture and cloudiness. The effects of random observation errors are minimized without suppressing the influence of any real information structure contained in the spectral radiance distribution. Also, since the method provides for the most economical representation of any variable from a number of “terms required” point of view, computer storage and computation requirements are much less than those of other methods. The eigenvector method is tested using radiance observations synthesized for the Nimbus-6 infrared and microwave sounding instruments. Although the method has been successfully applied for the routine processing of o...
Digital simulation of catalytic cyclic voltammograms for oxidation of DNA by a heterobimetallic dimer: effects of DNA binding and mass transport.

The electrocatalytic oxidation of DNA by a heterodimer, [(bpy)2Ru(tpphz)Os(bpy)2]4+ (tpphz: tetrapyrido[3,2-a:2‘,3‘-c:3‘ ‘,2‘ ‘-h:2‘ ‘‘,3‘ ‘‘-j]phenazine) (1), was studied using cyclic voltammetry with digital simulation. This dimer was chosen because the Ru(III/II) couple (E1/2 = 1.09 V vs Ag/AgCl) is capable of catalyzing guanine oxidation while the Os(III/II) couple (E1/2 = 0.63 V) provides a convenient reporter on the binding and mass transport of the complex, which can then be determined in the same voltammetric sweep as the electrocatalysis. Proper description of the electrochemical response required careful measurement of the binding constant of 1 to herring testes (HT) DNA, which was (2.0 ± 0.1) × 104 M-1 by both absorption titration and normal pulse voltammetry. Thermal denaturation experiments were consistent with a nonintercalative binding mode and gave a ΔTm of only (2.4 ± 0.5) °C. The minor groove binder distamycin did not displace 1 from HT DNA, suggesting that the complex binds in the majo...
Effect of opioid dependence pharmacotherapies on zidovudine disposition.

Injection drug users are frequently infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and receive opioid dependence pharmacotherapies and zidovudine (ZDV), the latter as a component of highly active antiretroviral therapy. We previously reported that methadone substantially increases ZDV concentrations. We now report on oral ZDV pharmacokinetics in 52 subjects receiving the opioid dependence pharmacotherapies l- &#102 -acetylmethadol LAAM, buprenorphine, or naltrexone, and 17 non-opioid-treated controls. Relative to the area under the time-concentration curve (AUC) of ZDV in control subjects, no statistically significant differences in ZDV AUC were observed in participants treated with LAAM (p =. 75), buprenorphine (p =. 37), or naltrexone (p =. 34). While methadone maintenance may result in ZDV toxicity and possibly require dose adjustments, other opioid pharmacotherapies should not produce ZDV toxicity. (Am J Addict 2001;10:296- 307)
A novel glucokinase gene mutation and its effect on glycemic/C-peptide fluctuations in a patient with maturity-onset diabetes of the young type 2

Abstract Maturity-onset diabetes of the young (MODY) is a group of disorders accounting for 2–5% of diabetes; MODY2 is caused by inactivating GCK mutations. We report a case of MODY2 caused by a novel GCK mutation and demonstrate differential glycemic/C-peptide responses to treatment with insulin, no medication, and an oral sulfonylurea.
Structure and Function in Rhodopsin MEASUREMENT OF THE RATE OF METARHODOPSIN II DECAY BY FLUORESCENCE SPECTROSCOPY

An increase in fluorescence is observed upon light activation of bovine rhodopsin. The rate of increase is monoexponential (t1/2 = 15.5 min) at 20°C in 0.1% lauryl maltoside, pH 6.0, and parallels the rate of decay of metarhodopsin II. We show that the increase in fluorescence is due to the release of free retinal, which no longer quenches the tryptophan fluorescence. An extrinsic fluorescence reporter group, pyrene maleimide, attached to bovine rhodopsin also shows an increase in pyrene fluorescence on illumination. The rate of increase in pyrene fluorescence matches the rate of increase in tryptophan fluorescence. This result has been used to develop a micromethod, requiring on the order of 1 μg of rhodopsin, for measurement of metarhodopsin II decay. An Arrhenius plot derived from the fluorescence assay shows the energy of activation barrier for retinal release from rhodopsin to be 20.2 kcal/mol in 0.1% dodecyl maltoside at pH 6.0.
Perspectives on Creativity, Counseling, and the Contributions of Counselors and Entertainers to Mental Health: The Rogers

In the 20th century, a group of talented individuals with the surname Rogers made creative contributions to American society. This article examines the most noted of these personalities and their effect on the mental health of a nation. Although it is unlikely that a group with the same last name will be as prominent again, it is crucial for counselors to be mindful of the therapeutic impact of entertainers, as well as counselors, to wellness. PERSPECTIVES PERSPECTIVES is a special feature included in this issue of Journal of Creativity in Mental Health that provides mental health professionals with an opportunity to discuss their positions on a variety of creativity-related topics. In this column, Samuel T. Gladding and Melanie Drake Wallace share their perspective and reflections of the contribution of notable entertainers and counselors with the surname Rogers on 20th century American society. Samuel T. Gladding is Professor and Chair of the Department of Counseling at Wake Forest University. Dr. Gladd...
The symmetry of interlimb transfer depends on workspace locations

We have previously shown that when both arms learn visuo-motor tasks within the shared midline workspace, transfer becomes asymmetrical: initial direction information only transfers from the nondominant to the dominant arm, whereas the final position information only transfers from the dominant to the nondominant arm. We now examine whether symmetry of interlimb transfer depends on the location of workspace provided for the two arms, by investigating the pattern of interlimb transfer when each arm adapts to a 30° rotation at its ipsilateral workspace. All subjects performed center-out reaching movements while adapting to a 30° rotation in the visual display. Half the subjects performed with the nondominant arm first and then the dominant arm, while the other half performed with the dominant arm first and then the nondominant arm. To assess transfer, naive performance and the performance following opposite arm adaptation were compared for each arm separately. Our results indicate unambiguous transfer that is symmetrical: both arms benefited from opposite arm training in terms of initial direction control. In terms of final position information, neither arm benefited from opposite arm training. This clearly demonstrates that symmetry of interlimb transfer depends on the location of workspace provided for the two arms. Our findings suggest that when visuo-motor tasks are performed within a shared midline workspace, the nondominant controller is selectively inhibited from access to dominant controller information, due to a certain competition between the two limb/hemisphere systems that is introduced by the shared nature of the workspace.
A parallel active column equation solver

Abstract General purpose parallel Fortran subroutines are presented for the solution of sparse and dense symmetric systems of linear equations. They constitute an efficient tool that can be easily implemented on already existing sequential out-of-core direct solvers. They are designed to run on the whole class of multiprocessors with local and/or shared memory. Numerical experiments are carried out on both Intel Personal Super Computer (local memory) and Encore Multimax (shared memory). The impact of hardware architecture on software implementation and performance is discussed. Important issues for the efficient use of parallel computers are addressed.
Microwave mediated distillation with solid-phase microextraction: determination of off-flavors, geosmin and methylisoborneol, in catfish tissue

Abstract Presented is a rapid distillation device for use with solid-phase microextraction (SPME). We apply this device specifically for determining two semivolatile off-flavor compounds, methylisoborneol and geosmin, in channel catfish. The presence of these two compounds in channel catfish filets results in unwelcome tastes. In the presented procedure, a catfish tissue sample is placed within a sample container located inside the microwave device. Microwave radiation is applied and distillates formed migrate through a condenser via a purge gas and are collected in a sample vial. A SPME fiber is placed within the stirred collected distillate and methylisoborneol and geosmin are extracted. Qualitative and quantitative results of these extractions are obtained using a gas chromatograph-ion trap mass spectrometer. This solventless technique results in detection limits far below the human threshold for these off-flavor compounds in channel catfish.
Orbital Decompression for Preservation of Vision in Graves' Ophthalmopathy

• Graves' ophthalmopathy (thyroid eye disease) can result in progressive visual loss. The University of Washington (Seattle) experience in orbital decompression was reviewed for the years 1983 through 1990 to determine overall safety and outcome. Twenty patients underwent transantral decompression of 36 orbits for either steroid therapy failure, steroid therapy intolerance, or recurrence of optic neuropathy with tapering of the steroid therapy. Decompression successfully improved visual function in 33 of the orbits (92%) and a second decompression procedure was successful in another two (5%) of the orbits (6%). There were no major complications or cases of decreased visual function. Diplopia, present preoperatively in 17 patients (85%), was improved in eight patients (47%) and unchanged in nine patients (53%). However, of the three patients without preoperative diplopia (15%), one had development of new-onset diplopia postoperatively. Transantral decompression of the orbit offers a safe and effective therapeutic modality for vision-threatening Graves' ophthalmopathy. ( Arch Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg . 1993;119:229-233)
Parametric survival analysis for gating kinetics of single potassium channels

The gating mechanism and the role of the S4 region in the activation of Shaker potassium channel was studied by statistical analysis on the wild type and mutant channels which have mutations in the S4 region. Single channel currents were recorded with the patch-clamp technique. The first latency time was analyzed with a parametric survival time regression model in which the generalized gamma distribution for the error term was assumed. Discrimination among Weibull, gamma, log-normal and exponential distributions was done with the likelihood ratio test. The three-parameter generalized gamma distribution was shown to be appropriate for the data set. The multiple regression function provides the statistical tests and the quantitative descriptions for the relationships between the mutations and the voltage dependence of the gating process. These results on statistical relations support the hypothesis that the S4 region plays an important role in sensing transmembrane voltage in the gating process, but the gating mechanism is not solely accounted for by the electrostatic interaction between the charged amino acids and the transmembrane voltage field. This work demonstrates that the survival analysis procedures can be useful tools for analyzing neurophysiological signals.
High readmission rates after surgery for chronic pancreatitis

Background Readmission after complex gastrointestinal surgery is a frequent occurrence that burdens the health care system and leads to increased cost. Recent studies have demonstrated 30- and 90-day readmission rates of 15% and 19%, respectively, following pancreaticoduodenectomy. Given the psychosocial issues often associated with chronic pancreatitis, we hypothesized that readmission rates following surgery for chronic pancreatitis would be higher than previously reported for pancreaticoduodenectomy. Methods We retrospectively reviewed patients undergoing surgery for chronic pancreatitis at a single institution between 2001 and 2013. Patients in this cohort underwent pancreaticoduodenectomy, Berne, Beger, or Frey procedures. Readmission to a primary or secondary hospital was evaluated at both 30 and 90 days after discharge. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to identify factors associated with readmission. Results The records of 111 patients were evaluated, of which 69 (62%) underwent duodenal-preserving pancreatic head resection (Berne, Beger, or Frey), while the remaining 42 (38%) underwent pancreaticoduodenectomy. Within the duodenal-preserving pancreatic head resection arm, readmission rates at 30 and 90 days were 30.4% and 43.5%, respectively. Readmission rates following pancreaticoduodenectomy were similar with 33.3% at 30 days and 40.5% at 90 days. The most common reasons for readmission were pain control, infectious complications, and recurrent pancreatitis. On multivariate analysis, wound infection during the initial hospital stay was a predictor of readmission at both 30 and 90 days ( P = .02). Conclusion To our knowledge, our data represent the first report demonstrating very high readmission rates after surgery for chronic pancreatitis, more than double the previous rates reported for pancreaticoduodenectomy. This cohort of patients requires extensive discharge planning focused on pain control, nutritional optimization, and close postoperative monitoring.
Theoretical analysis of the light interaction with coagulated tissue

During laser treatment, coagulation affects the optical properties of the tissue. In particular, the formation of a white lesion increases the scattering coefficient significantly. This change in the optical properties in turn affects the laser light distribution in the tissue. For example, what is the effect of the white lesion formed during photocoagulation of the retina upon reflection and fluence rate? This problem was simulated on a model medium consisting of a thin absorbing black paint layer covered with a 1 cm thick layer of fresh egg white. The egg white layer was subdivided into coagulated (white) and uncoagulated (clear) layers. The optical properties of coagulated and uncoagulated egg white were determined. These values were used to model light distribution in the medium for varying thicknesses of the coagulated egg white layer using the one dimensional Adding Doubling method. Our results show that the fluence reaching the paint layer increase until the coagulated layer reaches 100 micrometers , after which it falls off exponentially. It was also found that the total reflected light increases almost linearly at first as the coagulated layer thickens, and then begins to level off to an R (infinity ) at a coagulation thickness of 2 mm. Experimental measurements of reflection from a lesion with a CCD camera confirm the computed trends. These results provide a theoretical foundation for control of lesion thickness using reflectance images.
Scale Development: Factors Affecting Diet, Exercise, and Stress Management (FADESM)

The objective of this study was to develop scales measuring personal and environmental factors that affect dietary fat intake behavior, physical activity, and stress management in low-income mothers. FADESM (factors affecting diet, exercise, and stress management) scales were developed using the Social Cognitive Theory to measure personal (outcome expectancies, self-efficacy, emotional coping response) and environmental (physical environment, social environment, situation) factors affecting dietary fat intake behavior, physical activity, and stress management. Low-income African American and white mothers were recruited from the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children in three counties in Michigan. In Phase one, 45 mothers completed individual cognitive interviews. Content analyses were performed. In Phase two, items modified from the cognitive interviews were administered to 216 mothers. Factor analysis and multiple indicators/multiple causes were performed. Results of cognitive interviews were used to revise items for the instrument that was tested in Phase two. The factor solution revealed 19 dimensions to measure personal and environmental factors affecting dietary fat intake behavior (three dimensions), physical activity (eight dimensions), and stress management (eight dimensions). Results of multiple indicators/multiple causes model showed scale invariance. Of 19 dimensions, 15 had Cronbach alpha between 0.76 and 0.94 and four were between 0.66 and 0.69. All dimensions had composite construct reliability scores between 0.74 to 0.97 and satisfactory construct and discriminant validities. The theory-based FADESM scales have documented good validity and reliability for measuring factors affecting dietary fat intake behavior, physical activity, and stress management in low-income women. Results of this study support the use of these scales with low-income African American and white mothers in community settings.
Preparation of unilamellar lipid vesicles at 37°C by vaporization methods

Abstract We have developed a method utilizing low boiling solvents to prepare large, unilamellar vesicles at physiologic temperatures. Solutions of ethyl methyl ether or dichlorofluoromethane (Freon-21) at 4°C containing solubilized lipids were injected into a column of a aqueous buffer at 37°C. Vesicles prepared in this manner have been examined by freeze-fracture, negative stain electron microscopy, and fluorescence microscopy. The principal advantages of this technique are: (1) heat labile substances may be more readily entrapped in the internal vesicle volume without thermal denaturation, and (2) the range of lipids which are soluble in dichlorofluoromethane is greater than that of many other solvents, e.g. diethyl ether.
Metabolism rate, biochemical and endocrine alterations in male whirler mice.

Abstract The present investigation reports differences in locomotor activity, behavior, metabolism rates, white blood cell counts, biochemistry and endocrine function of recessive, homozygous male whirler mice vs. the phenotypically “normal” heterozygous littermates. Homozygous whirlers, a waltzing-type mutation, show syndromes of rapid, circling locomotor activity, head-shaking and deafness. The mice are extremely nervous and excitable. The 2 male groups were obtained from matings of phenotypically “normal” heterozygous females to whirler males. Various studies were undertaken at 12–16 weeks of age. Body weights of the whirler mice were consistently and significantly lower than comparative values of the heterozygous mice. At 12 weeks, locomotor activity was significantly higher in the whirlers. At the 13th and 14th weeks, oxygen consumption rates obtained respectively under free-moving and semi-restrained conditions were significantly higher. Total leukocyte counts in the whirlers were significantly lower at the 15th and at 16 weeks. Autopsy after rapid decapitation, revealed significant increases in the relative adrenal and heart weights but seminal vesicle weights were significantly lower. Biochemical analyses revealed significantly higher levels of plasma and adrenal corticosterone in the whirler mice sacrificed at 16 weeks. Conversely, liver glycogen and liver phosphorylase values were significantly decreased. Plasma glucose levels were markedly lower ( p = 0.07). The present investigation confirms prior findings of heightened metabolism rates, adrenocortical activity and hypogonadal function in the whirler vs. heterozygous mice. The significant and/or marked decreases in liver glycogen, liver phosphorylase and plasma glucose indicate profound differences in the carbohydrate metabolism and utilization processes of the homozygous whirlers. These alterations, among other possibilities, are most likely a function of the frequent spontaneous bursts of exercise, increased excitability and heightened metabolism rates of the whirler mice.
Reduction of nuclease activity released from germinating pollen under conditions used for pollen electrotransformation

Nucleases released from germinating tobacco (Nicotiana gossei L. Domin), corn (Zea mays, hybrid golden queen) and alfalfa (Medicago sativa L. var. Saranac) pollen degrade added plasmid pBI221 DNA. Isolated DNA from pollen/pBI221 suspensions showed increased degradation of pBI221 as the incubation time with the pollen was increased. Electroporation immediately after the addition of pBI221 had little effect on the amount of degradation. The addition of increasing amounts of ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) or MgSO4 to the pollen suspension after germination but before the addition of plasmid, followed by electroporation, resulted in deceasing nuclease activity. Changing the germination medium prior to electroporation also decreased nuclease activity.
A nonsense mutation due to a single base insertion in the 3′‐coding region of glycogen debranching enzyme gene associated with a severe phenotype in a patient with glycogen storage disease type IIIa

Glycogen storage disease type III (GSD-III) is an autosomal recessive disease resulting from deficient glycogen debranching enzyme (GDE) activity. A child with GDE deficient in both liver and muscle (GSD-IIIa) had recurrent hypoglycemia, seizures, severe cardiomegaly, and hepatomegaly and died at 4 years of age. Analysis of the GDE gene in this child by single-strand conformation polymorphism, followed by direct DNA sequencing and restriction analysis, revealed an insertion of a nucleotide A into position 4529 of the GDE cDNA (4529insA). This insertion resulted in substitution of a tyrosine to a stop codon at amino acid 1510 (Y1510X). The 4529insA mutation appeared to be homozygous in this patient and was not found in 20 unrelated controls or 18 other GSD-III patients (14 GSD-IIIa and 4 GSD-IIIb). This is the first identification of a disease mutation in this gene, and the data suggest that homozygous 4529insA may be associated with a severe phenotype in GSD-IIIa.
Managerial Implications of Extended Breaks on Predicting Performance Times for Industrial Tasks

Production Managers and Industrial Engineers have relied upon learning (progress) curves for over fifty years. However, until recently only the impacts of extended breaks on performance time predictions were considered. This study examined the effect of breaks on two typical simulated industrial tasks. Fifty-eight subjects performed either the traditional peg-board, a low cognitive task, or a spreadsheet graphic, a moderately-high cognitive task, for 28 iterations. Upon completion of the assigned task, a break period that ranged from 2 to 83 days was randomly assigned to each subject. After the break, subjects replicated their assigned task. Regression analysis was used to select the best model to predict the performance time for the first iteration after a break. An exponential model was selected for the low cognitive task and a multiple linear model for the moderately-high cognitive task. Both models selected were no-intercept models and had multiple correlation coefficients of 0.729 and 0.897 respectiv...
First isolation of Prototheca species in Spain.

One-hundred forty samples of waste water were studied in search of algae of the genus Prototheca, that are potentially pathogenic to man. The samples were taken from collector outlets opening onto the Guadalquivir River. Nineteen cultures of Prototheca were isolated and identified as P. wickerhamii 9, P. zopffi 8 and P. stagnore 2. This is the first report of these algae in Spain and it is to be anticipated that these opportunist human pathogens will eventually be found to cause disease in the general population.
Organic food as self-presentation: The role of psychological motivation in older consumers' purchase intention of organic food

Abstract This study aimed to identify key motives behind organic food purchase intention of older consumers. We incorporated an under researched motive, self-presentation, a psychological motivation, with food safety concerns, environmental concerns, and ethical consumer-identity, in order to investigate its relative importance in older consumers' behavioral intentions. The results showed that self-presentation and food safety concerns are meaningful motives for older consumers' purchase intentions, while environmental concerns and ethical self-identity do not improve their buying intention. In addition, a comparison with younger consumers revealed additional insights into the role of ethical consumer-identity.
Supramolecular Nanostructures Formed by Anticancer Drug Assembly

We report here a supramolecular strategy to directly assemble the small molecular hydrophobic anticancer drug camptothecin (CPT) into discrete, stable, well-defined nanostructures with a high and quantitative drug loading. Depending on the number of CPTs in the molecular design, the resulting nanostructures can be either nanofibers or nanotubes, and have a fixed CPT loading content ranging from 23% to 38%. We found that formation of nanostructures provides protection for both the CPT drug and the biodegradable linker from the external environment and thus offers a mechanism for controlled release of CPT. Under tumor-relevant conditions, these drug nanostructures can release the bioactive form of CPT and show in vitro efficacy against a number of cancer cell lines. This strategy can be extended to construct nanostructures of other types of anticancer drugs and thus presents new opportunities for the development of self-delivering drugs for cancer therapeutics.
Sensitivity of human strains of Oxalobacter formigenes to commonly prescribed antibiotics.

Objective To determine the sensitivity of 4 strains of Oxalobacter formigenes (Oxf) found in humans—HC1, Va3, CC13, and OxK—to varying concentrations of commonly prescribed antibiotics. Oxf gut colonization has been associated with a decreased risk of forming recurrent calcium oxalate kidney stones. Methods For each strain and each antibiotic concentration, 100 μL of an overnight culture and 100 μL of the appropriate antibiotic were added to a 7-mL vial of oxalate culture medium containing 20 mM oxalate. On the fourth day, vials were visually examined for growth, and a calcium oxalate precipitation test was performed to determine whether Oxf grew in the presence of the antibiotic. Results All 4 Oxf strains were resistant to amoxicillin, amoxicillin/clavulanate, ceftriaxone, cephalexin, and vancomycin, and they were all sensitive to azithromycin, ciprofloxacin, clarithromycin, clindamycin, doxycycline, gentamicin, levofloxacin, metronidazole, and tetracycline. One strain, CC13, was resistant to nitrofurantoin, and the others were sensitive. Differences in minimum inhibitory concentration between strains were demonstrated. Conclusion Four human strains of Oxf are sensitive to a number of antibiotics commonly used in clinical practice; however, minimum inhibitory concentrations differ between strains.
The C Terminus of Formin FMNL3 Accelerates Actin Polymerization and Contains a WH2 Domain-like Sequence That Binds Both Monomers and Filament Barbed Ends

Formin proteins are actin assembly factors that accelerate filament nucleation then remain on the elongating barbed end and modulate filament elongation. The formin homology 2 (FH2) domain is central to these activities, but recent work has suggested that additional sequences enhance FH2 domain function. Here we show that the C-terminal 76 amino acids of the formin FMNL3 have a dramatic effect on the ability of the FH2 domain to accelerate actin assembly. This C-terminal region contains a WASp homology 2 (WH2)-like sequence that binds actin monomers in a manner that is competitive with other WH2 domains and with profilin. In addition, the C terminus binds filament barbed ends. As a monomer, the FMNL3 C terminus inhibits actin polymerization and slows barbed end elongation with moderate affinity. As a dimer, the C terminus accelerates actin polymerization from monomers and displays high affinity inhibition of barbed end elongation. These properties are not common to all formin C termini, as those of mDia1 and INF2 do not behave similarly. Interestingly, mutation of two aliphatic residues, which blocks high affinity actin binding by the WH2-like sequence, has no effect on the ability of the C terminus to enhance FH2-mediated polymerization. However, mutation of three successive basic residues at the C terminus of the WH2-like sequence compromises polymerization enhancement. These results illustrate that the C termini of formins are highly diverse in their interactions with actin.
Benefits to world agriculture through remote sensing

Abstract Remote sensing of agricultural land permits crop classification and mensuration which can lead to improved forecasts of production. This technique is particularly important for nations which do not already have an accurate agricultural reporting system. Better forecasts have important economic effects. International grain traders can make better decisions about when to store, buy and sell. Farmers can make better planting decisions by taking advantage of production estimates for areas out of phase with their own agricultural calendar. World economic benefits will accrue to both buyers and sellers because of increased food supply and price stabilization. This paper reviews the econometric models used to establish this scenario and estimates the dollar value of benefits for world wheat as 200 million dollars annually for the United States and 300–400 million dollars anually for the rest of the world.
Translingual alteration of conceptual information in medical translation

This research investigated conceptual alteration in medical article titles translation between English and Chinese with a twofold purpose: one was to further justify the findings from a pilot study, and the other was to further investigate how the concepts were altered in translation. The research corpus of 800 medical article titles in English and Chinese was selected from two English medical journals and two Chinese medical journals. The analysis was based on the pairing of concepts in English and Chinese and their conceptual similarity/dissimilarity via translation between English and Chinese. Two kinds of conceptual alteration were discussed: one was apparent conceptual alteration that was obvious with addition or omission of concepts in translation. The other was latent conceptual alteration that was not obvious, and can only be recognized by the differences between the original and translated concepts. The findings from the pilot study were verified with the findings from this research. Additional findings, for example, the addition/omission of single-word and multiword concepts in the general and medical domain and, implicit information vs. explicit information, were also discussed. The findings provided useful insights into future studies on crosslanguage information retrieval via medical translation between English and Chinese, and other languages as well.
A calixarene based fluorescent Sr2+ and Ca2+ probe

A fluorescent probe, PyCalix, which has two pyrene moieties at the lower rim of a calix[4]arene fixed in the cone conformation was synthesized and its complexation behavior with alkali and alkaline earth cations was studied by fluorescence spectrometry. The compound showed intramolecular excimer emission at approximately 480 nm in the fluorescence spectra. Upon complexation with alkaline earth metal cations, a decrease of excimer emission was observed. The decrease of excimer emission was accompanied by an increase of monomer emission of pyrenes at 397 nm. The order of complexation constants of PyCalix with metal ions was Sr2+ ∼ Ca2+ > Ba2+ > Mg2+ > K+ > Na+ > Cs+ for all reagents. PyCalix doped polyvinyl chloride (PVC) membrane was fabricated and our results showed that this membrane can be used for selective detection of Sr2+.
Scanning Force Microscopy of DNA Molecules Elongated by Convective Fluid Flow in an Evaporating Droplet

Scanning force microscopy (SFM) was used to image intact, nearly fully elongated lambda bacteriophage DNA molecules, fixed onto freshly cleaved mica surfaces. Molecular elongation and fixation were accomplished using a newly characterized fixation technique, termed "fluid fixation." Here convective fluid flows generated within an evaporating droplet of DNA solution efficiently elongate DNA molecules for fixation onto suitably charged surfaces. SFM images of a very large bacteriophage genome, G, showed the presence of double-stranded bubbles. We speculate that these structures may contain putative replication forks. Overall, the experiments presented here demonstrate the viability of using fluid fixation for the preparation of DNA molecules for SFM imaging. The combination of largely automatable optically based techniques with the high-resolution SFM imaging presented here will likely produce a high-throughput system for detailed physical mapping of genomic DNA or clones.
Clinical and demographic data in 75 patients with near-fatal choking episodes.

The clinical background and circumstances of 75 patients who had survived a near-fatal choking episode, i.e., had undergone a Heimlich maneuver, oropharyngeal suctioning, or intubation, is reported. Sixty had choked on a solid bolus (often of a complex texture like sandwiches and chicken soup). Four patients had choked on mashed banana. In 30 patients neurologic disease (such as cerebrovascular disease, Parkinson disease, or dementia) was present. Choking occurred during breakfast (16 patients), lunch (21), dinner (26), and snacks (12). Twenty-five choked at home, 18 in nursing homes, 14 in hospitals, nine in restaurants, and nine in drinking establishments. Twelve were being fed at the time of choking. Fifty-eight of the individuals had oral, pharyngeal, or esophageal abnormalities on radiographic examination that could explain the choking episode. Fourteen patients who were able to vocalize during the choking episode had probably suffered from esophageal impaction. Our study indicates that elderly individuals and those with neurogenic dysphagia are at risk for choking. Dysphagia diet (semisolids) may actually contribute to the risk in these patients. Young adults may also be at risk during episodes of consumption of alcohol and snacks.
Comparison of the characteristic of estrogenic action patterns of beta-HCH and heregulin beta1 in MCF-7 human breast cancer cells.

In this study, we compared the estrogenic action pattern of beta-HCH to another ErbB2 activating agent, heregulin beta1 (HRG), along with 17beta-estradiol and epidermal growth factor, to understand the similarities and differences of their action mechanisms. Not surprisingly, most of the initial test results indicated that the two agents, beta-HCH and HRG, are remarkably similar in several estrogenicity tests. However, in-depth biochemical studies revealed that there are some distinct differences between these two compounds in affecting ErbB2 and ErbB3 at early stages of their action. Immunocoprecipitation and Western blot studies indicated that beta-HCH mainly promotes dimerization of ErbB2 and ErbB3 at early time points, whereas HRG causes their dimerization with a rapid and significant rise in their tyrosine phosphorylation levels. These results indicate that, while both beta-HCH and HRG act through ErbB2, their initial actions differ. To understand the long-term consequence of such differential actions of these two agents, we tested the effect of a number of standard pathway specific inhibitors on their actions to induce foci formation after 2 weeks of exposure. The most conspicuous difference between beta-HCH and HRG in MCF-7 foci formation test was their response to 4-hydroxytamoxifen and LY294002, a PI3K inhibitor, i.e., the action of beta-HCH was inhibited by 4-hydroxytamoxifen but stimulated by LY294002, whereas that of heregulin was suppressed by LY294002 but stimulated by 4-hydroxytamoxifen. It appears, therefore, that the action of the latter relies more heavily on the PI3K route as compared to that of the former which has been shown to mainly act through p42/44 MAPK. These differences may account for their differential sensitivities to 4-hydroxytamoxifen.
Ureteral reimplantation en bloc for refluxing duplicated ureters

Vesicoureteric reflux (VUR) is a major problem in completely duplicated ureters. So far, the treatment of choice has been the reimplantation of the two ureters in their common sheath, the ureterocystoneostomy “en bloc” according to Politano-Leadbetter's or Cohen's procedure. In recent years, some pediatric surgeons and urologists have questioned the efficacy of this method. We therefore analyzed 62 children with 69 duplicated ureters treated “en bloc” by Politano-Leadbetter's procedure during the 20-year period 1971 – 1990. Postoperative follow-up was up to 16 years. We noted only 1 recurrence of reflux as well as 2 stenoses. Long-term results as far as function was concerned were also favorable in 40 duplicated renal units. Thus, ureteral reimplantation “en bloc” remains a simple and safe procedure for treating VUR in completely duplicated ureters.
Carbon nanotube induced structure and phase evolution in polypropylene crystallised at elevated pressures: effect on physical properties

AbstractThe dispersion of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) in polypropylene (PP) introduces a significant change in the structure and phase evolution during crystallisation at ambient and elevated pressures. The differences between the behaviours of PP and PP containing CNTs are attributed to CNT/polymer interface driven nucleation, which is also responsible for the significant reduction in spherulite size and is associated with the change in equilibrium melting point and percentage crystallinity. This opens the gateway for the use of polymer CNT composites for functional devices, including biomedical and electronic devices. A study of the impact of 1 wt-%CNT additions on the microstructure evolution of PP during pressure induced crystallisation is reported. It is demonstrated that the dispersion of CNTs produces a significant difference in the macromolecular structure and phase evolution during crystallisation at ambient and elevated pressures. The change in equilibrium melting point with pressure is higher for P...
Supraspinal pupillary effects of intravenous and epidural fentanyl during isoflurane anesthesia.

Background and Objectives Epidural fentanyl has been shown to gain rapid access to the circulation resulting in supraspinal effects. We compared the supraspinal effects of fentanyl via epidural versus intravenous (IV) routes, during isoflurane anesthesia. Supraspinal fentanyl effect was evaluated as a reduction of pupillary reflex dilation (PRD), measured with infrared pupillometry. Methods Eighteen patients undergoing abdominal procedures were studied during combined epidural and general anesthesia. General anesthesia was provided by 0.55 to 0.70% end-tidal isofurane in air:oxygen (50:50). Sensory block of the surgical field was established with bupivacaine 0.375% and confirmed by absence of PRD to cutaneous stimulation. A high cervical dermatome was then stimulated (60 to 70 mA) at 5-minute intervals via cutaneous needle electrodes, and PRD was measured with each stimulation, using infrared pupillometry. Baseline PRD was determined and then a randomized injection of epidural saline (n = 6), epidural fentanyl 3 μg/kg (n = 6), or IV fentanyl 3 μg/kg (n = 6) was given. Subsequently, PRD was measured at 5, 10, 20, 30, 40, 60, and 80 minutes. Maximum change in PRD and time to maximum change were calculated for each group. Results Following epidural injection, suppression of PRD was highly variable among subjects. The maximum suppression was 70 ± 15% at 23.3 ± 10.3 minutes for the epidural group and 96 ± 3% at 10.8 ± 7.4 min for the IV group (P Conclusions Supraspinal effects of epidural fentanyl can be assessed during general anesthesia using infrared pupillometry. Epidural fentanyl 3 μg/kg produces significant but variable supraspinal effects during 0.5 minimum alveolar concentration isoflurane anesthesia.
Sensitivity analysis for generalized strongly monotone variational inclusions based on the (A,η)-resolvent operator technique

Abstract Sensitivity analysis for generalized strongly monotone variational inclusions based on the ( A , η ) -resolvent operator technique is investigated. The results obtained encompass a broad range of results.