cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Nurse faculty perceptions of end-of-life education in the clinical setting: A phenomenological perspective

Abstract Background Caring for patients at the end of life is an emotionally and physically challenging task. When patients approach the end of life, nurses are in a key position to enhance their quality of life by providing emotional support and physical symptom management. Patients and their families need nurses who are comfortable discussing various treatment options and levels of care. Therefore, it is essential that nurses receive both didactic and clinical education on end-of-life nursing care in their nursing curriculum, before entering the healthcare workforce. Objectives The purpose of this interpretive phenomenological study was to explore the experiences of nursing clinical instructors as they guide nursing students who care for dying patients in the clinical setting. Design The research design of this study was qualitative. Setting This study sought to explore the experiences of nursing clinical instructors; however, due to the busy nature of hospital nursing units, participants were interviewed in a private location on their university campus. Participants Ten full-time nursing faculty members participated in this study. The average time spent in a full time faculty position was 16.5 years. Methods A semi-structured interview was conducted with each participant. The interviews were recorded and transcribed. Data was analyzed utilizing Colaizzi's method of thematic analysis. Results Six major themes emerged from the data, which will be discussed and illustrated with participants' descriptions. Conclusions It was evident from this study that educating nursing students on care of a dying patient is not only important but essential to future nursing practice. Nurses who learn about end-of-life care from trusted nursing educators may enter the profession prepared to address patient's questions regarding end of life issues.
Formation of filopodia in coelomocytes: Localization of Fascin, a 58,000 Dalton actin cross-linking protein

Abstract Echinoderm coelomocytes or phagocytes purified in the petaloid stage will attach to a glass substrate and form large circumferential lamellIpodia. Hypotonic shock will induce quantitative transformation to a filopodial form. Differentiation of the peripheral cytoplasm begins at the cell edge, when phase dense rods composed of actin filaments start to form. These structures, which eventually form the cores of filopodia, continue to grow, lengthen and extend deeper into the cytoplasm. In the final stage, the plasma membrane retracts down around a core to form a filopodium. Antibody against a 58,000 dalton protein isolated from sea urchin egg actin gels has been used to study a rather striking redistribution of this protein in the peripheral cytoplasm of the coelomocyte during the transformation sequence. This protein is known to organize actin filaments in vitro into linear paracrystalline arrays with a distinct 11 nm banding pattern by forming cross-links between adjacent actin filaments. In the early stage of the transformation, indirect immunofluorescence indicates a random distribution of this protein in the circumferential lamellipodia. Organization is first seen at the cell edge, where fluorescent rods coincident with the phase-dense structures start to form. These rods lengthen, extend deeper into the cytoplasm and become more intensely fluorescent. After membrane retraction, cells with individual, intensely stained filopodia are visible. The known chemistry of the actin cross-linking protein (M r = 58,000) and its redistribution during the transformation sequence are consistent with the idea that this protein functions to organize F actin into filopodial cores by cross-linking adjacent actin filaments. We have named this protein "fascin," because it organizes actin filaments, both in vivo and in vitro, into linear arrays or fascicles. Antibody staining shows a second population of these actin cross-linking molecules localized in the perinuclear cytoplasm. In this region, fascin appears to function to maintain a stable circumnuclear cage structure which is part of the coelomocyte cytoskeleton.
Rice paddy inventory in a few provinces of China using AVHRR data

Abstract Times series Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) data, computed from Advanced Very High Resolution Radiometer (AVHRR) data, were used in an attempt to locate areas of rice cultivation in China. NDVI dynamics were examined using 16 km global area coverage satellite data from 1988 composited into 12 monthly images. Unsupervised classification was used to categorize the data with the hope of distinguishing rice cultivation areas from other vegetation cover types. There was no ground truthing. Results from the classification were compared to a digital vegetation map of China and an elevation map. On an acreage basis, between 11% of the rice area in Hunan (described as such on the vegetation map) and 92% of the rice area in Sichuan coincided with classes obtained by the unsupervised classification routine. The rice cultivation signal, low at planting and flooding, high at peak vegetative growth, low at harvest, was calculated as the average from all the pixels belonging to a particular class...
Occurrence of Atromentin and Thelephoric Acid in Cultures of Clitocybe Subilludens

Atromentin was found to be present in both 30- and 45-day-old cultures of Clitocybe subilludens Murr., whereas thelephoric acid was present in the 30-, 45-, and 60-day-old cultures. These cultures were grown on 6% malt extract agar under continuous light conditions at 29° for 15, 30, 45, and 60 days. Cultures grown in the absence of light failed to produce detectable quantities of either terphenylquinone. Examination of all cultures for diphenyl-substituted tetronic acids failed to demonstrate detectable amounts. It is postulated from these observations that atromentin may act as a precursor for thelephoric acid, since the disappearance of the former coincides with the appearance of the latter terphenyl-quinone.
The Present Relationships of Sulfuric Acid Concentration to Acid Dewpoint for Flue Gases

Abstract Interpretation of flue gas acid dewpoints in terms of sulfuric acid concentrations has relied heavily upon Mullers1 work. A more recent work by additional authors indicates disagreement with Muller's curves. This work involves the study of the acid dewpoint-acid concentration relationship using a commercially available acid dewpoint meter. The study involves generating a steady-state, high temperature, sulfuric acid gas stream using a newly designed acid generation system. By using an absorption reference method, dewpoint as a function of acid concentration and moisture are compared with previous authors. The relationship established is then used along with the previous works to interpret some actual flue gas dewpoints to simultaneous flue gas acid measurements.
The First Spectrum of Mercury in the Region between 1.3 and 2.0μ

The spectrum of neutral mercury has been observed in the region between 1 and 2.0μ, with a high-resolution grating spectrometer employing a lead sulfide detector. A noteworthy feature of the new observations is the essentially complete resolution of the D-F multiplets involving both first and second members of F series. Such resolution was achieved only with a low-pressure source. All new lines have been classified. A few changes in existing classifications and minor revisions in term values are suggested.
IMPROVED TEST OF THE EQUIVALENCE PRINCIPLE FOR GRAVITATIONAL SELF-ENERGY

The lunar-ranging test of the equivalence principle for gravitational self-energy is ambiguous. Although the Earth has more gravitational self-energy than the Moon, its sizable Fe/Ni core also gives it a different composition than the Moon. We removed this ambiguity by comparing, in effect, the accelerations of {open_quotes}miniature{close_quotes} earths and moons toward the Sun. Our composition-dependent Earth-Moon acceleration, {Delta}a{sub CD}/a{sub s}= (+0.1{plus_minus}2.7{plus_minus}1.7){times}10{sup {minus}13} , and lunar-ranging data provide an unambiguous test at the 1.3{times}10{sup {minus}3} level. {copyright} {ital 1999} {ital The American Physical Society}
Use of a Cassette Recorder for Data Collection in Prehospital Cardiac Arrest Research

The methods of obtaining data and assessing protocol compliance in prehospital research can present difficulties. The Norwalk Hospital Mobile Emergency Medical Service paramedics use a minicassette recorder carried in the monitor-defibrillator pack during their participatuon in a cardiac arrest study. The device is simple, inexpensive, and well accepted by the paramedics. With this recorder, the investigator is able to accurately identify when interventions occurred and the patients' response to therapy. The use of a minicassette recorder can facilitate data collection for prehospital research with minimal disruption for the paramedic providing care.
A key clinical pathway for the evaluation of women with abnormal uterine bleeding

Abstract Objective: The condition of abnormal uterine bleeding is one of the most frequent problems encountered in an ob/gyn or primary care office. At our institution, over a 2-year period, 1,400 endometrial biopsies were performed with three cases of endometrial cancer diagnosed and one case of complex endometrial hyperplasia. Our objective was to devise a key clinical pathway for the evaluation of the patient with abnormal uterine bleeding that would decrease cost, decrease the number of endometrial biopsies, and improve the evaluation of women with abnormal uterine bleeding. The pathway divided women into the categories of premenopausal, postmenopausal, low risk and high risk. Methods: One hundred of our patients with the complaint of abnormal uterine bleeding were enrolled. All of these women would have undergone endometrial biopsy based on older recommendations. The patients then followed a clinical pathway to determine if an endometrial biopsy was performed. If the patients were postmenopausal, the majority of the patients underwent endometrial biopsy or ultrasound evaluation. If the patients were premenopausal, then risk factors were ascertained. These risk factors were obesity, nulligravidy—never using a hormonal contraceptive—history of annovolation, and a history of breast cancer. If one risk factor was present, then the patient underwent endometrial biopsy. If there were no risk factors present, then the patient continued down the pathway with medical therapy as treatment. The charts were then reviewed subsequently to determine patient outcome. Results: Forty-five endometrial biopsies were performed. One case of endometrial cancer and one case of complex atypical hyperplasia, both in the postmenopausal high-risk group were discovered. Subsequent reviews revealed that no cases of endometrial cancer were missed or developed in the year following the initial complaint in any of the patients whether they were biopsied or not. Conclusions: The utilization of a clinical pathway reduced the number of endometrial biopsies by greater than one half with no adverse outcomes. The introduction of clinical pathways at our institution was done successfully in the evaluation of abnormal uterine bleeding.
Thymic lymphomas mediate non-MHC-restricted, TNF-dependent lysis of the murine sarcoma WEHI-164☆

Tumor necrosis factor (TNF), lyses a range of sensitive tumor targets and has been shown to be the mediator of natural cytotoxic (NC) activity first described in our laboratory. In this report, we identify two thymic lymphoma cell lines which lyse the prototype NC target WEHI-164 and share characteristics of NC. R1.1E and L5178-27av lyse the WEHI-164 sarcoma in 18-hr 51Cr release assays via a TNF-dependent, non-MHC-restricted (R1.1E) mechanism although they do not constitutively produce TNF. NC- and TNF-resistant variants of WEHI-164 are resistant to lymphoma-mediated lysis. Expression of the ganglioside GD3 by the lymphomas correlates with their relative levels of lysis. Thus, GD3, which is known to have a role in T cell activation may be involved in recognition or triggering for TNF-dependent cell-mediated lysis.
Heat Transfer Study in a Linear Turbine Cascade Using a Thermal Boundary Layer Measurement Technique

An experimental system is designed, constructed, and operated to make local measurements of heat transfer from constant-temperature surfaces in a linear turbine cascade. The system includes a number of embedded heaters and a control system to maintain the turbine blades and end walls in the cascade at a uniform temperature. A five-axis measurement system is used to determine temperature profiles normal to the pressure and suction sides of the blades and to the end wall. Extrapolating these measurements close to the surface, the local heat transfer is calculated using Fourier's law. The system has been tested in the laboratory, and results are shown for the temperature distributions above the surfaces and for the local variations in the Nusselt number on the different surfaces in the cascade. The system can also be used to study the heat and mass transfer analogy as considerable data are available for mass transfer results with similar geometries.
Hydrogen and deuterium exchange on Pt(111) and its poisoning by carbon monoxide studied by surface sensitive high-pressure techniques.

Catalytic hydrogen/deuterium exchange on a platinum (111) single crystal and its poisoning with carbon monoxide was studied using scanning tunneling microscopy (STM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), sum frequency generation vibrational spectroscopy (SFG), and mass spectrometry under reaction conditions at pressures in the mTorr to atmospheric range. At 298 K and in the presence of 200 mTorr of hydrogen and 20 mTorr of deuterium the surface is catalytically active, producing HD with activation energy of ∼5.3 kcal/mol. Addition of 5 mTorr of CO stops the reaction completely. In situ STM images reveal an ordered surface structure of chemisorbed CO. At 353 K the addition of 5 mTorr of CO slows the reaction by 3 orders of magnitude, but HD production continues with an activation energy of 17.4 kcal/mol. Changes in coverage and adsorption site of CO were followed by XPS and SFG up to a temperature of 480 K. From these data, a CO dominated, mobile and catalytically active surface model is proposed
Novel Efficient Classifiers Based on Data Cube

Existing decision tree algorithms need to recursively partition dataset into subsets according to some splitting criteria. For large data sets, this requires multiple passes of original dataset and therefore is often infeasible in many applications. In this article we use statistics trees to compute the data cube and then build a decision tree on top of it. Mining on aggregated data will be much more efficient than directly mining on flat data files or relational databases. Since data cube server is usually a required component in an analytical system for answering OLAP queries, we essentially provide â€œfreeâ€ classification. Our new algorithm generates trees of the same prediction accuracy as existing decision tree algorithms such as SPRINT and RainForest, but improves performance significantly. In this article we also give a system architecture that integrates DBMS, OLAP, and data mining seamlessly.
Studying human mutations by sperm typing: instability of CAG trinucleotide repeats in the human androgen receptor gene.

Trinucleotide repeat mutations of normal alleles at the human androgen receptor locus were studied by typing ∼4,300 sperm. Control experiments established that the mutation events were of germline origin. The mutation rate for 20–22 repeat alleles was similar to that shown by family analysis. Alleles with 28–31 repeats had a 4.4 times greater rate of mutation with contractions outnumbering expansions. Preliminary experiments on the trinucleotide repeat associated with myotonic dystrophy gave similar results although in one donor expansions were six times greater than contractions. Comparison of the sperm data to mutations of disease alleles in SBMA families suggests that expansions may have a different origin than contractions.
Status of the Fermilab Energy Doubler/Saver Project

The possibility of building a ring of superconducting magnets was considered very early in the design of the Fermilab main accelerator. It was concluded that the technology of superconducting magnets was not at that time, sufficiently advanced. Therefore, the main ring was designed and built with conventional magnets. However, space was left in the main-ring tunnel for a future ring of superconducting magnets. The Energy Doubler/Saver (ED/S) was initiated in 1972 as a project to build a ring of superconducting magnets with the objective of dramatically increasing the research potential of the Fermilab accelerators. This was to be accomplished at a moderate cost and in such a manner as to make possible a significant saving of electrical energy. This paper will describe the evolution of this program as well as give a status report of the ED/S research and development program.
Secondary memory and very rapid forgetting.

Studies of recall in the absence of expectancy (e. g., Muter, 1980) have suggested that forgetting from primary memory is much more rapid than previously assumed. Two experiments examined the role of secondary memory, as reflected by encoding strategies, in determining this rate of forgetting. Experiment 1 demonstrated that the type of encoding specified by orienting tasks can influence recall in a traditional Brown-Peterson task. Experiment 2 demonstrated a similar pattern of effects of orienting task in the Muter task when recall was not expected, despite much more rapid forgetting. The type of encoding engaged by the orienting tasks did not account for Muter-s results. Expectancy and orienting task appear to have separable influences on resource allocation during encoding. The presence of secondary memory influences at even the shortest retention interval indicates that forgetting from primary memory may be even more rapid than has been proposed.
Differential in vitro response of the human radial artery versus left internal thoracic artery to cerivastatin: implications to bypass grafting

Abstract Background This study investigated acute (in vitro) and long-term (in vivo) effects of statins on the vascular function of human radial artery (RA) and left internal thoracic artery (LITA). Methods RA and LITA specimens were divided into vascular rings, which were incubated in the absence or presence of 10 −6 mol/L Cerivastatin for 2 or 24 hours. In terms of preoperative statin treatment, four groups included: group 1 [preop statin(-)/in vitro cerivastatin(-)]; group 2 [preop(-)/in vitro(+)]; group 3 [preop(+)/in vitro(-)]; and group 4 [preop(+)/in vitro(+)]. Endothelial function was assessed with acetylcholine (10 −9 to 10 −5 mol/L) following contraction by 3 × 10 −8 mol/L endothelin-1. Results Although endothelium-dependent vasodilatation was higher in RA (57.7% ± 3.5%) than in LITA (46.5% ± 3.8%, p = 0.046), there was no significant evidence that it depended on the preoperative use of statins or incubation period. In vitro incubation with cerivastatin significantly increased endothelium-dependent vasodilatation by 14.2% ± 2.4% ( p Conclusions In vitro incubation with cerivastatin preserved endothelial function more effectively than preoperative use of statins. This could have implications to perioperative use of statins for patients undergoing coronary surgery.
Analytical technique for subwavelength far field imaging

We develop an analytical technique for retrieving the size and shape of subwavelength objects using far-field measurements. The approach relies on subwavelength diffraction gratings scattering evanescent information into the far field along with a numerical algorithm that is capable of deconvoluting this information based on the far-field intensity measurements. Several examples are presented, demonstrating resolution on the order of λ0/20. The developed method can be used at any frequency range, and may become a practical alternative to scanning near-field microscopy.
Source noise reduction in diode laser spectroscopy using the Faraday effect

Polarization rotation via the Faraday effect was demonstrated for the first time as a technique for reduction of source noise in tunable diode laser spectroscopy. The technique was fully characterized by experiments and computer modeling. A comparison to other noise reduction techniques reveals that polarization rotation is potentially the most sensitive.
Inhibitor-resistant early ethylene production during tomato fruit development

Abstract In addition to the ethylene formed at the onset of tomato fruit ripening, three peaks of ethylene are produced during earlier periods of in vitro development of tomato flower to fruit. This is the first report characterizing ethylene production during early development of tomato fruit. Previous reports from this laboratory showed that VFNT Cherry tomato calyces are transformed into fruit tissue when cultured in vitro at lower temperatures (16–23 °C). Early ethylene production was also measured in these ripening calyces, as well as in fruit and calyces of other tomato cultivars cultured in vitro. Calyces from Ailsa Craig and rin tomato flowers, which are not transformed into fruit tissue at these lower temperatures, also form ethylene during early periods of in vitro culture, but to a much smaller extent. Unlike ethylene formed at the onset of fruit ripening, the earlier peaks are resistant to the inhibitors, aminovinylglycine (AVG) and CoCl 2 . The data suggest that ethylene produced during earlier periods of tomato fruit development is formed by an alternative biosynthetic pathway.
A behavioral freight transportation modeling system: an operational and proposed framework

This paper outlines a new conceptual framework for freight transportation modeling by incorporating more detailed logistics choices into an operational large-scale freight transportation modeling system named FAME (Freight Activity Micro-simulation Estimator). FAME is a micro-simulation model for freight transportation in the U. S. Despite many previous freight transportation models the model simulates commodity movements at the disaggregate level of firm-to-firm, but it also makes certain simplifying assumptions concerning logistics choices such as the use of intermediate handling facilities. This paper deals with issues related to incorporating the new logistics elements in the FAME framework and proposing a new conceptual framework named FAME II.
Preparation of Granulocyte-Poor Red Blood Cells by Microaggregate Filtration

A simple, effective method for removing granulocytes from stored blood is described. Microaggregate filtration removes approximately 95% of the granulocytes from blood which has been stored for 2 weeks, centrifuged and filtered. The mean number of remaining leukocytes is 8 +/- 3.7 x 10(8)/unit. The residual white cell population, which is composed almost entirely of lymphocytes, is substantially less than the average number of cells previously associated with febrile reactions. 45 patients were selected for the study. All had significant febrile transfusion reaction histories, and averaged one reaction for every 3.6 U of conventional red cell product transfused. Administration of 212 units of microaggregate filtered granulocyte poor red cells caused a 95% reduction in the incidence of fibrile reactions. The technique is inexpensive, easily incorporated into the routine of the clinical blood bank, and does not require "open-system' processing. These considerations make microaggregate filtration a logical first choice method for the preparation of granulocyte-poor red blood cells.
Impact of drug-eluting versus bare-metal stents on mortality in patients with anemia.

Objectives Our aim was to assess the incidence of all-cause mortality in patients with anemia undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) receiving drug-eluting stents (DES) or bare-metal stents (BMS). Background Anemia has been associated with poor clinical outcomes in patients undergoing PCI. However, it is unknown whether stent selection (DES or BMS) has a differential outcome in this high-risk group. Methods Anemia was defined as a hematocrit below 36% for female subjects and below 40% for male subjects as defined by the World Health Organization. All patients undergoing PCI with DES or BMS alone from March 2003 to June 2007 were included. The primary end point was all-cause mortality. Anemia was further characterized using mean corpuscular volume as microcytic, normocytic, or macrocytic. Results A total 11,181 patients underwent PCI over a 4.5-year interval; of these, 2,172 met our inclusion criteria. There were a total of 429 deaths. The majority of patients had normocytic anemia (n = 1,931). Of the 3 anemia subtypes, macrocytic anemia (DES 26%, BMS 44%) had the highest mortality followed by normocytic (DES 17%, BMS 25%) and microcytic (DES 13%, BMS 18%) anemia, respectively. All-cause mortality was significantly lower with DES in unadjusted and multivariable adjusted Cox proportional models (adjusted hazard ratio: 0.66, 95% confidence interval: 0.54 to 0.82; p Conclusions In an adjusted analysis, the use of DES as compared with the use of BMS was associated with decreased mortality in patients with anemia. Additionally, among anemia subtypes, macrocytic anemia had the highest mortality.
Experimental calibration of a new angle-resolved low coherence interferometry system

We describe results of calibration experiments using a new angle-resolved low coherence interferometry system. Light scattered from a polystyrene microsphere sample are compared with Mie Theory predictions to determine the size of the particles.
Discrete Event Systems: Sensitivity Analysis and Stochastic Optimization by the Score Function Method

Preliminaries Sensitivity Analysis and Stochastic Optimization of Discrete Event Static Systems (DESS) Sensitivity Analysis and Stochastic Optimization of Discrete Event Dynamic Systems (DEDS) What Is a Good'' Reference System to Simulate Extensions of the SF Method Statistical Inference of Stochastic Optimization Programs Bibliography Index.
The Arrested Topographic Wave

Abstract The mean circulation in a coastal zone of variable depth may under certain circumstances be modeled by linear equations, including a bottom friction linear in the depth-averaged velocity. The resulting steady-state problem is similar to the problem of topographic wave generation by wind. The equation governing the pressure field has the form of a one-dimensional heat conduction equation, with longshore distance in the direction of topographic wave propagation playing the role of time. The effects of wind stress or of freshwater influx are felt only over the forward portion of a long shelf (i.a., that portion to which topographic waves propagate from the source region). Various simple solutions can be written down for the arrested topographic wave problem in virtue of the heat conduction analogy. They generally show the presence of a pressure field trapped in a nearshore band. For periodic wind stress, for example, the scale width of the trapped pressure field is L=(2r/fks)1/2, where r is a bottom...
Effect of different coffees on esophageal acid contact time and symptoms in coffee-sensitive subjects

The purpose of this study was to correlate the effects of different coffees on esophageal acid contact, heartburn, and regurgitation in patients with coffee-sensitivity. Twenty volunteers with coffee-sensitivity were studied in a double-blind, 3 period, crossover study examining the effect of three regular (caffeinated) coffees (a coffee from the USA--"A"; a "treated" coffee from Europe--"B"; and an "untreated" coffee from Europe--"C") before and after a high-fat test meal. The median acid contact times for coffees A, B, and C were 6.5%, 9%, and 10.5%, respectively (A vs. C, p = 0.005). Significantly fewer patients reported any symptoms with coffee A compared with coffee C (p < 0.05). Symptoms were usually more frequent and severe after the test meal. There was a trend toward fewer and less severe symptoms with the treated coffee (B) compared with its untreated counterpart (C). Our conclusions are as follows: (a) Different coffees induce variations in gastroesophageal reflux in coffee-sensitive individuals. (b) Coffee can be treated in a manner which decreases heartburn symptoms by 75% while decreasing acid contact by only 14%. (c) Gastroesophageal reflux and symptoms of coffee sensitivity increase with the concomitant ingestion of food. (d) Symptoms of dyspepsia appear to be influenced by variations in both the coffee itself and characteristics of susceptible individuals. (e) Although gastroesophageal reflux is important in the genesis of coffee-sensitivity, there must be other factors which act in concert with reflux to produce symptoms of coffee-sensitivity.
Identification of the sex genes in an early diverged fungus

Sex determination in fungi is controlled by a small, specialized region of the genome in contrast to the large sex-specific chromosomes of animals and some plants. Different gene combinations reside at these mating-type (MAT) loci and confer sexual identity; invariably they encode homeodomain, alpha-box, or high mobility group (HMG)-domain transcription factors. So far, MAT loci have been characterized from a single monophyletic clade of fungi, the Dikarya (the ascomycetes and basidiomycetes), and the ancestral state and evolutionary history of these loci have remained a mystery. Mating in the basal members of the kingdom has been less well studied, and even their precise taxonomic inter-relationships are still obscure. Here we apply bioinformatic and genetic mapping to identify the sex-determining (sex) region in Phycomyces blakesleeanus (Zygomycota), which represents an early branch within the fungi. Each sex allele contains a single gene that encodes an HMG-domain protein, implicating the HMG-domain proteins as an earlier form of fungal MAT loci. Additionally, one allele also contains a copy of a unique, chromosome-specific repetitive element, suggesting a generalized mechanism for the earliest steps in the evolution of sex determination and sex chromosome structure in eukaryotes.
Pain Mechanisms Involved in Musculoskeletal Disorders

This manuscript is intended to give a basic review of the peripheral and spinal neuronal mechanisms involved in the processing of musculoskeletal pain. There is a complicated neuronal network in the periphery and the spinal cord for the processing of nociceptive information. Injury to a muscle (inflammation or ischemia) or a joint (inflammation) results in sensitization of peripheral nociceptors. There is then an increased transmission to and increased release of neurotransmitters in the dorsal horn of the spinal cord. Dorsal horn neurons sensitized by the peripheral injury demonstrate increased background activity, increased receptive field size, and increased responses to peripherally applied stimuli. The increased release of neurotransmitters and the sensitization of dorsal horn neurons is dependent on activation of N-melhyl-D-aspartate (NMDA), non-NMDA excitatory amino acid, and neurokinin 1 receptors. Behavioral changes typical of inflammatory pain are observed in arthritic rats. These behavioral cha...
The iron catalyzed oxidation of sulfur: Reconciliation of the literature rates

Abstract We have measured three inhibiting effects in the iron(III) catalyzed oxidation of sulfur(IV) to sulfur(VI) in aqueous solution. The reaction is inhibited by ionic strength, sulfate ion, and it is self-inhibited. Consideration of these three effects makes it possible to reconcile several apparently disparate studies of this reaction in the literature. The implication for atmospheric chemistry is that this reaction may be more important in cloudwater than previously believed.
Muscle Specificity Encoded by Specific Serum Response Factor-binding Sites

Serum response factor (SRF) is a MADS box transcription factor that regulates muscle-specific and growth factor-inducible genes by binding the consensus sequence CC(A/T)6GG, known as a CArG box. Because SRF expression is not restricted solely to muscle, its expression alone cannot account for the muscle specificity of some of its target genes. To understand further the role of SRF in muscle-specific transcription, we created transgenic mice harboring lacZ transgenes linked to tandem copies of different CArG boxes with flanking sequences. CArG boxes from the SM22 and skeletal α-actin promoters directed highly restricted expression in developing smooth, cardiac, and skeletal muscle cells during early embryogenesis. In contrast, the CArG box and flanking sequences from the c-fos promoter directed expression throughout the embryo, with no preference for muscle cells. Systematic swapping of the core and flanking sequences of the SM22 and c-fos CArG boxes revealed that cell type specificity was dictated in large part by sequences immediately flanking the CArG box core. Sequences that directed widespread embryonic expression bound SRF more strongly than those that directed muscle-restricted expression. We conclude that sequence variations among CArG boxes influence cell type specificity of expression and account, at least in part, for the ability of SRF to distinguish between growth factor-inducible and muscle-specific genes in vivo.
Description of Entire Solutions of Eiconal Type Equations

The paper describes entire solutions to the eiconal type non-linear partial differential equations, which include the eiconal equations (X1(u)) 2 + (X2(u)) 2 = 1 as special cases, where X1 = p1∂/∂z1 + p2∂/∂z2, X2 = p3∂/∂z1 + p4∂/∂z2 are linearly independent operators with p j being arbitrary polynomials in C2. Department of Mathematics, Georgetown University, Washington, DC 20057 USA e-mail: chang@georgetown.edu Department of Mathematics, Florida International University, Miami, FL 33199 USA e-mail: libaoqin@fiu.edu Received by the editors April 9, 2009. Published electronically April 25, 2011. AMS subject classification: 32A15, 35F20.
Reductant and Sequence Effects on the Morphology and Catalytic Activity of Peptide-Capped Au Nanoparticles

The use of peptides as capping ligands for materials synthesis has been widely explored. The ambient conditions of bio-inspired syntheses using molecules such as peptides represent an attractive route for controlling the morphology and activity of nanomaterials. Although various reductants can be used in such syntheses, no comprehensive comparison of the same bio-based ligand with different reductants has been reported. In this contribution, peptides AuBP1, AuBP2, and Pd4 are used in the synthesis of Au nanoparticles. The reductant strength is varied by using three different reducing agents: NaBH4, hydrazine, and ascorbic acid. These changes in reductant produce significant morphological differences in the final particles. The weakest reductant, ascorbic acid, yields large, globular nanoparticles with rough surfaces, whereas the strongest reductant, NaBH4, yields small, spherical, smooth nanomaterials. Studies of 4-nitrophenol reduction using the Au nanoparticles as catalysts reveal a decrease in activati...
Stars fight back

Galaxies contain fewer stars than predicted. The discovery of a massive galactic outflow of molecular gas in a compact galaxy, which forms stars 100 times faster than the Milky Way, may help to explain why.
Magnetic Resonance Neurography of the Lumbar Plexus at the L4-L5 Disc: Development of a Preoperative Surgical Planning Tool for Lateral Lumbar Transpsoas Interbody Fusion (LLIF).

Study design Observational study. Objective To demonstrate use of magnetic resonance (MR) neurography to visualize the course of the lumbar plexus at the L4-L5 disc space. Summary of background data Risk of injury to the lumbar plexus during lateral transpsoas approach for lumbar interbody fusion (LLIF) is significant. We describe a new technique for preoperative mapping using magnetic resonance neurography to directly visualize the course of the plexus relative to the L4-L5 disc space. Methods Consecutive lumbar plexus MR neurograms (n=35 patients, 70 sides) were studied. Scans were obtained on a Siemens 3-Tesla Skyra magnetic resonance imaging scanner. T1- and T2-color-coded fusion maps were generated along with 3-dimensional models of the lumbosacral plexus with attention to the L4-L5 interspace. The position of the plexus and the shape of the psoas muscle at the L4-L5 interspace were evaluated and recorded. Results Direct imaging of the lumbar plexus using MR neurography revealed a substantial variability in the position of the lumbar plexus relative to the L4-L5 disc space. The left-side plexus was identified in zone 2 (5.7%), zone 3 (54.3%), and zone 4 (40%) (P = 0.0014); on the right, zone 2 (8.6%), zone 3 (42.9%) or zone 4 (45.7%), and zone 5 (2.9%) (P = 0.01). Right-left symmetry was found in 18 of 35 subjects (51.4%) (P = 0.865). There was no association between the position of the plexus and the shape of the overlying psoas muscle identified. In patients with an elevated psoas (n = 12), the lumbar plexus was identified in zone 3 in 75% and 66% (left and right) compared with patients without psoas elevation (n = 23), 30.4% and 43.5% (left and right). Conclusion The course of the lumbosacral plexus traversing the L4-L5 disc space may be more variable than has been suggested by previous studies. Magnetic resonance neurography may provide a more reliable means of preoperatively identifying the plexus when compared with current methods. Level of evidence 3.
The effect of BUdR on the cycle of irradiated and unirradiated meristematic cells of Vicia faba

The cell cycle time of the meristematic cells of Vicia faba was approximately 20 hr in both the control cells and in the cells treated with TdR (1·6 × 10−5 m ) for 24 hr. Cells treated for 24 hr with an equimolar concentration of BUdR showed prolongation of their cell cycle time to about 24 hr. The main detectable change in the cell cycle was the lengthening of the S phase which was increased to 13 hr from 8 hr which was the value for the S phase of the control and TdR-treated cells. BUdR-treated cells exhibited more radiation-induced damage, measured as micronuclei, than control or TdR-treated cells. The radiosensitization effect was manifested as an increase in the percent of damaged cells but not as an increase in the damage per damaged cell. An attempt to correlate the BUdR-induced changes in the cell cycle with the BUdR-induced increase in radiation response was presented.
Alanine substitution scanning of pannexin1 reveals amino acid residues mediating ATP sensitivity

Pannexin1 is a prime candidate to represent an ATP release channel. The pannexin1 channel can be activated by extracellular ATP through purinergic receptors P2X7 or P2Y. Recent studies have shown that the Pannexin1 channel is inhibited by its own permeant ion, ATP, and also by P2X7 receptor agonists and antagonists. However, the dose dependence of this inhibition indicated that significant inhibition was prominent at ATP concentrations higher than required for activation of purinergic receptors, including P2X7 and P2Y2. The inhibitory effect of ATP is largely decreased when R75 in the first extracellular loop of Pannexin1 is mutated to alanine, indicating that ATP regulates this channel presumably through binding. To further investigate the structural property of the putative ATP binding site, we performed alanine-scanning mutagenesis of the extracellular loops of pannexin1. Mutations on W74, S237, S240, I247 and L266 in the extracellular loops 1 and 2 severely impaired the inhibitory effect of BzATP, indicating that they might be the essential amino acids in the putative binding site. Mutations on R75, S82, S93, L94, D241, S249, P259 and I267 moderately (≥50%) decreased BzATP sensitivity, suggesting their supporting roles in the binding. Mutations of other residues did not change the BzATP potency compared to wild-type except for some nonfunctional mutants. These data demonstrate that several amino acid residues on the extracellular loops of Pannexin1 mediate ATP sensitivity. Cells expressing mutant Panx1W74A exhibited an enhanced release of ATP, consistent with the removal of a negative feedback loop controlling ATP release.
Member behavior in company online communities

A growing number of corporations have created sites where customers talk to one another. What kind of interaction takes place on these sites? In this study, we interviewed eleven members of company online communities (COC). We found that while users initially come to such sites looking for product information, they often stay to socialize, and develop meaningful friendships with other members (even turning to one-another for support in times of personal tragedy). We present case studies of interaction on two sites for Campbell's Soup, and for MINI Cooper car owners. We found that users are drawn to these sites because the product's brand image attracts a group of like-minded individuals. Adjectives used to describe the brand are also used to describe site members. I.e., Campbell's is trusting and down-to earth; MINI is fun-loving. Implications for website design are discussed.
Dense all-optical WDM-SCM technology for high-speed computer interconnects

We describe a dense and flexible all optical multi-channel communication system for high speed computer interconnects. The system can provide 10 Gb/s for each individual node with a total system capacity to 250 Gb/s using currently available technologies. The system capacity can be scaled to 1 Tb/s using optical amplifiers with a broader bandwidth and higher modulations. The system is based on the multi-beam (heterodyne) modulator (MBM) recently demonstrated in our laboratory and other current technologies in tunable laser arrays and acousto-optical tunable filter (AOTF). Each MBM automatically forms a high frequency microwave sub-carrier multiplexing (SCM) with sub-carrier frequency to tens of GHz. A MBM with sub-carriers at 17 and 21 GHz has already been demonstrated and can be scaled to higher frequencies by using a higher frequency detector. Each SCM group may consist of up to 10 one-Gb/s channels and occupies only 1 nm spectral width. Therefore we can form a conventional WDM with 25 divisions within the bandwidth of commercially available optical amplifiers.© (1993) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
RGS2: regulation of expression and nuclear localization.

RGS2, a Regulators of G-protein Signaling family member, regulates signaling activities of G-proteins, and RGS2 itself is controlled in part by regulation of its expression. This investigation extended previous studies of the regulation of RGS2 expression by examining the effects of stress, differentiation, and signaling activities on RGS2 mRNA level in human neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cells. Cell stress induced by heat shock rapidly and transiently increased RGS2 mRNA levels, whereas differentiation to a neuronal phenotype reduced basal RGS2 mRNA levels by 50%. RGS2 mRNA levels were increased in differentiated cells by heat shock, carbachol, and activation of protein kinase C. After transient transfection of GFP-tagged RGS2, a predominant nuclear localization was observed by confocal microscopy. Thus, RGS2 expression is regulated by stress and differentiation, as well as by second messenger signaling, and transfected GFP-RGS2 is predominantly nuclear.
Electrophysiological monitoring of cerebellar evoked potentials following fluid percussion injury

Cerebellum is highly susceptible to traumatic injuries, and yet it has rarely been studied in the context of traumatic brain injury (TBI). Much of the TBI research in the cerebellum has been conducted through histochemical techniques, particularly using selective protein staining. In this study, we investigated if fluid percussion injury (FPI) was detectable using electrophysiological recordings of the cerebellar activity with multi-contact array electrodes. Rats were chronically implanted with micro ECoG electrodes on the paramedian lobule (PML). The FPI was induced via a skull opening near the electrode implant on the cerebellum. Spontaneous and evoked potentials (EPs) featured almost immediate alterations in their waveform patterns after the delivery of pressure pulse. Recorded evoked potential amplitudes declined drastically by the next day. We also studied the linear correlation changes between all the electrode contact pairs and observed a significant decrease (R from > 0.7 to <; 0.4, p <;.001) as a result of injury. The results suggest that electrophysiological recording with chronic electrode implants can be used as a method of detection and longitudinal monitoring of subtle effects of TBI in the cerebellar circuits.
Scattering of electromagnetic waves by a layer of air plasma surrounding a conducting cylinder

In this paper, the total scattering and back-scattering cross-sections (respectively represented by σ and σb) of an air plasma layer surrounding a conducting cylinder are studied. The plasma layer can be turned ON and OFF to allow for a comparison between the scattering cross-section of the bare cylinder and the plasma covered cylinder. The plasma layer is generated at atmospheric pressure, which results in a very highly collisional case. The scattered fields are calculated using a cylindrical expansion, with coefficients satisfying the appropriate boundary conditions, and which are a function of the refractive index of the air plasma. The results of our study are presented as plots of the total scattering cross-section, σ, and back-scattering cross-section, σb, versus frequency. The scattering cross-section gives an average characteristic of the scattering process from obstacles. Once the scattering cross-section is known, the actual scattered energy per unit length per second can be calculated by multiplying σ by the incident energy per unit area per second.
Variability and Energetics of the Kuroshio Extension and Its Recirculation Gyre from the First Two-Year TOPEX Data

Abstract Altimetry data from the first 21-month TOPEX mission (September 1992–June 1994) are analysed to investigate the sea surface height (SSH) fluctuations in the Kuroshio Extension and its southern recirculation gyre regions (25°–40°N, 136°E–180°). To separate the time-dependent (SSH) signals associated with the Kuroshio Extension from those associated with the westward recirculating flows, and to study the energetics of these currents, the author first estimated the mean SSH profiles along individual ground tracks by assuming the velocity profile of the Kuroshio Extension to be Gaussian shaped and by successively fitting the synthetic current's height profile to the time-dependent SSH data. The mean SSH field, including the influence from the recirculating flows, is then derived through the constraint from climatological hydrographic data. During the 21-month period of the TOPEX mission, the eddy kinetic energy (EKE) of the Kuroshio Extension had relatively uniform values during three separate stages...