cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Local Induction of Acetylcholine Receptor Clustering in Myotube Cultures Using Microfluidic Application of Agrin

During neuromuscular synaptogenesis, the exchange of spatially localized signals between nerve and muscle initiates the coordinated focal accumulation of the acetylcholine (ACh) release machinery and the ACh receptors (AChRs). One of the key first steps is the release of the proteoglycan agrin focalized at the axon tip, which induces the clustering of AChRs on the postsynaptic membrane at the neuromuscular junction. The lack of a suitable method for focal application of agrin in myotube cultures has limited the majority of in vitro studies to the application of agrin baths. We used a microfluidic device and surface microengineering to focally stimulate muscle cells with agrin at a small portion of their membrane and at a time and position chosen by the user. The device is used to verify the hypothesis that focal application of agrin to the muscle cell membrane induces local aggregation of AChRs in differentiated C2C12 myotubes.
The structure of attention: A critical review

This review article is a critique of the theory of attention structure as expounded and propounded by the English primatologist Michael R. A. Chance. The paper reviews the theory of dominance hierarchies in non-human primates; dominance among human children; dominance vs. attention structures; the theory of attention structure; ethological appraisal of the attention structure hypothesis; the structure of attention among political scientists; and social science evaluation of attention structure as theory. The analysis demonstrates that the theory lacks both logical structure and independent empirical support; it is not accepted by leading ethologist commentators; and its appeal among social scientists rests on ideology rather than its use in helping to produce new empirical knowledge. It is concluded that the attention structure hypothesis shows no promise of providing the basis for the construction of viable theories of either the bases for social organization among other primates, or democratic leadership and political structure among humans.
Acute cholecystitis without gallbladder stones

Abstract 1. 1. A series of fourteen patients in whom acute inflammatory changes developed in the gallbladder in the absence of gallstones is reported. 2. 2. Obstruction of the cystic duct by a malignant tumor, fibrosis, or an anomalous cystic artery appeared to be the etiologic factors in some of the patients. 3. 3. Reflux of pancreatic juice into the gallbladder via a “common channel” appeared to be a probable cause in other patients. The triggering mechanism was assumed to be coexistent acute or chronic pancreatitis, common duct stone (one case), or spasm of the sphincter of Oddi (one case). 4. 4. In one case of acute ulcerative hemorrhagic cholecystitis the patient had chlorpromazine hepatitis, and in another, the only woman in the series, the patient was under treatment for chronic pemphigus. 5. 5. The operating surgeon should remember these possible causes of acute noncalculous cholecystitis, especially if cholecystostomy without exploration was performed, since some of these patients may benefit by further surgery.
Poor Sleep Quality is Associated with Decreased Emotional Arousal in Healthy Girls

A growing number of studies in adults document critical relationships between sleep and emotional processing based on responses to affective images from the International Affective Picture System (...
Altered responsiveness of adenosine 3′,5′-monophosphate-generating systems in rat cortical slices after lesions of the medial forebrain bundle

The magnitude of the accumulation of radioactive cyclic AMP elicited by norepinephrine in [14C]adenine-labeled slices of rat cortical slices was enhanced 1.4-fold in ipsilateral slices from animals with unilateral lesions of the medial forebrain bundle as compared to slices from the contralateral hemisphere. This enhanced responsiveness to norepinephrine was first manifested 2 days after the lesion, and persisted for at least 3 weeks. The level of norepinephrine in cortical tissue from the hemisphere with lesion underwent a concomitant decline to less than 20% of the level in tissue from the contralateral hemisphere. Responses of cyclic AMP-generating systems to isoproterenol and to a combination of histamine and a phosphodiesterase inhibitor were also significantly enhanced in ipsilateral cortical slices after lesions of the medial forebrain bundle, while responses to a combination of norepinephrine and the β-adrenergic antagonist, propranolol, to adenosine, veratridine, prostaglandin E1, and a combination of serotonin and a phosphodiesterase inhibitor were not significantly altered. The response to histamine, in the presence of a phosphodiesterase inhibitor (isobutylmethylxanthine), was blocked effectively only by an H2-antagonist, metiamide. Responses to norepinephrine after lesions of the medial forebrain bundle were enhanced in ipsilateral hippocampal slices, but not in ipsilateral slices from midbrain or cerebellum.
Comments on Quantum-Electrodynamic Corrections to the Electron Charge in Metals

Several arguments are presented which cast doubt on the validity of Nordtvedt's conclusion that quantum-electrodynamic corrections to the electron charge produce observable effects which are different in vacuo and in a metal.
The inhibition of stuttering via the presentation of natural speech and sinusoidal speech analogs.

Abstract Sensory signals containing speech or gestural (articulatory) information (e.g., choral speech) have repeatedly been found to be highly effective inhibitors of stuttering. Sine wave analogs of speech consist of a trio of changing pure tones representative of formant frequencies. They are otherwise devoid of traditional speech cues, yet have proven to evoke consistent linguistic percepts in listeners. Thus, we investigated the potency of sinusoidal speech for inhibiting stuttering. Ten adults who stutter read while listening to (a) forward-flowing natural speech; (b) forward-flowing sinusoid analogs of natural speech; (c) reversed natural speech; (d) reversed sinusoid analogs of natural speech; and (e) a continuous 1000 Hz pure tone. The levels of stuttering inhibition achieved using the sinusoidal stimuli were potent and not significantly different from those achieved using natural speech (∼50% in forward conditions and ∼25% in the reversed conditions), suggesting that the patterns of undulating pure tones are sufficient to endow sinusoidal sentences with ‘quasi-gestural’ qualities. These data highlight the sensitivity of a specialized ‘phonetic module’ for extracting gestural information from sensory stimuli. Stuttering inhibition is thought to occur when perceived gestural information facilitates fluent productions via the engagement of mirror neurons (e.g., in Broca's area), which appear to play a crucial role in our ability to perceive and produce speech.
Finite element analysis of interaction of tornados with a low-rise timber building

This paper studies the interaction of a tornado with a one-story gable-roofed timber building. The methodology presented in this paper will predict the successive stages of structural damage caused to the building by a translating tornado as a result of its interaction with the building components. The dynamic effects of changing internal and external pressures on the building are taken into account, as the tornado translates by the building and inflicts damage. A partially damaged one-story building, located within the damage path of the Parkersburg EF5 tornado (May 25, 2008), was chosen for analysis using Finite Elements (FE) and comparison of observed damage to those predicted in this study. The methodology described in this paper will enable accurate prediction of wind-induced damage to low-rise timber buildings under the influence of a tornado for better design and construction practices. It will also help in assessing the intensity of a tornado from the observed damage state of the building.
Do preschool executive function skills explain the school readiness gap between advantaged and disadvantaged children

Abstract We examine the extent to which executive functions (EFs), as opposed to other cognitive skills, account for socioeconomically based disparities in school readiness. Participants are 226 American children (aged 36–71 months) enrolled in either needs-based or private preschools. Children completed 6 tasks designed to measure EFs as well as assessments of general intelligence and speed of cognitive processing. Children were also assessed on math, reading, and vocabulary skills. EFs accounted for unique variance across all academic measures even when controlling for speed of processing and general intelligence and partially accounted for disparities in school readiness associated with type of preschool enrollment. When vocabulary was controlled in the model, EFs only mediated associations between type of preschool and math. Vocabulary skills accounted for associations between socioeconomic status and both math and reading achievement. General intelligence and speed of processing did not uniquely account for associations between disadvantage and school readiness.
Evaluation of a portable FTIR for in-situ field measurements of surface reflectance

Development of target detection algorithms and simulation models for present and future multispectral and hyperspectral sensor systems requires accurate characterization of the reflectance and thermal emission of natural and man-made materials. Fourier transform spectrometry is one method for obtaining relatively high spectral resolution, in-situ measurements of surface reflectance. This paper discusses the performance characteristics of the SOC-400T FTIR and its application to field measurements. The SOC-400T is a relatively small and portable FTIR reflectometer that was designed to measure the directional reflectance and calculate the directional thermal emittance of surfaces in the spectral range from 2 to 25 ημm. The SOC-400T uses a silicone carbide glowbar to illuminate samples. This permits accurate results to be obtained in the MWIR. We recently deployed this instrument to the field to perform measurements on various materials of interest to the military. Prior to the deployment, the instrument was evaluated to assess its performance under true field operating conditions. This paper specifically examines noise characteristics, warmup time, transients induced by reorientation of the sensor, spurious detector artifacts, and sensitivity to vibration. We also address the practical issue associated with positioning, stabilizing, and calibrating the instrument for field measurements of irregular or arbitrarily oriented surfaces.
Mapping 3D salt using 2D marine MT: Case study from Gemini Prospect, Gulf of Mexico

Gemini Prospect, Gulf of Mexico (GoM) has served as the test bed deployment site for the development of a broadband marine magnetotelluric (MT) method. Located in 1 km deep water, Gemini contains a complex three-dimensional (3D) shaped salt body at depths of 1-5 km beneath the seafloor. The high electrical resistivity of the salt contrasts greatly with the surrounding conductive sediments and provides a suitable target for electrical methods. Using a broadband MT instrument that responds to higher frequency electric and magnetic fields than traditional marine MT systems, we have collected 42 sites of MT data in the period band of 1-3000 seconds in a two-dimensional (2D) grid over the Gemini salt body. This is an excellent data set for testing marine MT’s ability to map salt structures and also for developing and testing 2D and three-dimensional (3D) modeling techniques.
Genetic Profiling Reveals Cross-Contamination and Misidentification of 6 Adenoid Cystic Carcinoma Cell Lines: ACC2, ACC3, ACCM, ACCNS, ACCS and CAC2

Adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC) is the second most common malignant neoplasm of the salivary glands. Most patients survive more than 5 years after surgery and postoperative radiation therapy. The 10 year survival rate, however, drops to 40%, due to locoregional recurrences and distant metastases. Improving long-term survival in ACC requires the development of more effective systemic therapies based on a better understanding of the biologic behavior of ACC. Much preclinical research in this field involves the use of cultured cells and, to date, several ACC cell lines have been established. Authentication of these cell lines, however, has not been reported. We performed DNA fingerprint analysis on six ACC cell lines using short tandem repeat (STR) examinations and found that all six cell lines had been contaminated with other cells. ACC2, ACC3, and ACCM were determined to be cervical cancer cells (HeLa cells), whereas the ACCS cell line was composed of T24 urinary bladder cancer cells. ACCNS and CAC2 cells were contaminated with cells derived from non-human mammalian species: the cells labeled ACCNS were mouse cells and the CAC2 cells were rat cells. These observations suggest that future studies using ACC cell lines should include cell line authentication to avoid the use of contaminated or non-human cells.
Experimental setup for investigation of nanoclusters at cryogenic temperatures by electron spin resonance and optical spectroscopies

We present the design and performance of an experimental setup for simultaneous electron spin resonance (ESR) and optical studies of nanoclusters with stabilized free radicals at cryogenic temperatures. A gas mixture of impurities and helium after passing through a RF discharge for dissociation of molecules is directed onto the surface of superfluid helium to form the nanoclusters of impurities. A specially designed ESR cavity operated in the TE011 mode allows optical access to the sample. The cavity is incorporated into a homemade insert which is placed inside a variable temperature insert of a Janis (4)He cryostat. The temperature range for sample investigation is 1.25-300 K. A Bruker EPR 300E and Andor 500i optical spectrograph incorporated with a Newton EMCCD camera are used for ESR and optical registration, respectively. The current experimental system makes it possible to study the ESR and optical spectra of impurity-helium condensates simultaneously. The setup allows a broad range of research at low temperatures including optically detected magnetic resonance, studies of chemical processes of the active species produced by photolysis in solid matrices, and investigations of nanoclusters produced by laser ablation in superfluid helium.
Mercury clearance from human plasma during in vitro dialysis: screening systems for chelating agents.

Two in vitro systems were evaluated as potential screening methods for determining the most effective chelating agents for use in patients with inorganic mercury poisoning undergoing hemodialysis. The first system consisted of an in vitro clinical hemodialysis unit and the second system consisted of an in vitro equilibrium dialysis procedure. Both systems utilized pooled human plasma. Ten chelating agents were evaluated in these systems to determine their ability to enhance mercury clearance from human plasma. In the absence of chelators, plasma clearance of mercury was negligible. Of the chelating agents tested, 2,3-dimercaptopropanolol, which enhances biliary and fecal excretion of mercury poisoning, and dithiothreitol did not enhance mercury clearance at 90 min in the hemodialysis system. N-acetylcysteine appeared to be the most effective chelating agent of those tested in the hemodialysis system. N-acetylcysteine produced a 73% decrease in perfusate mercury concentration at 90 min. The results of equi...
Ab initio calculations for N-acetylalanylglycine amide

Abstract Ab initio calculations using the STO-3G basis set were used to obtain the optimal geometry and total energy for several conformations of N-acetyl-L-alanylglycine amide. The most stable structure 1 has two C7 rings, each of which includes a 1:3 hydrogen bond. Structure 2 having a Type-I beta turn with a 1:4 hydrogen bond is only 0.9 kcal/mol above 1. Structure 3 having a Type-II beta turn with a 1:4 hydrogen bond is 1.8 kcal mol above 1. In agreenent with experiments and molecular mechanics calculations, all three of these structures are expected to co-exist as a statistical ensemble. Structure 4 having one C7 ring with a 1:3 hydrogen bond and structure 5' in an extended conformation with no hydrogen bond are both 3.2 kcal mol above 1 and thus contribute less to the ensemble. Partially optimized structures having a Type-I', Type-II' or Type-III beta turn are more than 5 kcal mol above 1 and probably do not contribute to the ensemble of interconverting structures for Ac-Ala-Gly-NH2.
Investigation of arterial obstruction using a mercury-in-rubber strain gauge.

Abstract The use of the mercury-in-rubber strain gauge to measure the circulation to the limbs is described. The instrument is quickly applied to the limb and can be used to make measurements of the circulation at many points on the limb. It has been used to measure blood flow, volume pulse, and systolic pressure at different levels on the limbs of normal subjects under various conditions and of patients with arterial disease. The range of these measurements in the legs of normal subjects is defined. The measurement of the systolic pressure gradient down the limb also gives a good indication of the location and degree of arterial obstruction or obstructions. The amplitude of volume pulse has been found to be a better indication of the location and severity of chronic arterial obstruction than are measurements of blood flow. This finding led to a consideration of the relationship between blood flow and amplitude of the volume pulse. An argument is put forward for considering the volume pulse as an indication of the degree of reserve of the peripheral circulation. The clinical application of the results in the selection of patients for arterial surgery is considered, and means are suggested by which an oscillometer could be used to provide information on the location and severity of obstruction of the larger arteries.
Mutual inhibition of the attractant pheromone response by two species ofIps(Coleoptera: Scolytidae)

The bark beetles,Ips pini andI. paraconfusus, are not cross-attractive in the field although they attack the same host material at the same time. Logs containing the pheromone-producing sex (males) of both species side by side attract significantly fewer beetles of each species than do males of either species alone. Ipsenol, a component of the maleI. paraconfusus pheromone, duplicates the activity of maleI. paraconfusus in inhibiting the response ofI. pini to maleI. pini. Linalool from maleI. pini also reduces the catch ofI. paraconfusus in response to maleI. paraconfusus. Simultaneous production of a specific attractant pheromone and an interspecific chemical inhibitor favors exclusive use of the host substrate by the first arriving species.
Response Models and Examinee Behavior: a Note on the Lack of Correspondence

Two basic assumptions made in personal probability testing procedures are reviewed. Some empirical examinee response data are examined and it is suggested that these assumptions should not be taken...
Assessing Gifted Children with the Kaufman Assessment Battery for Children — Second Edition (KABC-II):

The Kaufman Assessment Battery for Children-Second Edition (KABC-II; Kaufman & Kaufman, 2004a) is an individually administered intelligence test for children ages 3 to 18. The theory-based test was designed for use in a wide variety of clinical, psychoeducational, and neuropsychological situations, including the assessment of the intellectually gifted. This article provides a context for assessing intellectually gifted children with the KABC-II. General definitional issues in the assessment of gifted children are reviewed, followed by specific conceptions of intellectual giftedness, and details of appropriate assessment procedures. With this foundation of general information on giftedness, the KABC-II's structure, scales, and psychometric properties are described; finally the benefits and limitations of using the KABC-II for assessing gifted children are explored and a comprehensive case study is provided.
Aerothermal and Trajectory Analysis of Small Payloads Launched to Low Earth Orbit From an Airborne Platform

In recent years there has been an ever increasing need to launch small payloads (∼1–100 kg) into low earth orbit (LEO); examples include the defense, telecommunications and other civilian industries. NASA’s stated mission of launching a manned mission to Mars requires many tons of raw materials to be economically launched into LEO and assembled there. Conventional rocket launch from earth is prohibitively expensive for small mass payloads. Estimates range from $7000–$20,000 to launch 1 kg of mass into low earth orbit. Several concepts have been proposed to economically launch small payloads from earth, including light gas guns, electromagnetic launchers and the so called “slingatron” concept. The goal of these concepts is to reduce the cost per kg (to under $1000) to achieve LEO. Each of these concepts involves launching small payloads that traverse the atmosphere and then placed into a circular low earth orbit. As the launch vehicle traverses the dense lower portion of the atmosphere it experiences thermal heating loads that must be absorbed by a thermal protection system (TPS) if the payload is to survive the transit. High launch angles are desirable from the standpoint of minimizing TPS mass. However, for ballistic trajectories, high launch angles require a large propellant mass to achieve a stable circular orbit. This effort performs aerothermal and trajectory analyses on a nominal 10 kg payload launched from 16 km altitude airborne platform into a 200 km circular orbit. The study focuses on two efforts: 1) computing ballistic trajectories of sphere cones with ablation assuming laminar and turbulent flow in order to quantify the total ablation and required propellant mass to circularize the orbit for given launch conditions and 2) study lifting trajectories without ablation by flying axisymmetric sphere-cone projectiles at small angles of attack and asymmetric projectiles (ellipsleds) that turn the velocity vector during atmospheric transit in an effort to reduce the ΔV needed to circularize the orbit. The TPS is assumed to be made of graphite. Total parasitic mass is reported for several launch angles. Even though ablation is not considered for the lifting trajectories, the study allows comparison of relative effectiveness of various lifting trajectories in reducing the ΔV required to circularize the orbit.Copyright © 2009 by ASME
The immunoproteasome and viral infection: a complex regulator of inflammation

During viral infection, proper regulation of immune responses is necessary to ensure successful viral clearance with minimal host tissue damage. Proteasomes play a crucial role in the generation of antigenic peptides for presentation on MHC class I molecules, and thus activation of CD8 T cells, as well as activation of the NF-κB pathway. A specialized type of proteasome called the immunoproteasome is constitutively expressed in hematopoietic cells and induced in non-immune cells during viral infection by interferon signaling. The immunoproteasome regulates CD8 T cell responses to many viral epitopes during infection. Accumulating evidence suggests that the immunoproteasome may also contribute to regulation of proinflammatory cytokine production, activation of the NF-κB pathway, and management of oxidative stress. Many viruses have mechanisms of interfering with immunoproteasome function, including prevention of transcriptional upregulation of immunoproteasome components as well as direct interaction of viral proteins with immunoproteasome subunits. A better understanding of the role of the immunoproteasome in different cell types, tissues, and hosts has the potential to improve vaccine design and facilitate the development of effective treatment strategies for viral infections.
Wing cracks and brittle compressive fracture

Abstract Uniaxial compression experiments on plates of columnar fresh-water ice have established that out-of-plane extensions or wing cracks develop on inclined cracks which are nucleated at grain boundaries during loading. The wings lengthen in a stable manner as the load rises, eventually splitting the specimen. Compression experiments on cold blocks of PMMA have established that pre-existing, inclined cracks also sprout wings, but that the wings wrap around the inclined crack both through the thickness and along the loading direction eventually converging to approximately the same vertical plane. These observations indicate that a frictional crack sliding model which includes three-dimensional effects can explain compressive fracture.
Reversible regulation by magnesium of chick embryo fibroblast proliferation

The rate of 3H-thymidine incorporation and of cell proliferation in chick embryo fibroblast cultures are reduced coordinately when the [Mg2+] of the external medium is reduced below the physiological concentration of about 0.8 mM. These effects of moderately reduced [Mg2+] and the accompanying change in appearance of the cells, resemble the effects produced by lowering the [serum] of the medium. Cells subjected to severe Mg2+ deprivation, especially at low [Ca2+], die and detach from the culture dish. Cells kept at a reduced rate of proliferation for three days by moderate Mg2+ deprivation are quickly restored to rapid proliferation upon restoration of the normal [Mg2+] of the medium. The rate of proliferation of the chick embryo cells is reduced markedly by lowering [Ca2+] about 100-fold, but unlike the case of Mg2+-deprivation this can occur without significant effect on the rate of 3H-thymidine incorporation. More severe Ca2+ deprivation, which does lower the rate of 3H-thymidine incorporation, produces retraction of cells from one another and from the dish, and results in a distinctly abnormal, rounded appearance. The results lend weight to the thesis that free [Mg2+] plays a central role within the cell in the coordinate control of metabolism and growth. They also suggest that the effects produced by varying [Ca2+] in the medium are caused by changes at the external surface of the cell.
Electric Field and Chloroplast Membranes

During green plant photosynthesis not all of the energy of the light absorbed by chlorophyll is used. A part, 2–3%, is re-emitted as fluorescence. A somewhat smaller part that we call delayed light is emitted at times of 10−5 sec to 3 hr after illumination, far too long to be fluorescence (1). This delayed light is closely connected with the process of photosynthesis and seems to be one of the few ways of studying the first steps in that process (2). While making such studies with “broken” chloroplasts, we observed that the delayed light could be stimulated by an electric field across the chloroplast suspension. This new effect is surprisingly large. A field of a few hundred volts/cm can increase the light emission by 50 times. We made a preliminary announcement of this phenomenon at the International Conference on the Photosynthetic Unit, held in Gatlinburg a year ago (3).
Dendrogeomorphic evidence of debris flow frequency and magnitude at Mount Shasta, California

Debris-flow deposits and woody vegetation adjacent to and growing within the channels of Whitney, Bolam, Mud, Ash, and Panther creeks provide a 300-year record of debris-flow frequency at Mount Shasta Dendrochronologic (tree-ring) dating methods for the debris flows i~roved consistent with available documented rec- ords of debris flows Nine debris flows not reported in the historic record were documented and dated dendrochronologically The oldest tree-ring date for a mudflow was about 1670 Combined geomorphic and botanical evidence shows that debris flows are a common occurrence at Mount Shasta Debris flows trav- eling at least 2 km have occurred at the rate of about 8 3 per cen- tury Smaller debris flows occur substantially more frequently and usually do not proceed as far downslope as larger debris flows. Cy- clic scouring and filling by debris flows, in and adjacent to the stream channels, is suggested by dendrogeomorphic evidence and appears to be related to their magnitude and frequency Debris flows, small and large, may be the major surficial geomorphic agent in the vicinity of Mount Shasta, sculpturing the channels and developing large allu- vial fans
Heat transfer and temperature oscillations in chemical vapor transport crystal growth. I

Abstract It is shown that the temperature profile inside a closed CVT ampoule can deviate greatly from that of its external heat source. This deviation is discussed in terms of the optical and convective properties of the system. Chemical convective instability (CCI), measured here for the first time, can result in temperature oscillations of up to ±25 °C under typical growth conditions. Depending on the relative molecular weights of the reactants and products involved, CCI can occur in temperature gradients which are either parallel or antiparallel to gravity. The latter is demonstrated with the transport gases TeCl 4 and I 2 (both of which thermally dissociate).
Fear of Scandalous Knowledge: Arguing About Coherence in Scientific Theory and Practice

A decade after the “Sokal Hoax,” Alan Sokal and Paul Boghossian still claim that postmodern arguments are incoherent attacks on reason and truth. However, both also continue to mischaracterize “constructivist” epistemology, to engage in highly problematic logical gymnastics to defend their own views, and to ignore changes in philosophy of science and science studies since 1996. I offer a brief description of my own, rather different understanding of postmodern science criticism in order to contextualize my dissatisfaction with Sokal and Boghossian's arguments, and to highlight the value of cross-subfield anthropological collaboration based on the constructivist perspective articulated by Barbara Herrnstein Smith.
Evidence for substrate preorganization in the peptidylglycine α-amidating monooxygenase reaction describing the contribution of ground state structure to hydrogen tunneling.

Peptidylglycine α-amidating monooxygenase (PAM) is a bifunctional enzyme which catalyzes the post-translational modification of inactive C-terminal glycine-extended peptide precursors to the corresponding bioactive α-amidated peptide hormone. This conversion involves two sequential reactions both of which are catalyzed by the separate catalytic domains of PAM. The first step, the copper-, ascorbate-, and O2-dependent stereospecific hydroxylation at the α-carbon of the C-terminal glycine, is catalyzed by peptidylglycine α-hydroxylating monooxygenase (PHM). The second step, the zinc-dependent dealkylation of the carbinolamide intermediate, is catalyzed by peptidylglycine amidoglycolate lyase. Quantum mechanical tunneling dominates PHM-dependent Cα-H bond activation. This study probes the substrate structure dependence of this chemistry using a set of N-acylglycine substrates of varying hydrophobicity. Primary deuterium kinetic isotope effects (KIEs), molecular mechanical docking, alchemical free energy pert...
Clinical Implications of Marker Expression of Carcinoma-Associated Fibroblasts (CAFs) in Patients with Epithelial Ovarian Carcinoma After Treatment with Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy.

Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) play an important role in tumor initiation and progression. The aim of this study is to explore the role of 2 CAF markers, fibroblast activated protein (FAP) and α-smooth muscle actin (αSMA), in patients with epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) post-neoadjuvant chemotherapy. Sixty-six patients with the diagnosis of EOC treated with debulking surgery after neoadjuvant therapy were retrieved from the archives. Immunohistochemistry for FAP and αSMA antibodies were performed on paraffin-embedded tissue. Fisher’s exact test was performed to test the association between FAP and αSMA expression and disease status. Kaplan–Meier method with log-rank test was used to check the survival difference between different FAP tumor/stroma expressions. FAP stromapos. expression was strongly associated with higher recurrences rate [OR: 15.95; 95 % CI: 1.521–835.206; p = 0.0072]. Cases with combined FAP stromapos and FAP tumorneg had higher death rate [OR: 4.845; 95 % CI: 1.53–16.61; p = 0.0046] and higher recurrence rate [OR: 5.12; 95 % CI: 0.91–54.42; p = 0.0487] compared to all the others. Cases with combined FAP stromaneg and FAP tumorneg were more likely to have lower recurrence rates [OR: 0.086; 95 % CI: 0.001–0.997; p = 0.0248]. αSMA was expressed by tumor-associated stroma in 95 % of cases and by tumor cells in 9 % of cases. No statistical power was found for αSMA and disease status. Our data indicate that FAP plays an important role in predicting tumor aggressiveness in patients with EOC post-neoadjuvant therapy, and its frequent expression in this malignancy implicates that FAP targeted therapy could be a very attractive strategy.
Evaluation of Product Family Architectures From Multiple Perspectives

Specifying components in a product platform and family architecture to support product varieties can be a challenging task for companies. Especially when various viewpoints have to be considered, which include product variety, materials, manufacturing complexity, assembly complexity, average component count commonality, assembly sequence, and late point differentiation. In order to identify or select a product platform and family configuration, evaluation of alternative configurations need to be performed. In this paper several product family evaluation criteria are presented for configuration evaluation. The application of product family configuration evaluation and a design approach is demonstrated using a Computer Mouse family.Copyright © 2008 by ASME
The Frequency of Family Visits Influences the Behavioral and Psychological Symptoms of Dementia (BPSD) of Aged People with Dementia in a Nursing Home

The behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD) change the lifestyles of demented people and their caregivers. While various interventions in dementia have been reported, the relationship between family visits and suppression of BPSD in a nursing home has rarely been addressed. This study investigated whether the frequency of family visits was associated with a reduction in BPSD in aging people in a nursing home. Sixty-seven aged people (average age: 87.3 years), who were diagnosed as having dementia according to the Hasegawa Dementia Scale-Revised (HDS-R) score, in a nursing home were selected. They were divided into 3 groups as follows: HDS-R score of 0-9 (group A), 10-14 (group B), 15-19 (group C). The subjects were further divided into 2 groups by their average monthly frequency of family visits: 0-10 (group X) and >10 (group Y). The rates of change in the HDS-R and dementia behavior disturbance (DBD) Scale scores were calculated. The rate of change in the DBD Scale score was influenced by the frequency of family visits, and the effect was significantly greater in group X than in group Y. Among the groups, only group B showed significant differences in the rates of change in the HDS-R and DBD Scale scores, and both of these were lower in group Y than in group X. This investigation demonstrated that the frequency of family visits was associated with suppression of BPSD, and was particularly effective for subjects with moderate dementia.
Effect of enoxacin on theophylline neurotoxicity

Abstract Concomitant use of the bronchodilator theophylline and the antibacterial agent enoxacin has been associated with significant neurologic and other adverse effects. Enoxacin and certain other quinolones are known to inhibit the biotransformation of theophylline, thereby increasing the plasma concentrations of the bronchodilator. It was considered possible that this may not be the only interaction because theophylline as well as enoxacin are known to have neurotoxic potential. To explore the possibility of a pharmacodynamic interaction, rats pretreated orally with enoxacin or water (controls) were slowly infused i.v. with theophylline until the onset of a maximal seizure. Neither 100 nor 400 mg/kg enoxacin 1 hour before the infusion had any significant effect on the infused dose or on the concentrations of theophylline in serum, brain and cerebrospinal fluid at onset of seizures. On the other hand, 400 mg/kg enoxacin reduced the total serum clearance of a 12 mg/kg i.v. bolus dose of theophylline from 2.56±0.37 to 1.00±0.13 ml min−1kg−1 (mean±SD). It is concluded that acutely administered enoxacin in a dose sufficient to inhibit the elimination of theophylline has no direct effect on theophylline neurotoxicity in rats.
The Chemistry of Hydrocarbon Ions in the Jovian Ionosphere

We have modeled the chemistry of hydrocarbon ions in the jovian ionosphere. We find that a layer of hydrocarbon ions is formed in the altitude range 300-400 km above the ammonia cloud tops, due largely to direct ionization of hydrocarbons by photons in the wings of the H2 absorption lines in the 912- to 1100-A region that penetrate to below the methane homopause. We have explicitly included in the model 156 ion-neutral reactions involving hydrocaron ions with up to two carbon atoms. Larger hydrocarbon ions are included as two pseudoions, C3Hn(+) and C4Hn(+). The model shows that 15 reactions of H(+), CH3(+), CH5(+), C2H3(+), C2H5(+), and C2H6(+) with hydrocarbon neutrals are the major processes that are responsible for the production and growth of C1-, C2- and C3- or C4-ions in the hydrocarbon ion layer. The model also shows that ions initially produced in the hydrocarbon ion layer are converted into hydrocarbon ions with more than two carbon atoms with very little loss by recombination. It is likely that successive hydrocarbon ion-neutral reactions continue to produce even larger hydrocarbon ions, so the terminal ions probably have more than three or four carbon atoms. In the auroral regions, the chemistry of hydrocarbon ions may modify the densities of neutral hydrocarbons, especially C2H2 in the upper mesosphere, and may play a major role in the production of polar haze particles.
Bacterial community structure correlates with decomposition parameters along a Hawaiian precipitation gradient

Abstract We analyzed soil bacterial communities with terminal restriction fragment length polymorphisms (TRFLP) along a precipitation gradient on the Hawaiian island Maui where mean annual rainfall increases from 2200 to 5050 mm. Principal component and cluster analysis of TRFLP patterns indicated there were only small differences in bacterial communities in soils receiving 2200–2750 mm of rain annually but large changes in bacterial community structure occurred as annual precipitation exceeded 2750 mm. The change in bacterial community structure correlated with several ecosystem parameters including mean annual precipitation, aboveground net primary productivity, soil redox status, litter decomposition rates, net methane flux and soil respiration. We suggest the dominant change in bacterial community structure along the gradient reflects a shift from respiratory to fermentative metabolism.
Ossifying bone marrow explant culture as a three-dimensional mechanoresponsive in vitro model of osteogenesis.

Mechanical cues play an important role in bone regeneration and affect production and secretion dynamics of growth factors (GFs) involved in osteogenesis. The in vitro models for investigating the mechanoresponsiveness of the involvement of GFs in osteogenesis are limited to two-dimensional monolayer cell culture studies, which do not effectively embody the physiological interactions with the neighboring cells of different types and the interactions with a natural extracellular matrix. Natural bone formation is a complex process that necessitates the contribution of multiple cell types, physical and chemical cues in a three-dimensional (3D) setting. There is a need for in vitro models that represent the physiological diversity and characteristics of bone formation to realistically study the effects of mechanical cues on this process. In vitro cultures of marrow explants inherently ossify and they embody the multicellular and 3D nature of osteogenesis. Therefore, the aim of this study was to assess the mec...
Computer Technology Use by Louisiana Apparel Manufacturers

This study was designed to investigate computer technology use by Louisiana apparel manufacturers. The project stemmed from a growing supply of package software programs for apparel design and related apparel development/production functions intended for use with personal computers. Apparel manufacturers operating within the state were identified using a telephone survey to obtain information regarding current use of computer technology. Results indicated that, of the 43 companies identified, six of the firms operate under parent companies, while the remaining 37 are independently owned. Products made form a large array including sportswear, uniforms, dresses, and jeans in men's, women's, and children's sizes. The small to mid-sized companies, individually owned and still accomplishing many of their design/production functions manually, cannot afford to invest millions of dollars in mainframe or minicomputer systems. These companies are primary targets for assistance with computer technology transfer. Hig...
Acceptance by private patients of resident involvement in their outpatient care.

The attitudes of private patients toward resident participation in their ambulatory care were evaluated. Of 195 patients (29 percent) responding to 667 mailed prospective questionnaires, 143 (73 percent) stated that they would allow resident participation in their care. Satisfactory prior experiences with trainees was the most important factor predicting acceptance (p less than .0001) of resident participation. A majority of "accepting" respondents would allow the following limited delegation of responsibility to residents: history-taking, physical examination, and visit scheduling. The majority (71 percent) desired faculty consultation at every visit. A small, retrospective survey of resident-treated private patients revealed that 70 percent were fully satisfied, 20 percent partially satisfied, and 10 percent dissatisfied. Dissatisfaction by the patients was associated with not knowing beforehand that a trainee would participate in the health care delivery. The private patients usually accepted trainees for outpatient care if: (a) they had been informed in advance, (b) they had not had a prior unsatisfactory resident experience, and (c) the responsibility of the residents had been carefully delegated and the residents closely supervised.
Cultural and Immunological Detection Methods for Salmonella spp. in Animal Feeds - A Review

Food-borne salmonellosis continues to be a major public health concern, and contamination with Salmonella spp. in pre-harvest animal production is considered a primary contributor to this problem. Animal feeds can easily become contaminated during primary production, feed mixing and processing as well as during feeding. Consequently, monitoring and surveillance of feeds and feed ingredients for Salmonella spp. contamination may be useful or necessary in the prevention and control of this organism. Cultural and immunological detection methods for salmonellae have been used or suggested as possible approaches for use in animal feeds. Cultural methods remain advantageous owing to their ability to detect viable bacterial cells, while immunological methods have the capability of detecting nonculturable bacterial cells. Advancements and improvements in both methodologies offer opportunities for eventual routine use of these detection technologies in animal feed assays.
Fairness and inequality tolerance: Evidence from the Life in Transition Survey

Abstract This paper examines the link between inequality and individual well-being using household survey data from 27 transition economies, where income inequality increased considerably since 1989. A test of inequality aversion in individual preferences that draws on the Fehr and Schmidt (1999) specification of inequality aversion is proposed, and the difficulties of implementing it in a non-experimental setting are discussed. Estimates based on this model confirm aversion to inequality among individuals both in the pooled sample and separately among the EU and non-EU countries. The Gini index, on the other hand, is unable to capture this negative effect of inequality on well-being. Notably, inequality aversion is not intrinsic. Rather, it appears to be tied to a concern with the fairness of the institutions underlying the distribution of fortunes in society. The evidence is suggestive of inequality of opportunity driving attitudes toward overall inequality.
Our fragile intellect: response to Dr Mitchell.

I would like to thank Kevin Mitchell [1] for the opportunity to clarify some points raised in my recent Science and Society articles in TiG [2,3]. I appreciate his arguments, most of which were addressed in my two original articles, but I feel that the points raised do not substantially affect the hypothesis.
Lower magnesium level associated with new-onset diabetes and pre-diabetes after kidney transplantation.

Hypomagnesemia is associated with increased peripheral insulin resistance in the general population. It is frequently seen after renal transplantation. We examined its role as a risk factor for new-onset diabetes after transplantation (NODAT) and new-onset pre-diabetes after transplantation (NOPDAT). A retrospective analysis of 138 previously non-diabetic renal transplant recipients was conducted. Cox and logistic regression analyses were performed to examine the associations between 1-month post-transplant serum magnesium level and subsequent diagnoses of NODAT/NOPDAT. NODAT was diagnosed in 34 (24.6 %) and NOPDAT in 12 (8.7 %) patients. Median time to diagnosis of NODAT/NOPDAT was 20.4 months (interquartile range [IQR] 6.8–34.8). Median follow up for the entire group was 3.5 years (IQR 2.3–5.6). Mean magnesium level at 1 month after transplantation was significantly lower in patients subsequently diagnosed with NODAT/NOPDAT (1.60 ± 0.27 vs. 1.76 ± 0.29 mg/dl, p = 0.002). Cox regression analysis identified a trend towards developing NODAT/NOPDAT with lower baseline magnesium levels (hazard ratio 0.89 per 0.1 mg/dl increment in magnesium level, 95 % confidence interval [CI] = 0.78–1.01, p = 0.07); a stronger relationship between the two variables was seen at logistic regression analysis (odds ratio 0.81 per 0.1 mg/dl increment in serum magnesium (95 % CI 0.67–0.98, p = 0.03). A lower magnesium level at 1 month after transplantation may be predictive of a subsequent diagnosis of glucose intolerance or diabetes in renal transplant recipients. Whether replenishing magnesium stores can prevent development of these disorders requires further investigation.
Iodination of ovine luteinizing hormone and its subunits.

Iodination of ovine luteinizing hormone (LH) by the procedure of Sonoda and Schlamowitz (6) resulted in a preparation labeled almost exclusively on the LH–α subunit. When the iodination was carried out on the isolated subunits iodination of either subunit proceeded readily. The isolated LH–α subunit was iodinated approximately twice the quantity obtained with LH–β under identical conditions, which correlates with the relative amount of tyrosine in each subunit. These data are interpreted as evidence for “masking” of the two tyrosines in LH–β when bound to the –α subunit. (Endocrinology 91: 317, 1972