cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Nonmonotone backward masking functions and brightness reversals.

Increasing the target-field luminance aids detection for a simultaneously presented black target disc and a black masking annulus. At an intermediate interval separating the onset of the target from the mask, increasing the target-field luminance reduces target detection. This decrease in performance occurs with both temporal and spatial forced choice tasks. With a spatial forced choice, an observer’s performance can fall below chance. We associate below-chance performance with a brightness reversal of the black target disc, such that the target disc appears brighter than its surround. The occurrence of brightness reversals follows from our model of the Broca–Sulzer effect, and nonmonotone masking functions result from a generalization of luminance summation.
c-Jun N-Terminal Kinase Negatively Regulates dsRNA and RSV Induction of Tumor Necrosis Factor- α Transcription in Human Epithelial Cells

Secretion of inflammatory cytokines is the initial step of the immune response to viral infections. This innate immune response is mediated by the expression of a variety of cytokines, exemplified by tumor necrosis factor- α (TNF-α). The presence of dsRNA during viral infections is a key step in activation of several signaling pathways, including protein kinase R (PKR), toll-like receptor 3 (TLR3), mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), activator protein-1 (AP-1), interferon regulatory factors (IRFs), and NF-κB pathways, which are all relevant in the expression of inflammatory cytokines. We previously reported that PKR and p38 MAPK were required for dsRNA and viral induction of inflammatory cytokines in epithelial cells. Here, we report that activation of c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) during dsRNA treatment or respiratory syncytial viral (RSV) infection negatively regulates the induction of TNF-α in human epithelial cells. Inhibition of JNK by a pharmacologic inhibitor showed that expression of TNF-α in...
The human set and transposase domain protein Metnase interacts with DNA Ligase IV and enhances the efficiency and accuracy of non-homologous end-joining.

Transposase domain proteins mediate DNA movement from one location in the genome to another in lower organisms. However, in human cells such DNA mobility would be deleterious, and therefore the vast majority of transposase-related sequences in humans are pseudogenes. We recently isolated and characterized a SET and transposase domain protein termed Metnase that promotes DNA double-strand break (DSB) repair by non-homologous end-joining (NHEJ). Both the SET and transposase domain were required for its NHEJ activity. In this study we found that Metnase interacts with DNA Ligase IV, an important component of the classical NHEJ pathway. We investigated whether Metnase had structural requirements of the free DNA ends for NHEJ repair, and found that Metnase assists in joining all types of free DNA ends equally well. Metnase also prevents long deletions from processing of the free DNA ends, and improves the accuracy of NHEJ. Metnase levels correlate with the speed of disappearance of γ-H2Ax sites after ionizing radiation. However, Metnase has little effect on homologous recombination repair of a single DSB. Altogether, these results fit a model where Metnase plays a role in the fate of free DNA ends during NHEJ repair of DSBs.
Mood Effects on Attitudes, Perceived Risk and Choice: Moderators and Mediators

How and when positive and negative moods affect attitudes, risk perceptions, and choice is a problem that interests both consumer researchers and practitioners. We propose that the extent of constructive processing moderates mood effects with stronger effects when constructive processing is higher. In addition, we propose that when consumers have unrestricted versus constrained processing resources, moods are more likely to operate through affect priming and less likely to operate through the affect-as-information process. The results from 3 experiments support these hypotheses. We discuss implications of the findings for models of how affect influences judgments and directions for future research.
Some comments on the method of complex scaling to find physical resonance states

Some basic features of the method of complex scaling are briefly reviewed. This method is associated with a similarity transformation H = UHU−1, in which the many-particle Hamiltonian H loses its self-adjoint character. In connection with the eigenvalue problems for H and H, one has formally the relations ψ = Uψ and E = E. However, since the proper boundary conditions have to be satisfied, the spectrum {E} may still be subject to change: even if some eigenvalues are persistent (E = E), others may be lost, and new eigenvalues may occur also in the complex plane. It is pointed out that these changes are related to the fact that the “dilatation operator” U is an unbounded operator, and that the eigenfunctions involved are transformed not only within the ordinary L2 Hilbert space, but also out of and into this space. Reference to a more complete treatment is given.
Closed strings with low harmonics and kinks

Low-harmonic formulas for closed relativistic strings are given. General parametrizations are presented for the addition of second- and third-harmonic waves to the fundamental wave. The method of determination of the parametrizations is based upon a product representation found for the finite Fourier series of string motion in which the constraints are automatically satisfied. The construction of strings with kinks is discussed, including examples. A procedure is laid out for the representation of kinks that arise from self-intersection, and subsequent intercommutation, for harmonically parametrized cosmic strings.
TBNet: The Impact of an Innovative Public–Private Intervention on Tuberculosis Control Among an Internationally Mobile Population

This study was undertaken to evaluate tuberculosis treatment success among an internationally mobile population. A record review was conducted of all detainees referred to TBNet by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement from May 1, 2005 through February 28, 2008. Detainees were referred prior to deportation and followed until diagnosis was finalized and/or treatment complete. A comparative analysis of cases by TB diagnosis, demographics, and co-morbidities was performed. Of the 929 individuals referred, 474 had been diagnosed with clinically active M. tuberculosis or started on medication for presumed active TB. Twenty-two cases were removed from consideration. Of the remaining 452 individuals, 383 were reported to have successfully completed treatment yielding an 84.7% treatment success rate. Detainees with active M. tuberculosis who are referred prior to deportation to TBNet by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement demonstrate a high treatment success rate consistent with the World Health Organizatio...
Influence of sprout tip necrosis and rosette sprout formation on internal sprouting of potatoes

Sprouts of potato tubers allowed to develop in a dark, dry environment at 60 F developed tip necrosis which was alleviated by application of calcium salts. Successive removal of sprout tips at an eye led to the formation of sprout clusters of sufficient density to cause penetration of the tuber by new sprouts arising from the cluster. The length at which the sprouts were pruned determined the density of the cluster and consequently the likelihood of internal sprouting. It is theorized that the localized calcium deficiency in severe cases could lead to the formation of similar rosettes and therefore, is implicated as a possible cause of internal sprouting.
THE CYCLICAL PATTERN OF RENAL EXCRETION DURING THE ADAPTATION OF NORMAL SUBJECTS TO ESOXYCORTICOSTERONEINDUCED SODIUM RETENTION

The adaptation to prolonged mineralocorticoid administration was studied in 2 normal subjects receiving a constant weighed diet and daily intramuscular injections of 20 mg. of desoxycorticosterone acetate. After an initial phase of sodium retention and potassium loss (precyclical period), there was a cyclical phase characterized by depressions and elevations of urinary creatinine, osmolality, potassium, hydrogen ion, ammonia and phosphate, accompanied during the depressions by increases in free water loss, serum sodium concentration and osmolality (cyclical period). Sodium excretion increased progressively with each subsequent cyclical elevation of urinary creatinine and potassium, until levels of sodium intake were exceeded. It is postulated that this cyclical response to desoxycorticosterone-induced sodium retention is a heightening and compression of the normal 4–6 day cycle of sodium and water excretion, and that the ability to maintain or exaggerate such eyeles may be a reflection of fluctuations in ...
Invited Paper Real-time Defect Enhancement using Inversion Properties of Photorefractive BSO

A real-time method to enhance defects in periodic objects is described. Using four-wave mixing techniques, a hologram is nonlinearly recorded in photorefractive BSO so that read-out results in suppression of the periodic structure and enhancement of defects. Experimental results are presented, illustrating detection of defects of size 10 μm x 100 μm. Limitations on the size of defects that can be detected are discussed.
Computational nanotechnology with carbon nanotubes and fullerenes

The authors envision computational nanotechnology's role in developing the next generation of multifunctional materials and molecular-scale electronic and computing devices, sensors, actuators, and machines. They briefly review computational techniques and provide a few recent examples derived from computer simulations of carbon nanotube-based molecular nanotechnology. The four core areas are: molecular-scale, ultralightweight, extremely strong, functional or smart materials; molecular-scale or nanoscale electronics with possibilities for quantum computing; molecular-scale sensors or actuators; and molecular machines or motors with synthetic materials. The underlying molecular-scale building blocks in all four areas are fullerenes and carbon nanotube-based molecular materials. Only the different aspects of their physical, chemical, mechanical, and electronic properties create the many applications possible with these materials in vastly different areas.
Capabilites of an arch element for correcting conformal optical domes

This paper presents an approach for correcting conformal missile domes with a non-rotationally symmetric optical element called an arch. A parametric study in terms of aerodynamics, fineness ratio, maximum seeker look angle and dome index of refraction will demonstrate its capabilities for correcting conformal domes. A nomograph for trading optical performance versus relative missile range will also be presented.
Twin-Screw Extrusion Modification of a Corn Fiber and Corn Starch Extruded Blend

Surface response modeling was used to characterize the effect of extrusion processing on the functional properties of corn fiber/corn starch formulations. Process parameters evaluated included screw speed (200-500 rpm), temperature (90-150°C) and pH (3-11). Generally, the water holding capacity of starch increased with increasing extrusion temperature while the water holding capacity of the fiber decreased with increasing extrusion temperature. The foam stability decreased, while the residual moisture increased, with an increase in fiber concentration. X-ray diffraction profiles indicated that extrusion did not affect fiber crystallinity. No significant changes in the ratio of soluble to insoluble fiber were found as a result of extrusion.
Fluorescence Lifetime Imaging Microscopy Detects Altered Metabolic Function in Living Human Cancer Cell Models

A unique FLIM system sensed key molecules involved in metabolic pathways in living cellular models of human esophageal cancer progression. Functional imaging studies revealed endogenous, optical biomarkers that are clinically detectable in human tissue.
Natural organic compounds as alternative to methyl bromide for nematodes control.

Thirty-three organic acids and furfural metabolites were examined for their nematicidal activity against plant-parasitic, free-living and predacious nematodes. Propionic acid, 2-methylhexanoic acid, lactic acid, maleic acid, and furic acid were the most effective nematicides among normal chain organic acids, branched organic acids, hydroxy/keto-acids, dicarboxylic acids and furfural metabolites, respectively. Seven of the tested compounds were found to have more than 90% mortality thus designating them as highly active nematicides. Of the highly active tested compounds, an average octanol/water log P of 0.97 was observed with a range from 0.28 to 2.64, and a Henry's Law constant averaging 2.6 × 10− 7 atm.m3/mole. Tested chemicals with minor or low nematicidal activity showed an average log P of 1.76 with a range from 0.15 to 3.42 and a Henry's Law constant averaging 16.6 × 10− 7 atm.m3/mole.
Specificity and flexibility of the recognition of DNA helical structure by eukaryotic topoisomerase I.

Abstract Many studies have been carried out to map the putative binding sites of eukaryotic topoisomerase I on double-stranded DNA. As assayed by the SDS-induced cleavage reaction, results from these studies showed little sequence specificity surrounding the enzyme binding sites. In order to investigate the possible involvement of local helix variations in the recognition of double-stranded DNA by topoisomerase I, we have applied the Calladine-Dickerson rules to analyze the structural variations surrounding over 100 HeLa topoisomerase I cleavage sites on human DNA. Our data suggest that (5′-NRRYRNN-3′/3′-NYYRYNN-5′) and (5′-YRRRYYN-3′/3′-RYYYRRN-5′), in which R is a purine, Y is a pyrimidine and N is any nucleotide, form the consensus recognition sequences for the enzyme. The specific structural features of these two consensus sequences recognized by HeLa topoisomerase I appear to be the local helical twist angle variations. The same consensus sequences are present in the vicinities of other eukaryotic topoisomerase I binding sites. These results have led to a model in which the eukaryotic topoisomerase I enzymes recognize sequence-dependent structural variations of DNA double helices in a specific but flexible mode.
Minimally invasive aortic valve replacement with orthotopic liver transplantation: report of a case

Cardiac surgery and liver transplantation (LT) are rarely performed at the same time, because of the potential risks of coupling two such complex surgical procedures [1-3]. This combined surgery is typically reserved for patients with structural heart disease, including multivessel obstructive coronary artery disease and severe valvular disease with heart failure and end-stage liver disease, in whom the untreated organ may decompensate if only one organ is addressed [4]. Combined aortic valve replacement (AVR) and LT is the rarest of such combined surgery, with only ten cases published previously. We present the first reported case of combined minimally invasive AVR and LT and review the literature on similar combined surgery.
SmartNotes: Application of crowdsourcing to the detection of web threats

We describe a crowdsourcing system, called SmartNotes, which detects security threats related to web browsing, such as Internet scams, deceptive sales of substandard products, and websites with intentionally misleading information. It combines automatically collected data about websites with user votes and comments, and uses them to identify potential threats. We have implemented it as a browser extension, which is available for free public use.
The transport from a drop in an alternating electric field

Abstract Analyses of heat and mass transfer from a drop in an electric field have, to date, dealt only with steady electric fields. This study presents both high and low Peclet number solutions for transport in an alternating electric field. The low Peclet number transport is investigated analytically using a composite, double perturbation expansion. Special analytic methods are developed to consider the previously untreated transport problem where the steady and time-dependent components of the fluid motion are of equal magnitude. A digital computer is employed to obtain exact solutions to the recursive governing equations. These solutions yield accurate results for Peclet number in the range 0–30 and thermal vibration number above 200.
How effectively do parents discern their children's cognitive deficits at a preschool age?

Background This hospital-based study explored how effectively parents discern their children's cognitive deficits at a preschool age since few studies have addressed preschool children's cognitive problems. Methods One hundred and forty-six preschool children suspected of possessing a cognitive deficit were recruited and subjected to further cognitive assessments. All parental concerns for their children were elicited and categorized into various child developmental domains. The cognitive performances amongst children whose parents expressed specific concerns were compared. Results With regard to the children whose parents expressed multiple concerns about their child's developmental problems, the Performance Intelligence Quotient (PIQ), Verbal Intelligence Quotient (VIQ) and Full Scale Intelligence Quotient (FSIQ) scores were significantly lower than they were for the children whose parents had behavior concerns ( p p Conclusion The results indicate that parents' initial concerns about their children's multiple or speech developmental problems were relatively highly correlated with cognitive deficits. It is recommended that clinicians should guide parents to voice and organize their concerns regarding the perception of their children's developmental progress, and further precisely analyze and utilize significant information.
Experimental evaluation of motion compensated ADV measurements for in-stream hydrokinetic applications

This study quantifies the impact of Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU) error on turbulence estimates calculated from motion compensated Acoustic Doppler Velocimeter (ADV) measurements. This analysis shows that IMU error can completely mask the turbulent spectra in the horizontal plane in low current areas (0.4 m/s) and reduce this range to 4-60 seconds in stronger tidal flows. However, even in an evaluated low current area (0.4 m/s) vertical spectra can be measure at periods between 1-60 seconds, with stronger current areas having a measureable frequency range with periods from 0.8-80 seconds.
Malate Dehydrogenase of Ox Kidney. Comparison of the Reactivity of Sulfhydryl Groups and their Relationship to Activities of the Mitochondrial and Cytoplasmic Enzymes

Out of 10 to 11 cysteine residues per mole of kidney mitochondrial malate dehydrogenase, 3 to 4 exhibit time-dependent reactivity with 5,5′-dithio-bis-(2-nitrobenzoic acid) (DTNB) at pH 9.5 to 9.8, when incubated over a period of 3 hours. Under the same conditions, 1.5 to 2.0 out of a total of 6 cysteine residues of the cytoplasmic malate dehydrogenase became DTNB-reactive. The process of unmasking of unreactive thiols is initiated by a relatively rapid (10 min) reaction on one thiol with DTNB. Beyond this initial reaction, DTNB is not required and unmasking of thiol groups proceeds spontaneously in an alkaline medium. Enzymatic activity is unaffected by the reaction of thiol groups with DTNB. Both the rate and the extent of the thiol-DTNB reaction is greatly increased in the presence of 2 M urea, which by itself has no effect on the availability of thiol groups. Thiol unmasking in the mitochondrial enzyme is completely inhibited by 1 mM NADH (or to a lesser extent by ADP), whereas the cytoplasmic enzyme does not respond to these agents. Enzymatic activity of the cytoplasmic malate dehydrogenase is more resistant than the mitochondrial enzyme to 4 M urea. ADP or NADH tend to stabilize enzymatic activities of both isoenzymes. There is no simple relationship between enzymatic activity and reactive cysteine thiols. The specific effect of NADH (or ADP) on the mitochondrial malate dehydrogenase by preventing thiol liberation, is interpreted as an expression of a specific nucleotide binding site which controls small scale unfolding of the enzyme protein.
Rolling Condition and Gyroscopic Moments in Curve Negotiations

In vehicle system dynamics, the effect of the gyroscopic moments can be significant during curve negotiations. The absolute angular velocity of the body can be expressed as the sum of two vectors; one vector is due to the curvature of the curve, while the second vector is due to the rate of changes of the angles that define the orientation of the body with respect to a coordinate system that follows the body motion. In this paper, the configuration of the body in the global coordinate system is defined using the trajectory coordinates in order to examine the effect of the gyroscopic moments in the case of curve negotiations. These coordinates consist of arc length, two relative translations and three relative angles. The relative translations and relative angles are defined with respect to a trajectory coordinate system that follows the motion of the body on the curve. It is shown that when the yaw and roll angles relative to the trajectory coordinate system are constrained and the motion is predominantly rolling, the effect of the gyroscopic moment on the motion becomes negligible, and in the case of pure rolling and zero yaw and roll angles, the generalized gyroscopic moment associated with the system degrees of freedom becomes identically zero. The analysis presented in this investigation sheds light on the danger of using derailment criteria that are not obtained using laws of motion, and therefore, such criteria should not be used in judging the stability of railroad vehicle systems. Furthermore, The analysis presented in this paper shows that the roll moment which can have a significant effect on the wheel/rail contact forces depends on the forward velocity in the case of curve negotiations. For this reason, roller rigs that do not allow for the wheelset forward velocity cannot capture these moment components, and therefore, cannot be used in the analysis of curve negotiations. A model of a suspended railroad wheelset is used in this investigation to study the gyroscopic effect during curve negotiations.Copyright © 2012 by ASME
Toxicity of nanoparticulate and bulk ZnO, Al2O3 and TiO2 to the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans

Abstract Limited information is available on the environmental behavior and associated potential risk of manufactured oxide nanoparticles (NPs). In this research, toxicity of nanoparticulate and bulk ZnO, Al2O3 and TiO2 were examined to the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans with Escherichia coli as a food source. Parallel experiments with dissolved metal ions from NPs were also conducted. The 24-h median lethal concentration (LC50) and sublethal endpoints were assessed. Both NPs and their bulk counterparts were toxic, inhibiting growth and especially the reproductive capability of the nematode. The 24-h LC50 for ZnO NPs (2.3 mg L−1) and bulk ZnO was not significantly different, but significantly different between Al2O3 NPs (82 mg L−1) and bulk Al2O3 (153 mg L−1), and between TiO2 NPs (80 mg L−1) and bulk TiO2 (136 mg L−1). Oxide solubility influenced the toxicity of ZnO and Al2O3 NPs, but nanoparticle-dependent toxicity was indeed observed for the investigated NPs.
Growth of Colorado tick fever (CTF) virus in primary tissue cultures of its vector, Dermacentor andersoni Stiles (Acariña: Ixodidae), with notes on tick tissue culture.

Abstract Multiplication of two strains of CTF virus in primary tissue cultures of metamorphosing nymphal tick viscera was shown. A post inoculation latent period of 6–10 days was followed by a 4 1 2 logarithmic increase of extracellular virus at 4–5 weeks. Virus was recovered in diminishing quantities for as long as 159 days in medium and 166 days in triturated tissues. Certain characteristics of the Florio-2 strain remained unchanged after 98 and 124 days in vitro. Titers in whole nymphs fed on viremic hamsters remained relatively constant from drop-off to molting, but titers in cultures prepared from their tissues increased by approximately 5 logs 2 weeks after explantation. No differences were noted in appearance of virus-infected and uninfected cultures. Expiants of both produced cellular outgrowths within hours of explantation, initially probably from hemocytic migration. Within 4 days, mitotic activity was seen, which continued for at least 2 months. Expiants were viable for as long as 152 days, but peak activity occurred 4–6 weeks after explantation. Nymphs fed on hamsters produced larger and longer-lived outgrowths in vitro than those fed on rabbits; calf serum was superior to hamster or rabbit serum as a component of culture medium.
Twenty questions in genetic medicine--an assessment of World Wide Web databases for genetics information at the point of care.

Purpose: The aim of this article was to determine the accuracy and efficiency of World Wide Web (“Web”) resources to help nongeneticists answer four clinical questions about each of five common genetic conditions. Methods: Correct answers were established by literature review. Two open-access genetics resources and seven general subscription resources were reviewed. Scoring criteria were established to define complete, partial, vague, inconsistent, not found, and wrong answers. The main outcome measures were number of answers found, accuracy, and completeness of answers. Efficiency (time per answer found) was a secondary measure. Results: Overall, the databases contained complete answers 33.3% of the time but contained no information as frequently (33.9%). The best database had complete answers 70% of the time, whereas the worst contained no complete answers. Five of the seven subscription databases had a total of eight wrong answers. The other two subscription databases and the two open-access genetics databases had no wrong answers. Search time ranged from 3.2 to 18.3 minutes per complete answer. Conclusions: Nongeneticist providers do not have a Web resource that is accessible, accurate, and efficient to answer genetic questions that might arise in practice.
Wilms' tumor suppressor gene is involved in the development of disparate kidney forms: evidence from expression in the Xenopus pronephros.

The Wilms' tumor suppressor gene (WT1) is required for the formation of the mammalian metanephros, or adult kidney, and for the normal development of the mesonephros, the major mammalian embryonic kidney. In this report the isolation of a Xenopus gene closely related to the mammalian WT1 gene in both sequence and splicing pattern is described. Expression of this gene, xWT1, is restricted to the developing nephric system until late tadpole stages, when expression also begins to be observed in the heart. Within the nephric system, expression is observed in the dorsal portion of the splanchnic lateral plate in tailbud embryos, and in the glomus of early tadpoles. No expression is observed in the pronephric tubules or pronephric duct. The WT1 gene is therefore expressed in a similar temporal and spatial pattern in the vascularized portion of the amphibian pronephroi and in the mammalian metanephroi, arguing that it probably plays a similar crucial role in the morphogenesis of these very different kidney forms. The absence of expression in the developing pronephric tubules indicates that xWT1 is not required for the epithelialization of the tubular portion of the pronephros. © 1996 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Pulmonary cytology in patients with the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS)

Over a 2-yr period, 1982-1984, 181 pulmonary cytology specimens were obtained from 45 patients clinically suspected of having AIDS in an attempt to identify the various organisms and the cytologic atypias present in pulmonary cells. Cytologic correlations with autopsy findings were available for 28 of these cases (62%), Specimens were collected from sputum, bronchial washes and brushes, bronchoalveolar lavages, and pleural fluid. Of the 181 specimens, 121 (67%) were of diagnostic value. Depending on the cytologic technique, Pneumocystis carinii, cytomegalovirus, herpesvirus, and Candida were detected with varying frequency. The bronchial epithelial and glandular cell atypias, ranging from mild inflammatory reactive changes to marked cellular atypia, were noted most often in specimens from patients with pulmonary infections who were concurrently receiving oxygen therapy and/or chemotherapy for Kaposi's sarcoma or central nervous system lymphoma. An awareness of the wide range of AIDS-associated pulmonary cell atypias is required to rule out a diagnosis of malignancy. Diagn Cytopathol 1986;2:187-193.
Hierarchical pitchmatching compaction using minimum design

A new hierarchical compactor capable of compacting and pitchmatching hierarchically defined layouts is described. The hierarchical compactor can handle most input hierarchies, including multilevel hierarchies, over the cell routing and cell rotations and reflections. The compactor simultaneously compacts the contents of all the cells of the layout hierarchy maintaining the hierarchy of the input layout as well as the pitchmaking and abutment constraints between the cells. The hierarchical compactor automatically factors out the regularity in the layout and performs almost all of its operations on a minimum design. This novel and unique formulation of the hierarchical compaction problem enables compaction time to be a function of the irregularity rather than the size of the layout. >
The geometry of African art II. A catalog of Benin patterns

Abstract This paper investigates the repeated patterns found in the art of Benin, classifying them on the basis of the 24 plane crystallographic groups. Although the patterns are less varied than in Bakuba art, studied in an earlier paper [1971], the same number, 19, of types occurs. Drawings of each are given, including many examples of each of the seven “one-dimensional” types.
Enzymes catalysing the reduction of tropinone to tropine and ψ-tropine isolated from the roots of Datura innoxia

Abstract The roots of greenhouse-grown plants of Datura innoxia have yielded a crude enzyme preparation which catalyses the reduction of tropinone to tropine and ψ-tropine in the presence of NADPH or NADH. This crude enzyme preparation favoured the production of ψ-tropine over tropine. A significant synergistic effect was observed when both NADPH and NADH were added to the incubation mixture. A partial separation of two enzymatic activities was achieved, one catalysing the formation of tropine and the other ψ-tropine. The Datura enzyme failed to catalyse the oxidation of tropine to tropinone in the presence of NADP + . 2-Carbomethoxy-3-tropinone, which is a precursor of cocaine in Erythroxylum coca , was not reduced to methyl ecgonine when incubated with the Datura enzyme and NADPH.
Apoptosis in Ichthyophthirius multifiliis is associated with expression of the Fas receptor of theronts

The expression of type I membrane Fas receptors on the surface of Ichthyophthirius multifiliis (Ich) theronts and the possible association between Fas expression and theront apoptosis induced by the immune antibody was examined. Fas receptors were detected on the theront surface using fluorescein isothiocyanate-conjugated mouse monoclonal antibody against Fas. Fas-positive theronts significantly increased with time during in vitro incubation and with increasing theront concentration. Furthermore, the immune cutaneous antibody induced theront apoptosis; however, Fas ligand did not. A highly significant correlation was noted between theront Fas expression and immune cutaneous antibody-induced theront apoptosis. Numbers of apoptotic theronts increased with increasing number of Fas-positive theronts. The data indicated that theront apoptosis induced by immune cutaneous antibody appears to be positively correlated with the expression of Fas on the surface of Ich theronts.
Colorectal anastomotic stricture: Is it associated with inadequate colonic mobilization?

Background Anastomotic stricture or stenosis is a well-described complication of intestinal anastomosis. The incidence of stricture after colorectal anastomosis ranges from 0 to 30 %. The aim of this study was to identify possible factors related to postoperative colorectal anastomotic stricture and to indicate reoperative surgery outcomes.
Division site placement in E.coli: mutations that prevent formation of the MinE ring lead to loss of the normal midcell arrest of growth of polar MinD membrane domains

The MinE protein functions as a topological specificity factor in determining the site of septal placement in Escherichia coli. MinE assembles into a membrane-associated ring structure near midcell and directs the localization of MinD and MinC into a membrane- associated polar zone that undergoes a characteristic pole-to-pole oscillation cycle. Single (green fluorescent protein) and double label (yellow fluorescent protein/cyan fluorescent protein) fluorescence labeling experiments showed that mutational alteration of a site on the alpha-face of MinE led to a failure to assemble the MinE ring, associated with loss of the ability to support a normal pattern of division site placement. The absence of the MinE ring did not prevent the assembly and disassembly of the MinD polar zone. Mutant cells lacking the MinE ring were characterized by the growth of MinD polar zones past their normal arrest point near midcell. The results suggested that the MinE ring acts as a stop-growth mechanism to prevent the MinCD polar zone from extending beyond the midcell division site.
Increasing the clinical efficacy of NK and antibody-mediated cancer immunotherapy: potential predictors of successful clinical outcome based on observations in high-risk neuroblastoma.

Disease recurrence is frequent in high-risk neuroblastoma (NBL) patients even after multimodality aggressive treatment [a combination of chemotherapy, surgical resection, local radiation therapy, autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT) and cis-retinoic acid (CRA)]. Recent clinical studies have explored the use of monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) that bind to disialoganglioside (GD2), highly expressed in NBL, as a means to enable immune effector cells to destroy NBL cells via antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity (ADCC). Preclinical data indicate that ADCC can be more effective when appropriate effector cells are activated by cytokines. Clinical studies have pursued this by administering anti-GD2 mAb in combination with ADCC-enhancing cytokines (IL2 and GM-CSF), a regimen that has demonstrated improved cancer-free survival. More recently, early clinical studies have used a fusion protein that consists of the anti-GD2 mAb directly linked to IL2, and antitumor responses were seen in the Phase II setting. Analyses of genes that code for receptors that influence ADCC activity and Natural Killer (NK) cell function [Fc Receptor (FcR), Killer Immunoglublin-like Receptor (KIR), and KIR-ligand (KIR-L)] suggest patients with antitumor activity are more likely to have certain genotype profiles. Further analyses will need to be conducted to determine whether these genotypes can be used as predictive markers for favorable therapeutic outcome, thus potentially increasing the efficacy of mAb-mediated NK cell-based cancer immunotherapy.
The benefits of coalition

A coalition, for purposes of this paper, is a subset of the total set of actors in a social system who make a pact of the following sort: instead of all actors acting independently in collective decisions of the larger body of which they are a part, the members will first engage in a collective decision among themselves; and having decided, will use their resources as a single unit. It is assumed that the pact requires no enforcement; that the individual in joining the coalition deposits his proxy, to be voted by decision of the coalition.
The effect of electronic structure on the defect properties of FeAl

First-principles local-density-functional calculations have been used to investigate the defect properties of FeAl: (1) the ordering behavior and equilibrium point defects; (2) the binding interactions among vacancies; and (3) the mechanism underlying the hydrogen-induced embrittlement effect. The point defect structure is dominated by substitutional antisite defects on both sublattices and thermal vacancies on the Fe sublattice. It is predicted that the binding between vacancies is strongly attractive when vacancies are aligned along the [100] direction, and becomes weakly repulsive when vacancies are [110]a or [111]a apart (where a is the lattice constant). The binding interaction between vacancies is found to manifest the oscillations in the vacancy-induced charge density on neighboring lattice sites. Energetically, vacancies (and/or vacancy clusters) provide favorable lattice sites for hydrogen segregation. The hydrogen-induced embrittlement is explained in terms of a charge transfer mechanism and the localization behavior of induced charge at the hydrogen site.
GaN ultraviolet avalanche photodiodes grown on 6H-SiC substrates with SiN passivation

GaN ultraviolet p-i-n avalanche photodiodes grown on 6H-SiC substrates by metalorganic chemical vapour deposition are reported. Silicon nitride (Si x N 1-x ) is employed as the dielectric passivation layer for the diode, rather than the conventional SiO 2 . For the SiN passivated device, the photoresponse is relatively independent of the bias voltage for V RB < 50 V. With ultraviolet illumination, devices with mesa diameters of ~30 mum achieve stable maximum optical gains greater than 3000. This is believed to be the first successful demonstration of GaN APDs grown on 6H-SiC substrates with optical gain greater than 1000.
The impact of information systems planning on the organization

Abstract The impact of information systems (IS) planning on the organization is assessed using data gathered in a matched-pair sample from 140 firms. The extent of IS planning activities is measured using a 64 item survey instrument that was responded to by an IS executive in each firm. Organizational impact was assessed using a ‘user satisfaction’ instrument that was responded to by a user-manager in the same firm. Hypotheses related to the extent of IS strategic planning, systems planning, plan implementation and the degree of user satisfaction were tested. The results substantiate the importance of systems planning and of formal activities that are directed toward ensuring that plans are actually implemented. Surprisingly, since the normative and descriptive literature of IS is filled with assertions to the contrary, the relative importance of IS strategic planning was not verified.
Antimicrobial Peptides: Effectors of Innate Immunity in the Skin

The ability of the cutaneous barrier to help defend the body against pathogens relies on both acquired and innate immune responses. Recently, a large body of research has suggested that a critical component of the innate immune response in the skin is 3 antimicrobial peptides: the cathelicidins, defensins, and dermcidins. These 3 classes of peptides have been shown to act as antimicrobials by directly inhibiting pathogen growth as well as potentiating other branches of the innate, humoral, and cell-mediated immune system. Here, we review the antimicrobial peptides with an emphasis on their role in the cutaneous immune response. We present an overview of defensin, cathelicidin, and dermcidin physiology, elucidating their various functions. In addition, we delve into the role of these peptides in specific dermatologic conditions including wound healing, atopy, and microbial infection. Finally, we discuss the future of antimicrobial peptide research including therapeutic options.
Identification of a Locus on Chromosome 14q for Idiopathic Basal Ganglia Calcification (Fahr Disease)

Idiopathic basal ganglia calcification (IBGC) is a neurodegenerative syndrome that is associated with a variety of movement disorders and neurobehavioral and cognitive manifestations. Despite numerous clinical, pathological, and biochemical investigations, its etiology remains unknown. We have identified a multigenerational family with dominantly inherited IBGC and, in 24 members of this family, performed a whole-genome scan using polymorphic microsatellite markers to identify the first chromosomal locus for this disorder (IBGC1). A maximum two-point LOD score of 3.37 was obtained at marker D14S1014, and a maximum multipoint LOD score of 4.95 was obtained between D14S75 and D14S306. The minimal haplotype shared by affected patients extended over a 17.1-cM region bounded by D14S70 and D14S66, which is potentially further narrowed to a 13.3-cM region by a recombination observed in a patient with probable affected status. The age at onset appeared to be decreasing by an average of >20 years with each transmission, which is consistent with genetic anticipation.
Introduction: Benefit of U.S. Educational Assistance in the Eastern European Transformation

Abstract Following the demise of communism, numerous programs were begun to improve the educational systems of Eastern European nations. It was evident that the newly independent states had little knowledge of democracy and free market practices and western nations looked for ways to improve the former communist citizens’ knowledge of these concepts. American governmental agencies and private foundations rushed into redress these problems in Eastern European educational systems to preclude the return of communism or other dictatorial regimes and to help the nations find a position among the democracies of the world. A sample of the programs and their outcomes are presented in this symposium.
Use of antibiotics in pediatric intensive care and potential savings.

Objective: Minimizing unwarranted prescription of antibiotics remains an important objective. Because of the heterogeneity between units regarding patient mix and other characteristics, site-specific targets for reduction must be identified. Here we present a model to address the issue by means of an observational cohort study.¶Setting: A tertiary, multidisciplinary, neonatal, and pediatric intensive care unit of a university teaching hospital.¶Patients: All newborns and children present in the unit (n = 456) between September 1998 and March 1999. Reasons for admission included postoperative care after cardiac surgery, major neonatal or pediatric surgery, severe trauma, and medical conditions requiring critical care.¶Methods: Daily recording of antibiotics given and of indications for initiation. After discontinuation, each treatment episode was assessed as to the presence or absence of infection.¶Results: Of the 456 patients 258 (56.6 %) received systemic antibiotics, amounting to 1815 exposure days (54.6 %) during 3322 hospitalization days. Of these, 512 (28 %) were prescribed as prophylaxis and 1303 for suspected infection. Treatment for suspected ventilator-associated pneumonia accounted for 616 (47 %) of 1303 treatment days and suspected sepsis for 255 days (20 %). Patients were classified as having no infection or viral infection during 552 (40 %) treatment days. The average weekly exposure rate in the unit varied considerably during the 29-week study period (range: 40–77/100 hospitalization days). Patient characteristics did not explain this variation.¶Conclusion: In this unit the largest reduction in antibiotic treatment would result from measures assisting suspected ventilator-associated pneumonia to be ruled out and from curtailing extended prophylaxis.
Influence of laser hardening on mechanical properties of a low alloy steel

AbstractAn investigation was carried out to examine the influence of laser hardening on the mechanical properties of 300M steel. The mechanical properties(including high cycle fatigue strength) of 300M steel surfaces hardened by several conventional techniques such as shot peening, carbonitriding, and induction hardening have been compared with the mechanical properties of CO2 laser hardened specimens. The effects of such sUlface coatings as manganese phosphate and colloidal graphite on the laser hardening were also examined. The influence of all these hardening methods on the nature and magnitude of the resulting residual stresses was studied. The results of the present investigation indicate that the induction hardening produces the largest improvement in high cycle fatigue strength. Laser hardened specimens with manganese phosphate coating also showed significant improvement in high cycle fatigue strength over untreated specimens. In contrast, the high cycle fatigue strength of the graphite coated lase...
A RANS/DES Numerical Procedure for Axisymmetric Flows with and without Strong Rotation

A RANS/DES numerical procedure with an extended Lax-Wendroff control-volume scheme and turbulence model is described for the accurate simulation of internal/external axisymmetric flow with and without strong rotation. This new procedure is an extension, from Cartesian to cylindrical coordinates, of (1) a second order accurate multi-grid, control-volume integration scheme, and (2) a k-{omega} turbulence model. This paper outlines both the axisymmetric corrections to the mentioned numerical schemes and the developments of techniques pertaining to numerical dissipation, multi-block connectivity, parallelization, etc. Furthermore, analytical and experimental case studies are presented to demonstrate accuracy and computational efficiency. Notes are also made toward numerical stability of highly rotational flows.
Predicting relative metal toxicity with ion characteristics: Caenorhabditis elegans LC50

Abstract Quantitative Structure Activity Relationships (QSAR) predict relative toxicity of a family of chemicals from fundamental and surrogate molecular qualities. Most QSARs are developed for organic toxicants, with inorganic toxicants (metals) being under-represented. Successful predictive models for relative toxicity of divalent metal ions using ion characteristics have been produced using Microtox®, a 15 min microbial bioassay. The present study extends this approach to longer exposure durations (24 h), and a more complex organism (metazoan). Twenty-four hour LC50s (expressed as total metal concentration) for the free-living soil nematode, C. elegans were determined for Ca, Cd, Cu, Hg, Mg, Mn, Ni, Pb, and Zn in an aqueous medium. Relative metal toxicity was predicted with least squares linear regression and several ion characteristics. Toxicity was most effectively predicted (r2 = 0.89) with ¦ log K OH ∣ (where KOH is the first hydrolysis constant), which reflects a metal ion's tendency to bind to intermediate ligands such as biochemical functional groups with O donor atoms. The best fitting model was obtained using LC50 metameters based on total metal concentration, indicating that the identification of the bioactive species of metals can be ambiguous, and does not necessarily aid in the prediction of relative metal toxicity with ion characteristics. The modelling of relative metal toxicity using ion characteristics was successful for 24 h exposure durations using this more complex organism.