cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Sensing of Pyrophosphate Metabolites by Vγ9Vδ2 T Cells

The predominant population of γδ T cells in human blood express a T cell receptor (TCR) composed of a Vγ9 (Vγ2 in an alternate nomenclature) and Vδ2 domains. These cells came into the limelight when it was discovered they can respond to certain microbial infections and tumorigenic cells through the detection of small, pyrophosphate containing organic molecules collectively called “phosphoantigens” or “pAgs”. These molecules are intermediates in both eukaryotic and prokaryotic metabolic pathways. Chemical variants of these intermediates have been used in the clinic to treat a range of different cancers, however directed optimization of these molecules requires a full understanding of their mechanism of action on target cells. We and others have identified a subclass of butyrophilin-related molecules (BTN3A1-3) that are directly involved in pAg sensing in the target cell, leading to engagement and activation of the T cell through the TCR. Our data and that of others supports the pAg binding site to be the intracellular B30.2 domain of BTN3A1, which is the only isoform capable of mediating pAg-dependent stimulation of Vγ9Vδ2 T cells. Here we review the data demonstrating pAg binding to the B30.2 domain and our studies of the structural conformations of the BTN3A extracellular domains. Finally, we synthesize a model linking binding of pAg to the intracellular domain with T cell detection via the extracellular domains in an “inside-out” signaling mechanism of the type characterized first for integrin molecule signaling. We also explore the role of Vγ9Vδ2 TCR variability in the CDR3 γ and δ loops and how this may modulate Vγ9Vδ2 cells as a population in surveillance of human health and disease.
Conditions for the validity of the Debye integral representation of focused fields

Abstract A very simple sufficiency condition is obtained, under which the Debye diffraction integral may be expected to give a good approximation to the solution of a boundary value problem that is generally taken to represent a field in the region of focus. When the angular aperture of the focusing system is sufficiently small, the condition reduces to the requirement that the Fresnel number of the diffracting aperture, when viewed from the geometrical focus, is large compared to unity.
Marcel L'Herbier's Forfaiture: Photogénie, Race, and Homoerotic Homage in the French Remake of DeMille's The Cheat

“La chair est photogenique.” (Louis Delluc, “Le nue,” 1920) In 1937, Marcel L’Herbier, one of the first modern French film theorists as well as an important member of the avant-garde cineastes of t...
Measurements of intraventricular pressure in a patient shunted from the ventricle to the internal jugular vein against the direction of blood flow (the El-Shafei shunt).

Object: After demonstrating the anti-siphoning properties of a distensible tube in vitro, El-Shafei constructed a shunting system that directs CSF flow into the internal jugular vein against the flow of blood. Though clinically effective, the in vivo pressure dynamics of this type of shunt system have not been investigated. Methods: After failure at multiple other extracranial absorptive sites, an 18-year-old woman was shunted from the lateral ventricle to the internal jugular vein against the direction of blood flow. The shunt system contained an in-line noninvasive telemonitor allowing examination of postural intracranial pressure dynamics in the awake state. This shunt system demonstrated postural pressure dynamics that were consistent with a stringent nonsiphoning shunting system. Conclusions: These observations validate the use of the El-Shafei shunt placement as a biologically nonsiphoning CSF absorptive system. In addition, the stringency of the anti-siphoning properties of the internal jugular vein open the possibility of preferentially using this shunting system in patients who clearly exhibit symptoms of shunt overdrainage.
The association of prior cytomegalovirus infection with neovascular age-related macular degeneration.

Abstract Purpose To determine if prior exposure to pathogens associated with vascular disease, cytomegalovirus, Chlamydia pneumoniae , and Helicobacter pylori correlates with neovascular age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Design An experimental study. Methods Setting Institutional. Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, October 2001 to December 2002. Patient population 150 patients (47 neovascular amd, 36 dry amd, and 67 non-amd controls) were included in the study. exclusion criteria included hiv infection, malignancy, recent acute illness requiring hospitalization within 6 months, or immunosuppressive illness. Procedure Serum samples were obtained for analysis of cytomegalovirus, chlamydia pneumoniae , and helicobacter pylori igg antibody titers by elisa. Main outcome measure Comparison of the distribution of igg titers between patients with wet amd, dry amd, and controls. Results The average cytomegalovirus IgG titer was higher in patients with wet AMD versus controls (p = 0.02, Student t-test, two-tailed) and patients with dry AMD (p = 0.06). Twenty-six (55%) of 47 subjects with wet AMD had high cytomegalovirus IgG titers compared with 14 (39%) of 36 patients with dry AMD (odds ratio [OR] = 2.23, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.77 to 6.44) and 23 (34%) of 67 control patients (OR = 2.49, 95% CI=0.98 to 6.33). There was no major difference in the distribution of titers for Chlamydia pneumoniae IgG and Helicobacter pylori IgG in wet and dry AMD patients. Five of 47 patients with wet AMD (11%) had high antibody titers to all three pathogens, compared with only 1 of 36 patients with dry AMD (3%) (OR = 4.17, 95% CI=0.46 to 37.36). Conclusions There was a significant association of high cytomegalovirus IgG titer with neovascular AMD compared with dry AMD and control patients. Chronic infection with cytomegalovirus may be a novel risk factor for the progression from dry to neovascular AMD.
Four-Coordinate Phosphinidene Complexes of Titanium Prepared by α-H-Migration: Phospha-Staudinger and Phosphaalkene-Insertion Reactions

α-Hydrogen migration in the phosphide (Nacnac)TiCHtBu(PHR) (Nacnac- = [Ar]NC(Me)CHC(Me)N[Ar], Ar = 2,6-iPr2C6H3, R = C6H11, 2,4,6-iPr3C6H2, 2,4,6-tBuC6H2), prepared from salt metathesis of (Nacnac)TiCHtBu(PHR) with LiPHR, generates terminal and four-coordinate phosphinidene complexes (Nacnac)TiPR(CH2tBu), one of which was structurally characterized (R = 2,4,6-tBu3C6H2). Phosphinidene intermediate (Nacnac)TiPR(CH2tBu) (R = C6H11, 2,4,6-iPr3C6H2) transform to ([Ar]NC(Me)CHC(Me)P[R][CH2tBu])TiNAr(OEt2) through “phospha-Staudinger” and subsequent phosphaalkene-insertion reactions.
Thylakoid direct photobioelectrocatalysis: utilizing stroma thylakoids to improve bio-solar cell performance

Thylakoid membranes from spinach were separated into grana and stroma thylakoid fractions which were characterized by several methods (pigment content, protein gel electrophoresis, photosystem activities, and electron microscopy analysis) to confirm that the intact thylakoids were differentiated into the two domains. The results of photoelectrochemical experiments showed that stroma thylakoid electrodes generate photocurrents more than four times larger than grana thylakoids (51 ± 4 nA cm−2 compared to 11 ± 1 nA cm−2). A similar trend was seen in a bio-solar cell configuration with stroma thylakoids giving almost twice the current (19 ± 3 μA cm−2) as grana thylakoids (11 ± 2 μA cm−2) with no change in open circuit voltage.
Imagery, cerebral dominance, and style of thinking: A unified field model

A model of thinking style, based on whether a person thinks in pictures or does not think in pictures, was proposed. Right cerebral dominance and a deductive mode of reasoning were associated with the visualizing style, while left cerebral dominance and an inductive mode of reasoning were associated with the nonvisualizing style. Converging lines of evidence (anecdotal, historical, and empirical) were offered in support of the model.
Non-cooperative collision avoidance concept for Unmanned Aircraft System using satellite-based radar and radio communication

Rapidly increasing growth and demand in various Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) have pushed governmental regulation development and numerous technology research activities toward integrating unmanned and manned aircraft into the same civil airspace. Safety of other airspace users is the primary concern; thus, with the introduction of UAS into the National Airspace System (NAS), a key issue to overcome is the risk of a collision with manned aircraft. The challenge of UAV integration is global. In this paper, the authors present the operational concept and benefits of an airborne collision system for UAS based on a modified automatic dependent surveillance — broadcast (ADS-B) system, a promising technology under development globally. With the affordable Universal Access Transceiver (UAT) Beacon Radio developed by The MITRE Corporation and the hybrid estimation approach for resource-limited UAS, the ADS-B radar concept appears to be an economically viable solution to detect both cooperative and non-cooperative targets using a single avionics package.
FAILURE OF INDOMETHACIN TO CLOSE THE DUCTUS ARTERIOSUS

Beat to beat variability of the heart rate is believed to be under autonomic control and is widely used as an index of well being in the Fetus and young infant. Autonomic activity, heart rate and heart rate variability all vary with sleep stage. It thus becomes important to determine whether heart rate variability is directly dependent on heart rate in all stages of sleep. Nine normal sleeping infants were studied at monthly intervals during the first four months of life. Sleep was staged using behavioral, EEC, EOG, and EMG criteria. The time between heart beats (RR interval) was recorded with an accuracy of ± 0.1 msec using a minicomputer and specially designed preprocessor. The ΔRR was calculated as the absolute value of the difference between one RR and the next. A significant positive correlation was found between ΔRR and RR (p< 0.001), in Quiet, indeterminate and REM sleep. The mean slope of the linear regression in each stage was significantly positive (p<0.001). An increase in ΔRR of at least 10 msec results from a 100 msec increase in RR in all stages of sleep. Because there is an inverse relationship between heart rate variability and heart rate in all stages of sleep in infants, beat to beat variability should be corrected for heart rate in order to assess autonomic control.
Attempted Entrainment of Circus Movement Tachycardias by Ventricular Stimulation

Entrainment was attempted while pacing the right ventricle in 12 patients with circus movement tachycardias. At the onset of stimulation eight patients had short episodes of intraventricular and atrioventricular dissociation during which the paced impulses activated the various ventricular recording sites (right and left), but did not reach the atria. The latter occurred because the ventricular electrograms were recorded from parts of the ventricles which were not essential components of the reentry circuit. Relatively long (greater than 5 s) runs of entrainment were not possible in any case because of the relatively prompt termination of the tachycardias. Whereas in three patients this was due to the abrupt appearance of retrograde block in the accessory pathway, in nine patients it happened when the sequential, anterograde and retrograde, penetration of the AV node resulted in AV nodal block of the subsequent, reentering atrial impulse. The findings in this study showed that, with the methodology used, entrainment of circus movement tachycardias by ventricular stimulation had to be defined conceptually, by the fulfillment of requirements which did not include its occurrence for at least 5 seconds. Furthermore, the results also suggested that entrainment and tachycardia termination were best demonstrated by a technique which allowed the emission of the first stimulus in a constant (late) moment of the cycle, with deliverance of one additional stimulus at the same cycle length in successive pacing runs.
Modeling semivolatile organic aerosol mass emissions from combustion systems.

Experimental measurements of gas-particle partitioning and organic aerosol mass in diluted diesel and wood combustion exhaust are interpreted using a two-component absorptive-partitioning model. The model parameters are determined by fitting the experimental data. The changes in partitioning with dilution of both wood smoke and diesel exhaust can be described by two lumped compounds in roughly equal abundance with effective saturation concentrations of ∼1600 μg m-3 and ∼20 μg m-3. The model is used to investigate gas-particle partitioning of emissions across a wide range of atmospheric conditions. Under the highly dilute conditions found in the atmosphere, the partitioning of the emissions is strongly influenced by the ambient temperature and the background organic aerosol concentration. The model predicts large changes in primary organic aerosol mass with varying atmospheric conditions, indicating that it is not possible to specify a single value for the organic aerosol emissions. Since atmospheric condi...
SUPPRESSION OF MULTIPACTING IN PARTICLE ACCELERATORS

Abstract A new method of suppressing the multipacting breakdown between conductors in evacuated high-frequency systems such as in cyclotrons and linacs is described. Thin metallic or insulating baffles are used to subdivide the interconductor space into gaps narrower than that for multipacting cutoff. Measurements in a system with plane-parallel electrodes show the method to be effective and electrically nonperturbing. The experimental results are correlated with an “average electron” theory of multipacting developed previously and presented here in a form suitable for use by the accelerator designer.
Multiple-scattering Green-function method for space-filling cell potentials

It is shown that the equations of multiple-scattering theory (MST) originally derived for scattering off collections of muffin-tin (MT) potentials, i.e., potential cells bounded by non overlapping spheres, remain valid in the case of arbitrarily shaped, non overlapping, and particularly space-filling potential cells. Specifically, it is shown that in the angular momentum representation the total scattering (transition) matrix, the Greenfunction, the Bloch function for a translationally invariant material, and the Lloyd formula for the change in the integrated density of states have forms that are invariant with respect to the partition of a given potential into non overlapping cells, and with respect to the choice of the cell centers. Ananalytic proof is provided for the vanishing of near-field corrections (NFC's)long conjectured to arise when the spheres bounding individual cells over lap one another or adjacent potentials. Thus, the well-known MST expressions, originally derived for the case of MT potentials, for obtaining the solution of the Schroedinger equation and hence determining the band structure and the charge density of materials, ordered or disordered, are rigorously valid in the completely general case of arbitrarily shaped cells. The differences between this work and previous attempts to generalize MST to non-MT space-filling potentials aremore » discussed. It is pointed out that in calculations involving non-MT potential cells, particular attention must be paid to the question of convergence of expansions in angular momentum eigenstates. This convergence is tested numerically in terms of cluster calculations and through the calculation of the electronic structure of elemental bcc Nb and fcc Zr and Rh.« less
Chemical modification of enzymes III. Cross-linked α-chymotrypsin

Abstract The two-step intramolecular cross-linking method (Reiner et al. , J. Mol. Catal., 1 (1975) 3 - 11) was applied to α-chymotrypsin and met (O) chymotrypsin. Reaction of the enzyme with N -acetylhomocystein thiolactone led to 9.6 – 10.2 mercapto functional groups which were cross-linked with bis-iodoacetamides of different length, dichloroacetone, and by oxidation. The cross-linked derivatives showed a small increase in K M , an increased stability against denaturation by guanidine hydrochloride and a considerably longer shelf life when stored in solution.
Analysis of small-scale erosional data and a sequence of late Pleistocene flow reversal, northern New England

A sequence of latest Pleistocene ice-flow reversal, principally based on analysis of small-scale erosional features, has been reconstructed for northernmost New England. Single and crossing striations, together with small-scale stoss and lee or other erosional forms, provided more than 1,200 widely dispersed striation sets along with relative age data. The striations were grouped into grids from which vector-mean data were extracted and in turn five zones delineated, each characterized by similarities in ice flow. A sequence of six flow direction shifts between and within zones (for example, east-south-east flow gives way to north flow) was determined using a transition matrix of 159 striation sets. Nondirectional striation data, till-fabric measurements, and glacial-dispersal studies further complement the striation information. All these data were integrated to produce a sequence of ice flow that began with (interval A) east-southeast flow of the Laurentide ice sheet through Maine. Interval B involved a reversal of flow direction from eastward to northwestward in northern Maine, with development of an ice divide. During interval C, this divide strengthened and migrated southeastward, so that by interval D it occurred nearly 120 km southeast of the Quebec-Maine border. Interval E encompassed a final northward flow from the northern flank of the Boundary Mountains and the start of rapid, large-scale stagnation of the last glacier of northern New England.
Tanycytic Ependymoma: A Challenging Histological Diagnosis

Tanycytic ependymoma is a rare form of ependymoma that usually arises in the intramedullary spine. It has a unique histology emphasized by the inconspicuous ependymal pattern of cells and close resemblance to schwannoma and astrocytoma. The authors report a 50-year-old man with a cervical tanycytic ependymoma that was initially thought to be a schwannoma. The frozen histology section showed spindle cells with oval and elongated nuclei with occasional hemosiderin deposits present suggesting a preliminary diagnosis of schwannoma. Immunohistochemical staining of the permanent section revealed strong immunoreactivity for glial fibrillary acidic protein with intermittent S-100 positivity, confirming that the tumor was a tanycytic ependymoma. This underlines the challenges involved in making an accurate diagnosis and demonstrates that careful and detailed histological inspection with immunohistochemical stains and ultrastructural microscopy may be necessary to distinguish tanycytic ependymoma from other neoplasms.
Maternal depressive history, teen 5HTTLPR genotype, and the processing of emotional faces: Exploring mechanisms of risk

Variations in the serotonin transporter gene (5HTTLPR) and biased processing of face-emotion displays both have been implicated in the transmission of depression risk, but little is known about developmental influences on these relationships. Within a community sample of adolescents, we examine whether 5HTTLPR genotype moderates the link between maternal depressive history and errors in face-emotion labeling. When controlling for current levels of depression and anxiety among youth, a two-way interaction between maternal depressive history and 5HTTLPR genotype was detected. Specifically, adolescents whose mothers reported a depressive history and who had a low expressing genotype made more errors in classifying emotional faces when compared with adolescents with an intermediate or high expressing genotype, with or without maternal depression history. These findings highlight the complex manner in which maternal depression and genetic risk may interact to predict individual differences in social information processing.
SOME CHARACTERISTIC FEATURES IN THE PATTERN OF BIFURCATING STEADY STATES IN COUPLED REACTION-DIFFUSION SYSTEMS

We study, in this paper, the spatial pattern of nonuniform steady states bifurcated from a constant steady state in coupled reaction-diffusion systems. These solutions bifurcate under a Hopf bifurcation at 1:1 resonance in the state space, and they emerge as stable solutions when the constant steady state loses stability [Yan, 1992b]. We investigate some special features in the pattern exhibited by such solutions in several models. Mathematical proofs of these features are presented, in which we have used the theories of reversible systems, perturbation analysis and linear approximation. Numerical approximations of such solutions are obtained from these models. All of these solutions exhibit the characteristic features described by our analysis.
Fast predictive post-OPC contact/via printability metric and validation

Yield is one of the most important factors for massive semiconductor circuits production. As process variation tolerances decrease and the number of contacts/vias increase in modern technologies, contact/via failure has increased substantially, which attracts many attentions from both manufacture and design domains. Among all the contact/via failure mechanisms, lithography related ones become more important, the majority of which are rooted in focus and dose variations. Since the lithography image robustness is pattern dependent, conventional design rules are becoming less efficient and effective to convey the information. Models should be established to facilitate the evaluation of the lithography pattern robustness. Meanwhile, the models need to be fast enough to be used in design tools. Since Optical Proximity Correction (OPC) is very expensive to apply, the metric should be computed without doing actual OPC. We develop two new pre-OPC metrics to predict the post-OPC contact/via CD error due to focus variation, which are validated by our simulations. However, the metric for the post-OPC contact/via CD error due to dose variation is found not correlated well to the actual simulation. Further investigation is needed to increase the metric accuracy.
Oxidation of thioanisole by hydrogen peroxide: activation by nitriles

The oxidation of thioanisole (PhSMe) by H2O2 is activated by acetonitrile (MeCN) and propionitrile (EtCN) and involves the formation of a transient peroxyimidate, 1, by reaction of and RCN, and 1 can be rapidly trapped by PhSMe. The rate of oxidation of PhSMe is then independent of the concentrations of PhSMe and of H2O2, but varies linearly with and [RCN]. In very dilute PhSMe it and H2O2 compete in reacting with 1, and the rate then depends on [PhSMe]. The initial reaction gives PhSOMe, and subsequent formation of PhSO2Me is slow. The rates of oxidation are slightly higher than that expected from the MeCN-activated decomposition of H2O2, which involves a second molecule of H2O2 in conversion of the peroxyimidate into amide and oxygen. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Photographic Method For Measurement Of Image Intensifier Tube Contrast

An important parameter in an image intensifier-based imaging system is the contrast of the image intensifier tube itself. This paper presents a photographic method for the measurement of the large-scale contrast of an image intensifier tube at the system level which can be performed in the clinical setting with equipment normally found in a modern Radiology Department. A strip of Lead is positioned on-center at the bottom of the grid so that a line image of 100% contrast will be presented to the input phosphor of the image intensifier when the x-ray tube is energized at low kilovoltage. The output phosphor is photographed either with an existing fluorographic camera (photospot or cine) on the imaging tower, or with a 35-mm SLR camera loaded with orthochromatic cine film through the collimating lens of the system from the position normally occupied by the television camera, during fluoroscopy, if no other camera is present on the imaging tower. The resultant on-frame optical density is measured with a densitometer in the central part of the developed frame adjacent to and behind the image of the Lead strip. These optical density readings are converted into a ratio of light intensities from the corresponding regions on the output phosphor using the characteristic curve for the type of film employed, which is obtained by means of light sensitometry. The percent contrast is then calculated from (ratio of intensities - 1)/(ratio of intensities + 1)) X 100. Using data for a variety of CsI image intensifiers used for both gastrointestinal and vascular studies, the method is shown to give measured percent contrasts with a reproducibility of no worse than-2%, independent of type of camera used or type of sensitometer used. Standards of acceptable performance based on the author's experience with this technique over the past five years are presented for systems designed for Barium studies and for systems designed for Iodine studies. The relationship between the percent contrast as defined here, the veiling glare as defined by Siedband, and the contrast ratio as normally defined is discussed, as well as the relevance of large-scale contrast of an image intensifier tube.
Effects of a barley (Hordeum vulgare) chromosome 6 grain protein content locus on whole-plant nitrogen reallocation under two different fertilisation regimes

A large fraction of protein N harvested with crop seeds is derived from N remobilisation from senescing vegetative plant parts, while a smaller fraction stems from de novo N assimilation occurring after anthesis. This study contrasts near-isogenic barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) germplasm, varying in the allelic state of a major grain protein content (GPC) locus on chromosome 6. Plant material was grown under both low- and high-N fertilisation levels. The analyses indicated that leaf N remobilisation occurred earlier in high-GPC germplasm under both fertilisation regimes, as indicated by an earlier decrease of total leaf N, chlorophylls, soluble- and membrane-proteins. At the same time, kernel free amino acid levels were enhanced, while leaf free amino acid levels were lower in high-GPC barleys, suggesting enhanced retranslocation of organic N to the developing sinks. Enhanced or longer availability of leaf nitrates was detected in high-GPC varieties and lines, at least under high N fertilisation, indicating that the GPC locus profoundly influences whole-plant N allocation and management. Results presented here, together with data from a recent transcriptomic analysis, make a substantial contribution to our understanding of whole-plant N storage, remobilisation and retranslocation to developing sinks.
Standards of Weight and Height for Guernsey and Jersey Heifers

Abstract Growth of modern Guernsey and Jersey dairy heifers was appraised. Height at withers and heart girth (BW) data were collected from 1777 Guernsey heifers representing 54 commercial dairy herds and 1564 Jersey heifers representing 49 commercial dairy herds from 1984 through 1987. Means and SD for height and weight were determined for each age (1 through 24 mo) within breed. Third-order regressions on age were fitted to the means to describe height and weight within breed. Subsets of data from herds with above average production were analyzed separately. Means of heifers in 24 Guernsey herds that had a herd average milk production greater than 5822 kg and 25 Jersey herds that had a herd average milk production p t e r than 5515 kg were fitted. Weights of heifers in these subsets were moderately heavier than those in the entire data sets of the respective breeds, although heights were similar. Based on the entire data set, commercial Guernsey herds today contain replacement heifers heavier and taller than those previously reported, but Jersey heifers are similar to those previously reported.
A stationary, pairwise independent, absolutely regular sequence for which the central limit theorem fails

A strictly stationary finite-state non-degenerate random sequence is constructed which satisfies pairwise independence and absolute regularity but fails to satisfy a central limit theorem. The mixing rate for absolute regularity is only slightly slower than that in a corresponding central limit theorem of Ibragimov.
The dynamic character of the G-quadruplex element in the c-MYC promoter and modification by TMPyP4.

The nuclease hypersensitivity element III1 (NHE III1) upstream of the P1 and P2 promoters of c-MYC controls 80−90% of the transcriptional activity of this gene. The purine-rich strand in this region can form a G-quadruplex structure that is a critical part of the silencer element for this promoter. We have demonstrated that this G-quadruplex structure can form a mixture of four biologically relevant parallel-loop isomers, which upon interaction with the cationic porphyrin TMPyP4 are converted to mixed parallel/antiparallel G-quadruplex structures.
New Sensors for Quantitative Measurement of Mitochondrial Zn2

Zinc (Zn2+) homeostasis plays a vital role in cell function, and the dysregulation of intracellular Zn2+ is associated with mitochondrial dysfunction. Few tools exist to quantitatively monitor the buffered, free Zn2+ concentration in mitochondria of living cells ([Zn2+]mito). We have validated three high dynamic range, ratiometric, genetically encoded, fluorescent Zn2+ sensors that we have successfully used to precisely measure and monitor [Zn2+]mito in several cell types. Using one of these sensors, called mito-ZapCY1, we report observations that free Zn2+ is buffered at concentrations about 3 orders of magnitude lower in mitochondria than in the cytosol and that HeLa cells expressing mito-ZapCY1 have an average [Zn2+]mito of 0.14 pM, which differs significantly from other cell types. These optimized mitochondrial Zn2+ sensors could improve our understanding of the relationship between Zn2+ homeostasis and mitochondrial function.
Usefulness of bone marrow serum acid phosphatase in staging carcinoma of the prostate.

Fourteen patients with histologically proven adenocarcinoma of the prostate were evaluated for extent of their disease. Venous serum acid phosphatase, bone marrow serum acid phosphatase, histologic examination of the bone marrow, skeletal roentgenograms, and flourine (18F1) total body bone scans were performed. Bone marrow acid phosphatase was measured in serum obtained from aspiration from the posterior superior iliac crest. The procedure was found to be easily performed with minimal patient discomfort and produced the greatest yield in detecting metastatic disease. The study resulted in more advanced disease being found in 9 of the 14 patients. The use of bone marrow serum acid phosphatase determination is advocated in the staging of all patients with carcinoma of the prostate.
Internal waves incident upon a knife edge barrier

Abstract We discuss in this paper the effect of a knife-edge barrier on the propagation of an internal wave. The wave is confined in a channel and, in the absence of a barrier, propagates as a single mode. We find a solution satisfying the radiation criteria for all the modes transmitted through and reflected by the barrier.
Analysis of Enantiomers of a New Antidiabetic Agent in Plasma by High-Performance Liquid Chromatography

Abstract A new antidiabetic agent, N-(trans-4-isopropylcyclohexylcarbonyl)-D-phenylalanine (A4166), and its L-enantiomer were successfully separated and quantified by high-performanece liquid chromatograph. This direct resolution was accomplished using a chiral stationary phase column packed with 5 μm N-(tert-butylaminocarbonyl)-L-valylaminopropyl silica gel and a mobile phase consisting of n-hexane/n-propanol/trifluoroacetic acid. The method has been used for the analysis of plasma samples from beagle dogs.
Meta-analysis of dexamethasone therapy started in the first 15 days of life for prevention of chronic lung disease in premature infants.

We performed a systematic review of randomized controlled trials to determine whether the use of dexamethasone therapy in the first 15 days of life is beneficial for prevention of chronic lung disease in prematurely born infants. Studies were identified by conducting a literature search using the Medline database (1970–1997) and supplemented by a search of the Cochrane Library (1998, issue 4). Inclusion criteria were: 1) prospective randomized design with initiation of dexamethasone therapy within the first 15 days of life; 2) report of outcome of interest; and 3) less than 20% cross-over between treatment and control group during the study period. Our primary outcomes were mortality at hospital discharge and the development of chronic lung disease at 28 days of life and 36 weeks postconceptional age. The secondary outcomes were the presence of a patent ductus arteriosus and treatment side effects. The overall baseline event rate in the control group and pooled risk ratio (RR) of event reduction with 95% confidence interval (CI) were calculated. With dexamethasone therapy, chronic lung disease was decreased by 26% at 28 days (RR, 0.74; 95% CI, 0.57–0.96) and 48% at 36 weeks postconceptional age (RR, 0.52; 95% CI, 0.33–0.81). These reductions were more significant when dexamethasone was started in the first 72 h of life. The relative risk reduction of 24% in deaths was marginally significant (RR, 0.76; 95% CI, 0.56–1.04). The 27% decrease in patent ductus arteriosus and 11% increase in infection were not statistically significant, nor were any other changes. We conclude from this meta-analysis that systemic dexamethasone given to at-risk infants soon after birth may have a beneficial effect in reducing the incidence of chronic lung disease. We did not find evidence of significant short-term adverse side effects. New studies are needed to clarify long-term outcomes in prematurely born infants treated with dexamethasone. Pediatr Pulmonol. 1999; 28:167–174. © 1999 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
The Absorption Spectrum of Benzene in the Region of 6.75μ

The absorption band of benzene lying at 6.75\ensuremath{\mu} has been investigated under high resolution for both liquid and gaseous states. The spectrum for the vapor shows three distinct branches with evidence of unresolved fine structure. The liquid shows a less regular spectrum with a definite shift towards longer wave-lengths. In addition, some new water vapor lines in the 6.26\ensuremath{\mu} band are reported.
Psychophysiological responses in obsessivecompulsive patients

Abstract Psychophysiological measures (pulse rate and skin conductance) and subjective anxiety ratings were taken in twelve obsessive-compulsive patients, during internal and external stimulation. Five identical assessments were carried out on each patient, prior to any treatment and shortly after the following flooding technique variants: short fantasy, long fantasy, short practice and long practice. Internal and. or external anxiety-provoking stimulation produced significantly, greater autonomie activity than neutral stimulation in almost all measures, before treatment. The difference became less significant or disappeared in some measures after treatment, and in particular after long flooding in practice. The internally elicited arousal by self-induced obsessive imagery was more resistant to change than externally elicited arousal. Heart rate showed the least decrement after treatment. Some prognostic variables are presented.
Tritylpotassium a new dehydrohalogenation reagent

Abstract Ph3CK rapidly dehydrohalogenates secondary alkyl bromides and iodides at 0°C to give olefins in very high yield (&> 90%)
The intermediary complexes formed by (Na + + K + )-dependent ATPase.

Abstract 1. 1. The microsomal pellet obtained from the isolated mucosal cells of bladders of freshwater turtles contains a (Na+ + K+)-ATPase activity. 2. 2. Mg2+-dependent 32P-labeling of the native and ouabain-trated protein by [γ-32P]ATP at 0° amounts to 0.29 and 0.19 nmole P per mg protein per 50 sec, respectively. In the native protein, addition of Na+ increased this labeling by 158%; and addition of Na+ + K+, decreased the labeling of the protein to the underlying Mg2-dependent level. In the ouabain-treated protein, addition of Na+ increased Mg2+-dependent labeling by 220%; but addition of Na+ + K+ resulted in no change in labeling which remained at the Mg2+ + Na+-dependent level. 3. 3. Mg2+-dependent 14C labeling of the native microsomal protein by [14C]ATP at 0° amounts to 0.72 nmole/mg porotein per 50 sec; and addition of Na+ decreases the Mg2+-dependent labeling by 46%. 4. 4. The Na+-induced decrement in microsomal binding of [14C]ATP simultaneously with the Na+-induced increment in binding of [32P]ATP suggests the formation and breakdown of a Na+-sensitive enzyme-ATP complex.
Linear-stability theory of thermocapillary convection in a model of float-zone crystal growth

Linear-stability theory has been applied to a basic state of thermocapillary convection in a model half-zone to determine values of the Marangoni number above which instability is guaranteed. The basic state must be determined numerically since the half-zone is of finite, O(1) aspect ratio with two-dimensional flow and temperature fields. This, in turn, means that the governing equations for disturbance quantities will remain partial differential equations. The disturbance equations are treated by a staggered-grid discretization scheme. Results are presented for a variety of parameters of interest in the problem, including both terrestrial and microgravity cases.
Synthesis of Phenyleneethynylene-Doped Poly(p-phenylenebutadiynylene)s for Live Cell Imaging

We developed a new synthetic approach to high molecular weight poly(p-phenylenebutadiynylene) s (PPBs) by increasing backbone flexibility. The introduction of a small amount of flexible units along the backbone improved both the physical and photophysical properties of the polymers. These materials were successfully fabricated into conjugated polymer nanoparticles (CPNs) and used for fluorescent live cell imaging for the first time.
Evaluating the effectiveness of one-officer versus two-officer patrol units

Abstract This article presents a model-based evaluation of one-versus two-officer patrol staffing. Postulated arguments for and against each strategy are outlined as they appear in the literature. Performance measures are elicited from this discussion. Several models are constructed that allow for a comparative analysis using these performance measures; equal cost staffing options are considered. Formal expectations of comparative strategic performance are presented along with suggestions for further analytical research.
Mechanism of kasugamycin resistance in Escherichia coli.

Strains of Escherichia coli are resistant to the antibiotic kasugamycin due to the partial non-methylation of 16S ribosomal RNA. An RNA methylase activity, absent from resistant strains, is shown here to methylate in vitro the 16S RNA of resistant as well as sensitive strains.
Processes controlling stratification on the northern Skagit Bay tidal flats

Abstract Estuarine systems range from highly stratified to well mixed, often passing through several states during a single tidal cycle. Here, the processes driving temporal and spatial variations of stratification are investigated on the broad, shallow, periodically inundated tidal flats (shoals) between the north and south forks of the Skagit River. Over a two-week period, observation-based estimates of the straining, advection, and mixing are in balance with the temporal changes in the stratification-induced potential energy anomaly at a mid-flat location. The water on the tidal flats does not completely de-stratify during the strong ebb, and thus the initial tongue of water crossing the flats on strong floods often is partly stratified, but becomes increasingly well mixed as the flood progresses. For nearly semi-diurnal tides, the maximum stratification occurs during mid-ebb tide. Although cross- and alongshore flows have similar magnitudes, the changes in stratification during semi-diurnal tides result primarily from cross-shore processes, similar to observations of narrow, strongly-forced salt-wedge estuaries. Stratification is stronger during tides with a large diurnal inequality (the elevations of the two daily low tides differ by more than 33% of the tidal range) than during nearly semi-diurnal tides (with low tide elevations that differ by less than 25% of the tidal range), and is a maximum in the middle of the weak flood that follows the small low. In contrast to prior observations in narrow estuaries, alongshore (roughly parallel to isopycnals) advection of stratified water is significant and contributes to the increased stratification during these tides. Furthermore, during the small low and weak flood, the strongly sheared (density-driven) flows, which are offshore-directed at the surface and onshore-directed at the bed, also contribute to the high levels of stratification. Temporal changes in stratification are similar across and along the flats. However, maximum stratification increases offshore and alongshore towards the north fork (the distributary channel closest to the instruments).
Design of space trusses using modified teaching–learning based optimization

Abstract A modified teaching–learning-based optimization (TLBO) algorithm is applied to fixed geometry space trusses with discrete and continuous design variables. Designs generated by the modified TLBO algorithm are compared with other popular evolutionary optimization methods. In all cases, the objective function is the total weight of the structure subjected to strength and displacement limitations. Designs are evaluated for fitness based on their penalized structural weight, which represents the actual truss weight and the degree to which the design constraints are violated. TLBO is conceptually modeled on the two types of pedagogy within a classroom: class-level learning from a teacher and individual learning between students. TLBO uses a relatively simple algorithm with no intrinsic parameters controlling its performance and can easily handle a mixture of both continuous and discrete design variables. Without introducing any additional algorithmic parameters, the modified TLBO algorithm uses a fitness-based weighted mean in the teaching phase and a refined student updating process. The computational performance of TLBO designs for several benchmark space truss structures is presented and compared with classical and evolutionary optimization methods. Optimization results indicate that the modified TLBO algorithm can generate improved designs when compared to other population-based techniques and in some cases improve the overall computational efficiency.
Compressing grids into small hypercubes

Let G be a graph, and denote by Q(G)/2t the hypercube of dimension ⌈log2|G|⌉ − t. Motivated by the problem of simulating large grids by small hypercubes, we construct maps f:G Q(G)/2t, t ⩾ 1, when G is any 2- or 3-dimensional grid, with a view to minimizing communication delay and optimizing distribution of G-processors in Q(G)/2t, Let dilation(f) = max {dist(f(x), f(y)): xye(G)}, where “dist” denotes distance in the image network Q(G)/2t, and let the load factor of f be the maximum value of >f−1(h)| over all vertices he(G)/2t. Our main results are the following: (1) Let G be any 2-dimensional grid. Then, for any t ⩾ 1, there is a map f :G Q(G)/2t having dilation 1 and load factor at most 1 + 2t. (2) Given certain upper bounds on the “densities” |G|/|Q(G)/4| or |G|/|Q(G)/8| of G in Q(G)/4 or Q(G)/8, respectively, we get dilation 1 maps f:G Q(G)/4 or f:G Q(G)/8 with improved (i.e., smaller) load factor over that given in (1). (3) Let G be any 3-dimensional grid. Then, there is a map f:G Q(G)/2 of dilation at most 2 and load factor at most 3, and a map f:G Q(G)/4 of dilation at most 3 and load factor at most 5.
Altered RNA metabolism and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is the most common motor neuron disease in adults. Typically, patients with ALS develop progressive weakness resulting, eventually, in respiratory muscle paralysis and death in 3-5 years after the onset of the disease. No definite therapy currently exists for ALS. The biologic basis of the disease is unknown. However, ALS research has taken a dramatic turn over the last 3 years. Landmark discoveries of mutations in the transactive response DNA-binding protein (TDP-43) and fused in sarcoma/translocated in liposarcoma (FUS/TLS) as causative of ALS and demonstration that abnormal aggregation of these proteins is the proximate cause of motor neuron loss in familial and sporadic ALS have initiated a paradigm shift in understanding the pathogenic mechanism of this disease. TDP-43 and FUS/TLS are DNA/RNA-binding proteins with striking structural and functional similarities. This article reviews the current direction of research efforts toward understanding the role of RNA (ribonucleic acid) processing regulation in ALS and possible therapeutic pathways in this fatal disease.
Looking for a promoter in 3D.

Direct time-resolved single-molecule observations of promoter search by Escherichia coli RNA polymerase indicate no evidence of facilitated diffusion, according to a new report.
Influence of quantum wire cross section fluctuations on transport phenomena

Abstract For all currently available methods of quantum wire (QWI) fabrication the cross section of the QWI varies along the length, producing fluctuations in the energy position of the subband energy along the QWI. This fluctuation leads to a smearing of the peak-like structure of the dependence of the average density of states on carrier energy. This, in turn, results in a smearing of the peak-like structure of the dependence of the resistivity of a QWI on the Fermi energy and/or total electron concentration, and in an increase of resistivity. In previous attempts to obtain agreement between theory and experiment the subband energy fluctuation was not taken into account, that is why the importance of other factors, such as impurity scattering, have been overestimated.
Wetting properties of silicon films from alkyl-passivated particles produced by mechanochemical synthesis

Abstract A facile and efficient method using high energy ball milling (HEBM) to produce surfaces with a static and advancing contact angle in the superhydrophobic regime consisting of alkyl-passivated crystalline silicon particles is described. Deposition of the functionalized silicon material forms stable films on a variety of surfaces due to strong hydrophobic interactions between the individual particles. The process offers the ability to control the particle size from a micro-scale to a nano-scale region and thus to tune the surface roughness. Because of changing surface morphology and the decreasing surface roughness of the films due to the increasing milling times the static and dynamic contact angles follow a polynomial function with a maximum dynamic advancing contact angle of 171°. This trend is correlated to the commonly used Wenzel and Cassie-Baxter models.
Mitigation of Near-Field Effects for Seismic Surface Wave Velocity Estimation with Cylindrical Beamformers

Analysis of seismic surface waves offers a noninvasive method to estimate the dynamic engineering properties of the near-surface earth. Traditional two-sensor spectral analysis of surface waves (SASW) techniques suffer from several limitations that impede their use in practice, including poor resolution, inability to properly account for multiple modes, and an imprecise understanding of near-field effects. Current multichannel and array analysis of surface waves resolve several of these limitations, but still suffer from a near-field model incompatibility, i.e., estimating plane wave parameters in a cylindrically spreading wave field. This paper introduces cylindrical beamforming, an array processing method to overcome the limitations of plane wave processing methods. To aide in motivating the cylindrical beamformer, the paper discusses the near-field effects and explains some of the underlying physical reasons for previous observations regarding the near-field. The cylindrical beamformer is then introduced to more accurately model the wave field, allowing better estimates of phase velocity from point sources. The results from measured data taken with a linear array on a site in Atlanta are used to compare the methods.