cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Induction of a decrease in renal NAD+-dependent 15-hydroxyprostaglandin dehydrogenase activity by estradiol in rats

The effect of estradiol administration on renal and pulmonary NAD+-dependent 15-hydroxyprostaglandin dehydrogenase activities in rats was studied. Estradiol induced a significant decrease in renal but not in pulmonary enzyme activity. Kinetic parameters for the renal enzyme from control and treated groups were compared. An identical apparent Km for prostaglandin E2 was obtained for the enzyme from both groups. Vmax in the treated group was progressively decreased and plateaued 1 day after estradiol injection. The estradiol-induced decrease in renal enzyme activity was blocked by an anti-estrogen, nafoxidine, suggesting that the effect of estradiol was a was a receptor-mediated event. The decrease in renal prostaglandin catabolic enzyme activity induced by estradiol may result in prolonging the half-life of circulating prostacyclin and may account, in part, for the anti-thrombogenic effect of estradiol.
Neural connectivity and cortical substrates of cognition in hominoids

Cognitive functions and information processing recruit discrete neural systems in the cortex and white matter. We tested the idea that specific regions in the cerebrum are differentially enlarged in humans and that some of the neural reorganizational events that took place during hominoid evolution were species-specific and independent of changes in absolute brain size. We used magnetic resonance images of the living brains of 10 human and 17 ape subjects to obtain volumetric estimates of regions of interest. We parcellated the white matter in the frontal and temporal lobes into two sectors, including the white matter immediately underlying the cortex (gyral white matter) and the rest of white matter (core). We outlined the dorsal, mesial, and orbital subdivisions of the frontal lobe and analyzed the relationship between cortex and gyral white matter within each subdivision. For all regions analyzed, the observed human values are as large as expected, with the exception of the gyral white matter, which is larger than expected in humans. We found that orangutans had a relatively smaller orbital sector than any other great ape species, with no overlap in individual values. We found that the relative size of the dorsal subdivision is larger in chimpanzees than in bonobos, and that the ratio of gyral white matter to cortex stands out in Pan in comparison to Gorilla and Pongo. Individual variability, possible sex differences, and hemispheric asymmetries were present not only in humans, but in apes as well. Differences in the distribution of neural connectivity and cortical sectors were identified among great ape species that share similar absolute brain sizes. Given that these regions are part of neural systems with distinct functional attributes, we suggest that the observed differences may reflect different evolutionary pressures on regulatory mechanisms of complex cognitive functions, including social cognition.
Differential effects of paroxetine on raphe and cortical 5-HT1A binding: a PET study in monkeys.

Abstract Positron emission tomography (PET) ligands that are sensitive to transient changes in serotonin (5-HT) concentration are desirable for studies of neuropsychiatric diseases. Few studies, however, have sought to demonstrate that variations in 5-HT concentration can be closely tracked with available serotonergic ligands. Microdialysis studies in rats have shown a maximal increase in 5-HT concentration in raphe nuclei after systemic infusion of selective serotonergic re-uptake inhibitors (SSRIs). We performed PET scans with [18F]FPWAY, an intermediate-affinity antagonist of 5-HT1A receptors, in 4 anesthetized rhesus monkeys in control studies and after systemic paroxetine administration (5 mg/kg, i.v.). In addition, a paired [11C]DASB study revealed that this paroxetine regimen produced an occupancy of 54–83% of the serotonin transporters. According to the conventional receptor competition model, increased 5-HT concentration produces decreased binding of the radioactive ligand. Over a 3-h period following paroxetine infusion, a progressively increasing reduction (ranging from 8 ± 6% to 27 ± 10%) of [18F]FPWAY-specific binding was found in the raphe nuclei. This result is interpreted as an SSRI-induced increase in 5-HT concentration, potentially combined with reduced binding to internalized 5-HT1A receptors. In addition, a transient (1 h) increase in cerebral cortical binding was observed, attributed primarily to a reduction in cortical 5-HT due to the effects of raphe autoreceptor inhibition. This study is the first demonstration of the feasibility of quantifying dynamic changes in 5-HT neurotransmission in the raphe and the cortex with PET. These results lend promise to the use of these serotonergic neuroimaging techniques to study neuropsychiatric disorders.
ON FORCED CAPILLARY-GRAVITY WAVES IN A CIRCULAR CYLINDER

Abstract Capillary-gravity waves induced by the lateral oscillation of a cylindrical container are considered on Hocking's hypothesis that the surface slope at the contact line is proportional to the vertical velocity. This problem has been considered by Shen, Sun and Hsieh on Evans's hypothesis that the surface slope at the contact line is prescribed and proportional to the excitation. The latter condition, in contrast to that of Hocking, leaves the normal modes and resonant frequencies unchanged from those of the classical problem (for which the surface slope vanishes at the contact line), and is conservative (whereas Hocking's condition implies dissipation).
Blocking analysis of dynamic traffic grooming in mesh WDM optical networks

Traffic grooming in wavelength division multiplexing (WDM) optical networks routes and consolidates sub-wavelength connections onto lightpaths, to improve network utilization and reduce cost. It can be classified into static or dynamic, depending on whether the connections are given in advance or randomly arrive/ depart. In this paper, an analytical model is developed for dynamic traffic grooming, allowing heterogeneous data rates for sub-wavelength connections, arbitrary alternate routing in both logical and physical topologies, and arbitrary wavelength conversion. The accuracy of the model has been verified by numerical results from simulation.
Differentiating fall-prone and healthy adults using local dynamic stability

Variability in kinematic and spatio-temporal gait parameters has long been equated with stability and used to differentiate fallers from non-fallers. Recently, a mathematically rigorous measure of local dynamic stability has been proposed based on the non-linear dynamics theory to differentiate fallers from non-fallers. This study investigated whether the assessment of local dynamic stability can identify fall-prone elderly individuals who were unable to successfully avoid slip-induced falls. Five healthy young, four healthy elderly and four fall-prone elderly individuals participated in a walking experiment. Local dynamic stability was quantified by the maximum Lyapunov exponent. The fall-prone elderly were found to exhibit significantly lower local dynamic stability (i.e. greater sensitivity to local perturbations), as compared to their healthy counterparts. In addition to providing evidence that the increased falls of the elderly may be due to the inability to attenuate/control stride-to-stride disturbances during locomotion, the current study proposed the opportunity of using local dynamic stability as a potential indicator of risk of falling. Early identification of individuals with a higher risk of falling is important for effective fall prevention. The findings from this study suggest that local dynamic stability may be used as a potential fall predictor to differentiate fall-prone adults.
Primary Clostridium septicum aortitis: A rare cause of necrotizing suprarenal aortic infection: A case report and review of the literature

A 74-year-old woman sought medical attention for general symptoms of nausea, vomiting, and back pain. A computed tomographic scan showed gas in the wall of the descending thoracic and suprarenal aortas. Emergency thoracoabdominal exploration revealed a necrotizing infection of the thoracic aorta extending to the origin of the celiac axis. After surgery Clostridium septicum was identified in tissue culture. Surgical management consisted of in-situ graft replacement of the thoracoabdominal aorta. Three months later, a pseudoaneurysm developed at the distal anastomosis. The patient refused further surgery and died 3 days later. The cause of death was presumed to be a ruptured mycotic aneurysm as a result of recurrent C. septicum infection. The relationship of C. septicum with occult gastrointestinal and hematologic malignancy has been documented. This patient represents the 10th reported case of C. septicum arteritis. Including the nine previous case reports of C. septicum arteritis, the mortality rate is 70%. When evaluating a patient with a mycotic aneurysm or aortitis, C. septicum should be considered. If it is found, a seach should be carried out for an associated gastrointestinal or hematologic malignancy. Surgical repair should include extraanatomic revascularization and wide debridement of the infected field. Consideration should be given to lifelong antimicrobial therapy for this potentially fatal infection.
Flow cytometric characterization of the response of Fanconi's anemia cells to mitomycin C treatment

DNA flow histogram analysis, using 33342 Hoechst as a stain, has been used to detect the effect of the potentially bifunctional alkylating agent, mitomycin C (MMC) on dermal fibroblasts from patients with Fanconi's anemia (FA), a hereditary human disease characterized by pancytopenia, hypersensitivity to DNA-crosslinking agents, congenital abnormalities and a predisposition for neoplasia. At 24 or 48 hr after a 2-hr exposure to 0.05 or 0.10 micrograms/ml MMC, (3)HdT incorporation was reduced to a greater extent in FA cells than in normal cells. Cells sorted from the last half of S phase showed a slightly greater inhibition of (3)HdT incorporation than did those sorted from the first half of S. Fanconi's anemia cells exhibited a marked accumulation in the G(2) + M peak of flow histograms following exposure to MMC. Twenty-four hr after treatment with .0.5 micrograms/ml MMC, the G(2) + M fraction of FA cells (eight lines) increased to more than 0.5 from a control value of approximately 0.02. Both normals (six lines) and heterozygotes (eight lines) showed, on the average, much less of a G(2) + M increment than did FA cells, even after exposure to 0.1 micrograms/ml MMC. Examination of cells sorted from the G(2) + M peak revealed that MMC-treated FA cells were blocked prior to mitosis. To determine whether the response of FA cells was specific for bifunctional alkylating agent, cells were also treated with ethylmethanesulfonate, a monofunctional agent. Twenty-four hours after exposure to 0.25 or 0.5 mg/ml ethylmethanesulfonate, FA and normal cells showed similar, small increases in the G(2) + M peak. The results suggest the utility of flow cytometry in the diagnostic evaluation of fibroblasts from patients suspected of having Fanconi's anemia.
Sputtering of amorphous ice induced by C60 and Au3 clusters

Abstract Molecular dynamics simulations were performed to study the behavior of cluster SIMS. Two predominant cluster ion beam sources, C 60 and Au 3 , were chosen for comparison. An amorphous water ice substrate was bombarded with incident energy of 5 keV. The C 60 cluster was observed to shatter upon impact creating a crater of damage approximately 8 nm deep. Although Au 3 was also found to both break apart and form a damage crater, it continued along its initial trajectory causing damage roughly 10 nm deep into the sample and becoming completely imbedded. It is suggested that this difference in behavior is due to the large mass of Au relative to the substrate water molecule.
High temperature catalytic combustion of CO−O2−N2, Ar, He, CO2−H2O mixtures of platinum

Abstract In a steady flow reactor, using a platinum-coated honeycomb catalyst with channel diameter of 1.4 mm and length of 76 mm, measurements were made of substrate temperature at ten axial locations, exhaust concentrations of CO, CO 2 , O 2 and pressure drop with CO-air mixtures at 600 K inlet temperature, 110–200 kPa pressures, 10–70 m s −1 inlet velocities, 0.013–0.32 equivalence ratios, and 0.54 mol % water content. Also employed were CO-CO 2 , N 2 , Ar, He-O 2 mixtures at 600–700 K, 110 kPa, 11–13 m s −1 , and 0.031–0.56 equivalence ratios. The gas processes within a channel were then computed with a 2-dim. steady state model that includes axial and radial convection, laminar diffusion of mass, momentum and energy, a homogeneous single step irreversible reaction and, initially, a finite-rate surface reaction. Comparison of computed and measured quantities is satisfactory. Under the conditions tested, oxidation of CO is mostly diffusion-controlled. Homogeneous reactions are important only for the lowest velocities and highest equivalence ratios. It would appear that the presence of water increases the rate of high temperature catalytic oxidation of CO.
Community-Associated Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus Infections in the Athlete.

Context:Community-associated methicillin-resistant Staphlococcus aureus (CA-MRSA) has become of increasing concern in the athletic setting. Appropriate recognition, treatment, and prevention measures are all paramount to protect individual athletes and teamwide outbreaks.Evidence Acquisition:Relevant electronic databases (Medline or PubMed) through 2008 were searched. Articles and studies relevant to this topic were reviewed for pertinent clinical information.Study Type:Clinical review.Results:CA-MRSA is an increasing problem both in the community at large and in the athletic population.Conclusion:Early infections based on methicillin-resistant Staphlococcus aureus are often misidentified, leading to delay in appropriate treatment. A high level of suspicion, prompt recognition, and appropriate treatment can minimize morbidity associated with CA-MRSA. Careful selection of antibiotics in suspected cases is important, with more severe infections requiring hospitalization and intravenous antibiotics. Eradicat...
Abstract 3316: Characterizing mechanisms of resistance to androgen deprivation in prostate cancer

Proceedings: AACR Annual Meeting 2014; April 5-9, 2014; San Diego, CA Despite significant advances in the treatment of prostate cancer (PCa), this malignancy remains a leading cause of cancer death among men. PCa cells require androgen receptor (AR) signaling for their growth and survival. Androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) constitutes the main therapeutic option for patients with advanced PCa. However, the major cause of death in men with metastatic prostate cancer involves progression to castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC). Characterizing mechanisms of resistance to ADT could enable the development of more effective therapeutic strategies. To identify genes whose silencing drives resistance to ADT in androgen-sensitive PCa cells, we performed a systematic genome-wide suppressor RNAi screen in the androgen-sensitive LNCaP cells, using a 98,000-shRNA library, targeting approximately 16,000 human genes. After infection, cells were cultured in absence of androgens for several weeks. Cells showing the ability to proliferate upon androgen deprivation were harvested at different time points and shRNA sequences were identified and quantitated through nextgen sequencing. Hit genes were those with at least 2 shRNAs enriched >4 fold, and whose silencing exerted the most robust effects on cell proliferation. To validate the identified top-tier genes in vitro, we infected LNCaP cells with lentiviruses carrying shRNAs (2 shRNAs/candidate gene) targeting the top ∼30 candidate genes, in parallel with 15 negative control shRNAs. We monitored the ability of each shRNA to increase proliferation under androgen-deprived conditions, using cell viability assays. To determine whether any shRNAs drive castration resistance by reactivating the AR-signaling pathway, we analyzed the expression of known AR effector genes in the presence of candidate shRNAs and also tested their effect on cell proliferation in the presence of the direct AR antagonist MDV3100. In future, we will also validate candidate genes in vivo, using a LNCaP xenograft model. This study has identified several genes whose silencing may modulate resistance to ADT in prostate cancer. Additional functional studies should determine whether a subset of these may promote new therapeutic strategies for men with CRPC. Citation Format: Ginevra Botta, Judit Jane-Valbuena, Terence Wong, John Doench, Levi A. Garraway. Characterizing mechanisms of resistance to androgen deprivation in prostate cancer. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 105th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2014 Apr 5-9; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2014;74(19 Suppl):Abstract nr 3316. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2014-3316
Nonparametric Estimation of Ratio of Scale Parameters

Abstract Let X 1, …, X m and Y 1, …, Y n be independent random variables from two continuous distributions F (σ1 −1 (x − v)) and F (σ2 −1 (x − η)), respectively, where ν and η are medians and σ1 and σ2 are scale parameters. Explicit forms of estimators of the ratio of scale parameters are obtained based on Ansari-Bradley, modified Ansari-Bradley, Siegel-Tukey, and modified Sukhatme tests. In the case where the Ansari-Bradley test is used, the limiting distribution of the estimator is obtained, assuming ν, η known or unknown. Numerical examples and a graphical method for obtaining the estimates are also given.
Nerve growth factor induces neural differentiation in undifferentiated cells of early chick embryos

Nerve growth factor (NGF) induced differentiation in postnodal pieces (PNPs) of stage 4 chick embryos. This induction was highly selective for neural tissue; no other structures developed in the NGF-treated PNPs. Furthermore, the number of PNPs showing neural differentiation was dependent on the concentration of NGF, but there was no correlation between the concentration of NGF (5-100 ng/ml) and extent of neuralization. The neural inducing capacity of NGF could be abolished by anti-NGF antibody. NGF-induced neural differentiation was accompanied by elevated intracellular levels of cyclic AMP. Exogenous cyclic AMP (175 micrograms/ml) was able to stimulate neural differentiation but, unlike NGF, induced other structures (e.g., notochord and pulsatile tissue). Overall results suggest that cells from chick embryos at developmental stages much earlier than previously thought are responsive to NGF and NGF or a a closely related substance may serve as a neural inducer in the chick embryo.
Improved detection of the sickle mutation by DNA analysis: application to prenatal diagnosis.

DETECTION of sickle hemoglobin in the human fetus was first accomplished nearly 10 years ago.1 , 2 This marked the beginning of a technology for prenatal diagnosis of the hemoglobinopathies. When m...
Fragility Increment Functions for Deteriorating Reinforced Concrete Bridge Columns

The increased deformation and shear fragilities of corroding RC bridge columns subject to seismic excitations are modeled as functions of time using fragility increment functions. These functions can be applied to various environmental and material conditions by means of controlling parameters that correspond to the specific condition. For each mode of failure, the fragility of a deteriorated column at any given time is obtained by simply multiplying the initial fragility of the pristine/nondeteriorated column by the corresponding function developed in this paper. The developed increment functions account for the effects of the time-dependent uncertainties that are present in the corrosion model as well as in the structural capacity models. The proposed formulation is a useful tool for engineering practice because the fragility of deteriorated columns is obtained without any extra reliability analysis once the fragility of the pristine column is known. The fragility increment functions are expressed as functions of time t and a given deformation or shear demand. Unknown parameters involved in the models are estimated using a Bayesian updating framework. A model selection is conducted during the assessment of the unknown parameters using the Akaike information criterion and the Bayesian information criterion. For estimation of the parameters, a set of data is obtained by first-order reliability method analysis using existing probabilistic capacity models for corroding RC bridge columns. Example fragilities of a deteriorated bridge column typical of current California's practice are presented to demonstrate the developed methodology. Increment functions suggested in this paper can be used to assess the time-variant fragility for application to life cycle cost and risk analyses.
Structure and Swelling of Grafted Polyelectrolytes: Predictions from a Nonlocal Density Functional Theory

The properties of polyelectrolytes anchored on surfaces depend on a broad range of parameters including the characteristics of the polyions, salt concentration, ion valence, and solvent conditions. While these systems have been subjected to extensive theoretical and experimental investigations in particular in the brush limit, a number of important questions remain to be addressed concerning the electrostatic correlations and excluded- volume effects beyond typical mean-field approximations. In this work, we applied a nonlocal density functional theory (DFT) to tethered polyelectrolytes within a primitive model and examined the effects of salt concentration, polymer grafting density, and chain length on the polyion configurations, the mean electrostatic potential, and the distributions of both counterions and co-ions. Whereas the theoretical framework is directly applicable to arbitrary solution conditions, this work is focused on systems containing only monovalent ions so that the comparison can be made with the established results. Given the polyion chain length and grafting density, we predicted a smooth transition from the osmotic brush to the salted brush in response to the increase of the salt concentration. In the osmotic regime, the brush thickness is invariant with the salt concentration but grows with the grafting density. In the salted regime, the brush thickness follows the classical scaling relation H ∝ Cs -1/3 for long polyelectrolytes but noticeably, the magnitude of the fractional exponent declines as the polyion chain length falls. Linear relations between the polyelectrolyte chain length and the brush thickness were identified for both osmotic and salted brushes. Qualitatively, all these predictions were found in good agreement with experiments or with simulations.
The user's mental model of an information retrieval system: an experiment on a prototype online catalog

Abstract An empirical study was performed to train naive subjects in the use of a prototype Boolean logic-based information retrieval system on a database of bibliographic records. The research was based on the mental models theory which proposes that people can be trained to develop a “mental model” or a qualitative simulation of a system which will aid in generating methods for interacting with the system, debugging errors, and keeping track of one's place in the system. It follows that conceptual training based on a system model will be superior to procedural training based on the mechanics of the system. We performed a laboratory experiment with two training conditions (model and procedural), and with each condition split by sex. Forty-three subjects participated in the experiment, but only 32 were able to reach the minimum competency level required to complete the experiment. The data analysis incorporated time-stamped monitoring data, personal characteristics variables, affective variables, and interview data in which subjects described how they thought the system worked (an articulation of the model). As predicted, the model-based training had no effect on the ability to perform simple, procedural tasks, but subjects trained with a model performed better on complex tasks that required extrapolation from the basic operations of the system. A stochastic process analysis of search-state transitions reinforced this conclusion. Subjects had difficulty articulating a model of the system, and we found no differences in articulation by condition. The high number of subjects (26% ) who were unable to pass the benchmark test indicates that the retrieval tasks were inherently difficult. More interestingly, those who dropped out were significantly more likely to be humanities or social science majors than science or engineering majors, suggesting important individual differences and equity issues. The sex-related differences were slight, although significant, and suggest future research questions.
New constraints on time-reversal asymmetry from a search for a permanent electric dipole moment of 199Hg.

A search for permanent electric dipole moment of $^{199}\mathrm{Hg}$ atoms has yielded the null result d${(}^{199}$Hg)=(0.7\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}1.5)\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}${10}^{\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}26}$ e\ensuremath{\cdot}cm, which improves by an order of magnitude the limits on several possible interactions that violate time-reversal symmetry. The experiment was performed by the use of optically pumped atomic oscillators to measure any shift in the NMR frequency of $^{199}\mathrm{Hg}$ (I=(1/2) produced by an external electric field.
Sorption of solutes by poly(ethylene oxide). II. Benzene at finite concentrations

We have determined the activity of benzene in poly(ethylene oxide) over concentration ranges from 0 to 20 wt-% from 70° to 150°C using gas–liquid chromatography. The results are well corelated by the corresponding-states theory of Prigogine and Flory. Comparison between our results and those obtained by other workers using a “static” method indicate good agreement, except at very low benzene concentrations.
Evaluation and management of malignant cervical lymphadenopathy with an unknown primary tumor.

Periodically physicians involved in the management of head and neck cancer encounter a patient with biopsy-demonstrated carcinoma within a cervical lymph node but with no clinically detectable primary tumor site within the upper aerodigestive tract. Presumed metastatic carcinoma within cervical lymph nodes with an unknown primary site is relatively rare, representing only 3% to 5% of all head and neck cancers [1]. Explanations for this phenomenon are speculative, and although the roles of panendoscopy (directed laryngoscopy, esophagoscopy, bronchoscopy) and directed biopsies are generally accepted, many questions about how to employ and interpret new radiographic technologies and about appropriate management remain unanswered. This article reviews current information regarding the diagnostic evaluation of the patient with malignant cervical disease with an unknown primary tumor site, prognostic indicators for these patients, and treatment strategies.
Effect of increasing the level of ω-3 fatty acids on rat skeletal muscle sarcoplasmic reticulum

The effect of dietary supplementation with fish oil as compared to corn oil on the lipid dynamics and calcium ATPase activity of rat skeletal sarcoplasmic reticulum was examined. After four-week supplementation with fish oil, the levels of eicosapentaenoic (20∶5ω3), docosapentaenoic (22∶5ω3) and docosahexaenoic (22∶6ω3) acids in the total lipids were 5.3, 5.5 and 28.1% of the total fatty acids, respectively. In contrast, with corn oil only 22∶6 was found (8.9%). The level of these fatty acids in phosphatidylethanolamine from the membranes of animals fed fish oil was 4.2 (20∶5), 5.4 (22∶5) and 49.1% (22∶6); and for phosphatidylcholine it was 5.4 (20∶5), 4.6 (22∶5) and 17.4% (22∶6). Again, in corn oil fed animals, only 22∶6 was found in appreciable amounts, namely 28.3% in phosphatidylethanolamine and 1.8% in phosphatidylcholine. The steady state fluorescence anisotropy of 1,6-diphenyl-1,3,5-hexatriene (DPH) was used to assess lipid order and was found to be only slightly less for membranes from animals supplemented with fish oil (0.120) as compared to those supplemented with corn oil (0.124). The calcium ATPase was found to be unaffected by supplementation consistent with the observed modest changes in lipid order as well as with suggestions that the enzyme is relatively insensitive to the level of unsaturation. It could be argued that if large increases in fatty acyl polyunsaturation in mammalian cell membranes would lead to marked alterations in bulk membrane lipid motional properties, this may not be in the interest of preserving physiological function. The complex mixture of phospholipid molecular species present in natural membranes may buffer against this by a type of passive adaptation, without the expenditure of metabolic energy, thus providing a homeoviscous environment able to optimally support membrane protein function.
Metal-ion binding and metal-ion induced folding of the adenine-sensing riboswitch aptamer domain

Divalent cations are important in the folding and stabilization of complex RNA structures. The adenine-sensing riboswitch controls the expression of mRNAs for proteins involved in purine metabolism by directly sensing intracellular adenine levels. Adenine binds with high affinity and specificity to the ligand binding or aptamer domain of the adenine-sensing riboswitch. The X-ray structure of this domain in complex with adenine revealed an intricate RNA-fold consisting of a three-helix junction stabilized by long-range base-pairing interactions and identified five binding sites for hexahydrated Mg2+-ions. Furthermore, a role for Mg2+-ions in the ligand-induced folding of this RNA was suggested. Here, we describe the interaction of divalent cations with the RNA–adenine complex in solution as studied by high-resolution NMR spectroscopy. Paramagnetic line broadening, chemical shift mapping and intermolecular nuclear Overhauser effects (NOEs) indicate the presence of at least three binding sites for divalent cations. Two of them are similar to those in the X-ray structure. The third site, which is important for the folding of this RNA, has not been observed previously. The ligand-free state of the RNA is conformationally heterogeneous and contains base-pairing patterns detrimental to ligand binding in the absence of Mg2+, but becomes partially pre-organized for ligand binding in the presence of Mg2+. Compared to the highly similar guanine-sensing riboswitch, the folding pathway for the adenine-sensing riboswitch aptamer domain is more complex and the influence of Mg2+ is more pronounced.
A CoMFA Model of Steric and Electronic Effects of Phosphorus Ligands

The method of comparative molecular field analysis (CoMFA) has been applied to a series of 6 reactions involving a transition-metal center and a series of substituted phosphine ligands. A CoMFA analysis of parameters used in classical QSAR including the Tolman cone angle and Brown's steric parameter ER has also been performed. Provided that the dataset of compounds is carefully chosen and is sufficiently large, CoMFA can be used in place of traditional QSAR methods which have employed Tolman cone angles and carbon-13 chemical shifts as parameters. The CoMFA results show that steric and electronic factors have comparable weight in determining chemical reactivity in the types of reactions considered.
Feasibility and effects of a group kickboxing program for individuals with multiple sclerosis: A pilot report

Summary Background and purpose Balance and mobility impairments are common in persons with multiple sclerosis (MS). The primary purpose of this pilot program was to evaluate the feasibility and the effects of group kickboxing on balance and mobility in individuals with MS. Methods Four individuals with relapsing–remitting or secondary progressive MS participated in a group kickboxing program two times per week for 8 weeks. Outcome measures included the Berg Balance Scale (BBS), Dynamic Gait Index (DGI), Timed Up and Go (TUG), walking speed and the Activities Specific Balance Confidence Scale (ABC). Results Following training, 3 of 4 participants had improvements in BBS performance. All participants demonstrated improvements in the DGI. Changes in the TUG, ABC, and walking speed were more variable. Conclusion Group kickboxing appears to be a feasible exercise activity for individuals with MS and may lead to improvement in select measures of balance. Further investigation may be warranted.
The Chemical Composition of Citrus Hystrix DC (Swangi)

ABSTRACT The chemical composition of the essential oils of Swangi (Citrus hystrix DC) were investigated by gas chromatography and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. (−)-Citronellal was characterized as the main component (81%) of the leaf oil. It was also found as the main component of the twig oil (78.64%), and a major component of the peel oil (23.64%) in combination with β-pinene (25.93%) and sabinene (20.36%). In total 57 constituents were characterized in the leaf oil. 2, 6-Dimethyl-5-heptenal, citronellic acid, and safrole were some of the more unusual components found in the various oils of C. hystrix. An extract of the juice, which was found to contain β-pinene (39.50%) and terpinen-4-ol (17.55%), was not very similar in composition to an extract of the peel. This latter extract, which contained β-pinene (31.54%), sabinene (15.57%) and citronellal (16.80%), was qualitatively relatively similar in composition to the peel oil.
Landau theory of the ferroelastic phase transition in ionic molecular solids: A microscopic approach

Starting from Bogolyubov's inequality, we derive a variational form for the Helmholtz free energy $F$ to study the ferroelastic phase transitions in simple ionic molecular solids. The coefficients of the Landau expansion of $F$ in terms of the five orientational order parameters (${\ensuremath{\eta}}_{i},i=1,\dots{},5$) are calculated from a rotation-translation Hamiltonian which has been used with reasonable success to explain the thermoelastic anomalies of the orientationally disordered phase. Detailed calculations have been performed for CsCN to understand the first-order phase transition from the pseudocubic ($\mathrm{Pm}3m$) to trigonal ($R3m$) phase. Various aspects of this transition resulting from the interplay of direct and lattice-mediated interactions and limitations of the currently used models to describe the physical properties of alkali cyanides are discussed.
Water-miscible organic cosolvents enhance phosphatidylinositol-specific phospholipase C phosphotransferase as well as phosphodiesterase activity

Phosphatidylinositol-specific phospholipase C (PI-PLC) from Bacillus thuringiensis catalyzes the hydrolysis of phosphatidylinositol (PI) in a Ca(2+)-independent two-step mechanism: (i) an intramolecular phosphotransferase reaction to form inositol 1,2-(cyclic)-phosphate (cIP), followed by (ii) a cyclic phosphodiesterase activity that converts cIP to inositol 1-phosphate (I-1-P). Moderate amounts of water-miscible organic solvents have previously been shown to dramatically enhance the cyclic phosphodiesterase activity, that is, hydrolysis of cIP. Cosolvents [isopropanol (iPrOH), dimethylsufoxide (DMSO), and dimethylformamide (DMF)] also enhance the phosphotransferase activity of PI-PLC toward PI initially presented in vesicles, monomers, or micelles. Although these water-miscible organic cosolvents caused large changes in PI particle size and distribution (monitored with pyrene-labeled PI fluorescence, 31P NMR spectroscopy, gel filtration, and electron microscopy) that differed with the activating solvent, the change in PI substrate structure in different cosolvents was not correlated with the enhanced catalytic efficiency of PI-PLC toward its substrates. PI-PLC stability was decreased in water/organic cosolvent mixtures (e.g., the T(m) for PI-PLC thermal denaturation decreased linearly with added iPrOH). However, the addition of myo-inositol, a water-soluble inhibitor of PI-PLC, helped stabilize the protein. At 30% iPrOH and 4 degrees C (well below the T(m) for PI-PLC in the presence of iPrOH), cosolvent-induced changes in protein secondary structure were minimal. iPrOH and diheptanoylphosphatidylcholine, each of which activates PI-PLC for cIP hydrolysis, exhibited a synergistic effect for cIP hydrolysis that was not observed with PI as substrate. This behavior is consistent with a mechanism for cosolvent activation that involves changes in active site polarity along with small conformational changes involving the barrel rim tryptophan side chains that have little effect on protein secondary structure.
List processing free responses: Analysis of open-ended questions with word processor

Analysis of responses to open-ended questions can be facilitated by the use of word processors. Examples are given on the application of the list processing procedures incase selection, case arrangement, andcontent analysis. While the illustrations here are based on the WORD-11 package for DEC mainframes, the method can be readily adapted to other word processing softwares, including those written for micro-computers.
Major rearrangements in the 70S ribosomal 3D structure caused by a conformational switch in 16S ribosomal RNA

Dynamic changes in secondary structure of the 16S rRNA during the decoding of mRNA are visualized by three-dimensional cryo-electron microscopy of the 70S ribosome. Thermodynamically unstable base pairing of the 912-910 (CUC) nucleotides of the 16S RNA with two adjacent complementary regions at nucleotides 885-887 (GGG) and 888-890 (GAG) was stabilized in either of the two states by point mutations at positions 912 (C912G) and 885 (G885U). A wave of rearrangements can be traced arising from the switch in the three base pairs and involving functionally important regions in both subunits of the ribosome. This significantly affects the topography of the A-site tRNA-binding region on the 30S subunit and thereby explains changes in tRNA affinity for the ribosome and fidelity of decoding mRNA.
Cloning and expression of FomA, the major outer-membrane protein gene from Fusobacterium nucleatum T18.

Abstract The major outer-membrane protein, FomA, of Fusobacterium nucleatum has been associated with porin activity, interbacterial adherence and stimulation of host immune cells. Until now, molecular analysis of FomA has not been possible because previous attempts to clone the fomA gene were not successful. The inability to clone F. nucleatum genes led to speculation that Escherichia coli may not be a suitable host. This report concerns the amplification of the fomA gene of F. nucleatum T18 using oligonucleotide primers containing restriction endonuclease sites that allow cloning of fomA into the E. coli expression vector pMMB67. The resultant plasmid, pXW1, was transformed into E. coli DH5α, providing high-level expression of recombinant FomA (rFomA). Amino acid sequencing of rFomA demonstrated that the FomA signal peptide was correctly processed by E. coli signal peptidase I. rFomA was correctly localized to the outer membrane by the E. coli export pathway. The rFomA protein also displayed the heat-modifiable oligomeric and conformational properties of native FomA (nFomA). This demonstration of rFomA expression, processing, export, and secondary and tertiary structure in E. coli provides support for the feasibility of molecular analysis of the structure and function of FomA and other F. nucleatum proteins using recombinant techniques.
Susceptibility of strawberry cultivars to the vine weevil Otiorhynchus sulcatus (Coleoptera: Curculionidae)

The feeding preference of vine weevil, Otiorhynchus sulcatus (Fabricius), adults for foliage from 21 commercial cultivars of strawberries is investigated using binary choice tests with leaf disks, using 'Honeoye' as a standard against which all other cultivars are compared. 'Delmarvel', 'Idea', 'Lester', 'Primetime' and 'Seneca' are not preferred. 2 Variation in leaf nitrogen content is correlated with feeding preference, but does not explain all the variation, because outliers exist for both preferred and nonpreferred cultivars. 3 Removal of leaf hairs with adhesive tape permits their role in deterrence to be evaluated. Eight of the 21 cultivars have deterrent leaf hairs. Paradoxically, some highly preferred cultivars (e.g. 'Latestar' and 'Tristar') have deterrent leaf hairs, and four of the five nonpreferred cultivars lack significantly deterrent leaf hairs. 4 The 21 tested cultivars do not differ in their suitability for vine weevil larval development. 5 Differences in cultivar susceptibility to vine weevil in the field may involve interactions between the palatability and nutritional value of foliage, which influence fecundity and egg placement, and the tolerance of strawberry plants to larval feeding, determined by root biomass. The nonpreference traits found in the foliage of commercial cultivars of strawberry are present by chance. Accordingly, further selective breeding to enhance strawberry varietal tolerance to vine weevils may be possible.
EFFECTS OF DELAYED TREATMENT WITH TRANSFORMING GROWTH FACTOR-β SOLUBLE RECEPTOR IN A THREE-DOSE BLEOMYCIN MODEL OF LUNG FIBROSIS IN HAMSTERS

Transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) plays a pivotal role in an exaggerated synthesis and accumulation of collagen in fibrotic disorders of many organs. We have previously demonstrated that repeated intratracheal (IT) instillation of TGF-beta soluble receptor (TR) in hamsters markedly decreased the bleomycin (BL)-induced lung fibrosis in response to a single dose. The present study was carried out in a 3-dose BL-hamster model of lung fibrosis to better evaluate the therapeutic potential of TR. Three doses of BL (2.5, 2.0, and 1.5 U/4 mL/kg) or an equivalent volume of isotonic saline was administered IT consecutively at weekly intervals, and phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) or TR (4 nmol/0.3 mL/hamster) by the same route twice a week, starting after the 2nd BL or 3rd BL dose. Twenty-one days after the 3rd dose of BL instillation, the hamsters were killed for bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) and biochemical and histopathological analyses. The results showed that treatment with TR starting after either the 2nd or 3rd dose of BL caused significant reduction in BL-induced lung fibrosis, as demonstrated by marked decreases in the hydroxyproline level and prolyl hydroxylase activity of the lungs. Histopathological evaluation of the lungs also revealed that the hamsters in both BL+TR groups had markedly fewer fibrotic lesions than hamsters in BL+PBS group. These results demonstrate the beneficial effects of delayed treatment with TR in attenuating the progression of ongoing fibrotic process and suggest its potential therapeutic uses in the management of lung fibrosis in humans.
A clinicopathologic study of isolated intestinal allografts with preformed IgG lymphocytotoxic antibodies.

Abstract Humoral rejection of human small bowel allografts has not been well documented. The aim of this study was to determine the significance of preformed IgG lymphocytotoxic antibodies, as determined by the modified Amos crossmatch technique, in 6 of 28 (21.4%) adult isolated intestinal allograft recipients treated with tacrolimus basal immunosuppression. The crossmatch with dithiothreitol (DTT) was strongly positive in 5 grafts and weakly positive in the remaining one. The strongly positive crossmatch grafts (n = 5) developed severe mucosal injuries immediately after reperfusion. Within the first 10 days after transplantation, 3 of the 5 strongly positive crossmatch grafts developed clinically and endoscopically documented severe mucosal congestion, cyanotic discoloration, and focal hemorrhage within the allograft. Simultaneous mucosal biopsy specimens demonstrated severe congestion, neutrophilic margination, and fibrin-platelet thrombi within the lamina propria microvasculature, along with focal hemorrhage, but with no histological neutrophilic or necrotizing arteritis, and the immunofluorescent findings were unremarkable. The other 2 strongly positive crossmatch allograft recipients developed macroscopic congestion of mucosa with microscopic foci of congestion and hemorrhage. In contrast, the recipient with a weakly positive crossmatch, as well as the 22 crossmatch negative recipients, exhibited none of these characteristic clinical, endoscopic, or microscopic findings ( P P > .05) in early graft survival and the frequency of acute rejection episodes between the crossmatch-positive and the crossmatch-negative groups within the first 6 months after transplantation. We conclude that preformed IgG lymphocytotoxic antibodies in isolated intestinal recipients can be associated with a characteristic clinicopathologic syndrome during the early postoperative course, similar to that observed in experimental animal models and in other solid organ transplantation. If recognized and treated aggressively, early graft failure can be avoided. The long-term significance of these preformed antibodies has yet to be determined.
Robotic-Assisted Laparoscopic Radical Cystoprostatectomy

Abstract Objectives Recent small case series have been reported for robotic-assisted laparoscopic radical cystoprostatectomy. The present literature includes 34 patients who have undergone robotic-assisted cystectomy procedures. We report our initial experience with robotic-assisted laparoscopic radical cystoprostatectomy, describing stepwise the surgical procedure and evaluating perioperative and pathologic outcomes of this novel procedure. Methods Twenty men underwent robotic-assisted laparoscopic radical cystoprostatectomy and extracorporeal urinary diversion for clinically localized bladder cancer. The stepwise operative procedure is described in detail. Outcome measures evaluated included operative variables, hospital recovery, pathologic outcomes, and complication rate. Comparisons were made to these gender-matched 24 men who underwent an open procedure during this same period. Results Mean age was 62.3 yr (range: 54–76 yr). Ten patients underwent ileal conduit diversion and 10 patients underwent an orthotopic neobladder. In all cases the urinary diversion was performed extracorporeally. Mean operating room time of all patients was 6.1h (most recent 10 cases, 5.2h). Mean surgical blood loss was 313ml. On surgical pathology, 14 patients were ≤pT2, 4 patients pT3, and 2 patients N+. In no case was there inadvertent entry into the bladder or positive surgical margins. Mean number of lymph nodes removed was 19 (range: 6–29). Mean time to flatus was 2.1 d and bowel movement 2.8 d. Sixteen patients were discharged on postoperative day (POD) 4, three patients on POD 5, and one on POD 8. There were six postoperative complications (30%) in five patients. Conclusions Our initial experience with robotic-assisted laparoscopic radical cystoprostatectomy appears to be favorable with acceptable operative, pathologic, and short-term clinical outcomes. As our experience increases, we should expect to continue to refine our surgical technique and reduce operating room times. Larger experiences are required to adequately evaluate and validate this procedure as an appropriate surgical and oncologic option for the bladder cancer patient.