cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Cell-free protein production and labeling protocol for NMR-based structural proteomics.

Structural proteomics requires robust, scalable methods. Here we describe a wheat germ cell-free platform for protein production that supports efficient NMR structural studies of eukaryotic proteins and offers advantages over cell-based methods. To illustrate this platform, we describe its application to a specific target (At3g01050.1) from Arabidopsis thaliana. After cloning the target gene into a specialized plasmid, we carry out a small-scale (50 μl) in vitro sequential transcription and translation trial to ascertain the level of protein production and solubility. Next, we prepare mRNA for use in a 4-ml semicontinuous cell-free translation reaction to incorporate 15N-labeled amino acids into a protein sample that we purify and test for suitability for NMR structural analysis. We then repeat the cell-free approach with 13C,15N-labeled amino acids to prepare a doubly labeled sample. The three-dimensional (3D) structure of At3g01050.1 shows that this protein is an unusual member of the β-grasp protein family.
A real-time biomechanical feedback system for training rowers

A system was developed that quantifies rowing mechanics while an athlete trains on a rowing ergometer. The system consists of a Concept II rowing ergometer instrumented with a load cell and a series of potentiometers, a data acquisition computer and custom software. Kinematic and kinetic rowing data are displayed in the form of a two-dimensional stick figure animation, overlaid with kinematic and kinetic profiles. The software allows data to be saved and later replayed.
On the attenuated Radon transform with full and partial measurements

This paper deals with the reconstruction and the redundancy of the two-dimensional attenuated Radon transform (AtRT). When full measurements are available, we characterize the information on a spatially and angularly dependent function that can be retrieved from its AtRT. In particular we consider the reconstruction of isotropic scalar and vector-valued source terms. Next we consider the reconstruction of a spatially dependent function from its AtRT with half angular measurements. We show that the inversion is feasible provided that the spatial variations of the absorption coefficient are not too large. The reconstruction is based on the decomposition of the reconstruction operator in the Novikov formula into three components bounded in the L2 sense. The first component involves the measured partial data. The second component is a skew-symmetric operator. The third component is a symmetric and compact contribution whose spectral radius, which depends on the attenuation, needs to be smaller than unity in our reconstruction. In a paper (Bal and Moireau, Preprint) on the numerical implementation of the reconstruction, we show that the reconstruction algorithm can be successfully applied in situations of practical interest.
Information competence as a value‐added product: applying the business model to academe

This article details the process behind utilizing business models and concepts to create one of the most comprehensive subject‐specific information competence Web sites in the USA.
Simulation input data modeling

Input data modeling is a critical component of a successful simulation application. A perspective of the area is given with an emphasis on available probability distributions as models, estimation methods, model selection and discrimination, and goodness of fit. Three specific distribution classes (lambda,SB, TES processes) are discussed in some detail to illustrate characteristics that favor input models. Regarding estimation, we argue for maximum likelihood estimation over method of moments and other matching schemes due to intrinsic superior properties (presuming a specific model) and the capability of accommodating messy data types. We conclude with a list of specific research problems and areas warranting additional attention.
The effect of point-of- care ultrasonography on emergency department length of stay and CT utilization in children with suspected appendicitis

Background The role of clinician-performed ultrasonography for suspected appendicitis is controversial. Published data conclude that ultrasonography has high specificity to rule in the diagnosis of appendicitis with variable sensitivity to rule it out. Newer data suggest that point-of-care ultrasonography (PoCUS) may have similar test characteristics. This is the first study to examine the effect of point-of-care ultrasonography on emergency department (ED) length of stay (LOS) and CT utilization in children with suspected appendicitis.
Characterization of Bacterial Adhesin Interactions with Extracellular Matrix Components Utilizing Biosensor Technology

Abstract Microbial adhesion to host tissue represents the first step in an infection process and is a potential target for the development of new antimicrobial agents. Our laboratory has focused on the molecular mechanisms of microbial adhesion to host extracellular matrix components that involve specific bacterial surface proteins, adhesins that interact with distinct sites on host ECM molecules. BIAcore is one of the techniques we use to characterize these interactions. In this communication we describe the use of BlAcore to (a) determine the binding constants and specificity of different forms of a recombinant collagen adhesin that all contain the active site but vary in amount of flanking sequence and (b) compare the ligand-binding kinetics of recombinant active sites of four fibronectin-binding adhesins from different bacteria.
The importance of the amide bond nearest the thiol group in enzymatic reactions of coenzyme A

Analogues of coenzyme A (CoA) and of CoA thioesters have been prepared in which the amide bond nearest the thiol group has been modified. An analogue of acetyl-CoA in which this amide bond is replaced with an ester linkage was a good substrate for the enzymes carnitine acetyltransferase, chloramphenicol acetyltransferase, and citrate synthase, with K(m) values 2- to 8-fold higher than those of acetyl-CoA and V(max) values from 14 to >80% those of the natural substrate. An analogue in which an extra methylene group was inserted between the amide bond and the thiol group showed less than 4-fold diminished binding to the three enzymes but exhibited less than 1% activity relative to acetyl-CoA with carnitine acetyltransferase and no measurable activity with the other two enzymes. Analogues of several CoA thioesters in which the amide bond was replaced with a hemithioacetal linkage exhibited no measurable activity with the appropriate enzymes. The results indicate that some aspects of the amide bond and proper distance between this amide and the thiol/thioester moiety are critical for activity of CoA ester-utilizing enzymes.
Effect of surface carbon on the hydrogen evolution reactivity of tungsten carbide (WC) and Pt-modified WC electrocatalysts

Abstract Tungsten carbide (WC) has been previously identified as both an electrocatalyst and a support for several types of electrochemical reactions. The synthesis of WC often leads to excess surface carbon that can greatly affect its electrocatalytic activity. This work will evaluate the effect of surface carbon on WC both as a catalyst and as a support for monolayer (ML) amounts of platinum (Pt). WC thin films with no surface carbon, along with those with 1, 2, 3, or 4 equivalent ML of surface carbon, were synthesized. The hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) activity was used as a probe to test the effect of surface carbon on the electrochemical activity of WC and 1 ML Pt on WC (Pt/WC) using linear sweep voltammogram (LSV) in 0.5 M sulfuric acid. The HER activity of WC was relatively unaffected for very small amounts of surface carbon but decreased when several MLs or more of surface carbon was present. Pt/WC without surface carbon was found to have slightly higher HER activity as compared to Pt deposited on WC with surface carbon.
The Cartesian Diver: A Self-Profiling Lagrangian Velocity Recorder

Abstract The Cartesian diver is an autonomous velocity profiler capable of operating to 1 km depth in the ocean. It has a self-controlled buoyancy changer which is used to control the direction of profiling. The buoyancy changer has two states, full positive or full negative buoyancy. With correct ballasting the instrument has roughly equal up and down profiling speeds. A passive compressible volume appended to the pressure case is used to keep the buoyancy constant during an up or down run despite changes of density of the surrounding seawater, thus keeping the profiling speed and sampling intervals constant throughout a profile. A microcomputer system controls the buoyancy changer, data collection, and internal recording. Battery energy storage for the buoyancy changer is sufficient for 200 consecutive dives to 500 meters, thus 400 profiles. Horizontal components of velocity fluctuations with vertical wavelengths greater than 10 m are sensed using the method of geomagnetic induction. Since the instrumen...
Inverse Design of Low-Boom Supersonic Concepts Using Reversed Equivalent-Area Targets

A promising path for developing a low-boom configuration is a multifidelity approach that (1) starts from a low-fidelity low-boom design, (2) refines the low-fidelity design with computational fluid dynamics (CFD) equivalent-area (Ae) analysis, and (3) improves the design with sonic-boom analysis by using CFD off-body pressure distributions. The focus of this paper is on the third step of this approach, in which the design is improved with sonic-boom analysis through the use of CFD calculations. A new inverse design process for off-body pressure tailoring is formulated and demonstrated with a low-boom supersonic configuration that was developed by using the mixed-fidelity design method with CFD Ae analysis. The new inverse design process uses the reverse propagation of the pressure distribution (dp/p) from a mid-field location to a near-field location, converts the near-field dp/p into an equivalent-area distribution, generates a low-boom target for the reversed equivalent area (Ae,r) of the configuration, and modifies the configuration to minimize the differences between the configuration s Ae,r and the low-boom target. The new inverse design process is used to modify a supersonic demonstrator concept for a cruise Mach number of 1.6 and a cruise weight of 30,000 lb. The modified configuration has a fully shaped ground signature that has a perceived loudness (PLdB) value of 78.5, while the original configuration has a partially shaped aft signature with a PLdB of 82.3.
Problem solving and task complexity: An examination of the relative effectiveness of self-instruction and didactic instruction

While past research has documented the general effectiveness of self-instructional training and has suggested that it is more effective than didactic instruction, task factors that may influence the relative efficacy of these two teaching procedures have not been examined. In this study children were taught through either self-instruction or didactic instruction to solve a visual classification problem. The children's performance was subsequently evaluated on simple or complex tasks immediately after training and again 1 week later under novel assessment conditions. Results indicated that self-instructional training was uniformly more effective than didactic training in facilitating performance in the complex task situation. Reasons for the superiority of self-instructional training are discussed.
Alterations in the Ovarian Transcriptome During Primordial Follicle Assembly and Development

The assembly of the developmentally arrested primordial follicle and subsequent transition to the primary follicle are poorly understood processes critical to ovarian biology. Abnormal primordial follicle development can lead to pathologies such as premature ovarian failure. The current study used a genome-wide expression profile to investigate primordial follicle assembly and development. Rat ovaries with predominantly unassembled, primordial, or primary follicles were obtained. RNA from these ovaries was hybridized to rat microarray gene chips, and the gene expression (i.e., ovarian transcriptome) was compared between the developmental stages. Analysis of the ovarian transcriptome demonstrated 148 genes up-regulated and 50 genes down-regulated between the unassembled and primordial follicle stages. Observations demonstrate 80 genes up-regulated and 44 genes down-regulated between the primordial and primary follicle stages. The analysis demonstrated 2332 genes common among the three developmental stages, 146 genes specific for the unassembled follicles, 94 genes specific for the primordial follicles, and 151 genes specific for the primary follicles. Steroidogenic genes are up-regulated between unassembled and primordial follicles, and then many are again down-regulated between primordial and primary follicles. The hormones inhibin and Mullerian inhibitory substance (MIS) display a similar pattern of expression with the highest levels of mRNA in the primordial follicles. Several novel unknown genes that had dramatic changes in expression during primordial follicle development were also identified. Gene families/clusters identified that were up-regulated from unassembled to primordial follicles include growth factors and signal transduction gene clusters, whereas a down-regulated gene family was the synaptonemal complex genes associated with meiosis. Gene families/clusters that were up-regulated between primordial and primary follicles included immune response genes, metabolic enzymes, and proteases, whereas down-regulated gene families include the globulin genes and some steroidogenic genes. The expression of several growth factors changed during primordial follicle development, including vascular endothelial growth factor and insulin-like growth factor II. Elucidation of how these changes in gene expression coordinate primordial follicle assembly and the primordial to primary follicle transition provides a better understanding of these critical biological processes and allows selection of candidate regulatory factors for further investigation.
Single crystal EPR spectrum of Cr3+ in lanthanum lutecium gallium garnet

The Cr3+ EPR spectra of YAG type crystals normally consist of four peaks whose positions are dependent on the axial zero-field splitting D with axis along a 〈111〉 direction and angle ϑ between that direction and the applied field H0. In LLGG only three principal peaks are observed with zero-field axis nearly along x, y or z. This anomaly is attributed to the relatively small size of Cr3+ compared to Lu3+ which it displaces in an octahedral site. D varies slightly for the different zero-field axes: 0.480 cm−1 along x, 0.429 cm−1 along y and 0.470 cm−1 along z. The spectroscopic splitting factor g=1.978±0.001 is essentially isotropic and independent of axes within the experimental error.
Zona incerta lesions: disruption of regulatory water intake.

Abstract Bilateral lesions in the anterior aspects of the zona incerta of male rats produced adipsia. When tested under ad lib access to dry laboratory chow and water, only a small, although statistically reliable, decrease in water intake occurred. However, water intake promptly fell to zero when food was removed, suggesting that drinking occurred not in response to physiological signals which regulate water intake, but only as a means of facilitating the ingestion of dry food.
Nanoclay-tethered shape memory polyurethane nanocomposites

The study investigated shape memory properties of nanoclay-tethered polyurethane nanocomposites. Polyurethanes based on polycaprolactone (PCL) diol, methylene diisocyanate, and butane diol and their nanocomposites of reactive nanoclay were prepared by bulk polymerization in an internal mixer and the values of shape fixity and shape recovery stress were determined as function of clay content. The melting point of the crystalline soft segment was used as the transition temperature to actuate the shape memory actions. It was seen that clay particles exfoliated well in the polymer, decreased the crystallinity of the soft segment phase, and promoted phase mixing between the hard and soft segment phases. Nevertheless, the soft segment crystallinity was enough and in some cases increased due to stretching to exhibit excellent shape fixity and shape recovery ratio. A 20% increase in the magnitude of shape recovery stress was obtained with the addition of 1 wt% nanoclay. The room temperature tensile properties were seen to depend on the competing influence of reduced soft segment crystallinity and the clay content. However, the tensile modulus measured at temperatures above the melting point of the soft segment crystals showed continued increases with clay content.
Dynamic noise model and its application to high speed circuit design

Abstract A dynamic noise model is developed and applied to analyze the noise immunities of precharge-evaluate circuits. With cross-talk being the main source of noise injection in the circuit, a simple metric represented as voltage–time product can be used to quantify the dynamic noise-margin. This is verified through HSPICE simulation on DOMINO gates. Based on this dynamic noise model, a tool is developed and applied to find the static and dynamic noise-margins at various points in the circuit with the effects of charge share and power/ground bounce taken into account. Obtained noise-margins are translated into maximum allowable coupling capacitances between the nodes for different types of precharge-evaluate logic circuits. The results show the difference in dynamic noise immunities in different logic families. Accurate estimates of dynamic noise-margins and coupling capacitance bounds will help design robust CMOS circuits.
Towards a Better Understanding of Modeling Feasibility Robustness in Engineering Design

In robust design, it is important not only to achieve robust design objectives but also to maintain the robustness of design feasibility under the effect of variations (or uncertainties). However, the evaluation of feasibility robustness is often a computationally intensive process. Simplified approaches in existing robust design applications may lead to either over-conservative or infeasible design solutions. In this paper, several feasibility-modeling techniques for robust optimization are examined. These methods are classified into two categories: methods that require probability and statistical analyses and methods that do not. Using illustrative examples, the effectiveness of each method is compared in terms of its efficiency and accuracy. Constructive recommendations are made to employ different techniques under different circumstances. Under the framework of probabilistic optimization, we propose to use a most probable point (MPP) based importance sampling method, a method rooted in the field of reliability analysis, for evaluating the feasibility robustness. The advantages of this approach are discussed. Though our discussions are centered on robust design, the principles presented are also applicable for general probabilistic optimization problems. The practical significance of this work also lies in the development of efficient feasibility evaluation methods that can support quality engineering practice, such as the Six Sigma approach that is being widely used in American industry.
Applied statistics in ecology: common pitfalls and simple solutions

The most common statistical pitfalls in ecological research are those associated with data exploration, the logic of sampling and design, and the interpretation of statistical results. Although one can find published errors in calculations, the majority of statistical pitfalls result from incorrect logic or interpretation despite correct numerical calculations. There are often simple solutions to avoiding these problems that require only patience, clarity of thinking, probabilistic insight, and a reduced reliance on out-of-the-box approaches. Some of these trouble spots are inherent to all statistical analyses and others are particularly insidious in ecology where true controls or replication are challenging, small sample sizes are common, and correctly linking mathematical constructs and ecological ideas is essential. Here we summarize the most common statistical pitfalls observed over nearly a century of combined consulting and research experience in ecological statistics. We provide short, simple solutions.
Critics and their audiences: The rhetoric of reviewing

As theatre critics for UK newspapers write their daily/weekly reviews, what audiences do they write for? This article considers a number of different contexts for newspaper reviews and their constituencies of readers. Beginning with a moment of reversal (director as critic, critic as director), it moves through the dramatization of the actor's response to bad reviews in the play-of-the-film Theatre of Blood, before analysing ways in which scholars' uses of theatre reviewing fails to recognize the circumstances of consumption for which the reviews were written. The article then analyses examples of the presentation of reviews (Vox Pop quotes and star ratings), especially in relation to the production of Hamlet starring Jude Law, and the impact on reviewing communities (writing, reading, the writer as reader) consequent on the development of the theatre reviewing blogosphere.
Religious Pluralism and Truth: From Theology to a Hermeneutical Dialogy

N o other issue has summoned reflection for theologians and philosophers of religion in recent years more than the diversity of "truth-claims" among the religious traditions of the world. The genesis of the challenge lies in the impact of the history of religions and the sociocultural investigation of religious phenomena upon the traditional theological enterprise, which has been spurred to relinquish many of its former magisterial prerogatives in appraising the truth-content of its assertions from the standpoint of Christian exclusivism. Indeed, the entry of what used to be known as "philosophical theology" into the venture of "religious studies" as an omnibus academic discipline has cast suspicion on all attempts at resolving epistemological quandaries concerning "divine" matters without the leavening at least of what has popularly come to be called "interfaith dialogue." The acknowledgment of religious pluralism as a cultural and historical fact has deepened into a more sophisticated interest in
Some Remarks on State Reduction of Asynchronous Circuits by the Paull-Unger Method

A method is developed for the design of arbitrary length counters using three-input majority elements. The iterative nature of the design leads to circuits of extreme simplicity and regularity. The system is dc triggered, hence operating correctly regardless of the rise time or width of the clock signal. As the method does not utilize master-slave techniques, only a single-phase clock is required. A practical embodiment of the system is presented, giving correct operation at clock rates in excess of 50 Mc/s. With more sophisticated high-speed circuitry, correct operation at clock rates in excess of 100 Mc/s should be readily attainable.
Quantitative assessment of microalgae biomass and lipid stability post-cultivation

Processing of microalgal biomass to biofuels and other products requires the removal of the culture from a well-controlled growth system to a containment or preprocessing step at non-ideal growth conditions, such as darkness, minimal gas exchange, and fluctuating temperatures. The conditions and the length of time between harvest and processing will impact microalgal metabolism resulting in biomass and lipid degradation. This study experimentally investigates the impact of time and temperature on Nannochloropsis salina harvested from outdoor plate photobioreactors. The impact of three temperatures, 4°, 40° or 70°C, on biomass and lipid content (as fatty acid methyl esters) of the harvested microalgae was evaluated over a 156 hour time period. Results show that for N. salina, time and temperature are key factors that negatively impact biomass and lipid yields. The temperature of 70°C resulted in the highest degradation with the overall biofuel potential reduced by 30% over 156 hours. Short time periods, 24 hours, and low temperatures are shown to have little effect on the harvested biomass.
Synthesis, characterization, and reversible hydrogen sorption study of sodium-doped fullerene.

Herein is presented a novel, straightforward route to the synthesis of an alkali metal-doped fullerene as well as a detailed account of its reversible and enhanced hydrogen sorption properties in comparison to pure C60. This work demonstrates that a reaction of sodium hydride with fullerene (C60) results in the formation of a sodium-doped fullerene capable of reversible hydrogen sorption via a chemisorption mechanism. This material not only demonstrated reversible hydrogen storage over several cycles, it also showed the ability to reabsorb over three times the amount of hydrogen (relative to the hydrogen content of NaH) under optimized conditions. The sodium-doped fullerene was hydrogenated on a pressure composition temperature (PCT) instrument at 275?? C while under 100 bar of hydrogen pressure. The hydrogen desorption behavior of this sodium-doped fullerene hydride was observed over a temperature range up to 375?? C on the PCT and up to 550?? C on the thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). Powder x-ray diffraction verifies the identity of this material as being Na6C60. Characterization of this material by thermal decomposition analysis (e.g.?PCT and TGA methods), as well as FT-IR and mass spectrometry, indicates that the hydrogen sorption activity of this material is due to the reversible formation of a hydrogenated fullerene (fullerane). However, the reversible formation of fullerane was found to be greatly enhanced by the presence of sodium. It was also demonstrated that the addition of a catalytic amount of titanium (via TiO2 or Ti(OBu)4) further enhances the hydrogen sorption process of the sodium-doped fullerene material.
A localized vaginal allergic response in women with recurrent vaginitis

In women with recurring vaginitis, treatment of a vaginal Candida infection is not always accompanied by an alleviation of symptoms, and infection frequently reappears after termination of the chemotherapeutic agent. To determine whether an allergic reaction might be involved in symptom prolongation and susceptibility to reinfection, sera and vaginal washes from patients were examined for specific IgE antibodies. With RAST modified to ELISA, anti-Candida albicans IgE was identified in 18.8% of saline vaginal washes, but in only 6.1% of sera, obtained from 64 patients. Similarly, 25% of 16 patients were positive for vaginal fluid IgE, but only 6.3% had serum IgE to their partners' seminal fluid. The detection of specific IgE antibodies vaginally but not in the peripheral circulation suggested the occurrence of a localized vaginal hypersensitivity response. Vaginal fluid-derived IgE antibodies reactive with contraceptive spermicides or present in the particulate fraction of saline vaginal washes were also identified. Vaginal fluids with IgE antibodies also contained detectable levels of prostaglandin E2. A vaginal allergic response can predispose to recurrent Candida infection by inducing prostaglandin E2 synthesis that suppresses cell-mediated immune responses.
Optimizations for a highly cost-efficient programmable logic architecture

Architects of programmable logic devices (PLDs) face several challenges when optimizing a new device family for low manufacturing cost. When given an aggressive die-size goal, functional blocks that seem otherwise insignificant become targets for area reduction. Once low die cost is achieved, it is seen that testing and packaging costs must be considered. Interactions among these three cost contributors pose trade-offs that prevent independent optimization. This paper discusses solutions discovered by the architects optimizing the Altera FLEX 6000 architecture.
Evaluation of quantum correlation functions from classical data

The general problem of evaluating quantum mechanical time correlation functions of quantities that are functions of condensed phase bath coordinates is addressed. On the basis of the relation between such a general correlation function and that for the position variable, and the analytical result for the relation of quantum and classical correlation functions of position for harmonic baths, we develop an approximate expression for the quantum correction to the general classical correlation function as an expansion in the quantum correction. The quantum corrected correlation function only requires classical correlation functions and their derivatives with respect to time and temperature. Hence, the result can be implemented directly using only computer simulated classical data. Application to analytically solved model problems involving harmonic baths demonstrates that the method is accurate both for highly nonlinear coupling and surprisingly small temperature.
Surgical treatment for hip pain in the adult cerebral palsy patient

Hip subluxation or dislocation in the cerebral palsy population is an acquired condition that can result in pain and limitation of function. The incidence is reported to be from 18 to 59%. Awareness of the factors that cause the problem are essential in order to prevent this condition. Early treatment consists of appropriate muscle lengthening or releases, varus rotation hip osteotomies and in some cases pelvic osteotomies to provide acetabular coverage for the femoral head. For painful hip subluxation or dislocation with arthrosis in the adolescent or adult salvage procedures such as hip arthrodesis, valgus osteotomy, proximal femoral resection, or total hip arthroplasty have all been done to relieve pain. The author recounts his experience of the surgical management of the hip in the individual with cerebral palsy.
The "Power Play! Campaign's School Idea & Resource Kits" Improve Determinants of Fruit and Vegetable Intake and Physical Activity among Fourth- and Fifth-Grade Children.

Abstract Objective Examine the effect of the California Children's Power Play! Campaign's School Idea & Resource Kits for fourth/fifth grades on the psychosocial determinants of fruit and vegetable (FV) intake and physical activity (PA). Methods Randomized, controlled trial (n = 31 low-resource public schools; 1,154 children). Ten grade-specific, 50-minute nutrition and PA lessons over an 8-week period. Pre/post surveys measuring knowledge, outcome expectations, and self-efficacy (SE) were analyzed using analysis of covariance, controlling for baseline values; chi-square comparing positive/negative changes, adjusted for cluster design effects. Results Intervention children made significant gains for FV knowledge (4 items, P P P P = .04 and P P P P P = .04); but not SE to overcome barriers. Conclusions and Implications The Power Play! Campaign's School Idea & Resource Kits improved the determinants of FV intake and PA.
Stochastic resonance in sigma-delta modulators

Occurrence of the stochastic resonance phenomenon in sigma-delta modulators is reported. It is shown that when the internal quantiser of a /spl Sigma//spl Delta/-modulator comprises a multitude of comparators and noise sources, the system exhibits improved performance for a certain amount of added noise.
Vasopressin Messenger Ribonucleic Acid in Supraoptic and Suprachiasmatic Nuclei: Appearance and Circadian Regulation during Development*

The developmental appearance and regulation of hypothalamic vasopressin (prepropressophysin) mRNA was studied using quantitated in situ hybridization techniques. Vasopressin mRNA levels in the supraoptic nuclei were reliably detected on day 16 of gestation, while mRNA in the suprachiasmatic nuclei (SCN) was detectable on day 21. These developmental patterns correlate well with the immunohistochemical appearance of prepropressophysin translation products previously reported in these nuclei. A prominent day-night rhythm of vasopressin mRNA levels was evident in the SCN on day 21 of gestation; the rhythm was also present on postnatal days 2 and 11. No such rhythm was present in the supraoptic nuclei at any developmental stage examined. These results demonstrate regulated expression of the vasopressin gene during fetal life. Vasopressin mRNA levels in the SCN are already under specific circadian control when the nuclei are morphologically immature and lacking many of the connections found in adult animals. (E...
500. Tetanus Toxin Heavy Chain-Streptoavidin Fusion Protein for Targeted Motor Neuron Gene Delivery through Metabolically Biotinylated AAV

Background: Adeno-associated viral vector (AAV) mediates long- term and safe gene expression in a variety of tissue types in vitro and in vivo. AAV vector has a wide rang of tissue tropism. However when tissue-specific gene expression is preferred, strategies such as genetic modification of the viral capsid or the inclusion of a tissues-specific promoter in the expression cassette are usually employed. We report here the development of a versatile AAV targeting system to achieve enhanced and specific motor neuron gene delivery.
Somatic instability of the DNA sequences encoding the polymorphic polyglutamine tract of the AIB1 gene

Background: AIB1 contains a polymorphic polyglutamine tract (poly Q) that is encoded by a trinucleotide CAG repeat. Previously there have been conflicting results regarding the effect of the poly Q tract length on breast cancer. Since poly Q is not encoded by a perfect CAG repeat, the heterozygous polymorphic alleles need to be resolved, to understand the exact DNA sequences encoding poly Q. Methods: Poly Q encoding sequences of AIB1 from 107 DNA samples, including breast cancer cell lines, sporadic primary breast tumours, and blood samples from BRCA1/BRCA2 mutation carriers and the general population, were resolved by PCR/cloning followed by sequencing of each individual clone. Results: 25 distinct poly Q encoding sequence patterns were found. More than two distinct sequence patterns were found in a significantly higher proportion of tumours and cell lines than that of the general population, suggesting somatic instability. A significantly higher proportion of cancer cell lines or primary breast tumours than that of the general population contained rare sequence patterns. The proportion of sporadic breast tumours having at least one allele ⩽27 repeats is significantly higher than that in the blood of BRCA1/BRCA2 mutation carrier breast cancer patients or the general population. Conclusion: The poly Q encoding DNA sequences are somatically unstable in tumour tissues and cell lines. A missense mutation and a very short glutamine repeat in primary tumours suggests that AIB1 activity may be modulated through poly Q, which in turn plays a role in the cotransactivation of gene expressions in breast cancers.
Responses of vascular smooth muscle cells to toxic insult: Cellular and molecular perspectives for environmental toxicants

Over the past several decades emphasis has been given to the elucidation of mechanisms involved in the onset and progression of cardiovascular disorders. Stroke, hypertension, and atherosclerosis continue to rank as primary causes of death in the western world. In the case of atherosclerosis, the preferential localization of atheroma to large- and medium-sized blood vessels and the sequence of events leading to plaque development have been well defined. Damage to luminal endothelial and/or medial smooth muscle cells, migration of inflammatory cells, diffusion or local delivery of mediators within the vessel wall, proliferation of vascular smooth muscle cells, and cellular accumulation of lipids are now recognized as hallmarks of the pathologic process. Although these events have been established with a fair degree of certainty, the mechanisms responsible for initiation of the atherosclerotic process are not yet completely understood. Environmental chemicals have come under increasing scrutiny as evidence continues to accumulate suggesting that toxic insult plays an important role in the initiation and/or progression of atherosclerotic disorders. This review focuses on various aspects of xenobiotic-induced vascular injury with emphasis on the toxic effects of allylamine and benzo[a]pyrene in smooth muscle cells, the primary cellular component of atherosclerotic lesions. Both of these chemicals modulate growth and differentiation programs in aortic smooth muscle cells and have been implicated in the development of atherosclerotic-like lesions in laboratory animals. The major findings from recent studies examining the cellular and molecular basis of toxicant-induced phenotypic modulation of vascular smooth muscle cells to a proliferative state and the role of oxidative metabolism, phospholipid turnover, protein kinase C, ras-related signal transduction, and matrix interactions in the vasculotoxic response to allylamine and benzo[a]pyrene are discussed.
Percutaneous removal of renal caliceal calculi: An alternative approach

An alternative method is presented for the removal of caliceal calculi refractory to standard techniques. The involved calyx is punctured directly and dilatation performed to the stone without negotiating a wire into the renal pelvis. The stone is then removed under direct vision. This technique has been successfully used in 3 patients without complication.
Dynamic models for low-velocity impact damage of composite sandwich panels – Part B: Damage initiation

Equivalent single and multi degree-of-freedom systems are used to predict low-velocity impact damage of composite sandwich panels by rigid projectiles. The composite sandwich panels are symmetric and consist of orthotropic laminate facesheets and a core with constant crushing resistance. The transient deformation response of the sandwich panels subjected to impact were predicted in a previous paper, and analytical solutions for the impact force and velocity at damage initiation in sandwich panels are presented in this second paper. Several damage initiation modes are considered, including tensile and shear fracture of the top facesheet, core shear failure, and tensile failure of back facesheet. The impact failure modes are similar to static indentation failure modes, but inertial resistance and high strain rate material properties of the facesheets and core influence impact damage loads. Predicted damage initiation loads and impact velocities compare well with experimental results.
Good Girl or Flirt Girl: Latinas' Definitions of Sex and Sexual Relationships

This study provides theoretical understanding of 31 young adult Latinas (Puerto Rican Dominican and Cuban) experiences and understandings of sexuality through in-depth interviews. The grounded theory analysis of defining sex and sexual relationships revealed similar descriptions of processes within Latinas accounts. Womens responses included defining sex as intercourse defining sex as virtually anything and making distinctions between sex and making love. Women also offered definitions of safer sex and their ideal sexual relationships. Ideas about mens sexuality as uncontrollable led women to devise plans for avoiding players and avoiding being a flirt girl because of the desire to be seen as moral and culturally competent. Latinas made sense of their sexuality by accepting altering or rejecting cultural messages. The findings have implications for interventions aimed to assist women in dealing with safer sex topics. (authors)
Reduced heat loss following sucrose ingestion in premature and normal human newborns.

Abstract To determine the energy savings caused by sucrose taste, we measured heat loss through direct calorimetry for 23 premature and normal term infants who were studied a total of 31 times. Following stabilization in the calorimeter, crying was induced by applying 1 ml cold water to the infant's foot. After 4 min, 0.1 or 0.2 ml sucrose were delivered intraorally through a remote syringe to arrest crying. Crying was accompanied by a 13.2% increase in metabolic rate that was quickly and completely reversed during crying cessation caused by sucrose taste. Heat loss was inversely and linearly related to infant body weight. The implications of these findings for minimizing crying and energy expenditure in normal newborns and especially in ill or small newborns are discussed.
Physicochemical factors regulating solubility and bioavailability of toxic heavy metals in contaminated dredged sediment

(1977). Physicochemical factors regulating solubility and bioavailability of toxic heavy metals in contaminated dredged sediment. Journal of Environmental Science and Health . Part A: Environmental Science and Engineering: Vol. 12, No. 9, pp. 475-492.
Using a Solid-Phase Ribozyme Aminoacylation System to Reprogram the Genetic Code

Here, we report a simple and economical tRNA aminoacylation system based upon a resin-immobilized ribozyme, referred to as Flexiresin. This catalytic system features a broad spectrum of activities toward various phenylalanine (Phe) analogs and suppressor tRNAs. Most importantly, it allows users to perform the tRNA aminoacylation reaction and isolate the aminoacylated tRNAs in a few hours. We coupled the Flexiresin system with a high-performance cell-free translation system and demonstrated protein mutagenesis with seven different Phe analogs in parallel. Thus, the technology developed herein provides a new tool that significantly simplifies the procedures for the synthesis of aminoacyl-tRNAs charged with nonnatural amino acids, which makes the nonnatural amino acid mutagenesis of proteins more user accessible.
Lower eyelid CO(2) laser rejuvenation: a randomized, prospective clinical study.

Abstract Purpose The effect of transconjunctival blepharoplasty alone compared with transconjunctival blepharoplasty and CO 2 laser skin resurfacing on lower lid bulging and wrinkles was examined. Design Randomized clinical trial. Participants Forty-four subjects, including 13 men and 31 women. Methods Subjects were prospectively randomly assigned into two groups: (1) transconjunctival blepharoplasty with immediate CO 2 laser resurfacing or (2) transconjunctival blepharoplasty with CO 2 laser resurfacing 2 months later. Standardized photographs were taken before and 2 months after each procedure. A trained, masked observer graded the photographs. Main outcome measures Bulging and wrinkles of the medial, central, and lateral portions of the lower lid were scored and compared at specified end points. Results Transconjunctival blepharoplasty alone resulted in an improvement in lower lid bulging in 92% of subjects, whereas lower lid wrinkling worsened in 46%. When transconjunctival blepharoplasty was performed with simultaneous CO 2 laser resurfacing, or with CO 2 laser resurfacing 2 months later, a statistically significant improvement in wrinkles occurred (chi square=20.625; P Conclusions Transconjunctival blepharoplasty and adjunctive CO 2 laser resurfacing represents an excellent alternative to transcutaneous lower blepharoplasty. The procedure addresses lower lid wrinkles, skin redundancy, and fat herniation without a scar and with little risk of lower lid retraction.
Integrated control of distributed volume visaulization through the World-Wide-Web

The World-Wide-Web (WWW) has created a new paradigm for online information retrieval by providing immediate and ubiquitous access to digital information of any type from data repositories located throughout the world. The web's development enables not only effective access for the generic user but also more efficient and timely information exchange among scientists and researchers. We have extended the capabilities of the web to include access to three-dimensional volume data sets with integrated control of a distributed client-server volume visualization system. This paper provides a brief background on the World-Wide-Web, an overview of the extensions necessary to support these new data types and a description of an implementation of this approach in a WWW-compliant distributed visualization system. >
Risk factors as an indicator for breast cancer screening in asymptomatic patients.

Abstract A review of breast carcinoma risk factors has established that age and sex are dominant variables. Additional epidemiological factors include family history, past medical history, menstrual status, age at birth of first child, demographic factors and reproductive history, which are of established importance as major or minor risk determinants for breast cancer. Taking into account the various epidemiological correlations and the multifactorial aetiology of this type of carcinoma, there is only a small probability that the identification of known risk factors will enable conclusive identification or prevention of the disease. Nevertheless the recognition of known risk factors may enhance screening efforts through surveillance, more selective biopsies and interval xeromammography. Total ductoglandular mastectomy may possibly be considered a beneficial approach to the management of the high-risk patient in whom preinvasive disease is detected. The identification of the high-risk patient is of paramount importance for prophylaxis. Prospective clinical trials using diagnostic approaches may include the study of genetic markers, hormones and steroid metabolites, mammographic parenchymal patterns and the analysis of genetic pedigree or other undetermined risk markers. While screening and detection programmes for breast carcinoma are not cost-effective, these intensive surveillance procedures do allow the early identification of high-risk individuals with the disease. The formulation of screening programmes which incorporate major and minor risk determinants may enhance the effectiveness of efforts to achieve diagnosis at a prognostically favourable stage of disease. Established diagnoses of stage 0 or stage I disease will translate as direct benefits to survival and reductions in economic morbidity.
Myoplasmic resting Ca2+ regulation by ryanodine receptors is under the control of a novel Ca2+-binding region of the receptor.

Passive SR (sarcoplasmic reticulum) Ca2+ leak through the RyR (ryanodine receptor) plays a critical role in the mechanisms that regulate [Ca2+]rest (intracellular resting myoplasmic free Ca2+ concentration) in muscle. This process appears to be isoform-specific as expression of either RyR1 or RyR3 confers on myotubes different [Ca2+]rest. Using chimaeric RyR3–RyR1 receptors expressed in dyspedic myotubes, we show that isoform-dependent regulation of [Ca2+]rest is primarily defined by a small region of the receptor encompassing amino acids 3770–4007 of RyR1 (amino acids 3620–3859 of RyR3) named as the CLR (Ca2+ leak regulatory) region. [Ca2+]rest regulation by the CLR region was associated with alteration of RyRs’ Ca2+-activation profile and changes in SR Ca2+-leak rates. Biochemical analysis using Tb3+-binding assays and intrinsic tryptophan fluorescence spectroscopy of purified CLR domains revealed that this determinant of RyRs holds a novel Ca2+-binding domain with conformational properties that are distinctive to each isoform. Our data suggest that the CLR region provides channels with unique functional properties that modulate the rate of passive SR Ca2+ leak and confer on RyR1 and RyR3 distinctive [Ca2+]rest regulatory properties. The identification of a new Ca2+-binding domain of RyRs with a key modulatory role in [Ca2+]rest regulation provides new insights into Ca2+-mediated regulation of RyRs.