cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Crystal Structure of the “cab”-type β Class Carbonic Anhydrase from the Archaeon Methanobacterium thermoautotrophicum

The structure of the “cab”-type β class carbonic anhydrase from the archaeon Methanobacterium thermoautotrophicum (Cab) has been determined to 2.1-A resolution using the multiwavelength anomalous diffraction phasing technique. Cab exists as a dimer with a subunit fold similar to that observed in “plant”-type β class carbonic anhydrases. The active site zinc is coordinated by protein ligands Cys^(32), His^(87), and Cys^(90), with the tetrahedral coordination completed by a water molecule. The major difference between plant- and cab-type β class carbonic anhydrases is in the organization of the hydrophobic pocket. The structure reveals a Hepes buffer molecule bound 8 A away from the active site zinc, which suggests a possible proton transfer pathway from the active site to the solvent.
Difference methods for the solution of the time-dependent semiconductor flow equations

The letter describes the solution of the instationary semiconductor transport equations by means of finite-difference methods. This new approach is based on the formal similarity with the equations of incompressible flow. Implicit schemes have proven useful for the computation of both transient and steady-state solutions. Comparisons with experimental results are extremely favourable for f.e.t.s.
Detection and Trapping of Elusive Priming Intermediates Towards Open Nicotinic Receptor Channel

Acetylcholine receptors (AChRs) mediate rapid synaptic transmission by transducing a chemical signal into an electrical impulse. Transduction comprises binding of agonist followed by opening of the AChR ion channel, and in the classical view both processes depend on the agonist. However previous studies suggest the ultimate channel opening step is agonist-independent1,2, and is preceded by a priming step facilitated by the agonist3. Here, by studying mutant AChRs, we detect two such priming steps; the first generates a closed state that elicits brief openings, and the second generates a closed state that elicits long-lived openings. Long-lived openings and the associated priming step are detected in the absence of agonist and in its presence, and show identical kinetics under each condition. By covalently locking the agonist binding sites in the bound conformation, we show that each site initiates a priming step. Thus a change in binding site conformation primes the AChR for channel opening in a process that determines the maximum response to agonist and functional consequences of disease-causing mutations.
Prey selection in naive Elaphe obsoleta (Squamata: serpentes) — A reappraisal

Naive hatchling Elaphe obsoleta were exposed to extracts prepared from prey eaten by young (lizard, frog) and adults (mouse, bird, rat). A preference was shown for the frog (Hyla) extract, a favorite food of young of this species. Young will also accept adult prey species provided they are cut into small pieces. This suggests that prey size is an important determinant of the feeding response in this species.
Kinetics of lignite pyrolysis in an entrained-flow, isothermal furnace

An entrained-flow, isothermal furnace was used to study rapid pyrolysis in nitrogen of a Texas lignite. Weight losses for fixed residence times up to 0.4 s were independent of particle size over the range of mean diameter from 41 to 201 μm and increased with temperature elevation over the range 700 to 1000 °C. The maximum yield of volatiles, 66.7 wt% of the dry-ash-free coal, was particle size independent and relatively temperature independent over the range of operating conditions. The maximum yield represented a fractional increase of 1.30 over the ASTM volatile matter. This yield enhancement was associated with a reduction in the preponderence of secondary char-forming reactions of the volatiles and not directly with the increase in heating rate from 20 °C s−1 in the ASTM test to >104 °C s−1 in the isothermal furnace. Pyrolysis was multi-stage; initial rapid devolatilization to 50% weight loss was followed by slower latter-stage devolatilization. First stage pyrolysis could be fitted by a single, first-order kinetic expression whether total weight loss was taken as just that for the first stage or for complete devolatilization. Rate constants for the two cases were 0.6 × 103 exp(− 45 kJ/mol/RT) and 0.9 × 102 exp(− 32 kJ/mol/RT) s−1, respectively. One or more additional equations would be necessary to describe the completion of pyrolysis. It is argued that the relatively low activation energy is not necessarily indicative of physical rate control and therefore not necessarily in contradiction with the absence of particle size effects.
Effects of prostaglandin endoperoxide analogs on contractile elements in lung and gastrointestinal tract.

Abstract Prostaglandin endoperoxides are formed in the lung as intermediate compounds in the biosynthesis of prostaglandins and thromboxanes. The effects of different doses of two analogs of prostaglandin endoperoxide PGH 2 were compared with those of PGF 2α and PGE 2 on superfused preparations of isolated trachea, bronchiole, peripheral lung, pulmonary artery and gastrointestinal smooth-muscle tissues. Endoperoxide analogs induced contraction of all smooth-muscle structures in the lung and airways. Compared to PGF 2α , analog I was approximately 71 times as potent on guinea-pig trachea, 214 times as potent on guinea-pig lung, and 57 times as potent on guinea-pig polmunary artery. Analog II was moderately less potent on all tissues than analog I. On gastrointestinal smooth-muscle organs, the PGH 2 analogs were generally closer in activity to PGF 2α and PGE 2 , or even weaker. The findings show that PG endoperoxide vessels, and suggest that the naturally occurring compounds may participate in the mediation of bronchoconstriction and pulmonary vasoconstriction in disease states.
Mechanisms of glucocorticoid hormone action

This report summarizes our studies, in context with the results of other laboratories, of the molecular mechanisms of glucocorticoid hormone action. The receptors for these steroids are comprised of single polypeptide chains of about 90,000 molecular weight. Binding of agonist steroids to the receptor induces a conformational change to an active receptor form that is followed by a second change in the glucocorticoid-receptor complex, termed activation, that alters the charge of the complex and results in its binding to specific sites on the DNA termed glucocorticoid regulatory elements (GREs). The GRE on the human metallothionein-IIA gene is located in the 5′-flanking DNA. It can function independently of the gene’s promoter, and when ligated upstream from the herpes simplex virus (HSV) thymidine kinase (TK) gene promoter, can activate it. The binding of the glucocorticoidreceptor complex to the GRE probably alters chromatin structure over a limited span to facilitate RNA polymerase action. The regulation by glucocorticoids of growth hormone gene expression is more complex. The steroid appears to elicit both transcriptional and post-transcriptional influences that are also affected by thyroid hormone. Also the glucocorticoid influences appear to be exerted in part through DNA structures located downstream from the transcriptional initiation site. A GRE has been defined in intron A of the hGH gene through gene transfer and DNA binding experiments. Finally, gene transfer experiments suggest that pituitary-specific factors influence the ability of glucocorticoids to affect GH gene expression.
Grid stabilization of high-order one-sided differencing I: First-order hyperbolic systems

We construct stable, maximal order boundary closures for high order central difference methods. The stability is achieved by adding a small number of additional subcell nodes near the boundaries at experimentally determined locations. We find that methods up through 8th order can be stabilized by the addition of a single node, up through 16th order by the addition of two nodes, and up through 22nd order with three extra nodes. We also consider the application of the technique to dispersion relation preserving methods, and we construct and test artificial dissipation operators.
Peritoneal dialysis during peritonitis

Peritoneal dialysis during peritonitis. Peritonitis during peritoneal dialysis is the most frequent complication associated with this dialysis technique. We studied patients undergoing peritoneal dialysis when they were without peritonitis and during episodes of clinical infection. Peritonitis was associated with a significantly decreased dialysate effluent volume, increased absorption of glucose, clearance of urea and creatinine, and protein loss in the dialysate effluent. We suggest that the changes occurring to the peritoneal dialyzing surface with peritonitis might be explained by alterations in peritoneal blood flow, effective membrane surface area, or permeability. Dialyse peritoneale au cours des peritonites. La peritonite au cours de la dialyse peritoneale est la complication la plus frequente de cette technique. Nous avons etudie des malades soumis a la dialyse peritoneale alors qu'ils etaient indemnes de peritonite et au cours d'episodes d'infection clinique. La peritonite a ete associee a une diminution significative du volume de dialysat effluent, une augmentation de l'absorption de glucose, de la clearance de l'uree et de la creatinine, et de la fuite de proteines dans l'effluent. Nous suggerons que les modifications qui affectent la surface peritoneale dialysante au cours de la peritonite puissent etre expliquees par des modifications du debit sanguin peritoneal, de la surface membranaire efficace ou de la permeabilite.
Akt-mediated valosin-containing protein 97 phosphorylation regulates its association with ubiquitinated proteins

Hypoxia is a common environmental stress that influences signaling pathways and cell function. Previous studies from our laboratory have identified significant differences in cellular responses to sustained or intermittent hypoxia with the latter proving more cytotoxic. We hypothesized that differences in susceptibility of neurons to intermittent (IH) and sustained hypoxia (SH) are mediated by altered Akt signaling. SH, but not IH, induced a significant increase in Akt activation in rat CA1 hippocampal region extracts compared with room air controls. Akt immunoprecipitations followed by proteomic analysis identified valosin-containing protein (VCP) as an Akt-binding protein. In addition, VCP expression and association with Akt was enhanced during SH, and this association was decreased upon phosphoinositide 3-kinase/Akt pathway blockade with LY294002. Active recombinant Akt phosphorylated recombinant VCP in vitro. Site-directed mutagenesis studies identified Ser352, Ser746, and Ser748 as Akt phosphorylation sites on VCP. In addition, rat CA1 hippocampal tissue exposed to SH exhibited an acidic pI shift of VCP. Protein phosphatase 2A treatment inhibited this acidic shift consistent with SH-induced phosphorylation of VCP in vivo. PC-12 cells transfected with active Akt, but not dominant negative Akt or vector, induced VCP expression and an acidic shift in VCP pI, which was inhibited by protein phosphatase 2A treatment. Furthermore, VCP association with ubiquitinated proteins was demonstrated in vector-transfected PC-12 cell lysates, whereas active Akt-transfected cells demonstrated a marked decrease in association of VCP with ubiquitinated proteins. We concluded that Akt phosphorylates VCP in vitro and in vivo, and VCP phosphorylation releases it from ubiquitinated substrate protein(s) possibly allowing ubiquitinated protein(s) to be degraded by the proteosome.
CAOS: Greater Precision, Doubtful Clinical Benefit—Affirms

Computer-assisted surgery in total hip arthroplasty remains a cumbersome, time-consuming, and expensive tool without proven clinical benefit. Current imageless computer-assisted technology systems have attempted to account for the functional position of the component, including the combination of cup alignment in bone and pelvic tilt. However, pelvic tilt has been shown to change significantly before and after total hip arthroplasty, making optimal component positioning a moving target. Thus, while computer-assisted surgery clearly improves the anatomical position of the component during total hip arthroplasty, this has not improved dislocation rates, range of motion, function, or outcome scores in patients.
Effects of prior surface damage on high-temperature oxidation of Fe-, Ni-, and Co-based alloys

Multi-component metallic alloys have been developed to withstand high-temperature service in corrosive environments. Some of these applications, like exhaust valve seats in internal combustion engines, must also resist sliding, impact, and abrasion. The conjoint effects of temperature, oxidation, and mechanical contact can result in accelerated wear and the formation of complex surface layers whose properties differ from those of the base metal and the oxide scale that forms in the absence of mechanical contact. The authors have investigated the effects of prior surface damage, produced by scratch tests, on the localized reformation of oxide layers. Three high-performance commercial alloys, based on iron, nickel, and cobalt, were used as model materials. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) was used to determine their static oxidation rates at elevated temperature (850 °C). A micro-abrasion, ball-cratering technique was used to measure oxide layer thickness and to supplement the TGA results. By using taper-sectioning techniques and energy-dispersive elemental mapping, a comparison was made between oxide compositions grown on non-damaged surfaces and oxides that formed on grooves produced by a diamond stylus. Microindentation and scratch hardness data revealed the effects of high-temperature exposure on both the substrate hardness and the nature of oxide scale disruption. There were significant differences in elemental distribution between statically formed oxides and those that formed on scratched regions.
Arginine at position 74 of the HLA-DR β1 chain is associated with Graves' disease

Graves' disease (GD) is associated with HLA-DR3 (DRB1*03) in Caucasians, but the exact amino-acid sequence in the DR beta1 chain conferring susceptibility to GD is unknown. Therefore, the aim of our study was to identify the critical sequence among the HLA-DRB1 amino-acid residues occupying the peptide-binding pocket, which conferred susceptibility to GD. We sequenced the HLA-DRB1 locus in 208 Caucasian GD patients and 149 Caucasian controls. Sequence analysis showed an increased frequency of DR beta-Arg-74 in GD patients compared to controls (41.8 and 13.4%, respectively; P=2.3 x 10(-8), OR=4.6). Moreover, subset analyses showed that DR beta-Arg-74 was also significantly more frequent in the HLA-DR3 negative GD patients than in controls (7.6 vs 0.8%, P=0.02, OR=10.5), suggesting that the association with DR beta-Arg-74 is independent of the association with HLA-DR3. Structural modeling studies demonstrated that the change at position 74 from the neutral amino acids Ala or Gln to the positively charged amino-acid Arg significantly modifies the three-dimensional structure of the DR peptide-binding pocket. Our results suggested that structural heterogeneity of the DR beta-chain peptide-binding pocket P4 at residue 74 predispose some at risk individuals to GD.
Monolithic silicon accelerometer

Abstract A monolithic silicon micromechanical accelerometer, which is particularly well suited for integration with other mechanical and electrical components, and is about 0.75 mm2 in area, is described. Four electrodes are built into the structure in the manner of buried layers and are used to effect a differential capacitance readout and electrostatic torquing for closed-loop operation. Current performance is less than 500 ppm scalefactor error. An important constraint was process compatibility with Draper Laboratory's micromechanical gyroscope, so that both can eventually be made on the same chip.
Radial distribution of molecular ions in the positive column of dc glow discharges using infrared diode-laser spectroscopy.

The highly sensitive technique of infrared ion spectroscopy using frequency-tunable diode lasers has been introduced to study radial distribution of molecular ions in the positive column of dc glow discharges. Compared with previous techniques of plasma diagnostics, this method has the advantage that it is in situ and nonintrusive, has a high spatial resolution, and is sensitive to quantum states and velocities of molecular ions. ${\mathrm{ArH}}^{+}$ in Ar or He discharge and ${\mathrm{H}}_{3}$${\mathrm{}}^{+}$ in an ${\mathrm{H}}_{2}$ discharge have been used because of the strong infrared absorption and relative simplicity of the plasma chemistry. Our observations show that, while under certain discharge conditions where the radial distribution of molecular ions has the form of the zeroth-order Bessel function ${J}_{0}$(\ensuremath{\surd}a/D r) predicted by Schottky, it deviates markedly from the Schottky form in most plasma conditions. In particular, for ${\mathrm{ArH}}^{+}$ in an Ar plasma under high-current (1.25-A), high-pressure (10-torr) conditions, a large center depletion of the ion is noticed in the observed radial intensity variation of the absorption line. The observed intensity variation has been converted to radial concentration using vibrational and kinetic temperatures determined from relative intensities and widths of spectral lines. The result shows a large center depletion in molecular-ion concentration. Possible causes of such an effect are discussed. The variation of molecular-ion density at the center of the positive column as a function of discharge current has also been measured for ${\mathrm{ArH}}^{+}$ and ${\mathrm{H}}_{3}$${\mathrm{}}^{+}$.
Atomic-scale friction measurements on silver and chemisorbed oxygen surfaces

Abstract A quartz microbalance technique was employed to measure characteristic slip times for ethane and ethylene monolayers adsorbed on silver and chemisorbed oxygen/silver surfaces. These systems have been suggested as model systems for studies of the relative contributions of electronic and phonon processes towards frictional energy losses. Slip times for the chemisorbed oxygen/silver surfaces are observed to be longer than those for silver. Based on this observation, it is argued that electronic contributions to friction should be considered whenever conducting surfaces are involved. Potential connections between the atomic-scale result and macroscopic observation are discussed.
Dynamics of 7-Azatryptophan and Tryptophan Derivatives in Micellar Media. The Role of Ionic Charge and Substituent Structure

We have investigated the motional and population relaxation dynamics of several derivatives of 7-azatryptophan (7AT) and tryptophan (TRP), and N-acetyl-tryptophanamide (NATA), in anionic, cationic, and neutral surfactant solutions above the surfactant critical micelle concentrations. We chose the specific derivatives of 7AT and TRP used previously, along with NATA, to elucidate the roles of chromophore charge and side group structure in mediating interactions with micelles. Fluorescence lifetime data are sensitive to local environment, revealing significant differences in the ability of different chromophores to interact with the micelles. Reorientation dynamics of these chromophores indicate persistent probe/micelle interactions that are determined by a balance between ionic charge(s) and dispersion interactions.
On solving star equations

Abstract A star equation (in X ) is a language equation X = F ( X ), where F is a function mapping languages to languages which can be expressed using the operations union, concatenation from the left by a constant language, and unrestricted star. We show existence of solutions, as well as uniqueness under certain additional conditions. Also, the equation is studied whether a star equation has a regular solution if all its constant languages are regular.
A Modified Primary Hydration Shell (PHS) Method Allows Up To Two Orders Of Magnitude Time Saving In Molecular Dynamics Simulations: Application To Large Systems And Lipid Bilayers

A realistic representation of water molecules is essential in molecular dynamics simulation of proteins. However, the standard method of solvating biomolecules, i.e. immersing them in a box of water with periodic boundary conditions, is computationally very expensive. The primary hydration shell (PHS) method, developed more than a decade ago [1], uses only a thin shell of water around the system of interest, and so greatly reduces the computational power needed for simulations [2]. The method, however, was not perfect especially when large proteins are concerned. We have modified the PHS method in several ways to improve its performance when large systems are simulated [3]. The model is applied to several systems with different sizes, and both water and protein behaviors are compared with those obtained from standard simulations with periodic boundary conditions and with experimental data. Specifically, Lipari-Szabo order parameters for the proteins of interest are shown to be in good agreement with those derived from standard simulations and NMR relaxation measurements. Finally, the results of the application of the modified PHS method to simulating the cytoplasmic region of the transmembrane protein Plexin B1, and its interaction with the membrane are discussed.[1] Beglov, D., and Roux B. 1994, Biopolymers. 35:171-178.[2] Hamaneh, M. B., and Buck M. 2007, Biophysical Journal 92:L49-L51.[3] Hamaneh, M. B., and Buck M. 2008, ssubmitted.
Teaching behavioral medicine using individual coronary heart disease risk factors.

Two hundred twenty-one first-year medical students participated in a voluntary coronary heart disease risk factor self-change project designed to teach the principles of behavioral change. Blood pressure, serum lipids, percentage body fat, cardiovascular fitness, and smoking status were measured prior to the project. Students designed their own programs of behavior modification and, after 8 weeks, repeat measurements were obtained in students whose projects related to coronary heart disease risk (56% of entire group). Despite generally low initial coronary heart disease risk factors, most risk factor groups successfully altered the targeted risk factors. The subgroup attempting to lower serum cholesterol (n = 49) reduced total cholesterol 15 ± 24 mg/dl (mean ± SD) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol 11 ± 20 mg/dl (P < 0.001 for both). The blood pressure group (n = 9) decreased systolic blood pressure 8 ± 10 mm Hg (P < 0.05), and the weight-loss group (n = 33) lost 3.0 ± 2.9 kg (P < 0.001), reducing estimated percentage body fat 1.7 ± 1.8 (P < 0.001). The self-change project was well received by the students and appears to be a useful technique for introducing the principles of behavioral medicine to first-year medical students.
Instructional technology competencies perceived as needed by vocational teachers in Ohio and Taiwan

This study explored and described the perceptions of vocational and career-technical education teachers for the knowledge, importance, and educational needs of instructional technology and compared perceptions of teachers in Ohio and Taiwan. All vocational education teachers working at 44 comprehensive high schools and six Joint Vocational Schools (JVS) in the central region of Ohio and 22 vocational high schools in Kaohsiung district, Taiwan during 2001-02 academic years participated. The Borich needs assessment model was adapted to determine the need for instructional technology knowledge and skills. A questionnaire was designed to gather information about vocational teachers’ school and program characteristics and their perceptions of the instructional technology importance and knowledge in their program. The questionnaire was developed in both English and Mandarin Chinese.
8-Alkylthio-6-thio-substituted theophylline analogues as selective noncompetitive progesterone receptor antagonists

Abstract The progesterone receptor (PR) plays a key role in reproduction and is important in cancers of the reproductive tract. Current PR antagonists usually compete for progestin binding in the PR ligand-binding pocket and often exhibit cross-binding with other members of the steroid receptor family. Using stably transfected cells expressing reporter genes, a set of ∼150 theophylline analogues were screened for their ability to inhibit progesterone, estrogen, glucocorticoid and androgen signaling. The structure–activity studies presented here identify branched 8-alkylthio-6-thio-substitutions of theophylline as selective PR inhibitors. 6-Thio-8-(2-ethylbutyl)thiotheophylline ( 51 ), the most extensively studied derivative, does not act by competing with progestins for binding in the ligand-binding pocket of PR. It demonstrated the ability to inhibit the mouse mammary tumor virus (MMTV)-luciferase reporter and endogenous PR-regulated alkaline phosphatase activity in T47D breast cancer cells. Compound 51 is the lead member of a novel class of PR inhibitors that act outside the PR ligand-binding pocket, thus serving as a novel probe to investigate PR action and a lead for further development.
Gelatinized Copper–Capillary Alginate Gel Functions as an Injectable Tissue Scaffolding System for Stem Cell Transplants

In severe hypoxic-ischemic brain injury, cellular components such as neurons and astrocytes are injured or destroyed along with the supporting extracellular matrix. This presents a challenge to the field of regenerative medicine since the lack of extracellular matrix and supporting structures makes the transplant milieu inhospitable to the transplanted cells. A potential solution to this problem is the use of a biomaterial to provide the extracellular components needed to keep cells localized in cystic brain regions, allowing the cells to form connections and repair lost brain tissue. Ideally, this biomaterial would be combined with stem cells, which have been proven to have therapeutic potentials, and could be delivered via an injection. To study this approach, we derived a hydrogel biomaterial tissue scaffold from oligomeric gelatin and copper-capillary alginate gel (GCCAG). We then demonstrated that our multipotent astrocytic stem cells (MASCs) could be maintained in GCCAG scaffolds for up to 2 weeks in vitro and that the cells retained their multipotency. We next performed a pilot transplant study in which GCCAG was mixed with MASCs and injected into the brain of a neonatal rat pup. After a week in vivo, our results showed that: the GCCAG biomaterial did not cause a significant reactive gliosis; viable cells were retained within the injected scaffolds; and some delivered cells migrated into the surrounding brain tissue. Therefore, GCCAG tissue scaffolds are a promising, novel injectable system for transplantation of stem cells to the brain.
Stability, delivery and functions of human sperm RNAs at fertilization

Increasing attention has focused on the significance of RNA in sperm, in light of its contribution to the birth and long-term health of a child, role in sperm function and diagnostic potential. As the composition of sperm RNA is in flux, assigning specific roles to individual RNAs presents a significant challenge. For the first time RNA-seq was used to characterize the population of coding and non-coding transcripts in human sperm. Examining RNA representation as a function of multiple methods of library preparation revealed unique features indicative of very specific and stage-dependent maturation and regulation of sperm RNA, illuminating their various transitional roles. Correlation of sperm transcript abundance with epigenetic marks suggested roles for these elements in the pre- and post-fertilization genome. Several classes of non-coding RNAs including lncRNAs, CARs, pri-miRNAs, novel elements and mRNAs have been identified which, based on factors including relative abundance, integrity in sperm, available knockout data of embryonic effect and presence or absence in the unfertilized human oocyte, are likely to be essential male factors critical to early post-fertilization development. The diverse and unique attributes of sperm transcripts that were revealed provides the first detailed analysis of the biology and anticipated clinical significance of spermatozoal RNAs.
Cryptdins: antimicrobial defensins of the murine small intestine.

Abstract Paneth cells are specialized small intestine epithelial cells that contain lysozyme, possess phagocytic properties, and secrete cytoplasmic granules into the intestinal crypt lumen after the entry of bacteria. Recent studies by Ouellette and associates (A. J. Ouellette, R. M. Greco, M. James, D. Frederick, J. Naftilan, and J. T. Fallon, J. Cell Biol. 108:1687-1695, 1989) indicated that murine Paneth cells produce prodefensin mRNA, but the properties of its peptide product were not reported. We purified two closely related defensins, cryptdin 1 and cryptdin 2, from a subcellular fraction of murine small intestine cells that was enriched in Paneth cells. Both peptides contained 35 amino acid residues, including the characteristic defensin "signature" of six invariantly conserved cysteines. Cryptdins 1 and 2 were approximately 90 to 95% homologous to each other and to the carboxy-terminal domain of the 93-amino-acid defensin precursor, cryptdin A, described by Ouellette and associates (Ouellette et al., J. Cell Biol. 108:1687-1695, 1989). Both cryptdins exerted bactericidal activity against Listeria monocytogenes EGD and Escherichia coli ML-35p in vitro. Their potency exceeded that of human neutrophil defensin HNP-1 but was considerably lower than that of NP-1, a defensin produced by rabbit neutrophils and alveolar macrophages. Both cryptdins killed mouse-avirulent Salmonella typhimurium 7953S (phoP) much more effectively than its phoP+, mouse-virulent, isogenic counterpart, S. typhimurium 14028S. Our data indicate that mouse intestinal prodefensins are processed into 35-amino-acid mature defensins (cryptdins) with broad-spectrum antimicrobial properties. The production of defensins and lysozyme by Paneth cells may enable them to protect the small intestine from bacterial overgrowth by autochthonous flora and from invasion by potential pathogens that cause infection via the peroral route, such as L. monocytogenes and Salmonella species.
Incidence, Ocular Manifestations, and Survival in Children with Neuroblastoma: A Population-Based Study

Purpose To determine the incidence, ophthalmic manifestations, and survival among children with neuroblastoma in a defined population. Design Population-based retrospective cohort. Methods The medical records of all pediatric ( Results Fourteen children were diagnosed with neuroblastoma as residents of Olmstead County, Minnesota, during the 40-year period, yielding an age- and gender-adjusted incidence of 11.8 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 5.6–18.0) per million patients Conclusions The incidence of neuroblastoma in this population was 11.8 per million patients
DENSITY FUNCTIONAL THEORY AND STATISTICAL GAUGE FIELDS

We consider the possibility that the exchange-correlation vector potential of density functional theory and the Chern-Simons gauge potential, used to change the statistics of particles in two dimensions, are related. By comparing the corresponding gauge invariant field strengths and their dependence on density and external magnetic field, we find no connection between these two potentials, in contrast to a recent proposal.
Development of neural elements in apical portions of cat primary and permanent incisor pulps

Pulp development was studied with light and electron microscopy in apical portions of cat primary and permanent incisors at various stages of development in order to qualitatively assess hypothesized differences during maturation. Primary and permanent tooth pulps passed through similar stages up to when the primary teeth began to resorb. At that point permanent tooth pulps continued to develop in complexity relative to myelinated axons and developed thin epineurial sheaths. Although the stages were similar in several regards, the time needed by the permanent tooth pulps to reach each stage was considerably greater than for the primary tooth pulps. It is of interest that the young permanent teeth had only a small portion of their final complement of nerves in spite of their relatively complete development. Individual axons, especially myelinated axons, appeared more immature in younger primary and permanent teeth. This suggests a less mature sensory capability for erupting primary teeth as compared to fully developed primary teeth as well as for erupting and young permanent teeth compared to old permanent teeth.
Global transcription machinery engineering: a new approach for improving cellular phenotype.

It is now generally accepted that most cellular phenotypes are affected by many genes. As a result, engineering a desired phenotype would be facilitated enormously by simultaneous multiple gene modification, yet the capacity to introduce such modifications is very limited. Here, we demonstrate that the components of global cellular transcription machinery (specifically, σ70) can be engineered to allow for global perturbations of the transcriptome, which can help unlock complex phenotypes. Results from three distinct phenotypes (ethanol tolerance, metabolite overproduction, and multiple phenotypes) are provided as proof-of-concept. In each case, the tool of global transcription machinery engineering (gTME) outperformed traditional approaches by quickly and more effectively optimizing phenotypes.
Morphology-guided graph search for untangling objects: C. elegans analysis

We present a novel approach for extracting cluttered objects based on their morphological properties. Specifically, we address the problem of untangling Caenorhabditis elegans clusters in high-throughput screening experiments. We represent the skeleton of each worm cluster by a sparse directed graph whose vertices and edges correspond to worm segments and their adjacencies, respectively. We then search for paths in the graph that are most likely to represent worms while minimizing overlap. The worm likelihood measure is defined on a low-dimensional feature space that captures different worm poses, obtained from a training set of isolated worms. We test the algorithm on 236 microscopy images, each containing 15 C. elegans worms, and demonstrate successful cluster untangling and high worm detection accuracy.
Abstracts: Natural moisturizing factors in the stratum corneum II. Regeneration of NMF over time after soaking

pp. 23–29 The detrimental effects of prolonged water exposure on skin are well known. Information on the effects of short-term exposure, e.g. during bathing, showering, and hand washing, on Natural moisturizing factors (NMF) levels is limited. In an attempt to isolate the effects of soaking on the NMF, a time course for skin sample collection was devised in which adhesive tapes were applied 0.5 and 4 h after soaking of the treated arm. Significant decreases in NMF levels, quantified by high-performance liquid chromatography analysis of serial tape strips, were observed 0.5 h after soaking, with a replacement of NMF occurring by the four-hour mark. This replacement corresponds to a parallel rebound in skin pH also observed at these times. Stratum corneum (SC) hydration values, measured instrumentally as the rate of moisture accumulation (MAT), however, were depressed 0.5 h post-soaking and remained low 4 h later. In addition, significant increases in skin pH were observed during the immediate post-soak period. These findings suggest that short-term exposure to water alone produces significant changes in the SC.
Truth, Omniscience, and Cantorian Arguments: An Exchange

L'article est construit sur la base de la correspondance entre les auteurs qui analysent les arguments Cantoriens contre l'ensemble de toutes les verites et l'omniscience.
Pyruvate prevents ischemia-reperfusion mucosal injury of rat small intestine

Background Since reactive oxygen intermediates (ROI, or free radicals) have been implicated in the pathogenesls of ischemia-reperfusion injury of the small bowel, we evaluated the pretreatment effect of pyruvate, a 3-carbon compound recently shown to inhibit Superoxide production, on reperfusion mucosal Injury in the rat Methods The small bowel of the ACI rat (n = 6) was divided Into 2 5-cm segments, and 10 mL of a liquid diet containing pyruvate (0.32 g) or placebo (0.26 g) was instilled into the lumen of one of the segments for 10 minutes. The bowel was then made completely ischemic for 45 minutes by clamping the superior mesenteric artery, which was followed by 60 minutes of reperfusion. Results The production of ROI in bowel biopsy samples, estimated by luminol-enhanced chemiluminescence, was at least 80% decreased in the segment containing pyruvate compared with placebo immediately after ischemia (time 0), and compared with 30 and 60 minutes of reperfusion ( P Conclusion Pyruvate pretreatment of the rat small bowel inhibits postischemic reperfusion mucosal histologic injury, neutrophil infiltration, and ROI production.
The qSD12 locus controls offspring tissue-imposed seed dormancy in rice.

Seed component structures were grouped into maternal and offspring (embryo and endosperm) tissues to characterize a dormancy quantitative trait locus (QTL) for tissue-specific function using a marker-assisted genetic approach. The approach was devised to test if genotypic/allelic frequencies of a marker tightly linked to the QTL deviate from Mendelian expectations in germinated and nongerminated subpopulations derived from a segregation population of partially after-ripened seeds and was applied to the dormancy QTL qSD12 and qSD7-1 in a nearly isogenic background of rice. Experimental results unambiguously demonstrated that qSD12 functions in the offspring tissue(s) and suggested that qSD7-1 may control dormancy through the maternal tissues. These experiments also provide the first solid evidence that an offspring tissue-imposed dormancy gene contributes to the segregation distortion in a mapping population developed from partially after-ripened seeds and, in part, to the germination heterogeneity of seeds from hybrid plants. Offspring and maternal tissue-imposed dormancy genes express in very early and late stages of the life cycle, respectively, and interact to provide the species with complementary adaptation strategies. The qSD12 locus was narrowed to the region of ∼600 kbp on a high-resolution map to facilitate cloning and marker-assisted selection of the major dormancy gene.
Status of GRETA

A gamma‐ray energy tracking array (GRETA) consisting of a shell of highly segmented Ge detectors is a new concept for the detection of gamma radiation. In such an array, the individual interactions of all the gamma rays are identified by their energies and positions. Then, using tracking algorithms based on the properties of gamma ray interactions the scattering sequences are reconstructed. GRETA will give high peak efficiency, peak‐to‐background ratio, and position resolution. Progress has been made in four key areas of development; 1) the manufacture of segmented detectors, 2) a data processing system to digitize the signals, 3) signal processing methods for determining energy, time, and position from pulse shape, and 4) a tracking algorithm to identify interaction points belonging to a particular gamma ray. These technical advances have demonstrated that the construction of a gamma ray energy‐tracking array is feasible, and a plan for constructing a US array is in place.
Determination of natural and anthropogenic 129I in marine sediments

/sup 129/I concentrations in two sediment cores from the continental slope near Cape Hatteras were determined with tandem accelerator mass spectrometry (TAMS). The natural /sup 129/I//sup 127/I ratios in these cores are approximately 10/sup -12/. The input of anthropogenic /sup 129/I has increased this ratio to values close to 10/sup -10/ at the surfacee of the sediments. The observed natural level of /sup 129/I is about two orders to magnitude above the current detection limit with TAMS, which opens up to possibility for applications of /sup 129/I in the marine system such as dating of sediments and crude oils and tracing of slow water movement in sediments.
New characterizations of input-to-state stability

We present new characterizations of the input-to-state stability property. As a consequence of these results, we show the equivalence between the ISS property and several (apparent) variations proposed in the literature.
Primary Language Support in an Era of Educational Reform.

Second language learners continue to languish in California public schools in spite of six years of promises following passage of the controversial ballot initiative English for the Children (Proposition 227) to fix the education of English Language Learners (ELLs) through English-only instruction. The unrealistic expectation established by supporters of the proposition that students possessing a heritage language could learn English in one year in segregated settings and succeed academically soon thereafter is largely unfulfilled as scores of second language learners are experiencing an irrelevant curriculum devoid of the “funds of knowledge” that children bring into the classroom. Recently, in California, with the development of new standards for teacher preparation programs following the Senate Bill 2042 legislation, it is likely that the curriculum and instructional practices for heritage language students will become even more disconnected from the lived
Effect of woven fabric architecture on interlaminar mechanical response of composite materials: an experimental study

Woven fabrics are usually selected for the reinforcement phase in laminated composite materials due to their balanced in-plane mechanical and thermal properties and their relatively simple handling during the composite fabrication process. One of the questions that usually arise in the design of laminated composites is the selection of the woven fabric architecture. It is well known the effect that this architecture plays in the in-plane elastic and ultimate composite properties under either in-plane tensile or shear loading. However, the effect of the woven fabric architecture on the mechanical response of composites under interlaminar shear loading is not well established. An experimental study was conducted to determine the role of the woven fabric architecture and its geometrical parameters on the interlaminar shear response of laminated composites. A set of composite materials with the same epoxy matrix and carbon fiber were prepared with five different woven fabrics of similar areal density and fibe...
Zinc status of elderly black Americans from urban low-income households

The zinc status of 135 elderly blacks, aged 60 to 87 years, from urban low-income households was evaluated based on the zinc content of hair and/or serum. The mean (+/- SD) hair zinc concentration was 142 +/- 77 microgram/g and the mean (+/- SD) serum zinc concentration was 93 +/- 15 microgram/dl. Of the study population 39% had a hair zinc concentration less than or equal to 100 microgram/g and/or a serum zinc concentration less than or equal to 80 microgram/dl. Eleven percent had a hair zinc concentration less than or equal to 70 microgram/g and/or a serum zinc concentration less than or equal to 70 microgram/dl. These findings suggest that the zinc status of this elderly population may be less than ideal.
How to Choose the Double-Lumen Tube Size and Side: The Eternal Debate

Although disposable double-lumen tubes have been used for many years, there is still controversy regarding what size and which side to use for thoracic procedures requiring lung isolation. Thoracic and nonthoracic anesthesiologists often debate performance, efficiency, and outcome of small and large double-lumen tubes, and left- and right-sided tubes. This article focuses on current data in the literature and expert opinion on the topic.
Mycophenolate Mofetil Treatment of Myasthenia Gravis

Objective:To review published literature evaluating the effectiveness of mycophenolate mofetil for the treatment of myasthenia gravis (MG).Data Sources:Searches of MEDLINE (1966–August 2005) and Cochrane Database (1993–August 2005) were conducted. Studies conducted in humans and published in English were retrieved. Additional data were identified through subsequent bibliographic reviews.Data Synthesis:Interruption of T- and B-lymphocyte proliferation in various autoimmune diseases has been investigated. Mycophenolate is known to inhibit lymphocyte proliferation and has shown improved clinical responses in several autoimmune diseases including lupus erythematosus, rheumatoid arthritis, and systemic vasculitis. Data suggesting similar benefits in MG treatment have been reported in case reports, retrospective analyses, an open-label trial, and a randomized, double-blind trial.Conclusions:Limited evidence from retrospective analyses and clinical trials suggests that mycophenolate is a possible treatment optio...
Decongestant use during pregnancy and its association with preterm delivery.

BACKGROUND Despite the frequent intake of decongestants during pregnancy, only one study to date has evaluated the association of decongestants with preterm delivery, and it identified a reduced risk. We examined this association in more detail. METHODS Using a population-based random sample of 3271 Massachusetts live-born births without major malformations, we categorized decongestant exposure according to timing, frequency of use, route, and indication. Preterm birth was defined as a gestational age of <37 completed weeks. We estimated hazard ratios and examined confounding by indication by examining various strata of women and through multivariate adjustment. RESULTS Compared to nonexposed women, those who took decongestants during the second or third trimester only were less likely to experience preterm delivery (HR, 0.42; 95% CI, 0.21-0.84). This association was observed only for women without preeclampsia. CONCLUSIONS A protective association between decongestant use and preterm delivery has now been observed in two studies; however, the possibility of confounding by underlying condition remains.
Method for processing metal-reinforced ceramic composites

A new process is developed to form a ceramic containing a three-dimensional network of metal reinforcement. The process involves four steps: (1) forming a powder compact containing a continuous network of either organic or carbon material by pressure filtration, (2) pyrolyzing the network to form channels within the powder compact, (3) densifying the powder while retaining the channel network, and (4) intruding metal into the channel network by squeeze casting. Pressure filtration is used to form the powder compact containing the pyrolyzable network either by mixing slurries of powder with chopped fiber or by packing powder within pyrolyzable preforms. When pressure is removed after filtration, the differential strain recovery of the powder matrix relative to the organic material can cause damage. Such damage is prevalent for a powder matrix formed from flocced slurries. However, this problem is avoided by using dispersed slurries which produce consolidated bodies that alleviate stresses arising from differential strain recovery by viscous flow. Metal-reinforced ceramic composites with different reinforcement architectures, volume fractions, and sizes can be produced with this technique.