cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
High performance computing environment for multidimensional image analysis

The processing of images acquired through microscopy is a challenging task due to the large size of datasets (several gigabytes) and the fast turnaround time required. If the throughput of the image processing stage is significantly increased, it can have a major impact in microscopy applications. We present a high performance computing (HPC) solution to this problem. This involves decomposing the spatial 3D image into segments that are assigned to unique processors, and matched to the 3D torus architecture of the IBM Blue Gene/L machine. Communication between segments is restricted to the nearest neighbors. When running on a 2 Ghz Intel CPU, the task of 3D median filtering on a typical 256 megabyte dataset takes two and a half hours, whereas by using 1024 nodes of Blue Gene, this task can be performed in 18.8 seconds, a 478× speedup. Our parallel solution dramatically improves the performance of image processing, feature extraction and 3D reconstruction tasks. This increased throughput permits biologists to conduct unprecedented large scale experiments with massive datasets.
Point source atmospheric diffusion model with variable wind and diffusivity profiles

Abstract Numerical solutions of the diffusion of an elevated point source in the earth's boundary layer are presented. The flow field is specified by inputing the height of the mixing layer, the wind speed at the top of the mixing layer, the net heat flux to the air and the surface roughness. Pollutant concentrations are compared to that predicted by the Gaussian plume model which assumes constant wind and dispersion coefficients with respect to the vertical direction. The maximum ground level concentration agrees well with the Gaussian result for neutral atmospheric stability, but there are significant differences in the three-dimensional distribution of the plume as compared to the Gaussian model. The surface roughness is shown to significantly influence the concentration distribution. The product of concentration times wind speed does not depend on wind speed for neutral stability but does for stable and unstable conditions.
Physiology of the lateral vestibular nucleus

Abstract Simultaneous bilateral stimulation of the lateral vestibular nucleus in cats demonstrated that nystagmus evoked from each nucleus could be algebraically summated. This precise interaction was destroyed by labyrinthectomy which produced a resting nystagmus contralateral to the lesion. Resting nystagmus could be potentiated or inhibited by stimulating the appropriate nucleus. Atropine eliminated and amphetamine potentiated resting and elicited nystagmus. These data suggest a resting labyrinthine discharge which is necessary for vestibular stability in the intact animal and which enters the ipsilateral vestibular nucleus from which projections—possibly via the reticular formation—inhibit the contralateral lateral vestibular nucleus.
GENETIC ANALYSIS OF DUPLICATE MALATE DEHYDROGENASE LOCI IN THE PINK SALMON, ONCORHYNCHUS GORBUSCHA

The results of breeding experiments with the pink salmon, Oncorhynchus gorbuscha, indicate that s-MDH-A and s-MDH-B subunits are each encoded by duplicate loci. Limited evidence suggests also that the two loci encoding for the s-MDH-A subunit are each polymorphic and linked or pseudolinked.
Investing in Oregon's expanded food and nutrition education program (EFNEP): documenting costs and benefits.

Abstract Objectives To apply Virginia's cost-benefit analysis (CBA) model developed for a large Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP) to Oregon's small EFNEP. To estimate a cost-benefit ratio for Oregon's EFNEP based on retrospective analysis of program costs and optimal nutrition behaviors (ONBs) in relation to potential health-related savings for diet-related chronic diseases/conditions. Design Standard components of a CBA. Subjects/Settings 368 adult graduates of Oregon State University's Extension Service EFNEP during the 1999–2000 program year. Intervention Prior participation in the EFNEP with a mean of 10.4 lessons. Main Outcome Measures Cost-benefit ratio and several sensitivity analyses. Analysis EFNEP program graduates practicing ONBs related to prevention/delay of diet-related chronic diseases/conditions were determined using SPSS (Base 10 computer program). Cost-benefit ratios were computed using Microsoft Excel. Results CBA determined a 1:3.63 cost-benefit ratio (in 1999 dollars). Conclusions and Implications Virginia's CBA model was useful in the retrospective evaluation of Oregon's small EFNEP. With Oregon's benefits exceeding costs, CBA provides evidence for resource allocation and justification for program continuation.
Comparison of equine articular cartilage thickness in various joints

AbstractPurpose: Thicknesses of fresh equine articular cartilage surfaces from the fetlock, carpal and stifle joints were measured employing a needle probe test.Materials and methods: Eighty-seven samples used in measurement were cultivated from fetlock, carpal and stifle joints of 12 deceased within 4 h of death. After approximately three minutes of exposure to air during dissection, all cartilage samples were preserved in a saline solution to keep the articular cartilage hydrated for testing. The thickness was measured on five different spots on the same sample. The thicknesses of the fetlock, carpus and stifle were compared.Results: The articular cartilage of the stifle was thicker than the fetlock and carpus, while the fetlock and the carpus had similar thickness values. The average thickness of the fetlock, carpal and stifle joint are 0.86, 0.87 and 2.1 mm, respectively. They were statistically compared using the Student t-test. The differences on the articular cartilage thicknesses between the fetlo...
Mechanical stabilities of silicene

The mechanical stabilities of planar (g) and low-buckled (b) honeycomb monolayer structures of silicon under various large strains are investigated using density functional theory (DFT). The mechanical properties, including the ultimate stresses, ultimate strains, and high order elastic constants of silicene are predicted, as well as the structure evolutions. Both g-Si and b-Si can sustain large strains (η ≥ 0.15) for armchair, zigzag, and biaxial deformation. The third, fourth, and fifth order elastic constants are indispensable for accurate modeling of the mechanical properties under strains larger than 0.03, 0.06, and 0.08 respectively. The second order elastic constants, including in-plane stiffness, are predicted to monotonically increase with pressure while the Poisson ratio monotonically decreases with increasing pressure. Our results on the positive ultimate strengths and strains, second order elastic constants, and the in-plane Young's modulus indicate that both g-Si and b-Si are mechanically stable.
Temporal Constraints on Visually Directed C-Start Responses: Behavioral and Physiological Correlates

To study the modulatory influences of visual information on Mauthner (M-) initiated C-start responses, short interval visual stimuli were presented to individual cichlid fish prior to being startled with a sound pulse. Because the axon of each Mauthner neuron activates trunk musculature contralateral to the soma, the initial direction of an ensuing startle response provides a behavioral measure of which cell has been driven closer to threshold by visual cues at the time the sound pulse causes one cell to fire. When an LED was illuminated on one side of the fish for 10 ms prior to a startling sound pulse, cichlids reliably turned toward the visual cue. At durations of 15 and 20 ms, fish turned away from the same stimulus. Thus, behavioral evidence suggests that the M-cell contralateral to a visual stimulus appears to be excited first but visual excitation of the M-cell ipsilateral to the visual stimulus follows and predominates. Consistent with the behavioral results, visually evoked excitatory potentials recorded intracellularly in the cichlid M-cells were complex, with initial PSPs showing latencies of about 11.6 ms from contralateral eye stimulation and 15.5 ms from stimulating the ipsilateral eye. PSP latencies in goldfish were longer and more similar for stimuli to the two eyes (about 22 ms). For contrast, sound-evoked PSPs begin within 2 ms. The relative long latencies for visually regulating M-cell function suggest that vision is most adaptive for biasing response direction prior to rather than during a predator's attack.
Cat-scratch disease subtle vertebral bone marrow abnormalities demonstrated by MR imaging and radionuclide bone scan

Cat-scratch disease (CSD) is a benign, self-limited cause of lymphadenitis occurring mainly in children and young adults. Its etiology is a delicate, small gram-negative pleomorphic bacillus. Less common manifestations of CSD are seen in 5% of patients and include Parinaud's oculoglandular syndrome (with enlargement of the preauricular nodes), parotid gland enlargement, encephalitis, radiculopathy, pneumonitis, erythema nodosum, thrombocytopenia, and lytic bone lesions. We describe a patient in whom magnetic resonance imaging initially detected subtle vertebral bone marrow abnormalities that correlated with the site of abnormality on a subsequent radionuclide bone scan.
Perceptual order and the effect of vocalic context on fricative perception

This three-part study demonstrates that perceptual order can influence the integration of acoustic speech cues. In Experiment 1, the subjects labeled the [s] and [∫] in natural FV and VF syllables in which the frication was replaced with synthetic stimuli. Responses to these “hybrid” stimuli were influenced by cues in the vocalic segment as well as by the synthetic frication. However, the influence of the preceding vocalic cues was considerably weaker than was that of the following vocalic cues. Experiment 2 examined the acoustic bases for this asymmetry and consisted of analyses revealing that FV and VF syllables are similar in terms of the acoustic structures thought to underlie the vocalic context effects. Experiment 3 examined the perceptual bases for the asymmetry. A subset of the hybrid FV and VF stimuli were presented inreverse, such that the acoustic and perceptual bases for the asymmetry were pitted against each other in the listening task. The perceptual bases (i.e., the perceived order of the frication and vocalic cues) proved to be the determining factor. Current auditory processing models, such as backward recognition masking, preperceptual auditory storage, or models based on linguistic factors, do not adequately account for the observed asymmetries.
Fracture initiation, development, and reactivation in folded sedimentary rocks at Raplee Ridge, UT

Abstract Fractures at Raplee Ridge, a 14 km long monoclinal fold of Pennsylvanian sedimentary rock in southeast Utah, are examined to determine their sequential development and to explain the mechanical relationships among the three primary fracture sets and the fold. Folding is attributed to slip on an unexposed thrust fault of Laramide age. Fracture orientations were measured at 98 sites and fracture patterns were mapped at 8 sites on two sandstone and two limestone units of the Rico Formation, revealing at least four stages of fracture formation. Stages 1 and 2 occurred pre-folding and are defined, respectively, by E–W trending fracture Set I and N–S trending fracture Set II. Set I fractures are characterized by a unimodal distribution of attitudes, an intermediately-developed outcrop pattern, and continuous, linear traces on bedding surfaces. Set II fractures have a greater dispersion of orientations and are poorly-to intermediately-developed. Abutting relationships confirm that Set I fractures are older than Set II. Stage 3 occurred during folding when NW–SE trending Set III fractures initiated both from isolated flaws and as wing-cracks due to right-lateral shearing along reactivated Set I fractures. Set III fractures increase in density as the fore-limb dip increases from 10° to 30°. Later stages of deformation are characterized by the formation of fracture Subsets IV and V, structurally associated with fore-limb dips greater than 30°. Fracture Sets I and II are found throughout the surrounding Monument Upwarp and are attributed to that structure, whereas Set III is attributed to local stresses induced by monoclinal folding and/or thrust faulting.
Enantioselective silyl protection of alcohols promoted by a combination of chiral and achiral Lewis basic catalysts.

A counter-intuitive strategy that combines a chiral Lewis base catalyst with an achiral Lewis base co-catalyst results in an exceptionally large increase in the facility of catalytic enantioselective silylation of polyols. The catalytic ensemble drives such reactions to completion within a few hours, rather than the usual two–five days, without loss of enantioselectivity.
A graphical summary of disparities in health care and related summary measures

In order to assess the effectiveness of government programs designed to reduce disparities in the health care minority groups receive relative to the majority white population, a proper statistical measure should be used. This article proposes a measure of and its accompanying graph, which is readily interpretable and is not affected by the number of minority subgroups examined.
Raman active vibrations in long-chain fatty acids and phospholipid sonicates

The Raman active vibrations of saturated and unsaturated fatty acids are examined. The all-trans chain lengths of the saturated carbon chains in both types of homogeneous fatty acid samples can be determined in this way. The side-chain melting transition of l-α-dioleoyl lecithin suspension is studied and it is found that although the interior of the multilayer is more mobile than the region closer to the polar surface, both regions are in a random configuration at room temperature.
Terahertz Time-Domain Spectroscopy of Solid Samples: Principles, Applications, and Challenges

Abstract Advances in ultrafast lasers and semiconductor technologies have facilitated access to the terahertz (THz) frequency range for spectroscopic and imaging purposes. THz time-domain spectroscopy (TDS) is commonly used to acquire spectral data having high signal-to-noise ratios (SNRs) over a broad range of THz frequencies. THz-TDS instrumentation is commercially available, thereby enabling novel applications of THz time-domain (TD) imaging and spectroscopy in a myriad of applications. This review gives a general description of the instrumentation available for collecting THz-TD data and focuses on measurements of solid samples. Measurement geometries useful for collecting THz-TD data from solid samples are reviewed and a summary is presented of the major applications to the analysis of solid samples related to security issues, as well as samples originating from the pharmaceutical industry, dental sciences, biological samples, and polymer materials. Emphasis is also given to analytical applications i...
Does open fasciotomy contribute to morbidity and mortality after acute lower extremity ischemia and revascularization

A retrospective review was undertaken of 127 lower extremity fasciotomies performed for compartment syndrome after acute ischemia and revascularization in 73 patients with vascular trauma and 49 patients with arterial occlusive disease. One hundred twelve (88%) fasciotomies were performed early (at the time revascularization); 15 (12%) were delayed because of late compartment syndrome diagnosis. Ninety-four (77%) patients had more than one accepted indication for fasciotomy. Double-incision fasciotomy was used in 98 (77%) extremities, single-incision fasciotomy was used in 19 (15%), and fasciotomy-fibulectomy was used in 10 (8%). Fasciotomies were closed in 88 (69%) patients an average of 14 days after surgery. Seven patients needed multiple skin grafting procedures or myocutaneous flaps to close the wound; none compromised limb salvage. Five other patients had minor wound infections that resolved. Functional status returned to preoperative levels by the time of discharge from the hospital in 59 (48%) patients. Thirty-one (24%) patients had residual lower extremity disability related to delayed union of the fracture (five), chronic neuropathy (20), leg swelling (one), or ischemic nonhealing fasciotomy wounds (three); two patients had unrelated disabilities. Fourteen (11%) amputations were required for refractory limb ischemia; two (1.6%) were required for wet gangrene of the foot, which infected the fasciotomy site; the others had open noninfected incisions. Eighteen (15%) patients died of cardiopulmonary failure or multisystem failure or both, without fasciotomy-related problems. Open fasciotomy for compartment syndrome after acute lower extremity ischemia and revascularization was associated with an increased risk of minor wound morbidity. However, limb loss and death resulted from persistent ischemia and underlying systemic disease processes or injuries, but not from open fasciotomy wound complications.
Spatiotemporal Characterization of a Fibrin Clot Using Quantitative Phase Imaging

Studying the dynamics of fibrin clot formation and its morphology is an important problem in biology and has significant impact for several scientific and clinical applications. We present a label-free technique based on quantitative phase imaging to address this problem. Using quantitative phase information, we characterized fibrin polymerization in real-time and present a mathematical model describing the transition from liquid to gel state. By exploiting the inherent optical sectioning capability of our instrument, we measured the three-dimensional structure of the fibrin clot. From this data, we evaluated the fractal nature of the fibrin network and extracted the fractal dimension. Our non-invasive and speckle-free approach analyzes the clotting process without the need for external contrast agents.
Extraterrestrial neutrinos and Earth structure

Abstract Astrophysical sources of very high energy neutrinos may offer a novel means of imaging the Earth's internal structure. Likewise, occultation by our planet's core-mantle structure can help constrain the locations of extragalactic neutrino sources. Neutrino observations from the Earth's surface thus motivate new levels of collaboration between astrophysics and geophysics.
Aerosol matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization mass spectrometry

A new method of liquid sample introduction for a time-of-flight mass spectrometer (TOF-MS) has been developed by applying the method of matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization to aerosols. Analyte biomolecules are dissolved in a methanol solvent along with a UVabsorbing matrix and formed into an aerosol with a pneumatic nebulizer. The aerosol particles are dried in a heated skimmer tube before ionization by pulsed 355-nm UV laser radiation. Mass analysis is achieved in a linear TOF-MS. Results for the ionization of bovine insulin (5733.5 Mw) are reported.
On the choice of creep function for standard recommendations on practical analysis of structures

Abstract In the proposed revision of the C.E.B. International Recommendations, the unit creep curves for various ages t′ at loading are approximated in the form f(t-t')+g(t)-g(t') where t = time. Using optimization techniques to find functions f and g which give optimum fits of experimental data, it is shown that, by contrast with the present form, the proposed from of the C.E.B. creep function cannot reasonably approximate experimental creep curves over the full range of t′ of interest. In addition, the simplification of creep structural analysis intended by this formulation of creep function can be achieved, even to a greater extent, by another recent method. Therefore, the creep function of form ϕ(t')F(t-t'), which is presently used by C.E.B., should be retained, although improvement in the definition of functions ϕ and F is in order.
Changes in NO, iNOS and eNOS Expression in MLO-Y4 Cells After Low-intensity Pulsed Ultrasound Treatment With or Without Shear Stress Exposure

Bone formation in vivo is stimulated by mechanical loads. The primary endogenous biomechanical stimulus at the cell level, which results from mechanical loading, is fluid shear stress. Pulsed ultrasound (US) also induces bone formation and accelerates fracture healing. To determine the combined effect of these mechanical stimuli, MLO-Y4 cells were exposed sequentially to US (1.5 MHz, 30 mW/cm2, 1 kHz pulse rate, 20% duty cycle) and fluid shear stress (SS) (19 dynes/cm2) for a range of duration periods. Nitrite levels were measured which indirectly show the nitric oxide (NO) production from the cells. The amount of nitric oxide (NO) produced by cells exposed to combined US and SS treatments that consisted of equivalent exposure periods of 2.5, 5 and 10 min per treatment type, were respectively 0.7, 1.2 and 2.2 fold greater than the sum of the amounts of NO produced by cells exposed to lone US and shear stress treatments for the corresponding time periods (2.5, 5 and 10 min). Alone and in conjunction with mechanical stimuli, serum increases the NO production in the cells. 1400 W, a selective iNOS inhibitor, decreased by 33% the amount of NO produced by cells exposed sequentially to 10 min US and 10 min shear stress treatments. L-NAME, a non-selective inhibitor, completely inhibited NO production. Intermediate and long term experiments, where cells were exposed to US for 20 min and then to shear stress for 3 and 24 h, were also performed. For both durations nitrite levels were higher in the media of sequentially exposed cells than in the media of cells exposed to only one mechanical stimulus. In the long term, the rate of NO production decreased markedly. However, NO production remained significantly higher in the mechanically stimulated cells as compared to controls. In both the intermediate and long term experiments, US combined with SS to have a synergistic effect on eNOS mRNA levels and an additive effect on iNOS levels. These studies demonstrate that US and SS synergistically increase NO production in osteocyte-like cells and they suggest that it may be beneficial to use both exogenous US and endogenously derived SS to increase the formation of bone tissue.
Physiological interactions between the herbicide EPTC and selected analogues of the antidote naphthalic anhydride on two hybrids of maize

The efficacies of nine structural analogues of the herbicide antidote naphthalene-1,8-dicarboxylic acid anhydride (naphthalic anhydride, NA) for the protection of maize (Zea mays L. cv. DeKalb XL72AA and DeKalb XL67) against injury by the herbicide S-ethyl dipropyl(thiocarbamate) (EPTC) were elevated under greenhouse conditions. The chemical analogues of NA tested were: acenaphthenequinone (ACQ); 4-aminonaphthalene-1,8-dicarboxylic acid anhydride (NH2NA); 1,8:4,5-naphthalenetetracarboxylic acid dianhydride (NDiA); naphthalene- 1,8-carboximide (NHNA); 4-chloronaphthalene-1,8-dicarboxylic acid anhydride (C1NA); biphenyl-2,2′-dicarboxylic acid anhydride (diphenic anhydride; DA); 2-phenylglutaric anhydride (PGA); phthalic anhydride (PHA); phenalen-1-one (PA). Pre-plant incorporated applications of EPTC at 2.2, 4.5, 6.7, and 9.0 kg ha−1 were highly toxic to XL67 maize. Appreciable injury to XL72AA maize by EPTC was observed only with the high rates of EPTC (6.7 and 9.0 kg ha−1). Of the analogues tested PGA and PA were very toxic and inhibited germination of both maize hybrids. NA, ACQ, NH2NA, NDiA, NHNA, C1NA, DA, and PHA applied as seed dressings at 5.0 and 10 g per kg of seed offered satisfactory protection to XL72AA maize against EPTC rates higher than 6.7 kg ha−1. The same antidotes significantly antagonised the EPTC activity against XL67 maize but the overall protection obtained was partial and not agronomically important. The presence of the dicarboxylic anhydride group and of at least one aromatic ring attached directly to the anhydride appeared to be essential for the exhibition of protective activity by the structural analogues of NA. NA was slightly toxic to both hybrids of maize and chlorination of NA increased the phytotoxicity of this molecule. A genetic component that is present in the thiocarbamate-tolerant XL72AA hybrid but absent from the thiocarbamate-susceptible XL67 hybrid of maize appeared to be important for the phytotoxic activity of EPTC and may be involved in the protective activity of NA and its structural analogues.
Progression of Gastritis to Monoclonal B-Cell Lymphoma With Resolution and Recurrence Following Eradication of Helicobacter pylori

Objective. —To follow a patient withHelicobacter pylori—associated gastritis by performing serial endoscopic biopsies to observe the histologic progression of the gastritis to a monoclonal B-cell lymphoma with resolution and subsequent reccurrence following eradication ofH pyloriorganisms. Design. —A case report of a patient followed over 3 years. Main Outcome Measures. —Characteristics of the gastric mucosa as determined by histologic and gene rearrangement studies on multiple random biopsies obtained serially before and after the eradication ofH pyloriorganisms. Results. —A progression fromH pylori—associated gastritis through lymphoid hyperplasia to a monoclonal B-cell lymphoma was observed. With the techniques used, a resolution of the lymphoma was observed on eradication ofH pyloriorganisms, with a subsequent reccurrence of the lymphoma 15 months later, despite the absence ofH pyloriorganisms. Conclusion. —The observations made of this patient support an association betweenH pyloriand the development of a gastric monoclonal B-cell lymphoma. This lesion appears to develop in the setting of gastritis and progresses through lymphoid hyperplasia followed subsequently by the lymphoma. We speculate that this process is initially antigen driven by the organism and may subsequently become autonomous as genetic damage is accumulated, so that eradication ofH pyloriorganisms will lead to regression of the lesion to the degree that there are autonomously proliferating cells present. (JAMA. 1996;275:937-939)
Contrast-enhanced MRI of subchondral cysts in patients with or at risk for knee osteoarthritis: The MOST study

Abstract Objective The aim of the study was (1) to evaluate contrast enhancement patterns of subchondral cysts on magnetic resonance imaging and (2) to discuss possible radiological explanations of cyst enhancement based on existing theories of subchondral cyst formation in osteoarthritis. Materials and methods The Multicenter Osteoarthritis Study (MOST) is a NIH-funded longitudinal observational study for individuals who have or are at high risk for knee osteoarthritis. All subjects with available non-enhanced and contrast-enhanced MRI were included. The tibiofemoral and patellofemoral joints were divided in 14 subregions. The presence and size of subchondral cysts and bone marrow edema-like lesions (BMLs) were scored semiquantitatively in each subregion on non-contrast-enhanced MRI from 0 to 3. Enhancement of subchondral cysts was evaluated on contrast-enhanced MRI as grade 0 (absent), grade 1 (partial enhancement), or grade 2 (full enhancement). The adjacent articular cartilage was scored in each subregion on non-enhanced MRI as grade 0 (intact), grade 1 (partial thickness loss), or grade 2 (full thickness loss). Results Four hundred knees were included (1 knee per person, 5600 subregions). Subchondral cysts were detected in 260 subregions (4.6%). After intravenous contrast administration, 245 cysts (94.2%) showed full enhancement, 12 (4.6%) showed partial enhancement and 3 (1.2%) showed no enhancement. Enhancing BMLs were found in 237 (91.2%) subregions containing cysts, which were located adjacent or in the middle of BMLs. In 121 subregions (46.5%) having cysts, no adjacent full thickness cartilage loss was detected. Conclusion Most subchondral cysts demonstrated full or partial contrast enhancement, and were located adjacent or in the midst of enhancing BMLs. As pure cystic lesions are not expected to enhance on MRI, the term “subchondral cyst-like bone marrow lesion” might be appropriate to describe these lesions.
The Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1 Vpu Protein Tethered to the CD4 Extracellular Domain Is Localized to the Plasma Membrane and Is Biologically Active in the Secretory Pathway of Mammalian Cells: Implications for the Mechanisms of Vpu Function

Abstract The HIV-1 Vpu protein induces the proteolysis of CD4 in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and enhances the release of virus particles from the plasma membrane. The two biological activities of HIV-1 Vpu appear to be reconstituted in distinct membrane compartments of the mammalian cell. We carried out experiments to understand the role of Vpu sequences in membrane trafficking of the Vpu protein and to gain insights into Vpu-mediated proteolytic reactions. To this end, we generated CD4/Vpu hybrid proteins and analyzed their biochemical and biological properties in HeLa cells. We show here that all hybrid proteins are delivered to the plasma membrane undergoing endo-H-resistant modifications in the Golgi complex. Importantly, a hybrid protein bearing the CD4 extracellular domain and full-length Vpu induced the degradation of HIV envelope glycoproteins bearing the transmembrane and cytoplasmic domains of CD4 (Vpu-responsive elements, VRE). Glycoproteins lacking the VRE are stable under these conditions. In addition, a hybrid protein having the extracellular–transmembrane domains of CD4 and the Vpu cytoplasmic domain was only partially active in inducing the degradation of Vpu-sensitive proteins. These results suggest that the Vpu transmembrane domain is capable of regulating Vpu activity in the cell. Mutational studies have further demonstrated that casein kinase-2 phosphorylation is critically important in the degradation reaction, but does not regulate membrane trafficking of the CD4/Vpu hybrid proteins. We also show that the CD4 extracellular domain appended to the Vpu protein is protected from degradation while existing in a complex with Vpu-sensitive ectodomains. Taken together, these studies have revealed that the Vpu protein does not possess sequences that have the ability to sequester CD4 in the intracellular compartments of mammalian cells and that the Vpu protein tethered to the CD4 extracellular domain was biologically active in inducing the degradation of VRE-bearing glycoproteins in the ER.
The Pineal Organ

The study of the pineal organ now excites various scientific communities, among them endocrinologists, neuropharmacologists, and neurochemists. The very high concentrations of biogenic amines in the mammalian pineal, as well as its extensive and easily accessible autonomic innervation, make this organ a useful experimental model for studying monoamine biochemistry, the actions of various pharmacological agents, and the endogenous and exogenous controls on the sympathetic nervous system. In addition, after decades of contradictory results, experimental paradigms have finally been developed which provide compelling evidence that secretions of the mammalian pineal organ physiologically control several neuroendocrine functions, principally involving the anterior pituitary gland and its peripheral “target organs.”
Mechanism of diuretic response to increased left atrial pressure in the anesthetized dog

Mechanism of diuretic response to increased left atrial pressure in the anesthetized dog. The mechanism whereby an increase in left atrial pressure (LAP) causes a water diuresis in the anesthetized dog remains controversial. In the present study LAP was increased by inflation of an atrial balloon in two groups of animals. In the first group of eight intact dogs, mean LAP was increased from 3.4 to 17.6mm Hg (P 2 O (P H 2 O ) from -0.684 to -0.200ml/min (P 2 O) or C H 2 O (-0.750 to -0.620ml/min) occurred. Cardiac output, renal arterial pressure, glomerular filtration rate and solute excretion were comparable in the two groups. We therefore conclude that suppression of antidiuretic hormone release is the primary mechanism whereby increased LAP causes a water diuresis in the anesthetized dog. Mecanisme de la reponse diuretique a l'augmentation de la pression auriculaire gauche chez le chien anesthesie. Le mecanisme par lequel une augmentation de la pression auriculaire gauche (LAP) determine une diurese aqueuse chez le chien anesthesie est l'objet de controverses. Dans ce travail, la LAP a ete augmentee par le gonflement d'un ballon auriculaire dans deux groupes d'animaux. Dans le premier groupe de 8 chiens intacts la LAP moyenne a augmente de 3,4 a 17,6mm Hg (P 2 O (P H 2 O ) de -0,684 a -0,200ml/min (P 2 O) ou de C H 2 O (-0,750 a -0,620ml/min) n'est survenue. Le debit cardiaque, la pression arterielle renale, le debit de filtration glomerulaire et l'excretion de substances dissoutes etaient comparables dans les deux groupes. Nous concluons donc que la suppression de la liberation l'hormone antidiuretique est le mecanisme primaire par lequel l'augmentation de LAP determine une diurese aqueuse chez le chien anesthesie.
Terror management theory and scrupulosity: An experimental investigation

Abstract The present study investigated the applicability of Terror Management Theory (TMT) to scrupulosity using a sample of nonclinical college students (N=92). More specifically, we examined whether scrupulosity potentiated the relationship between exposure to conscious reminders of death (i.e., mortality salience) and four variables of interest (mistake-checking behavior, “not just right experience,” shame, and guilt). Results were that individuals engaged in significantly greater mistake-checking behavior, as well as experienced significantly heightened “not just right experience,” shame, and guilt in response to the mistake-checking task, following mortality salience at higher versus lower levels of scrupulosity. These patterns of relations were not found in a control condition. Finally, a “not just right experience,” but not shame or guilt, mediated the potentiating effect of scrupulosity in relation to the increased mistake-checking behavior following mortality salience. Implications of these results for improving our conceptualization and treatment of scrupulosity are discussed.
Monte Carlo simulations of H2 formation on grains of varying surface roughness

{V. Pirronello \emph{et. al.{N. Katz \emph{et. al.{A. Li and B. Draine \textit{Astrophys. J.
Collection Evaluation in the Research Library

Among many unflattering characterizations of librarians is the one that accuses us of wishing to keep our collections neat, clean and in proper order on the shelves. That is, not being used. This is a half‐true, if exaggerated, statement. As rational professionals, librarians realize that if a collection is well used it is not always in order and available, or else the collection is not as good as it should be. Control—knowing where an item is, who has it—is the goal librarians strive to achieve, rather than maintaining every item in its place.
Novel bioactive phospholipids: practical total syntheses of products from the oxidation of arachidonic and linoleic esters of 2-lysophosphatidylcholine(1).

Total syntheses of nine novel phospholipids were accomplished to facilitate the identification and biological testing of compounds that are generated upon oxidative cleavage of arachidonate and linoleate esters of 2-lysophosphatidylcholine, the two most abundant polyunsaturated phospholipids in low-density lipoprotein. An efficient general synthesis exploiting 2-lithiofuran as a 4-oxo-2-butenoyl carbanion equivalent provided phospholipids containing γ-keto-α,β-unsaturated carbonyl functional arrays. By exploiting facile cis−trans isomerizations, two commercially available cis alkenes, (2Z)-2-butene-1,4-diol and 2,5-dihydrofuran, could be employed as starting materials for preparing the Horner−Wadsworth−Emmons reagent 4-(diethoxyphosphoryl)-2E-butenal, a valuable building block for the synthesis of 2,4-dienals. The reagent was exploited in a total synthesis of 13-oxotridec-9E,11E-dienoic acid, confirming the identity of this product that is generated upon autoxidation of linoleic acid and by decomposition ...
The adsorption of krypton on the (1,1,1) face of copper single crystals

Abstract Single crystals of copper were grown which displayed predominantly the (1, 1, 1) plane. The crystals were electropolished and characterized by acid etch patterns, X-ray back reflection orientation and topology techniques and by Auger electron spectroscopy. The crystals having a geometric surface area of 78 cm2 were specially mounted in a bakeable ultrahigh vacuum volumetric adsorption apparatus. Krypton adsorption isotherms were determined on these copper crystals at 78.9°, 91.2°, 98.6°, and 108.0°K. Pressures were measured using an MKS all-welded bakeable capacitance manometer. The isotherm data encompassed the very low coverage region, the monolayer region and for the two lower temperature isotherms a portion of the multilayer region. The low coverage isotherm data were analyzed in terms of the virial approach to physical adsorption. The gas-solid interaction parameter, ϵ 1s ∗ /k , was found to be 1678°K. The virial approach was found to yield reasonably good values of the surface area of the crystals. This is the first application of the virial approach to very small surface area samples. The intermediate coverage region was analyzed in terms of the significant structure theory of adsorption. The analysis yields a value of ϵ 1s ∗ /k of 1654 ± 50°K and a value for the lateral interaction parameter ϵ 1s ∗ /k of 48 ± 7°K. The high value of ϵ 12 ∗ /k and the unusually low value of ϵ 1s ∗ /k are in accord with quantum mechanical theories of many-body interactions involving metal substrates and with the results of the virial analysis of the low coverage data. Isosteric heats of adsorption were determined as a function of coverage. The zero coverage heat, qs10/R, was found to be 1770°K and the slope of the heat versus coverage curve in the monolayer region is about 270°K which is in agreement with the small value of ϵ 12 ∗ /k reported above.
High concentrations of vitamin A esters circulate primarily as retinyl stearate and are stored primarily as retinyl palmitate in ferret tissues.

OBJECTIVE AND METHODOLOGY: We determined the kinds and amounts of vitamin A compounds (retinol and various retinyl esters) circulating in serum and stored in liver and other selected tissues of ferrets, using high-performance liquid chromatography. RESULTS: The concentration of total retinyl esters in serum (43 +/− 1 mumol/L, mean +/− SEM) was 25 times greater than that of retinol (1.7 +/− 0.2 mumol/L). In serum, 56% of retinyl esters was retinyl stearate, 33% was retinyl palmitate, and 5% was retinyl oleate. In contrast, in liver, vitamin A was stored primarily as retinyl palmitate (51%); smaller amounts of retinyl oleate (19%) and retinyl stearate (16%) were found. In kidneys, adrenals, small intestine, adipose tissue, skin, stomach, and eyes, retinyl palmitate was also the predominant retinyl ester, followed by retinyl stearate. In colon, lungs, and bladder, equal amounts of retinyl palmitate and retinyl stearate were observed. Other retinyl esters present in smaller amounts in most of these tissues we...
Release of gonadotropins by oral administration of synthetic LRF or a tripeptide fragment of LRF.

ABSTRACT The oral administration to rats of synthetic LRF or of the (amidated) N-terminal tripeptide-fragment of LRF is capable of eliciting a statistically significant increase in plasma LH, the highest dose of LRF also elevating plasma FSH. The highest dose of LRF, as well as the two doses of the tripeptide, produced elevations of plasma LH sustained for at least 1 hr.
A random sequencing approach for placing markers on the physical map of Mycoplasma genitalium

Abstract A physical map of the Mycoplasma genitalium genome has been prepared using pulsed-field gel electrophoresis. This report details recent efforts made to add markers or specific loci to this map in the absence of any mutants or system of genetic exchange. A total of 44 random clones were partially sequenced. Computer analysis was performed in an attempt to identify homologies with genes already recorded in the DNA sequence database. Clones with a large extent of homology to genes from other microorganisms have been assigned to specific loci on the M. genitalium map by hybridization to selected restriction digests. The additional data has facilitated an updated version of the physical map, and verified this random sequencing method as a useful mapping procedure as well as offering new insight into the physiological processes of this fastidious organism.
Graphic Novel Collections in Academic ARL Libraries

This study examines the extent to which ARL academic libraries collect graphic novels. Using a core list of 176 titles developed from winners of major comics industry awards and a library-focused “best of” list, the holdings of 111 ARL academic libraries were searched using the libraries’ online catalogs. Results suggest that most of the libraries studied do not aggressively collect graphic novels. Also examined were associations between date of publication, prior serialization, overall collection size, monograph budget, and ARL ranking and graphic novel holdings. To better serve scholarly research in this area of increasing interest, libraries will need to reexamine their collecting policies.
Dispersion-reduction technique using subcarrier multiplexing

We have developed a novel dispersion-reduction technique using subcarrier multiplexing which permits the transmission of multiple 2.5 Gbit/s data channels over hundreds of kilometers of conventional fiber-optic cable with negligible dispersion. Using a lithium niobate external modulator having a modulation bandwidth of 20 GHz, we are able to multiplex several high-speed data channels at a single wavelength. At the receiving end, we demultiplex the data and detect each channel using a 2-GHz bandwidth optical detector. All of the hardware in our system consists of off-the-shelf components and can be integrated to reduce the overall cost. We demonstrated our dispersion-reduction technique in a recent field trial by transmitting two 2.5 Gbit/s data channels over 90 km of commercially-installed single-mode fiber, followed by 210 km of spooled fiber. For comparison, we substituted the 300 km of fiber with equivalent optical attenuation. We also ran computer simulations to evaluate link behavior. Technical details and field trial results will be presented.© (1995) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
LDPC decoder architecture for high-data rate personal-area networks

Emerging standards for wireless communications in the 60GHz band, such as WiGig, IEEE 802.11ad, and IEEE 802.15.3c, require throughputs between 1.5 and 6Gb/s and use rate adaptive low-density parity-check (LDPC) codes as the main form of forward error correction. State-of-the-art flexible LDPC decoders cannot simultaneously achieve the high throughput mandated by these standards and the low power needed for mobile applications. This work develops a flexible, fully pipelined architecture for the IEEE 802.11ad standard capable of achieving both goals. Based on a decoder synthesized in a low-power 65nm CMOS technology, the decoder dissipates 42mW at the 1.5Gb/s throughput and 84mW at the 3Gb/s throughput for the worst-case matrix in the standard.
The use of contrast enhancement layers to improve the effective contrast of positive photoresist

The analytic solution of Babu and Baruch to the dynamic bleaching problem is used to evaluate the merit of contrast enhancement layers in photolithography. A CEL performance criterion is defined as the effective gain in resist system contrast. This gain is evaluated as a function of the CEL and resist parameters. The performance gain is maximized if the product of CEL sensitivity and resist "dose to clear" exceeds one. Universal curves are also given for the evaluation of the CEL transmission function. It is found that nonbleachable absorption in the CEL degrades the performance if its magnitude exceeds a few percent of the bleachable component.
Multiplexed measurements of immunomodulator levels in peripheral blood of healthy subjects: Effects of analytical variables based on anticoagulants, age and gender

Multiplex microbead immunoassay (MMIA) is a powerful technology for a wide range of biomedical and clinical applications. It is important to study the normal concentration ranges of immunomodulators under different sample preparation conditions and age groups of subjects in order to more precisely determine their reference values for use in assessing alterations of their levels in disease. The aim of this study was to determine the plasma concentrations of immunomodulators (cytokines, chemokines, and growth factors) in the peripheral blood from healthy subjects by the use of a large multiplex panel, and to determine the effects of different anticoagulants, age, and gender on the immunomodulator levels. In addition, the assay precision for these biomarker analytes was determined. Plasma samples from 107 healthy subjects, aged 18 to 85 years, were collected in three different anticoagulants (sodium citrate, EDTA, Heparin); corresponding serum samples were also obtained. Multiplex microbead immunoassays were performed for measuring a total of 23 analytes including chemokines, cytokines, and growth factors (IL-1β, IL-1ra, IL-2, IL-6, IL-7, IL-8, IL-12 p70, IL-17, IFN-γ, IP-10, MCP-1, PDGF-BB, RANTES, TNF-α, IL-1a, IL-16, HGF, MIG, TNF-β, PDGF-ABBB, EGF, Flt-3 Ligand, VEGF). For these analytes, our results showed that the anticoagulant affected the concentration measurements and the coefficients of variation. However, the relative levels of the analytes (profiles) of samples collected in a particular anticoagulant are consistent. The analytes IL-1β, IL-7, Flt-3 Ligand, and IL-12p70 show the largest variation (up to fourfold) between the age groups. In addition, no statistically significant differences in the level of the analytes were found between the sexes.
Fast recognition of musical genres using RBF networks

This paper explores the automatic classification of audio tracks into musical genres. Our goal is to achieve human-level accuracy with fast training and classification. This goal is achieved with radial basis function (RBF) networks by using a combination of unsupervised and supervised initialization methods. These initialization methods yield classifiers that are as accurate as RBF networks trained with gradient descent (which is hundreds of times slower). In addition, feature subset selection further reduces training and classification time while preserving classification accuracy. Combined, our methods succeed in creating an RBF network that matches the musical classification accuracy of humans. The general algorithmic contribution of this paper is to show experimentally that RBF networks initialized with a combination of methods can yield good classification performance without relying on gradient descent. The simplicity and computational efficiency of our initialization methods produce classifiers that are fast to train as well as fast to apply to novel data. We also present an improved method for initializing the k-means clustering algorithm, which is useful for both unsupervised and supervised initialization methods.
Cancer Incidence by Levels of Cholesterol

In 5,209 subjects studied for 24 years in Framingham, Mass, 691 cases of cancer were documented, with histological confirmation for 94%. Predetermined personal characteristics were tested for associations with subsequent occurrence of cancer at specific sites using multiple logistic regression. Significant associations of various cancer sites with cigarette smoking, alcohol use, education, height, weight, and parity agreed with other studies. Serum cholesterol level was inversely associated with incidence of colon cancer and with other sites only in men; these inverse associations were statistically significant after adjustment for age, alcohol consumption, cigarette smoking, education, systolic blood pressure, and relative weight. Associations may reflect effects of competing lethal diseases, underlying pathophysiological mechanisms that promote or inhibit development of cancer in men, biologic or social response to early and undiagnosed states of cancer. ( JAMA 1981;245:247-252)