cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Modelling and Optimization of Stirling Engine for Waste Heat Recovery from Cement Plant Based on Adiabatic Model and Genetics Algorithms

The Stirling engine presents an excellent opportunity for electricity production based on renewable energies by dint of its high efficiency, silent operation and ecological suitability. Despite the studies carried out on Stirling engine which are powered by renewable energies (solar energy, biomass), there are few works that deal with the recovery of heat loss from industrial sector and its utilization as heat supply for Stirling engines. In the current study, we demonstrate the potential of using an Alpha Stirling engine in order to recover the heat from clinker cooling during cement production. In the present work, adiabatic model and evolutionary algorithms are used to upgrade the performances of Alpha Stirling engine using a numerical modelling code developed in MATLAB software. The results of this work show that increasing engine speed increases the power to 23.52 KW at 3000 rpm. It was also found decreasing the cooler temperature to 280 K improve the performances of output engine. The augmentation of gas mass has a significant increase on output power due to the engine pressure augmentation. A multi-objective optimization was realized using Genetic algorithms and the Pareto optimal frontier was established for dual objectives. The final optimal results indicate the improvement of output power and efficiency to 11.92 KW and 67.91% obtainable at 91.11° phase angle, 2092.2 rpm speed, 0.035 m piston stroke, 288.26 K cooler temperature and 1.1184 g fluid mass.
Branched chain amino acids and risk of breast cancer

Abstract Circulating branched chain amino acid (BCAA) levels reflect metabolic health as well as dietary intake and have been linked to some cancers. Associations with breast cancer are unclear. We evaluated the association between circulating BCAA levels and risk of breast cancer in a prospective nested case-control study (1,997 cases, 1,997 controls) within the Nurses’ Health Study (NHS) and NHSII. Two-thirds of women in NHS (592 cases) donated two blood samples collected 10 years apart. We used conditional logistic regression to estimate odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) of breast cancer risk in multivariable models which included BMI at age 18 and adulthood weight gain, in addition to other risk factors. We conducted an external validation with secondary analyses in the Women’s Health Study (WHS) (1,297 cases). Among NHSII participants (predominantly premenopausal at blood collection), elevated circulating BCAA levels were associated with suggestively lower breast cancer risk (e.g., isoleucine highest vs. lowest quartile, multivariable OR (95% CI)= 0.86 (0.65-1.13), p-trend=0.20), with significant linear trends among fasting samples (e.g., isoleucine OR (95% CI)=0.74 (0.53-1.05), p-trend=0.05). In contrast, among postmenopausal women, proximate measures (within 10y from blood draw) were associated with increased breast cancer risk (e.g., isoleucine highest vs. lowest quartile multivariable OR (95% CI)=1.63 (1.12-2.39), p-trend=0.01), with slightly stronger associations among fasting samples (OR (95% CI)=1.73 (1.15-2.61), p-trend=0.01). Distant measures (10-20y since blood draw) were not statistically significantly associated with risk (OR (95% CI)=1.15 (0.87-1.52), p-trend=0.35). We did not observe significant heterogeneity by ER status or BMI. In the WHS, a suggestive positive association was observed for distant measures of leucine among postmenopausal women: OR (95% CI)=1.31 (0.97-1.75), p-trend=0.05. Although elevated circulating BCAA levels were associated with lower breast cancer risk among premenopausal NHSII women and higher risk of postmenopausal breast cancer in NHS when assessed within 10 years of diagnosis, independent of established risk factors, including adiposity, results were not validated in WHS. Additional independent studies are needed to reassess and understand the complex relationship between BCAAs, menopausal status and timing, and risk of breast cancer. Statement of significance Elevated circulating BCAA levels were associated with lower breast cancer risk among premenopausal NHSII women and higher risk of postmenopausal breast cancer in NHS when assessed within 10 years of diagnosis, independent of established risk factors, including adiposity.
Sentencing Luxury: The Valuation Debate in Sentencing Traffickers of Counterfeit Luxury Goods

This Note examines the contentious debate that exists regarding the property valuation used by the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines with regard to counterfeiting. Currently, the Sentencing Guidelines employ “street value.” However, many scholars and organizations argue that the alternative use of “retail value” will best assess the harm to the intellectual property owner as well as combat the growing problem of counterfeiting. This Note suggests that amending the Sentencing Guidelines, in order to allow for application of “retail value,” will best combat a growing national and international problem posed by the counterfeit luxury goods market.
The transcriptome landscapes of citrus leaf in different developmental stages

The temporal expression profiles of citrus leaves explain the sink–source transition of immature leaves to mature leaves and provide knowledge regarding the differential responses of mature and immature leaves to biotic stress such as citrus canker and Asian citrus psyllid (Diaphorina citri). Citrus is an important fruit crop worldwide. Different developmental stages of citrus leaves are associated with distinct features, such as differences in susceptibilities to pathogens and insects, as well as photosynthetic capacity. Here, we investigated the mechanisms underlying these distinctions by comparing the gene expression profiles of mature and immature citrus leaves. Immature (stages V3 and V4), transition (stage V5), and mature (stage V6) Citrus sinensis leaves were chosen for RNA-seq analyses. Carbohydrate biosynthesis, photosynthesis, starch biosynthesis, and disaccharide metabolic processes were enriched among the upregulated differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in the V5 and V6 stages compared with that in the V3 and V4 stages. Glucose level was found to be higher in V5 and V6 than in V3 and V4. Among the four stages, the largest number of DEGs between contiguous stages were identified between V5 and V4, consistent with a change from sink to source, as well as with the sucrose and starch quantification data. The differential expression profiles related to cell wall synthesis, secondary metabolites such as flavonoids and terpenoids, amino acid biosynthesis, and immunity between immature and mature leaves may contribute to their different responses to Asian citrus psyllid infestation. The expression data suggested that both the constitutive and induced gene expression of immunity-related genes plays important roles in the greater resistance of mature leaves against Xanthomonas citri compared with immature leaves. The gene expression profiles in the different stages can help identify stage-specific promoters for the manipulation of the expression of citrus traits according to the stage. The temporal expression profiles explain the sink–source transition of immature leaves to mature leaves and provide knowledge regarding the differential responses to biotic stress.
Pre- and post-flushing of three schools in Arizona due to COVID-19 shutdown

Abstract A one-day water sampling and flushing study was conducted for three schools in Maricopa County that experienced prolonged building inactivity due to the COVID-19 pandemic: an elementary school, middle school, and high school. Grab samples were taken at hand washing sinks, water fountains, and hose bibbs before and after flushing. Samples were analyzed for free chlorine, UVA254, copper, lead, total trihalomethanes, pH, conductivity, temperature, and Legionella species. All three schools experienced an increase in free chlorine post-flush. Copper concentrations were higher for first draw samples than post-flush samples for all schools. Conductivity, temperature, and pH did not see a major change after flushing. UVA254 values decreased after flushing. Bromoform species saw a 20% increase after flushing at the elementary school. Legionella spp. did not decrease post-flush at the elementary school. Overall, flushing changed the water quality at the schools. However, equipment flushing may be necessary to fully remediate Legionella spp. Article Impact Statement Prolonged closure of buildings causes water quality issues such as lack of disinfectant and Legionella. Flushing can restore water quality.
Using RDA to Improve User Experience. A Report of the ALCTS Catalog Form and Function Interest Group Meeting. American Library Association Annual Conference, Las Vegas, June 2014

In the world of cataloging, Resource Description and Access (RDA) is all the buzz. In the past couple of years, it has been difficult to have a discussion on cataloging practices without bringing u...
Uptake of chondroitin sulfate by mammalian cells in culture. II. Kinetics of uptake and autoradiography.

Summary The incorporation of 35S-labelled chondroitin sulfate (35S-Ch) into cultured Chinese hamster cells was studied quantitatively. 35S-Ch uptake is characterized as a function of the incubation time, the concentration of 35S-Ch in the medium, and is dependent on pH and temperature of the incubation medium. The retention of incorporated 35S-Ch is also a temperature-sensitive process. Autoradiographic studies showed the cytoplasmic localization of the ingested 35S-Ch.
A simulation study of a wireless bandwidth reservation multiple access protocol for multimedia traffic

Bandwidth reservation multiple access protocol (BRMA) resolves access contentions for mobile users in wireless local networks. Bandwidth is assigned to each user dynamically at frame level. In each frame, request channels are deterministically assigned to each user and are therefore contention-free. Data channels are assigned dynamically by base station and are therefore collision-free. In this paper, BRMA is studied for multimedia traffic through simulations. Traffic patterns of different kinds, such as voice, data, real time high activity video (MPEG movie Star Wars) are used to study the protocol performance. With a proper admission control and with proper design of protocol parameters (service ratio, frame length, etc), traffic with different quality of service (QoS) requirements can be supported.
Evaluation of artificial PVC pipe structures as fish habitat in Spring Lake, Western Illinois, USA.

Three types of artificial fish habitat constructed of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) pipe were placed at three sites in Spring Lake, a drinking water reservoir in McDonough County, Illinois. Direct current (DC) electrofishing was used on a monthly basis from May through October 2008 at each site, and a corresponding control area. The fish catch per unit effort (CPUE) and mean size of fish captured were compared between the artificial structures and the control areas. The CPUE and mean size of fish captured also were compared to the number of ‘branches’ on the artificial habitat. The fish catch rates for the various structures were evaluated among the three sites on the lake. The mean CPUE was significantly higher for the PVC structures, and compared to control sites, for bluegill (Lepomis macrochirus), white crappie (Pomoxis annularis) and largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides). This was not performed for gizzard shad (Dorosoma cepedianum). No significant differences were detected in mean size for all four species between the PVC and control sites. A linear regression indicated no significant relationship between the number or size of fish, and the number of branches on the PVC structures. Bluegills used the PVC structures significantly more in the dam area than in other areas of the lake. In contrast, gizzard shad used the PVC structures significantly more in the west end of the lake. These results suggest that PVC structures, which can be constructed of common, inexpensive materials, can be effective in attracting fish in drinking water reservoirs. Another advantage of the PVC structures is that they are non-organic and, therefore, will not degrade water quality.
Open heart surgery during pregnancy

Abstract Open heart surgery is now more frequently utilized to treat severely disabled pregnant patients with surgically correctable cardiac lesions. Review of the literature and personal communications reveals only 11 pregnant patients undergoing successful surgery involving cardiopulmonary bypass with subsequent delivery of normal infants. Two additional cases are reported from the Yale-New Haven Medical Center. The potential and actual fetal hazards appear multiple, but as yet their precise mechanisms of action remain undetermined.
Case based reasoning with bayesian model averaging: an improved method for survival analysis on microarray data

Microarray technology enables the simultaneous measurement of thousands of gene expressions, while often providing a limited set of samples. These datasets require data mining methods for classification, prediction, and clustering to be tailored to the peculiarity of this domain, marked by the so called ‘curse of dimensionality'. One main characteristic of these specialized algorithms is their intensive use of feature selection for improving their performance. One promising method for feature selection is Bayesian Model Averaging (BMA) to find an optimal subset of genes. This article presents BMA applied to gene selection for classification on two cancer gene expression datasets and for survival analysis on two cancer gene expression datasets, and explains how case based reasoning (CBR) can benefit from this model to provide, in a hybrid BMA-CBR classification or survival prediction method, an improved performance and more expansible model.
Abstract 2610: AMG 232, a small molecular inhibitor of MDM2 augments radiation response in human tumors harboring wild-type p53

Activation of p53 is an attractive therapeutic target in radiation oncology because of its tumor-suppressor activity. AMG 232 is an effective p53 activator via inhibition of p53 interaction with its primary negative regulator, MDM2. In the current study, we examine the capacity of AMG 232 to augment radiation response in a variety of human tumors derived from lung, breast, colorectal, melanoma and sarcoma. We first examined the anti-proliferative effect of AMG 232 and confirmed a dose-dependent growth inhibition following AMG 232 treatment across a panel of 7 cell lines harboring wild type p53. In addition, the lack of growth inhibition in a p53 null cell line H1299 confirmed the p53-dependent anti-proliferative effect of AMG 232. Using clonogenic survival analysis, we identified that treatment with AMG 232 significantly enhanced radiosensitivity in all cell lines tested. Immunoblot analysis revealed the capacity of AMG 232 to inhibit radiation-induced DNA damage repair via inhibition of ATM, DNAPK-DNA ligase IV and BRCA1-Rad51/52 pathways. Flow cytometric analysis also showed a significant accumulation of cell populations in G2/M phase and a strong increase in γH2AX expression at 48 hrs following 2 Gy of radiation and AMG 232 treatment. Consistently, AMG 232 was shown to activate 1433σ that blocked G2/M progression via inhibiting CDC2. Further imaging studies to detect senescence-associated β-galactosidase activity identified that combined treatment of AMG 232 and radiation significantly induced a senescence phenotype. These results suggest that AMG 232 augments radiation response via the induction of cell cycle arrest and/or senescence followed by cell death, likely reflecting inhibitory effects on DNA damage repair. In addition to increased apoptotic cell death following the combination treatment, we found that autophagy-related cell death may also be contributing to AMG 232-induced radiosensitivity. Finally, in a variety of human tumor xenograft models, we confirmed that the combination of AMG 232 and radiation resulted in a significant delay in tumor regrowth and superior anti-tumor efficacy than treatment with drug or radiation alone. Taken together, these data reveal the strong capacity of AMG 232 to augment radiation response across a variety of tumor types. These promising results provide a basis for the further investigation of MDM2 antagonists combined with radiation as a novel treatment approach in cancer therapy. Citation Format: Lauryn Werner, Shyhmin Huang, Eric A. Armstrong, Dave Francis, Tao Osgood, Jude Canon, Paul M. Harari. AMG 232, a small molecular inhibitor of MDM2 augments radiation response in human tumors harboring wild-type p53. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 105th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2014 Apr 5-9; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2014;74(19 Suppl):Abstract nr 2610. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2014-2610
Differential and integral calculus

Partial table of contents: The Continuum of Numbers, The Concept of Function, The Concept of the Limit of a Sequence, The Concept of Continuity. The Fundamental Ideas of the Integral and Differential Calculus: The Definite Integral, The Derivative, The Estimation of Integrals and the Mean Value Theorem of the Integral Calculus. Differentiation and Integration of the Elementary Functions: Maxima and Minima, The Logarithm and the Exponential Function, The Hyperbolic Functions. Further Development of the Integral Calculus: The Method of Substitution, Integration by Parts, Integration of Rational Functions, Improper Integrals. Applications. Taylor's Theorem and the Approximate Expression of Functions by Polynomials. Numerical Methods. Infinite Series and Other Limiting Processes. Fourier Series. A Sketch of the Theory of Functions of Several Variables. The Differential Equations for the Simplest Types of Vibration. Answers and Hints. Index.
Leakage and dynamic glitch power minimization using integer linear programming for v th assignment and path balancing

This paper presents a novel technique, which uses integer linear programming (ILP) to minimize the leakage power in a dual-threshold static CMOS circuit by optimally placing high-threshold devices and simultaneously reduces the glitch power using the smallest number of delay elements to balance path delays. The constraint set size for the ILP model is linear in the circuit size. Experimental results show 96%, 40% and 70% reduction of leakage, dynamic and total power, respectively, for the benchmark circuit C7552 implemented in the 70nm BPTM CMOS technology.
Association between parents' PTSD severity and children's psychological distress: a meta-analysis.

The authors conducted a meta-analysis of studies on the correlation between parents’ PTSD symptom severity and children's psychological status. An extensive search of the literature yielded 550 studies that were screened for inclusion criteria (i.e., parent assessed for PTSD, child assessed for distress or behavioral problems, associations between parent PTSD and child status examined). Sixty-two studies were further reviewed, resulting in a final sample of 42 studies. Results yielded a moderate overall effect size r = .35. The authors compared effect sizes for studies where only the parent was exposed to a potentially traumatic event to studies where both parents and children were exposed. A series of moderators related to sample characteristics (sex of parent, type of traumatic event) and study methods (self-report vs. diagnostic interview, type of child assessment administered) were also evaluated. The only significant moderator was type of trauma; the effect size was larger for studies with parent–child dyads who were both exposed to interpersonal trauma (r = .46) than for combat veterans and their children (r = .27) and civilian parent–child dyads who were both exposed to war (r = .25). Results support the importance of considering the family context of trauma survivors and highlight areas for future research. Traditional and Simplified Chinese Abstracts by AsianSTSS 標題：元分析有關父母的PTSD嚴重程度與子女心理困擾的關係 撮要：我們對父母PTSD症狀嚴重程度和子女心理狀況之間的關係這一類研究進行元分析。廣泛文獻研究後將550篇研究篩選納入標準(即：父母被評估PTSD，子女被評估困擾或行為問題，父母PTSD和子女狀況之間關係被評估)。審閱後有62篇，再閱後只有42篇餘下。結果有中度綜合有效值r=.35。將只有父母經歷創傷事件的研究和父母及子女共同經歷創傷的研究，作有效值比較。亦評估一系列與樣本特性(父母性別，創傷事件類型)及研究方法(自我報告對比診斷面談，兒童評估方法的類別)相關的調節因素。結果是：只有創傷類別是有效調節因素，父母—子女同時經歷人際創傷(r=.46)的研究對比退役軍人及子女(r=.27)和平民父母—子女同時經歷戰事(r=.25)的研究，有着較高有效值。研究支持創傷倖存者的家庭境況是必須考慮的，亦指示未來研究方向。 标题：元分析有关父母的PTSD严重程度与子女心理困扰的关系 撮要：我们对父母PTSD症状严重程度和子女心理状况之间的关系这一类研究进行元分析。广泛文献研究后将550篇研究筛选纳入标准(即：父母被评估PTSD，子女被评估困扰或行为问题，父母PTSD和子女状况之间关系被评估)。审阅后有62篇，再阅后只有42篇余下。结果有中度综合有效值r=.35。将只有父母经历创伤事件的研究和父母及子女共同经历创伤的研究，作有效值比较。亦评估一系列与样本特性(父母性别，创伤事件类型)及研究方法(自我报告对比诊断面谈，儿童评估方法的类别)相关的调节因素。结果是：只有创伤类别是有效调节因素，父母—子女同时经历人际创伤(r=.46)的研究对比退役军人及子女(r=.27)和平民父母—子女同时经历战事(r=.25)的研究，有着较高有效值。研究支持创伤幸存者的家庭境况是必须考虑的，亦指示未来研究方向。
Measurement of pulmonary CO2 elimination must exclude inspired CO2 measured at the capnometer sampling site.

Objective. The pulmonary elimination of the volume of CO2 per breath (VCO2/br, integration of product of airway flow ( $$\dot V$$ ) and PCO2 over a single breath) is a sensitive monitor of cardio-pulmonary function and tissue metabolism. Negligible inspired PCO2 results when the capnometry sampling site (SS) is positioned at the entry of the inspiratory limb to the airway circuit. In this study, we test the hypothesis that moving SS lungward will result in significant inspired CO2 (VCO2[I]), that needs to be excluded from VCO2/br.Methods. We ventilated a mechanical lung simulator with tidal volume (VT) of 800 mL at 10 breaths/min. CO2 production, generated by burning butane in a separate chamber, was delivered to the lung. Airway $$\dot V$$ and PCO2 were measured (Capnomac Ultima, Datex), digitized (100 Hz for 60 s), and stored by microcomputer. Then, computer algorithms corrected for phase diferences between $$\dot V$$ and PCO2 and calculated expired and inspired VCO2 (VCO2[E] and VCO2[I]) for each breath, whose difference equalled overall VCO2/br. The lung and Y-adapter (where the inspiratory and expiratory limbs of the circuit joined) were connected by the SS and a connecting tube in varying order.Results. During ventilation of the lung model (VT = 800 ml) with SS adjacent to the inspiratory limb, VCO2[E] was 16.8± 0.4 ml and VCO2[I] was 1.1 ±0.1 ml, resulting in overall VCO2/br (VCO2[E] —VCO2[I]) of 15.7 ± 0.4 ml. If VCO2[I] was ignored in the determination of VCO2/br, then the %error that VCO2[E] overestimated VCO2/br was 7.2± 0.3%. This %error significantly increased (p < 0.05, Student's t-test) when VT was decreased to 500 mL (%error = 12.4 ± 0.8%) or when SS was moved to the lungward side of a 60 mL connecting tube (VCO2[I] = 2.8 ± 0.2, %error = 18.2 ± 1.6) or a 140 mL tube (VCO2[I] = 5.9±03 mL, %error = 37.5±3.3).Conclusions. When the SS was moved lungward from the inspiratory limb, instrumental dead space (VDINSTR) increased and, at end-expiration, contained exhaled CO2 from the previous breath. During the next inspiration, this CO2 was rebreathed relative to SS (i.e. VCO2[I]), and contributed to VCO2[E]. Thus, VCO2[E] overestimated VCO2/br (%error) by the amount of rebreathing, which was exacerbated by largerVDINSTR (increased VCO2[I]) or smaller VT (increased VCO2[I]-to-VCO2/br ratio).
Receivers for the National Emergency Alarm Repeater System

The NEAR system, a recently developed means for rapidly alerting the population in case of emergency, operates by an alarm signal transmitted through the power lines. Operational requirements of the system and technical features of the receiver are discussed.
Aesthetic Surgery of the Face and Neck

The reader is presumed to have a basic understanding of facial anatomy and facial rejuvenation procedures. After reading this article, the reader should also be able to: 1. Identify the essential anatomy of the face as it relates to facelift surgery. 2. Describe the common types of facelift procedures, including their strengths and weaknesses. 3. Apply appropriate preoperative and postoperative management for facelift patients. 4. Describe common adjunctive procedures. Physicians may earn 1.0 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit by successfully completing the examination based on material covered in this article. This activity should take one hour to complete. The examination begins on page 464. As a measure of the success of the education we hope you will receive from this article, we encourage you to log on to the Aesthetic Society website and take the preexamination before reading this article. Once you have completed the article, you may then take the examination again for CME credit. The Aesthetic Society will be able to compare your answers and use these data for future reference as we attempt to continually improve the CME articles we offer. ASAPS members can complete this CME examination online by logging on to the ASAPS members-only website (http://www.surgery.org/members) and clicking on "Clinical Education" in the menu bar. Modern aesthetic surgery of the face began in the first part of the 20th century in the United States and Europe. Initial limited excisions gradually progressed to skin undermining and eventually to a variety of methods for contouring the subcutaneous facial tissue. This particular review focuses on the cheek and neck. While the lid-cheek junction, eyelids, and brow must also be considered to obtain a harmonious appearance, those elements are outside the scope of this article. Overall patient management, including patient selection, preoperative preparation, postoperative care, and potential complications are discussed.
Achieving maximum hardness in semi-coherent multilayer thin films with unequal layer thickness

Abstract Sources of plastic strengthening in [0 0 1] epitaxial Cu/Ni multilayer thin films are examined using measurements of in-plane lattice parameter and hardness (H) for films of different bilayer period (Λ) and Ni volume fraction (% Ni). Similar to other investigations, H for 50% Ni–50% Cu films increases with decreasing bilayer period down to Λ = 20 nm, where interfaces are coherent. A new finding is that H for semi-coherent films increases with % Ni. This strategy yields the largest reported H for this system (5.2 GPa for 60% Ni/40% Cu, Λ = 60 nm), showing that smaller is not always stronger. The rationale for the increased H is the development of a large interfacial dislocation density during the elasto-plastic transition to fully plastic yield. This strengthens Cu/Ni interfaces to slip propagation. The results are interpreted with a dislocation-based model that furnishes estimates of interfacial dislocation line energies, pinning strengths to confined layer slip, and interface barrier strengths to slip transmission.
DRAG AND TORQUE ON A SLOWLY TRANSLATING DISK IN A ROTATING FLUID; EFFECTS OF A PLANE WALL, ANOTHER DISK OR A SIDE WALL

A previously presented analytical method for determining the Stokes drag on a disk sedimenting in the presence of fixed boundaries (Davis, 1990) is adapted to the case of a disk translating broadside in a rotating fluid, possibly with relative rotation. By carefully simplifying the potentially lengthy algebra, concise formulations are again developed for the cases of two disks translating together with opposite relative rotations, a disk translating towards a rigid plane that rotates with the fluid and a disk translating within a similarly rotating concentric circular container. Flows that are asymmetric allow the possibility of adjusting the relative rotation so that the disk is torque free. Values of the Taylor number, based on the disk radius, up to 50 are considered.
A molecular dynamics study of Fe2S2 putidaredoxin: multiple conformations of the C-terminal region

Putidaredoxin (Pdx) plays an essential role as an electron donor and effector in the biochemical cycle involving cytochrome P450cam. Only recently has an NMR-derived structure for this protein been published, but because of the presence of a paramagnetic Fe2S2 center, the NMR assignment could not be completed for residues within a region of 8 A around the active site. That region was modeled by homology with a related protein. The structural refinement for those experiments was done in vacuum, without the use of electrostatic terms in the force field. The present manuscript will describe and discuss a series of long-time, unrestrained, solution molecular dynamic runs for this system. Results will be presented that construct a molecular-level picture that rationalizes experimental results concerning the conformation and mobility of the C-terminal residue Trp106. At least two different conformers are found for this residue during the simulations. The time scale for interconversion between them is found to be in the subnanosecond regime. The results presented here open the possibility for studying binding and electron transfer between Pdx and P450cam, in a framework that allows for dynamical information to be used during the computational process, instead of the single structures deposited on the protein data base.
Homesharing and Congregate Housing State Initiatives

Activities of states to develop alternative living arrangements for the elderly to avert expensive institutionalization and improve conditions of the community-dwelling elderly have become numerous. Both housemate matching programs and congregate housing have been supported as federal construction for the low-income elderly has waned. The varied initiatives of the most active states are reviewed. But the pace of development has been uncertain because of problems of generating demand, financial limitations, and targeting.
A Study of Near-field Aperture Geometry Effects on Very Small Aperture Lasers (VSAL)

Fang Chen*, AmitItagi, Larissa Stebounova**, J• A. Bain, D. D. Stancil,G. C. Walker**, T.E. SchlesingerData Storage Systems Center, Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering,Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA, 1 5213, USA**Depament of Chemistry, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, 1 5260, USAABSTRACT
ACS RX flow support catheter as a temporary stent for dissection or occlusion during balloon angioplasty: initial experience.

The ACS RX™ flow support catheter, which functions as a temporary stent, was placed successfully during four procedures in three patients who had suboptimal results following angio-plasty. This investigational device allowed prolonged perfusion and supported the vessel wall when coronary blood flow was compromised, avoiding emergent coronary artery bypass graft surgery during two procedures. In the remaining procedures the device was used as a bridge to surgery. These early applications of the flow support catheter following failed balloon angioplasty suggest a rapid, effective alternative to the auto-perfusion balloon when it fails or is contraindicated because of the lesion location.
Saddle-point technique for high-spin multiplicity resonances.

Recherche de modeles de calcul afin de definir une methode de traitement des lacunes dans une situation de resonance. On suggere une procedure d'etape par etape pour controler ces lacunes dans des situations reelles
ESI-QIMS Investigation of Sr, Rb, and Crown Ether Mixture Solutions

The isotope distribution of Sr, alternatively 87Sr/86Sr ratio frequently reported in geologic investigations, is obtained by direct electrospray ionization of aqueous samples containing Sr(II), Rb(I) with added 18-crown-6 (18c6) [1,4,7,10,13,16-Hexaoxacyclooctadecane C12H24O6 m/z 264.3]. At relatively high concentrations of Sr and Rb, we observed favorable formation of Sr2+(18c6)2 and Rb+(18c6) rather than Sr2+(18c6) complexes. Significant Sr2+(18c6)2 suppression observed in post column addition of samples into water solvent disappeared when formic acid was present in the carrier solvent. Electrospray ionization-quadrupole-ion trap mass spectrometry (ESI-QITMS) successfully obtained the expected isotope distribution of Sr showing no interference from Rb without chromatographic separation of 87Sr and 87Rb necessary in ICP-MS studies.
Effects of lengthened growing season and soil warming on the phenology and physiology of Polygonum bistorta.

Summary The phenological and physiological responses of arctic tundra plant species are key to predicting their survival in a warmer climate. One of the consequences of a warmer climate in the Arctic will be a longer growing season. We examined the effects of lengthened growing season and soil warming on the widely distributed forb, Polygonum bistorta L. Three treatments were established near Toolik Lake, Alaska in 1995 and 1996: extended season, extended season with soil warming, and an unmanipulated control. The season was extended by removing the snow load in the spring and keeping the treatments free of snow in the autumn. The spring snow removal extended the snow-free period over that of controls by 8 d in 1995 and 24 d in 1996. As a result, the number of accumulated soil thaw days and consequently the depth of soil thaw increased on the treatment plots. Polygonum bistorta responded to the treatments by becoming active earlier and senescing earlier, resulting in a growth period of similar duration to that of the controls. Leaf size and leaf number were unaffected by the treatments, as were leaf photosynthetic assimilation rates and nutrient concentrations. The results indicate that internal constraints limit the response of this species to lengthened growing season, suggesting that it is a determinant or periodic species. With climate warming, this periodic growth will put P. bistorta at a competitive disadvantage relative to plants that can respond to lengthened growing season.
Evidence for altered synthesis of human chorionic gonadotropin in gestational trophoblastic tumors.

Tissue extracts of molar tissue orchoriocarcinoma, blood, or urine of 21 women with gestational trophoblastic disease were analyzed for hCG and its subunits. The extracts or biologic fluids were initially chromatographed through a standardized Sephadex G-100 column. Each fraction was radioimmunoassayed in homologous hCG, hCGα, and hCGβ assays. Extracts of four hydatidiform moles contained primarily hCG but no free alpha subunit of that hormone. One of the molar extracts contained a small amount of free hCGβ not observed in the extracts of the other three moles. Plasma and urine samples from 18 women with localized or metastatic gestational trophoblastic disease contained hCG but no free α or β subunits; the neoplasms of those patients readily responded to chemotherapy, and all patients have had no evidence of disease for at least one year. The major portion of immunologic hCG present in the biologic samples was indistinguishable from native hCG in its physical behavior on Sephadex G-100 chromatography. On...
RNase H activity: Structure, specificity, and function in reverse transcription

This review compares the well-studied RNase H activities of human immunodeficiency virus, type 1 (HIV-1) and Moloney murine leukemia virus (MoMLV) reverse transcriptases. The RNase H domains of HIV-1 and MoMLV are structurally very similar, with functions assigned to conserved subregions like the RNase H primer grip and the connection subdomain, as well as to distinct features like the C-helix and loop in MoMLV RNase H. Like cellular RNases H, catalysis by the retroviral enzymes appears to involve a two-metal ion mechanism. Unlike cellular RNases H, the retroviral RNases H display three different modes of cleavage: internal, DNA 3′ end-directed, and RNA 5′ end-directed. All three modes of cleavage appear to have roles in reverse transcription. Nucleotide sequence is an important determinant of cleavage specificity with both enzymes exhibiting a preference for specific nucleotides at discrete positions flanking an internal cleavage site as well as during tRNA primer removal and plus-strand primer generation. RNA 5′ end-directed and DNA 3′ end-directed cleavages show similar sequence preferences at the positions closest to a cleavage site. A model for how RNase H selects cleavage sites is presented that incorporates both sequence preferences and the concept of a defined window for allowable cleavage from a recessed end. Finally, the RNase H activity of HIV-1 is considered as a target for anti-virals as well as a participant in drug resistance.
Matrix isolation study of the interaction of excited argon atoms with methyl cyanide, vibrational and electronic spectra of ketenimine

Abstract When methyl cyanide mixed with an excess of argon is codeposited at 14 K with a beam of argon atoms that has been excited by a low power microwave discharge, infrared and ultraviolet absorptions of several previously unidentified products appear. The most prominent set of absorptions is assigned to ketenimine, previously tentatively identified as the product of the reaction of NH with C 2 H 2 in an argon matrix. Using a molecular geometry resulting from a recent ab initio calculation and a valence force field with four interaction constants, it has been possible to obtain a satisfactory least-squares force constant fit to the infrared data for seven isotopic species of ketenimine. Two electronic band systems are also reported for ketenimine, which is photodissociated by 2537-A radiation. The mechanism by which ketenimine is formed may involve an initial electron transfer from excited argon to methyl cyanide. Spectrospic data are also considered for the other products, one of them tentatively identified as CH 2 CH, which differ in their behavior on mercury-are photolysis of the sample.
Increased calmodulin levels in psoriasis and low Ca++ regulated mouse epidermal keratinocyte cultures.

Calcium has been shown to regulate the proliferation of epidermal keratinocytes in vitro. We became interested in the role of the calcium binding protein, calmodulin, in hyperproliferative, low calcium regulated keratinocytes in vitro and in the in vivo hyperproliferative state, psoriasis. Calmodulin levels were measured by radioimmune assay in neonatal mouse keratinocytes grown in 0.02 mM calcium (hyperproliferative) and 1.2 mM calcium (normal) media, and in cells that had been grown in low calcium medium and then switched to normal calcium. On a whole culture basis the normal cells had more calmodulin than the low calcium cells. However, when low calcium monolayers were compared to the normal basal monolayer, the low calcium hyper-proliferative cells had more calmodulin. Cells that were switched from 0.02 mM calcium to 1.2 mM calcium showed increasing calmodulin levels over time. Psoriatic plaques contained 2-3 times more calmodulin than the skin of normal controls when examined on a per μg of DNA, per μg of protein, and per gram of wet weight basis. Adjacent uninvolved psoriatic skin also had significantly elevated calmodulin levels in all data bases except per μg of protein/cm 2 . These data suggest that increased calmodulin levels are associated with epidermal hyperproliferation and/or with the state of differentiation.
Mechano optical behavior of polyethylene terephthalate films during simultaneous biaxial stretching: Real time measurements with an instrumented system

Abstract We present an experimental study of real time true stress–strain–birefringence measurements to elucidate the sequence of structural mechanisms that occur during simultaneous biaxial stretching of PET films from amorphous precursors in rubbery state. Stress–birefringence relationship, wide angle X-ray diffraction, Raman spectroscopy and DSC thermal analysis were used to identify the stages of the mechano-optical behavior of the films during stretching, and to identify their structural origins. The measurements revealed four regimes for the relationship between the stress and birefringence. In the first regime the stress has a linear relationship with birefringence where the linear stress optical rule holds and the stress optical constant for PET is 5.8 GPa−1 (5800 Brewster). In the second regime, the relationship is also nearly linear with a steeper positive slope, and in the third regime the relationship is nonlinear. At very high stretching rates, a fourth stage could be seen, where the stress increases while the birefringence reaches a plateau. This stage is reached when the polymer chains attain their finite extensibilities. This stage was not observed if low rates of stretching employed, where high relaxation movements dominate the orientation effects. The deviation from the initial linear stress optical rule coincides with the onset of the stress-induced crystallization as revealed by the off line measurements. This transition was found to be rate dependent and increased rate delays this transition to higher stresses.
Landau's theory in liquid helium II—Empirical extension to λ point

The temperature dependence of Landau's Δ parameter is obtained from the assumption thatp0 and μ are temperature independent. The density derivative of various parameters has also been estimated.
In vivo micropathology of best macular dystrophy with optical coherence tomography

Best macular dystrophy (BMD) is an autosomal dominant retinopathy caused by mutations in the VMD2 gene that encodes a chloride channel in the basolateral membrane of the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE). BMD patients were studied using optical coherence tomography (OCT) to understand the disease process in the macula leading to vision loss. BMD patients (ages 5-61), representing four families with known VMD2 mutations, were included. OCT scans were recorded in the central retina and longitudinal reflectivity profiles were analysed. The central retina in BMD showed different OCT abnormalities at or near the level of the highly reflective deep retinal band termed the outer retina-choroid complex (ORCC). Two types of ORCC change were noted to occur either separately or together: (1) splitting with or without intervening hyporeflective areas; and (2) elevation. Longitudinal study of a BMD patient indicated that such abnormalities were dynamic and changed in type and degree with time. The pathogenetic sequence in BMD may begin with defective fluid transport across the RPE secondary to the channelopathy in the basolateral membrane. In the macula, this leads to an abnormal interface with adjacent structures at both apical and basal surfaces of the RPE. The disease process results in detachments of the neurosensory retina, such as in central serous chorioretinopathy, and sub-RPE pathology resembling some stages of age-related macular degeneration, with eventual loss of photoreceptors, inner retina and central vision.
Effects of lidocaine on rabbit brain microtubular protein.

Microtubule repolymerization from a crude supernatant fraction prepared from rabbit brain was followed quantitatively by viscometry and electron microscopy. Lidocaine inhibits this repolymerization in a dose-dependent fashion and the effect is completely reversible upon removal of the lidocaine by dialysis. Direct counting of microtubules by electron microscopy indicates that the local anesthetic decreases the number of tubules without significantly affecting their length. An association constant of lidocaine for tubulin is estimated at 7.5 mm. Procaine and etidocaine were also found to affect the polymerization of microtubules with results similar to those found with lidocaine.
Mapping of Genetic Deletions on the Long Arm of Chromosome 4 in Human Esophageal Adenocarcinomas

Loss of the long arm of chromosome 4 has been identified previously as a common occurrence in adenocarcinomas of the esophagus and gastroesophageal junction by relatively low resolution genetic surveys. To better define the extent of 4q deletion in these neoplasms we isolated DNA from 29 primary carcinomas using microdissection, and used DNA obtained from xenografts of 14 carcinomas grown in immunodeficient mice in an assay of loss of heterozygosity of 25 polymorphic microsatellite markers distributed along the chromosomal arm. Two carcinomas exhibited widespread microsatellite instability and were excluded from deletion mapping. In the remaining 41 carcinomas, loss of heterozygosity was detected in 33 (80%). Twenty-three cancers showed complete or extensive reduction to homozygosity along the length of the long arm. Ten cancers had smaller discrete areas of loss and were principally useful in discerning three non-overlapping areas of consensus genetic deletion. Area 1 centered on marker D4S1534 at 4q21.1–22, area 2 centered on marker D4S620 at 4q32–33, and area 3 centered on marker D4S426 at 4q35. No known tumor suppressor genes map to these loci, but the frequent deletion of these areas in gastroesophageal carcinomas and in other carcinomas suggests that undiscovered tumor suppressor genes may reside here.
Phosphoinositide 3-kinase-independent non-genomic signals transit from the androgen receptor to Akt1 in membrane raft microdomains.

The serine-threonine kinase, Akt1/protein kinase Bα is an important mediator of growth, survival, and metabolic signaling. Recent studies have implicated cholesterol-rich, lipid raft microdomains in survival signals mediated by Akt1. Here we address the role of lipid raft membranes as a potential site of intersection of androgenic and Akt1 signaling. A subpopulation of androgen receptor (AR) was found to localize to a lipid raft subcellular compartment in LNCaP prostate cancer cells. Endogenous AR interacted with endogenous Akt1 preferentially in lipid raft fractions and androgen substantially enhanced the interaction between the two proteins. The association of AR with Akt1 was inhibited by the anti-androgen, bicalutamide, but was not affected by inhibition of phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K). Androgen promoted endogenous Akt1 activity in lipid raft fractions, in a PI3K-independent manner, within 10 min of treatment. Fusion of a lipid raft targeting sequence to AR enhanced localization of the receptor to rafts, and stimulated Akt1 activity in response to androgen, while reducing the cells' dependence on constitutive signaling through PI3K for cell survival. These findings suggest that signals channeled through AR and Akt1 intersect by a mechanism involving formation within lipid raft membranes of an androgen-responsive, extranuclear AR/Akt1 complex. Our results indicate that cholesterol-rich membrane microdomains play a role in transmitting non-genomic signals involving androgen and the Akt pathway in prostate cancer cells.
The effect of acute angiotensin II blockade on renal function in rats with reduced renal mass.

The effect of acute angiotensin II blockade on renal function in rats with reduced renal mass. The effect of acute Ang II blockade on renal function in rats with reduced nephron number was assessed in micropuncture studies. The Ang II receptor blocker, losartan, was administered at a dose of 10 mg i.v. at two intervals following five-sixths renal ablation. At eight weeks following ablation, Ang II blockade (Ang IIX) increased sodium excretion [U Na V, Ang IIX 2.2 ± 0.4 µEq/min; time control (TC) 1.0 ± 0.3 µEg/min; P lb V: Ang IIX 149 ± 18 µg/min; TC 168 ± 20 µg/min). Similarly, at two weeks following ablation, Ang II blockade increased U Na V (Ang IIX 2.8 ± 0.4 µEq/min; TC 0.5 ± 0.2 µEq/min; P Alb (Ang IIX 32 ± 3 µg/min; TC 36 ± 10 µg/min). These findings indicate that within the remnant kidney, Ang II promotes sodium retention but does not have an acutely reversible effect on glomerular pressure or permselectivity.