cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Effect of cellulase mole fraction and cellulose recalcitrance on synergism in cellulose hydrolysis and binding.

Elucidating the molecular mechanisms that govern synergism is important for the rational engineering of cellulase mixtures. Our goal was to observe how varying the loading molar ratio of cellulases in a binary mixture and the recalcitrance of the cellulose to enzymatic degradation influenced the degree of synergistic effect (DSE) and degree of synergistic binding (DSB). The effect of cellulose recalcitrance was studied using a bacterial microcrystalline cellulose (BMCC), which was exhaustively hydrolyzed by a catalytic domain of Cel5A, an endocellulase. The remaining prehydrolyzed BMCC (PHBMCC) was used to represent a recalcitrant form of cellulose. DSE was observed to be sensitive to loading molar ratio. However, on the more recalcitrant cellulose, synergism decreased. Furthermore, the results from this study reveal that when an exocellulase (Cel6B) is mixed with either an endocellulase (Cel5A) or a processive endocellulase (Cel9A) and reacted with BMCC, synergism is observed in both hydrolysis and binding. This study also revealed that when a “classical” endocellulase (Cel5A) and a processive endocellulase (Cel9A) are mixed and reacted with BMCC, only limited synergism is observed in reducing sugar production; however, binding is clearly increased by the presence of the Cel5A.
Density Functional Study of the Valence-Tautomeric Interconversion Low-Spin [CoIII(SQ)(Cat)(phen)] ⇌ High-Spin [CoII(SQ)2(phen)]

The results of self-consistent field (SCF) nonlocal density functional molecular orbital calculations are presented for the various spin states and tautomeric forms of a cobalt complex with two o-quinone-derived ligands. In addition, new variable-temperature solution magnetic susceptibility, EPR, and electronic absorption data are presented to characterize the low-spin [CoIII(3,5-DTBSQ)(3,5-DTBCat)(phen)] to high-spin [CoII(3,5-DTBSQ)2(phen)] valence-tautomeric interconversion, where 3,5-DTBSQ- and 3,5-DTBCat2- are the semiquinonate and catecholate forms of 3,5-di-tert-butyl-o-benzoquinone, respectively, and phen is 1,10-phenanthroline. The solution magnetic susceptibility data were fitted to give ΔH = 2238 cm-1 and ΔS = 118.1 J mol-1 K-1 for the ls-CoIII ⇌ hs-CoII equilibrium. Appreciable changes are seen in the electronic absorption spectrum as the complex changes between the two tautomeric forms. Unrestricted SCF calculations gave J = −594 cm-1 for the parameter characterizing the antiferromagnetic exc...
The membrane guanylyl cyclase, retinal guanylyl cyclase-1, is activated through its intracellular domain.

Retinal guanylyl cyclase-1 (RetGC-1) is a membrane guanylyl cyclase found in photoreceptor outer segments. It consists of an apparent extracellular domain (ECD) linked by a single transmembrane segment to an intracellular domain (ICD). Guanylyl cyclase activating protein-2 (GCAP-2) is a Ca2+-binding protein that activates RetGC-1 in a Ca2+-sensitive manner. To establish whether GCAP-2 stimulates RetGC-1 through the ECD or ICD, we made deletion mutants lacking either the ECD or both the ECD and transmembrane domains (TMD) of RetGC-1. Recombinant wild type RetGC-1 and both deletion mutants were expressed in HEK 293 cells, and their sensitivities to GCAP-2, Ca2+, and ATP were compared. Our data demonstrate that both deletion mutants are regulated similarly to wild type RetGC-1 with indistinguishable EC50 values for Ca2+ and similar K½ values for activation by GCAP-2. This shows that GCAP-2 functions through the ICD of RetGC-1 and that removal of the ECD and TMD do not significantly alter regulation by these factors. Our data also show that ATP potentiates stimulation of guanylyl cyclase activity by GCAP-2 and that neither the ECD nor the TMD of RetGC-1 participate in its regulation by ATP.
Delayed Coker Coke Morphology Fundamentals: Mechanistic Implications Based on XPS Analysis of the Composition of Vanadium- and Nickel-Containing Additives during Coke Formation

The present study was carried out using the microcarbon residue (MCR) test to investigate the mechanism by which vanadium- and nickel-containing additives cause a dramatic reduction in mosaic size in coke from delayed coker feeds. Since a fine mosaic microtexture is one of the key characteristics of shot coke, these additives have the potential to steer the morphology of the coke produced in a delayed coker drum to free-flowing shot coke. Midcontinent U.S. (MCUS) vacuum resid was selected because of its low metals content and its tendency to produce exclusively sponge coke in delayed coking. This allows us to easily observe changes in its shot-coke-forming tendency by monitoring the reduction in the microscopic domain size of the MCR coke using polarized light optical microscopy. The concentrations and chemical states of vanadium porphyrin, acetylacetonate and naphthenate, and nickel porphyrin were quantified using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy before and after coking. The surface concentration is depr...
IL-12 family cytokines: immunological playmakers

The interleukin 12 (IL-12) family is unique in having the only heterodimeric cytokines, including IL-12, IL-23, IL-27 and IL-35. This feature endows these cytokines with a unique set of connections and functional interactions not shared by other cytokine families. Despite sharing many structural features and molecular partners, cytokines of the IL-12 family mediate surprisingly diverse functional effects. Here we discuss the unique and unusual structural and functional characteristics of this cytokine family. We outline how cells might interpret seemingly similar cytokine signals to give rise to the diverse functional outcomes that characterize this cytokine family. We also discuss the therapeutic implications of this complexity.
Chest radiographic and CT evaluation of lung abnormalities in pediatric patients with laryngeal cleft.

Background The purpose of this study was to (1) evaluate chest radiography (CR) and computed tomography (CT) findings in pediatric patients with laryngoscopically confirmed laryngeal cleft and (2) determine whether CT provided additional information over CR in evaluating lung abnormalities in pediatric patients with laryngeal cleft. Methods Two pediatric radiologists performed a retrospective review of CRs and CTs in pediatric patients with laryngoscopically confirmed laryngeal cleft from January, 2002 to January, 2010. Lungs were evaluated for pattern (airspace or interstitial), distribution (upper, middle, or lower lung zones), and extent ( 25%) of abnormalities on CRs and CTs. In patients who had both CR and CT, CT findings were compared with concurrent CRs to determine whether CT provided additional information and resulted in alterations in patient management. Results The final study cohort consisted of 67 pediatric patients (37 males and 30 females; mean age 3.0 years ± 3.5 years; range 25 days to 17.5 years) who had CR. Sixteen (24%) of these 67 patients had both CR and CT. Chest radiographs were abnormal in 47 patients (70%) which included consolidation (n = 35; 74%) and reticular opacities in 12 patients (26%). Lung parenchymal abnormalities were observed in the upper (n = 10; 21%), middle (n = 2; 4%), or lower (n = 35; 75%) lung zones on CR. The extent of lung parenchymal abnormalities was >25% in 30 patients (64%) and 25% in 10 patients (60%) and <25% in six patients (40%). CT provided major additional findings in 12 patients (75%) and minor findings in four patients (25%). Additionally, CT improved the evaluation of the distribution and extent of lung abnormalities in 11 patients (69%). The additional information provided by CT resulted in alteration of patient management in seven patients (43.8%). Conclusions Among pediatric patients with laryngeal cleft, CR and CT often show lung abnormalities such as consolidation and reticular opacities. CT frequently provides additional information, which may change patient management. Pediatr. Pulmonol. 2011; 46:1128–1133. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The Relationship between Parkin and Protein Aggregation in Neurodegenerative Diseases.

The most prominent changes in neurodegenerative diseases are protein accumulation and inclusion formation. Several neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer’s, the Synucleinopathies and Tauopathies share several overlapping clinical symptoms manifest in Parkinsonism, cognitive decline and dementia. As degeneration progresses in the disease process, clinical symptoms suggest convergent pathological pathways. Biochemically, protein cleavage, ubiquitination and phosphorylation seem to play fundamental roles in protein aggregation, inclusion formation and inflammatory responses. In the following we provide a synopsis of the current knowledge about protein accumulation and astrogliosis as a common denominator in neurodegenerative diseases, and we propose insights into protein degradation and anti-inflammation. We review the E3-ubiquitin ligase and other possible functions of parkin as a suppressant of inflammatory signs and a strategy to clear amyloid proteins in neurodegenerative diseases.
Three-dimensional collision avoidance in production automation

Abstract This paper presents a 3-dimensional collision avoidance algorithm for controlling complicated machine motions. The goal is to move an object having rotational degree-of-freedom without interfering with its environment. The basic approach is to dynamically compute interference-free zones using a moving frame of reference. It has been implemented based on solid modeling.
Glut-1 Expression Correlates with Basal-like Breast Cancer

INTRODUCTION: Glucose transporter 1 (Glut-1) is a facilitative glucose transporter expressed in many cancers including breast cancer. Basal-like breast cancer (BLBC) is a high-risk disease associated with poor prognosis and lacks the benefit of targeted therapy. The aim of this study was to characterize the immunohistochemical (IHC) expression of Glut-1 in patients with BLBC compared with non-BLBC. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We identified 523 cases of invasive breast carcinoma from our database. The clinicopathologic findings and the biologic markers including estrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PR), and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (Her2) status were reviewed. IHC stains for cytokeratin 5/6 (CK5/6), epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), p53, and Glut-1 were performed on tissue microarray using standard procedures. BLBC was defined as ER-,PR-, Her2-, and CK5/6+ and/or EGFR+. RESULTS: Of informative cases, 14.7% were categorized as BLBC versus 85.3% as non-BLBC. Glut-1 was expressed in 42 (76.4%) of 55 BLBCs, whereas only 55 (23.8%) of 231 non-BLBCs showed immunostaining for Glut-1 (P < .001). Overall, Glut-1 expression was significantly associated with high histologic grade, ER negativity, PR negativity, CK5/6 positivity, EGFR expression, and high p53 expression (P < .001). However, there was no correlation between Glut-1 immunostaining and patient's outcome. CONCLUSIONS: Our results show that Glut-1 is significantly associated with BLBC and might be a potential therapeutic target for this aggressive subgroup of breast cancer, and this warrants further investigations.
Doping profile recognition in silicon using terahertz time-domain spectroscopy

Here we demonstrate for the first time that terahertz time domain spectroscopy (THz-TDS) can be used to distinguish doping profile discrepancies in semiconductor silicon wafers. These proof of concept results suggest the suitability of the technique for in-line process control applications in both IC/photovoltaic (PV) industries. The experimental results show that THz radiation is sensitive to the implant dosage changes in the time domains.
Modeling of Solder Fatigue Failure due to Ductile Damage

A numerical study is undertaken to simulate failure of solder joint caused by cyclic shear deformation. A progressive ductile damage model is incorporated into the rate-dependent elastic-viscoplastic finite element analysis, resulting in the capability of simulating damage evolution and eventual failure through crack formation. It is demonstrated that quantitative information of fatigue life, as well as the temporal and spatial evolution of fatigue cracks, can be explicitly obtained.
Separation of β-Casein A1, A2, and B Using Cation-Exchange Fast Protein Liquid Chromatography

Abstract β-Casein genetic variants A 1 , A 2 , and B were separated using cation-exchange fast protein liquid chromatography. β-Casein from a herd bulk casein sample eluted as a series of three peaks. Casein samples from individual cows containing known combinations of β-casein A 1 , A 2 , and B were used to confirm that the three peaks were β-casein genetic variants. An acid-PAGE gel confirmed the identity of the peaks that eluted from the column.
A LISP‐based image analysis system with applications to microscopy

SUMMARY LISPIX is an image processing and analysis system consisting of a sub-system of image processing commands implemented in FORTRAN and a collection of analysis algorithms implemented in LISP. Examples are given of using the system for microanalysis applications. The processing commands are useful alone for simple tasks. For analysis applications, the LISP programming environment, for which the processing commands are designed, allows rapid development of algorithms and a convenient way to use them. Appendices contain definitions of the most useful commands as well as examples of the LISP algorithms.
Elizabeth Bowen's Selected Irish Writings

Elizabeth Bowen, Eibhear Walshe, Cork: Cork University Press, 2011, 272 pp., €39.00 (hardback), ISBN 9781859184493 Elizabeth Bowen's Selected Irish Writings is a welcome addition to Bowen's collect...
Advancing Praxis: Connecting Critical Theory with Practice in Public Administration

This article addresses the current condition of critical theory in public administration. Despite 15 years of consideration in the field, critical approaches remain marginal. The author argues that there are several reasons for this failure to progress. Philosophically, critical theory in public administration has overemphasized its discourse-theoretical component at the expense of practical research and action, a situation that renders praxis unlikely. To become an integrated research program, critical theory in public administration must more actively employ critical research methodologies to connect theory with practice. The author suggests participatory research in the traditions of Freire and Gramsci as one possibility for advancing praxis.
The 193-Kd Vault Protein, Vparp, Is a Novel Poly(Adp-Ribose) Polymerase

Mammalian vaults are ribonucleoprotein (RNP) complexes, composed of a small ribonucleic acid and three proteins of 100, 193, and 240 kD in size. The 100-kD major vault protein (MVP) accounts for >70% of the particle mass. We have identified the 193-kD vault protein by its interaction with the MVP in a yeast two-hybrid screen and confirmed its identity by peptide sequence analysis. Analysis of the protein sequence revealed a region of ∼350 amino acids that shares 28% identity with the catalytic domain of poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP). PARP is a nuclear protein that catalyzes the formation of ADP-ribose polymers in response to DNA damage. The catalytic domain of p193 was expressed and purified from bacterial extracts. Like PARP, this domain is capable of catalyzing a poly(ADP-ribosyl)ation reaction; thus, the 193-kD protein is a new PARP. Purified vaults also contain the poly(ADP-ribosyl)ation activity, indicating that the assembled particle retains enzymatic activity. Furthermore, we show that one substrate for this vault-associated PARP activity is the MVP. Immunofluorescence and biochemical data reveal that p193 protein is not entirely associated with the vault particle, suggesting that it may interact with other protein(s). A portion of p193 is nuclear and localizes to the mitotic spindle.
Explicit construction of an inertial manifold for a reaction diffusion equation

Abstract An inertial manifold is constructed for the scalar reaction-diffusion equation u t = vu xx +ƒ(u) with a cubic nonlinearity. Uniform bounds are obtained for the number of zeros along solutions to the variational equations satisfied by the difference of two elements on the unstable manifolds of equilibria. This uniformity leads to the global parameterization of the attractor as a function defined in the linear unstable manifold of the least stable equilibrium. By the introduction of local techniques near each equilibrium, we succeed in constructing an inertial manifold of lowest possible dimension.
Enhancement of TiSi2 Formation during Rapid Thermal Annealing in N 2 by the Presence of Native Oxide

Ti/Si and Ti/SiO x /Si systems are annealed by rapid thermal annealing (RTA) in N 2 ambient, and the formation of silicide and nitride is studied and compared. The sheet resistance of Ti/SiO x /Si system is slightly higher than of Ti/Si system because of native oxide (1.9nm) at the Ti/Si interface. The only impurity deleted by Auger electron spectroscopy at the Ti/Si interface is oxygen in the Ti/SiO x /Si system, but no impurities are detected in the Ti/Si system. After RTA inN 2 ambient at 715° C for 10s. it is interesting to find that the results of sheet resistance measurements for two systems are reversed. This suggests that the formation of Ti silicide in the Ti/SiO x /Si system is easier than in the Ti/Si system where as the formation of Ti nitride in the Ti/SiO x /Si system is more difficult than in the Ti/Si system. X-ray measurement shows that the annealed Ti/SiO x /Si systems have a higher intensity peak of TiSi 2 and lower intensity peak of TiN as compared to those of the annealed Ti/Si systems. The AES study also supports the easier formation of TiSi 2 in the Ti/SiO x /Si system, where it is found that the diffusion of N from the ambient into Ti film is more difficult in the case of the Ti/SiO x /Si system, such that the diffusion of Si toward the surface is easier. A difference is clearly observed in N and () diffusion through the TiN film and in the TiN/TiSi 2 interface position. When the RTA time was varied from 10 s to 20 s and 30 s. X-ray diffraction shows the same results described above except that the C49-TiSi 2 to C54-TiSi 2 phase transformation occurs, and the resulting silicide phase is a mixture of C49 and C54-TiSi 2 . By contrast, the TiN phase has no phase transformation but intensity is more and more intense. The sheet resistance of the annealed Ti/SiO x /S system has lower values than those of the annealed Ti/Si system as the RTA increases. TiN/TiSi 2 interface analysis is characterized by cross-sectional transmission electron microscopy.
Afro-American intellectuals and the people's culture

Locke, Johnson, and other like-minded black intellectuals of the twenties attempted to construct a basic framework of resistance to racial domination. Their turning toward Afro-American “folk-culture,” and to “ancestral” Africa, was a bold effort to appropriate the very domains which had been declared “primitive” and “savage,” and to transform those domains through an analysis which clarified their deep-rooted positive values. For a time in which “Negro” folk-lore was associated with blackface minstrels and Africa was associated with sub-humans, the work of Locke and others was courageous in its reach.
The effects of SiCl4 and GeCl4 oxidation, variable properties, buoyancy and tube rotation on the modified chemical vapor deposition process

Abstract A study is made of the flow, heat and mass transfer, particle formation and deposition, including the SiCl4 and GeC14 oxidation reactions and the effects of buoyancy, variable properties and tube rotation with application to the modified chemical vapor deposition (MCVD) process. The steady-state three-dimensional governing conservation equations, which include the continuity, species, momentum and energy equations have been solved numerically. The resulting temperature, velocity and species concentration fields permit the determination of the particle formation and particle deposition efficiencies. Of special interest are the effects of the chemical reactions on particle formation and deposition.
Triboluminescence and the dynamics of crystal fracture

Triboluminescence appears concurrently with the sudden force decreases in the fracture region of the force versus compression curves of tartaric-acid, sugar, ammonium-tartrate, lithium-sulfate-monohydrate, and citric-acid-monohydrate crystals. This relationship suggests that the motion of cracks and thereby the creation of new surfaces is responsible for the excitation of triboluminescence in these crystals. All of these crystals exhibit triboluminescence from the second positive group of molecular nitrogen. The intensity and time dependence of triboluminescence is measured as a function of the velocity of impact of a piston on single crystals. A quantitative expression for time and impact velocity dependence of the triboluminescence intensity. $I=(\frac{\ensuremath{\eta}\mathrm{bV}{u}^{3}{v}^{3}}{{\ensuremath{\alpha}}^{2}{h}^{3}}){e}^{\ensuremath{-}\ensuremath{\alpha}t}{(1\ensuremath{-}{e}^{\ensuremath{-}\ensuremath{\alpha}t})}^{2}\mathrm{exp}[\ensuremath{-}(\frac{\ensuremath{\beta}{u}^{2}{v}^{2}}{{\ensuremath{\alpha}}^{2}{h}^{2}}){(\ensuremath{-}{e}^{\ensuremath{-}\ensuremath{\alpha}t})}^{2}],$ is derived from the movement and the interaction of mobile cracks. This equation explains the observed dependence of the triboluminescence intensity on the impact velocity, the applied stress, the temperature, and the crystal dimensions. The values of $\ensuremath{\alpha}$ and $\ensuremath{\beta}$ are determined from triboluminescence measurements. $\ensuremath{\alpha}$ is related to the viscosity of the crystal and $\ensuremath{\beta}$ is related to the attrition coefficient of mobile cracks in the crystal. The triboluminescence activity decreases over three orders of magnitude from sugar to citric-acid crystals.
Measuring Exposure to Direct-to-Consumer Advertising-A Validation Study in the Context of Cancer-Related Treatment Advertising

This research examines two recurrent conceptual issues of measuring media exposure in survey research in the context of cancer-related direct-to-consumer advertising (CR-DTCA)-the level of content specificity of survey items and the benefits of providing exemplars to aid recall. We evaluated three candidate measures of cancer patients' self-reported exposure to CR-DTCA; these measures varied in content specificity and provision of ad exemplars. Using data from two distinct population-based surveys, we assessed the performance of each measure based on several reliability and validity criteria. Results across both surveys indicate that all three measures performed equally well in terms of internal consistency, convergent, nomological, and discriminant validity with a few minor differences between these measures. Increased content specificity or inclusion of ad exemplars did not result in better performance of the exposure measures. Participants were able to extrapolate from ad exemplars to report their exposure to broad categories of CR-DTCA. The briefest of the three measures posed the lowest level of survey costs among the three measures and was deployed successfully for both mailed and internet-based survey administration. We discussed future directions for application of these findings in DTCA research for other illness and for media exposure research more generally.
Coma Following Cardiac Arrest: A Review of the Clinical Features, Management, and Prognosis

Sudden cardiac death is an important clinical problem that accounts for 750,000 deaths in the United States each year. There are 200,000 cardiac resuscitations each year, of which only 70,000 are successful. Survival depends upon early cardiopulmonary resuscitation and defibrillation. The brain's ability to tolerate no more than a few minutes of circulatory arrest is the major factor limiting the success of cardiopulmonary resusci tation. Cardiac arrest results in a spectrum of clinical disorders depending on the severity of cerebral anoxia. Neurological sequelae in survivors range from transient states of confusion and amnesia to prolonged uncon sciousness in a coma or in the vegetative state. Sequen tial neurological examinations alone or in conjunction with evoked potentials, electroencephalogram, com puted tomography, and positron emission tomography can indicate the degree of central nervous system dam age and the likely outcome. The clinical management of patients in coma following cardiac arrest in...
Clinically relevant surgical anatomy and exposures of the brachial plexus

A clear understanding of the anatomy of the brachial plexus and its relationship to vascular,skeletal and muscular anatomy is essential for any surgery of this area. Adequate exposure and delineation of the pathology will allow for accurate treatment of the brachial plexus lesion(s).
Localization of GABA immunoreactivity in the auditory brainstem of guinea pigs

Using an antibody against GABA, neurons within the guinea pig hindbrain, midbrain and forebrain auditory nuclei were identified which demonstrate GABA-like immunoreactivity. GABA-positive cells were localized in the cochlear nucleus, superior olivary complex, lateral lemniscus, inferior colliculus, and medial geniculate body. GABA-positive terminals could be seen surrounding globular and spherical cells in ventral cochlear nucleus and principal cells in medial nucleus of the trapezoid body. In addition, numerous positive, punctate terminals appeared throughout the hindbrain auditory nuclei and, although fewer in number, in midbrain and forebrain auditory nuclei.
Fixation of metacarpal and phalangeal fractures with miniature plates and screws

Fifty-two unstable metacarpal and phalangeal fractures were treated with miniature plates and screws as internal fixation devices with excellent results based on the criteria of the American Society for Surgery of the Hand (total active range of motion >220°). This technique stabilizes the skeleton, preserves the gliding tissues, and thus allows immediate active range of motion exercises. Transverse, spiral, oblique, and condylar fractures of the metacarpals and phalanges are best suited for this method.
Threshold Energies and Unimolecular Rate Constants for Elimination of HF from Chemically Activated CF3CH2CH3 and CF3CH2CF3: Effect of CH3 and CF3 Substituents at the β-Carbon and Implications about the Transition State

Chemically activated CF3CH2CF3 was prepared with 104 kcal/mol of internal energy by the combination of CF3CH2 and CF3 radicals, and chemically activated CF3CH2CH3 was prepared with 101 and 95 kcal/mol by combination of CF3 and CH2CH3 radicals and by combination of CF3CH2 and CH3 radicals, respectively. The experimental rate constants for unimolecular 1,2-dehydrofluorination were 1.2 × 105 s-1 for CF3CH2CF3 and 3.2 × 106 s-1 for CF3CH2CH3 with 95 kcal/mol and 2.0 × 107 s-1 with 101 kcal/mol of energy. Fitting the calculated rate constants for HF elimination from RRKM theory to the experimental values provided threshold energies, E0, of 73 kcal/mol for CF3CH2CF3 and 62 kcal/mol for CF3CH2CH3. Comparing these threshold energies to those for CF3CH3 and CF3CH2Cl illustrates that replacing the hydrogen of CF3CH3 with CH3 lowers the E0 by 6 kcal/mol and replacing with CF3 or Cl raises the E0 by 5 and 8 kcal/mol, respectively. The CF3 substituent, an electron acceptor, increases the E0 an amount similar to Cl, su...
Selective survival of neurons from chick embryo sensory ganglionic dissociates utilizing serum-free supplemented medium.

Dissociated embryonic chick dorsal root ganglionic cells were plated on collagen-coated tissue culture dishes in Eagle's basal medium containing 10% fetal calf serum (FCS). After 48 h, which allowed adequate cell attachment, the cultures were washed with serum-free medium and then received fresh medium supplemented with 10% FCS or serum-free defined medium (N1), which was supplemented with insulin, transferrin, progesterone, putrescine and selenium. In addition, both media required the addition of Nerve Growth Factor (NGF). N1 medium selectively maintained the neurons and did not support proliferation or even survival of almost all non-neuronal elements (fibroblasts and Schwann cells). Survival of neurons in N1 was initially as good and eventually better than in serum-containing medium. After 6 days in N1 the cultures consisted almost entirely of neurons (>95%), which had smaller cell bodies but more extensive process formation than in serum-supplemented medium. The omission of any one of the supplements resulted in a reduction of neuron survival. The ability to generate cultures of pure neurons in a serum-free defined medium may be useful for studying (i) the role of specific hormones and growth factors normally supplied by serum in the maintenance of neurons and (ii) biochemical parameters of neurons in the absence of the substantial background due to non-neuronal elements.
Functional Analysis of the TFIID-specific Yeast TAF4 (yTAFII48) Reveals an Unexpected Organization of Its Histone-fold Domain

Abstract Yeast TFIID comprises the TATA binding protein and 14 TBP-associated factors (TAFIIs), nine of which contain histone-fold domains (HFDs). The C-terminal region of the TFIID-specific yTAF4 (yTAFII48) containing the HFD shares strong sequence similarity with Drosophila(d)TAF4 (dTAFII110) and human TAF4 (hTAFII135). A structure/function analysis of yTAF4 demonstrates that the HFD, a short conserved C-terminal domain (CCTD), and the region separating them are all required for yTAF4 function. Temperature-sensitive mutations in the yTAF4 HFD α2 helix or the CCTD can be suppressed upon overexpression of yTAF12 (yTAFII68). Moreover, coexpression in Escherichia coli indicates direct yTAF4-yTAF12 heterodimerization optimally requires both the yTAF4 HFD and CCTD. The x-ray crystal structure of the orthologous hTAF4-hTAF12 histone-like heterodimer indicates that the α3 region within the predicted TAF4 HFD is unstructured and does not correspond to thebona fide α3 helix. Our functional and biochemical analysis of yTAF4, rather provides strong evidence that the HFD α3 helix of the TAF4 family lies within the CCTD. These results reveal an unexpected and novel HFD organization in which the α3 helix is separated from the α2 helix by an extended loop containing a conserved functional domain.
Mathematical Model And Experimental Studies For Laser Ablation Of Arterial Plaque

We have developed an opto-thermal model for the interaction of laser light and the tissue of arterial walls, and have checked its validity with animal experiments. The mathematical model consists of a laser diffusing tip positioned intraluminally in a cylindrical artery, in which the diffused laser light is incident on a blood/tissue interface at a distance from the tip. Experimental values for the optical scattering, absorption, transmission, and reflection in biological media are taken from the literature. A temperature profile throughout the interface is obtained by considering the optical interaction and the thermal conduction and convection of the blood and tissue. For experimental verification, a diffusing tip was inserted in in vivo canine arteries and the temperature profile was measured by a thermocouple array. The rate of blood flow around the diffusing tip was varied by limiting the volume of blood; this simulated degrees of occlusion to determine the influence of blood flow on heat transport. The measured temperature profile compared favorably to the theoretical results. The theoretical model will be useful in predicting the depth of tissue ablation and extent of normal tissue damage for laser angioplasty treatment of atherosclerosis.
Radiation data corrections for snow-covered sensors: are they needed for snowmelt modelling?

Up-looking solar and atmospheric radiation sensors at remote and quasi-remote weather stations are typically intermittently covered by snow in the winter. Numerous years of radiation data compromised in this way have been collected and archived at the Snow Research Station (SRS) in Danville, Vermont, and undoubtedly at numerous other research stations around the globe. Potential users of these archived data must question whether the data have value for their purpose, whether they can be corrected, what methods can be used to correct them, and perhaps most importantly, will time-consuming correction efforts be justified by improved model performance. To answer these questions, both simple and elaborate methods of correcting incident solar and atmospheric radiation data were developed and applied to the 2001 snow season radiation data collected at the SRS. Snow-affected incident solar radiation was estimated with reflected solar radiation measurements and either a simple albedo assumption or an albedo model. The equations of Idso, Brutsaert, Brunt, and Anderson and Baker were considered for correcting atmospheric radiation. The technique of Anderson and Baker was a good practical choice for this site, when used with a station offset, clearness index, and clear-sky radiation model. Energy balance snowmelt calculations were made with SNTHERM, an internationally known and publicly available physically based snow process model. There was little justification for more than minimal corrections to radiation measurements for the presence of snow on radiation sensors when modelling snow depth, water equivalent, or melt efflux, because errors caused by snow-covered solar and atmospheric radiation sensors largely offset one another. More elaborate efforts to correct both solar and atmospheric radiation data would be justified when correct quantification of individual snowpack energy components is important.
Recruitment of ZipA to the division site by interaction with FtsZ.

ZipA is an essential cell division protein in Escherichia coli that is recruited to the division site early in the division cycle. As it is anchored to the membrane and interacts with FtsZ, it is a candidate for tethering FtsZ filaments to the membrane during the formation of the Z ring. In this study, we have investigated the requirements for ZipA localization to the division site. ZipA requires FtsZ, but not FtsA or FtsI, to be localized, indicating that it is recruited by FtsZ. Consistent with this, apparently normal Z rings are formed in the absence of ZipA. The interaction between FtsZ and ZipA occurs through their carboxy-terminal domains. Although a MalE–ZipA fusion binds to FtsZ filaments, it does not affect the GTPase activity or dynamics of the filaments. These results are consistent with ZipA acting after Z ring formation, possibly to link the membrane to FtsZ filaments during invagination of the septum.
Topology optimization for minimum compliance using a control strategy

Abstract This paper introduces a control-based optimization algorithm to solve topology optimization problems for structures of minimum compliance. In this approach, the iterative solution process is expressed as a multivariable control system. The elements comprising the structure are numerically incorporated with sensors, controllers, and actuators. The sensors determine a response signal as a function of the problem’s sensitivity coefficients. The controllers minimize the error between this response and a corresponding setpoint obtained from the problem’s optimality conditions. The actuators modify the design variables according to the control signal while satisfying all constraints. A proportional–integral–derivative controller is shown to be computationally efficient. Numerical issues involving local minima, mesh dependency, checkerboard patterns, and intermediate densities are tackled using continuation, filtering, and penalization methods. The performance of this algorithm is demonstrated for unpenalized and penalized topology optimization problems.
Cognitive and Behavioral Treatments for Anxiety and Depression in a Patient with an Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator (ICD): A Case Report and Clinical Discussion

Implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICDs) are the treatment of choice for patients at risk for potentially life threatening arrhythmias. The associated stress of living with an implanted device and receiving ICD shock therapy has been noted to exert a psychological toll on the individual patient and family. Anxious and depressive symptomatology is frequently reported by these patients, thus creating a demand for tailored psychological interventions for this population. The current case report describes the components, delivery, and effectiveness of a targeted treatment approach for anxiety and depression in an individual with an ICD. Test results and interview data revealed significant improvements in multiple domains of cognitive, emotional, and behavioral functioning. Improvements in marital relations were also achieved. These treatment effects were maintained at follow-up and in the context of acute, medical stressors. Future clinical and research directions are also discussed.
The effects of cobalt chromium upon macrophages

The purpose of this study was to elucidate the mechanisms by which cobalt chromium particulate wear debris contribute to the aseptic loosening of total joint prostheses. Incubation of macrophages with cobalt chromium led to release of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), but did not lead to release of interleukin-1β (IL-1β) or interleukin 6 (IL-6). Exposure of macrophages cocultured with osteoblasts to cobalt chromium also led to significant release of TNF-α and PGE2, but did not lead to significant IL-6 or IL-1β production. The release of PGE2 in the coculture system was greater than that detected when macrophages were exposed to cobalt chromium without the osteoblast contribution. Exposure of radiolabeled calvaria to media from macrophages incubated with cobalt chromium in coculture with osteoblasts led to release of 45Ca. In contrast, exposure of radiolabeled calvaria to media from isolated macrophages incubated with these particles did not result in release of 45Ca. Exposure of macrophages to cobalt chromium was toxic, as reflected by release of the intracellular enzyme lactate dehydrogenase. Macrophages play a role in the initiation of bone resorption at the interface through the phagocytosis of cobalt chromium particles and subsequent release of TNF-α and PGE2. The presence of osteoblasts at the interface may be required for amplification of the inflammatory response and ultimately for bone resorption. © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res, 41, 468–473, 1998.
Cholesterol Sulfate Imaging in Human Prostate Cancer Tissue by Desorption Electrospray Ionization Mass Spectrometry

Development of methods for rapid distinction between cancerous and non-neoplastic tissues is an important goal in disease diagnosis. To this end, desorption electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (DESI-MS) imaging was applied to analyze the lipid profiles of thin tissue sections of 68 samples of human prostate cancer and normal tissue. The disease state of the tissue sections was determined by independent histopathological examination. Cholesterol sulfate was identified as a differentiating compound, found almost exclusively in cancerous tissues including tissue containing precancerous lesions. The presence of cholesterol sulfate in prostate tissues might serve as a tool for prostate cancer diagnosis although confirmation through larger and more diverse cohorts and correlations with clinical outcome data is needed.
Electrodynamics at spatial infinity

In preparation for the treatment of the gravitational field at spatial infinity, this paper deals with the electromagnetic field at spatial infinity. The field equations on this three-dimensional(1+2) manifold can be obtained from an action principle, which in turn lends itself to a Hamiltonian formulation. Quantization is formally straightforward, but some thought is given to the physical interpretation of the results.
A vertebrate case study of the quality of assemblies derived from next-generation sequences

The unparalleled efficiency of next-generation sequencing (NGS) has prompted widespread adoption, but significant problems remain in the use of NGS data for whole genome assembly. We explore the advantages and disadvantages of chicken genome assemblies generated using a variety of sequencing and assembly methodologies. NGS assemblies are equivalent in some ways to a Sanger-based assembly yet deficient in others. Nonetheless, these assemblies are sufficient for the identification of the majority of genes and can reveal novel sequences when compared to existing assembly references.
Fluxionality in organometallics and metal carbonyls

I have recently reviewed the field of fluxional, and other stereochemically nonrigid, organometallic molecules, as well as the contiguous, if not in fact overlapping, field of nonrigidity of metal carbonyls and their derivatives, in considerable technical detail in two rather lengthy articles [1,2]. It is indicative of the importance of these fields and the level of activity in them that both articles, especially the latter, which cover the literature to about the middle of 1973, are already in serious need of updating. However, this is not the occasion on which to do that. This article has a different purpose. I shall give here my personal recollections of the main developments and how they have led to the present state of knowledge. It is my good fortune to have been personally close to, and often an active participant in, nearly every major development. I hope therefore that this retrospective and anecdotal account may convey some of the special flavor of the events as seen from a personal and inside vantage point.
Expression of viral envelope glycoprotein and transformation genes in cells transformed by a defective Kirsten murine sarcoma virus

Abstract Concurrent expression of transformation properties and virion envelope glycoproteins has been observed as a property of several clones of normal rat kidney cells transformed by, but not producing, Kirsten murine sarcoma virus. The present studies were carried out to determine whether a genetic linkage exists between the viral sarcoma and envelope genes in these cells. Several alternative models for the possible structure and origin of the sarcoma and envelope genes were considered. One possibility, that the viral envelope gene was derived from an endogenous rat virus, was studied by characterization of the interference properties of the transformed cells. The sarcoma virus genome of envelope-positive clones was efficiently rescued by woolly monkey and murine xenotropic but not by murine ecotropic viruses. Thus, the interference properties of cells producing the envelope glycoprotein are analogous to those of a cell producing murine ecotropic virus, indicating that the envelope was of murine viral origin. In these experiments it was also found that sarcoma viruses rescued from envelope-positive cells upon superinfection with primate and xenotropic murine viruses could transform host cells for both xenotropic and ecotropic viruses, indicating that these superinfecting viruses became phenotypically mixed with the ecotropic envelope expressed in transformed, envelope-positive cells. Possible linkage between the envelope and transformation genes was analyzed by the frequency of concurrent rescue of sarcoma and envelope genes. Transfer of the Kirsten sarcoma viral genome to uninfected cells upon rescue by superinfection with woolly monkey virus showed a high frequency of apparent segregation of the transformation and envelope genes [from 29 to 57% for (KSV env + )NRK-6]. The model supported by the present data is that the transformed, envelope-positive cells were infected with a virus which contained both the envelope and the sarcoma genes.
Microwave background anisotropy induced by gravitational waves

A cosmological background of gravitational waves induces redshift perturbations in light transversing it. Calculations of this Sachs-Wolfe effect on the microwave background are presented in an Omega = 1 Friedmann universe as a function of angular scale and gravitational wave spectrum. Blurriness of the last-scattering surface can cause nonnegligible dilution of the anisotropy for wavelengths less than about 100 Mpc. The limit implied for the energy density of the gravitational waves is given. A difficulty in associating a linear scale with an angular anisotropy, due to the clumpiness of the universe, is also pointed out.
Efficient solution techniques for disjunctive temporal reasoning problems

Over the past few years, a new constraint-based formalism for temporal reasoning has been developed to represent and reason about Disjunctive Temporal Problems (DTPs). The class of DTPs is significantly more expressive than other problems previously studied in constraint-based temporal reasoning. In this paper we present a new algorithm for DTP solving, called Epilitis, which integrates strategies for efficient DTP solving from the previous literature, including conflictdirected backjumping, removal of subsumed variables, and semantic branching, and further adds no-good recording as a central technique. We discuss the theoretical and technical issues that arise in successfully integrating this range of strategies with one another and with no-good recording in the context of DTP solving. Using an implementation of Epilitis, we explore the effectiveness of various combinations of strategies for solving DTPs, and based on this analysis we demonstrate that Epilitis can achieve a nearly two order-of-magnitude speed-up over the previously published algorithms on benchmark problems in the DTP literature.
Wavelet preprocessed amplitude‐modulated phase‐only filter for recognition applications

A wavelet preprocessed amplitude-modulated phase-only filter is implemented on both gray-scale and synthetic-aperture-radar (SAR) images. The algorithm, which exploits the multiresolution properties of a wavelet, is evaluated in terms of various pattern recognition statistics. The effect of thresholding nonlinearity is also studied.
Unifac modeling of multicomponent nonaqueous phase liquids containing polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons

Multicomponent nonaqueous phase liquid (NAPL) contaminants that are mixtures of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are examined using UNIFAC. The NAPL phase activity coefficients for constituent compounds of four different coal tar materials are estimated. The group contribution approach is adapted to describe representative molecular structures of the uncharacterized fractions of the tar materials, determined from average molecular weights and nonparametric regressions of the functional group parameters against molecular weight. The molecular structure characterization of the tars elucidates the similar chemistry of the materials from different sites, despite their different chemical compositions. Nearly ideal behavior is predicted for most tar constituents, with the majority of activity coefficients in the range of 0.9 to 1.1. These results provide a firm theoretical basis for an assumption of NAPL-phase ideality for many tar constituents. The robustness of this conclusion is indicated through comparable results across different tar materials and through a sensitivity analysis of the effect of the estimated characteristics of the uncharacterized fractions.
Cardiac myxoma induced paraneoplastic syndromes: A review of the literature

Abstract Background Atrial myxomas are the most common benign tumors of the heart and may present with a wide variety of symptoms. Although 45% of patients present with neurological symptoms, a diverse range of systemic symptoms also occur. Methods A systemic review of the literature related to the diagnosis, treatment, pathogenesis, and symptoms associated with atrial myxomas was performed. Results Here we summarize the current state of understanding about myxoma pathogenesis and treatments are described. We review the common and rare local and systemic effects of myxomas. Additionally, we review the paraneoplastic and metastatic potential of myxomas. Conclusions A better understanding of the diverse disease presentations, paraneoplastic syndromes, and side effects of cytokine abnormalities stemming from myxomas will aid the physician in earlier detection and monitoring of disease recurrence.