cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Fusion of synaptic vesicle membranes with planar bilayer membranes

The interaction of synaptic vesicles with horizontal bilayer lipid membranes (BLMs) was investigated as a model system for neurotransmitter release. High concentrations (200 mM) of the fluorescent dye, calcein, were trapped within synaptic vesicles by freezing and thawing. In the presence of divalent ions (usually 15 mM CaCl2), these frozen and thawed synaptic vesicles (FTSVs) adhere to squalene-based phosphatidylserine-phosphatidylethanolamine BLMs whereupon they spontaneously release their contents which is visible by fluorescence microscopy as bright flashes. The highest rate of release was obtained in KCl solutions. Release was virtually eliminated in isotonic glucose, but could be elicited by perfusion with KCl or by addition of urea. The fusion and lysis of adhering FTSVs appears to be the consequence of stress resulting from entry of permeable external solute (KCl, urea) and accompanying water. An analysis of flash diameters in experiments where Co+2, which quenches calcein fluorescence, was present on one or both sides of the BLM, indicates that more than half of the flashes represent fusion events, i.e., release of vesicle contents on the trans side of the BLM. A population of small, barely visible FTSVs bind to BLMs at calcium ion concentrations of 100 microM. Although fusion of these small FTSVs to BLMs could not be demonstrated, fusion with giant lipid vesicles was obvious and dramatic, albeit infrequent. Addition of FTSVs or synaptic vesicles to BLMs in the presence of 100 microM-15 mM Ca2+ produced large increases in BLM conductance. The results presented demonstrate that synaptic vesicles are capable of fusing with model lipid membranes in the presence of Ca+2 ion which, at the lower limit, may begin to approach physiological concentrations.
The Efficacy of Topical Metronidazole in the Treatment of Ocular Rosacea

Purpose: The purpose of the study is to investigate the efficacy of metronidazole topical gel in the treatment of ocular rosacea. Methods: Ten patients with ocular rosacea were treated prospectively with lid hygiene and topical metronidazole applied to the lid margin in one eye and lid hygiene alone in the fellow eye. The treatment period was 12 weeks. A masked observer graded the ocular findings at the initial visit and at the conclusion of the treatment period. Pretreatment scores were compared with post-treatment scores with respect to ocular surface, eyelid margin, and combined eyelid plus ocular surface. Results: Eight of ten treated eyes improved, whereas only five of ten control eyes improved. There was a statistically significant improvement in the eyelid score in both the treated and control groups ( P = 0.003, P = 0.025, respectively), but no significant improvement in the ocular surface score in either group. When the pretreatment and post-treatment eyelid and ocular surface scores were combined, there was a significant improvement in the treated eyes but not in the control eyes ( P = 0.022, P = 0.10, respectively). No adverse effects of the metronidazole treatment were encountered in this study. Conclusion: Metronidazole topical gel may be a safe and effective means of treating rosacea blepharitis.
Structures of Blood Coagulation Factor VIII in Solution and Membrane-Bound

In this study we apply Cryo-electron tomography (Cryo-ET) to resolve the structural changes of coagulation Factor VIII (FVIII) upon membrane binding. Despite the pivotal role FVIII plays in blood coagulation, information for its membrane-bound structure is incomplete. Cryo-ET is a powerful approach to investigate the functional structure of protein complexes close to the physiological state.Coagulation Factor VIII (FVIII) is a multi-domain blood plasma glycoprotein. Defect or deficiency of FVIII is the cause for Hemophilia type A - a severe bleeding disorder. Recombinant FVIII concentrate is the most effective drug against Hemophilia type A. Human and porcine FVIII concentrates are commercially available. Porcine FVIII is highly homologous to human FVIII (86% sequence identity) and is used as replacement therapy in patients who develop inhibitory antibodies against the human form, as it also forms active complexes with human Factor IXa.During blood clotting, FVIII undergoes proteolytic activation. Activated FVIII then binds to Factor IXa on the negatively charged platelet membrane to enhance thrombin generation and secure timely coagulation. Upon binding to a membrane, FVIII undergoes structural changes critical for its function.The resolved structural differences between the porcine FVIII in solution and on the lipid membrane define the critical interfaces for its function. Structural understanding of Factor VIII binding to the membrane provides the basis for the design of novel therapeutic interventions against both hemophilia and thrombosis.AcknowledgmentsThis work is supported by a National Scientist Development grant from the American Heart Association: 10SDG3500034 and UTMB-NCB start up funds to SSM. The authors acknowledge the Cryo-EM and Scientific Computing facilities at the Sealy Center for Structural Biology at UTMB (www.scsb.utmb.edu).
Ecdysteroids Regulate the Levels of Molt-Inhibiting Hormone (MIH) Expression in the Blue Crab, Callinectes sapidus

Arthropod molt is coordinated through the interplay between ecdysteroids and neuropeptide hormones. In crustaceans, changes in the activity of Y-organs during the molt cycle have been regulated by molt-inhibiting hormone (MIH) and crustacean hyperglycemic hormone (CHH). Little has been known of the mode of direct effects of ecdysteroids on the levels of MIH and CHH in the eyestalk ganglia during the molt cycle. This study focused on a putative feedback of ecdysteroids on the expression levels of MIH transcripts using in vitro incubation study with ecdysteroids and in vivo RNAi in the blue crab, Callinectes sapidus. Our results show a specific expression of ecdysone receptor (EcR) in which EcR1 is the major isoform in eyestalk ganglia. The initial elevation of MIH expression at the early premolt stages is replicated by in vitro incubations of eyestalk ganglia with ecdysteroids that mimic the intrinsic conditions of D0 stage: the concentration (75 ng/ml) and composition (ponasterone A and 20-hydroxyecdysone at a 3:1 (w:w) ratio). Additionally, multiple injections of EcR1-dsRNA reduce MIH expression by 67%, compared to the controls. Our data provide evidence on a putative feedback mechanism of hormonal regulation during molting cycle, specifically how the molt cycle is repeated during the life cycle of crustaceans. The elevated concentrations of ecdysteroids at early premolt stage may act positively on the levels of MIH expression in the eyestalk ganglia. Subsequently, the increased MIH titers in the hemolymph at postmolt would inhibit the synthesis and release of ecdysteroids by Y-organs, resulting in re-setting the subsequent molt cycle.
Effects of mutations on the molecular dynamics of oxygen escape from the dimeric hemoglobin of Scapharca inaequivalvis

Like many hemoglobins, the structure of the dimeric hemoglobin from the clam Scapharca inaequivalvis is a “closed bottle” since there is no direct tunnel from the oxygen binding site on the heme to the solvent. The proximal histidine faces the dimer interface, which consists of the E and F helicies. This is significantly different from tetrameric vertebrate hemoglobins and brings the heme groups near the subunit interface. The subunit interface is also characterized by an immobile, hydrogen-bonded network of water molecules. Although there is data which is consistent with the histidine gate pathway for ligand escape, these aspects of the structure would seem to make that pathway less likely. Locally enhanced sampling molecular dynamics are used here to suggest alternative pathways in the wild-type and six mutant proteins. In most cases the point mutations change the selection of exit routes observed in the simulations. Exit via the histidine gate is rarely seem although oxygen molecules do occasionally cross over the interface from one subunit to the other. The results suggest that changes in flexibility and, in some cases, creation of new cavities can explain the effects of the mutations on ligand exit paths.
Improved corrosion and wear resistance of Mg alloys via laser surface modification of Al on AZ31B

Abstract A highly intense laser beam from a continuous wave diode-pumped ytterbium laser source was used to synthesize a corrosion and wear resistant aluminum coating rich in Al12Mg17 intermetallic phase by direct melting of aluminum precursor powders on AZ31B Mg alloy substrates. The coating composition and microstructure were studied by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy and high resolution energy diffraction spectroscopy in a transmission electron microscope. From X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy and energy diffraction spectroscopy analysis it was confirmed that laser processing resulted in uniform distribution of a highly corrosion resistance Al12Mg17 intermetallic phase within the coating. The effect of this type of coating on the corrosion and wear resistance of the Mg alloy is investigated in the current study. Under the set of laser processing parameters employed in the current work, no significant change in microstructural and phase evolution and thereby corrosion and wear performance was observed for the laser processed samples. In general improved corrosion resistance was observed for the laser processed samples as compared to the untreated AZ31B. Also, as the precipitation of an intermetallic phase is expected to strain harden the matrix, an improvement in dry sliding wear was observed for the laser processed samples.
The Shedding of the Virus of Visceral Lymphomatosis in the Saliva and Feces of Individual Normal and Lymphomatous Chickens

Abstract INTRODUCTION IN ATTEMPTS to establish some basis for the epizootiology of the diseases grouped under the avian leukosis complex, several investigators have examined the feces for a transmitting agent. Seager (1933), Jungherr (1937) and Fritzsche (1938) obtained some evidence of such an agent in the feces of birds having neural lymphomatosis. Negative results were obtained in similar experiments conducted by Thorp and Graham (1936) and Barber (1948). Recently, Burmester and Gentry (1954a) reported the demonstration of significant amounts of the virus of visceral lymphomatosis (V.L.) in the oral washings of cases of visceral lymphomatosis occurring after natural exposure and after inoculation, but definite evidence for the virus in feces was obtained only from inoculated cases. Moreover, droppings of normal appearing adult chickens that had been inoculated as baby chicks contained virus, but the droppings of similar chickens that had been inoculated as adults with the same virus preparation did not …
Acellular Dermal Allograft Transplantation in Patients with Scleromalacia After Pterygium Excision

Purpose: To report two cases of successful acellular dermal allograft transplantation for scleromalacia following pterygium excision. Case summary: A 72-year-old female patient developed scleromalacia on the nasal side of the right eye, and a 79-year-old female patient developed scleromalacia with inflammation on the nasal side of the left eye. They had previous histories of pterigia removal on the sites of scleromalacia. Acellular dermal allograft (AlloDerm®, Lifecell, NJ, USA) transplantations were done. After the operations, inflammation and pain ameliorated and the grafts survived without any particular complications. Conclusions: In treating scleromalacia, the transplantation of acellular dermal allografts produced relatively satisfactory results without undesirable problems commonly encountered when using conventional materials. J Korean Ophthalmol Soc 2008;49(10):1685-1689
1-Hydrazinophthalazine (Apresoline in the) reatment of Hypertension: A Two Year Study

Patients with severe essential hypertension have been carefully studied periodically in an attempt to group them as to probable life expectancy. Forty such patients have been observed while on oral 1-hydrazinophthalazine and a low salt diet. Nineteen of the 33 patients in the groups having a relatively good prognosis for survival had some decrease in diastolic pressure. Only one of seven patients in Smithwick group IV had a satisfactory reduction in blood pressure.
Computed tomography in evaluation of patients with stage III melanoma

Background: Metastatic disease is detected infrequently by computed tomography (CT) in early stage melanoma. The diagnostic yield of routine CT for stage III melanoma is less established, despite extensive use in clinical practice.
Nuclear Deformability Constitutes a Rate-Limiting Step During Cell Migration in 3-D Environments

Cell motility plays a critical role in many physiological and pathological settings, ranging from wound healing to cancer metastasis. While cell migration on 2-dimensional (2-D) substrates has been studied for decades, the physical challenges cells face when moving in 3-D environments are only now emerging. In particular, the cell nucleus, which occupies a large fraction of the cell volume and is normally substantially stiffer than the surrounding cytoplasm, may impose a major obstacle when cells encounter narrow constrictions in the interstitial space, the extracellular matrix, or small capillaries. Using novel microfluidic devices that allow observation of cells moving through precisely defined geometries at high spatial and temporal resolution, we determined nuclear deformability as a critical factor in the cells’ ability to pass through constrictions smaller than the size of the nucleus. Furthermore, we found that cells with reduced levels of the nuclear envelope proteins lamins A/C, which are the main determinants of nuclear stiffness, passed significantly faster through narrow constrictions during active migration and passive perfusion. Given recent reports that many human cancers have altered lamin expression, our findings suggest a novel biophysical mechanism by which changes in nuclear structure and composition may promote cancer cell invasion and metastasis.
"Cryptic" dinucleotide polymorphism in the 3' region of the factor IX gene shows substantial variation among different populations.

Long tandem dinucleotide repeats composed of alternating purines and pyrimidines [RY(i)] are abundant and highly polymorphic. “Simple” RY(i) are predominately composed of one tandem repeat of a dinucleotide sequence. In contrast, “cryptic” RY(i [cRY(i)] are composed of multiple short dinucleotide repeats. Herein, we describe the racial distribution of alleles for a polymorphic cRY(i) in the factor IX gene. Allele I is absent in Asians, whereas allele III is rare or absent in Caucasians or blacks. A polymorphic cRY(i) analyzed previously shows even more dramatic variation among racial groups, hinting that a battery of cRY(i) might have utility in assessing the racial origin of a DNA sample.
Pseudorandom-pattern test resistance in high-performance DSP datapaths

The testability of basic DSP datapath structures using pseudorandom built in self test techniques is examined. The addition of variance mismatched signals is identified as a testing problem, and the associated fault detection probabilities are derived in terms of signal probability distributions. A method of calculating these distributions is described, and it is shown how these distributions can be used to predict testing problems that arise from the correlation properties of test sequences generated using linear feedback shift registers. Finally, it is shown empirically that variance matching using associativity transformations can reduce the number of untested faults by a factor of eight over variance mismatched designs.
Control of the cell cycle and apoptosis.

Dr Ante Lundberg is a post-doctoral fellow at the Whitehead Institute for Biomedical Research, and a Research Fellow at Harvard Medical School. He received his B.Sc. degree in Biology from Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and his MD degree from Stanford Medical School. He completed his training in Internal Medicine at the Brigham and Women’s Hospital, and in Adult Oncology at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, both in Boston, Massachusetts, U.S.A. The goal of his research is to understand how the cell cycle clock machinery regulates the growth of normal cells, and how alterations within this machinery contribute to the unrestrained growth of cancer. Dr Robert A. Weinberg is a founding member of the Whitehead Institute for Biomedical Research and the Daniel K. Ludwig Professor for Cancer Research at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. He has been an American Cancer Society Research Professor at Whitehead and MIT since 1985. Dr Weinberg and his colleagues discovered the first human cancer-causing gene, the ras oncogene, and the first known tumour suppressor gene, Rb, the retinoblastoma gene. The principal goal of his research programme is to determine how oncogenes, their normal counterparts (proto-oncogenes), and tumour suppressor genes fit together in the complex circuitry that controls cell growth. He is particularly interested in applying this knowledge to improve the diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer. He is an elected member of the US National Academy of Sciences and Fellow of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences.
Noninvasive assessment of changes in left ventricular function induced by graded isometric exercise in healthy subjects

This study was designed to characterize the changes in left ventricular performance induced by graded isometric exercise. Fourteen healthy subjects (12 men and 2 women), aged 19 to 27, performed handgrip isometric exercise at 20, 40, and 60 percent of their maximal voluntary contraction (MVC) with three minutes of rest interval between each contraction. Left ventricular performance was assessed by M-mode echocardiography at rest and during each isometric contraction. Left ventricular end-diastolic and end-systolic dimensions did not change significantly. Heart rate and blood pressure increased significantly during each level of isometric contraction. Left ventricular posterior wall thickness fell from 8.6 ± .4 (mean ± SE) to 7.1 ± .5 (P
Amorphous/Crystalline Structure And Phase Transformations In Metastable Semiconducting Ge1−xSnx

The semiconducting crystalline alloys, Ge1-xSnx, are of interest due to theoretical predictions about their electronic band structures which make them useful in infrared photodetectors. However the composition region where these alloys have the desired properties is greater than the equilibrium solid solubility limit of Sn in Ge (x≤0.01). We have circumvented the solubility limits and produced thin (2000A) and thick (4–8μm) films of Ge1-xSnx (x≤0.31) by rf sputtering. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) measurements were performed to study grain growth and crystallization processes in these highly metastable semiconductors. X-ray and electron diffraction measurements indicated the materials were amorphous, but the fact that some of the films were fine grained polycrystalline samples only became apparent in their DSC spectra. We present models that describe quantitatively the transformation behavior in both sets of films.
The subaltern at the edge of the popular

This paper takes as its point of departure Ranajit Guha's early prediction of the semiotic leap of faith the theorist must make to sight subaltern insurgency.1 As insurgent, the subaltern exerts pr...
General method for plasmid DNA isolation from thermophilic lactic acid bacteria

Abstract A convenient general procedure was developed for the isolation of plasmids from thermophilic streptococci and lactobacilli that are of importance in fermented dairy foods. The protocol is a composite of selected elements of existing procedures with appropriate modifications and includes several steps for plasmid DNA enrichment. Chromosomal DNA was eliminated by differential centrifugation at 48 000 × g followed by alkali denaturation and selective precipitation in the presence of high salt and phenol extraction. The method also permitted the isolation of plasmids of various sizes (1.4–90 MDa) that are harbored by different strains of mesophilic lactic streptococci. Plasmid DNA preparations were essentially free from contaminating chromosomal DNA and protein, thus eliminating the need for density gradient centrifugation. The procedure could be used on a preparatory scale or microscale for screening large numbers of cultures for plasmid DNA content.
Indirect immunofluorescent staining of fibronectin associated with the floor of the foregut during formation and rupture of the oral membrane in the chick embryo

The distribution of the glycoprotein, fibronectin, within the cranial region of stage 8--16 chick embryos was examined by indirect immunofluorescence using paraffin sections exposed to affinity-purified rabbit anti-human CIG and FITC-conjugated goat anti-rabbit immunoglobulins. Fluorescence was present within the matrix surrounding the cranial mesenchyme, along the basal surfaces of all epithelia, and surrounding the notochord at all stages. Fluorescence associated with the floor of the foregut was particularly intense. The fluorescent layers beneath the ectoderm and endoderm of the oral (oropharyngeal) membrane at stage 8 merged into a single, continuous, intensely fluorescent line as the extracellular space within the oral membrane narrowed during stages 9--12. This line of uniform fluorescence parallels the previously described histological reorganization of the extracellular compartment of the oral membrane, but the ultrastructural localization of this fluorescent material remains unknown. Fluorescence was also intense beneath the foregut endoderm in the presumptive cardiac region caudal to the oral membrane and was continuous with strands of fluorescent material extending into the matrix of the dorsal mesocardium and cardiac jelly of the developing tubular heart. These observations indicate that the extracellular matrix associated with the floor of the entire foregut contains fibronectin during stages encompassing the formation and rupture of the oral membrane. The presence of fibronectin within the oral membrane and dorsal mesocardium, as well as between Rathke's pouch and infundibulum and within the closing plates between ectodermal clefts and endodermal pouches, is consistent with the possibility that this glycoprotein may play a role in adhesion at these sites.
Using the Inverse Maximum Ratio- Λ as a Technique to Quantify Surface Uniformity

Techniques used in variability assessment are subsequently used to draw conclusions regarding the “spread”/uniformity of data curves. Due to the limitations of these techniques, they are not adequate for circumstances where data manifest with multiple peaks. Examples of these manifestations (in three-dimensional space) include under-foot pressure distributions recorded for different types of footwear (Becerro-de-Bengoa-Vallejo et al., 2014; Cibulka et al., 1994; Davies et al., 2003), surface textures and interfaces designed to impact friction, and and and molecular surface structures such as viral epitopes (Torras and Garcia-Valls, 2004; Pacejka, 1997; Fustaffson, 1997). This article proposes a technique for generating a single variable – Λ that will quantify the uniformity of such surfaces. We define and validate this technique using several mathematical and graphical models.
Extracellular Matrix Remodeling during Morphogenesisa

The role of proteinases in extracellular matrix remodeling during the developmental program of bone, cartilage, muscle, and epithelial differentiation in the mandibular arch during embryogenesis was investigated. ECM changes accompany morphogenesis during development. The most dramatic changes occur during development of bone and cartilage. The expression of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) was altered by regulating expression of MMPs by growth factors, by inhibiting MMP activity, and by genetic ablation of MMPs. The data point to critical roles for MMPs in cartilage development and endochondral bone formation. MMPs appear to regulate not only ECM degradation but also programmed cell death, cell migration, and invasion during these morphogenic processes. The data suggest that matrix metalloproteinases play a pivotal role in the morphogenesis of structures derived from epithelium (oral sulcus), somitic mesoderm (tongue), and cranial neural crest (Meckel's cartilage).
The Effects of Three Types of Stimulation on Articulatory Responses of Speech Defective Children

An analysis was made of the effects of three methods of stimulation on the responses elicited from the first grade school children. Forty children (25 males and 15 females) who had defective articu...
Reflecting on the findings of the Ulysses spacecraft

More than 100 years ago it was realized that storms in the Earth's magnetic field often followed about 3 days after disturbances seen on the Sun. It was suggested [Chapman and Ferraro, 1931] that the Sun occasionally emitted bursts of charged particles that took a few days to reach Earth and trigger the geomagnetic storms. Bierman [1951] noted that the plasma tails of comets were at all times pushed in the direction of the Sun-comet line, and he argued that this indicated a continuous, rather than occasional, outward radial flow from the Sun. Such a flow was not consistent with models of a solar atmosphere, the corona, in hydrostatic equilibrium. Parker [1958] predicted that indeed the corona could expand continuously, giving rise to a supersonic solar wind. Gringauz [1961] and coworkers in the Soviet Union and Neugebauer [1962] and coworkers on the U.S. Mariner 2 spacecraft established the existence of a continuously present solar wind in the ecliptic plane.
Regulation of Deoxyribonucleic Acid Synthesis in Bovine Adrenocortical Cells in Culture

ABSTRACT. Factors which regulate proliferation of adrenocortical cells have been investigated using mass cultures and clones of bovine cells. Fibroblast growth factor (FGF) and angiotensin II are the most potent mitogens identified for bovine adrenocortical cells; FGF exerts greater effects than angiotensin II. FGF and angiotensin II not only stimulate [3H]thymidine incorporation into DNA and the rate of cell proliferation but also increase the saturation density achieved. Although equivalent saturation densities occur with angiotensin II and FGF, cell overlapping occurs with FGF but not with angiotensin II. Insulin, multiplication stimulating activity, and somatomedin C are weak mitogens, increasing [3H]thymidine incorporation in DNA 2- to 3-fold when added at high concentrations. These agents potentiate FGF and angiotensin II mitogenic effects. Thrombin has weak stimulatory effects on DNA synthesis which are additive to those of FGF or angiotensin II. The interaction between angiotensin II and FGF was v...
Dual probe heat pulse technique for measuring soil water content and sunflower water uptake

Abstract Soil water content is the most sought-after soil physical parameter. Recent experiments have shown that dual probe heat pulse (DPHP) sensors can be used to determine volumetric water content of soil without roots. Little work has been done to document the performance of DPHP sensors in the presence of roots, and no work has been done with a taprooted plant. Thus, the objective of this experiment was to determine the accuracy of DPHP sensors in measuring volumetric water content ( θ v ) and changes in volumetric soil water content (Δ θ v ) in soil with a branched taproot system. Another objective was to determine plant water use. A sunflower plant ( Helianthus annuus L. `Hysun 354') was grown in a column (0.20 m in diameter and height) with Haynie very fine sandy loam (coarse-silty, mixed, calcareous, mesic Mollic Udifluvents; FAO-Eutric Fluvisols) containing 11 DPHP sensors. Results from the sensors were compared with those from the gravimetric method. Discrepancies between measurements of soil volumetric water content and changes of soil volumetric water by the DPHP and gravimetric methods were small (within 0.018 and 0.01 m 3 m −3 , respectively). The sunflower had a small amount of nocturnal transpiration, and roots took up water at a higher rate near the surface of the soil than at deeper depths. The results showed that the DPHP technique can monitor volumetric soil water content in the presence of a taproot.
Disparity between tissue and serum calcitonin and carcinoembryonic antigen in a patient with medullary thyroid carcinoma

Medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) is a neuroendocrine tumor of parafollicular or C-cells of thyroid that comprises 5–10% of all thyroid cancers [1, 2]. The neoplastic cells secrete calcitonin, carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), and chromogranin A. Typically, increased serum levels of these tumor markers permit them to be used for initial diagnosis and long-term disease status surveillance. This article reports a case of sporadic MTC (pT2N0M0) in a young patient with normal serum tumor markers. A 16-year-old woman presented with MTC without evidence for this to be a familial case due to the absence of germline mutations in the RET proto-oncogene and negative family history. Surprisingly, there were normal preoperative serum levels of calcitonin, CEA, and chromogranin A, despite the immunohistochemistry showing strong and diffuse positive staining for these markers. This disparity between serum levels and tumor expression of calcitonin and CEA in MTC is quite rare. The relevant features of this case are discussed in consideration of the published experiences. This case may represent an unique subgroup of MTC with abnormal secretory capacity that requires reliance upon radiological evaluation for evidence of recurrent or disseminated disease, without the diagnostic benefit of serum tumor markers.
Device level studies of adaptive optics sliding components in microprojectors

Integrated microprojectors are being developed to project a large image on any surface chosen by users. For a laser-based microprojector, a piezo-electric based adaptive optics unit is adopted in the green laser architecture. Nanolubrication of adaptive optics sliding components is needed to reduce friction and for stick–slip motion. Previous studies of the role of lubricant film thickness in nanolubrication of sliding components in adaptive optics have been carried out in an academic, coupon level fashion and need to be carried out on a device level in order to characterize the role of lubricant film thickness in an actual working device. In this paper, the effect that operating temperatures have on lubricant film thickness, adhesive force and coefficient of friction of used devices is investigated. The results and associated mechanisms are presented and compared with previous coupon level tests to show that the proposed AFM measurement techniques can be employed in other micro devices in which adhesion, film thickness, and coefficient of friction measurements are of interest.
RSF1010-based shuttle vectors for cloning and expression in Pasteurella multocida.

Abstract The broad host-range cloning vectors, pJRD215 and pMMB67EH, were evaluated for stability and cloning efficiency in Pasteurella multocida . Transformation of P. multocida by electroporation was unreliable and poorly efficient regardless of whether the transforming DNA was isolated from E. coli or P. multocida . Both vectors contain a mob site that enabled transfer by conjugation from E. coli to P. multocida with high efficiency. Kanamycin, streptomycin, and ampicillin resistance encoded by the vectors were expressed in P. multocida . LacZ was cloned in pMMB67EH, an expression vector, and was transferred to P. multocida by conjugation. The transconjugants expressed a functional β-galactosidase as determined by o -nitrophenyl-β- d -galactopyranoside (ONPG) test. We propose the use of these cosmid and expression vectors as a shuttle vectors for cloning in P. multocida .
Molecular and Functional Profiling of Memory CD8 T Cell Differentiation

How and when memory T cells form during an immune response are long-standing questions. To better understand memory CD8 T cell development, a time course of gene expression and functional changes in antigen-specific T cells during viral infection was evaluated. The expression of many genes continued to change after viral clearance in accordance with changes in CD8 T cell functional properties. Even though memory cell precursors were present at the peak of the immune response, these cells did not display hallmark functional traits of memory T cells. However, these cells gradually acquired the memory cell qualities of self-renewal and rapid recall to antigen suggesting the model that antigen-specific CD8 T cells progressively differentiate into memory cells following viral infection.
Microwave sterilization of growth medium alleviates inhibition of Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans by Maillard reaction products

Aggregatibacter (Actinobacillus) actinomycetemcomitans is the causative agent of localized aggressive periodontitis and endocarditis. The bacteria grow slowly even in a rich medium and rapidly lose viability after about 19 h of growth. One of the reasons for the slow growth and for the decreased viability is the conventional method of making growth media by autoclaving. Faster growth and greater viability were observed in both broth and plates if the growth media were sterilized by microwave radiation rather than by autoclaving. One difference between autoclaved and microwaved media is that the autoclaved media are darker brown in color, which is known to be due to the Maillard reaction products, also known as Amadori products. The Maillard reaction products formed by autoclaving a mixture of lysine and glucose were shown to inhibit growth of A. actinomycetemcomitans.
Pyrolysis study of conventional and alternative fuels behind reflected shock waves

Abstract Fuel decay time-histories and ethylene time-histories were measured behind reflected shock waves for JP-8 and three synthetic aviation fuels (SPK, HRJ-Camelina, and HRJ-Tallow) in 0.2–0.3% fuel/argon mixtures near 7 atm and in the temperature range 1146–1500 K, and F-76 and three synthetic navy fuels (F-76 Blend, DIM, and 103–2) in 0.15–0.3% fuel/argon mixtures near 18 atm and in the temperature range 1234–1376 K. The absorption measurements of fuel decomposition were carried out using a 3.39 μm He–Ne laser, and the overall fuel decomposition rates were inferred from the fuel decay traces. The ethylene measurements were made near 10.5 μm using a CO 2 gas laser, and the peak ethylene yields were inferred for different fuels from the ethylene time-histories. The four aviation fuels show noticeably different overall fuel decomposition rates, while the four navy fuels have overall fuel decomposition rates that are close to each other. The peak ethylene yields for the four aviation fuels match each other well, while the peak ethylene yields for the navy fuels show significant fuel dependences. The current study presents the first species time-history measurements for the synthetic aviation and navy fuels covered, and provides important kinetic targets for surrogate validation and mechanism development.
Fabrication and Testing Of Optical Channel Waveguide Total Internal Reflection (Tir) Switching Networks

An improved optical channel waveguide TIR switch and the resulting switching network fabricated in a Y-cut LiNb03 substrate are reported. Fabrication procedures and testing scheme are first described. Some preliminary experimental results are then given. Some of the advantages of the TIR devices are also mentioned.© (1981) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
High incidence of XXY and XYY males among the offspring of female chimeras from embryonic stem cells.

Abstract Injecting male embryonic stem cells into the blastocoel of female embryos occasionally produces female chimeras capable of transmitting the embryonic stem cell genome. In our experiments several embryonic stem cell-derived male offspring from female chimeras were observed to be infertile. Karyotypic analysis of these infertile animals revealed aneuploidy. We examined the karyotypes of an additional 14 offspring not selected for infertility (3 females and 11 males) that had received the embryonic stem cell genome from 5 transmitting female chimeras. The 3 females and 5 of the males had normal karyotypes. Six of the males exhibited nonmosaic aneuploidy, which included four XXY karyotypes, one XYY karyotype, and an X,i(Y) karyotype. The high incidence of XXY and XYY males supports previous evidence for aberrant pairing and segregation of X and Y chromosomes when they are present in oocytes.
Adaptable Landscapes Ate the Key to Sustainable Forests

Protecting areas of native forest as we convert Nature's landscape to humanity's cultural landscape is critical, because the sustainability of the diversity and the functional dynamics of the patterns we create on a landscape will ultimately determine not only the ability of the forest within itself and within the context of the landscape to adapt to changing environmental conditions, such as global warming, but also the ability of the landscape as a whole to adapt to such changing environmental conditions. The long-term sustainability of the forest is therefore nested within the long-term adaptability of the landscape of which it is a component.
Localization of amyloidogenic proteins and sulfated glycosaminoglycans in nontransmissible and transmissible cerebral amyloidoses

We report the localization of amyloid β-protein and sulfated glycosaminoglycans in senile plaques and vascular amyloid deposits in brain tissues from patients with Down's syndrome and Alzheimer's discase, and in neurofibrillary tangles of these diseases and those of Guamanian parkinsonism-dementia and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. We also report the immunolocalization of scrapie amyloid in amyloid plaques containing glycosaminoglycans in kuru, Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease, and Gerstmann-Straussler's syndrome. Thus, amyloidogenic proteins and sulfated glycosaminoglycans may be copolymerized in amyloid deposits in the nontransmissible and transmissible cerebral amyloidoses.
Semiparametric log-linear regression for longitudinal measurements subject to outcome-dependent follow-up

Abstract A common problem for longitudinal data analyses is that subjects follow-up is irregular, often related to the past outcome or other factors associated with the outcome measure that are not included in the regression model. Analyses unadjusted for outcome-dependent follow-up yield biased estimates. We propose a longitudinal data analysis that can provide consistent estimates in regression models that are subject to outcome-dependent follow-up. We focus on semiparametric marginal log-link regression with arbitrary unspecified baseline function. Based on estimating equations, the proposed class of estimators are root n consistent and asymptotically normal. We present simulation studies that assess the performance of the estimators under finite samples. We illustrate our approach using data from a health services research study.
FORTIFICATION WITH CALCIUM CITRATE MALATE MAY NOT INFLUENCE THE SENSORY PROPERTIES OF AN ORANGE FLAVORED BEVERAGE

The impact of calcium fortification in the form of calcium citrate malate (CCM) on sensory attributes of an orange flavored beverage was investigated. It was hypothesized that the sensory properties would be negatively influenced by increasing the calcium concentration. Samples of an orange flavored beverage were prepared containing five levels of CCM that had 20% to 60% of the daily Adequate Intake (AI) for calcium. The influence of calcium fortification with CCM on sensory attributes of the beverage was determined using descriptive sensory analysis. In addition, a consumer acceptance test evaluated the acceptability of the sample beverages. The astringency of the beverage increased with higher levels of calcium. However, no further influence on sensory properties of the beverage was observed. There were minimal differences in consumers' liking for all five samples. The acceptability by consumers was not influenced by CCM concentration. Calcium fortification up to 60% of the Al did not reduce consumers' acceptability, however, it influenced the astringency of the orange flavored beverage.
Class, Arm Yourselves with 6 Commas and 2 Semi-Colons Today!

This emphasis on punctuation skills, in my opinion, cannot begin too early in the shorthand student's life. Teachers of beginning shorthand students must constantly emphasize the importance of good...
Efficiency and Scaling in DC Electromagnetic Launchers

Efficiency and scaling relationships for DC (i.e., non- induction) electromagnetic launchers (EML's) are presented and discussed. Efficiency and scaling relationships for these types of launchers are easily generalized since their principle of operation is the same, namely the production of an electromagnetic force via a spatial change in inductance. Electromagnetic force, efficiency, back-voltage, and kinetic power are given in terms of electrical circuit parameters. A comparative analysis of the efficiency and scaling relationships for these types of launchers is given and includes EML geometries such as conventional railguns, augmented railguns, and helical coilguns. The comparative analysis results are performed in terms of the launcher's inductance gradient, physical dimensions (i.e., armature- stator diameter and length), resistive losses, local energy storage (i.e., inductive), and armature velocity. A survey of recent electromagnetic launcher results is performed and compared to the theoretical predictions.
Microscale epitope mapping by affinity capillary electrophoresis-mass spectrometry.

Using β-endorphin as a model system, a new microscale solution-based approach for linear epitope mapping based on affinity capillary electrophoresis−mass spectrometry (ACE−MS) is demonstrated. Tryp...
Some thiol‐terminated polyethers

Thiol-terminated polyethers were prepared by two different routes, the starting materials being commercially available polyether polyols and epoxy resins. The products were pale colored liquids and were found to be very stable on storage at room temperature. Thiol-terminated polyethers of functionality from 2 to 4 were prepared. They are interesting building blocks for polymers through oxidation of the terminal SH groups or through coreaction with epoxy resins.
The Nuclear Pore Protein AtTPR Is Required for RNA Homeostasis, Flowering Time, and Auxin Signaling

Nuclear pore complexes (NPCs) mediate the transport of RNA and other cargo between the nucleus and the cytoplasm. In vertebrates, the NPC protein TRANSLOCATED PROMOTER REGION (TPR) is associated with the inner filaments of the nuclear basket and is thought to serve as a scaffold for the assembly of transport machinery. In a screen for mutants that suppress the expression of the floral inhibitor FLOWERING LOCUS C, we identified lesions in the Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) homolog of TPR (AtTPR). attpr mutants exhibit early-flowering and other pleiotropic phenotypes. A possible explanation for these developmental defects is that attpr mutants exhibit an approximately 8-fold increase in nuclear polyA RNA. Thus AtTPR is required for the efficient export of RNA from the nucleus. Microarray analysis shows that, in wild type, transcript abundance in the nuclear and total RNA pools are highly correlated; whereas, in attpr mutants, a significantly larger fraction of transcripts is enriched in either the nuclear or total pool. Thus AtTPR is required for homeostasis between nuclear and cytoplasmic RNA. We also show that the effects of AtTPR on small RNA abundance and auxin signaling are similar to that of two other NPC-associated proteins, HASTY (HST) and SUPPRESSOR OF AUXIN RESISTANCE3 (SAR3). This suggests that AtTPR, HST, and SAR3 may play related roles in the function of the nuclear pore.
Correlation of trap generation to charge-to-breakdown (Q/sub bd/): a physical-damage model of dielectric breakdown

Ultrathin gate and tunnel oxides in MOS devices are subjected to high-field stress during device operation, which degrades the oxide and eventually causes dielectric breakdown. Oxide reliability, therefore, is a key concern in technology scaling for ultra-large scale integration (ULSI). Here we provide critical new insight into oxide degradation (and consequently, reliability) by a systematic study of five technologically relevant parameters, namely, stress-current density, oxide thickness, stress temperature, charge-injection polarity (gate versus substrate), and nitridation of pure oxide. For all five parameters, a strong correlation has been observed between oxide degradation and the generation of new traps (distinct from the filling of intrinsic traps). Further, we observe that this correlation is independent of the trap polarity (positive versus negative). Based on this correlation, and based on the fundamental link between electronic properties and atomic structure, a physical-damage model of dielectric breakdown has been proposed. The concept of the physical-damage model is that the oxide suffers dielectric breakdown when physical damage due to broken bonds forms a defect-filled filamentary path in the oxide, that conducts excessive current. A good monitor of this physical damage is trap generation, which we believe is caused by physical bond breaking in the oxide and at the interface. The model has been quantified empirically by the correlation between trap generation and Q/sub bd/. >
Performance and Spectral Tuning of Optically Overtone Pumped Molecular Lasers

A laser model was developed to predict the performance of optically pumped higher overtone molecular lasers under pulsed and continuous wave (CW) excitations. This model takes into account up to 30 rotational levels in each of the eight vibrational states considered. Collision-induced relaxation among rotational levels, vibrational levels, energy transfer to translational degrees of freedom, and interactions with buffer gas, and the temperature dependence of these processes are included. Using parameters for a second overtone pulse pumped HBr laser, a complete lasing cascade can be expected at a certain pump pulse fluence resulting in maximum achievable efficiencies approaching 80%. Optimum operational pressure and temperature conditions are determined by the gas kinetic rates and line broadening effects. Frequency tuning and spectral narrowing of the laser output is possible with the insertion of intracavity filters without sacrificing laser output power owing to efficient energy redistribution between rotational levels mediated by appropriate buffer gases. CW lasing using waveguide (WG) like geometries is possible with efficiencies approaching 92% for first overtone pumped lasers. Heat conduction through the active gas enhanced by buffer gases and subsequent heat dissipation through the cooled WG walls are expected to handle the thermal load up to kW output power levels.
Aerospace applications of lightwave technology at Hughes

Examples of the use of lightwave circuits to partition aerospace-borne systems are presented. The role of lightwave technology in future phase array radar, communication and electronic warfare system architectures is discussed. The status of microwave bandwidth photonic transmitter and receiver circuits operating between 0.1 and 40 GHz is summarized along with the projected impact of the new erbium-doped optical fiber light amplifiers. >