cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Innate immunity to yeast prions: Btn2p and Cur1p curing of the [URE3] prion is prevented by 60S ribosomal protein deficiency or ubiquitin/proteasome system overactivity

[URE3] is an amyloid-based prion of Ure2p, a negative regulator of poor nitrogen source catabolism in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Overproduced Btn2p or its paralog Cur1p, in processes requiring Hsp42, cure the [URE3] prion. Btn2p cures by collecting Ure2p amyloid filaments at one place in the cell. We find that rpl4aΔ, rpl21aΔ, rpl21bΔ, rpl11bΔ, and rpl16bΔ (large ribosomal subunit proteins) or ubr2Δ (ubiquitin ligase targeting Rpn4p, an activator of proteasome genes) reduce curing by overproduced Btn2p or Cur1p. Impaired curing in ubr2Δ or rpl21bΔ is restored by an rpn4Δ mutation. No effect of rps14aΔ or rps30bΔ on curing was observed, indicating that 60S subunit deficiency specifically impairs curing. Levels of Hsp42p, Sis1p, or Btn3p are unchanged in rpl4aΔ, rpl21bΔ, or ubr2Δ mutants. Overproduction of Cur1p or Btn2p was enhanced in rpn4Δ and hsp42Δ mutants, lower in ubr2Δ strains, and restored to above wild-type levels in rpn4Δ ubr2Δ strains. As in the wild-type, Ure2N-GFP colocalizes with Btn2-RFP in rpl4aΔ, rpl21bΔ, or ubr2Δ strains, but not in hsp42Δ. Btn2p/Cur1p overproduction cures [URE3] variants with low seed number, but seed number is not increased in rpl4aΔ, rpl21bΔ or ubr2Δ mutants. Knockouts of genes required for the protein sorting function of Btn2p did not affect curing of [URE3], nor did inactivation of the Hsp104 prion-curing activity. Overactivity of the ubiquitin/proteasome system, resulting from 60S subunit deficiency or ubr2Δ, may impair Cur1p and Btn2p curing of [URE3] by degrading Cur1p, Btn2p or another component of these curing systems.
An in vitro single cell assay for transendothelial migration of cancer cells

Metastasis is the leading cause of cancer related deaths. A critical component of metastasis is extravasation, which occurs following the adhesion of circulating tumor cells (CTCs) to the endothelium of target organs. The CTCs migrate through the endothelial layer and dense stroma, guided by an endogenously produced chemotactic gradients. Therefore, transendothelial migration (TEM) is a rate-limiting prerequisite for successful metastasis. Utilizing the microfluidic approach, we have developed a lab-on-a-chip platform to study TEM of the metastatic breast cancer cell line MDA-MB-231 in real-time and at the single cell level. The cells migrate across a gradient of stromal derived factor 1-α through a three-dimensional extracellular matrix mimicking the in vivo scenario and offering the ability to study signaling mechanisms involved in the transmigration of cancer as well as other motile cells.
The effects of G-protein and protein kinase inhibitors on the behavioral responses of rats to intradermal injection of capsaicin

This study was designed to assess the role of G-proteins and protein kinases in the spinal cord in the behavioral manifestations induced by intradermal injection of capsaicin in rats. A microdialysis fiber was implanted in the spinal cord dorsal horn for administration of G-protein and protein kinase inhibitors to decipher the role of signal transduction cascades in mechanical allodynia induced by intradermal injection of capsaicin. Animals were tested for responses to graded mechanical stimuli using von Frey filaments and for responses to radiant heat stimuli outside the area of injection. The present study demonstrated that intradermal injection of capsaicin results in changes consistent with secondary mechanical allodynia without secondary heat hyperalgesia. Infusion of a G-protein inhibitor (GDP-β-S), a general protein kinase inhibitor (H7), or selective inhibitors of protein kinase C (NPC15437), protein kinase A (H89), or protein kinase G (KT5823) into the spinal cord dorsal horn reversed the mechanical allodynia induced by intradermal injection of capsaicin in a dose-dependent manner by increasing the threshold to mechanical stimulation towards baseline. This suggests that multiple signal transduction pathways in the spinal cord are involved in the secondary allodynia that occurs following activation of C-fiber afferents by capsaicin.
Radiographic predictors of femoroacetabular impingement treatment outcomes.

To review the literature on femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) treatment outcomes, specifically focusing on potential pre-operative radiographic parameters that may provide prognostic information regarding outcomes following surgical management. A comprehensive review of computerized literature databases (Medline Ovid and PubMed) was performed, searching for articles reporting on FAI treatment outcomes. A single reviewer screened titles, abstracts and performed full-text reviews of eligible studies. The references of these studies were further screened for additional potentially relevant studies. A total of 243 studies were reviewed, with 18 meeting inclusion criteria. Thirteen arthroscopic studies reported on 1556 patients, with clinical improvement in 35–92 % of patients and associated failure rates of 12–71 %. Five open surgical studies reported on 238 patients with clinical improvement in 65–95 % of patients and associated failure rates of 0–35 %. Both arthroscopic and open studies identified inferior outcomes with pre-operative radiographic findings of an elevated Tonnis grade (grade 2 or higher), joint space <2 mm, lateral centre-edge angle (LCEA) <20° and incomplete femoral osteoplasty. Pre-operative radiographic findings of osteoarthritis (Tonnis grade 2/3, <2 mm joint space) or dysplasia (LCEA < 20°) should be considered relative contraindications to joint preservation surgery as outcomes are worse among these patients and associated with a higher risk of conversion to total hip arthroplasty. Care should also be taken to perform a thorough femoral osteoplasty to reduce the risk of failure and need for revision surgery. III.
Biosurfactants: Types, Screening Methods, and Applications

Definition of Biosurfactants and Bioemulsifiers Types of Biosurfactants and Bioemulsifiers Screening for Surfactant and Emulsification Activities Industrial and Biotechnology Applications Keywords: bioemulsifiers; biological control, use of biosurfactants in; bioremediation, use of biosurfactants in; biotechnology; cosmetics, use of biosurfactants in; methodology; microbial enhanced oil recovery (MEOR)
A hybrid computational approach to multiple-body viscous-flow problems: application to large-eddy breakup in a boundary layer

By combining stream-function and integral-velocity formulations, the hybrid computational procedure is rendered applicable to unsteady, two-dimensional flows about multiple bodies; the bodies in the flow are replaced by distributions of bound vorticity over their surfaces. By expressing the rotational velocity field generated by the free vorticity in terms of the stream function, stream function boundary conditions are required only on the periphery of the computational domain. The procedure is employed in the simulation of coherent eddy breakup by a single flat plate that is embedded in a viscous boundary layer, exhibiting significant unsteady flow features through the graphical presentation of vorticity contours.
Half-graben basin filling models: new constraints on continental extensional basin development

Three end-member models of half-graben development (detachment fault, domino-style, and fault growth) evolve differently through time and produce different basin-filling patterns. The detachment fault model incorporates a basin-bounding fault that soles into a subhorizontal detachment fault ; the change in the rate of increase in the volume of the basin during uniform fault displacement is zero. Younger strata consistently pinch out against older synrift strata rather than pre-rift rocks. Both basin-bounding faults and the intervening fault blocks rotate during extension in the domino fault block model ; a consequence of this rotation is that the change in the rate of increase of the volume of the basin is negative during uniform extension. Basin fill commonly forms a fanning wedge during fluvial sedimentation, whereas lacustrine strata tend to pinch out against older synrift strata. In the fault growth models, basins grow both wider and longer through time as the basin-bounding faults lengthen and displacement accumulates; the change in the rate of increase in basin volume is positive. Fluvial strata progressively onlap pre-rift rocks of the hanging wall block, whereas lacustrine strata pinch out against older fluvial strata at the centre of the basin but onlap pre-rift rocks along the lateral edges. These fundamental differences may be useful in discriminating among the three endmember models. The transition from fluvial to lacustrine deposition and hanging wall onlap relationships observed in numerous continental extensional basins are best explained by the fault growth models.
Serving Los Angeles: Urban Community Colleges and Educational Success among Latino Students.

This article reports the special efforts of the largest community college district in the country to assist its largest ethnic group to succeed. The Los Angeles Community College District consists of nine campuses; the Latino student population ranges from 22–75 percent of the total number of students. In this article, using questionnaire data from the Transfer and Retention of Urban Community College students (TRUCCS) Project, we compare Latino to non-Latino students in terms of both academic and non-academic outcomes. We conclude with the description of special efforts by the district to serve its constituents through special clubs, organizations, and other special programs aimed at the Latino population.
Generalized reduction constraints for the global optimization of dynamic process networks using topological invariants

We describe a novel framework for the modeling and optimization of dynamic process networks based on network theory. Global optimization of nonlinear systems is investigated for dynamic flow problems. Tellegen's Theorem, a topological invariant of process networks, plays a central role as generalized reduction constraint. In order to improve the computational efficiency of the spatial branch and bound methods for the solution of global optimization problems, we develop a systematic method to generate formulations which lead to tighter convex relaxations and improved numerical characteristics.
Extremal Graphs for a Graph Packing Theorem of Sauer and Spencer

Let G1 and G2 be graphs of order n with maximum degree Δ1 and Δ2, respectively. G1 and G2 are said to pack if there exist injective mappings of the vertex sets into [n], such that the images of the edge sets do not intersect. Sauer and Spencer showed that if Δ1Δ2 < n/2, then G1 and G2 pack. We extend this result by showing that if Δ1Δ2 < n/2, then G1 and G2 do not pack if and only if one of G1 or G2 is a perfect matching and the other either is Kn/2·n/2 with n/2 odd or contains Kn/2 + 1.
A Numerical Method for Solving Incompressible Flow Problems with a Surface of Discontinuity

A numerical method for solving problems in which a moving surface of discontinuity separates regions of incompressible flow is presented. The method developed is notable in that it does not introduce any artificial smoothing of the change in fluid properties across the surface of discontinuity. This results in an increase in accuracy relative to methods which introduce smoothing effects. The method was also shown to be fairly versatile; problems describing a free surface, an immiscible fluid interface, and a premixed flame discontinuity were solved. There is a limitation, however, in that the method appears to be most suitable for application to inviscid problems. The reason for this limitation and possible approaches toward resolving it are discussed.
Myocardial prostaglandin E release by nitroglycerin and modification by indomethacin.

Abstract In open chest dogs, studies were made of the effects of intravenous trinitroglycerin (10 μg/kg Per min) on circumflex arterial coronary blood flow, coronary vascular resistance, systemic arterial pressure and myocardial prostaglandin E production before and after indomethacin (n = 9) or indomethacin vehicle (n = 5). During a 30 minute trinitroglycerin infusion, coronary sinus prostaglandin E concentration increased significantly (approximately +41 percent, p
New Synthesis of α-(Disubstituted Aminomethyl)-9-phenanthrenemethanols

Treatment of 9-phenanthryllithium (I) with a variety of carbonyl compounds is described. Condensation of I with methyl N, N-dibutyloxamate gave N, N-dibutyl-9-phenanthreneglyoxylamide (III), which was reduced with sodium bis(2-methoxyethoxy)aluminum hydride to give α-[(N, N-dibutylamino)methyl]-9-phenanthrenemethanol (VI). Similarly, condensation of 3,6-bis(triluoromethyl)-9-phenanthryllithium (II) with N, N-dibutyloxamate and N, N-diheptyloxamate gave, respectively, N, N-dibutyl- and N, N-disheptyl-3,6-bis(trifluoromethyl)-9-phenanthreneglyoxylamides (IV and V). Reduction of both carbonyl functions of IV and V simultaneously with diborane gave, respectively, α-[(N, N-dibutylamino)-methyl]- and α - [(N, N - diheptylamino)methyl]- 3,6- bis(trifluoromethyl)-9-phenanthrenemethanols (VII and VIII).
Galantamine counteracts development of learning impairment in guinea pigs exposed to the organophosphorus poison soman: Clinical significance

Galantamine, a drug used to treat Alzheimer's disease, protects guinea pigs against the acute toxicity and lethality of organophosphorus (OP) compounds, including soman. Here, we tested the hypothesis that a single exposure of guinea pigs to 1xLD50 soman triggers cognitive impairments that can be counteracted by galantamine. Thus, animals were injected intramuscularly with saline (0.5 ml/kg) or galantamine (8 mg/kg) and 30 min later injected subcutaneously with soman (26.3 μg/kg) or saline. Cognitive performance was analyzed in the Morris water maze (MWM) four days or three months after the soman challenge. Fifty percent of the saline-injected animals that were challenged with soman survived with mild-to-moderate signs of acute toxicity that subsided within a few hours. These animals showed no learning impairment and no memory retention deficit, when training in the MWM started four days post-soman challenge. In contrast, animals presented significant learning impairment when testing started three months post-challenge. Though the magnitude of the impairment correlated with the severity of the acute toxicity, animals that presented no or only mild signs of toxicity were also learning impaired. All guinea pigs that were treated with galantamine survived the soman challenge with no signs of acute toxicity and learned the MWM task as control animals, regardless of when testing began. Galantamine also prevented memory extinction in both saline- and soman-challenged animals. In conclusion, learning impairment develops months after a single exposure to 1xLD50 soman, and galantamine prevents both the acute toxicity and the delayed cognitive deficits triggered by this OP poison.
Hybrid robust controller design: Cyber attack attenuation for Cyber-Physical Systems

This paper considers controller design for Cyber-Physical Systems (CPSs) that are robust to various types of cyber attacks. While the previous studies have investigated a secure control by assuming a specific attack strategy, in this paper we propose a hybrid robust control scheme that contains multiple sub-controllers, each matched to a specific type of cyber attacks. Then the system can be adapted to various cyber attacks (including those that are not assumed for sub-controller design) by switching its sub-controllers to achieve the best performance. We propose a method for designing the secure switching logic to counter all possible cyber attacks and mathematically verify the system's performance and stability as well. The performance of the proposed control scheme is demonstrated by an example with the hybrid H2 - H∞ controller applied to an Unmanned Aerial System (UAS).
Observed Deviations from Scale Invariance in High-Energy Muon Scattering

Scale noninvariance is observed in 150- and 56-GeV muon scattering from an iron target. In the range $1l{q}^{2}l40$ ${(\mathrm{G}\mathrm{e}\mathrm{V}/\mathit{c})}^{2}$, $\ensuremath{\nu}{W}_{2}$ rises with ${q}^{2}$ at fixed ${\ensuremath{\omega}}^{\ensuremath{'}}\ensuremath{\gtrsim}6$ and falls at ${\ensuremath{\omega}}^{\ensuremath{'}}\ensuremath{\lesssim}6$. The scale breaking is statistically and systematically significant, and persists with alternative choices of scaling variable. It is parametrized roughly by a constant $b=\frac{{\ensuremath{\partial}}^{2}\mathrm{ln}(\ensuremath{\nu}\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}{W}_{2})}{\ensuremath{\partial}\mathrm{ln}({\ensuremath{\omega}}^{\ensuremath{'}})\ensuremath{\partial}\mathrm{ln}({q}^{2}}$ with a value near 0.09.
Guano and the Opening of the Pacific World: A Global Ecological History

Gregory T. Cushman. Cambridge, UK: Cambridge University Press, 2013. ix and 393 pp., maps, photos, tables, notes, bibliography, index. $89.00 cloth (ISBN 978-1-107-00413-9); $31.49 paper (ISBN 978-...
Low-dose ionizing radiation-induced blood plasma metabolic response in a diverse genetic mouse population.

Understanding the biological effects and biochemical mechanisms of low-dose ionizing radiation (LDIR) is important for setting exposure limits for the safe use of nuclear power and medical diagnostic procedures. Although several studies have highlighted the effects of ionizing radiation on metabolism, most studies have focused on uniform genetic mouse populations. Here, we report the metabolic response to LDIR (10 cGy X ray) on a genetically diverse mouse population (142 mice) generated from a cross of radiation-sensitive (BALB/c) and radiation-resistant (SPRET/EiJ) parental strains. GC-TOF profiling of plasma metabolites was used to compare exposed vs. sham animals. From this, 16 metabolites were significantly altered in the LDIR treated vs. sham group. Use of two significantly altered metabolites, thymine and 2-monostearin, was found to effectively segregate the two treatments. Multivariate statistical analysis was used to identify genetic polymorphisms correlated with metabolite abundance (e.g., amino ...
Quasi-conformal transformation optics techniques for gradient index devices on graphene

We present the use of quasi-conformal transformation optics techniques to design planar devices on graphene sheets. First, we discuss the pertinent design equations for linking permittivity tensors to the electronic transport properties of graphene. We then demonstrate the process by designing a planar quad-beam collimator on graphene. The required gradients for transformation optics devices are then realized by controlling the graphene's substrate parameters.
Functional immaturity of bone marrow bands and polymorphonuclear leucocytes.

Summary. Neutrophilic granulocytes from peripheral blood and from bone marrow were compared with respect to their ability to ingest paraffin oil droplets coated with bovine serum albumin or E. coli lipopolysaccharide. Granulocytes were incubated with unopsonized droplets or with droplets opsonized with fresh human serum. While myeloblasts and promyelocytes did not ingest either type of droplet, some myelocytes and metamyelocytes engulfed droplets; bands and polymorphonuclear leukocytes were the most active phagocytes. Morphologically mature granulocytes of bone marrow, in contrast to those of peripheral blood, had an ingestion defect for unopsonized droplets that was only partially corrected by heat-labile opsonin. A dissociation between functional and morphologic maturity can therefore be demonstrated in bone-marrow granulocytes.
Strain localization in olivine aggregates at high temperature: A laboratory comparison of constant-strain-rate and constant-stress boundary conditions

We performed high-strain torsion experiments on aggregates of Fo50 olivine to test the influence of imposed boundary conditions on localizing deformation. We deformed both solid and thin-walled cylinders of Fo50 either at constant strain rate or at constant stress. Samples deformed in constant-strain-rate experiments reached a peak stress followed by weakening at a continually decreasing weakening rate. In contrast, samples deformed in constant-stress experiments weakened at an accelerating weakening rate. Localization is manifested in samples deformed at constant stress as irregularities along strain markers, S–C foliations, and torsional buckling of thin-walled cylinders. In contrast, samples deformed at constant strain rate deformed homogeneously. Grain-boundary maps created with electron-backscatter-diffraction data indicate that high-strain regions in constant-stress samples correlate with finer grain sizes and stronger crystallographic fabrics. Since the dominant deformation mechanism is grain-size sensitive, heterogeneous recrystallization leads to strain localization in finer-grained regions. However, variations in strength are not large enough to initiate localization in constant-strain-rate experiments. The magnitude of grain-size heterogeneity remains relatively constant with increasing strain, implying that shear zones are maintained throughout the experiments even as non-localizing regions recrystallize. Based on our results, we propose that deformation driven at constant stress in Earth's lithosphere will easily localize even if structural heterogeneities are not initially present.
Executive Perceptions about the Effectiveness of HR

© 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Published online in Wiley Online Library (wileyonlinelibrary.com). DOI 10.1002/ert.21405 In 2012, a study was initiated to examine how senior leaders in organizations throughout North America perceive the effectiveness of human resources professionals. The overarching objective of the study was to identify the issues most responsible for creating conflict between executives and HR practitioners in an effort to improve the working relationship going forward. The study utilized a mixed-methods approach based on research conducted across three strategies of inquiry: (1) semistructured interviews, typically lasting between 60 to 90 minutes, with 18 corporate executives located throughout North America; (2) surveys of 171 HR professionals conducted in two separate groups; and (3) a comprehensive review of the relevant literature. At the conclusion of the interview process, HR professionals were subsequently asked to rank-order the issues identified by the executives as problematic, with an additional option to select “no issues create increased conflict.” Two separate surveys were conducted with 171 HR professionals in August and September of 2012 with consistent results. Each group surveyed identified a lack of understanding of business fundamentals as creating the most conflict between executives and HR professionals (43 percent and 35 percent, respectively), followed closely by concerns that HR is too administratively oriented (22 percent and 32.5 percent), is slow to act or fails to respond at all (24 percent and 17.5 percent), and says “no” without suggesting alternative solutions (8 percent and 12.5 percent). Collectively, these survey results demonstrate that HR practitioners are aware of the perceptions of senior leaders about HR’s contributions and perceived weaknesses. On the positive side, executives view HR professionals as possessing considerable strength in four key areas: (1) education and training of the workforce; (2) mitigation of risk to the organization; (3) providing reliable basic HR services (e.g., compensation, benefits, and training); and (4) protecting the interests of both employees and management. The overall rating of the HR function, however, was not impressive. On a scale of 1 to 5 (with 5 being the best and 1 being the worst), the executives cumulatively rated the overall effectiveness of the HR function in their organizations at 3.66—roughly translating into perhaps a grade of C+ at best.
Solidification Microstructure Evolution Model for Laser Cladding Process

The laser cladding process inherently includes multiscale, highly nonlinear, and non-equilibrium transport phenomena due to nonuniform and rapid heat flow caused by the laser and the material interaction. In this work, a process model of solidification micro-structure evolution for the laser cladding process has been studied by utilizing a phase-field method. The phase-field method has become a widely used computational tool for the modeling of solidification micro-structure evolution with the advantage of avoiding tracking the interface explicitly and satisfying interfacial boundary conditions. In the present work, the numerical solutions of a phase-field model have been analyzed. The linking of the macroscale process and solidification microstructure evolution was examined by considering the relationship of macro- and micro-parameters. The effects of melt undercooling and anisotropy on the solidification micro-structure have also been studied. The predicted results with different undercoolings were compared with the microsolvability theory and a good agreement was found. Different solidification morphologies of different locations in the melt-pool are also investigated. To quantitatively study the effect of heat flux on the dendritic growth, the dendrite tip analysis was carried out. It was observed that the dendrite tip that grows in the same direction with the heat flux shows a much higher velocity than a tip that grows in the opposite direction of the heat flux.
Braid group action via GLn(q) and Un(q), and Galois realizations

We determine the braid group action on generating systems of a group that is the semi-direct product of a finite vector space with a group of scalars. This leads to Galois realizations of certain groups GLn(q) and PUn(q).
Does the Veneziano Model Have Duality

It is shown that the Veneziano model can be cast into a form in which the leading asymptotic behavior at high energy in the direct channel comes from a term containing no direct-channel resonances. The question of the meaning of duality under such circumstances is raised and discussed briefly.
Image-Based Modeling of Blood Flow in Human Coronary Arteries With and Without Bypass Grafts During Rest and Simulated Exercise

The number of patients with coronary artery disease continues to rise, with approximately 469,000 coronary bypass procedures in 2005 alone [1]. A priori knowledge of the flow features within the coronary vascular system could prove useful in predicting flow changes due to coronary bypass surgery. Image-based modeling and 3-D computational simulations could be used to compute flow and pressure in a patient-specific manner. However, modeling coronary flow requires knowledge of the intramyocardial pressure that compresses coronary vessels, resulting in decreased flow in systole and increased flow in diastole. Left ventricular pressure can provide an estimate to intramyocardial pressure, but the aortic pressure and left ventricular pressure must be coupled in systole when the aortic valve is open. Previously, we have developed a method to couple a lumped-parameter heart model to the inlet of a 3-D model to compute aortic and ventricular pressure [2]. In this study, we use the lumped-parameter heart model and computational fluid dynamics to calculate flow dynamics in a patient model with coronary artery bypass grafts.Copyright © 2008 by ASME
Modification of the effect of fiberoptic bronchoscopy on pulmonary mechanics.

Thirty-three patients who were to undergo diagnostic fiberoptic bronchoscopy were studied. Pulmonary function tests were performed before the procedure, after topical lidocaine anesthesia, and immediately and four hours after bronchoscopy. Nine patients received aerosolized isoproterenol (Isuprel) before the topical anesthesia, and nine received aerosolized atropine. Pulmonary function tests were also performed after this intervention. In those patients receiving no premedication, all the indices of expiratory flow were reduced significantly immediately after bronchoscopy, and after the topical anesthesia, the FEV1 and FVC were significantly reduced. In the atropine group, the FVC and FEV1 increased significantly after atropine, and increased still further following topical lidocaine anesthesia. By four hours after bronchoscopy, however, the midmaximal expiratory flow rate was significantly reduced. In the isoproterenol group, only the FEV1 was significantly improved by the drug, and this improvement persisted even after the lidocaine. It decreased transiently immediately after bronchoscopy, but by four hours, was significantly above baseline again. The FVC diminished significantly immediately after bronchoscopy. It is concluded that fiberoptic bronchoscopy deleteriously affects pulmonary function and that inhaled isoproterenol or atropine largely protects against these deleterious effects.
Pravastatin Has Cholesterol-Lowering Independent Effects on the Artery Wall of Atherosclerotic Monkeys

Objectives. This study examined the direct effects of pravastatin on the artery wall of atherosclerotic monkeys after dietary lipid lowering. Background. Clinical trials suggest that hepatic hydroxymethylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase inhibitors may reduce the risk of coronary heart disease out of proportion to their effect on angiographically assessed lumen stenosis. Methods. Thirty-two cynomolgus monkeys were fed an atherogenic diet for 2 years (progression phase) and then fed a lipid-lowering diet either containing (n = 14) or not containing (n = 18) pravastatin in the diet for an additional 2 years (treatment phase). As designed, total plasma cholesterol and high density lipoprotein concentrations did not differ between groups at the beginning of or during the treatment phase of the experiment (p > 0.05). Results. Quantitative angiography revealed that coronary arteries of the pravastatin-treated monkeys dilated 10 ± 3%, whereas those from untreated control monkeys constricted −2 ± 2% in response to acetylcholine (p 0.05) or on the amount of reduction in plaque size in common iliac arteries during the treatment phase of the study (48 ± 5% [untreated] vs. 45 ± 6% [pravastatin]; p > 0.05). However, histochemical analysis of the atherosclerotic lesions indicated that the arteries from pravastatin-treated monkeys had significantly fewer macrophages in the intima and media, less calcification and less neovascularization in the intima (p < 0.05). Conclusions. We conclude that compared with control monkeys, the arteries of pravastatin-treated monkeys had better dilator function and plaque characteristics more consistent with plaque stability than those of monkeys not receiving pravastatin. These beneficial arterial effects of pravastatin occurred independently of plasma lipoprotein concentrations and despite similar changes in plaque size between the groups.
SPHEROIDAL AND RING NUCLEOLI IN AMPHIBIAN OOCYTES : Patterns of Uridine Incorporation and Fine Structural Features

In maturing oocytes of the newt Triturus viridescens, the nucleoli undergo a series of morphological changes that are very similar to those described by Callan for the axolotl, Ambystoma mexicanum. The nucleoli first assume the form of spheroids which then become extended into ring or necklace shapes that are DNase-sensitive; in mature oocytes the nucleoli revert to a spheroidal form. Short term in vitro incorporation studies with uridine-3H on both species show that RNA synthesis occurs in a restricted, eccentric portion of the spheroidal nucleoli, thereby producing an asymmetrical pattern of labeling. In the ring forms, however, the localization of the radioactivity suggests that synthesis takes place symmetrically throughout their entire length. The changes in nucleolar morphology apparently reflect the fact that the component DNA has undergone a redistribution from a localized region in the spheroidal nucleoli to an extended circle in the rings; the patterns of uridine-3H incorporation, therefore, parallel the distribution of DNA in both the spheroidal and the ring nucleoli. Ultrastructurally, the nucleoli contain a fibrillar component that corresponds in position to that of the DNA. The typical spheroidal nucleolus consists of a fibrillar core situated eccentrically and surrounded by a hull of granular, ribonucleoprotein material. The ring nucleoli are composed of a central fibrous region that is ensheathed all around its circumference by a layer of similar granular material. This granular substance is thicker at intervals along the length of the rings, representing the "beads" of the necklaces.
Static and dynamic fault parameters of the Saitama earthquake of July 1, 1968

Abstract The source mechanism of the Saitama earthquake (36.07°N,139.40°E, M s = 5.4) of July 1, 1968, is studied on the basis of P-wave first motion, aftershock, long-period surface-wave data and low-magnification long-period seismograms recorded in the nearfield. A precise location of the aftershocks is made using P and S—P time data obtained by a micro-earthquake observatory network. The synthetic near-field seismograms based on the Haskell model are directly compared with the observed near-field seismograms for wave form and amplitude to determine the dynamic fault parameters. The results obtained are as follows: source geometry, reverse dip slip with considerable right-lateral strike-slip component; dip direction, N6°E; dip angle 30°; fault dimension, 10 × 6 km 2 ; rupture velocity, 3.4 km/sec in the direction S30°E; average dislocation, 92 cm; average dislocation velocity, 92 cm/sec; seismic moment, 1.9 · 10 25 dyn-cm; stress drop, 100 bar. The effective stress is about the same as the stress drop. For major earthquakes in the Japanese Islands, the dislocation velocity, 〈. D 〉, is found to be proportional to the stress drop, σ. This relation can be expressed by 〈. D 〉 ∼- ( β / μ ) σ , where β is the shear velocity and μ is the rigidity. This result has an importance in engineering seismology because the stress drop scales the seismic motion in the vicinity of an earthquake fault.
Reflected Shock Ignition of SiH4/H2/O2/Ar andSiH4/CH4/O2/Ar Mixtures

High-temperature experiments were performed behind reflected shock waves with H 2 /O 2 , SiH 4 /H 2 /O 2 , CH 4 /O 2 , and SiH 4 /CH 4 /O 2 mixtures highly diluted in argon. Reflected-shock temperatures ranged from 1000-2250 K at a pressure near 1 atm. Reaction progress was monitored by observation of the time histories of several species by the use of emission techniques, including OH*, SiH4, and CH*. The oxidation and ignition data are reported in the form of species concentration profiles and plots of characteristic times as a function of temperature. The presence of silane in the fuel/O 2 mixtures markedly reduced the ignition delay time of all H 2 /O 2 and CH 4 /O 2 mixtures, usually by a factor of two or more, even at molar SiH 4 concentrations as low as 1% of the fuel concentration. Although the decrease in ignition delay time was, in some cases, quite significant, the activation energy of ignition when plotted on an Arrhenius diagram remained virtually unchanged; this result indicates that the chain-branching behavior that takes place when silane is present, although faster and through different elementary reactions, is similar to the behavior when silane is not present. The addition of silane to H 2 /O 2 mixtures also appears to extend the chain-branching kinetics to lower temperatures, eliminating the classic chain termination seen near the second explosion limit of H 2 /O 2 ignition.
Room temperature dissolution of metal powders by thiourea: a novel route to transition metal isothiocyanate complexes

Abstract A new synthetic route to isothiocyanate containing materials is presented. Five isothiocyanate 4-methylpyridine (γ-picoline) compounds were prepared by refluxing metal powders (Fe, Co, Ni and Cu) with thiourea in γ-picoline. The isothiocyanate ligand is generated in situ by the isomerization of thiourea to NH4+SCN− at reflux temperatures. The complexes [Fe(NCS)2(pic)4]·pic (1), [Co(NCS)2(pic)4]·pic (2), [Ni(NCS)2(pic)4] (3), [Cu(NCS)2(pic)4]·2/3pic·1/3H2O (4), [Cu(NCS)(pic)2]x (5) (where pic=γ-picoline) were characterized by X-ray crystallography; the structural data for compounds 1–3 and 5 are presented.
Lessons Learned: Mountain College in the Midst of Change.

This case describes a strategic planning process initiated by the division of student affairs at a small, private college. It presents several issues related to institutional identity, strategic pl...
Habitat selection of the pink shrimp Farfantepenaeus paulensis and the blue crab Callinectes sapidus in an estuary in southern Brazil: influence of salinity and submerged seagrass meadows

This study was conducted in two estuarine inlets (Saco da Mangueira and Saco do Arraial) at the Patos Lagoon estuary, southern Brazil. The changes in relative abundance and size of post-larvae and juvenile shrimp Farfantepenaeus paulensis and juvenile blue crab Callinectes sapidus were compared, considering the influence of salinity and the presence of submerged seagrass meadows. The analyses were performed using generalized linear models (GLM) for abundance variations and ANOVA for variations on the size of individuals. The pink shrimp was more abundant at Saco da Mangueira, in seagrass meadows and areas of higher salinity. The blue crab was more abundant at Saco do Arraial and in lower levels of salinity. The importance of submerged vegetation for the blue crab lies in a preference of smaller crabs of the species for the seagrass meadows. It has been shown that these species choose different habitats in the estuary, and both the salinity and the presence of submerged seagrass meadows influence the selection of habitat.
A heuristic and lower bound for a multi-depot routing problem

Abstract The multi-depot routing problem considered here deals with a situation where a fleet of τ trucks is used to transport π different raw materials available at σ sources to π plants. A heuristic is presented for solving this problem. An initial feasible solution is found by determining the least costly way of supplying each plant with the material demanded, one plant at a time. Then routes are exchanged for each truck if a net cost savings can be realized, while maintaining feasibility. The heuristic is compared to a lower bound obtained from a relaxed binary formulation. Both methods are applied for four sets of randomly generated problems with different values for τ, σ, π , and for the maximum number of trips allowed. The problems ranged in size from 52 to 609 nodes in the lower bound formulation. The results from the heuristic exceed the bound by 2–4% for problem sets with 52–303 nodes. For the larger problems this percentage reaches 8%. The gap is due partly to the lower bound having a smaller value than the optimal solution and partly to the heuristic being non-optimal.
Molecular cloning and characterization of a cDNA for the highly conserved HMG-like protein (Pf16) gene of Plasmodium falciparum.

Abstract A cDNA clone (PfHB3-2-4) of 1538 bp corresponding to the highly conserved HMG-like protein (Pf16) was isolated. However, northern analysis suggests that the mRNA is about 2.2 to 2.3 kb. Analysis by RT-PCR indicated that the 0.6 to 0.7 kb sequence missing in the cDNA maps to the 3′ end, suggesting that the cDNA is terminated within the 26 adenosine residues that are in the middle of the Pf16 sequence. The most unique feature about this cDNA is the presence of two open reading frames (ORF), one from nucleotides 91 to 927 and the other starting from 1421. The second ORF corresponds to Pf16. Expression of the cDNA clones in Escherichia coli and translation in rabbit reticulocytes of RNA transcribed from the T7 promoter of the cDNA clones revealed that only the 3′ end Pf16 is translated from this mRNA. Further experiments with antisense oligonucleotides specific for Pf16 indicated that the Pf16 protein serves an important function in the life cycle of the parasite.
Development of a Novel Coarse-Grained Model of the Nucleosome Core Particle for Long-Timescale Simulations

The Nucleosome Core Particle (NCP) is the fundamental unit of DNA packaging in eukaryotic cells. It consists of ∼147 base pairs of DNA that are wrapped around an octameric protein core. Despite extensive experimental and theoretical work, the detailed physical mechanisms of important processes such as nucleosome opening, NCP-NCP interactions, and chromatin folding are not fully understood. Atomistic molecular dynamics (MD) simulations can in theory be a useful method to study these processes, however the timescales accessible to MD simulations are too short to explore these mechanisms. Therefore, we have used all-atom MD simulation data to derive a new Coarse-Grained (CG) model of the NCP. In this model, NCP residues are modeled using spherical beads centered on the DNA phosphorus and protein α-carbon atoms. DNA is represented by two types of beads that distinguish between base pairs (i.e. A-T and C-G), whereas protein residues are divided into two types based on their structure (i.e. α-helices and coils/loops). Force field parameters were derived using a hybrid approach of the iterative Boltzmann inversion method for bonded parameters, and Force Matching for non-bonded parameters. Our CG model significantly speeds up NCP simulations, and is expected to be useful in examining nucleosome opening, NCP-NCP interactions, and chromatin folding. Moreover, it is capable of reproducing the structural properties of the underlying atomistic system.
Postoperatives Schmerzmanagement in der Urologie

Als Folge davon, dass die Arbeitsteilung zwischen Urologen und Anasthesisten seit Jahrzehnten klar definiert ist, haben operativ tatige Urologen — dies gilt fur alle anderen Disziplinen in gleicher Weise — die Sensibilitat dafur verloren, dass sie es sind, die Schmerzen verursachen und daher primar dafur Verantwortung tragen,sie zu lindern bzw. komplett auszuschalten. Dieser Tatsache tragt die Rechtsprechung dadurch Rechnung, dass die Vernachlassigung von Schmerzvermeidung und -ausschaltung als genuin arztlicher Verpflichtung zu strafrechtlichen Konsequenzen fuhrt, die an § 323 c StGB (unterlassene Hilfeleistung), § 223 und § 230 StGB (vorsatzliche oder fahrlassige Korperverletzung durch Unterlassung) festgemacht werden. Es ist jedoch falsch, daraus ableiten zu wollen, dass der fur die Schmerztherapie seiner Patienten primar verantwortliche Operateur sie auch selbst durchfuhren muss. Er hat allerdings fur Organisationsstrukturen bzw.dafur zu sorgen, dass eine kompetente postoperative Analgesie durch Kolleginnen und Kollegen anderer Facher — in erster Linie der Anasthesie — ermoglicht wird.
Dental education in Sweden: cultural perspective, structure, and issues

3 & ental health care needs are per­ ceived differently by different societies. The cultural, political, and economic tra­ ditions of any nation affect the evolving roles of dentists, dental researchers, and other dental personnel. These traditions in turn have their influence on dental education. In considering strategic plan­ ning for the future of the dental profes­ sion as has the ADA Special Committee on the Future of Dentistry,1 studies of dental issues and educational structure within the context of national cultural modes can provide new perspectives on universal dental education problems and long-range policy formulation. In this ar­ ticle, the Swedish model is reviewed. Sweden is a country a little larger than California with a population of 8.3 mil­ lion. Dental services are provided by both private and public dentists. Swedish den­ tistry and dental research are of high qual­ ity and are a high public priority.2-4 There are many features and issues unique to Swedish dental education as a result of Swedish cultural and historical tradi­ tions.
Premature sternal fusion in gonadal dysgenesis with coarctation.

Gonadal dysgenesis and coarctation of the aorta were found in four patients to be associated with premature sternal fusion but possible etiologic relationship to shield chest deformity is suggested.
Efficacy of Treatment of Trochanteric Bursitis: A Systematic Review

Objective:Trochanteric bursitis (TB) is a self-limiting disorder in the majority of patients and typically responds to conservative measures. However, multiple courses of nonoperative treatment or surgical intervention may be necessary in refractory cases. The purpose of this systematic review was t
The role of entropy and polarity in intermolecular contacts in protein crystals

The integrity and X-ray diffraction quality of protein crystals depend on the three-dimensional order of relatively weak but reproducible intermolecular contacts. Despite their importance, relatively little attention has been paid to the chemical and physical nature of these contacts, which are often regarded as stochastic and thus not different from randomly selected protein surface patches. Here, logistic regression was used to analyze crystal contacts in a database of 821 unambiguously monomeric proteins with structures determined to 2.5 A resolution or better. It is shown that the propensity of a surface residue for incorporation into a crystal contact is not a linear function of its solvent-accessible surface area and that amino acids with low exposed surfaces, which are typically small and hydrophobic, have been underestimated with respect to their contact-forming potential by earlier area-based calculations. For any given solvent-exposed surface, small and hydrophobic residues are more likely to be involved in crystal contacts than large and charged amino acids. Side-chain entropy is the single physicochemical property that is most negatively correlated with the involvement of amino acids in crystal contacts. It is also shown that crystal contacts with larger buried surfaces containing eight or more amino acids have cores that are depleted of polar amino acids.
The Challenge of Regionalism in South Asia

Once a regional cooperation scheme has been launched, what forces drive the process further and determine the chance of sustained success? The literature suggests that the more successful regional groupings satisfy three facilitating conditions: the existence of a benevolent hegemon, member states with strong governments, and deep commitment among ruling elites to economic liberalization. This article examines whether regional cooperation in South Asia since 1980 is characterized by these three conditions. The conclusion is that these facilitating conditions have produced three different dynamics in South Asia, contributing to a stop-and-go pattern of regional cooperation.
Peripheral coding of sex pheromone information in the goldfish olfactory epithelium

Neural responses to sex pheromones and food-related odorants were recorded from single olfactory receptor neurons (ORNs) in the olfactory epithelium of male goldfish. Very few ORNs responded to sex pheromones and those that did were tuned to one compound. In contrast, amino acid-sensitive units were common and often responded to another class of food odor.
Wave Breaking and Global Existence for a Generalized Two-Component Camassa–Holm System

In this paper, we study a generalized two-component Camassa–Holm system which can be derived from the theory of shallow water waves moving over a linear shear flow. This new system also generalizes a class of dispersive waves in cylindrical compressible hyperelastic rods. We show that this new system can still exhibit the wave-breaking phenomenon. We also determine the exact blow-up rate of such solutions. In addition, we establish a sufficient condition for global solutions.