cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Nonenzymatic Glycosylation and Browning in Diabetes and Aging: Studies on Lens Proteins

The nonenzymatic glycosylation of hemoglobin has served as a model for the postsynthetic modification of protein by glucose. From these studies it has been proposed that nonenzymatic glycosylation of proteins could play a role in the development of the complications associated with diabetes mellitus. The first tissue in which an attempt has been made to link nonenzymatic glycosylation and a pathologic sequela is the ocular lens and the formation of cataracts. Incubation of lens proteins with glucose in vitro leads to nonenzymatic glycosylation, intermolecular disulfide bond formation, and protein aggregates that defract light. These findings mimic the state of proteins found in the diabetic lens. With longer incubation times, these nonenzymatically glycosylated proteins can undergo further rearrangements to form yellow-brown pigments (nonenzymatic browning) that act as molecular cross-links. From a number of physical and chemical studies it appears that these pigments formed in vitro are similar to those found in senile lenses. Thus the nonenzymatic browning of glycosylated proteins that has been described in stored foodstuffs might well be occurring in vivo. Such protein modifications, which are essentially irreversible, could have significant effects on the aging of long-lived proteins and the general aging process of biologic systems.
Baryon Spectra and Semileptonic Decay in a Constituent Quark Model

Baryon mass spectra and semileptonic decay rates of a few heavy baryon decay rates are obtained in a constituent quark model. A modified fit of nonrelativistic Hamiltonian generates configuration-mixed baryon wave functions from the known masses and the measured Λ+c → Λe+ν rate, with wave functions expanded in both harmonic oscillator and Sturmian bases. The wave functions obtained are use to calculate form factors and decay rates for the semileptonic decays of some of these baryons. The elastic fraction for Λ+c → Λ(*) decay is found to be 0.88 ± 0.02, and the Λ+c → Λe+ν rate is found to be 1.28+0.16−0.21, close to the experimental value. The elastic fraction of Ωb → Ωc ranges from about 50% calculated with the harmonic-oscillator model, to about 67% calculated with the Sturmian model.
Classifications of Intentions for Controlling of a Multifunctional Knee-Ankle-Foot Orthosis

This paper describes motion intention classifiers which utilize reaction forces signals from heel and toe; and hip velocity information to predict subject’s intention. Those classifiers using Bayes method to predict (i) walk-to-stop, (ii) walking-speed-changing, and (iii) stop-to-motions. They are very accurate (most of them have accuracy rate higher than 90%) and a significant step in order to develop a multifunctional knee-ankle-foot orthosis.Copyright © 2011 by ASME
A reference, inactivated, epidemic typhus vaccine: laboratory evaluation of candidate vaccines

Five lots of inactivated, epidemic typhus vaccine being evaluated as a possible federal reference vaccine were examined in laboratory tests prior to clinical trials. The principal criteria used for evaluation were complement fixing antigen content and guinea-pig potency. Other tests for general safety, nitrogen content, residual formaldehyde and sterility were performed. Two of the three manufacturing procedures currently licensed in the United States were represented by the vaccines tested. One production procedure was in close accordance with the requirements for typhus vaccine as set forth in 1970 by the Rickettsial Commission of the Armed Forces Epidemiological Board. This procedure was used to prepare four of the vaccines evaluated. Three of these vaccines were twofold serial dilutions of the parent lot of vaccine. On the basis of test results, two vaccines were classified as the most promising reference material, one was given an intermediate rating and two were regarded as least promising. The guinea-pig potency test failed to differentiate between typhus vaccines the antigenic content of which differed by twofold and did not reflect the twofold dilution series used in the production of four lots of vaccine. Complement-fixing antigen contents and nitrogen values reflected the twofold differences between vaccines.
Impact of mental disorders on cost and reimbursement for patients in inpatient rehabilitation facilities.

Abstract Dobrez D, Heinemann AW, Deutsch A, Durkin EM, Almagor O. Impact of mental disorders on cost and reimbursement for patients in inpatient rehabilitation facilities. Objective To determine whether comorbid mental disorders affect inpatient rehabilitation facility (IRF) costs and to examine the extent to which Medicare's prospective payment system reimbursement sufficiently covers those costs. Design Secondary analysis of Medicare IRF Patient Assessment Instrument files and Medicare Provider and Review files. Payment was compared with costs for patients with and without reported mood, major depression, substance use, or anxiety disorders. The relationships among payment group assignment, comorbidity-related adjustments in payment, and the presence of mental disorders were estimated. Setting IRFs (N=1334) in the United States. Participants Medicare fee-for-service beneficiaries (N=1,146,799) discharged from IRFs from 2002 to 2004. Interventions Not applicable. Main Outcome Measure IRF costs. Results Mental disorders were reported for 13% of the Medicare fee-for-service beneficiaries. After controlling for payment group and comorbidity classifications, patients with mood, major depression, or anxiety disorders had significantly greater costs of $433, $1642, and $247 compared with patients without these disorders. The higher cost for patients with major depression (14.9% higher) is sufficient to justify a tier 2 comorbidity classification. Conclusions A reimbursement adjustment for the presence of a major depressive disorder would bring Medicare reimbursement in line with facility costs. The failure to compensate facilities directly for providing care to patients with major depression may result in reduced access to care for these patients. It also may create a disincentive to meet mental health treatment needs during the rehabilitative episode. Further work is needed to compare costs between patients with and without confirmed mental health disorders, given concerns about the accurate reporting of mental health disorders.
Inhibitory effects of curcumin on tumorigenesis in mice

Curcumin (diferuloylmethane), the naturally occurring yellow pigment in turmeric and curry, is isolated from the rhizomes of the plant Curcuma longa Linn. Curcumin inhibits tumorigenesis during both initiation and promotion (post-initiation) periods in several experimental animal models. Topical application of curcumin inhibits benzo[a]pyrene (B[a]P)-mediated formation of DNA-B[a]P adducts in the epidermis. It also reduces 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA)-induced increases in skin inflammation, epidermal DNA synthesis, ornithine decarboxylase (ODC) mRNA level, ODC activity, hyperplasia, formation of c-Fos, and c-Jun proteins, hydrogen peroxide, and the oxidized DNA base 5-hydroxymethyl-2'-deoxyuridine (HmdU). Topical application of curcumin inhibits TPA-induced increases in the percent of epidermal cells in synthetic (S) phase of the cell cycle. Curcumin is a strong inhibitor of arachidonic acid-induced edema of mouse ears in vivo and epidermal cyclooxygenase and lipoxygenase activities in vitro. Commercial curcumin isolated from the rhizome of the plant Curcuma longa Linn contains 3 major curcuminoids (approximately 77% curcumin, 17% demethoxycurcumin, and 3% bisdemethoxycurcumin). Commercial curcumin, pure curcumin, and demethoxycurcumin are about equipotent as inhibitors of TPA-induced tumor promotion in mouse skin, whereas bisdemethoxycurcumin is somewhat less active. Topical application of curcumin inhibits tumor initiation by B[a]P and tumor promotion by TPA in mouse skin. Dietary curcumin (commercial grade) inhibits B[a]P-induced forestomach carcinogenesis, N-ethyl-N'-nitro-N-nitrosoguanidine (ENNG)-induced duodenal carcinogenesis, and azoxymethane (AOM)-induced colon carcinogenesis. Dietary curcumin had little or no effect on 4-(methylnitosamino)-1-(3-pyridyl)-1-butanone (NNK)-induced lung carcinogenesis and 7,12-dimethylbenz[a]anthracene (DMBA)-induced breast carcinogenesis in mice. Poor circulating bioavailability of curcumin may account for the lack of lung and breast carcinogenesis inhibition.
Identity and language: Korean speaking Korean, Korean-American speaking Korean and English?

The identity formation of a diaspora community is complex. The present study examines native language maintenance and ethnic identity of first-, 1.5-, and second-generation Korean-Americans in the United States, through the lenses of various identity construction and sociolinguistic theories. Identity and language are closely linked, and this relationship is bound by social contexts. Both identity and language are viewed as dynamic and mutable. The study also identifies social factors that affect linguistic behaviors and identity formation. The study further provides detailed analysis of the issues relevant to the conflict of identity in a current setting where pluralist ideology is strongly discouraged, as in the case of the United States. The perspective of English as an international language, and its power and influence on the formation of ethnic identity in the United States and Korea, are also addressed.
Sub-diffraction Imaging via Surface Plasmon Decompression

We theoretically propose a novel scheme for sub-diffraction imaging based on a process of adiabatic decompression of the local wavelength of a surface plasmon polariton supported by two adjoining curved metal surfaces.
Pattern distortion due to edge diffractions

The method of combining wedge diffraction solutions for the analysis of an axial TEM-mode slot is extended here for an arbitrary aperture antenna in a finite size ground plane. The new approach, however, considers superposition of boundary-value and wedge-diffraction solutions on the same antenna. The boundary-value solution (primary pattern) considers the pattern component when the aperture is in an infinite ground plane, and the diffraction solution (secondary pattern) considers the contribution to the pattern from the edges of the finite ground plane.
Life Cycle Analysis of Conventional Manufacturing Techniques: Sand Casting

Conventional manufacturing techniques have not been subject to much scrutiny by industrial ecologists to date. Many newer techniques and products draw more attention as they rise quickly from research to global scales, amplifying their environmental consequences. Despite the presence of new technologies and increased overseas production, casting activity continues to have a strong presence in the US, and represents a stable component in the national economy. Data from the US government, US industry groups, and UK mass balance profiles facilitate an understanding of sand casting and comparison across manufacturing processes. The figures in the US and UK are similar in terms of diversity of metals (where the US is 72%, 13%, 10% and the UK 76%, 13%, 8% for iron, aluminum, and steel, respectively), energy per ton of saleable cast metal (10.1 and 9.3 million Btu/ton in the US and UK), and overall emissions, with notable similarities in benzene and particulate emissions. One notable discrepancy is in sand use, where the US sends to waste 0.5 tons of sand per ton of cast metal, whereas the UK sends 0.25 tons to landfill.Copyright © 2004 by ASME
Classifying lead body burdens using Z scores.

Abstract Twenty-nine tissues from each of 46 white males from the Cincinnati area were analyzed for lead in order to characterize normal tissue values. The concentrations of lead from the various tissue varied widely, many of them increasing or decreasing with age. A method was needed to compare the lead concentrations among the different tissues from the same individual and to compare the body burdens of lead from individual to individual. The z score was used for this purpose. Using overall or age-adjusted tissue means and SD, z scores for each tissue of each individual were calculated. From these were calculated overall body scores and separate scores for the individual's bone and soft tissues. The rankings of the individuals on the basis of their overall z scores related well to the individual's occupation, therefore providing an index of probable exposure to lead. From the z scores for soft and hard tissue groups, an individual's body burden could be classified into four exposure types: long-term low level, recent high level, past high level, and long-term high level exposures. The z score also permitted the comparisons of the lead concentrations from specific tissues to other tissues and to the overall body z scores, even though there were changes in some tissue concentrations with age. Blood concentrations were found to correlate well with many tissues and with overall body scores.
Oxide sublimation during the high-temperature oxidation of nickel alloys with protective coatings

It is shown that the oxidation of heat-resistant alloys is accompanied by a sublimation of the oxides MoO3, WO3, Al2O3, and CrO3. The determinant in the sublimate is the molybdenum content, exceeding that in scale by a factor of 50–100. Protective coatings diminish the sublimation, rather than fully eliminate it. To diminish the molybdenum oxide sublimation decisively, it is expedient to alloy the coating with magnesium or magnesium oxide.
Forging ahead into new social networks and looking back to past social identities: A case study of a foreign-born English as a second language teacher in the United States

This article draws on one year of qualitative data concerning a foreign-born English as a second language teacher. Findings reveal the key role that the foreign-born English as a second language teacher's shared personal experiences play in creating curriculum and conducting instruction that confirms the students' ethnic identities and pushes them into new social networks.
Abdominal obesity and metabolic syndrome

Metabolic syndrome is associated with abdominal obesity, blood lipid disorders, inflammation, insulin resistance or full-blown diabetes, and increased risk of developing cardiovascular disease. Proposed criteria for identifying patients with metabolic syndrome have contributed greatly to preventive medicine, but the value of metabolic syndrome as a scientific concept remains controversial. The presence of metabolic syndrome alone cannot predict global cardiovascular disease risk. But abdominal obesity - the most prevalent manifestation of metabolic syndrome - is a marker of 'dysfunctional adipose tissue', and is of central importance in clinical diagnosis. Better risk assessment algorithms are needed to quantify diabetes and cardiovascular disease risk on a global scale.
Seismic Design and Analysis of Buried Culverts and Structures

This paper presents a method to analyze and evaluate buried culverts and cut-and-cover tunnels for seismic loading in addition to standard static loading from dead and live loads. Using CANDE-2007, a plane-strain finite-element program, the soil-structure problem is characterized by a cross-sectional slice through the structure and surrounding soil envelope. First, the static-design loads are applied with a series of incremental load steps. Next, the seismic loading condition is simulated by specifying quasistatic displacements at the peripheral boundaries of the soil envelope to produce a shear-racking distortion equivalent to the maximum free-field seismic shear strain from the design earthquake. The proposed method is based on two recently completed NCHRP projects and is presented here in detail. An initial linear-elastic study investigates two basic culvert shapes, circular and rectangular, wherein moment and thrust distributions from CANDE-2007 are shown to compare favorably with closed-form solutions. A second study investigates a nonlinear reinforced concrete box culvert installation under the combination of static and seismic loadings. Plots of moment, thrust, and shear distributions show how and where the seismic loading alters the response of static loading including the effect on safety factors for steel yielding, concrete crushing, and shear failure. It is concluded that the proposed seismic method is rational, easy to apply, and fulfills an engineering need heretofore unfulfilled. The procedure applies to any culvert shape, size, and material, and the safety of the culvert installation may be assessed either by working stress or load resistance factor design.
Light-induced creation of metastable paramagnetic defects in hydrogenated polycrystalline silicon.

Light-induced defect creation is demonstrated in hydrogenated polycrystalline silicon (poly-Si:H). The newly created defects are metastable as in hydrogenated amorphous silicon (a-Si:H). However, unlike a-Si:H the magnitude of the light-induced degradation decreases with repeated illumination and anneal cycles and is restored upon reexposure to monatomic hydrogen. This unique response arises from the inherent structural inhomogeneity of the polycrystalline material and establishes that hydrogen directly contributes to the metastability in poly-Si:H.
FtsN, a late recruit to the septum in Escherichia coli

The localization of FtsN in Escherichia coli was inves tigated by immunofluorescence microscopy. FtsN is an essential cell division protein with a simple bitopic topology, a short N-terminal cytoplasmic segment fused to a large carboxy periplasmic domain through a single transmembrane domain. FtsN was found to localize to the septum in a ring pattern similar to that observed for FtsZ and FtsA, although the frequency of cells with rings was less. A MalG-FtsN fusion was also localized to the septum, indicating that the information for FtsN localization is supplied by its periplasmic domain. FtsN localization was dependent upon the prior localization of FtsZ and FtsA and required the function of FtsI and FtsQ. Consistent with FtsN functioning after FtsZ, Z rings were observed in a mutant depleted of FtsN.
Primary small cell carcinoma of the skin.

A case of primary small cell carcinoma of the skin is reported. The patient manifested intermittent, rapidly recurrent local disease which responded to irradiation and chemotherapy. There was no evidence of widespread dissemination during the course of the patient's illness, which terminated in a probable episode of sepsis due to leukopenia. Electron microscopic examination demonstrated rare clusters of dense-core ("neurosecretory") granules in cytoplasmic processes. Electron microscopic study is necessary in order to distinguish this tumor from other small cell neoplasms. However, detailed clinical investigation is necessary to rule out a possible primary source elsewhere, e.g., lung.
STUDIES IN THE EXPERIMENTAL PRODUCTION OF SIMPLE GOITRE

Marine in 1921 began an address on simple goitre by saying—“The ultimate cause of simple goitre is totally unknown. The immediate cause is a lack of iodine.” (1) He pointed out at the same time that is is essential to remember that this lack of iodine may be relative as well as absolute. It is with this “ultimate cause” which induces a relative iodine insufficiency that the studies which we are about to report have been concerned. During the winter of 1928, in the course of some studies in experimental syphilis, at the Johns Hopkins Medical School, it became apparent that the average weight of the thyroid glands of the rabbits used in these experiments, as determined at autopsy, was steadily increasing. Browne, Pearce and Van Allen (2) had recently published statistics which fixed the average weight of the thyroid gland of the normal rabbit at 200 mgm. Marine (3) has since stated that he considers the normal weight of the thyroid gland of the rabbit to be between 75 mgm. and 150 mgm. A survey of our recor...
Effects of prenatal and postnatal exposure to LSD on brain maturation.

Abstract 1. 1. Mice treated by prenatal injection of pregnant females with LSD or postnatal injection of neonates with LSD or LSD and testosterone were analyzed at various stages of postnatal maturation for changes in brain or body weight or changes in indoleamine levels. 2. 2. LSD caused some variable changes in weight of some brain regions, principally the brain stem and diencephalon of prenatally and postnatally treated mice. Monoamine oxidase levels were elevated in prenatally treated mice. 3. 3. There does not appear to be any clear explanation for these effects of LSD.
Perception of Texture by Trained and Consumer Panelists

Four experiments were conducted to assess the relationships between judgments of the perceived texture of foods by trained and consumer panelists. In Experiment 1, no differences were observed between trained texture profile panelists and naive consumers in a similarities scaling task. In Experiments 2 and 3, good linear correlations were observed between scalar judgments of texture, although a broader perceptual range was evidenced for trained panelists. In Experiment 4, psychophysical exponents of texture were found to be larger for trained than for consumer panelists, and judgments of acceptability also differed between the two groups. It was concluded that, through experience, trained texture profile panelists develop a broader perceptual range of textures, but that regression equations can be developed to relate these data to consumer data.
A New Vascular Procedure: The Axillo-abdominal Aorta Bypass Graft — Case Report

An axillodistal abdominal aorta bypass graft is proposed as an alterative procedure for revascularization of the lower limbs when intraabdominal and intrathoracic approaches are not feasible. This simple and safe procedure is proposed instead of the axillobifemoral bypass graft for the treatment of selected patients with abdominal aortic occlusive or aneurysmal disease and aortic graft infection. A case of a patient who underwent axilloabdominal aortic grafting because of a ruptured infrarenal abdominal aortic aneurysm, combined with severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, is reported.
Soluble two-dimensional fermionic models with broken SU(N) symmetry

Abstract Two new families of broken SU( N ) massless Thirring models are shown to be integrable by the Bethe ansatz. They correspond to asymmetric versions of the Coqblin-Schrieffer model of condensed matter if one of the particle chiralities has zero kinetic energy.
The formation of social relationships. A longitudinal study of social penetration

This study investigated three levels of self-disclosure (public, semiprivate, private-personal) in the social penetration process. The study addressed three questions. (1) What is the nature of changes in the three levels of disclosure over time? (2) Is self-disclosure reciprocated at the three levels of intimacy? (3) Does reciprocity vary over time and, if so, how does it vary? Same-sex zero-history dyads participated in a six-week longitudinal study. The half-hour taped conversations were submitted to interaction analysis. Polynomial trend analyses and Markov analyses were used to analyze the data. The results showed: (1) a convex quadratic trend for private-personal disclosures over time; (2) reciprocity at the same level of intimacy as an interactional norm (especially at the beginning and end of the relationship); (3) a cyclical fluctuation of reciprocal interacts over time. These results were interpreted as elaborating the social penetration process.
EXAFS studies of pentavalent neptunium carbonato complexes. Structural elucidation of the principal constituents of neptunium in groundwater environments

Neptunium is the most problematic actinide element with respect to environmental migration because its solubility under typical groundwater conditions is expected to be high enough to be radiological concern, and its sorption on common minerals is expected to be relatively low. Neptunium solubility in carbonate solutions is controlled by the formation of solids of general formula M{sub 2n-1}NpO{sub 2}(CO{sub 3}){sub n}, whose features have been reviewed. The limited solubilities (10{sup -4}-10{sup -7} M) of these phases make the solution species in equilibrium with the solids very difficult to study using common structural methods. We find that alkali free synthesis employing the tetrabutylammonium (TBA) cation provides 10{sup -3} M solutions of NpO{sub 2}(CO{sub 3}){sup -} and NpO{sub 2}(CO{sub 3}){sub 2}{sup 3-}. These relatively high solubilities are unprecedented and afford the opportunity to determine the molecular structures of these environmentally important complexes employing EXAFS spectroscopy. The near-IR absorption spectra of the neptunium electrolyte solutions are nearly identical, indicating that the same species are present in both solutions. Known thermodynamic constants were used to prepare single-component solutions, and near- IR spectra were measured both before and after EXAFS analysis to confirm that each solution sample contained a single, pure neptunyl carbonato species. 19more » refs., 1 fig., 1 tab.« less
Universality of critical-point exponents with respect to lattice anisotropy

Abstract The universality hypothesis predicts that critical-point exponents should be independent of the ratio R ≡ J z / J xy , where J z and J xy are the interplanar and intraplanar coupling strengths respectively. This hypothesis is supported by calculations for γ and v for the sc and fcc Ising lattices.
Lability of fibrinolysin.

FEARNLEY'S method for estimating fibrinolytic activity of normal blood1 is based on the fact that the clot formed by adding thrombin to blood diluted 1 : 10 with phosphate buffer will lyse on incubation. This lytic activity may be lost if the specimen is permitted to stand for hours or even minutes at room temperature. Thus Fearnley and others caution that specimens must be kept in an ice bath and preferably collected in pre-chilled vessels. In contrast, the techniques used in our studies of fibrinolysis induced by nicotinic acid2 employing essentially undiluted plasma and the ‘thrombelastograph’3 fail to show spontaneous lysis of normal plasma. The lytic activity induced by parenterally administered nicotinic acid is clearly demonstrable by our methods, and is not destroyed by many hours storage at room temperature or even two weeks at 5° C.
Surgical Treatment of Cardiac Defects Associated with Corrected Transposition of the Great Vessels

Corrected transposition of the great vessels is characterized by transposition of the aorta in front and to the left of the pulmonary artery and inversion of the ventricles and atrioventricular valves. Unless it is associated with an intracardiac defect, the circulation of blood inside the heart is normal, and the anomaly may not be recognized clinically. The altered anatomy requires important modifications in the technical features of operative correction of associated cardiac defects. Among 53 patients with corrected transposition of the great vessels, 31 underwent operation for associated intracardiac defects. These were ventricular septal defects (11 patients), tetralogy of Fallot (seven), common ventricle (five), single ventricle (three), tetralogy of Fallot with pulmonary atresia (two), pulmonary stenosis (one), pulmonary atresia (one), and tetralogy of Fallot with common ventricle (one). Postoperative complete heart block, which usually leads to a fatal outcome, may follow closure of ventricular se...
An interprofessional psychiatric advanced pharmacy practice experience.

Objective. To create an interprofessional psychiatry advanced pharmacy practice experience (APPE) and assess the initial outcomes. Design. An elective psychiatry APPE was developed in a setting of interdisciplinary practice. Preceptor responsibilities were shared between a psychiatric pharmacist and an attending psychiatrist or psychiatric nurse practitioner. Students were also given the opportunity to shadow and work with other health care professionals such as nurses, social workers, therapists, family nurse practitioners, and utilization review staff members. Assessment. Midpoint and final evaluations demonstrated student advancement throughout the experience as well as the development of communication skills with patients and an increased ability to work collaboratively with other health care providers. Students rated this practice experience highly and their comments reflected achievement of the established learning objectives. Conclusion. An interdisciplinary elective practice experience in psychiatry at a local teaching hospital was effective in teaching psychiatric care and interprofessional interaction. This teaching model can be adapted for use in other practice settings or specialty areas.
Optimal Expediting Policies for a Serial Inventory System with Stochastic Lead Time

In recent supply chains, often operating multiple delivery modes such as standard freight shipping and air is an effective way of addressing both delivery lead time uncertainties and service rates. We propose a model on how to optimally operate multiple delivery modes. We consider a serial supply chain and an expediting option from intermediate installations to the downstream of the chain. The goods move stochastically among the installations and the system faces a stochastic demand. We identify systems that yield simple optimal policies, in which both regular ordering and expediting follow a variant of the base stock policy. Expediting allows the system to be leaner due to the reduced regular order amount. In addition, we provide managerial insights linking expediting, base stock levels, and expediting costs based on analytical and numerical results
CLEANING UP THE BIG MUDDY: A META-ANALYTIC REVIEW OF THE DETERMINANTS OF ESCALATION OF COMMITMENT

The topic of escalation of commitment has intrigued the organizational sciences for over 35 years. A variety of theoretical explanations have been offered for why escalation occurs, and numerous co...
Drosophila CK2 regulates lateral-inhibition during eye and bristle development

Lateral inhibition is critical for cell fate determination and involves the functions of Notch (N) and its effectors, the Enhancer of Split Complex, E(spl)C repressors. Although E(spl) proteins mediate the repressive effects of N in diverse contexts, the role of phosphorylation was unclear. The studies we describe implicate a common role for the highly conserved Ser/Thr protein kinase CK2 during eye and bristle development. Compromising the functions of the catalytic (alpha) subunit of CK2 elicits a rough eye and defects in the interommatidial bristles (IOBs). These phenotypes are exacerbated by mutations in CK2 and suppressed by an increase in the dosage of this protein kinase. The appearance of the rough eye correlates, in time and space, to the specification and refinement of the 'founding' R8 photoreceptor. Consistent with this observation, compromising CK2 elicits supernumerary R8's at the posterior margin of the morphogenetic furrow (MF), a phenotype characteristic of loss of E(spl)C and impaired lateral inhibition. We also show that compromising CK2 elicits ectopic and split bristles. The former reflects the specification of excess bristle SOPs, while the latter suggests roles during asymmetric divisions that drive morphogenesis of this sensory organ. In addition, these phenotypes are exacerbated by mutations in CK2 or E(spl), indicating genetic interactions between these two loci. Given the centrality of E(spl) to the repressive effects of N, our studies suggest conserved roles for this protein kinase during lateral inhibition. Candidates for this regulation are the E(spl) repressors, the terminal effectors of this pathway.
Resonantly Enhanced Terahertz Transmission Using Quasiperiodic Arrays of Subwavelength Apertures

We measure terahertz transmission properties of subwavelength apertures arrays with quasicrystalline arrangement such as Penrose and dodecagonal quasicrystals. We observe sharp resonant peaks in the transmission spectra, which agree with the underlying geometrical structure factor.
Challenging traditional beliefs: microsurgery for arteriovenous malformations of the basal ganglia and thalamus.

Objective Arteriovenous malformations of the basal ganglia and thalamus are often managed with radiosurgery or observation, without consideration of microsurgery. Given the devastating effects of hemorrhage from these lesions, the accumulating evidence that they bleed more frequently than their lobar counterparts should prompt more creative thinking regarding their management. Methods A review of the endovascular, microsurgical, and radiosurgical literature for arteriovenous malformations of the basal ganglia and thalamus was performed, with close attention to surgical approaches, obliteration rates, and procedure-related complications. Results A complete resection rate of 91% and a mortality rate of 2.4% were found across surgical series of these lesions. These contrast with a 69% rate of complete obliteration and a 5.3% mortality rate (from latency-period hemorrhage) found when compiling results across the radiosurgical literature. Conclusion Given an appropriate surgical corridor of access, often afforded by incident hemorrhage, arteriovenous malformations of the basal ganglia and thalamus should be considered for microsurgical extirpation with preoperative embolization. In experienced hands, this approach presents an expeditious and definitive opportunity to eliminate the risk of subsequent hemorrhage and resultant morbidity and mortality.
IV chenodeoxycholate prevents calcium bilirubinate gallstones during total parenteral nutrition in the prairie dog.

Background : The purpose of this study was to determine whether IV chenodeoxycholate (CDC) could prevent total parenteral nutrition (TPN)-associated pigmented gallstones in the prairie dog. Methods : Twelve prairie dogs were divided into two equal groups, each receiving an identical TPN regimen. Each animal received 92 kcal/d with 61% of the calories from carbohydrate. The total volume of infusate delivered to each animal was 59 mL/d. Animals in one group, termed the TPN + CDC group, received a daily bolus inflection of CDC at a dose of 15 mg/kg. Prairie dogs in the second group, termed the TPN group, received water (vehicle carrier) 1 mL/kg/d. The TPN and TPN + CDC groups received TPN for 40.3 ± 1.3 and 42.5 ± 0.6 days, respectively. Results : There was no statistical difference in the initial and final weights between the two groups. None of the TPN + CDC-treated animals had gallstones or calcium bilirubinate crystals. In contrast, all of the TPN-treated animals had calcium bilirubinate crystals (p =.002), and five of six had macroscopic black pigmented gallstones (p =.015). Cholesterol crystals were not observed in either group of animals. The amount of biliary bilirubin and ionized calcium was significantly greater in the TPN group (both p <.001) ; however, both groups had a similar total biliary calcium concentration. Conclusion : IV CDC is effective in preventing TPN-associated gallstones in the prairie dog.
NMR methods for structural studies of large monomeric and multimeric proteins

NMR structural studies of large monomeric and multimeric proteins face distinct challenges. In large monomeric proteins, the common occurrence of frequency degeneracies between residues impedes unambiguous assignment of NMR signals. To overcome this barrier, nonuniform sampling (NUS) is used to measure spectra with optimal resolution within reasonable time, new correlation maps resolve previous impasses in assignment strategies, and novel selective methyl labeling schemes provide additional structural probes without cluttering NMR spectra. These advances push the limits of NMR studies of large monomeric proteins. Large multimeric and multidomain proteins are studied by NMR when individual components can also be studied by NMR and have known structures. The structural properties of large assemblies are obtained by identifying binding surfaces, by orienting domains, and employing limited distance constraints. Segmental labeling and the combination of NMR with other methods have helped popularize NMR studies of such systems.
"Pseudochemotaxis" by micro-organisms in an attractant gradient.

Abstract The random behavior of microorganisms in defined attractant gradients may exhibit apparent chemotaxis, or pseudochemotaxis, if the random motility of the population is a function of the attractant concentration. Several examples are studied using computer techniques to solve the differential equations of motion for populations of micro-organisms responding chemokinetically to variable attractant concentrations. The chemokinetic coefficient is a convenient parameter to characterize the time course of experiments in which micro-organisms move in attractant gradients. Measurements of the chemokinetic coefficient as a function of time may be used to directly determine the random mobility as a function of attractant concentration.
Computation of crossing shock/turbulent boundary layer interaction at Mach 8.3

A three-dimensional (3D) hypersonic crossing shock wave/turbulent boundary-layer interaction is examined numerically at Mach 8.3. The test geometry consists of a pair of opposing sharp fins of angle alpha = 15 deg, mounted on a flat plate. Two theoretical models are evaluated. The full (3D) Reynolds-averaged Navier-Stokes equations are solved using the Baldwin-Lomax and the Rodi (modified k-epsilon) turbulence models. Computed results for both cases show good agreement with experiment for flat plate surface pressure and for flowfield profiles of pitot pressure and yaw angle, indicating that the flowfield is primarily rotational and inviscid. Fair to poor agreement is obtained for surface heat transfer, indicating a need for more accurate turbulence models. The overall flowfield structure is similar to that observed in previous crossing shock interaction studies.
Handwritten numeral verification method using distribution maps of structural features

Character recognition methods can be categorized into two major approaches. One is pattern matching, which is little affected by topological changes such as breaks in strokes. The other is structural analysis, which tolerates distorted characters only if the topological features of their undistorted versions are kept. We developed a new recognition method for hand-written numerals by combining the merits of the two approaches. The recognition process consists of three steps: (1) an input character is recognized by a patternmatching method, which reduces the number of possible categories to 1.5 on the average, (2) the character is yenfled to be true, false, or uncertain by a structural analysis method that we have newly developed, and (3) special heuristic verification logics are applied to uncertain characters. In the second step, the new structural analysis method uses the positions and directions of terminal points extracted from thinned character images as a main feature. The extracted terminal points are labeled according to a structural-feature distribution map prepared for each category. The generated labels are matched with template label sets constructed by statistical analysis. The characteristics of the method are as follows: (1) it copes with distortion of hand-written characters by using distribution maps for the positions and directions of feature points, and (2) distribution maps can be automatically generated from statistical data in learning samples and easily tuned interactively. The merits of combining the two methods are as follows: (1) the advantages of both pattern matching and structural analysis are obtained, (2) the probabilities of steps 2 and 3 needing to be executed are 22% and 9% respectively, which hardly affect the total processing time, and (3) as a result of steps 1 and 2, only a small number of special logics are required. In a test using unconstrained hand-written characters of low quality, the recognition rate and substitution rate were 95.2% and 0.42% respectively. A recognition speed of 80 characters/second was achieved on a small hardware system.© (1990) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
C-reactive protein is related to arterial wave reflection and stiffness in asymptomatic subjects from the community.

Background Emerging data suggest that C-reactive protein (CRP), a marker of inflammation, is associated with functional properties of arteries. We investigated the relationship of CRP to measures of arterial wave reflection and stiffness (aortic augmentation index [AIX], carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity [PWV], and pulse pressure) in asymptomatic individuals from the community. Methods Subjects ( n = 214) had a mean age of 59 years and 53% were men. CRP was measured by a high-sensitivity assay and values were log-transformed to reduce skewness. Radial artery waveforms were obtained by applanation tonometry, a validated transfer function was used to derive an ascending aortic pressure waveform, and AIX calculated. PWV was calculated from electrocardiogram-gated waveforms of the right carotid and right femoral artery obtained by applanation tonometry. Results Log CRP was correlated with AIX ( r = 0.24, P = .0005), PWV ( r = 0.25, P = .0002), and pulse pressure ( r = 0.29, P ≤ .0001). In separate backward elimination multiple regression analyses, log CRP was significantly associated with AIX ( P = .038) and pulse pressure ( P = .036), and marginally significantly associated with PWV ( P = .054), after adjustment for heart rate, height, and coronary heart disease (CHD) risk factors (age, sex, body mass index, mean arterial pressure, total cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, diabetes, hypertension, and history of smoking). Conclusions These results suggest that CRP, a marker of systemic inflammation, is related to measures of arterial wave reflection and stiffness in asymptomatic subjects from the community. Further studies are needed to understand the mechanisms underlying this association and the implications for assessment and management of CHD risk.
Rapid MR venography in children using a blood pool contrast agent and multi-station fat-water-separated volumetric imaging

A rapid, reliable radiation-free method of pediatric body venography might complement US by evaluating veins in the abdomen and pelvis and by providing a global depiction of venous anatomy. We describe a MR venography technique utilizing gadofosveset, a blood pool contrast agent, in children. The technique allows high-spatial-resolution imaging of the veins from the diaphragm to the knees in less than 15 min of total exam time.
An image-based system for electronic retailing

The purpose of this paper is to describe a methodology for enhancing search and retrieval of product information using content-based image retrieval in an electronic retailing application. Content-based image retrieval techniques have been applied to various applications such as medical information systems, environmental modeling, and satellite image analysis. Such techniques, however, can also be useful in electronic commerce applications such as electronic retailing, by enhancing product search and computer-assisted sales. In this paper, we describe an application of CBIR in electronic retailing using color and texture matching techniques. We describe a prototype system in the context of the apparel industry. q 2001 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.
An Interpretation of Jaw Acceleration during Speech as a Muscle Forcing Function

Recordings of jaw acceleration (Jx/t2) were obtained in an attempt to provide some information on the nature of the jaw muscle forcing function during speech. The impetus for this approximation was...
THEORIES OF NEUTRINO MASSES AND MIXINGS

An overview of neutrino models is presented with special emphasis on models with right-handed neutrinos which involve unifications of flavors and/or families. Some comments are made about the ease with which the various solar neutrino mixing scenarios can be obtained.
On slip-induced intergranular cavitation during low-cycle fatigue of nickel at intermediate temperature

Abstract Intergranular cavitation has been observed in nickel during low-cycle fatigue at temperatures and strain-rates where there was little or no grain boundary sliding. The cavities were found to nucleate early in fatigue life and were associated with impinging crystal-slip traces at the boundaries. Implication of this mechanism in low-cycle fatigue failure at intermediate temperature is also discussed.
A laboratory simulation of fibrous veins: some first observations

Abstract Following work by Stephen Taber 80 years ago, we describe vein-like arrays of parallel, fibrous crystals that grow evaporatively between pairs of brine-soaked, porous ceramic substrates. Crystals of solute grow antitaxially from fixed sites on the substrate, forcing older parts of the crystals away from the growth site, without benefit of any long-range cracking parallel to the substrate. The nutrients for growth are fed to the growth site advectively or diffusively through the substrate blocks themselves, not along the plane of the vein. We call such crystallization Taber growth and suggest, as Taber did, that it might be an important mechanism for non-evaporative fibrous vein development in nature. The Taber growth model provides a ready explanation for the ability of fibers to track vein opening directions, and tracking is indeed the rule in our samples, though exceptions are also seen. Our results lend support to ideas already in the literature that fibrous veins are not necessarily products of a crack-seal process and that fibrous veins are not necessarily syntectonic. Our observations also raise questions about criteria for recognition of syntaxial fibrous veins and underscore the importance of finding new criteria for recognition of the younging direction along fibers.
Characterization of an unusual sex steroid binding component from the chicken oviduct.

Abstract In addition to the classical estrogen receptor, chick oviduct cytosol contains a sex steroid binding component (SSB) with specificity for steroidal estrogens, androgens and progestins. We have optimized the measurement of SSB and have further characterized this protein. It was possible to quantitate [ 3 H]estradiol binding to SSB by performing the measurements in the presence of excess diethylstilbestrol, which saturates the estrogen receptor and does not bind to SSB, and by using excess progesterone to determine nonspecific binding. Since SSB appears to be quite unstable with rapid hormone dissociation kinetics, we determined that short incubation times (usually 2 h) at 0°C with 20–30% glycerol in the buffer gave optimal SSB measurements. The affinity of SSB for estradiol ( K d = 20 nM) is about 5% that of the estrogen receptor. In addition to estradiol, several androgens and progestins bind to SSB. However, the nonsteroidal antiestrogen, H1285 does not bind to SSB even though it binds well to the avian estrogen receptor. The tissue content of SSB is about 15-fold greater than for estrogen receptor and is stimulated by estrogen treatment. Whereas labeled SSB cannot be readily resolved by ion-exchange chromatography due to rapid dissociation of hormone from SSB, post-labeling experiments yield binding activity eluting with 0.2 M KCl indicating that SSB is an acidic protein having a chromatography behavior similar to that of estrogen receptor. SSB binding was dramatically reduced by the chaotropic salt, NaSCN, whereas binding to the estrogen receptor was not disrupted. SSB is stabilized by sodium molybdate, a property which is characteristic of steroid receptors. Although the role of SSB in the chick oviduct is yet to be determined, an understanding of its properties is essential for accurate determinations of the estrogen receptor.