cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Cell surface immunoglobulin. VI. Dynamics on a human lymphoma line

Release of cell surface Ig and secretion of Ig has been studied in Daudi cells, a human lymphoma cell line synthesizing IgM that appears to be a neoplastic counterpart of B lymphocytes. In contrast to murine splenocytes, virtually no internally labeled Ig and only a small proportion of cell surface Ig are released during 8 hours of in vitro incubation. Released cell surface Ig can be recovered in the medium predominantly as 8 S IgM monomer probably attached noncovalently to a fragment of plasma membrane. This shedding of cell surface Ig appears to be dependent on the prior culture phase of the cells. Thus, in cells from cultures kept at high density, there was greater release of cell surface Ig apparently associated with cell death.
Determination of 1600° and 1700°C. Liquidus Lines in CaO-2Al2O3 and AI2O3 Stability Fields of the System CaO—Al2O3—SiO2

The 1600° and 1700°C. liquidus lines in the CaO·2Al2O3 and A12O3 stability fields of the system CaO-Al2O3-SiO2 are determined from the chemical analyses of saturated slags at these temperatures.
Joint multi-radio multi-channel assignment, scheduling, and routing in wireless mesh networks

The IEEE 802.11 DCF and EDCA mechanisms based on CSMA/CA are the most widely used random channel access mechanisms in wireless mesh networks (WMNs), but unfortunately these cannot effectively eliminate hidden terminal and exposed terminal problems in multi-hop scenarios. In this paper, we propose a set of efficient multi-radio multi-channel (MRMC) assignment, scheduling and routing protocols based on Latin squares for WMNs with MRMC communication capabilities, called "M4", i.e., the Multiple access scheduling in Multi-radio Multi-channel Mesh networking. M4 uses nodal interference information to form cliques for inter-cluster and intra-cluster inWMNs, and then applies Latin squares to map the clique-based clustering structure to radios and channels for communication purposes. Then, M4 again applies Latin squares to schedule the channel access among nodes within each cluster in a collision-free manner. From a systematic view, we also design the corresponding MRMC routing to support M4 communication. Extensive simulation results show that M4 achieves much better performance than IEEE 802.11 standards and other channel access control protocols.
The effects of electronic map displays and spatial ability on performance of navigational tasks

One aspect of electronic map displays that has been under examination since their invention is the effect of map configuration, i.e., rotating, track-up vs. fixed, north-up maps, on different navigational tasks. Research has shown that people perform some navigation tasks better with track-up maps, and other navigation tasks better with north-up maps. In the current experiment (N = 16), we investigated how the performance of three common navigation tasks performed as part of an aerial reconnaissance simulation (i.e., cardinal direction judgments, route following and map memory) were affected by an interface factor, map configuration (track-up vs. north-up), and by an individual differences factor, differences in spatial ability. The cardinal direction judgment and route following tasks showed improved accuracy with the track-up map configuration; whereas the map reconstruction task was better facilitated by the north-up map configuration. Spatial abilities were also associated with differences in performa...
Structure of the FHA1 domain of yeast Rad53 and identification of binding sites for both FHA1 and its target protein Rad9

Abstract Forkhead-associated (FHA) domains have been shown to recognize both pThr and pTyr-peptides. The solution structures of the FHA2 domain of Rad53 from Saccharomyces cerevisiae, and its complex with a pTyr peptide, have been reported recently. We now report the solution structure of the other FHA domain of Rad53, FHA1 (residues 14-164), and identification of binding sites of FHA1 and its target protein Rad9. The FHA1 structure consists of 11 β-strands, which form two large twisted anti-parallel β-sheets folding into a β-sandwich. Three short α-helices were also identified. The β-strands are linked by several loops and turns. These structural features of free FHA1 are similar to those of free FHA2, but there are significant differences in the loops. Screening of a peptide library [XXX(pT)XXX] against FHA1 revealed an absolute requirement for Asp at the +3 position and a preference for Ala at the +2 position. These two criteria are met by a pThr motif 192TEAD195 in Rad9. Surface plasmon resonance analysis showed that a pThr peptide containing this motif, 188SLEV(pT)EADATFVQ200 from Rad9, binds to FHA1 with a Kd value of 0.36 μM. Other peptides containing pTXXD sequences also bound to FHA1, but less tightly (Kd=4-70 μM). These results suggest that Thr192 of Rad9 is the likely phosphorylation site recognized by the FHA1 domain of Rad53. The tight-binding peptide was then used to identify residues of FHA1 involved in the interaction with the pThr peptide. The results are compared with the interactions between the FHA2 domain and a pTyr peptide derived from Rad9 reported previously.
Band Structure of Graphite

Tight-binding calculations, using a two-dimensional model of the graphite lattice, lead to a point of contact of valence and conduction bands at the corner of the reduced Brillouin zone. A perturbation calculation which starts with wave functions of the two-dimensional lattice and is applied to the three-dimensional lattice is described. Some general features of the structure of the $\ensuremath{\pi}$ bands in the neighborhood of the zone edge are obtained and are expressed in terms of appropriate parameters.
Cross-reactivity of an antibody to spiny lobster P450 2l with microsomes from other species

Abstract The gene for a new form of P450, CYP2L, was recently sequenced in this laboratory, using a primer designed from the N-terminal amino acid sequence of a P450 partially purified from spiny lobster hepatopancreas microsomes. The partially purified (75% pure) P450 was used to immunize rabbits. Serum containing the rabbit anti-CYP2L antibody was demonstrated to possess good cross-reactivity on Western blots with microsomal preparations from hepatopancreas of the spiny lobster. In Western blot studies with microsomal preparations from other aquatic invertebrates, the horseshoe crab, the blue crab, the slipper lobster, the American lobster and the brown shrimp, the slipper lobster microsomal preparations showed strong cross-reactivity with the spiny lobster antibody and the American lobster weak cross-reactivity. Hepatic microsomes from all of the vertebrate species studied showed cross-reactivity with the anti-CYP2L antibody. The fish species studied were killifish, clear-nose skate, snook and catfish. Strong cross-reactivity was found with killifish and catfish, and weak cross-reactivity was found with skate and snook in the 45–66 kDa region. Cross-reactivity was also found with microsomes from male control and phenobarbital-induced rats. These studies suggest that epitopes in CYP2L are also present in other invertebrate and vertebrate species.
Msx3: a novel murine homologue of the Drosophila msh homeobox gene restricted to the dorsal embryonic central nervous system.

Abstract We have isolated Msx3, the third member of the murine Msx homeoɡ gene family which is homologous to the msh gene of Drosophila. the Msx3 cDNA encodes a protein of 204 amino acids which has striking regions of homology in addition to the homeodomain when compared to the other Msx family members.Msx3 maps to the distal end of mouse chromosome 7, thus it is unlinked to either Msx1 or Msx2. RNA in situ analysis of Msx3 gene expression during early development revealed that it is restricted to the dorsal portion of the neural tube with a rostral boundary in the rostral rhombencephalon. This sole expression domain for Msx3 overlaps with both Msx1 and Msx2 at early stages, but in older embryos, Msx3 expression becomes restricted to the ventricular zone of the dorsal neural tube, whereas Msx1 and Msx2 become localized to the non-neuronal roof plate region. The absence of detectable levels of Msx3 expression outside this restricted dorsal region of the developing central nervous system (CNS) is in marked contrast to Msx1 and Msx2, which have extensive expression domains in other embryonic tissues, particularly craniofacial structures and the limbs. By analogy with the expression of msh/Msx genes in other organisms, it is likely that one of the ancestral functions of the msh/Msx gene family is in patterning of the CNS.
Normal coordinate analyses of molecules with the amide group

Abstract Normal coordinate analyses have been performed on molecules with the amide group using force constants transferred from N-methylacetamides and polyamides. The molecules involved were hexamethylenedipropionamide, N,N'-dihexyladipamide, N,N'-dihexylsebacamide, some N-alkylamides, and some C-deuterated derivatives of nylon 66. In some molecules the dependence of frequencies on torsion angles about C-C(O) or N-C(H2) was studied. Dispersion curves were obtained for nylon 6 and nylon 66. The agreement between observed and calculated frequencies is good in most cases, and a complete or nearly complete assignment of infrared frequencies has been established.
Effects of Seizures and Their Treatment on Fetal Brain

Summary: Purpose: To describe the effects of pregnancy on seizures, the effects of seizures during pregnancy on the fetus, and the effects of antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) on fetal brain and development. Methods: The available literature was reviewed and summarized. Results: There is a paucity of prospective studies. Retrospective studies indicate that, during pregnancy, alterations in seizure frequency can occur in an unpredictable fashion. Generalized tonic-clonic seizures may have adverse effects on the fetus. It is unclear whether complex partial seizures or absence seizures have negative consequences. AEDs may have potentially detrimental effects on the fetus and its subsequent development, but the full spectrum and clinical significance are under investigation. Monotherapy is strongly encouraged. Conclusions: Dealing with the pregnant epileptic patient is a difficult and challenging task. Although there are several risks for the mother and the fetus, most epileptic women bear normal, healthy children.
Automated Barchart Construction

Abstract The task of work sequencing and assignment of personnel is generally done manually. The need for a system which can reduce this overhead cost and provide work plans (barcharts) having improved manpower utilization has been recognized for many years. This article describes a technique developed for use as a computer system of “Automated Barchart Construction” (ABC). This system improves the effectiveness of the industrial engineering analyst by reducing the analyst effort required to produce and maintain barcharts and providing new barcharts soon after job planning is complete which reflect an improved manpower utilization.
Lynching as Leisure Broadening Notions of a Field

Within a critical theory focus, the documented history of lynching in photographic images and textual accounts provides a discussion of the sense of place when considering lynchings as leisure activities. The visual analysis of 433 lynching photographs and 327 accounts undergoing critical discourse analysis provided the process of researching the historical phenomenon in the context of leisure. This article seeks to summarize that research and presents case study examples to discuss the leisure implications in lynchings. The racial violence that is demonstrated in these spectacles is a discursive intersection of cultural critique, power relationships, and a reflection of their impact on place meanings and social interaction. To “read” lynchings as violent acts of leisure in various settings creates a vehicle for leisure research to contribute to dialogues on meaning(s) of place and the significance of race.
Reviewing Metallic PEMFC Bipolar Plates

A bipolar plate is one of the most important components in a polymer exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) stack and has multiple functions. Metallic bipolar plate candidates have advantages over composite rivals in excellent electrical and thermal conductivity, good mechanical strength, high chemical stability, very wide alloy choices, low cost and, most importantly, existing pathways for high-volume, high-speed mass production. The challenges with metallic bipolar plates are the higher contact resistance and possible corrosion products, which may contaminate the membrane electrode assembly. This review evaluates the candidate metallic and coating materials for bipolar plates and gives the perspective of the research trends.
Resonant photoemission at the 3p-threshold of Ge and GeO2

Abstract Resonant photoemission final states are reported for the elemental semiconductor Ge and its oxide GeO2 at the Ge3p photothresholds. The line positions and the multiplet structure of the resonating peaks identifies them as an atomic-like 3d8 configuration. Differences in the intensity profiles and the exact location of the resonance reveal the importance of a change in initial state electron configuration for this basically atomic effect. The effective Coulomb interaction between the two 3d-holes is U eff ( 1 G) = 12.8, 13.2 ± .2 eV for Ge and GeO2 respectively. A review of all elemental results then allows the restriction of this resonance to elements between Fe and Rb. The line positions of the resonant final states of the remaining elements As, Se, Br, Kr can then approximately be predicted.
Interictal afterdischarge in focal penicillin epilepsy: thalamocortical unit activity.

Abstract The involvement of thalamic versus cortical structures for the initiation and maintenance of brief interictal afterdischarge was evaluated by recording extracellularly units and field potentials from different subcortical and cortical sites. Afterdischarge oscillations at 16 to 22s that followed interictal spikes with a delay of 170 to 220 ms usually appeared 10 to 30 min after the topical application of penicillin to the cat's precruciate cortex. Units in the ventrolateral nucleus of the thalamus fired in burst discharges during cortical afterdischarge and less reliably during the cortical interictal spike. In contrast, units recorded at the cortical penicillin focus and homologous contralateral site remained silent during afterdischarge but had a typical burst discharge during the interictal spike. Although these data support a thalamic basis for the rhythm, the lack of an afterdischarge-like oscillation in the thalamic field potential and the independent appearance of afterdischarge and cortical recruiting waves elicited by stimulation of the nucleus reticularis would favor its cortical origin. In accordance with its frequency characteristics and data gained from earlier cooling studies we suggest a cortical mechanism requiring thalamic triggering for the generation of afterdischarge.
Biotransformation of cyclizine in greyhounds. 2: N(1)-dealkylation and identification of some neutral and phenolic metabolites in canine urine by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry.

1. The in vivo enzymatic Phase I biotransformation of cyclizine (Marezine ®) in the racing greyhound has been shown to proceed via several different pathways. Aromatic and heterocyclic oxidation and the N 4 -demethylation of cyclizine lead to the formation of unconjugated and conjugated (Phase II) basic metabolites excreted in canine urine. 2. Enzymatic N 1 -dealkylation of cyclizine and its basic metabolites leads to the formation of the neutral and phenolic Phase I metabolites containing the diphenylmethane/methylene substructures. Further, Phase I metabolism of the neutral metabolites could also lead to the formation of several secondary phenolic products. These neutral and phenolic compounds are then excreted as unconjugated and Phase II conjugates in greyhound urine. 3. Following enzymatic deconjugation of selected post-Marezine administration urine samples from two greyhounds, the total aglycones were extracted and separated into neutral/acidic and basic fractions using copolymeric mixed-mode solid-...
Diatom assemblages in surface sediments of the Ross Sea: relationship to present oceanographic conditions

Fifty four surface sediment samples from the western and central Ross Sea were examined to determine relationships between modern oceanographic conditions and surface sediment diatom assemblages. A centered R mode principal components analysis demonstrates four geographically distinct assemblages. The assemblage just north of the Ross Ice Shelf in the central Ross Sea is most closely associated with Stephanopyxis spp. (a heavily silicified diatom abundant during the Pliocene), and may result from a combination of winnowing/reworking, and modern flux of primarily non-siliceous algae. The algal assemblage in the western part of the central Ross Sea is most closely associated with Thalassiosira gracilis (an open water diatom), and reflects early seasonal pack ice break up during the late spring inception of the Ross Sea polynya. The algal assemblage north of Drygalski Ice Tongue, in the western Ross Sea, is most closely associated with Fragilariopsis curta (a diatom common in stratified ice edge zones), suggesting that water column seeding by species melting out of coastal sea ice is important in this area. The assemblage south of Drygalski Ice Tongue is most closely associated with resting spores of Thalassiosira antarctica (a diatom associated with coastal waters). Although the habitat of T. antarctica requires future research, we speculate that sea ice conditions unique to area B support an autumnal T. antarctica bloom.
Differential Flatness-Based Robust Control of a Two-Wheeled Mobile Robot in the Presence of Slip

In this paper, we present two robust trajectory-tracking controllers for a differentially driven two-wheeled mobile robot using its kinematic and dynamic model in the presence of slip. The structure of the differential flatness-based controller, which is an integrated framework for planning and control, is extended in this paper to account for slip disturbances by adding a corrective control term. Simulation results for both kinematic and dynamic controllers are presented to demonstrate the effectiveness of the robust controllers. Experiments with the kinematic controller were conducted to validate the performance of the robust controller. The simulation and experimental results show that the robust controllers are very effective in the presence of slip.Copyright © 2008 by ASME
The solution of the axisymmetric elastic-plastic torsion of a shaft using varational inequalities

Abstract The axisymmetric elastic-plastic torsion of a shaft subject to the von Mises yield criterion is considered. The problem is reformulated as a variational inequality and it is proved that the problem has a unique solution. Some properties of the solution are derived.
Planetary science: Water on the Moon

Analysis of the first Apollo samples suggested that Earth's only satellite was bone dry. Spacecraft data and improved analysis techniques now indicate that the Moon is more volatile-rich and complex than previously thought.
Hepatitis C virus-induced furin and thrombospondin-1 activate TGF-β1: Role of TGF-β1 in HCV replication

In this study, we demonstrated the molecular mechanisms of TGF-β1 induction as well as proteolytic activation in HCV (JFH-1)-infected cells. Our studies showed the synthesis and secretion of TGF-β1 in HCV-infected cells which was reduced in the presence of Ca2+ chelators, an inhibitor of mitochondrial Ca2+ uptake, and antioxidants. We also showed that the expression of HCV NS proteins NS3/4A, and NS5A can induce TGF-β1 by cell-based luciferase assay. Furthermore, mutational analysis revealed that the functionally active protease domain of NS3 and N-terminus domain of NS5A are required for TGF-β1 activity. Using siRNA approach we demonstrated that HCV-induced furin and thrombospondin-1 (TSP-1) are involved in the proteolytic activation of TGF-β1. Our results also suggest that TGF-β1 positively regulates HCV RNA replication. Collectively, these observations provide insight into the mechanism of TGF-β1 activation, which likely manifest in liver fibrosis associated with hepatitis C infection.
Solution precursor plasma deposition of nanostructured ZnO coatings

Abstract Zinc oxide (ZnO) is a wide band gap semiconducting material that has various applications including optical, electronic, biomedical and corrosion protection. It is usually synthesized via processing routes, such as vapor deposition techniques, sol–gel, spray pyrolysis and thermal spray of pre-synthesized ZnO powders. Cheaper and faster synthesis techniques are of technological importance due to increased demand in alternative energy applications. Here, we report synthesis of nanostructured ZnO coatings directly from a solution precursor in a single step using plasma spray technique. Nanostructured ZnO coatings were deposited from the solution precursor prepared using zinc acetate and water/isopropanol. An axial liquid atomizer was employed in a DC plasma spray torch to create fine droplets of precursor for faster thermal treatment in the plasma plume to form ZnO. Microstructures of coatings revealed ultrafine particulate agglomerates. X-ray diffraction confirmed polycrystalline nature and hexagonal Wurtzite crystal structure of the coatings. Transmission electron microscopy studies showed fine grains in the range of 10–40 nm. Observed optical transmittance (∼65–80%) and reflectivity (∼65–70%) in the visible spectrum, and electrical resistivity (48.5–50.1 mΩ cm) of ZnO coatings are attributed to ultrafine particulate morphology of the coatings.
Comparative analysis of anterior petrosectomy and transcavernous approaches to retrosellar and upper clival basilar artery aneurysms.

Objective To compare two techniques, transcavernous approach (TcA) and anterior petrosectomy (AP), used to manage retrosellar and upper clival basilar artery (BA) aneurysms. Methods AP and TcA were carried out on nine sides of cadaver heads. With use of a computerized tracking system, the area of surgical exposure in the ventral surface of the brain stem, the superficial area of exposure, and the linear exposure of the BA were evaluated. The angles of approach in the horizontal and vertical axes were measured using a robotic microscope. The caudal extent of exposure was determined by an aneurysm clip applied to proximal BA, and the distance between the clip and the floor of the sella was quantified after performing TcA. Results TcA (1127.3 +/- 438.4 mm2) provided a greater superficial exposure than AP (697.7 +/- 219.1 mm2) (P = 0.01). There were no statistical differences in the deep working exposure (P = 0.303) between TcA (206.9 +/- 40.7 mm2) and AP (260.2 +/- 137.1 mm2). The linear exposure of the BA was greater for AP (22.7 +/- 6.2 mm2) than for the TcA (12.8 +/- 2.9 mm2) (P = 0.004). The caudal extent of exposure averaged 6.1 mm from the floor of the sella. No differences were found in horizontal angles (P = 0.596); however, vertical angles were significantly greater for the TcA than AP (15.2 +/- 3.4) (P = 0.004). Conclusion From an anatomic standpoint, the TcA offers more advantages than the AP, when approaching retrosellar BA aneurysms, except for those cases in which proximal control is the principal issue and the neck of the aneurysm is located more than 6.0 mm below the floor of the sella.
Para-aortic lymph node radiation in advanced cervical cancer

Abstract From 1970 until December, 1977, 36 patients with advanced carcinoma of the uterine cervix and with iliac or para-aortic nodes interpreted as un-equivocally positive on lymphangiography have received radiation therapy (4500–5000 rad) to the para-aortic area at the Department of Therapeutic Radiology at Tufts-New England Medical Center Hospital. Of 29 patients who received para-aortic area irradiation as part of their initial treatment, local control was achieved in 18 patients (62%). Of these, 11 patients are currently alive with no evidence of disease (NED); two died without evidence of tumor. The remaining 16 patients died of their tumor (11 with locally uncontrolled tumor and five with distant metastasis). Of seven patients in whom the para-aortic area was treated because of retroperitoneal nodal recurrence, only two are alive without disease and the rest succumbed to their tumor. Overall, four patients developed major complications requiring surgical intervention. Detailed results and our current pre-treatment evaluation policy including lymphangiography, percutaneous needle biopsy and selective extra-peritoneal lymph node biopsy will be discussed.
Total Cholesterol and High-Density Lipoprotein Levels as Risk Factors for Increased Intraocular Pressure

Purpose To determine whether high-density lipoprotein and total cholesterol levels were risk factors for increased intraocular pressure in patients with chronic open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension. Methods We measured total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein, and total cholesterol/high-density lipoprotein ratio in 25 patients with open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension who had taken no glaucoma medications for four weeks. We individually matched these patients to 25 control subjects who had no history of open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension, on the basis of age, race, gender, and history of vascular disease or diabetes mellitus. Results We found no statistical difference in the high-density lipoprotein (P = .702) or total cholesterol (P = .177) levels or total cholesterol/high-density lipoprotein ratio between groups (P = .178, paired t test). Conclusion This study indicates that increased high-density lipoprotein and total cholesterol levels are not risk factors for increased intraocular pressure.
Carbon production and export from Biscayne Bay, Florida. I. Temporal patterns in primary production, seston and zooplankton

Abstract Five stations along a transect from the western shore of Biscayne Bay, Florida to the Florida Current were sampled monthly for one year. The variability and amount of seston particulate organic carbon, adenosine triphosphate, chlorophyll a , primary production and zooplankton decreased along the seaward transect. The greater inshore biomass and variability of seston were the result of the allochthonous input of detritus and inorganic nutrients via terrestrial runoff. Annual primary production in this subtropical coastal lagoon ranged from 13 to 46 g C m −2 yr −1 . Chlorophyll a in the bay ranged from 1 to 3 mg chlorophyll a m −2 . In contrast, chlorophyll a in the surface centimetre of the sediment ranged from 50 to 300 mg chlorophyll a m −2 . In this clear, shallow (2 to 3 m), oligotrophic lagoon, over 90% of total primary production is by submerged macrophytes and benthic algae. The high zooplankton biomass in the bay is most likely sustained by macrophyte detritus and the resuspension of benthic diatoms by the high winds associated with summer squalls and winter cold fronts.
Idiosyncratic reactions: new methods of identifying high-risk patients.

This article describes the mechanisms of idiosyncratic drug reactions (IDRs) and provides an analysis of potential methods for identifying patients at high risk for antiepileptic idiosyncratic drug reactions. IDRs may be caused by toxic metabolites, either directly or indirectly (by way of an immunologic response or a free radical-mediated process). Four methods to potentially identify patients at high risk for AED IDRs are discussed: development of an "at-risk" clinical profile for a particular AED: identification of biomarkers that measure the formation of a toxic metabolite by a previously unrecognized bioactivation pathway for a particular AED; identification of biomarkers indicating deficient detoxification abilities [e.g., deficient free radical scavenging enzyme activities or low calculated oxidative protection (COP) ratios 1 and 2]; and identification of at-risk genetic markers. Clinical profiles for patients receiving valproic acid (VPA), felbamate (FBM), and lamotrigine (LTG) and who are at risk for development of AED IDRs are presented. Patients with VPA IDRs have deficient erythrocyte glutathione peroxidase activity, low plasma selenium concentrations, low COP1 ratios, and low COP2 ratios compared with age-matched controls. Patients with FBM-associated aplastic anemia have deficient erythrocyte glutathione peroxidase, superoxide dismutase (SOD), and glutathione reductase activities compared with age-matched controls. Use of at-risk clinical profiles (for VPA, FBM, and LTG) and measurement of erythrocyte glutathione peroxidase activity, erythrocyte SOD activity, and calculation of COP1 and COP2 ratios (for VPA and FBM) are inexpensive, simple methods of identifying high-risk patients for IDRs. Research is needed to further characterize the mechanism of IDRs, to investigate the clinical utility of free radical-scavenging enzyme activity measurement and calculation of COP ratios for other AED IDRs, and to develop additional methods of identifying patients at high risk for AED IDRs.
Endovascular treatment of thoracic aortic aneurysms.

Endovascular repair of thoracic aortic aneurysms is a promising modality that may someday replace open surgical repair. While stent grafts have been used with moderate success in small to moderate-sized retrospective series, there have been no completed multicenter clinical trials directed at gaining approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. The available data suggest that morbidity and mortality of the procedure may be lowered with endovascular techniques. Paraplegia occurs, but despite the inability to maintain perfusion of intercostal vessels, the rate is at least as low as that associated with open repair. Similar to the minimally invasive repair of infrarenal aneurysms, the trade-off between the open and endovascular approach rests in the necessity to follow patients closely with after endovascular repair. The long-term durability of available devices is unproved, and serial imaging studies must be followed in order to detect device failure prior to the development of devastating clinical sequelae.
Unit cells and indexed X-ray powder patterns of two calcium zirconium silicates

Ca 2 ZrSi 4 O 12 cristallise apparemment dans le systeme orthorhombique centre du groupe c222 1 . Presence d'une phase inconnue. Ca 3 ZrSi 2 O 9 cristallise dans le systeme monoclinique du groupe d'espace P2 1 /a. Presence d'une phase ZrO 2 monoclinique
The effects of crude and purified gastrin preparations on the release of histamine from mast cells.

Summary The histamine-releasing abilities of crude and purified gastrin preparations were assayed in two systems. Histamine was released from intact rat peritoneal mast cells by crude gastrin under both in vivo and in vitro circumstances. The release of histamine was linear with the concentration of gastrin solutions (v/v) over the range tested. Purified preparations of gastrin failed to cause the release of histamine from mast cells over a wide range of concentrations under similar circumstances.
A REVISION OF SUB-SAHARAN CHALCIDES (SQUAMATA: SCINCIDAE), WITH REDESCRIPTIONS OF TWO EAST AFRICAN SPECIES

There has been little recent work on the sub-Saharan species of the African and Eurasian genus Chalcides, possibly because the morphology of the genus seems to be highly conserved and specimens are generally rare. As a result, there is a lack of consensus concerning the taxonomic status and distributions of these species in the literature. Herein, we expand upon the brief original descriptions of C. bottegi and C. ragazzii, which we consider to be valid and allopatrically distributed species (separated by the Ethiopian highlands). Examination of populations previously assigned to C. ragazzii in the south-central Saharan highlands and the West African Niger River floodplain indicates that these populations are most similar to populations of C. ocellatus, and we assign them to this widespread, variable species. A disjunct population of C. ocellatus in Somalia is separated from its nearest conspecifics by the Ethiopian highlands and the Indian Ocean; however, we did not find morphological evidence to recognize it as a distinct species. All three species of Chalcides are readily distinguishable from the West African endemics C. armitagei, C. pulchellus, and C. thierryi, which are the only other sub-Saharan representatives for the genus. An identification key is provided for all six sub-Saharan Chalcides species.
Auditory steady state responses in a schizophrenia rat model probed by excitatory/inhibitory receptor manipulation.

Abstract Alterations in neural synchrony and oscillations may contribute to the pathophysiology of schizophrenia and reflect aberrations in cortical glutamatergic and GABAergic neurotransmission. We tested the effects of a GABA agonist and an NMDA antagonist on auditory steady state responses (ASSRs) in awake rats with neonatal ventral hippocampal lesions (NVHLs) as a neurodevelopmental model of schizophrenia. NVHL vs. SHAM lesioned rats were injected with saline then either ketamine (NMDA antagonist) or muscimol (GABA A agonist). Time-frequency analyses examined alterations in phase locking (consistency) across trials and changes in total power (magnitude). ASSRs were compared at five stimulation frequencies (10, 20, 30, 40, and 50 Hz). In SHAM rats, phase locking and power generally increased with stimulation frequency. Both ketamine and muscimol also increased phase locking and power in SHAM rats, but mostly in the 20 to 40 Hz range. NVHL and ketamine altered the frequency dependence of phase locking, while only ketamine changed power frequency dependence. Muscimol affected power, but not phase locking, in the NVHL rats. NVHL and ketamine models of schizophrenia produce similar independent effects on ASSR, potentially representing similar forms of cortical network/glutamatergic dysfunction, albeit the effects of ketamine were more robust. Muscimol produced NVHL-dependent reductions in ASSR measures, suggesting that cortical networks in this model are intolerant to post-synaptic GABAergic stimulation. These findings suggest the utility of combining lesion, pharmacological, and ASSR approaches in understanding neural mechanisms underlying disturbed synchrony in schizophrenia.
Characterization of high affinity opioid binding sites in rat periaqueductal gray P2 membrane

The periaqueductal gray (PAG) region of the midbrain has been implicated in both stimulation produced and opioid induced analgesia. In the present study the opioid binding characteristics of the PAG were examined with an in vitro radioligand binding technique. [3H]Ethylketocyclazocine (EKC), 2 nM, was useed as a ligand to nonselevtively labels μ, δ, and κ binding sites in PAG enriched P2 membrane. The μ selective ligand [D-Ala2, N-methylPhe4, Glyol5]enkephalin (DAGO) competed with [3H]EKC for more than one population of binding sites with both high and low affinity. In contrast the δ selective ligand [D-Pen2, D,-Pen5]enkephalin (DPDPE) and the κ selective ligand trans-3,4-dichloro-N-methyl-N-[2-(1-pyrrolidinyl)cyclohexyl]benzeneacetamide, methane sulfonate, hydrate (U50,488H) each competed with [3H]EKC for a single population of binding of sites with low affinity. DPDPE and U50,488H also competed with 2 nM [3H]DAGO for a single population of binding sites with similar low affinity. DAGO and not DPDPE competed with 2 nM [3H][D-Ala2,D-Leu5]enkephalin (DADLE) with high affinity. 2 nM [3H]DPDPE did not substantially label PAG enriched P2 membrane, and 1 nM DAGO competed with all specific [3H]DPDPE binding which was observed. These binding data are consistent with the presence of a single population of μ selective high affinity binding sites in PAG enriched P2 membrane to which δ ligands and κ ligands have low affinity.
Oil and Gas Development in Eastern Interior Basin in 1940: ABSTRACT

Oil production in the Eastern Interior basin reached a new high in 1940, about 54 per cent above 1939. Most of this increase was due to the drilling of wells in the Devonian limestone in the Salem and Centralia pools, Illinois. Thirty new oil pools were discovered in Illinois, and several in southwestern Indiana and western Kentucky. The Indiana discoveries were within about 10 miles of the Wabash River which is the Illinois-Indiana state boundary in this area. Twelve of the 30 new pools discovered in Illinois are in counties bordering the Wabash River. Geological conditions revealed by the new drilling are discussed. End_of_Article - Last_Page 942------------
Another comment on the Baxter condition for commutativity of transfer matrices

Abstract The Baxter condition has long been known to be sufficient for commutativity of transfer matrices. It was shown earlier that under an invariant subspace assumption the Baxter condition is also necessary. Although the invariant subspace condition holds genericly, it is very awkward to verify. Here we replace it by a symmetry condition. Namely we show that if the Boltzmann weights of two vertex models possess certain symmetry then the Baxter condition is necessary for commutativity of their transfer matrices.
Effect of the O6 Substituent on Misincorporation Kinetics Catalyzed by DNA Polymerases at O6-Methylguanine and O6-Benzylguanine†

Misincorporation at a DNA−carcinogen adduct may contribute to formation of mutations if a polymerase proceeds past the lesion, compromising fidelity, as in the G:C to A:T mutations caused by O6-alkylguanine. Replication of primer/templates containing guanine (G), O6-methylguanine (O6-MeG), or O6-benzylguanine (O6-BzG) was assessed using T7 DNA polymerase exo- (T7-) and HIV-1 reverse transcriptase (RT). The steady-state parameters indicated that T7- and RT preferentially incorporated dTTP opposite O6-MeG and O6-BzG. The incorporation efficiencies (kcat/Km) were less for O6-BzG than O6-MeG for both dCTP and dTTP insertion. Pre-steady-state analysis indicated that the product formed during the burst phase, i.e., the burst amplitude, differed significantly between the unmodified 24-mer/36-G-mer and the O6-alkylG-containing substrates. Extension of the O6-BzG-containing duplexes was much more difficult for both polymerases as compared to O6-MeG, except when RT easily extended the O6-BzG:T base pair. The for bi...
Ongoing vascular laboratory surveillance is essential to maximize long- term in situ saphenous vein bypass patency

Purpose : The purpose of this study was to assess the contribution of ongoing graft surveillance to maximize long-term patency of lower limb in situ saphenous vein bypasses. Methods : From January 1981 to October 1994, 556 autogenous grafts were constructed 499 patients. The distal anastomosis was at the popliteal level in 207 (37%) and the tibial level in 349 (63%). All patients were enrolled in a prospective surveillance protocol to identify lesions that compromise graft patency and were evaluated at 1 day, 1 week, 6 weeks, and 3 months. Surveillance studies were then obtained every 3 months for the first 2 postoperative years and every 6 months thereafter. Results : Four-hundred-fifty abnormalities were detected in 236 grafts. The median interval from the initial procedure to detection of an abnormality was 12 months (range 0 to 113 months) and varied with the location of the defect. Later in the life of the graft, progression of atherosclerotic disease manifested as inflow obstruction at a median of 15 months, and outflow disease threatened the graft at a median of 29 months ( r =0.0003). Of the 450 surveillance abnormalities, 294 (65%) occurred within the first 2 years after operation, and 156 (35%) developed more than 2 years after operation. Of the 236 grafts that developed surveillance abnormalities, 50 (21%) developed the initial defect more than 2 years after the initial bypass procedure. Eleven percent of grafts remaining free of abnormality after 2 years went on to fail. Sixty-seven interventions were performed on 62 extremities after 24 months, with 30 involving previously unrevised grafts. Conclusions : Because lesions amenable to revision continue to develop years after vein bypass construction, perpetual surveillance is required to ensure optimal rates of graft patency.
The large N expansion as a local perturbation theory

Abstract The partition function of an O(N)-invariant vector anharmonic oscillator is generated by a set of Hamiltonians describing one-component oscillators in double-well potentials at negative coupling constant. The large N expansion appears as a conventional perturbation theory for auxiliary scalar Hamiltonians. An extension of the approach to rotationally invariant vector field theories is considered in the framework of the bilocal formalism.
Solid Friction Damping of Mechanical Vibrations

A theory of solid friction damping of mechanical vibrations is presented that is based on a solid friction mathematical model previously proposed by the author. A summary and improved description of the general analytic features of the solid friction model are given as necessary background for the theory. The Coulomb friction damped oscillator is analyzed to establish an approach to the treatment of a simple friction damped oscillator. The approach then is generalized to treat a more general model of friction where the author's model is used to describe friction force primarily as a function of displacement. The solid friction damped oscillator studied is a wire pendulum where solid friction enters via inelastic flexing of the wire at the support. Theoretical results are generalized to be applicable to other types of oscillators and other sources of solid friction. An expression for the decay rate of the oscillation amplitude envelope of an unforced oscillator is derived. The decay rate and an equivalent linear damping ratio are determined for several values of an exponent parameter in the solid friction model.
CORRELATIONS AMONG SCORES ON WOODCOCK-JOHNSON ACHIEVEMENT SUBTEST (SPANISH), WISC-R (SPANISH) AND COLUMBIA MENTAL MATURITY SCALE

Summary.-Spanish translations of the Woodcock-Johnson Achievement Battery, the Wechsler Intelligence Scale lor Children-Revised, and the Columbia Mend Maturity Scale were administered to 30 Puerto Rican fkt grade pupils. Analysis confirms the concurrent validity of the Spanish versions of WISC-R with Columbia Mental Maturity Scale and the Spanish Woodcock-Johnson achievement subtests. The Spanish WISC-R is a valid and reliable instrument to measure intellectual functioning of Puerto &can children with Spanish as their preferred mode of communication. Scores on the nonverbal Columbia scale correlate more strongly with the WISC-R Verbal scaled scores and may be used with recently arrived nonEnglish speakers. Recent literature (2, 3, 4) indicates that the most frequently used instruments in the psychoeducational assessment of Spanish-speaking children of Hispanic background are the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for ChildrenRevised, the Woodcock-Johnson Psychoeducational Battery, and the Columbia Mental Maturity Scale. To assess these children better, translations into Spanish of the WISC-R and the Woodcock-Johnson Psychoeducational Battery have been made in the last six years. The WISC-R translated and published as an experimental version, entitled la Escala de Inteligencia Wechsler para Niiios-Revisada, has not been validated. The WoodcockJohnson test, entitled la Bateria Woodcock-Johnson Psicoeducativa en Espaiiol, was translated, and norms were developed with Puerto Rican children and bilingual children in the United States and Puerto Rico. The Columbia Mental Maturity Scale has been on the market since 1972. Because it is a nonverbal measure, it is recommended for assessing Spanishspeaking children. The purpose of this study was to estimate correlations among mean scaled scores on the Verbal, Performance, and Full Scales of the Spanish translation of the WISC-R, the achievement scales of the WoodcockJohnson Achievement Battery, and the Columbia Mental Maturity Scale. METHOD Sample
A Computer Vision System For Identification Of Overlapping Workpieces

This paper presents a computer vision system for identification of overlapping workpieces. The system consists of preprocessing, model training and workpiece separation. To perform workpiece separation, structure information of both boundary and shadow is utilized. The proposed separation procedure consists of two steps. The first step locates the position and the orientation of the workpieces and groups the segments belonging to the same workpiece together for further use. The second step identifies the top workpiece through a hypothesis and verification procedure. The hypothesis about the top workpiece is based on the information from the first step. The inside edge, which contains partial boundary of the top workpiece, is used to verify the hypothesis. A database is established for representing the structure and geometric properties of the workpieces. Three frames represent outer boundary , inside edge and a single workpiece model respectively, and they compose a three-frame system. Experimental results are presented for the scenes with two or three overlapping workpieces.© (1985) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Mechanism of DNA strand transfer reactions catalyzed by HIV-1 reverse transcriptase.

Two DNA strand transfer reactions occur during retroviral reverse transcription. The mechanism of the first, minus strand strong-stop DNA, transfer has been studied in vitro with human immunodeficiency virus 1 reverse transcriptase (HIV-1 RT) and a model template-primer system derived from the HIV-1 genome. The results reveal that HIV-1 RT alone can catalyze DNA strand transfer reactions. Two kinetically distinct ribonuclease (RNase) H activities associated with HIV-1 RT are required for removal of RNA fragments annealed to the nascent DNA strand. Examination of the binding of DNA.RNA duplex and single-stranded RNA to HIV-1 RT during strand transfer supports a model where the enzyme accommodates both the acceptor RNA template and the nascent DNA strand before the transfer event is completed. The polymerase activity incorporated additional bases beyond the 5' end of the RNA template, resulting in a base misincorporation upon DNA strand transfer. Such a process occurring in vivo during retroviral homologous recombination could contribute to the hypermutability of the HIV-1 genome.
Sparse weighted Euclidean superimposed coding for integer compressed sensing

We address the problem of bounding the achievable rates of a new class of superimposed codes, termed weighted Euclidean superimposed codes (WESCs). WESCs generalize traditional Euclidean superimposed codes in so far that they allow for distinguishing bounded, integer-valued linear combinations of codewords. They can also be viewed as a bridge between superimposed coding and compressive sensing. In particular, we focus on sparse WESCs, for which one can devise low-complexity decoding algorithms and simple analytical constructions. Our results include a sufficient condition for meeting a minimum distance requirement of sparse WESCs, and a lower bound on the largest rate of sparse WESCs. Also included is a simple extension of DeVore?s deterministic construction for sparse compressed sensing matrices that meets the derived lower bound.