cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
In Vivo Analysis of Drosophila bicoid mRNA Localization Reveals a Novel Microtubule-Dependent Axis Specification Pathway

Drosophila bicoid mRNA is synthesized in the nurse cells and transported to the oocyte where microtubules and Exuperantia protein mediate localization to the anterior pole. Fluorescent bicoid mRNA injected into the oocyte displays nonpolar microtubule-dependent transport to the closest cortical surface, and the oocyte microtubule cytoskeleton lacks clear axial asymmetry. Nonetheless, bicoid mRNA injected into the nurse cell cytoplasm, withdrawn, and injected into a second oocyte shows microtubule-dependent transport to the anterior cortex. Nurse cells require microtubules and Exuperantia to support anterior transport of bicoid mRNA, and microtubules are required for bicoid mRNA-Exuperantia particle coassembly. We propose that microtubule-dependent Exuperantia-bicoid mRNA complex formation in the nurse cell cytoplasm allows anterior-specific transport on a grossly nonpolar oocyte microtubule network.
Detection of repair of chemical-induced DNA damage in vivo by the nucleoid sedimentation assay.

The nucleoid sedimentation assay was used to study chemical-induced DNA repair in vivo . Nucleoid bodies were prepared from liver and lung of mice at various times after i.p. treatment with 1-methyl-l-nitrosourea or 4-nitroquinoline-l-oxide. Both carcinogens induced a dose-dependent loss in negative DNA supercoiling in liver and lung. The rate of DNA repair of 1-methyl-l-nitrosourea was similar in liver and lung whereas 4-nitroquinoline-l-oxide-induced DNA damage was repaired faster in lung than in liver. Results obtained by the nucleoid sedimentation technique corresponded to measurements of DNA repair by unscheduled DNA synthesis. The nucleoid sedimentation assay should be a useful tool to examine in vivo repair of chemical-induced DNA lesions in various tissues of laboratory animals.
Advanced Research Projects Agency counterdrug program

The Department of Defense (DoD), in support of the National Drug Control Strategy, has designated that detecting and countering the production, trafficking and use of illegal drugs is a high priority national security mission. The Advanced Research Projects Agency (ARPA) Counterdrug Program is assisting DoD in this objective by developing technology and prototype systems to enhance the capabilities of the DoD and civilian law enforcement agencies, consistent with the DoD mission and the supply reduction goals of the National Drug Control Strategy. The objective of this paper is to summarize the current ARPA Counterdrug Program, with special emphasis on the current efforts and future plans for developing technology to meet the National needs for Non-Intrusive Inspection.© (1994) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
The effect of glycemic control and duration of diabetes on cholesterol and phospholipid classes in erythrocytes of type I diabetes.

Abstract Abnormalities in the lipid composition of erythrocytes can alter blood rheology and viscosity. These alterations have been implicated in the pathogenesis of microvascular disease in diabetic patients. The present study was undertaken to examine whether or not long-term glycemic control or duration of diabetes has any role in the altered membrane cholesterol and phospholipid composition of erythrocytes in type I diabetes. Long-term glycemic control was assessed by measuring glycosylated hemoglobin (GHb) from diabetic patients and age-matched normal volunteers. There was no significant correlation between GHb or duration of diabetes with total cholesterol, phospholipid, and cholesterol to phospholipid molar ratios in erythrocytes of these patients. Among phospholipid classes, GHb showed a significantly negative relationship with sphingomyelin (SM) ( r = .55, P
Alumina as a Hydrogen Barrier Layer for FeRAM Devices

Alumina ("AlOx") thin films are evaluated as a hydrogen diffusion barrier for ferroelectric memory devices. Ferroelectric capacitors (FeCAP) covered with the barrier is used in this study. The capacitor is annealed in a deuterated forming gas (DFG) ambient according to back-end-of-line (BEOL) thermal budget. The deuterium profile inside the stack structure is analyzed by Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometry (SIMS) to characterize the performance of alumina as a hydrogen barrier. The electrical performance of the FeCAP structure with alumina barrier is measured before and after the DFG anneal. Pulse saturation curves and P-V curves and electrical characteristics associated switched polarization, remnant polarization and saturation polarization are discussed as a performance of the FeCAPs. These parameters are compared before and after the annealing to examine any degradation due to deuterium diffusion.
The complexity of patient participation: Lessons learned from patients’ illness narratives

Abstract Objective To describe the meaning of active participation from the patient's perspective. Methods We used a narrative framework to analyze transcripts generated from 16 qualitative open-ended, semi-structured interviews with primary care patients in Houston, Texas. Results Patients’ illness narratives reflected several themes related to patient participation. These included patients’ perspectives of illness (i.e., how central the illness is in the patient's overall life story and how changeable the patient believes their illness to be) and aspects of actions pursued in the context of patients’ illness narratives (i.e., the degree of illness-related activity that a patient engages in and the role of partnership with the patient's physician in health decision making and illness management). The relationships among these themes explained a limited number of distinct illness-management strategies pursued by patients. Conclusion Our findings revealed a level of complexity to patients’ healthcare participation that has not been previously described. Patients’ illness-management strategies were explained by four thematic story elements in dynamic interplay with unique variations for each individual. Further research is needed to explore how these story elements influence communication between patients and physicians. Practice implications By understanding the nature of and relationships between the thematic elements in patients’ illness narratives, practitioners will be able to better inform their negotiations with patients regarding participation in healthcare.
Control of randomly varying systems with prescribed degree of stability

The control of linear discrete-time systems with stochastic parameter matrices is discussed. Two control techniques are particularly used: infinite-horizon and finite-moving-horizon optimal regulators. It is shown that it is possible to design controllers with a guaranteed degree of exponential stochastic stability by properly modifying the performance indexes. In this way, the deterministic regulator problem with a prescribed degree of stability is extended to the case of stochastic parameter systems. >
On the Forster-Eisenbud-Evans conjectures

(See w 2 for notations.) F-Conjecture when dim A =3 was proved in [M-l] for unmixed complete intersection p and the F-conjecture was also proved in [A] for dim A = 3 and also when Alp is a polynomial ring in the general case. Murthy generalized his results in [M-I] to include the cases of all prime ideals p of height ~ 2 which are locally complete intersections [M-2, Theorem 2.2]. We prove the following:
Silicon mirror initiated reactions of methyl chloride and chloromethyldimethylsilane

Abstract A silicon mirror surface (deposited from silane decomposition) catalyzes the free radical isomerization of Chloromethyldimethylsilane to trimethylchlorosilane and trimethylsilane. This surface also catalyzes the free radical reaction of methyl chloride with silane to produce a mixture of chlorosilanes. It is proposed that these reactions are initiated by free radicals produced at the walls by chlorine atom transfers from the alkyl chloride reactants to the silicon mirror surface.
Space Station Freedom electric power system photovoltaic power module integrated launch package

The launch of the Space Station Freedom solar power module requires a weight efficient structure that will include large components within the limited load capacity of the Space Shuttle cargo bay. The design iterations to meet these requirements have evolved from a proposal concept featuring a separate cradle and integrated equipment assembly (IEA), to a package that interfaces directly with the Shuttle. Size, weight, and cost have been reduced as a result.
A group increment scheme for infrared absorption intensities of greenhouse gases

A molecule's absorption in the atmospheric infrared (IR) window (IRW) is an indicator of its efficiency as a greenhouse gas. A model for estimating the absorption of a fluorinated molecule within the IRW was developed to assess its radiative impact. This model will be useful in comparing different hydrofluorocarbons and hydrofluoroethers contribution to global warming. The absorption of radiation by greenhouse gases, in particular hydrofluoroethers and hydrofluorocarbons, was investigated using ab initio quantum mechanical methods. Least squares regression techniques were used to create a model based on this data. The placement and number of fluorines in the molecule were found to affect the absorption in the IR window and were incorporated into the model. Several group increment models are discussed. An additive model based on one-carbon groups is found to work satisfactorily in predicting the ab initio calculated vibrational intensities.
Calculation of the Electron Affinity of Boron

Ab initio calculations have been made for the ground states of neutral B and ${\mathrm{B}}^{\ensuremath{-}}$ using configuration-interaction wave functions which included the Hartree-Fock configuration, single excitations, and double excitations of the types ($1s,2p$), ($2s,2s$), ($2s,2p$), and ($2p,2p$). These calculations indicate that ${\mathrm{B}}^{\ensuremath{-}}$ is stable and that the electron affinity of B is 0.0028 Hartrees (0.08 eV). Contributions from the omitted types of correlations were investigated by making separate-pair calculations for the ($1s,1s$) and ($1s,2s$) pairs. These contributions do not affect the qualitative conclusions. Consideration of the probable errors in the calculations leads to the definite conclusion that ${\mathrm{B}}^{\ensuremath{-}}$ is stable and to an estimate of 0.25 eV for the electron affinity of boron.
Temporal and spatial patterns in fire occurrence during the establishment of mixed-oak forests in eastern North America

Question: What was the role of fire during the establishment of the current overstory (ca. 1870-1940) in mixed-oak forests of eastern North America? Location: Nine sites representing a 240-km latitudinal gradient on the Allegheny and Cumberland Plateaus of eastern North America. Methods: Basal cross-sections were collected from 225 trees. Samples were surfaced, and fire scars were dated. Fire history diagrams were constructed and fire return intervals were calculated for each site. Geographic patterns of fire occurrence, and fire-climate relationships were assessed. Results: Fire was a frequent and widespread occurrence during the formation of mixed-oak forests, which initiated after large-scale land clearing in the region ca. 1870. Fire return ranged from 1.7 to 11.1 years during a period of frequent burning from 1875 to 1936. Fires were widespread during this period, sometimes occurring across the study region in the same year. Fires occurred in a variety of climate conditions, including both drought and non-drought years. Fires were rare from 1936 to the present. Conclusions: A variety of fire regime characteristics were discerned. First, a period of frequent fire lasted approximately 60 years during the establishment of the current oak overstory. Second, fire occurred during a variety of climate conditions, including wet climates and extreme drought. Finally, there was within-site temporal variability in fire occurrence. These reference conditions could be mimicked in ongoing oak restoration activities, improving the likelihood of restoration success.
Changes in quercetin glucoside concentrations of onion bulbs by scales, during storage, and in sprouting leaves exposed to UV

Abstract Onion is an excellent source of quercetin (Q), which is known to have various health benefits. In this study, we investigated the distribution of quercetin glucoside (QG) compounds among dry skins, semi-dry skins, and fresh onion scales; changes in the concentrations of QG compounds in onion bulbs stored at various temperatures for five months; and changes in QG concentrations in the etiolated leaves irradiated by ultraviolet (UV) or visible light. Among scales of a bulb, total quercetin (TQ) concentrations were greatest in the outer-most scales (dry skins) and were gradually reduced toward the inner fresh scales on a fresh weight basis. However, on an area basis, TQ content peaked in the first fresh scale and was lower in the dry skins or the inner fresh scales. The QG content in the bulbs stored in a controlled atmosphere (CA) did not change significantly, while the concentrations in bulbs stored at 30 °C increased by about 50% and then returned to the initial levels. We observed increases of quercetin-3,4′-diglucosde (Q3,4′G), accompanied by a reduction of quercetin-4′-glucoside (Q4′G), at 30 and 24 °C storage, suggesting a relationship between QG concentration and storage temperature or metabolic changes. However, it was not clear if there was a net synthesis of the TQ compounds at the 30 and 24 °C storage. In the sprouting leaves under the different lights, Q4′G and Q3,4′G concentrations increased the most when exposed to UV light and, to a lesser extent, when exposed to visible light; however, even the samples in the dark condition showed a slight increase in QG compounds. We did not observe the synthesis of QG in the white onion leaves. Our results confirm that the synthesis of QG compounds is enhanced by UV light and, to a lesser extent, by visible light.
Possible Role of Glycerol in the Winter-Hardiness of Insects

DURING investigations into the carbohydrases of insects1 in the winter of 1957–58 it was found that the macerated tissue of the dormant larvae of the wood-boring insect of the species Melandrya striata, found in felled wood of Salix amygdaloides Anderss., contained a considerable proportion of glycerol as revealed by paper chromatography. This preliminary observation indicated that glycerol might be acting as an ‘anti-freeze’,2 a view supported by the observation that the larvae and the adult insects of M. striata did not contain glycerol during summer.
Nonlinear microwave phenomena in ferrite films : Basic physics and applications (invited)

A short overview of the theory and applications of nonlinear spin wave phenomena in ferrite films at microwave frequencies is given. A method of classical Hamiltonian formalism for spin waves in bulk ferrimagnets in combination with the theory of spin wave spectrum for thin magnetic films is used for theoretical description of nonlinear spin wave phenomena in films. Comparative roles of three-wave and four-wave interaction processes in the nonlinear dynamics of spin waves in films are discussed. A local character of spin wave excitation by the magnetic field of a strip-line antenna is taken into account. Several examples of nonlinear microwave signal processing devices based on the nonlinear dynamics of spin waves in ferrite films (frequency-selective limiter, signal-to-noise enhancer, convolver, and a soliton delay line) are presented.
Granule cells in the ventral, but not dorsal, dentate gyrus are essential for kainic acid-induced wet dog shakes.

Abstract Intrahippocampal injections of colchicine selectively destroy dentate granule cells. Wet dog shaking elicited by systemic administration of kainic acid is eliminated by bilateral destruction of ventral dentate granule cells but unaffected by bilateral destruction of dorsal dentate granule cells. This implies that ventral dentate granule cells are essential for the generationn of kainic acid-induced wet dog shakes.
Necessary and sufficient conditions for the moving blocks bootstrap central limit theorem of the mean

For strictly stationary sequences X i , we study the relations between statistics Z n =n −1/2∑ (X i −EX i ) and its Bootstrap counterpart We establish sufficient and necessary conditions for Central Limit Theorem in this setting and generalise the cases for which converges to Gaussian limit, while Z n fails to do so. In addition, we establish Bootstrap Central Limit Theorem without mixing conditions and identify the cases for which and Z n are asymptotically close, while both fail to converge in distribution.
Breast cancer screening guidelines

T he establishment, periodic review, and modification of guidelines for breast cancer screening reflect an intent to communicate to women and health care providers basic information related to appropriate ages and periodicity for breast examinations. Although there is an absence of consensus among all medical groups over when screening should begin, when it should end, and the appropriate intervals for screening for women in different age groups, there is little dispute over the combined value of regular mammography and clinical examination for the early detection of breast cancer.
The Effects of Nimodipine on the EEG of Substance Abusers

Cocaine abusers have increased EEG beta and areas of reduced cortical blood flow. Since, nimodipine has neuroprotective effects and increases blood flow, we investigated the efficacy of single and multiple doses of the nimodipine in normalizing the EEG of substance abusers. Fourteen subjects received single (0, 30, 60 mg) and eleven received multiple daily (up to 150 mg in 12 hours) doses of nimodipine to determine whether this drug would increase EEG alpha and decrease beta in substance abusers. The EEG was recorded from eight scalp locations (F3, C3, P3, O1, F4, C4, P4 and O2) for three minutes during eyes closed, and eyes open conditions. Single and multiple doses of nimodipine produced significant increases in EEG alpha and decreases in EEG beta in the eyes open condition. Thus, nimodipine may have potential therapeutic implications in the treatment of cocaine dependence. Chronic nimodipine dosing in cocaine-dependent individuals is now needed to confirm its efficacy in the treatment of cocaine dependence.
How well do static indicators identify the chronically poor

Abstract We investigate how well the most widely used static welfare indicators perform in identifying the chronically poor. We propose a normative measure of performance: the cost of a given impact on chronic poverty when transfers are contingent upon a purely static indicator. Using longitudinal household data from rural India, we find that current consumption is not always a better indicator of chronic poverty than current income. Both, however, perform much better than other common indicators, such as food share and access to land.
Biological Effects of Ultrasound

When ultrasound is absorbed by tissue, heat is produced which may be destructive or, if controlled, can be therapeutic. In addition, ultrasound produces biological effects which cannot be explained on the basis of heating alone. Under certain exposure conditions production of ultrasonic lesions in brain tissue can be explained on a purely thermal basis. Examples of nonthermal effects of ultrasound include changes in growth, mitotic index and the production of chromosomal aberrations in plant roots.
Spatializing Social Networks: Using Social Network Analysis to Investigate Geographies of Gang Rivalry, Territoriality, and Violence in Los Angeles

Social network analysis is an increasingly prominent set of techniques used in a number of social sciences, but the use of the techniques of social network analysis in geography has been challenged because of a perceived lack of geographic nuance or consideration of spatialities of context in social networks. The concept of social position and the associated technique of structural equivalence in social network analysis are explored as a means to integrate two different kinds of embeddedness: relative location in geographic space and structural position in network space. Using spatialized network data, this article compares the geography of rivalry relations that connect territorially based criminal street gangs in a section of Los Angeles with a geography of the location of gang-related violence. The technique of structural equivalence uses the two different spatialities of embeddedness to identify gangs that are similarly embedded in the territorial geography and positioned in the rivalry network, which...
Factors Predicting Complication and Reoperation Rates Following Surgical Fixation of Proximal Humeral Fractures

Background: The purpose of this study was to report complication and reoperation rates following non-arthroplasty fixation of shoulder fractures determined on the basis of observational, population-based data from all inpatient admissions in California over an eleven-year period. Methods: Records from all inpatient hospital discharges and subsequent readmissions related to operative non-arthroplasty treatment of proximal humeral fractures were obtained for patients in California from December 1994 through December 2005. These admissions were evaluated to identify patient and hospital characteristics associated with short and intermediate-term complications (within and after ninety days, respectively) as well as reoperation rates. Procedures performed included open reduction and internal fixation in 9254 patients, closed reduction and internal fixation in 1903 patients, and internal fixation without reduction in 302 patients. Results: The short-term complications included mortality in 401 patients (3.5%), which was associated with a higher Charlson comorbidity index (odds ratio [OR] = 1.5, p < 0.001) and male sex (OR = 1.7, p < 0.001); and pulmonary embolism in sixty patients (0.5%), which was associated with male sex (OR = 2.2, p = 0.007) and patient age of seventy-five years or older (OR = 3.6, p = 0.001). Intermediate-term reoperations included conversion to hemiarthroplasty in 174 patients (1.5%); and conversion to total shoulder arthroplasty in eight patients (0.07%), which was associated with an age of fifty to sixty-four years (hazard ratio = 2.8, p = 0.007). Overall, an age of sixty-five years or older, male sex, residence in an area with an income in the lowest two quintiles, and the presence of preexisting comorbidities were associated with elevated risks of short-term complications but not of intermediate-term conversion to arthroplasty. The ninety-day revision rate was 5.3%. Conclusions: Surgical fixation of proximal humeral fractures has a low complication and mortality profile. The data provided in this study can serve in counseling patients about risks associated with operative fixation of displaced proximal humeral fractures. Level of Evidence: Therapeutic Level IV. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
Molecular Images in Organic Chemistry: Assessment of Understanding in Aromaticity, Symmetry, Spectroscopy, and Shielding.

When students take General Chemistry there are substantially fewer molecular images than they will encounter in Organic Chemistry. The molecular images Organic Chemistry students see in their textbooks are ones that use dashes and wedges to represent 2D and semi 3D views, ball and spoke, ball and wire, and structural formulas, to name just a few. They also use physical models and may also have the opportunity to work with computer generated molecular models. They are expected to understand verbal instruction connected with the images and at the same time how the verbal explanation fits with the visual image. There has been little research that combines the use of molecular images of molecules with questions that require organic chemistry students to understand concepts. This research paper addresses students' understanding of organic chemistry concepts where ball and wire and ball and spoke visual images of molecules are combined with questions related to the areas of aromaticity, symmetry, spectroscopy, and shielding. The intention is to provide a basis for assessing students' understanding.
Extensions of Ljusternik-Schnirelmann category theory to relative and equivariant theories with an application to an equivariant critical point theorem

Abstract We extend Ljusternik-Schnirelmann category theory to a relative G -category theory. The theory is related to the equivariant cohomological index of Fadell and Husseini. After giving computations for a number of examples, we present an application of the theory to the problem of finding critical points of invariant functionals.
Nereis cuticle collagen: relationship of fiber ultrastructure to biochemical and biophysical properties.

The cuticles of annelid worms are composed of many layers of collagenous fibers. The collagens of annelid cuticles have chemical compositions that set them apart from other collagens, have molecular lengths of about 1500 to 1800 nm and are apparently not crosslinked. The distinctive staining pattern that arises from the regular quarter-staggered arrangement of molecules in Type I collagen fibers is not observed in annelid cuticle collagen fibers. To determine the reason for this complete absence of banding, we have examined the cuticle fibers of Nereis virens by X-ray diffraction, light microscopy, and electron microscopy. Novel techniques for making segment-long-spacing crystallites (SLS) from this collagen are described. Our results suggest that the packing arrangement of these unusual molecules is responsible for the lack of banding. The apparently random axial packing arrangement of cuticle collagen molecules results in an absence of regularly spaced gaps between the molecules and in nonaligned charged amino acid clusters. The strength of the cuticle fibers may be derived from the numerous hydrogen bonds and salt bridges that are potentially possible with such extremely long molecules.
Thermal Aggregation Properties of Duck Salt-Soluble Proteins at Selected pH Values

Thermal aggregation properties of duck breast and leg salt-soluble proteins (SSP) were studied at pH 5.50, 5.75 and 6.00. At pH 5.50, a major transition for breast was observed at 60.3°C and for leg at 41.8°C. At pH 5.75, major transitions at 44.6 and 43.2°C were obtained, respectively, for the breast and leg SSP. Three transitions at 46.0, 53.0 and 59.0°C were exhibited by breast SSP at pH 6.00, whereas only two major transitions at 47.4 and 54.0°C were identified in leg SSP. Changes in transition peak heights and shifts in transition temperatures as a result of pH changes indicated that, depending on fiber type, pH may enhance or suppress the aggregation behavior of specific constituents of the myosin/actomyosin complex, thereby altering the overall aggregation pattern of the protein preparation.
Characterization of an extracellular thermophilic chitinase from Paenibacillus thermoaerophilus strain TC22-2b isolated from compost

Paenibacillus thermoaerophilus strain TC22-2b, a thermophilic bacterium with an optimum growth temperature of 50–55 °C isolated from compost (55 °C) in Japan, secreted a chitinase into culture medium in the presence of colloidal chitin. Adding glucose, lactose, mannose, or sucrose to culture medium decreased the amount of chitinase in culture supernatants. This chitinase was purified by ammonium sulfate precipitation, colloidal chitin adsorption, and ion exchange chromatography. The apparent molecular mass of this enzyme was approximately 48 kDa, and its N-terminal amino acid sequence was determined to be Ala–Val–Ser–Thr–Gly–Lys–Lys. The optimum temperature and pH for chitinase activity were 60 °C and pH 4, respectively. The chitinase retained 68 % of its initial activity after incubation at 50 °C for 2 h. Using p-nitrophenyl N,N′-diacetyl-β-d-chitobioside [pNP-(GlcNAc)2] as a substrate, the K m, V max, and k cat values for this enzyme were 1.4 mM, 0.058 mM min−1, and 9.6 s−1, respectively. Analysis of hydrolysis products showed that the chitinase digested N-acetyl-chitooligosaccharides in an endo manner. N-acetylglucosamine dimers were not degraded by the enzyme. When colloidal chitin was used as the substrate, N-acetylglucosamine dimers, -trimers, and -tetramers were detected as hydrolysis products. Thus, the thermophilic chitinase may prove useful for industrial applications in chitooligosaccharide production from chitin biomass.
Acetylenic inhibitors of sheep vesicular gland oxygenase.

Abstract Biosynthesis of prostaglandins could be stopped by several acetylenic acids. They interfered with the oxygenase activity of the sheep vesicular gland enzymic system in two distinct patterns: an instantaneous, concentration-dependent effect and a time-dependent, destructive effect. Constants for both effects are reported. No measurable oxygen consumption was observed with the acetylenic analogs. Nevertheless, both oxygen and hydroperoxide were required for the inhibition to occur, whereas the inhibitory action could be blocked by the presence of diethyldithiocarbamic acid. The results support the concept of a highly reactive intermediate in the mechanism of oxygenase action.
Clinical experience with a microvascular anastomotic device in head and neck reconstruction.

Background : Despite numerous refinements in microsurgical technique and instrumentation, the microvascular anastomosis remains one of the most technically sensitive aspects of free-tissue transfer reconstructions. Materials and methods : Concurrent with the development of microsurgical techniques, various anastomotic coupling systems have been introduced in an effort to facilitate the performance and reliability of microvascular anastomoses. The microvascular anastomotic coupling device (MACD) studied here is a high-density, polyethylene ring-stainless steel pin system that has been found to be highly effective in laboratory animal studies. Despite its availability for human clinical use over the last 5 years, reported clinical series remain rare. Our clinical experience with this MACD in 29 head and neck free-tissue transfers is reported herein. Results : Thirty-five of 37 (95%) attempted anastomoses were completed with 100% flap survival with a variety of donor flaps, recipient vessels, and clinical contexts. Two anastomoses were converted to conventional suture technique intraoperatively, and one late postoperative venous thrombosis occurred after fistulization and vessel exposure. Conclusions : We conclude that the MACD studied here is best suited for the end-to-end anastomosis of soft, pliable, minimally discrepant vessels. Previous radiation therapy does not appear to be a contraindication to its use. Interpositional vein grafts may also be well suited to anastomosis with the device. When carefully and selectively employed by experienced microvascular surgeons, this MACD can be a safe, fast, and reliable adjunct in head and neck free-tissue transfer reconstructions, greatly facilitating the efficiency and ease of application of these techniques.
Modern concepts of immunotherapy

Although common allergies have been considered as immediate IgE antibody mediated responses, attention is now turning to inflammatory responses that appear to be initiated by T-cell responses to peptides from allergens presented in combination with HLA class II molecules. Although classic immunotherapy with allergen extracts has been found to downregulate these T-cell responses, more efficient and safe methods are being sought.
Proximate composition of CELSS crops grown in NASA's Biomass Production Chamber

Edible biomass from four crops of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.), four crops of lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.), four crops of potato (Solanum tuberosum L.), and three crops of soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merr.) grown in NASA's CELSS Biomass Production Chamber were analyzed for proximate composition. All plants were grown using recirculating nutrient (hydroponic) film culture with pH and electrical conductivity automatically controlled. Temperature and humidity were controlled to near optimal levels for each species and atmospheric carbon dioxide partial pressures were maintained near 100 Pa during the light cycles. Soybean seed contained the highest percentage of protein and fat, potato tubers and wheat seed contained the highest levels of carbohydrate, and lettuce leaves contained the highest level of ash. Analyses showed values close to data published for field-grown plants with several exceptions: In comparison with field-grown plants, wheat seed had higher protein levels; soybean seed had higher ash and crude fiber levels; and potato tubers and lettuce leaves had higher protein and ash levels. The higher ash and protein levels may have been a result of the continuous supply of nutrients (e.g., potassium and nitrogen) to the plants by the recirculating hydroponic culture.
Titanium nitride as a plasmonic material for visible and near-infrared wavelengths

The search for alternative plasmonic materials with improved optical properties, easier fabrication and integration capabilities over those of the traditional materials such as silver and gold could ultimately lead to real-life applications for plasmonics and metamaterials. In this work, we show that titanium nitride could perform as an alternative plasmonic material in the visible and near-infrared regions. We demonstrate the excitation of surface-plasmon-polaritons on titanium nitride thin films and discuss the performance of various plasmonic and metamaterial structures with titanium nitride as the plasmonic component. We also show that titanium nitride could provide performance that is comparable to that of gold for plasmonic applications and can significantly outperform gold and silver for transformation-optics and some metamaterial applications in the visible and near-infrared regions.
HOW MANY SIGNALS DOES IT TAKE

Although the genetics of dorsal-ventral polarity which leads to mesoderm formation in Drosophila are understood in considerable detail, subsequent molecular mechanisms involved in patterning the mesoderm primordium into individual mesodermal subtypes are poorly understood. Two papers published recently suggest strongly that an inductive signal from dorsal ectoderm is involved in subdividing the underlying mesoderm, and present evidence that one of the signalling factors is Decapentaplegic (Dpp), a member of the bone morphogenetic protein subgroup of the Transforming Growth Factor-beta (TGF-beta) super family of proteins.
Phenytoin pharmacokinetics in therapeutic plasmapheresis.

Total and free serum phenytoin concentrations and net phenytoin removal were examined in two stable patients (henceforth referred to as patient D.K. and patient C.L.) receiving therapeutic plasmapheresis for myasthenia gravis at Mercy Hospital. Similar serum determinations were obtained on the days prior to and after plasmapheresis in order to determine if a single patient plasma volume exchange replaced isovolumetrically with a 4.0 g% albumin solution would significantly alter serum concentrations of phenytoin.
Simultaneous Voltammetric Comparisons of Reduction Potentials, Reactivities, and Stabilities of the High-Potential Catalytic States of Wild-Type and Distal-Pocket Mutant (W51F) Yeast Cytochrome c Peroxidase

Protein film voltammetry has been used to measure changes in the catalytic redox energetics of cytochrome c peroxidase produced by a single mutation in the distal pocket. Wild-type (WT) cytochrome c peroxidase adsorbs at a pyrolytic graphite edge electrode from ice-cold dilute succinate buffer, pH 5.4, to give an electroactive film showing a reversible and narrow (two-electron) signal, reduction potential 754 mV, which converts completely to a catalytic wave at a similar potential when low levels of hydrogen peroxide are added. Under the same conditions, the W51F mutant yields a weaker signal at 883 mV which also transforms to a catalytic wave at similar potential, but with amplitude comparable to that of WT. In either case the catalytic rates are very high. The reversible signals observed for each variant therefore correspond to the catalytic redox couple, analogous if not identical to FeIVO,R+/FeIII, with replacement of tryptophan-51 by phenylalanine causing a substantial increase in reduction potential...
Product inhibition during ion: Solute cotransport is an alternative to leaks as a cause of low accumulations

Ion: solute cotransporters frequency are incapable of achieving equilibrium between the solute accumulation and the transmembrane difference of the electrochemical potential of the ion. The presence of uncoupled flows of ion and solutes (leaks) is often advanced as an explanation. Here an alternative is discussed. The net accumulation of solute may be so slow that equilibrium can never be attained at finite times (e.g., several hours). Cotransporters may exhibit strong product inhibition, and the net influx of solute approaches zero far from equilibrium. The inherent slowness of net transport under these conditions is termed catalytic inefficiency. The likelihood that galactoside: H+ cotransport inEscherichia coli, hexose: H+ cotransport inChlorella vulgaris, andd-glucose: Na+ cotransport in brush-border membranes exhibit catalytic inefficiency is examined. The existence of strong product inhibition complicates the determination of the stoichiometry of cotransport and the characterization of chemically modified or mutant cotransporters.
Ascertainment Bias and the Pattern of Nucleotide Diversity at the Human ALDH2 Locus in a Japanese Population

Many East Asian human populations harbor a high-frequency deficiency allele for the aldehyde dehydrogenase 2 (ALDH2) enzyme, a critical protein involved in the metabolism of ethanol. Here we use resequencing and long-range SNP haplotype data from a Japanese sample to test whether patterns of nucleotide diversity and linkage disequilibrium at this locus are compatible with a standard neutral model of evolution. Examination of the pattern of polymorphism at a locus such as this, where the frequency of a common allele is known a priori, introduces an ascertainment bias that must be corrected for in analyses of the frequency spectrum of polymorphisms. We apply a flexible and generally applicable simulation approach to correct for this bias in our ALDH2 data and, also, to explore the effect of bias on the commonly used summary statistics Tajima's D, Fu and Li's D, and Fay and Wu's H. Our study finds no evidence that the pattern of genetic variation at ALDH2 differs from that expected under a standard neutral model. However, our general examination of ascertainment bias indicates that a priori knowledge of segregating alleles greatly affects the expected distributions of summary statistics. Under many parameter combinations we find that ascertainment bias introduces an elevated rate of false positives when summary statistics are used to test for deviations from a standard neutral model. However, we also show that over a wide range of conditions the power of all summary statistics can be greatly increased by incorporating prior knowledge of segregating alleles.
Second trial drugs in ovarian cancer.

Abstract Three hundred forty-seven patients received a second trial of chemotherapy for progressing ovarian carcinoma. A complete or partial respond to the second trial of chemotherapy was noted in only 6.1% of patients. No change in the disease was noted in 12.6%, and resistance to second trial chemotherapy with progressing disease was noted in 81.3%.
Reproductive allometry and the size-number trade-off for lizards

Abstract: Fundamental to life‐history theory is the assumed inverse proportionality between the number of offspring and the resource allocation per offspring. Lizards have been model organisms for empirical tests of this theory for decades; however, the expected negative relationship between clutch size and offspring size is often not detected. Here we use the approach developed by Charnov and Ernest to demonstrate that this often concealed trade‐off can be made apparent in an interspecific comparison by correcting for size‐dependent resource allocation. Our data set also shows a tight allometry for annual production that is consistent with life‐history models for indeterminate growers. To account for nonindependence of species data we also compare the fit of nonphylogenetic and phylogenetic regression models to test for phylogenetic signal in these allometry and trade‐off patterns. When combined, these results demonstrate that the offspring size/clutch size trade‐off is not isolated to a single clutch bu...
Hispania and royal humanism in Alfonsine Naples

This article aims to elucidate a single element in the humanist royal ideology of Renaissance Naples that becomes highly conspicuous during the government of Alfonso V of Aragon after his conquest of the Regno and his entry into its capital in 1442. Alfonso's successful recruitment of a distinguished humanist personnel to his court in Naples upon his arrival on the Italian mainland was followed by a coherent and creative programme of ideological representation that repeatedly located Alfonso's rule of the Regno within a classical framework of a specifically Hispanic character. The article reconstructs the political and intellectual context of this ideological manoeuvre, examines its classical content, and argues that it was designed as a considered response to a series of polemical attacks upon the Mediterranean politics of the new Alfonsine regime.
Inhibition of the firing of vasopressin neurons by atriopeptin

Atriopeptin, the atrial natriuretic peptide, is a circulating hormone that is released from the atria of mammalian hearts in response to volume expansion and acts upon the kidneys, adrenal glands and vasculature to regulate fluid and electrolyte homeostasis1. Atriopeptin is also present in the brain of the rat2–5. Atriopeptin immunoreactive cell bodies and fibres are found in many areas known to be involved in the central regulation of the cardiovascular system, suggesting that it may be a neuromediator in the central control of fluid and electrolyte balance6–8. The paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus, which contains the cell bodies of neurons that secrete vasopressin from the posterior pituitary gland, receives a dense innervation from atriopeptin-like immunoreactive fibres6,8–11. We have studied the effect of atriopeptin on the electrical activity of single neurons in the paraventricular nucleus of anaesthetized rats and found that atriopeptin is a potent inhibitor of putative vasopressin neurons. Atriopeptin, which has systemic actions that oppose those of vasopressin, may act as a neuromodulator in the brain to prevent vasopressin secretion.
Off-shell πN amplitudes via a multichannel separable potential☆

The off-shell pion-nucleon transition matrix is a basic ingredient in theories of pion-nuclear interactions which, in the absence of fundamental theory of πN dynamics, must be obtained by a phenomenological extrapolation from the available on-shell data. As one means of performing such an extrapolation, we explore a multichannel separable potential model with the property that the off-shell elastic scattering amplitude is generated directly from the measured elastic-channel phase shifts. The off-shell πN partial-wave transition amplitudes determined by this procedure are compared with those calculated by Landau and Tabakin using a one-channel absorptive separable potential. We find that the absorptive separable potential approach provides a physically unreasonable off-shell extrapolation at energies where the on-shell amplitude is highly inelastic, and show that the difficulty is a direct consequence of the one-channel nature of that method. The multichannel extrapolation is free of these difficulties.
Magnetic properties of mechanically milled nanosized cupric oxide

Abstract Detailed magnetic measurements have been carried out in order to understand the effects of ball-mill-induced defects on the magnetic properties of cupric oxide nanoparticles. A progressive decrease in the crystallite size and a concomitant increase in the induced strain have been observed with the milling times. The field-cooled (FC) and zero-field-cooled (ZFC) measurements indicate a presence of an exchange bias field, whose value increases with the increase in the milling time, reaching a maximum value of 750 Oe at the 50 h milling time. However, the ZFC coercivity first increases up to the 30 h milling time and then decreases upon prolonged milling. The temperature-dependent magnetization measurements indicate the presence of a hysteresis loop even at room temperature. The presence of an exchange bias field is indicative of the presence of an exchange interaction between the ferromagnetic surface, arising from uncompensated moments generated by mechanical strain, and the antiferromagnetic (AFM) core. The exchange bias field reduces to zero at about the Neel temperature of the AFM core of the nanoparticles. The Neel temperature of the AFM core is milling time dependent; for example, the 50 h milled sample shows a higher Neel temperature ( T N ∼100 K) than the 30 h ( T N ∼30 K) milled sample. The presence of weak ferromagnetism and an exchange bias field is attributed to the uncompensated surface spins resulting from induced defects via mechanical milling.
Efferent nerve fibers associated with the outermost supporting cells of the organ of Corti in the guinea pig.

In whole-mount preparations of the organ of Corti nerve fibers are sometimes seen peripheral to the third-row outer hair cells where they appear to wander among the Hensen cells. These fibers were studied in the guinea pig by both light and electron microscopy. In the upper second, third and fourth cochlear turns nerve fibers were seen between and on the peripheral side of the third-row Deiters cells as well as in the floor of the outer tunnel space. They were not found in the intercellular spaces between the Hensen cells. These nerve fibers are continuous with the spiral efferent fibers beneath the outer hair cells. Also their ultrastructural and histochemical characteristics indicate that they are efferent neural elements. This identification was confirmed by the finding that they degenerate following interruption of the olivo-cochlear bundle in the brain stem.
New Immobilization Chemistry for Probe Affinity Mass Spectrometry

Probe affinity mass spectrometry (PAMS) is a technique that combines affinity separations directly with matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry (MALDI-MS). In this approach, a binding molecule, such as an antibody, lectin or receptor, is covalently attached to the surface of a MALDI probe. This permits the analyte of interest to be selectively captured and concentrated on the probe surface prior to MALDI-MS analysis. A major limitation of our initial PAMS immobilization chemistry was that it produced only a relatively small number of binding sites on the probe, as it was based on forming a single monolayer of the binding molecule. Because of this limitation, we have investigated new immobilization chemistries for PAMS that are not confined by monolayer formation and thus allow a larger number of analyte molecules to be captured by the probe. We have developed a new PAMS chemistry that first attaches very high molecular weight (approximately 500,000) dextrans to the MALDI probe, followed by immobilization of the binding molecules to the probe-bound dextrans. Because the size of each dextran molecule is significantly larger than the binding molecule, multiple binding molecules can be linked to the same dextran chain. We have demonstrated that these surfaces possess approximately 500 times more analyte binding sites than probes prepared with our original PAMS chemistry. This chemistry is applicable to any binding molecule that contains a primary amine and is suitable, therefore, for a wide range of applications.