cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Surface epithelialization of the type I Boston keratoprosthesis front plate: immunohistochemical and high-definition optical coherence tomography characterization

The aim of this work is to characterize a transparent tissue layer partially covering the anterior surface of the type I Boston permanent keratoprosthesis front plate in four patients. The tissue over the front plate was easily scrolled back as a single transparent layer using a sponge. In two cases, histopathologic analysis was undertaken and immunofluorescent staining with a cytokeratin 3-specific antibody was performed. The relationship of the tissue to the keratoprosthesis device was further characterized using spectral domain high-definition optical coherence tomography (HD-OCT). Histopathologic analysis revealed the tissue to be non-keratinized squamous epithelium. No goblet cells were seen, suggesting the cells were of corneal, and not conjunctival, epithelial origin. Immunofluorescent staining of all cells was positive for cytokeratin 3, a protein strongly associated with corneal epithelium. The tissue was easily discerned by HD-OCT and was of substantial thickness near the external junction between the keratoprosthesis device and the carrier corneal tissue. In three cases, visual acuity was unaffected by the presence or absence of this tissue. In one case, a prominent tissue margin temporarily obscured the visual axis and reduced visual acuity; this resolved with mechanical central debridement and has not recurred. The transparent tissue layer covering the anterior surface of the type I Boston keratoprosthesis front plate was found to represent non-keratinized squamous epithelium, most likely of corneal epithelial origin. This potentially represents a further step in bio-integration of the keratoprosthesis device. In particular, epithelial coverage of the critical junction between the device and the carrier corneal tissue might serve an important barrier function and further reduce the incidence of infection and extrusion of the type I Boston permanent keratoprosthesis.
Repetitive nucleotide sequence insertions into a novel calmodulin-related gene and its processed pseudogene

Abstract A gene containing a transposon-like human repeat element, called THE 1, has been isolated and characterized. The gene, termed T+, encodes a polypeptide resembling known calcium-binding proteins. The THE 1 element is present in the 3′-untranslated region of its message. The cDNA clone corresponding to the gene's mRNA product led to the identification of this gene. A processed RNA pseudogene related to the authentic gene has also been isolated. In addition to intron processing, this pseudogene differs from the gene in that it contains an interspersed Alu repeat instead of a THE 1 element in the 3′ -untranslated region. Thus, we compare a site containing a THE 1 element to an ancestrally related transposon-less target site. The comparison suggests a retroviral-related mechanism of THE 1 insertion. This system is unusual in that the parent gene is associated with three distinct retrotransposition events: the parent gene was converted to a processed RNA pseudogene, an Alu repeat inserted into the pseudogene, and a THE 1 element inserted into the parent gene.
Mating systems in porcellionid isopods: multiple paternity and sperm mixing in Porcellio scaber latr 1 .

Mating systems in porcellionid isopods: multiple paternity and sperm mixing in Porcellio scaber latr 1 .
Use of a Laser Navigation Sensor for Automatic Rendezvous

New mission requirements for earth, lunar, and Mars space programs require the development of an automatic rendezvous and docking system capability. Paramount to the development of this system is the capability to provide precise relative state knowledge in position, velocity, attitude, and attitude rate between the target and chaser vehicles. Use of a laser sensor in combination with an appropriately configured navigation filter can provide the desired navigation accuracy. This paper explores the filter configuration, design considerations, and subsequent performance of a laser sensor applied to an autonomous rendezvous and docking system. Shuttle rendezvous and docking are used to demonstrate the generic navigation system concepts.
The Action of Bacillus subtilis Saccharifying Amylase on Starch and β‐Cyclodextrin

The action of B. subtilis saccharifying amylase on starch has been examined. It has been found that high yields of reducing sugar and glucose are produced from both starch solutions and starch gels upon prolonged reaction. The enzyme has also been found to have maltase and cyclodextrinase activities and to produce an almost quantitative yield of glucose from β-cyclodextrin. Attempts to separate or differentiate the amylase, maltase and cyclodextrinase activities by electrophoresis, inhibitors, heat inactivation and hydroxylapatite chromatography have been unsuccessful, and it is concluded that the enzyme activities are all due to one molecular species.
Early impacts of moving from poor to middle-class neighborhoods on low-income youth

Abstract This study reports early impacts on youth's outcomes from the Yonkers Project, a quasi-experimental study in which low-income Black and Latino families who resided in economically and racially segregated neighborhoods were selected via lottery to relocate to middle-class, primarily White neighborhoods. Youth 8–18 years old who moved ( n = 147) as well as a demographically similar group of youth who remained in the original neighborhoods ( n = 114) responded to surveys focusing on a range of outcomes administered approximately 2 years following relocation. Results of multiple regression analyses revealed that 8–18-year-old youth who moved to middle-income neighborhoods experienced less victimization, disorder, and access to illegal substances relative to those who remained in high-poverty neighborhoods. Among 8–9-year-old youth, those who moved from high- to low-poverty neighborhoods reported fewer behavior and family relationship problems and less delinquency than their counterparts who did not move. A reversal of this trend was found among older youth, 16–18 years of age, with mover youth experiencing more problems relative to stayer youth. Few program effects were found for 10–15-year-old youth. Residential moves of this sort may be most effective for families with younger children.
Optogenetic Evidence That Pallidal Projections, Not Nigral Projections, from the Nucleus Accumbens Core Are Necessary for Reinstating Cocaine Seeking

The core subcompartment of the nucleus accumbens (NAcore) contributes significantly to behavioral responses following motivationally relevant stimuli, including drug-induced, stress-induced, and cue-induced reinstatement of cocaine seeking. Projections from NAcore that could carry information necessary to initiate reinstated cocaine seeking include outputs via the indirect pathway to the dorsolateral subcompartment of the ventral pallidum (dlVP) and through the direct pathway to the medial substantia nigra (SN). Here we used an optogenetic strategy to determine whether the dlVP or nigral projections from the NAcore are necessary for cocaine seeking initiated by a cocaine and conditioned cue combination in rats extinguished from cocaine self-administration. Rats were pretreated in the NAcore with an adeno-associated virus expressing the inhibitory opsin archaerhodopsin, and fiber-optic cannulae were implanted above the indirect pathway axon terminal field in the dlVP, or the direct pathway terminal field in the SN. Inhibiting the indirect pathway to the dlVP, but not the direct pathway to the SN, prevented cocaine-plus-cue-induced reinstatement. We also examined projections back to the NAcore from the ventral tegmental area (VTA) and dlVP. Inhibiting the dlVP to NAcore projection did not alter, while inhibiting VTA afferents abolished reinstated cocaine seeking. Localization of green fluorescent protein reporter expression and whole-cell patch electrophysiology were used to verify opsin expression. These data reveal a circuit involving activation of VTA inputs to the NAcore and NAcore projections through the indirect pathway to the dlVP as critical for cocaine-plus-cue-induced reinstatement of cocaine seeking.
Eliminating mass-fractionation effects on U-Pb isochron ages without double spiking

Abstract The utility of uranium-lead isochrons for dating rocks with a restricted range in U/Pb is limited by any uncertainty in the mass fractionation of the analysis. Double spiking (TIMS) or thallium normalization (ICP-MS) remove much of this limitation, as does the method of Getty and DePaolo (1995) for very young rocks. Optimal use of the 3-D “Total Pb/U isochron,” however, is extremely simple to apply, requires only single-spiked TIMS analyses, and essentially eliminates fractionation-related age imprecision for rocks of any age.
Electron Paramagnetic Resonance of Iron in Indium Arsenide

The electron paramagnetic resonance spectrum of iron in GaAs has been studied at 9 Gc/sec. The spectrum corresponds to a spin $\frac{5}{2}$ in a cubic environment and can be described by the two parameters in the spin Hamiltonian $g=2.0462\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.0006$ and $a=(+339.7\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.3)\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}{10}^{\ensuremath{-}4}$ ${\mathrm{cm}}^{\ensuremath{-}1}$ at 1.3\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}K and $g=2.0453\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.0008$ and $a=(+342.2\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.5)\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}{10}^{\ensuremath{-}4}$ ${\mathrm{cm}}^{\ensuremath{-}1}$ at 77\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}K. The iron apparently substitutes for the Ga and is observed when the defect is neutral. The temperature-independent linewidth of 54 G is attributed to hyperfine interaction with neighboring nuclei. If the interaction is assumed to be appreciably only with nearest neighbors, then the hyperfine constant is about 10 G. In addition to the allowed transitions, nine of the ten possible "quasiforbidden" transitions between states for which the strong-magnetic-field quantum number differs by more than one unit have been identified. The angular dependence of the spectrum has been studied with the magnetic field in the ($1\overline{1}0$) plane. The positions and intensities of the transitions are found to agree in detail with those calculated from the spin Hamiltonian, except that the over-all intensity of the "quasiforbidden" transitions is some 5 to 10 times too weak. The spin Hamiltonian with the Zeeman energy diagonal is given in its complete form for the magnetic field in the ($1\overline{1}0$) plane, from which a number of the qualitative features of the intensities of the "quasiforbidden" transitions are readily obtained.
Theoretical and methodological models of networks and relations

Biased net models developed to formalize Blau's macro-level distributional theory of social structure are extended to cover the micro-level analysis of intrapopulation variation in intergroup relations. The relational data analyzed are counts of relations (e.g., marriages, friendships) which are crossclassified by the social characteristics of the partners (e.g., occupation, religious preference). This theoretically based analytical approach is contrasted with a methodologically based one which uses general log-linear models to analyze the pattern of inter- and intragroup relations in such data. Both nominal and graduated dimensions of social differentiation are used in the comparison. Results indicate that, by and large, the theoretical approach offers a viable, and appropriately specialized alternative to the methodologically based analysis.
Microdosimetric measurements of radiation quality variations in homogeneous phantoms irradiated by fast neutron beams.

The Dual Radiation Action Theory of Kellerer and Rossi (DRA), along with presently available microdosimetric techniques, is applied to the detrmination of radiation quality variation within tissue equivalent phantoms irradiated by collimated fast neutron beams. The neutron beams investigated were produced by the bombardment of 22.5 and 16 MeV d+ on beryllium and by the T(d,n)/sup 4/He reaction (15-MeV neutrons). Microdosimetric spectra were obtained at points of varying depth and lateral distance from the central axis within a tissue equivalent phantom, including points within the penumbra. From the microdosimetric spectra the parameter RQ, a first approximation to RBE derived from DRA theory, is calculated for each point. All RQ values are calculated for the same level of effect. For these three different beams the results show that the RQ values for the total radiation spectrum of neutron and gamma radiation remain fairly constant with depth and with lateral distance from the beam axis at 2 and 10 cm depths. The largest central axis variation in RQ is 8% for the d(16)+Be beam. The largest variation between a penumbra and an on-axis RQ value is 4% at 2 cm depth in the d(22.5)+Be beam. The results for the d(22.5)+Be beam disagreemore » with previously reported radiobiological results while the 15 MeV beam results are in good agreement.« less
TREATMENT AND OUTCOMES OF PATIENTS WITH PRIMARY BREAST SARCOMA

BACKGROUND: Surgery is the main treatment for primary breast sarcoma (PBS). Here we characterize this disease and determine factors associated with use of adjuvant therapy. METHODS: Records of patients with PBS from 1986 to 2006 were reviewed. Overall survival (OS) was estimated by Kaplan-Meier. Relationships between patient variables and OS were determined using univariate Cox proportional hazard models. RESULTS: Thirteen patients with PBS were identified; 10 patients underwent mastectomy, and 3 underwent partial mastectomy. Six patients underwent axillary staging; none were positive. Patients with tumors >5 cm were more likely to undergo radiation therapy (P 5 cm). Tumor size was significantly associated with OS (relative risk = 1.1/1 cm increase in size > 5 cm). CONCLUSIONS: Treatment for PBS is excision to clear margins. Axillary staging is not indicated. Tumor size >5 cm is the only significant prognostic indicator of overall survival.
Linear variation in stability of tobacco mosaic virus to stripping of protein by detergent.

Abstract When protein is stripped from tobacco mosaic virus (TMV) by heat-detergent treatment, the position of the rod length frequency distribution mode varies discontinuously as the mean length decreases. This is evidence of a variation in stability of protein subunits to detergent stripping along the length of the rod. The region close to the 300 mμ monomer length is quite stable. As treatment proceeds, the rod length is decreased readily between 260 and 225 mμ, protein subunits being removed from the 5′-linked end of this unstable region. As the rod is further shortened, there is a more stable region between 225 mμ and the midpoint of the rod. As the length is still further decreased, there is an unstable region of about 50 mμ. This may be located adjacent to the center of the rod if stripping continues from the 5′-linked end. There is a possibility, however, that the other end of the rod begins to be stripped, since shortened rods with ribonucleic acid (RNA) exposed at both ends have been observed in electron micrographs of extensively stripped preparations. Below 100 mμ in length the rod is again quite stable, the mode decreasing with the mean length. The conclusion that the stability of TMV varies along the rod is also supported by a variation in sample length homogeneity with increasing severity of treatment. The spread to include 68% of the particles is least when no stripping or very little has occurred. Another minimum in the spread is found when the mean length is 200 mμ. This increased length homogeneity indicates special stability at this point. Due to the bimodal distribution on longer treatment the spread increases until the mean length is less than 100 mμ. After this extensive stripping the mode is between 20 and 50 mμ. There is a decreased spread in this stable rod length region. Relatively few rods are degraded completely by short stripping. When less than 70% of the protein has been removed the RNA remains attached. Beyond 70%, breakage of RNA increases considerably, as does the percentage of completely disassembled rods.
Can ‘humanized’ mice improve drug development in the 21st century?

Chimeric mice, which have human hepatocytes engrafted in their liver, have been used to study human drug metabolism and pharmacodynamic responses for nearly 20 years. However, there are very few examples where their use has prospectively impacted the development of a candidate medication. Here, three different chimeric mouse models and their utility for pharmacology studies are evaluated. Several recent studies indicate that using these chimeric mouse models could help to overcome traditional (predicting human-specific metabolites and toxicities) and 21st century problems (strategies for personalized medicine and selection of optimal combination therapies) in drug development. These examples suggest that there are many opportunities in which the use of chimeric mice could significantly improve the quality of preclinical drug assessment.
CULTURAL RELATIVISM AND THE STUDY OF DEVIANCE

In this work I argue that the study of deviance as distinct from crime is no longer a productive specialty in sociology. I attribute the cause of the demise of the field to its over reliance on the assumption of cultural relativity. In contrast to the relativist position, I argue that behavior that causes harm will be more likely to be condemned by public opinion and that there will be less variation in attitudes toward behaviors that cause more harm. Using data from the General Social Survey, I find support for the hypothesis that a “deviant” sexual behavior that can have a victim, extramarital sex, will be more consensually condemned than “deviant” sexual behaviors that do not have victims, premarital sex and homosexual sex. I recommend that future research focus on the study of values, as the validity of cultural relativity can be empirically evaluated.
Uncertainty Analysis in Contaminated Aquifer Management

This paper presents a systematic approach for solving the management problem of a contaminated groundwater supply system. The proposed methodology begins with the selection of a supply water quality criterion based on a stochastic health risk assessment and concludes with the establishment of a trade-off relationship between the increased management cost and the desired level of protection. In the uncertainty analysis, Guassian quadrature numerical integration is used as an alternative to nested Monte Carlo simulation. Two management approaches—treating the contaminated groundwater with granular activated carbon and using imported water to lower the contamination level in the supply water—are used in a test problem. A random hydraulic conductivity field is used to produce the contamination variability at each extraction well. A trade-off relationship is obtained between the increased management cost and the level of protection by performing the uncertainty analysis at several supply water quality criteria for each of the two management approaches. This study demonstrates that despite the complexity in a contaminated groundwater supply system, a systematic approach can be used to quantify the many uncertainties associated with the management problem.
Southern Culture and Homicide: Examining the Cracker Culture/Black Rednecks Thesis

Recent scholarship traces the roots of southern violence to the Scots-Irish, who brought a relatively violent “cracker culture” with them to the United States in the eighteenth century. The tolerance for violence inherent in cracker culture was believed to be transmitted throughout the south to other whites and was maintained, in part, through evangelical Christian doctrine. Moreover, Thomas Sowell (2005) recently argued that some southern blacks were also influenced by “cracker culture,” leading to the emergence of a “black redneck” phenomenon influencing homicide among blacks. Using county-level data circa 2000, this study empirically evaluates the merit of the cracker culture/black redneck thesis. Negative binomial regression analyses for a full sample of counties suggest that a measure of southern cracker/black redneck culture is an important factor affecting contemporary rates of argument homicide among both whites and blacks. When counties are divided into south and non-south sub-samples, the result...
C++ benchmarks in SPEC CPU2006

In SPEC CPU2006, there are three C++ integer benchmarks and four floating-point C++ benchmarks. This paper describes the work of incorporating C++ benchmarks into SPEC CPU2006. It describes the base language standard supported and the basis for run rules adopted to maintain an even playing field for different compilers. It also describes issues that complicate porting C++ benchmarks. It describes some of the C++ Standard compliance issues that were technically interesting during the benchmark development phase, using as examples the behavior of const-correctness, nested class access of private member of enclosing class, and unneeded template instantiations.
Ultrasonic attenuation through tunneling state in the quantum mechanical regime

Abstract A saturation of ultrasonic attenuation and Δυ/υ by Li+ in KCl: Li of nLi=1.3×1018cm−3 to 5×1018cm−3 in MHz range is observed below 1 K. The attenuation varies as the square of the frequency.
Natural abundance proton‐coupled 15N NMR spectra of pyridines observed from proton polarization transfer experiments

Natural abundance proton-coupled 15N NMR spectra have been observed for pyridine and a series of mono- and disubstituted pyridines using polarization transfer achieved by the selective population transfer method. The magnitudes and signs of the 15N1H spin-spin coupling constants between the ring-nitrogen and ring-protons are determined from complete iterative spectral analysis and/or selective population transfer experiments. Substituent effects on the 15N1H coupling constants are discussed and compared with those for 13C1H couplings in substituted benzenes.
TRPA1 receptors mediate environmental irritant-induced meningeal vasodilatation

The TRPA1 receptor is a member of the transient receptor potential (TRP) family of ion channels expressed in nociceptive neurons. TRPA1 receptors are targeted by pungent compounds from mustard and garlic and environmental irritants such as formaldehyde and acrolein. Ingestion or inhalation of these chemical agents causes irritation and burning in the nasal and oral mucosa and respiratory lining. Headaches have been widely reported to be induced by inhalation of environmental irritants, but it is unclear how these agents produce headache. Stimulation of trigeminal neurons releases CGRP and substance P and induces neurogenic inflammation associated with the pain of migraine. Here we test the hypothesis that activation of TRPA1 receptors is the mechanistic link between environmental irritants and peptide-mediated neurogenic inflammation. Known TRPA1 agonists and environmental irritants stimulate CGRP release from dissociated rat trigeminal ganglia neurons and this release is blocked by a selective TRPA1 antagonist, HC-030031. Further, TRPA1 agonists and environmental irritants increase meningeal blood flow following intranasal administration. Prior dural application of the CGRP antagonist, CGRP(8-37), or intranasal or dural administration of HC-030031, blocks the increases in blood flow elicited by environmental irritants. Together these results demonstrate that TRPA1 receptor activation by environmental irritants stimulates CGRP release and increases cerebral blood flow. We suggest that these events contribute to headache associated with environmental irritants.
Satellite-Model Coupled Analysis of Convective Potential in Florida with VAS Water Vapor and Surface Temperature Data

Abstract A system for time-continuous mesoscale weather analysis is applied to a study of convective cloud development in central Florida. The analysis system incorporates water vapor concentrations and surface temperatures retrieved from infrared VISSR (Visible–Infrared Spin Scan Radiometer) Atmospheric Sounder (VAS) satellite data, with coupling between the retrieval process and time integration of a mesoscale model. Analyses prepared with variations of this coupled system are compared with a control numerical analysis prepared with only conventional meteorological observations and are validated against surface and upper-air data collected for the Convection and Precipitation/Electrification experiment. The coupled analyses assimilate six sets of VAS data over an 8-h period on 19 July 1991 and depict water vapor gradients at far greater horizontal resolution than is available from conventional observations and with an overall accuracy better than the control analysis. The coupled system's ability to ass...
SHEAR CREEP TESTING OF DEMETHYLATED PECTIN GEL

An apparatus to measure the shear modulus (rigidity) of low-methoxyl pectin gels was constructed and successfully tested. The shear modulus of the gels were found to be dependent upon the methoxyl content of the pectin sample and the normal load during shear testing. The results also indicate that shear modulus provides a measure of differences in the gel characteristics.
A noninvasive measure of physical maturity as a predictor of bone mass in children.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to describe the accumulation of whole body bone mass in a longitudinal study of prepubertal boys and girls using Rochersquo;s physical maturity index as a measure of developmental age.Methods: We measured 561 children (39% white, 61% African-American) from a suburban school district, representing an ethnically mixed, middle-class community adjacent to Detroit. Anthropometric measures taken for the present study included recumbent length (cm), stature (cm), weight (kg), whole body bone mineral content (WBBMC in g) and a noninvasive measure of physical maturity (PM%). PM% was calculated from published formulae derived from data from the Fels Longitudinal Study, using recumbent length, weight, midparental stature, age, and age- and gender-specific regression coefficients.Results: At average age 9.9 (±0.6) years, there were no significant gender differences in stature, recumbent length, weight, or WBBMC in either ethnic group. Average PM for girls was significantly gre...
External auditory canal leiomyoma: A pediatric case report

Summary EAC leiomyomas remain rare. Three cases have been previously published—all angioleiomyomas occurring in middle-aged men. We report a leiomyoma of the EAC arising in a pediatric patient, and this is the first report of its kind. The differential for these tumors now includes congenital and acquired tumors of the cartilaginous EAC. Complete excision is the treatment of choice with no recurrences reported in the literature to date.
Design, Synthesis, and In Vitro Evaluation of Potential West Nile Virus Protease Inhibitors Based on the 1-Oxo-1,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinoline and 1-Oxo-1,2-dihydroisoquinoline Scaffolds

The 1-oxo-1, 2, 3, 4-tetrahydroisoquinoline and 1-Oxo-1, 2-dihydroisoquinoline scaffolds were utilized in the design and solution phase synthesis of focused libraries of compounds for screening against West Nile Virus (WNV) protease. Exploratory studies have led to the identification of a WNV protease inhibitor (a 1-oxo-1, 2-dihydroisoquinoline-based derivative, 12j) which could potentially serve as a launching pad for a hit-to-lead optimization campaign. The identified hit was devoid of any inhibitory activity toward a panel of mammalian serine proteases.
Texture displays: a passive approach to tactile presentation

In this paper, we consider a passive approach to tactile presentation based on changing the surface textures of objects that might naturally be handled by a user. This may allow devices and other objects to convey small amounts of information in very unobtrusive ways and with little attention demand. This paper considers several possible uses for this style of display and explores implementation issues. We conclude with results from our user study, which indicate that users can detect upwards of four textural states accurately with even simple materials.
Functional and Thermal Properties of Wheat, Barley, and Soy Flours and Their Blends Treated with a Microbial Transglutaminase

The effects of transglutaminase (TG) on the functional and thermal properties of wheat, barley, and soy flours and their blends were investigated. Free amino and thiol groups and aromatic hydrophobicity in samples were decreased with TG treatment (P < 0.05), confirming the polymerization of proteins in flours by TG treatment. TG-treated samples had increased water-holding capacity, fat adsorption, and emulsion stability, and slightly decreased emulsion activity. The addition of barley or soy to wheat flours decreased fat adsorption and emulsion stability, but these values increased, upon TG treatment of the same blended samples, to levels as high as for untreated wheat alone. TG treatment did not significantly affect the transition peak temperature of the flour samples. However, TG treatment lowered the transition enthalpy of wheat blended with barley or soy flour, and, conversely, increased that of wheat flour samples alone. Results suggest that protein cross-linking by TG can produce unique and improved functionality even in wheat blended with barley or soy flour, and could provide opportunities for exploitation of this enzyme for product development.
Ecology of Ebola Virus: A First Clue?

The identity, if any, of the natural reservoirs and biological vectors of the related Marburg and Ebola viruses, which have caused several dramatic nosocomial outbreaks of acute hemorrhagic fever in Africa, has been an unsolved riddle with few clues to the answer for the past 13 years. The failure to find evidence of infection with Marburg virus in wild monkeys captured in Uganda [1], where the fateful group of Cercopithicus aethiops delivered this virus to the first known human vic-
Effect of copper deficiency on blood pressure and plasma and lung angiotensin-converting enzyme activity in rats

Abstract The effect of copper deficiency on plasma and lung angiotensin I-converting enzyme (ACE) activity and on blood pressure was investigated in weanling rats. Rats were fed for 32 d a Cu-deficient diet (0.8 μg Cu/g) and were given drinking water containing 10 μg Zn/ml, either with (CuS) or without (CuD) 2 μg Cu/ml. Combined results for experiments 1 and 2 (25 rats per group) showed that CuD rats were hypercholesterolemic and that Cu in lung and liver were lower (p
Changes in surface topologies of chondrocytes subjected to mechanical forces: an AFM analysis

The cartilage is composed of chondrocytes embedded in a matrix of collagen fibrils interspersed within a network of proteoglycans and is constantly exposed to biomechanical forces during normal joint movement. Characterization of the surface morphology, cytoskeletal structure, adherance and elastic properties of these mechanosensitive cells are crucial in understanding the effects of mechanical forces around a cell and how a cell responds to changes in its physical environment. In this work, we employed the atomic force microscope (AFM) to image cultured chondrocytes before and after subjecting them to mechanical forces in the presence or absence of interleukin-1beta to mimic inflammatory conditions. Nanoscale imaging and quantitative measurements from AFM data revealed that there are distinct changes in cell-surface topology and cytoskeleton arrangement in the cells following treatment with mechanical forces, IL-1beta or both. Our findings for the first time demonstrate that cultured chondrocytes are amenable to high-resolution AFM imaging and dynamic tensile forces may help overcome the effect of inflammatory factors on chondrocyte response.
Calculation of the phase behavior of lipids

The self-assembly of monoacyl lipids in solution is studied employing a model in which the lipid's hydrocarbon tail is described within the rotational isomeric state framework and is attached to a simple hydrophilic head. Mean-field theory is employed, and the necessary partition function of a single lipid is obtained via a partial enumeration over a large sample of molecular conformations. The influence of the lipid architecture on the transition between the lamellar and inverted-hexagonal phases is calculated, and qualitative agreement with experiment is found.
Generic Patterns for Extensions of Simple Modules for Finite Chevalley Groups

Abstract This paper describes generic patterns for the extensions between simple modules of a finite Chevalley group. A one-to-one correspondence between these extensions and the extensions between certain simple modules of the ambient algebraic group are established. It is shown that an extension appears in a principal series representation of the finite Chevalley group if and only if the corresponding extension for the algebraic group appears in a Weyl module.
Cast microstructure of Inconel 713C and its dependence on solidification variables

The dependence of cast microstructure of Inconel 713C on solidification variables was investigated over a wide range of local cooling rates, ∈, and thermal gradients in the liquid at the solid-liquid interface,G. The shape of MC carbide particles was found to depend greatly on: 1) theG/R ratio at the solid-liquid interface, whereR is growth rate, through the effect of this ratio on the solid phase,γ γ , growth morphology. Under planar front growth conditions the carbide particles were octahedral, under cellular growth conditions they were plate-like, elongated along the cellular growth direction, and under dendritic growth conditions they were irregularly shaped; 2) the local cooling rate, ∈, when γ was dendritic, with a transition from octahedral to dendritic with increasing ∈. The size of MC carbide particles was found to be controlled by coarsening and to become finer with increasing ∈. In this alloy the composition of the MC carbide was established as (Nb0.63Ti0.31Mo0.06) C and was practically independent of local cooling rate. Other observations were that the precipitation of γ′ and the formation of nonequilibrium eutectics, such as MC-γ, γ-γ′ or MC-γ-γ′ were suppressed at splat-cooling rates. Also, microsegregation of all alloying elements with the exception of aluminum was normal, with concentration increasing from the dendrite center-line to the dendrite arm boundary. Aluminum behaved in the opposite manner. Within the cooling rate range used herein, this variable had only a slight effect on microsegregation.
Analysis of signal reconstruction after modulation filtering

When the short-time Fourier transform (STFT) of an audio signal is arbitrarily modified, it no longer truly represents a time-domain signal. Classically, the accepted solution to obtain a time-domain signal from a modified STFT (MSTFT) is to invert the MSTFT to a time-domain signal that has an STFT that is closest to the MSTFT in a least squares sense. This is also the approach currently taken by our modulation filtering techniques. However, it was never established that using the original and unmodified STFT phase in this reconstruction is optimal for modulation filtering. In this paper, we compare our signal reconstruction approach to a well-known iterative procedure that approximates a time-domain signal using only the STFT magnitude. We analyze the signal reconstruction of speech signals after filtering them with low-pass, band-pass and high-pass modulation filters. Our study shows that the iterative procedure yields quantitatively and qualitatively comparable signals at significantly higher computational cost. It therefore does not seem a worthwhile alternative to our current reconstruction technique, but it may prove useful for IIR modulation filtering.
Nitric oxide modulates vascular endothelial growth factor and receptors in chronic cyclosporine nephrotoxicity.

Nitric oxide modulates vascular endothelial growth factor and receptors in chronic cyclosporine nephrotoxicity. Background Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is involved in angiogenesis, wound healing, and inflammation and exerts its effect via tyrosine kinase receptors, fms -like tyrosine kinase (Flt-1) and fetal liver kinase (Flk-1 or KDR). We have previously shown that VEGF is up-regulated in a model of chronic cyclosporine (CsA) nephrotoxicity and that l-arginine (l-Arg) improved while N-nitro-l-arginine-methyl ester (L-NAME) worsened fibrosis. We examined the role of nitric oxide modulation on VEGF in this model. Methods Pair-fed salt-depleted rats were administered CsA, CsA + L-NAME, CsA +l-Arg, vehicle (VH), VH + L-NAME or VH +l-Arg and were sacrificed at 7 or 28 days. Physiologic and histologic changes were studied in addition to the mRNA expression of VEGF and its receptors Flt-1 and KDR/Flk-1 by Northern blot and the protein expression of VEGF by Western blot and immunohistochemical staining. Results While L-NAME worsened renal function and histology, l-Arg had the opposite beneficial effect in CsA-treated rats. VEGF mRNA and protein expressions increased with CsA, further increased with L-NAME and became significantly reduced with L-Arg. Flt-1 expression was similar in all groups. On the other hand, KDR/Flk-1 mRNA expression was modulated in a fashion similar to VEGF. Also, nitric oxide modulation did not have an effect on VH-treated rats. Conclusions VEGF expression in chronic CsA nephrotoxicity is increased by nitric oxide blockade and decreased by nitric oxide enhancement. Moreover, VEGF probably exerted its effect via the KDR/Flk-1 receptor. The actions of VEGF in this model remain speculative, but it is probable that VEGF plays a role, either independently or through nitric oxide, in CsA-induced fibrosis.
743-3 Initial Quantitative Application of Three-dimensional Voxel Imaging with a Rotating Transducer to the Human Right Ventricle

Three-dimensional echo measurement of right ventricular (RV) volume has recently been validated in experimental models using automated voxel acquisition from rotated 2D echo views. This technique conveniently provides rapid and animated spatial appreciation from multiple perspectives. However, its feasibility and reliability for reconstructing and quantitating RV volume and function in humans is not known, given limitations of acoustic access and the need for ECG and respiratory gating; also, no other method for RV volume by 3D echo has been tested quantitatively in patients. We therefore imaged the RV from a parasternal or subcostal rotation in 18 normal subjects (6–19 years old) in order to compare calculated stroke volumes with an independent noninvasive measure in subjects not undergoing catheterization. Endocardial borders in parallel cross-sections derived from the voxel data set were traced and volumes calculated as σ (cavity area x slice height). Stroke volumes were compared with Doppler values (mean of mitral inflow and aortic outflow in the absence of regurgitation). Results In 13/18 (72%) of subjects, the inflow, outflow and apical portions of the RV could be included in a rotational scan. In these individuals, 3D echo visually reproduced the crescentic RV shape, and 3D stroke volumes agreed well with Doppler values (y = 0.87x + 1.1, r = 0.95, SEE = 5.1 ml. mean error = -5.7 ml, related to mild apical foreshortening). Conclusions 3D volumetric reconstruction using a rotating transducer can be applied to the human RV and provides convenient gated acquisition and ready spatial appreciation from multiple perspectives, subject to the need for visualizing the RV from a fixed point. It is also quantitatively accurate for RV stroke volume and therefore cardiac output by the transthoracic approach.
The preparation of macrocyclic polyether‐diester compounds by transesterification including the preparation of two new nitrogen containing diester‐crown compounds

Macrocyclic polyether-diester compounds have been prepared by reacting oligoethylene glycols with the appropriate dimethyl esters in the presence of catalytic amounts of alkali metal methoxides. The methanol by-product was removed by molecular sieves. Product yields were improved for the preparation of all macrocyclic compounds except a compound containing a furan subcyclic group (4). Six new macrocyclic diester compounds (7-12) could only be prepared using the base catalyzed transesterification process since the acid chloride synthetic method failed or the acid chloride could not be made. The formation of compounds 5 and 6 from dimethyl 2, 6-pyridine dicarboxylate (17) and the triethylene and tetraethylene glycols proceded by way of half-transesterified intermediates. These intermediates were also observed for the base catalyzed decomposition of 5 and 6 in methanol to form the glycol and the diester 17.
Burden and timing of venothrombolic events in patients younger than 65 years undergoing radical cystectomy for bladder cancer

Abstract Introduction and objectives Venothrombolic events (VTEs) following radical cystectomy (RC) are a significant contributor to postoperative morbidity. A better understanding of the incidence and timing of VTE would clarify chemoprophylaxis strategies among RC patients. We sought to characterize the burden of VTE after RC by defining their timing and effect utilizing the MarketScan commercial databases. Methods From MarketScan databases, we identified patients younger than 65 years undergoing RC for a primary diagnosis of bladder cancer between 2008 and 2011 with International Classification of Diseases, 9th Edition diagnosis and procedure codes. MarketScan includes inpatient and outpatient health insurance claims of 34 million enrollees annually with data from 150 employers and 13 commercial health plans. We identified the occurrence of VTE, including both pulmonary embolism and deep vein thrombosis, in patients undergoing RC by searching MarketScan for relevant International Classification of Diseases, 9th Edition codes for these diagnoses. Our primary outcome of interest was the timing of VTEs. Multivariate logistical regression models were used to identify patient factors that were associated with VTEs. Results A total of 1,581 patients were included in our analysis. Overall, 10% of patients experienced VTEs within 90 days of RC. The incidence of postoperative VTEs during the index admission, after discharge and within 30 days of surgery, and between 31 and 90 days postoperatively was 2.9%, 3.8%, and 3.3%, respectively. Prolonged index hospitalization, discharge to a skilled nursing facility, and orthotopic neobladder urinary diversion were significantly associated with VTE within 30 days of RC. Conclusion Most VTEs occur after discharge from the index RC hospitalization. Consideration should be given to extended chemoprophylaxis in this high-risk group of patients.
Temperature Requirements for Embryos and Larvae of the Northern Pike, Esox lucius (Linnaeus)

Abstract Several bioassay methods, responses, and end points were evaluated for use in determining the temperature requirements of northern pike embryos. Large differences in maximum embryo survival to hatch occurred among experiments that could not be attributed to effects of water temperature alone. Emphasis was placed on evaluating the relative effects of temperature on embryo survival by our correcting for differences in fertilization success among experiments. The most variable end point among experiments was the optimum temperature, while the most reproducible end point was the median tolerance limit (TL50). The lower and upper TL50s were 6.9 and 19.2 C for normal hatch and 6.3 and 19.9C for total hatch. The age of the embryo at the time of exposure had a great effect on these tolerance limits. Temperature shock, source of fish, and wet fertilization in hard and soft water had negligible effects on these tolerance limits. Recommendations were made for routine thermal bioassays for fish eggs. The 1-d...
The family experience in cultural context: Implications for further research and practice

Cross-cultural studies of families' experience of mental illness are discussed, in terms of uniformities in and differences between belief systems and values, caregiving norms, perceived burden and distress, and expectations, with suggestions for further research and applications to practice.
The potential for genetic assimilation of a native dandelion species, Taraxacum ceratophorum (Asteraceae), by the exotic congener T. officinale

Exotic plant species can threaten closely related native congeners through asymmetric hybridization and subsequent backcrossing, the process known as genetic assimilation. I explore the initial stages of this process in Taraxacum ceratophorum (Asteraceae), the native alpine dandelion, and the invasive apomict T. officinale. In central Colorado, seven T. ceratophorum populations all occur in sympatry with T. officinale. In one large population on Pennsylvania Mountain, surveys further revealed that flowering phenologies and visiting insect taxa overlap almost completely for both Taraxacum species. Together these results indicated that heterospecific pollen transfer is likely. Crossing experiments showed that T. ceratophorum is an obligate outcrosser, and interspecific hand pollinations resulted in 37.3% seed set. However, molecular analysis of the F1 offspring indicated that only 33.2% of germinating seeds were hybrids; the remainder were selfed offspring produced from a breakdown in self-incompatibility (the mentor effect). Although the mentor effect helps reduce the production of hybrids, the asymmetrical direction of hybridization creates the potential for genetic assimilation of T. ceratophorum by T. officinale.
Report on a project on three-dimensional imaging of the biological cell by single-particle X-ray diffraction. Addendum.

In the paper by Sayre [Acta Cryst. (2008), A64, 33–35], a proposal is made to use stereoscopy as a short-term means of overcoming the primarily technological hurdles involved in three-dimensional imaging of the biological cell by soft X-ray diffraction microscopy. This addendum provides a broader perspective on the techniques used by this rapidly maturing community to investigate structural problems in the biological and material sciences.
How the Listeria Monocytogenes ActA Protein Converts Actin Polymerization Into a Motile Force

The ActA protein is an essential determinant of pathogenicity that is responsible for the actin-based motility of Listeria monocytogenes in mammalian cells and cell-free extracts. ActA appears to control at least four functions that collectively lead to actin-based motility: (1) initiation of actin polymerization, (2) polarization of ActA function, (3) transformation of actin polymerization into a motile force and (4) acceleration of movement mediated by the host protein profilin.
Resilient dynamic power management under uncertainty

With the increasing levels of variability and randomness in the characteristics and behavior of manufactured nanoscale structures and devices, achieving performance optimization under process, voltage, and temperature (PVT) variations as well as current, voltage, and thermal (CVT) stress has become a daunting, yet vital, task. In this paper, we present a stochastic dynamic power management (DPM) framework to improve the accuracy of decision making under probabilistic conditions induced by PVT variations and/or stress. More precisely, we propose a resilient power management technique that guarantees to select an optimal policy under sources of uncertainty. A key characteristic of the proposed technique is that the effects of uncertainties due to variability and stress are captured by stochastic processes which control a self- improving power manager. Simulation results with a 65 nm processor design show that, compared to the worst-case PVT conditions, the proposed DPM technique ensures energy efficiency, while reducing the uncertain behaviors of the system.