cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Antimicrobial Prophylaxis: A Critique of Recent Trials

Most evaluations of antimicrobial prophylaxis have serious defects in design or fail to assess the clinical importance of observed differences. Reports that were published in the last decade and that meet stringent criteria indicate that antimicrobial prophylaxis is justified in few circumstances and nearly always only in very short courses, often just a single dose. These situations include vaginal hysterectomies (cephalosporin or penicillin), total abdominal hysterectomies (cephalosporin), high-risk cesarean sections (cephalosporin), elective colorectal surgery (oral erythromycin-neomycin, kanamycin-metronidazole, or doxycycline), vascular grafts of the abdominal aorta or lower extremity vasculature (cephalosporin), total hip replacement (cephalosporin or penicillinase-resistant penicillin), head and neck cancer surgery (cephalosporin), travelers' diarrhea (doxycycline), prevention of pneumonia due to Pneumocystis carinii in susceptible cancer patients (trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole), and recurrent urinary tract infections in females (trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole). Elective high-risk gastric and biliary tract surgery and prosthetic cardiac valve replacement may also merit prophylaxis, but the information is less conclusive.
Primary melanocytic schwannoma of cervical sympathetic chain.

Background Primary melanocytic schwannoma arising from the cervical sympathetic chain is a rare pigmented nerve sheath tumor. Two cases are presented from an academic medical center. Patients and Methods Patients were initially seen with an enlarging neck mass associated with sympathetic nervous system dysfunction. Radiography demonstrated a mass located posterior to the carotid sheath. Primary therapy consisted of surgical excision and postoperative radiation therapy. Results The tumors were found to be melanocytic schwannomas arising from the cervical sympathetic chain. The pathologic characteristics of this neoplasm are reviewed. One patient remained disease free for 12 years after treatment, whereas 1 patient died as a result of local recurrence and distant metastases. Conclusions Melanocytic schwannoma of the cervical sympathetic chain is a rare nerve sheath tumor of the head and neck that may be misdiagnosed as malignant melanoma. The clinical behavior of this neoplasm is variable. Preoperative neurologic findings, anatomic location, electron microscopy, and immunohistochemistry findings help to establish the diagnosis, and electron microscopy may have a role in distinguishing between benign and malignant lesions. Complete surgical excision is the treatment of choice. © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Head Neck 22: 195–199, 2000.
Immunological alterations mediated by adenosine during host-microbial interactions

Adenosine accumulates in inflammation and ischemia but it is more than an end-product of ATP catabolism. Signaling through different receptors with distinct, cell-specific cytoplasmic pathways, adenosine is now recognized as an inducible switch that regulates the immune system. By acting through the A2AAR, adenosine shapes T cell function, largely by conferring an anti-inflammatory tone on effector Th cells (Teff) and natural killer (NK)T cells. In contrast, both the A2AAR and A2BAR are expressed by antigen-presenting cells (APC) which have been shown to regulate innate responses and the transition to adaptive immunity. There is also emerging evidence that adenosine production is one mechanism that allows some pathogens as well as neoplasms to evade host defenses. This review discusses the immunoregulatory functions of adenosine and some of the interactions it may have in regulating host–microbial interactions.
The role of percutaneous image-guided ablation for lung tumors

Surgical resection is the standard treatment for early-stage primary lung cancer and selected cases with pulmonary metastases. However, lung resection may not be possible in patients with compromised pulmonary function, concurrent medical conditions, or previous lung resections. Image-guided ablation has emerged as a less invasive treatment option for unresectable lung tumors that allows for preservation of pulmonary function and promising efficacy. Hereby we describe the indications for and outcomes of image-guided ablation performed for the management of pulmonary malignancies.
Urinary Lipid Bodies in polycystic Kidney Disease

Urinary doubly refractile lipid bodies (oval fat bodies) are observed most frequently in patients with heavy proteinuria resulting from glomerular disease. We observed doubly refractile lipid bodies (DRLB) in the urine sediment of 60% of 35 patients with autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD). All patients had clinical courses typical of ADPKD, and none exhibited the features of a second, unrelated renal disease. DRLB in the urine were correlated with a urine dipstick protein reading exceeding trace. Age, sex, BP, and serum creatinine concentration were not associated with the presence of DRLB in the urine. Examination of cyst fluid obtained from kidneys of six ADPKD patients revealed DRLB in 80% of cyst fluid samples that contained degraded blood (socalled chocolate cysts). The DRLB in cyst fluid were morphologically indistinguishable from those observed in urine, and DRLB from both sources were stained with oil red O. We conclude that urinary DRLB are a clinical feature of ADPKD.
Invariant distributions for multi-population models in random environments.

Abstract We obtain the existence of a solution and invariant distribution for systems of stochastic differential equations which represent populations in random environments. The method used is a stochastic Lyapunov function, based on a theorem of Kushner. The method is applied to a system of two populations exchainging individuals through migration, and to a generalized n -dimensional Lotka-Volterra system.
An Investigational Study of Hydroxy Aluminum Magnesium Aminoacetate, A New Antacid

Abstract The physical and chemical properties of a new antacid, hydroxy aluminum magnesium aminoacetate (HAMA), are described. In vitro studies indicate HAMA responds rapidly to 0.1 N HC1 and has a long-sustained buffering capacity. It neither stimulates production of gastric acidity nor permits acid rebound. It appears to be compatible with anticholinergics and possesses some antiulcer effects against gastrointestinal ulcers produced in guinea pigs by antihistamine-depot histamine injections. The compound is nonsystemic in its effects and comparatively devoid of toxicity. It meets most of the requirements for an ideal antacid and should be efficacious in peptic ulcer therapy and hyperacidity.
SU‐GG‐J‐117: Nanoparticle Assembled Capsules for Target Drug Delivery, Controllled Release and Hyperthermia

Purpose: To develop a combined targeted, drug release and hyperthermia deliverysystem for simultaneous multimodality therapy with radiation therapy.Method and Materials: The system is based on nanoparticle‐assembled capsules (NACs) where a polymer, multivalent ion, and a nanoparticle are the only constituents required for self‐assembly formation. Poly(allylamine hydrochloride), disodium phosphate, and citrate bound magnetite nanoparticles were used to create the exterior NAC nanoshell, which encapsulates doxorubicin in the microcapsule core. An alternating magnetic field (AMF) of 20 A/m at 267 kHz was used to release the doxorubicin and heat the NAC solution. Three different nanoparticle sizes were used for these studies; 10, 30, and 50 nm to study heating rates and release profiles. Results:Magnetic nanoparticle NACs, with doxorubicin cores, were created with dimensions of ∼ 1 m capsule diameter and a ∼ 200 nm shell thickness. Heating rates of the NAC‐solution as a function of particle size were measured. Doxorubicin release profiles were measured as a function of time, nanoparticle size, and concentration. Heating rates were substantially larger for the 50 nm nanoparticles than the 10 nm particles, where temperatures in excess of 90° C over 15 minutes were measured as compared to 70° for the smaller particles. Release rate measurements show that rate is proportional to particle size. Radiation in excess of 100 Gy delivered to the NACs showed no behavioral or morphology change. Conclusion: We developed a magnetic, nanoparticle‐assembled capsule, which is a multifunctional device that can be used simultaneously for both controlled drug release and hyperthermia. The system is controlled externally through magnetic heat loss processes. These devices have many advantages; their surface can be functionalized for molecular targeting in conjunction with external magnetic field gradients and these capsules can easily be scaled up for pharmaceutical production.
Diffusion of Hydrogen on Ni(111) over a Wide Range of Temperature: Exploring Quantum Diffusion on Metals

We measured the temperature and azimuthal dependence of the diffusion rates of hydrogen ( ${}^{1}\mathrm{H}$) and deuterium ( ${}^{2}\mathrm{H}$) on Ni(111) from 65 to 240 K where the diffusion rates vary by 8 orders of magnitude. The diffusion of hydrogen crosses over from an activated behavior above 110 K to another activated behavior below 110 K with a smaller activation energy. By ruling out the possibility of a step effect, we suggest that the crossover is from a classical overbarrier hopping to a quantum mechanical underbarrier tunneling.
The utility of somatic symptoms as indicators of depression and anxiety in military veterans with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

The interrelationship between medical illnesses and psychological distress has received increasing attention in the last several years. Partly at issue is the best way to diagnose mental health problems such as depression and anxiety in medical populations. Specifically, are somatic symptoms a valid indicator of depression and anxiety in a medical population? Furthermore, do anxiety and depression remain as distinct constructs for this population, or do they combine to represent general distress? We examine these issues using confirmatory factor analysis in a sample of 202 military veterans with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Results indicate best fit for a model of depression and anxiety for which the constructs remained separate rather than as combined indicators of general distress. Furthermore, in this model, somatic symptoms are retained as valid indicators of psychological distress for this sample.
Managing Endangered Species within the Use/Preservation Paradox: Understanding and Defining Harassment of the West Indian Manatee (Trichechus manatus)

As the popularity of interacting with marine mammals in the wild increases, managers face the challenge of providing use while simultaneously protecting the target species. Because the West Indian manatee (Trichechus manatus) is protected from harassment by formal legislation, there is some concern regarding manatee encounters in Crystal River, Florida, USA, where tourists swim with the endangered animals. This study examined how the construct of harassment is defined and specifically applied to manatee encounters. Three major themes emerged: stakeholders impose their own values when interpreting formal definitions of harassment; a definition of harassment is difficult to apply in the field; and enforcement efforts are confounded by these and other variables in the setting. Thus, the issue of harassment is not a technical one but largely an issue of social value. Management implications are discussed and a management framework is recommended to find common ground and establish best practices.
Influence of age on the effects of chronic fluphenazine on receptor binding in rat brain

The effects of age on alterations in brain dopaminergic (spiperone). β-adrenergic (DHA), α-adrenergic (WB-4101), and cholinergic (QNB) binding induced by chronic administration of fluphenazine was studied in the rat. Compared to age-matched saline controls, older-age (25 month) fluphenzine rats showed: (a) a similar percent increase in specific spiperone binding (at 0.1 nM) but a slightly smaller increase in the Bmax of spiperone binding in the striatum than younger fluphenazine-treated rats; (b) a substantially greater increase in the Bmax of DHA binding and a slightly greater increase in Bmax of WB-4101 binding in the cerebral cortex than younger fluphenazine-treated rats. There was no signiricant interaction of age with the effect of chronic fluphenazine on QNB binding in rat striatum.
Response to infliximab in fistulizing Crohn's disease is independent of baseline number of draining fistulas

Purpose: The ACCENT II trial evaluated the effectiveness of infliximab (IFX) maintenance dosing in sustaining fistula closure in patients (patients) with Crohn's disease compared to treatment with a 3-dose induction regimen of IFX only. More than half the patients studied had multiple draining fistulas. Data on the response to IFX based on the number of draining fistulas at baseline are presented.
SPECIES DIVERSITY AND PHASING OF DISTURBANCE

This study provides evidence that the temporal patterning of disturbance may play an important role in determining the effects of disturbance on species diversity. To describe this temporal patterning, a 'phasing parameter" is developed, and mechanisms by which this parameter affects the relative abundances of fugitive and competitively dominant species are discussed.
Salivary thiol oxidase activity of Rhodnius prolixus

Cysteine and other thiol compounds can accelerate the unloading of nitric oxide (NO) from salivary nitrosyl-nitrophorins of the blood sucking bug Rhodnius prolixus. The dependence of NO unloading on cysteine concentration is biphasic, showing a maximum between 0.5 and 1 mM cysteine. The proposed mechanism of action for the unloading is a series of reactions where cysteine (at low concentrations) reacts with the heme group of nitrophorins to form cystine and superoxide. The superoxide then reacts with NO to form peroxynitrite, which decays to a mixture of nitrite and nitrate anions. At high cysteine concentrations, cysteine is converted to cystine and H2O and thus no removal of NO from nitrophorins is observed. The thiol oxidase activity of Rhodnius nitrophorins is similar to that observed before in plant peroxidases [Pichorner et al., Phytochemistry 31, 3371 (1992)]. The possible physiological significance of this reaction to probing and feeding by R. prolixus is discussed.
Noradrenergic innervation of the cerebellar cortex in normal and in Purkinje cell degeneration mutant mice: evidence for long term survival following loss of the two major cerebellar cortical neuronal populations.

Purkinje cell degeneration mutant mice were examined during the course of Purkinje cell death (26 and 35 days old) and at 3, 5, 9 and 12 months of age. Glyoxylic acid fluorescence histochemistry for catecholamines was used to investigate possible alterations or reorganization of the noradrenergic fibers from the coeruleo-cerebellar system in response to the degeneration of two major cell types in the cerebellar cortex, of which one, the Purkinje cell, is reported to be the major target neuron. In control mice, noradrenergic fibers traveled in linear and tortuous profiles through the granule cell layer, formed pericellular arrays alongside Purkinje cell somata, and branched profusely into both radially oriented and longitudinally oriented chains. The density of noradrenergic varicosities diminished in the molecular layer with age. In the mutants, concomitant with the progressive shrinkage of the molecular layer, there was a progressive increase in the density of noradrenergic varicosities. This was most conspicuous at 9 and 12 months of age, at which time the molecular layer has been depleted not only of Purkinje cell dendrites, but also of parallel fibers. Noradrenergic fibers in these zones formed dense parallel bundles of varicose profiles whose density reached 621.3 ± 122.8% (mean ± SD, n = 4) at 9–12 months of age, compared with age-matched controls. Neurochemical measurement of norepinephrine content in whole cerebellum of the Purkinje cell degeneration mutants revealed no change compared with age-matched controls. We conclude that noradrenergic innervation persists in the cerebellar cortex despite the death of Purkinje cells and most of the granule cells. Although we found an increased density of varicosities in the molecular layer of mutant mice, progressing with age, we believe that this can be explained on the basis of the resultant geometry of the altered cerebellar cortex. It appears that the health of the environment surrounding the noradrenergic fibers in cerebellar cortex has little influence on their anatomical integrity.
Antiprotozoal activity in citrinin.

Citrinin has an inhibitory effect on growth ofT. pyriformis. Citrinin also caused a shift to smaller cell size, particularly at the higher concentrations (25, 50 and 100 μg/m1). The mycotoxin exerted only a marginal effect on the respiration of T.pyriformis; but citrinin (25 μg/m1) induced an inhibitory effect on DNA, RNA and protein content. The greatest decrease was in RNA, while smaller decreases in protein and DNA were observed. A bioassay employing T.pyriformis was determined; the lower limit of citrinin detection was between 1 and 5 μg/m1.
Life's Prizes Are by Labor Got: Risk, Reward, and White Manliness in the California Gold Rush

The California Gold Rush reshaped both Anglo American attitudes toward risk and notions of white manliness. The Gold Rush upset many of the social structures that regulated individual behaviors in the East while challenging received wisdom about the relationship between work, reward, and an individual9s worth. Mining itself was a "gamble" that seemed to reward men of dubious character as much as, if not more than, men of obvious moral character. Yet the risks involved in such labor dif?fered from those in games of chance, for the former could still be portrayed as at once daring and respectable; the latter could not. Anglo American men used the physical risk of mining to differentiate themselves from non-white men, but they understood the social risk of gambling as having the potential to collapse the boundaries between white men and "others."
Curvelets and curvilinear integrals

Let C(t):I@?R^2 be a simple closed unit-speed C^2 curve in R^2 with normal [formula](t). The curve C generates a distribution @C which acts on vector fields [formula](x"1, x"2):R^2@?R^2 by line integration according to[formula] We consider the problem of efficiently approximating such functionals. Suppose we have a vector basis or frame @F=[formula] with dual @F*=[formula]; then an m-term approximation to @C can be formed by selecting m terms (@m"i:1=
Genius, creativity and leadership: Studies indicate that creative productivity is the result of a combination of widely varying factors

Thomas Edison took out 1093 patents over his career, still the record at the U.S. Patent Office. No wonder, then, that he said genius was 99 percent perspiration and only 1 percent inspiration! And Edison's case can be considered fairly typical. A number of researchers have shown, in apply, so that the proportion of “hits” to “misses” tends to be about the same for contributors of different quantities of work. Those who produce more masterworks also produce more rubbish. Thus, the best approach is to massively generate ideas in the hope that some pan out. This, of course, is the notion underlying “brainstorming” and similar techniques.
STUDIES ON THE MECHANISM OF EXPERIMENTAL PROTEINURIA INDUCED BY RENIN

Renin-induced proteinuria in the rat was investigated, with special emphasis on the relationship between the enzymatic activity and the proteinuric effect of renin. The dependence of the proteinuric effect on the enzymatic activity was shown by using (a) renin preparations of widely varying purity and (b) chemically modified "active" and "inactive" renin derivatives. Angiotensin II, the pressor product of the enzymatic action of renin, also produced significant proteinuria. Adrenalectomy abolished the proteinuria induced by renin. Proteinuria, however, occurred as a result of pretreatment with DOCA, or aldosterone, or without treatment, 7 to 8 weeks after adrenalectomy. Electron microscopic studies of the kidney at the time of maximal proteinuria showed focal flattening and fusion of epithelial foot processes, as well as swelling and vesicle formation in endothelial and epithelial cells of the glomeruli. Studies with intravenously injected saccharated iron oxide showed increased permeability of the glomerular capillary basement membrane to these particles. These changes were transient and were not seen 24 hours after renin injection. Adrenalectomy prevented these changes. It is concluded that renin, acting through angiotensin, causes glomerular capillary damage with increased permeability of these structures to protein and resultant proteinuria. The adrenal glands participate in a permissive role in this phenomenon.
The Epidemiology of Obesity: A Big Picture

The epidemic of overweight and obesity presents a major challenge to chronic disease prevention and health across the life course around the world. Fueled by economic growth, industrialization, mechanized transport, urbanization, an increasingly sedentary lifestyle, and a nutritional transition to processed foods and high-calorie diets over the last 30 years, many countries have witnessed the prevalence of obesity in its citizens double and even quadruple. A rising prevalence of childhood obesity, in particular, forebodes a staggering burden of disease in individuals and healthcare systems in the decades to come. A complex, multifactorial disease, with genetic, behavioral, socioeconomic, and environmental origins, obesity raises the risk of debilitating morbidity and mortality. Relying primarily on epidemiologic evidence published within the last decade, this non-exhaustive review discusses the extent of the obesity epidemic, its risk factors-known and novel-, sequelae, and economic impact across the globe.
A Smallest-Space Analysis of Employment Changes in Japan

This paper examines Japanese employment changes at various career stages along firm, industry, and occupational dimensions, using the 1975 Social Status and Mobility data. Smallest-space techniques depict differences in workers' mobility patterns. Findings suggest the dichotomy of large versus small-firm sectors oversimplifies the labor-market structure, since mobility patterns vary not only according to firm size, but also to industry and occupation. At all career stages, government employees exhibit mobility patterns different from private-sector workers. Job movements are bounded by industrial origins, as most workers, except those from the traditional primary sector, remain in the same sector after shifts. This tendency is most evident during later career transitions. Workers' destinations are constrained by their past occupations. Mobility barriers between upper white-collar positions and production work are obvi-us. The persistence of upper white-collar occupations increases during later career transitions, but this is not the case for production occupations.
State crimes and state harms: a tale of two definitional frameworks

Criminologists have long debated the issue of how to define crime, and hence, the scope of criminological inquiry. For years, some critical criminologists have argued for expanded definitions of crime that include harmful behaviors of the state that may not be officially defined as criminal. Other critical criminologists have argued that existing legal frameworks may be used to study varieties of state crime, and that defining the harmful actions of the state as criminal is important to help mobilize public support for their control. In this paper, we first trace the historical development of these two perspectives, and then offer a tentative solution to the seeming tension between these two perspectives.
Development of a solar‐powered microbial fuel cell

Aims: To understand factors that impact solar-powered electricity generation by Rhodobacter sphaeroides in a single-chamber microbial fuel cell (MFC). Methods and Results: The MFC used submerged platinum-coated carbon paper anodes and cathodes of the same material, in contact with atmospheric oxygen. Power was measured by monitoring voltage drop across an external resistance. Biohydrogen production and in situ hydrogen oxidation were identified as the main mechanisms for electron transfer to the MFC circuit. The nitrogen source affected MFC performance, with glutamate and nitrate-enhancing power production over ammonium. Conclusions: Power generation depended on the nature of the nitrogen source and on the availability of light. With light, the maximum point power density was 790 mW m−2 (2·9 W m−3). In the dark, power output was less than 0·5 mW m−2 (0·008 W m−3). Also, sustainable electrochemical activity was possible in cultures that did not receive a nitrogen source. Significance and Impact of the Study: We show conditions at which solar energy can serve as an alternative energy source for MFC operation. Power densities obtained with these one-chamber solar-driven MFC were comparable with densities reported in nonphotosynthetic MFC and sustainable for longer times than with previous work on two-chamber systems using photosynthetic bacteria.
Yielding at Stop Codons: Expanding the Genetic Code

Codon-specific incorporation of noncoded amino acids into proteins can diversify the genetic code. Now, in both E. coli and S. cerevisiae, iterative rounds of selection can be used to isolate aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases that aminoacylate suppressor tRNAs with noncoded amino acids.
MAGNETOSTRICTION IN DYSPROSIUM AND TERBIUM

The general expressions for single-crystal magnetostriction correct to second order (sixth-rank magnetostrictive tensor) are reduced and evaluated for the particular anisotropies of Dy and Tb. The mangetostrictive constants are determined from x-ray-diffraction measurements of the crystai cell distortions. Expressions for the polycrystalline magnetostriction are obtained by suitable averaging and compared with values from the literature. (auth)
Nonmigratory, 12-kHz, deep scattering layers of Sargasso Sea origin in warm-core rings

Nonmigratory, 12-kHz, deep sound-scattering layers (NMDSLs) were entrained within Sargasso Sea-Gulf Stream waters during the formation of warm-core rings 82B and 82H. At night ring water was easily distinguished from Slope Water by the presence of these well-developed features between 200 and 550 m. The distribution of NMDSLs in 82H as a function of temperature and salinity matched Sargasso Sea distributions, indicating that Sargasso Sea water was present in the center of 82H at the time of its formation. However, the distribution of NMDSLs in the center of 82B a few weeks after its formation was more consistent with the distribution found in Gulf Stream-Sargasso Sea edge water. NMDSLs were a persistent feature of the lower thermostad and upper thermocline of 82B. Their distribution in the upper thermocline approximately paralleled the decrease in thickness of the thermostad and became shallower with increasing distance from ring center. The NMDSLs disappeared at the ring edge when the bottom of the thermostad became shallower than about 100 m. Their distribution within 30 km of ring center changed very little between April and June, whereas those found in the thermocline at greater distances from ring center showed greater dispersion with respect to temperature. Following several Gulf Stream interactions in July, the NMDSLs were significantly shallower, and lay in colder water. The continued presence of the deep NMDSLs in the thermocline, even though the latter was nearly 100 m shallower, indicates that the remaining thermocline had not been significantly exchanged with Gulf Stream or Slope Water during the interactions. The changes in the temperature of the water in which the NMDSLs were found in August suggest that core waters (30 km from ring center in June) were resorbed by the Gulf Stream and that only waters of 30 km radius remained to reform the ring. We found no evidence that the animals composing the NMDSLs adjusted their vertical distributions in response to changes in environmental properties; rather, the temporal changes we observed are best explained by the physical processes affecting ring structure. No qualitative decrease in NMDSL intensity was observed in 82B between April and August, suggesting that the sound scatterers can tolerate significant changes in depth, temperature and salinity. The gonostomatid fish Cyclothone braueri and the physonect siphonophores are possibly sources of the NMDSLs.
The metabolic fate of dopamine in the ciliated gill epithelium of bivalve molluscs.

Abstract 1. 1. Cationic and anionic exchange column chromatography was employed to separate [3H]-dopamine from three major fractions of [3H] metabolites formed in the gills of the marine mussels Mytilus edulis and Modiolus demissus. 2. 2. The elution pattern for the acid metabolite fraction from the anionic exchange column and the TLC separation of this fraction shows that dihydroxyphenylacetic acid (DOPAC) is a product of dopamine metabolism in the gill epithelium of both species, thus suggesting MAO activity. 3. 3. The appearance of DOPAC in Modiolus gill showed an apparently marked seasonal variation, in that significant levels of acid metabolites and DOPAC could only be detected in summer months whereas in Mytilus gill DOPAC was formed during summer and winter experiments, although summer levels were higher than winter levels. 4. 4. The distribution of [3H]metabolites in the other two metabolite fractions, when compared to the distribution and concentrations of auto-oxidative products formed in dead tissue, suggest that the major route of dopamine metabolism in the bivalve gill is not through MAO activity, but probably through a polyphenol oxidase leading to melanin formation. 5. 5. The distribution of metabolites in the acid metabolite fraction and the weakly-charged water wash fraction suggests that the products of dopamine metabolism in Mytilus gill are not the same as those formed in Modiolus gill.
Application Of Holographic Interferometry To Investigations Of Diffusion Processes In Liquid Solutions

A simple procedure, using holographic interferometry, for measuring diffusion in transparent liquids is presented. A Mach-Zehnder interferometer and A CCD linear array are used to record the moving fringes, and the data is processed automatically on a micro computer. The diffusion constant is determined from the velocity of the fringes which are observed in real time. Results of measurements on NaCl solutions demonstrate the usefulness of this technique.
TIPSTER Text Phase II Architecture Design Version 2.1p 19 June 1996

The TIPSTER Program aims to push the technology for access to information in large (multi-GB) text collections, in particular for the analysts in Government agencies. Technology is being developed for document detection ("information retrieval") and for data extraction from free text.
Inferring Property Selection Pressure from Positional Residue Conservation

In this study, we attempt to understand and explain positional selection pressure in terms of underlying physical and chemical properties. We propose a set of constraining assumptions about how these pressures behave, then describe a procedure for analysing and explaining the distribution of residues at a particular position in a multiple sequence alignment. In contrast to previous approaches, our model takes into account both amino acid frequencies and a large number of physical-chemical properties. By analysing each property separately, it is possible to identify positions where distinct conservation patterns are present. In addition, the model can easily incorporate sequence weights that adjust for bias in the sample sequences. Finally, a test of statistical significance is provided for our conservation measure. The applicability of this method is demonstrated on two HIV-1 proteins: Nef and Env. The tools, data and results presented in this article are available at http://flan.blm.cs.cmu.edu.
Endogenous calcitonin attenuates parathyroid hormone-induced cancellous bone loss in the rat.

Although calcitonin (CT) treatment has been shown to prevent bone loss in estrogen-deficient states, the function of endogenous CT in bone metabolism is not clearly established. To test the hypothesis that endogenous CT has a role in bone conservation, we compared the bone-resorbing effect of exogenous PTH between CT-deficient [thyroparathyroidectomized (TPTX)] and CT-sufficient [parathyroidectomized (PTX)] rats. Studies were carried out with two doses (30 and 40 pmol/h) of bovine PTH-(1-34) to examine dose responsiveness and with or without T4 replacement in TPTX rats to exclude the influence of thyroid function on the results. Sham-operated control rats received vehicle. At comparable hypercalcemia (mean +/- SEM, 13.6 +/- 0.8 vs. 12.7 +/- 1.0 mg/dl) after 3 days of sc infusion of 30 pmol/h PTH, serum CT levels were significantly (P < 0.05) higher in PTX rats (66.0 +/- 8.0 pg/ml) than in TPTX rats (17.7 +/- 4.3). CT-deficient TPTX rats showed a significant cancellous bone loss in the proximal tibia [bone...
Metabolic regulation of steroidogenesis in isolated adrenal cells of rat. Effect of actinomycin D on cGMP-induced steroidogenesis.

Summary The data presented with the isolated adrenal cells in the present study show that guanosine cyclic 3′,5′-monophosphate (cGMP)-stimulated steroidogenesis is actinomycin-sensitive. cGMP does not have any effect on the synthesis of corticosterone from (20S)-20-hydroxycholesterol and pregnenolone. This suggests that the conversion of cholesterol to (20S)-20-hydroxycholesterol is the step at which transcriptional control by cGMP is manifested. Previously, it has been inferred that the transformation of cholesterol to (20S)-20-hydroxycholesterol is the rate-limiting cycloheximide-sensitive step which is stimulated by ACTH and cAMP. It is, therefore, suggested that the action of ACTH in stimulating corticosterone synthesis is dependent on both cGMP and cAMP. It is proposed that cGMP may be responsible for the formation or processing of specific mRNA which in turn is then translated by means of a cGMP or a cAMP-dependent phosphorylation factor (s).
Integrated Dynamic Thermo-Mechanical Modeling of High Speed Spindles, Part 1: Model Development

This paper presents a comprehensive integrated thermo-dynamic model for various high speed spindles. The entire model consists of fully coupled three sub-models: bearing, spindle dynamic and thermal models. Using a finite element approach, a new thermal model has been generated, which can describe complex structures of high-speed motorized spindles, and can predict more accurate temperature distributions. The spindle dynamic model is constructed using finite elements based on Timoshenko beam theory and has been improved by considering shear deformation, material and bearing damping, and the spindle/tool-holder interface. Using the new thermo-dynamic model, more general and detailed bearing configurations can be modeled through a systematic coupling procedure. The thermal expansions of the shaft, housing and bearings are calculated based on predicted temperature distributions and are used to update the bearing preloads depending on the operating conditions, which are again used to update the thermal model. Therefore, the model is fully integrated and can provide solutions in terms of all the design parameters and operating conditions.
Efficient and rapid protein expression and purification of small high disulfide containing sweet protein brazzein in E. coli

Brazzein protein comes from an edible fruit, which has a long history of being a staple in the local human diet in Africa. The attractive features of brazzein as a potential commercial sweetener include its small size (53 amino acid residues), its stability over wide ranges of temperature and pH, and the similarity of its sweetness to sucrose. Heterologous production of brazzein is complicated by the fact that the protein contains four disulfide bridges and requires a specific N-terminal sequence. Our previous protocol for producing the protein from Escherichia coli involved several steps with low overall yield: expression as a fusion protein, denaturation and renaturation, oxidation of the cysteines, and cleavage by cyanogen bromide at an engineered methionine adjacent to the desired N-terminus. The new protocol described here, which is much faster and leads to a higher yield of native protein, involves the production of brazzein in E. coli as a fusion with SUMO. The isolated protein product contains the brazzein domain folded with correct disulfide bonds formed and is then cleaved with a specific SUMO protease to liberate native brazzein. This protocol represents an important advancement that will enable more efficient research into the interaction between brazzein and the receptor as well as investigations to test the potential of brazzein as a commercially viable natural low calorie sweetener.
Hybrid Architecture for Accelerating DNA Codeword Library Searching

A large and reliable DNA codeword library is the key to the success of DNA based computing. Searching for the set of reliable DNA codewords is an NP-hard problem, which can take days on the state-of-art high performance cluster computers. This work presents a hybrid architecture that consists of a general purpose microprocessor and a hardware accelerator for accelerating the discovery of DNA reverse complement, edit distance codes. Two applications of this architecture were implemented and evaluated, including a code generator that uses a genetic algorithm (GA) to produce nearly locally optimal codes in a few minutes, and a code extender that uses exhaustive search to produce locally optimum codes in about 1.5 hours for the case of length 16 codes. The experimental results demonstrate that the GA can find ~99% of the words in locally optimum libraries, and that the hybrid architecture provides more than 1000X speed-up compared to a software only implementation
THE ANAEROBIC PHOTOLYSIS OF TRYPTOPHAN CONTAINING PEPTIDES—II

Abstract A number of trp–containing peptides (gly-l-trp, l-ala-l-trp, l-trp-gly and N-acetyl-trp) have been photolyzed under anaerobic conditions. Analysis of the resultant photoproduct mixtures suggests the intermediacy of an hydrated electron in the case of trp-gly and N-acetyl-trp. Amino acid trp peptides deaminate with a concomitant cyclization to the 4-position of the indole. This appears to occur via a short-lived radical indole complex. Little difference was detected between photoproduct mixtures using either vycor or a Corning CS-0-54 (cut off ca. 295 nm) as filters. Thus these reactions can occur both above and below the ionization point of trp.
Structural Description Theories: Is RBC/JIM a General-Purpose Theory of Human Entry-Level Object Recognition?:

A long-standing problem in structural description theories of object recognition has been the lack of concrete proposals for parts, methods of dividing objects into parts, and relations between parts. Biederman's RBC theory and Hummel and Biederman's JIM model are seminal works because they present one of the first concrete solutions to this very difficult problem: RBC/JIM in turn played a major role in turning object recognition into a burgeoning research area.Here, a review of RBC/JIM as the state-of-the-art structural description theory of recognition is presented. A main conclusion is that there are strong limitations on the scope of objects which RBC/JIM can represent, and hence recognize, because mechanisms for dividing objects into parts and representing parts are not general purpose. Nevertheless, RBC/JIM has promise as a model of geometric object recognition, and there are other directions that may be pursued in the interest of developing a more general-purpose theory.
Familial Inheritance of Coronal Craniosynostosis

SUMMARY Five members of three families with premature fusion of the coronal sutures are briefly reported. The pedigrees of these patients are presented. In each case the mode of inheritance was autosomal dominant with reduced penetrance. RESUME Heredite familiale de la craniosynostose fronto-parietale Cinq membres de trois families presentant une fusion prematuree de la suture frontoparietale sont presentes brievement. La genealogie de ces sujets est analysee. Dans chaque cas, le type de transmission etait autosomique dominant avec penetrance reduite. ZUSAMMENFASSUNG Familiares Auftreten coronarer Craniosynostose Es wird kurz uber 5 Mitglieder von 3 Familien mit vorzeitigem Schlus der Coronarnaht berichtet. Der Stammbaum dieser Patienten wird angegeben. In jedem Fall war der Vererbungsgang autosomal dominant mit verminderter Penetranz. RESUMEN Herencia familiar de la craneoestenosis coronairia Se presentan brevemente cinco miembros de tres familias con fusion prematura de las suturas coronarias. Se presenta el arbol familiar de estos pacientes. En todos los casos la herencia era autosomica con penetrancia reducida.
Investigation of solder ball attachment processes

There is a great deal of interest in methods to attach solder balls to substrates for various applications. In this work, different ball attachment methods are evaluated. In particular, two methods are evaluated in detail, including the paste printing and reflow method, and the ball placement method. Different solder alloys are included in the study. Solder ball dimensional accuracy, shear strength, and voiding are also characterized.
The Molecular Structure and Ionization Potential of Si2: The Role of the Excited States in the Photoionization of Si2

The ionization potentials (IP) of Si2 (X 3Σg-) to form the X 4Σg- and a2Πu states of Si2+ have been calculated at very high levels of ab initio molecular orbital theory (CCSD(T) with augmented corr...
Abstract A78: Simvastatin synergistically potentiates tipifarnib cytotoxic and apoptotic effects and disrupts Ras membrane localization in human leukemia cells.

Background: Tipifarnib, a farnesyl transferase inhibitor, was initially designed to prevent Ras farnesylation and its subsequent membrane localization, which is necessary for Ras mediated signaling. Although, the clinical effectiveness of tipifarnib as a single agent in solid tumors was limited, it was modest in hematologic malignancies. Alternative prenylation by geranylgeranyl transferase has been postulated as an escape mechanism by which Ras evades the effect of tipifarnib. Simvastatin, an anti-hyperlipidemic drug that inhibits 3-hydroxy 3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) reductase, has been shown in several studies to induce apoptosis in cancer cells through blockade of the geranylgeranylation pathway of small GTPases. Thus, we hypothesized that simvastatin can augment the cytotoxic effect of tipifarnib by blocking the alternative Ras prenylation pathway. Our studies were carried out in a panel of leukemia cell lines. Methods: Studies were carried out using five cell lines of varied leukemic origin including HL60, K562, Molt4, Jurkat and HSB2. Cells were exposed to increasing drug concentrations for 72 hours either as a single or combination treatment with simvastatin and tipifarnib. Cell viability was measured using AlamarBlue (Invitrogen) and the combination index values were calculated based on the Chou-Talalay equations. Apoptosis was evaluated using Annexin V assay. Biochemical assays assessing the expression of caspases, c-PARP and Ras, in both membrane and cytosolic fractions, were also used. Results: The combination of tipifarnib with simvastatin was shown to induce a synergistic cytotoxic effect in all cell lines tested. Notably, our results showed that coadministarion of simvastatin and tipifarnib resulted in the induction of apoptosis through the activation of several apoptotic markers including Caspase 3, 7 and 9 as well as the upregulation of cleaved PARP. These effects were accompanied by disruption of Ras membrane localization and its sequestration into the cytosol. Conclusions: These findings demonstrate that combining simvastatin with tipifarnib effectively disrupts Ras prenylation and induces apoptosis in human leukemia cell lines. These effects were observed with simvastatin and tipifarnib concentrations that can be achieved in the clinic. Thus, the effectiveness of this combination should be explored further in future clinical studies. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR-NCI-EORTC International Conference: Molecular Targets and Cancer Therapeutics; 2011 Nov 12-16; San Francisco, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Mol Cancer Ther 2011;10(11 Suppl):Abstract nr A78.
Oxygen tension distribution in postcapillary venules in resting skeletal muscle.

We tested the hypothesis that blood flow is distributed among capillary networks in resting skeletal muscle in such a manner as to maintain uniform end-capillary Po2. Oxygen tension in venules drai...
Decorrelation in interferometric radar echoes

A radar interferometric technique for topographic mapping of surfaces, implemented utilizing a single synthetic aperture radar (SAR) system in a nearly repeating orbit, is discussed. The authors characterize the various sources contributing to the echo correlation statistics, and isolate the term which most closely describes surficial change. They then examine the application of this approach to topographic mapping of vegetated surfaces which may be expected to possess varying backscatter over time. It is found that there is decorrelation increasing with time but that digital terrain model generation remains feasible. The authors present such a map of a forested area in Oregon which also includes some nearly unvegetated lava flows. Such a technique could provide a global digital terrain map. >
NMR and molecular mechanics studies of the conformational dynamics of tricyclo[3.3.3.03,7]undecane derivatives

Dynamic NMR studies and molecular mechanics calculations both indicate that twisting about the C3-C7 bond facilitates flipping of the trimethylene bridge in the tricyclo[3.3.3.03.7]undecane ring system.
The environment and healthcare-acquired infections

studies from Europe have highlighted the importance of thorough cleaning practices to avoid transmission of MDROs that are capable of surviving in the environment for extended periods. With respect to hospital cleaning, a broad consensus exists now among European experts that high standards are essential. This message has also been well received in North America, where several descriptive and interventional studies recently addressed the challenge to decrease environmental contamination with MDROs and C. difficile. Cleaningand disinfectionareestablishedcomponentsofinfectioncontrol,and special situations may require special procedures, e.g. when treating infected or severely immunocompromised patients or patients harbouring transmissible MDROs. Targeted surface disinfection with a special focus on frequently touched surfaces is indispensable in modern healthcare facilities. However, disinfectants may be hazardous to personnel and patients, as well as the environment, and require special safety precautions. Unrestricted use of biocides, especially in low concentrations, may lead to the development of resistance,andformanysurfaceslikefloorsinhospitalsthoroughcleaningusing environmentally friendly detergents is appropriate. New technologies and biocidal substances with promising properties should be further evaluated. As emerging MDROs will challenge healthcare facilities in the coming years even more than at present, there is a need for well designed (multicenter) studies addressing the future role of cleaning and disinfection in healthcare infection control. However, it should be kept in mind that the still too low compliance with hand hygiene is the more urgent problem for the safety of our patients.