cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Indications for the use of stimulant treatment in learning disorders.

Abstract Children with specific reading disorders but no behavioral difficulties were treated with methylphenidate for 12 weeks. It was expected that improvement on achievement measures would be positively related to neurological impairment and level of inattention and activity. The hypotheses were not supported by the findings. The nonspecific concept of brain dysfunction tested in this study does not predict response to stimulants in children with pure learning disabilities.
Elastic strain energy analysis of the dislocation structures in fatigue

Abstract The dislocation structures which evolve during fatigue have been investigated in terms of the elastic strain energy. Mathematical models for the configuration of dislocation dipoles such as the ladder structure and vein structure are introduced. The elastic strain energy for these models is calculated and evaluated using the eigenstrain method. This analysis may provide insight as to why persistent slip bands in fatigued copper are created after the vein structure reaches a certain stage and why persistent slip bands consist of ladder rungs with an equal spacing of about 1.3 μm at room temperature.
Systemic lipopolysaccharide administration impairs retrieval of context-object discrimination, but not spatial, memory: Evidence for selective disruption of specific hippocampus-dependent memory functions during acute neuroinflammation.

Abstract Neuroinflammation is implicated in impairments in neuronal function and cognition that arise with aging, trauma, and/or disease. Therefore, understanding the underlying basis of the effect of immune system activation on neural function could lead to therapies for treating cognitive decline. Although neuroinflammation is widely thought to preferentially impair hippocampus-dependent memory, data on the effects of cytokines on cognition are mixed. One possible explanation for these inconsistent results is that cytokines may disrupt specific neural processes underlying some forms of memory but not others. In an earlier study, we tested the effect of systemic administration of bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS) on retrieval of hippocampus-dependent context memory and neural circuit function in CA3 and CA1 (Czerniawski and Guzowski, 2014). Paralleling impairment in context discrimination memory, we observed changes in neural circuit function consistent with disrupted pattern separation function. In the current study we tested the hypothesis that acute neuroinflammation selectively disrupts memory retrieval in tasks requiring hippocampal pattern separation processes. Male Sprague–Dawley rats given LPS systemically prior to testing exhibited intact performance in tasks that do not require hippocampal pattern separation processes: novel object recognition and spatial memory in the water maze. By contrast, memory retrieval in a task thought to require hippocampal pattern separation, context–object discrimination, was strongly impaired in LPS-treated rats in the absence of any gross effects on exploratory activity or motivation. These data show that LPS administration does not impair memory retrieval in all hippocampus-dependent tasks, and support the hypothesis that acute neuroinflammation impairs context discrimination memory via disruption of pattern separation processes in hippocampus.
Construction of coarse-grained order parameters in nonequilibrium systems.

We develop a renormalization-group (RG) procedure that includes important system-specific features. The key ingredient is to systematize the coarse-graining procedure that generates the RG flow. The coarse-graining technology comes from the control and operator theoretic model reduction. The resulting "generalized" RG is a consistent generalization of the Wilsonian RG. We apply the procedure to a deterministic nonlinear wave equation (NLWE) with probabilistic initial conditions. We derive the form of the projection operator from the dynamics of the NLWE and then use it to generate the RG flow for the distribution of initial conditions. The probability density of the initial conditions is chosen to be a Boltzmann weight that is quartic in the field variables. In our calculation, we find that in contrast to conventional implementations of the RG, naive power counting breaks down. We also show that the resulting RG equations are different from those derived from the conventional RG.
EFFECTS OF GENDER, PRELOAD, AND TRUNK ANGLE ON INTRINSIC TRUNK STIFFNESS

Gender, lifting loads, and flexed trunk postures are three risk factors associated with low back pain. Previous studies have not found gender differences in effective trunk stiffness (intrinsic stiffness plus reflex response) using force perturbations, but these measures may have been confounded by differences in trunk kinematics between males and females. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of gender, trunk extensor preload, and trunk flexion angle on intrinsic trunk stiffness using position perturbations, which have the potential to eliminate kinematic differences between research subjects and to separate intrinsic stiffness from reflex responses. A total of 13 males and 12 females were exposed to sudden, small trunk flexion position perturbations with two trunk extension preloads (0 and 30% maximum) and three trunk flexion angles (0, 20, and 40 degrees). Data collected during position perturbations were used along with a two degree of freedom model of the trunk and connecting elements to estimate intrinsic trunk stiffness. Intrinsic stiffness was lower in females compared to males, and increased with increasing preload and trunk flexion angle. Intrinsic stiffness increased more substantially among males with increasing preload and trunk angle, and effects of trunk angle were diminished with a preload. A lower intrinsic stiffness and smaller increases with preload and trunk angle, may contribute to the increased rate of occupational LBP and injury among females.
Hydration is a major determinant of the G-quadruplex stability and conformation of the human telomere 3' sequence of d(AG3(TTAG3)3).

The factors that determine the conformation and stability of G-quadruplex forming sequences remain poorly understood. Here we demonstrate the influence of cosolvents on the conformation and stability of the human telomeric sequence d(A(GGGTTA)3GGG)) in both K+ and Na+ containing solutions using a combination of circular dichroism, NMR, and thermodynamics. Molecular crowding arguments have previously been used to suggest that the parallel quadruplex form may be biologically relevant. However, the small cosolvents previously used, PEG 200 and 400, are actually dehydrating agents. We have used acetonitrile as a non-hydrogen-bonding dehydrating agent; similar conformational transitions were observed in K+ solution. Moreover, NMR analysis shows that the resulting structure contains non-anti guanine glycosyl torsion angles suggesting that the conformation present in acetonitrile is not identical to the all-parallel crystal structure, despite the supposed parallel type CD spectrum.
Spectroscopy of laser-ablated buffer-gas-cooled PbO at 4 K and the prospects for measuring the electric dipole moment of the electron

We demonstrate production of cold lead monoxide (PbO) molecules by laser ablation in a cryogenic cell filled with helium buffer gas and cooled by a cryostat to a temperature of 4 K. The molecules are probed by laser-induced fluorescence excited in the $\stackrel{\ensuremath{\rightarrow}}{X}B$ band. The molecules thermalize with the buffer gas, both translationally and rotationally, in less than 30 ms after the ablation pulse. A single ablation pulse fired at the solid PbO sample yields about ${10}^{12}$ cold molecules. We present an analysis indicating that buffer-gas cooled PbO molecules excited to either the a or B state could be effectively used to search for the permanent electric dipole moment of the electron.
Kinetics of bacteriophage lambda repressor synthesis directed by the PRE promoter: influence of temperature, multiplicity of infection, and mutation of PRM or the cro gene.

Expression of the PRE (establishment) pathway for λ repressor synthesis is regulated both by phage-specific genetic elements and by physiological conditions. Here we describe the effects of temperature, multiplicity of infection, mutations in the cro gene, and a mutation in PRM on PRE-directed repressor synthesis. As Reichardt (1975a) has shown, repressor synthesis begins 5–15 min after infection by λ wildtype phage, and is shut off at 20–30 min after infection, depending on the temperature. At 43°, synthesis starts sooner, shuts off earlier, and leads to lower repressor levels than are attained at lower temperatures. Experiments with the temperature sensitive mutant crots20 demonstrate that, as had been shown previously in experiments at 30° and 37° C, cro protein is responsible for the shut-off of repressor synthesis at 43°. In addition to the effects of temperature, the kinetics of repressor synthesis are strongly affected by multiplicity of infection (moi). At mois greater than 10, repressor synthesis after infection by λ wildtype at 30° is dramatically inhibited. Unexpectedly, the PRM mutation prm116, under certain conditions, can alleviate both cro-mediated shutoff and the inhibition of PRE-directed repressor synthesis at high moi. These effects of prm116 are observed only at low temperature (30°–32° C) and at mois of about 6–10 or greater; they also appear to be cis-specific. Possible mechanisms for the effects of the prm116 mutation are discussed. Finally, these studies demonstrate that crots20, which was isolated as a temperature-sensitive lethal mutation in the cro gene (Herskowitz, unpublished), is temperature-sensitive with respect to the ability to shutoff PRE-directed repressor synthesis; however, even at low temperature (30° C), the crots20 gene product is only partially active.
Studies of Egg Yolk Pigmentation

Abstract THE nature of the carotenoid pigments (xanthophylls) which are deposited in the beak, shank and adipose tissues of chickens and in the yolks of eggs, the methods of their measurement, and the effects of antioxidants upon their utilization, have been studied recently by Marusich et al. (1960); Bunnell et al. (1962); Sullivan and Holleman (1962); Madiedo et al. (1964a,b); Bornstein and Bartov (1966); Bartov and Bornstein (1966), and others. Following the synthesis in quantity, according to the method of Isler et al. (1958), of β-apo-8′-carotenal and canthaxanthin, crystalline samples of these materials became available in pure form for studies of pigmentation in broilers and in egg yolks. The present report deals with comparisons of β-apo-8′-carotenal, canthaxanthin, and a number of natural sources of xanthophylls for pigmentation of egg yolks when added to (1) a standard laying diet containing yellow corn and a low level of alfalfa meal, (2) a practical . . .
Regioselective photodimerization of pyridyl-butadienes within cucurbit[8]uril cavities

The cucurbit[8]uril (CB8) templation strategy that is known to yield stereoselective photodimers of organic olefins has been extended to substituted butadienes. By virtue of its strong binding interactions with guests the rigid cavity of CB8 is capable of preorienting the diene guests to result in greater yields of stereoselective photodimers upon irradiation. The symmetry of the butadiene monomers influences the relative arrangement of the monomers in complexes leading to the observed product selectivity.
On Lipschitz structures

Uniform structure for Lipschitz condition on functions between sets, extensions to nonmetric spaces and fixed point theorem for uniform spaces
Water and Thermal Management in Solid‐Polymer‐Electrolyte Fuel Cells

A mathematical model of transport in a solid‐polymer‐electrolyte fuel cell is presented. A two‐dimensional membrane‐electrode assembly is considered. Water management, thermal management, and utilization of fuel are examined in detail. Because the equilibrium sorption of water between the gas phase and the polymer‐electrolyte depends strongly on temperature, water and thermal management are interrelated. The rate of heat removal is shown to be a critical parameter in the operation of these fuel cells.
Thin linear thermometer arrays for use in localized cancer hyperthermia

A thin linear array of silicon diodes has been developed to measure one-dimensional temperature profiles in tissue during treatment of cancer by localized hyperthermia. The array is composed of six discrete diodes on three flexible stainless steel wires, with a maximum cross-sectional dimension of 0.5 mm, so that it can be introduced into a tumor area via a small puncture wound. Temperature data are extracted using an external electronics system under microprocessor control; the present overall accuracy of the system is 0.2°C over the range of 37-45°C. The array has been tested in ultrasound, RF, and microwave heating fields. Computer simulation shows this array to be nonperturbing of the thermal field in tissue, so that it can provide accurate temperature data. Development of a batch-fabricated array of twenty diodes on five leads is under way. A monolithic silicon diode array is shown to produce large temperature perturbations because of its high thermal conductivity, while an alternative technology using silicon micromachining and adaptations of existing techniques for lead fabrication should produce an array of low thermal conductivity which can obtain accurate measurements. The present and future arrays should also be suitable for data collection in many in-vivo situations other than hyperthermia.
Paternal Involvement and Infant-Father Attachment: A Q-Set Study

The primary purpose of this report was to investigate the correlates of attachment security with fathers and the concordance of mother-infant and father-infant attachment as measured by the Attachment Q-set (AQS, Waters, 1987). Sixty fathers and mothers of 14-month old infants independently described their child using the 90-item AQS and completed questionnaires about their involvement in and attitudes toward child-rearing and self-esteem. Mother-child interactions were observed in a play situation. Fathers reporting greater engagement in child caretaking activities described their children as more securely attached. Significant concordance between parents’ AQS was obtained; however, this concordance was not due to generalization of interaction patterns across parents. That is, observed maternal sensitivity predicted maternal but not paternal security scores from the AQS.
Predictive Factors for Vision Recovery after Optic Nerve Decompression for Chronic Compressive Neuropathy: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Background: Optic nerve decompression for chronic compressive neuropathy results in variable success of vision improvement after surgery. Factors predicting visual improvement are variable in the published literature due to small samples and single-center differences. We sought to determine the effect of various factors through meta-analysis of available literature. Methods: A MEDLINE search was performed for years 1990-2010 for articles with preoperative and postoperative vision data in the following categories: tumor (meningioma, craniopharyngioma, pituitary, skull base), aneurysm, mucocele, and fibrous dysplasia. Case reports; non-English articles; and articles addressing other pathologies such as trauma, pseudotumor, glaucoma, and central retinal vein occlusion were excluded. Articles were then categorized by data quality. Three factors-size of tumor, approach (transsphenoidal vs. craniotomy), and duration of preoperative vision loss—were chosen for initial analysis, and rate of improvement was collected for each study. Odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals for each study were calculated using exact methods as implemented in SAS v9.2 (proc logistic). Mantel-Haenszel (M-H) odds ratios were used to summarize overall effects, and Breslow-Day tests were used to assess homogeneity of odds ratios. Random effects logistic regression was used to assess associations with outcomes when there was significant variation among odds ratios. Results: After 273 unique citations were screened, a review of references revealed an additional 71 citations to screen. Forty articles met inclusion criteria for this initial analysis, and 15 factors were identified that were analyzed in more than one article. Tumor size had 12 studies (n = 467), with an overall M-H OR of 1.82 (95% CI 1.22-2.73) for recovery with smaller tumors compared with larger tumors. Approach (6 studies, n = 465) did show some study heterogeneity (chi2 14.9, p = .01), and a random effects OR of 0.37 (95% CI 0.20-0.68) favored transsphenoidal surgery for vision recovery. Duration of symptoms (11 studies, n = 485) strongly favored shorter duration with M-H OR 3.75 (95% CI 2.45–5.74) for recovery. Conclusions: Meta-analysis can be a robust method to detect effects that may better predict outcome when there is disagreement in published literature. Initial analysis shows that small size, shorter duration of symptoms, and transsphenoidal approach have higher odds of improvement of vision.
Ground state isomerization of a model green fluorescent protein chromophore

Abstract The relationship between ground state cis–trans isomerization and protonation state is explored for a model green fluorescent protein chromophore, 4-hydroxybenzylidene-1,2-dimethylimidazolinone (HBDI). We find that the protonation state has only a modest effect on the free energy differences between cis and trans isomers and on the activation energies for isomerization. Specifically, the experimental free energy differences are 3.3, 8.8, and 9.6 kJ/mol for cationic, neutral, and anionic forms of HBDI, respectively, and the activation energies are 48.9, 54.8, and 54.8 kJ/mol for cationic, neutral, and anionic forms, respectively. Furthermore, these activation energies are much smaller than might be expected based on comparison with similar systems. These results suggest that there may be a sub-population of the chromophore, which is nearly equally accessible to all three protonation states, through which thermal isomerization may proceed.
Infant morbidity and mortality associated with vaginal delivery in twin gestations

Objective To compare infant outcomes for twin gestations delivered vaginally with those with cesarean delivery by using a large national dataset containing birth certificate data. Study Design Vertex/vertex presenting twins delivering at ≥ 30 weeks' gestation were separated by method of delivery and compared for neonatal morbidities and death in the first year of life. Similar comparisons were performed for vertex/nonvertex presenting twins. Results For vertex/vertex presenting twins, vaginal delivery was not associated with an increase in composite morbidity or mortality compared with cesarean birth. For vertex/nonvertex presenting twins, vaginal delivery was associated with small increases in the incidences of 5-minute Apgar scores ≤ 3, ventilation for Conclusion For both vertex/vertex and vertex/nonvertex presentations, morbidity and mortality are similar for vaginal and cesarean deliveries of twin gestations at or beyond 30 weeks' gestation.
Tharsis-sourced relatively dust-free lavas and their possible relationship to Martian meteorites

Abstract The launch sites for Martian (SNC) meteorites remain unknown, but they must derive from young volcanic provinces. We present the first geologic and spectroscopic characteristics of a suite of relatively dust-free lava flows that extend from underneath the regional dust cover on the south flank of the Tharsis volcanic province on Mars. The purpose of this work is to (1) characterize these flows geologically by using THermal EMission Imaging System (THEMIS) data supplemented by Mars Orbital Laser Altimeter (MOLA), Mars Orbital Camera (MOC), and High Resolution Imaging Science Experiment (HiRISE) datasets and (2) use Thermal Emission Spectrometer (TES) data in order to test the hypothesis that Tharsis represents a source for the SNCs. These flows are morphologically similar to flood lavas in Amazonis Planitia with the flow surfaces being a complex mixture of surficial materials with limited exposure. The spectrally derived mineral composition and geochemistry for three flows, reveals basaltic compositions that have an affinity with SNCs, especially the basaltic shergottites. However, discrepancies between spectra and mineral percentages for the flows versus the shergottites, together with the observation of surface deposits on the flow surfaces, make any connection between these flows and the SNCs tenuous, although not impossible. Further testing of a Tharsis–SNC relationship will require measurements at finer spatial resolutions, perhaps even in-situ.
Family emotion expressivity, emotion regulation, and the link to psychopathology: Examination across race

Research has established links between parental emotion socialization behaviours and youth emotional and psychological outcomes; however, no study has simultaneously compared these relations for White, Black, and Asian individuals. In this study, emerging adults identifying as White (n= 61), Black (n= 51), or Asian (n= 56) retrospectively reported on parents' emotion socialization behaviours during childhood, existing emotion regulation (ER) skills, and current psychopathology symptoms. Asian participants reported fewer positive displays of emotions in their families during childhood than White and Black participants. Despite this difference, low expression of positive emotions in families during childhood did not relate to negative outcomes for Asian participants but was linked for White and Black participants. Overall, Asian participants reported more difficulties with ER than Black or White participants, and relations between ER difficulties and psychopathology varied by racial group. The findings emphasize the need to consider race when conducting research on emotion functioning with families and highlight emotion dysregulation as a potential treatment target for White, Black, and Asian individuals.
Toward modeling auditory information seeking strategies on the web

Human performance models based on information foraging theory have proved capable of predicting navigation behavior on the Web. They can therefore provide a useful tool for Web site design. They may also be effective for modeling auditory navigation within a single Web page. Designers often struggle to accommodate this sort of access, different as it is from their own experience. As a step toward realistic simulations based on models of auditory Web access, we describe information seeking strategies observed in people with visual impairment using screen reading software for Web navigation tasks. We outline one example strategy for approaching a new Web page that, guided by information foraging theory, may expose access barriers that current design tools miss.
Generalized pointwise bias error bounds for response surface approximations

This paper proposes a generalized pointwise bias error bounds estimation method for polynomial-based response surface approximations when bias errors are substantial. A relaxation parameter is introduced to account for inconsistencies between the data and the assumed true model. The method is demonstrated with a polynomial example where the model is a quadratic polynomial while the true function is assumed to be cubic polynomial. The effect of relaxation parameter is studied. It is demonstrated that when bias errors dominate, the bias error bounds characterize the actual error field better than the standard error. The bias error bound estimates also help to identify regions in the design space where the accuracy of the response surface approximations is inadequate. It is demonstrated that this information can be utilized for adaptive sampling in order to improve accuracy in such regions.
Nuclear Shuttling Precedes Dimerization in Mineralocorticoid Receptor Signaling

The mineralocorticoid receptor (MR), a member of the steroid receptor superfamily, regulates water-electrolyte balance and mediates pathophysiological effects in the renocardiovascular system. Previously, it was assumed that after binding aldosterone, the MR dissociates from HSP90, forms homodimers, and then translocates into the nucleus where it acts as a transcription factor (Guiochon-Mantel et al., 1989; Robertson et al., 1993; Savory et al., 2001). We found that, during aldosterone-induced nuclear translocation, MR is bound to HSP90 both in the cytosol and the nucleus. Homodimerization measured by eBRET and FRET takes place when the MR is already predominantly nuclear. In vitro binding of MR to DNA was independent of ligand but could be partially inhibited by geldanamycin. Overall, here we provide insights into classical MR signaling necessary for elucidating the mechanisms of pathophysiological MR effects and MR specificity.
An X-ray survey on nine algol systems

The observed X-ray luminosities seen from an Einstein survey of nine Algol like systems are similar to those found by Pallavicini, et al. (1981) for single or widely separated rapidly rotating late stars, but fall an order of magnitude below those seen from RS CVn stars with similar orbital periods and spectral types. It is concluded that the X-ray emission is most probably associated with a hot coronae surrounding the secondary. Possible explanations for the lower luminosity of the Algol systems relative to the RS CVn systems are considered. Previously announced in STAR as N83-22074
Independence of measles-specific humoral and cellular immune responses to vaccination.

Abstract With a larger, independent cohort and more sophisticated measures, we sought to confirm our work that indicated independence of humoral and cellular immunity following measles vaccination. We recruited an age-stratified random cohort of 764 healthy subjects from all socioeconomic strata, all with medical-record documentation of 2 age-appropriate doses of measles-containing vaccine. We quantified measles-specific neutralizing antibody levels and assayed the interferon-γ (IFN-γ) enzyme-linked immunosorbent spot assay (ELISPOT) response to measles virus. We also measured secreted cytokines from the peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) in response to measles virus by performing enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays as secondary measures of cellular immune status. The median antibody level and median IFN-γ ELISPOT response were 844 mIU/mL (interquartile range [IQR]: 418–1,752) and 36 (IQR: 13.00–69.00) spot-forming cells (per 2 × 10 5 PBMCs), respectively. We observed only a very weak and negative correlation (Spearman's r s or ρ of −0.090 [95% confidence interval: −0.162–−0.018]). We observed a similar lack of quantitatively important correlations between the neutralizing antibody level and any of the secondary measures. Our data confirm the independence of humoral and cellular immune responses after the second dose of measles vaccination. As researchers pursue novel measles vaccine and measles vaccine delivery systems, they must not infer that humoral responses predict cellular responses.
Use of signal quality measurements to gain efficiency in the analysis of cDNA microarray data.

Abstract This research provides a new way to measure error in microarray data in order to improve gene expression analysis. Microarray data contains many sources of error. In order to glean information about mRNA expression levels, the true signal must first be segregated from noise. This research focuses on the variation that can be captured at the spot level in cDNA microarray images. Variation at other levels, due to differences at the array, dye, and block levels, can be corrected for by a variety of existing normalization procedures. Two signal quality estimates that capture the reliability of each spot printed on a microarray are described. A parametric estimate of within-spot variance, referred to here as σ 2 spot , assumes that pixels follow a normal distribution and are spatially correlated. A non-parametric estimate of error, called the mean square prediction error (MSPE), assumes that spots of high quality possess pixels that are similar to their neighbors. This paper will provide a framework to use either spot quality measure in downstream analysis, specifically as weights in regression models. Using these spot quality estimates as weights can result in greater efficiency, in a statistical sense, when modeling microarray data.
Robust and adaptive design of numerical optimization-based extremum seeking control

We consider the employment of numerical optimization and state regulation to solve the extremum seeking control (ESC) problem, which does not assume the time scale separation between the plant dynamics and the extremum seeking loop. Extremum seeking is realized via a state regulator that drives the state traveling along a convergent set point sequence generated by a numerical optimization algorithm. In this paper, we propose a novel design of an asymptotic state regulator via output tracking for state feedback linearizable systems, where we trade off finite time state regulation to obtain flexibility in designing a robust extremum seeking controller. Existing techniques such as nonlinear damping and nonlinear adaptive control are then used to deal with input disturbance and unmodeled plant dynamics. Simulation examples illustrate the effectiveness of the basic and robust extremum seeking schemes, and some design guidelines are provided for engineering applications.
A new approach for image databases design

This paper focuses on the methodologies to organize and structure image databases. Conventional relational database techniques are optimized to deal with textual and numeric data; however, they are not effective to handle image data. Some progresses have been made in developing new approaches to establish and use image databases, but the applications of these approaches are very labor-intensive, error-prone, and impractical to large-scale databases. In this paper, we propose a new approach to develop the structure of a large-scale image automatically. It is an integrated approach from existing technologies for the new application where the management of image data is focused. In addition, we present a solution to data indexing for the image database with different image types.
Merkel cell polyomavirus and non-small cell lung cancer

Sir, We congratulate Hashida et al (2013) on an interesting report that Merkel cell polyomavirus (MCV) is present in ∼18% of non-small cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC). An important clarification is needed; however, we have not yet discovered a naturally occurring mutation in the MCV large T retinoblastoma-binding motif (LFCDE). We engineered the sequence that the authors refer to as Appendix206 ({"type":"entrez-nucleotide","attrs":{"text":"JN038578","term_id":"354683949","term_text":"JN038578"}}JN038578) to have a lysine substitution mutation (LFCDK) to serve as a negative control for the wild-type appendix-derived LT deposited as {"type":"entrez-nucleotide","attrs":{"text":"JN038579","term_id":"354683952","term_text":"JN038579"}}JN038579, which possesses a wild-type LXCXE motif. Post-submission editing at NCBI obfuscated the description of {"type":"entrez-nucleotide","attrs":{"text":"JN038578","term_id":"354683949","term_text":"JN038578"}}JN038578, leading to the confusion described in this paper. Thus, all but one of the MCV sequences Hashida et al (2013) report are consistent with wild-type virus and do not have the tumour-specific mutations we described that eliminate MCV LT helicase activity (Shuda et al, 2008). The authors do describe one virus (AC43) with a terminally truncated LT consistent with a tumour-derived mutation. Together with its high viral copy number, this case represents a particularly intriguing tumor that deserves careful follow-up, such as Southern blotting for clonality and histopathological characterization with reliable biomarkers for NSCLC to investigate a potential MCV contribution to its tumorigenesis.
Stereoselective phenolic coupling in Blechnum spicant: formation of 8–2′ linked (−)-cis-blechnic, (−)-trans-blechnic and (−)-brainic acids

In vivo administration experiments using stable (13C) and radio (14C) labeled precursors provide further evidence for vascular plant proteins engendering specific but distinct phenolic coupling modes, i.e. in this case for stereoselective 8–2′ coupling leading to the optically active lignans, (–)-blechnic and (–)-brainic acids.
Studies on Electron-Transport Reactions of Photosynthesis in Plastome Mutants of Oenothera

Fluorescence characteristics and light-induced absorbance changes of 5 plastome mutants of Oenothera, all having a defect in photosynthesis, were investigated to localize the site of the block in their photosynthetic mechanism and to relate mutational changes in the plastome to specific biochemical events in photosynthesis. In 4 of the mutants examined photosystem 2 was largely, or completely, nonfunctional. Excitation of system 2 did not cause reduction of oxidized cytochrome f in these mutants. The system-2 dependent absorbance change at 518 mmu seen in normal leaves was absent in the mutants. Moreover, the mutants had a high initial fluorescence in the presence and in the absence of 3- (3,4-dichlorophenyl)-1,1-dimethylurea, which did not change during illumination, indicating that the reaction centers of system 2 were affected by the mutations. Photosystem 1 functioned normally.A fifth mutant had an impaired photosystem 1. Even high intensity far-red light did not lead to an accumulation of oxidized cytochrome f as was seen in normal plants. Photosystem 2 was functioning, as evidenced by the fast reduction of the primary system-2 oxidant, and by the characteristics of the 518-mmu absorbance change.Because 1 of the 2 photosystems is functional in all mutants, and because they all have the enzymes of the photosynthetic carbon cycle, it appears that the effect of the mutation is specific. The results suggest that the plastome controls reactions within the electron-transport chain of photosynthesis.
Chronic Mycobacterium infection of first dorsal web space after accidental Bacilli Calmette-Guérin injection in a health worker: case report.

We present a case of inoculation of the first dorsal web space by a nurse practitioner who accidentally stuck herself while preparing Bacilli Calmette-Guerin vaccine for treatment of bladder tumor. We report the evolution and management of this resistant chronic Mycobacterium infection that ultimately required use of a vacuum wound management system followed by a microvascular free tissue transfer.
The influence of ridge migration on the magmatic segmentation of mid-ocean ridges

The Earth's mid-ocean ridges display systematic changes in depth and shape, which subdivide the ridges into discrete spreading segments bounded by transform faults and smaller non-transform offsets of the axis1,2,3. These morphological changes have been attributed to spatial variations in the supply of magma from the mantle, although the origin of the variations is poorly understood1,4,5. Here we show that magmatic segmentation of ridges with fast and intermediate spreading rates is directly related to the migration velocity of the spreading axis over the mantle. For over 9,500 km of mid-ocean ridge examined, leading ridge segments in the ‘hotspot’ reference frame coincide with the shallow magmatically robust segments across 86 per cent of all transform faults and 73 per cent of all second-order discontinuities. We attribute this relationship to asymmetric mantle upwelling and melt production due to ridge migration, with focusing of melt towards ridge segments across discontinuities. The model is consistent with variations in crustal structure across discontinuities of the East Pacific Rise, and may explain variations in depth of melting and the distribution of enriched lavas.
Principles of quantitative organization of peripheral nerve fibers and their relation to growth and pathologic changes.

The myelinated nerve fiber is particularly well suited for quantitative analysis because of its extremely regular fine structure. The thickness of the myelin sheath can be determined by counts of the number of lamellae; this parameter is in statistically significantly linear relationship to the size of the axis cylinder. The fine structure of the clefts of Schmidt-Lantermann is briefly discussed. Studies of developing nerves show that the increase in sheath thickness during myelination occurs in proportion to the increase in the size of the axis cylinder. The latter is related quantitatively to the growth of the nerve cell perikarya. If the rate of growth of the axis cylinder is retarded or accelerated in specifically designed experiments, a proportionate retardation of myelin production by sheath cells and of the rate of lipid synthesis is observed, indicating that the growth of the axis cylinder controls sheath growth. Quantitative data show that the size of the axis cylinder is related to the number of neurofilaments and microtubules in the axoplasm. The significance of these close correlations in the structure of nerve fibers is discussed.
The performance and objectives of public and private utilities operating in the United States

Abstract This paper compares the production efficiency of public and private utilities to determine if a significant cost differential results from different behavioral objectives under the alternative modes of ownership. The procedure is to estimate the cost and input demand functions simultaneously while accounting for differences in input prices and technology across firms. The parameter estimates are then employed to compare the efficiency and objectives of public and private firms. The results suggest that public firms minimize cost and have 24–33% lower per unit costs than their privately owned counterpart. This cost differential appears to result from rate-of-return regulation of the privately owned firms.
Long-term clearance of iodine from the thyroid.

Abstract The absorbed dose per unit activity to the thyroid gland from 129 I is strongly dependent on the long-term clearance rate of iodine from the thyroid. To assess this clearance function, thyroidal 125 I was measured, as a function of time, on 27 individuals who had received this nuclide for the purpose of medical diagnosis, and had volunteered for subsequent measurements. Data obtained from the measurements were analyzed assuming a multicomponent exponential clearance function. The analyses failed to disclose any second compartment of biological half-life greater than the principal, known, compartment. The biological half-life for the principal compartment ranged from 61 to 251 days, with a mean of 113 days, for the 21 normal volunteers included in the study.
An Interesting Example of a Ruptured Oviduct

Abstract On May 14, 1919, a Rhode Island Red was found to be too heavy in the abdomen to stand erect. She was killed and examined on May 15. Five soft-shell eggs were taken from her abdominal cavity. The eggs are shown in the cut and the weights and sizes are: Weight. Diameter. Length 122 grams 2 ¼″ 2 ⅝″ 117 “ 2 ⅛″ 3″ 111 “ 2 ⅛″ 2 ¾″ 90 “ 2″ 2 ¾″ 16 “ 1 ⅛″ 1 ½″ In addition to the normal yolks the eggs were filled with a mixture of albumen and water. The large size of four of the eggs was probably due to the entrance of the body liquid into the egg by osmotic pressure. As there were masses of yolk material in the abdominal cavity, evidently a number of yolks had traversed the oviduct rapidly and fallen into the body cavity. The …
Absorption and Excretion of Sulfadiazine After Subcutaneous Implantation of Disks in Rats

Thin, cylindrical disk-shaped pellets of sulfadiazine were subcutaneously implanted in rats and free and total urinary sulfadiazine excretion followed. It was possible to relate the mean pellet absorption rate per unit area to the mean excretion rate per unit area and to the fraction of a dose of the drug eventually excreted in the urine.
Simulation of the densification of real open-celled foam microstructures

Abstract Ubiquitous in nature and finding applications in engineering systems, cellular solids are an increasingly important class of materials. Foams are an important subclass of cellular solids with applications as packing materials and energy absorbers due to their unique properties. A better understanding of foam mechanical properties and their dependence on microstructural details would facilitate manufacture of tailored materials and development of constitutive models for their bulk response. Numerical simulation of these materials, while offering great promise toward furthering understanding, has also served to convincingly demonstrate the inherent complexity and associated modeling challenges. The large range of deformations which foams are subjected to in routine engineering applications is a fundamental source of complication in modeling the details of foam deformation on the scale of foam struts. It requires accurate handling of large material deformations and complex contact mechanics, both well established numerical challenges. A further complication is the replication of complex foam microstructure geometry in numerical simulations. Here various advantages of certain particle methods, in particular their compatibility with the determination of three-dimensional geometry via X-ray microtomography, are exploited to simulate the compression of “real” foam microstructures into densification. With attention paid to representative volume element size, predictions are made regarding bulk response, dynamic effects, and deformed microstructural character, for real polymeric, open-cell foams. These predictions include a negative Poisson's ratio in the stress plateau, and increased difficulty in removing residual porosity during densification.
Polystyrene‐Divinylbenzene (PS‐DVB), a Mild Stationary Phase for the Chromatographic Purification of the Unstable 132, 173‐Cyclopheophorbide a‐Enol

Abstract One of the most abundant pigments in certain recent sediments (Black Sea, Mediterranean Sea, Peru margin, Florida Bay) is an unstable derivative of chlorophyll‐a known as 132, 173‐cyclopheophorbide a‐enol (aka CPP, CYCLO, CPP516). To date, the purification of synthetic or natural samples of this compound has always been challenging, since it is readily converted to a ∼1:1 mixture of (132 R/S) chlorophyllones a (Chlone), 151‐ hydroxychlorophyllonelactone‐a, and/or other derivatives when chromatographed over silica gel or alumina supports in normal or reversed phase modes. In this study, Polystyrene‐Divinylbenzene (PS‐DVB) support (aka Polymeric Reversed Phase, or PRP) is introduced as an efficient stationary phase for the flash column chromatographic purification of CPP with little oxidation/conversion to artifacts. Similarly, PRP‐1 in analytical sized columns is shown to be highly useful for purity verification prior to UV/Vis, FTIR, and NMR characterizations.
Enhanced Generation of Suppressor T Cells in Patients with Asthma Taking Oral Contraceptives

Introduction. A dysregulation of regulatory T cells (Tregs) could play a major role in the pathogenesis of bronchial asthma. Sex-dependent differences as well as the impact of hormonal changes in the incidence and severity of asthma are widely recognized. Emerging evidence suggests that asthma symptoms are alleviated in female patients taking hormone oral contraceptives (OCs). The impact of OCs on the generation of induced Tregs (iTregs) was assessed in a cohort of female patients with asthma. Methods. Thirteen patients were included in this pilot study. During three distinct phases of their menstrual cycles, we measured exhaled nitric oxide (eNO) levels, forced expiratory volume at 1 second (FEV1s), asthma control test (ACT) score, sex steroid hormone levels in serum, natural Tregs in peripheral blood, and the ability of CD4+ T cells to generate iTregs ex vivo. Results. The luteal serum levels of estradiol and progesterone negatively correlated with the proportion of iTregs generated ex vivo in patients ...
Synthesis of β‐3H‐mitotane for use in a rapid assay for mitotane metabolism

A 3 H + -release method has been developed for the assay of β-hydroxylation of the adrenolytic drug mitotane. β- 3 H-mitotane was synthesized by the reduction of 1-(2-chlorophenyl)-1-(4-chlorophenyl)-2,2,2-trichloroethane by an aluminium-Hg 2 Cl 2 couple in the presence of 3 H 2 O. For β-hydroxylation of mitotane, the 3 H + -release assay is more efficient and sensitive than a method utilizing 14 C-mitotane and chromatographic separation of metabolites by HPLC. The 3 H + -release assay has been used to evaluate the ability of adrenal tumors to metabolize mitotane via the β-hydroxylation route
The Cytotoxicity and Apoptosis Induced by 4-Tertiary Butylphenol in Human Melanocytes are Independent of Tyrosinase Activity

It has been known for several decades that cutaneous depigmentation, i.e., contact/occupational vitiligo, can be caused by some phenolic derivatives that have a similar structure to tyrosine. Among these phenolic depigmenting agents, 4-tertiary butylphenol is the most potent. The cutaneous depigmentation induced by phenolic derivatives results from the loss of functional melanocytes. Tyrosinase is a melanocyte specific copper-containing enzyme that catalyzes the conversion of the amino acid tyrosine, through a complex series of intermediates, to melanin. In this study we tested the hypothesis that the cytotoxicity induced by 4-tertiary butylphenol is mediated by tyrosinase and occurs via an apoptotic process. Melanocyte cultures derived from African-American and Caucasian donors exhibiting a 3-fold difference in tyrosinase activity and 14-fold difference in melanin content demonstrate comparable concentration-dependent sensitivity to 4-tertiary butylphenol. In addition, cultures of dermal fibroblasts and epidermal keratinocytes exhibited similar and reduced sensitivity, respectively, to 4-tertiary butylphenol compared with autologous melanocytes. Two melanoma cell lines, one melanotic and one amelanotic lacking the expression of both tyrosinase protein and activity, when transfected with the tyrosinase cDNA, exhibited no alteration in its sensitivity to 4-tertiary butylphenol. These data suggest that 4-tertiary butylphenol cytotoxicity is not mediated via tyrosinase. Melanocytes treated with 4-tertiary butylphenol, however, did exhibit plasma membrane blebbing, DNA fragmentation, and phosphatidylserine relocalization indicating that 4-tertiary butylphenol induced melanocyte destruction occurs by an apoptotic process.
Dewetting Dynamics at a Polymer−Polymer Interface

We have studied the dynamics of dewetting at the interface between polystyrene (PS) and poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) as a function of the molecular weights of the two materials. Optical microscopy and atomic force microscopy have been used to follow the dewetting process and to image both the surface and interfacial structure in the vicinity of the growing holes. We determined the scaling behavior of the dewetting velocity as a function of the molecular weight of the dewetting species (PS). Different regimes are found depending on the PMMA molecular weight. For large PMMA molecular weights the dewetting velocity scales inversely with the PS viscosity, while for low PMMA molecular weights, the dewetting velocity is almost independent of the PS viscosity. The experimental data are in quantitative agreement with recent theoretical predictions.