cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Peptide–Surface Association: The Case of PDZ and PTB Domains

The most striking feature that the PDZ and PTB complexes have in common is also the augmentation of a β-sheet by addition of an antiparallel peptide strand (Figure 1Figure 1). Such β-augmentation is a noteworthy characteristic of assembly interactions in certain viral capsids. In SV40 and polyomavirus, for example, pentamers of the major capsid protein VP1 associate with each other through contacts made by the extended, peptide-like C-terminal arms of the VP1 polypeptide chains (Liddington et al. 1991xLiddington, R.C., Yan, Y., Zhao, H.C., Sahli, R., Benjamin, T.L., and Harrison, S.C. Nature. 1991; 354: 278–284Crossref | PubMed | Scopus (428)See all ReferencesLiddington et al. 1991). The core of the VP1 subunit is a jelly-roll β-sandwich, and in the assembled particle the C-terminal arm of a VP1 subunit from another pentamer augments one of the sheets by forming an anti-parallel β-strand at one edge. This strand is then clamped in place by addition of a further strand from the N-terminal arm of the target subunit itself. Both the “invading” C-terminal arm and the “clamping” N-terminal arm are disordered in unassembled VP1. A somewhat similar set of interactions stabilizes picornavirus capsids. The virus structures illustrate a property of β-sheets that is particularly suitable for assembly interactions: the free peptide groups at the edge of a sheet invite augmentation, and the complex can be stabilized if necessary by further β-strand additions. Could this clamping happen in PDZ or PTB domain complexes? For example, could another region of the PTB- or PDZ-containing protein add β-strands to the distal edge of the bound peptide segment? Or could the bound strand serve not only to associate the proteins (such as IRS-1 and the insulin receptor) but also to nucleate addition of yet another protein to the assembly? The structures themselves do not rule out such a possibility. That is, the domains do not have elements that would interfere with further extension of the sheet—for example, by association of another peptide “tail” or even of the edge of another β-sandwich domain.A peptide-surface association mechanism offers much greater flexibility than surface-surface association, since the way the peptide enters and leaves the region of contact can vary. Moreover, because the peptide is not part of an independently folded structure, its sequence is constrained only by the requirements of recognition by the appropriate domain. Thus, evolution can insert a short association sequence into a protein without otherwise affecting its activity. These properties may help to account for the widespread occurrence of peptide-surface association in signalling pathways. Related assembly motifs are likely to appear in other intracellular complexes, such as those involved in transcriptional initiation or membrane traffic.
Drosophila dopamine synthesis pathway genes regulate tracheal morphogenesis

While studying the developmental functions of the Drosophila dopamine synthesis pathway genes, we noted interesting and unexpected mutant phenotypes in the developing trachea, a tubule network that has been studied as a model for branching morphogenesis. Specifically, Punch (Pu) and pale (ple) mutants with reduced dopamine synthesis show ectopic/aberrant migration, while Catecholamines up (Catsup) mutants that over-express dopamine show a characteristic loss of migration phenotype. We also demonstrate expression of Punch, Ple, Catsup and dopamine in tracheal cells. The dopamine pathway mutant phenotypes can be reproduced by pharmacological treatments of dopamine and a pathway inhibitor 3-iodotyrosine (3-IT), implicating dopamine as a direct mediator of the regulatory function. Furthermore, we show that these mutants genetically interact with components of the endocytic pathway, namely shibire/dynamin and awd/nm23, that promote endocytosis of the chemotactic signaling receptor Btl/FGFR. Consistent with the genetic results, the surface and total cellular levels of a Btl-GFP fusion protein in the tracheal cells and in cultured S2 cells are reduced upon dopamine treatment, and increased in the presence of 3-IT. Moreover, the transducer of Btl signaling, MAP kinase, is hyper-activated throughout the tracheal tube in the Pu mutant. Finally we show that dopamine regulates endocytosis via controlling the dynamin protein level.
Exact solution of a transport equation for hot-electron effects in semiconductors and metals.

We present and solve a Boltzmann equation for hot-electron transport where the elastic and inelastic collision terms are characterized by separate relaxation times ${\ensuremath{\tau}}_{\mathrm{el}}$ and ${\ensuremath{\tau}}_{\mathrm{in}}$, respectively. The model is solved exactly for metals and semiconductors as a function of R=${\ensuremath{\tau}}_{\mathrm{in}/{\ensuremath{\tau}}_{\mathrm{el}}}$. The exact solution is compared to two standard approximation schemes: the sp (or diffusive) approximation in which the Legendre expansion is truncated after the second term, and the effective-temperature model. For large R, the sp approximation becomes exact. In metals, both the effective-temperature model and the sp approximation are qualitatively correct for all R. In semiconductors, a strong dimensionality dependence is seen; in one dimension the approximations are valid, but in three dimensions they in general are not. The longitudinal (parallel to the field) and transverse projections of the exact distribution functions are calculated for semiconductors, and in a regime where the sp approximation is poor, the longitudinal function is seen to be approximated well by the one-dimensional solution with renormalized R.
Bacillus subtilis aminopeptidase: purification, characterization and some enzymatic properties.

Abstract The extracellular aminopeptidase from Bacillus subtilis was purified 300-fold by a simple procedure which gave a high recovery of enzyme. The native enzyme was shown to be a monomer of molecular weight 46,500 and to contain 1 g-atom of Zn 2+ per mole of protein. Amino acid analyses demonstrated the protein to be rich in acidic residues and Lys, to possess about 3 residues of Met, and to be devoid of Cys. When activated with 5 m m Co(NO 3 ) 2 for 90 min the activity of the native enzyme was increased; the amount of activation depended on the identity of the substrate. Cobalt activation involved the reversible binding of 1 g-atom of Co 2+ per mole of protein, without displacing the native Zn 2+ ; K Co was 1.25 m m . Zinc ions competed with Co 2+ during activation, a process characterized by a K Zn of 28 μ m . Ions other than Co 2+ did not appreciably activate the enzyme.
The X-transform and its use in sampled data system analysis

Abstract This paper discusses the development of a new transform, called the x-transform, for a sampler-hold combination in open-loop and closed-loop sampled-data systems. The x-transform is a special form of the Laplace transform and is applicable to sampled-data systems which have all samplers followed by zero-order hold devices. The x-transform inherently eliminates a spectral requirement of the z-transform which is that all samplers must be followed by a hold device in order to be assured of accurate results. The x-transform is developed utilizing the change of variable, χn = e−nTs/s where T is the sampling period in seconds, s is the Laplace transform variable and n = 0,l,2, ⋯. The x-transform is defined as e(t) = E(s)/ (ϵ-nTs/s) = xn. It is noted that the definition of x differs from that of z by a sign change in the exponential and an s in the denominator.
Exposure of the intramyocardial left anterior descending artery

A systematic approach incorporating several discrete technical maneuvers is described that facilitates localization of the intramyocardial left anterior descending coronary artery. These simple maneuvers reliably afford localization of the initially hidden intramyocardial vessel and are easily incorporated into one's technical armamentarium.
Application of wavelet transform in characterization of nonlinear optical materials

Wavelet transform technique is applied to the analysis of data collected in experiments on the characterization of nonlinear optical materials which may be in the form of liquid, thin film or crystal. Many characterization techniques are based on nonlinear optical processes such as higher harmonic generation in which second harmonic or third harmonic signals may be generated by the nonlinear material. When the optical path length of the material is changed, the interference between bound and free waves forms a fringe pattern. Conventional Fourier transform techniques are not suitable for analyzing such fringes when they have a variable periodicity and a low signal-to-noise ratio. However, the wavelet transform method is best suited for such signals because it provides a better resolution in both space and frequency domains. In this study, optical properties of materials are extracted from these fringe patterns by decomposing them into coefficients which are inner products of the signal and a family of wavelets generated from a mother wavelet by dilation and shift operations.© (1996) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Monomeric Group 13 Compounds with Bidentate (N,O) Ligands

Abstract The bidentate ligand, Sal(tBu)H, is prepared by the condensation of one equivalent of a bulky amine with 3,-5-di-tert-butylsalicylaldehyde. When one equivalent of Sal(tBu)H is added to MR3 or AlMe2Cl, compounds are btained which have the general form: [Sal(tBu)MR2] (with M/R combinations, Al/Me (1), Al/Et (3), Ga/Et (4) and In/Et (5)) and Sal(tBu)AlMeCl (2). The compounds are characterized by melting point, elemental analyses, IR, 1H-NMR, and in the case of 2 and 3 by single-crystal X-ray analysis.
THE CYSTOMETROGRAM AT 70 YEARS

AbstractPurpose: The origin and the development of the cystometrogram are described.Materials and Methods: We reviewed and analyzed the published literature on cystometrography.Results: The cystometrogram originated in the latter half of the nineteenth century, an age of intense clinimetric investigation. Early investigators studied fundamental aspects of bladder function with meticulous techniques using relatively crude equipment. The first clinical cystometer was designed by Dalton K. Rose in 1927. He was followed by Nesbit, McLellan, Muschat and Munro, who brought the cystometrogram to its current key role in modern urology.Conclusions: Numerous investigators have advanced the knowledge of bladder function using the cystometrogram, a key urological tool.
Registration and motion compensation of a needle placement robot for CT-guided spinal procedures

Computed tomography (CT) guided needle placement is an established practice in the medical field. The efficacy of these procedures is related to the accuracy of needle placement. Current free-hand techniques have limitations in accuracy, which is often affected by the patient motion. In response to these problems and as a testbed for future developments, we propose a robotically assisted needle placement system consisting of a mobile CT scanner, a needle insertion robot, and an optical localizer. This paper presents the overall system concept and concentrates on the system registration and compensation of the patient motion. Accuracy results using an abdominal phantom are also presented.
Gorham-stout syndrome of the petrous apex causing chronic cerebrospinal fluid leak.

Objective:To describe the clinical course, diagnostic features, and treatment of a case of Gorham-Stout syndrome involving the petrous apex and causing chronic cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak.Study Design:Clinical capsule report.Setting:Academic pediatric hospital.Patient:A 12-year-old boy presented
Network-on-chip for a partially reconfigurable FPGA system

A custom FPGA-based, 1U CubeSat form-factor reconfigurable computing development platform has been designed and built for the purpose of implementing and testing multicore and multiprocessor systems. The platform was designed to leverage the active partial reconfiguration and configuration readback capabilities of the Xilinx Virtex-6 device. This enables myriad research opportunities in parallel processing, high-performance reconfigurable computing, and multicore/multiprocessor system design. An example application features a nine-processor radiation tolerant computer system which motivates further research into network-on-chip solutions for reducing multicore system routing complexity.
Characteristics and regulation of bile salt synthesis and secretion by human hepatoma HepG2 cells

Bile salt uptake, synthesis and secretion by the human hepatoma-derived cell line HepG2 were studied. The cells transported and secreted bile salts largely by means of passive mechanisms. The cells synthesized and secreted the normal human primary bile salts. The ratio of cholate to chenodeoxycholate was 1.5:1. The degree of conjugation, about 35%, was lower than normal, and the glycine-to-taurine ratio was abnormal (4.5:1). This was not due to amino acid deficiency in the medium. Contrary to the report of others, little 3 alpha,7 alpha,12 alpha-trihydroxy-5 beta-cholestan-26-oic acid was secreted. This was confirmed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. The total rate of synthesis was about 33% that of normal liver. The specific activity of bile salts synthesized from [3H]mevalonate was about 20 times higher than that of the cellular cholesterol derived from the same precursor. The regulation of bile salt synthesis by two compounds that could alter the precursor pool of cholesterol was studied. After a 24-hr incubation in serum-free medium, the compound 25(OH)cholesterol inhibited the rate of bile salt synthesis compared with control values, possibly by depleting the intracellular free cholesterol pool. Surprisingly, however, progesterone, which inhibits cholesterol esterification and should have expanded this pool, also inhibited bile salt synthesis under those conditions. The effect of these compounds on the level of mRNA for cholesterol 7 alpha-hydroxylase was also determined by Northern-blot analysis. The cholesterol 7 alpha-hydroxylase mRNA was 3.7 kb, similar to that in the rat. The incubation of cells in 25(OH)cholesterol or progesterone, as above, resulted in a decreased level of mRNA. The reduction was proportional to the reduction in bile salt synthesis, suggesting that these compounds act at a pretranslational level. Taken together, these results suggest that our particular subclone of HepG2 cells will be useful for studies of the regulation of bile salt synthesis, but not of transport, by human liver-derived tissue.
Divergent thinking in act generation

Abstract Act generation is a process used in decision making and problem solving to create possible actions that might solve a problem. An act generation experiment was conducted using undergraduates and advanced graduate students. Large performance differences were observed between the two groups in act generation performance and divergent thinking ability. Divergent thinking ability, as measured by Guilford's Alternate Uses test, was approximately twice as high for the graduate subjects as compared to the undergraduates, and similar differences were observed in act generation performance. The correlation between divergent thinking scores and two act generation performance measures were 0.43 and 0.49 for the combined groups. These results suggests that divergent thinking ability is an important predictor of act generation performance.
Allocating rotating registers by scheduling

A rotating alias register file is a scalable hardware support to detect memory aliases at run-time. It has been shown that it can enable instruction-level parallelism to be effectively exploited from sequential code. Yet it is unknown how to apply it to loops. This paper presents an elegant and efficient solution that allocates rotating alias registers for a software-pipelined schedule of a loop. We show that surprisingly, this specific register allocation problem can be reduced to another software pipelining problem, for which numerous efficient algorithms are available. This is interesting in both theory and practice. We propose an algorithmic framework to solve the problem. We also present a simple software pipelining algorithm that specially targets register allocation. Comparison with a few other algorithms shows that it usually achieves the best allocation at the least time cost. Finally, we generalize the approach to allocate general-purpose (integer/floating-point/predicate) rotating registers by showing that it is also a software pipelining problem.
Expression of nitric oxide synthase and soluble guanylyl cyclase in the developing olfactory system of Manduca sexta.

The gaseous messenger nitric oxide (NO), with its ability to mediate both intercellular and intracellular communication, can play important roles in mediating cellular communication in both the development and the function of the nervous system. The authors investigated the possible role of NO signaling in the developing olfactory system (antennal lobe) of the moth Manduca sexta. NO synthase (NOS), the enzyme that generates NO, was localized by using immunocytochemistry, in situ hybridization, and nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate-diaphorase (NADPH-d) histochemistry. Although NADPH-d staining appears to be a poor indicator of the presence of NOS in this system, immunocytochemistry and in situ hybridization reveal that NOS is expressed in the axons of olfactory receptor neurons throughout development and in the perineurial sheath that covers the brain early in development. NOS is present in axon terminals as they form protoglomeruli, raising the possibility that NO mediates cell-cell interactions during antennal lobe development. NO-sensitive soluble guanylyl cyclase (sGC), one of the best characterized targets of NO, was localized in the developing olfactory system by using in situ hybridization and immunocytochemistry for the Manduca sexta sGCα1 subunit. The ability of the developing olfactory system to respond to exogenous NO also was examined by using cyclic guanosine monophosphate immunocytochemistry. sGC is expressed in mechanosensory neurons in the developing antenna and in many antennal lobe neurons in both the medial and lateral cell body clusters. Thus, NOS and sGC are expressed in a pattern that suggests that this signaling pathway may mediate intercellular communication during development of the olfactory system in Manduca sexta. J. Comp. Neurol. 422:191–205, 2000. © 2000 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Measurement of intracellular sodium and potassium in cultured epithelial cells

A quantitative method is described for the measurement of intracellular Na+ and K+ using flame photometry. This technique allows the determination of Na+ and K+ from a single sample derived from submilligram quantities of cellular protein. The method is suitable for definition of net ion transport in cultured epithelial cells, and has been established for use with both renal and intestinal cell lines.
Operative Treatment of Multiple Sites of Extracranial Cervical Artery Occlusion

Arterial reconstruction was done in 130 patients with multiple sites of extracranial cerebral artery occlusion. Operative mortality was 2.3%; total mortality of the operative series was 3.8%. Presenting ocular signs and symptoms, other than diplopia and blurred vision, were essentially unchanged. Paralytic symptoms reverted in 80% of patients. Speech disturbances were relieved in 78% of patients. Attitude, gait, and ataxia returned to normal in 88% of patients. Nystagmus was improved in 76% of patients. Arterial reconstruction of blood flow of multiple sites of cerebral vascular insufficiency carries an acceptable operative mortality and results in a satisfactory reversal of preoperative neurological signs and symptoms.
An empirical investigation into the impact of US federal government budget deficits on the real interest rate yield on intermediate-term treasury issues, 1972–2012

This study provides new empirical evidence on the impact of the federal budget deficit on the real interest rate yields on intermediate-term debt issues of the US Treasury, represented herein by the ex post real interest rate yields on 3-year Treasury notes and 7-year Treasury notes, two interest rate measures that have received essentially no attention in the economics and finance literature in recent years. This study is couched within a loanable funds model that includes two ex post real interest rate yields, the monetary base as a per cent of GDP, the change in per capita real GDP, net financial capital inflows as a per cent of GDP and the budget deficit as a per cent of GDP. This study uses annual data for the study period 1972 to 2012, a time period that includes ‘quantitative easing’ monetary policies by the Federal Reserve. Two-stage least squares estimations reveal that the federal budget deficit, expressed as a per cent of GDP, exercised a positive and statistically significant impact on the ex ...
On the non-existence of blue-yellow and red-green color terms

A component of the universal evolution model of color terms is that blue-yellow and red-green color terms should not exist in the world’s languages. This is because such terms would confound opponent colors (Hering 1920, Hurvich & Jameson 1955). However, some relativist scholars, namely Saunders and van Brakel (1997) and McNeill (1972), maintain that some languages do have such terms. This paper considers these claims and shows that they are unfounded: Either an alleged blue-yellow term is actually a yellow-green-blue term; one or more basic color terms have undergone semantic extension; a term’s basic meaning is ‘pale or faded’; or the data were not properly analyzed.
Cyclic 3′,5′-nucleotide phosphodiesterase effect of divalent cations

Abstract 1. 1. A partially purified preparation of bovine brain phosphodiesterase contained approx. 1 mole each of Ca 2+ and Zn 2+ per 250 000 g of protein. Extensive dialysis of the enzyme prepration against an EDTA solution reduced the metals to about half their contents before dialysis. 2. 2. The brain enzyme depended on divalent cations for activity. Mg 2+ was slightly stimulatory and Cu 2+ was inhibitory. Ca 2+ , Mn 2+ , Co 2+ and Zn 2+ were stimulatory at low (⩽ 0.1 mM) but inhibitory at high concentration (⩽ 1 mM). Therefore, the terms stimulatory and inhibitory are to be used arbitrarily since a cation may be either stimulatory or inhibitory depending on its concentration. In this study Mn 2+ (0.1 mM) and Ca 2+ (1 mM) will be used as stimulatory and inhibitory cations, respectively. 3. 3. Kinetic analysis indicated that a stimulatory cation (0.1 mM Mn 2+ increased the K ma pp and v max of phosphodiesterase, whereas an inhibitory cation (1 mM Ca 2+ ) decreased them. The simplest mechanism appears to be that the metal ions principally affect the rate of dissociation of the enzyme-substrate complex to its product and free enzyme. 4. 4. The optimal pH of phosphodiesterase varied with an exogenous metal. It was observed at pH 8.3 in the absence of added cation, at pH 8 in the presence of 0.1 mM Mn 2+ , and at pH 7.6 in 1 mM Ca 2+ . The effectiveness of a divalent cation varied with pH. Whereas the stimulation by 0.1 mM Mn 2+ was pronounced at a neutral pH, the inhibition by 1 mM Ca 2+ was severe at an alkaline pH. 5. 5. The effect of a mixture of paired divalent cations on phosphodiesterase was studied. The stimulation afforded by a pair of stimulatory cations was invariably less than the sum of that by the individual cations. On the other hand, the effect of a mixture of a stimulatory cation and an inhibitory cation was comparable to that given by the stimulatory cation alone. 6. 6. EDTA and ATP were potent inhibitors of phosphodiesterase, with 50% inhibition at 7 μM and 30 μM, respectively. Inhibition of phosphodiesterase by EDTA was completely reversed by Mn 2+ , but that by ATP was only partially reversed. 7. 7. Imidazole stimulated phosphodiesterase activity, and the imidazole stimulated activity was greater in the presence than in the absence of Mn 2+ . This was true over a wide range of imidazole concentrations. 8. 8. Phosphodiesterase was fully active in the crude stage, and was relatively inactive when purified, unless supplemented with a specific protein activator which was removed from the enzyme during the course of purification. Mn 2+ increased the activity of the non-stimulated enzyme as well as the enzyme after full stimulation by the activator. 9. 9. The brain enzyme also hydrolyzed the other naturally-occurring cyclic GMP. The effectiveness of divalent cations on the hydrolysis of cyclic AMP and cyclic GMP appeared to vary with the substrate. Mn 2+ was more effective for the hydrolysis of cyclic AMP whereas Mg 2+ was more effective for that of cyclic GMP.
Conformational analysis with lanthanide shift reagents. A new determination of the cyclohexanol a-valoe

selective 1,3-cis-hydrogen abstraction observed upon oxidation of cyclohexanol with ferrous ion-hydrogen peroxide proceeds through a bound iron-oxy species as in (1j.l This proposal necessitates a reasonable abundance of the axial cyclohexanol-metal solvate complex since the rate of hydrogen abstraction by this reactive intermediate is likely to be rapid compared to chair-chair ring interconversion. This consideration has led us to examine possibly disadvantageous effects of metal complexation on the equilibrium (1) and to search for independent evidence that the cis proton on carbon-3 can be in close proximity to the metal oxidant.
A quantitative study of vibration injury to peripheral nerves—introducing a new longitudinal section analysis

Purpose Long-term vibrations are known to cause neurovascular diseases, which are common in workers who operate handheld power tools or motor vehicles. Understanding the neuropathology of vibration-induced nerve injury is critical to its prevention and treatment. This study aims to evaluate whether light microscopy of longitudinal nerve sections can be used as a simple yet effective method for quantifying nerve injury.
Persistence of benomyl and captan and their effects on microbial activity in field soils.

Fusarium root rot, caused by Fusarium oxysporum schl. f. sp. pini (Hartig) Snyder & Hansen, causes severe losses to some species of conifers even though beds are fumigated with methyl bromide-chloropicrin (3:2) the autumn before spring seeding. Benomyl (methyl-l-(butylcarbamoyl)-2-benzimidazole carbamate) at ll.2 kg a.i./ha or captan (N-trichloromethylthio-4cyclohexene-l,2-dicaboximide) at 7.3 kg a.i./ha were applied to beds of sugar pine (Pinus lambertiana Dougl.) on Central Point sandy loam to control seedling mortality (Cooley 1983), but no measurement was made of its persistence or of its effect on soil microbial activity.
Genistein modulates prostate epithelial cell proliferation via estrogen- and extracellular signal-regulated kinase-dependent pathways.

Epidemiological evidence suggests that consumption of soy is associated with a decreased risk for prostate cancer. Genistein, the most abundant isoflavone present in soy, is thought to be responsible, in part, for these anticancer effects. The present study examined the effects of genistein on cellular proliferation, extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK1/2) activity and apoptosis in a nontumorigenic human prostate epithelial cell line (RWPE-1). Low concentrations of genistein (0–12.5 μmol/L) significantly increased cell proliferation and ERK1/2 activity (P<.01) in RWPE-1 cells, while higher concentrations (50 and 100 μmol/L) of genistein significantly inhibited cell proliferation and ERK1/2 activity (P<.001). A similar biphasic effect of genistein on MEK1 activity, an ERK1/2 kinase, was also observed. Pretreatment of cells with a MEK1 inhibitor (PD 098059) significantly blocked genistein-induced proliferation and ERK1/2 activity (P<.01). In addition, treatment of cells with ICI 182,780, a pure antiestrogen, inhibited genistein-induced RWPE-1 proliferation and ERK1/2 signaling. Taken together, these results suggest that genistein modulates RWPE-1 cell proliferation and signal transduction via an estrogen-dependent pathway involving ERK1/2 activation.
Forebrain activation of single units in preoptic area of sunfish.

Abstract 1. 1. Single unit activity from presumed parvocellular elements in the preoptic area of sunfish in response to stimulation of a variety of forebrain areas at low frequencies, less than 5/sec, showed an augmentation from a single spike to three or four over a 3- to 4-min interval. 2. 2. Correlations were drawn between neural responses to low frequency stimulation and a specific “nestbuilding” behavioral response found in previous studies. 3. 3. The pattern of forebrain input to single cells is consistent with the hypothesis that both general facilitation and specific activation of components of motivated behavior are functions of the forebrain.
Pretransplant panel reactive antibodies in human lung transplantation: an analysis of over 10,000 patients.

Background The role of panel reactive antibody (PRA) in lung transplant recipients has not been clearly defined in a large population. We sought to determine how panel reactive antibody level affects survival in lung transplant recipients. Methods The United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS) Standard Transplant Analysis and Research files from 1987 through 2005 were analyzed. Demographic data, pretransplant PRA, relevant clinical indicators, and survival were examined. Results Of the 12,751 first lung transplant recipients during this period, pretransplant PRA levels were reported for 10,237 patients. Panel reactive antibody was more than 0% in 1748 patients; of these, PRA was 1% to 10% in 1259 (72%), 11% to 25% in 249 (14%), and more than 25% in 240 (14%). Using the Kaplan-Meier method, survival decreased with increasing PRA and was significant when PRA exceeded 25% compared with the rest of the cohort. On multivariable analysis, PRA was associated with increased 30-day (hazard ratio, 2.6) and overall mortality (hazard ratio, 1.3). Importantly, this effect was not seen when a cohort from 1998 through 2005 was analyzed. Conclusions The UNOS database has provided the largest series of lung transplant patients stratified by PRA. Our analysis demonstrates that PRA level exceeding 25% is a predictor of death. However, newer laboratory and management techniques may attenuate this effect with better outcomes in the modern era.
Effect of continuous ultra-sonication on microbial counts and physico-chemical properties of blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum) juice

Abstract Blueberries have received considerable attention due to their content of health promoting compounds such as polyphenols and anthocyanins. Thermal processing is known to cause degradation of anthocyanins and juice color. The objectives of this research were to study the effect of continuous ultrasonication processing on the microbiological, chemical and physical properties of blueberry juice (BJ). Unpasteurized BJ was pumped at 24 mL/min or 93.5 mL/min to the continuous flow cell of an ultrasonic processor, where it was sonicated at three treatment levels, 13.88 ± 2.45, 43.45 ± 4.12, and 73.60 ± 5.35 (J/mL) energy density. Sonicated and unsonicated juices were analyzed for coliforms, total aerobes, yeasts and molds. Total anthocyanin content, total phenol content, antioxidant activity, °Brix, titratable acidity, pH and color were also determined for both sonicated and unsonicated juices. Continuous flow sonication successfully reduced microbial counts. Sonication at higher intensities significantly (p
Developmental and reproductive toxicity evaluation of toluene vapor in the rat: II. Developmental toxicity

The developmental toxicity of toluene was evaluated via whole body inhalation exposure, in pregnant Sprague Dawley rats exposed to toluene (99.9% pure) from gestation day (GD) 6-15 inclusive, 6h/day, at concentrations of 0, 250, 750, 1500 and 3000ppm (0, 938, 2812, 5625 and 11250mg/m(3)). Doses were selected from a preliminary study performed over a range of concentrations from 0 to 5000ppm, in which maternal and fetal toxicity were observed at 2000ppm and above. This study has been cited in various regulatory documents and is presented here to allow greater accessibility to results and conclusions. Toluene induced clinical signs in pregnant dams (ataxia, hyper-responsivity, increased water intake, decreased food consumption) at 3000ppm, ataxia and hyper-responsivity at 1500ppm, and reduced maternal body weight gain at 1500 during the exposure period only and at 3000ppm from initiation of exposure to GD20. At Caesarean section on GD20, no adverse effects on implantation, number and viability of fetuses, or fetal sex distribution were observed. Litter weight and mean fetal weight was reduced at 3000ppm and mean fetal weight was reduced at 1500ppm. Instances of reduced or unossified skeletal elements occurred at the same dose levels. Mean fetal weight was also reduced at 250ppm but not at 750ppm. Extensive statistical analysis of fetal body weight data support the conclusion that there is no toxicologically significant dose-related effect on fetal body weight at or below 750ppm. Low incidences (<or=2.5%) of various malformations occurred in the 250, 1500, and 3000ppm groups; there was no increase in the incidence of specific or total malformations with increased exposure and thus these were not attributed to toluene. In this Toluene study, the maternal toxicity NOAEL was 750ppm with a defined maternal and developmental toxicity LOAEL of 1500ppm.
Two-stage neural-network-based technique for Urdu character two-dimensional shape representation, classification, and recognition

This work is in the field of automated document processing. This work addresses the problem of representation and recognition of Urdu characters using Fourier representation and a Neural Network architecture. In particular, we show that a two-stage Neural Network scheme is used here to make classification of 36 Urdu characters into seven sub-classes namely subclasses characterized by seven proposed and defined fuzzy features specifically related to Urdu characters. We show that here Fourier Descriptors and Neural Network provide a remarkably simple way to draw definite conclusions from vague, ambiguous, noisy or imprecise information. In particular, we illustrate the concept of interest regions and describe a framing method that provides a way to make the proposed technique for Urdu characters recognition robust and invariant to scaling and translation. We also show that a given character rotation is dealt with by using the Hotelling transform. This transform is based upon the eigenvalue decomposition of the covariance matrix of an image, providing a method of determining the orientation of the major axis of an object within an image. Finally experimental results are presented to show the power and robustness of the proposed two-stage Neural Network based technique for Urdu character recognition, its fault tolerance, and high recognition accuracy.© (2001) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Analysis of Axially Grooved Journal Bearings with Heat Transfer Effects

An approximate solution technique for axially grooved fluid film journal bearings is presented. The method makes use of earlier approximations for the axial pressure distribution and the circumferential temperature variation and extends the theory to include heat transfer between the film and the bearing and journal. A second-order profile is assumed to represent the temperature distribution across the film. The classical Reynolds equation is applied, using the viscosity determined by the cross-film average of temperature. The conduction of heat through the bearing is modeled in two dimensions by using a series expansion for the temperature in the sleeve, and the journal surface temperature is given by a circumferential average of film temperatures. Results are compared with those of another theory by Lund and with experimental results. The predicted temperatures agree with experiment over the loaded part of a two-axial-groove bearing but not as well in the unloaded part. They agree closely with those giv...
Specifying the Impact of Incumbency On State Legislative Elections A District-Level Analysis

Prior research, based on the analysis of aggregate-level state legislative election data, has documented a decline in the marginality of state legislative districts. Over the past twenty or so year...
Molecular Orbital Investigation of Water Reactions with Tin Hydroxide Complexes in Association with Platinum Electrodes

Calculations using the atom superposition and electron delocalization molecular orbital (ASED-MO) theory show that the redox reaction of Sn(OH)2 to Sn(OH)4 is likely to proceed by a mechanism of (i) collision of Sn(OH)2 with H2O, which will promote electron loss to the electrode when the potential is the oxidation potential, (ii) deprotonation of the water molecule and electron loss to yield strongly bound OH in Sn(OH)3+, (iii) immediate attack by H2O to form Sn(OH)3H2O+, and (iv) deprotonation to Sn(OH)4. The possible transfer of OH to Pt electrode surfaces is of interest in fuel cell catalysis. OH(ads) is capable of oxidizing the anode poison CO(ads). Calculations indicate that Sn(OH)3(ads) is the best candidate thermodynamically for transferring OH(ads), but it is not kinetically active. Coordinating H2O to Sn in this adsorbed complex does not activate OH(ads) transfer. Sn(OH)2 bound to a Pt surface step site does not activate H2O for OH(ads) formation. Neither does a Sn atom bound to a step site, or t...
Hypothalamic oxytocin attenuates CRF expression via GABAA receptors in rats

Centrally released oxytocin (OXT) has anxiolytic and anti-stress effects. Delayed gastric emptying (GE) induced by acute restraint stress (ARS) for 90 min is completely restored following 5 consecutive days of chronic homotypic restraint stress (CHS), via up-regulating hypothalamic OXT expression in rats. However, the mechanism behind the restoration of delayed GE following CHS remains unclear. Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA)-projecting neurons in the paraventricular nucleus (PVN) have been shown to inhibit corticotropin releasing factor (CRF) synthesis via GABA(A) receptors. We hypothesized that GABA(A) receptors are involved in mediating the inhibitory effect of OXT on CRF expression in the PVN, which in turn restores delayed GE following CHS. OXT (0.5 μg) and selective GABA(A) receptor antagonist, bicuculline methiodide (BMI) (100 ng), were administered intracerebroventricularly (icv). Solid GE was measured under non-stressed (NS), ARS and CHS conditions. Expression of CRF mRNA in the PVN was evaluated by real time RT-PCR. Neither OXT nor BMI changed GE and CRF mRNA expression under NS conditions. Delayed GE and increased CRF mRNA expression induced by ARS were restored by icv-injection of OXT. The effects of OXT on delayed GE and increased CRF mRNA expression in ARS were abolished by icv-injection of BMI. Following CHS, delayed GE was completely restored in saline (icv)-injected rats, whereas daily injection of BMI (icv) attenuated the restoration of delayed GE. Daily injection of BMI (icv) significantly increased CRF mRNA expression following CHS. It is suggested that central OXT inhibits ARS-induced CRF mRNA expression via GABA(A) receptors in the PVN. GABAergic system is also involved in OXT-mediated adaptation response of delayed GE under CHS conditions.
A PORTABLE PHOTOCELL FLUOROMETER FOR DILUTION MEASUREMENTS IN NATURAL WATERS1,2

A portable fluorometer for use with a fluorescent dye tracer in field measurements of dilution rates in natural waters has been designed and tested. The unit is inexpensive, accurate. and reliable. It requires only a small amount of a–c power. The instrument has been used in a series of 24 measurements of the dilution rate in the surface waters of Little Traverse Bay, Lake Michigan. The dilution of a quantity of dye introduced into the Bay is given by: D(T) = rtT/t where T is the time in minutes, and t is a quantity expressing the dilution period of interest. The average value for the observed dilution ratio, under winds up to 10–12 mph, is (r10)av = 2 (i.e., an average dilution of x2 every 10 min) .
Ozone Exposures and Implications for Vegetation in Rural Areas of the Central Appalachian Mountains, U.S.A.

The United States is making the transition from the 1979 1 hr maximum ozone standard to the newly adopted 8 hr ozone standard (3 yr average of the 4th highest maximum 8 hr ozone concentration). Consequently, we analyzed and compared ozone concentrations under both standards from a variety of monitoring sites throughout the central Appalachianregion of Kentucky (KY), West Virginia (WV), and Virginia (VA). Data from 1988–1999 were used to determine how ozone exposure between the two metrics compared for remote sites. Most sites exceeded the 1 hr standard in 1988–1990 due to the 3 yr averaging and multiple high ozone concentrations that occurred over the region in 1988. All sites were in compliance with the 1 hr standard every year after 1991. It was much more common for the ozone exposure to exceed the 8 hr standard, particularly from 1997–1999. Many sites showed exceedences beginning in 1995; Big Meadows (VA) exceeded the 8 hr standard all years except 1994 and 1996. Response of vegetation to ozone in these areas was determined using the combination of W126 values (sigmoidally weighted exposure index), the number of hours that average concentrations ≥0.10 ppm (N100), and the presence of moderate or more extreme droughts. In general, W126 and N100 values suggested that negative vegetation growth responses over most of the 12 yr would have been minimal for most sites, even for those exceeding ozone standards. Drought-induced stomatal closures would have overridden more extreme negative growth responses at all but the Big Meadows site in 1988.
The Epidemiology of Blastomycosis in Illinois and Factors Associated with Death

Background Blastomycosis is a systemic fungal disease that may be asymptomatic or progressive and may lead to death. Methods In response to a reported increase in the number of cases of blastomycosis in Illinois, surveillance data reported to the Illinois Department of Public Health from January 1993 to August 2003 were analyzed and the medical records of 4 patients who died were reviewed. Results Among the 500 cases reported, the median age of the patients was 43 years (range, 4-87 years), and 34 patients (7%) died. Higher rates of mortality were observed among persons who were black, who were > or =65 years of age, and who were male. The median time from onset of illness to diagnosis was 128 days (range, 12-489 days). Death was associated with a time from onset of illness to diagnosis of > or =128 days (OR, 2.1; 95% CI, 1.0-4.8). During the period from 1993 through 2002, the number of cases reported per year increased from 24 to 87 (P Conclusions The incidence of blastomycosis has been increasing in Illinois. To reduce mortality related to delay in diagnosis and treatment, medical providers need to be educated about blastomycosis, with an emphasis on symptom recognition, methods of diagnosis, and appropriate antifungal treatment.
PERSUASION STRATEGIES OF CHINESE COLLEGE STUDENTS IN INTERPERSONAL CONTEXTS

Previous studies suggest that the persuasion strategies adopted in the Chinese culture tend to be indirect and subtle. This study sought to identify commonly adopted strategies of persuasion in interpersonal contexts in contemporary Chinese societies and to answer why they are perceived to be appropriate and effective. Ninety‐five college students in China and Taiwan were interviewed or responded, to a questionnaire that asked them to describe real‐life scenarios of persuasion and associated sense‐making processes. Analysis revealed 16 categories, most of which belonged to one of three themes: “anshi” (“hinting”) ’yi shen zuo ze” (“setting an example by one's own action”), and “tou qi suo hao” (“strategically agreeing to whatever pleases others”). In addition, “direct [logical] appeal” was also commonly adopted. The preference for the three themes seemed to reflect a general concern for guanxi (relationships or connections).
Germany's Immigration and Asylum Policies: Open or Closed Borders?

German citizens and government officials are concerned that Germany's borders need to be strictly maintained while at the same time guaranteeing those seeking asylum the opportunity to enter Germany. This seeming contradiction between the two positions reflects the dual functions of borders (Stoddard 1991). On the one hand, borders serve as a barrier and on the other hand, borders can be permeable and provide access to the country's political and economic system. The often heated debate within Germany over immigration and asylum policy is indicative of policy-makers' attempts to balance these functions. At the same time, German officials are exploring the possibility of a united European immigration policy that would establish a future transnational border with the European community. This article will explore the development of immigration and asylum policy in Germany from 1960 to 1990. This time period was selected for two reasons: one, during this time Germany developed its 'guestworker' program that has had a continuing effect on the perceptions of immigrants by Germans and thus, on the development of immigration policy; and second, the unification of Germany in 1989 has produced new issues regarding immigration policy (McAdams 1993). In addition, the article will explore the possibilities for changes in future immigration and asylum policies.
Safety of chemoembolization with drug-eluting microspheres (DEB-TACE) in patients with pre-existing transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS)

Purpose To assess the safety of DEB-TACE for inoperable hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in patients with pre-existing TIPS. Materials and Methods In this retrospective IRB approved study, we reviewed medical records of patients with a functioning TIPS who underwent DEB-TACE with doxorubicin (100mg) loaded LC beads for inoperable HCC between 2005 and 2011. Patient demographics, number of procedures, type of embolization (lobar, segmental), and post-procedure complications were recorded. The incidence of post-procedure liver failure, renal failure, duration of in-hospital stay, 30-day mortality and Grade 3 and 4 toxicity (NCCN V.3) were recorded. Results During this period, five patients (3Men, Mean age 64y) with a functioning TIPS underwent DEB-TACE for inoperable HCC. The number of procedures per patient ranged from 1-4, with a median of 1. Three patients had lobar embolization and the rest, segmental arterial embolization. Post-op stay ranged from 1-20days. During the 8 procedures, two procedures (in two different patients), two patients required prolonged admission to (max 20 days) for pain and edema. Both of them had lobar embolization. Grade 3 toxicity of AST, ALT, Bilirubin was seen in one patient. There were no deaths within 30 days of the procedure. None had renal failure. Conclusion DEB-TACE for HCC is well tolerated with minimal complications in patients with pre-existing TIPS. Complications leading to prolonged in-hospital course are more often seen in patients who received lobar embolization.