cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Gene structure of human and mouse NKLAM, a gene associated with cellular cytotoxicity.

A novel gene involved in cytotoxicity, NKLAM [for "natural killer (NK) lytic-associated molecule"], has recently been identified in human NK cells. Its expression correlates with the cytolytic activity of both NK cells and cytotoxic T cells (CTLs); treatment of these cells with NKLAM-specific antisense oligonucleotides inhibits their cytotoxic function. NKLAM encodes a zinc finger protein that resides in NK cytolytic granules. Here, we identified a second human NKLAM transcript that differs from the original only at the 3′ end, extending the open reading frame, and therefore encoding a significantly longer protein (731 residues compared with 587). The genomic structure of human NKLAM indicates that these two isoforms are products of alternative splicing. Both forms of NKLAM protein are expressed in NK cells, with the larger protein predominant. Human NKLAM cDNA was used to isolate mouse NKLAM from a C57BL/6 spleen cDNA library. There is a single NKLAM isoform in the mouse which shares over 89% nucleotide and 94% amino acid homology with the larger human form of NKLAM. The genomic organization of NKLAM is similar in both mouse and human. As with human NKLAM, mouse NKLAM mRNA is selectively expressed in CD8+ T cells NK cells, and activated peritoneal macrophages and further induced by cytokines that enhance the cytotoxic activity of these cells. These results indicate that human and mouse NKLAM are highly conserved both structurally and functionally, reinforcing the premise that this gene plays an important role in cellular cytotoxicity.
Antioxidant Properties of Pyruvate Mediate its Potentiation of β -Adrenergic Inotropism in Stunned Myocardium

M. I. Tejero-Taldo ,J . L. Caffrey ,J . Sun and R. T. Mallet. Antioxidant Properties of Pyruvate Mediate its Potentiation of b-Adrenergic Inotropism in Stunned Myocardium. Journal of Molecular and Cellular Cardiology (1999) 31, 1863‐1872. This study tested the hypothesis that pyruvate’s antioxidant actions, particularly its enhancement of the endogenous glutathione system, mediate its potentiation of b-adrenergic inotropism in stunned myocardium. Isolated working guinea pig hearts, metabolizing 10 mm glucose and stunned by 45 min of low flow ischemia, were treated with 5 mm pyruvate, 5 mm N-acetylcysteine (NAC) and/or 2 nm isoproterenol beginning 15 min after reperfusion. The antioxidant NAC alone did not increase cardiac power (mJ/min/g wet: 11‐1 in untreated and 15‐2 in NAC treated stunned hearts), but NAC potentiated the increase in power produced by 2 nm isoproterenol (isoproterenol alone: 50‐10; NAC plus isoproterenol: 133‐24). Addition of NAC doubled cyclic AMP content but lowered cytosolic phosphorylation potential by 32% in isoproterenolstimulated hearts. Stunning decreased the glutathione antioxidant ratio (GSH/GSSG) by 68%. The antioxidant ratio was completely restored by pyruvate alone or in combination with isoproterenol, but only partially restored by isoproterenol alone. Combining isoproterenol and NAC increased the GSH/GSSG ratio by an additional 36%. The combined treatment of pyruvate and isoproterenol increased the NADPH/NADP + ratio almost three-fold, and produced the greatest accumulation of glucose-6-phosphate of any treatment. Conclusions: like pyruvate, the antioxidant NAC potentiated b-adrenergic inotropism of stunned myocardium. Unlike pyruvate, NAC did not increase cellular energy reserves, thus effectively limiting its potentiation of b-adrenergic stimulation. Thus, pyruvate’s potentiation of b-adrenergic stimulation in stunned myocardium is most likely the result of the combined effects of its antioxidant and energetic properties. ” 1999 Academic Press
Electronic Structure Studies of Tetrazolium-Based Ionic Liquids

New energetic ionic liquids are investigated as potential high energy density materials. Ionic liquids are composed of large, charge-diffuse cations, coupled with various (usually oxygen containing) anions. In this work, calculations have been performed on the tetrazolium cation with a variety of substituents. Density functional theory (DFT) with the B3LYP functional, using the 6-311G(d,p) basis set was used to optimize geometries. Improved treatment of dynamic electron correlation was obtained using second-order perturbation theory (MP2). Heats of formation of the cation with different substituent groups were calculated using isodesmic reactions and Gaussian-2 calculations on the reactants. The cation was paired with oxygen rich anions ClO4-, NO3-, or N(NO2)2- and those structures were optimized using both DFT and MP2. The reaction pathway for proton transfer from the cation to the anion was investigated.
Organizing for disaster: Lessons from the military

Recent global events have highlighted the need for disaster planning by leaders in all types of organizations, civilian and military included. This article illustrates, from both academic and personal viewpoints, lessons learned during relief operations for the 2005 earthquake in Pakistan. Having participated in this effort, I detail guidance for designing resilient and robust organizational structures that can deal with the uncertainties of a disaster environment. For example, organizations frequently form temporary command centers to improve information flow in a crisis. Consequently, managers are advised to create temporary organizational structures with a common cognitive map to improve sense-making for employees during turbulent times. Other lessons presented include the establishment of a nuanced priority system for assessing potential courses of action, and the need to eliminate bureaucratic barriers to action to improve the speed of response when lives are at stake. This article concludes by pointing out that proper organizational structures need to be considered prior to disaster in order for organizations to be effective and efficient during the course of a mitigation effort.
α-amanitin-resistant D. melanogaster with an altered RNA polymerase II

Abstract Following EMS mutagenesis we recovered a mutant of D. melanogaster that grows at concentrations of α-amanitin lethal to wild-type. To our knowledge this mutant represents the first example of an amanitin-resistant eucaryotic organism. The amanitin resistance of the mutant (AmaC4) is due to an alteration in its DNA-dependent RNA polymerase II, which is approximately 250 times less sensitive to inhibition by amanitin than the wild-type polymerase II whether tested in nuclei, in partially-fractionated extracts or as a highly purified enzyme. While the wild-type enzyme activity is inhibited 50% by 2.1 × 10 −8 M α-amanitin, inhibition of 50% of the AmaC4 RNA polymerase II activity requires a toxin concentration of 5.6 × 10 −6 M. The mutation responsible for the amanitin resistance of AmaC4 is on the X chromosome near the vermillion locus.
Therapy of malignant hamster insulinomas with monoamine precursors.

The hyperinsulinaemia and hypoglycaemia produced by malignant insulinomas pose a difficult therapeutic problem. The non-polar monoamine precursors 5-hydroxytryptophan, L-3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine and DL-threo-dihydroxyphenylserine are readily taken up by normal hamster pancreatic islets and are converted intracellularly to serotonin, dopamine and norepinephrine. These intracellular monoamines then inhibit glucose-stimulated insulin secretion. In the present study we have determined if the monoamine oxidase inhibitor pargyline, and monoamine precursors, could modify the severe hypoglycaemia of hamsters bearing a rapidly growing transplantable insulinoma. One hour after receiving the respective precursor there was an 11, 18, and 54-fold increase in the concentration of serotonin, dopamine or norepinephrine in the insulinomas. Twenty four hours after the administration of the respective precursors there were the following increases in plasma glucose in the respective groups: 5-hydroxytryptophan, 1.9 ± 0.5 to 4.9 ± 0.3 mmol/l (mean ± SEM); L-3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine, 1.5 ± 0.3 to 3.4 ± 0.6 mmol/l; and DL-threo-dihydroxyphenylserine, 1.5 ± 0.2 to 6.4 ± 0.7 mmol/l. The change in plasma insulin concentration was statistically significant only in the group receiving DL-threo-dihydroxyphenylserine (229 ± 59 to 81 ± 42 mU/l). To determine if this therapeutic approach could modify the rapidly fatal outcome of the tumour-bearing hamsters, they received 0.154 mol/l saline, DL-threo-dihydroxyphenylserine or pargyline plus DL-threo-dihydroxyphenylserine every two days. The survival of the groups (mean ± SEM) was: saline 8.4 ± 1.1 d; DL-threo-dihydroxyphenylserine 17.9 ± 3.5 d; and pargyline plus DL-threo-dihydroxyphenylserine 24.4 ± 5.5 d. The present study suggests that increasing the monoamine content of malignant insulinomas may favourably modify the course of these devastating tumours.
MO-A-330D-01: Advances in PET Technology - New Crystals and Detector Designs

Over the past ten years, the use of clinical PET, particularly in the field of oncology, has increased dramatically. More recently, the introduction of hybrid PET/CT scanners has led to an enhanced ability to provide anatomical correlation to the functional findings on the PET scan. And lastly, the growing field of molecular imaging has led to the development of a variety of dedicated PET systems for small animal imaging. In the clinical arena, the goal is to develop scanners with higher sensitivity and count rate capability to be able to acquire whole body scans more efficiently. Efficiency is essential with respect to small animal imaging as well, but it must be accomplished with very high spatial resolution. This presentation will review the basics of PETimaging with a look towards the advances being made to address the needs of these two very different imaging tasks. The use of 2D versus 3D will be discussed as well as the effect using different crystal materials. Other advances being actively pursued such as the use of time‐of‐flight PET will also be discussed. Educational Objectives: After attending this presentation, the attendee will be able to list 2 advantages and 2 disadvantages of 3D PET compared to 2D PET for clinical, whole body imaging, name 3 different materials used in state‐of‐the‐art PETscanners and list 2 advantages of each, and discuss two potential advantages for time‐of‐flight PET.
Ethanol dependence as a determinant of fluid preference.

Abstract Rats made dependent on ethanol by a schedule-induced polydipsia procedure preferred 5% ethanol to an increasing concentration of dextrose solution to a greater extent than animals on a non-dependent, non-polydipsic procedure which allowed an equivalent opportunity to drink ethanol, confirming a previous study. Two corresponding groups of animals drinking isotonic (0.9%) NaCl rather than 5% ethanol behaved similarly to the latter group, changing to a dextrose preference at a lower dextrose concentration than the ethanol polydipsic group. Therefore, neither the intermittent food regimen (polydipsia-generating procedure) in itself, nor a history of isotonic saline polydipsia biased fluid preference against dextrose solution choices. The enhanced preference for ethanol over dextrose solutions shown by the ethanol polydipsic group can be attributed to physical dependence rather than regimen produced artifacts.
Assessment of Mobile Device and SMS Use for Diet and Exercise Information Among Rural Mexican-American Adolescents

This is a pilot study regarding the use of mobile technology and short message service (SMS) for diet and exercise among rural Mexican American adolescents (RMAA). Authors used convenience sampling to recruit RMAA seeking care at a rural healthcare clinic and conducted three focus groups (n=12). Content analysis was used to identify categories and subcategories. Participants applied diet and exercise information in their lives based on an interaction with community and through the use of use mobile devices. Culturally sensitive use of mobile devices and SMS may be a tool to provide rural adolescent populations with resources.
Gradient plasticity modelling of strain localization in granular materials

SUMMARY The flow stress in the yield surface of plastic constitutive equation is modified with a higher order gradient term of the effective plastic strain to model the effect of inhomogeneous deformation in granular materials. The gradient constitutive model has been incorporated into the finite element code ABAQUS and used to simulate biaxial shear tests on dry sand. It is shown that the shape of the post-peak segment of the load displacement curve predicted by the numerical analysis is dependent on the mesh size when gradient term is not used. Use of an appropriate gradient coefficient is shown to correct this and predict a unique shape of the load displacement curve regardless of the mesh size. The gradient coefficient required turns out to be approximately inversely proportional to the mesh elemental area. Use of the strain gradient term is found to diffuse the concentration of plastic strains within shear band resulting in its consistent width. The coefficient of the higher gradient term appears as a function of the grain size, the mean confining stress, and the plastic softening modulus. Copyright # 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Possible near-IR channels for remote sensing precipitable water vapor from geostationary satellite platforms

Remote sensing of troposheric water vapor profiles from current geostationary weather satellites is made using a few broadband infrared (IR) channels in the 6-13 micron region. Uncertainties greater than 20% exist in derived water vapor values just above the surface from the IR emission measurements. In this paper, we propose three near-IR channels, one within the 0.94-micron water vapor band absorption region, and the other two in nearby atmospheric windows, for remote sensing of precipitable water vapor over land areas, excluding lakes and rivers, during daytime from future geostationary satellite platforms. The physical principles are as follows. The reflectance of most surface targets varies approximately linearly with wavelength near 1 micron. The solar radiation on the sun-surface-sensor ray path is attenuated by atmospheric water vapor. The ratio of the radiance from the absorption channel with the radiances from the two window channels removes the surface reflectance effects and yields approximately the mean atmospheric water vapor transmittance of the absorption channel. The integrated water vapor amount from ground to space can be obtained with a precision of better than 5% from the mean transmittance. Because surface reflectances vary slowly with time, temporal variation of precipitable water vapor can be determined reliably. High spatial resolution, precipitable water vapor images are derived from spectral data collected by the Airborne Visable-Infrared Imaging Spectrometer, which measures solar radiation reflected by the surface in the 0.4-2.5 micron region in 10-nm channels and has a ground instantaneous field of view of 20 m from its platform on an ER-2 aircraft at 20 km. The proposed near-IR reflectance technique would complement the IR emission techniques for remote sensing of water vapor profiles from geostationary satellite platforms, especially in the boundary layer where most of the water vapor is located.
Aeschylus and Practical Conflict

Greek tragedy shows good people being ruined because of things that just happen to them, things that they do not control. This is certainly sad; but it is an ordinary fact of human life, and no one would deny that it happens. Nor does it threaten any of our deeply held beliefs about goodness, since goodness, plainly, can persist unscathed through a change in external fortunes. Tragedy also, however, shows something more deeply disturbing: it shows good people doing bad things, things otherwise repugnant to their ethical character and commitments, because of circumstances whose origin does not lie with them. Some such cases are mitigated by the presence of direct physical constraint or excusable ignorance. In those cases we may feel satisfied that the agent has not actually acted badly – either because he or she has not acted at all, or because (as in the case of Oedipus) the thing he intentionally did was not the same as the bad thing that he inadvertently brought about. But the tragedies also show us, and dwell upon, another more intractable sort of case – one which has come to be called, as a result, the situation of ‘tragic conflict’. In such cases we see a wrong action committed without any direct physical compulsion and in full knowledge of its nature, by a person whose ethical character or commitments would otherwise dispose him to reject the act. The constraint comes from the presence of circumstances that prevent the adequate fulfillment of two valid ethical claims.
Phreatic Surface in Island Aquifers with Regular Geometry and Time-Independent Recharge and Pumping

The equation of groundwater flow in marine island aquifers in which there is time-independent, spatially-variable recharge and pumping is solved in closed form for rectangular, circular, and elliptical island geometries. The solution of the groundwater flow equation is expressed in terms of the elevation of the phreatic surface within the flow domain. The depth of the seawater-freshwater interface below mean sea level follows from the Dupuit–Ghyben–Herzberg relation. The method of solution presented in this work relies on expanding the hydraulic head and forcing function (recharge and groundwater extraction) as Fourier series that transforms the two-dimensional Poisson-type flow equations into second-order ordinary differential equations solvable using classical theory. The important case of constant recharge (without groundwater extraction) leads to solutions in which the hydraulic head is expressible as the product of a flow factor equal to the squared root of the ratio of recharge over hydraulic conductivity times a geometric factor involving island shape parameters and flow boundary conditions. Estimability conditions for the hydraulic conductivity are derived for the cases of constant recharge and spatially variable recharge with pumping.
Laboratory experiments evaluating the effects of S and Cu on a PtAl2O3 auto exhaust oxidation catalysts

Abstract Copper impregnation substantially increases the ethylene oxidation activity in a laboratory gas stream of a PtAl 2 O 3 catalyst, while it decreases CO oxidation activity. SO 2 decreases the activity of untreated PtAl 2 O 3 catalyst for both CO and C 2 H 4 oxidation. The Cu-treated PtAl 2 O 3 catalyst shows a decrease in ethylene oxidation activity due to SO 2 about equal to or less than the untreated catalyst, whereas the Cu-treated catalyst shows a larger decrease in CO oxidation activity due to SO 2 than the untreated material. Reduction of the Cu-treated catalyst greatly increased the CO activity and decreased the ethylene activity.
A 6.5kV wire-bondless, double-sided cooling power electronic module

A 6.5kV, wire-bondless power electronics module with a double-sided cooling is proposed and evaluated. A direct solder attachment is employed to minimize parasitic circuit elements and increase current handling capability as well as to enable a double-sided cooling capability with mechanical robustness. Finite element simulations were performed to investigate the thermal performance, critical breakdown voltage and mechanical stresses of the power electronic module. The active devices in the proposed modules were demonstrated to withstand a 6.5kV breakdown voltage with a reasonable leakage current. The parasitic inductance is also modeled and compared between wire-bonded and wire-bondless power module. The mechanical and electrical performance of the power module agreed well with simulation results.
Protein Kinase C-associated Kinase Can Activate NFκB in Both a Kinase-dependent and a Kinase-independent Manner

Abstract Protein kinase C-associated kinase (PKK, also known as RIP4/DIK) activates NFκB when overexpressed in cell lines and is required for keratinocyte differentiation in vivo. However, very little is understood about the factors upstream of PKK or how PKK activates NFκB. Here we show that certain catalytically inactive mutants of PKK can activate NFκB, although to a lesser degree than wild type PKK. The deletion of specific domains of wild type PKK diminishes the ability of this enzyme to activate NFκB; the same deletions made on a catalytically inactive PKK background completely ablate NFκB activation. PKK may be phosphorylated by two specific mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase kinases, MEKK2 and MEKK3, and this interaction may in part be mediated through a critical activation loop residue, Thr184. Catalytically inactive PKK mutants that block phorbol ester-induced NFκB activation do not interfere with, but unexpectedly enhance, the activation of NFκB by these two mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase kinases. Taken together, these data indicate that PKK may function in both a kinase-dependent as well as a kinase-independent manner to activate NFκB.
LATERAL JET INJECTION INTO ISOTHERMAL COMBUSTOR FLOWFIELDS

Abstract Primary and dilution lateral jet injections into a typical isothermal combustor are investigated using a fully three-dimensional turbulent computer simulation. Predictions of the time-mean flowfield of a deflected turbulent jet in a cylindrically confined swirling crossflow are presented. The effect of jet-to-crossflow velocity ratios of 2, 4, and 6 in a crossflow with swirl strengths of swirler vane angle of 0, 45, and 70 degrees were investigated. Predictions are compared with smoke and neutrally-buoyant helium-filled soap bubbles flow visualization of the deflected jet. Single and multi lateral jets are also considered in the investigation. The predicted results exhibit good agreement with the trajectory and spread pattern of the jet obtained using flow visualization techniques. The three-dimensional prediction technique utilizes a finite-difference explicit time marching scheme in cylindrical coordinates. Turbulence is simulated by means of the standard two-equation κ-ϵ turbulence model.
Effects of purified components of jellyfish toxin (Stomolophus meleagris) on active sodium transport

Abstract Using preparative isoelectric focusing and discontinuous membrane partition chromatography, three fractions which alter sodium transport were isolated from venom of the jellyfish Stomolophus meleagris . A fraction which inhibited sodium transport was partially purified and found to possess a molecular weight of approximately 50,000 and an isoelectric point of 3·30. This component, which appeared to affect active sodium transport at the enzyme level, was also found to produce hemorrhage and necrosis in mice. Two fractions were purified which increased sodium transport in a passive manner and possessed molecular weights of 10,000–50,000, and greater than 300,000, respectively, and have isoelectric points of 4·15 and 5·30. The fraction of 300,000 mol. wt contained most of the toxicity. It is concluded that the immediate pharmacological response to jellyfish toxin possibly is due to components which increase sodium transport, while the apparent delayed response is probably due to a component of the toxin which acts in a cardiotonic, ouabain-like manner.
Testing the rare-alleles model of quantitative variation by artificial selection

The rare-alleles model of quantitative variation posits that a common allele (the ‘wild-type’) and one or more rare alleles segregate at each locus affecting a quantitative trait; a scenario predicted by several distinct evolutionary hypotheses. Single locus arguments suggest that artificial selection should substantially increase the genetic variance (Vg) if the rare-alleles model is accurate. This paper tests the ‘ΔVg prediction’ using a large artificial selection experiment on flower size of Mimulus guttatus. Vg for flower size does evolve, increasing with selection for larger flower while decreasing in the other direction. These data are consistent with a model in which flower size variation is caused by rare, partially dominant alleles. However, this explanation becomes increasingly tenuous when considered with other data (correlated responses to selection and the effects of inbreeding). A combination of modern (marker-based mapping) and classical (biometric) techniques will likely to be required to determine the distribution of allele frequencies at loci influencing quantitative traits.
Voice recognition with the Apple-Psych system

Use of the IntroVoice I voice recognition board with the Apple-Psych system is described. The device augments the EF ROM, keyboard ROM, and keyboard encoder chip in Apple II series computers and provides speaker-dependent recognition of up to 80 words. IntroVoice II, an upgrade, can recognize up to 160 words. Since the operation of IntroVoice is software-transparent, the Apple-Psych system recognizes the board’s output as console (keyboard) input, making it useful as a response collection device. The keyboard continues to operate normally, in parallel with voice recognition. Problems and solutions for response recognition and timing are discussed, and illustrative experimental data are presented.
Variations in measles vaccine–specific humoral immunity by polymorphisms in SLAM and CD46 measles virus receptors

Background Measles infection requires 2 cellular receptors, signaling lymphocyte activation molecule (SLAM) and CD46. Known and novel single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in SLAM and CD46 genes might influence the immune response to measles vaccine. Objective We sought to identify SNP associations in SLAM and CD46 genes with variations in measles antibody response. Methods We genotyped known SNPs in SLAM and CD46 genes in 339 subjects vaccinated with 2 doses of measles-mumps-rubella vaccine. We also sequenced the measles virus–binding domains of SLAM and CD46 to identify novel SNPs. Results Increased representation of minor alleles for rs3796504 and rs164288 in the SLAM gene was associated with an allele dose-related decrease (4-fold) in measles-specific antibodies. Heterozygous genotype TC for rs12076998 located in the untranslated region 33 bp upstream of the measles virus–binding domain of the SLAM gene was associated with higher median antibody levels (1991 vs 1467 IU/L, P = .01) compared with wild-type TT. Within the CD46 gene, the minor allele C for intronic SNP (rs11118580) was associated with an allele dose-related decrease in measles antibodies (1072 vs 1795 IU/L, P P Conclusion Our data suggest that specific SNPs present in both the SLAM and CD46 genes are associated with measurable and significant variations in antibody response after measles vaccination. Clinical implications Understanding the immunogenetics of measles vaccine receptors is important to better understand variations in immune responses to vaccines and to design better vaccines.
CTP infarct core may predict poor outcome in stroke patients treated with IV t-PA.

Abstract Background Computerized tomography perfusion (CTP) has been widely studied in assessing physiological brain tissue parameters in patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS). The utility of CTP to predict clinical outcome in patients with AIS treated with intravenous tissue plasminogen activator (IV t-PA) is controversial. We reviewed CTP data in AIS patients treated with IV t-PA to uncover potential predictors of clinical outcome. Methods We retrospectively identified AIS patients from our stroke registry (7/07 to 2/10) who underwent CTP on arrival and then received IV t-PA. A neuroradiologist blinded to outcome performed all CTP parameter measurements on a commercially available Siemens Neuro PCT workstation. Tissue at risk (TAR) was defined as the area of infarct territory with a relative time to peak (rTTP) greater than 4 s. Non-viable tissue (NVT) was defined as the area of infarct territory with absolute cerebral blood volume (CBV) less than 2 ml/100 g and cerebral blood flow (CBF) less than 12.7 ml/100 g/min. Penumbra was defined as the area of (TAR) minus the area of (NVT). Excellent clinical outcome was defined as mRS (0–1), good clinical outcome was defined as mRS (0–2), and poor clinical outcome was defined as mRS (4–6), all measured at hospital discharge and 90 days if available. Recanalization data was obtained when available by comparing pre-thrombolytic CTA data and post-treatment MRA/CTA images by a single blinded radiologist. Results We identified 61 patients that met our inclusion criteria with a mean age of 68 (29–94), median NIHSS on admission of 13 (1–40), and median discharge mRS of 4 (0–6). Using multivariate logistic regression and ordinal logistic regression controlling for age and admission NIHSS, none of the CTP parameters were statistically associated with excellent or good clinical outcome (mRS 30 cm2 (OR = 5.12, CI: 0.95–27, p = 0.05) was statistically associated with poor clinical outcome at discharge. NVT area ≥ 30 cm2 was a potential predictor of poor outcome at discharge even when controlling for age and NIHSS. Conclusion CTP parameters derived from commercially available software and published thresholds yield little predictive value for good clinical outcomes for AIS patients treated with IV t-PA but may be useful in predicting poor clinical outcome especially if the area of non-viable tissue is greater than 30 cm2.
Spatial sensitization and adaptation in a long‐wavelength cone pathway

Flashed-field sensitivities measured with a long-wavelength probe have a red/green shape when stimuli are presented on a steady background but resemble the L-cone absorption spectrum in the dark [M. A. Finkelstein, M. Harrison, and D. C. Hood, Sites of sensitivity control within a long-wavelength cone pathway, Vision Res. 30, 1145–1158 (1990)]. We previously speculated that this could be due to concealed color opponency; receptive-field surrounds, fed by M cones, are eliminated under dark adaptation. The current study tested this hypothesis with a sensitization paradigm. Thresholds were measured for a 640-nm probe presented on flashes of two sizes. Data were obtained in the dark and on a 4.0-log10 td steady background. The results suggest a model in which the L cones comprise a center mechanism and both M and L cones a weaker inhibitory surround. Dark adaptation eliminates only the M component of the surround.
573 LONGITUDINAL PATTERNS OF PERINATAL DEATHS BY DIAGNOS1B AND BIRTHWEIGHT DISTRIBUTION

We have reviewed 934 perinatal deaths from 1976 through 1983 among 28,000 inborn births in an urban perinatal center hospital. During perinatal mortality review the principal cause of death was assigned by one individual (JBP) into 7 fetal and 7 neonatal major diagnostic groupings; autopsy information contributed to assignment in 80%. Perinatal asphyxia accounted for approximately 50% of the neonatal deaths; over time there tended to be a redistribution with increased contribution from the 500-750g group. Congenital anomalies decreased from 11.7% to 9.1% while infection tripled from 8.3% to 25%. The most impressive change was the decrease in immaturity as the principal cause from 21% to 4.5%; this change may represent an artifact of having more information available for the review process. For 33% of fetal deaths cause was undetermined. The next common cause was placental abruption, 18.5% overall, with no real change over time; in contrast maternal disease and Rh disease decreased from 12% to 10% respectively to 2.3% for each group. The wt specific distribution of perinatal mortality, except for >2500g, has been progressively towards the <1000g infant, now accounting for over 2/3 of perinatal mortality and clearly identifying prematurity as the most important unsolved problem. In addition, these data identify other causes of death to direct education and intervention programs to improve outcome for both the fetus and newborn.
Early diagnosis as the means of tuberculosis control.

The result of conducting a fundamental tuberculosis control program is a reduction in the incidence of this disease. In the past six months, in this "fair-sized community" of students, there have been found only about 20 new cases. The majority of these are at a very early stage and, for the most part, are now under treatment. Certainly, until there is a method developed that will insure true immunity to this disease, the use of the Mantoux test should be continued as it is the one diagnostic procedure which will tell those individuals who have been infected with tuberculosis and therefore need careful supervision.
Minireview: Parathyroid Hormone-Related Protein as an Intracrine Factor—Trafficking Mechanisms and Functional Consequences

PTH-related protein (PTHrP) was originally discovered as the factor responsible for humoral hypercalcemia of malignancy. PTHrP is produced by most cell types and is a prohormone that gives rise to a family of mature secretory forms arising from posttranslational endoproteolytic cleavage of the initial translation product. Each of these secretory forms of PTHrP is believed to have one or more of its own receptors on the cell surface that mediates the normal paracrine, autocrine, and endocrine actions of PTHrP. Recently, evidence has accumulated that indicates that PTHrP is also able to enter the nucleus and/or the nucleolus and influence cellular events in an intracrine fashion. This review discusses the mechanisms by which PTHrP may gain access to the nucleus/nucleolus and the functional consequences of this nuclear entry by PTHrP.
Resection of the severely ankylosed temporomandibular joint.

Few deformities of the maxillofacial region present with such a wide constellation of symptoms and clinical findings as ankylosis of the temporomandibular joint. Pain, swelling, disruption of diet and speech, airway complications, and the creation of cosmetic deformities all can result from this severe defect of the mandibular zygomatic complex. The basic surgical goals for correction of this deformity are threefold: to free up the ankylosis, to return the patient to function, and to prevent recurrence. The last 2 of these 3 goals are usually dependent on placement of an interpositional barrier following release of the fibrous or bony fusion that can be either prosthetic or tissue borne. The most common causes of severe ankylosis of the temporomandibular joint are posttraumatic, but arthritis, infection, and scar tissue from previous surgery all are known etiologic factors. The 3 subtypes of ankyloses are classified depending on the extent of involvement: stage1, bony ankylosis limited to the condylar process; stage 2, ankylosis of bone reaching the sigmoid notch; and stage 3, ankylosis involving the coronoid process. In the past, the surgical treatment of this problem has been regarded, even by the most experienced surgeons of our profession, as an undertaking that is fraught with complications such as bleeding and nerve damage, which can produce much anxiety for the surgeon with the possibility of potential morbidity for the patient. A portion of this anxiety is well founded in that the surgeon is operating in an area generously populated with major vessels that are difficult to access for control and blanketed by the 5 branches of the facial nerve where slight damage to any one of them could cause a significant cosmetic facial deformity. The purpose of this article is to present a step-by-step approach to the correction of this deformity. While each deformity is different and may present a different set of anatomic findings, the theoretical approach remains the same: to always be in a position to deal with complications if they arise by having good visibility and access to the surgical field, through a careful and systematic approach. Anesthesia considerations While the airway is always the most essential factor in a successful anesthetic, it becomes more problematicinapatient withalimited opening duetoan ankylosisdeformity.Theanesthesiateammust be made aware that the mandible will be unable to be mobilized even with adequate muscle relaxation. Fiberoptic intubation or tracheostomy becomes the usual option to secure an adequate airway for this relatively prolonged procedure. All options need to be discussed and accepted by the patient, and adequate preparation for a surgical airway need to be in place in the eventthe endotracheal intubation is unsuccessful. Hypotensive anesthesia is highly recommended for this procedure. The institution of an arterial line will allow the anesthesia team to safely maintain a mean arterial pressure in the range of 55 to 60 mm Hg and can be adjusted depending on the comfort of the anesthesia team relative to the
Kimmel's “General Case” for the Relationship between Chi Square and Size of Sample

Kimmel ( 1 ) provides a table showing the sum of squared obtained frequencies required for significance at .05 and .O1 levels for several values of N (the total frequency) and "number of cells ( n ) " from 3 through 10. He does not make clear that his table applies only to the special situation where each theoretical frequency is N/n. Thus his "general case" is not the usual contingency table with theoretical frequencies determined from the marginal sums. It may be helpful to stress this important point by outlining the derivation of his Formula [2].' Beginning with his Formula [I] for chi square in terms of obtained frequencies, f,, and frequencies "expected" under the null hypothesis, f,, we find for the special case where f, = N/n (and hence df = n 1) that
Physico-chemical properties of rat and dog cardiac α-actinin

Abstract α-Actinin exists in several polymorphic forms which appear to be characteristic of the muscle type from which it is isolated. In order to determine the possible physiological role of this structural protein in cardiac muscle, we describe and compare here the physico-chemical properties of cardiac α-actinin from two different mammalian species, rat (fast contracting muscle) and dog (slow contracting muscle). Purification of cardiac α-actinin was achieved by chromatography on DEAE-cellulose and hydroxyapatite columns. The α-actinins isolated were different in their electrophoretic mobility (SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis), molecular size and α-helical content. However, their shape as revealed by electron microscopy and their activating effect on Mg2+-ATPase activity of actomyosin appear to be similar. These studies suggest that the rat and dog cardiac α-actinin are structurally different but functionally similar proteins.
The determination of the eosinophil count: Comparison of two techniques

The total eosinophil count obtained by use of the standard hemacytometer is considered by several investigators to be the most reliable method for the determination of the circulating eosinophil levels in the blood because it is believed to be less subject to error than the calculated eosinophil count obtained with Wright stained blood smears from the differential count. We compared the two techniques in outpatients as well as inpatients with and without allergies (total of 514 patients). Our results demonstrate that the eosinophil count by the two methods are similar.
Intensity modulation delivery techniques: “Step & shoot” MLC auto-sequence versus the use of a modulator

Two intensity modulation radiotherapy (IMRT) delivery systems, the "step & shoot" multileaf collimator (MLC) auto-sequence and the use of an intensity modulator, are compared with emphasis on the dose optimization quality and the treatment irradiation time. The intensity modulation (IM) was created by a dose gradient optimization algorithm which maximizes the target dose uniformity while maintaining dose to critical structures below a set tolerance defined by the user in terms of either a single dose value or a dose volume histogram curve for each critical structure. Two clinical cases were studied with and without dose optimization: a three-field sinus treatment and a six-field nasopharyngeal treatment. The optimization goal of the latter case included the sparing of several nearby normal structures in addition to the target dose uniformity. In both cases, the target dose uniformity initially improved quickly as the IM level increased to 5, then started to approach saturation when the MLC technique was used. In the absence of the both space and intensity discreteness intrinsic to the MLC technique, the modulator technique produced greater tumor dose uniformity and normal structure sparing. The latter showed no systematic improvement with increasing IM level using the MLC technique. For the sinus tumor treatment of 2 Gy the treatment irradiation time of the modulator technique is no more than that of the conventional treatment. For the MLC technique the irradiation time increased rapidly from 4.4 min to 12.4 min as the IM level increased from 2 to 10. Both clinical cases suggested that an IM level of 5 offered a good compromise between the dose optimization quality and treatment irradiation time. We showed that a realistic photon source model is necessary for dose computation accuracy in the MLC-IM treatments.
Spatial orientation of microtubules in contractile fibroblasts in vivo

Contracting fibrous tissues from skin wounds in pigs, and scars around silicone implants in humans, contained fibroblasts that had multiple bundles of 60-80 A microfilaments with electron-dense bodies, features typical of contractile fibroblasts both in vivo (myofibroblasts) and in vitro. These in vivo fibroblasts contained many 220 A diameter microtubules, which paralleled plasma membranes in the long axis of the cells. The spatial orientation of the microtubules in these myofibroblasts strongly suggests a bracing or scaffolding function.
On Sensing-Access Tradeoff in Cognitive Radio Networks

In cognitive radio networks (CRNs), the design of an optimal spectrum sensing scheme is an important problem that has recently been drawing consideration attention. Various sensing-related performance tradeoffs have been studied as an efficient means to maximize the secondary network performance. Despite its importance, however, the sensing-access tradeoff--between sensing overhead and the MAC-layer contention among secondary users in accessing the thus-discovered spectrum opportunities--has not yet been accounted for. In this paper, we show that the secondary network throughput can be improved significantly by incorporating the sensing-access tradeoff in the design of spectrum sensing. We first introduce a new concept of (alpha,beta)-contention spectrum sharing and analyze the sensing requirement to meet a certain channel contention constraint by using the improper list-coloring in graph theory. Specifically, we derive the relationship among the sensing requirements, the secondary network density, and the transmission power of secondary users. To maximize the network throughput, we propose a distributed spectrum-sharing algorithm, called SmartShare, which exploits channel contention and heterogeneous channel conditions to maximize the secondary network throughput. We also describe how to realize SmartShare in an 802.11 MAC protocol for its practical use and evaluation. Our simulation-based evaluation shows that, sensing an optimal number of channels for given network density can improve the achievable throughput of SmartShare by up to 60% over a single-channel sensing strategy.
Calibration changes in EUV solar satellite instruments.

Photometric calibration changes in EUV solar satellite instruments during orbital operation
Frequency and Inheritance of A and B Blood Types in Feline Breeds of the United States

Using a simple hemagglutination assay to determine A and B blood types, we surveyed 1,072 domestic short- and longhair (DSH/DLH) cats and 1,100 purebred cats in the United States. Data from 234 matings with 552 offspring were consistent with the hypothesis that feline blood types A and B are due to the action of two different alleles at the same gene locus and that A is completely dominant over B. Neither an AB nor an O type cat was encountered. No type B cats were found in the Siamese and related breeds or in American Shorthair and Norwegian Forest cats. Among the breeds with type B blood, the proportion was lowest in DSH/DLH cats (0.0028) and variably higher in Abyssinian, Birman, British Shorthair, Devon Rex, Himalayan, Persian, Scottish Fold, and Somali, ranging from 0.15 to 0.59. Since all type B cats have strong, naturally occurring anti-A alloantibodies, fatal neonatal isoerythrolyses occur in type A offspring of type B mothers bred to type A males. The gene frequency of the B allele and the proportion of mating at risk of neonatal isoerythrolysis were estimated in a number of breeds. In most breeds, the frequency of the B allele was less than 0.5. Since the kittens at risk for neonatal isoerythrolysis always have the genotype AB, there is constant natural selection against heterozygotes. Heterozygote disadvantage in the cat AB system represents an unusual form of negative selection, similar to that in Rh blood group incompatibility in humans.
The electron-beam fluorescence technique for measurements in hypersonic turbulent flows

The electron-beam fluorescence technique has been employed in measuring simultaneous density and temperature fluctuations in a hypersonic (M ≃ 16), adiabatic wall boundary layer. The paper discusses this technique, as it is applied to the conditions of relatively high density associated with turbulent flows. It presents general considerations concerning the attainable frequency response and spatial resolution of the technique. It describes results from initial measurements in a boundary layer on a wind-tunnel wall. These results show that the r.m.s. of the density, temperature and pressure fluctuations are large, much larger than observed in supersonic boundary layers.
Voltage sensing in ion channels: mesoscale simulations of biological devices.

Electrical signaling via voltage-gated ion channels depends upon the function of a voltage sensor (VS), identified with the S1--S4 domain in voltage-gated K${}^{+}$ channels. Here we investigate some energetic aspects of the sliding-helix model of the VS using simulations based on VS charges, linear dielectrics, and whole-body motion. Model electrostatics in voltage-clamped boundary conditions are solved using a boundary element method. The statistical mechanical consequences of the electrostatic configurational energy are computed to gain insight into the sliding-helix mechanism and to predict experimentally measured ensemble properties such as gating charge displaced by an applied voltage. Those consequences and ensemble properties are investigated for two alternate S4 configurations, $\ensuremath{\alpha}$ and ${3}_{10}$ helical. Both forms of VS are found to have an inherent electrostatic stability. Maximal charge displacement is limited by geometry, specifically the range of movement where S4 charges and countercharges overlap in the region of weak dielectric. Charge displacement responds more steeply to voltage in the $\ensuremath{\alpha}$-helical than in the 3${}_{10}$-helical sensor. This difference is due to differences on the order of 0.1 eV in the landscapes of electrostatic energy. As a step toward integrating these VS models into a full-channel model, we include a hypothetical external load in the Hamiltonian of the system and analyze the energetic input-output relation of the VS.
Role of the amino‐terminal extrahelical region of type I collagen in directing the 4D overlap in fibrillogenesis

The amino-terminal telopeptide of the collagen α1(I) chain has a highly conserved sequence. This sequence was analyzed by the Chou-Fasman criteria, and a folded β-sheet conformation, including a β-turn, was predicted. This folded “hairpin” region favors both ionic and hydrophobic intermolecular interactions with α1(I) chain residues 930–938 on a neighboring, end-overlapped molecule. An end-overlap interaction of this nature could direct the initial step in fibril formation. The predicted structure also places the potential crosslink-forming lysyl residue, 9N, in a unique site at the β-turn end of the telopeptide.