cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Investigation of cosolute-protein preferential interaction coefficients: new insight into the mechanism by which arginine inhibits aggregation.

The relatively new technique of vapor pressure osmometry was utilized to determine the preferential interaction of five common solution additives (arginine HCl, guanidine HCl, glycerol, glucose, and urea) using three different model proteins (BSA, lysozyme, and α-chymotrypsinogen). Results for guanidine, glycerol, glucose, and urea are comparable to literature values, which utilized the dialysis/densimetry technique. However, values for arginine differ greatly from literature values, making it unclear what is the nature of arginine-protein interactions. A repeat of the dialysis/densimetry measurements reported in the literature supports the vapor pressure osmometry measurements and reveals a never before seen trend in the interaction of arginine with proteins as a function of concentration. This trend is dependent on the protein size and shows arginine to be unique among solution additives. For concentrations below 0.5 M, arginine has a preferential interaction coefficient near zero (slightly greater than zero for small proteins but decreases as the size of the protein increases) which indicates that arginine is neither strongly bound nor excluded from the protein surface. This trend differs greatly from cosolutes which influence the protein folding equilibrium. However, as the concentration of arginine increases beyond 0.5 M, arginine becomes increasingly excluded. Such behavior might be indicative of the protein surface becoming saturated with arginine, thus causing any additional arginine added to the solution to be excluded from interacting with the surface. All of this behavior is most likely the result of a balance between the affinity arginine has for the peptide backbone and certain amino acids and the repulsion generated by surface tension increment and volume exclusion effects. In addition, such behavior may explain why arginine has little effect on protein folding equilibrium but is an effective aggregation suppressor.
Lanosterol metabolic product(s) is involved in primordial folliculogenesis and establishment of primordial follicle pool in mouse fetal ovary.

The primordial follicles present in neonatal ovary represent the fecundity of a female throughout her reproductive life. Germ cell meiosis and apoptosis are two important events during primordial folliculogenesis. In this study, through focusing on the cytochrome P450 lanosterol 14 alphademethylase (CYP51) and its lanosterol metabolic product(s), we explored the possible regulatory mechanism of the initiation of germ cell meiosis and primordial follicle formation. The expression of CYP51 could be detected in both oocytes and granulosa cells during primordial folliculogenesis by immunochemistry. RS21745, which leads to the reduction of lanosterol metabolic product(s) level, inhibited the primordial follicle formation in a dose-dependent manner, and thus postpone the establishment of the primordial follicle pool when the mouse fetal ovaries were cultured in serum-free medium. In contrast, the number of primordial follicle increased significantly with the accumulation of the lanosterol metabolic products caused by 0.025, 0.0625, and 0.125 µM AY9944-A-7 supplements. AY9944-A-7 also up-regulated the expression of meiotic diplotene stage marker gene msy2 and primordial follicle formation regulatory gene fig-alpha. Furthermore, AY9944-A-7 decreased the expression of apoptosis gene bax and significantly prevented oocyte apoptosis from 15.37 ± 1.97% to 3.68 ± 0.27% (P < 0.01) in neonatal ovary in vitro. In conclusion, our results indicate that lanosterol metabolic product(s) is involved in the primordial folliculogenesis by regulating the oocyte meiosis and apoptosis. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 76: 514–521, 2009. © 2008 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Optimal sensor placement for active guided wave interrogation of complex metallic components

With research in structural health monitoring (SHM) moving towards increasingly complex structures for damage interrogation, the placement of sensors is becoming a key issue in the performance of the damage detection methodologies. For ultrasonic wave based approaches, this is especially important because of the sensitivity of the travelling Lamb waves to material properties, geometry and boundary conditions that may obscure the presence of damage if they are not taken into account during sensor placement. The framework proposed in this paper defines a sensing region for a pair of piezoelectric transducers in a pitch-catch damage detection approach by taking into account the material attenuation and probability of false alarm. Using information about the region interrogated by a sensoractuator pair, a simulated annealing optimization framework was implemented in order to place sensors on complex metallic geometries such that a selected minimum damage type and size could be detected with an acceptable probability of false alarm anywhere on the structure. This approach was demonstrated on a lug joint to detect a crack and on a large Naval SHM test bed and resulted in a placement of sensors that was able to interrogate all parts of the structure using the minimum number of transducers.
Molecular aspects of thymic carcinoma

Thymic carcinomas are tumors of the anterior mediastinum derived from the epithelial cells of the thymic gland. Due to their low incidence they are often investigated in combination with thymomas under the rubric of "thymic epithelial neoplasms" and studies exclusively addressing thymic carcinomas are sparse. Thymic carcinomas are characterized by their histologic variability, often resembling tumors seen in other organ systems. This morphologic variation coupled with their rarity has prevented large scale research of these tumors and little is known about the etiology, biologic behavior or best treatment for thymic carcinoma. In recent years, attempts have been made to investigate the molecular characteristics of these tumors in the hope that molecular profiling can be used to predict the prognosis or lead to the development of new treatment strategies. Herein we provide an overview of the recent advances of the molecular analysis of thymic carcinoma with particular emphasis on the potential use for molecularly targeted therapies.
Synthesis and evaluation of 18F labeled FET prodrugs for tumor imaging

Abstract Introduction O -(2-[ 18 F]fluoroethyl)-l-tyrosine (FET, [ 18 F] 1 ) is a useful amino-acid-based imaging agent for brain tumors. This paper reports the synthesis and evaluation of three FET prodrugs, O -(2-[ 18 F]fluoroethyl)-l-tyrosyl-l-glycine (FET-Gly, [ 18 F] 2 ), O -(2-[ 18 F]fluoroethyl)-l-tyrosyl-l-alanine (FET-Ala, [ 18 F] 3 ) and N -acetyl O -(2-[ 18 F]fluoroethyl)-l-tyrosine (AcFET, [ 18 F] 4 ), which could be readily hydrolyzed to FET in vivo for tumor imaging. We investigated their metabolism in the blood and imaging properties in comparison to FET ([ 18 F] 1 ). Methods Three new [ 18 F]FET derivatives, 2 – 4 , were prepared from their corresponding tosylate-precursors through nucleophilic fluorination and subsequent deprotection reactions. In vitro uptake studies were carried out in 9L glioma cancer cell lines. In vitro and in vivo hydrolysis studies were conducted to evaluate the hydrolysis of FET prodrugs in blood and in Fisher 344 rats. Biodistribution and PET imaging studies were then performed in rats bearing 9L tumors. Results New FET prodrugs were prepared with 3–28% decay corrected radiochemical yields, good enantiomeric purity (>95%) and high radiochemical purity (>95%). FET-Gly ([ 18 F] 2 ), FET-Ala ([ 18 F] 3 ), and AcFET ([ 18 F] 4 ) exhibited negligible uptake in comparison to the high uptake of FET ([ 18 F] 1 ) in 9L cells. Metabolism studies of FET-Gly ([ 18 F] 2 ), FET-Ala ([ 18 F] 3 ), and AcFET ([ 18 F] 4 ) in rat and human blood showed that FET-Ala ([ 18 F] 3 ) was hydrolyzed to FET ([ 18 F] 1 ) faster than FET-Gly ([ 18 F] 2 ) or AcFET ([ 18 F] 4 ). Most of the FET-Ala (79%) was converted to FET ([ 18 F] 1 ) within 5min in blood in vivo . Biodistribution studies demonstrated that FET-Ala ([ 18 F] 3 ) displayed the highest tumor uptake. The tumor-to-background ratios of FET-Ala ([ 18 F] 3 ) and FET ([ 18 F] 1 ) were comparable and appeared to be better than those of FET-Gly ([ 18 F] 2 ) and AcFET ([ 18 F] 4 ). PET imaging studies showed that both FET ([ 18 F] 1 ) and FET-Ala ([ 18 F] 3 ) could visualize tumors effectively, and that they share similar imaging characteristics. Conclusions FET-Ala ([ 18 F] 3 ) demonstrated promising properties as a prodrug of FET ([ 18 F] 1 ), which could be used in PET imaging of tumor amino acid metabolism.
A multiplex biomarker approach for the diagnosis of transitional cell carcinoma from canine urine

Transitional cell carcinoma (TCC), the most common cancer of the urinary bladder in dogs, is usually diagnosed at an advanced disease stage with limited response to chemotherapy. Commercial screening tests lack specificity and current diagnostic procedures are invasive. A proof of concept pilot project for analyzing the canine urinary proteome as a noninvasive diagnostic tool for TCC identification was conducted. Urine was collected from 12 dogs in three cohorts (healthy, urinary tract infection, TCC) and analyzed using liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry. The presence of four proteins (macrophage capping protein, peroxiredoxin 5, heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoproteins A2/B, and apolipoprotein A1) was confirmed via immunoblot. Of the total 379 proteins identified, 96 were unique to the TCC group. A statistical model, designed to evaluate the accuracy of this multiplex biomarker approach for diagnosis of TCC, predicted the presence of disease with 90% accuracy.
One-Dimensional Simulations of Freely Propagating Turbulent Premixed Flames

The propagation rate and the structure of freely propagating premixed turbulent flames are investigated using a one-dimensional simulation model based on a new version of the linear-eddy model (LEM) of Kerstein (1991, 1992). This model explicitly includes thermo-diffusive, finite-rate kinetic, and heal release effects. Reasonably good quantitative agreement in predictions of turbulent flame speed with fan-stirred bomb experiments of Abdel-Gayed el at. (1984a) is obtained over most of the reported u’/SL range. LEM predicts a rapid increase in ut/SL with u’/SL for low u’ followed by a bendiny slope of ut/SL with increasing u’ that was also observed in the experiments. Here, ut and SL are, respectively, the turbulent and stretch free planar laminar flame speeds and u’ is the r.m.s. turbulence intensity. Comparisons with an earlier model based on the G-equation (Menon and Kerstein, 1992) for flamelet combustion are also made. The resulting propagation speeds are also in good agreement. Comparisons with weak-s...
Computer Simulation of Multibody Dynamical Systems in a TeraGrid Environment

Despite the great growth in capability of computer hardware, the system size, complexity of structures, and time scales present in virtual prototyping of multibody dynamical systems will continue to challenge the field of computational multibody dynamics for the foreseeable future. In this paper, the scientific problems in virtual prototyping of multibody dynamical systems are articulated. Implementation of an efficient parallelizable algorithm on TeraGrid computing systems is further discussed. Various simulation cases and computing results are presented to demonstrate impact of the TeraGrid to the performance of the algorithm.Copyright © 2010 by ASME
Classical paths in supersymmetric quantum mechanics

The spontaneous breakdown of supersymmetry in quantum mechanical systems is studied by the method of classical paths. This method generalizes the instanton method and is adequate to describe both symmetric systems and systems with spontaneously broken supersymmetry.
Dosimetric and radiobiological impact of dose fractionation on respiratory motion induced IMRT delivery errors: A volumetric dose measurement study

Respiratory motion can introduce substantial dose errors during IMRT delivery. These errors are difficult to predict because of the nonsynchronous interplay between radiation beams and tissues. The present study investigates the impact of dose fractionation on respiratory motion induced dosimetric errors during IMRT delivery and their radiobiological implications by using measured 3D dose. We focused on IMRT delivery with dynamic multileaf collimation (DMLC-IMRT). IMRT plans using several beam arrangements were optimized for and delivered to a polystyrene phantom containing a simulated target and critical organs. The phantom was set in linear sinusoidal motion at a frequency of 15 cycles/min (0.25 Hz). The amplitude of the motion was +/- 0.75 cm in the longitudinal direction and +/- 0.25 cm in the lateral direction. Absolute doses were measured with a 0.125 cc ionization chamber while dose distributions were measured with transverse films spaced 6 mm apart. Measurements were performed for varying number of fractions with motion, with respiratory-gated motion, and without motion. A tumor control probability (TCP) model for an inhomogeneously irradiated tumor was used to calculate and compare TCPs for the measurements and the treatment plans. Equivalent uniform doses (EUD) were also computed. For individual fields, point measurements using an ionization chamber showed substantial dose deviations (-11.7% to 47.8%) for the moving phantom as compared to the stationary phantom. However, much smaller deviations (-1.7% to 3.5%) were observed for the composite dose of all fields. The dose distributions and DVHs of stationary and gated deliveries were in good agreement with those of treatment plans, while those of the nongated moving phantom showed substantial differences. Compared to the stationary phantom, the largest differences observed for the minimum and maximum target doses were -18.8% and +19.7%, respectively. Due to their random nature, these dose errors tended to average out over fractionated treatments. The results of five-fraction measurements showed significantly improved agreement between the moving and stationary phantom. The changes in TCP were less than 4.3% for a single fraction, and less than 2.3% for two or more fractions. Variation of average EUD per fraction was small (< 3.1 cGy for a fraction size of 200 cGy), even when the DVHs were noticeably different from that of the stationary tumor. In conclusion, IMRT treatment of sites affected by respiratory motion can introduce significant dose errors in individual field doses; however, these errors tend to cancel out between fields and average out over dose fractionation. 3D dose distributions, DVHs, TCPs, and EUDs for stationary and moving cases showed good agreement after two or more fractions, suggesting that tumors affected by respiration motion may be treated using IMRT without significant dosimetric and biological consequences.
IMMIGRATION, SCHOOLS, AND VIOLENCE: ASSIMILATION AND STUDENT MISBEHAVIOR

Although the “myth” about the immigration and crime link is one of immigrant propensity for criminality in the United States, contradictory evidence suggests that immigrants, including youth, are less likely to be deviant. Little is known, however, about the multilevel relationships between immigration, schools, and student misbehavior. Analyses, which draw from the Educational Longitudinal Study of 2002 and Hierarchical Linear Modeling (HLM) analysis, indeed reveal imperative findings. Most notably, first-generation immigrant students are less likely to misbehave while at school; however, increased exposure to school social disorder is associated with student misbehavior for first-generation immigrants. This article also discusses the importance of understanding the role of immigration in the multilevel relationship of student misbehavior for one of the fastest growing segments of American society: the children of immigrants.
Assessments of the Educational Value of Web-Based Instructional Tools for Introductory Agricultural Economic

A web site was designed and introduced to an introductory agricultural microeconomics course. The web site provided students with supplemental reviews, practice problems, self-tests, and a simulation exercise. A variety of quantitative assessments were conducted to determine whether the web site influenced student learning, perceptions, and motivation. Results indicate the web site provided small to modest educational benefits.
SIVAGM INCIDENCE OVER TWO DECADES IN A NATURAL POPULATION OF ETHIOPIAN GRIVET MONKEYS (CERCOPITHECUS AETHIOPS AETHIOPS)

: The incidence of SIVagm seropositivity in a natural population of Ethiopian grivet monkeys (Cercopithecus aethiops aethiops) is investigated using plasma samples collected in 1973, and shown to be similar to that reported from the same population in 1990–91. Results tend to support our previous conclusions: endemic SIVagm has little or no impact on the survival of wild grivet monkeys, and the virus is transmitted almost always by sexual contact, occasionally by trauma, and rarely if ever maternally. Small differences between 1973 and 1990–93 suggest that the stress of drought years may raise the incidence of traumatic transmission, and temporarily depress transmission by sexual activity, in this population.
Molecular characterization of the red visual pigment gene of the American chameleon (Anolis carolinensis)

The red sensitive visual pigment of the American chameleon, Anolis carolinensis, is unique in having absorption maximum some 50 nm further into the red than any other terrestrial vertebrate examined. We report here the isolation and sequence determination of the genomic DNA clone for the Anolis red visual pigment gene. Phylogenetic analysis shows that this gene is most closely related to the gecko green and chicken red visual pigment genes. We identified nine Anolis-specific amino acid replacements, seven of which reside in transmembrane domains and might contribute to the red-shift of the Anolis visual pigments.
Structure and function in gene patenting

The United States patent system treats DNA sequences as large chemical compounds in determining their patentability. This approach has been helpful to those who seek to patent previously unidentified DNA sequences, but it may prove less advantageous from the perspective of those who elucidate biological functions and disease relevance of previously identified genes. A current controversy over patent rights for DNA sequences encoding leptin receptors provides a useful case study for illustrating some of the issues that are likely to arise in applying doctrine derived from chemical patent cases in the context of gene discovery.
Getting hot under the calyx

Most mammals are homeothermic, and finely tune their core body temperature within a narrow range (36–39°C). Unsurprisingly, brain function is temperature dependent and it is thought that brain cooling can ameliorate damage following trauma, such as stroke. A variety of structural and physiological properties of neurons are influenced by temperature, including spine morphology and motility, vesicular release of neurotransmitter, action potential generation, and the kinetics of neurotransmitter receptors and transporters (Klyachko & Stevens, 2006). However, a full description of the effects of temperature at central synapses is still missing. What is more, the majority of in vitro studies are conducted at room temperature to improve tissue viability and facilitate electrophysiological recordings. A drawback of this is that the interpretation of the results may not hold in the warmer surroundings of the functioning brain.
Dichloroacetamide antidotes enhance thiocarbamate sulfoxide detoxification by elevating corn root glutathione content and glutathione S-transferase activity☆

Abstract Glutathione (GSH) content and GSH S -transferase activity are consistently increased in corn roots on 24-hr exposure of corn seedlings to part per million levels of N,N -diallyl-2,2-dichloroacetamide (R-25788) and related antidotes for thiocarbamate herbicide injury in susceptible corn varieties. This combined enhancement of enzyme activity and cofactor level leads to rapid detoxification of thiocarbamate sulfoxides, which are proposed to be the active herbicidal compounds formed on metabolic sulfoxidation. S -( N,N -Dipropylcarbamyl)-GSH is formed by this enzyme-catalyzed detoxification of EPTC sulfoxide. This hypothesis on antidote mode of action is supported by studies on 32 dichloroacetamides and related compounds and on the concentration- and time-dependent relationships of R-25788 action. The liver GSH content is normal in mice injected with high doses of R-25788, but the content is reduced when EPTC or EPTC sulfoxide is administered. EPTC sulfoxide also carbamoylates the thiol group of coenzyme A in neutral aqueous medium.
Abstract 5755: Molecular mechanisms of small cell lung carcinoma development using preclinical mouse models

Proceedings: AACR 101st Annual Meeting 2010‐‐ Apr 17‐21, 2010; Washington, DC Small cell lung carcinoma (SCLC) is a neuroendocrine subtype of lung cancer with a 5-year survival rate of less than 10%. A mouse model for human SCLC has been developed based on the fact that the RB and p53 tumor suppressor genes are mutated in more than 90% of human SCLC tumors. Rb/p53 mutant mouse lung tumors closely resemble human SCLC at the cellular and molecular levels, providing a model to probe the mechanisms underlying the development and the maintenance of SCLC in vivo. Based on preliminary evidence in a small number of human samples and tumor cell lines, we have examined the possibility that SCLC tumors may rely on the Hedgehog (Hh) signaling pathway for their growth. Hh signaling plays a key role during normal lung development and response to injury but normally has low activity in the lung epithelium. In contrast, when we crossed Rb/p53 mutant mice to Ptch1lacZ/+ reporter mice, we found that Hh signaling was active in all the SCLCs that developed. Experiments with cell lines derived from mouse tumors also indicated that the activation of Hh signaling in these cells was cell-autonomous. Constitutive activation of the Hh pathway using a mutant allele of Smo was sufficient to enhance SCLC development in vivo. Inhibition of the Hh pathway with Cyclopamine and GANT61 reduced the survival of SCLC cells in culture and of primary tumors in vivo, indicating that activation of the Hh pathway is also necessary for the expansion of these tumor cells. Thus, the Hh pathway is active in SCLC cells and plays an intrinsic role in the initiation and the maintenance of SCLC. These observations in a pre-clinical model suggest that inhibition of this signaling pathway may provide a novel means to treat SCLC patients. Emerging evidence in patients and mouse models also suggests that p130, a gene related to RB, may act as a tumor suppressor in SCLC cells. To test this idea, we used conditional mutant mice to delete p130 in combination with Rb and p53 in adult lung epithelial cells. We found that loss of p130 resulted in increased proliferation and significant acceleration of SCLC development, indicating that p130 plays a key tumor suppressor role in SCLC and providing an improved mouse model for SCLC. We are currently using this triple knock-out mouse model to identify the cell(s) of origin for SCLC as well as to elucidate the mechanisms behind the high metastatic potential of this tumor type. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 101st Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2010 Apr 17-21; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2010;70(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 5755.
Ion accumulation in a protein nanocage: finding noisy temporal sequences using a genetic algorithm.

Many pathogenic bacteria are able to survive attack by the host's immune system because of antioxidant systems that mitigate the effects of reactive oxygen species. Dps is a hollow 12-subunit protein nanocage that prevents oxidative damage by oxidizing and sequestering intracellular Fe2+; the resulting Fe3+ forms an iron oxyhydroxide nanoparticle in the cage interior. Charged sites on the protein nanocage create an electrostatic gradient that guides ions through well-defined pores that connect the cage interior with the surrounding solution and toward nucleation sites on the cage interior. In this study, we use all-atom molecular dynamics to simulate the motion of simple cations into the dodecameric cage formed by the Dps protein from Listeria monocytogenes. Ion trajectories are analyzed by using a novel, to our knowledge, genetic algorithm to determine the temporal sequence of ion-protein interactions. Ions enter Dps through well-defined pores at the ferritinlike C3 axes, with negatively-charged residues on the outside of the cage forming a fairly well-defined entrance pathway. This method of trajectory analysis may be broadly applicable in situations where the spatial localization of ions or other small molecules is electrostatically driven by a biomolecule.
A system for the retrieval of family structured information

Abstract The Linkage Automated Investigative Device (LAID) is a system for the storage, retrieval, and display of family structured information. The LAID data base is designed in terms of nuclear families such that, given any individual, those persons of any specified relationship can be quickly located. The user may specifiy criteria in terms of many data categories to be met by the individual being sought as well as criteria to be met by his relatives. LAID retrieval requests are written in an easily used yet highly flexible language and executed on a PDP 11 45 computer under the DOS V8 or RSTS V6 operating system.
Small molecule inhibitors of dual specificity protein phosphatases

One hallmark of neoplasia is the deregulation of cell cycle control mechanisms, which is secondary to altered protein phosphorylation. Dual specificity protein phosphatases uniquely dephosphorylate both phosphoserines/threonines and phosphotyrosines on the same protein substrate. As a class they regulate intracellular signaling through the mitogen activated and stress activated kinases and govern cellular movement through G1/S and G2/M cell cycle checkpoints by affecting the activity of cyclin-dependent kinases. In particular, the Cdc25 phosphatases, which dephosphorylate cyclin-dependent kinases, are overexpressed in many human tumors and this increased expression is associated with a poor prognosis. In addition to expression levels, the intracellular activity of Cdc25 phosphatases is determined by their subcellular distribution and physical proximity to substrates. Small molecules that either inhibit the catalytic activity or alter the subcellular distribution of these dual specificity protein phosphatases could provide effective tools to interrogate the role of phosphorylation pathways and may afford new approaches to the management of cancer.
Discovery and Characterization of Silver Sulfide Nanoparticles in Final Sewage Sludge Products

Nanosized silver sulfide (α-Ag2S) particles were identified in the final stage sewage sludge materials of a full-scale municipal wastewater treatment plant using analytical high-resolution transmission electron microscopy. The Ag2S nanocrystals are in the size range of 5−20 nm with ellipsoidal shape, and they form very small, loosely packed aggregates. Some of the Ag2S nanoparticles (NPs) have excess S on the surface of the sulfide minerals under S-rich environments, resulting in a ratio of Ag to S close to 1. Considering the current extensive production of Ag NPs and their widespread use in consumer products, it is likely that they are entering wastewater streams and the treatment facilities that process this water. This study suggests that in a reduced, S-rich environment, such as the sedimentation processes during wastewater treatment, nanosized silver sulfides are being formed. This field-scale study provides for the first time nanoparticle-level information of the Ag2S present in sewage sludge produc...
The platelet reticular network.

Human platelets have been observed by scanning electron microscopy after spreading on glass substrates followed by brief incubation in 1 m M ZnCl 2 and subsequent shearing with a jet of buffer. The surfaces of many cells in such preparations are noted to consist of a reticular meshwork similar in appearance to the membrane skeleton of erythrocytes. In some preparations the reticular network is partially or almost entirely disrupted revealing an internal trabecular cytoskeleton and in the central region of the spread cell, granules associated with the cytoskeletal matrix. These results confirm previous observations obtained in TEM and HVEM studies of platelets and in addition provide information concerning the relative disposition of the filament systems in such spread cells. Preliminary results from sodium dodecyl sulfate—polyacrylamide gel electrophoretic analysis of platelets and isolated platelet membranes suggest a basis for the effect of ZnCl 2 on various platelet cytoskeletal and membrane components.
Acoustical and optical scattering and imaging of tissues: an overview

This talk will first give a general discussion on the ultrasound media characteristics of blood and spectral densities of tissues. The first-order scattering theory, multiple scattering theory, Doppler spectrum, cw and pulse scattering, focused beam, beam spot-size, speckle, texture, and rough interface effects will be presented. Imaging through tissues will then be discussed in terms of temporal and spatial resolutions, contrast, MTF (modulation transfer function), SAR and confocal imaging techniques, tomographic and holographic imaging, and inverse scattering. Next, we discuss optical diffusion in blood and tissues, radiative transfer theory, photon density waves, and polarization effects.
Fatigue crack propagation simulation in an aircraft engine fan blade attachment

Abstract This paper discusses the computation of three-dimensional fatigue crack growth rates in a typical military aircraft engine fan blade attachment under centrifugal and aerodynamic loads. The three-dimensional crack growth simulations utilize FRANC3D, a state-of-the-art crack propagation software developed at Cornell University, which uses boundary elements and linear elastic fracture mechanics. With an existing three-dimensional finite element contact stress analysis with a prescribed coefficient of friction (COF) along the contact surface, the displacements and stress intensity factors are calculated on the crack leading edge to yield crack propagation trajectories and growth rates. Due to complex geometry of the fan blade attachment and loading conditions, all three-fracture modes are considered and the associated stress intensity factors (SIF) are calculated using the Crack Opening Displacement (COD) approach. Crack propagation trajectories under mixed-mode conditions are obtained using the planar and maximum tangential stress crack-extension criteria. The fatigue crack in the blade attachment is subjected to an over speed mission cycle that includes high cycle frequencies (i.e., spectrum load) and the crack growth rate is predicted utilizing the Forman–Newman–de Koning (FNK) model. Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) images of a cracked component from an engine ASMET (Accelerated Simulated Mission Endurance Test) are used to evaluate and compare the simulation results. The calculated SIF's from the simulations indicate a strong Mode-I (KI) and Mode-III (KIII) interaction at the edge of contact (EOC). However, on the free surface it is primarily a crack opening (KI) condition only. The crack growth rates are determined using the planar extension criterion which correlates better with the test data than the maximum tangential stress extension criteria.
Phenomenology of Lorentz-conserving noncommutative QED

Recently a version of Lorentz-conserving noncommutative field theory (NCFT) has been suggested. The underlying Lie algebra of the theory is the same as that of Doplicher, Fredenhagen, and Roberts. In Lorentz-conserving NCFT the matrix parameter {theta}^{mu nu} which characterizes the canonical NCFT's is promoted to an operator {theta hat}^{mu nu} that transforms as a Lorentz tensor. In this paper, we calculate phenomenological consequences of the QED version of this theory by looking at various collider processes. In particular we calculate modifications to Moller scattering, Bhabha scattering, e^+e^- --> mu^+ mu^- and e^+e^- --> gamma gamma. We obtain bounds on the noncommutativity scale from the existing experiments at LEP and make predictions for what may be seen in future collider experiments.
Study of Flicker by Increment Threshold Technique

Increment thresholds of a small test flash are measured with the flashes superposed upon a flickering background stimulus. Instrumentation is described that permits accurate temporal positioning of the test flash within the light-dark cycle of the background field, and allows rapid threshold measurements to be obtained for the test flash in any desired temporal position. It is found that the increment threshold rises with the light phase and falls with the dark and that this undulation in threshold (believed related to “on-responses” in the human visual system) persists even when the luminance of a 30-cps flickering background stimulus is made too low for the flicker to be perceptible. Other experiments are also described and interpreted.
Origin of 46,XY/46,XY,r(19) mosaicism

We report on a case of 46,XY/46,XY,r(19) mosaicism. The patient shows minimal clinical abnormality and the terminal deletions prerequisite for the ring formation are not microscopically discernible. The origin of the mosaicism is discussed. Firstly, the mosaicism may represent chimerism with a prezygotic origin of the ring chromosome; secondly, the ring chromosome could have arisen postzygotically; and thirdly, the ring could have been of a prezygotic origin with the apparently normal cells actually containing reopened rings. The consequences of these hypothesis on genetic counselling are discussed.
Influence of nickel and vanadium on superplasticity in ultrahigh-carbon steels

Abstract The development of cheap structural materials which will deform to large strains under small externally applied stresses during fabrication has been a constant goal for materials scientists, and whilst, in theory, superplasticity can be said to represent the achievement of this goal, in practice problems arise which have limited the range of use of superplastic materials. Either the materials have low strength at room temperature (e.g. Zn-22A1) or are expensive alloys (e.g. In 100, Ti-Al-4V). The present paper explores the influence of small additions of nickel and vanadium upon the formability and the superplastic properties of ultrahigh-carbon (UHC) steels. This new class of superplastic materials (containing 1.0% C to 2.0% C and the other usual steel-making elements, manganese, silicon and sulfur) overcomes the above objections. Nickel is a graphite-forming element whereas vanadium is a carbide stabilizer. This difference is reflected in the microstructures both during the warm working leading to fine structure development and during superplastic deformation. Nickel-containing steels exhibit some graphitization after extensive warm working, whereas vanadium-containing steels do not and very fine structures are developed in this latter steel. Upon superplastic testing, graphitization is enhanced in nickel-containing steels and this is detrimental to properties. Increased grain growth of the ferrite is also observed due to cementite depletion as the graphitization occurs. Good superplastic properties were found in the vanadium-containing steel. An elongation to failure of 817% was achieved in this steel at 650°C. All the steels were found to have better superplstic properties at temperatures just below the A1 transformation temperature than at temperatures just above it. Room-temperature properties have also been assessed. High strengths were found with good associated ductilities in all the steels. The combination of superplastic formability at warm temperatures with attractive room temperature properties would suggest many applications for these new, inexpensive UHC steels.
Predictive validity evidence for an assessment program based on the Work Sampling System in mathematics and language and literacy

Abstract This study examined the predictive nature of teacher ratings of student performance on the mathematical thinking and language and literacy domains of a state mandated curriculum-embedded performance assessment for children in first grade to student achievement on a criterion-referenced test in third grade in mathematics and English language arts, using a multilevel modeling approach. The sample included 1,281 elementary school children nested within 132 classrooms in an urban school district in South Carolina. Results showed positive associations between first grade teacher ratings and students’ third grade achievement. However, first grade teacher ratings were not found to uniquely contribute to the proportion of explained variance in third grade performance on a high-stakes statewide assessment, over and above student demographic variables.
Rho GTPases RhoA and Rac1 Mediate Effects of Dietary Folate on Metastatic Potential of A549 Cancer Cells through the Control of Cofilin Phosphorylation

Folate, an important nutrient in the human diet, has been implicated in cancer, but its role in metastasis is not established. We have shown previously that the withdrawal of medium folate leads to the inhibition of migration and invasion of A549 lung carcinoma cells. Here we have demonstrated that medium folate regulates the function of Rho GTPases by enabling their carboxyl methylation and translocation to plasma membrane. Conversely, the lack of folate leads to the retention of these proteins in endoplasmic reticulum. Folate also promoted the switch from inactive (GDP-bound) to active (GTP-bound) GTPases, resulting in the activation of downstream kinases p21-activated kinase and LIM kinase and phosphorylation of the actin-depolymerizing factor cofilin. We have further demonstrated that in A549 cells two GTPases, RhoA and Rac1, but not Cdc42, are immediate sensors of folate status: the siRNA silencing of RhoA or Rac1 blocked effects of folate on cofilin phosphorylation and cellular migration and invasion. The finding that folate modulates metastatic potential of cancer cells was confirmed in an animal model of lung cancer using tail vein injection of A549 cells in SCID mice. A folate-rich diet enhanced lung colonization and distant metastasis to lymph nodes and decreased overall survival (35 versus 63 days for mice on a folate-restricted diet). High folate also promoted epithelial-mesenchymal transition in cancer cells and experimental mouse tumors. Our study provides experimental evidence for a mechanism of metastasis promotion by dietary folate and highlights the interaction between nutrients and metastasis-related signaling.
Selection of Valves for TAVR Is the CHOICE Clear

Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) was first performed in 2002.1 Since then, a tremendous amount of progress with this innovative technology has resulted in widespread adoption of this procedure for treatment of aortic valve disease. More than 10 000 TAVRs were performed in the United States alone since Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval of the first device in 2011.2 Contrary to Europe, where 10 different valves have been approved by the European Union, in the United States all except a few hundred cases have been performed using only 2 valves. These 2 distinctly different transcatheter valve systems have gone through a series of developments. However, the fundamental characteristics of the valves remain unchanged.
ENHANCEMENT OF TUMOR FORMATION IN MOUSE LUNG BY DIETARY BUTYLATED HYDROXYTOLUENE

Male A/J mice were injected i.p. with a single dose of urethan and fed 0.75% butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT), butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA) or ethoxyquin in the diet. All animals were killed 4 months after urethan and the number of lung tumors counted. Exposure to BHT, but not to BHA or ethoxyquin significantly enhanced formation of lung tumors if animals were given the BHT-containing diet once a week for 8 consecutive weeks or were kept on it continuously for 8 weeks. Prefeeding mice with BHT had no effect on tumor formation but prefeeding BHA reduced the number of tumors formed by urethan. It is concluded from this and previous work that in mouse lung BHT enhances tumor formation regardless of route of administration and over a 100-fold dose range.
Attractor Dynamics and Semantic Neighborhood Density: Processing Is Slowed by Near Neighbors and Speeded by Distant Neighbors

The authors investigated semantic neighborhood density effects on visual word processing to examine the dynamics of activation and competition among semantic representations. Experiment 1 validated feature-based semantic representations as a basis for computing semantic neighborhood density and suggested that near and distant neighbors have opposite effects on word processing. Experiment 2 confirmed these results: Word processing was slower for dense near neighborhoods and faster for dense distant neighborhoods. Analysis of a computational model showed that attractor dynamics can produce this pattern of neighborhood effects. The authors argue for reconsideration of traditional models of neighborhood effects in terms of attractor dynamics, which allow both inhibitory and facilitative effects to emerge.
Protein expression, characterization and activity comparisons of wild type and mutant DUSP5 proteins

The mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) pathway is critical for cellular signaling, and proteins such as phosphatases that regulate this pathway are important for normal tissue development. Based on our previous work on dual specificity phosphatase-5 (DUSP5), and its role in embryonic vascular development and disease, we hypothesized that mutations in DUSP5 will affect its function. In this study, we tested this hypothesis by generating full-length glutathione-S-transferase-tagged DUSP5 and serine 147 proline mutant (S147P) proteins from bacteria. Light scattering analysis, circular dichroism, enzymatic assays and molecular modeling approaches have been performed to extensively characterize the protein form and function. We demonstrate that both proteins are active and, interestingly, the S147P protein is hypoactive as compared to the DUSP5 WT protein in two distinct biochemical substrate assays. Furthermore, due to the novel positioning of the S147P mutation, we utilize computational modeling to reconstruct full-length DUSP5 and S147P to predict a possible mechanism for the reduced activity of S147P. Taken together, this is the first evidence of the generation and characterization of an active, full-length, mutant DUSP5 protein which will facilitate future structure-function and drug development-based studies.
Precise Determination of the Muon Magnetic Moment

A stroboscopic method was adopted for determining the muon magnetic moments in which the muon is brought to rest with its spin perpendicular to a magnetic field. By use of a high precession frequency and by a different method of utilizing time irformation of the muon decays the experiment described achieved a muon moment accuracy of 0.007%. (W.D.M.)
Diagrammatic Formulation of the Kinetic Theory of Fluctuations in Equilibrium Classical Fluids. III. Cluster Analysis of the Renormalized Interactions and a Second Diagrammatic Representation of the Correlation Functions

This is the third of a series of papers that presents a kinetic theory of fluctuations in equilibrium classical fluids that makes extensive use of diagrammatic techniques in its development and that will facilitate the use of diagrammatic techniques in the derivation of approximate kinetic theories. The fundamental fluctuating quantity in the theory is f(R,P), the density of particles (atoms) at points in single particle phase space, and the time correlation functions for fluctuations of this quantity from its average are the quantities that the theory is designed to calculate. In this paper, we start with graphical diagrammatic expressions for the correlation functions and for closely related response functions, developed in paper II, and analyze the cluster properties of the various renormalized interactions that appear in the theory. This allows us to derive a second diagrammatic formulation that has many similarities to the Mayer cluster theory for equilibrium correlation function. This second formula...
Six Modern Plagues and How We Are Causing Them

It’s not the price but rather the pathology of progress that author Mark Walters laments in Six Modern Plagues. Weaving anecdote with theory, Walters draws from his diverse backgrounds in veterinary medicine and journalism to link ecologic tampering to some of the most featured—if not feared—diseases of our time. In recounting the origin of bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) or “mad cow disease,” the author describes how, in compounding cattle feed with slaughterhouse byproducts, we converted our oldest domesticated herbivores into meat eaters. Bovine trickery aside, Walters renders his frank assessment that, “violating such evolutional boundaries can seem unnatural if not disgusting.” He goes on to add a damaging link to the food chain, leading to >100 human cases of always-fatal variant Creutzfeldt-Jackob disease (vCJD). Most cases occurred in or are related to the United Kingdom, where, by late 2000, more than 35,000 herd of cattle were infected with BSE. Though the practice of supplementing feed with animal byproducts has, for the most part, been abandoned, Walters suggests that certain risks remain, as prions, the subviral infectious agent responsible for mad cow and vCJD are also found in wild game, though, to date, no one has connected consumption of deer or elk meat with vCJD. However, far from being out of the woods, humankind remains vulnerable to exotic diseases from unlikely sources. Walters attributes the rise of Lyme disease to fragmented forests. Dissected by roads and separated by developments, eastern woodlands can no longer sustain large natural predators, but they remain ideal habitats for deer and mice, which can expose humans to ticks carrying the dangerous Lyme spirochete. An ocean away, as forays into sub-Saharan Africa tempted settlers to add bush meat to their sparse diets, HIV made the species jump, Walters suggests, propelling a worldwide AIDS pandemic. Beyond our abuse of nature, Walters cites antimicrobial misuse as a precipitator of frightening disease. He focuses most on antimicrobial agents in animal feed, accusing policymakers of ignoring the threat of antimicrobial resistance, fearing more the resistance of agricultural interests bent on nurturing their flocks with medicated rations. The foundation for the author’s discussion varies from rock-solid to rickety, but his half-dozen arguments portray a society more absorbed in immediate gratification than in ultimate consequence. With that, he offers a guarded prognosis that depends on both our cleverness at finding new cures and our commitment to restoring ecologic wholeness.