cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Proteins C1 and C2 of Heterogeneous Nuclear Ribonucleoprotein Complexes Bind RNA in a Highly Cooperative Fashion: Support for Their Contiguous Deposition on Pre-mRNA during Transcription†

Proteins C1 and C2 together comprise about one-third the protein mass of mammalian core 40S heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein particles (40S hnRNP) and exist as heterotetramers of (C1)3C2. On the basis of nonequilibrium binding studies, it has been suggested that the C proteins specifically bind oligo(U)- and poly(U)-rich sequences, and preferentially associate with uridine-rich regions near the 3' termini of many introns. We describe here a more quantitative characterization of the equilibrium binding properties of native and recombinant C protein to homoribopolymers using fluorescence spectroscopy. Like C protein from HeLa cells, the recombinant proteins spontaneously oligomerize to form tetramers with the same hydrodynamic properties as native protein. Near-stoichiometric binding titrations of the fluorescent homoribopolymer polyethenoadenosine (poly[r(epsilon A)]) with recombinant (C1)4 and (C2)4 homotetramers along with competition binding assays with poly(A) and poly(C) indicate that the binding site size (n) is between 150 and 230 nucleotides. This site size range is in close agreement with that previously determined for native C protein through hydrodynamic and ultrastructural studies (approximately 230 nucleotides). (C1)4 and (C2)4 bind poly(G) with intrinsic affinities (Ki) of 10(9) M-1, which are a hundredfold higher than their affinities for poly(U). In opposition to reports that C protein does not bind poly(A) and poly(C), we find that the C proteins bind these substrates with moderate Ki, but with high cooperativity (omega). The overall affinity (K omega) for the binding of both proteins to poly(A) and poly(C) is 10-fold higher (> 10(8) but < 10(9) M-1) than their affinities for poly(U). The highly cooperative binding of C protein to these substrates provides a mechanistic basis for the distribution of C protein along the length of nucleic acid substrates.
A shell-model calculation of the odd-mass tin isotopes

Abstract A shell-model Hamiltonian with a residual two-nucleon interaction of Gaussian form is used to calculate the states of the odd-mass tin isotopes. The Bogolyubov-Valatin quasi-particle transformation is made and the residual interaction is diagonalized in a one- and three-quasi- particle space. The spurious states must be projected out. Various approximations to this procedure, such as perturbation theory and a phonon approximation, are studied. Perturbation theory is adequate for low states. The phonon approximation is correct qualitatively, but not quantitatively. The parameters of the residual interaction and the single-particle energies are determined by requiring good agreement with the experimental energies. Magnetic moments, electromagnetic transition rates and spectroscopic factors are calculated and agree well with the experimental values.
Effects of coal quality on utility furnace performance

Abstract Use of lower than design grade coals can cause problems in furnaces and boilers due to increased ash deposits. A single-zone model has been developed to relate coal quality to thermal performance of pulverized, coal-fired power-generating boilers. The model, based on algebraic mass and energy balances and necessary auxiliary equations, estimates some of the required chemical and physical coal/ash properties. Three wall ash deposit parameters, thermal conductivity, emittance and thickness, have been determined by a sensitivity analysis to be critical to furnace performance and have been obtained by experimental procedures described herein. Data for ash properties are reported for Utah, Illinois and Western Kentucky bituminous coals. With these measured properties, the model has been used to predict effects of coal quality on furnace performance and to interpret changes in ash property data from a small scale combustor to a large scale utility boiler.
Regional and Area-Type Modeling of Peak Spreading on Connecticut Freeways

Predicting accurate peak-hour traffic volumes has become increasingly important; these volumes are being used for quantitative analysis; for determining benefits of highway improvements; and for estimating pollutant emission levels. A traditional, and commonly used, procedure predicts the daily traffic demand for all network links and converts these volumes to peak-hour quantities, using “K” factors. The accuracy at the link level is highly questionable, because these factors do not capture the variability in link characteristics that might influence the peak-hour factors. This paper describes a recently completed study of peak spreading at 10 freeway locations in Connecticut. The study considered congestion, region, and area type for predicting the proportion of the four-hour, peak-period volume on a highway link concentrated in the highest hour during the period. This effort is intended to enhance the existing traditional four-step transportation planning procedure. Linear regression relates the congest...
Robustness of well-designed retrieval performance measures under optimal user behavior

This article considers a simple model of an information retrieval (IR) technology, and uses this model to examine performance measures for IR systems. In particular, we show that, if a user is employing an IR system optimally, then reasonable performance measures will tend to be relatively robust, or insensitive, to small variations in assumptions about the user's behavior. A simple empirical illustration of this approach is reported, though more work will be needed to determine exactly how robust performance measures will be in practical applications.
Trends and advances in cancer survivorship research: challenge and opportunity.

Abstract With continued advances in strategies to detect cancer early and treat it effectively along with the aging of the population, the number of individuals living years beyond a cancer diagnosis can be expected to continue to increase. Although beneficial and often lifesaving against the diagnosed malignancy, most therapeutic modalities for cancer are associated with a spectrum of late complications ranging from minor and treatable to serious or, occasionally, potentially lethal. Taken as a whole, investigators conducting research among long-term cancer survivors (those 5 years or more beyond cancer diagnosis) are reporting that long-term adverse outcomes are more prevalent, serious, and persistent than expected in survivors of both pediatric and adult cancer. However, the long-term and late effects of cancer and its treatment remain poorly documented and understood among those diagnosed as adults. These data underscore the need for continued research in this ever-growing portion of the cancer survivorship spectrum. This article examines (1) definitional issues relevant to cancer survivorship, (2) the evolving paradigm of cancer survivorship research, (3) prevalence data for cancer survivors, (4) research needs and issues of particular relevance to long-term cancer survivors, and (5) cancer survivorship as a scientific research area with an overview of physiologic/medical sequelae of cancer diagnosis and treatment and the grading of late effects. A large and growing community of cancer survivors is one of the major achievements of cancer research over the past 3 decades. Both length and quality of survival are important endpoints. Many cancer survivors are at risk for and develop physiologic and psychosocial late and long-term effects of cancer treatment that may lead to premature mortality and morbidity. Interventions—therapeutic and lifestyle—may carry the potential to treat or ameliorate these late effects and must be developed, examined, and disseminated if found effective.
Technical Note: Observations on Hydrogen Induced Delayed Plasticity and Cracking in 4340 Steel

The crack growth rates measured by potential drop provided strong evidence that crack advance occurs continuously during hydrogen assisted cracking. If crack growth occurred by the stepwise HIDP-C mechanism, variations in growth rate would be expected to appear in the potential drop results. For example, during the period of plastic zone extension, a low crack growth rate would be expected, followed by a period of higher crack growth rate during actual extension of the crack. The results obtained in this investigation do not eliminate the possibility that stepwise crack growth occurred at different points along the crack front at different times, appearing as continuous average crack advance. Furthermore, these results do not provide evidence for the mechanism of crack extension. The results do show that the average crack front advance is continuous during hydrogen assisted cracking, not stepwise, as would be expected for the HIDP-C mechanism of crack growth. 13 references.
On the structure of the cofactor in the complex formed with thymidylate synthetase, 5,10-methylenetetrahydrofolate and 5-fluoro-2′-deoxyuridylate

A study was undertaken to ascertain whether dihydrofolic acid is produced in the complex formed with 5,10-methylenetetrahydrofolate, 5-fluorodeoxyuridylate and thymidylate synthetase, as suggested by ultraviolet difference spectral studies. The complex was formed using the cofactor specifically labeled with tritium at the 6-position. After dissociation by equilibration with unlabeled cofactor, it was demonstrated that the tritium remained exclusively at the 6-position. Had oxidation of the cofactor occurred within the complex to give a methylated enzyme form, tritium should have been transferred to the one-carbon unit of the cofactor. It was also found that the difference spectrum of the ternary complex which resembles that of dihydrofolic acid can also be produced by substituting an analog of the cofactor which is not susceptible to oxidation. The results described here demonstrate that oxidation of the cofactor does not occur in the ternary complex and suggest that the unusual ultraviolet spectrum results from perturbations of a chromophore of the bound cofactor.
Frequency, Risk Factors, and Outcome for Bacteremia After Percutaneous Transluminal Coronary Angioplasty

The objectives of this study were to examine bacteremias after percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA) with respect to incidence, outcome, and risk factors. Patients undergoing PTCA from January 1990 through April 1994 were studied; during this period a total of 4,217 PTCAs were performed in 3,473 patients. With use of predefined clinical and microbiologic criteria, bacteremias were divided into 3 categories according to the relation to the PTCA procedure: PTCA-related, unrelated, and indeterminate. Ninety-one patients with at least 1 positive blood culture during a 7-week period after PTCA were identified. The bacteremia was classified as unrelated to the PTCA procedure in 32 patients, PTCA-related in 27, and indeterminant in the remaining 32 patients. The attack rate of PTCA-related bacteremia during the 52-month period was 0.64%. The most common organisms causing PTCA-related bacteremia were Staphylococcus aureus (14 patients), coagulase-negative staphylococci (9 patients) and group B streptococci (6 patients). Septic complications, which included femoral artery mycotic aneurysm, septic arthritis, and septic thrombosis, occurred in 10 patients (0.24%). Independent risk factors for PTCA-related bacteremia included duration of procedure (odds ratio [OR] 2.9; p = 0.04), number of catheterizations at the same site (OR 4.0; p = 0.015), difficult vascular access (OR 14.9; p = 0.007), arterial sheath in place > 1 day (OR 6.8; p = 0.025), congestive heart failure (OR 43.3; p = 0.002). Thus, PTCA-related bacteremia is an infrequent complication of PTCA but can be associated with significant morbidity, particularly when the infecting organism is S. aureus. Four of the 5 risk factors for PTCA-related bacteremia appear to correlate directly with increased vascular injury or maintenance of the arterial entry for the procedure.
Immobilization of lithium-selective 14-crown-4 on crosslinked polymer supports

The immobilization of octamethyl-14-crown-4 onto crosslinked polymer supports is reported and the selectivity for Li(I) from aqueous solutions quantified. The amount of Li(I) complexed by the crown ether is affected by the polarity of the polymer matrix: Complexation increases with increasing matrix hydrophilicity. Poly(glycidyl methacrylate) is the preferred support matrix for the crown ether.
Religious/spiritual coping and adjustment in individuals with cancer: unanswered questions, important trends, and future directions

Thune-Boyle, Stygall, Keshtgar, and Newman's (2006) literature review generated inconclusive findings regarding the relationship between religious coping and illness adjustment in cancer patients. This paper aims to review studies following Thune-Boyle et al. (2006), as well as to categorise trends not previously addressed. Increasingly, current research conceptualises religious coping multidimensionally. Separating religious coping into positive and negative dimensions, negative religious coping appears negatively associated with illness adjustment, while the relationship between positive religious coping and adjustment is unclear. Findings are mixed when examining whether religious coping affects adjustment directly, with nonreligious coping and stage of cancer as potential mediators and moderators. Research suggests that religious needs assessments, as well as spiritually focused therapy may positively impact illness adjustment. Further, causal conclusions are generally curtailed by universal limitatio...
Post-radical Vulvectomy Reconstruction Using the Inferiorly Based Transverse Rectus Abdominis (TRAM) Flap: A Preliminary Experience

The rectus abdominis myocutaneous flap has been reported for pelvic floor and neovaginal reconstruction following pelvic exenteration but not for neovulvar reconstruction following radical vulvectomy. The present report describes our preliminary experience with the inferiorly based transverse rectus abdominis muscle (TRAM) flap in five patients who underwent radical vulvectomy for invasive squamous cell carcinoma of the vulva.
Properties of Metastable Quantum Solids

We consider the properties of quantum solids at pressures below the pressure range in which the solid is the stable phase. We estimate the spinodal pressure and determine how this pressure varies as a function of the de Boer parameter.
Non-linear joint dynamics and controls of jointed flexible structures with active and viscoelastic joint actuators

Abstract Studies on joint dominated flexible space structures have attracted much interest recently due to the rapid developments in large deployable space systems. This paper describes a study of the non-linear structural dynamics of jointed flexible structures with initial joint clearance and subjected to external excitations. Methods of using viscoelastic and active vibration control technologies, joint actuators, to reduce dynamic contact force and to stabilize the systems are proposed and evaluated. System dynamic equations of a discretized multi-degrees-of-freedom flexible system with initial joint clearances and joint actuators (active and viscoelastic passive) are derived. Dynamic contacts in an elastic joint are simulated by a non-linear joint model comprised of a non-linear spring and damper. A pseudo-force approximation method is used in numerical time-domain integration. Dynamic responses of a jointed flexible structure with and without viscoelastic and active joint actuators are presented and compared. Effectiveness of active/passive joint actuators is demonstrated.
Growth and Culture of Larval and Juvenile Tautogs in a Closed Recirculating-Seawater System

Abstract Field-captured and laboratory-held adult tautogs Tautoga onitis were allowed to spawn naturally under laboratory conditions. Embryos were cultured to hatching and raised successfully through the larval stage to 490-d-old posthatch juveniles. A large (8,500-L), closed, recirculating-seawater system, designed with a biological filter containing air diffusers that passed a strong air−water mixture through a high-surface-area substrate, was used to culture the larvae and juveniles. The biological filter provided biofiltration, aeration, degassing, and foam fractionation without disturbing the larvae. Water quality measures within the system were maintained at acceptable values. Enrichment of rotifers and brine shrimp Artemia sp. with algal strains containing highly unsaturated fatty acids, plus wild zooplankton, provided an adequate diet for larval growth. Also, a commercial feed was given at 2 weeks and larval tautogs were observed eating it. Juvenile tautogs were fed enriched adult brine shrimp alo...
Coping with a binding crisis

Bailey is head of the Control Depar tment at Price Gilber t Memorial Library , Georgia Institute of Technology. In February 1986 an unforeseeable financial crisis at the Georgia Institute of Technology 's l ibrary made it necessary to divert the binding budget to other areas. Without warning, binding activities were halted. The cessation was disruptive to all departments in the l ibrary, but was most shattering to the binding unit. Emergency measures had to be taken. Longrange plans had to be made to reduce binding costs stringently. Fur thermore , at the beginning of fiscal year 1987, the unit would have to pay sixteen months of binding expenses on a twe lve -month budget which was 20 percent lower than that of the previous year. The following is a summary of both the shor t te rm measures and the longte rm planning process utilized to resolve this crisis. In a technical and engineering environment such as that at Georgia Tech, the timeliness of informat ion is of the utmost importance. Presently, the most recent sources of informat ion in scientific subjects are, other than personal communications, journal articles. It was essential that journal literature remain available to users. Consequently, the first concern was to establish and maintain control of the overf lowing periodicals shelves. Late winter is the busiest t ime of year for binding activities, since for most titles, December issues conclude the binding cycle. As the first issue of the new year arrives, the old year (or volume) is removed f rom the public unbound periodical shelves to the technical services area for preparat ion for binding. Public area shelves are rapidly filled i f the old volumes are not removed. Losses rise quickly as pieces are damaged or are permanent ly "borrowed." Thus, issues had to continue to be pulled f rom
Predictive buffer control in delivering remotely stored video using proxy servers

We study the problem of using proxy servers to stream video stored at a geographically separate location. The separation of the server and the storage introduces a non-negligible delay in retrieving video frames in real time. We assume an additive-increase/multiplicative-decrease transport protocol to support the streaming process and develop an effective scheme to achieve consistent, high streaming quality. The heart of the scheme is the control of buffer occupancy at the proxy server. We model the buffer as a bilinear dynamical system disturbed by a point process with stochastic state-dependent intensity. We first develop a buffer controller that does not exploit this model. Then, using the buffer model, we construct a second controller based on an optimal-control analysis for the case without retrieval delay. Extending these two controllers, we subsequently synthesize two controllers based on prediction of future system states using the model, taking into account both the delay and the state-dependent disturbance intensity. Our empirical study illustrates the effectiveness of the streaming scheme. We further find that the controllers exploiting the buffer model demonstrate performance significantly superior to that of the model-free controller in overcoming the adverse impact of the retrieval delay. We also conduct limited experiments to study the impact of variable retrieval delays.
The Importance of Representative Design in Judgment Tasks: The Case of Resume Screening

A policy capturing study was conducted to determine if resumeprofile judgments are generalizable to judgments of actual resumes. Forty recruiters judged 60 resumes or corresponding profiles on interview suitability. When profiles were judged, more variance in suitability judgments was accounted for, there was higher agreement among recruiters, the judgments were more favourable, and cue usage was different than when actual resumes were judged. Thus, inferences based on profiles were not generalizable to actual resumes. The importance of representative design and limitations of policy capturing for understanding resume screening judgments were discussed.
Nonconsented human immunodeficiency virus testing among critically ill patients: intensivists' practices and the influence of state laws.

Background Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) testing can improve care for many critically ill patients, but state laws and institutional policies may impede such testing when patients cannot provide consent. Methods We electronically surveyed all US academic intensivists in 2006 to determine how state laws influence intensivists' decisions to perform nonconsented HIV testing and to assess intensivists' reliance on surrogate markers of HIV infection when unable to obtain HIV tests. We used multivariate logistic regression, clustered by state, to identify factors associated with intensivists' decisions to pursue nonconsented HIV testing. Results Of 1026 responding intensivists, 765 (74.6%) had encountered decisionally incapacitated patients for whom HIV testing was wanted. Of these intensivists, 168 pursued testing without consent and 476 first obtained surrogate consent to testing. Intensivists who believed nonconsented HIV testing was ethical (odds ratio, 3.8; 95% confidence interval, 2.2-6.5) and those who believed their states allowed nonconsented testing when medically necessary (odds ratio, 2.3; 95% confidence interval, 1.6-3.4) were more likely to pursue nonconsented HIV tests; actual state laws were unrelated to testing practices. Of the intensivists, 72.7% had ordered tests for perceived surrogate markers of HIV infection in lieu of HIV tests; more than 90% believed these tests were sufficiently valid to base clinical decisions on. Conclusions Most US intensivists have encountered decisionally incapacitated patients for whom HIV testing may improve care. Intensivists' decisions to pursue nonconsented testing are associated with their personal ethics and often erroneous perceptions of state laws, but not with the laws themselves. Uniform standards enabling nonconsented HIV testing may minimize inappropriate influences on intensivists' decisions and reduce intensivists' reliance on perceived surrogate markers of immunodeficiency.
Liquid sampling-atmospheric pressure glow discharge excitation of atomic and ionic species

The liquid sampling-atmospheric pressure glow discharge (LS-APGD) was characterized with respect to the effects of interrelated operational source parameters on the excitation of atomic (I) and ionic (II) states for expanding the fundamental understanding of this microplasma's characteristics as an excitation source for optical emission spectroscopy (OES) analyses. Parameters that were investigated for identifying the key driving forces for atomic and ionic excitation conditions were discharge current, interelectrode gap, and He sheath and counter gas flows. The addition of the He counter gas flow allowed assessment of the additional parameter relevant when aerosol samples are introduced following laser ablation sampling of solid matrices. The introduction of the analytes (500 μg g−1 copper and zinc in 2% HNO3) in liquid form through the solution capillary permitted the investigation of source parameter effects, without introducing additional influences from solid sampling such as heterogeneous particle populations. Individual driving forces for excitation/ionization conditions and inter-parametric dependencies were assessed by changing the operating conditions according to a design of experiment (DOE) plan and monitoring Zn and Cu atomic and ionic emission lines (Zn I 213.9 nm, Cu I 324.7 nm, Zn I 481.1 nm, and Zn II 202.5 nm). Pareto plots of standardized effects were used for evaluating levels of significance as well as magnitudes of both individual and inter-active parametric effects on emission responses, background emissions and signal-to-background ratios as well as the LS-APGD's tolerance against changes in excitation conditions (i.e. robustness). The results indicate that parameter settings leading to high plasma power density are the key driving forces for enhanced analyte emission, with the inter-electrode distances showing the most pronounced influences for the investigated parameter space.
Nonlinear generalizations of matrix diagonal dominance with application to Gauss-Seidel iterations.

A new class of nonlinear mappings is introduced which contains, in the linear case, the strictly and irreducibly diagonally dominant matrices as well as other classes of matrices introduced by Duffin and Walter. We then extend some of the properties of the above-mentioned matrices to these weakly $\Omega $-diagonally dominant functions, and point out their connection to the M- and P-functions studied by Rheinboldt, and More and Rheinboldt, respectively. Finally, new convergence theorems for the nonlinear Jacobi and Gauss–Seidel iterations are presented.
Cytokine and chemokine dysregulation in hyper-IgE syndrome.

Hyper-IgE syndrome is characterized by severe recurrent staphylococcal infections, eczema, bone abnormalities, and markedly elevated levels of immunoglobulin E (IgE). The genetic basis is not known and the central immunologic defect is largely undefined. Reduced neutrophil chemotaxis is often described, and variable T cell defects have been demonstrated in some patients. It has been hypothesized that hyper-IgE is associated with a Th1/Th2 imbalance. We wished to characterize cytokine and chemokine imbalances that might reflect the underlying disease process or reflect ongoing pathologic processes. Nine patients with hyper-IgE syndrome and six controls were studied. Radioimmunoassays, flow cytometry, and gene array analyses were performed to characterize cytokine and chemokine production. Hyper-IgE patients express more IL-12, while ENA-78, MCP-3, and eotaxin are markedly underexpressed. Underexpression of a set of chemokines could explain a number of features of hyper-IgE syndrome and may offer a new paradigm for the understanding of this disorder.
The regulation of human eosinophil function by cytokines

Abstract The factors responsible for eosinophil regulation fall broadly into three categories — endogenous chemotactic molecules, factors derived from invading organisms and the cytokines. As David Silberstein and John David reveal, cytokines appear to prime eosinophils for a cytotoxic response to invading organisms. While it seems unlikely that there is a common mechanism for this enhancement of cytotoxicity (and the concomitant inflammation at the site of challenge), much effort is being expanded in order to determine the relationships between the less well characterized eosinophil-stimulating activities and their modes of action.
Evaluation of an elastin-like polypeptide-doxorubicin conjugate for cancer therapy

Thermally responsive elastin-like polypeptides (ELPs) were synthesized by recombinant DNA techniques and conjugated to doxorubicin through an acid-labile hydrazone bond to enable release of the drug in the acidic environment of lysosomes. The thermal properties, intracellular localization and cytotoxicity of the conjugate were investigated in this study. The conjugation procedure resulted in a mixed population of free ELP and ELP-doxorubicin (ELP-dox) conjugates that exhibit a broader transition than the parent ELP. A simple centrifugation procedure was developed to purify the ELP-dox conjugate from other reactants and resulted in a sharper thermal transition, similar to the parent ELP. The ELP was endocytosed by squamous cell carcinoma cells (FaDu) and trafficked into lysosomes, as observed by the colocalization of the ELP with a lysosome-specific dye through confocal fluorescence microscopy. Interestingly, both the ELP-dox conjugate and free drug exhibited near equivalent in vitro cytotoxicity, although their subcellular localization was significantly different. The free drug was largely concentrated in the nucleus, while the conjugate was dispersed throughout the cytoplasm with limited nuclear accumulation. These differences are significant because they suggest a different mechanism of cytotoxicity for the conjugate as compared with the free drug.
Is ABO blood type associated with ovarian stimulation response in patients with diminished ovarian reserve

Purpose Recent studies have explored the relationship between ABO blood type and serum markers of ovarian reserve, specifically follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and anti-mullerian hormone (AMH). The primary objective of this study is to investigate whether there is an association between ABO blood type and ovarian stimulation response in patients with serum markers of diminished ovarian reserve (DOR).
Effects of barrier layer and processing conditions on thin film Cu microstructure

The crystallographic texture and grain size of sputtered Cu films were characterized as a function of deposition temperature, barrier layer material, and vacuum conditions. For Cu deposited in a HV chamber, (111) Cu texture was found to weaken with increasing deposition temperatures on W, amorphous C and Ta barrier layers, each deposited at 30°C. Conversely, under identical Cu deposition conditions, texture was found to strengthen with increasing deposition temperature on Ta deposited at 100°C. Median Cu grain size varied parabolically with deposition temperature on all barrier layers and was slightly higher on the 100°C Ta at a given Cu deposition temperature, relative to the other underlayers. For depositions in an UHV chamber, Cu texture was found to strengthen with increasing Cu deposition temperature, independent of Ta deposition temperature. Median Cu grain size, however, was still higher on 100°C Ta than on 30°C Ta. The observed differences between the two different chambers suggest that the trend of weak texture at elevated deposition temperatures may be related to contamination. Characterization of the Ta underlayers revealed that the strengthened texture of Cu films deposited on 100°C Ta is likely related to textural inheritance.
THE USE OF FINE NEEDLE ASPIRATION BIOPSY |[lpar]|FNAB|[rpar]| FOR MONITORING IMMUNOLOGIC PHENOMENA POST-RENAL TRANSPLANTATION IN CHILDREN

No previous reports have described the use of FNAB in children. 70 FNAB were performed in 11 renal transplant (Tx) recipients with a mean age of 14.6 yrs. during the initial 6 post Tx months. The number of serial FNAB's ranged from 1-15. Initial local infiltrative anesthesia was replaced with surface anesthesia (ethyl chloride) because of inadequate specimens without subjective discomfort. An increase in adequate FNAB specimens from 44% to 81% resulted. No complications were noted. Serous fluid was obtained in 4 instances: perirenal lymphatic collection (2) and peritoneal fluid from CAPD (2). Ultrasonography facilitated subsequent FNAB's in these patients.
Lack of superconducting behavior of sliding frohlich waves

Abstract A Frohlich charge density wave, which is sliding freely in a one dimensional lattice of periodicity different from that of the wave, is not pinned in place by either the perfect lattice or by weak impurities. Nevertheless, arguments due to Chester show that it is not superconducting either because the Landau criterion for superfluidity does not apply to sliding macroscopic solid lattices. A perturbation theory expression for the damping force is written down and several processes are shown to contribute to damping of the wave's motion. An estimate is made of the damping, based on a two phonon process, which gives a Drude type damping comparable to that of typical conduction electrons in a metal.
A new subterranean ground spider genus from Western Australia (Araneae : Trochanteriidae)

A new genus and species, Desognanops humphreysi, are described for a remarkable blind trochanteriid spider taken from bores in the interior of Western Australia. Desognanops, gen. nov. is hypothesised to represent the sister-group of the tropical rainforest genus Desognaphosa, suggesting that the new genus may be a subterranean relict of a biota adapted to moister conditions than are found on the surface today.
Detection of Walnut Residues in Foods Using an Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay

Tree nuts, including walnuts, can be responsible for allergic reactions. Food manufacturers have the responsibility to declare the presence of walnuts on packaged foods even when trace residues may be present from the use of shared equipment or the adventitious contamination of ingredients. The aim of this study was to develop a rapid, sensitive, and specific enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) method for the detection of walnut protein residues. Mixtures of raw and roasted English walnuts of several varieties were defatted, powdered, and used as separate antigens in sheep and New Zealand white rabbits. An ELISA was developed using the sheep antiroasted walnut serum as the capture reagent and rabbit antiroasted walnut serum as the detector reagent followed by addition of commercial goat anti-rabbit IgG antibody labeled with alkaline phosphatase and subsequent substrate addition. The performance of the ELISA was validated by testing known amounts of walnut (0 to 100 ppm) either spiked into or manufactured into milk chocolate, cookies, muffins, or ice cream. Recoveries of 1 to 100 ppm walnut-in-chocolate ranged from 71.6% to 119%+/- 7% to 16.5%. The walnut ELISA has a detection limit of 1 ppm (1 microg/g) walnut in several food matrices. Substantial cross-reactivity was observed with pecan while minimal cross-reactivity was noted for hazelnut, mustard, mace, and poppy seed among almost 100 foods and food ingredients tested. This walnut ELISA can be used to detect undeclared walnut residues in foods and ingredients and as a tool to validate the effectiveness of allergen control programs for walnuts.
Comparison of drilling and mining as methods for obtaining microbiological samples from the deep subsurface

Abstract Ashfall tuff samples for microbiological analysis were obtained by mining and drilling within a 400 m deep tunnel system at Rainier Mesa, Nevada Test Site. Comparison of microbiota revealed that bacteria recovered from the core samples were similar to those recovered from the mined samples in abundance, diversity, evenness of distribution, and the numbers of distinct colony types. Cluster analyses based on the characterization of one of each distinct bacterial type from cored and mined samples indicated morphological and physiological similarities between some of the microbiota that were recovered. Drilling fluid microbiota were more abundant, and were distinct from those recovered from cored or mined samples. Storage of both the mined and cored samples for 1 week at 4°C led to the recovery of increased numbers of culturable cells, but with decreased diversity. The presence of bromide tracer indicated penetration of drilling fluids into the cored rock samples, a problem not encountered with mining. However, abundance and diversity values, and isolate characterization indicate that valuable information can be obtained from cored rock samples.
Abrasion wear resistance of arc-sprayed stainless steel and composite stainless steel coatings

The abrasion wear resistance of stainless steel and composite stainless steel/titanium boride coatings arc sprayed with air and argon was evaluated. Stainless steel coatings arc sprayed with air were found to be slightly more resistant than bulk stainless steel, whereas those sprayed with argon were slightly less resistant. The wear resistance of composite stainless steel/titanium diboride coatings was from two to four times greater than that of bulk stainless steel, depending on the cored wire constitution and the type of gas used for spraying. Microstructural analysis, microhardness measurements, and optical profilometry were used to characterize the coatings and wear damage. By considering both the wire constitution and the spraying conditions, it was possible to fabricate composite stainless steel coatings that showed a 400 % increase in wear resistance over bulk stainless steel.
Extraadrenal Retroperitoneal Paraganglioma with Osseous Metaplasia

We report a case of extraadrenal retroperitoneal paraganglioma in a 24-year-old female. This case is unusual in that the neoplasm showed extensive calcification, osseous metaplasia, and marrow elements. Although calcification may occur in paragangliomas, to the best of our knowledge, osseous metaplasia with marrow elements have not been previously reported in the English literature. Int J Surg Pathol 4(3):00-00, 1997
Nuclear metabolism III. Permeability of isolated calf thymus nuclei

Abstract Nuclear membranes show specificity toward the transport of different compounds. Under experimental conditions we found that 2,4-dinitrophenol was not transported into isolated nuclei while maleate and succinate were taken up by isolated nuclei. Our data indicate that the nucleus uses an energy-dependent system to accumulate oxidative substrates such as succinate. We found that carnitine was taken up by isolated nuclei and also stimulated the nuclear uptake of succinate while DNP, maleate, and malonate inhibited nuclear uptake of succinate. Pyruvate and fructose-1,6-diphosphate were taken up very readily by isolated nuclei but antipyrine did not show significant nuclear penetration. We have concluded that nuclear membranes of isolated nuclei from calf thymus are highly selective as indicated by the uptake of some oxidative phosphorylative substrates such as succinate and pyruvate, and some sugar phosphates such as fructose-1,6-diphosphate.
Magnetic susceptibility shift selected imaging (MESSI) and localized 1H2O spectroscopy in living plant tissues

Maize root segments permeated with aqueous solutions of the paramagnetic agents GdDTPA2− or DyDTPA-BMA display two well-resolved NMR peaks corresponding to the signals from intracellular and extracellular 1H2O, which arise from well-understood bulk magnetic susceptibility effects. This allows each component to be studied separately. Images obtained at each frequency with MESSI editing, and single- and multiple-voxel (‘spectroscopic imaging’) localized spectra, clearly indicate that the agents permeate into the interstitial spaces, and into the longitudinal (xylem/phloem) channels in the stele (core) of the root, confirming earlier assessments. We believe these are the first images of a multicellular tissue acquired in vivo exclusively from the intracellular water proton resonance. This method can be further exploited to study water transport in similar systems. Copyright © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. Abbreviations used: BMS bulk magnetic susceptibility EDTA ethylenediamine tetraacetate DTPA diethylenetriamine pentaacetate DTPA-BMA3− diethylenetriamine pentaacetate bis-methylamide.
Abnormal sex cord formation and an intratesticular adrenal cortical nodule in a human fetus

A combination of two developmental abnormalities never described before, a nodule of adrenal cortical tissue and some severely stunted sex cords, in the right testis of a four-month-old human fetus are described in detail. In the left testis a few abnormal cords were found but no adrenal tissue was seen. The possible origin of the abnormalities is discussed. It is suggested on circumstantial evidence that the ectopic adrenal cortex migrated into the testis near the end of the period during which the pattern of sex cords becomes established (around day 40 ?) and began exerting an inhibiting influence on the development of the sex cords as soon as endocrine function began, probably somewhat before the end of the third month. This influence probably did not last long.
Pocket Factors Are Unlikely To Play a Major Role in the Life Cycle of Human Rhinovirus

Human rhinovirus 14 (HRV14) is a member of the rhinovirus genus, which belongs to the picornavirus family, which includes clinically and economically important members, such as poliovirus, foot-and-mouth disease virus, and endomyocarditis virus. Capsid stability plays an important role in the viral infection process, in that it needs to be stable enough to move from cell to cell and yet be able to release its genetic material upon the appropriate environmental cues from the host cell. It has been suggested that certain host cell molecules, “pocket factors,” bind to the WIN drug-binding cavity beneath the canyon floor and provide transient stability to a number of the picornaviruses. To directly test this hypothesis, HRV14 was mutated in (V1188M, C1199W, and V1188M/C1199W) and around (S1223G) the drug-binding pocket. Infectivity, limited proteolysis, and matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization analyses indicate that filling the drug-binding pocket with bulky side chains is not deleterious to the viral life cycle and lends some stabilization to the capsid. In contrast, studies with the S1223G mutant suggest that this mutation at least partially overcomes WIN drug-mediated inhibition of cell attachment and capsid breathing. Finally, HRV16, which is inherently more stable than HRV14 in a number of respects, was found to “breathe” only at 37°C and did not tolerate stabilizing mutations in the drug-binding cavity. These results suggest that it is the drug-binding cavity itself and not the putative pocket factor that is crucial for the capsid dynamics, which is, in turn, necessary for infection.
The extracellular release of echinochrome.

A study was made of the diffusion of the red pigment echinochrome from the eggs of the sea urchin, Arbacia punctulata, into sea water. Unfertilized eggs retained their pigment, over periods of hours. Outward diffusion of pigment from unfertilized eggs normally is entirely negligible, or does not occur at all. Enchancing the calcium or potassium content of the artificial sea water (while retaining isosmotic conditions) did not induce pigment release. Under anaerobic conditions, unfertilized eggs release pigment in small quantities. Fertilization alone brings about echinochrome release. Fertilized eggs invariably released pigment, whether in normal sea water, or sea water with increased calcium or potassium. This diffusion of the pigment began during the first cleavage, possibly soon after fertilization. The pigment release is not a consequence solely of the cell's permeability to echinochrome (or chromoprotein, or other pigment combination) but is preceded by events leading to a release of echinochrome from the granules in which it is concentrated within the cell. These events may be initiated by activation or by anaerobiosis. The phenomenon was not due to cytolysis.
Two inviscid computational simulations of separated flow about airfoils

Two inviscid computational simulations of separated flow about airfoils are described. The basic computational method is the line relaxation finite-difference method. Viscous separation is approximated with inviscid free-streamline separation. The point of separation is specified, and the pressure in the separation region is calculated. In the first simulation, the empiricism of constant pressure in the separation region is employed. This empiricism is easier to implement with the present method than with singularity methods. In the second simulation, acoustic theory is used to determine the pressure in the separation region. The results of both simulations are compared with experiment.
Quantifying Individual Losses in a Direct Methanol Fuel Cell

Studying the performance of a direct methanol fuel cell (DMFC) is complicated by the complex interactions of kinetic and transport processes. As a result, changes in one aspect of the cell have consequences in other aspects, which are difficult to elucidate from full-cell polarization (i.e., voltage versus current) behavior. This study outlines a strategy to use current and voltage relationships from anode half-cells, cathode half-cells, and hydrogen pump coupled with methanol crossover data and a mathematical model. In this way, all the kinetic and transport processes have been quantified, and the cell voltage was deconstructed (i.e., individual voltage losses were quantified). This data analysis accounts for all of the voltage losses observed during the operation of the full cell. As expected, the anode and cathode overpotentials accounted for most of the losses (i.e., 92% on average). Also, the cathode flow rate has been shown to affect the methanol crossover by diffusion. Cells operated at constant stoichiometry or where the cathode flow rate is small can show a parabolic shape in the methanol crossover because the electroosmotic drag dominates over diffusion as the primary transport mechanism for methanol through the membrane. Decrease in the methanol crossover was observed for cells with high compression and thicker cathode electrodes. The one-dimensional model, developed previously (Garcia , 2004, “Mathematical Model of a Direct Methanol Fuel Cell,” J. Fuel Cell Sci. Technol., 1 (1), pp. 43–48), was improved by: (1) including methanol transport from the anode flow channel to the backing layer using a mass transfer resistance and (2) accounting for the unreacted methanol transport through the cathode. The model was able to reasonably predict the anode, cathode, full-cell polarization, and methanol crossover data for methanol concentrations between 0.05 M and 2 M at all operating currents.
Electrical Tuning of Converse Magnetoelectric Effect in Piezo-Fiber/Metglas Laminates

The converse magnetoelectric effect of an asymmetric Piezo-fiber/Metglas bilayer laminate composite subjected to DC electric voltage and magnetic field biases is presented. The experimental results indicate that positive voltages applied to the Piezo-fiber layer produce large tensile strains in the Piezo-fiber layer with relatively small compressive strains in the Metglas layer. The influence of DC electric voltage bias on the converse magnetoelectric effect is studies and it is found that an optimal DC voltage bias exists to maximize the CME coefficient related to the “jumping” stress/strain in the Metglas. The optimum DC magnetic field bias is shift by applying DC voltage biases and the magnitude of converse magnetoelectric response can be electrically tuned.Copyright © 2009 by ASME