cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Management of disseminated breast cancer.

Approximately two-thirds of all breast cancer patients will develop disseminated disease. Of the premenopausal patients suffering this development 30-47.5% can benefit from radiation or surgical castration and about 50% can further benefit from adrenalectomy or hypophysectomy if castration has produced a good clinical response. Estrogen and short-term steroid administration can be of value to the postmenopausal patient. Useful chemotherapeutic agents include cyclophosphamide 5-fluorouracil prednisone vincristine sulfate and triethylenephosphoramide but the decision to use them singly or in combination must depend on whether the patient has a hormone-sensitive disease and her response to castration. 64% of patients receiving 7beta 17alpha dimethyltestosterone showed regressions averaging 7 months with greater tolerance for the drug than for most other chemotherapeutic agents. In trying these drugs care should be taken not to let a patients condition progress too far before making the decision to use secondary ablative procedures.
Structural Damage Identification: A Probabilistic Approach

A method is presented to improve the robustness of current damage detection methodologies. Measured statistical changes in natural frequencies and mode shapes along with a correlated analytical stochastic finite element model are used to assess the integrity of a structure. The approach accounts for variations in the modal properties of a structure (due to experimental errors in the test procedure). A perturbation of the healthy eigenvalue problem is performed to yield the relationship between the changes in eigenvalues and in the global stiffness matrix. This stiffness change is represented as a sum over every structural member by a product of a stiffness reduction factor and a stiffness submatrix. The determination of damaged stiffness statistics permits the comparison of probability density functions between the healthy and estimated damaged stiffnesses. A set of graphical and statistical probability damage quotients are then found that indicate a confidence level on the existence of damage. The effectiveness of the proposed technique is illustrated using simulated data on a three-degree-of-freedom spring-mass system and on an Euler-Bernoulli cantilever aluminum beam.
Phytoplankton growth response to deep ocean water

Abstract Single species populations and natural populations of phytoplankton were grown in mixtures of surface sea water and deep ocean water. The yields of Phaeodactylum tricornutum and the natural species assemblages were positively correlated with the percentage of deep water in the mixture. Single species populations of Thalassiosira weissflogii and Amphidinum sp. showed yields which were positively correlated with per cent deep water at low deep water concentrations and negatively correlated at high deep water concentrations. Transition from the positive to the negative slope occurred at about 75% deep water for T. weissflogii and at about 25% deep water for Amphidinium. Populations were apparently limited by an inorganic nutrient, probably nitrogen, in the region of positive slope and by some other factor, probably organic, in the region of negative slope. The addition of EDTA increased the yields of T. weissflogii and Amphidinium in the presence of deep water and reduced lag times in the growth of the natural populations.
Action potential-like responses in B104 cells with low Na+ channel densities.

Abstract Action potential generation and Na+ currents were studied in B104 neuroblastoma cells in vitro using the whole-cell patch-clamp method in voltage-clamp and current-clamp mode. Action potential-like responses were elicited in 38 of 42 cells, with a threshold close to −55 mV for depolarizing stimuli, and −56 mV for anode-break stimuli. Response amplitudes were larger when cells were held at more negative prepulse potentials, and were well fit by a Boltzmann distribution with a midpoint of approx. −75 mV, close to theV1/2 for Na+ current steady-state inactivation in these cells. Cells displaying action potential-like responses exhibited a peak Na+ current density of 133 ± 0.14 pA/pF (range, 10.2–296.2 pA/pF) and a lowgK: gNa ratio (0.0067 ± 0.0023). Exposure to 0.1 mM Cd2+ did not block the generation of action potential-like responses in B104 cells, while 1 μM TTX abolished the responses. We conclude that low densities of Na+ channels (
Paraneoplastic pemphigus: a subset of patients with pemphigus and neoplasia

We reviewed the clinical, histologic, and immunofluorescence features of 20 patients with pemphigus and neoplasia and compared them with a control group of 17 patients with pemphigus without neoplasia. Patients with neoplasia were divided according to clinical, histologic, and immunofluorescence findings into those with paraneoplastic pemphigus syndrome (12 patients) and those with classic pemphigus vulgaris or pemphigus foliaceus with neoplasia (8 patients). The histologic findings in patients with paraneoplastic pemphigus included acantholysis, interface dermatitis, spongiosis, and satellite keratinocyte necrosis. Histologic findings in the 8 patients with classic pemphigus and neoplasia included acantholysis and spongiosis. Direct immunofluorescence in both paraneoplastic pemphigus and pemphigus with neoplasia showed IgG staining of cell-surface proteins (intercellular substance) and deposition of immunoglobulin at the basement membrane zone. Indirect immunofluorescence with rat bladder substrate was used to differentiate paraneoplastic pemphigus from classic pemphigus. Circulating IgG anti-cell-surface protein antibodies were detected in 4 patients with paraneoplastic pemphigus syndrome; they were absent in 2 patients with pemphigus and neoplasia. Immunoprecipitation of sera from the 4 patients with epithelial staining showed the complex of bands identified in studies of paraneoplastic pemphigus syndrome. We conclude that paraneoplastic pemphigus syndrome has distinct clinical, histologic, and immunologic features that differentiate it from classic pemphigus with underlying neoplasia.
Multipole expansion of dislocation interactions: Application to discrete dislocations

The interaction between dislocations is long ranged and anisotropic, leading to severe computational challenges for large-scale simulations. Here we present a multipolar expansion for the interaction energy between dislocations in three dimensions, based on a straightforward expansion of some familiar energy expressions. An evaluation of the needed line integrals is conveniently performed by numerical integration over parametric representations of the dislocation loops. We show that the multipole expansion converges very quickly, leading to potential savings in computational time for evaluating dislocation interactions.
Turnover and Voting Stability in the Senate

Little is known about the senators who change their voting positions during normal political times, but it is generally assumed that incumbents have very stable voting records and that vote changes come primarily from the replacement of personnel. This article examines how turnover is related to Senate voting shifts on a variety of issues. The majority of vote changes come from incumbents rather than freshmen. Further, there is no overall difference in the proportion of vote changes made by party turnovers and intraparty replacements.
Differential glycosylation of the GLUT1 glucose transporter in brain capillaries and choroid plexus

The sodium-independent GLUT1 glucose transporter is expressed in high density in human erythrocytes and in tissues which serve a barrier function. In the polarized endothelial cells of the brain capillaries, which comprise the blood-brain barrier (BBB), GLUT1 is expressed on both apical and basolateral membranes; however, in the epithelium of the choroid plexus, GLUT1 expression is restricted to the basolateral surface. The present study examined whether these differences in subcellular localization of GLUT1 at the BBB and choroid plexus could be correlated with differential N-linked or O-linked glycosylation of the protein. Western blot analysis of solubilized brain capillaries (BC) and choroid plexus (CP) revealed that while the BC GLUT1 had an average molecular mass identical to that of the purified human erythrocyte transporter (54 kDa), the CP GLUT1 was of lower molecular mass (47 kDa). Treatment of brain capillaries and choroid plexus with N-glycanase resulted in a shift in the mobility of the GLUT1 of both samples to a lower molecular mass of 42 kDa; however, in contrast, treatment with O-glycanase produced no change in the mobility patterns of GLUT1, but did result in O-linked deglycosylation of another BBB marker, γ-glutamyl transpeptidase. In conclusion, BBB and choroid plexus GLUT1 are subject to differential N-linked glycosylation with the protein having an N-linked carbohydrate side chain of higher molecular mass at the BBB in comparison to the choroid plexus.
Nanosized corundum synthesis

Alumina continues to play an important role in the materials industry with the Bayer process still providing alumina after a 100 years of continuous processing. In addition to traditional applications of alumina, alumina is being advanced as a major part of the new frontier on nanophase materials and nanophase technology. High surface area corundum has been synthesized using a rapid totally ”green” hydrothermal process for forming nanosized diaspore precursor to nanosized corundum. Surface areas of the nanosized corundum are in excess of 160 square meters per gram. High temperature solution calorimetry show that gamma alumina becomes the energetically stable phase relative to corundum at specific surface areas greater than 125 square meters per gram. These data provide a thermodynamic basis for the equilibrium relationships among the alumina phases in the nanocrystalline region.
Diffuse Alveolar Damage: Uncommon Manifestation of Pulmonary Involvement in Patients With Connective Tissue Diseases

Background Diffuse alveolar damage (DAD) is a relatively common finding on surgical lung biopsy and can result from a variety of causes. Methods We studied nine consecutive patients with connective tissue disease (CTD) and DAD diagnosed on surgical lung biopsy to examine this association and clinical implications. Results The median age was 63 years (range, 35 to 76 years), and seven of the patients were women (78%). Underlying CTDs included rheumatoid arthritis in five patients, polymyositis in two patients, and one patient each with systemic sclerosis and mixed CTD. In seven patients (78%), CTD had been diagnosed before the onset of DAD; six of these patients had a preexisting interstitial lung disease (ILD) related to their CTD. DAD was the presenting manifestation leading to a new CTD diagnosis in two patients (22%). CT of the chest revealed ground-glass opacities and/or consolidation bilaterally with or without honeycombing. In all patients, surgical lung biopsy revealed DAD for which no cause could be identified other than the underlying CTD. Seven patients (78%) were receiving mechanical ventilatory support at the time of the surgical lung biopsy. Four patients (44%) survived to hospital discharge and included one patient with preexisting ILD and all three patients without chronic ILD. Conclusion We conclude that DAD can complicate the clinical course of patients with CTD-related chronic ILD, or can occasionally occur as a presenting manifestation of CTDs. When DAD occurs in patients with CTDs, the outcome appears to be worse for those with preexisting chronic ILD compared to those without ILD.
Experimental investigation of two-phase heat transfer in a porous matrix.

One-dimensional two-phase flow transpiration cooling through porous metal is studied experimentally. The experimental data is compared with a previous one-dimensional analysis. Good agreement with calculated temperature distribution is obtained as long as the basic assumptions of the analytical model are satisfied. Deviations from the basic assumptions are caused by nonhomogeneous and oscillating flow conditions. Preliminary derivation of nondimensional parameters which characterize the stable and unstable flow conditions is given. Superheated liquid droplets observed sputtering from the heated surface indicated incomplete evaporation at heat fluxes well in access of the latent energy transport. A parameter is developed to account for the nonequilibrium thermodynamic effects. Measured and calculated pressure drops show contradicting trends which are attributed to capillary forces.
Free resolutions of the defining ideal of certain rational surfaces

We consider the surface obtained from the projective plane by blowing up the points of intersection of two plane curves of same degree meeting transversely. We find minimal free resolutions of the defining ideals of these surfaces embedded in projective space by the sections of a very ample divisor class. All of the results are proven over an algebraically closed field of arbitrary characteristic.
Comparison of Pt/KL catalysts prepared by ion exchange or incipient wetness impregnation

Abstract Pt/KL catalysts prepared by ion exchange (IE), incipient wetness impregnation (IWI), and coimpregnation with KCl (IWI + KCI) have been characterized by dynamic techniques, chemisorption of H2 and CO, Fourier transform-infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) of adsorbed CO, and catalytic tests using n-hexane (n-C6) and methylcyclopentane (MCP) conversions as probe reactions. Temperature-programmed reduction (TPR) shows significant differences between the IE and IWI catalysts. After calcination up to 400°C, the IWI samples contain Pt4+ ions that are reduced at 250°C, but IE samples contain Pt2+ particles that are reduced at 11°C, besides two Pt2+ species with TPR peaks at 80 and 150°C. High-resolution electron microscopy, adsorption, FT-IR, and catalytic results consistently show that, after reduction, the IWI catalysts contain smaller Pt particles located inside the zeolite channels, while the IE sample has larger particles, some of which are on the external surface. At high temperature, excess KCI reacts with zeolite protons, forming HCl which escapes. In comparison to the IE samples, the IWI catalysts are less acidic, less active for n-C6 conversion, more selective for dehydrocyclization, but less selective for hydrogenolysis, and they deactivate less. Since hydrogenolysis requires large Pt ensembles, the small Pt particles in the IWI catalysts produce less C1C5 compounds and less coke. The product distribution of MCP ring opening shows higher than statistical selectivity toward 3-methylpentane, suggesting that the MCP molecule becomes oriented inside the zeolite channels.
Poly(styrene-divinylbenzene)-based strong anion-exchange packing material for high-performance liquid chromatography of proteins.

Abstract An adsorbed polyethyleneimine coating was applied to sulfonated macroporous, microparticulate poly(styrene—divinylbenzene). The chemical, physical and chromatographic properties of the resulting strong anion-exchange packing material were thoroughly characterized. The dynamic load capacity of the experimental packing was comparable to that of large-pore diameter silica. Good recoveries of protein mass and enzyme activity were achieved. The new column withstood a variety of cleaning procedures and prolonged exposure to aqueous base. The retention times on the polystyrene-based column were similar to those on a silica and a commercial, polymeric, strong anion-exchange column. Chromatographic resolution of the new packing material was equal or superior to that provided by the other two packings.
Precise localization of the origin of replication in a physical map of HeLa cell mitochondrial DNA and isolation of a small fragment that contains it

Abstract The precise positions of the origin of replication ‡ and of the D-loop within the Hpa II restriction map of HeLa cell mitochondrial DNA have been investigated. For this purpose, 7 S DNA, which is the heavy-chain initiation sequence, was used as a template for fragment-primed DNA synthesis by Escherichia coli DNA polymerase I. The results indicate clearly that the origin of replication lies in Hpa II fragment 8 at about 80 base-pairs from the border with fragment 17, and that the D-loop region extends from this site, through fragment 17, to a position in fragment 10 which is about 365 base-pairs from the border with fragment 17. Sequential digestion of fragment 8 with Hae III enzyme has allowed the isolation of a subfragment, about 200 base-pairs long, that contains the origin of replication.
Diversity training pitfalls and possibilities: An exploration of small and mid-size US organizations

This qualitative, exploratory study examines the development and implementation of diversity training in small and mid-size organizations in a Midwestern region of the United States. The results are contrasted with diversity best practices and found lacking in key elements identified as most likely to yield success. Specifically, the organizations in this study did not provide training beyond awareness level, failed to conduct front-end needs assessment, provided little if any in-depth evaluation of diversity training and showed varying support for diversity endeavors from the leadership and through connecting diversity training with other systemic initiatives. The article concludes with recommendations for additional exploration of adapting effective diversity training practices to minimize pitfalls and maximize possibilities in small and mid-size systems.
Pulse shaping and compression using SHG with QPM gratings in the presence of the group velocity dispersion

We develop a theory which incorporates group velocity dispersion in the description of ultrafast SHG with QPM gratings and show how it can be accounted for in the design of the QPM grating shaper.
Molecular biology: antagonizing the neighbours.

Nucleosomes bundle up the DNA in a cell's nucleus, wrapping it around a complex of histone proteins. Studies of histone modifications and the proteins that bind to them reveal a mechanism that may control this packing.
Infant Mortality: A Problem of Income Distribution and Access

Waldman ["Income Distribution and Infant Mortality," QJE 107, 4, November 1992] found that the distribution of income, as well as average income, affects infant mortality rates. Using OLS to estimate the parameters of (1) below, he found that infant mortality rates are higher the greater the income of the wealthiest 5 percent of households, but is lower the greater the income of the middle 75 percent of households, such that:
Message complexity of the set intersection problem

Abstract Consider the following problem: each processor i in a distributed system contains a subset S i of a universal set U ; how many messages are necessary and sufficient for each processor to know the intersaction of all the subsets when any two processors can exchange information only through explicit messages? We show that the answer to this question is ϴ( mn ) where m is the cardinality of the smallest sized subset and n is the number of processors.
"Paradoxical" prolongation of sinus nodal recovery time after atropine in the sick sinus syndrome.

Abstract A case of symptomatic sick sinus syndrome is presented with confirmation of sinus nodal dysfunction established by functional testing. The validity of such provocative testing and the criteria for abnormality are discussed. A newly recognized, seemingly “paradoxical” and potentially detrimental effect of atropine noted in this patient is examined. Despite an increase in sinus rate and an improvement in sinoatrial conduction time after administration of atropine, a markedly prolonged sinus recovery time after rapid atrial pacing occurred, and atrial quiescence for more than 10 seconds was seen. Possible electrophysiologic mechanisms for this phenomenon, such as decreased atriosinus entrance block, concealed sinoatrial reentry or enhanced intranodal depolarization, are discussed and potential clinical correlates are made.
Selaginella moellendorffii telomeres: Conserved and unique features in an ancient land plant lineage

Telomeres, the essential terminal regions of linear eukaryotic chromosomes, consist of G-rich DNA repeats bound by a plethora of associated proteins. While the general pathways of telomere maintenance are evolutionarily conserved, individual telomere complex components show remarkable variation between eukaryotic lineages and even within closely related species. The recent genome sequencing of the lycophyte Selaginella moellendorffii and the availability of an ever-increasing number of flowering plant genomes provides a unique opportunity to evaluate the molecular and functional evolution of telomere components from the early evolving non-seed plants to the more developmentally advanced angiosperms. Here we analyzed telomere sequence in S. moellendorffii and found it to consist of TTTAGGG repeats, typical of most plants. Telomere tracts in S. moellendorffii range from 1 to 5.5 kb, closely resembling Arabidopsis thaliana. We identified several S. moellendorffii genes encoding sequence homologs of proteins involved in telomere maintenance in other organisms, including CST complex components and the telomere-binding proteins, POT1 and the TRFL family. Notable sequence similarities and differences were uncovered among the telomere-related genes in some of the plant lineages. Taken together, the data indicate that comparative analysis of the telomere complex in early diverging land plants such as S. moellendorffii and green algae will yield important insights into the evolution of telomeres and their protein constituents.
Factor versus cluster models of schizotypal traits. I: a comparison of unselected and highly schizotypal samples.

Abstract Factor analytic studies have long supported the division of schizophrenic symptoms into three relatively orthogonal factors: positive symptoms, negative symptoms, and disorders of relatedness/disorganization. Similarly, factor analyses of schizotypy often yield three factors: positive symptoms, negative symptoms, and social anxiety or disorganization. Recent cluster analyses, however, suggest that not all patients can be simply categorized according to these factors. Cluster analyses of schizotypal symptoms tend to result in clusters of individuals who are low in all factors, high in more than one factor, or high predominantly in one factor. The present study sought to compare factor and cluster models of schizotypal symptoms, as measured by the SPQ, PAS, and MIS, in unselected individuals and highly schizotypal individuals. Consistent with prior research, factor analysis of a large unselected undergraduate sample yielded three factors: “positive”, “negative”, and “disorganized.” Factor analysis of schizotypal undergraduates produced the same three factors, plus a fourth designated “paranoid thinking.” In contrast, cluster analysis of the unselected sample yielded four clusters (“low schizotypy”, “average schizotypy”, and “high schizotypy”, plus “positive/disorganized”). Cluster analysis of the schizotypal subsample produced four clusters: “low schizotypy”, “positive”, “negative” and “high schizotypy.”
Real-time optical line detection

Abstract Several alternative real-time optical Hough transform (HT) schemes that do not use moving optical elements are presented. The rotation, called for by the HT kernel, are performed by various continuous computer-generated holographic (CGH) optical elements. As opposed to a discrete CGH approaches, these implementations do not require high SBP optical elements and may lead to optical cascading lending themselves to additional Radon transform (RT) optical processing.
Radioactive eggs. III. Degradation of yolk glycerol

Abstract 1. 1. The labeled glycerol obtained from the eggs of a hen continuously fed sodium acetate-1-C 14 for 7 days has been degraded by two methods. 2. 2. The general pattern of activity distribution is 86–88% in the terminal carbon atoms and 12–14% in the middle carbon atom. 3. 3. A mechanism that might explain these results has been suggested.
Evolution and applicability of a whole plant respiration model

Considerable attention has been paid to models of whole plant respiration during the past 15 years. It is hoped that successful models will aid understanding of whole plant physiology and point to areas of research which will lead to increased crop productivity. Today's most popular model of whole plant respiration considers respiration as the sum of functional components: growth respiration and maintenance respiration. Recently a third component has been explicitly added to the model: respiration associated with ion uptake. In this paper, the history and applicability of this model are outlined; problems with the model and its applications are discussed; the maintenance component is expanded into two separate components which are then used to interpret some existing data for respiration; and additional facets of higher plant respiration which may need to be incorporated into future models are identified. Although there are shortcomings of a simple application of the model, the model is a useful tool for the whole plant physiologist when these limitations are recognized.
Discontinuous deformation in an elastic material. Part 2. Energy dissipative and storage applications

Large amounts of energy dissipation are possible from a perfectly elastic material, cyclically deformed reel to reel, due to thermodynamic free expansions and contractions of the elastic material, (much like the throttling of a gas), rather than from internal or external friction. The objective of this work is to demonstrate that when the above principle is utilized, numerous applications are possible for elastomers as energy dissipative and storage devices including the following: torque control devices such as tension or torque controllers, and torque converters which can be used in automobile drive systems instead of friction clutches or differential gear assemblies. Using many steps in the stretching and contraction process can significantly minimize dissipation and create elastic energy storage devices. Such devices are employed as regenerative brake devices and mechanical energy batteries that are used in applications where modest amounts of energy are required. Current work also involves the design of thermomechanical heat engines, a simple device that utilizes heat input and obtains mechanical work output. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 47:1521–1529, 2007. © 2007 Society of Plastics Engineers
The road to quantum level negative index metamaterials

Here a brief summary of the basic properties of and past work on negative refraction (NR) and negative index materials (NIMs) is given, to provide a backdrop for a presentation on quantum level approaches to obtaining NR and NIM. Then the quantum level approach is explained, in terms of why it may be a useful alternative to macroscopic methods, how it works, some fabrication issues associated with it, the energy levels schemes likely to be productive in finding NR and NIM, the analytical and numerical technique, and numerical results using the quantum level approach.
DIAGNOSIS OF CEREBRAL VENTRICULOMEGALY IN NORMAL ADULT BEAGLES USING QUANTITATIVE MRI

The brain of 17 asymptomatic normal adult beagles was evaluated with magnetic resonance imaging. Lateral ventricular size was quantified using computer algorithms. In beagles with large ventricles, contrast medium was introduced into the cerebellomedullary cistern to determine whether obstructive hydrocephalus was present. Total lateral ventricular volume ranged from 77 mm3 to 11,726 mm3. Based on Gd-DTPA diffusion, the CSF flow pattern was considered normal and normal neural morphology was seen using electron microscopy. Results suggest a high incidence of clinically asymptomatic ventriculomegaly in normal adult beagles.
Cultural and Climatic History of Cobá, a Lowland Maya City in Quintana Roo, Mexico☆☆☆

Lake Coba, within the archaeological site of Coba, provides evidence bearing on lowland Maya development. Palynological and geochemical data record multidecadal precipitation cycles from a 8.80-m, >8370-yr lake-sediment sequence terminating on bedrock. Late Classic sedimentation rates are rapid, but an anthropogenically derived colluvium layer is lacking. Initial vegetation was medium semi-deciduous and swamp forest. Forest clearance began 1650 B.C. (Early Preclassic) and maize first occurred at 850 B.C. (Middle Preclassic). Lakeside milpas existed until A.D. 720 (Late Classic) and then were moved from the city center as urbanization intensified and Lake Coba was diked as a reservoir. Coba was at most briefly vacated during the Classic Collapse and was abandoned after A.D. 1240, although some habitation persisted. The paleoecological record matches the archaeological history for Coba, but pervasive disturbance muted the climatic signal, as the Late Classic drought is barely evident. The question whether economic trees were maintained within the city is unresolved. Maize cultivation allowed the Maya to develop a complex society and support a large population, but dependence on maize was ultimately doomed by variable rainfall. Precipitation in extreme years was insufficient to support crops, while native vegetation was not directly affected by drought that devastated Maya agriculture.
Total Synthesis of the Potent cAMP Signaling Agonist (−)-Alotaketal A

We have developed a convergent synthetic route to the potent cAMP signaling agonist (−)-alotaketal A that employs two stages of SmI2-mediated reductive allylation reactions for assembling the polycycle and fragment coupling. Also notable are a Hg(OAc)2-mediated selective alkene oxidation and the subtlety of the formation of the unprecedented spiroketal ring system. The probes AKAR4 and ICUE3 were used to evaluate the cAMP singaling agonistic activity of (−)-alotaketal A and elucidate its structure–activity relationship.
The beta protein of phage lambda binds preferentially to an intermediate in DNA renaturation.

Phage lambda encodes two recombination proteins that are required for homologous recombination in a recA- host strain. Of these two recombination proteins, one is an exonuclease whose action on double-stranded DNA produces 3' single-stranded ends; the other, called beta protein, is a DNA binding protein that promotes the renaturation of complementary single strands. The enzymes of phage lambda provide a model for understanding a recombination pathway called "single-strand annealing". Further investigation of the binding of beta protein to DNA has revealed a new mechanism of renaturation. As reported before, beta protein binds directly to single-stranded DNA, but not to double-stranded DNA. However, in the experiments reported here, we observed that beta protein bound more strongly to a presumed intermediate in the renaturation reaction that beta itself catalyzed, and beta thereby protected all of a renatured duplex 83-mer oligonucleotide from nuclease digestion.
Biological prediction: a comparative approach.

Abstract Processes of biological interest are described in terms of related processes. The instrument for this comparative approach is a generalized extrapolation equation which relates quantum mechanical transition probabilities characterized by different values of structural parameters. When data for model processes are introduced, biophysical structure and function are associated empirically.
The intertemporal utility of demand and price elasticity of consumption in power grids with shiftable loads

This paper presents a mathematical model of consumer behavior in response to stochastically-varying electricity prices, and a characterization of price elasticity of consumption induced by optimally shifting flexible demands within a fixed time window. The approach is based on deriving the optimal load-shifting policy through a finite horizon stochastic dynamic program, and the analysis is performed under both perfect and partial information about price distribution. An aggregate demand model is constructed from individual demands with random arrivals and random deadlines. Under this model, the aggregate demand becomes a function of price only, and thus allows for quantitative characterization of the utility of demand and price elasticity. While the demand for electricity is often deemed to be highly inelastic, it is shown in this paper that optimal load-shifting can create a considerable amount of price elasticity, even when the aggregate consumption over a long period remains constant.
Geographical, environmental and pathophysiological influences on the human blood transcriptome.

Gene expression variation provides a read-out of both genetic and environmental influences on gene activity. Geographical, genomic and sociogenomic studies have highlighted how life circumstances of an individual modify the expression of hundreds and in some cases thousands of genes in a coordinated manner. This review places such results in the context of a conserved set of 90 transcripts known as blood informative transcripts that capture the major conserved components of variation in the peripheral blood transcriptome. Pathophysiological states are also shown to associate with the perturbation of transcript abundance along the major axes. Discussion of false-negative rates leads us to argue that simple significance thresholds provide a biased perspective on assessment of differential expression that may cloud the interpretation of studies with small sample sizes.
Enzyme variability in an intertidal anomuran, Clibanarius vittatus

Abstract Six enzyme loci ( Ldh -1, G6pdh , Mdh -1, Mdh -2, Xdh , and To ) within two populations of Clibanarius vittatus , the striped hermit crab, were analysed. Thirty-three percent of the Ioci were polymorphic and the average heterozygosity was 0.146. Genetic identity between the populations was 0.902.
Morphology of the rat carotid sinus nerve. II. Number and size of axons.

Ten carotid sinus nerves from five rats were examined by electron microscopy at a level of 0.5 mm from the glossopharyngeal nerve (nerve IX). The sinus nerves were found to contain from 455 to 757 (mean 625) axons per nerve, of which an average of 86.3% were unmyelinated. Theunmyelinated axons had a size distribution that fitted a Gaussian distribution with a mean diameter of 0.78 μm and a variance of 0.013 μm. Such axons ranged in size from 0.17 to 1.7 μm. Themyelinated axons had a unimodal size distribution skewed to the right, with a median total fibre diameter of 2.49 μm. Although total diameter of myelinated fibres ranged from 1.5 to 5.3 μm, 96% of such fibres were smaller than 4 μm. Axon diameter of myelinated fibres averaged 64% of the total diameter, but this proportion tended to increase with the size of the axon. Some 68% of myelinated fibres had axons with a diameter within the range of sizes of unmyelinated axons.
Angiotensin Converting Enzyme-Inhibitor Reduces Colitis Severity in an IL-10 Knockout Model

We previously demonstrated angiotensin converting enzymes (ACE) over-expression in a dextran-sodium sulfate colitis model; ACE inhibitor (ACE-I) treatment reduced colitis severity in this model. However, ACE-I has not been tested in more immunologically relevant colitis models. We hypothesized that ACE-I would decrease disease severity in an IL-10 knockout (−/−) colitis model. Colitis was induced by giving 10-week old IL-10−/− mice piroxicam (P.O.) for 14 days. The ACE-I enalaprilat was given transanally at a dose of 6.25 mg/kg for 21 days. Prednisolone (PSL) with or without enalaprilat were used as therapeutic, comparative groups. All groups were compared to a placebo treated group. Outcome measures were clinical course, histology, abundance of pro-inflammatory cytokines/chemokines, and epithelial barrier function. Enalaprilat exhibited better survival (91 %) versus other treatment groups (PSL: 85.7 %, PSL + ACE-I: 71.4 %, placebo: 66.6 %). The ACE-I and PSL + ACE-I groups showed significantly better histological scores versus placebo mice. ACE-I and the PSL groups significantly reduced several pro-inflammatory cytokines versus placebo mice. FITC-dextran permeability was reduced in the ACE-I and PSL + ACE-I groups. Blood pressure was not affected in ACE-I treated mice compared to placebo mice. ACE-I was effective in reducing severity of colitis in an IL-10−/− model. The addition of prednisolone minimally augmented this effect. The findings suggest that appropriately dosed ACE-I with or without steroids may be a new therapeutic agent for colitis.
JAZZ, THE WOUND: NEGATIVE IDENTITY, CULTURE, AND THE PROBLEM OF WEAK SUBJECTIVITY IN THEODOR ADORNO’S TWENTIETH CENTURY

This essay addresses the emergence of theories of “identity” in twentieth-century politics, aesthetics, and philosophy by considering Theodor Adorno's understanding of “negative identity” as a form of coercive categorization that nevertheless contains social knowledge. A historical account of the Frankfurt school's relation to questions of race, anti-Semitism, and the idea of culture, the essay analyzes Adorno's infamous jazz articles in light of the transatlantic history of Marxian political theory and its understanding of racism, subject–object relations, and models of cultural production. The result is an investigation of the history of the concept of identity, its emergence alongside the rise of cultural studies, and its relation to international cultural–aesthetic formations such as jazz. The article concludes with an examination of Adorno's critique of idealism, cultural identity, and nationalism in light of the “wounded” political subjectivity of the modern era.
Gastroduodenal mucosal injury--acute and chronic: pathways, mediators, and mechanisms.

This review provides evidence that gastroduodenal mucosal injury is a complex process because of the heterogenous structure and multiple functions of the gut. The action of exogenous etiologic agents is usually mediated in part or amplified by endogenous mediators that very often exert biphasic, i.e., damaging and protective, effects. The pathogenetic pathways involved are direct/indirect chemical injury, vascular damage and its consequences, and acute or chronic inflammatory processes following infectious, chemical, or ischemic injury. The role of oxygen, free radicals, calcium, and proteases as well as the components and forms of gastroduodenal injury, e.g., reversible and irreversible cell injury, tissue necrosis, and acute and chronic inflammation, are also briefly discussed.
Sensory input and cholinergic agents: Interacting effects on short-term memory in the mouse

The effects of scopolamine, physostigmine, and sensory stimulation on short-term memory (STM) were assessed in male C57BL/6 mice using a successive-reversal avoidance paradigm. Scopolamine disrupted STM at a 5-min delay interval, but STM was significantly improved under scopolamine when sensory stimulation during this delay interval was reduced below normal levels. The level of sensory stimulation during the 5-min delay interval had no effect on STM in animals treated with saline or physostigmine. Moreover, unusually poor control performance apparently prevented detection of disruptive or facilitative effects of physostigmine at 5 and 20 min, respectively. It was concluded that the interaction between sensory stimulation and scopolamine might reflect cholinergic involvement in sensory processing.
Sex determination in southern flounder, Paralichthys lethostigma, from the Texas Gulf Coast

Abstract In marine flatfish of the genus Paralichthys , temperature plays a large role in sex determination. The most susceptible areas to temperature fluctuation are shallow water environments, particularly estuaries, which serve as essential nursery habitats for juvenile southern flounder. While in the estuaries, juveniles develop, and sex is determined. Southern flounder exhibit genotypic sex determination; however, the sex of females is highly influenced by temperature, which can result in phenotypic sex reversal. The temperature-sensitive enzyme complex responsible for estrogen biosynthesis in vertebrates is aromatase cytochrome P450 (P450 arom ), a critical component in ovarian differentiation. In this study, mRNA expression of P450 arom was used to identify presumptive males and females exposed to a gradient of temperatures (18, 21, 24, 27, and 30 °C) beginning at 35–40 or at 65–70 mm total length (TL). This research identifies that sex is influenced by temperature between 35 and 65 mm TL and establishes that increases in temperature from 18 °C during this size range, produce increasingly male skewed sex ratios in southern flounder from Texas. The findings presented here are essential for understanding population dynamics of southern flounder and the potential effects climate change may have on wild populations.
Octacyanotetramethylenecyclobutane dianion and its anion-radical

Abstract A new synthesis of the novel octacyanotetramethylenecyclobutane dianion 1 is presented; electron spin resonance spectroscopy of its anion radical and cyclic voltammetry are used to elucidate its electronic properties.
Chain initiation factor 3 crosslinks to E. coli 30S and 5OS ribosomal subunits and alters the UV absorbance spectrum of 70S ribosomes

We report a direct procedure to determine the proteins near the IF-3 binding site in purified 30S and 50S ribosomal subunits. This procedure introduces only limited numbers of cleavable crosslinks between IF-3 and its nearest neighbors. The cleavable crosslinking reagent, 2-iminothiolane, was used to crosslink IF-3 in place to both 30S and 50S subunits. Ribosomal proteins S9/S11, S12, L2, L5 and L17 were found, by this approach, to be in close proximity to the factor in purified IF-3-subunit complexes. In addition, IF-3 was shown to alter the ultraviolet absorbance spectrum of E. coli 70S ribosomes at 10 mM Mg2+. The magnitude of the observed difference spectrum at a constant IF-3/ribosome ratio of 1.0, is linearly dependent upon ribosome concentration over the range 5 nM - 55 nM. Titration experiments indicated that the observed effect is maximal at an IF-3/ribosome ratio of approximately 1.0. These results are taken to indicate a conformational change in the 70S ribosome induced by IF-3.
Disambiguating propositions: How to clear the confusion in linguistics and psychology about this notion

La psicologia del discurso ha usado las proposiciones para responder preguntas funcionales y estructurales, respecto de las representaciones mentales que mejor refejan el resultado de los procesos asecendentes y descendentes en la comprension linguistica. Sin embargo, la manera en que las proposiciones han sido utilizadas en la psicologia del discurso, no es la misma que la utilizada en el sentido tradicional del termino, en campos como la linguistica y la flosofia. Mas aun, las proposiciones en la psicologia del discurso no operan en el nivel linguistico deseado y carecen de rasgos representacionales importantes. Sostendremos que entidades como las eventualidades y los roles tematicos son mas apropiados para ser utilizados en psicolinguistica y en linguistica computacional y que el uso de estas entidades puede resolver el problema que emerge en la pro-posicionalizacion de textos a la manera tradicional
Theoretical model for modal dispersal of polarization information and its recovery by phase conjugation

A theoretical model is proposed for explaining the recently observed modal dispersal of polarization information and its recovery in an experiment in which the coupling dispersing fiber.
X-ray analysis of the structure of the thermotropic copolyester poly(phenyl-p-phenylene terephthalate)

Abstract X-ray methods have been used to determine the chain conformation and packing of the thermotropic copolyester prepared from terephthaloyl chloride (TPA) and phenylhydroquinone (PHQ). The X-ray patterns of annealed melt-spun fibres contain a series of sharp Bragg reflections, pointing to a well ordered crystalline structure, despite the random sense (2- or 3-) of the phenyl substituents on the TPA-hydroquinone backbone. The structure has been solved by linked-atom least-square methods. The unit cell is monoclinic with dimensions: a = 12.77A, b = 10.08A (unique axis) and c = 12.58A (fibre axis); α, β and γ = 90°. The space group is P21, and the cell contains TPA-PHQ units of four chains. The random phenyl substituents were modelled by placing these groups at both the 2- and 3-positions and giving each a weight of one-half. The final structure had R = 0.20, after least-square refinement of nine parameters against 13 observed and 21 unobserved reflections. Packing of the side chains is effected by staggering adjacent chains along the b axis by approximately c/2, so that the side chains are interleaved. The phenyl-COO and COO-phenyl torsion angles are −7.3° and 65.5°, with the result that the main-chain phenyls are mutually inclined at 58.2° (the ester groups are assumed to be planar). The phenyls of the phenyl hydroquinone units are mutually inclined at 59.3° (ortho) and 59.8° (meta). These torsion angles compare very well with those for model compounds, notably phenylbenzoate, and can be used in future analyses of the structure of more complex random-sequence copolyesters.
The role of preparatory cycles in ovum donation recipients: a retrospective study.

Purpose: To determine whether preparatory cycles affect in vitro fertilization (IVF) outcome in ovum donation. Methods: Medical records of 98 ovum donation recipients undergoing their first egg donation cycle were analyzed retrospectively. Preparatory cycles were performed in 50 patients with leuprolide acetate, estrogen, and progesterone. An endometrial biopsy was performed on day 10–12 of progesterone supplementation, to determine adequacy of the preparatory cycle. Results: Pregnancy rates in women with and without preparatory cycles were 42.0% and 43.8%, respectively. Among ovum donation recipients who underwent preparatory cycles, the percentages of adequate endometrial biopsies in pregnant versus nonpregnant groups were 76.2% and 84.3%, respectively. No results showed statistical significance. Conclusions: Preparatory cycles do not increase pregnancy rates in ovum donation recipients. In addition, no correlation was noted between adequate endometrial biopsies and higher pregnancy rates.
The hospital cost of vertebral fractures in the EU: estimates using national datasets.

The purpose of this study was to estimate the hospital cost of vertebral fractures in the EU using national datasets to explore some of the methodologic limitations associated with such an approach. Hospital costs for vertebral fractures across the EU were compared with the hospital costs associated with hip fractures. Additionally, these costs were placed into the health care context by making comparisons with national health care expenditure. All EU Ministries of Health were contacted to identify national datasets to estimate the average length of stay, cost per diem and the number of patients discharged with vertebral fractures. Where national information was not available expert opinion and data from the relevant literature were used instead. Countries show a marked difference in the length of stay between men and women, with differences ranging from 0.32 days in Austria to 20.2 days in Spain. The average hospitalization rate was found to be 8% across the EU, with higher rates found for men than for women. Interestingly a positive correlation between health expenditure per capita and hospitalization rates was found. The total cost of vertebral fractures in the EU was estimated at €377 million per year. Across the EU the hospital cost of a vertebral fracture was on average 63% that of a hip fracture. National datasets allow us to estimate the cost of vertebral fractures in the EU but show limitations. In the absence of largescale prospective studies, national datasets need to be further refined to ensure more accurate estimations of the cost of vertebral fractures in the EU.
The role of the lab TA [teaching assistants]

The goals of this article, which is aimed at teaching assistants (TAs), are to help the teaching assistant appreciate the vital importance of the laboratory experience; to enjoy the time spent in lab; and to help students get the most out of it.