cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Ischemia-stimulated neurogenesis is regulated by proliferation, migration, differentiation and caspase activation of hippocampal precursor cells

A brief ischemic injury to the gerbil forebrain that caused selective damage in the CA1 region of the hippocampus also enhanced the production of new cells in the hippocampal neurogenic area. When evaluated 1 week after bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU) injection, approximately ten times more labeled cells were detected in the hippocampal dentate gyrus in ischemic animals than controls, indicating a stimulation of mitotic activity. To assess the temporal course of the survival and fate of these newborn cells, we monitored BrdU labeling and cell marker expression up to 60 days after ischemia (DAI). Loss of BrdU-positive cells was observed from both control and ischemic animals, but at 30 DAI and afterward, the ischemic group maintained more than 3 times as many BrdU-positive cells as the control group. In addition, ischemic injury also fostered the neuronal differentiation of these cells beyond the capacity observed in control animals and facilitated the migration of developing neurons to a neuronal cellular layer. The establishment of a temporal correlation between differentiation and migration provides evidence of the functional maturation of these cells. Surprisingly, we found that ischemic injury induced activation of caspase-3, not only in the CA1 region as expected, but also in the dentate subgranular zone (SGZ). Active caspase-3 immunoreactivity in the subgranular layer was co-localized with an early neuronal marker, suggesting that caspase-mediated apoptosis could mediate the loss of neurogenic cells in the SGZ. Inhibiting caspase-3 in the context of ischemia-induced neurogenesis might provide an opportunity for functional repair and a therapeutic outcome in the wake of ischemic injury.
Presynaptically Expressed Long-Term Potentiation Increases Multivesicular Release at Parallel Fiber Synapses

At a number of synapses, long-term potentiation (LTP) can be expressed by an increase in presynaptic strength, but it is unknown whether presynaptic LTP is expressed solely through an increase in the probability that a single vesicle is released or whether it can increase multivesicular release (MVR). Here, we show that presynaptic LTP decreases inhibition of AMPA receptor EPSCs by a low-affinity antagonist at parallel fiber–molecular layer interneuron (PF–MLI) synapses. This indicates that LTP induction results in larger glutamate concentration transients in the synaptic cleft, a result indicative of MVR, and suggests that MVR can be modified by long-term plasticity. A similar decrease in inhibition was observed when release probability ( P R) was increased by forskolin, elevated extracellular Ca2+, and paired-pulse facilitation. Furthermore, we show that MVR may occur under baseline physiological conditions, as inhibition increased when P R was lowered by reducing extracellular Ca2+ or by activating presynaptic adenosine receptors. These results suggest that at PF–MLI synapses, MVR occurs under control conditions and is increased when P R is elevated by both short- and long-term plasticity mechanisms.
Cryotherapy of metastatic carcinoid tumors

Background: To describe the use of hepatic cryotherapy to treat patients with symptomatic carcinoid metastates.
In Search of Germans: Contested Germany in the Production of The Search

The author examines the history of Fred Zinnemann's The Search, illustrating some of the profitable contributions that production histories can offer to notions of authorship, industry, and meaning-making practices. Specifically, by rediscovering Peter Viertel's role in the production of The Search, the author recovers an important part of The Search's past and, in the process, demonstrates that the film served as a site of ideological contestation on the nature of postwar Germany.
Determination of the aerosol particle-size distribution from simultaneous data on spectral attenuation and the small-angle phase function.

Retrieval of the aerosol particle distribution function in the marine atmospheric boundary layer for a radius interval as great as 30 µm is considered with the use of simultaneous data on the spectral attenuation (in the spectral range of 0.4–5 µm) and small-angle phase function (in the angle interval of 0–8°). An iterative procedure is constructed combining inversion algorithms for the spectral attenuation and phase function, each being efficient for a specific particle-size interval. Numerical experiments with two aerosol models are performed. The effect of random errors of the small-angle phase function is considered for different angular resolutions. It is shown that, given certain conditions, the inversion methodology under discussion makes it possible to retrieve the particle-size distribution function for the radius interval of 0.2–30 µm with a mean relative error of less than 10% and a maximum deviation not exceeding 20%.
Growth of loudness in listeners with cochlear hearing losses: recruitment reconsidered.

listeners with hearing losses. Such loudness functions are consistent with the steep functions shown by classical data on loudness matches between tones for which This article examines how loudness grows with increasing intensity near threshold in five listeners with hear- thresholds are normal and tones for which thresholds are elevated. Thus, the present data indicate that an inglossesofpredominantlycochlearorigin.Itprovides evidence against the pervasive and long-held notion abnormally large loudness at an elevated threshold is likely to be a better definition of recruitment than the classical that such listeners show abnormally rapid loudness growth near their elevated thresholds. As in a previous definition of it as an abnormally rapid growth of loudness above an elevated threshold. study for listeners with normal hearing, loudness functions near threshold were derived from loudness Keywords: loudness, cochlear hearing losses, recruitment, threshold, models matches between a pure tone and four- or ten-tone complexes using a simple model of loudness summation. This study assumed that the loudness function had the same form for any component of a complex, but a scale factor that depended on the amount of hearing loss allowed the loudness at threshold to vary withfrequency.Thebest-fittingloudnessfunctionshad INTRODUCTION low-level local exponents [i.e., slopes of the low-level loudness function plotted as log(loudness) versus Listeners with cochlear hearing losses cannot hear a log(intensity)] that were within the normal range. At low-SPL tone in the frequency range of their hearing 0d BSL, the average local exponents were 1.26 for loss. However, once the tone is about 30 dB above thelistenerswithhearinglossescomparedwith1.31for threshold, its loudness level is usually reduced by only normal listeners, which indicates that loudness near a fraction of the amount of hearing loss. That is, the threshold growsat similar ratesin normallisteners and level difference between equally loud tones in regions listeners with hearing losses. The model also indicated of cochlear hearing loss and in regions of normal that, on average, the loudness at threshold doubled hearing almost always decreases as sound level forevery16 dBofhearingloss.The increasedloudness increases. This fact has led to one of the longest-standat threshold, together with somewhat enlarged local ing “truths” about cochlear hearing losses, i.e., loudexponents around 20 dB SL, accounts for the near- ness grows abnormally fast as the sound intensity normal loudness often obtained for high-SPL tones in increases above the elevated threshold of a listener witha cochlearhearing loss.Indeed, loudnessmatches between tones for which the threshold is normal and
Measurement of Ulnar Variance on Uncalibrated Digital Radiographic Images

Uncalibrated digital radiographs used in multicenter trials hinder quantitative measures such as articular step and ulnar variance. This investigation tested the reliability of alternative measures of ulnar variance that are scaled to the length of the capitate. A sample of 30 sets of radiographs from patients enrolled in a prospective study of operative treatment of fractures of the distal radius were blinded and randomized. Five observers measured the ulnar variance (UV) and longitudinal length of the capitate (CH) on two separate occasions with greater than 2 weeks between measurements. During each measurement session, the observers made the measurements on both a calibrated and a noncalibrated workstation. The ratio of the ulnar variance to the length of capitate was calculated (UV/CH ratio). Paired t tests were used to compare two rounds of measurements for both methods. Intra- and interobserver reliability was assessed by the Pearson product-moment correlation coefficients. The ratios were compared using analysis of variance with a Bonferroni correction. The intraobserver reliability was excellent for each of the three variables (UV, CH, UV/CH ratio) for each workstation. The interobserver reliability of the UV/CH ratios obtained for each workstation was moderate to excellent as judged by the Pearson correlations between observers. The Bland–Altman method indicated a mean difference in UV/CH between calibrated and uncalibrated measurement techniques of 0.002 with limits of agreement of −0.11 to 0.11. Measurements of ulnar variance that are scaled to the length of the capitate may be useful measures of deformity in studies that utilize uncalibrated digital radiographs.
Essential role of hemoglobin beta-93-cysteine in posthypoxia facilitation of breathing in conscious mice

When erythrocyte hemoglobin (Hb) is fully saturated with O2, nitric oxide (NO) covalently binds to the cysteine 93 residue of the Hb β-chain (B93-CYS), forming S-nitrosohemoglobin. Binding of NO is...
An intrinsically safe mechanism for physically coupling humans with robots

Robots are increasingly used in tasks that include physical interaction with humans. Examples can be found in the area of rehabilitation robotics, power augmentation robots, as well as assistive and orthotic devices. However, current methods of physically coupling humans with robots fail to provide intrinsic safety, adaptation and efficiency, which limit the application of wearable robotics only to laboratory and controlled environments. In this paper we present the design and verification of a novel mechanism for physically coupling humans and robots. The device is intrinsically safe, since it is based on passive, non-electric features that are not prone to malfunctions. The device is capable of transmitting forces and torques in all directions between the human user and the robot. Moreover, its re-configurable nature allows for easy and consistent adjustment of the decoupling force. The latter makes the mechanism applicable to a wide range of human-robot coupling applications, ranging from low-force rehabilitation-therapy scenarios to high-force augmentation cases.
Choice of coordinates and computational difficulty

Computational difficulty can be significantly reduced when optimal control and estimation problems are formulated in well-chosen coordinate systems. It is shown that every LQG (linear-quadratic-Gaussian) problem can be formulated in coordinates such that principal parts of the solution are either well-posed or ill-posed for numerical solution.
Linear spaces with many small lines

Abstract In this paper some of the work in linear spaces in which most of the lines have few points is surveyed. This includes existence results, blocking sets and embeddings. Also, it is shown that any linear space of order v can be embedded in a linear space of order about 13v in which there are no lines of size 2.
Elastoplastic analysis of indeterminate beams under reversed loadings

The loss of resisting moment through plastic strain, Mp is shown to have the same effect on the curvature of the beam as the applied moment. The gradient of Mp along the span is equivalent to the applied distributed moment in causing deflection of the beam. The analogy between an elastoplastic beam and an identical elastic beam with an additional set of external moment is proven. A method of elastoplastic analysis of an indeterminate beam subject to an arbitrary sequence of loads is shown. A numerical example of a uniformly loaded beam with fixed ends subject to loading and then reversed loading in the inelastic range is given. This method may be extended to ultimate analysis of rigid frames subject to arbitrary sequence of loadings.
Isolation of three polysaccharides from the hemicellulose B fraction of corn stalk

Abstract Three polysaccharides are isolated from the hemicellulose B fraction of corn stalk. One, a glucan, obtained in small amount, is shown to possess (1 → 4)-β- d -glucopyranoside linkages. A second is an acidic tetraheteroglycan of 23,700 molecular weight, and a third is a neutral arabinoxylan of 16,400 molecular weight. Complete hydrolysis of the fully methylated arabinoxylan affords, 2-mono-O-methyl- d -xylopyranose, 2,3-di-O-methyl- d -xylopyranose, 3,5-di-O-methyl- d -arabinofuranose, 2,3,4-tri-O-methyl- d -xylopyranose, and 2,3,5-tri-O-methyl- l -arabinofuranose in a molar ratio of 3.6:23.7:2.0:2.0:1.0. Analysis of the molar ratio of methylated sugars and the physical characteristics of the neutral polysaccharide suggest a structure composed essentially of a chain of (1 → 4)-β- d -xylopyranose units to which are attached short linear side chains terminated by l -arabinofuranose and d -xylopyranose units.
An LSI-11/Motorola Microcomputer Development System

A microcomputer development system was built using an RT-11 operating system and a cross assembler in developing a Motorola MC6801-L1 microcomputer-based stepping-motor controller to work with an LSI-11 host computer. The advantage of this technique is that we can use the familiar LSI-11 hardware and the powerful RT-11 operating system software for other microcomputer development. This paper describes how the technique works and its use in developing the stepping-motor controller.
Radiochemical purification of cadmium-109 produced by the109/Ag/p,n/ reaction

Cadmium-109 is produced by the109Ag/p,n/ reaction at 9 MeV proton bombarding energy. Proton beam of about 30 μA is obtained from a T11/25 Tandem Accelerator. Natural silver targets are prepared by electroplating onto thick copper discs. Radiochemical separation of cadmium is performed by using an anion exchange column. Simple methods of target preparation and separation of the produced cadmium-109 are presented.
Psychology and American corporate capitalism: Further reflections and future directions.

We want to begin by thanking the nine commentators for taking the time and energy to read our target article on American Corporate Capitalism (ACC) and for formulating such stimulating responses. W...
Borrowing from the past to sustain the present and the future: indigenous African urban forms, architecture, and sustainable urban development in contemporary Africa

Urban spatial expansion resulting from urbanization in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) is not going to stop or stabilize in the near future. Efforts should therefore be concentrated on accommodating this phenomenon through the promotion of sustainable urban planning and development. Relying on secondary data, this paper examines models of indigenous African urban forms and architecture to understand these forms and their characteristics, and how these models and associated management, design, and planning principles can be adopted in contemporary SSA urban development in the quest to achieve sustainable urban development. This paper argues that planning is culturally and contextually defined and the specificities of a place are critical in planning. Developing strategies based on indigenous urban forms which embody local peoples’ culture, aspirations, experiences, and values is consistent with the concept of sustainable urban development. The article concludes that there exist clear elements of socially, politic...
Reflection spectra from monolayers of amphotericin B and amphotericin B-cholesterol spread on water

Abstract Polarized specular reflection spectra have been obtained of the antibiotic polyene, amphotericin B, in its monolayers and in those of cholesterol in its expanded-liquid phase. An analysis of the reflectivity of the long wavelength member of the 3 band group observed in these spectra gives both its extinction coefficient and the orientation of its transition moment. In the case of the amphotericin B monolayers, an increase in surface pressure from 9.4 to 15.6 dynes/cm produces a decrease in the molar extinction coefficient from 1.20 · 10 5 to 0.65 · 10 5 and possibly a decrease in the angle which the heptaene transition moment makes with the surface. Accompanying these changes is red-shift of all three bands which shifts the long wavelength band from 4072 to 4150 A. These changes in the molar extinction and wavelength with compression appear to be due to the formation of polyene-polyene complexes. The effect of an expanded-liquid monolayer of cholesterol on the surface interactions of amphotericin B is to increase the polyene orientation from 6° to 35° and shift the 4150 A band to 4190 A without further affecting the extinction coefficient of 0.65 · 10 5 . The values of the wavelengths, extinction coefficients and orientations obtained from the reflection spectra of the two polyene monolayers were in agreement with those obtained from the transmission spectra of similar systems.
Environmentally Induced Transgenerational Epigenetic Reprogramming of Primordial Germ Cells and the Subsequent Germ Line

A number of environmental factors (e.g. toxicants) have been shown to promote the epigenetic transgenerational inheritance of disease and phenotypic variation. Transgenerational inheritance requires the germline transmission of altered epigenetic information between generations in the absence of direct environmental exposures. The primary periods for epigenetic programming of the germ line are those associated with primordial germ cell development and subsequent fetal germline development. The current study examined the actions of an agricultural fungicide vinclozolin on gestating female (F0 generation) progeny in regards to the primordial germ cell (PGC) epigenetic reprogramming of the F3 generation (i.e. great-grandchildren). The F3 generation germline transcriptome and epigenome (DNA methylation) were altered transgenerationally. Interestingly, disruptions in DNA methylation patterns and altered transcriptomes were distinct between germ cells at the onset of gonadal sex determination at embryonic day 13 (E13) and after cord formation in the testis at embryonic day 16 (E16). A larger number of DNA methylation abnormalities (epimutations) and transcriptional alterations were observed in the E13 germ cells than in the E16 germ cells. These observations indicate that altered transgenerational epigenetic reprogramming and function of the male germline is a component of vinclozolin induced epigenetic transgenerational inheritance of disease. Insights into the molecular control of germline transmitted epigenetic inheritance are provided.
Brief paper: Robust fault detection and isolation of time-delay systems using a geometric approach

This paper investigates the development of Fault Detection and Isolation (FDI) filters for both retarded and neutral time-delay systems with unknown time-varying delays. Using a geometric framework, the notion of a finite unobservability subspace is introduced for time-delay systems and an algorithm for its construction is presented. A bank of residual generators is then designed so that each residual is affected by one fault and is partially decoupled from the others while the H"~ norm of the transfer function between the disturbances and the uncertainties in delays and the residuals are guaranteed to remain less than a prescribed value. Furthermore, it is shown that in the case of known delays it is possible to generate residuals that enjoy perfect decoupling properties among faults. Simulation results presented demonstrate the effectiveness of our proposed FDI algorithms.
Two New Otolaryngologic Findings in Child Abuse

We reviewed cases of early childhood hoarseness caused by vocal nodules and functional hearing loss as being possible manifestations of child abuse. This is a retrospective review set in two urban referral centers. The patients consisted of four children with vocal nodules and known histories of abuse, and four children with functional hearing loss and histories suggestive of abuse. Vocal nodules or functional hearing loss may be indicators of an abusive situation. Child abuse should be considered in the differential diagnosis of these problems.
Effect of adrenal enucleation on serum sodium.

Is the glomemlar zone of the adrenal cortex the principal source of the sodium hormone? Evidence points that way. After hypophysectomy this zone does not atrophy. Although Nishida (1934), reported a decrease in plasma sodium concentration in the dog after such an operation, Houssay and Mazzocco (1922) found no significant change. Deane and Greep (1946) also observed thatN steroids and mitochondria persisted in this zone in the rat after hypophysectomy. Desoxycorticosterone caused atrophy of the glomerular zone (Greep and Deane, 1947). Although this synthetic substance is not a hormone of the adrenal cortex, it does cause sodium retention. If the glomerular zone is responsible for the production of the sodium hormone, enucleation of the adrenals, insofar as it leaves this zone undisturbed, should not greatly modify sodium retention or if it does, the effect should be transient. In the following experiments we have shown that adrenal enucleation does affect sodium retention,
Non-iterative solution of finite-element equations in incompressible solids

Finite-element equations for incompressible and near-incompressible media give rise to a matrix with a diagonal block of zeroes or very small numbers. The matrices are not amenable to conventional techniques involving pivoting on diagonal entries. Uzawa methods have been applied to the associated linear systems. They are iterative and converge when the matrix is nonsingular. In the current study an alternate form of the matrix is used which is amenable to a solution without iteration. It likewise is applicable whenever the matrix is nonsingular. The solution process consists of a block LU factorization, followed by Cholesky decomposition of a positive definite diagonal block together with several forward and backward substitution operations. Two illustrative examples are developed.
Factors influencing phospholipids and cholesterol in skim milk: effect of short interval milkings.

Abstract Cholesterol and phospholipids of skim milk are contained in membrane fragments (microvilli and vesicles) which derive mainly from the surface (plasma membrane) of the lactating cell. The effects of a series of milkings at short intervals (.5 to 2.0h) were compared with twice daily milkings on these lipids in goat skim milk. Frequent milkings produced substantial but transient depressions in both lipids. Attention is drawn to practical implications of these lipids in skim milk. Phospholipids are a source of oxidative off-flavor in fluid skim milk and its products. Dietary cholesterol is of possible concern in relation to atherosclerosis. A practical means of producing skim milk with reduced lipids of these classes is an attractive research objective.
Influences of Biofilm Structure and Antibiotic Resistance Mechanisms on Indirect Pathogenicity in a Model Polymicrobial Biofilm

Indirect pathogenicity (IP), the commensal protection of antibiotic-sensitive pathogens by resistant microorganisms of low intrinsic virulence, can prevent the eradication of polymicrobial infections. The contributions of antibiotic resistance mechanisms and biofilm structure to IP within polymicrobial biofilms were investigated using a model two-member consortium. Escherichia coli ATCC 33456 was transformed with vectors conferring either ampicillin or spectinomycin resistance, creating two distinct populations with different resistance mechanisms. Each strain alone or the consortium was grown as biofilms in flow cells and planktonically in chemostats. Comparisons in survival and activity were made on the basis of MICs and minimum biofilm preventative concentrations, a newly introduced descriptor. In ampicillin-containing medium, commensal interactions were evident during both modes of cultivation, but the sensitive strain experienced a greater benefit in the chemostat, indicating that the biofilm environment limited the commensal interaction between the Amp(r) and Spt(r) strains. In spectinomycin-containing medium, growth of the sensitive strain in chemostats and biofilms was not aided by the resistant strain. However, green fluorescent protein expression by the sensitive strain was greater in mixed-population biofilms (9% +/- 1%) than when the strain was grown alone (2% +/- 0%). No comparable benefit was evident during growth in the chemostat, indicating that the biofilm structure contributed to enhanced activity of the sensitive strain.
Observations of ice thickness and frazil ice in the St. Lawrence Island polynya from satellite imagery, upward looking sonar, and salinity/temperature moorings

[1] For the 1999 winter, this paper examines the behavior of the Bering Sea St. Lawrence Island polynya using a combination of Advanced Very High Resolution Radiometer (AVHRR), RADARSAT synthetic aperture radar (SAR), meteorological data, over-winter moored upward looking sonars (ULS) and SeaBird salinity/temperature sensors. We define a thermal ice thickness from the AVHRR retrieval of ice surface temperature combined with meteorological observations and a heat flux model. South of the island, we compare the ULS and thermal thicknesses for congelation and frazil ice. When the satellites observe congelation ice over the ULSs, the ULS and thermal ice thicknesses generally agree. When SAR observes Langmuir plumes over the ULSs, which indicate frazil ice formation, the ULSs show scatterers at 5–20 m depths in the water column and the seawater temperatures are either within 0.01°C of freezing or are slightly supercooled. This suggests that during frazil events, crystals either nucleate at depth or are transported to depth by the Langmuir circulation. The combination of the SAR imagery and ULS observations also allow measurement of the pack ice advection velocity, the polynya width and the downwind frazil accumulation thickness, giving widths of 10 to 30 km and thicknesses of 0.1–0.2 m. Substitution of these observed values with the heat flux into the Pease polynya model yields polynya widths that approximately agree with the observed.
The development of African farming systems: Some personal views

This paper highlights the slow pace of institutional change in accommodating Farming Systems Research in countries of East and Southern Africa. First, the characteristics of FSR, as an innovation in the research process, are considered and the implications for institutional change. The history of the introduction of FSR in Ethiopia, Kenya and Zambia is used to illustrate the hesitant progress achieved. Finally, the influences of African government institutions, donor agencies and professional agricultural economists in inhibiting the adoption of FSR are discussed.
Effects of supplemental ascorbic acid on the energy conversion of broiler chicks during heat stress and feed withdrawal

Abstract The objectives of this study were 1) to determine the effects of supplemental ascorbic acid (AA) on the energy conversion of broiler chicks maintained at thermoneutral and potential heat stress temperatures using indirect convective calorimetry; and 2) to determine whether changes in energy conversion are reflected in changes in lipid metabolism. In Experiment 1, 120 2-d-old cockerels, housed in two identical environmental chambers, were maintained under constant light (2.0 +/- 0.2 fc) and recommended thermal conditions (29.6 +/- 0.8 C; 33.4 +/- 8.0% RH) and consumed water and feed ad libitum. Beginning on Day 8 posthatch, one-half of the birds inside each chamber were randomly assigned and received feed supplemented with AA. Beginning on Day 9 posthatch, the temperature inside one chamber was increased to 34 C whereas the other chamber remained thermoneutral. This design resulted in four treatments: 1) thermoneutral (TN: 27.7 +/- 0.8 C; 40.9 +/- 9.4% RH) and 0 mg AA/kg feed (ppm); 2) TN and 150 ppm AA; 3) heat stress (H: 33.8 +/- 0.5 C; 43.3 +/- 7.4% RH) and 0 ppm AA; or 4) H and 150 ppm AA. Also beginning on Day 9 posthatch, birds were randomly assigned to one of three identical, indirect convective calorimeters designed to accommodate TN or H. Oxygen consumption, carbon dioxide production, respiratory quotient, and heat production were evaluated daily for 8 h, through Day 17 posthatch. Following calorimetric measurement, birds were returned to their respective caging unit/chamber for the remainder of the study. Weight gain, feed intake, and gain: feed were also measured over the 9-d study. Heat exposure depressed (P
Protein patterns in the oat coleoptile as influenced by auxin and by protein turnover.

Synthesis of growth-limiting proteins (GLP) is required for continued auxin-induced elongation of oat (Avena sativa L.) coleoptiles. In order to determine whether GLP synthesis is dependent or independent of auxin, a double-labeling ratio technique, coupled with disc-gel electrophoresis, has been used to assess the effect of auxin on the pattern of protein synthesis. Sections were peeled to enhance amino-acid uptake; proteins were labeled with [14C]- or [3H] leucine in the presence or absence of indole-3-acetic acid for 40 min to 6 h, and were separated into soluble, membrane-associated, and wall-associated fractions. Regardless of the conditions used, or the protein fraction examined, no changes in response to auxin were detected in the pattern of protein synthesis. In order to escape detection by this technique an auxin-induced protein would have to comprise less than 0.75% of the total newly synthesized protein. Thus the synthesis of GLP appears to be independent of auxin. The same technique has been used to follow protein turnover. During the chase, proteins are initially degraded at an average rate of 8% h−1, and some protein bands showed as much as 14% h−1 degradation. No protein was detected which had a turnover rate as rapid as the GLP.
Questioning the Location of the Old Kingdom Capital of Memphis, Egypt

The capital city of Memphis was ancient Egypt’s oldest and largest city. However, the city’s origin is shrouded in myth. This study challenges five different references to Memphis, from both classical and historical accounts and concludes that Memphis’ boundary should be redefined. These accounts are reviewed to illustrate the confusion amongst early historians and travellers as to the precise location of Memphis and to highlight the association between the capital and the pyramids of the Giza Plateau. For the Old Kingdom, the urban limits of Memphis should not be restricted to the modern mound of Mit Rahina, but rather the boundaries should be expanded to parallel the Old Kingdom pyramids. Recent archaeological investigations, employing sub-surface sampling techniques, have revealed contemporary Old Kingdom occupational debris scattered throughout the entire Memphite region. The inclusion of archaeological material, in combination with the historical records, will create a different interpretation for Egypt’s Old Kingdom capital city.
Immunodetection of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) Vpr in brain tissue of HIV-1 encephalitic patients

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) encephalitis (HIVE), the most severe neurological complication associated with HIV-1 infection, leads to the onset of HIV-1-associated dementia (HAD). Several HIV-1 viral proteins have been implicated in HIVE-associated neurodegeneration. HIV-1 viral protein R (Vpr), a virion associated gene product known to induce apoptosis in nonproliferating cells, including neurons, is thought to contribute to the neuropathogenesis associated with HIVE. Though current research suggests that Vpr plays a significant role in neuropathogenesis, the presence of Vpr in the brain tissue of HIVE patients has not been assessed. Using a panel of HIVE patient brain tissue, the authors have shown that Vpr is present in detectable amounts in both the basal ganglia and frontal cortex of all HIVE brain tissue samples tested. Double immunofluorescence indicated that Vpr was found in the macrophages and neurons, but not in the astrocytes, of HIVE patients. These results for the first time show the presence of Vpr in vivo and further support the role of Vpr in neuropathogenesis.
LDL receptor-related proteins 5 and 6 in Wnt/β-catenin signaling: Arrows point the way

Wnt signaling through the canonical β-catenin pathway plays essential roles in development and disease. Low-density-lipoprotein receptor-related proteins 5 and 6 (Lrp5 and Lrp6) in vertebrates, and their Drosophila ortholog Arrow, are single-span transmembrane proteins that are indispensable for Wnt/β-catenin signaling, and are likely to act as Wnt co-receptors. This review highlights recent progress and unresolved issues in understanding the function and regulation of Arrow/Lrp5/Lrp6 in Wnt signaling. We discuss Arrow/Lrp5/Lrp6 interactions with Wnt and the Frizzled family of Wnt receptors, and with the intracellular β-catenin degradation apparatus. We also discuss the regulation of Lrp5/Lrp6 by other extracellular ligands, and LRP5 mutations associated with familial osteoporosis and other disorders.
Detection of anomalous meetings in a social network

When monitoring interactions within a social network, meetings or contacts between different members of the network are recorded. This paper addresses the problem of using the recorded meetings to determine (a) whether each meeting is anomalous and (b) the degree to which each meeting is anomalous. Performing robust statistical analysis on such data is particularly challenging when the number of observed meetings is much smaller than the number of people in the network. Our novel approach to anomaly detection in this high-dimensional setting is based on hypergraphs, an important extension of graphs which allows edges to connect more than two vertices simultaneously. In particular, the distribution of meetings is modeled as a two-component mixture of a nominal distribution and a distribution of anomalous events. A variational Expectation-Maximization algorithm is then used to assess the likelihood of each observation being anomalous. The computational complexity of the proposed method scales linearly with both the number of observed events and the number of people in the network, making it well-suited to very large networks, and it requires no tuning. The algorithm is validated on synthetic data and it is shown that, for a useful class of distributions, it can outperform related state-of-the-art methods in terms of both detection performance and computational complexity.
Outcomes of robotic-assisted laparoscopic upper urinary tract reconstruction: 250 consecutive patients.

Objective To evaluate the long-term outcomes of robotic-assisted laparoscopic (RAL) upper urinary tract (UUT) reconstruction performed at a tertiary referral centre. Materials and Methods Data from 250 consecutive patients undergoing RAL UUT reconstruction, including pyeloplasty with or without stone extraction, ureterolysis, uretero-ureterostomy, ureterocalicostomy, ureteropyelostomy, ureteric reimplantation and buccal mucosa graft ureteroplasty, were collected at a tertiary referral centre between March 2003 and December 2013. The primary outcomes were symptomatic and radiographic improvement of obstruction and complication rate. The mean follow-up was 17.1 months. Results Radiographic and symptomatic success rates ranged from 85% to 100% for each procedure, with a 98% radiographic success rate and 97% symptomatic success rate for the entire series. There were a total of 34 complications, none greater than Clavien grade 3. Conclusion Robotic-assisted laparoscopic UUT can be performed with few complications, with durable long-term success, and is a reasonable alternative to the open procedure in experienced robotic surgeons.
Heat shock proteins affect RNA processing during the heat shock response of Saccharomyces cerevisiae.

In the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae, the splicing of mRNA precursors is disrupted by a severe heat shock. Mild heat treatments prior to severe heat shock protect splicing from disruption, as was previously reported for Drosophila melanogaster. In contrast to D. melanogaster, protein synthesis during the pretreatment is not required to protect splicing in yeast cells. However, protein synthesis is required for the rapid recovery of splicing once it has been disrupted by a sudden severe heat shock. Mutations in two classes of yeast hsp genes affect the pattern of RNA splicing during the heat shock response. First, certain hsp70 mutants, which overproduce other heat shock proteins at normal temperatures, show constitutive protection of splicing at high temperatures and do not require pretreatment. Second, in hsp104 mutants, the recovery of RNA splicing after a severe heat shock is delayed compared with wild-type cells. These results indicate a greater degree of specialization in the protective functions of hsps than has previously been suspected. Some of the proteins (e.g., members of the hsp70 and hsp82 gene families) help to maintain normal cellular processes at higher temperatures. The particular function of hsp104, at least in splicing, is to facilitate recovery of the process once it has been disrupted.
Lysosomal Localization of Ubiquitinated Jun Requires Multiple Determinants in a Lysine-27–Linked Polyubiquitin Conjugate

Ubiquitination regulates many cellular functions, including protein localization and degradation. Each function is specified by unique determinants in the conjugate. Ubiquitinated Jun is localized to lysosomes for degradation. Here, we characterized determinants of Jun ubiquitination and lysosomal localization by using ubiquitin-mediated fluorescence complementation (UbFC) in living cells and analysis of the stoichiometry of ubiquitin linked to Jun extracted from cells. The delta region of Jun and isoleucine-44 in ubiquitin were required for lysosomal localization of the conjugate. Ubiquitin containing only lysine-27, but no other single-lysine ubiquitin, mediated Jun ubiquitination, albeit at lower stoichiometry than wild-type ubiquitin. These conjugates were predominantly nuclear, but coexpression of lysine-27 and lysine-less ubiquitins enhanced the mean stoichiometry of Jun ubiquitination and lysosomal localization of the conjugate. Hepatocyte growth factor-regulated tyrosine kinase substrate (HRS) and tumor susceptibility gene 101 (TSG101) colocalized with ubiquitinated Jun. Knockdown of HRS or TSG101 inhibited lysosomal localization of ubiquitinated Jun and reduced Jun turnover. Ubiquitination of other Fos and Jun family proteins had distinct effects on their localization. Our results indicate that Jun is polyubiquitinated by E3 ligases that produce lysine-27-linked chains. Lysosomal localization of the conjugate requires determinants in Jun and in ubiquitin that are recognized in part by TSG101 and HRS, facilitating selective translocation and degradation of ubiquitinated Jun.
Substitutions at Auxiliary Operator O3 Enhance Repression by Nitrate-Responsive Regulator NarL at Synthetic lac Control Regions in Escherichia coli K-12

We constructed monocopy lac operon control regions in which the operators O1-lac and O3-lac were replaced by NarL and NarP binding sites from the nirB or napF operon control regions. The results support the hypothesis that DNA-bound dimers of phospho-NarL can participate in higher-order cooperative interactions.
Chronological analysis of the species of Conus described during the 18th century

The 339 species-group names in the gastropod genus Conus proposed between 1758 and 1800 have been analyzed in chronological order, in order to (1) identify each nominal species, and (2) determine the correct name of each valid species. Additions and corrections are given to the author's series of papers on type specimens and identity of the described species of Conus. A table listing the 339 species-group names alphabetically indicates the present locations of the 124 known type specimens and the status of each name. At present, 123 valid species are recognized (118 Recent, 5 Tertiary), 159 names are synonyms of previously or simultaneously described species, 35 are nomina dubia, 19 are assigned to infrasubspecific rank, and 3 have been trandferred to genera in other families. Problems involving homonymy of 44 names have been resolved. The proportion of valid species to described species remained quite constant (about 80%) between 1758 and 1786, but then declined sharply to 40%. By 1800, although only 13% of all known species-group names in Conus had been introduced, they probably account for 25% of the known valid Recent species. Extension of the chronological study to species described through 1840 may establish the correct names of half the valid Recent species of Conus.
Comments on determining X-ray diffraction-based volume fractions of retained austenite in steels

Retained austenite is an important characteristic of properly heat-treated steel components, particularly gears and shafts, that will be subjected to long-term use and wear. Normally, either X-ray diffraction or optical microscopy techniques are used to determine the volume percent of retained austenite present in steel components subjected to specific heat-treatment regimes. As described in the literature, a number of phenomenological, experimental, and calculation factors can influence the volume fraction of retained austenite determined from X-ray diffraction measurements. However, recent disagreement between metallurgical properties, microscopy, and service laboratory values for retained austenite led to a re-evaluation of possible reasons for the apparent discrepancies. Broad, distorted X-ray peaks from un-tempered martensite were found to yield unreliable integrated intensities whereas diffraction peaks from tempered samples were more amenable to profile fitting with standard shape functions, yielding reliable integrated intensities. Retained austenite values calculated from reliable integrated intensities were found to be consistent with values obtained by Rietveld refinement of the diffraction patterns. The experimental conditions used by service laboratories combined with a poor choice of diffraction peaks were found to be sources of retained austenite values containing significant bias.
Volatile oils of mature and juvenile leaves of Juniperus horizontalis: Chemosystematic significance

Abstract Comparison of 39 terpenoids between young (juvenile) foliage and mature (adult) foliage from naturally growing plants of Juniperus horizontalis revealed no significant differences. Canonical variate analysis of the terpenoids of J. scopulorum and J. virginiana along with the mature foliage of J. horizontalis and co-plotting juvenile foliage showed a slight loosening of the J. horizontalis group but not enough to blur taxonomic distinctions. These results stand in sharp contrast with the previous work on J. scopulorum and appear to be due to the indeterminant growth pattern seen in J. horizontalis .
Role of "buttoned" double-disc device in the management of atrial septal defects.

Abstract Sixteen patients seen over a 9-month period ending in August 1990 were offered transcatheter closure of their ASD with a custom-made “buttoned” double-disc device. The study was approved by the Institutional Review Board and informed consent was obtained in each case. The device consists of an occluder, a counteroccluder, and a loading wire and is delivered to the ASD site via an 8F sheath. Parents of two children elected surgical closure. In five children the stretched diameter of the ASD was too large (>20 mm) and transcatheter closure was not attempted. These seven children underwent elective surgical closure without incident. In one child the defect measured 5 mm and the Qp:Qs was 1.4:1 and therefore ASD closure was not recommended. In the remaining eight children transcatheter closure was attempted. In two of the children the occluder pulled through the ASD and was successfully retrieved and the children later underwent uneventful elective surgical closure. The device was implanted across the ASD in six children. In one child the device dislodged from the ASD site within minutes after implantation and the child was sent to emergency surgery, where the device was removed and the ASD was closed. In the remaining five patients, aged 7 months to 45 years (weight 3.6 to 50 kg), with a Qp:Qs range of 1.3 to 2.3 and a stretched diameter of 10 to 19 mm, the ASD closure was successful with 25 to 40 mm size devices. Repeat echo-Doppler studies 2 weeks and 3 months after the procedure in all patients and 6 months later in two children did not reveal any residual shunt. It is concluded that (1) the custom-made “buttoned” double-disc device can be implanted across the ASD safely and effectively via an 8F sheath, thus making transcatheter ASD closure feasible even in very young infants; (2) measurement of stretched diameter of the ASD in the catheterization laboratory is a useful guide for selection of an appropriate-sized device; and (3) additional clinical trials are warranted to confirm the efficacy and safety of the device.
Predictors of Genitorectal Injury in Female Victims of Suspected Sexual Assault

Objective: Legal decisions in sexual assault cases often hinge on the presence or absence of genitorectal injury. Unfortunately, the forensic literature does not explain why some victims sustain genitorectal injury and others do not. This study explores possible predictors of genitorectal injury in adult female sexual assault victims. Methods: This retrospective cross-sectional analysis forms the derivation set for a larger planned prospective analysis. The authors extracted data describing consecutive female sexual assault victims who met inclusion criteria between July 1995 and July 1998. Exclusion criteria included male sex, lack of estrogen in females, consensual intercourse within the previous 72 hours, and lack of penetration during the assault. The authors explored associations between genitorectal injury and seven demographic variables, nine assault characteristics, and the time between assault and exam or postcoital interval (PCI). Variables thought to be predictive were incorporated into a logistic regression model. Results: Five hundred forty-eight sexual assault victims were seen during the study time period; 209 of these met the inclusion criteria. Logistic regression controlling for important covariates showed an increase risk of genitorectal injury with a PCI < 24 hours (OR 7.47, 95% CI = 1.78 to 31.35), physical/verbal resistance (OR 5.96, 95% CI = 1.21 to 29.36), rectal penetration (OR 7.47, 95% CI = 1.05 to 53.07), and greater than high school education (OR 7.13, 95% CI = 1.03 to 49.65). Conclusions: This study presents an important first look at variables that may predict genitorectal injury in sexual assault victims. Future studies that examine more data are needed to corroborate this preliminary derivation set analysis.
A neuromimetic controller for robotic motion

In this study, a controller for robotic motion based on neuroscientific principles was developed and implemented using an artificial neural element and a conventional robotic arm. With independent control over arm final position, velocity, acceleration, and deceleration, this system offers a more smooth, efficient and life-like motion than conventional open-loop methods. The system makes use of a single positional sensor, and derives all other sensory feedback signals from that sensor's output. The controller is a discrete neuromime, with an excitatory input dedicated to a “start” directive, and inhibitory synapses for position, velocity, acceleration, deceleration, and hard limiters. The system is easily upgradable to additional excitatory and inhibitory inputs, and will be able to mimic a broad range of motion trajectories, with emphasis on those derived from human elbow joint measurements.