cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Characterization of a neutral protease from lysosomes of rabbit polymorphonuclear leucocytes

1. The subcellular distribution has been investigated of a protease from rabbit polymorphonuclear leucocytes, obtained from peritoneal exudates. The enzyme, optimally active between pH7.0 and 7.5, hydrolyses histone but not haemoglobin, sediments almost exclusively with a granule fraction rich in other lysosomal enzymes, and is latent until the granules are disrupted by various means. 2. Enzymic analysis of specific and azurophilic granules separated by zonal centrifugation showed that neutral protease activity was confined to fractions rich in enzymes characteristic of azurophile granules. 3. Recovery of neutral protease activity from subcellular fractions was several times greater than that found in whole cells. This finding was explained by the presence of a potent inhibitor of the enzyme activity in the cytoplasm. 4. The effect of the inhibitor was reversed by increasing ionic strength (up to 2.5m-potassium chloride) and by polyanions such as heparin and dextran sulphate, but not by an uncharged polymer, dextran. 5. The enzyme was also inhibited, to a lesser extent, by 1-chloro-4-phenyl-3-l-toluene-p-sulphonamidobutan-2-one, soya-bean trypsin inhibitor and in-aminohexanoate (in-aminocaproate). 6. The granule fractions failed to hydrolyse artificial substrates for trypsin and chymotrypsin. 7. Partial separation of the enzyme was achieved by Sephadex gel filtration at high ionic strength and by isoelectric focusing. The partially separated, activated enzyme showed an approximately 300-fold increase in specific activity over that in whole cells.
Interactions Between Convulsants at Low-Dose and Phenobarbital in the Hippocampal Slice Preparation

Our laboratory has had a sustained interest in development and use of animal models of epilepsy, and some of our previous studies were included in the proceedings of the Kindling 4 conference17. One of the reasons the kindling model has been of special interest is because the slow development of the electroencephalographic and behavioral events associated with it provide us with the opportunity to study the transitional events leading to the final kindled state. We have exploited the model from both the pharmacological and the toxicological point of view. On the pharmacological side, we have studied many conventional and novel compounds for their effects on retardation of kindling development, or on fully kindled seizures1,2,11,13 On the toxicological side, we have reported the proconvulsant effects of a number of compounds, including lindane12–14, a chlorinated hydrocarbon insecticide which was previously broadly used throughout the world and is still the principal ingredient in a medicated shampoo. The work to be described is a direct outgrowth and extension of studies previously reported on lindane, and we have sought to compare it with several other convulsants known to interact with the GABA-A receptor-chloride ionophore complex by examining the electrophyiological consequences of exposing hippocampal slices to each of them.
A Patient with an Unexpectedly Low Hemoglobin A1c.

A 50-year-old man with impaired fasting glucose and Sweet syndrome presented for an annual physical examination. Remarkably, his hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) concentrations had decreased from 5.7%, 17 months prior, to 4.0%, despite continued impaired fasting glucose concentrations. While there were no additional HbA1c measurements in the intervening 17 months, a gradual decrease in total hemoglobin concentration over the prior 9 months was noted (Figure …
Leading-Edge and Ultra-Thin 3D Glass-Polymer 5G Modules with Seamless Antenna-to-Transceiver Signal Transmissions

This paper demonstrates seamless antenna-to-transceiver signal transitions on panel-scale processed ultra-thin glass-based 5G modules with impedance-matched transmission lines and microvias with high-precision low-loss re-distribution layer design and fabrication, for high-speed 5G communication standards at the 28 GHz band. In order to demonstrate the benefits of glass for 5G communications, various types of transmission lines and high-gain and high-bandwidth package-integrated antennas were modeled and designed on ultra-thin glass substrates with low-loss dielectric thin-films, for highest bandwidth and efficiency in the mm-wave bands. The simulated results for insertion losses of transmission lines (i.e., microstrip lines and striplines) and microvia transitions are correlated with the measured values on the thin glass substrates. In addition to the low-loss signal transitions from chip to antenna, package-integrated Yagi-Uda antennas are modeled and designed, resulting in a realized gain of higher than 4 dBi/element with a bandwidth higher than 20%. The mm-wave electrical performance of glass substrates was benchmarked with existing 5G candidates such as organic laminate substrates and fanout wafer level packaging. Along with the reduction in the overall package foot-print, reduction in link-budget losses is shown to be feasible with the proposed 3D glass packages.
Feasibility and long-term utility of a psychosocial support group for patients with Lynch syndrome.

e21545Background: Lynch Syndrome (LS), an inherited cancer predisposition syndrome, is associated with a high risk of multiple cancers and requires lifelong multi-organ cancer surveillance and, in ...
Studies on the synthesis of tedanolide. 2. Stereoselective synthesis of a protected C(1)-C(12) fragment.

Highly diastereoselective syntheses of diketo esters 6a and 6b are described. These intermediates undergo efficient aldol reactions with protected C(13)−C(21) aldehydes 3 and 23, thereby providing advanced C(1)−C(21) tedanolide seco ester precursors 9a and 9b.
Discussion on coding rules and labelling specifications of defect image samples of substation equipment

In the image recognition of substation equipment defects based on deep learning, image sample coding rules and labeling specifications are one of the key factors to ensure the quality of sample data. At present, the image of the defect of the substation equipment is scarce, and the sample management specification is not uniform. There is a low level of image recognition for equipment defects in the substation intelligent inspection. Therefore, the paper carries out analysis and thinking on the coding rules and labeling specifications of the substation key equipment defect image samples. The sample making process is standardized through the standardization of the coding of typical substation equipment type, component type, defect type and annotation format, to some extent, which improves the accuracy of sample data quality and substation equipment defect recognition, and improves the level of defect management in intelligent inspections of substation. Finally, the results show that the standardized labeling samples help to improve the recognition accuracy and have wide application value.
Comparative Genomics Reveals a Well-Conserved Intrinsic Resistome in the Emerging Multidrug-Resistant Pathogen Cupriavidus gilardii.

ABSTRACT The Gram-negative bacterium Cupriavidus gilardii is an emerging multidrug-resistant pathogen found in many environments. However, little is known about this species or its antibiotic resistance mechanisms. We used biochemical tests, antibiotic susceptibility experiments, and whole-genome sequencing to characterize an environmental C. gilardii isolate. Like clinical isolates, this isolate was resistant to meropenem, gentamicin, and other antibiotics. Resistance to these antibiotics appeared to be related to the large number of intrinsic antibiotic resistance genes found in this isolate. As determined by comparative genomics, this resistome was also well conserved in the only two other C. gilardii strains sequenced to date. The intrinsic resistome of C. gilardii did not include the colistin resistance gene mcr-5, which was in a transposon present only in one strain. The intrinsic resistome of C. gilardii was comprised of (i) many multidrug efflux pumps, such as a homolog of the Pseudomonas aeruginosa MexAB-OprM pump that may be involved in resistance to meropenem, other β-lactams, and aminoglycosides; (ii) a novel β-lactamase (OXA-837) that decreases susceptibility to ampicillin but not to other β-lactams tested; (iii) a new aminoglycoside 3-N-acetyltransferase [AAC(3)-IVb, AacC10] that decreases susceptibility to gentamicin and tobramycin; and (iv) a novel partially conserved aminoglycoside 3ʺ-adenylyltransferase [ANT(3ʺ)-Ib, AadA32] that decreases susceptibility to spectinomycin and streptomycin. These findings provide the first mechanistic insight into the intrinsic resistance of C. gilardii to multiple antibiotics and its ability to become resistant to an increasing number of drugs during therapy. IMPORTANCECupriavidus gilardii is a bacterium that is gaining increasing attention both as an infectious agent and because of its potential use in the detoxification of toxic compounds and other biotechnological applications. In recent years, however, there has been an increasing number of reported infections, some of them fatal, caused by C. gilardii. These infections are hard to treat because this bacterium is naturally resistant to many antibiotics, including last-resort antibiotics, such as carbapenems. Moreover, this bacterium often becomes resistant to additional antibiotics during therapy. However, little is known about C. gilardii and its antibiotic resistance mechanisms. The significance of our research is in providing, for the first time, whole-genome information about the natural antibiotic resistance genes found in this bacterium and their conservation among different C. gilardii strains. This information may provide new insights into the appropriate use of antibiotics in combating infections caused by this emerging pathogen.
Harnessing fluid pre-pressure to tune the properties of phononic crystals

Abstract Phononic crystals and acoustic metamaterials have shown great potential in many applications. The fluid has been used to made phononic crystals with special properties. However, few research has investigated the influence of fluid pre-pressure. In this paper, we investigated the influence of fluid pre-pressure on the properties of phononic crystals and elastic metamaterials made of fluid and hyperelastic solids. The pre-pressure in the fluid can change the geometry, density, degree of anisotropy and stiffness of the phononic crystals, and thus influence the wave propagation behaviors. The results show that the pre-pressure can significantly expand the bandgaps of phononic crystals and acoustic metamaterials, and can even create new bandgaps in some cases. The band structures and bandgaps can be continuously tuned in real time. Moreover, we also investigated the mechanism of how the changing factors influence the band structures. The results indicate that the geometry change and the stiffening effect play major roles in expanding the bandgaps.
Military Women and the Force of the Future

Women are one of the fastest growing segments of the U.S .military population. Since the U.S. Department of Defense rescinded ‘Direct Ground Combat Definition and Assignment Rule,’ and implemented ...
Understanding Distress Among Patients With Cancer Receiving Specialized, Supportive Care Services:

Background:Cancer and its treatment can cause persistent psychosocial consequences for patients. Although distress among the general cancer population has been well studied, many patients who repor...
Designing and Evaluating a Prediabetes Shared Decision Aid.

Background: Prediabetes is increasing in prevalence and is associated with risk of developing diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and retinopathy. Clinicians have limited tools to facilitate prediabetes discussions within primary care visits. Purpose: 1) Develop a Patient and Stakeholder Advisory Committee (PASAC) to design, evaluate, and revise a prediabetes shared decision aid, and 2) evaluate the feasibility and experience of implementing the tool within primary care practice. Methods: A prediabetes decision aid (double-sided infographic with decision questions) was created by a PASAC that included patients, primary care clinicians, diabetes educators, endocrinologists, and pharmacists. Five clinicians within 3 primary care practices tested the prediabetes tool with 50 adult patients with prediabetes. Patients completed 2 surveys immediately after the office visit and 6 weeks later. Clinicians and PASAC members completed a postintervention survey. Results: The prediabetes shared decision aid was created through a deliberative process over 3 PASAC meetings. Ninety-six percent of patients felt the tool prepared them to decide on a diabetes prevention plan, and 100% of clinicians would use the tool again and felt the tool did not extend visit length. Discussion: It was feasible to cocreate a prediabetes shared decision aid within a PASAC and implement the tool within a primary care setting. Patients and clinicians reported a prediabetes discussion, which may mitigate rates of progression to diabetes and associated complications. Future research should evaluate which of the intervention components most effectively promotes discussion of prediabetes within a primary care setting.
The Intriguing Effects of Substituents in the N-Phenethyl Moiety of Norhydromorphone: A Bifunctional Opioid from a Set of “Tail Wags Dog” Experiments

(-)-N-Phenethyl analogs of optically pure N-norhydromorphone were synthesized and pharmacologically evaluated in several in vitro assays (opioid receptor binding, stimulation of [35S]GTPγS binding, forskolin-induced cAMP accumulation assay, and MOR-mediated β-arrestin recruitment assays). "Body" and "tail" interactions with opioid receptors (a subset of Portoghese's message-address theory) were used for molecular modeling and simulations, where the "address" can be considered the "body" of the hydromorphone molecule and the "message" delivered by the substituent (tail) on the aromatic ring of the N-phenethyl moiety. One compound, N-p-chloro-phenethynorhydromorphone ((7aR,12bS)-3-(4-chlorophenethyl)-9-hydroxy-2,3,4,4a,5,6-hexahydro-1H-4,12-methanobenzofuro[3,2-e]isoquinolin-7(7aH)-one, 2i), was found to have nanomolar binding affinity at MOR and DOR. It was a potent partial agonist at MOR and a full potent agonist at DOR with a δ/μ potency ratio of 1.2 in the ([35S]GTPγS) assay. Bifunctional opioids that interact with MOR and DOR, the latter as agonists or antagonists, have been reported to have fewer side-effects than MOR agonists. The p-chlorophenethyl compound 2i was evaluated for its effect on respiration in both mice and squirrel monkeys. Compound 2i did not depress respiration (using normal air) in mice or squirrel monkeys. However, under conditions of hypercapnia (using air mixed with 5% CO2), respiration was depressed in squirrel monkeys.
String corrections to the holographic RG flow of supersymmetric SU(N+M)×SU(N) gauge theory

Abstract We study leading string corrections to the type IIB supergravity solution dual to the N =1 supersymmetric SU ( N + M )× SU ( N ) gauge theory coupled to bifundamental chiral superfields A i , B j , i , j =1,2. This solution was found in hep-th/0007191, and its asymptotic form describing logarithmic RG flow was constructed in hep-th/0002159. The leading tree-level string correction to the type IIB string effective action is represented by the invariant of the form α ′ 3 (R 4 +⋯) . Since the background contains 3-form field strengths, we need to know parts of this invariant that depend on them. By analyzing the 5-point superstring scattering amplitudes we show that only a few specific R 3 ( H 3 ) 2 and R 3 ( F 3 ) 2 terms are present in the effective action. Their contribution to the holographic RG flow turns out to be of the same order as of the R 4 terms. Using this fact we show that it is possible to have agreement between the α ′-corrected radial dependence of the supergravity fields and the RG flow dictated by the NSVZ beta functions in field theory. The agreement with field theory requires that the anomalous dimension of the operators Tr( A i B j ) is corrected by a term of order ( M / N ) 4 λ −1/2 from its value − 1 2 found for M =0 ( λ is the appropriate 't Hooft coupling which is assumed to be strong).
History and Lingering Impact of the Arbitrary 25-dB Cutoff for Normal Hearing.

Purpose Since its inception nearly a century ago, the audiogram has become the gold standard for reporting an individual's hearing status. The interpretation of the audiogram, namely, where normal ...
Crystal structure characterization and electronic structure of a rare-earth-containing Zintl phase in the Yb-Al-Sb family: Yb3AlSb3.

A rare-earth-containing com­pound, ytterbium aluminium anti­monide, Yb3AlSb3 (Ca3AlAs3-type structure), has been successfully synthesized within the Yb–Al–Sb system through flux methods. According to the Zintl formalism, this structure is nominally made up of (Yb2+)3[(Al1−)(1b – Sb2−)2(2b – Sb1−)], where 1b and 2b indicate 1-bonded and 2-bonded, respectively, and Al is treated as part of the covalent anionic network. The crystal structure features infinite corner-sharing AlSb4 tetra­hedra, [AlSb2Sb2/2]6−, with Yb2+ cations residing between the tetra­hedra to provide charge balance. Herein, the synthetic con­ditions, the crystal structure determined from single-crystal X-ray diffraction data, and electronic structure calculations are reported.
Intratumoral B cells as predictive biomarkers for response to immune check point blockade in patients with recurrent ovarian cancer

Objectives: Single agent immune check point inhibitors are largely ineffective in recurrent OC patients. A recently completed phase 2 clinical trial (NCT02853318) on recurrent ovarian cancer patients at Roswell Park combined pembrolizumab with bevacizumab and oral cyclophosphamide and showed an overall response rate of 47.5%, a median progression-free survival (PFS) of 10.0 months and disease control over 12 months in 25% of the patients. Our objective was to evaluate the transcriptomic and proteomic signatures in the tumor microenvironment (TME) to understand the factors that drive durable clinical responses. Methods: RNASeq analysis was performed on 28 patients on the clinical trial using paired baseline and on-therapy tumor biopsies. Celltype expression was deconvoluted using CIBERSORT from RNASeq results. In parallel, NanoString Digital Spatial Imaging was used to evaluate the TME in 13 of these patients for 50 immuno-oncology proteins to compare their mean expression and the changes in expression levels between responder (PFS > 12 months) and non-responder (PFS Results: RNASeq pathway enrichment analysis of baseline and on-treatment tumor biopsies revealed significant enrichment of immune-related pathways in responder patients, including B-cell signaling pathways, and a strong correlation of B-cell presence with T-cells in responding patients (p Conclusions: More recently the outcome of immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy in cancer patients has been linked to the quality and magnitude of both T cell and B cell responses within the tumor microenvironment. Similarly, we demonstrate here that B cells as crucial supportive regulators in immune tumor control.
Metal mixtures are associated with increased anxiety during pregnancy.

Abstract Background Exposure to low-dose toxic metals in the environment is ubiquitous. Several murine studies have shown metals induce anxiety-like behaviors, and mechanistic research supports that metals disrupt neurotransmitter signaling systems implicated in the pathophysiology of anxiety. In this study, we extend prior research by examining joint exposure to six metals in relation to maternal anxiety symptoms during pregnancy. Methods The sample includes 380 participants enrolled in the PRogramming of Intergenerational Stress Mechanisms (PRISM) pregnancy cohort. Spot urine was collected during pregnancy (mean ± standard deviation: 31.1 ± 6.1 weeks), and concentrations of six metals (barium [Ba], cadmium [Cd], chromium [Cr], cesium [Cs], lead [Pb], antimony [Sb]) were measured by Inductively Coupled Plasma – Mass Spectrometry. Trait anxiety symptoms were measured during pregnancy using a short version of the Spielberger State Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI-T) and information on covariates was collected by questionnaire. We used weighted quantile sum (WQS) regression as the primary modeling approach to examine metals, treated as a mixture, in relation to higher (≥20) vs. lower anxiety symptoms while adjusting for urinary creatinine and key sociodemographic variables. Results The sample is socioeconomically and racially/ethnically diverse. Urinary metal concentrations were log-normally distributed and 25% of the sample had an STAI-T score ≥20. Joint exposure to metals was associated with elevated anxiety symptoms (ORWQS = 1.56, 95% CI: 1.24, 1.96); Cd (61.8%), Cr (14.7%), and Cs (12.7%) contributed the greatest weight to the mixture effect. Conclusion Exposure to metals in the environment may be associated with anxiety symptoms during pregnancy. This is a public health concern, as anxiety disorders are highly prevalent and associated with significant co-morbidities, especially during pregnancy when both the mother and developing fetus are susceptible to adverse health outcomes.
Immune responses in mice infected with lactic dehydrogenase virus. III. Antibody response to a T-dependent and a T-independent antigen during acute and chronic LDV infection.

Abstract During acute infection with lactic dehydrogenase virus (LDV), mice exhibited enhanced humoral responses to the T-independent antigen DNP-Ficoll as well as to the T-dependent antigen SRBC. The enhancement included both IgG and IgM responses as evidenced by an increase in both direct and indirect plaque-forming cells. Our results suggest that enhancement during acute LDV infection is due to a polyclonal activation which immediately follows LDV infection and leads to a specific clonal expansion upon antigenic stimulation. A diminished humoral response was observed in chronically LDV-infected mice, which involves the IgG as well as the IgM response. This inhibition was observed when SRBCs served as the antigen but not with DNP-Ficoll, suggesting that chronically LDV-infected mice may have defective T-cell functions.
Regulation of the rabbit cytochrome P-450 3c gene. Age-dependent expression and transcriptional activation by rifampicin.

Abstract The macrolide antibiotic rifampicin is a potent inducer of cytochrome P-450-mediated drug metabolism in humans and rabbits. In this report, we demonstrate that in immature rabbits, rifampicin activates the transcription of the Cyp3A6 gene which encodes P450IIIA6 (cytochrome P-450 3c). The maximum increase in transcription was seen at 12 h following administration of rifampicin. Northern and slot blot analyses indicate that mRNAs corresponding to P450IIIA6 accumulates during the period of increased transcription and persist at 18 h when the rate of transcription has returned to basal levels. P450IIIA6 protein accumulates in liver microsomes over this period. At 24 h a greater than 10-fold increase in microsomal P450IIIA6 protein is detected by immunoblotting using a monoclonal antibody to P450IIIA6. The rate of microsomal progesterone 6 beta-hydroxylase activity is also elevated when compared to untreated rabbits, and this enzyme is activated in vitro by alpha-naphthoflavone. To determine whether this enzyme is stimulated by alpha-naphthoflavone in intact cells, COS-1 cells were transfected with an expression vector harboring the coding region of a P450IIIA6 cDNA. Our results demonstrate that the transfected COS-1 cells exhibit progesterone 6 beta-hydroxylase activity that is stimulated by alpha-naphthoflavone added to the culture medium.
Calcium Signaling Systems

The sections in this article are: 1 Voltage-Dependent Calcium-Signaling System 1.1 Voltage-Gated Calcium Channels 1.2 Basal Pacemaker Activity 1.3 Agonist-Induced Modulation of Pacemaker Activity 2 Calcium Mobilization–Dependent Signaling System 2.1 Inositol (1,4,5)-Triphosphate (IP3) and IP3 Receptor (IP3R) Channels 2.2 cADP Ribose and RyR Channels 2.3 Calcium Pumps 2.4 Intracellular Calcium Buffers 3 Calcium Entry Controlled by Calcium Mobilization 3.1 Capacitative Calcium Entry 3.2 Voltage-Gated Calcium Entry 4 Temporal and Spatial Organization of Calcium Signals 4.1 Local and Global Calcium Spikes 4.2 Cell Specificity of Calcium Signaling 4.3 Receptor Specificity of Calcium Signaling 4.4 Concentration-Dependent Regulation 4.5 Intraorganelle Calcium Signaling 5 Amplification and Synchronization of Calcium Signals 5.1 Purinergic Receptor Channels 5.2 Gap Junction Channels 6 Cellular Functions of Calcium Signals 6.1 Calcium-Controlled Enzymes 6.2 Calcium-Controlled Channels 6.3 Calcium Signaling and Exocytosis 6.4 Mitochondrial Functions and Calcium Signals 6.5 Nuclear Functions and Calcium Signals 7 Summary
Molecular hybridization probes for research in liver disease: studies with albumin cDNA.

A major avenue of our research has been to develop molecular probes (cDNAs) for studying the pathogenesis of liver disease (i.e., applied molecular pathophysiology). During the last 2-3 yr, we have developed and used molecular hybridization to study regulation of albumin synthesis in normal, protein-calorie deprived, uremic, and cirrhotic rat liver. Our current work is directed toward cloning the albumin gene to permit further analysis of albumin transcriptional and posttranscriptional control. Molecular hybridization, DNA cloning, related techniques can be utilized to study the function of virtually any gene. Incorporation of such advances in basic research into meaningful studies of liver disease is an exciting challenge to modern academic hepatology.
Comparison among Series Compensators for Fault Ride through Capability Enhancement of Wind Generator Systems

Abstract —A comparison among series connected auxiliary devices, such as Superconducting Fault Current Limiter (SFCL), Dynamic Voltage Restorer (DVR), Thyristor Switched Series Capacitor (TCSC), and Series Dynamic Braking Resistor (SDBR), is performed in terms of fault ride through capability improvement, harmonics suppression, controller complexity, and cost of a fixed speed wind generator system. The tested system consists of one synchronous generator and one squirrel cage induction machine based wind generator, which feed an infinite bus through a double circuit transmission line. Simulation results show that all the devices perform well during symmetrical faults, however, in spite of its controller complexity, the DVR has the best performance among all devices in terms of voltage and speed control of wind generators. The SFCL is the costliest among all devices, however, it is the most efficient in reducing the fluctuations of active power and stator current of the wind generators. The SDBR is the cheapest, and shows a better enhancement in damping active power and limiting fault current as compared to the DVR and TCSC. Despite the ability of TCSC to compensate the reactive power for power quality improvement, it is less desirable to achieve a better performance under transient conditions.
The National Ignition Facility: Inertial Fusion Energy Applications, Waste Management and Environmental Impacts

Proposed design of NIF is reviewed from the standpoint of radioactive and hazardous materials. Detailed analyses of these factors indicated that minimal environmental impacts are expected to occur, and very low exposures are predicted for both workers and the general public.
A note on the psychrometric equation

Vapor pressure was determined by the psychrometric equation using two forms of the psychrometric “constant”. As the relative humidity increased the differences between these two formulations decreased.
New Ventilated Isolation Cage

Abstract A multifunction lid has been developed for a commercially available transparent animal cage which permits feeding, watering, viewing, long-term holding, and local transport of laboratory rodents on experiment while isolating the surrounding environment. The cage is airtight except for its inlet and exhaust high-efficiency particulate air filters, and it is completely steam-sterilizable. Opening of the cage's feed and water ports causes an inrush of high velocity air which prevents back-migration of aerosols and permits feeding and watering while eliminating need for chemical vapor decontamination. Ventilation system design permits the holding in adjacent cages of animals infected with different organisms without danger of cross-contamination; leaves the animal room odor-free; reduces required bedding changes to twice a month or less, and provides investigators with capability to control precisely individual cage ventilation rates. Forty-eight cages can be conveniently placed on a standard NIH “shoebox” cage rack (60 inches wide × 28 inches deep × 74 inches high) fitted with a simple manifold exhaust system. The entire system is mobile, requiring only an electrical power outlet. Principal application of the caging system is in the area of preventing exposure of animal caretakers to pathogenic substances associated with the animal host, and in reducing handling of animals and their exposure to extraneous contamination.
Sequential radiofrequency ablation and surgical debulking for unresectable colorectal carcinoma: thermo-surgical ablation.

Background and Objectives Despite decreasing frequency, local recurrences of unresectable colorectal cancer (CRC) remain difficult problems. These patients have few treatment options with conventional therapy. Preliminary results of sequential radiofrequency ablation (RFA) and surgical debulking (thermo-surgical ablation) suggest this technique may have benefit. Methods We reviewed a prospective database of patients undergoing thermo-surgical ablation for unresectable colorectal carcinoma from 2003 to 2011. Results Sixteen patients were treated with unresectable, recurrent abdomino-pelvic colorectal carcinoma: 11 in pelvis; 4 with isolated aortic/retroperitoneal disease; and 1 with pelvic and peri-adrenal/retroperitoneal disease. Eleven patients had recurrent rectal cancer and five had recurrent colon cancer. Median overall and 3-year actuarial survivals were 15 months and 24%, respectively. Median and 3-year PFS was 12 months and 19%, respectively. Three patients without disease have survived 0.75, 4.0, and 7.0 years. Two patients died at 5.0 and 5.5 years. A disease-free interval (DFI) of >24 months after initial resection was associated with longer overall survival (60 months vs. 4 months; P = 0.001). Conclusions Thermo-surgical debulking appears to have a role in the treatment of some patients with recurrent, unresectable CRC; those patients with DFI >24 months after initial surgery benefited the most. J. Surg. Oncol. 2013;107:144–147. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Phenotype prediction by integrative network analysis of SNP and gene expression microarrays

A long-term goal of biomedical research is to decipher how genetic processes influence disease formation. Ubiquitous and advancing microarray technology can measure millions of DNA structural variants (single-nucleotide polymorphisms, or SNPs) and thousands of gene transcripts (RNA expression microarrays) in cells. Both of these information modalities can be brought to bear on disease etiology. This paper develops a Bayesian network-based approach to integrate SNP and expression microarray data. The network models SNP-gene interactions using a phenotype-centric network. Inferring the network consists of two steps: variable selection and network learning. The learned network illustrates how functionally dependent SNPs and genes influence each other, and also serves as a predictor of the phenotype. The application of the proposed method to a pediatric acute lymphoblastic leukemia dataset demonstrates the feasibility of our approach and its impact on biological investigation and clinical practice.
Waiting Line Effects in Analytical Maintenance Float Policy

The equipment failure distributions commonly identified in practice pose great difficulties in the establishment of sound maintenance total float policy. Some of the existing analytical constructs utilize the reliability ratio of the equipment in operations in order to bypass the obstacles and arrive at applicable solutions. In this paper we give a summary of these theoretical models. In addition, we provide insight by testing the significance of factors utilized in maintenance total float determination. The paper examines the effect of the assumption made by the analytical model of no waiting time for repair. Our test showed that there is no statistically significant difference between the analytical model and simulation when waiting is allowed for the normal and uniform distributions. The analytical model thus offers some advantage in its use to estimate maintenance float due to its simplicity. When failure distribution is an exponential, Erlang-2 or lognormal, the assumption of no waiting time for repair must be kept in order to use the analytical model.
Development of Screening Criteria for Selecting Long-Distance Heat Transmission Fluids

Selection criteria are developed for screening liquids for long-distance thermal energy transport. The model used in developing these criteria employs power function approximations for physical and economical relations. Representative fluids are discussed and compared with transmission by hot water. It is found that most thermal fluids can be rejected, because of less desirable physical properties compared with those of hot water, with the simplest of the criteria presented. 13 refs.
Rare complication of ventriculoperitoneal shunt. Early onset of distal catheter migration into scrotum in an adult male: Case report and literature review

Introduction The role of shunt placement is to divert cerebrospinal fluid from within the ventricles to an alternative location in the setting of hydrocephalus. One of the rare shunt complications is distal catheter migration, and various body sites have been reported, including the scrotum. Although cases of scrotal migration of distal catheter have been reported in pediatric patients, cases in adult patients are rare due to obliterated processus vaginalis. Furthermore, there has not been a case reported for scrotal migration in an adult at an early onset.
RESONANT TERAHERTZ SPECTROSCOPY OF BACTERIAL THIOREDOXIN IN WATER: SIMULATION AND EXPERIMENT

The experimental and computational study of bacterial thioredoxin, an E. coli protein, at THz frequencies is presented. The absorption spectrum of the entire protein in water was studied numerically in the terahertz range (0.1 – 2 THz). In our work, the initial X-ray molecular structure of thioredoxin was optimized using the molecular dynamical (MD) simulations at room temperature and atmospheric pressure. The effect of a liquid content of a bacterial cell was taken into account explicitly via the simulation of water molecules using the TIP3P water model. Using atomic trajectories from the room-temperature MD simulations, thioredoxin's THz vibrational spectrum and the absorption coefficient were calculated in a quasi harmonic approximation. For our terahertz transmission measurements, we used solutions of thioredoxin in distilled water obtained from Sigma. The experimental and simulated signatures are correlated and dominant peaks are close in frequencies. The results of this study demonstrate that terahertz spectroscopy is a promising tool in generating spectral data for cellular components of bio agents such as bacterial cells and spores.
Connective tissue amine oxidase. I. Purification of bovine aorta amine oxidase and its comparison with plasma amine oxidase.

Abstract 1. 1. Bovine plasma and aorta amine oxidase (amine: O 2 oxidoreductase (deaminating), EC 1.4.3.4) were purified approx. 60- and 170-fold, respectively. The aorta enzyme appeared to be non-mitochondrial, did not catalyze the oxidation of common short chain diamines and, in general, possessed properties previously described for plasma amine oxidase. 2. 2. In the n -alkylamine series, CH 3 (CH 2 ) n CH 2 NH 2 , the longer chain homologues were bound more tenaciously by both enzymes than the short chain homologues. 3. 3. The aorta enzyme was inhibited by chelating agents and activity could be partially restored by addition of Cu 2+ . Activity was lost when the aorta enzyme was incubated in the presence of cyanide, hydroxylamine, semicarbazide, isoniazid and iproniazid. 4. 4. Preparations of amine oxidase from aorta catalyzed the oxidation of peptidyl lysine when lysine-vasopressin was used as substrate, but the plasma enzyme was inactive. The polyamines, spermine and spermidine, also served as substrates for the aorta enzyme and, relative to benzylamine, they were oxidized at the same rates as when the oxidation was catalyzed by the plasma amine oxidase.
Hydrogen bonding. Part 85: DFT molecular orbital study of C2h (H2O·X−)2 clusters – Multicenter bonding may account for stability of (H2O·F−)2 species

Abstract Water is extraordinarily tightly bound in the C2h (H2O·F−)2 clusters found in tetraalkylammonium fluoride monohydrates. This stability, coupled with infrared spectral differences, sets the fluoride clusters apart from similarly formulated clusters of higher halide monohydrates. DFT molecular orbital analysis (B3LYP/6-31++G∗∗) shows stronger hydrogen bonds and unique orbital differences for the fluoride cluster compared to chloride or bromide analogs, and suggests the presence of eight-atom multicenter bonding in the fluoride cluster.
Two gene families clustered in a small region of the Drosophila genome

Three Drosophila genes that are clustered within 8 × 10 3 bases of DNA at the chromosomal region 44D have been identified and mapped, and the gene cluster entirely sequenced. The three genes are 55 to 60% homologous in DNA sequence. One gene contains an intron in its 5′-proximal protein coding sequence while the other two have none at this position; similarly, another gene has an intron in its 3′-proximal protein coding sequence which is not found in the other genes. All three genes are abundantly expressed together in Drosophila first, second, and early third instar larval stages and in adults, but they are not abundantly expressed in either embryonic, late third instar larval, or pupal stages. This gene family lies 11 × 10 3 bases away from another cluster containing four Drosophila larval cuticle protein genes plus a pseudogene. The cuticle genes are all abundantly expressed throughout third instar larval development. Thus, at least seven protein-coding genes and one pseudogene lie within 27 × 10 3 bases of DNA. Moreover, two small gene families can lie adjacent on a chromosome and exhibit different patterns of developmental regulation, even though individual genes within each clustered family are co-ordinately expressed.
A review on the water and energy sectors in Algeria: Current forecasts, scenario and sustainability issues

Abstract The water sector in Algeria has to date paid scant attention to the issue of climate change and is often unaware of its impact on future water resources. Studies will be needed to assess the impact and cost of climate change and draw up adaptation solutions. Forecasts are not optimistic. Models for climate change indicate that rainfall could decrease by more than 20% by 2050, which would result in even greater worsening water shortages in different basins of Algeria. The construction of 70 dams planned will provide only small additional volumes. The particular challenge for Algeria in the coming decades will be to adapt to a decrease in renewable water resources. The country will have to carefully manage these resources. Mobilization of non-conventional water resources (desalination and wastewater reuse) will be a strategic component of future water policy. The development of unconventional resources and the management of water demand will increase more the energy consumption of the water sector. This consumption would reach nearly 12% of the country׳s consumption and must be integrated dice now in the country׳s energy forecasts. More coordinated planning and action will consequently be required between the water and energy sectors if further aggravation of the water deficit is to be avoided. Moreover, the revolution in renewable energy (wind and solar power) in terms of technological development and costs may help reduce the consumption of fossil fuels and ensure reserves for future generations by fostering decentralized renewable energy projects for alimentation of pumping stations. Algeria has thus set itself by 2030 a share of renewable energy in the national energy balance of between 30% and 40%. The share of renewable power by 2023 will represent about 17% of installed capacity (5539 MW) compared to 4.74% in 2011 (540 MW).
Educational Testing: Inferences In Relevant Subpopulations

essarily probabilistic in character. The essence of the scientific game is to make the description precise. The concept of population has received much attention in statistical literature in the works of Fisher (1956), Meehl and Rosen (1955), De Finetti (1974), and Lindley and Novick (1981). In this paper I attempt to show that the idea of relevant population is useful in considering a wide variety of otherwise unrelated problems in educational research. Much of the material in this paper is not new (see Novick, 1981a; Novick 1981c, Novick, 1982; Lindley & Novick, 1981). However, the emphasis and range of applications is distinctive. In places, some details are omitted with reference to one or more of the above papers.
The ubiquitin–26S proteasome system at the nexus of plant biology

Plants, like other eukaryotes, rely on proteolysis to control the abundance of key regulatory proteins and enzymes. Strikingly, genome-wide studies have revealed that the ubiquitin-26S proteasome system (UPS) in particular is an exceedingly large and complex route for protein removal, occupying nearly 6% of the Arabidopsis thaliana proteome. But why is the UPS so pervasive in plants? Data accumulated over the past few years now show that it targets numerous intracellular regulators that have central roles in hormone signalling, the regulation of chromatin structure and transcription, tailoring morphogenesis, responses to environmental challenges, self recognition and battling pathogens.
THE BENDING OF A NEUTRALLY BUOYANT, TENSIONED PIPE IN A STEADY CURRENT

Abstract The stresses and flexures induced in a submerged neutrally buoyant pipe by a planar current are calculated. The pipe is restrained at two points by a buoy-cable system which tensions that part of the pipe between the points. The points are located symmetrically with respect to the center of the pipe. The conditions that the maximum flexure not exceed some value δ and that the maximum fiber stress not exceed some value Σ are then imposed. The results show that a considerable reduction in pipe diameter can be achieved by employing a moderately tensioned pipe, as compared to employing an untensioned pipe, to meet the specified flexure and stress requirements. This result has application to the design of many oceanographic and acoustic experiments where it is desired to suspend a long, horizontal array of instrumentation in the water column.
Transfusion transmission of cytomegalovirus confirmed by restriction endonuclease analysis

interactions between platelets and blood-vessel walls. N Engl J Med 1979;300:1142-47. 4. Leffler CW, Hessler JR, Terragno NA: Ventilation-induced release of prostaglandinlike material from fetal lungs. Am J Physiol 1980;238:H282-286. 5. Szczeklik J, Szczeklik A, Nizankowski R: Prostacyclin for pulmonary hypertension. Lancet 1980;2:1076. 6. Lock JE, Olley PM, Coceani F, Swyer PR, Rowe RD: Use of prostacyclin in persistent fetal circulation. Lancet 1979; I:1343. 7. Leftter CW, Hessler JR: Pulmonary and systemic vascular effects of exogenous prostaglandin 12 in fetal lambs. Eur J Pharmacol 1979;54:37-42. 8. Lock JE, Olley PM, Coceani F: Direct pulmonary vascular responses to prostaglandins in the conscious newborn lamb. Am J Physiol 1980;238:H631-638. 9. Coceani F, Olley PM: Prostaglandins and the circulation at birth. In: Herman AG, Vanhoulte PM, Denolin H, Goosens A, eds: Cardiovascular pharmacology of the prostagtandins. New York: Raven Press, 1982;303-314. 10. Watkins WD, Peterson MB, Crone RK, Shannon DC, Levine L: Prostacyclin and prostaglandin El for severe idiopathic pulmonary hypertension. Lancet 1980; l : 1083. 11. Szczeklik J, Szczeklik A, Nizankowski R: Hemodynamic changes induced by prostacyclin in man. Br Heart J 1980; 44:254-8. 12. Fox WW, Duara S: Persistent pulmonary hypertension in the neonate: diagnosis and management. J PEDIATR 1983; 103:505-8. 13. Drummond WH, Williams B J, Panchard WB, Bucholz C J, Bucholz CL: Myocardial infarction after prostacyclin (PGIz) treatment of neonatal pulmonary hypertension. Pediatr Res 1982;16:99A.
Cyclooxygenase-dependent vasoconstrictor alters vascular function in the vitamin E-deprived rat.

We tested the hypothesis that increased production of lipid peroxides, mediated by a dietary vitamin E deprivation, would alter the cyclooxygenase pathway of arachidonate metabolism, resulting in impaired endothelium-dependent vascular function. Mesenteric arteries from control (n = 12) and vitamin E-deprived (n = 12) Sprague-Dawley rats were studied in a myograph. Endothelium-dependent relaxations to methacholine were similar in the arteries from vitamin E-deprived rats compared with control arteries (EC50, 0.057 +/- 0.006 versus 0.065 +/- 0.009 microM). However, in the arteries from the vitamin E-deprived rats, this response was potentiated in the presence of a cyclooxygenase inhibitor (1 microM meclofenamate; EC50, 0.035 +/- 0.003 versus 0.057 +/- 0.006 microM; P < .05) or thromboxane A2/prostaglandin H2 receptor blocker (1 microM SQ 29548; EC50 0.029 +/- 0.002 versus 0.057 +/- 0.006 microM; P < .05) but had no effect on the arteries from the control rats. Endothelium-independent relaxations to sodium nitroprusside were not effected by vitamin E deprivation. Arachidonic acid increased tension twofold more in the arteries from the vitamin E-deprived rats compared with the control rats (at 1 microM; 0.43 +/- 0.05 versus 0.23 +/- 0.03 mN/mm; P < .05). The enhanced vasoconstriction was blunted, and the group difference was eliminated by a cyclooxygenase inhibitor (0.15 +/- 0.02 versus 0.43 +/- 0.05 mN/mm, P < .05) or a thromboxane A2/prostaglandin H2 receptor blocker (0.17 +/- 0.04 versus 0.43 +/- 0.05 mN/mm, P < .05). Prostaglandin endoperoxide synthase expression, determined by Western immunoblotting on aortas from the same rats, was increased in the vitamin E-deprived rats (3.14 +/- 0.8 versus 1.06 +/- 0.4 fmol/ng DNA, P < .05). In summary, mesenteric arteries from the vitamin E-deprived rats demonstrated altered endothelium-dependent responses that were in part due to a cyclooxygenase-dependent vasoconstrictor binding to the thromboxane A2/prostaglandin H2 receptor. In the aorta, there was an associative increase in the expression of prostaglandin endoperoxide synthase. We speculate that, in some vascular diseases, increased lipid peroxidation may influence endothelium-dependent vascular function by modulating the cyclooxygenase pathway of arachidonate metabolism.
In Vitro Activity of Cefazolin against Recent Clinical Bacterial Isolates

The in vitro antibacterial activity of cefazolin was determined, by an agar-dilution technique, against 546 recent isolates of bacteria recovered from patients at Boston City Hospital. The activity of cefazolin was comparable to that of cephalothin against most gram-positive cocci, but the former was more active against most strains of Escherichia coli and Klebsiella and against some isolates of Enterobacter. Neither of these two cephalosporins had significant activity against Serratia or Pseudomonas. The median MICs of undiluted cultures of some gramnegative bacilli tested in agar were 32-85 times higher than those of the same cultures diluted 1:1,000 before inoculation. The results of these tests of susceptibility were influenced by the composition of the medium, sometimes by a factor of 16; none of the four media gave consistently higher or lower values with strains of all species tested.