cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Designing inhibitors of dehydroquinate synthase. Structural simplicity versus inhibitory potency

Abstract Substrate analogues have been synthesized where one or both of the secondary hydroxyl groups have been removed from a carbaphosphonate inhibitor of dehydroquinate synthase. These deoxycarbaphosphonates provide an example of the extent to which substrate analogue synthesis can be shortened and have established the individual and cumulative contributions made by the secondary hydroxyl groups to enzyme inhibition.
Population-Genetic Properties of Differentiated Human Copy-Number Polymorphisms

Copy-number variants (CNVs) can reach appreciable frequencies in the human population, and recent discoveries have shown that several of these copy-number polymorphisms (CNPs) are associated with human diseases, including lupus, psoriasis, Crohn disease, and obesity. Despite new advances, significant biases remain in terms of CNP discovery and genotyping. We developed a method based on single-channel intensity data and benchmarked against copy numbers determined from sequencing read depth to successfully obtain CNP genotypes for 1495 CNPs from 487 human DNA samples of diverse ethnic backgrounds. This microarray contained CNPs in segmental duplication-rich regions and insertions of sequences not represented in the reference genome assembly or on standard SNP microarray platforms. We observe that CNPs in segmental duplications are more likely to be population differentiated than CNPs in unique regions (p = 0.015) and that biallelic CNPs show greater stratification when compared to frequency-matched SNPs (p = 0.0026). Although biallelic CNPs show a strong correlation of copy number with flanking SNP genotypes, the majority of multicopy CNPs do not (40% with r > 0.8). We selected a subset of CNPs for further characterization in 1876 additional samples from 62 populations; this revealed striking population-differentiated structural variants in genes of clinical significance such as OCLN, a tight junction protein involved in hepatitis C viral entry. Our microarray design allows these variants to be rapidly tested for disease association and our results suggest that CNPs (especially those that cannot be imputed from SNP genotypes) might have contributed disproportionately to human diversity and selection.
CNS stimulants as tools in the study of schizophrenia

The CNS stimulants are indirect catecholaminergic agonists that induce psychoses in high doses. These psychoses have been proposed as a clinical model of schizophrenia. Do these drugs then offer any clues as to the neurochemical basis of this disorder? Schizophrenic subjects show heterogeneous responses to these agents and variations in base-line state may be a determinant of this heterogenity. Some subjects show increases of positive symptomatology after these agents, while in other studies, negative symptoms have somewhat diminished. Very limited data suggest that stimulant response may predict the effects of other psychoactive drugs. Increase in psychotic symptoms after stimulant challenge tests may identify patients at risk of rapid relapse after neuroleptics are discontinued.
A stochastic derivation of the ratio form of contest success functions

This note provides a distribution-based justification for the ratio form of contest success functions (CSFs), in which a player’s success depends positively on her effort relative to that of her opponents. I show that the inverse exponential distribution of the random shocks yields the ratio form. Extending this approach to asymmetric contests, I also derive an asymmetric ratio form of CSFs.
Token Men and Women: A Note On the Salience of Sex and Occupation Among Professionals and Semiprofessionals

Data from 525 professionals and semiprofessionals are used to test the hypothesis that one's sex is more salient than occupational competencies for persons in opposite-sex- dominated occupations. The impact of these characteristics on a global measure of self-esteem is used as an indicator of their relative salience. The hypothesis is supported in that sex is quite important for all respondents, while occupational competencies are important only for those in same-sex-dominated occupations (professional men and semiprofessional women). This finding is interpreted in a symbolic interactionist framework. Assuming that the salience of various self components is determined by the feedback one receivesfrom significant others, thesefindings suggest that opposite-sex colleagues tend to ignore or downplay occupational competencies in lieu of one's sex. Possible implications for the career success of those in opposite-sex-dominated occupations are discussed. Also discussed are more general implications for self-dev...
Plant disease resistance protein signaling: NBS-LRR proteins and their partners

Most plant disease resistance (R) proteins contain a series of leucine-rich repeats (LRRs), a nucleotide-binding site (NBS), and a putative amino-terminal signaling domain. They are termed NBS-LRR proteins. The LRRs of a wide variety of proteins from many organisms serve as protein interaction platforms, and as regulatory modules of protein activation. Genetically, the LRRs of plant R proteins are determinants of response specificity, and their action can lead to plant cell death in the form of the familiar hypersensitive response (HR). A total of 149 R genes are potentially expressed in the Arabidopsis genome, and plant cells must deal with the difficult task of assembling many of the proteins encoded by these genes into functional signaling complexes. Eukaryotic cells utilize several strategies to deal with this problem. First, proteins are spatially restricted to their sub-cellular site of function, thus improving the probability that they will interact with their proper partners. Second, these interactions are architecturally organized to avoid inappropriate signaling events and to maintain the fidelity and efficiency of the response when it is initiated. Recent results provide new insights into how the signaling potential of R proteins might be created, managed and held in check until specific stimulation following infection. Nevertheless, the roles of the R protein partners in these regulatory events that have been defined to date are unclear.
Estrogen receptors of human endometrium: characterization of nuclear and cytoplasmic forms and comparisons with rat uterine receptors

Abstract A controlled trypsinization procedure is reported which results in more efficient solubilization of the nuclear estrogen receptor from human endometrium and rat uterine tissue than does extraction with high salt (0.4 M KCl) alone. The trypsin-liberated nuclear receptors in both species sediment at 3–4S on both high and low salt gradients, whereas the salt-extracted receptors sediment more rapidly (5.6S, rat and 4.0S, human) on high salt gradients and aggregate under low ionic strength conditions. Rates of dissociation of trypsin and KCl solubilized nuclear estrogen receptor complexes of human endometrium and rat uterus are similar, with half-times of dissociation of 55–60 h at 0–4°C. KD, determinations of estrogen binding to trypsin solubilized nuclear receptors indicate that these nuclear receptors in both species have a very high affinity for estradiol. KD = 2.6 × 10−10M (rat receptor) and 9.0 × 10−10 M (human receptor). Isoelectric focusing in polyacrylamide gels gives an apparent isoelectric point of 6.3 for the human nuclear receptor, 6.6 for the rat nuclear receptor, and 6.4 for the trypsin-treated cytoplasmic estrogen receptors of human and rat uterus. Molecular weights and anhydrous molecular radii (R) estimated by electrophoretic mobility on different percent acrylamide gels (Ferguson plots) show the nuclear and cytoplasmic trypsin-treated receptor forms in both rat and human to be very similar, with calculated Rs of 2.35–2.43 nm (corresponding to molecular weights between 45,000–50,000). These studies document great similarity in physicochemical properties and binding characteristics of the nuclear forms of the estrogen receptor from human and rat uterine tissue, and considerable similarity between nuclear and cytosol receptor forms. In addition, the efficient solubilization of nuclear estrogen receptor by the mild trypsinization method described here should provide a technique useful in analyzing the molecular, properties of estrogen receptors from normal and neoplastic estrogen target tissues.
Excellent survival, cancer type, and Nottingham grade after atypical lobular hyperplasia on initial breast biopsy.

BACKGROUND. Atypical lobular hyperplasia (ALH) is associated with a 10% to 20% risk of subsequent invasive carcinoma, primarily in the ipsilateral breast. Nottingham grading, special tumor types, and survival after invasive cancer diagnosis were analyzed consistently for the first time. METHODS. A longitudinal follow-up study of 252 women who underwent 261 benign surgical biopsies between 1950 and 1985 with a diagnosis of ALH was undertaken. Subsequent invasive breast cancers were graded and subtyped based on histologic features and the cohort assessed for cancer survival. RESULTS. Forty-eight (19%) women developed invasive breast cancer at an average of 15.1 years. Twenty (42%) of the tumors were special subtype tumors with good prognosis. By an average of 13 years after invasive cancer diagnosis, 2 (10%) of 20 women with special type and variant tumors had died of breast cancer, compared with 9 (32%) of 28 women with tumors of no special type (24 tumors) or an unknown type (4 tumors). Only 1 patient with a tumor of low Nottingham grade died of breast cancer. CONCLUSIONS. ALH is a nonobligate cancer precursor associated with a moderate risk of breast cancer and predicts that later cancers are associated with overall excellent survival. Nearly half of the subsequent cancers show classic or variant patterns of special types with a good prognosis and the majority are of low or intermediate combined histologic grade. Treatment of women with ALH should be influenced by their modest elevation in breast cancer risk and the good prognosis and low mortality of many of these cancers. Cancer 2006. © 2006 American Cancer Society.
Seasonality of non-heating consumption and its effect on PRISM results

Abstract By subtracting furnace submeter readings from whole-house meter readings, the variability of the energy consumed by appliances using the same fuel as the furnace is examined. Comparable analyses are performed on two sets of houses, one with gas and the other with electric heating. Although erratic month-to-month fluctuations occur in individual houses, median results for non-heating consumption show a strong sinusoidal pattern, for both fuels, with a peak in winter and a valley in summer. The effect of this seasonality on PRISM results is investigated. It is found that the model's estimate of base-level consumption represents the level of consumption in summer while, on average, the increased non-heating consumption during the remainder of the year loads systematically onto the model's estimate of heating consumption, without deteriorating its performance. A new method for approximating the resulting hidden non-heating component of consumption from whole-house billing data is proposed. Thus a new interpretation of Normalized Annual Consumption (NAC) is derived in terms of three components: base level, hidden non-heating, and heating consumption.
Protons Activate Homomeric Kir6.2 Channels by Selective Suppression of the Long and Intermediate Closures

The ATP-sensitive K+ channels (KATP) play an important role in regulating membrane excitability. These channels are regulated by H+ in addition to ATP, ADP, and phospholipids. To understand how protons affect the single-channel properties, Kir6.2DeltaC36 currents were studied in excised inside-out patches. We chose to study the homomeric Kir6.2 channel with 36 amino acids deleted at the C-terminal end, as there are ADP/ATP-binding sites in the SUR subunit, which may obscure the understanding of the channel-gating process. In the absence of ATP, moderate intracellular acidosis (pH 6.8) augmented P(open) with small suppression (by approximately 10%) of the single-channel conductance. The long and intermediate closures were selectively inhibited, leading to a shortening of the mean closed time without significant changes in the mean open time. Stronger acidification (<pH6.2) caused channel rundown. Although similar changes in the single-channel properties were observed in the presence of 1 mM ATP, the P(open)-pH relationship curve was shifted by 0.17 pH units toward lower pH levels. ATP had no effect on the inhibition of single-channel conductance during acidosis. Mutation of His175 eliminated the pH effect on the single-channel kinetics, while the single-channel response to acidic pH was retained in the K185E mutant that greatly reduces the ATP sensitivity. These results indicate that Kir6.2DeltaC36 channel gating by protons and ATP relies on two distinct mechanisms opposite to each other, although the pH sensitivity is modulated by ATP.
Anisotropic effective moduli of cracked short-fiber reinforced composites

A model is presented to analyze the effect of fiber fracture on the anisotropic elastic properties of short-fiber reinforced composite materials. The effective moduli of the material are modeled using a self-consistent scheme which includes the calculated energy dissipated through the opening of a crack in an arbitrarily oriented elliptical inclusion. The model is an extension of previous works which have modeled isotropic properties of short-fiber reinforced composites with fiber breakage and anisotropic properties of monolithic materials with microcracks. Two-dimensional planar composite systems are considered. The model allows for the calculation of moduli under varying degrees of fiber alignment and damage orientation. In the results, both aligned fiber systems and randomly oriented fiber systems with damage-induced anisotropy are examined.
Architectures and monitoring techniques for active databases: an evaluation

Abstract The need for active capability for non-traditional applications and its concomitant benefits are well-established. Although the event-based technique for monitoring conditions (leading to the integrated architecture) is the most versatile of all the techniques, from a practical viewpoint there is a need for enhancing pre-existing non-active DBMSs to support active capability. The set of techniques that can be used for providing this add-on active capability (leading to the layered architecture) imposes certain limitations on the extent of active capability that can be supported. Insights into the details of techniques as well as their impact on the architecture entails a design that better meets the active database objectives. This paper identifies a repertoire of techniques for condition monitoring and discusses their suitability to different architectures. This paper argues that from a pragmatic viewpoint, both layerd and Integrated approaches to support active capability need to be pursued. Then it comes polling and event-based or asynchronous monitoring techniques using an implementation on Symbolics using Common Lisp with Flavors. The focus of this comparison is on: techniques, performance, influence of implementation strategies on performance, and identification of opportunities for optimization.
Diuresis in Portuguese

Standardization of a therapeutic approach for ascites due to chronic liver disease was prospectively tried in 100 patients. The four progressive steps were: I—relative bed rest associated to with-drawal of toxic agents, and restriction of salt (40 mEq) and water (1.000ml per day) for 5 to 7 days. In twenty two patients a good diuretic response was observed. Step II, initiated only for patients who did not respond to step I, corresponded to the introduction of espironolactone, 150 mg/day, for at least 6 days. A good response was defined as an increased diuresis and weight loss between 300 and 900g/day. 57% of the patients included in step II, showed such a good diuretic response. In step III the dosage of espironolactone was increased to 300 mg/d and 56% of the patients included in this step presented good diuretic response. Out of 100 patients who began treatment only 12 needed a IV step treatment which consisted of the association with furosemide in the dosage of 40 to 80mg/d. Apart from two patients who did not respond, developing spontaneous bacterial peritonitis during treatment and dying, the remaining 10 cases had a good diuretic response. General mortality due to chronic liver disease occurred in 10% of the patients during treatment for ascitis. Hepatic encephalopathy developed in 22 cases but in only four it was due to the diuretic therapy and reversed. Hyperpotassemia in 16 cases and hyperazotemia in 24 cases were generally transient.
Modeling the deglaciation of the Green Bay Lobe of the southern Laurentide Ice Sheet

We use a time-dependent two-dimensional ice-flow model to explore the development of the Green Bay Lobe, an outlet glacier of the southern Laurentide Ice Sheet, leading up to the time of maximum ice extent and during subsequent deglaciation (c. 30 to 8 cal. ka BP). We focus on conditions at the ice-bed interface in order to evaluate their possible impact on glacial landscape evolution. Air temperatures for model input have been reconstructed using the GRIP δ8O record calibrated to speleothem records from Missouri that cover the time periods of c. 65 to 30 cal. ka BP and 13.25 to 12.4 cal. ka BP. Using that input, the known ice extents during maximum glaciation and early deglaciation can be reproduced reasonably well. The model fails, however, to reproduce short-term ice margin retreat and readvance events during later stages of deglaciation. Model results indicate that the area exposed after the retreat of the Green Bay Lobe was characterized by permafrost until at least 14 cal. ka BP. The extensive drumlin zones that formed behind the ice margins of the outermost Johnstown phase and the later Green Lake phase are associated with modeled ice margins that were stable for at least 1000 years, high basal shear stresses (c. 100 kPa) and permafrost depths of 80–200 m. During deglaciation, basal meltwater and sliding became more important.
Theoretical ion densities in the lower ionosphere

We have solved the coupled momentum and continuity equations for NO(+), O2(+), and O(+) ions in the E- and F-regions of the ionosphere. This theoretical model has enabled us to examine the relative importance of various processes that affect molecular ion densities. We find that transport processes are not important during the day; the molecular ions are in chemical equilibrium at all altitudes. At night, however, both diffusion and vertical drifts induced by winds or electric fields are important in determining molecular ion densities below about 200 km. Nitric oxide plays an important role in determining the NO(+) to O2(+) ratio in the E-region, particularly at night. Nocturnal sources of ionization are required to maintain the E-region through the night. Vertical velocities induced by expansion and contraction of the neutral atmosphere are too small to affect ion densities at any altitude.
Mechanical instabilities in extended solid solutions near the crystal-to-glass transition

Abstract In order to study the change in elastic properties near the crystal-to-glass transition in extended solid solutions, we measured the low-temperature specific heat of3rapidly quenched crystalline NbPd (0 ⩽ xPd ⩽ 0.52) and ball-milled ZrAl (0 ⩽ xAl ⩽ 0.5) far from equilibrium. The results show in both cases a drastic decrease in the Debye temperature prior to structural transformations (i.e. b.c.c.→f.c.c. for crystalline NbPd at xPd ≈ 0.44 and h.c.p. → amorphous for ZrAl at xAl ≈ 0.2), indicating a large elastic softening as a precursor of an underlying mechanical instability. We demonstrate that the extracted shear moduli of the rapidly quenched and ball-milled samples agree well with recent molecular dynamics simulations and emphasize the crucial role of elastic shear softening for the stability of the crystalline phase.
The Riemann-Hilbert problem and inverse scattering

The connection between the Riemann–Hilbert factorization on self-intersecting contours and a class of singular integral equations is studied with a pair of decomposing algebras. This provides an effective way of treating the inverse scattering problem for first-order systems. We also show that the matrix functions with positive definite real parts on the real axis and Schwarz reflection invariant elsewhere only have zero partial indices. In particular, this implies the solvability for the inverse scattering problem with skew Schwarz reflection invariant system coefficients $J(z)$ and $q( \cdot ,z)$. This includes, for instance, the system associated with the generalized sine-Gordon equation.
POSTNATAL CHANGES IN THE G-PROTEINS, CYCLIC NUCLEOTIDES AND ADENYLYL CYCLASE ACTIVITY IN RABBIT HEART CELLS

We have studied the postnatal changes in the levels of isoforms of stimulatory (Gs) and inhibitory (Gi) G-proteins, cAMP and cGMP in washed particulate membranes (WPM) from whole ventricles as well as from isolated ventricular myocytes and have also measured adenylyl cyclase (AC) activity in WPM prepared from isolated myocytes of adult (AD) and newborn (NB) rabbit heart. Immunoblot analysis for the levels of Giα1, Gα2 Giα3 and Gsα subunits showed that Giα2 and Giα3 were higher in WPM from whole ventricles of NB compared to AD. This ratio was much higher in WPM from isolated ventricular myocytes since Giα2 and Giα3 were either absent or present in extremely low immunodetectable levels in WPM from AD ventricular myocytes. Giα1 levels were not different for AD compared to NB WPM, whether prepared from whole ventricle or from isolated myocytes. Two forms of Gsα, a small form (Gsα-S) and a large form (Gsα-L), were immunodetected at 43 and 48 kDa, respectively. The Gsα-S form was higher in AD WPM and the Gsα-L form was higher in NB WPM while the total Gsα(L+S) was not different. The Gsα results for WPM from isolated myocytes were not different from the results for WPM from whole ventricles. Basal levels of cAMP were 80% higher in NB compared to AD whole ventricles and were 200% higher in NB compared to AD isolated myocytes. Levels of cGMP were 4-5 fold higher in NB than in AD myocytes and ventricular tissue. Basal AC activity was higher in NB than in AD WPM from isolated myocytes and was enhanced by Gpp(NH)p pretreatment in AD but not in NB WPM. The isoproterenol-induced increase in AC activity was higher in AD compared to NB WPM and was completely abolished by Gpp(NH)p pretreatment in NB but not in AD WPM. Forskolin caused a greater increase in AC activity in NB than in AD WPM. The post-natal decrease in the levels of Giα2 and Giα3, particularly in isolated ventricular myocytes, may help to explain the smaller effects of isoproterenol and greater muscarinic influence on ICa+, as we previously showed, and the smaller effect of isoproterenol on AC activity in NB compared to AD WPM. It is not clear if the post-natal differences in the distribution of types of Gsα may also play a role in modulating the effect of isoproterenol. The postnatal decrease in the levels of cAMP and cGMP may be significant in regulating phosphodiesterases, protein phosphatases and kinases
Inhibition by lipopolysaccharide of immune phagocytosis of latex particles modified with common antigen of enteric bacteria.

SummaryImmune phagocytosis experiments were carried out with latex particles modified with common antigen (CA) of enteric bacteria. (1) Latex particles modified with CA (ethanol soluble fraction) of enteric bacteria other than E. coli O14 are opsonized in the presence of CA antibodies for phagocytosis by rabbit peritoneal polymorphonuclear leukocytes. (2) CA antibodies also opsonize latex particles treated with the ethanol insoluble CA from E coli O14. (3) Latex particles modified with crude supernate of enteric bacteria other than E. coli O14 are poorly opsonized by the same CA antisera. (4) Lipopolysaccharide and its lipoid A component interfere with opsonization by CA antibodies. (5) Latex particles modified with both CA (ethanol soluble fraction) and lipopolysaccharide or lipoid A absorb CA antibodies equally well as particles treated with CA alone.
PRODROMAL STAGE OF MEASLES DIAGNOSED AT AUTOPSY.

This is a case report of a 2-year-old Negro boy who died 2 days after the onset of low grade fever, coughing, and vomiting. He had had a chronic respiratory disease since he was 5 months old. Clinical and laboratory studies failed to disclose the etiology of his illness. An autopsy revealed that the child was in the prodromal stage of measles withinterstitial pneumonia the immediate cause of death. The diagnosis of measles was based on the presence of mesenchymal and epithelial giant cells in the lymphoid tissue and lungs. The diagnostic significance of these giant cells in the diagnosis of measles is discussed. The literature is reviewed.
Optical Amplifiers: Current and Future Applications and Opportunities

Optical amplifiers enabled the deployment of WDM systems in communications networks. They have matured from a breakthrough technology to being a commodity. What are the next technologies and applications that will generate new business opportunities?
Orientation of complex III in the yeast mitochondrial membrane: labeling with [125I] diazobenzenesulfonate and functional studies with the decyl analogue of coenzyme Q as substrate.

Mitochondria (or mitoplasts) and submitochondrial particles from yeast were treated with [125I] diazobenzenesulfonate to label selectively proteins exposed on the outer or inner surface of the inner mitochondrial membrane. Polyacrylamide gel analysis of the immunoprecipitates formed with antibodies against Complex III or cytochromeb revealed that the two core proteins and cytochromeb were labeled in both mitochondria and submitochondrial particles, suggesting that these proteins span the membrane. Cytochromec1 and the iron sulfur protein were labeled in mitochondria but not in submitochondrial particles, suggesting that these proteins are exposed on the cytosolic side of the inner membrane. The steady-state reduction of cytochromesb andc1 was determined with succinate and the decyl analogue of coenzyme Q as substrates. Addition of the coenzyme Q analogue to mitochondria caused reduction of 15–30% of the total dithionite-reducibleb and 100% of the cytochromec1: Addition of the coenzyme Q analogue to submitochondrial particles led to the reduction of 70% of the total dithionite-reducible cytochromeb but insignificant amounts of cytochromec1. A model to explain the topography of Complex III in the inner membrane is proposed based on these results.
Krüppel-like zinc finger protein Gli-similar 2 (Glis2) represses transcription through interaction with C-terminal binding protein 1 (CtBP1).

Glis2 is a member of the Gli-similar (Glis) subfamily of Kruppel-like zinc finger transcription factors. It functions as an activator and repressor of gene transcription. To identify potential co-activators or co-repressors that mediate these actions of Glis2, we performed yeast two-hybrid analysis using Glis2 as bait. C-terminal binding protein 1 (CtBP1) was identified as one of the proteins that interact with Glis2. This interaction was confirmed by mammalian two-hybrid analysis. CtBP1 did not interact with other members of the Glis subfamily suggesting that this interaction is specific for Glis2. Pulldown analysis with GST-CtBP1 demonstrated that CtBP1 physically interacts with Glis2. Analysis of CtBP1 and Glis2 deletion mutants identified several regions important for this interaction. CtBP1 repressed transcriptional activation induced by Glis2(1-171). Repression by Glis2 appears to involve the recruitment of both CtBP1 and histone deacetylase 3 (HDAC3). Confocal microscopic analysis demonstrated that Glis2 localized to nuclear speckles while in most cells CtBP1 was found diffusely in both cytoplasm and nucleus. However, when CtBP1 and Glis2 were co-expressed, CtBP1 was restricted to nuclear speckles and co-localized with Glis2. Our observations suggest that the co-repressor CtBP1 and HDAC3 are part of transcription silencing complex that mediates the transcriptional repression by Glis2.
Dietary Protein Supplementation and Recovery from Femoral Fracture

A recent randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial found that protein supplementation improved recovery from femoral fractures in an elderly population. A 6-month course of protein supplementation (20 g/day, 5 days/week) improved serum prealbumin and insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I) concentrations, minimized bone loss, and decreased length of stay in rehabilitation facilities.
Intron Dynamics and the Evolution of Integrin β-Subunit Genes: Maintenance of an Ancestral Gene Structure in the Coral, Acropora millepora

We have determined the genomic structure of an integrin β-subunit gene from the coral, Acropora millepora. The coding region of the gene contains 26 introns, spaced relatively uniformly, and this is significantly more than have been found in any integrin β-subunit genes from higher animals. Twenty-five of the 26 coral introns are also found in a β-subunit gene from at least one other phylum, indicating that the coral introns are ancestral. While there are some suggestions of intron gain or sliding, the predominant theme seen in the homologues from higher animals is extensive intron loss. The coral baseline allows one to infer that a number of introns found in only one phylum of higher animals result from frequent intron loss, as opposed to the seemingly more parsimonious alternative of isolated intron gain. The patterns of intron loss confirm results from protein sequences that most of the vertebrate genes, with the exception of β4, belong to one of two β subunit families. The similarity of the patterns within each of the β1,2,7 and β3,5,6,8 groups indicates that these gene structures have been very stable since early vertebrate evolution. Intron loss has been more extensive in the invertebrate genes, and obvious patterns have yet to emerge in this more limited data set.
Interaction of anatase and rutile TiO2 particles in aqueous photooxidation

Abstract The interaction of anatase and rutile titanias was studied with various combinations of TiO 2 catalysts having different particle sizes and impurity contents by photodecomposition of phenol and formic acid. The reactivity of commercial Ishihara ST-series anatase titanias (95% TiO 2 ) increased with the increase of primary particle size (ST-01, 7 nm; ST-21, 20 nm; ST-41, 200 nm) and the decrease of surface area. Light extinction coefficients of the ST-series anatase TiO 2 ’s at the wavelength of 365 nm were about 1 order of magnitude lower than that of Kemira (KE) rutile TiO 2 having a surface area of 52 m 2 /g. Different interactions between anatase and rutile titanias were observed with the mixtures of the ST-series anatase TiO 2 ’s and KE rutile TiO 2 . When the irradiation field was dominated by the KE in the mixtures, these interactions inverted completely the order of activities of the ST-series catalysts in phenol photooxidation. The impurity distribution in particles of the Ishihara ST-series TiO 2 catalysts was proposed to explain the above phenomena. The different interactions between anatase and rutile TiO 2 particles were related to their relative Fermi levels prior to their contacting each other. Different interactions between Hombikat UV-100 anatase TiO 2 (HK, 99% TiO 2 ) and rutile-phase TiO 2 made from HK (HK_R) by heating were observed in phenol and formic acid photodegradations. The change of interaction between HK and HK_R was explained by the stronger hydrolyzation and weaker agglomeration of TiO 2 particles at lower pH values. The experiments done showed that the synergistic effect between anatase and rutile in Degussa P25 was not universal and it was related to the relative Fermi levels of anatase and rutile particles and the particle shape.
Cancer cachexia is transmissible in plasma

Abstract The cause of cancer cachexia is unclear. Tumors may be competing with the host for ingested nutrients or may be releasing some factor that actively inhibits energy utilization. To explore these questions, plasma was sterilely collected and pooled from 103 terminally cachectic Fischer 344 rats implanted with an experimental sarcoma. Control plasma was collected in similar fashion from 138 nontumor-bearing rats (NTBP). Plasma from tumor-bearing rats (TBP) or NTBP was continuously infused in a randomized, blinded fashion for 4 days into 20 normal rats. During infusion, food intake and nitrogen excretion were measured daily. At sacrifice, body weight and organ masses were determined. Rats receiving TBP demonstrated an immediate and profound anorexia compared with those receiving NTBP. Total food intake during treatment was 31.2 ± 3.3 (g ± SEM) in the TBP group versus 48.2 ± 2.8 in the NTBP group ( P t test). Likewise, the total decline in body weight was greater in the TBP group as compared with the NTBP group (−35.2 ± 3.4 versus −14.6 ± 4.0, P P
Central nervous system reorganization in a variety of chronic pain states: A review

Abstract Chronic pain can develop from numerous conditions and is one of the most widespread and disabling health problems today. Unfortunately, the pathophysiology of chronic pain in most of these conditions, along with consistently effective treatments, remain elusive. However, recent advances in neuroimaging and neurophysiology are rapidly expanding our understanding of these pain syndromes. It is now clear that substantial functional and structural changes, or plasticity, in the central nervous system (CNS) are associated with many chronic pain syndromes. A group of cortical and subcortical brain regions, often referred to as the "pain matrix," often show abnormalities on functional imaging studies in persons with chronic pain, even with different pain locations and etiologies. Changes in the motor and sensory homunculus also are seen. Some of these CNS changes return to a normal state with resolution of the pain. It is hoped that this knowledge will lead to more effective treatments or even new preventative measures. The purpose of this article is to review recent advances in the understanding of the CNS changes associated with chronic pain in a number of clinical entities encountered in the field of physical medicine and rehabilitation. These clinical entities include nonspecific low back pain, fibromyalgia, complex regional pain syndrome, postamputation phantom pain, and chronic pain after spinal cord injury.
Specification and implementation of an ISO session layer

This paper describes a novel technique for the specification and implementation of layered communication software. The technique is called Parallel Activity Specification Scheme (PASS) and is based on an extended-state machine model of protocol automata. It allows a convenient description of the communication behavior of concurrent systems and semiautomatic generation of programming language code from the specification. The first large-scale experience gained with this technique was in the specification and implementation of an ISO session layer. The code generation process and the embedding of the session code into a portable OSI operating system environment are described in detail.
Normal anatomy of the neck with CT and MR imaging correlation

Knowledge of normal anatomy is the cornerstone for understanding pathologic processes. Often, the most difficult task for a radiologist is differentiating normal structures from pathology. There are many ways to organize a discussion of the normal anatomy in the neck. This article is organized by organ system, with an additional discussion of triangles, fascia, and spaces. Important normal variants are also discussed.
Coulomb-gauge electrodynamics analysis of two-photon exchange in electron-atom scattering. II. Interaction at all distances beyond atomic dimensions.

We follow up on our previous analysis of the two-photon exchange potential in the scattering of a light point-charged particle by a neutral system (electron-atom scattering) by examining all the time-ordered Feynman diagrams involved. In a close parallel with the work of J. F. Babb and L. Spruch [Phys. Rev. A 36, 456 (1987)] on Rydberg states of helium, the present analysis on scattering is valid for all distances larger than the atomic radius (Rga). In the dipole approximation, we reproduce the potential obtained by G. Feinberg and J. Sucher [Phys. Rev. A 27, 1958 (1983)] using a more powerful covariant field-dispersion-theory technique. We give simple expressions for the additional nonadiabatic and multipole corrections in the two-Coulomb-photon exchange channel and also give the lowest nonadiabatic and energy-dependent corrections to the retardation potentials. These potentials are valid for all Rga. The implication of these additional correction potentials in the study of heliumlike Rydberg states is briefly discussed.
Characterization of Integrated Functionally Gradient Syntactic Foams

Light weight high strength composites can be obtained by reinforcing resin with fillers such as hollow or solid particles and fibers. Composites were fabricated using microballoons (hollow particles) called syntactic foams. These foams can be used in various low density applications such as buoyancy aid materials for deep sea exploration and aerospace vehicles. These foams are usually utilized as light weight core materials for sandwich structures. The present study explores the procedure to fabricate functionally gradient syntactic foams (FGSFs) and further analyze their mechanical properties. The FGSFs produced are gradient structures consisting of four layers with four different types of microballoons, namely, S22, S32, S38, and K46, each having different wall thickness. The volume fraction of all microballoons is maintained constant at 60% to maintain light weight structures. Several FGSF specimens having similar density are fabricated with different layer arrangements. The different layers are integrated before major solidification takes place. Quasistatic compression testing is then performed on the cured FGSF samples using MTS-810 servohydraulic machine. Compressive strength and energy absorption values for each arrangement are compared. The stress plateau in integrated FGSF composites extends from 10% to 60% strain compared with plain syntactic foams, The integrated FGSF shows increment in yield strength and energy absorption compared with adhesively bonded FGSF. It is found that the compressive strength and energy absorption of integrated FGSF composites can be varied based on arrangement of the layers.
Three-dimensional finite elements with embedded strong discontinuities to model failure in electromechanical coupled materials

Abstract This paper presents new finite elements with embedded strong discontinuities to model failure in three dimensional electromechanical coupled materials. Following the strong discontinuity approach for plane electromechanical problems, the coupled boundary value problem is decomposed into a continuous global part and into a discontinuous local part where strong discontinuities in the displacement field and electric potential are introduced. Those are incorporated into general three-dimensional brick finite elements through nine mechanical separation modes and three new electrical separation modes. All the local enhanced parameters related to those modes can be statically condensed out on the element level, yielding a computationally efficient framework to model failure in electromechanical coupled materials. Impermeable electric boundary conditions are assumed along the strong discontinuities. Their initiation and orientation is detected through a configurational force driven failure criterion. A marching cubes based crack propagation concept is used to obtain smooth failure surfaces in the three dimensional problems of interest. Several representative numerical simulations are included and compared with experimental results of failure in piezoelectric ceramics to outline the performance of the new finite elements.
Oil accumulation is controlled by carbon precursor supply for fatty acid synthesis in Chlamydomonas reinhardtii

Microalgal oils have attracted much interest as potential feedstocks for renewable fuels, yet our understanding of the regulatory mechanisms controlling oil biosynthesis and storage in microalgae is rather limited. Using Chlamydomonas reinhardtii as a model system, we show here that starch, rather than oil, is the dominant storage sink for reduced carbon under a wide variety of conditions. In short-term treatments, significant amounts of oil were found to be accumulated concomitantly with starch only under conditions of N starvation, as expected, or in cells cultured with high acetate in otherwise standard growth medium. Time-course analysis revealed that oil accumulation under N starvation lags behind that of starch and rapid oil synthesis occurs only when carbon supply exceeds the capacity of starch synthesis. In the starchless mutant BAFJ5, blocking starch synthesis results in significant increases in the extent and rate of oil accumulation. In the parental strain, but not the starchless mutant, oil accumulation under N starvation was strictly dependent on the available external acetate supply and the amount of oil increased steadily as the acetate concentration increased to the levels several-fold higher than that of the standard growth medium. Additionally, oil accumulation under N starvation is saturated at low light intensities and appears to be largely independent of de novo protein synthesis. Collectively, our results suggest that carbon availability is a key metabolic factor controlling oil biosynthesis and carbon partitioning between starch and oil in Chlamydomonas.
Research Fellowship Programs as a Pathway for Training Independent Clinical Pharmacy Scientists

The American College of Clinical Pharmacy (ACCP) Research Affairs Committee published a commentary in 2013 on training clinical pharmacy scientists in the context of changes in economic, professional, political, and research environments. The commentary centered on the opportunities for pharmacists in clinical/translational research including strategies for ACCP, colleges of pharmacy, and the profession to increase the number and impact of clinical pharmacy scientists. A postdoctoral fellowship is cited as a current training pathway, capable of producing independent and productive pharmacy researchers. However, a decline in the number of programs, decreased funding availability, and variability in fellowship program activities and research focus have brought into question the relevance of this research training pathway to meet demand and opportunities. In response to these points, this commentary examines the state of research fellowship training including the current ACCP research fellowship review process, the need for standardization of research fellowship programs, and strategies to strengthen and promote research fellowships as relevant researcher training pathways.
High-sensitivity, wide-dynamic-range avalanche photodiode pixel design for large-scale imaging arrays

We present a detailed design study for a novel solid-state focal plane array of silicon avalanche photodiodes (APDs), with each detector in the array capable of operating with wide dynamic range in linear or Geiger-mode. The detector array is based on back-illuminated, crystallographically etched, (100) epitaxial silicon on R-plane sapphire substrates using 27 µm pixels, although other sizes could be supported as well. Analysis of the APD pixel design, which includes the photoelectron noise, dark current noise, and electronic circuit noise, shows the capability of imaging with a signal-to-noise ratio greater than 7 at −30 °C and ultralow illuminance of 10−4 lux. The detector array design will enable large focal planes, capable of imaging with high sensitivity and high speed, over a wide range of natural illumination conditions from direct sunlight to a cloudy moonless night.
The glucagonoma syndrome and its management

The glucagonoma syndrome occurs in some but not all patients with a benign or malignant islet cell tumor and hyperglucagonemia. Manifestations may include anemia, diabetes mellitus, pruritic skin rash, glossitis, stomatitis, weight loss, diarrhea, flexible fingernails, venous thromboses, low plasma amino acid levels, and coarse folds of the jejunum and ileum. Most patients are postmenopausal women, but men and women ages 40 to 65 have been affected. The course is variable depending upon the nature of the underlying tumor. Twenty-two cases of probable glucagonoma syndrome have been reported; twelve documented with glucagon levels. The hyperglucagonemia results from elevation of the proglucagon and true glucagon immunoreactive fractions of pancreatic glucagon. Management of the rash can be accomplished rarely with topical or systemic antibiotics or corticosteroids. If the tumor is resectable, surgery reverses the syndrome. Patients with metastatic disease have responded to streptozotocin and DTIC.
Use of Transalveolar Sutures to Maintain Vestibular Depth and Manipulate Keratinized Tissue Following Alveolar Ridge Reduction and Implant Placement for Mandibular Prosthesis

Reconstruction of the totally edentulous patient with dental implants has become routine treatment with predictable outcomes. Firm keratinized tissue surrounding the implants and adequate vestibular depth are among the determining factors for long-term implant success. In the staged approach of mandibular implant reconstruction, adequate vestibular depth and attached gingiva surrounding the implants can be readily established at the time of implant placement or when the implants are uncovered. However, when extractions and necessary mandibular ridge reduction to create adequate width are performed immediately before implant placement, maintaining adequate keratinized tissue around the implants and preventing prolapse of the vestibule can present a challenging situation. This report presents a technique that allows the surgeon to stabilize vestibular depth and at the same time position the flaps around the implants and preserve the attached gingiva.
High gain lightweight array for harmonic portable RFID radar

Single fed, high gain and lightweight patch arrays of size 12"×9" are designed and proposed for integration with a harmonic portable RFID radar so as to track the behavioral patterns of invasive Emerald Ash Borer insect. Serial interconnections of the array elements are tapered in order to suppress sidelobe level. With these additions, the proposed harmonic insect tracking radar system offers new features like improved portability, cost effectiveness and ease of fabrication as well as inheriting the attributes like low power output and novel tiny tag from [4]. A prototype of the system is built and is expected to detect a tag of size 9.5 mm × 9.5 mm (0.19⋋ 0 × 0.19⋋ 0 ) up to more than 190 feet when the unit transmits 0.1W with newly developed 22 dBi transmit and 21 dBi receive patch antennas operating at 5.9/11.8 GHz, respectively.