cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The hydrography of the Broadkill River estuary, Delaware

The hydrography of the Broadkill River, a narrow, shallow estuary in southeastern Delaware, was studied from July, 1966, through February, 1971. Measurements of current velocity, tide stage, salinity, water temperature, dissolved oxygen, pH, and turbidity were made at several stations along the course of the estuary. The Broadkill River has characteristics of both a partially-mixed and a well-mixed estuary. During normal runoff the system discharges 1.3×105 m3 of freshwater seaward per tidal cycle. The flushing time of the entire system increases from 10.3 tidal cycles during high runoff to 24.2 tidal cycles during low runoff.
Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Study of Relaxation and Temperature Biofeedback Training as an Adjunctive Therapy'

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a painful systemic disease and is believed to be exacerbated by stress. Relaxation and biofeedback strategies have demonstrated utility in alleviating both pain and stress-related symptomatology, and therefore were tested for efficacy with this disease in a two-phase study. First, 24 patients were taught a relaxation technique and then trained in either temperature elevation or reduction. Second, a group of 15 patients thus trained was compared with 8 others who received traditional physiotherapy modalities. Psychological tests, functional/physical evaluations, as well as measurements related to pain, sleep, and other activities were carried out. Results of the first study revealed significant and positive changes following treatment that were primarily related to pain, tension, and sleep patterns for both groups, but no differential effects were noted between temperature elevation or reduction conditions. This was attributed to both groups having maintained temperature above baseline during biofeedback training. The results of the second study consistently favored the relaxation and biofeedback over the physiotherapy group on the physical/functional indices. The psychological measures tended to remain constant throughout both studies, leading to the conclusion that the effectiveness of treatment was specific to physical functioning rather than to a psychological enhancement of well-being.
Quantitative Analysis of Previous Research on Use of Evaluation

The study reports effect-size computations for previous quantitative studies of the use of information on program evaluation, with a view toward identifying patterns in previous results and possible directions for further research. It is suggested that more non-simulation studies and more studies using non-university samples are needed. Studies investigating the possible influences of context on use of evaluation are also needed. Although this literature is still emerging, such research may eventually provide guidance for more effective evaluative practices.
Implementation of a Monte Carlo code on a parallel computer system

Abstract This paper reports the implementation of the EGS4 (Electron Gamma Shower version 4) Monte Carlo code system on a multiple-transputer system, the Edinburgh Concurrent Supercomputer (ECS). Basic aspects of running Monte Carlo calculations on parallel computer are described including distribution of random number seeds to the individual processes. Based on an independent task farm topology, an existing EGS4 usercode, DOSIMETER, which can be used to calculate the absorbed dose in cylindrical dosimeters placed in cubic phantoms, has been re-written for running on the ECS. The parallelised code consists of three sequential programmes: 1. (1) a ‘control’ process to generate tasks; 2. (2) a number of ‘simulation’ processes to consume tasks and to generate results; and 3. (3) an ‘analysis’ process to collect and to analyse results. A linear increase in computing speed has been achieved with the number of ‘simulation’ transputers used on the ECS. The basic techniques used in this work are also suitable for the implementation of the Monte Carlo code on other parallel computer systems which the implementation of the Monte Carlo code on other parallel computer systems which have similar operational structures as the ECS.
A trap for in situ cultivation of filamentous actinobacteria

Abstract The approach of growing microorganisms in situ, or in a simulated natural environment is appealing, and different versions of it have been described by several groups. The major difficulties with these approaches are that they are not selective for actinomycetes — a group of gram-positive bacteria well known as a rich source of antibiotics. In order to efficiently access actinomycetes, a trap for specifically capturing and cultivating these microorganisms in situ has been developed, based on the ability of these bacteria to form hyphae and penetrate solid environments. The trap is formed by two semi-permeable membranes (0.2–0.6 μm pore-size bottom membrane and 0.03 μm pore-size top membrane) glued to a plastic washer with sterile agar or gellan gum inside. The trap is placed on top of soil, and filamentous microorganisms selectively penetrate into the device and form colonies. Decreasing the size of the pores of the lower membrane to 0.2 μm restricted penetration of fungi. The trap produced more filamentous actinobacteria, and a higher variety of them, as compared to a conventional Petri dish cultivation from the same soil sample. Importantly, the trap cultivation resulted in the isolation of unusual and rare actinomycetes.
Overlay target selection for 20-nm process on A500 LCM

WORDS) Persistently shrinking design rules and increasing process complexity require tight overlay control thereby making it imperative to choose the most suitable overlay measurement technique and complementary target design. In this paper we describe an assessment of various target designs from FEOL to BEOL on 20-nm process. Both scatterometry and imaging based methodology were reviewed for several key layers on A500LCM tool, which enables the use of both technologies. Different sets of targets were carefully designed and printed, taking into consideration the process and optical properties of each layer. The optimal overlay target for a given layer was chosen based on its measurement performance.
Pollutant dynamics as influenced by seagrass beds: experiments with tributyltin in thalassia microcosms

Abstract Seagrass beds are highly productive ecosystems whose leaves and sediments provide considerable surface area for interactions with seawater; thus, they may be foci for the sorption, accumulation and degradation of pollutants. The fate of the potent biocide tributyltin (TBT) in water that passes through seagrasses and over sediments was studied in marine microcosms containing sediment cores from a subtropical seagrass bed (including Thalassia testudinum and associated fauna) and seawater. Over 3 or 6 weeks, 48 of these microcosms were dosed weekly for 24 h with 14 C-labelled TBT at three different doses (initial concentrations of 0·2, 2 and 20 μg TBT + liter −1 ) and flushed with flowing seawater between dose periods. The TBT was rapidly removed from the water column (half times of 10–20 h), primarily through adsorption onto sediments and seagrass leaves. By contrast, 12 microcosms that received similar TBT doses but that contained only seawater had TBT removal half times of 2–7 days. Accumulation of TBT in sediments and grasses was temporary, however; at harvest, the seagrass microcosms contained just 20–30% of the 14 C that had been adsorbed or assimilated during dose periods, and half of this label was in degradation products. The principal mechanism of TBT loss from solids was degradation followed by desorption of degradation products (largely monobutyltin and CO 2 , which are more soluble than TBT). Despite relatively rapid TBT degradation, TBT accumulated in fauna; at harvest, 2–6% of the 14 C in microcosms was in invertebrates. Thus seagrass beds can be viewed as foci for the concentration of TBT, as processors of TBT to less toxic degradation products, and as vectors for distribution of TBT through coastal food chains.
Behavioral correlates of the thalamic gustatory area.

Abstract Fine wire electrodes were guided into the vicinity of the thalamic gustatory area by recording multi-unit responses to thermal and gustatory stimulation of the tongue. The electrodes were permanently implanted and retested with similar stimuli approximately one month postoperatively. After the electrophysiological test, each electrode was tested for self-stimulation, escape and evoked behavior. Intracranial electrical stimulation more frequently elicited mouth movements from electrodes which recorded responses to tongue stimulation, than those which did not. Only a small proportion of the electrodes which recorded responses to cold water, or to cold water and NaCl were aversive when tested for escape behavior. All the electrodes responding only to NaCl were aversive. None of the positively reinforcing electrodes responded to tongue stimuli.
Oral conjugated equine estrogen increases plasma von Willebrand factor in postmenopausal women.

Abstract Objectives We sought to test whether one month of daily oral conjugated equine estrogen (CEE) or transdermal estradiol alters hemostatic factors in postmenopausal subjects. Background Estrogen replacement therapy and hormonal replacement therapy (HRT) effect an early increase in cardiovascular events in postmenopausal women. Circulating plasma von Willebrand factor (vWF) antigen is a marker of generalized endothelial dysfunction and atherothrombosis. Methods Thirty-eight healthy postmenopausal women (average 59 ± 7 years) were randomized to receive daily oral CEE, 0.625 mg (n = 21); transdermal estradiol, 0.1 mg/day (n = 7); or oral placebo (n = 10) for one month. Blood samples were collected at baseline and after two weeks and four weeks of therapy for measurement of circulating plasma hormones, lipid concentrations, and hemostatic factors. Results Oral CEE decreased total cholesterol (p d -dimer antigen did not vary significantly in any group. However, oral CEE users had a significant increase in vWF from baseline to four weeks (p Conclusions These data suggest that the oral CEE-mediated increase in plasma vWF may have clinical relevance given the early atherothrombotic effects of HRT in postmenopausal women.
Modeling the temperature response of nitrification

To model nitrification rates in soils, it is necessary to have equations that accurately describe the effect of environmental variables on nitrification rates. A variety of equations have been used previously to describe the effect of temperature on rates of microbial processes. It is not clear which of these best describes the influence of temperature on nitrification rates in soil. I compared five equations for describing the effects of temperature on nitrification in two soils with very different temperature optima from a California oak woodland-annual grassland. The most appropriate equation depended on the range of temperatures being evaluated. A generalized Poisson density function best described temperature effects on nitrification rates in both soils over the range of 5 to 50 °C; however, the Arrhenius equation best described temperature effects over the narrower range of soil temperatures that normally occurs in the ecosystem (5 to 28 °C). Temperature optima for nitrification in most of the soils were greater than even the highest soil temperatures recorded at the sites. A model accounting for increased maintenance energy requirements at higher temperatures demonstrates how net energy production, rather than the gross energy production from nitrification, is maximized during adaptation by nitrifier populations to soil temperatures.
In Vitro Validation of Duct Differentiation in Developing Embryonic Mouse Pancreas

Abstract Background. Early embryonic pancreatic epithelia have the capacity for either endocrine or exocrine lineage commitment. Recent studies demonstrated the pluripotential nature of these undifferentiated cells. Isolated pancreatic epithelia grown under the renal capsule formed primarily islets. However, when these same epithelia were grown in a basement-membrane-rich gel (Matrigel) they formed mostly ducts. Currently, there is no model for in vitro pancreatic duct formation and therefore, the mechanism of duct morphogenesis has never been described. The purpose of this study was to provide such a model by characterizing the expression of two duct markers, carbonic anhydrase II (CAII) and the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR), in isolated undifferentiated pancreatic epithelia grown in vitro. Materials and methods. We microdissected embryonic pancreases at Embryonic Days (E)9.5–11.5 and performed RT-PCR for CAII and CFTR on E9.5 whole pancreases, E10.5 and E11.5 epithelia, as well as E11.5 epithelia grown for 7 days in Matrigel. Next we performed in situ hybridization for CAII and CFTR and immunohistochemistry for CAII on E11.5 epithelia grown for 7 days in Matrigel. Results. Early, undifferentiated embryonic pancreatic epithelium does not express CAII and CFTR by RT-PCR. When E11.5 epithelia were grown for 7 days in Matrigel, however, gene expression for both markers is upregulated as ducts form. Furthermore, CAII was seen by IHC and both CAII and CFTR were seen by in situ hybridization in the ducts after 7 days in Matrigel. Conclusions. These data validate our in vitro system as a model for studying the mechanism of normal pancreatic duct differentiation and may potentially help us to understand the faulty mechanism involved in pancreatic ductal carcinogenesis.
Pathologic vascularity of renal angiomyolipoma: cast corrosion and angiographic study.

Abstract Angiomyolipomas of the kidney at times have been preoperatively identified by the interlobar or interlobular artery aneurysms in the early vascular phase of renal arteriograms. A case report is presented in which a plastic cast corrosion technique was used postnephrectomy to demonstrate the presence of aneurysms identified angiographically prior to surgery. Portions of a cast corrosion model of a hypernephroma are also exhibited to compare and contrast pathologic vascular features of both types of tumors.
Viscoelastic stresses in a composite system

A large number of composite materials are polyphase systems in which one phase exhibits time-dependent properties. This paper presents an analysis of the stress redistribution in such a viscoelastic material system under the influence of applied external loads. In order to perform this study an appropriate idealized model, a series of which would tend to approximate the composition of a polyphase material, is formulated. The solution of the time-dependent stress field is obtained by applying the “correspondence principle” to the elastic stress field solution which, for the selected model, has previously been obtained in numerical form. Application of the solution to a model of an actual polyphase composite material system yields results which clearly indicate that, under certain normally encountered conditions of external loading, the principal stresses in certain areas of such a system will increase significantly with time.
Postinstability models in elasticity

It is demonstrated that the instability caused by the failure of hyperbolicity in elasticity and associated with the problem of unpredictability in classical mechanics expresses the incompleteness of the original model of an elastic medium. The instability as well as the ill-posedness of the Cauchy problem are eliminated by reformulating the original model.
Characterization of an ethylene-regulated flower senescence-related gene from carnation

The programmed senescence of carnation (Dianthus caryophyllus L.) petals requires active gene expression and is associated with the expression of several senescence-related mRNAs. Expression of the mRNA represented by the cDNA clone pSR12 has previously been shown to be transcriptionally activated by ethylene specifically in senescing flowers. We report in this paper the structural analysis of this cDNA and its corresponding gene. One cloned genomic DNA fragment, SR12-B, contained the entire transcription unit in 17 exons, interrupted by 16 introns. A second gene, SR12-A, was highly homologous to SR12-B with several nucleotide substitutions and a 489 bp deletion in the 5′ flanking DNA sequence. The SR12 transcript has an open reading frame of 2193 pb sufficient to encode a protein of 82.8 kDa. No significant homology at the DNA or protein levels was found with other known gene. We have identified a DNA-binding factor which specifically interacts with two upstream fragments (-149 to -337 and -688 to -1055) of SR12-B. Both fragments apparently compete for the same binding factor. The DNA-binding activity was present in nuclear extracts from both presenescent and senescing carnation petals. The upstream DNA fragments that bind this factor have sequence homology with promoter sequences of other ethylene-regulated genes.
Theory for the design of apparatus for drying frozen tissues

A general theory for the design of apparatus for the low temperature drying of frozen tissues has been developed. Using this theory it is possible to compute drying rates for different materials in different apparatuses and to design an apparatus suitable for the required purpose. It is shown that for the drying of animal tissues in the laboratory, where the area is small, the requirements of the apparatus are not particularly critical. The same theory applied to the drying of biologicals and plasma indicates that the design is exceedingly critical and suggests directions in which existing apparatus might be modified.
Analytical and numerical modeling of columnar evolution in thin films

A theory for the growth of columnar microstructure in thin films is presented. The zone II columnar microstructure is shown to result from a balance between shadowing (which results in zone I microstructures) and surface diffusion (which tends to smooth the surface). The zone I to zone II transition temperature is predicted together with the type of unstable modes. The surface morphology and the columnar grain structure are obtained both analytically and numerically. The scaling behavior of the grain size with film thickness is derived. Monte Carlo computer simulations follow the temporal evolution of three‐dimensional zone II microstructures, and account for growth competition between adjacent grains, and the formation of film texture. These results agree with experimental data.
ALOHA performs optimal power control in Poisson networks

This paper studies power control strategies in interference-limited wireless networks with Poisson distributed nodes. We focus on the case where each transmitter knows its distance to its desired receiver but does not know the topology of the rest of the network. We study three sets of strategies: the single-node optimal power control (SNOPC) strategy, the Nash equilibriumpower control (NEPC) strategy, and the globally optimal power control (GOPC) strategy. SNOPC strategies maximize the expected throughput of the power controllable link given that all the other transmitters do not use power control. Under NEPC strategies, no individual node of the network can achieve a higher expected throughput by unilaterally deviating from these strategies. The GOPC strategy maximizes the throughput of a typical node in the network. This paper shows that under mean and peak power constraints at each transmitter, all of the three strategies are ALOHA-type random on-off power control policies in bipolar networks. For links of iid random distances, we show both SNOPC and NEPC strategies are ALOHA-type random on-off policies. These results suggest that ALOHA can be viewed not only as a MAC scheme but also as an efficient and stable power control scheme.
Case 166: Metastatic Left Pulmonary Artery Sarcoma

This case highlights the overlapping findings in the region of the great mediastinal vessels, between lymphadenopathy, pulmonary embolism, tumor embolism, and pulmonary artery sarcoma, all of which are hypermetabolic at PET and can have similar CT characteristics.
The Boundary Layer Response to Recent Arctic Sea Ice Loss and Implications for High-Latitude Climate Feedbacks

Abstract This study documents and evaluates the boundary layer and energy budget response to record low 2007 sea ice extents in the Community Atmosphere Model version 4 (CAM4) using 1-day observationally constrained forecasts and 10-yr runs with a freely evolving atmosphere. While near-surface temperature and humidity are minimally affected by sea ice loss in July 2007 forecasts, near-surface stability decreases and atmospheric humidity increases aloft over newly open water in September 2007 forecasts. Ubiquitous low cloud increases over the newly ice-free Arctic Ocean are found in both the July 2007 and the September 2007 forecasts. In response to the 2007 sea ice loss, net surface [top of the atmosphere (TOA)] energy budgets change by +19.4 W m−2 (+21.0 W m−2) and −17.9 W m−2 (+1.4 W m−2) in the July 2007 and September 2007 forecasts, respectively. While many aspects of the forecasted response to sea ice loss are consistent with physical expectations and available observations, CAM4’s ubiquitous July 20...
Super-active forms of placental lactogen and prolactin

Abstract Both placental lactogen and prolactin can be converted into super-active forms. These super-active hormones, in combination with insulin and hydrocortisone, stimulate accumulation of α-lactalbumin and increase RNA synthesis in explants from mouse mammary glands to an extent greater than the maximal level obtained with the native hormones. Also, they are able to stimulate RNA synthesis by suspensions of mammary epithelial cells which have lost the ability to respond to native lactogen and prolactin.
Studies with Fish Meal as the Sole Source of Protein for the Growing Chick 1. Effect of Different Supplements on Growth and Feed Efficiency

Abstract FISH meal is highly regarded as a protein source for the growing chick. It is often described as a balanced protein capable of producing the maximum rate of growth as the sole source of protein for the chick. Little, if any, evidence is available that could be used to support such a claim. There is much more evidence that growth rate of chicks fed fish meal as the sole protein source is suboptimal. It has been known for sometime (Maynard and Tunison, 1932; Schneider, 1932) that improper processing methods caused a decrease in protein quality of fish meals. Studies with fish meal involving its use as a supplemental protein have usually shown it to be of high nutritional value. In studies when fish meal was the only source of protein, results indicating low biological value related to processing may have been caused by imbalances of amino acids or other factors.
Abstract 3298: Structure-based computer-aided drug design to discover novel small molecules that target brain tumor stem cells

INTRODUCTION. Malignant glioma is one of the most lethal diseases in adulthood and remains refractory to the current therapies including chemoradiotherapies. The cancer stem cell theory dictates that brain tumor stem-like cells (BTSC) account for such intractability of malignant glioma. Recently, several molecularly-targeted therapies have demonstrated a varying degree of success in treatment of cancers including leukemia and breast cancer. In this study, we sought to determine the key kinases that regulate survival, self-renewal, and proliferation of BTSC, and to design novel small molecules by using the structure-based computantional modeling system. RESULTS. With the neurosphere cultures derived from our glioma patients, we identified 3 kinases that play vital roles in survival and/or proliferation of BTSC in vitro; Fibroblast Growth Factor Receptor 1, Aurora kinase B, and Maternal Embryonic Leucine-zipper Kinase. Structure-based computational modeling allowed us to perform in silico docking of various small molecule candidates to these kinases. As a result, four novel small molecules demonstrated highly specific targeting of the key structural elements of these kinases. We then synthesized these identified candidate compounds and confirmed their in vitro inhibition of the targeting kinase activities. Finally, we will also present our data about the treatment effect with these compounds on the in vitro BTSC growth and the in vivo tumor growth. CONCLUSION. Structure-based drug design will likely open up a new avenue to discover novel anti-cancer stem cell agents that can selectively target the key kinases in BTSC, leading to the growth arrest of malignant glioma. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 102nd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2011 Apr 2-6; Orlando, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2011;71(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 3298. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2011-3298
Economics of residential crowding in developing countries

Residential crowding is one of the most noticeable problems of housing in developing countries. Crowding in these countries is characterized by two important phenomena. First, a room is usually shared by more than two persons. Second, a single dwelling unit is occupied by more than one household. In developed countries, residential crowding was widely observed in their early industrial cities, but is no longer common. Yet, it constitutes a housing problem for their low-income groups. A typical policy objective addressed to residential crowding in both developed and developing countries is the provision of a single dwelling unit for every household. For instance, in the United Kingdom the 1945 housing white paper stated that ‘the government's first objective is to afford a 'this analysis is part of a study of the Korean housing market sponsored by the World Bank. Primary credit is due to Gill-Chin Lim and James Follain in this paper. Helpful comments have been received from David Bradford, James Trussel, and Bryan Brown. An earlier version of this paper was presented at the Second Conference on Major International Economic Issues, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, and February 1979.
Understanding metallic and ionic contamination in photovoltaic wet chemistries from chemical delivery systems

As photovoltaic cell manufacturers strive to improve yield and cell efficiency it is increasingly important to carefully select the materials of construction used in chemical delivery systems. Low purity materials of construction are prone not only to chemical degradation but they also contribute metallic and ionic contaminates into critical high purity process chemistries.
Papillary cystadenoma of the upper lip. Report of a case.

Abstract It was thought that the lesion in the foregoing case may have had its origin from ducts of minor salivary glands or possibly from remnant apocrine gland structures.
African and North American populations of Drosophila melanogaster are very different at the DNA level

Understanding genetic evolution within species requires an accurate description of variation within and between populations and the ability to distinguish between the potential causes of an observed distribution of variation. In the cosmopolitan species Drosophila melanogaster, previous studies suggested that gene flow within and between continents is extensive and that most of the nuclear gene variation is found within, rather than among, populations. Here we present evidence that a population from Zimbabwe is more than twice as variable as those from the United States of America at the DNA sequence level, that most variants are not shared between the two geographic regions, and that there are nearly fixed differences between the Zimbabwe and USA samples in genomic regions experiencing low recombination rates. It appears that there is an unappreciated degree of population structure in D. melanogaster and that equilibrium models of molecular evolution are inappropriate for this species.
Unraveling the auditory system of Drosophila

Acoustic communication in flies is based on the production and perception of courtship song. Drosophila males sing to females during the courtship ritual, while females listen for the correct species-specific song parameters before deciding to mate. While we know that song is important for mating, the neural mechanisms involved in song recognition remain mysterious. However, the last few years have seen major advances in our understanding of the auditory system of Drosophila, including delineation of the neurons involved in song production, detailed characterization of the auditory receptor organ, and mapping of auditory projections into the brain. The stage is being set to tackle the auditory system of Drosophila in much the same way as has been done for its olfactory system. This review covers recent work and discusses prospects for future research on Drosophila audition.
A current review of olanzapine's safety in the geriatric patient: from pre‐clinical pharmacology to clinical data

Objective Olanzapine (OLZ) is unique among currently available antipsychotic medications in its antagonism of a range of receptor systems including dopamine, norepinephrine, serotonin, acetylcholine, and histamine. Olanzapine's mechanistic complexity provides a broad efficacy profile in patients with schizophrenia and acute, pure or mixed mania. Patients experience symptomatic relief of mania, anxiety, hallucinations, delusions, and agitation/aggression and reduced depressive, negative, and some cognitive symptoms. This paper will review the safety profile of OLZ, focusing on the elderly, where data are available.Method Preclinical and clinical studies of OLZ are reviewed, with emphasis on its possible effects on the cholinergic system and the histamine 11, receptor. Weight change and related metabolic considerations, cardiac and cardiovascular safety, and motor function during treatment with OLZ are also reviewed.Results and Conclusion In vitro receptor characterization methods, when done using physiologically relevant conditions allow accurate prediction Of the relatively low rate of anticholinergic-like adverse events, extrapyramidal symptoms, and cardiovascular adverse events during treatment with OLZ. Currently available clinical data suggest olanzapine is predictably safe in treating adult patterns of any age with schizophrenia and acute bipolar mania, as well as in treatment of patients with some type, of neurodegenerative disorders. Copyright (C) 2001 John Wiley Sons, Ltd.
The Role of Container Technology in Reproducible Computer Systems Research

Evaluating experimental results in the field of computer systems is a challenging task, mainly due to the many changes in software and hardware that computational environments go through. In this position paper, we analyze salient features of container technology that, if leveraged correctly, can help reduce the complexity of reproducing experiments in systems research. We present a use case in the area of distributed storage systems to illustrate the extensions that we envision, mainly in terms of container management infrastructure. We also discuss the benefits and limitations of using containers as a way of reproducing research in other areas of experimental systems research.
Partitioning of Rhodanese onto GroEL CHAPERONIN BINDS A REVERSIBLY OXIDIZED FORM DERIVED FROM THE NATIVE PROTEIN

Abstract The mammalian mitochondrial enzyme, rhodanese, can form stable complexes with the Escherichia colichaperonin GroEL if it is either refolded from 8 m urea in the presence of chaperonin or is simply added to the chaperonin as the folded conformer at 37 °C. In the presence of GroEL, the kinetic profile of the inactivation of native rhodanese followed a single exponential decay. Initially, the inactivation rates showed a dependence on the chaperonin concentration but reached a constant maximum value as the GroEL concentration increased. Over the same time period, in the absence of GroEL, native rhodanese showed only a small decline in activity. The addition of a non-denaturing concentration of urea accelerated the inactivation and partitioning of rhodanese onto GroEL. These results suggest that the GroEL chaperonin may facilitate protein unfolding indirectly by interacting with intermediates that exist in equilibrium with native rhodanese. The activity of GroEL-bound rhodanese can be completely recovered upon addition of GroES and ATP. The reactivation kinetics and commitment rates for GroEL-rhodanese complexes prepared from either unfolded or native rhodanese were identical. However, when rhodanese was allowed to inactivate spontaneously in the absence of GroEL, no recovery of activity was observed upon addition of GroEL, GroES, and ATP. Interestingly, the partitioning of rhodanese and its subsequent inactivation did not occur when native rhodanese and GroEL were incubated under anaerobic conditions. Thus, our results strongly suggest that the inactive intermediate that partitions onto GroEL is the reversibly oxidized form of rhodanese.
The influence of modified intermetallics and Si particles on fatigue crack paths in a cast A356 Al alloy

r Mechanical fatigue tests were conducted on uniaxial specimens machined from a cast A356-T6 aluminium alloy plate at total strain amplitudes ranging from 0.1 to 0.8% (R = - 1). The cast alloy contains strontium-modified silicon particles (vol. fract. ∼6%) within an Al-Si eutectic, dispersed a intermetallic particles, Al 15 (Fe,Mn) 3 Si 2 (vol. fract. ∼1%), and an extremely low overall volume fraction of porosity (0.01%). During the initial stages of the fatigue process, we observed that a small semicircular fatigue crack propagated almost exclusively through the Al-1% Si dendrite cells. The small crack avoided the modified silicon particles in the Al-Si eutectic and only propagated along the a intermetallics if they were directly in line with the crack plane. These growth characteristics were observed up to a maximum stress intensity factor of ∼K tr max = 7.0 MPa m 1/2 (maximum plastic zone size of 96 μm). When the fatigue crack propagated with a maximum crack tip driving force above 7.0 MPa m 1/2 the larger fatigue crack tip process zone fractured an increased number of silicon particles and a intermetallics ahead of the crack tip, and the crack subsequently propagated preferentially through the damaged regions. As the crack tip driving force further increased, the area fraction of damaged a intermetallics and silicon particles on the fatigue fracture surfaces also increased. The final stage of failure (fast fracture) was observed to occur almost exclusively through the Al-Si eutectic regions and the a intermetallics.
A new stereospecific annulation

Abstract A new, high yield, two-step annulation method has been developed which features stereospecific formation of three contiguous asymmetric centers.
Rapid Diffuse Penetration of Intact Enamel and Dentin by Carbon 14-Labeled Urea

Attention has been focused upon the pos­ sibility of a caries inhibiting effect of urea by the observation of Stephan1 that acid formation under plaques is de­ creased following the use of a urea mouthwash. Urea was found by Kesel, O ’Donnell, Kirch, and Wach2 to en­ hance the inhibitory action of dibasic ammonium phosphate on lactobacillus growth in cultures and the reduction of salivary lactobacillus counts of caries active individuals. The fllinois group re­ lated the effect of urea and dibasic am­ monium phosphate to the release of ammonium ions, which in the case of urea is aided by the presence of small amounts of urease in the oral environ­ ment. More recently, reduction of caries incidence has been reported after home use of a 21 per cent urea mouthwash3 and an ammoniated dentifrice with a high urea content.4 In addition to its potential ability to produce ammonium ions, urea has sev­ eral interesting properties which may affect its anticarious activity. It is highly diffusible; it is of small molecular size; it is bacteriostatic;5 and it is an enzyme
Glycan based Detection and Drug Susceptibility of Influenza Virus

We have developed a panel of synthetic glycans as receptor mimics for the specific capture of influenza viruses. The glycans were printed onto commercial glass slides using a free amine at the end of a spacer to generate a small focused microarray. The microarray was evaluated for its ability to capture three different strains of influenza A virus, two H1N1, A/Brisbane/59/2007 and A/Solomon Islands/3/2006 and one H3N2, A/Aichi/2/1968. We observed an excellent detection ability with some compounds exhibiting clinically relevant (101 plaque forming units) limit of detection. We also tested the drug susceptibility of current antivirals, Zanamivir and Ostelamivir using this microarray and could determine antiviral resistance for these strains.
Combination Therapy of Human Umbilical Cord Blood Cells and Granulocyte Colony Stimulating Factor Reduces Histopathological and Motor Impairments in an Experimental Model of Chronic Traumatic Brain Injury

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is associated with neuro-inflammation, debilitating sensory-motor deficits, and learning and memory impairments. Cell-based therapies are currently being investigated in treating neurotrauma due to their ability to secrete neurotrophic factors and anti-inflammatory cytokines that can regulate the hostile milieu associated with chronic neuroinflammation found in TBI. In tandem, the stimulation and mobilization of endogenous stem/progenitor cells from the bone marrow through granulocyte colony stimulating factor (G-CSF) poses as an attractive therapeutic intervention for chronic TBI. Here, we tested the potential of a combined therapy of human umbilical cord blood cells (hUCB) and G-CSF at the acute stage of TBI to counteract the progressive secondary effects of chronic TBI using the controlled cortical impact model. Four different groups of adult Sprague Dawley rats were treated with saline alone, G-CSF+saline, hUCB+saline or hUCB+G-CSF, 7-days post CCI moderate TBI. Eight weeks after TBI, brains were harvested to analyze hippocampal cell loss, neuroinflammatory response, and neurogenesis by using immunohistochemical techniques. Results revealed that the rats exposed to TBI treated with saline exhibited widespread neuroinflammation, impaired endogenous neurogenesis in DG and SVZ, and severe hippocampal cell loss. hUCB monotherapy suppressed neuroinflammation, nearly normalized the neurogenesis, and reduced hippocampal cell loss compared to saline alone. G-CSF monotherapy produced partial and short-lived benefits characterized by low levels of neuroinflammation in striatum, DG, SVZ, and corpus callosum and fornix, a modest neurogenesis, and a moderate reduction of hippocampal cells loss. On the other hand, combined therapy of hUCB+G-CSF displayed synergistic effects that robustly dampened neuroinflammation, while enhancing endogenous neurogenesis and reducing hippocampal cell loss. Vigorous and long-lasting recovery of motor function accompanied the combined therapy, which was either moderately or short-lived in the monotherapy conditions. These results suggest that combined treatment rather than monotherapy appears optimal for abrogating histophalogical and motor impairments in chronic TBI.
Bare skin, blood and the evolution of primate colour vision

We investigate the hypothesis that colour vision in primates was selected for discriminating the spectral modulations on the skin of conspecifics, presumably for the purpose of discriminating emotional states, socio-sexual signals and threat displays. Here we show that, consistent with this hypothesis, there are two dimensions of skin spectral modulations, and trichromats but not dichromats are sensitive to each. Furthermore, the M and L cone maximum sensitivities for routine trichromats are optimized for discriminating variations in blood oxygen saturation, one of the two blood-related dimensions determining skin reflectance. We also show that, consistent with the hypothesis, trichromat primates tend to be bare faced.
An examination of skewed health expenditure data from the Medical Expenditure Panel Survey (MEPS)

The expenditure data from MEPS have been shown to exhibit a marked positive skewness, with a few high expenditure respondents and many low or zero expenditure respondents. As a consequence of this departure from the normal distribution, the frequency with which a conventional confidence interval for a MEPS expenditure estimate will not capture the true population parameter may be higher than the probability stated for the confidence interval.
A hormone-DNA repair circuit governs the response to genotoxic insult

Alterations in DNA repair promote tumor development, but the impact on tumor progression is poorly understood. Here, discovery of a biochemical circuit linking hormone signaling to DNA repair and therapeutic resistance is reported. Findings demonstrate that androgen receptor (AR) activity is induced by DNA damage, and promotes expression and activation of a gene expression program governing DNA repair. Subsequent investigation revealed that activated AR promotes resolution of double-strand breaks and resistance to DNA damage both in vitro and in vivo. Mechanistically, DNAPKcs was identified as a key target of AR after damage, controlling AR-mediated DNA repair and cell survival after genotoxic insult. Finally, DNAPKcs was shown to potentiate AR function, consistent with a dual role in both DNA repair and transcriptional regulation. Combined, these studies identify the AR-DNAPKcs circuit as a major effector of DNA repair and therapeutic resistance, and establish a new node for therapeutic intervention in advanced disease.
Giving Back to Your Country, the People, and Your Family

We are pleased to reproduce Dr. Chitranjan Ranawat’s address to the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons Class of 2009. This was delivered at the ceremony which honors their induction into the Academy. In this speech, Dr. Ranawat reflects on many of the responsibilities that accompany a career in orthopaedics, and he emphasizes that a truly dedicated surgeon is committed throughout his or her career to service to their community. Many of us might argue that the demanding education and training and the arduous work schedule and daily stress that are inherent to this career are obligations enough. However, Dr. Ranawat, whose career has exemplified the qualities of the master surgeon, argues that more is required from all of us. I believe that there is vital importance in the preservation of the thoughts and examples of the personal attributes of leaders. Leadership is not an innate characteristic. It must be learned, and the future of our profession will depend in many respects on how well our future leaders receive their training. Dr. Ranawat has performed a service towards this end by sharing his personal reflections. Please enjoy reading it. Charles N. Cornell, MD Editor-in-Chief
Iterative module scheduling: an algorithm for software pipelining loops

Module scheduling is a framework within which a wide variety of algorithms and heuristics may be defined for software pipelining innermost loops. This paper presents a practical algorithm, iterative module scheduling, that is capable of dealing with realistic machine models. This paper also characterizes the algorithm in terms of the quality of the generated schedules as well the computational expense incurred.
Inferences of ability and effort: Evidence for two different processes.

Past research and theory on causal inference has not explored the effects of varying the reliability of information. In two experiments, subjects judged either ability (given performance and effort information) or effort (given performance and ability information) where both the reliability and value of the given information varied. Individual differences were found in the judged relationship between ability and effort. Some judged ability and effort to be positively related, whereas others, judged ability and effort to be negatively related. These groups also differed in the way information reliability influenced their judgments, The positive group showed effects that agree with either an averaging or correlational model: the higher the reliability of one type of information, the less the effect of the other type of information. For the negative group, an increase in the reliability of one type of information actually increased the effect of the other type of information, a result that is inconsistent with the averaging model. Both an expectancy-contrast model and a correlational model can account for the results of the negative group. The different effects of information reliability for the two groups can be interpreted as evidence of two different inference processes. The results show the flexibility of human judgment strategies and the need for research considering variables that influence strategy use. The present research deals with the issue of information credibility in causal inference, specifically with how the reliability of information affects inferences of ability and effort. Although there are many social psychological theories of causal inference (Kelley, 1972, 1973; Reeder & Brewer, 1979), there has been little attempt to formulate a theoretical representation of the way information credibility influences causal inferences. The present research tests alternative representations of the information integration process for causal inferences. Because models of information integration can be regarded as formal representations of causal schemata (Surber, 1981b), the present study can be seen as part of a research program aimed at specifying the variables that influence when different infor
Time trends of incidence of age-associated diseases in the US elderly population: medicare-based analysis

Objectives: time trends of age-adjusted incidence rates of 19 ageing-related diseases were evaluated for 1992–2005 period with the National Long Term Care Survey and the Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results Registry data both linked to Medicare data (NLTCS-Medicare and SEER-Medicare, respectively). Methods: the rates were calculated using individual medical histories (34,077 individuals from NLTCS-Medicare and 199,418 from SEER-Medicare) reconstructed using information on diagnoses coded in Medicare data, dates of medical services/procedures and Medicare enrolment/disenrolment. Results: increases of incidence rates were dramatic for renal disease [the average annual percent change (APC) is 8.56%, 95% CI = 7.62, 9.50%], goiter (APC = 6.67%, 95% CI = 5, 90, 7, 44%), melanoma (APC = 6.15%, 95% CI = 4.31, 8.02%) and Alzheimer's disease (APC = 3.96%, 95% CI = 2.67, 5.26%), and less prominent for diabetes and lung cancer. Decreases of incidence rates were remarkable for angina pectoris (APC = −6.17%, 95% CI = −6.96, −5.38%); chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (APC = −5.14%, 95% CI = −6.78,−3.47%), and ulcer (APC = −5.82%, 95% CI = −6.77,−4.86%) and less dramatic for carcinomas of colon and prostate, stroke, hip fracture and asthma. Incidence rates of female breast carcinoma, myocardial infarction, Parkinson's disease and rheumatoid arthritis were almost stable. For most diseases, an excellent agreement was observed for incidence rates between NLTCS-Medicare and SEER-Medicare. A sensitivity analysis proved the stability of the evaluated time trends. Conclusion: time trends of the incidence of diseases common in the US elderly population were evaluated. The results show dramatic increase in incidence rates of melanoma, goiter, chronic renal and Alzheimer's disease in 1992–2005. Besides specifying widely recognised time trends on age-associated diseases, new information was obtained for trends of asthma, ulcer and goiter among the older adults in the USA.
Mössbauer Spectroscopy—A Rewarding Probe of Morphological Structure of Semiconducting Glasses

It has been fashionable to discuss the structure of stoichiometric melt-quenched network glasses in terms of chemically-ordered continuous random networks (CRN) since Zachariasen’s pioneering work on the subject nearly 50 years ago [1]. Glasses of the type AB2, such as SiO2and GeSe2in analogy to a-Ge, for example, have been described as random networks of geometrically well-defined A(B1/2)4 tetrahedral units.