cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Discrete Proteolysis of Focal Contact and Adherens Junction Components in Porphyromonas gingivalis-Infected Oral Keratinocytes: a Strategy for Cell Adhesion and Migration Disabling

Adhesive interactions of cells are critical to tissue integrity. We show that infection with Porphyromonas gingivalis, a major pathogen in the periodontal disease periodontitis, interferes with both cell-matrix and cell-cell adhesion in the oral keratinocyte cell line HOK-16. Thus, infected cells showed reduced adhesion to extracellular matrix, changes in morphology from spread to rounded, and impaired motility on purified matrices in Transwell migration assays and scratch assays. Western blot analysis of P. gingivalis-challenged HOK-16 cells revealed proteolysis of focal contact components (e.g., focal adhesion kinase), adherens junction proteins (e.g., catenins), and adhesion signaling molecules (e.g., the tyrosine kinase SRC). Proteolysis was selective, since important components of adherens junctions (E-cadherin) or signaling molecules (extracellular signal-regulated kinases ERK1/2) were not degraded. The virulence factors gingipains, cysteine proteinases expressed by P. gingivalis, are likely responsible for this proteolytic attack, since they directly digested specific proteins in pull-down experiments, and their proteolytic activity was blocked by the cysteine proteinase inhibitor N-α-p-tosyl-l-lysine chloromethyl ketone and also by a caspase inhibitor. Proteolysis was strain dependent, such that ATCC 33277 and 381 had high proteolytic potential, whereas W50 showed almost no proteolytic activity. These findings may help explain the formation of gingival pockets between cementum and periodontal epithelium, a hallmark of periodontitis. Furthermore, they illustrate a new pathogenetic paradigm of infection whereby bacteria may disrupt the integrity of epithelia.
RecA Assembly, One Molecule at a Time

Several recent papers have applied optical methods to directly visualize the assembly of individual RecA and Rad51 filaments on DNA. The hope is that application of such methods will shed light on the many mysteries that still surround how these remarkable filaments function in genetic recombination.
Homocystinuria: Observations on the Biosynthesis of Cystathionine and Homolanthionine

Extract: Patients with homocystinuria and a normal subject excreted cystathionine (1.8–15.0 μmoles/hr) after oral administration of homoserine plus cysteine; administration of both precursors is necessary. Excretion in the urine of the next higher homologue of cystathionine, homolanthionine, was found to occur spontaneously (0.8–1.5 μmoles/hr), but not constantly, in three of seven patients with homocystinuria; loading with homoserine increased homolanthioninuria (2.9–5.7 μmoles/hr). Optimum conditions were established in crude extracts of rat liver for in vitro synthesis of cystathionine from homoserine and cysteine (reverse cystathionase) and of homolanthionine from homoserine and homocysteine. Under these conditions, a greater capacity for synthesis of cystathionine by reverse cystathionase (1856 mμmoles/mg protein/hr \pm 95) than for its cleavage in the forward direction (951 mμmoles/mg protein/hr \pm 26) was demonstrated in liver; brain showed barely measurable activity in either direction. In crude extracts of livers from two patients with homocystinuria, activity of reverse cystathionase (39 and 56 mμmoles/mg protein/hr) was less than cleavage (144 and 396 mμmoles/nig protein hr), and both activities were far less than that found in rat liver extracts under the same conditions. Homolanthionine synthesis in rat brain was almost nil; in the other rat organs, it was far less than cystathionine synthesis by reverse cystathionase (compare 69 mμMoles/mg protein/hr \pm 2 in rat liver); it was greater in extracts of rat liver than in extracts of human liver (6.7–10.8 mμmoles/mg protein/hr in human liver); it was virtually absent from the liver of the vitamin B6-deficient rat, but activity was restored by pyridoxal phosphate added in vitro. Homolanthionine synthesis activity in rat liver was separated from cystathionine synthase by ammonium sulfate fractionation (Table IX); it was not separated from cystathionase by such fractionation or by chromatography on carboxymethylcellulose (Fig. 3). Speculation: Although administration of homoserine and cysteine results in urinary excretion of cystathionine by both normal subjects and those with homocystinuria, it is improbable that this treatment would promote the formation of any considerable amount of cystathionine in the brain, since evidence from rat studies indicates that the necessary
A comparison of manual and controlled-force attachment-level measurements.

Abstract This study compared the intra-examiner and inter-examiner error of 2 constant force probes to the reading of a conventional manual probe, 3 examiners made repeated examinations of attachment level using a modified Florida probe and a manual North Carolina probe (read to 1 mm or 0.5 mm); relative attachment level measurements were made using a Florida disk probe. One probe was used in each quadrant in 8 subjects with moderate to advanced periodontitis. Error was calculated as the mean of the absolute value of the difference between each examination, and the correlation between values at each examination calculated. Statistically-significant differences between probe type, examiners, and sites were detected using a repeated measures ANOVA accounting for the nesting within subjects. There was a significant difference in error by probe type (modified Florida probe 0.62±0.03 mm, r=0.86; Florida stent probe 0.55±0.05 mm, r= 0.82; manual probe to 1 mm 0.39±0.02 mm, r=0.88; manual probe to 0.5 mm 0.40±0.02 mm, r=0.89;(p<0.001). Significant differences were observed by examiners (p<0.01). These data indicate that both manual and controlled-force probes can provide measurement within less than 1 mm of error; however, individual calibration of examiners remains important in the reduction of error.
Fitting Imidazole 1H NMR Titration Data to the Henderson–Hasselbalch Equation

A laboratory project in which students fit 1H NMR data from the pH titration of imidazole to a polynomial equation has been described in this Journal by W. J. Hagan, Jr. et al. In this communication, fitting the experimental data to a theoretically derived equation, based on the Henderson–Hasselbalch equation, is examined and arguments in favor of this type of fit are presented.
Abstract 1087: TGF-β activated EGFr as a bypass mechanism for the acquired resistance of MET inhibitors in hepatocellular carcinoma

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients with an active HGF/c-Met signaling pathway have a significantly worse prognosis. Although targeting strategies using MET tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKI) are in Phase I/II testing for HCC, monotherapy using TKIs in other cancers has not demonstrated durable responses. In non-small cell lung cancer, bypass mechanisms for resistance to EGFr TKIs include MET amplification and activation. We utilized human HCC MET + cell lines to explore a mechanism of EGFr activation during MET inhibition, and we examined the effect of combination MET and EGFr TKI therapy on suppressing this bypass mechanism in HCC in vivo. Analysis of 149 HCC specimens using transcriptome profiling and immuno-histochemical staining demonstrates a strong negative correlation between EGFr and MET expression. HCC is predominantly either MET positive [44%] or EGFr positive [45%], and co-expression of MET and EGFr is extremely rare in the same tumor. We have previously demonstrated that treatment of xenograft tumors of human HCC MET + MHCC97-H cells with a MET TKI resulted in stasis of tumor growth in vivo (You … Rountree. Hepatology. 2011). To understand the mechanism of survival in the MHCC97-H cells after inhibition of MET, we developed an MHCC97-H cell line with stable expression of MET shRNA. This MHCC97-H MET neg line demonstrated the slower growth kinetics and the inhibition of both PI3K and MAPK signaling comparable to MET TKI treated xenografts. Screening against 850 kinases and phosphatases identified EGFr activation as a mechanism of survival in this MHCC97-H MET neg line. Gene expression analysis of this MHCC97-H MET neg cell line demonstrated a 6 fold increase in TGF-β, a ligand of EGFr. MHCC97-H xenograft tumor analysis demonstrates a 20 fold increase in TGF-β expression after MET TKI therapy. In vivo treatment of MHCC97-H tumors with combination MET and EGFr TKI therapy resulted in complete regression of all small tumors (15 mm 3 at start of TKI) compared to partial regression when MET TKI was used as monotherapy. Treatment of large tumors (200-300 mm 3 at start of TKI) with combination TKI therapy resulted in a significant reduction in tumor volume compared to MET TKI monotherapy. EGFr TKI monotherapy had no effect on tumor growth kinetics. Within MET positive HCC models, MET TKI therapy results in a bypass mechanism through up-regulation of TGF-β and activation of EGFr. This bypass mechanism can be partially overcome with combination EGFr and MET TKI therapy. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 103rd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2012 Mar 31-Apr 4; Chicago, IL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2012;72(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 1087. doi:1538-7445.AM2012-1087
Some consequences of non-uniform conditions on uniform classes

We obtain some results of the form: If certain complexity classes satisfy a non-uniform condition, then some unlikely consequences follow. More precisely: 1. (1) If the ‘non-uniform polynomial-time hierarchy’ collapses at level i>0, i.e., Σipoly = Πipoly, then the Meyer-Stockmeyer hierarchy collapses at level i + 2, i.e., Σi+2 = Πi+2. This strengthens a generalization of a result of Karp and Lipton (1980). 2. (2) If co-NP is conjunctively reducible to a sparse set, then P = NP. This generalizes a theorem of Fortune (1979). 3. (3) If NP is conjunctively and disjunctively reducible to a sparse NP-complete set, then P = NP. This is a partial generalization of a result of Mahaney (1980). Conjuctive and disjunctive reducibility were introduced by Ladner, Lynch and Selman (1975). 4. (4) If co-NP is γ-reducible to a sparse set, then NP = co-NP. γ-reducibility was introduced 5. by Adleman and Manders (1977).
Effect of Slender Body Geometry on Flow Control at High Alpha

α = angle of attack, deg αSV = initial angle of attack for the onset of symmetric vortices, deg αAV = initial angle of attack for the onset of asymmetric vortices, deg αUV = initial angle of attack for the onset of unsteady vortices, deg β = sideslip angle, deg θ = strake location relative to windward meridian, pilot’s view, deg θA = forebody apex half angle, deg CM = pitching moment coefficient Cn = yawing moment coefficient CY = side force coefficient M = freestream Mach number e = ellipticity of forebody D = maximum diameter of body of revolution L = body length hstrake = deployment height of forebody strake Lstrake = length of forebody strake L = body length U = freestream velocity x = distance from the nose apex Re = Reynolds number based on model diameter and free-stream velocity
Like Eating Money: Card Gambling in a Papua New Guinea Highlands Village

Card gambling among the Awa, a previously nongambling society, was introduced by returning labor migrants responsible for transplanting many aspects of urban migrant culture back in their rural Highlands villages. Presently Awa card gambling is seasonal and mainly recreational, and not smoothly integrated into their society as a whole. As rural villages like the Awa begin to develop economically, card playing has become less a form of recreation and a more divisive social, economic, and political arena of competition. Card gambling is neither a functional substitute for waning traditional activities, nor a microcosmic mirror of traditional society. It is best seen as a reflection of colonial history and a recent import of urban/plantation culture, which together are shaping a society in the throes of rapid modernization.
Multivariate relationships among developmental age, global engagement, and observed child engagement

Abstract The purpose of this study was to explore patterns of relationships among developmental age, teacher ratings of global engagement, and observed engagement in the classroom setting. Sixty-two children (age 9.5 to 63.6 months) were observed during free play, structured activities, and mealtimes. All children were administered a developmental test to assess their developmental age. In addition, teachers completed a rating scale to assess children’s typical engagement profiles. Canonical correlation analysis revealed two uncorrelated patterns of relationships among the variables. Function I reflected the positive relationship between children’s developmental age and high levels of engagement, and the negative relationship with lower levels of engagement. Function II represented the bivariate relationship between high levels of engagement regardless of developmental age.
Time Resolved Filtered Rayleigh Scattering Measurement of a Buoyant Jet In a Co-flow

The filtered Rayleigh scattering technique is implemented using a continuous wave laser in conjunction with a high speed camera and a molecular filter to obtain near field concentration measurements of a carbon dioxide jet in a co-flow of air with a sampling rate of 400 Hz. The beam from a 12-Watt Coherent Verdi laser was directed through the jet, of diameter ranging from 8.9 mm to 17.1 mm, at two streamwise stations, spaced about one diameter apart, and image sequences were collected with a Phantom high-speed camera for up to 20 seconds. In addition to the mean of the concentration and standard deviation of the scattered light intensity, space-time correlations of multiple points in the flow field are illustrated. The jet trajectory and mixing properties are investigated with and without the co-flow. The results demonstrate the significance the addition of the co-flow has on flattening the jet trajectory and increasing the mixing rate. The effects of various flow parameters such as the jet velocity, the jet-to-co-flow velocity ratio, the relative velocity between the jet and the co-flow, the Froude number, and the Reynolds number on the jet trajectory are studied. The results indicate that, within the range of test conditions, the velocity of the jet has the most significant effect on the jet trajectory. Furthermore, the investigation of the jet trajectory with respect to the Froude number highlighted the need to use a more robust Froude number definition that takes into account the effects of the addition of a co-flow in the flow field.
Saphenous vein graft reconstruction of an unclippable giant basilar artery aneurysm performed with the patient under deep hypothermic circulatory arrest: technical case report.

Objective and importance Effective treatment for unclippable giant vertebrobasilar aneurysms remains unclear. We present the first reported case of a giant vertebrobasilar aneurysm being successfully treated with trapping of the aneurysm and internal carotid artery to basilar artery bypass with a saphenous vein graft that was performed with the patient under hypothermic circulatory arrest. Clinical presentation A 15-year-old female patient with a history of probable subarachnoid hemorrhage and chronic headaches presented with a relatively acute exacerbation of her headache, nausea, vomiting, and weakness. Imaging studies revealed a 4 x 4 x 3-cm vertebrobasilar aneurysm, supplied by an angiographically dominant right vertebral artery and causing significant brain stem compression. Intervention Initially, a petrosal approach with a hearing-preserving partial labyrinthectomy was used to perform a right external carotid artery to posterior cerebral artery bypass with saphenous vein. Delayed occlusion of the right vertebral artery with an intraluminal balloon was planned; however, intraoperative angiography revealed poor graft flow, presumably because of the small size of the posterior cerebral artery. Postoperative graft occlusion was anticipated. During this same time interval, the patient deteriorated neurologically. Brain imaging failed to reveal evidence of cerebral infarction. The patient underwent subsequent surgery. After a total petrosectomy, the aneurysm was trapped, an aneurysmectomy was performed, and, with the patient under deep hypothermic circulatory arrest, a new interposition saphenous vein graft was inserted between the internal carotid and basilar arteries. Excellent flow was observed angiographically. At her 4-month follow-up examination, the patient had improved to near baseline. Conclusion We present a technically challenging but safe and definitive treatment option for an unclippable giant vertebrobasilar aneurysm. Using cranial base approaches and hypothermic circulatory arrest techniques, aneurysmal trapping and successful bypass grafting directly into the basilar artery was performed.
MSW component size distributions obtained from the Cal resource recovery system

Abstract Using data gathered from a 2.7 tons/h solid waste resource recovery system, the effect of shredding, air classification and screening on the size distributions of some potentially recoverable materials has been established. Specifically the size distributions of magnetic metal, aluminum, glass, paper, and plastic have been determined after each processing step. Descriptions and compositions of the air classifier and screen splits are also presented.
On Some Criteria for Estimating the Order of a Markov Chain

Tong (1975) has proposed a procedure for estimating the order of a Markov chain based on Akaike's information criterion (AIC). In this paper, the asymptotic distribution of the AIC estimator is derived and it is shown that the estimator is inconsistent. As an alternative to the AIC procedure, the Bayesian information criterion (BIC) proposed by Schwarz (1978) is shown to be consistent. These two procedures yield different estimated orders when applied to specific samples of meteorological observations. For parameters based on these meteorological examples, the AIC and BIC procedures are compared by means of simulation for finite samples. The results obtained have practical implications concerning whether, in the routine fitting of precipitation data, it is necessary to consider higher than first-order Markov chains.
Virtual loops in power-equalized transparent DWDM networks

In wavelength-routed DWDM (Dense Wavelength Division Multiplexing) networks, more and more DPEs (Dynamic Power Equalizers) are being implemented in optical crossconnects or add-drop multiplexers for the purpose of maintaining uniform power on working wavelengths. However, the resultant power correlation among equalized channels, when provided with appropriate link gain settings and channel routes, may form power-interactive virtual loops on which signals can experience continuous power deterioration, iteration by iteration. This paper illustrates how such virtual loops may be formed, and what can be done to avoid them by properly designing the network. We also explain the QoS (Quality of Service) threat posed by virtual loops that can be deliberately created by malicious attackers to result in a network-scale service disruption. Guidelines on improving the network robustness against such attacks are presented as well.
Altered caudate nucleus field potentials following sustained stimulation to different substantia nigra regions.

Evoked potential recording techniques were used as a physiological tool for electrode placement into the substantia nigra pars compacta (SNpc). It was found that when the recording electrodes were implanted at the level of the caudate nucleus (CN), typical patterns were obtained only when the stimulation electrode was located in the SNpc. When the stimulation electrode was fixed in the SNpc and four electrodes were simultaneously used to record depth profile from the caudate nucleus and the septum, the typical responses following stimulation were obtained only when electrodes were within the CN head. High frequency stimulation of the SNpc, which is known to alter dopamine content within the CN, caused a reversible diminution of resjponses in CN for 5-10 min. This observation was discussed in terms of terminal transmitter depletion.
In situ hybridization of putative somatostatin mRNA within hypothalamus of the rat using synthetic oligonucleotide probes

The distribution of mRNA with high sequence homology to somatostatin mRNA within the periventricular hypothalamus of rat was assessed using in situ hybridization techniques with synthetic oligodeoxyribonucleotide probes, complementary to the 3' coding region of rat somatostatin mRNA. The probes (22- and 24-mers) were 5'-end labeled using T4 polynucleotide kinase and gamma-32P-ATP. They were used either individually or after ligation with T4 DNA ligase to form a 46-mer. Serial tissue sections (less than 10 microns) were taken from the level of the preoptic/anterior hypothalamus through the paraventricular hypothalamus. In situ hybridizations were conducted at room temperature in hybridization buffer. Neurons immunoreactive with antiserum raised against somatostatin were identified in alternate sections using standard immunocytochemical procedures. The anatomical location of the hybridization signal was determined by autoradiography. Our results show that the peri- and paraventricular hypothalamus is rich in transcripts putatively coding for somatostatin and that these transcripts are co-distributed with neurons immunoreactive with antisomatostatin immunoglobulin.
Diego and Prickle regulate Frizzled planar cell polarity signalling by competing for Dishevelled binding.

. Here we provide mechanistic insight into Frizzled/Dishevelled signalling regulation. We show that the ankyrin-repeat protein Diego binds directly to Dishevelled and promotes Frizzled signalling. Dishevelled can also be bound by the Frizzled PCP antagonist Prickle 8 . Strikingly, Diego and
Interaction of lexical and sublexical information in spelling: Evidence from nonword priming

In a series of lexical priming experiments we examined the interaction between spelling processes dedicated to spelling familiar words (lexical processes) and those dedicated to spelling unfamiliar words or nonwords (sublexical processes). Participants listened to lists of intermixed monosyllabic words and nonwords and were required to spell only the nonwords. In the priming condition, nonwords were preceded by real word primes that were phonologically related to the nonwords. In two experiments, we found that the spellings of nonwords could be influenced by previously heard rhyming words, replicating previous work. Furthermore, we examined the mechanism of this lexical/sublexical interaction and found that it is both phonologically and orthographically based and that word primes are most effective when they overlap in word body (vowel+coda) with the nonword. We conclude that lexical and sublexical processes interact in a manner that involves a dynamic updating of sound–spelling correspondences, which, at a minimum, are specified in terms of the word body.
Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation causing asymmetric vasculopathy in neonatal infants

Abstract Background: Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is a form of cardiopulmonary bypass therapy used in term or near-term infants with severe cardiorespiratory disorders not responsive to conventional intensive care interventions. An ECMO-associated retinal vasculopathy has been described with little reference to the specific condition of the patient. We examined the eyes of 91 infants who underwent ECMO treatment. An assessment was made of the following: (1) when retinal changes occurred, (2) whether there was a particular systemic disorder or ECMO approach associated with these retinal findings, and (3) whether there may be ocular sequelae from this development. Methods: Ninety-one neonates were treated with ECMO for meconium aspiration syndrome (MAS), primary persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn, sepsis, congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH), respiratory distress syndrome (RDS), and blood aspiration. Venoarterial bypass was performed in 73 patients. The remaining 18 patients underwent venovenous bypass. Ophthalmologic examinations were performed during bypass in 6 infants and within 3 weeks of ECMO in the remainder. Results: Asymmetric retinopathy (left eye > right eye) was discovered in six infants with CDH and in one infant with RDS within a 2-week period after bypass, demonstrating venous tortuosity with or without intraretinal hemorrhages. One infant treated for MAS had a left eye intraretinal hemorrhage only. All patients with the noted retinal changes underwent venoarterial cannulation. Six of 9 patients with CDH had retinal findings noted compared with 1 of 10 patients with RDS and 1 of 35 patients with MAS. Conclusion: Because we were able to examine infants while they were receiving ECMO or shortly after termination of bypass, asymmetric vasculopathy was found in a greater percentage of our patients compared with a similar large case series. ECMO-associated retinal vasculopathy appeared to disproportionately occur in those patients with CDH who underwent venoarterial bypass. Further study of retinal vascular changes in patients with CDH should be performed to assess long-term effects.
Stabilization of glucocorticoid receptor association with RNA by a low molecular weight factor from rat liver cytosol.

A small (Mr < 500) anionic, heat-stable molecule has been identified in rat liver cytosol which prevents the RNase-induced decrease in the glucocorticoid receptor sedimentation properties which we described previously. This factor, which can be removed by dialysis, molecular exclusion chromatography, or ultrafiltration, functions as a true stabilizer of the RNA-glucocorticoid receptor association, and not as a RNase inhibitor. Preliminary characterization shows that the factor is not a protein, nucleic acid, or nucleotide, is not absorbed by activated dextran-charcoal, and is unaffected by extraction with organic solvents. This factor prevents activation of the glucocorticoid receptor by dilution. The relationship of this stabilization factor to a low molecular weight activation inhibitor described by others is discussed.
Preliminary study of the effects of caspase inhibitors on vasospasm in dog penetrating arteries.

This preliminary study was undertaken to explore the possible protective effect of caspase inhibitors Z-VDVAD-FMK and Z-DEVD-FMK in apoptosis and vasospasm in penetrating arteries during cerebral vasospasm. Experimental subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) was induced in 16 dogs by an intracisternal injection of autologous arterial blood (0.4 ml/kg) on Day 0 and Day 2. The dogs were then randomly divided into four groups: control-SAH, vehicle-control, and two treatment groups. In the treatment groups, caspase inhibitors (10 μM) were intracisternally injected each day beginning on Day 2 until Day 6. Effects of the inhibitors were analyzed utilizing angiography, the clinical status of the dogs (activity, appetite, and neurological deficits), and transmission electron microscopy of the penetrating arteries. All the dogs were sacrificed on Day 7. In control-SAH and vehicle-control groups, severe angiographic vasospasm, poor clinical status, and penetrating vasospasm were registered in all the dogs. In the treatment groups, all the dogs developed angiographic vasospasm and vasospasm in penetrating arteries, however, with benign clinical statues. The occurrence of apoptosis in endothelial cells was reduced by caspase-2 but not by caspase-3 inhibitor. Caspase inhibitors failed to prevent vasospasm either in major or in penetrating arteries. The improvement of clinical scores by the caspase inhibitors may be related to their protection of the endothelial cells. Further investigations using more rigorous clinical scoring system and quantitative information on the degree of apoptosis in the vessels, as well as in the brain parenchyma are recommended.
Bayesian Thurstonian models for ranking data using JAGS.

A Thurstonian model for ranking data assumes that observed rankings are consistent with those of a set of underlying continuous variables. This model is appealing since it renders ranking data amenable to familiar models for continuous response variables—namely, linear regression models. To date, however, the use of Thurstonian models for ranking data has been very rare in practice. One reason for this may be that inferences based on these models require specialized technical methods. These methods have been developed to address computational challenges involved in these models but are not easy to implement without considerable technical expertise and are not widely available in software packages. To address this limitation, we show that Bayesian Thurstonian models for ranking data can be very easily implemented with the JAGS software package. We provide JAGS model files for Thurstonian ranking models for general use, discuss their implementation, and illustrate their use in analyses.
Is spinal tuberculosis contagious

While pulmonary Mycobacterium tuberculosis infections are recognized for their public health implications, less is known about the infectiousness of extrapulmonary tuberculosis, specifically, spinal tuberculosis or Pott's disease. We present a case of spinal tuberculosis with concomitant active pulmonary tuberculosis in the absence of chest radiographic abnormalities or symptoms, and review the literature regarding infectiousness of concomitant spinal and pulmonary tuberculosis.
Surface Damage and Wear Mechanisms of Amorphous Carbon Coatings under Boundary Lubrication Conditions

A class of amorphous carbon coatings with excellent tribological properties under dry conditions was recently developed at Argonne National Laboratory. In the present study, the performance of three variations of such coatings under the boundary lubrication regime was evaluated, with particular focus on the coating surface damage and mechanical aspect of the wear mechanisms of the coated surfaces. The evaluation employed ball on flat contact geometry in reciprocating sliding motion and three different lubricants. Compared with the uncoated steel surface, the three variations of the coatings evaluated significantly reduced the amount of wear. The surface damage in the coatings consisted primarily of localised crack formation at the local asperity points of contact typical of boundary lubrication regime. The cracks propagated over time, resulting in eventual removal of coating material.
Stress interaction between multiple crevasses in glacier ice

The interaction between crevassing and far-field stresses at a glacier surface determines in part the distribution, orientation, surface density, and extent of propagation of crevasses. These properties characterizing crevassing of a glacier surface are important parameters when modeling iceberg calving from glacier terminii, since they describe the initial geometry of pre-existing cracks entering the calving front. Crack-by-crack modeling of fracture at a calving terminus is too complex a task to be modeled in full detail, however, and some means of selecting the crevasse features most significant in the stress field is desired. We present a Boundary Element Analysis of the stress field surrounding a group of cracks at the surface of a linear elastic half-space and the part of the stress field arising from crack interactions alone. This stress field shows the extent to which individual crack stress fields interact, and gives a measure of the radius of interaction of cracks. We find that typical crevasses in a glacier surface, formed in extension, cease to affect the stress field of neighboring crevasses if the crevasses are separated by a distance greater than three to four times the crevasse depth. This agrees well with limited observations of crevasse depth and spacing, and with a separate theoretical analysis based on stress intensity factors. The calculation gives an explanation of observed crevasse depth/spacing observations and provides a means for determining representative distributions of crevasse depths and spacings in a model based in part on calculations of far-field stresses.
The role of the adipocyte hormone adiponectin in cardiovascular disease.

Adiponectin, a novel hormone made by fat tissue, regulates energy metabolism and endothelial activation. Serum levels of adiponectin are reduced in conditions that are associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, such as diabetes and the metabolic syndrome. Adiponectin trimers assemble into higher-order oligomers, which have different signaling properties. Adiponectin trimers and a C-terminal globular domain activate AMP-activated protein kinase, whereas hexamer and high-molecular weight isoforms activate nuclear factor-κB signaling pathways. Exogenous adiponectin corrects metabolic defects that are associated with insulin resistance, and might protect the endothelium from the progression of cardiovascular disease. Receptors for adiponectin have been described and might provide future therapeutic targets for the treatment of cardiovascular disease.
Mitochondrial matters in Parkinson disease: introduction.

Individuals with Parkinson disease (PD) are encountered frequently and have progressively severe neurologic changes. The central nervous system changes involve dopaminergic neurons in the basal ganglia and substantia nigra. Although usually sporadic, rare forms of PD are familial and the responsible genes have been identified. These genes affect mitochondrial function and can be studied in animals. Brains of affected animals reveal consequences of reactive oxygen species (ROS)—quinones, dopamine oxidation products, tyrosine nitration, lipid peroxidation and amino-aldehyde adducts. The three genes are important for maintaining physical and functional mitochondrial integrity. The cumulative effects of mitochondrial dysfunction, particularly those mediated by ROS, ultimately lead to at least some of the clinical and pathologic changes of PD.
Confidence intervals for the largest mean from k correlated normal populations

Let X= (X1,…, Xk)’ be a k-variate (k ≥ 2) normal random vector with unknown population mean vector μ = (μ1 ,…, μk)’ and covariance matrix Σ of order k and let μ[1] ≤ … ≤ μ[k] be the ordered values of the μ ’ s. No prior knowledge of the pairing of the μ[i] with the Xj. (or μ[i] with the σj 2) is assumed for any i and j (1 ≤ i, j ≤ k). Based on a random sample of N independent vector observations on X, this paper considers both upper and lower (one-sided) and two-sided 100γ% (0 0 and correlation matrix R known, respectively. An optimum two-sided confidence interval via finding the shortest length from this class is also considered. Necessary tables and computer program to actually apply these procedures are provided.
Computerizing Client Services in the Law School Teaching Clinic: An Experiment in Law Office Automation

In an earlier article (1979 American Bar Foundation Research Journal 1), James A. Sprowl described a new computational processor that enabled attorneys to automate repetitive client-interviewing and document-drafting tasks. In this article, Sprowl and coauthor Ronald W. Staudt describe the first experimental use of the new processor to serve the clients of a law school clinic. In the experiment attorneys and secretaries were trained to design automated practice systems. The authors analyze the results of this experiment and draw some preliminary conclusions about the future usefulness of automated law practice systems.
Modeling the impact deformation of rods of a pressed PTFE/Al composite mixture

Abstract Finite element simulations have been performed for the impact onto steel anvils of solid rods of a pressed composite mixture of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) and aluminum powders. Photographs of the reactive rods prior to significant impact initiation for three previously performed experiments at impact velocities of 104, 222, and 466 m/s have been digitized for comparison with the simulations. Simulations were performed using the Johnson–Cook and PSDam strength models. Parameters for the PSDam model have been previously determined for this PTFE/Al mixture. The results of Instron compression tests and high-rate split Hopkinson bar experiments were used to determine the parameters for the Johnson–Cook model. The Johnson–Cook model produced reasonable agreement with the experimental specimen shape at 104 m/s. PSDam produced reasonable agreement at early times for the 222 m/s experiment.
Drinking reasons, drinking locations, and automobile accident involvement among collegians.

Multiple regression analysis was used to examine the relationship of five drinking reason factors to drinking locations and consumption variables within a random sample of drinking college students surveyed by telephone. Hypotheses relating self-reported accident involvement after drinking and two specific reason factors — Opposite Sex/Drunkenness and Pleasure — were tested. Both Pleasure and Opposite Sex/Drunkenness were directly related to quantity consumed and to drinking in several away-from-home locations. Opposite Sex/Drunkenness reasons and frequency of drinking in cars significantly contributed to identifying males who reported accident involvement following drinking.
Emerging uses of patient generated health data in clinical research.

Recent advancements in consumer directed personal computing technology have led to the generation of biomedically-relevant data streams with potential health applications. This has catalyzed international interest in Patient Generated Health Data (PGHD), defined as “health-related data – including health history, symptoms, biometric data, treatment history, lifestyle choices, and other information-created, recorded, gathered, or inferred by or from patients or their designees (i.e. care partners or those who assist them) to help address a health concern.”(Shapiro et al., 2012) PGHD offers several opportunities to improve the efficiency and output of clinical trials, particularly within oncology. These range from using PGHD to understand mechanisms of action of therapeutic strategies, to understanding and predicting treatment-related toxicity, to designing interventions to improve adherence and clinical outcomes. To facilitate the optimal use of PGHD, methodological research around considerations related to feasibility, validation, measure selection, and modeling of PGHD streams is needed. With successful integration, PGHD can catalyze the application of “big data” to cancer clinical research, creating both “n of 1” and population-level observations, and generating new insights into the nature of health and disease.
Synthesis and intramolecular coupling of tantalum η2-iminoacyl (η2-RNCR′) and η2-imine (η2-RNCR′2) functional groups

Abstract The migratory insertion of organic isocyanides into the metal-carbon bonds of a series of tri-alkyls, Ta(OAr)2R3 (OAr = 2,6-dimethylphenoxide; R = CH3, CH2Ph), has been examined. Addition of 2,6-dimethylphenyl- or 2,6-di-isopropylphenylisocyanide (Ar′NC ⩾ 2 equivalents) results in the essentially quantitative formation of the bis-insertion products, Ta(OAr)2(η2-Ar′NCR)2R (1). Spectroscopic as well as structural data are consistent with both iminoacyls being η2-bound to the metal centre. In contrast, addition of tert-butylisocyanide to the tris-aryl Ta(OAr)2Ph3 proceeds to produce a mixed η2-imine, η2-iminoacyl compound Ta(OAr)2(η2 -ButNCPh2)(η2ButNCPh) (2). This compound is presumably formed by a second phenyl group migration taking place in an intermediate of type (1). All of these compounds exhibit thermal instability to varying degrees. The methyl compound Ta(OAr)2(η2-Ar′NCMe)2(Me) rearranges over days at 25°C to produce a mixed amido, imido complex Ta(OAr)2(Ar′NCMeCMe2)(NAr′) (3a). This is believed to be formed by intramolecular coupling and fragmentation in an intermediate, Ta(OAr)2(η2-Ar′NCMe2)(η2-Ar′NCMe) of type (2). Support for this hypothesis comes from thermolysis of (2) to produce Ta(OAr)2(ButNCPhCPh2)(NBut) (3b) which has been structurally characterized. The benzyl derivatives Ta(OAr)2(η2 -Ar′NCCH2Ph)2(CH2Ph) also thermally produce mixed imido, amido compounds, only this time more dramatic fragmentation occurs to produce Ta(OAr)2(Ar′NCH2CH2Ph)(NAr′) (4) and an organic fragment, PhCH2CCPh. Structural studies confirmed this formulation. Mechanistic aspects of the reactivity of these η2-iminoacyl and η2-imine functionalities are discussed. Crystal data for TaC48H61N2O2 (3b) at −158°C are a = 21.806(5), b = 19.568(6), c = 10.078(2)A, β = 90.63(1)°, Z = 4, dcalc, = 1.358 g cm−3, in space group P21/n. Of the 5642 unique intensities collected with Mo-Kα, the 4790 with F> 2.33σ(F) were used in the least-squares refinement to yield R = 0.0419, Rw = 0.0439. Crystal data for TaC44H51N2O2 (4) at −155°C are a = 12.423(5), b = 20.772(10), c = 14.840(6) A, β = 93.27(2)°, Z = 4, dcacl = 1.426 g cm−3 in space group P21/n. Of the 5004 unique intensifies collected with Mo-Kα, the 3209 with Fo> 3.00 σ(F) were used in the least-squares refinement to yield R = 0.0574, Rw = 0.0498.
Synthetic Organic Electrochemistry in Ionic Liquids: The Viscosity Question

Ionic liquids are obvious candidates for use in electrochemical applications due to their ionic character. Nevertheless, relatively little has been done to explore their application in electrosynthesis. We have studied the Shono oxidation of arylamines and carbamates using ionic liquids as recyclable solvents and have noted that the viscosity of the medium is a major problem, although with the addition of sufficient co-solvent, good results and excellent recovery and recycling of the ionic liquid can be achieved.
A Novel Optical Method for the Measurement of Biomolecular Diffusion in Polymer Matrices

A novel fiber optic probe was developed and used to investigate the mass transport of proteins through a polyacrylamide matrix. The basic component of the probe was an optical fiber, employing the evanescent wave as an excitation source for molecules near its surface. The optical fiber was coated with a very thin film of polyacrylamide, and the rate of diffusion through this matrix for proteins tagged with FITC (fluorescein isothiocyanate) was determined. The diffusivity of FITC-β-galactosidase was 1.6 × 10−10 cm2/sec. A bimodal distribution in size was observed in the albumin sample, with the diffusivities of the two components differing by an order of magnitude (D1 = 4.9 × 10−10 cm2/sec, D2 = 3.5 × 10−10 cm2/sec). Studies were also performed to determine the effect of crosslinking the matrix on the mass transfer of FITC-albumin. The diffusion coefficient was reduced as the time of exposure to the crosslinking solution (triethylene diamine) increased. After twenty minutes of exposure to the crosslinking solution, the larger of the two albumin species was excluded from the matrix and only one diffusing species was detected.
Effects of simulated clinical fabrication heat treatment and artificial weathering on the hardness testing of prosthetics/orthotics polymers

The tensile behavior was compared for five prosthetics/orthotics polymers : Durr-Plex (copolyester), Polypropylene (polypropylene), Subortholen (polyethylene), Surlyn (ionomer), and Uvex (and cellulose acetate butyrate). Tensile properties, yield strength, and modulus of elasticity are related to a number of factors including composition and condition of polymers. The polymers were examined in the as-received and simulated clinical fabrication heat-treated conditions. The simulated clinical fabrication heat-treated specimens were subsequently treated to 2 weeks, 4 weeks, and 8 weeks of artificial weathering conditions, consisting of exposure to cycles of ultraviolet light and heated condensation. Tensile testing was performed on an Instron mechanical testing system, until fracture occurred. The ranges and respective rankings of yield strength and modulus of elasticity in tension were determined. Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) and post hoc Scheffe statistical analyses were performed for different polymers of the same treatment condition, and different treatment conditions of the same polymer. The analysis of variance (ANOVA) showed significant yield strength and modulus differences for the five polymers. The choice of material significantly influences the tensile properties for prosthetics/orthotics polymers. The Uvex polymer had the highest yield strength and elastic modulus, and the Surlyn polymer had the lowest yield strength and elastic modulus. The ranking trend was Uvex > Durr-Plex > polypropylene > Subortholen > Surlyn.
A comparative study of skeletal and dental stability between rigid and wire fixation for mandibular advancement

This study examined the skeletal and dental stability after mandibular advancement surgery with rigid or wire fixation for up to 2 years after the surgery. Subjects for this multisite, prospective, randomized, clinical trial were assigned to receive rigid (n = 64) or wire (n = 63) fixation. The rigid cases received three 2-mm bicortical position screws bilaterally and elastics; the wire fixation subjects received inferior border wires and 6 weeks of skeletal maxillomandibular fixation with 24-gauge wires. Cephalometric films were obtained before surgery, and at 1 week, 8 weeks, 6 months, 1 year, and 2 years after surgery. Skeletal and dental changes were analyzed using the Johnston’s analysis. Before surgery both groups were balanced with respect to linear and angular measurements of craniofacial morphology. Mean anterior advancement of the mandibular symphasis was 5.5 mm (SD, 3.2) in the rigid group and 5.6 mm (SD, 3.0) in the wire group. Two years after surgery, mandibular symphasis was unchanged in the rigid group, whereas the wire group had 26% of sagittal relapse. Dental compensation occurred to maintain the corrected occlusion, with the mandibular incisor moving forward in the wire group and posteriorly in the rigid group. However, at 2 years after surgery, when most subjects were without braces, the overjet and molar discrepancy had relapsed similarly in both groups. (Am J Orthod Dentofacial Orthop 2000;117:638-49)
Dependence of "apparent" magnitude on the time delay of cyclic variation of myocardial backscatter.

Abstract The goal of this study was to determine if the “apparent” magnitude of the cyclic variation, defined as the difference between the values of integrated backscatter at end-diastole and end-systole, was dependent on the corresponding time delay. We measured the cyclic variation in four myocardial segments of the parasternal short-axis view in 23 healthy subjects. The “apparent” magnitude, actual magnitude, and time delay were compared for each segment. Measured time delays were: 2.22 ± 0.71 (lateral wall); 1.65 ± 0.66 (inferior septum); and approximately 1.0 for the anterior septum and posterior wall. Segments exhibiting large time delays (> 1.0) resulted in a reversal in sign of the “apparent” magnitude of cyclic variation in one instance, and underestimated the true magnitude in both cases. Thus, estimates of the “apparent” magnitude of the cyclic variation are dependent on the associated time delay, whereas a properly defined magnitude is not.
Ultra-High Resolution Inelastic Neutron Scattering

Two types of ultra high energy resolution neutron scattering instruments, the bacl<scattering spectrometer and the spin echo spectrometer, are described. Examples of the types of research which can be done with these instruments are given and plans for a cold neutron backscattering spectrometer which will be built in the NIST Cold Neutron Research Facility (CNRF) are discussed. It is hoped that this information will be of use to researchers considering neutron scattering experiments at NIST.