cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Accuracy of clinical examination versus computed tomography in detecting occult lymph node involvement in patients with oral epidermoid carcinoma.

Abstract Purpose: To determine the accuracy of clinical examination versus computed tomography (CT) scanning in detecting positive cervical lymph nodes (N) in patients with epidermoid carcinomas of the oral cavity, 27 patients with epidermoid carcinomas were reviewed. Patients and Methods: The patients underwent 40 neck dissections, 20 with N− and 20 with N+ necks histologically. All patients were examined by the same clinician, and all CT scans were read by the same radiologist. Patients with clinical and CT N− necks underwent neck dissection only if the neck had to be entered to resect the primary tumor or if the primary tumor was T3 or T4 with a high probability of microscopic metastasis. Results: Of the 20 necks that were histologically N−, 16 (80%) were clinically diagnosed as N− and 4 (20%) N+ versus 18 (90%) N− and 2 (10%) N+ diagnosed by CT scan. Of the 20 histologically N+ necks, 12 (60%) were clinically diagnosed as N+ and 8 (40%) N− versus 11 (55%) N+ and 9 (45%) N− diagnosed by CT scan. All lymph nodes diagnosed as N− by both clinical examination and CT scan were less than 1 cm in diameter. Overall, clinical examination of the neck was correct in 28 patients (70%) and the CT scan was correct in 29 patients (73%). Both clinical examination and CT scan were more accurate in diagnosis of N− necks. In 31 necks (78%), the CT and clinical examination were in agreement. Of these, 10 of 10 (100%) were correctly positive. Of the 21 in which both were negative, 14 were histologically N−, and 14 (67%) were correct. Overall, in those cases in which both CT and clinical examination were in agreement, the diagnosis was correct in 24 of 31 (77%). Conclusion: These results suggest that there is no significant difference in the accuracy of clinical examination versus CT scanning in detecting both positive and negative cervical nodes. When both CT and clinical examination agree, positive cervical nodes are almost always correctly diagnosed. However, one third of the negative cervical nodes were incorrectly diagnosed. Improved methods for detecting occult disease are still needed.
Are prescribing patterns of antidiabetic medications influenced by fears of litigation

Management of diabetes mellitus is occasionally confounded by lack of understanding on the part of physicians and patients of issues surrounding the risks and benefits of antidiabetic drugs. The need for adequately powered outcome studies that minimize the effects of the unknown on prescribing habits in diabetes care is debated.
Endonuclease V: an unusual enzyme for repair of DNA deamination

Endonuclease V (endo V) was first discovered as the fifth endonuclease in Escherichia coli in 1977 and later rediscovered as a deoxyinosine 3' endonuclease. Decades of biochemical and genetic investigations have accumulated rich information on its role as a DNA repair enzyme for the removal of deaminated bases. Structural and biochemical analyses have offered invaluable insights on its recognition capacity, catalytic mechanism, and multitude of enzymatic activities. The roles of endo V in genome maintenance have been validated in both prokaryotic and eukaryotic organisms. The ubiquitous nature of endo V in the three domains of life: Bacteria, Archaea, and Eukaryotes, indicates its existence in the early evolutionary stage of cellular life. The application of endo V in mutation detection and DNA manipulation underscores its value beyond cellular DNA repair. This review is intended to provide a comprehensive account of the historic aspects, biochemical, structural biological, genetic and biotechnological studies of this unusual DNA repair enzyme.
Posttonsillectomy weight loss in adults

ObjectiveTo analyze and determine the incidence and severity of weight loss in adult tonsillectomies.Study DesignCase series with chart review.SettingAdult tonsillectomy is performed for a variety of indications. Anecdotally, patients report a 10- to 15-pound weight loss in the postoperative period; however, no supporting research has been documented. The pediatric population has a well-documented weight gain postoperatively.SubjectsIn total, 138 adults (aged 18-40 years) receiving tonsillectomy at Naval Medical Center Portsmouth (NMCP) between 2008 and 2013.MethodsA retrospective study was performed using an S3 surgery scheduling system search of all adult tonsillectomies at NMCP between 2008 and 2013. A subsequent electronic medical record search (AHLTA) of preoperative and postoperative weights and demographics was performed.ResultsData analysis revealed a significant difference found between preoperative and postoperative weight across all age groups (4.77 pounds, P < .005). Analysis of variance was p...
Antimicrobial metabolites of the marine spongeAxinella polycapella

Extracts of the marine spongeAxinella polycapella contain 1,2,4-trihydroxybenzene (1) and 2,2′,4,4′,5,5′-hexahydroxybiphenyl (3) as antimicrobial constituents. Methods of synthesizing3 by, oxidative dimerization of1 were examined.
Plasmon resonances for solar energy harvesting: A mechanistic outlook

Summary In the last 10 years, there has been extensive research by the nanoscience and catalysis communities on the potential use of plasmonic nanoparticles for both solar-to-electrical energy and solar-to-chemical fuel conversions. Herein, we present a critical review of the quickly expanding field of plasmon resonance-enhanced light energy harvesting. A wide range of enhancement phenomena have been observed: from enhanced light trapping in silicon solar cells loaded with plasmonic nanoparticles to plasmonically assisted hot carrier generation for photoelectrolysis, all of which are discussed in this review. We examine seminal findings, present various physical mechanisms potentially responsible for plasmonic enhancement, and also clear up some common fallacies about such enhancement phenomena. In addition, the review covers wide-open research opportunities for furthering deeper mechanistic understanding of plasmonic effects, engineering hybrid nanosystems optimized for efficient light-to-energy conversion, and translating promising effects to technologically relevant objectives. Plasmonically assisted solar energy conversion is a field rife with questions and opportunities for chemists and materials engineers alike.
Diagnostic Utility of WISC-III Subtest Variability among Students with Learning Disabilities

Psychologists have long conjectured that Wechsler subtest variability may be an indicator of learning disability. Research on intersubtest scatter (range) with previous Wechsler scales indicated that scatter could not reliably discriminate between disabled and nondisabled children. The Profile Variability Index (PVI) also failed to demonstrate adequate diagnostic utility with the WISC-R. The present study assessed the diagnostic utility of subtest variability indices on the WISC-III by comparing 684 student with learning disabilities to the 2,200 children in the standardization sample. Results of Receiver Operating Curve (ROC) analyses indicated that WISC-III subtest variability as quantified by range and variance exhibited no diagnostic utility in distinguishing between children with learning disabilities and children from the standardization sample. It was concluded that interpretation of WISC-III subtest variability has no place in the scientific practice of school psychology.
Spinach leaf dihydrodipicolinate synthase: Partial purification and characterization

Abstract The first enzyme unique to lysine biosynthesis in higher plants, dihydrodipicolinate synthase, has been partially purified from spinach leaves, using ion exchange chromatography, hydrophobic interaction chromatography and gel filtration. The spinach enzyme is moderately stable to short-term exposure to heat, in contrast to the pea leaf enzyme, but is unstable on storage even at −20°. Thiol reagents interfere with the calorimetric assay used, and so cannot be routinely used to stabilize the enzyme, which has an active sulphydryl group. The MW of the enzyme is 115000 (gel filtration). Lysine is a potent inhibitor with an I (0.5) of 2OμM, whilst the lysine analogue S-β-aminoethylcysteinc has an I (0.5) of 400 μM. The Kt´ m for aspartic-β-semialdehyde was determined to be 1.4mM, but this compound demonstrated marked substrate inhibition at concentrations above 7 mM, increasing the apparent S (0.5) for the second substrate, pyruvate.
A pharmacokinetic model for quantitative evaluation of spinal cord injury with dynamic contrast‐enhanced magnetic resonance imaging

A multicompartment pharmacokinetic model was proposed to quantitatively describe the distribution of the contrast agent gadopentetate-dimeglumine (Gd) in an experimental spinal cord injury (SCI). Concentration of Gd was measured in different compartments with in vivo dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (DCE-MRI) in the acute phase of injury. The concentration data for each rat was fitted to the model to estimate transfer rates between different compartments. The results indicate: 1) lack of uptake of Gd in normal cord tissue, 2) rapid exchange of Gd between plasma and cerebrospinal fluid in both normal and injured cord tissues, and 3) slower uptake of Gd in injured cord. With this approach, it is possible to quantify the integrity of the blood-spinal cord barrier (BSCB) in vivo, evaluate the pathobiology of injured cord, assess the efficacy of interventions, and monitor the progression of injury with postinjury time.
Age-Related Differences in Cigarette Smoke Extract-Induced H2O2 Production by Lung Endothelial Cells

Cigarette smoke causes oxidative stress in the lung resulting in injury and disease. The purpose of this study was to determine if there were age-related differences in cigarette smoke extract (CSE)-induced production of reactive species in single and co-cultures of alveolar epithelial type I (AT I) cells and microvascular endothelial cells harvested from the lungs (MVECLs) of neonatal, young and old male Fischer 344 rats. Cultures of AT I cells and MVECLs grown separately (single culture) and together (co-culture) were exposed to CSE (1, 10, 50, 100%). Cultures were assayed for the production of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS), hydroxyl radical (OH), peroxynitrite (ONOO(-)), nitric oxide (NO) and extracellular hydrogen peroxide (H(2)O(2)). Single and co-cultures of AT I cells and MVECLs from all three ages produced minimal intracellular ROS in response to CSE. All ages of MVECLs produced H(2)O(2) in response to CSE, but young MVECLs produced significantly less H(2)O(2) compared to neonatal and old MVECLs. Interestingly, when grown as a co-culture with age-matched AT I cells, neonatal and old MVECLs demonstrated ~50% reduction in H(2)O(2) production in response to CSE. However, H(2)O(2) production in young MVECLs grown as a co-culture with young AT I cells did not change with CSE exposure. To begin investigating for a potential mechanism to explain the reduction in H(2)O(2) production in the co-cultures, we evaluated single and co-cultures for extracellular total antioxidant capacity. We also performed gene expression profiling specific to oxidant and anti-oxidant pathways. The total antioxidant capacity of the AT I cell supernatant was ~5 times greater than that of the MVECLs, and when grown as a co-culture and exposed to CSE (≥ 10%), the total antioxidant capacity of the supernatant was reduced by ~50%. There were no age-related differences in total antioxidant capacity of the cell supernatants. Gene expression profiling found eight genes to be significantly up-regulated or down-regulated. This is the first study to describe age-related differences in MVECLs exposed to CSE.
Psychogenic polydipsia, hyponatremia and osmotic myelinolysis

Objective Description of a case of osmotic myelinolysis associated with hyponatremia produced as a consequence of compulsive water drinking. Method Case report and review of relevant literature. Results Compulsive water drinking or psychogenic polydipsia is a common cause of hyponatremia among individuals with chronic mental illness. Central pontine myelinolysis and extrapontine myelinolysis are serious neurological complications resulting from rapid correction of serum sodium and associated changes in serum osmolality. A case of extrapontine myelinolysis confirmed by characteristic MRI findings following an episode of extreme hyponatremia caused by psychogenic polydipsia is described involving a patient with an adult lifelong history of chronic mental illness diagnosed as schizoaffective disorder. With supportive care the related cognitive deficits and balance difficulties resolved completely. Conclusions Clinicians should be aware of the potential for hyponatremia resulting from compulsive water drinking to cause myelinolysis with delayed development of cognitive and gait symptoms that responds to supportive care if identified early.
Response of wheat cultivars to different soil nitrogen and moisture regimes: I. Dry matter partitioning and root growth 1

Abstract The balance between root and shoot growth is one of the mechanisms used by plants to adapt to a particular environment. This balance is affected by nutrient supply and water availability. The objective of this study was to understand how nitrogen (N) affects root and shoot growth of three cultivars of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) grown under two regimes of soil moisture ('non water stressed’ and ‘stressed’ during stem elongation') in the greenhouse and growth chamber. Data showed that before stem elongation, shoot growth was less sensitive to high soil N levels than root growth. In fact, root growth was inhibited by excessive soil N concentration. The cultivar ‘Nesma’ produced more dry matter, absorbed N more rapidly and avoided the negative effect of high soil N concentrations on root growth. ‘Merchouch 8’ produced less dry matter and tolerated more water stress, and appeared to require less water. Severe water stress masked the effect of N on root and shoot growth, and the negative effect of wa...
Identification and characterization of a novel cross‐link lesion in d(CpC) upon 365‐nm irradiation in the presence of 2‐methyl‐1,4‐naphthoquinone

We report the isolation and characterization for the first time of a cross-link lesion between two adjacent cytosines from the 2-methyl-1,4-naphthoquinone (menadione)-sensitized 365-nm irradiation of d(CpC). Electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI-MS), tandem MS and (1)H NMR results indicate that the cross-link occurs between the C5 carbon atom of one cytosine and the N(4) nitrogen atom of the other cytosine. Furthermore, we synthesized d(CpC) with a (15)N being incorporated on the amino group of either of the two cytosines. We then irradiated the two (15)N-labeled dinucleoside monophosphates, isolated the cross-link products and characterized them by MS and multi-stage tandem MS. The latter results established unambiguously that the N(4) nitrogen atom of the 3'-nucleobase is involved in the covalent bond formation between the two cytosines. This, in combination with two-dimensional nuclear Overhauser effect spectroscopy (NOESY) results, demonstrates that the cross-link arises from the formation of a covalent bond between the C5 carbon atom of the 5' cytosine and the N(4) nitrogen atom of the 3' cytosine. We also show that the solution pH has a significant effect on the formation of the cross-link lesion, which supports that the deprotonation at the exocyclic amino group of cytosine cation radical is essential for the formation of the cross-link lesion.
Determining an Individual's Ideal Body Weight from Skeletal Measurements: A New Method

Determining an individual's "ideal" body weight is fundamental in nutritional therapy. A simulation of the human body to a cylindrical volumetric model permits the calculation of the ideal body weight from the measured height, interacromioclavicular distance, and humeral length. A group of 189 healthy normal volunteers were assessed. The calculated "Pitt" ideal body weight correlated closely (r = 0.88 for males, r = 0.72 for women) with values obtained from the Metropolitan tables. The technique provides an estimate of ideal body weight based upon reproducible, easily obtained measurements of fixed bony landmarks. ( Journal of Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition11:255-258,1987)
Distance Learning: Relationships among Class Size, Instructor Location, Student Perceptions, and Performance

This study investigated differences in student perceptions and performance among three distance learning sites taking the same off-campus M.B.A. course with the same instructor, The sites varied in class size and instructor location. Two classes (one large and one small) were linked using a two-way video system with rotating origination. The third class was small and was taught in person each week. Data were collected over an entire semester. Class size influenced performance more than location of instructor. Performance in the two smaller classes was better than performance in the large class. Student characteristics and site variables accounted for over 50% of variance in performance. One interaction effect was found. Students with initial low perceived value did best when the instructor was physically present each week. For students with high initial perceived value, location of instructor did not matter.
Problem of sensory loss in finger-tip injuries in the blind

Summary A case report of a blind person with multiple finger tip injuries is presented. Volar advancement flaps provided adequate tip sensation for reading Braille.
The Surface Damage in SiO2 Caused by Chemical Mechanical Polishing on Ic-60 Pads

Chemical Mechanical polishing (CMP) is a useful technique for achieving global planarization in the ICs. The CMP of oxide has been used and studied for decades. Only recently the technique has been employed for planarizing the interlayer dielectric (ILD) on the silicon devices circuits. The effect of such polishing on the performance of the ILD has been the concern. This paper examines the attempts on defining the damage caused by CMP and its effect on the electrical properties after polished SiO2 wafers. In this investigation the PECVD and thermal oxide films were polished in the colloidal silica slurry on IC 60 pad. The polished oxide were then studied using I-V and nuclear reaction technique. The results show a surface damage which extends to about 800 A in the polished oxide. The changes occurring in the concentration of hydrogenous species at the surface of SiO2 as determined by nuclear reaction technique will also be presented. It is shown that due to CMP as-deposited CVD SiO2 films loose water from surface regions whereas well annealed or dry oxides gain water at the surface. The results will be discussed and mechanisms will be presented to explain electrical results.
Psychosocial and behavioral aspects of bariatric surgery.

Bariatric surgery has become an increasingly popular treatment option for individuals with extreme obesity (defined as a BMI ≥ 40 kg/m2) or those with less severe obesity accompanied by significant comorbidities. Sustained postoperative weight loss and improvements in obesity-related health problems make bariatric surgery the most effective treatment for this population. Nevertheless, most experts agree that psychosocial and behavioral factors contribute to successful postoperative outcomes. This paper reviews the literature on the preoperative psychosocial status, eating behaviors, and quality of life of patients who seek bariatric surgery. In addition, the paper examines studies that investigated changes in these factors postoperatively. The review concludes with an agenda for future research in this area.
Key decisions in child protective services: Report investigation and court referral

Abstract This paper examines two key decisions in child protective services: report investigation at intake, and referral of a case to the court unit after assessment. Data consist of worker interviews and case file review of 3 random stratified samples (557 cases) in a large urban California county. The findings show that children receive differential levels of service. At intake the type of abuse alleged is crucial: sexual abuse cases are more likely than other types of abuse to be investigated with a view to referring children to mental health services; while a legal evidentiary approach is adopted to reports of physical abuse and neglect. In the court referral decision, the likelihood of court referral is increased when the family does not cooperate with the agency, the family lacks support, there is confirmed parental drug use, and when the maltreatment is substantiated. Policy and practice implications and reforms within the current system are discussed.
Superiority of right visual half-fields in right-handers for recall of digits presented at varying rates.

Abstract Right-handers exhibit a consistent superiority of the right visual half-field for recall of digits; this superiority may reflect the more direct connections between the right visual half field and the speech areas of the left hemisphere. Seven digits were presented in each trial, with four digits at the point of fixation and three in either the left or right visual half-field. The first six digits were presented in pairs, with one digit at fixation and one in the half-field, followed by one additional digit at fixation. The greatest asymmetry occured at the faster presentation rates and for right-handers without family history of sinistrality.
An Ergot Alkaloid Preparation (Hydergine) in the Treatment of Presenile Brain Atrophy (Alzheimer's Disease): Case Report

An ergot alkaloid preparation, Hydergine, when used therapeutically for arteriosclerotic brain disease and after cerebrovascular accidents usually has a beneficial effect. Thus Hydergine was used on the Intermediate Care Service of a Veterans Administration hospital to treat 21 such patients. The dosage of Hydergine was two 0.5-mg tablets sublingually three times daily for ninety days. A good response was obtained in 62 per cent. Because of this encouraging result, 4 patients with presenile brain atrophy (Alzheimer's disease) were treated similarly. Of these 4 patients, 2 improved and 2 did not. One of the 2 who improved was a 62-year-old man who had become a total nursing-care problem. Alzheimer's disease was confirmed by brain biopsy. His response to Hydergine was so dramatic that his case is reported here. The improvement and the absence of side effects justify further trials of Hydergine in presenile brain atrophy.
Particle dispersion in a binary solid-liquid fluidized bed

The mixing and segregation behavior of liquid fluidized beds containing two different-sized particle species are described mathematically. This model is based on a mass balance, rather than a volume balance, which has been used by most previous researchers. The model also includes the effects of density gradients that are present in the bed. Particle dispersion coefficients in a binary-solid fluidized bed are evaluated using this model. Further, a correlation that allows the calculation of these particle dispersion coefficients is presented, which describes not only dispersion coefficients calculated using the above model, but also those presented by other researchers. It is applicable over a broad range of variables of practical interest and is based on relevant dimensionless parameters to account for the influence of important particle and fluid properties on the particle dispersion characteristics.
T4 DNA polymerase (3′–5′) exonuclease, an enzyme for the detection and quantitation of stable DNA lesions: the ultraviolet light example

Abstract Ultraviolet light irradiation of DNA results in the formation of two major types of photoproducts, cyclobutane dimers and 6-4' [pyrimidin-2'-one] -pyrimidine photoproducts. The enzyme T4 DNA polymerase possesses a 3' to 5' exonuclease activity and hydrolyzes both single and double stranded DNA in the absence of deoxynucleotide triphosphate substrates. Here we describe the use of T4 DNA polymerase associated exonuclease for the detection and quantitation of UV light-induced damage on both single and double stranded DNA. Hydrolysis of UV-irradiated single or double stranded DNA by the DNA polymerase associated exonuclease is quantitatively blocked by both cyclobutane dimers and (6-4) photoproducts. The enzyme terminates digestion of UV-irradiated DNA at the 3' pyrimidine of both cyclobutane dimers and (6-4) photoproducts. For a given photoproduct site, the induction of cyclobutane dimers was the same for both single and double stranded DNA. A similar relationship was also found for the induction of (6-4) photoproducts. These results suggest that the T4 DNA polymerase proofreading activity alone cannot remove these UV photoproducts present on DNA templates, but instead must function together with enzymes such as the T4 pyrimidine dimer-specific endonuclease in the repair of DNA photoproducts. The T4 DNA polymerase associated exonuclease should be useful for the analysis of a wide variety of bulky, stable DNA adducts.
Complement total unimodularity

Abstract A {0, 1} matrix U is defined to be complement totally unimodular (c.t.u.) if U as well as all matrices derived from U by certain complement operations are totally unimodular. Two decompositions of minimal violation matrices of total unimodularity are utilized to characterize the letter matrices by c.t.u. matrices. In addition properties of c.t.u. matrices are presented.
Fiber projections from trigeminal nucleus caudalis in primate (squirrel monkey and baboon).

Small radiofrequency lesions were produced in the trigeminal nucleus caudalis and adjacent lateral reticular formation (LRF) in seven squirrel monkeys and four baboons. Frozen brain sections were stained for cellular morphology and for axonal and terminal degeneration. The lesions in pars marginalis and gelatinosa produced terminal degeneration in pars magnocellularis and LRF. Pars magnocellularis lesions produced degeneration into the ascending trigeminal intranuclear tract and the adjacent lateral reticular formation. Ascending thalamic and reticular projections emanated from LRF lesions. These observations suggest that elements of the LRF adjacent to the nucleus caudalis are an integral part of the trigeminal somesthetic fiber projection system and may subserve the perception of noxious stimuli.
Beat-to-Beat Repolarization Lability Identifies Patients at Risk for Sudden Cardiac Death

QT Interval Variability and Sudden Death. Introduction: Recent studies have implicated repolarization lability in the genesis of malignant ventricular arrhythmias. However, few data exist on assessment of temporal QT interval variability and its relation to arrhythmogenesis. We tested the ability of the QT variability index (QTVI), a measure of beat-to-beat QT interval fluctuations measured on a single ECG lead, to identify patients presenting with malignant ventricular arrhythmias and predict their subsequent occurrences. Methods and Results: We measured the QTVI in 95 patients presenting for electrophysiologic study (EPS). The ability of the QTVI to identify patients with sudden cardiac death (SCD) or sustained monomorphic ventricular tachycardia (MVT) on presentation and during follow-up of 23.7 ± 14.3 months was compared with spatial QT dispersion, T wave alternans ratio during atrial pacing, MVT inducibility at EPS, signal-averaged ECG, heart rate variability, and ejection fraction. The QTVI was higher in patients with heart disease than in controls (-0.7 ± 0.7 vs −1.1 ± 0.5, P < 0.05), and higher in patients presenting with SCD than in other patients with heart disease (0.0 ± 0.6 vs −0.8 ± 0.5, P < 0.05). The QTVI was the only clinical variable that identified patients who presented with SCD (P= 0.004, odds ratio = 12.5) on stepwise, logistic multiple regression. Fourteen patients had arrhythmic events during follow-up. In a Kaplan-Meier analysis of arrhythmic events, QTVI ≥ 0.1 was a discriminator for higher risk of arrhythmic events (P < 0.05). Conclusions: (1) This noninvasive measure of temporal repolarization lability identified patients with SCD and predicted arrhythmia-free survival. (2) Further studies are needed to determine the mechanisms that mediate beat-to-beat QT interval variability.
Comparative 2D NMR studies of human insulin and des-pentapeptide insulin: sequential resonance assignment and implications for protein dynamics and receptor recognition.

The solution structure and dynamics of human insulin are investigated by 2D 1H NMR spectroscopy in reference to a previously analyzed analogue, des-pentapeptide(B26-B30) insulin (DPI; Hua, Q.X., & Weiss, M.A. (1990) Biochemistry 29, 10545-10555). This spectroscopic comparison is of interest since (i) the structure of the C-terminal region of the B-chain has not been determined in the monomeric state and (ii) the role of this region in binding to the insulin receptor has been the subject of long-standing speculation. The present NMR studies are conducted in the presence of an organic cosolvent (20% acetic acid), under which conditions both proteins are monomeric and stably folded. Complete sequential assignment of human insulin is obtained and leads to the following conclusions. (1) The secondary structure of the insulin monomer (three alpha-helices and B-chain beta-turn) is similar to that observed in the 2-Zn crystal state. (2) The folding of DPI is essentially the same as the corresponding portion of intact insulin, in accord with the similarities between their respective crystal structures. However, differences between insulin and DPI are observed in the extent of conformational broadening of amide resonances, indicating that the presence or absence of residues B26-B30 influences the overall dynamics of the protein on the millisecond time scale. (3) Residues B24-B28 adopt an extended configuration in the monomer and pack against the hydrophobic core as in crystallographic dimers; residues B29 and B30 are largely disordered. This configuration differs from that described in a more organic milieu (35% acetonitrile; Kline, A.D., & Justice, R.M., Jr. (1990) Biochemistry 29, 2906-2913), suggesting that the conformation of insulin in the latter study may have been influenced by solvent composition. (4) The insulin fold is shown to provide a model for collective motions in a protein with implications for the mechanism of protein-protein recognition. To our knowledge, this paper describes the first detailed analysis of a protein NMR spectrum under conditions of extensive conformational broadening. Such an analysis is made possible in the present case by comparative study of an analogue (DPI) with more tractable spectroscopic properties.
Qubit entanglement in multimagnon states

The qubit entanglement induced by quasiparticle excitations in the Heisenberg spin chain and its relationship to the Bethe ansatz structure of the eigenmodes is studied. A phenomenon called entanglement quenching, which suppresses eigenstate entanglement, is described and shown to be mediated by Goldstone magnons. This form of quantum noise elucidates the absence of thermal entanglement in ferromagnets [J. S. Pratt, Phys. Rev. Lett. 93, 237605 (2004)]. Scattering states are characterized by short-range entanglement and never exhibit entanglement at the longest range. In contrast, entanglement in bound states typically increases with qubit separation. These results should be experimentally verifiable in quasi-one-dimensional organocopper spin chains and in linear quantum dot arrays.
Novel inter- and intrasubunit contacts between transport-relevant residues of the homodimeric mitochondrial phosphate transport protein

Ser158 is located near the middle of the matrix loop connecting transmembrane helices C and D of the mitochondrial phosphate transport protein (PTP). The mutant Ser158Thr PTP is transport-inactive. His32 is located near the middle of transmembrane helix A and Thr79 is located 5 residues away from transmembrane helix B and its N-terminal (matrix end). Single site mutant PTPs that have either residue replaced with Ala are transport-inactive. Based on the high resolution structure of a subunit of the bovine ADP/ATP translocase, on sequence similarities between members of the mitochondrial transport protein family, and on the PTP subunit/subunit contact site between transmembrane A helices, it is now suggested that the Ser158 site is at the PTP subunit/subunit contact site. This contact site is essential for keeping the transport cycles catalyzed by the two PTP subunits 180 degrees out of phase. The data also suggest that His32 and Thr79 of the same subunit interact and couple the phosphate and the proton transport paths.
Thermal acclimation in Anuran amphibians as a function of latitude and altitude

Abstract 1. 1. Rate and range of thermal acclimation has been determined for fifty-three species of Anuran amphibians from a wide variety of habitats, latitudes 2. 2. Tropical anurans fo not have a narrow range of acclimation; instead the entire thermal regime of the more southern species is higher than for northern forms. 3. 3. Species with restrictive geographic ranges have little or poor ability to adjust physiologically. 4. 4. High altitude forms of the old mountains of the United States and Mexico act like temperature forms of equivalent thernal latitudes. 5. 5. High altitude forms from the recent mountains of Central America are physiologically essentially lowland tropical forms that have been carried or forced into a variety of restrictive physiological plasticities.
The Role of State Programs in NIBRS Data Quality: A Case Study of Two States

This study explores the question of how the organization of state programs might positively influence the data quality of the state's incident-based reporting data and its National Incident-Based Reporting System (NIBRS) data submissions. To investigate this topic, the programs of two states (Tennessee and Vermont) identified as adept at resolving data quality issues are described. These descriptions show that these two state programs have taken measures to implement the quality assurance programs and procedures recommended in The Blueprint for the Future of the Uniform Crime Reporting Program: Final Report of the UCR Study. Given that some states have undertaken very different and very aggressive quality control programs, subsequent research should be done to assess the effects of these programs on the quality of NIBRS submissions.
The evaluation and management of cartilage lesions affecting the patellofemoral joint

Patellofemoral chondral lesions are unique and difficult-to-treat entities often affecting a young and active patient population. Recent advances in our understanding of cartilage injuries, surgical techniques, and surgical technology have provided treatment options for symptomatic patients with lesions of the patellofemoral compartment. A number of surgical treatment options are available, including surgical microfracture, autologous or juvenile chondrocyte implantation, osteochondral autograft transfer, and osteochondral allograft implantation. Management decisions are based on a number of patient- and lesion-related factors in an effort to relieve pain, restore function, and preserve the patellofemoral articulation. The present article reviews the evaluation and management of cartilage injuries affecting the patellofemoral joint.
MICROBIC VIRULENCE AND HOST SUSCEPTIBILITY IN PARATYPHOID-ENTERITIDIS INFECTION OF WHITE MICE : VII. SEASONAL VARIATION IN THE SUSCEPTIBILITY OF DIFFERENT STRAINS OF MICE TO PER Os INFECTION WITH THE TYPE II BACILLUS OF MOUSE TYPHOID (BACILLUS PESTIS CAVIAE).

Seasonal variations are described in the response of five strains of mice to inoculation with the Type II bacillus of mouse typhoid (Bacillus pestis caviae). There occurred in the case of all strains a high peak of mortality during the spring, a lower death rate during the summer, and a subsequent autumn rise in the number of deaths.
Dynamics of Ion Migration in Nanopores and the Effect of DNA–Ion Interaction

We have carried out Brownian Dynamics calculations to investigate the effect of DNA-ion interaction on ion transport in a nanopore. We calculated the self-diffusion coefficient of monovalent ions in the presence of DNA in a nanopore and compared with that through an open pore, i.e., without the presence of DNA. We find that the self-diffusion coefficient of the coions is essentially unaffected by the DNA. The self-diffusion coefficient of the counterions, on the other hand, is significantly reduced depending on the ion concentration. At high ion concentration, around 1 M, the effect of DNA on counterion diffusion is relatively small, causing a slight reduction in counterion diffusion coefficient. At low concentration of a few mM, the effect is much larger, resulting in a reduction in counterion diffusion coefficient by about a factor 2.5. The variation in the self-diffusion of the counterion is well described by accounting for the contributions from two components: the adsorbed counterions; and the free counterions. Detailed dynamics of the DNA-counterion interaction is characterized by the varying length of the transient adsorption time of the counterions to the DNA charge sites and the exchange rate with the environment. This variation in counterion adsorption time is attributed to ionic electric screening effect, which is in turn determined by the ion concentration.
Tobacco smoke cooperates with interleukin-1β to alter β-catenin trafficking in vascular endothelium resulting in increased permeability and induction of cyclooxygenase-2 expression in vitro and in vivo

Cigarette smoking affects all phases of atherosclerosis from endothelial dysfunction to acute occlusive clinical events. We explored activation by exposure to tobacco smoke of two genes, beta-catenin and COX-2, that play key roles in inflammation and vascular remodeling events. Using both in vivo and in vitro smoke exposure, we determined that tobacco smoke (TS) induced nuclear beta-catenin accumulation and COX-2 expression and activity and moreover interacted with IL-1beta to enhance these effects. Exposure of cardiac endothelial cells to tobacco smoke plus IL-1beta (TS/IL-1beta) enhanced permeability of endothelial monolayers and disrupted membrane VE-cadherin/beta-catenin complexes, decreased beta-catenin phosphorylation, and increased phosphorylation of GSK-3beta, Akt, and EGFR. Transfection of endothelial cells with beta-catenin-directed small interfering RNA (siRNA) suppressed TS/IL-1beta-mediated effects on COX-2 modulation. Inhibitors of EGFR and phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase also abolished both the TS/IL-1beta-mediated modulation of the Akt/GSK-3beta/beta-catenin pathway and enhancement of COX-2 expression. Moreover, increased levels of Akt and GSK-3beta phosphorylation, nuclear beta-catenin accumulation, COX-2 expression, and IL-1beta were observed in cardiovascular tissue of ApoE-/- mice exposed to cigarette smoke daily for 2 wk. Our results suggest a novel mechanism by which cigarette smoking can induce proinflammatory and proatherosclerotic effects in vascular tissue.
Use of two-stage optimization in model predictive control of stable and integrating systems

Abstract A two-stage model predictive control formulation for stable and integrating systems is proposed. The formulation allows the user to solve an economic optimization at steady state to find the most desirable setpoint values for the subsequent dynamic control calculation. The settling values of the integrating outputs are related to a particular input value combination for efficient optimization. A simple numerical example is provided.
The Photophysical Properties of 6-Azaindole

The biosynthetic incorporation of tryptophan analogues into proteins using plasmid expression systems has been shown to offer advantages in fluorescence spectroscopic studies of the molecular details of the interacting segments of protein−protein complexes. There are two underlying concepts of this approach. The first is based on a close structural similarity between the analogue and the native tryptophan. The second is that the analogue has an extended red absorbance permitting the selective excitation in the presence of tryptophan. The reported intense absorbance band of 6-azatryptophan at 325 nm would appear to offer a unique opportunity of using this analogue in such studies. In this work, we present the photophysical characterization of the excited state behavior of 6-azatryptophan through a complete study of the cognate indole moiety, 6-azaindole. It was found that the absorbance at 320 nm for 6-azaindole and 325 nm for 6-azatryptophan was due to the protonated form in which both ring nitrogens are ...
Relation of Circulating Estradiol and Progesterone to Gonadotropin Secretion and Estrous Cyclicity in Aging Female Rats

The progressive cessation of regular ovulatory function in aging female rats is preceded by a significant decrease in the magnitude of the proestrous LH surge during regular estrous cycles. However, our recent study has demonstrated that normal LH secretion and regular estrous cycles can be maintained for an extended period of time in aging females housed with fertile males and allowed to undergo repeated pregnancies. Since progesterone (P) secretion is persistently increased in pregnant rats, the present study examined whether repeated increases in circulating progesterone accounted for these results. Starting at 8 months of age and continuing to 13 months, multiparous rats were grouped and treated as follows: controls: females were housed five per cage; mated: five females were housed with one fertile male and allowed to undergo repeated pregnancies; and P-implanted: females were housed five per cage and implanted sc with Silastic capsules containing P for 3 of every 4 weeks. During the 4.5 months of study, serum concentrations of estradiol (E2) in the P-implanted rats remained between 13 and 27 pg/ml, similar to levels in pregnant females (8-26 pg/ml) of the mated group. These E2 values were less than the preovulatory increase in serum E2 on proestrus (mean +/- SE, 56 +/- 10 pg/ml) in cyclic control females. In contrast, serum P values were persistently elevated in both the pregnant and the P-implanted rats, although the values in the latter (27-55 ng/ml) were about one third to one half of those in the former group (117-125 ng/ ml). All treatments were stopped at 13 months of age, and estrous cycle patterns were determined thereafter. Between 13 and 17 months of age, the percentages of regularly cycling rats were significantly (P less than 0.01) greater in the mated group (50%, 36%, and 15% at 13, 15, and 17 months, respectively) than in the control group (23%, 20%, and 9%, respectively). During this same period, 50% of the females from the P-implanted group continued to display regular cycles. By the age of 11 months, 8 of 21 untreated retired breeder females exhibited attenuated LH surges on proestrus and subsequently ceased to display regular estrous cycles within 2 months, whereas the other 13 rats showed normal LH and FSH surges and continued to maintain regular cycles. In contrast to these, aged female rats from the previously mated (15-month-old) and the P-implanted (19-month-old) groups exhibited normal profiles of proestrous LH and FSH surges during regular estrous cycles.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)
Reply to Comments on Maxwell's equations by J.E. Gray and S.P. Bowen

J.E. Gray and S.P. Bowen (see ibid., vol.30, no.4, p.586-9, Nov. 1988) use a modification of Maxwell's equations by substituting distributions for functions differentiable in the sense of Leibnitz and Newton. The commenter notes that the work of Gray and Bowen confirms what he has claimed previously, i.e. that Maxwell's equations must be modified. The commenter then considers which modification(s) can explain all the experimental results that the current theory cannot explain. >
Robust Control of Chaos in Chua’s Circuit Based on Internal Model Principle

Abstract The paper treats the question of robust control of chaos in Chua’s circuit based on the internal model principle. The Chua’s diode has polynomial non-linearity and it is assumed that the parameters of the circuit are not known. A robust control law for the asymptotic regulation of the output (node voltage) along constant and sinusoidal reference trajectories is derived. For the derivation of the control law, the non-linear regulator equations are solved to obtain a manifold in the state space on which the output error is zero and an internal model of the k -fold exosystem ( k = 3 here) is constructed. Then a feedback control law using the optimal control theory or pole placement technique for the stabilization of the augmented system including the Chua’s circuit and the internal model is derived. In the closed-loop system, robust output node voltage trajectory tracking of sinusoidal and constant reference trajectories are accomplished and in the steady state, the remaining state variables converge to periodic and constant trajectories, respectively. Simulation results are presented which show that in the closed-loop system, asymptotic trajectory control, disturbance rejection and suppression of chaotic motion in spite of uncertainties in the system are accomplished.
Sequential Processing of Lexical, Grammatical, and Phonological Information Within Broca’s Area

Words, grammar, and phonology are linguistically distinct, yet their neural substrates are difficult to distinguish in macroscopic brain regions. We investigated whether they can be separated in time and space at the circuit level using intracranial electrophysiology (ICE), namely by recording local field potentials from populations of neurons using electrodes implanted in language-related brain regions while people read words verbatim or grammatically inflected them (present/past or singular/plural). Neighboring probes within Broca's area revealed distinct neuronal activity for lexical (approximately 200 milliseconds), grammatical (approximately 320 milliseconds), and phonological (approximately 450 milliseconds) processing, identically for nouns and verbs, in a region activated in the same patients and task in functional magnetic resonance imaging. This suggests that a linguistic processing sequence predicted on computational grounds is implemented in the brain in fine-grained spatiotemporally patterned activity.
An Example of Consumeristic Social Psychology: Bargaining Tough in the New Car Showroom

Recent discontent within scientific psychology, especially social psychology, was discussed and found to be caused, at least in part, by a widespread perception among psychologists that the discipline has failed to act with social responsibility in researching and reducing areas of social concern. One such area of concern, consumer welfare, was examined. Social psychology's contribution was seen to be biased against the individual consumer for reasons that are primarily methodological rather than ideological. A study was conducted as an example of how social psychological theory and research could be directly and positively applied to the issue of consumer welfare. Procedures derived from aspiration level theory were employed in new car bargaining interactions set in the field. Results indicated that a consumer could realize substantial savings on the price of a desired automobile by taking a tough bargaining stance in prior negotiations with the salesperson. In addition to their practical value, the results also provided evidence for the external validity of earlier, laboratory work. Some implications for a socially responsible social psychology of consumer issues are discussed.