cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
DNA self-recognition in the structure of Pot1 bound to telomeric single-stranded DNA

Telomeres, specialized protein-DNA complexes that cap the ends of linear chromosomes, are essential for protecting chromosomes from degradation and end-to-end fusions. The Pot1 (protection of telomeres 1) protein is a widely distributed eukaryotic end-capping protein, having been identified in fission yeast, microsporidia, plants and animals. Schizosaccharomyces pombe Pot1p is essential for telomere maintenance, and human POT1 has been implicated in telomerase regulation. Pot1 binds telomeric single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) with exceptionally high sequence specificity, the molecular basis of which has been unknown. Here we describe the 1.9-A-resolution crystal structure of the amino-terminal DNA-binding domain of S. pombe Pot1p complexed with ssDNA. The protein adopts an oligonucleotide/oligosaccharide-binding (OB) fold with two loops that protrude to form a clamp for ssDNA binding. The structure explains the sequence specificity of binding: in the context of the Pot1 protein, DNA self-recognition involving base-stacking and unusual G-T base pairs compacts the DNA. Any sequence change disrupts the ability of the DNA to form this structure, preventing it from contacting the array of protein hydrogen-bonding groups. The structure also explains how Pot1p avoids binding the vast excess of RNA in the nucleus.
The influence of bile on canine gastric secretion.

Abstract The effect of various types of biliary diversion on the daily secretion of Heidenhain pouches in dogs was studied. Total external diversion of bile brought about a decrease in gastric secretion while simple internal diversion of bile to the distal gut via Roux-en-Y segment caused significant increase in Heidenhain pouch secretion; the observed increases in secretion could not be accounted for on the basis of impairment of liver function as measured by serial BSP determinations.
International migration and the reproduction of multiple inequalities

International labour migration is at the centre of the reproduction of economic inequality. Firstly, low wages and insecure employment characterise labour markets in countries of origin. An increasingly service–oriented global economy has heightened these trends, with highly skilled labour in a few careers, e.g., business administration, computer systems, being more employable than the rest. Secondly, migrants use costly informal means and networks to arrive at countries of destination, where they recreate a lower–third tier in the labour force. Labour conditions and wages are often below legally established norms, while disenfranchised status and precariousness of living conditions further segregate immigrants. Border walls are built to seal North–South inequalities. Thirdly, immigrant remittances serve to reproduce inequalities: a) at the community level, by diverging the fate of the receivers from the non–receivers; b) at the national level, by feeding liquidity into a system with uneven–access to finance and production; c) at the fiscal level, by making governments addicted to foreign exchange.
Carrier Tracking by Smoothing Filter Improves Symbol SNR

The potential benefit of using a smoothing filter to estimate a carrier phase over use of phase-locked loops (PLL) is determined. Numerical results are presented for the performance of three possible configurations of an all-digital coherent demodulation receiver. These are residual carrier PLL, sideband-aided residual carrier PLL, and finally sideband aided with Kalman smoother. The average symbol SNR after losses due to carrier phase estimation is computed for different total power SNRs, symbol rates, and symbol SNRs. It is found that smoothing is most beneficial for low symbol SNRs and low symbol rates. Smoothing gains up to 0.7 dB over sideband-aided residual carrier PLL, and the combined benefit of smoothing and sideband aiding relative to residual carrier loop is often in excess of 1 dB.
On a theorem of J. L. Krivine concerning block finite representability of lp in general Banach spaces

Abstract A simplified proof and generalizations are given for the following remarkable theorem of J. L. Krivine: Let ( x j ) be a sequence in a Banach space with infinite-dimensional linear span. Then either there is a 1 ⩽ p l p is block finitely represented in ( x j ) or c 0 is block finitely represented in some permutation of ( x j ).
The effect of dose on the evolution of cavities in 500-keV 4He+-ion irradiated nickel

Abstract Transmission electron microscopy has been used to investigate the effect of total dose on the depth distribution of cavities (voids or bubbles) in nickel irradiated at 500°C with 500-keV 4He+ ions. A transverse sectioning technique, which allows one to obtain the entire depth distribution of cavities and of damage from a single specimen, was utilized. The size, number density and volume fraction of bubbles or voids were measured from the micrographs taken from samples sectioned parallel to the direction of the incident beam. The results for the dose range studied (2 × 1019 to 1 × 1021ions/m2) show that the average cavity diameter, number density, and the volume fraction (i.e. swelling) increases with increasing dose. The peak in the swelling distribution occurs at depths 8 to 15% deeper than the peak in the calculated projected range profile.
Sexually Abused Children's Perceptions of Sexual Abuse: An Exploratory Analysis and Comparison Across Ages

ABSTRACT Personal interviews were conducted with 42 sexually abused children aged 4–16 years. A projective-type vignette describing a sexually abusive incident was read to the children followed by a standard list of questions designed to measure cognitive dimensions associated with the trauma of sexual abuse. Overall, the abused children's responses were consistent with perceptions of betrayal, sexualization, secrecy pressure, and coercion with few perceptions of victim blame. Comparisons were made between the perceptions of two developmentally distinct age groups (4–8 and 10–12 year olds) and results indicated that younger children exhibited greater perceptions of victim blame than the older children. Older children, however, attributed a more negative self-concept to the vignette victim and responded with greater perceptions of coercion. The significance of the findings is discussed in terms of prevention and treatment implications.
Spatial Statistical Analysis and Geographic Information Systems

In this paper, we discuss a number of general issues that pertain to the interface between GIS and spatial analysis. In particular, we focus on the various paradigms for spatial data analysis that follow from the existence of this interface. We outline a series of questions that need to be confronted in the analysis of spatial data, and the extent to which a GIS can facilitate their resolution. We also review a number of exploratory and confirmatory techniques that we feel should form the core of a spatial analysis module for a GIS.
Piaget, stone tools and the evolution of human intelligence.

Abstract Archaeology can be used to study the evolution of human intelligence but to do so archaeologists must employ well established theories of intelligence. Piagetian theory is especially useful because it is evolutionary in scope and, just as important, can be used to analyze stone tools, the most abundant residue of prehistoric behavior. Using Piagetian method to analyze artefact geometries, the author has been able to assess the intelligence of two groups of early hominids. Oldowan tools required very simple spatial concepts, indicating an intelligence not much greater than that of modern apes. This suggests that human evolution prior to 1.5 million years ago may not have involved selection for intelligence. Later Acheulean artefacts, on the other hand, required sophisticated spatial concepts, indicating that an essentially modern intelligence had evolved by 300,000 years ago.
Using Ocean Acoustics to Improve Large Shallow-water Soliton Simulations

Large amplitude ocean solitons can interfere with underwater acoustic signals that pass through the solitons. This can disrupt underwater acoustic communications and produce erroneous measurements in ocean acoustic experiments. Recently a simulation method has been developed that links certain properties of the soliton with properties of the affected acoustic signals. This can be used as a "feedback method" to determine if acoustic signals are likely to be affected in ocean regions where solitons may be present. Results from ocean model and acoustic model simulations are given to illustrate the method.
Juvenile hormone‐binding protein and juvenile hormone esterase activity in hemolymph from last‐instar nymphs of Leucophaea maderae

The concentration of the juvenile hormone-binding protein (JHB) in hemolymph was determined throughout the last nymphal instar. It was found to be 3.9 μM at the molt to the instar, rising to 13 μM by mid-instar, and dropping to 6.7μM the day before emergence. Endocrine control of its production during the last nymphal instar could not be established. The apparent juvenile hormone esterase (JHF) activity was low at the molt to the last instar, but rose about fivefold by mid-instar, and then modestly declined. On the day of emergence, JHF activity rose to the highest level observed. A four- to fivefold increase in absolute JHF activity was determined during the first half of the last nymphal instar. This increase is not regulated by JH. Removal of the JHB from hemolymph samples by precipitation with a polyclonal specific antibody increased the JHF activity up to 1,000-fold. Thus, changes in the concentrations of JHB can affect the apparent activity of JHE, which is unrelated to the production or degradation of the JHF.
An R.f. Device for Precision Location of the Beam Position Detectors in the Energy Saver

The task is to measure the center line of the beam detector with respect to the magnetic centerline with a precision of +-0.2 mm; the measurement must be made on 250 magnets (they come in 6 lengths, from 25'' to 99'') by a technician. Optical, mechanical, and electrical techniques for carrying out this procedure were considered. An RF device operating at 53 MHZ was adopted for the following reasons: (a) it provides complete electrical checkout of the hardware at operating frequency, including the bidirectional operation of the pickup, (b) no mechanical contact with the strip lines is required, and (c) the demands of production measurements and maintenance of calibration are better matched to the skills of an average technician. We describe the conceptual design, fabrication, and performance of this device.
Comparison of absorbed dose determinations between water and polystyrene-water calorimeters

The absorbed dose in water determined by a water calorimeter was compared with that determined by a polystyrene-water calorimeter. An ionisation chamber was also used in the absorbed dose determinations. The beams that were used were cobalt-60 gamma rays, and 10 and 25 MV X-ray photons. A nominal 18 MeV electron beam was also included in the study. Results indicate that the absorbed dose measured by the water calorimeter using once-deionised water is 1.4 to 3.6% higher than that by the polystyrene-water calorimeter, indicating an average of 2.5% exothermicity of water. This finding is similar to that in the literature.
The influence of alloxan-diabetes and fasting on glycolytic and gluconeogenic enzyme activities of rat intestinal mucosa and liver.

Abstract 1. 1. The activities of hexokinase (ATP: D -hexose 6-phosphotransferase, EC 2.7.1.1), pyruvate kinase (ATP: pyruvate phosphotransferase, EC 2.7.1.40) and fructose diphosphatase, ( D -fructose-1,6-diphosphate 1-phosphohydrolase, EC 3.1.3.11) were measured in jejunal mucosa of chow-fed and alloxan-diabetic rats. The activities of intestinal enzymes were compared with those in the livers of the same animals. 2. 2. Alloxan-diabetes was associated with no reduction in the jejunal activities of hexokinase and pyruvate kinase. In contrast, fasting led to a reduction in the activities of these enzymes. 3. 3. Fructose diphosphatase activity of jejunal mucosa was identical in diabetic and chow-fed rats but was increased in fasted animals. 4. 4. The expected reduction in glycolytic and increase in gluconeogenic enzyme activities of liver were seen in the diabetic and fasted animals. 5. 5. These studies indicate that, in contrast to other tissues, fasting and diabetes have differential effects on the activities of glycolytic and gluconeogenic enzymes of jejunal mucosa. Changes in enzyme activities of jejunal mucosa do not parallel those of liver in all conditions.
Expression of basal lamina protein mRNAs in the early embryonic chick eye.

Laminin, collagen IV, collagen XVIII, agrin, and nidogen are major protein constituents of the chick retinal basal lamina. To determine their sites of synthesis during de novo basal lamina assembly in vivo, we localized their mRNA expression in the eye during maximum expansion of the retina between embryonic day (E) 2.5 and E6. Our in situ hybridization studies showed that the expression pattern of every basal lamina protein mRNA in the developing eye is unique. Collagen IV and perlecan originate predominantly from the lens epithelium, whereas collagen XVIII, nidogen, and the laminin gamma 1 and beta1 chains are synthesized mainly by the ciliary body. Agrin, collagen XVIII, collagen IV, and laminin gamma 1 also originate from cells of the optic disc. The only basal lamina protein that is synthesized by the neural retina throughout development is agrin with ganglion cells as its main source. Some of the mRNAs have short, transient expressions in the retina, most notably that of collagen IV and laminin gamma 1, both of which appear in the ventral retina between E4 and E5. That most retinal basal lamina proteins originate from extraretinal tissues infers that the basal lamina proteins have to be shed from the lens, optic disc, and ciliary body into the vitreous body. The assembly of the retinal basal lamina then occurs by the binding of these proteins by cellular receptor proteins on the vitreal endfeet of the retinal neuroepithelial cells.
Cost-Effectiveness of Routine Screening for Proximal Deep Venous Thrombosis in Acquired Brain Injury Patients Admitted to Rehabilitation

Abstract Objective: Determine the prevalence of proximal deep venous thrombosis (DVT) among acquired brain injury patients on admission to rehabilitation and assess cost-effectiveness of routine ultrasound screening for proximal DVT in those patients. Design: Prospective study, sequential case series. Setting: University tertiary care rehabilitation center. Data Set: One hundred sixteen traumatic brain injury patients (TBI) and 48 nontraumatic brain injury patients were admitted to our brain injury (BI) unit over a 21-month period and screened for a DVT on admission to rehabilitation utilizing real time, spectral Doppler, and color Doppler ultrasound. Patients with a previous clinically recognized and treated DVT were excluded. No patients had been treated with prophylactic anticoagulation or intermittent anticoagulation since their BI and all patients were within 4 months of the original injury. Results: Fourteen patients in total (8.5%) were found to have a DVT in the thigh or popliteal area, 9 of the 116 patients in the TBI group (7.8%), and 5 of the 48 patients in the nontraumatic BI group (10.4%). Statistically, there was no significant difference in the total number of detected proximal lower extremity DVT's between the TBI and the nontraumatic BI groups (Fisher's exact test). In the TBI group 22 patients had associated lower extremity or pelvic fractures, but this factor appeared not to be significant, because only 1 of the 22 patients was discovered to have a DVT. The average admission Glascow Coma Score (GCS) of the TBI group was 8.6 but there was no correlation with the GCS and the prevalence of DVT. The additional cost of screening for and treating the additional DVTs utilizing color Doppler ultrasound is conservatively estimated to be $674.84 per patient admitted to the BI rehabilitation unit. It can be estimated the cost of saving one life is $129,527.83. Conclusion: DVT screening in this patient population appears to be more cost-effective than mass screening programs for either breast cancer or colorectal cancer. The cost per year of life saved, estimated at only $2,977.65 ($129,527.83/43.5 years) for DVT screening for brain injury patients on admission to rehabilitation, is lower than those costs proposed for comparable programs with significant social support.
Sulfonylureas correct trafficking defects of disease-causing ATP-sensitive potassium channels by binding to the channel complex.

ATP-sensitive potassium (KATP) channels mediate glucose-induced insulin secretion by coupling metabolic signals to β-cell membrane potential and the secretory machinery. Reduced KATP channel expression caused by mutations in the channel proteins: sulfonylurea receptor 1 (SUR1) and Kir6.2, results in loss of channel function as seen in congenital hyperinsulinism. Previously, we reported that sulfonylureas, oral hypoglycemic drugs widely used to treat type II diabetes, correct the endoplasmic reticulum to the plasma membrane trafficking defect caused by two SUR1 mutations, A116P and V187D. In this study, we investigated the mechanism by which sulfonylureas rescue these mutants. We found that glinides, another class of SUR-binding hypoglycemic drugs, also markedly increased surface expression of the trafficking mutants. Attenuating or abolishing the ability of mutant SUR1 to bind sulfonylureas or glinides by the following mutations: Y230A, S1238Y, or both, accordingly diminished the rescuing effects of the drugs. Interestingly, rescue of the trafficking defects requires mutant SUR1 to be co-expressed with Kir6.2, suggesting that the channel complex, rather than SUR1 alone, is the drug target. Observations that sulfonylureas also reverse trafficking defects caused by neonatal diabetes-associated Kir6.2 mutations in a way that is dependent on intact sulfonylurea binding sites in SUR1 further support this notion. Our results provide insight into the mechanistic and structural basis on which sulfonylureas rescue KATP channel surface expression defects caused by channel mutations.
Macromolecular MRI Contrast Agents with Small Dendrimers: Pharmacokinetic Differences between Sizes and Cores

Large macromolecular MRI contrast agents with albumin or dendrimer cores are useful for imaging blood vessels. However, their prolonged retention is a major limitation for clinical use. Although smaller dendrimer-based MRI contrast agents are more quickly excreted by the kidneys, they are also able to visualize vascular structures better than Gd-DTPA due to less extravasation. Additionally, unlike Gd-DTPA, they transiently accumulate in renal tubules and thus also can be used to visualize renal structural and functional damage. However, these dendrimer agents are retained in the body for a prolonged time. The purpose of this study was to obtain information from which a macromolecular dendrimer-based MRI contrast agents feasible for use in further clinical studies could be chosen. Six small dendrimer-based MRI contrast agents were synthesized, and their pharmacokinetics, whole-body retention, and dynamic MRI were evaluated in mice to determine an optimal agent in comparison to Gd-[DTPA]-dimeglumine. Diaminobutane (DAB) dendrimer-based agents cleared more rapidly from the body than polyamidoamine (PAMAM) dendrimer-based agents with the same numbers of branches. Smaller dendrimer conjugates were more rapidly excreted from the body than the larger dendrimer conjugates. Since PAMAM-G2, DAB-G3, and DAB-G2 dendrimer-based contrast agents showed relatively rapid excretion, these three conjugates might be acceptable for use in further clinical applications.
Ontogeny of adrenal VIP content and release from adrenocortical cells in the ovine fetus

Abstract The present study was designed to investigate the presence of VIP in fetal adrenals, to determine the changes in adrenal VIP content associated with maturation, and to explore the factors which regulate fetal adrenal VIP release. Adrenal glands from ovine fetuses at 70 to 140 days gestation were used. Adrenal VIP content, as measured by radioimmunoassay, were low at 70 and 80 days of gestation. This was followed by a rapid increase in VIP content from 80 to 110 days reaching a plateau between 110 and 130 days at levels comparable to that in the adult. A significant fall in adrenal VIP content occurred at 140 days, immediately prior to term. Release of VIP from fetal adrenocortical cells in vitro was significantly elevated by angiotensin II at 10−5 and 10−4 M, while ACTH had no effect. Acetylcholine at 50 μM and high potassium stimulated fetal adrenal VIP release while norepinephrine did not. These results suggest that the VIP neuronal system in the ovine fetal adrenal matures between 80 and 110 days of gestation. Furthermore, the release of VIP from the fetal adrenocortical cells may be regulated by angiotensin II and cholinergic neurotransmitters.
Probabilistic equivalence and stochastic model reduction in multiscale analysis

This paper presents a probabilistic upscaling of mechanics models. A reduced-order probabilistic model is constructed as a coarse-scale representation of a specified fine-scale model whose probabilistic structure can be accurately determined. Equivalence of the fine- and coarse-scale representations is identified such that a reduction in the requisite degrees of freedom can be achieved while accuracy in certain quantities of interest is maintained. A significant stochastic model reduction can a priori be expected if a separation of spatial and temporal scales exists between the fine- and coarse-scale representations. The upscaling of probabilistic models is subsequently formulated as an optimization problem suitable for practical computations. An illustration in stochastic structural dynamics is provided to demonstrate the proposed framework.
Causes and consequences of adult obesity: health, social and economic impacts in the United States

Obesity has been identified as an epidemic in the United States for more than two decades and yet the numbers of overweight and obese adults and children continue to grow. Currently, the rates of both overweight and obesity in the US are 61% and 14% in adults and children, respectively. Among US adults aged 20−74 years, the prevalence of overweight (defined as BMI 25.0−29.9) has increased from 33% in 1980 to 35% of the population in 1999. In the same population, obesity (defined as BMI ≥ 30) has nearly doubled from approximately 15% in 1980 to an estimated 27% in 1999. The percentage of children and adolescents who are defined as overweight has more than doubled since the early 1970s. About 14% of children and adolescents are now seriously overweight. Obesity burdens the health care system, strains economic resources, and has far reaching social consequences. The disease is associated with several serious health conditions including: type 2 diabetes mellitus, heart disease, high blood pressure and stroke. It is also linked to higher rates of certain types of cancer. Obesity is an independent risk factor for heart disease, hypoxia, sleep apnea, hernia, and arthritis. Obesity is the seventh leading cause of death in the US. The total cost of overweight and obesity by some estimates is $100 billion annually. Others put the cost of health care for obesity alone at $70 billion. Other annual costs associated with obesity are 40 million workdays of productivity lost, 63 million doctors’ office visits made, and 239 million restricted activity days and 90 million bed-bound days. Emotional suffering may be among the most painful aspects of obesity. American society emphasizes physical appearance and often equates attractiveness with slimness, especially for women. Such messages may be devastating to overweight people. Many think that obese individuals are gluttonous, lazy, or both, even though this is not true. As a result, obese people often face prejudice or discrimination in the job market, at school, and in social situations. Feelings of rejection, shame, or depression are common. Since the 1950s, national dietary recommendations have come to acknowledge obesity as a significant societal trend. The Surgeon General's 2001 Call To Action, Healthy People 2010, and the Dietary Guidelines for Americans 2000 all emphasize the importance of healthy weight. There are some new tools available to help in the fight against overweight and obesity: Weight Control Information Network, The Third National Cholesterol Education Program's Adult Treatment Panel, and The Practical Guide: Identifi­cation, Evaluation, & Treatment of Overweight & Obesity in Adults from the National Institutes of Health and National Heart Lung and Blood Institute.
Development of the EXELFS technique for high accuracy structural information

Abstract EXELFS (Extended Electron Energy Loss Fine Structure) spectroscopy contains the same local atomic structure information as XAFS in addition to having good low Z element sensitivity, much higher spatial resolution (nanoscale), and the capacity of combining other high spatial resolution TEM measurements. Due to poor quality of the EELS data, however, the EXELFS technique has not been developed to its full advantage. In this work, various new methods have been introduced to improve data acquisition technique and obtain now high quality EXELFS spectra. Also, the XAFS data analysis software has been interfaced to perform EXELFS data analysis at the same level of sophistication; this is a significant improvement over the previous cases. To develop EXELFS as a standard tool for structure determination, several additional problems must also be taken into consideration. Some of these are monitoring thickness variation, energy resolution variation, radiation damage during measurements, and better dark-current correction, as well as χ data renormalization. In this investigation, Al and SiC samples were used as calibration materials. Al K-edge, Si K-edge, and C K-edge EXELFS spectra were measured and analyzed using theoretical calculations and r -space non-linear least-squares fits to determine the structural parameters. Good agreement with the known structures was obtained.
Acidification Methods for Stabilization and Storage of Salmon By-Products

ABSTRACT High-quality by-products from fish processing are sometimes discarded unless fishmeal plants are located nearby. Other preservation methods, such as acidification, are less commonly used to inhibit spoilage. In this study, individual salmon by-products (heads, viscera, and a mixture) were stabilized through fermentation by lactic acid bacteria and through ensilage by direct acidification. Lipid and protein quality decreased in all samples with storage time (up to 120 days). Of note, viscera and heads preserved separately consistently maintained a lower, more effective pH than when mixed together, regardless of treatment, which has major implications for how fish processing waste should be collected and stored if maximum nutritional quality is to be preserved.
Addressing the Legacy of the U.S. Public Health Service Syphilis Study at Tuskegee: Optimal Health in Health Care Reform Philosophy

This article is guided by principles and practices of bioethics and public health ethics focused on health care reform within the context of promoting Optimal Health. The Tuskegee University National Center for Bioethics in Research and Health Care is moving beyond the traditions of bioethics to incorporate public health ethics and Optimal Health. It is imperative to remember the legacy of the ill-fated research entitled Tuskegee Study of Untreated Syphilis in the Negro Male. Human participant research and health care must be connected to principles of bioethics and public health ethics if the Affordable Care Act is expected to positively impact on the health of people living in the United States. Optimal Health describes a strategy to achieve individual and population health. Health care reform offers an opportunity to shift from the traditional pathology focus of managing diseases to target disease prevention and health promotion with a new set of tools. Transformational change is possible if the lesson...
Surface charge generation in nanogels for activated cellular uptake at tumor-relevant pH

Nanocarriers that can be effectively transported across cellular membranes have potential in a variety of biomedical applications. Among these, materials that are capable of changing their surface properties and thus gain entry into a cell, in response to a specific tissue environment, are of particular interest. In this manuscript we report a facile route to prepare nanogels, which generate surface charge with pH as stimulus. This is achieved by designing a polymeric nanogel containing 2-diisopropylamino (DPA) moieties. The choice of DPA nanogel is based on its pKb, which causes this functional group to be rapidly protonated upon change in pH. It is noteworthy that the pH change at which the surface charge is generated in the nanogel corresponds to the slightly acidic conditions observed in the extracellular environment of solid tumor. We show that the pH at which the charge is generated, i.e. the isoelectric point (pI) of the nanogel, can be adjusted by varying the percentage of DPA units in the nanogel, its preparation process and crosslinking density. Intracellular delivery of these nanogels was greatly enhanced in an acidic pH environment due to the surface charge generation. This study demonstrates the versatile nature of the nanogels to introduce specific functionalities with relative ease to achieve desired functional behavior.
Photochemical hole-burning in excited vibrational states of the S1←S0 transitīon of frēe-base porphin in an n-octane crystal

Abstract Photochemical hole-burning was used to study vibronic relaxation in the S 1 ←S 0 transition of H 2 P in n-octane at 4.2 K. Vibronic lines up to 1600 cm -1 above the origin were measured. The holewidths differ strongly and do not appear to be correlated with the excess in energy above the 0−0 transition.
Advanced pigmentary retinal degeneration, an ultrastructural study

A case of advanced pigmentary retinal degeneration is described. Posterior subcapsular cataract and a remnant of the anterior hyaloid system on the posterior lens surface were found. Extensive dispersion of pigment and organization of the vitreous base were present. Gliosis was seen in the retina, and no photoreceptors were evident. The retinal blood vessel walls were extensively hyalinized, with cell debris and deposition of basement-membrane-like material, which may have originated from perivascular pigment-laden cells of pigment epithelial origin. The pigment epithelium showed extensive proliferation in clumps. Pigmented retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) cells without lipofuscin, migrating nonpigmented RPE cells, and macrophages with large lysosomal bodies could be identified in each clump. An abundance of extracellular basement-membrane-like material or mucopolysaccharide was seen in the retina and adjacent to the RPE. This material probably originated from the abnormal RPE. Abnormalities of the large and small choroidal vessels are present.
Synthesis of deuterated methyl 6,9,12-octadecatrienoate geometric isomers

Abstract Methyl cis -6, cis -9, cis -12-octadecatrienoate-15,15,16,16- d 4 and the corresponding cis,cis,trans isomer were obtained by coupling hexyl- d 4 -triphenylphosphonium bromide and methyl 12-oxo- cis -6, cis -9-dodecadienoate by the Wittig reaction. The deuterated phosphonium salt was prepared from 3-hexynol by catalytic deuteration of the corresponding tetrahydropyranyl ether and intermediate formation of the bromide. The dienoic aldehyde ester was obtained through the intermediate dioxanyl and dimethoxy derivatives from the Wittig coupling of methyl 9-oxo- cis -6-nonenoate with [2-(1,3-dioxan-2-yl)ethyl]-triphenylphosphonium bromide. The monoenoic aldehyde ester was prepared in a similar manner by the Wittig reaction between methyl 6-oxohexanoate and the dioxanylphosphonium salt. The saturated aldehyde ester was obtained, through several steps, from the ozonolysis of cyclohexene. Geometric isomers formed during each of the Wittig reactions were separated by silver resin chromatography. 13 C Nuclear magnetic resonance chemical shifts for the compounds prepared are presented.
Outcome of infants listed for lung or heart/lung transplantation.

Abstract Background Little is known about outcome, characteristics, or organ availability for infants listed for lung or heart/lung transplantation. Methods Within a 45-month period at one institution, all pediatric patients who were listed for primary lung or heart/lung transplantation and who reached the end point of either transplant or death prior to transplant were identified. Outcomes for those patients listed as younger than and older than 1 year of age were compared. Results Among 48 pediatric patients, 19 were infants less than one year of age. The median age among infants at listing was 3.7 months (range 0.5 to 8.9 months). Death before transplant occurred in 10 of 19 infants (53%) compared with 14 of 29 (48%) children. When comparing those infants who died prior to transplant with those who received organs, there were no significant differences with respect to size, blood type, age at listing, presence of pulmonary hypertension, or type of transplant for which the patient was listed. There was a trend toward poorer pre-transplant survival for infants when compared with children. Waiting times were significantly shorter for infants vs children (p = 0.02). The incidence of acute cellular rejection and serious infection was similar in the 2 groups. Infants had significantly longer hospitalization post-transplant and a trend toward poorer hospital survival, although survival at 1 year was comparable between the 2 groups. Conclusion The outcome for infants listed for lung or heart/lung transplantation is similar to that of children; thus, very young age should not be considered a contraindication to lung or heart/lung transplantation. Earlier diagnosis and listing may decrease pre-transplant mortality.
PRINCIPAL COMPONENT ANALYSIS OF SEA SURFACE TEMPERATURE IN THE NORTH ATLANTIC OCEAN

The framework of principal component analysis (PCA) based on singular value decomposition (SVD) is applied to the monthly sea surface temperature (SST) observations in the North Atlantic Ocean for the time interval 1856–2008. Multiyear time series of SST for each month are used to investigate the statistical relationship between SST variations from the 12 months. To obtain approximate stationary conditions, the trend and a multidecadal oscillation are removed from the data. The remaining SST residuals exhibit remarkable correlation between successive months, due largely to persistence. PCA demonstrates the dimension reduction of the data sets and provides a robust way of analyzing multivariate observations describing the climate system.
Angiotensinogen Promoter Sequence Variants in Essential Hypertension

BACKGROUND Essential hypertension is a complex multifactorial disease caused by ill-defined genetic factors. The angiotensinogen (AGT) gene has been implicated as a risk factor in essential hypertension. METHODS To assess the role of AGT in hypertension, we evaluated two polymorphisms (A-6G and C-20A) in the 5' region of the gene that have been shown to have a role in transcriptional regulation. A total of 463 subjects were studied: 243 African Americans (26 male and 34 female normotensives, 66 male and 117 female hypertensives) and 220 whites (35 male and 60 female normotensives, 55 male and 70 female hypertensives). African American and white subjects were examined individually, as significant differences in allele and genotype frequencies were observed between these two cohorts. RESULTS White female hypertensives and normotensives differed significantly in genotype frequency at C-20A (P = .02). No other single site comparisons were significantly different between hypertensives and normotensives in either the white or African American samples. Haplotype frequencies in white males also differed significantly between phenotypic classes (P = .05). To evaluate the data further, we assessed all polymorphic sites simultaneously by the examination of multisite interaction and determined the single best genetic model for each population. A model that included both sites and gender correctly predicted hypertension status in the white population 59.1% of the time (P = .039). The model generated for the African American population was not significant. CONCLUSIONS Our results suggest that a complex set of genetic factors interact with gender to predispose whites to hypertension.
WEAK REGULAR REFLECTION FOR THE NONLINEAR WAVE SYSTEM

We prove local existence of a solution to a Riemann problem for the two-dimensional nonlinear wave system using the approach by Canic, Keyfitz, Kim and Lieberman. We consider initial data resulting in weak regular shock reflection. By writing the problem in self-similar coordinates, we obtain a mixed type system and a free boundary problem for the subsonic flow and the position of the reflected shock. We reformulate this problem using a second order equation for density with mixed boundary conditions and an ordinary differential equation describing the location of the reflected shock. The main difficulty in the study of this second order problem for density is that the operator is degenerate elliptic along the sonic circle. We regularize and modify the operator, and we show existence of solutions to the regularized problems. We prove that the sequence of solutions to the regularized problems is precompact, and, using uniform local ellipticity, covering and diagonalization techniques, we obtain a local solution to the original problem.
Transcriptomine, a web resource for nuclear receptor signaling transcriptomes

The nuclear receptor (NR) superfamily of ligand-regulated transcription factors directs ligand- and tissue-specific transcriptomes in myriad developmental, metabolic, immunological, and reproductiv...
Decarboxylation-Induced Cross-Linking of a Polyimide for Enhanced CO2 Plasticization Resistance

A novel cross-linking approach for a carboxylic acid-containing 6FDA-based copolyimide is presented and characterized. This new type of cross-linking renders the polyimide insoluble in typical solv...
Hepatic and peripheral insulin resistance: a common feature of type 2 (non-insulin-dependent) and type 1 (insulin-dependent) diabetes mellitus.

Hepatic glucose production (3H-glucose technique) and insulin-mediated glucose uptake (insulin clamp technique) were measured in 38 Type 2 (non-insulin-dependent) and 11 Type 1 (insulin-dependent) diabetic patients. Fasting plasma glucose concentration was 8.3 +/- 0.5 mmol/l in the former, and 9.6 +/- 1.3 mmol/l in the latter group; the respective fasting plasma insulin levels were 19 +/- 2 mU/l (p less than 0.005 versus 13 +/- 1 mU/l in 33 age-matched control subjects), and 9 +/- mU/l (p less than 0.01 versus 14 +/- 1 mU/l in 36 younger control subjects). In the fasting state, hepatic glucose production was slightly increased (15%, 0.1 greater than p greater than 0.05) in the Type 2 diabetic patients and markedly elevated (65%, p less than 0.001) in the Type 1 patients compared with their respective control groups. In both groups of diabetic subjects, the rates of hepatic glucose production were inappropriately high for the prevailing plasma glucose and insulin levels, indicating the presence of hepatic resistance to insulin. Basal plasma glucose clearance was also significantly reduced in both the Type 2 (34%) and the Type 1 (14%) diabetic subjects. The fasting plasma glucose concentration correlated directly with hepatic glucose production, and inversely with plasma glucose clearance. During the insulin clamp, plasma insulin was maintained at approximately 100 mU/l in all groups, while plasma glucose was maintained constant at the respective fasting levels. Total glucose uptake was reduced in both the Type 2 (4.57 +/- 0.31 versus 6.39 +/- 0.25 mg . min -1 . kg -1 in the control subjects, p less than 0.01) and the Type 1 (4.77 +/- 0.48 versus 7.03 +/- 0.22 mg . min -1 . kg -1, p less than 0.01)diabetic patients. Insulin-stimulated glucose clearance was reduced to a similar extent in Type 2 (54%) and Type 1 (61%) diabetic subjects, and correlated directly with fasting glucose clearance. These results show that insulin resistance is a common feature of both types of diabetes and can be demonstrated in the basal as well as the insulin-stimulated state. Both hepatic and peripheral resistance to the action of insulin contribute to diabetic hyperglycaemia.
Fluorescence Confocal Microendoscopy: Techniques and Applications

The fluorescence confocal microendoscope is an instrument that integrates a confocal microscope with a clinical endoscope. Several types of systems have been developed to achieve this capability enabling a number of promising clinical applications.
Results of Quantitative Cultures of Urine by Free Catch and Catheterization from Healthy Adult Horses

Quantitative urine cultures were performed on 11 male and 11 female healthy adult horses. Urine was collected by free catch and catheterization using standard methods. Results showed that all samples collected by free catch contained less than 20,000 colony-forming units (CFU)/mL. All samples collected by catheterization contained 500 CFU/mL or less. A significant difference was found between collection methods (P < .005), with catheterization having less contamination. In samples collected by free catch, females had significantly greater contamination than did males (P < .03). Predominant bacterial species isolated included Streptococcus spp., Escherichia coli, Enterobacter sp., Bacillus sp., Staphylococcus spp., Diptheroids sp., Proteus spp., and Enterococcus sp. Many samples contained multiple bacterial species. Bacterial isolates were representative of the normal bacterial flora of the equine urogenital tract. This paper establishes reference values for quantitative urine culture results in healthy adult horses to aid in the diagnosis of urinary tract infections.
Alzheimer's Disease and Maternal Age

Findings from several studies suggest a relationship between Alzheimer's disease and0020Down's syndrome. It has long been known that advanced maternal age is a risk factor for Down's syndrome, and that mothers who give birth to a child with this syndrome have characteristics consistent with accelerated aging. Little is known about risk factors for Alzheimer's disease, other than age. In this study, documentation is supplied for a hypothesis concerning a relationship between Alzheimer's disease and advanced maternal age.
Tracking of a single cluster of closely spaced objects using one and two passive optical sensors

Tracking of individual targets in a cluster presents difficult and computationally expensive problems that may be addressed using cluster tracking. This paper investigates the feasibility of tracking a single cluster using one or two space-based passive optical sensors. A functional model for closely spaced object (CSO) resolution was used to generate simulated measurements, and standard extended Kalman filter (EKF) techniques, along with gating and clustering logic, were used to estimate the state of the cluster centroid. An estimate was maintained of the two-dimensional extent of the cluster in each sensor's field-of-view. Results for a single-sensor filter run separately with two sets of measurements from two sensors, and for a centralized filter combining the same two sets of measurements, show that the effects of bias in CSO measurements cannot necessarily be overcome by the use of a second sensor. Results from the single-sensor filter over twenty Monte Carlo runs, all starting with the same initial state estimate (simulated handover error), are compared with results using the same sensor and measurements, but drawing the handover state errors from Gaussian distributions. The variance of the error in the second case is much larger throughout the entire track time, emphasizing the need for accurate handover data in a single angle-only sensor cluster tracking system.
Auditory phonemic perception in dyslexia: Categorical identification and discrimination of stop consonants☆

Abstract The possibility that phonological confusions may underlie some difficulties in processing written language was investigated using four speech perception tasks. Twelve dyslexic and four normal-reading children identified and discriminated synthetic speech syllables which varied either in voice-onset time (signaling the feature of voicing) or direction of formant transitions (signaling place of articulation). Results indicate that, like normal-reading children and adults, dyslexic children perceive these sounds categorically. Discrimination of the stimuli was limited by their identifiability. It is suggested that linguistic disturbances at other stages of the grapheme to meaning transformation underlie misreading.
Are We Ready for a National Salmonella Control Program

Control of contamination of meat and poultry with Salmonella is difficult because of the complexity of the paths of transmission of the organism, the large number of sources of the organism, and the large number of persons, groups, and agencies involved in the production of animal feed and food and in the regulation of these industries. Furthermore, there is a gap between the basic technology available to destroy or prevent contamination with Salmonella and the technology that is acceptable, inexpensive, and applicable on a large scale. Support of research for the development of new technology amounts only to about $2.7 million. There are programs for the control of Salmonella in certain feeds and in the production, processing, further processing, and cooking of food. With current technology, an eradication program would likely cost far more to the consumer than could be justified by the benefits the consumer would derive from such eradication. Nevertheless, practical control of salmonella contamination can be achieved through progressive application of new technology developed through research.
Short-Circuit Currents of Synchronous Machines

The importance of short-circuit forces in large alternators has warranted an investigation of them. The first step in this investigation, which is discussed in this paper, is the calculation of the short-circuit currents that produce them. The method of solution used is that of the assumption of zero resistance and constant flux linkages which has proven so useful in the solution of many short-circuit problems. Formulas are calculated in the Appendix for both the initial and permanent short-circuit currents of all circuits involved in the short-circuit. The formulas cover all the common connections of single-phase, two-phase and three-phase alternators. A discussion of some of these formulas, together with a plot of them for assumed alternator constants, is also given.