cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The N-terminal 70-kDa fragment of fibronectin binds to cell surface fibronectin assembly sites in the absence of intact fibronectin.

Abstract Binding of the N-terminal 70-kDa (70K) fragment of fibronectin to fibroblasts blocks assembly of intact fibronectin and is an accurate indicator of the ability of various agents to enhance or inhibit fibronectin assembly. Such binding is widely thought to be to already assembled fibronectin. We evaluated this hypothesis with fibronectin-null mouse fibroblasts plated on laminin-1 in the absence of intact fibronectin. As a proteolytic fragment or recombinant protein, 70K bound fibronectin-null cells specifically in linear arrays that extended outwards from the periphery of spread cells. At early time points, these arrays were similar to those formed by intact fibronectin. 70K arrays formed within 5 min following ligand addition at concentrations as low as 5 nM, indicating rapid and high affinity binding. Bound 70K was extractable with Triton X-100 or deoxycholate but became insoluble when cross-linked with a membrane-impermeable agent into large SDS-stable complexes. Intact fibronectin, in contrast, became progressively non-extractable in the absence of cross-linking. The detergent-resistant arrays of cross-linked 70K localized to tips of cellular extensions and partially overlapped with α6 and β1 integrin subunits at the base of the extensions. α5 did not localize with 70K arrays, but became progressively co-localized with assemblies of intact fibronectin over time. These results support a model in which the 70-kDa region of fibronectin binds to linearly arrayed cell surface molecules of adherent cells to initiate assembly, display of the arrays is controlled by the integrin that mediates adhesion, and fibronectin-binding integrins promote fibronectin–fibronectin interactions during progression of assembly.
EFFECTS OF ALPROSTADIL AND PRAZOSIN ON MOTILITY, VIABILITY AND MEMBRANE INTEGRITY OF HUMAN SPERM

AbstractPurpose: We evaluated the effects of alprostadil, prazosin hydrochloride, and alprostadil/prazosin hydrochloride, agents used in the clinical treatment of male erectile dysfunction, on the motility, viability and membrane integrity of human sperm.Materials and Methods: Ten healthy volunteers provided semen samples that were incubated with 0.4 mg./ml. alprostadil, 0.1 and 0.2 mg./ml. prazosin hydrochloride and 0.4 mg./ml. alprostadil plus 0.1 mg./ml. prazosin hydrochloride for 2 hours. Control incubations included polyethylene glycol 1450, the formulation vehicle for the clinical use of alprostadil and prazosin, and Ham's F-10 buffer. Serial evaluations of percent sperm motility, percent viability, membrane function (by hypo-osmotic swelling test) and several computer generated measurements of sperm motion, including straight line velocity, curvilinear velocity, linearity and amplitude of lateral head displacement, were made.Results: None of the agents had a significant impact on the percentage of ...
Intraocular pressure in premature babies in the first month of life

Abstract Purpose: The purpose of this work was to study the values of intraocular pressure (IOP) in premature babies during the first month of life. Methods: Using a hand-held applanation tonometer, IOP was measured in 40 eyes of 20 preterm infants (gestational age ranging from 26 to 32 weeks) shortly after birth and at weekly intervals for the first month of life. Results: IOP values in preterm infants ranged from 7.6 to 18.3 mm Hg. The mean IOP decreased during the study period from 13.25 ± 2.86 mm Hg to 10.96 ± 2.01 mm Hg ( P Conclusions: Although the values of IOP found in this study are by no means within the range that is considered to be pathologic for newborns, the possible lack of the decreasing tendency of IOP observed during the first month of life could have, in a given case, some clinical implications. Because systemic blood pressure in preterm infants is already quite low, even a moderately elevated IOP during the first weeks of life might in some cases result in a significant reduction of the ocular perfusion pressure. The latter might play a contributory role in the development of retinopathy of prematurity by decreasing the blood supply to the peripheral retinal tissues. (J AAPOS 1999;3:125-7)
Investigation of the fragmentation of explosives by femtosecond laser mass spectrometry

We use femtosecond laser mass spectrometry (FLMS) to study the fragmentation patterns of solid phase explosive materials subjected to femtosecond laser pulse irradiation. In condensed phase FLMS a compound deposited on a solid substrate is desorbed into vacuum by femtosecond irradiation forming a plume of ionized and neutral species. Positive or negative ions are accelerated by an electric potential, allowed to drift in the field-free region of a time-of-flight (TOF) mass spectrometry instrument, and flight-times are recorded by a micro-channel plate detector and a digital oscilloscope. From the value of the accelerating field and the ion flight time, the mass-to-charge ratio of each ion is obtained. In this paper we report femtosecond laser mass spectra for the positive and negative ions formed by desorbing TNT and RDX with 150 fs pulses centered at 800 nm. The fragmentation pathways for the formation of the observed ions are described and are used to interpret femtosecond laser induced breakdown spectroscopy results.
The oak ridge thermonuclear program-recent advances on the DCX

In the Oak Ridge thermonuclear experiment, 600. kev molecular ions of hydrogen or deuterium are injected into the median plane of a direct current magnetic mirror machine (DCX). A fraction of the molecular ions is dissociated (H2+ → H+ + Ho) as the ion beam passes through a high-energy carbon arc whose electrodes are located at each end of DCX. The magnetic field configuration is such that the 300-kev atomic ions thus created are trapped by virtue of the change in charge-to-moss ratio and enter a circular orbit concentric with the magnetic axis. The neutral atoms and the remaining undissociated molecular beam leave the machine. Loss processes, principally charge exchange collisions suffered by the circulating ions, have thus far prevented achieving the appreciable plasma density required for observable fusion reactions. Plasma densities In the order of 10+10 ions/cm3 and mean containment times of 10 to 12 msec have been observed. The experimental program at the present time is one of diagnostic measurements on the trapped ions and their environment, and of building up the plasma density by increasing the trapping rate and containment time.
Intracellular fatty acids suppress β-adrenergic induction of PKA-targeted gene expression in white adipocytes

β-Adrenergic receptor (β-AR) activation elevates cAMP levels in fat cells and triggers both metabolic and transcriptional responses; however, the potential interactions between these pathways are p...
N -ferrocenyl isonicotinamide, a redox-active 1D hydrogen-bonded chain structure capable of supporting a mixed-valent redox state

Abstract N-ferrocenyl isonicotinamide was prepared in 28% isolated yield by the acetylation of aminoferrocence with isonicotinoyl chloride in THF and 61% isolated yield by HOBt mediated DCC coupling in CH2Cl2 and characterized by NMR, IR, ESI-MS, and UV-vis spectroscopy. The structure of Nferrocenyl isonicotinamide, C16H14FeN2O, at 100 K exhibits orthorhombic (Pbca) symmetry. The N-ferrocenyl isonicotinamide's amide group is twisted by 31.7° with respect to the py group and 9.7° relative to the attached Cp ring, in contrast to the planar structure observed for the isomeric (4- Pyridylaminocarbonyl)ferrocene. Adjacent isonicotinamide groups form 1D hydrogen bonded chains through the amide CO and NH groups; this H-bonding network is oriented along the [010] direction. Solid state cyclic voltammetry indicates that this hydrogen bonding network is capable of supporting a class III mixed valent redox state. In contrast, CH2Cl2 and MeCN solutions of the complex exhibit a Fc+/0 redox potential of 420-430 mV vs. Ag/AgCl.
Formation, adsorption and separation of high molecular weight disinfection byproducts resulting from chlorination of aquatic humic substances.

Abstract A significant portion of the unidentified disinfection byproducts (DBPs) in chlorinated drinking water can be attributed to high molecular weight (MW)-chlorinated DBPs (above 500 Da) that may have adverse health effects. In this work, issues on the formation, adsorption and separation of high MW-chlorinated DBPs were investigated by introducing radioactive 36Cl into humic substance samples. The results show that the amount of high MW-chlorinated DBPs during chlorination decreased with the increase of contact time from 1 to 120 h, increased with the increase of pH from 5.5 to 9.5, and was less in the ultrafiltered samples from Suwannee River fulvic acid than from Suwannee River humic acid. The high MW-chlorinated DBPs were found to be effectively adsorbed by activated carbon and be possibly reduced to Cl− by activated carbon, but not to be readily desorbed from the activated carbon. Those high MW-chlorinated DBPs were demonstrated to be incapable of resolution into discrete peaks by any of the three liquid chromatography columns studied. The significant implications of these results are discussed.
Managing care: utilization review in action at two capitated medical groups.

Despite widespread concern about denials of coverage by managed care orga- nizations, little empirical information exists on the profile and outcomes of utilization review decisions. This study examines the outcomes of nearly a half-million coverage requests in two large medical groups that contract with health plans to deliver care and conduct utiliza- tion review. We found much higher denial rates than those previously reported. Denials were particularly common for emergency care and durable medical equipment. Retrospec- tive requests were nearly four times more likely than prospective requests were to be de- nied, and when prospective requests were denied, it was more likely because the service fell outside the scope of covered benefits than because it was not medically necessary.
Tracking the budget of Nb and Ta in the continental crust

Abstract High precision trace element data are reported for representative samples of the upper continental crust: 11 loess samples and 22 shale samples (PAAS) previously used by Taylor and McLennan to define the rare earth element (REE) content of the upper crust. Our results confirm the REE concentrations of Taylor and McLennan's [Taylor, S.R., McLennan, S.M., 1985. The continental crust: its composition and evolution. Blackwell, Oxford, 312 pp.] estimate of the upper continental crust but suggest substantial revisions for Nb and Ta, in agreement with recent work of Plank and Langmuir [Plank, T., Langmuir, C.H., 1998. The chemical composition of subducting sediment and its consequences for the crust and mantle. Chem. Geol. 145, 325–394.]. From our data, the upper continental crust has average Nb=11.5±2.6 ppm (instead of 25 ppm) and Ta=0.92±0.12 ppm (instead of 2.2 ppm), which translates into a bulk crust Nb=8 ppm, Ta=0.7 ppm, La/Nb=2.2, and Nb/Ta=12–13. These revisions confirm the crustal subchondritic Nb/Ta and superchondritic La/Nb ratios and reinforce the observation that the continental crust and the Depleted Mantle are not strictly complementary: an additional Nb- and Ta-rich reservoir having superchondritic Nb/Ta is required to balance the Silicate Earth. Using the continental crust's La/Nb ratio to estimate the proportions of crustal growth in convergent margin and intraplate settings, we suggest a plume contribution of only between 5 and 20% to the continents, even lower than previous estimates.
A Monte Carlo simulation study of the effect of carbon topology on nitrogen adsorption on graphite, a nanotube bundle, C60 fullerite, C168 schwarzite, and a nanoporous carbon

The effect of carbon topology on nitrogen adsorption at zero coverage on a variety of carbonaceous materials: graphite, a nanotube bundle, C60 fullerite, C168 schwarzite, and a nanoporous carbon is studied systematically using full atomistic Monte Carlo simulations. The pairwise additive site–site Lennard-Jones potential of Bojan and Steele is used to model the carbon−nitrogen interaction of adsorbent−adsorbate. The Henry constant is found to increase in the order of graphite < nanotube bundle < C60 fullerite < C168 schwarzite < nanoporous carbon, and the isosteric heat of adsorption increases in the order of graphite < nanotube bundle < C168 schwarzite < C60 fullerite < nanoporous carbon. The latter order is consistent with the degree of curvature, as characterized by the carbon coordination number around nitrogen in favorable adsorption sites. With increasing temperature, the Henry constant significantly decreases on all the carbonaceous materials studied, while the isosteric heat remains nearly constant on graphite, nanotube bundle, and C60 fullerite, decreases slightly on C168 schwarzite, and to a greater extent on nanoporous carbon.
Pedagogical Uses of the Public Goods Concept in Economics

Suggestions are offered for enriching economics instruction by a more extensive use of the concept of public goods and some of their neglected aspects.
Fine structure effects in the O + -O collision frequency

Effects of the fine structure of atomic oxygen on the O+-O ion-neutral momentum transfer collision frequency νin are investigated to assess whether they could account for persistent discrepancies between theoretical calculations and values of νin determined from observations. Potential curves for the molecule have been calculated that include spin-orbit effects and properly dissociate to the three asymptotic limits O+-O(³PJ) (J=2,1,0). Coupled channel scattering calculations have been performed to determine νin. The results show that νin depends strongly on the initial fine structure level, and the average over a thermal distribution of initial states is a few percent smaller than recent theoretical calculations that neglect fine structure effects. The most recent analysis of observations leads to values of νin about 30% smaller than older values. The theoretical calculations are now consistent with the most recent experimental determinations of νin.
Vitamin B6, iron and folacin status of pregnant women

Abstract Vitamin B 6 , iron and folacin status was evaluated and the outcome of pregnancy determined in 43 participants in the Special Supplemental Food Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) and compared to that of 58 control subjects. The dietary vitamin B 6 and iron intake was higher (p 6 , iron and folacin status based on both dietary and biochemical parameters was less than adequate in significant portions of both groups. WIC participation had a beneficial effect on the birthweights of infants whose mothers smoked during pregnancy.
The surface morphology of a coastal gravity current

The surface morphology of a coastal gravity current extending over 70 km from the mouth of the Chesapeake Bay (USA) is captured in a striking synthetic aperture radar (SAR) image, allowing comparisons to be made with recent field observations and with laboratory studies of rotating gravity currents.
Degree and direction of polarization of multiple scattered light. 1: homogeneous cloud layers.

It is shown that the Monte Carlo method can provide useful information on the polarization and its direction for homogeneous layers corresponding to the haze C, nimbostratus, and ice crystals models. Results for various optical thicknesses and two solar zenith angles show the variation with these parameters. In most cases the direction of polarization with respect to the meridian plane (which contains the outgoing photon) does not change appreciably with the optical thickness of the scattering layer, so that the conclusion that the direction of polarization is determined mainly by the direction of the incident and scattered photons, obtained for single scattering, should apply approximately when multiple scattering is taken into account.
Multilayered array computing

Abstract The objective of this paper is to develop algorithms for efficient and fast implementation in a multilayered mode of signal-processing tasks such as convolution, correlation, matrix multiplication, Fourier transformation, Hilbert transformation, etc., using structures built out of a large number of simple cells. Some of these designs are essentially conceptual, while others, such as the ones for matrix multiplication, can be implemented using current technology. The matrix multiplication designs are two-layered arrays and these arrays can also be used for matrix inversion and other related problems.
A 55-year-old woman with rheumatoid arthritis.

DR PARKER: Mrs J is a 55-year-old woman with moderately severe rheumatoid arthritis (RA) that was diagnosed in 1985 after several years of intermittently swollen and painful joints. Due to her illness, she retired from her profession as a restaurateur. She still experiences daily pain in her joints and is facing surgery on her feet. She is married, lives in the Boston suburbs, and has managed care insurance. Mrs J first noted pain and swelling in her wrists and knees. Later, she experienced morning stiffness, pain, and disfigurement of her hands and feet. After years of symptoms, she was referred to a rheumatologist who made the diagnosis of RA. She did not have adequate clinical responses to oral or intramuscular gold, methotrexate, penicillamine, hydroxychloroquine sulfate, or cyclosporine, mostly because of adverse effects. She took minocycline for 3 months, allowing her to taper her prednisone dosage, but developed yeast infections. Mrs J’s arthritis responds “magically” to prednisone, but she dislikes the adverse effects, including cushingoid appearance, weight gain, and diabetes. She describes feeling “run-down” when she tries to taper the prednisone regimen. Mrs J reports significant progress with her joint symptoms with exercise, especially in the water. She also uses mechanical tools to help with daily tasks such as opening jars. Despite her illness, she has remained very active with her family and in the local community. She finds chiropractic treatments quite useful. Her medical history is notable for insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus, Sjogren syndrome, and gastritis. Her sister and mother have arthritis. She has 2 sons in good health. Her current medications include leflunomide (Arava; Hoechst Marion Roussel, Kansas City, Mo), 20 mg/d; prednisone, 10 mg in the morning and 5 mg at night; vitamin D, 50 000 U twice weekly; trazodone, 50 mg at bedtime; calcium, 1000 mg/d; folic acid, 1 mg/d; troglitazone (Rezulin; Parke-Davis, Morris Plains, NJ), 400 mg/d; and insulin. Abnormal findings on physical examination included her slightly cushingoid appearance with synovitis with warmth and soft tissue swelling in her wrists and metacarpophalangeal joints. She has ulnar deviation and swan neck deformities in her hands, a left knee effusion, and soft tissue swelling in both ankles. Her most recent laboratory test results include an erythrocyte sedimentation rate of 40 mm/h and rheumatoid factor of 183 IU/mL. MRS J: HER UNDERSTANDING AND PERCEPTIONS
Activation of a Bacterial Mechanosensitive Channel in Mammalian Cells by Cytoskeletal Stress

Cells can sense a myriad of mechanical stimuli. Mechanosensitive channel of large conductance (MscL) found in bacteria is a well-characterized mechanosensitive channel that rapidly responds to an increase in turgor pressure. Functional expression of MscL in mammalian cells has recently been demonstrated, revealing that molecular delivery or transport can be achieved by charge-induced activation of MscL. Despite a well-accepted mechanism for MscL activation by membrane tension in bacteria, it is not clear whether and how MscL can be opened by other modes of force transduction in mammalian cells. In this work, we used a variety of techniques to characterize the gating of MscL expressed in mammalian cells, using both wild type and a G22S mutant which activates at a lower threshold. In particular, employing a recently developed technique, acoustic tweezing cytometry (ATC), we show that ultrasound actuation of integrin-bound microbubbles can lead to MscL opening and that ATC induced MscL activation was dependent on the functional linkage of the microbubbles with an intact actin cytoskeleton. Our results indicate that localized mechanical stress can mediate opening of MscL that requires force transduction through the actin cytoskeleton, revealing a new mode of MscL activation that may prove to be a useful tool for mechanobiology and drug delivery research.
AN INVESTIGATION OF TRANSMUTATION EFFECTS IN CRYSTALLINE SOLIDS

X-ray diffraction, electron diffraction, microscopy, metallography, and thermal methods were utilized to study transmutation effects in a group of crystalline solids. Nearly homogeneous distributions of transmuted species were introduced into small single crystals of /sup 197/Au, /sup 107/Ag and /sup 115/ In, and powder samples of /sup 193/Ir, /sup 115/In/sub 2/O/sub 3/, and /sup 176/ Lu/sub 2/O/sub 3/. The crystals were irradiated in a thermal neutron flux of 4.0 x 10/sup 14/ neutrons/cm/sup 2/ sec at a temperature of approximates 85 deg C for periods of a few days to several months so that considerable fractions of transmuted species were formed. Small metal-single-crystal spheres were converted to alloy single crystals in their solid solution ranges at temperatures up to several hundred degrees below those required by normal laboratory methods in Au/sub 0.82/ Hg/sub 0.18/, Ag/sub 0.78/ Cd/sub 0.22/, and In/sub 0.95/ Sn/sub 0.05/. A powder sample of /sup 193/Ir was transformed into the solid solution alloy Ir/sub 0.68/ Pt/sub 0.32/, a high-temperature alloy, which would require a temperature in excess of 2000 deg C for its formation by laboratory methods. The production of 22.5 at.% /sup 198/Hg and /sup 199/Hg in /sup 198/Au through nuclear transmutation revealed the nucleation ofmore » Au/sub 3/Hg particles with the hcp structure, while the introduction of 29 at.% caused a recrystallization irto two unidentified phases. Long range order in single crystals of /sup 115/In was completely destroyed when 14 at.% /sup 116/Sn was introduced through nuclear transmutation. Powder specimens of In/sub 2/O/sub 3/ enriched in /sup 115/In were irradiated to produce concentrntions of /sup 116/Sn as high as 38 at.% with the result that a new phase with a smaller fluorite structure was formed which contained oxygen vacancies. The original In/sub 2/O/sub 3/ structure was largely recovered upon annealing at 1200 deg C and SnO/sub 2/ particles were precipitated. Powder samples of Lu/sub 2/O/sub 3/ cortaining /sup 176/Lu were irradiated to produce 74 at.% /sup 177/Hf and the resultant material was cubic (fluorite) with a lattice parameter approximately one-half that of the original structure. This oxygen deficient lattice was stable at temperatures up to 120 C. The results are considered in terms of the original crystal structures and known phase equilibrium systems. (auth)« less
Analysis of radioactive and nonradioactive purine bases, nucleosides, and nucleotides by high-speed chromatography on a single column.

Abstract The concentrations of radioactive and nonradioactive purine bases, purine nucleosides, purine mono-, di-, and trinucleotides in acid extracts of fibroblasts were determined by anion-exchange column chromatography. The concentrations of nonradioactive components were determined by computerized integration of the signal from a double-beam uv-detector. The radioactive metabolites were quantitated by high-efficiency, continuous liquid scintillation counting, employing a discrete sample transport system.
The use of glucagon in a case of calcium channel blocker overdose

The hypotension and myocardial depression that result from calcium channel blocker ingestion often are refractory to standard therapeutic modalities. Anecdotal reports on the use of glucagon have failed to show significant hemodynamic improvement. We report the first case of calcium channel blocker overdose that responded to glucagon. We conclude that glucagon is safe and effective in the management of hemodynamic instability associated with calcium channel blocker poisonings.
Manufacturers' approaches in the development of intelligent multilevel safety systems to assist perfusionists during cardiopulmonary bypass.

How safe is safe? The design intent of perfusion safety systems is to offer maximum flexibility, low-cost and fail-safe features. While easily said, these requirements are difficult to deliver in a...
Algorithm 702: TNPACK–a truncated Newton minimization package for large-scale problems: I. Algorithm and usage

We present a FORTRAN package of subprograms for minimizing multivariate functions without constraints by a truncated Newton algorithm. The algorithm is especially suited for problems involving a large number of variables. Truncated Newton methods allow approximate, rather than exact, solutions to the Newton equations. Truncation is accomplished in the present version by using the preconditioned Conjugate Gradient algorithm (PCG) to solve approximately the Newton equations. The preconditioner M is factored in PCG using a sparse modified Cholesky factorization based on the Yale Sparse Matrix Package. In this paper we briefly describe the method and provide details for program usage.
Cosmopolitanism in the Hinterland? Bellary District through Fresh Lenses, 1800–1840:

This essay revises earlier work on colonial Bellary by highlighting its status as a complex cultural frontier. As a south Indian ‘dry zone’, Bellary often has been associated with economic stagnancy, warfare and the absence of a dominating cultural high tradition. By contrast, the region may be viewed as a site of ‘hinterland cosmopolitanism’, marked by dynamic interactions between persons of different linguistic, cultural and religious affiliations. Situated between Hyderabad, Mysore, the Maratha country and Madras, Bellary bridged Indo–Islamic, Sanskritic, south Indian and north Indian cultural terrains. Colonial rule transformed Bellary from a site of multi-directional trade and cultural influence to an economy centred upon its cantonment and bazaar. Sharper racial distinctions between Europeans and Indians diminished Bellary’s cosmopolitanism without entirely eradicating it. While an imperial quest for revenue and political dominance had once defined the story of this district, it is necessary for his...
Storage diseases of carrots in East Anglia 1978-82, and the effects of some pre- and post-harvest factors

SUMMARY In a survey of nine carrot crops stored during four seasons 1978 – 82, the major causes of wastage were spreading soft rots caused by Botrytis cinerea and Rhizoctonia carotae; rots caused by Sclerotinia sclerotiorum, Mycocentrospora acerina and Stemphylium radicinum were only of secondary importance. Storage weight losses were lower and roots remained turgid for up to 40 wk in an ice-bank-cooled store at 0·5 °C, 97 – 98% r.h., whereas carrots in conventionally-cooled stores at 2 – 2.5 °C, 90 – 95% r.h. became flaccid after a few months. In some crops, losses due to fungal spoilage were also lower in the ice-bank store. In two seasons' losses, mostly due to B. cinerea, were similar in hand- and machine-harvested roots; pre-storage washing of carrots grown on mineral soils increased the incidence of Botrytis rots, and reduced rotting by R. carotae, but had no effect on spoilage of roots from peat soils. Post-harvest fungicide treatment with benomyl or iprodione (0·5 g/litre a.i.) effectively reduced rotting by B. cinerea and S. sclerotiorum, but not by R. carotae. The recoveries of sound carrots after 23 – 29 wk storage were consistently highest (mostly > 80%) from fungicide-dipped roots stored under ice-bank conditions, but recoveries from all treatments were lower and more erratic after 35 – 40 wk because of increased fungal spoilage. The practical applications of long-term ice-bank storage of UK-grown carrots are discussed.
Development of an immunoassay specific for the PSA-ACT complex without the problem of high background

We have developed an assay specific for the PSA-ACT (PSA-alpha 1-antichymotrypsin) complex that effectively diminishes the problem of high assay background commonly reported by other investigators. The assay follows a two-site ELISA format. Polyclonal anti-PSA antibodies were coated on the microplate to capture the PSA complex from the serum, whereas the biotinylated anti-ACT polyclonal antibodies and HRP-conjugated streptavidin were used for detection. The high background ordinarily associated with this assay was greatly reduced when milk casein was added in addition to albumin for blocking and when the Super Block was also included in the diluents for sample dilution and dilution of enzyme conjugated detecting antibodies. The assay has a sensitivity of 0.05 ng/mL. The within-run precision ranges from 4.2-7.2% and the between-run precision falls between 5.8-8.5%. Cross reactions with ACT and free PSA (fPSA) are 0.0001% and 0.02%, respectively. The highest concentration of PSA-ACT complex in the maternal sera was < 0.4 ng/mL by this assay, much less than reported in the literature. Using this improved assay, the sum of fPSA and PSA-ACT concentrations were less than that of their corresponding total PSA (tPSA) most of the time. We believe that this improved assay should be used to replace the current tPSA assay for screening, monitoring, and managing patients with prostate cancer.
Nuclear factor recognition sites in the gut-specific enhancer region of an Anopheles gambiae trypsin gene

Abstract The major digestive enzyme of Anopheles gambiae is encoded by the trypsin 1 gene. This gene is expressed exclusively in the gut and its mRNA abundance increases after ingestion of a blood meal. Previous experiments with transgenic Drosophila have shown that the enhancer region, from nucleotide −360 bp to −150 bp upstream of the transcription initiation site, is necessary to drive the gut-specific expression of a reporter gene (Skavdis et al., 1996. EMBO J. 15, 344–350). In this study, we defined DNA sequences within this region that are capable of binding nuclear factors from either gut or non-gut tissues. By electrophoretic mobility shift assays, we determined that a gut-specific nuclear factor recognizes and binds to three sites in the enhancer region with a consensus sequence TYCAAGT. Another factor, found in many tissues, recognizes and binds to at least two additional sites with a consensus sequence ACGATA. This study defines for the first time for an insect gut-specific enhancer, specific sequences that interact with nuclear factors.
Encouraging servant leadership: A qualitative study of how a cause-related sporting event inspires participants to serve

A longitudinal, qualitative case study was conducted to explore if a cause-related sporting event could inspire participants to serve others and how the event achieved this. Servant leadership theory, social leverage theory, and social capital theory were used to inform the investigation. Findings revealed the event encouraged servant leadership. The structural mechanisms and social processes which helped to achieve this were: (a) creating event-related social events to build a community; (b) encouraging themes and hosting ceremonies to create a culture of storytelling and safe spaces; and (c) facilitating formal and informal gathering places to foster celebration. These structural mechanisms and social processes then generated individual-level impacts, which helped participants practice servant leadership by: (a) developing broader identities; (b) nurturing participants’ abilities to see they can make a difference; and (c) strengthening awareness of the healing power of service. A conceptual framework em...
Early increase in autolysis in homogenates of denervated skeletal muscle

Abstract 1. 1. Autolysis was studied in incubated homogenates of normal and denervated rat extensor digitorum longus muscle by measuring the net release of tyrosine and Folin phenol reagent-positive material. 2. 2. No significant difference between denervated and control muscles was found 24 hr after nerve section, but by 48 and 72 hr the degradation of endogenous muscle substrates in the acid pH range was consistently increased over control values. Degradation in the neutral and basic pH ranges was unchanged by denervation. 3. 3. The non-protein tyrosine content of denervated muscles was increased 48 and 72 hr. but not 24 hr after denervation.
Isolated Horner syndrome and syrinx of the cervical spinal cord

Abstract PURPOSE: To alert ophthalmologists to the possibility of a spinal cord lesion in individuals with Horner syndrome and no neurologic symptoms. DESIGN: Observational case report. METHODS: Neuro-ophthalmic and neuroimaging assessment of a 16-year-old man with an isolated Horner syndrome localizing to a first- or second-order neuron. RESULTS: With magnetic resonance imaging, a syrinx of the cervical spinal cord extending from C5 to C7 was found. No Chiari malformation was present. CONCLUSION: Patients with an isolated Horner syndrome localizing to a first- or second-order sympathetic neuron should undergo magnetic resonance imaging of the head, neck, spinal cord, and chest to investigate for possible origins. An isolated Horner syndrome may be the presenting manifestation of a cervical syrinx.
EM08 mini-symposium on granular materials—editorial: interconnecting engineering and physics perspectives

The Engineering Mechanics Institute (EMI) was formed in 2007. Its predecessor was the Engineering Mechanics Division within the American Society of Civil Engineers. In view of the growing inter-disciplinary nature of engineering mechanics, the Institute was formed to serve the broader engineering community through the development and application of engineering mechanics. The mission of EMI is to anticipate and adapt to new challenges that will face tomorrow’s engineers through creating an environment that encourages interactions of all science and technology fields. Each summer an institution-wide conference is held to promote the most innovative developments in the field of mechanics, regardless of the discipline of the ultimate user. This Granular Materials Special Issue is based on a MiniSymposium held at the inaugural conference of EMI onMay 18–21, 2008 at the University of Minnesota in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
Mastery Learning Simulation-Based Curriculum for Laparoscopic TEP Inguinal Hernia Repair

Background The laparoscopic totally extraperitoneal (TEP) inguinal herniorrhaphy requires 250 repairs to master. Simulation training could potentially accelerate this process. We describe the development, evaluation and implementation of a TEP mastery learning curriculum. Design We developed a 2-stage curriculum comprising online knowledge modules and skills practice on a simulator (the Guildford-MATTU TEP trainer; Limbs & Things, Ltd, Bristol, UK). Learners demonstrated mastery at each stage before advancing. The knowledge endpoint was a multiple-choice test. The skills endpoint was procedure time, as established by timing 5 experienced staff surgeons. Participants were proctored individually, receiving personalized feedback after each attempt until mastery time was achieved. The times to perform a simulated repair, number of attempts, and training time to reach mastery were compared between groups. Results The mastery time was established at 2 minutes. Nine medical students, 36 general surgery residents (PGY 1-5), and 3 surgery fellows participated as learners. All learners achieved the knowledge and skills mastery endpoints. For the skill endpoint, participants required a median of 69 minutes (range, 13-193 minutes) and 16 simulated repairs (range, 7-27 repairs). The mean number of attempts and total training time to reach mastery varied by group (p Conclusions When training with a mastery learning-type simulation-based curriculum, surgical trainees can achieve the technical skill required to perform key portions of the TEP repair under artificial conditions with a performance similar to that of an expert, and are ready to move to the next phase of training in the operating room.
A discussion of isotopic systematics and mineral zoning in the shergottites - Evidence for a 180 m.y. igneous crystallization age

The chronologies of the Shergotty, Zagami, ALHA 77005, and EETA 79001 meteorites were reexamined on the basis of shergottites' petrography and mineral chemistry data. Among the various isochrons, the concordant Rb-Sr (about 180 Myr) and U-Th-Pb (about 190 Myr) internal isochrons are interpreted as representing the time of igneous crystallization, while the Rb-Sr, Sm-Nd, and Pb-Pb whole-rock isochrons are interpreted as mixing lines, and are reasonably attributed to igneous processes such as wall-rock assimilation and magma mixing. If the approximated age of less than 200 Myr is correct, the shergottites represent the youngest known extraterrestrial basalts. This conclusion supports the hypothesis that the SNC meteorites are samples of Mars.
Transformation of Trojans into quasi-satellites during planetary migration and their subsequent close-encounters with the host planet

Abstract We use numerical integrations to investigate the dynamical evolution of resonant Trojan and quasi-satellite companions during the late stages of migration of the giant planets Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune. Our migration simulations begin with Jupiter and Saturn on orbits already well separated from their mutual 2:1 mean-motion resonance. Neptune and Uranus are decoupled from each other and have orbital eccentricities damped to near their current values. From this point we adopt a planet migration model in which the migration speed decreases exponentially with a characteristic timescale τ (the e-folding time). We perform a series of numerical simulations, each involving the migrating giant planets plus test particle Trojans and quasi-satellites. We find that the libration frequencies of Trojans are similar to those of quasi-satellites. This similarity enables a dynamical exchange of objects back and forth between the Trojan and quasi-satellite resonances during planetary migration. This exchange is facilitated by secondary resonances that arise whenever there is more than one migrating planet. For example, secondary resonances may occur when the circulation frequencies, f, of critical arguments for the Uranus–Neptune 2:1 mean-motion near-resonance are commensurate with harmonics of the libration frequency of the critical argument for the Trojan and quasi-satellite 1:1 mean-motion resonance e.g., f 2 : 1 UN = 2 f 1 : 1 . Furthermore, under the influence of these secondary resonances quasi-satellites can have their libration amplitudes enlarged until they undergo a close-encounter with their host planet and escape from the resonance. High-resolution simulations of this escape process reveal that ≈80% of jovian quasi-satellites experience one or more close-encounters within Jupiter’s Hill radius (RH) as they are forced out of the quasi-satellite resonance. As many as ≈20% come within RH/4 and ≈2.5% come within RH/10. Close-encounters of escaping quasi-satellites occur near or even below the 2-body escape velocity from the host planet. Finally, the exchange and escape of Trojans and quasi-satellites continues to as late as 6–9τ in some simulations. By this time the dynamical evolution of the planets is strongly dominated by distant gravitational perturbations between the planets rather than the migration force. This suggests that exchange and escape of Trojans and quasi-satellites may be a contemporary process associated with the present-day near-resonant configuration of some of the giant planets in our Solar System.
Purification and characterization of homogeneous assimilatory reduced nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate-nitrate reductase from Neurospora crassa.

Neurospora crassa wild type STA4 NADPH-nitrate reductase (NADPH : nitrate oxidoreductase, EC 1.6.6.3) has been purified 5000-fold with an overall yield of 25–50%. The final purified enzyme contained 4 associated enzymatic activities: NADPH-nitrate reductase, FADH2-nitrate reductase, reduced methyl viologen-nitrate reductase and NADPH-cytochrome c reductase. Polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis yielded 1 major and 1 minor protein band and both bands exhibited NADPH-nitrate and reduced methyl viologen-nitrate reductase activities. SDS gel electrophoresis yielded 2 protein bands corresponding to molecular weights of 115 000 and 130 000. A single N-terminal amino acid (glutamic acid) was found and proteolytic mapping for the two separated subunits appeared similar. Purified NADPH-nitrate reductase contained 1 mol of molybdenum and 2 mol of cytochrome b557 per mol protein. Non-heme iron, zinc and copper were not detectable. It is proposed that the Neurospora assimilatory NADPH-nitrate reductase consists of 2 similar cytochrome b557-containing 4.5-S subunits linked together by one molybdenum cofactor. A revised electron flow scheme is presented. p-Hydroxymercuribenzoate inhibition was reversed by sulfhydryl reagents. Inhibitory pattern of p-hydroxymercuribenzoate and phenylglyoxal revealed accessible sulfhydryl and arginyl residue(s) as functional group(s) in the earlier part of electron transport chain as possibly the binding site of NADPH or FAD.
TWO NEW SPECIES OF ERYTHRAEIDAE (ACARI: PROSTIGMATA) ASSOCIATED WITH THE SPRUCE BUDWORM, CHORISTONEURA FUMIFERANA (CLEMENS) (LEPIDOPTERA: TORTRICIDAE), IN MAINE

Two new species of the mite family Erythraeidae (Acari: Prostigmata: Parasitengona) found associated with the spruce budworm, Choristoneura fumiferana (Clemens) (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae), in Maine are described. Larvae of Leptus treati sp.nov. parasitize spruce budworm adults; L. treati is the first member of the genus to have both larval and postlarval instars described. Adults of Balaustium kendalli sp.nov. prey on spruce budworm eggs; B. kendalli is only the second member of the genus to have both larval and postlarval instars described.
Insensitivity of subtropical mode water characteristics to meteorological fluctuations

Abstract A striking feature of subtropical mode water (‘18° water’ in the North Atlantic) is the lack of change in its temperature and salinity despite exposure to the atmosphere under varying winter conditions. A local, one-dimensional model is developed for the determination of mode water characteristics, which agrees well with observations for mean conditions, in both the North Atlantic and the North Pacific. The model is then used to estimate effects of reasonable weather fluctuations, and it is found that the expected temperature and salinity changes lie within their small observed ranges of variation. Because of the great thickness of the mode water layer, and the brief time actually available in any one winter to modify it, winters would have to be very much more severe than really occur to make any great change in its characteristics.
Intrauterine transmission of hepatitis A virus

Background Hepatitis A is a common, self-limited disease transmitted by fecal-oral contamination. Case A 23-year-old woman, para 2-0-0-2, developed hepatitis A at 20 weeks' gestation. At 27 weeks, ultrasound revealed polyhydramnios and fetal ascites. Hepatitis A immunoglobulin M antibody in fetal blood obtained by funipuncture confirmed acute hepatitis A infection in the fetus. Polyhydramnios and ascites persisted until 35 weeks, when the fetus developed ultrasound signs of meconium peritonitis, and delivery was accomplished uneventfully. Meconium peritonitis was diagnosed in the neonatal period and treated surgically. Conclusion To our knowledge, this is the first report of intrauterine transmission of hepatitis A. The disease presented with fetal ascites and was confirmed by positive fetal blood serology.
Coherent terahertz radiative dynamics of excitons from ultrafast optical excitation of single semiconductor quantum wells

Fully rigorous optical Bloch equations based on exciton states in a quantum well are presented for the study of coherent terahertz radiative dynamics from ultrafast optical excitation. The new formalism includes valence-band mixing, the angular-momentum dependence of exciton states, and heavy-hole–light-hole exciton quantum beats in single quantum wells. Both time-domain and frequency-domain solutions of the optical Bloch equations from ultrafast excitation are presented. The theoretical model shows good agreement with the single-quantum-well terahertz generation experiment of Planken [Phys. Rev. Lett.69, 3800 (1992)].
Maximizing tilapia production in recirculating systems by sequential rearing

Abstract A solar-heated greenhouse containing recirculating fish production systems was used to culture Tilapia nilotica and T. aurea . Fish production was maximized by sequential rearing, grading, and restocking of fish at high densities to utilize each system fully. Marketable-size (167 g) fish were produced from 29-g fingerlings in 137 days. No reproduction was recorded. Spawning in February was induced naturally by a 16 L 8 D photoperiod, water temperature of 24°C, and reducing stock density.
The diatom flora of Lake Eyre South: a large episodically filled salt lake in South Australia

Thirty-three diatom taxa were collected from the large terminal salt lake, Lake Eyre South, located in south-central Australia. The diatom assemblage included taxa that were widely distributed in marine and saline athalassic habitats in both northern and southern hemispheres, with the diatom flora of Lake Eyre South most similar to that of southern Africa. This study represents the first report on the diatom flora of Lake Eyre South and supports the findings that episodically filled lakes do not appear to be good evolutionary loci.
Cyrenaican Platform: Structure, Stratigraphy, and Exploration Play Concepts: ABSTRACT

The structural and stratigraphic history of the Cyrenaican platform of eastern Libya is closely related to that of both the Sirte basin and the Western Desert of Egypt. At the end of the Paleozoic Hercynian orogeny, this area comprised the eastern end of the Sirte arch, the precursor of the Sirte basin. When the arch collapsed in the mid-Cretaceous, initiating the Sirte basin, the Cyrenaican area remained relatively high. A northwest-southeast trending high, the Gabboub arch, formed on the platform in the early Mesozoic, dividing the region into three areas: the high itself, a deep on the southwestern flank related to the Sirte basin, and a deep on the northeastern flank, which plunges into the offshore and appears to relate to the downwarped offshore area of the Western esert of Egypt. Sediments of every age, except Triassic, are found in Cyrenaica. Paleozoic sediments are composed primarily of quartzitic sandstones and shales with lesser amounts of limestone, dolomites, and anhydrites. End_Page 302------------------------------ Mesozoic sediments are a mixture of clastics and carbonates. Cenozoic sediments are predominantly limestones, dolomites, and anhydrites with some sandstones and shales. Environments of deposition range from continental to deep marine. The Cyrenaican area has not been heavily explored and, until recently, no commercial hydrocarbons were found. Drilling on surface structures of some of the first wells in Libya resulted in one Devonian gas well. A reported 5,600 BOPD Cretaceous discovery offshore Benghazi in mid-1984 demonstrates that hydrocarbon potential exists where thick sediments have been preserved. End_of_Article - Last_Page 303------------