cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
MBNL1-RNA Interactions: Binding-Induced Rna Conformational Changes

The muscleblind-like protein 1 (MBNL1) is an RNA binding protein that regulates mRNA alternative splicing. It is implicated to be involved in myotonic dystrophy, an inherited multisystem disease, through interacting with poly(CUG) or poly(CCUG) RNA. In the disease state, MBNL1 is abnormally expressed and translocated, which leads to many mis-splicing events. MBNL1 can bind various RNA substrates, most of which share a stem-loop structure containing 5’YGCY3’(Y=U or C) motifs. Using FRET together with a combination of stopped-flow kinetic fluorescence measurements and gel shift assays, we have investigated the relationship between MBNL1-RNA interactions and RNA secondary structure. This work suggested that binding of MBNL1 destabilizes the RNA secondary structure and leads to a partial melting of the stem loop RNA. The RNA secondary structure stability is directly correlated with the kinetic and thermodynamic properties of the MBNL1-RNA complex. The data presented here provides insight into the role of RNA secondary structure in regulation of alternative splicing by MBNL1 and suggests new perspectives for drug development for myotonic dystrophy.
Integrating LiDAR, Aerial Image and Ground Images for Complete Urban Building Modeling

This paper presents a hybrid modeling system that fuses LiDAR data, an aerial image and ground view images for rapid creation of accurate building models. Outlines for complex building shapes are interactively extracted from a high-resolution aerial image, surface information is automatically fit with a primitive based method from LiDAR data, and high-resolution ground view images are integrated into the model to generate fully textured CAD models. Our method benefits from the merit of each dataset, and evaluation results are presented on a university campus-size model.
Inducción de nuevos cardiomiocitos en el corazón adulto: futuro de la regeneración miocárdica como alternativa al trasplante

El concepto clasico que se ha mantenido a lo largo de muchos anos sobre la incapacidad del corazon adulto para renovar sus celulas debe ser revisado a la vista de los resultados que se estan obteniendo en diferentes modelos experimentales. La dilucidacion de los mecanismos bioquimicos causantes de la respuesta hipertrofica ha puesto de manifiesto la similitud que existe entre los procesos implicados en la apoptosis y el crecimiento celular. En el desarrollo del corazon, desde el nacimiento hasta la edad adulta, existe un equilibrio entre los estimulos que promueven el crecimiento de los miocitos y los que pueden conducir a la muerte celular programada. En modelos experimentales se ha demostrado que, durante la vida adulta, algunas condiciones patologicas como la diabetes y la hipertension pueden provocar un aumento drastico de la tasa de muerte celular. Ademas, los valores sorprendentemente elevados que se han obtenido al cuantificar la perdida celular en ventriculos de ratones sanos, con una tendencia creciente a medida que el animal envejece, constituyen una prueba mas a favor de la hipotesis de un recambio celular activo en el corazon adulto. A partir de experimentos realizados con fetos de ratones se ha podido comprender el mecanismo molecular en los cardiomiocitos inmaduros, que compaginan su capacidad de dividirse con un fenotipo diferenciado. Estas celulas se escapan del proceso de bloqueo en su ciclo celular porque no expresan la proteina del retinoblastoma, un antioncogen presente en las celulas adultas. La identificacion y posterior aislamiento y cultivo de celulas madre procedentes del corazon adulto, que se encuentran en estado de latencia pero que pueden entrar en una fase de division rapida cuando se estimulan con factores de crecimiento, constituye una evidencia solida de que el corazon se encuentra en un proceso continuo de crecimiento, muerte y renovacion celular. El uso de estas celulas multipotentes, capaces de diferenciarse en cualquier tipo celular, y que pueden obtenerse a partir de corazon, medula osea u otros tejidos, se presenta como una estrategia terapeutica prometedora en el tratamiento de la insuficiencia cardiaca o de la necrosis postisquemica.
An inverted metamorphic field gradient in the central Brooks Range, Alaska and implications for exhumation of high-pressure/low-temperature metamorphic rocks

Abstract During exhumation of the Brooks Range internal zone, amphibolite-facies rocks were emplaced atop the blueschist/greenschist facies schist belt. The resultant inverted metamorphic field gradient is mappable as a series of isograds encountered as one traverses up structural section. Amphibolite-facies metamorphism occurred at ∼ 110 Ma as determined from 40 Ar 39 Ar analysis of hornblende. This contrasts with 40 Ar 39 Ar phengite cooling ages from the uderlying schist belt, which are clearly older (by 17–22 m.y.). Fabrics in both the amphibolite-facies rocks and schist belt are characterized by repeated cycles of N-vergent crenulation and transposition that was likely associated with out-of-sequence ductile thrusting in the internal zone of the Brooks Range orogen. Contractional deformation occurred in an overall environment of foreland-directed tectonic transport, broadly synchronous with exhumation of the internal zone, and shortening within the thin-skinned fold and thrust belt. These data are inconsistent with a recently postulated mid-Cretaceous episode of lithospheric extension in northern Alaska.
The Influence of High Magnetic Field on the Stability of CryoECAPed 1050 Alloy

The evolutions of mechanical properties and microstructure of cryoECAPed 1050 alloy annealed at various temperatures from 150°C to 400°C for 1h with and without high magnetic field (HMF) were investigated by hardness test and electron back scattering diffraction pattern (EBSD) analysis. The abnormal grain growth happens in sample annealing at 400°C without a field. With the application of high magnetic field, the formation of the HABs is suppressed, the grain size distribution is homogeneous and no abnormal grain growth occurs.
Student Organization Advisor Motives to Volunteer at Four-Year Institutions of Higher Education.

Many higher education institutions require student organization advisors to be employees. Such requirements can be interpreted as barriers to students and can limit the number and types of groups found on college campuses. Using quantitative analysis, this study investigates the motivation of student organization advisors at six public institutions in the northwest U.S. Conclusions from this study may assist student affairs professionals in the identification, recruitment, and recognition of faculty and staff who volunteer as student organization advisors.
A Density Functional Theory Study of the Hydrates of NH3·H2SO4 and Its Implications for the Formation of New Atmospheric Particles

Density functional molecular orbital theory was used at the B3LYP/ 6-311++G(2d,2p)//B3LYP/6-311++G(2d,2p) level of theory to study the hydrates of NH3·H2SO4·nH2O for n = 0−5 and NH3·(H2SO4)2·H2O. Neutrals of the first four NH3·H2SO4·nH2O clusters (n = 0−4) spontaneously formed and were determined to be hydrogen-bonded molecular complexes of H2SO4, H2O, and NH3. Double ions (clusters containing a NH4+ cation and a HSO4- anion) spontaneously formed in clusters of NH3·H2SO4·nH2O where n = 1−5. The energetics of the hydration and isomerization reactions also were calculated. Double ions are not energetically favorable until NH3·H2SO4·4H2O. The free energy of formation from free NH3 and H2SO4·nH2O had a maximum at n = 3 at room temperature with ΔG ≈ −3 kcal/mol. NH3·(H2SO4)2·H2O was studied to see if NH3 can initiate new atmospheric particle growth. It has been shown that NH3 has no role in the initialization of new atmospheric particles.
Characterization of adrenal cytochrome P450c21 from the blacktip shark (Carcharhinus limbatus)

The characteristics of cytochrome P450c21 (21 hydroxylase; E.C. 1.14.99.10) were determined in interrenal tissue from blacktip shark (Carcharhinus limbatus). Consistent with other vertebrates, 21-hydroxylase activity was enriched in the microsomal fraction of the interrenal and was dependent upon a source of reducing equivalents. The reduced form of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate supported the highest level of activity. Specific activity increased with increasing temperature (Q10 = 2.5) with a maximum at 35°C. At 30°C, maximal 21-hydroxylase activity reached a plateau around pH 7.5. Elasmobranchs maintain high concentrations of intracellular nitrogenous compounds known to disturb protein function. While urea (400 mM) had no apparent effect upon 21-hydroxylase activity, trimethylamine oxide (200 mM) inhibited conversion of progesterone to 11-deoxycorticosterone by 23%. This inhibition was not reversed by urea. Potassium chloride (150 mM) inhibited 21-hydroxylase activity by 33%. Kinetic parameters of shark 21-hydroxylase were determined for [3H]progesterone (Km = 80 nM; Vmax = 2.94 nmol/min/mg protein) and [3H]17α-hydroxyprogesterone (Km = 90 nM; Vmax = 0.89 nmol/min/mg protein). Substituted progestins were used to determine the steric specificity of this enzyme. Of thirteen steroid substrates studied, nine were metabolized, indicating a relatively broad specificity. The addition of trimethylamine oxide did not alter the substrate specificity. Although the blacktip shark homolog of cytochrome P450c21 is similar in some respects to other vertebrate forms, its temperature dependence, preferential use of progesterone and broad substrate specificity are unusual characteristics. © 1995 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Effect of Cyclanilide, Ethephon, Auxin Transport Inhibitors, and Temperature on Whole Plant Defoliation

Whole plant defoliation studies were performed using dark red kidney bean (Phaseolus vulgarisL.) to compare the effect of cyclanilide [1(2,4-dichlorophenylaminocarbonyl)-cyclopropane carboxylic acid], ethephon (2-chloroethylphosphonic acid), auxin transport inhibitors, and temperature on leaf abscission. Ethephon induced bean leaf defoliation,butethephoncombinedwithcyclanilideinducedgreaterdefoliation than ethephon alone. The response was dose dependent, as 0.067 kg/ha ethephon alone did not induce defoliation, but when combined with an equal rate of cyclanilide induced 63% defoliation five days after treatment (DAT). In addition, combining auxin transport inhibitors at 0.140 kg a.i./ha with 0.067 kg a.i./ha ethephon induced 50 to 52% defoliation, 5 DAT. Ethephon-induced defoliation was more temperature sensitive than the combination of cyclanilide with ethephon. Ethephon alone (0.067 kg a.i./ha) induced 26% defoliation 5 DAT at the highest tested temperature (30/26C, day/night), but cyclanilide combined with ethephon induced 75 to 85% defoliation at all tested temperatures (except at 16/14C, the lowest). These results indicate that cyclanilide is anethephonsynergistbecauseitenhancedethephonactivity,evenatlow temperatures. These results support the model that ethylene released by ethephon induces abscission, and suggests that inhibition of auxin transport or auxin signaling will increase the effect of ethylene on the process of leaf abscission. Because of the similarities to the activity to 1-N-naphthylphthalamic acid (NPA) and 2,3,4-triiodobenzoic acid (TIBA) in vivo, cyclanilide may act as an auxin transport inhibitor. D EFOLIANTS AND DESICCANTS are classified as harvest aid chemicals because they are commonly used to facilitate mechanical harvesting of crops. In cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.), defoliation prior to harvest is important because the pigments in the leaves can stain and reduce the quality of the cotton fiber (Nickell, 1982, p. 19–27). In addition, removal of foliage prior to harvest will result in cotton that has less debris. Defoliants or desiccants are also used to synchronize and enhance boll opening in cotton, thus allowing the farmer to obtain maximum yield in a single harvest. In addition to cotton, soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.], rice (Oryza sativa L.), potato (Solanum tuberosum L.),grain sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench], sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.), lentil (Lens culinaris Medik.), trefoil (Lotus spp.), dry bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.), and sugarcane (Saccharum spp.) are often desiccated to facilitate harvest (Yang, 1986). In fruit crops such as olive (Olea europaea L.), apple (Malus spp.), pear (Pyrus spp.), peach [Prunus persica (L.) Batsch], and citrus (Citrus spp.), chemicals that act asdefoliantsare usedtofacilitate the loosening of fruit from trees prior to mechanical harvesting or to synchronized fruit ripening (Cooper et al., 1968; Edgerton and Blanpied, 1968). Defoliants and desiccants are thereforeusedtoincreasecrop yield, improvecrop quality, and
A new diagnostic for cancer dynamics: status and initial tests of the NANIVID

The Tumor MicroEnvironment for Metastasis (TMEM) is a critical determinant which will presage the evolution of primary tumors and the resulting metastatic dynamics. Primary tumor cells up and down regulate certain genes which increase motility and cause a disregard for positional information. We report on the development of a new tool for the documentation of cancer cell migration (initial targets: the rat mammary adenocarcinoma cell lines MTLn3 with an over expression of Mena+++). This tool, the NANo IntraVital Device (NANIVID), is a multi-functional nanosystem composed of a chemoattractant source (hydrogel-EGF), capsule (cell trap), counter (transparent, interdigitated electrode arrays for sensing cell arrival), and remote reporter (readout electronics). The device will be retrieved from the tumor site and the cells will be expelled for subsequent assay. The NANIVID will be used in conjunction with the current catheter-based approach in which a needle is loaded with a chemoattractant source and injected into the tumor. A major drawback in the catheter approach is the short cell collection time and lack of real time registering and reporting of cell arrival. This paper will present the current status of the NANIVID prototypes developed in which a transparent implantable device is loaded with chemoattractant source and placed near candidate mammary gland tumors in an established rat model for multiple days or weeks. This series of experiments will allow the comparison of methods and to benchmark the NANIVID for use in research. Initial results of these experiments and NANIVID design modifications will be presented.
A comprehensive clinical assessment tool to inform policy and practice: applications of the minimum data set

The Minimum Data Set (MDS) for nursing home (NH) resident assessment, designed to assess elders functional status and care needs, exemplifies how the information needs of clinical practice are congruent with those of research. Building on a review of the published literature, this article describes the development of the MDS, its reliability and validity testing, as well as the variety of different policy and research uses to which it has been applied. Interrater reliability of items and internal consistency of MDS summary scales is generally good to excellent. Validation studies reveal good correspondence to research quality instruments for cognition, activities of daily living, and diagnoses with more variable results for vision, pain, mood, and behavior scales. To date, no consistent evidence suggests that applications of MDS data for case-mix reimbursement and quality indicator monitoring systematically bias the data. Although facility variation in data quality could compromise some applications, creation of the MDS as a clinical tool for care planning provides an example of how assessment tools with clinical use can be used in administrative databases for research and policy applications.
Gel filtration chromatography of protein extracts from Lucerne (Alfalfa)

Several gels used for gel filtration were compared for their effectiveness in separating protein from lucerne (alfalfa) extracts. Separations of protein and non-protein components on Sephadex G-50 and Bio-Gel P-10 were good at loading levels up to 35% of column volume. This separation was maintained upon concentrating the extract in an ultrafilter. The lyophilised protein concentrates were cream coloured, were very soluble, and had a good balance of amino acids.
Diurnal Kelvin wave in the atmosphere of Mars: Towards an understanding of ’stationary’ density structures observed by the MGS accelerometer

Mars Global Surveyor (MGS) accelerometer measurements near 125 km [Keating et al., 1998] reveal longitudinal density structures comprised of zonal wavenumbers s=1 and s=2 which are interpreted as stationary waves. An alternative interpretation is that these structures may be nonmigrating tides which appear as quasi-stationary features due to restricted sampling in local time, and which owe their existence to Mars' topography. One of these oscillations, the diurnal Kelvin wave, is investigated here. It gives rise to density perturbations similar to the measurements. Other nonmigrating tides may also make important contributions.
Correlation between human observer performance and model observer performance in differential phase contrast CT

Purpose: With the recently expanding interest and developments in x-ray differential phase contrast CT (DPC-CT), the evaluation of its task-specific detection performance and comparison with the corresponding absorption CT under a given radiation dose constraint become increasingly important. Mathematical model observers are often used to quantify the performance of imaging systems, but their correlations with actual human observers need to be confirmed for each new imaging method. This work is an investigation of the effects of stochastic DPC-CT noise on the correlation of detection performance between model and human observers with signal-known-exactly (SKE) detection tasks.Methods: The detectabilities of different objects (five disks with different diameters and two breast lesion masses) embedded in an experimental DPC-CT noise background were assessed using both model and human observers. The detectability of the disk and lesion signals was then measured using five types of model observers including the prewhitening ideal observer, the nonprewhitening (NPW) observer, the nonprewhitening observer with eye filter and internal noise (NPWEi), the prewhitening observer with eye filter and internal noise (PWEi), and the channelized Hotelling observer (CHO). The same objects were also evaluated by four human observers using the two-alternative forced choice method. The results from the model observer experimentmore » were quantitatively compared to the human observer results to assess the correlation between the two techniques.Results: The contrast-to-detail (CD) curve generated by the human observers for the disk-detection experiments shows that the required contrast to detect a disk is inversely proportional to the square root of the disk size. Based on the CD curves, the ideal and NPW observers tend to systematically overestimate the performance of the human observers. The NPWEi and PWEi observers did not predict human performance well either, as the slopes of their CD curves tended to be steeper. The CHO generated the best quantitative agreement with human observers with its CD curve overlapping with that of human observer. Statistical equivalence between CHO and humans can be claimed within 11% of the human observer results, including both the disk and lesion detection experiments.Conclusions: The model observer method can be used to accurately represent human observer performance with the stochastic DPC-CT noise for SKE tasks with sizes ranging from 8 to 128 pixels. The incorporation of the anatomical noise remains to be studied.« less
Mean excitation energies of Si, Ni, Ge, Y, Ag and Au based on alpha particle stopping power measurements

Abstract Mean excitation energies for Si, Ni, Ge, Y, Ag, and Au have been extracted from previous stopping power measurements with alpha particle projectiles. Data were analyzed both with and without inclusion of the low-velocity projectile-z3 effect. Values of mean excitation energy obtained by the former method proved consistent with generally accepted values for Si, Ge, and Y, but lay higher than expected for Ni, Ag, and Au by about 11%, 20%, respectively.
β-Adrenergic-Blocking Agents in Bronchospastic Diseases: A Therapeutic Dilemma

Cardioselective beta-blockers should be administered starting with a low dosage under direct medical observation. Bronchodilators should be readily available or may be coadministered. Because of several advantages, agents such as metoprolol, atenolol, and, in some cases, esmolol should be the first agents considered. In contrast to noncardioselective agents, if bronchospasm occurs, the effect of cardioselective agents is believed to be easier to reverse. Clinicians should avoid noncardioselective beta-blockers in asthmatics, even in small doses, such as those administered as eye drops. For asthmatic patients who are intolerant to noncardioselective beta-blockers, switching to a cardioselective beta-blocker might be a safe alternative. The significance of beta2-blockade usually varies with the patient's ventilatory condition, with more serious consequences being anticipated in patients with more severe asthma.
Dedicated polarimeter design for hard x-ray and soft gamma-ray astronomy

We have developed a modular design for a hard X-ray and soft gamma-ray polrimeter that we call GRAPE (Gamma RAy Polarimeter Experiment). Optimized for the energy range of 50-300 keV, the GRAPE design is a Compton polarimeter based on the use of an array of plastic scintillator scattering elements in conjunction with a centrally positioned high-Z calorimeter detector. Here we shall review the results from a laboratory model of the baseline GRAPE design. The baseline design uses a 5-inch diameter position sensitive PMT (PSPMT) for readout of the plastic scintillator array and a small array of CsI detectors for measurement of the scattered photon. An improved design, based on the use of large area multi-anode PMTs (MAPMTs), is also discussed along with plans for laboratory testing of a prototype. An array of GRAPE modules could be used as the basis for a dedicated science mission, either on a long duration balloon or on an orbital mission. With a large effective FoV, a non-imaging GRAPE mission would be ideal for studying polarization in transient sources (gamma ray bursts and solar flares). It may also prove useful for studying periodically varying sources, such as pulsars. An imaging system would improve the sensitivity of the polarization measurements for transient and periodic sources and may also permit the measurement of polarization in steady-state sources.
Murder in Jerba: Honour, Shame and Hospitality among Maltese in Ottoman Tunisia

Little is known about the sizeable Maltese communities developing along the southern and eastern shores of the Mediterranean in the mid‐nineteenth century, and the extent to which the migrants reproduced Maltese cultural traditions and practices overseas. This article considers this question through a microhistorical analysis of events culminating in the murder of a Maltese woman in the Ottoman Regency of Tunis in 1866. A close reading of transcripts from the interrogation of witnesses and the accused, all members of a Maltese community in Jerba, reveals their shared cultural practices and beliefs surrounding the provision of hospitality, honour and shame. Viewed from this perspective, the curious responses of the witnesses to the murder of their compatriot become meaningful, and the crime is reframed as an honour killing.
LQ and H/sub /spl infin// preview control for a durability simulator

The tracking control of a suspension durability test simulator is investigated in this paper. The objective is to control a hydraulically actuated durability simulator, so that vehicle responses, previously measured on the test track, can be reproduced in the laboratory. A two-degree-of-freedom (2DOF) H/sub /spl infin// control design procedure is proposed to improve tracking performance in the face of noise and disturbances. The 2DOF formulation consists of a feedback and feedforward term, which is directly extended to include preview control.
The Kv4.2 Potassium Channel Subunit Is Required for Pain Plasticity

A-type potassium currents are important determinants of neuronal excitability. In spinal cord dorsal horn neurons, A-type currents are modulated by extracellular signal-regulated kinases (ERKs), which mediate central sensitization during inflammatory pain. Here, we report that Kv4.2 mediates the majority of A-type current in dorsal horn neurons and is a critical site for modulation of neuronal excitability and nociceptive behaviors. Genetic elimination of Kv4.2 reduces A-type currents and increases excitability of dorsal horn neurons, resulting in enhanced sensitivity to tactile and thermal stimuli. Furthermore, ERK-mediated modulation of excitability in dorsal horn neurons and ERK-dependent forms of pain hypersensitivity are absent in Kv4.2(-/-) mice compared to wild-type littermates. Finally, mutational analysis of Kv4.2 indicates that S616 is the functionally relevant ERK phosphorylation site for modulation of Kv4.2-mediated currents in neurons. These results show that Kv4.2 is a downstream target of ERK in spinal cord and plays a crucial role in pain plasticity.
The effect of impact orientation on the critical velocity needed to initiate a covered explosive charge

Abstract Recent studies show that a heavy metal fragment, such as tungsten, could be more effective against a covered target than a conventional steel fragment. To further quantify this, we determined the detonation threshold surface for a tungsten platelet 1.24- x 1.24- x 0.62 cm impacting a steel plate 0.330 cm thick covering an explosive charge. The objectives were to determine the threshold impact speed for detonation as a function of impact orientation; determine if the Jacobs equation applies to this impactor; and, if not to gain insight into developing a similar relation that could be used in vulnerability analysis. Three dimensional simulations of various fragment-target encounters were developed using the Eulerian Hydrocode CTH. We selected the impact geometry and estimated a starting velocity, then CTH was run to determine if a detonation was predicted. From this starting point, fragment velocity was adjusted up or down until the critical velocity was bounded within ± 33m/s. We learned that fragment orientation has a significant effect on the critical velocity needed to initiate a covered charge. The current shape factor provides reasonable results for a range of impact orientations.
Mentoring Special Populations

Mentorship is critical for career development. Members of special populations are at increased risk of information shortfalls and advice that is not framed with cultural sensitivity. Special knowledge and skills are needed to successfully mentor members of ethnic minority and other special populations. Midlevel and senior scientists need specialized training to effectively mentor the next generation of gerontological scientists. This article focuses on the characteristics of mentor and proteges and how best to match them for career success.
Control of first-wall surface conditions in the 2XIIB magnetic mirror plasma confinement experiment

The control of first-wall surface conditions in the 2XIIB Magnetic Mirror Plasma Confinement experiment is described. Before each plasma shot, the first wall is covered with a freshly gettered titanium surface. Up to 5 MW of neutral beam power has been injected into 2XIIB, resulting in first-wall bombardment fluxes of 10$sup 17$ atoms.cm$sup -2$.s$sup -1$ of 13-keV mean energy deuterium atoms for several ms. The background gas flux is measured with a calibrated, 11-channel, fast-atom detector. Background gas levels are found to depend on surface conditions, injected beam current, and beam pulse duration. For our best operating conditions, an effective reflux coefficient of 0.3 can be inferred from the measurements. Experiments with long-duration and high-current beam injection are limited by charge exchange; however, experiments with shorter beam duration are not limited by first-wall surface conditions. It is concluded that surface effects will be reduced further with smoother walls. (auth)
Developmental Comparison of Vowels and Consonants in Dichotic Listening

Ear laterality for dichotically presented vowels and consonants was studied developmentally in 109 normal children between the ages of six and 12 years, using CVC words in edited natural speech. Vo...
Role of intracellular Na+ activity in the negative inotropy of strophanthidin in cardiac Purkinje fibers.

Abstract The relation between intracellular sodium activity (aNai) and different phases of strophanthidin inotropy was studied in sheep cardiac Purkinje fibers superfused in vitro. Strophanthidin (1 μM) progressively increases aNai whereas increases and then decreases contractile force, induces contracture (‘mechanical toxicity’) and arrhythmias (‘electrical toxicity’). Contractile force begins to decrease at ∼ 11 mM aNai. Force and aNai show a positive correlation during the increasing and a negative correlation during the decreasing phase of strophanthidin inotropy. In high [K]o (8, 12 and 16 mM), strophanthidin increases aNai and force to a smaller peak and fails to induce toxicity. In high [Na]o (+18.5%), strophanthidin increases aNai and force to a larger peak and induced electrical toxicity below and mechanical toxicity above a higher aNai value (∼ 15 mM). In higher [K]o, high [Na]o restores the ability of strophanthidin to induce mechanical toxicity. Thus, mechanical toxicity begins when aNai increases past a critical value and the continuing aNai increase correlates with decrease in contractile force and contracture. The critical value of aNai is modified by Ca load related to changes in membrane potential or to Na electrochemical gradient.
Potential formulae for the three-dimensional Schrödinger equation with spherical symmetry

Abstract Three formulae connecting the spectral elements to the potential are derived for the tridimensional Schrodinger equation with spherical symmetry. They make apparent the natural character of the Marchenko inversion procedure. They indicate that the presence either of bound states or of spectral singularities can make the inversion singular for non self-adjoint Schrodinger operators. They also show that, if the scattering data are regularized so as to verify Marchenko's conditions, care must be taken in the choice of the reference potential used for the Marchenko construction. Inclusion of Coulomb forces is not discussed in the paper.
One‐dimensional diffusion model for extended solid solution in laser cladding

A mathematical model is presented for determining the composition of extended solid solution formed due to rapid cooling in laser cladding. This model considers a diffusion mechanism for mass transport in a one‐dimensional semi‐infinite molten pool of the cladding material from which heat is removed by conduction through a one‐dimensional semi‐infinite solid substrate. The rate of solidification has been obtained by modeling the cooling process as a composite medium heat transfer problem. The discontinuity of the concentration field has been simulated using a nonequilibrium partition coefficient, and then a nonsimilar exact solution for the mass transport equation has been obtained using a set of similarity variables which has been derived using Lie group theory.
Uncooperative multi-agent communication network control, hybrid LQ approach

Retaining connectivity of a mesh network of noncooperative multiple mobile agents is considered. The new connectability theory is applied to preserving network connectivity of non-cooperative mobile wireless networks. The newly introduced connectability matrix allows detecting a loss of network connectivity, as well as determining which nodes are isolated. The hybrid system techniques are used to describe the network dynamics, and LQR is used to control the motion of the relay agents in the communication network with changing dimension. A numerical example demonstrates the efficacy of the proposed techniques.
Prospects for gene therapy for cystic fibrosis

Despite advances in conventional treatments for cystic fibrosis (CF), the disease is still associated with significant morbidity and mortality. The cloning of the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) gene and the understanding of the functions of the CFTR protein have led to the development of novel treatment strategies, including gene therapy. Here, we review the underlying molecular defect in CF cells, and the progress in gene-transfer studies from in vitro work through to clinical trials. We discuss the problems encountered, the end-points used to assess efficacy, and the likely future directions of the field.
A "trans-acting" factor for activation of transcription is defective in the xrs-5 mutant of the Chinese hamster ovary cell line.

Abstract A cDNA molecule (B52) with the characteristics of retroviral sequences was isolated from the Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) K1 cell line. B52 cDNA detected two species of mRNAs with the size of 5.2 and 2.7 Kb in CHO cells. However, the steady-state level of the two mRNAs was reduced 26-fold in the X-ray-sensitive mutants, xrs-5 and xrs-6. Several experiments were performed to study the mechanism of underexpression. The stability of B52 mRNA was the same in the K1 and xrs mutant cells. No detectable gross structural and copy number changes of the B52 gene were observed in the two xrs mutants. The LTR region of the B52 cDNA was able to initiate transcription of the reporter gene CAT in CHO cells. Interestingly, the promoter/enhancer activity of B52LTR was 5–10 fold lower when assayed in the xrs-5 mutant cells. Various controls indicated that the xrs-5 mutant had the same capacity to be transfected. Thus, the results strongly suggest that a cellular factor involved in the activation of the B52LTR is defective in the xrs-5 mutant. 11 genes were found underexpressed in the xrs mutants previously. The present finding provides an attractive model for studying the mechanism of underexpression of multiple genes in the xrs mutants. Characterization of the mutation will provide important information on the gene involved in rejoining DNA double-strand breaks.
Reference materials in extended near infrared diffuse reflection spectrometry-the misuse of polytetrafluoroethylene

This work reports that inherent absorption by polytetrafluoroethlyene precludes its use as a near infrared or extended near infrared reflection reference material. The effect of this inherent absorption on certain analyte bands is shown. The effectiveness of a previously published method for removing moisture and hydrocarbons from the surface of polytetrafluoroethylene is shown. It is suggested that diffuse gold should be used as the reflection reference material for all measurements made below 5000 cm−1.
Effect of error correlations and systematic errors on average array sidelobes

The effect of error correlations on the average error-induced sidelobe level of a planar array is studied. It is found that correlations among the random errors rapidly decrease the average error-sidelobe level (relative to the level when all errors are uncorrelated) as the correlation radius is increased. However, even though the average error-sidelobe level decreases, there are certain types of correlation that produce large local sidelobe increases. In particular, it is found that a one-dimensional correlation produces a large ridge of sidelobes in the plane orthogonal to the direction of the correlation. Simple results are derived from both the amplitude and the angular width of this ridge. >
Spectral, Kinetics, and Theoretical Studies of Radical Cations Derived from Thioanisole and Its Carboxylic Derivative

Hydroxyl radicals (•OH) react with thioanisole (Ph−S−CH3) via two competitive addition pathways: with the thioether functionality and with the aromatic ring. At neutral pH, •OH addition leads to the prompt formation of monomeric sulfur radical cations (Ph−S+•−CH3, addition to the thioether group) and hydroxycyclohexadienyl radicals (Ph•−(OH)−S−CH3, addition to the aromatic ring). The latter radicals subsequently decay into products, which do not include the corresponding radical cations with delocalized positive charge on the aromatic ring (Ph+•−S−CH3). On the other hand, at low pH, •OH addition, both to the thioether functionality and to the aromatic ring, leads promptly only to Ph−S+•−CH3 radical cations. These observations are rationalized in terms of the highly unstable nature of Ph+•−S−CH3 radical cations (formed via proton-catalyzed water elimination from Ph•−(OH)−S−CH3 radicals) and their rapid conversion into Ph−S+•−CH3 radical cations. Additional experimental support for the instability of radic...
Brain development in Turner syndrome: a magnetic resonance imaging study

Turner syndrome (TS) results from the absence of an X chromosome in females. This genetic condition is associated with specific cognitive deficits and variations in brain volumes. The goal of this study was to use high-resolution magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to determine morphological variations in TS and to investigate the effects of parental origin of the X chromosome on brain development in TS. MRI brain scans were acquired from 26 girls with TS and 26 age- and gender-matched controls. Seventeen of the TS subjects had a maternally inherited X chromosome (Xm), and nine of the subjects had a paternally inherited X chromosome (Xp). Rater-blind morphometric analyses were conducted to compare tissue volume differences between girls with TS and controls. Three-way analyses were used to compare subgroups and controls. Subjects with TS demonstrated bilateral decreases in parietal gray and occipital white matter accompanied by increased cerebellar gray matter. Subjects with Xm showed decreased occipital white matter and increased cerebellar gray matter compared to controls. No differences were found in comparisons between subjects with Xp and controls or between subjects with Xm and Xp. Results suggest that X monosomy affects posterior cerebral and cerebellar anatomy in TS. While differences between comparisons of Xm and Xp to controls might suggest an imprinting effect, no significant differences were found when the two subgroups were directly compared to each other. Further investigation into the possible role of genomic imprinting is therefore warranted.
Boninites and island arcs

The petrographic t se rm t o describe glassy volcanic rocks from the Bonin Islands in the Western Pacific has been around for nearly a century. Currently, however, “boninitic” has come to mean a process, and indeed boninites include a broad set of komatiite-like rocks, which characterize Pacific Island arcs. Boninites are usually associated with ophicalcites. Their interest geophysically, stems from their probable role in island-arc formation. A while ago W. E. Cameron, E. G. Nisbet, and V. J. Dietrich drew analogies between boninites and Archaean basaltic komatiites and also the well-known variable experimental parameter “pyrolite” (Nature, 280, 550, 1979).
Point:Counterpoint: lung impedance measurements are/are not more useful than simpler measurements of lung function in animal models of pulmonary disease.

Research on pulmonary disease relies increasingly on the use of animal models, commensurate with the progression of our ability to manipulate the genome and recreate noxious environmental conditions in the laboratory. Accordingly, any self-respecting biomedical research institution these days will
Measurement of Hypersonic Sound Speeds in Methane at Moderate Pressures

Measurement of hypersonic sound speeds in methane at moderate pressure and comparison with ultrasonic speed data
Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation Using CoreValve by Transaortic Approach

Introduction: Transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) is now considered as an alternative treatment option for severe aortic stenosis (AS) patients who cannot undergo surgical aortic valve replacement (AVR). Case report: We describe the first Korean case of transaortic TAVI with mini-sternotomy using CoreValve. A 83-year-old woman with severe AS and recent history of non-ST elevation myocardial infarction was referred to our institution for TAVI intervention. There was no amenable peripheral vascular access for transfemoral or trans-subclavian approach. Considering the relatively high procedural risk of transapical approach in this patient, we performed transaortic TAVI with mini-sternotomy. Conclusion: The present case suggests transaortic approach may be an effective and safe strategy for TAVI in high risk severe AS patients without eligible femoral or subclavian access routes.
Development of therapies for autoimmune disease at Stanford: a tale of multiple shots and one goal

The title of this contribution on Immunology at Stanford is purposely ambiguous. One goal is the development of safe and effective therapy for autoimmune diseases. Another definition of goal is to score, and this would ultimately mean the development of an approved drug. Indeed, the efforts in my four decades at Stanford, have included the discovery and subsequent development of a monoclonal antibody to block homing to the inflamed brain, leading to natalizumab, an approved therapeutic for two autoimmune diseases: relapsing–remitting MS and for inflammatory bowel disease. Multiple attempts to develop new therapies for autoimmune disease are described here: The trimolecular complex and the immune synapse serve as one major set of targets, with attempts to inhibit particular major histocompatibility molecules, the variable regions of the T cell receptor, and CD4. Other approaches focusing on antigen-specific tolerance include ongoing attempts with tolerizing DNA vaccines in type 1 diabetes. Finally, the repurposing of popular drugs approved for other indications, including statins and inhibitors of angiotensin converting enzyme is under development and showing promise in the clinic, particularly for secondary progressive multiple sclerosis. The milieu within Stanford Immunology has helped to nurture these efforts to translate discoveries in immunology and to take them from bench to bedside.
Molecular Dynamics Calculation of the Diffusivity of Sodium Chloride in Steam

Molecular dynamics simulation is used to calculate the diffusivity of sodium chloride at infinite dilution in high-temperature steam at seven state points representing conditions of interest for the study of impurity deposition in steam turbines. Water is modeled with an existing four-site, polarizable potential, and the ions are modeled as charged, polarizable Lennard-Jones spheres. At the conditions studied, the sodium and chloride ions diffuse together; the simulations determine the diffusivity of this ion pair to within approximately 20%. The results can be fitted satisfactorily to the form of a simple kinetic-theory expression, allowing for extrapolation to lower densities that are less amenable to simulation. At turbine conditions, no experimental diffusivity data are available, and existing semiempirical estimation techniques are unreliable, so the results from this work provide the best values available for this industrially important property.
On Reasons, Evidence of Oughts, and Morally Fitting Motives

In a series of papers, Stephen Kearns and Daniel Star defend the following general account of reasons: R: Necessarily, a fact F is a reason for an agent A to Φ iff F is evidence that an agent ought to Φ.
Xyntagma: a graphical query interface for the ACeDB genome databases

As the number of non-expert database users who wish to access genome databases directly grows, it becomes increasingly imperative to develop an easy-to-use query interface for such databases. Relying on a graphical solution is one way of addressing the problem. A graphical query interface provides a built-in schema browsing mechanism, which enables users to express queries more easily than with a textual query interface. We summarize our experience of building a graphical query interface for ACeDB genome databases. ACeDB is a pseudo-object oriented database system which was primarily developed to store biological data and to be used by biologists. Our interface, entitled Xyntagma, allows the user to browse an object-oriented schema and enables him to graphically express ad hoc queries that conform to the ACeDB query syntax.
Short-channel effects in SOI MOSFETs

Short-channel effects in thin-film silicon-on-insulator (SOI) MOSFETs are shown to be unique because of dependences on film thickness and body and back-gate (substrate) biases. These dependences enable control of threshold-voltage reduction, channel-charge enhancement due to a drain bias, carrier velocity saturation, channel-length modulation and its effect on output conductance, as well as device degradation due to hot carriers in short-channel SOI MOSFETs. A short-channel effect exclusive to SOI MOSFETs, back-surface charge modulation, is described. Because of the short-channel effects, the use of SOI MOSFETs in VLSI circuits provides the designer with additional flexibility as compared to bulk-MOSFET design. Various design tradeoffs are discussed. >
Dining Chinese: a consumer subgroup comparison.

With the growing popularity and consumption of Chinese cuisine, it is crucial for restaurateurs to acquire knowledge of consumer expectations and dining satisfaction. The purposes of this study were: to determine patrons' perceptions and attitudes Chinese restaurant dining and to determine if there is a difference between diners of Chinese descent, other Asians, and all other patrons with regard to their expectations concerning dining at Chinese restaurants. A structured questionnaire was used to determine the dining preferences of 192 customers of eight full service Chinese restaurants. The results indicated that slightly over 60% of the respondents considered themselves to be knowledgeable of Chinese regional cooking. Fifty-one percent of the respondents felt that the food in the restaurants was similar to the food prepared in restaurants in China, Hong Kong, and Taiwan; however, 53% said the food was adjusted for American taste. Over 63% of the respondents wanted the restaurant to appear somew...
RB deletion disrupts coordination between DNA replication licensing and mitotic entry in vivo

The integrity of the retinoblastoma tumor suppressor (RB) pathway is critical for restraining inappropriate proliferation and suppressing tumor development in a plethora of tissues. Here adenovirus-mediated RB deletion in the liver of adult mice led to DNA replica- tion in the absence of productive mitotic condensation. The replication induced by RB loss was E2F-mediated and associated with the induction of DNA damage and a nontranscrip- tional G2/M checkpoint that targeted the accumulation of Cyclin B1. In the context of RB deletion or E2F activation, there was an increase in hepatocyte ploidy that was accompanied by hyperphysiological assembly of prereplication complexes. In keeping with this dysregula- tion, initiation of DNA replication was readily observed in hepatocytes that were phenotypi- cally in G2/M. Under such conditions, uncoupling of replication initiation from mitotic pro- gression led to altered genome ploidy in the liver. Interestingly, these findings in hepatocytes were not recapitulated in the basally proliferative tissues of the gastrointestinal tract, where RB deletion, while increasing DNA replication, did not lead to a profound uncoupling from mitosis. Combined, these findings demonstrate the critical role of RB in controlling cell-cycle transitions and underscore the importance of intrinsic tissue environments in resultant phenotypes.