cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
PATHOLOGICAL STAGE DOES NOT ALTER THE PROGNOSIS FOR RENAL LESIONS DETERMINED TO BE STAGE T1 BY COMPUTERIZED TOMOGRAPHY

ABSTRACTPurpose:: Pathological stage has been the most widely used prognosticator for evaluating surgically managed cases of renal cell carcinoma. Minimally invasive surgical approaches are being increasingly used to treat small masses for which traditionally pathological information is lacking (morcellation) or absent (radio frequency ablation or cryoablation). Preoperative cross-sectional imaging by computerized tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging has been used to stage renal tumors clinically but it can lead to variances with traditional pathological staging systems, particularly with respect to microscopic invasion beyond the renal capsule. In this study we assessed whether radiographically staged clinical T1 lesions that were pathological T1 behave differently than those that were clinical stage T1 and up staged to pT3a.Materials and Methods:: The records of 296 patients who underwent surgical treatment for renal cell carcinoma at The Johns Hopkins Hospital between 1990 and 1999 were retros...
Measurement of structured microbial population dynamics by flow microfluorometry

Commercial microbiological processes frequently contain dispersed microorganisms which are heterogeneous in their age, size, and composition. Relative protein and nucleic acid contents of individual bacteria in Bacillus subtilis submerged cultures have been measured experimentally using laser flow microfluorometry. Marginal and joint population composition density data and their complex patterns of evolution during batch growth provide an impetus and emerging basis for a new generation of potentially robust mathematical models of microbial systems.
Phase diagram of the CF4 monolayer and bilayer on graphite

We report an experimental study of physisorbed monolayers and bilayers of CF4 on graphite using infrared reflection absorption spectroscopy supplemented by ellipsometry. The symmetric C–F stretch mode ν3 near 1283 cm−1 in the gas is strongly blue shifted in the film by dynamic dipole coupling. This blue shift provides a very sensitive measure of the inter-molecular spacing in the monolayer and, less directly, in the bilayer. We find that important corrections are necessary to the volumetric coverage scales used in previous heat capacity and x-ray diffraction studies of this system. This requires quantitative and some qualitative changes to the previously proposed phase diagram. We find evidence for a new phase transition in the middle of the hexagonal incommensurate region and construct new phase diagrams in both the variables coverage-temperature and chemical potential-temperature. We determine the compressibility and thermal expansion in the low-pressure hexagonal incommensurate phase and values for the...
Inducible Clustering of Membrane-Targeted SH3 Domains of the Adaptor Protein Nck Triggers Localized Actin Polymerization

Abstract Background: SH2/SH3 adaptor proteins play a critical role in tyrosine kinase signaling pathways, regulating essential cell functions by increasing the local concentration or altering the subcellular localization of downstream effectors. The SH2 domain of the Nck adaptor can bind tyrosine-phosphorylated proteins, while its SH3 domains can modulate actin polymerization by interacting with effectors such as WASp/Scar family proteins. Although several studies have implicated Nck in regulating actin polymerization, its role in living cells is not well understood. Results: We used an antibody-based system to experimentally modulate the local concentration of Nck SH3 domains on the plasma membrane of living cells. Clustering of fusion proteins containing all three Nck SH3 domains induced localized polymerization of actin, including the formation of actin tails and spots, accompanied by general cytoskeletal rearrangements. All three Nck SH3 domains were required, as clustering of individual SH3 domains or a combination of the two N-terminal Nck SH3 domains failed to promote significant local polymerization of actin in vivo. Changes in actin dynamics induced by Nck SH3 domain clustering required the recruitment of N-WASp, but not WAVE1, and were unaffected by downregulation of Cdc42. Conclusions: We show that high local concentrations of Nck SH3 domains are sufficient to stimulate localized, Cdc42-independent actin polymerization in living cells. This study provides strong evidence of a pivotal role for Nck in directly coupling ligand-induced tyrosine phosphorylation at the plasma membrane to localized changes in organization of the actin cytoskeleton through a signaling pathway that requires N-WASp.
The polarization of electrons by tunneling through a spin-dependent surface potential

Abstract A model calculation is discussed which demonstrates that the spin-dependence of the surface potential can be an important factor in determining the field-emitted electron spin polarization (FEESP) from ferromagnetic metals. The significance of this model calculation for the interpretation of FEESP from Ni and Fe is discussed.
BILIARY AND URINARY METABOLITES OF 4-C14-PROGESTERONE IN HUMAN SUBJECTS

ABSTRACT C14-progesterone was injected intravenously into 9 human subjects, 4 of whom had biliary fistulas. Following hydrolysis of steroid conjugates and continuous extraction with ether, the pooled urinary and pooled biliary extracts contained more than 50 per cent of the injected radioactivity. The extracts were separated into several fractions by counter-current distributions, followed by adsorption chromatography. Radioactive metabolites elutcd from alumina columns were characterized by isotope dilution with standard carriers in addition to chromatographic mobilities. Pregnanediol, allopregnanediol, pregnanolone and progesterone were identified in both urine and bile. Results indicate that hydroxylated metabolites of progesterone are eliminated mostly in the urine, while the corresponding ketonic compounds are excreted chiefly in the bile. INTRODUCTION THE principal pathway of the metabolism of progesterone is believed to be progesterone→pregnanedione→pregnanolone→pregnanediol,1 although small amount...
Characteristics of tropical cyclone activity over the eastern North Pacific: the extremely active 1992 and the inactive 1977

The eastern North Pacific experiences large variability in tropical cyclone (tropical storm and hurricane) frequency from year to year. Large-scale environmental conditions during the peak hurricane season (July, August and September) are contrasted for two extreme years; 1992 is the most active year and 1977 the most inactive year. Sea surface temperatures in both 1992 and 1977 arewarm and favourable for tropical cyclone (TC) formation, whereas other environmental factors undergo pronounced changes over the major development area (MDA) for the two extreme years. For instance, the 1992 hurricane season features weaker vertical wind shear, larger low-level relative vorticity, stronger mid-tropospheric ascending motion, stronger upper-level divergence, and larger mid-tropospheric moisture content than the 1977 hurricane season. These changes correspond well to the variation of the TC activity during the two extreme years. In addition, a monsoon trough is only present over the MDA in 1992. Convective disturbances within a 4–10-d period propagating consistently from the east bring stronger convection in 1992 than in 1977. In both years, anomalous zonal wind over the MDA oscillates with the intraseasonal timescale. However, TCs do not necessarily form during the westerly phases in either year in the intraseasonal timescale.
LOST BIRD-YEARS: QUANTIFYING BIRD INJURIES IN NATURAL RESOURCE DAMAGE ASSESSMENTS FOR OIL SPILLS 1

Large oil spills routinely impact hundreds or even thousands of birds. In order to determine the compensation that responsible parties owe the public, trustee agencies typically examine the number of live and dead birds collected to estimate total bird mortality caused by the spill (Ford et al., 1987). In these natural resource damage assessments (NRDA), compensation is typically based upon the potential ecological benefits that flow from a restoration project. In the case of a bird kill, final compensation is based upon the cost of implementing a restoration project and not upon a dollar value per bird. The dominant paradigm for calculating compensatory restoration for bird injuries is Resource Equivalency Analysis (REA). This paper begins by providing a brief overview of REA when applied to birds. We then examine the REA implications of varying the level of mortality, baseline variability, and demographic variables in a simple population model that tracks both injured and baseline population levels. After finding no evidence that these factors necessarily produce short recovery times, we summarize two general approaches for calculating lost bird-years. We conclude that short recovery times (e.g., one-year) are unlikely for birds when using individual-based measures of injury. Further, we believe that recovery times may be much longer than currently calculated for situations where plausible “recovery mechanisms” cannot be defined.
Development of a sub-line of mouse sarcoma-180 capable of growing in pyridoxine-deficient animals.

Development of a Sub-Line of Mouse Sarcoma-180 Capable of Growing in Pyridoxine-Deficient Animals
A theory of sufficient statistics for teams

We introduce a theory of sufficient statistics for team decision problems. Starting from a rigorous definition of team sufficient statistics, we show that they contain all the information needed to make an optimal team decision. We also state general theorems of how to construct, manipulate, and update team sufficient statistics given the previous sufficient statistics and new measurements. Finally, we give the sufficient statistics for the class of partially nested team decision problems, and show that they have intuitive and compelling interpretations.
A feasibility study evaluating the functional diffusion map as a predictive imaging biomarker for detection of treatment response in a patient with metastatic prostate cancer to the bone

Abstract Prostate cancer (PCa) is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in American men with a subset inevitably presenting with metastatic disease to the bone. A wellrecognized limitation in evaluating new treatments for metastatic PCa is the inability to use imaging to objectively assess response therapy. In this study, we evaluated the feasibility of clinically translating the functional diffusion map (fDM) imaging biomarker for quantifying the spatiotemporal effects of bone tumor response in a patient treated for metastatic PCa with bone metastases. A patient beginning therapy was scanned using MRI before treatment and again at 2 and 8 weeks post-treatment initiation to quantify changes in tumor diffusion values. Three metastatic lesions were identified for f DM analysis, all of which all demonstrated an early increase in diffusion values at 2 weeks, which increased further at 8 weeks post-treatment initiation. This finding correlated with a decrease in the patient's prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels suggestive of patient response. CT, bone scans, anatomic MRI images obtained posttreatment were found to be uninformative for the assessment of treatment effectiveness. This study presents the feasibility of f DM measurements in osseous lesions over time and shows that changes in f DM values were consistent with therapeutic response. Thus, the fDM imaging biomarker may provide a quantifiable therapeutic endpoint to assess response in patients with metastatic bone cancer.
Decreased Production of Antimicrobial Peptides in Chronic Rhinosinusitis Associated with Age and Elevated Soluble gp130

T U E S D A Y 842 Decreased Production of Antimicrobial Peptides in Chronic Rhinosinusitis Associated with Age and Elevated Soluble gp130 Sun Hye Lee, PhD, Seong Ho Cho, MD, Kathryn E. Hulse, PhD, James Norton, MS, Jason Siebert, David Conley, MD, Rakesh Chandra, MD, Anju Peters, MD, Robert Kern, MD, Leslie C. Grammer, MD, FAAAAI, Robert P. Schleimer, PhD, FAAAAI; Department of Medicine, Division of Allergy-Immunology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, Department of Otolaryngology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL. RATIONALE: S100 proteins play an important role in epithelial innate immune function.We previously reported that levels of epithelium-derived S100A8/A9 (calprotectin) in patients with CRS (chronic rhinosinusitis) were significantly diminished and inversely correlated with aging. In this study, we further investigated the mechanism of this age-related reduction of S100A8/A9 in patients with CRS. METHODS: IL-6 signaling is known to be important in the production of S100 proteins. We first examined age-related expression of IL-6, soluble IL-6 receptor (sIL-6R), and its natural inhibitor, soluble gp130 (sgp130) in nasal lavage fluids from patients of various ages with CRS using ELISA. In vitro, we treated normal human bronchial epithelial cells (NHBE) with IL6 or oncostatin M (OSM), a gp130-dependent cytokine, and measured mRNA of S100A8 and S100A9 by real time PCR and levels of S100A8/A9 and S100A8/A8 homodimer (calgranulin A) by ELISA. RESULTS: Levels of sgp130, not IL-6 or sIL-6R, were increased significantly with age in patients with CRS (r 5 0.76, p < 0.02). The gene expression of S100A8 and S100A9 was induced up-to 3-fold by IL-6 or OSM in submerged NHBE in vitro (p< 0.05 vs control). The production of S100A8/9 and S100A8/8 was also enhanced 3-fold or 20-fold by OSM, respectively in air-liquid interface cultured NHBE cells (p < 0.01 vs control). CONCLUSIONS: This study suggests that age-related reduction of S100A8/A9 expression in patients with CRSmay bemediated by increased sgp130, an inhibitor of IL-6 trans-signaling in epithelial cells.
Municipal Electoral Structure and the Election of Councilwomen

A survey of the 946 American cities having populations in excess of 25,000 in 1980 reveals very little relationship between election structures and the presence of women on their councils. These results hold for the full data set as well as for four regional subsets. The evidence does not sustain the desirability hypothesis that suggests women will less often be elected in cities where the position is more valued. Women serve somewhat more frequently in the West, as expected, however, the proposition that the South will have a small proportion female on its councils is not borne out.
A novel adaptive Nyström approximation

We propose a novel perspective on the Nystrom approximation method. Sampling the columns of the kernel matrix can be interpreted as projecting the data onto the subspace spanned by the corresponding columns. Thus, the quality of Nystrom approximation can be quantified by the distance between the subspace spanned by the sampled columns and the subspace spanned by the data mapped to the eigenvectors corresponding to the top eigenvalues of the kernel matrix. Based on this interpretation, we design a novel adaptive Nystrom approximation algorithm, BoostNystrom. BoostNystrom is efficient in terms of both time and space complexity. Experiments on benchmark data sets show that BoostNystrom is more effective than the state-of-art algorithms.
Influence of DNA adenine methylase on the sensitivity of Escherichia coli to near-ultraviolet radiation and hydrogen peroxide

Near-ultraviolet (NUV) radiation and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) inactivation studies were performed on Escherichia coli K-12 DNA adenine methylation (dam) mutants and on cells that carry plasmids which overexpress Dam methylase. Lack of methylation resulted in increased sensitivity to NUV and H2O2 (a photoproduct of NUV). In a dam mutant carrying a dam plasmid, the levels of Dam enzyme and resistance to NUV and H2O2 were restored. However, using a multicopy dam+ plasmid strain, increasing the methylase above wildtype levels resulted in an increase in sensitivity of the cells rather than resistance.
Targeting of anti-Thy 1.1 monoclonal antibody conjugated liposomes in Thy 1.1 mice after intraveneous administration

125I-labeled liposomes, conjugated to an anti-Thy 1.1 monoclonal antibody (MRCOX7), demonstrated up to 7.4-fold greater lymph node uptake than liposomes conjugated to non-specific monoclonal antibody (R-10) after intravenous injection into Thy 1.1 (AKR-J) mice. Uptake of anti-Thy 1.1-conjugated liposomes by the lymph nodes of AKR-J mice was 3-times greater than their uptake by lymph nodes of Thy 1.2 (AKR-Cu) mice. Lymph node localization of anti-Thy 1.1-liposomes was equal to that of control monoclonal antibody-liposomes in Thy 1.2 mice. Conjugation to either monoclonal antibody substantially increased liposome clearance by the liver, while decreasing liposome uptake in a number of organs outside the reticuloendothelial system. Changes in liposome size and phospholipid composition did not significantly alter these results. Administration of a large predose of unconjugated liposomes prior to injection of MRCOX7-conjugated liposomes increased blood levels and reduced liver uptake of the monoclonal antibody-liposome conjugates, but did not further enhance lymph node uptake. This study demonstrates that targeting of liposomes by conjugation to the appropriate monoclonal antibody, can significantly increase their uptake in lymph nodes which contain high levels of cells expressing the target antigen. However, conjugation to monoclonal antibody also increases clearance of liposomes by the liver. To increase the uptake of monoclonal antibody-conjugated liposomes in target tissue, substantial reduction of their clearance by the reticuloendothelial system will be required.
Alteration of semen quality in dogs after creation of varicocele

A left vein varicocele was created in male dogs by partially obstructing the left renal vein medial to the entrance of the left internal spermatic vein. Eight dogs had semen parameters determined preoperatively (2 times/week for five weeks) and postoperatively (2 times/week for twelve weeks). Semen quality was altered by the experimental varicocele. A significant decrease in sperm count, motility, per cent viable, and per cent oval sperm were noted. Semen volume was not affected. The possible chemical influence of serotonin is mentioned. Testosterone levels were unchanged by the varicocele. Histologic findings in the left and right testicles are mentioned before and after creation of the varicocele.
The impact of an increase in work rate on task demands for a simulated industrial hand tool assembly task

Abstract Global competition in the manufacturing sector has created an environment for continuous improvement resulting in methods to increase capacity while lowering cost. Speed Fastening (SF) is one manufacturing assembly method currently being modified to improve its production capacity. This semi-automated riveting process is limited by a lack of continuous feed of fasteners supplied to the tool. One path to productivity improvement that has been identified for improving productivity in SF is the development of a continuous feed tool, which would eliminate non-value added time currently scheduled for reloading. In preparation for the design of a new tool, a proactive investigation was conducted to characterize the influence of work rate (i.e. frequency of fastener insertion) on task demands (e.g. muscular effort, posture, etc.) for manual SF work. Twelve healthy female subjects participated in simulated SF work over four test sessions. The first test session was used to familiarize subjects with the task, as well as the data collection protocol. Subsequent test days were block randomized to one of three work rates (7, 14 and 21 fasteners per minute) with subjects required to complete 120 min of simulated SF work at waist and shoulder height. Overall, an increase in work rate imposed a significant increase (p Relevance to industry Repetitive work performed with a powered hand tool is considered a risk factor for the development upper extremity musculoskeletal injury. This investigation contributes to an improved understanding of the impact that an increased pace of work has on the physical demands of operators during a simulated industrial task.
Somatotopic organization of the trigeminal ganglion in the rat.

Abstract Forty adult rats underwent simple transection of one of ten different branches of the maxillary and mandibular nerves. All animals were killed on the tenth postoperative day and the trigeminal ganglia were removed for routine histological processing. After staining for Nissl substance, the positions of chromatolytic perikarya were plotted on overlays of photographic enlargements of serial sections. The percentages of chromatolytic cells for all ganglion regions and all nerve lesions were determined and used to construct histograms. Results showed a series of somatotopic columns arranged longitudinally within the ganglion. The laterally placed cell columns corresponded to lateral fields of orofacial innervation supplied by the auriculo-temporal nerve and branches to the molar teeth. The antero-medial cell columns corresponded to more medial orofacial structures, supplied by the maxillary incisor and external nasal nerves. The dorso-ventral organization was more complex although, in general, intraoral structures were represented in the more ventral nerve-cell masses.
Design and analysis of a 10–50 MeV monoenergetic positron source

Abstract Through a matrix description of the capture and acceleration of positrobs by a linear accelerator with magnetic guide fields, the optimum design and operating conditions corresponding to the maximum useful yield of positrons are determined. An expression for the differential yield is presented which is readily adaptable to various field configurations for the converter lens and to arbitrary radial distributions of positrons at the converter target.
Numerical method to calculate coupled flux from a single pinned vortex in superconducting inductive loops

Abstract We have developed a method to calculate the flux coupled by a vortex in a superconducting circuit to the circuit's inductive loops. We model the superconductor as a set of superconducting islands on a square grid. Each island is connected to its nearest neighbors by Josephson junctions in the zero-voltage state; the vortex flux passes through one such island. We find the self-consistent current distribution numerically using an iterative technique. We have used this method in a crossed-loop geometry to find the relationship between vortex position and the flux coupled to the two loops.
Effect of oleocellosis, desiccation, and fungal infection upon the terpenes of individual oil glands in Citrus latipes

Abstract Mono- and sesqui-terpenes of individual oil glands of Citrus latipes fruits were analyzed for their homogeneity. The effect of oleocellosis, desiccation, Penicillium and Phytophthora infection upon the individual terpene components was investigated and expressed in a discriminant analysis and in canonical variables. Each oil gland contained the entire spectrum of terpenes specific for each species, and the biggest difference in affected glands was due to Penicillium infection.
Fast, Low-Memory Algorithm for Construction of Nanosecond Level Snapshots of Financial Markets

We present a fast, low-memory algorithm for constructing an order-by-order level snapshot of financial markets with nanosecond resolution. This new implementation is 20-30x faster than an earlier version of the code. In addition, since message data are retained only for as long as it they are needed, the memory footprint is greatly reduced. We find that even the heaviest days of trading spanning the NASDAQ, NYSE and BATS exchanges can now easily be handled using compute nodes with very modest memory (~ 4 GB). A tradeoff of this new approach is that the ability to efficiently manage large numbers of small files is more critical. We demonstrate how we can accommodate these new I/O requirements using the solid-state storage devices (SSDs) on SDSC's Gordon system.
Probabilistic Analysis of Message Forwarding

In this paper, we present a novel algorithm that finds the probability density function for the number of distinct nodes reached, within a specific number of levels of message forwarding, for a fixed size network. The algorithm also finds the expected number of distinct nodes to which a message is forwarded, within a specific number of levels of message forwarding, as the sum of the number of nodes, weighted by the probability of reaching that number of nodes. In addition, the algorithm finds the probability density function for the number of distinct nodes at a given level of message forwarding, and the expected number of distinct nodes at that level. Using the algorithm, we calculate these probability density functions and expected values for various size networks, degrees of message forwarding, probabilities of message forwarding, and levels of message forwarding. The algorithm has application to the Internet, peer-to-peer networks, ad-hoc networks, and social networks, and to multicasting, gossiping, and rumor and epidemic protocols.
Supporting spatial awareness and independent wayfinding for pedestrians with visual impairments

Much of the information designed to help people navigate the built environment is conveyed through visual channels, which means it is not accessible to people with visual impairments. Due to this limitation, travelers with visual impairments often have difficulty navigating and discovering locations in unfamiliar environments, which reduces their sense of independence with respect to traveling by foot. In this paper, we examine how mobile location-based computing systems can be used to increase the feeling of independence in travelers with visual impairments. A set of formative interviews with people with visual impairments showed that increasing one's general spatial awareness is the key to greater independence. This insight guided the design of Talking Points 3 (TP3), a mobile location-aware system for people with visual impairments that seeks to increase the legibility of the environment for its users in order to facilitate navigating to desired locations, exploration, serendipitous discovery, and improvisation. We conducted studies with eight legally blind participants in three campus buildings in order to explore how and to what extent TP3 helps promote spatial awareness for its users. The results shed light on how TP3 helped users find destinations in unfamiliar environments, but also allowed them to discover new points of interest, improvise solutions to problems encountered, develop personalized strategies for navigating, and, in general, enjoy a greater sense of independence.
Against the Hockney-Falco thesis: Glass and metal mirrors of the 15th century could not project undistorted images

Inspection of surviving mirrors and related objects shows that they were too crude to offer the early Renaissance painter an optical short-cut to a naturalistic image of his subject. The craftsmanship of mirror makers was independent of and inferior to the quality of theories of image formation of the day.
Preparation of manuscripts for publication as monographs.

(1948). Preparation of Manuscripts for Publication as Monographs. The Journal of Psychology: Vol. 26, No. 2, pp. 447-459.
EQUAL ORGANIC COMPOSITION OF CAPITAL AND REGULARITY

Equal organic composition of capital (EOCC) is shown to be a necessary and sufficient condition for constant relative prices in no-joint production technologies with neoclassical production functions. It is then proved that such neoclassical technologies are regular (which implies that consumption is well behaved across steady-state equilibria). Regularity is also a necessary and sufficient condition for near aggregation (which implies an aggregate production function with all but one of the usual neoclassical properties). Except perhaps for some fluke cases, the existence of an aggregate production function with all of the usual neoclassical properties (full aggregation) requires the stronger EOCC property.
What kind of signals do mimetic tiger moths send? A phylogenetic test of wasp mimicry systems (Lepidoptera: Arctiidae: Euchromiini).

Mimicry has been examined in field and laboratory studies of butterflies and its evolutionary dynamics have been explored in computer simulations. Phylogenetic studies examining the evolution of mimicry, however, are rare. Here, the phylogeny of wasp-mimicking tiger moths, the Sphecosoma group, was used to test evolutionary predictions of computer simulations of conventional Mullerian mimicry and quasi-Batesian mimicry dynamics. We examined whether mimetic traits evolved individually, or as suites of characters, using concentrated change tests. The phylogeny of these moth mimics revealed that individual mimetic characters were conserved, as are the three mimetic wasp forms: yellow Polybia, black Polybia and Parachartergus mimetic types. This finding was consistent with a 'supergene' control of linked loci and the Nicholson two-step model of mimicry evolution. We also used a modified permutation-tail probability approach to examine the rate of mimetic-type evolution. The observed topology, hypothetical Mullerian and Batesian scenarios, and 1000 random trees were compared using Kishino-Hasegawa tests. The observed phylogeny was more consistent with the predicted Mullerian distribution of mimetic traits than with that of a quasi-Batesian scenario. We suggest that the range of discriminatory abilities of the predator community plays a key role in shaping mimicry dynamics.
At-Line Quantitative Ion Mobility Spectrometry for Direct Analysis of Swabs for Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Equipment Cleaning Verification

The potential for ion mobility spectrometry (IMS) to provide rapid at-line quantitation of residues on surfaces via direct analysis of swabs is attractive for pharmaceutical manufacturing equipment cleaning verification. In this study, the development of an IMS method to provide acceptable quantitation of active pharmaceutical ingredients and cleaning agents is described. Key modifications to commercially available instrumentation were made to achieve a dynamic range of 5−100 μg per 25 cm2 surface area and acceptable analyte recovery in the presence of ionizable matrix components. The results of this study effectively demonstrate the capability of IMS to serve as an at-line quantitative analytical method.
A Bifunctional Monocyclic β-Lactam Cross-Links across the Active Site of β-Lactamase

Abstract A 4-alkoxy-2-azetidinone behaves as a bifunctional active site-directed inhibitor of the class A β-lactamase from Bacillus cereus 569/H. It cross-links SER 70 and LYS 234 as it binds in a ∼ 1:1 ratio. The cross-linked enzyme is irreversibly inhibited while the secondary structure is partially stabilized under conditions when the native enzyme is otherwise converted to a form with no detectable secondary structure by circular dichroism.
TGF-β1 alters APC preference, polarizing islet antigen responses toward a Th2 phenotype

TGF-beta1, expressed in the pancreatic islets, protects the nonobese diabetic (NOD) mouse from insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM). The islet antigen-specific T cell response of ins-TGF-beta1 mice relied on different antigen-presenting cells (APC) from those used by NOD T cells. T cells from NOD mice utilized B cells to present islet antigen, whereas T cells from ins-TGF-beta1 mice utilized macrophages. In addition, the islet antigen-specific T cell repertoire of ins-TGF-beta1 mice was distinct and deviated toward an IL-4-producing Th2 phenotype. When ins-TGF-beta1 mice were treated with anti-iL-4 antibody, islet antigen-specific IFNGamma-producing Th1 cells were unleashed, and the incidence of diabetes increased to the level of NOD mice. This suggests active suppression of a diabetogenic T cell response. This study describes a novel mechanism in which expression of TGF-beta1 in the context of self-antigen shifts APC preference, deviating T cell responses to a Th2 phenotype, preventing IDDM.
DEM validation using an annular shear cell

Abstract Studying the flow of granular materials is important for its impact on both industrial applications and natural phenomena. A fundamental understanding of the flow of granular materials is lacking, and this results in difficulties in modeling and predicting their flow behavior. The discrete element method (DEM) is often used as the “gold standard” both for predicting the results of experiments as well as for comparison to continuum-level theories of granular material flows due to its derivation from first-principal constructs, like contact mechanics. In this paper, we continue our work on quantitative validation of DEM simulations using detailed measurements of simple, well-characterized flows that allow us to examine the effect of rough surfaces and rotational rates on granular flow using an annular shear cell. Experimentally, we use digital particle tracking velocimetry (DPTV) to obtain velocity, solids fraction, and granular temperature profiles. Computationally, we compare the results obtained using different contact mechanics force laws to those from experimental measurements as well as perform a sensitivity analysis on device and particle geometry and different material properties employed. In previous work on stainless steel beads, we have found that an elasto-plastic normal force model is critical to obtaining accurate results as is detailed matching of both particle and system geometry, while the choice of friction model is found to be unimportant. Here, we examine the robustness of these observations to both particle materials properties as well as systemic variables (such as total system solids fraction). We find that the choice of frictional force model has little effect across all the profiles and all models, while the accuracy of the normal force model is material-dependent.
Binding of Three Bosons Near Critical Stability

The subject of this talk is how the ground-state energy of a three-boson system depends on the parameters of the two-body potential.
Regulation of nucleic acid synthesis by androgens.

Castration of adult male mice produced a progressive decrease in the weight of the kidney to a plateau at about 65% of normal within 14 days accompanied by a proportionate decrease in s-RNA. The total DNA also decreased but to a smaller degree while the total RNA decreased to a greater degree than the weight. Similar but greater decreases were observed in the prostate and seminal vesicles. The administration of testosterone propionate, testosterone, 17-methyltestosterone or androstan-17β-ol, 3-one gradually reversed the effects of castration. In addition the total RNA was increased during the period of rapid growth of the tissues to values above normal and then decreased to normal levels as the rate of growth of the tissues decreased. The thymus increased in weight after castration and decreased on androgen administration with concomitant changes in both DNA and RNA. The liver weight decreased slightly with proportionate decreases in s-RNA and RNA but not in DNA. Androgen administration reversed these cha...
Preparation and Characterization of Nanofibrous Perylene-Diimide−Polyelectrolyte Composite Thin Films

Composite nanofibrous thin films of a cationic, water-soluble perylene diimide and oppositely charged polyelectrolyte are prepared by sequential deposition from separate aqueous solutions of the two precursors. These materials may find future applications as semiconducting “wires” in organic electronics and photovoltaics. A new asymmetrically substituted perylene diimide (designated C11OPDI+) incorporating a hydrophobic ether tail is employed in their synthesis. Poly(acrylate) is used as the polyelectrolyte. Solution-phase and thin-film spectroscopic data show the composites form by binding and aggregation of C11OPDI+ to the polyelectrolyte. Tapping-mode AFM data show that the resulting nanofibers are tens of micrometers in length and are highly curved. Cross-sectional fiber size is shown to depend on the number of deposition cycles. Polarization-dependent fluorescence microscopy indicates the C11OPDI+ chromophores align perpendicular to the local long axis of the nanofibers. The C11OPDI+ molecules are co...
Long term effects of aerosolised rhDNase on pulmonary disease progression in patients with cystic fibrosis

BACKGROUND—After multiple studies, including clinical trials, suggested some mild clinical benefits from the use of rhDNase by patients with cystic fibrosis, a widespread acceptance of the drug has followed. However, long term effects, specifically on lung disease progression, have not been demonstrated. Experience with the use of this drug in a single cystic fibrosis centre is presented and compared with the trends seen in the patient population of the centre before the introduction of the drug. METHODS—Patients with cystic fibrosis routinely followed at the University of Minnesota Cystic Fibrosis Center and prescribed rhDNase for at least two years were included in this retrospective study. Data on spirometric parameters (FEV1 and FEV1/FVC), allometric index, and admissions to hospital were retrieved from the centre's database for the two years preceding the prescription of rhDNase and the two years that followed. Trends in pulmonary function and allometric index were analysed by mixed linear modelling, and hospital admission rates for both periods were calculated and compared. RESULTS—One hundred and ninety patients met the inclusion criteria for the study. In the two years preceding the prescription of rhDNase the trends noted were those of a mild decline in FEV1, a stable FEV1/FVC, and a mild improvement in allometric index. In the two years that followed the prescription of rhDNase a mild decline in all these parameters occurred which was a significant change from the previous period (all p <0.009). There was no difference between females and males in the trends experienced after the start of rhDNase. By logistic regression analysis only the presence of malnutrition at the time of prescription was associated with a positive trend after the introduction of rhDNase. No significant change in the hospital admission rates occurred, with rates of 0.52 (0.16) and 0.56 (0.21) admissions/patient/year for the periods before and after the prescription of rhDNase, respectively. CONCLUSIONS—The introduction of rhDNase to the regimen of patients with cystic fibrosis cared for at this centre has not been followed by a positive trend in lung function and nutritional parameters. There are some differences between this patient population and those who participated in previous studies which may help to explain the contrasting findings of this study. However, it is also possible that factors other than mucus clearance need to be improved to achieve a favourable response in disease progression. Patients on this treatment should be followed closely and the benefit judged on an individual basis. More studies are needed to define better the specific indications and use of this form of treatment.
AN UNUSUAL COMPLICATION OF EXTRADURAL CATHETERIZATION IN OBSTETRIC ANAESTHESIA

An extradural catheter was inserted at the third lumbar interspace for relief of pain during labour in a 21-year-old gravid patient. Attempts to withdraw the catheter met with resistance and produced severe pain in the distribution of the second left lumbar nerve. Radiography revealed an acutely angled loop of the catheter over the L2–3 nerve root.
An Assessment of Student Acceptance and Performance in Distance Education with Two-Way Interactive Compressed Video

This paper summarizes the debate concerning the value of distance education, reports distance education experiences in agricultural economics courses at The Ohio State University, and analyzes the effects of “distance” on student performance in and acceptance of the distance course. Results suggest that distance and “live” students performed equally in the same course, and they evaluated the course experience in a similar manner. These results provide some assurance that distance education, at least using the two-way interactive synchronous learning model of the courses in this study, does not place the distant student in jeopardy.
Detection of Iris Texture Distortions By Analyzing Iris Code Matching Results

Identity verification using iris biometrics is degraded if portions of the iris texture have a distorted appearance in the image. Distorted texture appearance can result from various causes, including contact lens artifacts, occlusion by hair, eyelids and eyelashes, and specular highlights. Previous work in iris biometrics attempts to cope with occlusion by eyelids/eyelashes and with specular highlights through improved segmentation of the iris region. Our approach assumes that some local distortions of the iris texture are not detected at the segmentation stage, and that these generate corresponding regions of local distortion in the iris code derived from the image. We introduce an approach to detect such regions of local distortion in the iris code through analysis of the iris code matching results. We know of no previous work that attempts to detect distortions of iris texture through analyzing the iris code matching results.
Anticonvulsant properties of Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol and other cannabinoids

Abstract Anticonvulsant doses of Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9-THC) markedly lower body temperature in mice at an ambient temperature of 22°C, but there is little such effect at 30°C. The anticonvulsant properties of Δ9-THC are as follows: The drug abolishes hind-limb extension in a maximal electroshock (MES) test, elevates both the MES (extensor) and 6-Hz-electroshock thresholds, exerts no effect on the 60-Hz-electroshock threshold, and enhances minimal seizures caused by pentylenetetrazol. All anticonvulsant properties studied, with the exception of the 60-Hz-electroshock threshold, were unaffected by the hypothermia resulting at 22°C. Additional experiments with Δ9-THC indicated that chronic treatment results in the development of tolerance, as determined by the MES test with rats. The four principal naturally occurring cannabinoids, Δ9-THC, Δ8-THC, cannabinol and cannabidiol, display anticonvulsant activity, as does the major, primary metabolite of Δ9-THC, 11-hydroxy-Δ9-THC. Of all agents investigated in mice, the synthetic cannabinoids, dimethylheptylpyran and its isomers, are the most potent anticonvulsants. The results of a study of the relative motor toxicity and anticonvulsant activity of the cannabinoids demonstrate that these properties are at least partially separable among the various agents.
X‐irradiation of lateral‐line primordia in Amblystoma

Embryos of Amblystoma punctatum were x-irradiated with 500 r to 2,000 r at stages 28–30. A rectangle of ectoderm including postauditory placodal material was transplanted orthotopically from the right side of irradiated embryos to nonirradiated hosts of the same age. Controls consisted of the same operation between non-irradiated embryos. Animals were studied at stage 46 to determine the effects of irradiation upon development of lateral-line migratory primordia, nerves and ganglion. The dorsal lateral-line was most affected by irradiation, averaging approximately 90% less organs and 85% less nerve fibers than normal. Midbody lateral-line averaged approximately 65% less organs and 55% less nerve fibers. There was no reduction in number of ventral lateral-line organs and scarcely any in number of nerve fibers. Number of lateralis ganglion cells averaged approximately 62% less than normal. Control animals developed normal numbers of organs and nerve fibers in all three lateral-lines and showed no appreciable reduction of ganglion cells on the operated side. X-irradiation affects the migration of lateral-line primordia as well as the proliferation or maturation of Xth lateralis nerve cells. Normality of the ventral lateral-line in these experiments requires further investigation.
The 10 Millisecond 150 Kiloampere Pulsed Power Supply for the Fermilab Neutrino Focussing Horn

During this past run for neutrinos to the 15' Bubble Chamber, approximately 750,000 pulses have been obtained from the power supply wihtout incident or failure of any tupe. To enhance reliability, the primary voltage was limited to 5.5 kv with an 80 kA secondary current. Initial problems during the test period were largely related to damage to the high current connections, i.e., pitting of the contact surfaces. This problem was resolved by copper plating the aluminum surfaces, followed by silver plating. Bolted connections with lock nuts were required in all cases to insure long term intimate contact. It is planned to raise the current to 120 kA for a substantial test period at the end of the present run to test the system under more stringent conditions. It is clear that for applications similar to this, a transformer is an excellent choice. The low primary current simplifies the ignitron circuit and the low voltage on the secondary simplifies the insulation requirements on the load circuit. These two factors substantially improve the total operational reliability and ease installation.
Singlet–triplet separations of di-radicals treated by the DEA/DIP-EOM-CCSD methods

The singlet–triplet splittings of the di-radicals methylene, trimethylene–methane, ortha-, meta- and parabenzynes, and cyclobutane-1,2,3,4-tetrone have become test systems for the applications of various multi-reference (MR) coupled-cluster methods. We report results close to the basis set limit computed with double ionization potential (DIP) and double electron attachment (DEA) equation-of-motion coupled-cluster methods. These diradicals share the characteristics of a 2-hole 2-particle MR problem and are commonly used to assess the performance of MR methods, and yet require more careful study unto themselves as benchmarks. Here, using our CCSD(T)/6- 311G(2d,2p) optimized geometries, we report DIP/DEACC results and single-reference (SR) CCSD, CCSD(T), KCCSD(T) and CCSDT results for comparison.
The relevance of the structural co-factor (chemogenic lesion) in adverse and toxic reactions of neuropsychotropic agents

Abstract 1. 1. Multidisciplinary methodologies in human and experimental investigations revealed that neuropsychotropic agents display multiple neural and extraneural “targets” or bioreceptors. 2. 2. The adverse and toxic reactions would be, in essence, the expression of a reversible or irreversible “chemogenic lesion” resulting from the molecular interactions among the chemical agents and the morpho-chemical correlates of the organism at any level of the structural organization. 3. 3. In pathogenic terms, this “chemogenic lesion” appears as a patho-chemical condition or a dynamic state of interacting chemical and biological mechanisms rather than a single cause.
IS6110, a Mycobacterium tuberculosis Complex-Specific Insertion Sequence, Is Also Present in the Genome of Mycobacterium smegmatis, Suggestive of Lateral Gene Transfer among Mycobacterial Species

IS6110 is an insertion element found exclusively within the members of the Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex (MTBC), and because of this exclusivity, it has become an important diagnostic tool in the identification of MTBC species. The restriction of IS6110 to the MTBC is hypothesized to arise from the inability of these bacteria to exchange DNA. We have identified an IS6110-related element in a strain of Mycobacterium smegmatis. The presence of IS6110 indicates that lateral gene transfer has occurred among mycobacterial species, suggesting that the mycobacterial gene pool is larger than previously suspected.
Electrochemical detection of oligopeptides through the precolumn formation of biuret complexes.

Abstract The relatively slow kinetics of formation of the electroactive Cu(II)-peptide complexes from larger (>6 amino acids) peptides requires relatively high temperature and long reaction times for a postcolumn reactor. The precolumn incubation of bradykinin, Tyr 8 -bradykinin and insulin A chain with biuret reagent for 20 min at 60°C leads to the formation of biuret complexes which can be subjected to chromatography in acidic or basic eluents. These complexes are detected electrochemically with a sensitivity similar to the Cu(II)-(ala) 3 , complex (1 nC/pmol at 1.0 ml/min). The influence of the column-packing material on the electrochemical detector response of the Cu-peptide complexes has also been studied.