cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Specificity of Metabotropic Glutamate Receptor 2 Coupling to G Proteins

Metabotropic glutamate receptor 2 (mGluR2) is a class 3 G protein-coupled receptor and an important mediator of synaptic activity in the central nervous system. Previous work demonstrated that mGluR2 couples to pertussis toxin (PTX)-sensitive G proteins. However, the specificity of mGluR2 coupling to individual members of the Gi/o family is not known. Using heterologously expressed mGluR2 in rat sympathetic neurons from the superior cervical ganglion (SCG), the mGluR2/G protein coupling profile was characterized by reconstituting coupling in PTX-treated cells expressing PTX-insensitive mutant Gα proteins and Gβγ. By employing this method, it was demonstrated that mGluR2 coupled strongly with Gαob, Gαi1, Gαi2, and Gαi3, although coupling to Gαoa was less efficient. In addition, mGluR2 did not seem to couple to the most divergent member of the Gi/o family, Gαz, although Gαz coupled strongly to the endogenous α2 adrenergic receptor. To determine which Gα proteins may be natively expressed in SCG neurons, the presence of mRNA for various Gα proteins was tested using reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. Strong bands were detected for all members of the Gi/o family (Gαo, Gαi1, Gαi2, Gαi3, Gαz) as well as for Gα11 and Gαs. A weak signal was detected for Gαq and no Gα15 mRNA was detected.
Cyanamide mediated syntheses of peptides containing histidine and hydrophobic amino acids.

Using the model of a primitive earth evaporation pond, the synthesis of three histidyl peptides in yields of up to 11% was demonstrated when aqueous solutions of histidine, leucine, ATP, cyanamide, and MgCl2 were evaporated and heated for 24 h at 80°C. In addition, peptides were formed in yields of up to 56%, 35%, and 21%, respectively for phenylalanine, leucine, and alanine when aqueous solutions of the appropriate amino acid were evaporated and heated with cyanamide and one or more of the following components: ATP, AMP, 4-amino-5-imidazole carboxamide, or MgCl2. The greatest peptide yield occurred at pH 3. But peptide formation was demonstrated for a system of Leu, cyanamide, and MgCl2 adjusted to pH 7 with NH4OH.
Bell states in a resonant quantum waveguide network

We show that a network of ballistic electron waveguides can generate entangled Bell-like states from separable states when it is resonant. The network we study is grouped into individual qudits (d=4) made up of pairs of waveguides. Rotation gates in the network produce coherent superpositions of qudit states. A Coulomb gate entangles the qudits. We construct a unitary matrix which characterizes the network dynamics and allows a more systematic study of that dynamics.
Abstract 2808: Characterization of KRAS rearrangements in metastatic prostate cancer

Proceedings: AACR 102nd Annual Meeting 2011‐‐ Apr 2‐6, 2011; Orlando, FL In this study, we employed a novel integrative genomic-based approach to explore driving gene fusions contributing to the progression of advanced prostate cancer. This method, called amplification breakpoint ranking and assembly (ABRA), leverages the in vivo amplification and breakpoint analysis in cancer cells to assemble novel gene fusions and predict their tumorigenicity. Using ABRA, we nominated KRAS as a gene fusion with the ubiquitin-conjugating enzyme UBE2L3 in the DU145 cell line- which was originally derived from a metastatic prostate cancer to the brain. Interestingly, analysis of tissues revealed that 2 out of 62 metastatic prostate cancers harbored aberrations at the KRAS locus. In DU145 cells, UBE2L3-KRAS produces a chimerical protein which is readily ubiquitinated and relative instable, whereas specific knock-down of the fusion attenuates cell invasion and xenograft growth. Further, ectopic expression of the UBE2L3-KRAS fusion protein in NIH 3T3 fibroblasts and RWPE prostate epithelial cells exhibits substantial transforming activity in vitro and in vivo. In NIH 3T3 cells, UBE2L3-KRAS attenuates the MEK/ERK pathway, which is commonly engaged by oncogenic mutant KRAS. Instead, it enriches Ras proteins in late endosome, and diverts signaling to the AKT and p38 MAPK pathways. While a number of oncogenic activating point mutations of KRAS have been identified, this is the first description of a mutant chimeric version of KRAS that is oncogenic and thus may represent a new class of cancer-related alteration. This study also suggests that this aberration may drive metastatic progression in a subset of prostate cancers, which may be targeted by anti-KRAS therapies. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 102nd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2011 Apr 2-6; Orlando, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2011;71(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 2808. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2011-2808
Qiyunshan as a Replica of Wudangshan and the Religious Landscape of the Ming Empire

AbstractMount Wudang (Wudangshan 武當山) is well known to have been the most holy mountain in the Ming. As the center of the Zhenwu 真武 (Perfect Warrior) cult, Wudangshan not only attracted millions of pilgrims, but also spread the Zhenwu cult to the entire empire, with many sites of the Zhenwu cult known as the “Little Wudang Mounts” (Xiao Wudang 小武當) and other regional branches (travel-palaces 行宮 etc.) modeling after Wudangshan. Among these regional Zhenwu branches, Mount Qiyun (Qiyunshan 齊雲山) was arguably the most important. This study explores the conscious effort of the Daoist clerical community to duplicate the Zhenwu cult of Wudangshan at Qiyunshan. I argue that the high point of Daoism at Qiyunshan was the Jiajing 嘉靖 emperor’s (r. 1522–1566) patronage. This imperial support not only served the emperor’s personal religious interest, it also provided political legitimacy to promote Jiajing’s lineage and remap the religious landscape of the empire. Due to geographical, regional, and cultural differences,...
Left ventricular hypertrabeculation/noncompaction in a patient with peripartum cardiomyopathy

Abstract Left ventricular hypertrabeculation/noncompaction (LVHT) is characterized by prominent apical or mid-ventricular lateral and inferior trabeculations that are separated by deep recesses perfused from the left ventricular cavity. Affected myocardium is often thickened with a distinct two-layer appearance of both spongy or noncompacted elements and "normal" or compacted myocardium. This uncommon condition is considered by the World Health Organization to be an unclassified cardiomyopathy. Both congenital and acquired cases have been reported and the condition is genetically heterogeneous. Differing diagnostic criteria for the condition have been proposed. We report a case in which a 25-year-old woman presented with cardiac arrest and dilated cardiomyopathy 8 weeks after delivering her second child. Intraoperative transesophageal echocardiography performed during emergent placement of a left ventricular assist device revealed the typical changes of LVHT in the apex. To our knowledge, this is the first case in which findings consistent with LVHT have been found in a patient with dilated cardiomyopathy in the peripartum period. The patient we present would thus meet existing diagnostic criteria for both LVHT and peripartum cardiomyopathy.
NO2 inhibits the catalytic reaction of NO and O2 over Pt

The rate equation for the overall reaction of NO and O2 over Pt/Al2O3 was determined to be r=kf[NO] 1.05±0.08[O2]1.03±0.08[NO2]0.92±0.07(1-β), with kf as the forward rate constant, β=([NO2]/K[NO][O2]1/2), and K as the equilibrium constant for the overall reaction. An apparent activation energy of 82 kJ mol−1 ± 9 kJ mol−1 was observed. The inhibition by the product NO2 makes it imperative to include the influence of NO2 concentration in any analysis of the kinetics of this reaction. The reaction mechanism that fits our observed orders consists of the equilibrated dissociation of NO2 to produce a surface mostly covered by oxygen, thereby inhibiting the equilibrium adsorption of NO, and the non-dissociative adsorption of O2, which is the proposed rate determining step.
Absorptive transport of prostaglandins from intraocular fluids to blood: a review of recent findings

Abstract Some, but not all, vertebrate tissues including the anterior uvea and the choroid plexuses, concentratively accumulate 3 H-activity when incubated in tissue culture medium containing 3 H-labeled prostaglandins ([ 3 H]PGs). Studies on some tissues indicate that this in vitro [ 3 H]PG accumulation is temperature-dependent, saturable, and the accumulated activity is readily elutable. These and other findings indicate that PGs can be actively accumulated by some tissues and transported across some biological membranes. In the case of the ciliary process the apparent direction of transport is from intraocular fluids to blood. This is indicated by the fact that the loss of intravitreally injected PG from the eye is much more rapid than the rate of loss of simultaneously injected sucrose. Since PGs are normally produced by intraocular tissues and can have a profound effect on the eye, such an active process for the efficient removal of PGs from the intraocular fluids could have a great physiological significance. Interference with such absorptive PG transport could contribute to accumulation of PG in the aqueous humor, a phenomenon which has been observed under pathological conditions.
Chromium oxide catalysts for the polymerization of ethylene

1. The activity of the catalyst depends on the relative amounts of CrVI and CrIII and on the extent of the dehydration of the aluminum silicate. The deactivation of the catalyst is due to the more complete removal of active oxygen occurring either at too high a temperature or when the supply of air is inadequate. 2. In the course of the thermal treatment of the catalyst aluminum oxide enters into chemical reaction with CrO3, and this retards the reduction of CrVI to Cr111. No interaction is observed between silicon oxide and CrO3. 3. The activation of the catalyst at high temperatures is necessary only for the dehydration of the aluminum silicate, as the maximum amount of CrVI is present before the heating and the interaction between Cr compounds and alumina starts at low temperatures (103–108°). 4. The chromium catalyst investigated has high sorptive power and is readily reduced to Cr111 under the action of high temperature and hydrocarbons. 5. Spent catalysts can be regenerated.
Influence in Terrorist Networks: From Undirected To Directed Graphs

A methodology for converting terrorist networks from undirected graphs to simplified directed graphs (or digraphs), and mapping the flow of influence in them, is described. It is based on an “influence assumption”—that important persons with more links influence less important persons with fewer links. This methodology, which was previously used to analyze the structure of influence relationships in Communist-bloc countries and the international system, is illustrated by its application to two terrorist networks constructed after 9/11. In the second more complex network, the hierarchy sheds light on the leadership and likely terrorist cells embedded in the network. Refined data and alternative assumptions about influence could provide additional insights into the structure of terrorist networks.
Pain management for pediatric ambulatory anesthesia.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW New developments in analgesic drugs and techniques are being applied to the pediatric population. Appropriate pain management for ambulatory surgery patients helps to facilitate early discharge and minimize postoperative morbidity. RECENT FINDINGS A variety of opioid-related drugs, as well as novel delivery routes for opioids, have been reported in the pediatric population. New pharmacokinetic information for acetaminophen has resulted in revised dosage recommendations; applications of the nonsteroidal antiinflammatory agents are also discussed. Furthermore, regional anesthesia and adjuncts are useful in the pediatric ambulatory surgery patient. SUMMARY Recent data on techniques for pain management after pediatric ambulatory surgery will help the anesthetist develop a comprehensive plan for the postoperative period.
Ensemble-Averaged Shack–Hartmann Wave-Front Sensing for Imaging Through Turbid Media

A technique is described for ensemble-averaging the light wave emerging from a turbid medium, enabling the recovery of optical information that is otherwise lost in a speckle pattern. The technique recovers both an amplitude and a phase function for a wave that has been corrupted by severe scattering, without the use of holography. With the phase estimated, an ensemble-averaged field is constructed that can be backprojected to form an image of the object obscured by the scattering medium. Experimental results suggest that the technique can resolve two object points whose signals are unresolved on the exit surface of a diffuser.
Estimation of the surface tensions of binary liquid alloys

A simple method to estimate the surface tensions of binary alloys has been developed by assuming that the partial molar excess free energies are proportional to the number of nearest neighbors in both the bulk solution and in the surface itself. In order to estimate the surface tension of the alloys, excess free energies of the alloys and the surface tensions of the pure components are required. This method has been applied to ten alloys exhibiting positive, positive as well as negative, and negative deviations from ideal solution behavior. The method depends upon the reliability of the thermodynamic data for the bulk solutions, and, further, it is important to use an interpolation scheme that is consistent with the Gibbs-Duhem requirement, when the thermodynamic data are presented in tabular form as a function of composition. To accomplish this interpolation, a special calculation technique is presented.
Ocean warming increases threat of invasive species in a marine fouling community

We addressed the potential for climate change to facilitate invasions and precipitate shifts in community composition by testing effects of ocean warming on species in a marine fouling community in Bodega Harbor, Bodega Bay, California, USA. First, we determined that introduced species tolerated significantly higher temperatures than natives, suggesting that climate change will have a disproportionately negative impact on native species. Second, we assessed the temperature dependence of survival and growth by exposing juveniles to an ambient control temperature and increased temperatures predicted by ocean warming scenarios (+3 degrees C and +4.5 degrees C) in laboratory mesocosms. We found that responses differed between species, species origins, and demographic processes. Based on the temperature tolerance, survival, and growth results, we predict that, as ocean temperatures increase, native species will decrease in abundance, whereas introduced species are likely to increase in this system. Facilitation of invasions by climate change may already be underway; locally, invasive dominance has increased concurrent with ocean warming over the past approximately 40 years. We suggest that the effects of climate change on communities can occur via both direct impacts on the diversity and abundance of native species and indirect effects due to increased dominance of introduced species.
Mechanical response of metallic honeycomb sandwich panel structures to high-intensity dynamic loading

Explosive tests were performed in air to study the dynamic mechanical response of square honeycomb core sandwich panels made from a super-austenitic stainless steel alloy. Tests were conducted at three levels of impulse load on the sandwich panels and solid plates with the same areal density. Impulse was varied by changing the charge weight of the explosive at a constant standoff distance. At the lowest intensity load, significant front face bending and progressive cell wall buckling were observed at the center of the panel closest to the explosion source. Cell wall buckling and core densification increased as the impulse increased. An air blast simulation code was used to determine the blast loads at the front surfaces of the test panels, and these were used as inputs to finite element calculations of the dynamic response of the sandwich structure. Very good agreement was observed between the finite element model predictions of the sandwich panel front and back face displacements and the experimental observations. The model also captured many of the phenomenological details of the core deformation behavior. The honeycomb sandwich panels suffered significantly smaller back face deflections than solid plates of identical mass even though their design was far from optimal for such an application.
Bordism of algebras over Hopf algebras

Abstract An algebraic theory of bordism via characteristic numbers, analogous to topological bordism, is given. The Steenrod algebra is replaced by a fairly general graded Hopf algebra A , topological spaces by algebras over A , vector bundles by Thom modules, and closed manifolds by Poincare algebras over A .
Arthrography of painful hips following arthroplasty: digital versus plain film subtraction.

Digital and manual subtraction images obtained during the arthrographic evaluation of 78 painful hip prostheses were reviewed retrospectively. Revision arthroplasty was performed in 53 of these cases, and the arthrographic and surgical findings were correlated. The digital and manual subtraction images were evaluated without knowledge of the surgical results using established criteria for component loosening. Digital subtraction arthrography of the femoral component demonstrated a 96% sensitivity and 100% specificity for the diagnosis of component loosening. Sensitivity and specificity for acetabular component loosening were 83% and 80%, respectively. Plain film subtraction of the femoral component demonstrated a 79% sensitivity and 100% specificity; the sensitivity and specificity for the acetabular component were 75% and 80%, respectively. The difference between detection of femoral component loosening on digital as opposed to manual subtraction images was statistically significant (P<0.05). This study demonstrates that digital subtraction improves the evaluation of femoral component loosening in painful hip prostheses.
Economics, politics, and the cycle of presidential popularity

Does the economy hold the key to the ups and downs of the popularity of American presidents? This study, which is based on quarterly data from 1961 to 1980, employs stochastic models for time series (Box-Jenkins). For inflation, though not for unemployment, the findings confirm a significant effect at a lag of one quarter. The worries of political leaders about the inflation side of macroeconomic performance appear to be justified. Nevertheless, the influence of noneconomic factors such as international events, the Vietnam War, and Watergate proves even more potent. Moreover, presidential popularity is subject to a cycle whereby each president begins his service with an unearned popularity bonus that subsequently erodes. Economic performance is not found to be responsible for this inauguration-erosion cycle, but neither are rallies, wars, or scandal.
Interleukin-10 attenuates the response to vascular injury.

Background The inflammatory response to vascular injury is characterized by expression of cytokines, growth factors, and chemokines that conspire to promote vessel remodeling and intimal hyperplasia (IH). Interleukin-10 (IL-10) is a multifunctional cytokine that has several anti-inflammatory properties in vitro. Few studies have evaluated the effects of IL-10 in experimental atherosclerosis. The purpose of the present study was to determine the influence of IL-10 on vascular inflammation and IH following mechanical injury. Methods Wire carotid injury was performed in wild-type (WT) mice with and without IL-10 treatment. Immunohistochemistry, PCR, and ELISA assays were used to examine vessel production of basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF), monocyte chemotactic protein-1 (MCP-1), and nuclear factor kappa B (NFκB). Vessels were morphometrically analyzed for IH. Results Carotid injury induced early expression of MCP-1 and bFGF that was abrogated in mice treated with IL-10. Similarly, injury-induced expression of NFκB message and protein was attenuated in mice receiving exogenous IL-10. Compared to untreated mice, IL-10 markedly decreased levels of IH. Interestingly, carotid injury in IL-10-deficient mice resulted in an augmented IH response compared to injured WT mice. Conclusions In an in vivo model of direct vascular injury, IL-10 decreased expression of the pro-inflammatory transcription factor, NFκB, and the mitogenic chemokine and growth factor, MCP-1 and bFGF, respectively. These observations were associated with IL-10-induced attenuation of IH. Furthermore, endogenous IL-10 appeared to suppress the injury response. In conclusion, exogenously delivered IL-10 may represent a clinically relevant anti-inflammatory strategy for post-injury intimal hyperplasia.
Local Anesthetic Pharmacology

Local anesthetics are the most common and importantly used drugs in obstetric anesthesia; hence an adequate knowledge of these chemical agents is absolutely essential.
The effect of habitat on the range expansion of a native and an introduced bird species.

Aim Range expansion across a heterogeneous landscape may depend on the habitat selected and used by the expanding species. If habitat selection influences range expansion then localities colonized by a species should contain a greater proportion of favoured habitat (and less non-habitat) than other nearby localities not colonized. White-winged doves (Zenaida asiatica) and Eurasian collared doves (Streptopelia decaocto) are two bird species that provide an excellent opportunity to test this hypothesis, because the geographic ranges of both species have been expanding in North America for more than two decades. Location Continental USA. Methods We used distribution data from the North American Breeding Bird Survey to test whether the landscapes occupied by each species contained a greater proportion of favoured habitat (urban land, grassland/pasture, shrub land and cropland) and a lower proportion of non-habitat (forest land) than landscapes where doves were not found. We tested each species separately in each of three broad expansion areas, namely East, Central and West. We also compared rates of spatial spread between expansion areas and between the two species. Results As predicted, both species tended to occupy landscapes with greater proportions of urban land, shrub land and cropland but with less forest land compared with landscapes without doves, in all three expansion areas. Contrary to prediction, occupied landscapes tended to have slightly less grassland/pasture than unoccupied landscapes. Rates of spread differed between the two species and among expansion areas. Main conclusions Range expansion and the extent to which a species fills or saturates its range are influenced by the habitat ecology of the expanding species. Species colonize localities based on the availability of suitable habitat. However, the role of habitat in a species’ range expansion does depend somewhat on the greater geographical setting. Over large regional and geographical scales, range expansion (rate of spread and saturation) may proceed unevenly, suggesting that range expansion is a very dynamic and context-specific process.
Colonoscopy or sigmoidoscopy as the initial evaluation of pediatric patients with colitis : A survey of physician behavior and a cost analysis

Background: Pediatric patients presenting with colitis, suggestive of inflammatory bowel disease, undergo evaluation with either flexible sigmoidoscopy or colonoscopy. Our objectives were to assess current practice behavior in the evaluation of pediatric patients with colitis and to determine whether flexible sigmoidoscopy or colonoscopy was more cost-effective as the initial evaluation. Methods: Practice behavior and procedure charges were assessed using a nationwide survey, and costs for diagnostic strategies were compared using a decision analysis program. Results: The vast majority of survey respondents would proceed with colonoscopy if colitis suggestive of Crohn's disease was noted in the rectosigmoid area (81%) or if ulcerative colitis extended proximal to the rectosigmoid area (70%). If colonoscopy would follow if flexible sigmoidoscopy suggested either ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease (67%), then colonoscopy would result in a savings of 23%. If the evaluation was predetermined to be limited to flexible sigmoidoscopy (16%), then flexible sigmoidoscopy was the cost-effective strategy with savings of 29%. If colonoscopy would follow flexible sigmoidoscopy for Crohn's colitis only (13%), there was no clear cost advantage. Conclusions: The most cost-effective strategy depends on the physician's need to know the disease location. Our survey results indicate that most physicians chose to establish the extent of disease in both ulcerative colitis and in Crohn's disease; thus initial colonoscopy would be the more cost-effective strategy. When knowledge of disease distribution is not essential for patient care, flexible sigmoidoscopy can lead to substantial cost savings.
Smoking and lung cancer-induced changes in N-glycosylation of blood serum proteins

Glycosylation is a key post-translational protein modification which appears important in malignant transformation and tumor metastasis. Abnormal glycosylation of different proteins can often be measured in the blood serum. In this study, we extend our serum-based structural investigations to samples provided by patients diagnosed with lung cancer, paying particular attention to the effects of smoking on the serum glycomic traces. Following a battery of glycomic tests, we find that several fucosylated tetra-antennary structures with varying degrees of sialylation are increased in their abundances in control samples provided by the former smokers, with further elevations in the lung cancer patients who were former smokers. Further detailed investigations demonstrated that the level of outer-arm fucosylation was elevated in the control samples of the former smokers and again in the lung cancer samples provided by the former smokers. This trend was particularly noticeable for the tri- and tetra-antennary structures. Different ratios of sialylation linkages were also observed that could be correlated with the different states of health and smoking status. Decreases in the abundance levels of isomers with two and three α2,3-linked sialic acids and an increased abundance of an isomer with two α2,6-linked sialic acids were noted for a fucosylated tri-sialylated tri-antennary glycan. These results demonstrate the long-term effects of smoking on glycomic profiles and that this factor needs to be considered in these and other serum-based analyses.
A framework for secure enterprise computing

Distributed computing that supports cooperation among enterprises tends to be large and complex. Hence, it is not a trivial task to make enterprise computing secure and flexible. We have developed a prototype that supports flexible, secure, and recoverable enterprise computing. In this paper, we briefly describe the prototype secure enterprise application-building tool.
One-Hybrid Screens at the Saccharomyces cerevisiae HMR Locus Identify Novel Transcriptional Silencing Factors

In Saccharomyces cerevisiae, genes located at the telomeres and the HM loci are subject to transcriptional silencing. Here, we report results of screening a Gal4 DNA-binding domain hybrid library for proteins that cause silencing when targeted to a silencer-defective HMR locus.
Quantitative trait locus analysis of neointimal formation in an intercross between C57BL/6 and C3H/HeJ apolipoprotein E-deficient mice.

Background— Inbred mouse strains C57BL/6J (B6) and C3H/HeJ (C3H) exhibit marked differences in neointimal formation after arterial injury when deficient in apolipoprotein E (apoE−/−) and fed a Western diet. Quantitative trait locus analysis was performed on an intercross between B6.apoE−/− and C3H.apoE−/− mice to determine genetic factors contributing to the phenotype. Methods and Results— Female B6.apoE−/− mice were crossed with male C3H.apoE−/− mice to generate F1s, which were intercrossed to generate 204 male F2 progeny. At 10 weeks of age, F2s underwent endothelium denudation injury to the left common carotid artery. Mice were fed a Western diet for 1 week before and 4 weeks after injury and analyzed for neointimal lesion size, plasma lipid, and membrane cofactor protein (MCP)-1 levels. One significant quantitative trait locus, named Nih1 (61 cM; LOD score, 5.02), on chromosome 12 and a suggestive locus on chromosome 13 (35 cM; LOD score, 2.67) were identified to influence lesion size. One significant quantitative trait locus on distal chromosome 1 accounted for major variations in plasma non–high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and triglyceride levels. Four suggestive quantitative trait locis on chromosomes 1, 2, and 3 were detected for circulating MCP-1 levels. No correlations were observed between neointimal lesion size and plasma lipid levels or between lesion size and plasma MCP-1 levels. Conclusions— Neointimal formation is controlled by genetic factors independent of those affecting plasma lipid levels and circulating MCP-1 levels in the B6 and C3H mouse model. Received May 15, 2008; accepted April 16, 2009. # CLINICAL PERSPECTIVE {#article-title-2}
Stabilization of Maximal-Metric Routing without Knowledge of Network Size

We present a protocol for maintaining a spanning tree that is maximal with respect to any given (bounded and monotonic) routing metric. This protocol has two interesting adaptive properties. First, the protocol is stabilizing: starting from any state, the protocol stabilizes to a state where a maximal tree is present. Second, contrary to other approaches, the protocol converges in O(L * deg) time, where deg is the node degree in the network and L the longest network path. This is achieved without nodes assuming an upper bound on L.
Heterogeneity and Variability of Inborn Errors of Metabolism

The article by Lo et al1in this issue, describing a late clinical presentation in a patient with partial carbamyl phosphate synthetase I deficiency, highlights a common diagnostic pitfall. The usual thinking of the medical community is that genetic diseases are so rare that we are not going to see them, and when we do see them there is nothing we can do about them. Both of these misconceptions turn out to be wrong. As many as 5% of newborns will express a significant genetic disorder during infancy and childhood, and at least a similar if not larger percentage may express a genetic disorder at a somewhat later stage of life. The group of inborn errors of metabolism (errors of the urea cycle, amino acid metabolism, and organic acid metabolism) represents one of the better examples for the two major concepts of human genetics—heterogeneity and
Medicinal histories: the future of the past

This article explores the work of feminist writer and historian Aurora Levins Morales, arguing that it extends some of the arguments made by Hayden White, Keith Jenkins, and Beverly Southgate.
Damages Caps in Medical Malpractice Cases

This article reviews the empirical literature on the effects of damages caps and concludes that the better-designed studies show that damages caps reduce liability insurance premiums. The effects of damages caps on defensive medicine, physicians’ location decisions, and the cost of health care to consumers are less clear. The only study of whether consumers benefit from lower health insurance premiums as a result of damages caps found no impact. Some state courts have based decisions declaring damages caps legislation unconstitutional on the lack of evidence of their effectiveness, thereby ignoring the findings of conflicting research studies or discounting their relevance. Although courts should be cautious in rejecting empirical evidence that caps are effective, legislators should consider whether they benefit consumers enough to justify limiting tort recoveries for those most seriously injured by malpractice.
Cloning, sequencing, and expression of the gene encoding a large S-layer-associated endoxylanase from Thermoanaerobacterium sp. strain JW/SL-YS 485 in Escherichia coli.

The gene (xynA) encoding a surface-exposed, S-layer-associated endoxylanase from Thermoanaerobacterium sp. strain JW/SL-YS 485 was cloned and expressed in Escherichia coli. A 3.8-kb fragment was amplified from chromosomal DNA by using primers directed against conserved sequences of endoxylanases isolated from other thermophilic bacteria. This PCR product was used as a probe in Southern hybridizations to identify a 4.6-kb EcoRI fragment containing the complete xynA gene. This fragment was cloned into E. coli, and recombinant clones expressed significant levels of xylanase activity. The purified recombinant protein had an estimated molecular mass (150 kDa), temperature maximum (80 degrees C), pH optimum (pH 6.3), and isoelectric point (pH 4.5) that were similar to those of the endoxylanase isolated from strain JW/SL-YS 485. The entire insert was sequenced and analysis revealed a 4,044-bp open reading frame encoding a protein containing 1,348 amino acid residues (estimated molecular mass of 148 kDa).xynA was preceded by a putative promoter at -35 (TTAAT) and -10 (TATATT) and a potential ribosome binding site (AGGGAG) and was expressed constitutively in E. coli. The deduced amino acid sequence showed 30 to 96% similarity to sequences of family F beta-glycanases. A putative 32-amino-acid signal peptide was identified, and the C-terminal end of the protein contained three repeating sequences 59, 64, and 57 amino acids) that showed 46 to 68% similarity to repeating sequences at the N-terminal end of S-layer and S-layer-associated proteins from other gram-positive bacteria. These repeats could permit an interaction of the enzyme with the S-layer and tether it to the cell surface.
Avrora: scalable sensor network simulation with precise timing

Simulation can be an important step in the development of software for wireless sensor networks and has been the subject of intense research in the past decade. While most previous efforts in simulating wireless sensor networks have focused on protocol-level issues utilizing models of the software implementation, a significant challenge remains in precisely measuring time-dependent properties such as radio channel utilization. One promising approach, first demonstrated by ATEMU, is to simulate the behavior of sensor network programs at the machine code level with cycle-accuracy, but poor performance has so far limited its scalability. In this paper we present Avrora, a cycle-accurate instruction-level sensor network simulator which scales to networks of up to 10,000 nodes and performs as much as 20 times faster than previous simulators with equivalent accuracy, handling as many as 25 nodes in real-time. We show how an event queue can enable efficient instruction-level simulation of microcontroller programs and allow the hidden parallelism in finegrained sensor network simulations to be extracted, once two core synchronization problems are identified and solved. Avrora's ability to measure detailed time-critical phenomena can shed new light on design issues for large-scale sensor networks.
Cytology of Endocervical Glandular Neoplasia

Accepted cytologic criteria for the diagnosis of adenocarcinoma in situ of the endocervix and variants are described and illustrated. The updated WHO histologic classification of endocervical adenocarcinoma is reviewed and the cytologic criteria for diagnosis are outlined. The cytologic features characteristic of “atypical glandular cells” are detailed. This category of cases includes cytologic presentations which are equivocal and therefore insufficient for an outright diagnosis of either adenocarcinoma in situ or invasive adenocarcinoma.
Continuous polycrystalline zeolitic imidazolate framework-90 membranes on polymeric hollow fibers

Headed for a membrane: Continuous, polycrystalline ZIF-90 membranes (picture, left) can be grown at 65 °C from methanolic precursor solutions on nanocrystal-seeded surfaces of poly(amide-imide) macroporous hollow fibers (right). The ZIF-90 membranes exhibit good separation properties for linear over cyclic hydrocarbons, as well as gas permeation selectivities higher than Knudsen values.
Disruption of Ang-1/Tie-2 Signaling Contributes to the Impaired Myocardial Vascular Maturation and Angiogenesis in Type II Diabetic Mice

Objective— Microvascular insufficiency represents a major cause of end-organ failure among diabetics. The current studies were undertaken to determine whether dysregulation of the angiopoietins/Tie-2 system would result in an impairment of smooth muscle cell (SMC) recruitment and vascular maturation, which contributes to impaired angiogenesis in diabetes. Methods and Results— Tie-2 expression was significantly attenuated, whereas angiopoietin-2 (Ang-2) was increased in db/db mice subjected to myocardial ischemia. Our morphological analysis showed that the number of SMC coverage area per neovessel was significantly reduced in db/db mice. This was accompanied by a significant reduction of myocardial capillary density and arteriole formation. Interestingly, Angiopoietin-1(Ang-1)–induced SMC recruitment and vessel outgrowth were severely impaired in db/db mice. Our in vitro studies further demonstrated that exposure of mouse heart endothelial cells to high glucose resulted in a significant upregulation of Ang-2 and a downregulation of Tie-2 expression. These alterations led to a significant impairment of Ang-1–induced Akt and eNOS phosphorylation, along with a remarkable impairment of Ang-1–induced endothelial cell migration and endothelial cell spheroid sprouting. Ang-1 gene transfer restored Tie-2 expression and rescued these abnormalities in diabetes. Conclusions— Our findings underscore the important role of Ang-1–Tie-2 signaling in the diabetes-induced impairment of vascular maturation and angiogenesis.
Cognitive Value Commitments in Formal Theoretical Sociology

This paper aims to communicate some of the value commitments that characterize my approach to formal model building in theoretical sociology. It does this through a narrative method, an autobiographical account of shifts in intellectual interests through various phases of my career: from history to philosophy, from philosophy to sociology, from sociology to mathematics and back, followed by several long-term formal theoretical research programs. One of these, pertaining to the formal representation of institutionalized social action systems, is described in terms of its linkage to interpretive sociology, while also noting its limitations from a theoretical science point of view. By interweaving intellectual biography and intellectual history, the paper also provides some contextual background for appreciating the work of the other contributors to this symposium.
Fundamental Research and Research Fundamentals: A Response to Pasnak's Comments:

A point by point response is provided to questions raised by Pasnak (this issue) concerning research design and interpretation of our study (Small, Hollenbeck, & Haley, 1982) of the effect of emotional state on student ratings of instructors. Attention is called to design and measurement issues for future research.
STUDY OF EFFECT OF CATION CONCENTRATION AND SIZE ON HELIUM PERMEABILITY OF ALKALI-SILICA GLASSES*

A study was made of the effect of systematic variations in the alkali-cation concentration and size on the permeability of alkali-silica glasses to helium at 300°C. Permeability determinations were made on fused silica, Pyrex-brand chemical glass, Na2O-SiO2 glasses containing 20, 25, and 30 mol % Na2O, a K2O-SiO2 glass containing 30 mol % K2O, and a Li2O-Na2O-SiO2 glass containing 5 mol % Li2O and 25 mol % Na2O. Additions of Na2O to SiO2 glass produced a rapid decrease in the permeability of the glass. The permeability was found to decrease exponentially over the range 0 to 30 mol % Na2O. The substitution, atom for atom, of potassium for sodium increased the permeability of the glass, whereas lithium in combination with sodium decreased the permeability as compared with the soda glass. This was attributed primarily to the difference in the polarizing power of these cations that affected the ionic radius of the surrounding oxygens and resulted in a change in the packing density of the ions in the glass. A comparative packing index was calculated for the glasses based on the percentage of the absolute volume of glass contributed by the constituent elements. For the Na2O-SiO2 glasses, increase in packing index (indicating a more closely packed structure) was accompanied by a decrease in permeability. It is suggested that (1) the comparative packing index is a potentially valuable index of permeability only for glasses containing the same atoms, (2) new atoms introduce a new polarizing factor in the glass, and (3) the packing index ceases to be comparative for the two glasses.
Dynamics of Biologically Active Subpopulations of Influenza Virus: Plaque-Forming, Noninfectious Cell-Killing, and Defective Interfering Particles

ABSTRACT The dynamic changes in the temporal appearance and quantity of a new class of influenza virus, noninfectious cell-killing particles (niCKP), were compared to defective interfering particles (DIP). After a single high-multiplicity passage in MDCK cells of an egg-derived stock that lacked detectable niCKP or DIP, both classes of particles appeared in large numbers (>5 × 108/ml), and the plaque-forming particle (PFP) titer dropped ∼60-fold. After two additional serial high-multiplicity passages the DIP remained relatively constant, the DIP/niCKP ratio reached 10:1, and the PFP had declined by about 10,000-fold. Together, the niCKP and DIP subpopulations constituted ca. 20% of the total hemagglutinating particle population in which these noninfectious biologically active particles (niBAP) were subsumed. DIP neither killed cells nor interfered with the cell-killing (apoptosis-inducing) activity of niCKP or PFP (infectious CKP), even though they blocked the replication of PFP. Relative to the UV-target of ∼13,600 nucleotides (nt) for inactivation of PFP, the UV target for niCKP was ∼2,400 nt, consistent with one of the polymerase subunit genes, and that for DIP was ∼350 nt, consistent with the small DI-RNA responsible for DIP-mediated interference. Thus, niCKP and DIP are viewed as distinct particles with a propensity to form during infection at high multiplicities. These conditions are postulated to cause aberrations in the temporally regulated replication of virus and its packaging, leading to the production of niBAP. DIP have been implicated in the virulence of influenza virus, but the role of niCKP is yet unknown.
Chronic kidney disease is a cardiovascular problem--implications for lipid management.

l c a h linicians have long been aware that end-stage renal disease as adverse cardiovascular conseuences; patients on hemodialysis re more likely to die from cardioascular disease than from kidney isease.1 Less well-appreciated is hat patients with chronic kidney disase, documented by a reduced gloerular filtration rate (GFR), are ore likely to die of cardiovascular isease than to develop kidney failre. Patients with chronic kidney disase encompass approximately 10% f the United States adult population. he National Kidney Foundation2 as recommended that chronic kidey disease be considered a coronary isk equivalent (i.e., that patients are n the highest risk category) and that he intensity of treatment recommenations be guided accordingly.3 Thus, he low-density lipoprotein (LDL) choesterol goal level should be 100 mg/dl. In patients with chronic kidney disease whose trilyceride levels are 500 mg/dl (Figure 1), the recmmended intervention (in addition to therapeutic ifestyle changes) is a fibrate or niacin to reduce trilyceride levels to 500 mg/dl.4 Gemfibrozil appears o be the fibrate of choice because drug dosage does ot require adjustment for reduced GFR. For a LDL cholesterol of 100 to 129 mg/dl that is nresponsive to 3 months of therapeutic lifestyle hanges, a low-dose statin is recommended as initial herapy. Failure to achieve a LDL cholesterol goal of 100 mg/dl indicates a need for increased dosage of tatin therapy or the addition of a bile acid sequestrant or iacin. An initial LDL cholesterol of 130 mg/dl should e addressed with concomitant therapeutic lifestyle hanges and low-dose statins, with progressive inreases in statin dosage or the addition of a second rug, as previously mentioned, if the 100 mg/dl arget LDL cholesterol cannot be achieved.
Nucleosome positioning in vivo and in vitro.

Nucleosome positioning refers to sequence-specific locations for histones interacting with the nucleic acid. Examples of occurrence of this phenomenon, its possible mechanisms and its significance are presented.
Responses of laryngeal receptors to intralaryngeal CO2 in the cat

1. We recorded afferent activities of single fibres in the superior laryngeal nerves of decerebrate or anaesthetized, paralysed cats while 3, 5 and 10% CO2 was added to a constant flow of warm, humidified air through the isolated upper airway. 2. Fifty-three receptors with discharge frequencies modulated by intralaryngeal CO2 were studied. Of these, forty-eight showed CO2-induced attenuation of their firing rates. Pulses of 3, 5 or 10% CO2, alternating with air at intervals ranging from 1.5 to 60 s, also diminished the discharge frequencies. This diminution was greater with higher CO2 concentrations and longer pulse durations. 3. Five of the fifty-three receptors were stimulated by intralaryngeal CO2. The discharge frequencies of these units increased slowly and by only a few impulses per second during CO2 exposure. 4. Thirty-four of the CO2-sensitive receptors were tested with other stimuli, including water, saline, positive and negative intralaryngeal pressures and cold air. The responses to these stimuli varied among receptors, but many of the units that reduced their frequencies with intralaryngeal CO2 were consistently stimulated by positive and/or negative intralaryngeal pressures. 5. Thirty-six of the receptors were anatomically located by probing the upper airway. Twenty-six were in the larynx, and ten were in the rostral trachea, within 5 mm of the cricoid cartilage. 6. The results, which are directly applicable to the investigation of reflex responses reported in the preceding paper, indicate that the predominant initial response to intralaryngeal CO2 under the conditions of these studies is attenuation of laryngeal receptor activity.