cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Structural and biochemical analyses of selectivity determinants in chimeric Streptococcus Class A sortase enzymes

Sequence variation in related proteins is an important characteristic that modulates activity and selectivity. An example of a protein family with a large degree of sequence variation is that of bacterial sortases, which are cysteine transpeptidases on the surface of gram-positive bacteria. Class A sortases are responsible for attachment of diverse proteins to the cell wall to facilitate environmental adaption and interaction. These enzymes are also used in protein engineering applications for sortase-mediated ligations (SML) or sortagging of protein targets. We previously investigated SrtA from Streptococcus pneumoniae, identifying a number of putative {beta}7-{beta}8 loop-mediated interactions that affected in vitro enzyme function. We identified residues that contributed to the ability of S. pneumoniae SrtA to recognize several amino acids at the P1 position of the substrate motif, underlined in LPXTG, in contrast to the strict P1 Gly recognition of SrtA from Staphylococcus aureus. However, motivated by the lack of a structural model for the active, monomeric form of S. pneumoniae SrtA, here, we expanded our studies to other Streptococcus SrtA proteins. We solved the first monomeric structure of S. agalactiae SrtA which includes the C-terminus, and three others of {beta}7-{beta}8 loop chimeras from S. pyogenes and S. agalactiae SrtA. These structures and accompanying biochemical data support our previously identified {beta}7-{beta}8 loop-mediated interactions and provide additional insight into their role in Class A sortase substrate selectivity. We argue that a greater understanding of individual SrtA sequence and structural determinants of target selectivity can facilitate the design or discovery of improved sortagging tools.
One in a thousand: the life and death of Captain Eddie McKay, Royal Flying Corps

‘Searching for Eddie McKay was like trying to find a needle in a haystack – and occasionally a needle in a stack of needles’ (pp. iv). This one sentence serves as the epigraph for Graham Broad’s re...
Collective Trauma, Collective Healing: Promoting Community Resilience in the Aftermath of Disaster

Introduction: Collective Trauma, Resilience and Recovery Part I: Collective Trauma and Recovery: Global Perspectives 1. Families and Generations 2. Refugees in New York City: From Clinic to Community 3. Promoting Family and Community Resilience in Post War Kosovo Part II: From Global to Local: Urban Terrorism in Lower Manhattan 4. 9/11: The First Three Weeks 5. School and Community: Forging Collaboration 6. Promoting Collective Recovery 7. Community Initiated Recovery Activities 8. Collective Narration and Performance Part III: War and Migration - Little Liberia, Staten Island, NY 9. Little Liberia: Fostering Community Resilience 10. Seeking Truth and Justice.
Dilaton Stabilization and Supersymmetry Breaking by Dynamical Gaugino Condensation in the Linear Multiplet Formalism of String Effective Theory

We study dynamical gaugino condensation in superstring effective theories using the linear multiplet representation for the dilaton superfield. An interesting necessary condition for the dilaton to be stabilized, which was first derived in generic models of static gaugino condensation, is shown to hold for generic models of dynamical gaugino condensation. We also point out that it is stringy non-perturbative effects that stabilize the dilaton and allow dynamical supersymmetry breaking via the field-theoretical non-perturbative effect of gaugino condensation. As a typical example, a toy S-dual model of a dynamical E_8 condensate is constructed and the dilaton is explicitly shown to be stabilized with broken supersymmetry and (fine-tuned) vanishing cosmological constant.
Number of Samples Required for the Estimation of Residual Soil Nitrate-Nitrogen: a Risk Based Analysis

A field experiment was conducted to determine the number of soil samples required to estimate the average residual soil nitrate (NO3 -) in a given field under no-till and conventional tillage conditions. Four soil sampling devices (a 20.3-cm power earth auger, a 5.1-cm hand earth auger, a 3.2-cm soil probe, and a 1.9-cm soil probe) were used to collect soil samples from 35 locations each within the conventionally tilled and no-till fields. Soil samples were analyzed for soil water contents and NO3 - concentrations in the soil for various depths. Simple graphs and tables were constructed which could be used by farmers and other professionals for estimating the average residual soil NO3 - contents at a given confidence level or with a certain degree of risk. The confidence interval was taken as the difference between the highest and lowest value of the quartile range of the observed data. The results of this study indicated that the number of soil samples required to estimate the average residual soil NO3 - contents increased as the degree of risk decreased. This study also indicated that the number of soil samples required for making a reasonable estimate of the residual soil NO3 - contents were greater for a no-till field compared with the conventional tillage field.
Occurrence of innocent adventitious cardiac sounds in childhood.

A group of 500 children between the ages of 2 and 12 years was subjected to a special cardiac examination. Of these, 234 (46.8%) were found to have functional cardiac murmurs and 137 (27.4%) were found to have extra cardiac sounds. There was a considerable degree of association between the occurrence of these two types of adventitious sounds. Neither, however, was found to be correlated with the degree of anemia present, the age, color, sex, state of nutrition, or the temperature of the subjects examined. A strong association was found to exist between the quality of many functional cardiac murmurs and their point of maximal intensity over the precordium, those in the midprecordium being commonly of the vibratory type and those in the pulmonic region of the blowing variety. The most valuable criteria for the differentiation of functional from organic heart murmurs in childhood are the acoustic quality and the point of maximal intensity of the murmur.
Preventive Detention in Europe, the United States and Australia

Preventive detention, both within the criminal justice system and outside it (e.g. commitment, quarantine and wartime confinement), is under-theorized. The European Court of Human Rights has recently issued a spate of opinions that begin to deal seriously with the issue, in a more sophisticated manner than American courts have. This paper describes the European decisions, especially the European Court's decision in M. v. Germany, compares those decisions to American and Australian law on preventive detention, and discusses how principles I have developed in other work can further the analysis.
APotato (Poly)phenols on Postprandial Insulinemia and Platelet Aggregation in Premenopausal Overweight Women: A Pilot Study

Potatoes are known for their carbohydrate, potassium, vitamin C and fiber content; however potatoes also contain chlorogenic acids (CGA). Colored potatoes may contain additional (poly)phenols, such...
Lysine-Iron Agar in the Detection of Arizona Cultures

A lysine-iron agar is described and recommended for the detection of Arizona strains which ferment lactose rapidly. Black colonies which appear on bismuth sulfite agar should be transferred to the medium. Salmonellae and Arizona cultures produce a distinctive reaction since they are the only recognized groups of enteric bacteria which regularly produce lysine decarboxylase rapidly and form large amounts of hydrogen sulfide. Use of the medium is particularly recommended in the examination of specimens from enteric infections in which shigellae and salmonellae are not detected.
Use of gene probes to aid in recovery and identification of functionally dominant 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid-degrading populations in soil.

Abstract The herbicide 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) was applied to soils in microcosms, and degradation was monitored after each of five repeated additions. Total DNAs were isolated from soil bacterial communities after each 2,4-D treatment. The DNA samples were analyzed on slot blots and Southern blots by using a tfdA gene probe subcloned from plasmid pJP4 and a Spa probe derived from a different 2,4-D-degrading isolate, a Sphingomonas paucimobilis strain. 2,4-D applied to soil was quickly degraded by indigenous microbial populations. As determined by slot blot analyses of DNA from a Michigan soil, the increase in hybridization signal in response to 2,4-D treatments was greater with the Spa probe than with the tfdA probe. In contrast, the DNA from a Saskatchewan soil exhibited an increase in hybridization signal with the tfdA probe. This indicated that a population with 2,4-D-degradative gene sequences different from the tfdA gene sequence was dominant in the Michigan site, but not in the Saskatchewan site. A Southern blot analysis of DNA from Michigan soil showed that the dominant 2,4-D-degrading population was S. paucimobilis 1443. A less dominant 2,4-D-degrading population was detected with the tfdA probe; further analysis revealed that this population was a Pseudomonas pickettii 712. These gene probe analyses revealed that an important population carrying out 2,4-D degradation was not detected when the canonical tfdA gene probe was used. After a series of new strains were isolated, we identified a probe to detect and identify the dominant members of this new group.
Wireless Power transmission an assessment of technology potential and risk

The study aims to identify the technological potential and limitations of various types of Wireless Power Transfer (WPT) applications specific to the electric utility industry. The paper presents an analysis of the technology, the classifications and the key drivers for WPT, based on available technologies. A summarized assessment of risks and obstacles facing the technology is presented.
Reproduction of varanid lizards (Reptilia: Squamata: Varanidae) at the Bronx Zoo

Captivity provides many opportunities for studying the reproductive biology of varanid lizards (Family: Varanidae; genus: Varanus). This article presents reproductive data for 12 varanid species maintained in captivity at the Bronx Zoo between 1977 and 2010. Five species, V. prasinus, V. beccarii, V. melinus, V. mertensi, and V. ornatus have successfully reproduced at the zoo, for which clutch, incubation, and hatchling data are presented, and compared with previously published values. Clutch, incubation, and hatchling measurements typically fell within the known ranges for each species, or represent minor range extensions. V. mertensi was the only species that reproduced seasonally (χ(2) = 9.061, P = 0.029). Five species multiclutched; individual V. mertensi and V. prasinus females produced as many as four clutches per year. The shortest intervals between successive clutches observed for V. kordensis (61 days), V. melinus (77 days), V. mertensi (51 days), and V. prasinus (68 days) represent the shortest known values for each species. Relative clutch mass (RCM) ranged from 0.187 to 0.437. A mean RCM of 0.370 ± 0.092 for V. prasinus is substantially higher than previously published values for the species. These results illustrate that when maintained under favorable conditions in captivity, some varanids are capable of remarkably high fecundities, rapid reproductive turnover rates, and sizeable maternal investments. Periodicals, Inc.
Foreign DNA of bacterial plasmid origin is transcribed in crown gall tumours

Agrobacterium tumefaciens incites cancerous growths in dicotyledonous plants called crown gall tumours. Large plasmids in oncogenic Agrobacterium strains1 carry genetic information which is essential for tumour induction2,3. We recently reported that axenic crown gall tumour tissue contains multiple copies of a small part of the oncogenic (Ti) plasmid of the inciting bacterial strain4. The mechanism of induction of crown gall tumours thus seems to resemble that of some virally induced animal tumours: the eukaryotic cell is transformed by addition of new genetic information which is stably maintained through subsequent cell divisions5–7. The means by which foreign DNA brings about the tumorous growth pattern of crown gall cells is unknown. The first step in elucidating its mode of action is reported here: we have detected RNA transcripts of the foreign genetic information in the tumour cell.
Fair Game: Secrecy, Security, and the Church of Scientology in Cold War America

From Tom Cruise's wedding to South Park's scathing cartoon parody, the Church of Scientology has emerged as one of the wealthiest, most powerful but also most controversial new religious movements of the last fifty years. Remarkably, however, it has rarely been subjected to serious, critical study by historians of religions, in large part because of the intense secrecy that has surrounded the movement from its origins. This paper examines the role of secrecy in the early Church of Scientology, placing it in the historical and cultural context in which it emerged: Cold War America of the 1950s and 60s. Far from a strange aberration, Scientology in fact embodies many of the obsessive concerns with secrecy, information-control, and surveillance that ran throughout Cold War America. Indeed, with its policies of "security checks" and "fair game," Scientology developed an apparatus of secrecy and surveillance that rivaled and in fact mirrored that of the FBI. As such, Scientology raises profound questions for the study of religion today, particularly in a post-9/11 context, where the questions of religious privacy and government surveillance have re-emerged in ways that eerily echo the height of the Cold War. Dianetics is important politically. It indicates ways of controling [sic] people or de-controling [sic] them and of handling groups which is good technology... Dianetics could become an ideology if anyone let it. Who controls dianetics, its techniques and researches can be a menace to the security of this country.
Effect of Viscosity on Thiamine and Riboflavin Absorption in Man

Thiamine and riboflavin are absorbed from the upper small intestine by specialized transport processes. It was thought that oral administration of these vitamins in viscous solution would affect their absorption, since a previous investigation in rats showed that viscous solutions decrease the absorption of drugs from the stomach and retard gastrointestinal transit. Contrary to expectations, oral administration of thiamine and riboflavin in 50 ml. of highly viscous methylcellulose solution (3400 cps. at a shear rate of 5.1 sec.-1) did not affect significantly the rate and extent of absorption of the two vitamins in healthy adult volunteers.
Electrophysiologic evidence of regeneration of lamprey spinal neurons

Abstract Morphologic evidence has shown that the anteriorly projecting axons of giant interneurons (GIs) can regenerate after spinal transection in larval sea lampreys (19). In the present study, we showed that the regenerating neurites of GIs were electrically exciteable. We also showed evidence for regeneration of descending afferent connections to GIs. Spinal cords were transected at the level of the cloaca. After at least 70 days recovery, GIs located 1.5 to 17.0 mm below the scar were impaled with microelectrodes. Stimulating electrodes were placed at various distances above the scar. Six of 13 GIs located 4 to 17 mm below the scar could be activated antidromically. For 1 GI, the rostralmost point of stimulation which elicited these responses was 13.5 mm above the scar. For the others, the range was 0.5 to 4.5 mm. Estimated average conduction velocity in regenerated neurites was 0.50 m/s compared with 1.94 m/s for the parent axon. Twelve GIs could be orthodromically activated by fixed-latency EPSPs. The most rostal point of stimulation that could elicit such responses was 0.5 to 8.5 mm above the scar. There was an inverse relationship between the farthest distance of stimulation and the distance of the GI from the scar. These findings are consistent with the hypothesis that regeneration of axons across a spinal transection is limited to neurons whose cell bodies are situated within 1 to 2 cm from the transection, and that regenerating neurites grow only a few millimeters beyond the scar.
Textural properties of cheese analogs containing proteolytic enzyme-modified soy protein isolates

Cheese analogs were prepared from untreated or proteolytically modified soy protein isolates (SPIs), replacing 60% of casein, to explore their potential to replace higher-priced milk proteins. Quality attributes of cheese analogs were evaluated by texture profile analysis with the Instron and melting spread. Compared with commercial milk-based cheeses, ranging from hard-type (Cheddar) to soft-type products (Mozzarella), textural properties of cheese analogs were markedly different; they were harder and more fracturable with no measurable adhesiveness. The use of enzyme-modified SPI significantly (P < 0.05) lowered both hardness and fracturability of cheese analogs and also brought about adhesiveness, all of which fell within the range observed for dairy cheeses. Although melting spread of cheese analogs was improved by the use of enzyme-modified SPI, it was still inferior to those of dairy cheeses and needed further improvement. Treatments of SPI with alcalase and trypsin were more influential in modifying textural properties of the resulting cheese analogs than those with other proteases studied.
Design and Full Characterization of Planar Active Magnetic RF Metamaterials

Applications of metamaterials have been limited by parasitic resistive losses. We present the design and measurement of split ring resonators with embedded active field effect transistor circuits comprising a magnetic metamaterial. We show that the imaginary part of the effective permeability changes sign within the bandwidth of the negative differential resistance region, creating a stable gain medium. We present experimental reflection and transmission measurements showing a sign change in the permeability loss term and two applications of such a metamaterial. use as a mu-negative near field parasitic element for small magnetic antennas and as an amplifying material in free space. We show the active metamaterial can provide property enhancement compared with related passive structures in both applications, providing a path to overcoming parasitic loss in previously demonstrated metamaterial structures.
The defect structure of CdTe: Hall data

Abstract A high-temperature Hall effect study as function of cadmium pressure and temperature was carried out for pure and indium-doped CdTe. The results, combined with published data on the Hall effect of quenched crystals and electronic energy level positions, are interpreted on the basis of a detailed point defect model. Parameters of the equilibrium constants of various defect formation reactions are given.
Effects of the electric field shape on nano-scale oxidation

Abstract An axisymmetric continuum model for oxide growth by the scanned probe oxidation technique is presented. The model includes equations describing the electric fields, hydroxyl and hydrogen ion concentrations, and oxide free boundaries defining the system. The governing system of partial differential equations tracks ion transport in the liquid and oxide layers and includes reactions at the substrate/oxide interface. Further, space charge effects are considered near the substrate/oxide interface. Two liquid configurations, semi-infinite layer and hemispherical drop of liquid, are examined to determine the potential in the liquid region. The AFM tip is modeled as either a point or a ring source of charges. The asymptotic limit of a small aspect ratio (height to width) oxide feature is used to reduce the governing equations to a quasi-one-dimensional system to determine the ion transport. The solution of the reduced system leads to an evolution equation for the oxide thickness and radius. Numerical simulations of the evolution equation predict oxide features that qualitatively agree with experimental observations. A parametric study is conducted to determine the influence of key operating and material parameters on the thickness and radius of the oxide, and the electric and ion concentration fields in the system.
“Inverted Brown pattern”: A tight inferior oblique muscle masquerading as a superior oblique muscle underaction—clinical characteristics and surgical management

Purpose To characterize, and evaluate the surgical management of, patients with unilateral deficiency of depression in adduction, suggesting superior oblique muscle underaction, without significant ipsilateral inferior oblique muscle overaction. Methods Such patients were identified who also had received either ipsilateral inferior oblique (IO) muscle weakening or contralateral inferior rectus muscle recession. Their histories, motility patterns, intraoperative findings, types of strabismus surgery, and postoperative results were analyzed. Results Twelve patients were identified with unilateral deficiency of depression in adduction, with no or minimal ipsilateral IO muscle overaction. Three of these patients (25%) had previously had surgery for Brown syndrome. Four (33%) had prior orbital floor trauma. On exaggerated forced duction testing recorded for nine patients, a tight IO muscle was recorded in 78%, with no laxity of the superior oblique tendon. Four patients (33%) underwent contralateral inferior rectus muscle recession, but in all four the deficiency of depression in adduction recurred. The other eight (67%) had an IO muscle weakening procedure and achieved overall improvement of ocular alignment. Nine subsequent patients with a similar pattern of misalignment were each managed with an IO weakening procedure, with good results. Conclusions This motility pattern, which we are calling an "inverted Brown pattern," is caused by a tight or inelastic IO muscle. In such cases, IO muscle weakening yields better results than contralateral inferior rectus muscle recession, even though there is no significant IO muscle overaction preoperatively.
The Monte Carlo simulation of three-body phase space distributions

Abstract Algorithms for the Monte Carlo simulation of three-body phase space distributions are presented. The algorithms may be used to simulate single differential distributionswith respect to any of the independent variables or multiply differential distributions with respect to any combination of the independent variables. The weighting functions used in the algorithms are the expressions for quintuply differential phase space with respect to the independent variables. The algorithms are relativistically correct.
Human haptoglobin binds to human myoglobin

Abstract Human myoglobin, obtained from human heart, was purified to homogeneity by salt precipitation, crystallization and ion-exchange chromatography. Trace contamination by haemoglobin, if any, was removed by repeated adsorption on an immunoadsorbent of anti-haemoglobin antibodies. The interaction between human haptoglobin and human myoglobin was investigated by a solid-phase radioimmunoassay. Myoglobin adsorbents bound 125I-labelled haptoglobin in a specific manner. Linear Scatchard plots of the data indicate that human myoglobin has only one binding site for haptoglobin in terms of the binding affinity (Ka = 8.5 · 106M−1). These results suggest that haptoglobin not only binds haemoglobin but also binds human myoglobin, although with an affinity that is much lower than that of haemoglobin. The physiological significance of this interaction is discussed.
Multipurpose Central Venous Access in the Immunocompromised Pediatric Patient

During a 21-month period, 50 consecutive pediatric oncology patients undergoing bone marrow transplantation and/or cytoreductive chemotherapy had 61 silastic central venous catheters placed to facilitate their therapy. All catheters were used for medications, routine blood sampling, and transfusions, with 45% also used for hyperalimentation and 57% used for bone marrow transplantation. Catheters were utilized during both inpatient and outpatient therapy periods. Total catheter days numbered 8455, an average of 139 days per catheter. Forty-seven catheters (77%) were removed electively or were in place at time of patient death. Seven were removed for mechanical complications (1/1409 catheter days). Four additional episodes of presumed catheter sepsis were managed with antibiotics and did not require catheter removal (40% of septic episodes). One catheter is still in place after 585 days. Complication rates were not influenced by this multiple use protocol. With standardized catheter care and surveillance, multipurpose, long-term central venous access can be safely utilized in the immunosuppressed pediatric patient.
Unicystig ameloblastoma. A prognostically distinct entity

The occurrence of unicystic ameloblastoma has been studied in 20 patients presenting with unilocular cystic lesions whose clinical, radiographic and gross features were those on non-neoplastic cysts. In the majority of these, the lesion mimicked dentigerous cyst. The rate of recurrence for this group of lesions as determined by long term follow-up observation available for the majority of patients was distinctly lower than that associated with multicystic character of the lesion throughout its course, is indicative of a much less aggressive variety of neoplasm. The adequacy of simple enucleation as a modality of treatment in the majority of patients with this type of lesion is suggested. It was not possible to answer the question whether or not the ameloblastoma began in antecedent non-neoplastic cyst.
Alteration of central cholinergic function by chronic lead acetate exposure

Abstract Mice chronically exposed to lead during initial periods of development demonstrate increased levels of spontaneous motor activity. Their behavioral responses to a number of drugs indicate a decrease in central cholinergic activity. Studies utilizing peripheral nervous tissue have shown a decreased evoked and an elevated spontaneous release of ACh by lead. The possibility was examined, therefore, that the evoked and spontaneous ACh release in brain tissue might be similarly altered by chronic lead treatment in vivo . The results indicate that chronic lead administration inhibits the potassium-induced release of both choline and ACh from cortical minces. Potassium-induced release of labeled ACh synthesized from labeled choline is also significantly impaired in the lead-treated animals. Administration of methylphenidate to lead-treated animals, previously reported to suppress leadinduced hyperactivity, reverses the inhibition of potassium-induced choline and ACh release. Spontaneous release of ACh in lead-treated animals is significantly increased. Omission of calcium significantly inhibits the potassium-induced release of ACh without significantly altering choline release. No changes were found in the steady state levels of choline and ACh nor in the activities of choline acetyltransferease, choline phosphokinase, and acetylcholinesterase in the brains of lead-treated animals during development. The results suggest that the inhibition of potassium-induced release of ACh by lead may occur by two different mechanisms: (1) lead may reduce the availability of choline for ACh synthesis, and (2) lead may interfere with the role of calcium in the evoked release of ACh. The present work indicates that chronic lead exposure, at doses previously shown in mice to elicit hyperactivity, also disrupts central ACh function. Also, the results indicate that lead may be a valuable tool in elucidating the dynamic processes involved in central ACh metabolism.
Piebaldism in tree shrews

Two types of hair changes occurred in an experimental group of captive tree shrews (Tupaia glis) living on an artificial diet in dark laboratory quarters. The most common variation in the fur consisted of a gradual type of hair loss resulting in a sparse coat and dry skin. The second type of hair change occurred in a female tree shrew in which patches of hair fell out all over the body. White hair regrowth followed exposure to sunlight, with subsequent repigmentation of the bases of the new hairs. Tree shrews suffering from the first type of hair disorder also improved when exposed to sunlight.
B-Spline impulse response functions (BIRF) for transient SSI analysis of rigid foundations

This work presents a simplified, yet accurate model of rigid foundation-soil systems for the dynamic analysis of structures including SSI effects. The simplified model is based on closed form solutions that reproduce the characteristic B-spline impulse response functions (BIRF) of 3D continuous soil-foundation systems, as obtained from rigorous boundary element method (BEM) analysis. The proposed simplified model is used within the framework of B-spline impulse response techniques and can be coupled directly to other solution techniques, such as the finite element method (FEM). Validation and application studies demonstrate the accuracy and versatility of the simplified model for the direct time domain solution of dynamic SSI problems involving rigid square surface foundations of any size. The proposed model, although simplified, demonstrates similar high accuracy to that of more rigorous solutions based on domain discretizations.
Treatment fidelity: its importance and reported frequency in aphasia treatment studies

Purpose Treatment fidelity is a measure of the reliability of the administration of an intervention in a treatment study. It is an important aspect of the validity of a research study, and it has i...
Sediments of the Caicos Cone, Bahamas: ABSTRACT

A large sedimentary ridge extends east of Caicos Passage (Bahamas) toward the Silver Abyssal Plain. This asymmetrical ridge is steepest on the south side and lies parallel with the Bahama Banks. Small V-shape depressions observed on the crest and north slope may be submarine channels. Three 6-meter-long cores taken at approximately 2,850 fathoms consist of pelagic clays (illite and chlorite) with interbedded calcarenites. The calcarenites consist of foraminifera (benthonic and pelagic), pteropods from both noritic and littoral depths (indicating considerable displacement of fauna), and finer material. Primary structures such as graded bedding, cross-bedding, convolute bedding, and parallel bedding were observed in the turbidite beds. Considerable mechanical sorting of fau al species due to differential settling in a single sequence resulted in two distinct sediment facies; the lower consisting of foraminfera and pteropod tests and the upper consisting of clay, discoasters, and coccoliths. The pelagic sediments of the three cores show close correlation in their variation of carbonate content. These variations may reflect climatic changes. A single stratigraphic sequence is seen in the three cores. Each has a similar carbonate curve, similar sequence of manganese-stained layers and a similar sequence of sediment colors. One correlative calcarenite thins from 24 cm. to 13 cm. and the mean grain size decreases from .04 mm. to .018 mm. as distance from the probable source increases by 50 miles. End_of_Article - Last_Page 546------------
Finally, a transgenic light chain amyloidosis mouse model

Ward and colleagues report the first transgenic light chain amyloidosis mouse model in this issue of Blood and demonstrate that it can be used to test pharmaceutical candidates.[1][1] Light chain amyloidosis results from the misfolding and aggregation of an immunoglobulin light chain usually
Comparative toxicity of allylamine and acrolein in cultured myocytes and fibroblasts from neonatal rat heart

Allylamine is toxic to the cardiovascular system causing aortic, valvular and myocardial lesions. Acute toxicity is believed to involve metabolism of allylamine to highly reactive acrolein. Comparative toxicity of allylamine and acrolein was evaluated in cardiac fibroblasts and myocytes, which were obtained from neonatal rat hearts by a differential plating technique. Allylamine and acrolein were added directly to serum supplemented culture media (M199). Toxicity was assessed by measuring lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release as an indicator of cell lysis. Spontaneous beating activity of myocytes, and adenosine 5' triphosphate (ATP) levels of myocytes and fibroblasts were also assessed. Cell lysis occurred 4 h after treatment of myocytes with 0.5 mM allylamine, whereas 20 mM allylamine was required to lyse fibroblasts. Acrolein, at a concentration of 0.05 mM, was equally toxic to fibroblasts and myocytes. Semicarbazide, a benzylamine oxidase inhibitor, protected myocytes from allylamine toxicity, but clorgyline, a monoamine oxidase inhibitor, was ineffective. Semicarbazide was ineffective against acrolein toxicity. Beating activity of myocytes was arrested by 0.05 mM acrolein and 0.5 mM allylamine, although 0.05-0.1 mM allylamine reduced beating activity. Myocyte ATP levels were reduced 4 h after exposure to 0.01 mM acrolein. Allylamine at 0.05 mM reduced ATP in myocytes, but 10 mM allylamine was required to reduce ATP in fibroblasts. ATP levels remained normal in myocytes exposed to 1 mM allylamine in the presence of 0.1 mM semicarbazide. The findings support the hypothesis that the toxicity of allylamine in cultured myocytes is dependent on its metabolism to acrolein, and that cytotoxicity may result from interference with energy production.
Use of growth hormone for postoperative respiratory failure

Background The authors examined the efficacy of human growth hormone (HGH) in patients dependent on mechanical ventilation who were being weaned from the respirator. Methods A total of 53 patients were chosen by the primary surgical team in consultation with the critical care service to undergo HGH therapy. These patients had been receiving standard ICU support and had failed standard ventilator weaning protocols. As such, they were treated with HGH in an attempt to increase respiratory muscle strength and facilitate weaning from mechanical ventilation. Results General demographic information was recorded. Patients suffered from a high incidence of co-morbid conditions and infectious complications. The average duration of HGH therapy was 38 days, and 81 % of the previously unweanable patients were eventually weaned from mechanical ventilation with an overall survival of 76%. Mortality as predicted by APACHE II Scores was significantly less than actual mortality (24% actual mortality vs. 42% predicted mortality, P Conclusions This phase I study presents clinical evidence supporting the safety and efficacy of HGH in promoting respiratory independence in a selected group of surgical ICU patients. Randomized, blinded, controlled trials now seem warranted.
Characterizing CD43 expression in haematogones using multicolor flow cytometric analysis

Haematogones are precursor B cells commonly detected in small numbers in the bone marrow. Morphologically, haematogones can mimic lymphoblasts and are best distinguished using multicolour flow cytometry with antibody combinations. Haematogones show characteristic and reproducible patterns of antigen expression representing the B-cell maturation sequence. CD43 expression, widely seen in haematopoietic elements, has not been well characterized in haematogones. We demonstrate that CD43 is consistently expressed in haematogones in a reproducible pattern similar to that of CD10 when combined with CD20. We propose that in combination with other markers, CD43 can be useful in the identification of haematogones.
Regulation of Hippo pathway by mitogenic growth factors via phosphoinositide 3-kinase and phosphoinositide-dependent kinase-1

The Hippo signaling pathway inhibits cell growth and regulates organ size through a kinase cascade that leads to the phosphorylation and nuclear exclusion of the growth-promoting transcriptional coactivator Yes-associated protein (YAP)/Yorkie. It mediates contact inhibition of cell growth downstream of cadherin adhesion molecules and other cell surface proteins. Contact inhibition is often antagonized by mitogenic growth factor signaling. We report an important mechanism for this antagonism, inhibition of Hippo pathway signaling by mitogenic growth factors. EGF treatment of immortalized mammary cells triggers the rapid translocation of YAP into the nucleus along with YAP dephosphorylation, both of which depend on Lats, the terminal kinase in the Hippo pathway. A small-molecule inhibitor screen of downstream effector pathways shows that EGF receptor inhibits the Hippo pathway through activation of PI3-kinase (PI3K) and phosphoinositide-dependent kinase (PDK1), but independent of AKT activity. The PI3K-PDK1 pathway also mediates YAP nuclear translocation downstream of lysophosphatidic acid and serum as a result of constitutive oncogenic activation of PI3K. PDK1 associates with the core Hippo pathway-kinase complex through the scaffold protein Salvador. The entire Hippo core complex dissociates in response to EGF signaling in a PI3K-PDK1–dependent manner, leading to inactivation of Lats, dephosphorylation of YAP, and YAP nuclear accumulation and transcriptional activation of its target gene, CTGF. These findings show that an important activity of mitogenic signaling pathways is to inactivate the growth-inhibitory Hippo pathway and provide a mechanism for antagonism between contact inhibition and growth factor action.
Effect of Spring and Winter Temperatures on Winter Moth (Geometridae: Lepidoptera) Larval Eclosion in the Northeastern United States

Field and laboratory experiments were conducted to elucidate various factors influencing the temperature-dependent larval eclosion of winter moth, Operophtera brumata L, in New England. We found no difference in duration of the embryonic stage of eggs reared from larvae collected in Massachusetts (MA) and on Vancouver Island, British Columbia (BC), where winter temperatures are rarely below freezing. The number of growing degree days (GDD) required for larval eclosion declined with the number of days chilled in the laboratory and number of days below freezing in the field, confirming the findings of previous studies. Thus, eggs hatched with fewer GDD, when the spring came later than usual. Date of oviposition had no effect on date of hatch. Eggs laid by naturally occurring (feral) females hatched sooner, with lower GDD, than eggs from laboratory-reared females from MA and BC held on the same trees over the winter. South-facing eggs on the stems of trees hatched on average 1.6 days sooner than north-facing eggs. GDD calculated from bihourly measures of temperature were 15% greater than GDD estimates based on the average of daily maximum and minimum temperatures, as used by many GDD estimates made for online sources. Over two years, the mean GDD in °C for hatch of feral eggs was 176.53 ± 6.35 SE based on bihourly temperature measurements, a 1 January start date, and a 3.9°C developmental threshold. This value varied markedly, however, between the two years.
Conditioned taste aversion: A field application to coyote predation on sheep

Predation by free ranging coyotes (Canis latrans) on two sheep herds was inhibited by a procedure in which sheep carcasses laced with toxic lithium chloride were placed adjacent to the herds. When the lithium chloride bait was removed or replaced with nontoxic sodium chloride bait, bait takes and suppression of attacks on live prey continued. The blocking of attack behavior had not extinguished after 9 weeks at the termination of the study.
Heuristic methods for the analysis of managerial problems

Abstract Problem analysis is a critical element of managerial problem solving that has not been included in or explicated by traditional stage models of the process. This paper argues that an analysis stage is needed to develop the implications of a problem's definition and to direct the selection and pursuit of solution strategies. Problem analysis is a beuristic activity. The paper explains and applies seven heuristic methods of analysis to a classic management case, generating a richer understanding and broader set of solution alternatives. Strategies for future research on problem analysis are discussed.
Some spectroscopic and transport properties of a rare-earth chelate, Tb-PCTMP

Abstract A polyazamacrocyclic chelate of Terbium III; 3,6,9-Tris(methyl phosphonic acid)-3,6,9,15-tetraazabicyclo[9,3,1]pentadeca-1(15),11,13-triene, Tb-PCTMP, has been shown to exhibit rich spectroscopic properties, tissue selectivity [M.P. Houlne et al., Appl. Spectrosc. 10 (1996) 225–244], millisecond fluorescence lifetimes [D.S. Hubbard, M.P. Houlne, G.E. Kiefer, H.F. Janssen, C. Hacker, D.J. Bornhop, Lasers Med. Sci. (13) (1998) 14–21], sharply spiked emission spectra ( 280 nm), high water solubility and good fluorescence quantum yields (∼0.24). Expanded investigations of the Tb-PCTMP chelate are presented here that further indicate Tb-PCTMP can be used for transport investigations, using endoscopy. First we elucidate the spectroscopic sensitivity of the chelate to physiological pH changes. Second we demonstrate a lack of cyctotoxicity using in-vitro studies. Finally, we show that chelate transport, through a collagen matrix, can be quantitatively monitored using fluorescence endoscopy. The results provide new insights about how solutes, having different chemical structures, move through the interstitial space and show the potential for performing such measurements minimally invasively, in-vivo.
Hematogenous metastases of carcinoma to dorsal root ganglia.

Hematogenous metastases of carcinoma to dorsal root ganglia was found in 2 of approximately 500 consecutive autopsies in which a lumbar dorsal root ganglion was routinely examined microscopically. The primary tumors were poorly differentiated colonic adenocarcinoma and oat cell carcinoma of the lung, both with widespread hematogenous metastases which spared the central nervous system. No symptoms were detected clinically. In the same series of patients the sural nerve as well as the lumbar plexus were histologically sampled but no examples of distant endoneurial metastases were found. The vascular endothelium of dorsal root ganglia is fenestrated and, presumably as a consequence, provides no bloodganglion barrier. This microvascular difference may account for the susceptibility of the ganglia to metastases when compared to nerve trunks which possess unfenestrated endothelium and blood-nerve barrier.
Hydrogen and oxygen in brine shrimp chitin reflect environmental water and dietary isotopic composition

Abstract Hydrogen and oxygen isotope ratios of the common structural biopolymer chitin are a potential recorder of ecological and environmental information, but our understanding of the mechanisms of incorporation of H and O from environmental substrates into chitin is limited. We report the results of a set of experiments in which the isotopic compositions of environmental water and diet were varied independently in order to assess the contribution of these variables to the H and O isotopic composition of Artemia franciscana chitin. Hydrogen isotope ratios of chitin were strongly linearly correlated with both food and water, with approximately 26% of the hydrogen signal reflecting food and approximately 38% reflecting water. Oxygen isotopes were also strongly correlated with the isotopic composition of water and food, but whereas 69% of oxygen in chitin exchanged with environmental water, only 10% was derived from food. We propose that these observations reflect the position-specific, partial exchange of H and O atoms with brine shrimp body water during the processes of digestion and chitin biosynthesis. Comparison of culture experiments with a set of natural samples collected from the Great Salt Lake, UT in 2006 shows that, with some exceptions, oxygen isotope compositions of chitin track those of water, whereas hydrogen isotopes vary inversely with those of lake water. The different behavior of the two isotopic systems can be explained in terms of a dietary shift from allochthonous particulate matter with relatively higher δ 2 H values in the early spring to autochthonous particulate matter with significantly lower δ 2 H values in the late summer to autumn. These results suggest oxygen in chitin may be a valuable proxy for the oxygen isotopic composition of environmental water, whereas hydrogen isotope values from the same molecule may reveal ecological and biogeochemical changes within lakes.
Meditative Prayer and Intercultural Competence: Empirical Test of a Differentiation-Based Model

The present study involved the examination of a theoretical model of the relationship between meditative prayer and intercultural competence with dispositional gratitude and differentiation of self as mediator variables. Results supported the proposed model. A significant total indirect effect was observed between meditative prayer and intercultural competence. Significant specific indirect effects were observed between meditative prayer and intercultural competence with differentiation of self as the mediator, and through both gratitude and differentiation of self in a multiple-mediated association. Discussion focused on the construct of meditative prayer as a mindfulness practice and the unifying mechanisms among variables within the proposed model.
A General Purpose Fluorescence Detector for Liquid Chromatography

Abstract A new fluorescence detector with good sensitivity for both fluorescent and non-fluorescent species is described. In this device, a fluorescent probe (aniline) is used in the liquid chromatographic mobile phase; fluorescent species give positive peaks and non-fluorescent or weakly fluorescent species give negative peaks. Detection limits in the part per billion range result for fluorescent species and in the part per million range for non-fluorescent species. Multiple peaks for ethanol and methanol are observed.
Transition of municipal sludge anaerobic digestion from mesophilic to thermophilic and long-term performance evaluation.

Abstract Strategies for the transition of municipal sludge anaerobic digestion from mesophilic to thermophilic were assessed and the long-term stability and performance of thermophilic digesters operated at a solids retention time of 30 days were evaluated. Transition from 36 °C to 53.3 °C at a rate of 3 °C/day resulted in fluctuation of the daily gas and volatile fatty acids (VFAs) production. Steady-state was reached within 35 days from the onset of temperature increase. Transitions from either 36 or 53.3 °C to 60 °C resulted in relatively stable daily gas production, but VFAs remained at very high levels (in excess of 5000 mg COD/L) and methane production was lower than that of the mesophilic reactor. It was concluded that in order to achieve high VS and COD destruction and methane production, the temperature of continuous-flow, suspended growth digesters fed with mixed municipal sludge should be kept below 60 °C.
Adverse effects of chronic copper exposure in larval northern leopard frogs (Rana pipiens).

Northern leopard frogs (Rana pipiens) were exposed to environmentally relevant concentrations of copper in water (control and 5, 25, and 100 μg/L, as CuSO4) in a static renewal system for 154 d from posthatch stage to metamorphosis. After 10 d of copper exposure (from Gosner stages 19–25), survival of tadpoles was not significantly different between treatments (averages range from 96.7 to 99.3%), but a significantly higher incidence of deformities (p < 0.05) was observed in the 100-μg/L treatment. Tadpole growth rate was decreased in the 25- and 100-μg/L treatments relative to controls. Tadpole survival, swimming performance, percent metamorphosis, time to metamorphosis, and survival during and time required for tail resorption were also negatively affected in the 100-μg/L treatment. Copper concentrations in tadpole tissues ranged from 46.5 to 769.5 mg/kg dry mass and were positively related to copper concentrations in the water. In conclusion, copper was shown to affect development, growth, survival, and behavior in larval northern leopard frogs at ecologically relevant concentrations. The existing U.S. Environmental Protection Agency freshwater-quality chronic criterion for copper appears to be protective for larval Rana pipiens.