cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Apical Lung Biopsy

Abstract A method for biopsying the apex of the lung through a supraclavicular approach, under local anesthesia and without positive-pressure breathing, is presented together with our experience using the procedure in 19 patients. In 9 patients with unilateral or bilateral infiltrates, the possibility of cancer was investigated. Bronchogenic carcinoma was identified in 4, 4 showed scarring with chronic inflammation, and 1 had a silicotic nodule. A presumptive diagnosis of cancer was confirmed in 6 other patients. An apical empyema was drained, diffuse interstitial fibrosis recognized, granuloma identified, and fibrosis without pneumoconiosis diagnosed. The only complication was in 1 patient who bled and required a thoracotomy. Apical lung biopsy provides a means of accurately identifying lesions arising in the upper portion of the lung.
Isolation and identification of l-galacto-heptulose from plants fed ls-sorbose

Abstract A heptulose, which accumulates in plant leaf tissue into which l -sorbose has been introduced, has been isolated by paper chromatographic separation and identified as l -galacto-heptulose by means of paper chromatography, periodate oxidation, the phenylosazone and its specific rotation, epimerization, and the x-ray powder diffraction pattern.
Graph-based heuristics for recognition of machined features from a 3D solid model

Abstract The internal representation of the solid modeller provides a description of parts which when used directly is useful for automation of the process planning function. So that the CAD model can be used to provide the information required for manufacturing, techniques to improve machine understanding of the part as required for manufacturing are needed. This paper presents the development of the concept attributed adjacency graph (AAG) for the recognition of machined features from a 3D boundary representation of a solid. Current implementation of the feature recogniser is limited to polyhedral features such as pockets, slots, steps, blind steps, blind slots, and polyhedral holes. Sample results that show the capabilities of the system are presented.
The Cultural Milieu of Ancient Sepphoris

Recent New Testament scholarship has rightly emphasized the significance of urban features at Sepphoris for gospels and Historical Jesus research. However, some of these studies have greatly exaggerated the quantity of evidence for Greco-Roman influence in the first-century city. Most of the architectural features associated with the Greco-Roman city are missing, evidence for use of Greek is minimal, and signs of pagans are rare. In light of this, questions about the influence of Galilee's Hellenistic milieu on the Historical Jesus must be reconsidered.
Stenting complex aortic arch obstructions

Objective: To present our institutional experience of endovascular stent therapy in patients with complex aortic arch lesions. Background: The management of aortic arch obstructions is complex and many physicians are either reluctant to treat mild–moderate aortic arch lesions associated with systemic hypertension or instead refer to high-risk surgical alternatives. Reported data on transcatheter stent therapy of complex aortic arch lesions are scarce. Methods: Between October 2002 and November 2006, 40patients (pts) had complex aortic arch lesions treated with stent implantation in 42 procedures (proc). Aortic arch hypoplasia was present in 30/42 proc (71.4%). The median age was 10 year (16 days - 37 years). In 40/42 proc (95.2%) patients had previous transcatheter or surgical aortic arch interventions. Results: Procedural success in achieving a peak systolic gradient reduction to ≤10 mm Hg with an improvement in the diameter to ≥90% of the “normal” adjacent aortic arch was achieved in 38/42 proc (90.5%). The diameter of the arch obstruction increased from a median of 7.55 mm to a median of 14 mm (P < 0.0001) and the peak systolic gradient was reduced from a median of 23 mm Hg to a median of 2 mm Hg (P < 0.0001). Arch vessels were crossed in 31/42 proc (73.8%). Periprocedural adverse events were encountered in 13/42 proc (30.9%), predominately in patients with a weight below 10 kg or univentricular physiology. The median follow-up was 1 year (32 days - 3.8 years). The incidence of systemic hypertension was significantly reduced from 22/42 (52.4%) before the procedure to 6/39 (15.4%) at the most recent follow-up (P = 0.0005). CT or MRI evaluations were performed in 18 pts, documenting all crossed arch vessels to appear patent. Conclusions: Stenting of complex aortic arch lesions can be performed safely and effectively with excellent, immediate, and midterm results. Patients with a weight below 10 kg or after Hybrid stage I palliation are at increased risk of adverse events. Stents can be placed across major arch vessels without compromising distal perfusion in otherwise normal vasculature. © 2008 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Acceleration trajectory tracking control for earthquake simulators

The purpose of earthquake simulators is to reproduce reference accelerations on a shake table. However, acceleration control is extremely difficult in earthquake simulators due to an inability to directly control acceleration with feedback, inherent nonlinearities in servo hydraulic systems, control-structure interactions, etc. This study presents a control method called acceleration trajectory tracking control (ATTC) that improves the acceleration control performance of earthquake simulators. The ATTC method consists of an acceleration feed-forward controller, a system dynamics command shaping, an intentional time-delay, a Kalman filter for displacement measurement, and an actuator displacement feedback controller. The ATTC method not only provides acceleration tracking capability, but also ensures stability of the system. Following the theoretical description of the ATTC method, an experimental investigation is presented. The ATTC method is successfully implemented in the control system for the uniaxial earthquake simulator at Johns Hopkins University, and the experimental results show the superior performance of the ATTC method over the conventional displacement feedback with command shaping. Furthermore, repeatability of the ATTC method is experimentally verified.
Idiosyncratic Drug-Induced Liver Injury Is Associated With Substantial Morbidity and Mortality Within 6 Months From Onset

Background & Aims Little is known about the incidence of drug-induced liver injury (DILI) and risk factors for adverse outcomes. We evaluated short-term outcomes of a large cohort of patients with DILI enrolled in an ongoing multicenter prospective study. Methods Data were collected from 660 adults with definite, highly likely, or probable DILI. Regression methods were used to identify risk factors for early liver-related death or liver transplantation and chronic liver injury. Results Patients' median age was 51.4 years; 59.5% were female and 59.1% required hospitalization. Within 6 months of DILI onset, 30 patients received liver transplants (4.5%; 95% confidence interval [CI], 3.0%–6.1%) and 32 died (5%; 95% CI, 3.2%–6.5%); 53% of the deaths were liver related. Asian race, absence of itching, lung disease, low serum albumin levels, low platelet counts, and high serum levels of alanine aminotransferase and total bilirubin at presentation were independent risk factors for reduced times to liver-related death or liver transplantation (C-statistic = 0.87). At 6 months after DILI onset, 18.9% of the 598 evaluable subjects had persistent liver damage. African-American race, higher serum levels of alkaline phosphatase, and prior heart disease or malignancy requiring treatment were independent risk factors for chronic DILI (C-statistic = 0.71). Conclusions Nearly 1 in 10 patients die or undergo liver transplantation within 6 months of DILI onset and nearly 1 in 5 of the remaining patients have evidence of persistent liver injury at 6 months. The profile of liver injury at presentation, initial severity, patient's race, and medical comorbidities are important determinants of the likelihood of death/transplantation or persistent liver injury within 6 months.
Hypostoichiometric titanium diboride (TiB1.964) and hyperstoichiometric tantalum diboride (TaB2.11): the heat capacity and thermodynamic properties from 5 to 350 K

Abstract Heat capacities of TiB2 and TaB2.11 have been measured by adiabatic cryogenic calorimetry and found to have an essentially normal sigmate temperature dependence without thermal anomalies. Values at 298.15 K of the heat capacity at constant pressure Cp, the standard entropy So, the function {H o (T) − H o (0)} T , and the function −{G o (T) − H o (0)} T are 10.58, 6.805, 4.469, and 2.336 calth K−1 mol−1 for TiB2, and 11.88, 10.57, 6.034, and 4.539 calth K−1 mol−1 for TaB2.11, respectively.
Effects of Zn and Cd accumulation on structural and physiological characteristics of barley plants

The objectives of this study were to identify the structural changes caused by Zn and Cd accumulation in shoots and roots of barley (Hordeum vulgare) plants; and to correlate metal accumulation with anatomical, physiological and morphological changes. Potted plants were exposed to metal treatments of Zn and Cd for 19 and 16 d respectively. Leaves, stems and roots were harvested to identify structural changes and analyze metal accumulation. Barley effectively accumulated Zn (up to 11283 mg kg-1) and Cd (up to 584 mg kg-1) in the shoots. Microscopic structural changes, such as a decrease in intercellular spaces, breakdown of vascular bundles, and shrinkage of palisade and epidermal cells, occurred in leaves, stems and roots of plants treated with high concentrations of Zn. Zinc accumulation also resulted in a significant decrease in water content, fresh weight, dry weight and plant height. Cadmium only caused structural changes in roots at the higher concentrations. Barley plants were able to accumulate significant amounts of Zn and Cd without exhibiting symptoms of phytotoxicity when the metal concentrations were relatively low.
Chondroitin Sulfate Proteoglycans Are Associated with the Lesions of Alzheimer's Disease

Abstract Chondroitin sulfate proteoglycans (CSPG) are extracellular matrix proteins inhibitory to neurite outgrowth in vitro and correlated with decreased neurite outgrowth after CNS injury. Previously, heparan sulfate proteoglycan and dermatan sulfate proteoglycan have been shown to be associated with senile plaques (SPs) and neurofibrillary tangles (NFTs) but CSPG was not. In an immunocytochemical study, three monoclonal antibodies to different sulfation states of the chondroitin glycosaminoglycan were used to localize CSPG in cases of Alzheimer's disease. Chondroitin 4-sulfate was found in both SPs and NFTs. An antibody to unsulfated chondroitin strongly immunostained intracellular NFTs and the dystrophic neurites of SPs. Chondroitin 6-sulfate was found in NFTs and the area around SPs. These results suggest that CSPG, in addition or as an alternative to β-amyloid protein, could be responsible for the regression of neurites around senile plaques in Alzheimer's disease.
A visible shoreline theorem for staircase paths

Let C be an orthogonal polygon in the plane, bounded by a simple closed curve, and assume that C is starshaped via staircase paths. Let \(P \subseteq {\mathbb{R}}^2\backslash({\rm int} C)\). If every four points of P see a common boundary point of C via staircase paths in \({\mathbb{R}}^2\backslash({\rm int} C)\), then there is a boundary point b of C such that every point of P sees b (via staircase paths in \({\mathbb{R}}^2\backslash({\rm int} C)\)). The number four is best possible, even if C is orthogonally convex.
Bioimage informatics for understanding spatiotemporal dynamics of cellular processes

The inner environment of the cell is highly dynamic and heterogeneous yet exquisitely organized. Successful completion of cellular processes within this environment depends on the right molecules or molecular complexes to function at the right place at the right time. Understanding spatiotemporal behaviors of cellular processes is therefore essential to understanding their molecular mechanisms at the systems level. These behaviors are usually visualized and recorded using imaging techniques. However, to infer from them systems-level molecular mechanisms, computational analysis and understanding of recorded image data is crucial, not only for acquiring quantitative behavior measurements but also for comprehending complex interactions among the molecules or molecular complexes involved. The technology of computational analysis and understanding of biological images is often referred to simply as bioimage informatics. This article introduces fundamentals of bioimage informatics for understanding spatiotemporal dynamics of cellular processes and reviews recent advances on this topic. Basic bioimage informatics concepts and techniques for characterizing spatiotemporal cell dynamics are introduced first. Studies on specific cellular processes such as cell migration and signal transduction are then used as examples to analyze and summarize recent advances, with the focus on transforming quantitative measurements of spatiotemporal cellular behaviors into knowledge of underlying molecular mechanisms. Despite the advances made, substantial technological challenges remain, especially in representation of spatiotemporal cellular behaviors and inference of systems-level molecular mechanisms. These challenges are briefly discussed. Overall, understanding spatiotemporal cell dynamics will provide critical insights into how specific cellular processes as well as the entire inner cellular environment are dynamically organized and regulated. WIREs Syst Biol Med 2013, 5:367–380. doi: 10.1002/wsbm.1214 For further resources related to this article, please visit the WIREs website.
A comparison of two serological methods for detecting the immune response after rabies vaccination in dogs and cats being exported to rabies-free areas.

Levels of rabies virus neutralizing antibody in sera from dogs and cats were titrated to endpoint by the Rapid Fluorescent Focus Inhibition Test (RFFIT) and retested by the RFFIT and the Fluorescent Antibody Virus Neutralization test (FAVN). The two tests were compared for their ability to detect the 0.5 international units/ml (I.U.) of antibody required by the World Health Organization and the Office International des Epizooties as the minimum response for proof of rabies immunization. No difference was observed in sensitivity or specificity for either method in tests of 168 sera from unvaccinated animals or 70 sera from vaccinated animals with high levels of neutralizing antibody (an initial RFFIT titre of > or = 1.0 I.U.). Test to test variation occurred for results obtained by both RFFIT and FAVN for 95 sera from vaccinated animals with low to moderate levels of neutralizing antibody (RFFIT titre or = 0.5 I.U.), nor were significant differences detected for the symmetry (P = 0.43) or the marginal homogeneity (P = 0.39) of results obtained by the two methods. Both methods can adequately identity unvaccinated animals, but false positive and false negative results are possible for either method when a single test is used to measure the antibody response of low-responding vaccinated animals. Nucleotide sequence analysis identified several amino acid differences in stocks of the challenge rabies virus from different laboratories. The small differences in neutralizing antibody titre that may result from mutations in the challenge virus are not important for evaluating immunity induced by vaccines which are themselves prepared from a variety of different rabies virus strains, but differences in the challenge virus, rather than differences in methodology, may account for at least some of the discrepant results reported in inter-laboratory surveys. Comparative studies of serological methods for measuring rabies antibodies should use well-characterized unpassaged virus stocks obtained from a single reference laboratory.
A multicomponent analysis of amino acid transport systems in human lymphocytes. 1. Kinetic parameters of the A and L systems and pathways of uptake of naturally occurring amino acids in blood lymphocytes.

We have determined the kinetic parameters of natural and system-specific synthetic amino acid transport by human blood lymphocytes, using a multi-component computer analysis that separates carrier-mediated uptake from diffusion. These studies were initiated in order to provide the basis for studies of human blood T and B lymphocytes and malignant lymphocytes. Methylaminoisobutyric acid (methyl-AIB) and 2-amino-2-carboxy-bicyclo (2,2,1) heptane (BCH) uptakes into lymphocytes were measured as prototypes of A- and L-system amino acid transport. The Michaelis constant for methyl-AIB uptake was 540 microM; the maximal velocity of uptake was 28 mumol/L cell water/min, and the diffusion coefficient was .004 min-1. In contrast, the Michaelis constant for BCH uptake was 63 microM; the maximal velocity was 969 mumol/L cell water/min, and the diffusion coefficient was .141 min-1. The transport of the naturally occurring amino acids, alanine, proline, and leucine was defined by studies of: (1) competitive inhibition with the system-specific synthetic amino acids, methyl-AIB and BCH, (2) the effect of the transcellular sodium gradient on transport, and (3) evaluation of the time-dependent increase of transport in amino acid-deficient medium (adaptation). Alanine was transported principally (approximately 70%) by the ASC-system, and leucine was transported principally (70%) by the L-system in lymphocytes. The analysis of proline transport was more complex because of a large component of uptake by diffusion even at low amino acid concentrations. Taken together, the kinetics of sodium-sensitive uptake and the results of competitive inhibition studies indicated that proline was transported by the A-system (30%), the ASC system (30%), and also by the L-system (15%).
Cross-selectivity in the catalytic ketonization of carboxylic acids

Abstract A mixture of acetic and 2-methylpropanoic (isobutyric) acids representing non-branched and branched acids, respectively, was catalytically converted to a mixture of ketones in a set of statistically designed experiments (DOE). The selectivity toward the cross-ketonization product was analyzed depending on (a) temperature within 300–450 °C range, (b) molar fraction of each acid in the mixture, from 10% to 90%, and (c) liquid hourly space velocity (LHSV) within 2–12 h−1, and compared against the selectivity toward two symmetrical ketones. Six metal oxide catalysts were tested and ranked on their ability to yield the cross-product as opposed to the self-condensation product. The catalysts were based on either the anatase form of titania or monoclinic form of zirconia and treated with either KOH or K2HPO4. The titania catalyst treated by KOH outperformed all other catalysts by providing the cross-selectivity above the statistically expected binomial distribution. The criterion for having a high cross-selectivity in the decarboxylative ketonization is formulated mathematically as the separation of roles of two acids, one being a more active enolic component, and the other being the preferred carbonyl component. According to the suggested criterion, the less branched acetic acid reacts as both the preferred carbonyl and enolic component with untreated catalysts. Therefore, untreated catalysts promote selective formation of the symmetrical ketone, acetone, thereby decreasing the selectivity to the cross-ketone. After alkaline treatment, both the anatase form of titania and monoclinic form of zirconia increase the isobutyric acid participation as the carbonyl component. Acetic acid remains as the preferred enolic component with all treated catalysts, thus increasing the selectivity toward the cross-product in the ketonization of a mixture of carboxylic acids. The condition for achieving a high cross-selectivity by polarizing roles of the two reactants can be extended to other types of cross-condensations.
Gravitational waves from hyper-accretion on to nascent black holes

We examine the possibility that hyper-accretion on to newly born black holes occurs in highly intermittent, non-asymmetric fashion favourable to gravitational-wave emission in a neutrino-cooled disc. This picture of near-hole accretion is motivated by magnetorotationally induced, ultrarelativistic disc dynamics in the region of the flow bounded from below by the marginally bound geodesic radius r mb . For high spin values, a largely coherent magnetic field in this region has the dynamical implication of compact mass segregation at the displacement nodes of the non-axisymmetric, magnetorotational instability modes. When neutrino stress competes favourably for the disc dynamical structure, the matter clumps may be rather dense and sufficiently long-lived to excite the quasi-normal ringing (QNR) modes of the Kerr geometry upon infall. We find that this accretion flow may drive bar-like, quadrupole (1, m = 2, 2) modes in nearly resonant fashion for spin parameters a ≥ 0.9. The ensuing build-up in strain amplitude of the undamped oscillations warrants a brisk rate of energy deposition into gravitational waves. A detectability assessment for the LIGO interferometers through the match filtering technique is given by integrating the energy flux over a one-second epoch of resonant hyper-accretion at 1 M ○. s -1 . Thus, a 15-M ○. Kerr black hole spinning at a ≃ 0.98 (f QNR ≃ 1677 Hz), and located at 27 Mpc (e.g. GRB 980425), will deliver a characteristic strain amplitude, h char ≃ 2.2 -21 , large enough to be detectable by LIGO II. If resonant hyper-accretion were sustainable for a longer period (or at higher rates) possibly associated with a second broad hump in a gamma-ray burst light curve, these objects could be detected by LIGO I at very low redshifts.
SOME FACTORS THAT INFLUENCE THE BACTERIOLOGICAL DIAGNOSIS OF URINARY INFECTION

SYNOPSIS Colony counting is an integral part of the diagnosis of urinary infection and several factors may influence the colony count. A study of the relative influence of laboratory error, delay in culture, and the care taken in collection of the specimen, suggested that the most important determinant of an accurate colony count was the care with which the specimen was collected.
Analysis of Occluding Contour.

Almost nothing can be deduced about a general three-dimensional surface given only its occluding contours in an image, yet contour information is easily and effectively used by us to infer the shape of a surface. Therefore, implicit in the perceptual analysis of occluding contour must lie various assumptions about the viewed surfaces. The assumptions that seem most natural are (a) that the distinction between convex and concave segments reflects real properties of the viewed surface; and (b) that contiguous portions of contour arise from contiguous parts of the viewed surface - i.e. there are no invisible obscuring edges. It is proved that, for smooth surfaces, these assumptions are essentially equivalent to assuming that the viewed surface is a generalized cone. Methods are defined for finding the axis of such a cone, and for segmenting a surface constructed of several cones into its components, whose axes can then be found separately. These methods provide one link between an uninterpreted figure extracted from an image, and the 3-D representation theory of Marr & Nishihara (1977).
The effect of crystal size on the bioavailability of benoxaprofen: Studies utilizing deuterium labeled drug

A study of the effect of crystal size on the bioavailability of benoxaprofen, 2-[4-chlorophenyl]-alpha-methyl-5-benzoxazoleacetic acid, in man is reported. The technique utilized comparison of either the plasma concentrations or urine levels, resulting from administration of deuterium labeled (2H7) drug in solution coadministered with a test capsule formulation. Drug concentrations were determined by gas chromatography, and the ratio of labeled to unlabeled drug was obtained by gas chromatography mass spectrometry. Measurements following coadministration of labeled and unlabeled drug in solution established the absence of an isotope effect due to the presence of deuterium. The dry formulations consisted of either a 3.17--100 micron fraction (mean = 18.5 microns) or a 32--1000 micron fraction (mean = 610 microns) formulated with starch powder. The results in three subjects indicate an almost complete availability (0.95--0.98) of the small crystals as measured by comparison of either area under the plasma level curves or urine excretion (0.94--0.97) of labeled versus unlabeled drug measured to 168 hours. The larger crystals exhibited a lower availability as shown by plasma levels (0.41--0.46) or urine recovery (0.39--0.43). A higher dose of the large crystal formulation resulted in decreased relative availability with a fourfold dose dropping availability to 0.22 in a single subject.
Einsatz der Atom-Absorptions-Spektroskopie in der industriellen Analytik

Die Atom-Absorptions-Spektroskopie eignet sich aufgrund ihrer hohen Spezifitat und Selektivitat, ihrer geringen Storanfalligkeit und ihrer grosen Flexibilitat in hohem Mase fur die Bestimmung metallischer Elemente auf allen Gebieten der industriellen Analytik. Aufbau und Funktion eines Atom-Absorptions-Spektrophotometers werden beschrieben und die verschiedenen Stormoglichkeiten ebenso wie deren Beseitigung diskutiert. Vor- und Nachteile der Flamme als Atomisierungsmittel werden besprochen und die Einsatzmoglichkeiten der flammlosen Atomisierung speziell in der Graphitrohrkuvette diskutiert. Anwendungsbeispiele aus der Metallurgie, der Olanalyse, der Polymerchemie sowie der Wasseranalytik u. a. werden gegeben. Application of Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy in Industrial Analysis. Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy is highly useful for the determination of metallic elements in all fields of industrial analysis, due to its high specifity and selectivity, its few interferences, and its high flexibility. Design and function of an Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer are described, and the different possible interferences are discussed as well as the possibilities for overcoming them. Advantages and disadvantages of the flame as a means of atomisation are mentioned, and the application possibilities of the flameless atomisation, especially in the graphite furnace, are discussed. Examples for the application of AA are given from the fields of metallurgy, oil analysis, chemistry of polymers, and of water analysis.
Nucleosome‐specific antibody from an autoimmune mrl/mp‐lpr/lpr mouse

Objective. To characterize the binding properties and variable-region sequences of LG4-1, a monoclonal antibody from an autoimmune MRL/Mp-lpr/lpr mouse that reacts specifically with nucleosome core particles and represents a new antinuclear antibody specificity. Methods. The reactivity of the antibody against various nuclear substrates was determined using an enzymatic immunoassay, and the variable-region genes were sequenced from messenger RNA, using the dideoxy chain termination method. Results. LG4-1 was found to react with nucleosome core particles but not with individual histones and DNA, or with various histone–histone and histone–DNA complexes. It was demonstrated that this antibody is encoded by a combination of variable-region genes and gene segments that have undergone few somatic mutations. Conclusion. The nucleosome core particle expresses a unique conformational autoepitope(s) resulting from the ordered association of histones and DNA.
Biomass and Defoliation Tolerance of 12 Populations of Pseudoroegneria spicata at Two Densities

Abstract Pseudoroegneria spicata (Pursh.) A. Love is an important native grass of the rangelands of the Intermountain West, USA and is widely used in this region for restoration applications. High grazing preference, together with high grazing sensitivity, has reduced the abundance of this species, indicating the need for the development of grazing-tolerant plant materials. While a genotype may be defoliation tolerant at low density, e.g., in an experimental setting, an effective grazing-tolerant genotype must also display this trait at higher densities resembling those found in natural and restoration settings. We compared 12 restoration plant materials for response to spring-defoliation at high (25 plants · m−2) and low (8 plants · m−2) plant densities in a field experiment. Two consecutive years of spring-defoliation reduced shoot biomass 19% compared to the nonspring-defoliated control, and this reduction was similar for the two densities examined. Two populations, P-3 and Acc:238, were able to compen...
The Effect of Solution Thermal History on Chicken Egg White Lysozyme Nucleation

Proteins are highly flexible molecules and often exhibit defined conformational changes in response to changes in the ambient temperature. Chicken egg white lysozyme has been previously shown to undergo an apparent structural change when warmed above the tetragonal/orthorhombic phase transition temperature. This is reflected by a change in the habit of the tetragonal and orthorhombic crystals so formed. In this study, we show that possible conformational changes induced by heating are stable and apparently non-reversible by simple cooling. Exposure of protein solutions to temperatures above the phase change transition temperature, before combining with precipitant solution to begin crystallization, reduces final crystal numbers. Protein that is briefly warmed to 37 C, then cooled shows no sign of reversal to the unheated nucleation behavior even after storage for four weeks at 4 C. The change in nucleation behavior of tetragonal lysozyme crystals, attributed to a structural shift, occurs faster the greater the exposure to temperature above the equi-solubility point for the two phases. Heating for 2 hours at 48 C reduces crystal numbers by 20 fold in comparison to the same solution heated for the same time at 30 C. Thermal treatment of solutions is therefore a possible tool to reduce crystal numbers and increase crystal size. The effects of a protein's previous thermal history are now shown to be a potentially critical factor in subsequent macromolecule crystal nucleation and growth studies.
Patellar component resection arthroplasty for the severely compromised patella

When severe bone loss precludes reimplantation of a new patellar component during revision knee arthroplasty, the treatment options include patellar bone grafting, patellar component resection arthroplasty, and patellectomy. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the clinical and functional results of patellar component resection arthroplasty for the severely compromised patella for which insertion of another patellar component was not possible. Thirty-five knees (31 patients) were treated with patellar component resection arthroplasty for aseptic patellar component failure associated with severely compromised patellar bone stock. Followup averaged 7.9 years (range, 2-18 years). There was a significant improvement in Knee Society pain and function scores. Pain relief was more dramatic than functional improvement. The range of motion also improved significantly and in particular preoperative extensor lag was resolved in the majority of patients. Patients treated with isolated patellar resection arthroplasty were more likely to have continuing pain and require reoperation compared with patients who had concomitant revision of the tibial and femoral components. Correct positioning and the stability of tibial and femoral components should be tested carefully at the time of patellar resection arthroplasty and considered for revision if malpositioned either axially or rotationally.
Linkage Analysis of a Complex Disease through Use of Admixed Populations

Linkage disequilibrium arising from the recent admixture of genetically distinct populations can be potentially useful in mapping genes for complex diseases. McKeigue has proposed a method that conditions on parental admixture to detect linkage. We show that this method tests for linkage only under specific assumptions, such as equal admixture in the parental generation and admixture that occurs in a single generation. In practice, these assumptions are unlikely to hold for natural populations, resulting in an inflation of the type I error rate when testing for linkage by this method. In this article, we generalize McKeigue's approach of testing for linkage to allow two different admixture models: (1) intermixture admixture and (2) continuous gene flow. We calculate the sample size required for a genomewide search by this method under different disease models: multiplicative, additive, recessive, and dominant. Our results show that the sample size required to obtain 90% power to detect a putative mutant allele at a genomewide significance level of 5% can usually be achieved in practice if informative markers are available at a density of 2 cM.
Nocardiosis in 30 Patients with Advanced Human Immunodeficiency Virus Infection: Clinical Features and Outcome

A total of 30 patients (aged 6-56 years) with nocardiosis and infection due to human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) were identified in our institution between January 1985 and June 1989. Eighteen patients had an AIDS-defining illness before or concurrently with nocardiosis. The mean CD4 lymphocyte count was 109/mm3. Pulmonary nocardiosis in 21 patients, extra-pulmonary nocardiosis in 8, and pulmonary and extrapulmonary nocardiosis in 1 patient was diagnosed. Chest radiographs showed alveolar patterns of infiltrates in 14 patients, reticulonodular patterns in 2, mixed alveolar and reticulonodular patterns in 6, cavitation in 4, and pleural effusion in 3. Of 27 patients treated, the conditions of 22 improved, but the extensive disease in 5 progressed. For 14 patients, recurrence was rapid after their treatment was discontinued. Nocardiosis caused or contributed to the death of 19 patients; in six patients, there was no evidence of nocardial infection at death. Nocardiosis can be a fatal complication of advanced HIV-1 disease. Delayed diagnosis, extensive disease, and early discontinuation of treatment were associated with poor outcome.
Glyoxalase II, a Detoxifying Enzyme of Glycolysis Byproduct Methylglyoxal and a Target of p63 and p73, Is a Pro-survival Factor of the p53 Family

The p53 family proteins are transcription factors and have both common and distinct functions. p53 is a classic tumor suppressor, whereas p63 and p73 have fundamental functions in development. To gain an insight into the functional diversities among the p53 family, target genes specifically regulated by p63 and p73 were examined. Here, we found that the GLX2 gene, which encodes glyoxalase II enzyme, is up-regulated by p63 and p73. Accordingly, a specific responsive element was found in intron 1 of the GLX2 gene, which can be activated and bound by p63 and p73. We also found that, upon overexpression, the cytosolic, but not the mitochondrial, GLX2 inhibits the apoptotic response of a cell to methylglyoxal, a by-product of glycolysis. Likewise, we showed that cells deficient in GLX2 are hypersensitive to methylglyoxal-induced apoptosis. Interestingly, a deficiency in GLX2 also enhances the susceptibility of a cell to DNA damage-induced apoptosis in a p53-dependent manner. These observations reveal a novel link between the p53 family and the glyoxalase system. Given that methylglyoxal is frequently generated under both physiological and pathological conditions, we postulate that GLX2 serves as a pro-survival factor of the p53 family and plays a critical role in the normal development and in the pathogenesis of various human diseases, including cancer, diabetes, and neurodegenerative diseases.
Time for Revisionism on Rent Control

Economists' traditional hostility to rent contols is based on models that treat the housing market as perfectly competitive and on the experience with 'hard' controls in New York City and many European countries following World War II. The current 'soft' rent control systems in North America are varied and qualitatively different from earlier hard controls. The theoretical case against them is weak, particularly when the housing market is viewed as imperfectly competitive. The empirical case against them is weak, too. Economists should reconsider their blanket opposition to current rent control systems and evaluate them on a case-by-case basis.
Compressive Estimation of a Spatial Gaussian Process

In this paper, we consider estimating the spatial variations of a field that can be represented by a Gaussian process, based on a small number of observations in a sensor network. We consider cases where the underlying dynamical model is unobservable and therefore the traditional filtering approaches are not able to estimate the field's hyper parameters. More specifically, we look at the Gaussian process with Gaussian radial basis, which is a good regression model for a smooth field. We then propose an integrated log-likelihood and sparsity-based estimator. Furthermore, we apply the random projections over the field to improve the RIC properties and the overall performance for the case of narrow Kernels. We also discuss the impact of different Gaussian field parameters on the estimation. Overall, the proposed framework can be applied to compressively sample and estimate any field that can be represented by Gaussian processes.
Standardizing antimicrobial susceptibility testing of Campylobacter species.

We concur with the conclusion of Hakanen et al. (A. Hakanen, P. Huovinen, P. Kotilainen, A. Siitunen, and H. Jousimies-Somer, Letter, J. Clin. Microbiol. 40:2705-2706, 2002) in that a global surveillance of Campylobacter spp. would be enhanced by the acceptance of a standardized antimicrobial susceptibility testing method including the identification of an appropriate quality control (QC) organism. In June 2002, we presented to the National Committee for Clinical Laboratory Standards (NCCLS) subcommittees on Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing (AST) and Veterinary Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing (VAST) a recommended testing method and QC organism for the in vitro susceptibility testing of bacteria belonging to the genus Campylobacter. These data were generated from an international multilaboratory study in which seven test sites were involved. The recommended testing method was agar dilution, and the QC organism was Campylobacter jejuni isolate ATCC 33560. We also recommended QC ranges for five antimicrobial agents: ciprofloxacin, doxycycline, gentamicin, meropenem, and tetracycline. This testing method was validated by including human clinical isolates of C. jejuni, C. coli, C. doylei, C. fetus, and C. lari. Both subcommittees accepted our recommendations for the testing method, the QC organism, and the QC ranges for the five antimicrobial agents. The testing method is available in the NCCLS documents M31-A2 (testing method and tentative QC ranges) and M7-A6 with corresponding M100-S13 Supplemental Tables (available in January 2003).
Spatial mapping of the biomechanical properties of rabbit cornea after cross-linking using optical coherence elastography

Keratoconus, a structural degeneration of the cornea, is often treated with UV-induced collagen cross-linking (CXL) to increase tissue resistance to further deformation and degeneration. Optimal treatment would be customized to the individual and consider pre-existing biomechanical properties as well as the effects induced by CXL. This requires the capability to noninvasively measure corneal mechanical properties. In this study, we demonstrate the use of phase-stabilized swept source optical coherence elastography (PhS-SSOCE) to assess the relaxation rate of a deformation which was induced by a focused air-pulse in tissue-mimicking gelatin phantoms of various concentration and partially cross-linked rabbit corneas. The temporal relaxation process was utilized to estimate the Young’s modulus from a newly developed model based elasticity reconstruction method. Due to the high spatial sensitivity of PhS-SSOCE, the deformation was only a few microns. The results show that the relaxation process was successfully used to differentiate the untreated (UT) and CXL region of the cornea. The results also indicate that the CXL regions had faster relaxation rates and greater Young’s moduli than the UT regions. Therefore, this method can be used to spatially assess the stiffness of the cornea. This non-contact and noninvasive measurement technique utilizes minimal force for excitation and can be potentially used to study the biomechanical properties of ocular and other sensitive tissues.
Revisiting the rise and fall of false recall: Presentation rate effects depend on retention interval

Leading theories of false memory predict that veridical and false recall of lists of semantically associated words can be dissociated by varying the presentation speed during study. Specifically, as presentation rate increases from milliseconds to seconds, veridical recall is predicted to increase monotonically while false recall is predicted to show a rapid rise and then a slow decrease--a pattern shown by McDermott and Watson (2001) in a study using immediate recall tests. In three experiments we tested the generality of the effects of rapid presentation rates on veridical and false memory. In Experiments 1 and 2 participants exhibited high levels of false recall on a delayed recall test, even for very fast stimulus onset asynchronies (SOA)--contrary to predictions from leading theories of false memory. When we switched to an immediate recall test in Experiment 3 we replicated the pattern predicted by the theories and observed by McDermott and Watson. Follow-up analyses further showed that the relative output position of false recalls is not affected by presentation rate, contrary to predictions from fuzzy trace theory. Implications for theories of false memory, including activation monitoring theory and fuzzy trace theory, are discussed.
Using components of the vitamin D pathway to prevent and treat colon cancer

The objective of this review was to analyze the components of vitamin D and their potential usefulness in preventing and treating colorectal cancer. The active form of vitamin D, 1α,25(OH(2) )D(3) , targets the wnt/β-catenin pathway by upregulating key tumor suppressor genes such as E-cadherin, which promotes an epithelial phenotype, but this is only possible when the vitamin D receptor (VDR) is present. Colorectal cell lines have shown that VDR expression levels decrease in the later stages of colon cancer. In colorectal cancers with low VDR expression, treatments to increase VDR expression could target alterations at the genomic and epigenomic levels by modulating transcription factors such as SNAIL1 and by utilizing histone deacetyltransferase inhibitors, respectively. Finally, epidemiological studies suggest that the current US Recommended Dietary Allowance should be increased to 2,000 IU in order to raise serum 25(OH)D(3) levels above 30 ng/mL. This increase in vitamin D status can be obtained most efficiently from sun exposure or vitamin D supplementation. In summary, vitamin D and its metabolites could be utilized in strategies to treat and prevent colon cancer.
The distribution of processes underlying a teen-advice online community: YesNoMaybe.com

The primary finding of this research is that an online-advice community is an emergent system resulting from the synthesis of three basic processes: schema formation, schema sharing, and schema gathering. I end by showing how knowledge of these processes allows the transformation of advice communities into higher-level information systems like autonomous businesses.
Rapid purification of adenylate kinase from human erythrocytes and skeletal muscle

Abstract Adenylate kinase from human erythrocytes and skeletal muscle can be purified to homogeneity by a new procedure based on DEAE-Sepharose and Blue Sepharose affinity chromatography and Sephadex G-75 fractionation. For the enzyme purified from erythrocytes the specific activity is 3000 U/mg of protein, and the overall yield is 70%. For the enzyme purified from skeletal muscle the specific activity is 2075 U/mg of protein, and the overall yield is 44%. The sequence of steps takes advantage of the high isoelectric point, the high affinity for Blue Sepharose, and the low molecular weight of the isoenzyme from these two human tissues.
Computer Aided Tolerance assignment

Abstract Tolerances are basic to the production of every part. This is because perfect parts cannot be produced with existing processes and machines. The determination of tolerances for the individual parts of a functional assembly is critical, but not trivial. Numerous approaches are suggested in past literature for (analytical) tolerance allocation. With the advent of total automation, more attempts are being made to computerize manual design tasks. Tolerance design, assignment and allocation can also be fully automated if the assembly function can be estimated by the computer. In the present paper, an attempt is made to computerize tolerance assignment. A simple example of a two piece assembly, viz., a fit, is used to demonstrate the developed methodology. A feature extraction is first performed from both detail and assembly drawings. Then, probable assembly interfaces are determined using a rule based procedure. Consequently, tolerances are assigned to the basic dimensions of each feature and to the assembly interfaces using a tolerance database and user interaction. More complex analysis for tolerance allocation is also under study.
The tissue distribution of hexosaminidase S and hexosaminidase C.

SUMMARY The proportion of hex S to hex C in normal and Sandhoff's fibroblasts was determined to be between 1:1 and 1:2 by differential staining of hex S at pH 4.4 with 4-methylumbelliferyl-β-N-acetylgalactosaminide and of hex C at pH 7.0 with 4-methylumbelliferyl-β-N-acetylglucosaminide. Hex S and hex C were also semi-quantitated in various normal tissues-brain, liver, spleen, heart, kidney, intestine, placenta, skeletal muscle and fibroblasts. Hex C was most prominent in brain and, somewhat less so, in liver, skeletal muscle and fibroblasts. The greatest amount of hex S activity was found in fibroblast, but it was also observed in lesser amounts in liver, kidney, intestine and placenta.
New information from radial velocity data sets

Radial velocity data sets hold information about the direct observability (e.g., separation and flux) of inferred companions. They also contain information about the types of Keplerian solution compatible with the data. "Monte Carlo projection" and "χ2 portrayal" are two techniques for discovering and pursuing the implications of this information. The first (projection) involves random solutions consistent with the data set, from which we can estimate (1) the probability distribution of the true solution in the six-dimensional space of the Keplerian parameters and (2) the probability distribution of the companion's position in space at future times, in order to predict observability. The second technique (portrayal) involves the distribution in parameter space of values of the numerical χ2 function, from which we can estimate the regions that contain the true solution at various levels of confidence. We study the case of HD 72659, a Sun-like star at 51 pc with a radial velocity companion inferred from 16 data points. We find at least two types of Keplerian solutions present in the data set: (1) periods 2500-25,000 days and eccentricity 0-0.8 (type A1), (2) periods 25,000-250,000 days and eccentricity 0.8-0.95 (type A2), and (3) periods 2000-2500 days and eccentricity 0-0.5 (type B). (Types A1 and A2 may not be distinct.) Pursuing direct observability, we randomize the inclination angle and compute the apparent separation, true separation, and phase angle of the companion. We compute a minimum flux ratio to the star assuming no self-luminosity and that the companion is Jupiter sized and has Jupiter's albedo and the phase function of a Lambert sphere. We plot the probability distribution of direct observability at specific epochs.