cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Patients with malignant meningitis presenting with neuropsychiatric manifestations.

Background. Malignant meningitis is often thought of as a late event in the course of cancer. At one time, it was thought to be rare, but it has been recognized more frequently in recent times. Clinical suspicion of malignant meningitis is prompted by neurologic symptoms and signs in patients at risk for this oncologic complication. Neuropsychiatric symptoms previously were not considered as presenting symptoms of malignant meningitis. Methods. Three patients with cancer with no neurologic symptoms were examined for malignant meningitis based on neuropsychiatric symptoms. Cerebrospinal fluid was examined for malignant cells to confirm the diagnosis of malignant meningitis. Results. The clinical presentation of malignant meningitis for three patients was neuropsychiatric. None of the patients had delirium during their initial presentation. Conclusions. It is important that clinicians recognize that psychiatric symptoms without neurologic findings may indicate malignant meningitis and that malignant meningitis needs to be included in the differential diagnosis of neuropsychiatric disorders in patients with cancer.
Evaluation of CMIP5 dynamic sea surface height multi-model simulations against satellite observations

We evaluate the representation of dynamic sea surface height (SSH) fields of 33 global coupled models (GCMs) contributed to the fifth phase of the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project (CMIP5). We use observations from satellite altimetry and basic performance metrics to quantify the ability of the GCMs to replicate observed SSH of the time-mean, seasonal cycle, and inter-annual variability patterns. The time-mean SSH representation has markedly improved from CMIP3 to CMIP5, both in terms of overall reduction in root-mean square differences, and in terms of reduced GCM ensemble spread. Biases of the time-mean SSH field in the Indian and Pacific Ocean equatorial regions are consistent with biases in the zonal surface wind stress fields identified with independent measurements. In the Southern Ocean, the latitude of the maximum meridional gradient of the zonal mean SSH CMIP5 models is shifted equatorward, consistent with the GCMs’ spatial biases in the maximum of the zonal mean westerly surface wind stress fields. However, while the Southern Ocean SSH gradients correlate well with the maximum Antarctic circumpolar current transports, there is no significant correlation with the maximum zonal mean wind stress amplitudes, consistent with recent findings that the eddy parameterisations in GCMs dominate over wind stress amplitudes in this region. There is considerable spread across the CMIP5 ensemble for the seasonal and interannual SSH variability patterns. Because of the short observational period, the interannual variability patterns depend on the time-period over which they are derived, while no such dependency is found for the time-mean patterns. The model performance metrics for SSH presented here provide insight into GCM shortcoming due to inadequate model physics or processes. While the diagnostics of CMIP5 GCM performance relative to observations reveal that some models are clearly better than others, model performance is sensitive to the spatio-temporal scales chosen.
Physicochemical properties of a nonpeptide cyclic urea HIV protease inhibitor (DMP 323)

Abstract DMP 323 ([4R-(4α, 5α, 6β, 7β)]-hexahydro-5,6-bis(hydroxy)-1,3-bis ([(4-hydroxymethyl)phenyl]methyl)-4,7-bis(phenylmethyl)-2H-1,3-diazepin-2-one), a potent inhibitor of HIV protease and HIV replication, is a white irregular-shaped nonhygroscopic crystalline material. Differential scanning calorimetry revealed a single melt peak at 195.7°C. DMP 323 was practically insoluble in water at 10 µg/ml (pH 8.1) at 25°C. The aqueous solubility was unaffected by changes in pH. The logarithm of the solubility of DMP 323 is a linear function of the percentage of water miscible cosolvents. The highest solubility values of DMP 323 were 272 mg/ml in 95% (v/v) ethanol in water, 160 mg/ml in propylene glycol, 144 mg/ml in polyethylene glycol 400, 65.5 mg/ml in 70% (w/w) polyethylene glycol 1450 in water, 64.2 mg/ml in polyoxyethylene sorbitan monooleate, and 1.61 mg/ml in glycerin. DMP 323 was stable as a function of pH with no loss observed at pH 3, 5, 7, 9 and 12.7 in aqueous buffers containing 5% (v/v) methanol after eight weeks at 40°C. In polyethylene glycol 400 solutions, the degradation of DMP 323 was approximated with apparent first order kinetics at elevated temperatures. Butylated hydroxytoluene and butylated hydroxyanisole were effective antioxidants in reducing the degradation in polyethylene glycol 400 solutions while citric acid afforded no protection from the degradation. Argon flushing was effective at reducing the oxidative degradation in polyethylene glycol 400 solutions stored at room temperature. Consistent with the oxidative degradation, DMP 323 degraded to the mono- and dibenzaldehyde, the monobenzoic acid, and the monobenzaldehyde monobenzoic acid derivatives.
The effect of 3-aminobenzamide on the frequency of X-ray- or neutron-induced chromosome aberrations in cycling or non-cycling human lymphocytes.

Abstract 3-Aminobenzamide (3-AB) is a potent inhibitor of poly(ADP-ribose) synthesis in mammalian cells. It was found to cause a 2-fold increase in dicentric frequency following X-irradiation of 9–18 h PHA-stimulated human lymphocytes, while 3-AB by itself had no effect on aberration frequency. In contrast to previously reported data, however, our results indicate that 3-AB does not increase the frequency of aberrations following either neutron or X-ray exposure of unstimulated (G 0 ) human lymphocytes. Although 3-AB incubation after X-ray exposure in G 1 caused a large incerase in dicentrics, there was no effect of 3-AB incubation following neutron exposure in G 1 . The implications of these experiments are presently uncertain, but they do, however, suggest the importance of cycling cells for 3-AB to exert its enhancement effect, presumbly on some step of DNA repair. Furthermore, these data support the hypothesis that there are different mechanisms of chromosome aberration induction with fission neutrons and X-rays (at X-ray doses above 50 rad).
Beyond Fact or Artifact: An Assessment of Fishbein and Middlestadt's Perspectives on Attitude Change Processes

In this brief article, we respond to some specific issues raised in Fishbein and Middlestadt's (F & M's; 1995) article. We suggest that F & M's perspective is inconsistent with current research findings, and we focus on examining how various moderator variables may influence the processes of attitude formation and change. Next, we discuss the links between theory and measurement and issues that we feel need to be prioritized in this area in the light of F & M's comments.
IMPACT OF RIGHT VENTRICULAR DYSFUNCTION ON THE OUTCOME OF TRANSCATHETER AORTIC VALVE REPLACEMENT

Patients undergoing TAVR between 2008 and 2013 at Mayo Clinic were included in the study. Of 268 patients who had TAVR, 145 (age 81.3±7.2 yrs, AVA 0.79±0.15cm2) had comprehensive assessment of RV function by fractional area change (FAC), tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE), systolic
Experimental Infection with Low and High Pathogenicity H7N3 Chilean Avian Influenza Viruses in Chiloe Wigeon (Anas sibilatrix) and Cinnamon Teal (Anas cyanoptera)

SUMMARY. Two different wild duck species common in Chile and neighboring countries, Chiloe wigeon (Anas sibilatrix) and cinnamon teal (Anas cyanoptera), were intranasally inoculated with 106 mean embryo infective dose (EID50) of the H7N3 low pathogenicity (LP) avian influenza virus (AIV) (A/chicken/Chile/176822/02) or high pathogenicity (HP) AIV (A/chicken/Chile/184240-1/02), in order to study the infectivity and pathobiology of these viruses. None of the virus-inoculated ducks had clinical signs or died, but most seroconverted by 14 days postinoculation (DPI), indicating a productive virus infection. Both LPAIV and HPAIV were isolated from oral swabs from two of six Chiloe wigeons and from oral and/or cloacal swabs from all five of the cinnamon teal at 2 DPI. Both LPAIV and HPAIV were efficiently transmitted to cinnamon teal contacts but not to Chiloe wigeon contacts. This study demonstrates that the cinnamon teal and Chiloe wigeons were susceptible to infection with both Chilean H7N3 LPAIV and HPAIV, bu...
Fused-Silica Micro Birdbath Resonator Gyroscope ( $\mu$ -BRG)

We present a 3-D fused-silica micro-scale shell gyroscope, called the birdbath resonator gyroscope (BRG). The BRGs axisymmetric geometry leads to a good frequency and Q symmetry. The birdbath resonator can be fabricated with a good structural symmetry because its anchor is self-aligned to the rest of the structure. The BRG has n=2 wine-glass modes at 10.5 kHz and has a large frequency separation between the n=2 wine-glass modes and the closest parasitic mode (|fparasitic-fn=2|/fn=2=0.3), which will potentially lead to a low vibration sensitivity. The equations of motion for 3-D shell gyroscopes are derived and the effective mass and angular gain of the BRG is estimated using finite element method (FEM). The BRG is fabricated using a 3-D micrometer-blow-torching process and assembly on an electrode substrate made with the silicon-on-glass process. The BRG is operated in the force-rebalance mode at vacuum at room temperature and has a scale factor of 27.9 mV/(deg/s), a full-scale range , an angle random walk of 0.106 deg/√h, and a bias stability of 1 deg/h. A large angular gain (0.317) is measured, which is close to the estimated value of 0.25 obtained via FEM.
Human alpha tumor necrosis factor does not damage cultures containing rat Schwann cells and sensory neurons

The effects of recombinant human alpha tumor necrosis factor (alpha-TNF) were compared with those of cytotoxic serum from patients with the acute Guillain-Barre syndrome (GBS) in myelinated cultures containing only rat Schwann cells and dorsal root ganglion neurons. Alpha-TNF did not damage rat peripheral nervous system tissue in culture. These observations suggest that alpha-TNF is not responsible for the cytotoxic activity of acute GBS serum in culture.
Genetic basis of tobacco budworm resistance to an engineered Pseudomonas fluorescens expressing the δ-endotoxin of Bacillus thuringiensis kurstaki

Abstract Inheritance of tobacco budworm (Heliothis virescens) resistance to a recombinant Pseudomonas expressing the 130-kDa δ-endotoxin protein of Bacillus thuringiensis strain HD-1 was studied. The tobacco budworm line used was 12-fold more resistant to the endotoxin (LC50) than the susceptible strain. Resistance was autosomally inherited, incompletely dominant, and controlled by several genetic factors. Genetic control of resistance was unstable. An unchallenged line with an initial resistance of 69-fold that of the susceptible line declined to 13-fold by generation 5 of nonselection.
Plastic flow in ductile materials containing a cubic array of rigid spheres

Abstract The results of three-dimensional finite element calculations are presented for a cubic array of rigid spherical inclusions embedded in an elastic perfectly plastic matrix. The analysis examines the strengthening effect of the inclusions under macroscopic loads of uniaxial tension and pure shear. At low volume fractions, the fractional increase in strength is more modest than the volume fraction of particles, and only becomes comparable at around 40% loading. The local stress and deformation fields in the region of the inclusion are presented. The numerical results show that for volume fractions of inclusions below about 25% the surface tractions on the inclusion have the same order of magnitude as the matrix material's tensile yield stress. Volume fractions of 40% particles are necessary before the interface tractions are approximately double the yield strength.
Challenges in midface reconstruction.

Defects of the midface and maxilla are often the most challenging problems faced by the reconstructive surgeon. Resections that involve critical structures of the face such as the nose, eyelids, and lips in conjunction with the maxilla can be particularly difficult to reconstruct. The algorithm for reconstruction of these defects is usually based on the extent of maxilla that is resected. A classification system for maxillectomy defects is the most useful way to approach these reconstructions. A vast majority of extensive defects involving the maxilla and midface require free flap reconstructions. The type of flap selected is based on the extent of skin, soft tissue, and bone that is resected. Smaller volume defects with large skin surface requirements are best reconstructed with the radial forearm fasciocutaneous or osteocutaneous flaps. Larger soft-tissue volume and skin surface can be provided by the rectus abdominus myocutaneous flap. Critical structures such as lips, eyelids, and nose should be reconstructed separately, using local flaps if at all possible. The free tissue transfer should ideally not be incorporated into these structures. Most patients with even the largest resections can be restored to fairly good function by following this algorithm. Semin. Surg. Oncol. 19:218–225, 2000. © 2000 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Cosmic Effects of Gravitational Waves

KAFKA1 has considered the possibility that gravitational radiation is of primordial origin. He treated this radiation in the high frequency limit2 and used the Friedmann equations to determine its effect on the evolution of the cosmos. Using Weber's intensity measurements, he found that the lifetime of the universe would be shortened to 3.3 × 109 yr and concluded that the observed wave pulses cannot be remnants of the big bang.
Sexual harassment: An ominous liability for healthcare professionals

Sexual harassment can arise in virtually any employment setting. Healthcare facilities must be careful to avoid sexual harassment of their employees both by other employees and by the myriad other persons who may come into contact with their employees in the workplace. Much of what makes sexual harassment an actionable offense are the perceptions of the victim. Employers should take a proactive approach to preventing, detecting and correcting instances of harassment.
Double-Layer Capacitor Electrolytes Using 1,3-D ioxolane for Low Temperature Operation

Double-layer capacitor electrolytes employing 1,3-dioxolane as a cosolvent with acetonitrile have been evaluated in coin cells using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and dc charging and discharging tests. Addition of the lower-melting-point 1,3-dioxolane to the standard acetonitrile solvent was found to extend the low-temperature operational range of test cells beyond that of commercially available cells. By adjusting the concentration of the tetraethylammonium tetrafluoroborate salt used, the equivalent series resistance can be minimized to enable optimal power delivery at a given temperature.
Ratings within and across ethnic boundaries of methods of one on one reading instruction.

Abstract Selected video segments of eight instructional sessions were evaluated by 39 speech language pathologists (SLPs). Each involved one of four first grade female students at-risk for academic difficulties being instructed by an African American SLP. In half the videos instruction was focused on story content (whole language) and in the other half on form (sound-symbol correspondence). Raters judged the child's comprehension, and the clinician's clarity and enthusiasm. Videos appeared in a random order. Raters received no advance information about the orientation of instruction or demography. Two of the children were African Americans, one was Caucasian, and one Hispanic. All used American English as their home language. With respect to efficacy of methods, ratings significantly favored the content (whole language) orientation in agreement with an independent count of miscues and scores for story retelling. However, ratings across ethnic boundaries differed with quantitative measures suggesting possible stereotyping. Learning outcomes: As a result of reading this article, participants will be able to (1) discuss factors that may color interactions with at-risk clients, (2) distinguish surface oriented (sound-symbol) approaches to reading instruction from content (meaning) oriented approaches, (3) describe influences of ethnicity on qualitative judgments crucial to clinical interactions.
SMART Recovery Continuing Care Considerings for Rehabilitation Counselors

Peer support groups are the most utilized form of treatment for individuals recovering from substance abuse and substance dependence. This study examined an understudied peer support program (Self-...
Nickel (Ni2+) Enhancement of α-Tubulin Acetylation in Cultured 3T3 Cells

Abstract Stable microtubules (MTs) are well known to contain acetylated α-tubulin. Ni2+-induced MT bundling may be accompanied with such tubulin post-translational modification. To explore this possibility as a mechanism of Ni2+-induced cytoskeletal injury, we have examined acetylated α-tubulin levels in cultured 3T3 cells by both immunoprecipitation assays and fluorescent staining of MTs using a monoclonal antibody (clone 6-11B-1) specific for acetylated α-tubulin. Cell extracts prepared from [35S]methionine labeled cultures in the presence or absence of Ni2+were immunoprecipitated and analyzed by SDS-PAGE followed by autoradiography. A predominant protein band (molecular mass 55 kDa), representing acetylated α-tubulin, appeared in Ni2+-treated cells in a dose and time-dependent manner whereas the corresponding labeled protein band was only barely detectable in control cells. Consistent with the immunoblot findings, MTs in control 3T3 cells in the absence of Ni2+were not labeled by the 6-11B-1 antibody except for some short, discontinuous segments localized in the cell center or the perinuclear MT organizing center area. In contrast, treatment of cells with NiCl2(2 m M for 20 hr) resulted in, as expected, the formation of MT bundles that were intensely stained by the 6-11B-1 monoclonal antibody specific for acetylated α-tubulin. Furthermore, MTs containing acetylated α-tubulin in Ni2+-treated cells were resistant to disassembly induced by nocodazole, and at least partially resistant to cold temperature (0°C), which also depolymerizes MTs. Since acetylated α-tubulin serves as a marker for the presence of stable MTs, the marked enhancement of α-tubulin acetylation in Ni2+-treated cells indicates that stabilization of MTs may be an important mechanism by which Ni2+induces cell injury since stabilized MTs in turn should favor MT bundling, an unusual form of cytoskeletal perturbation in response to Ni2+exposure.
Convergence and extension movements affect dynamic notochord-somite interactions essential for zebrafish slow muscle morphogenesis.

During vertebrate gastrulation, convergence and extension (CEtrilobite non-canonical Wnt mutants, defective CEtrilobite double mutants maintain prolonged contact with the notochord and fail to rotate anteriorly. Such a defect was suppressed by physical removal of their notochord or by introducing wild-type notochord cells into the mutant. We propose that in the double mutants, impaired C&E movements disrupt notochord development, which impedes the adaxial cell shape changes. Developmental Dynamics 236:2742–2756, 2007. © 2007 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Cardiopulmonary bypass renders patients at risk for multiple organ failure via early neutrophil priming and late neutrophil disability.

Abstract Background. Cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) is associated with a systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) and these patients are recognized to be at increased risk for delayed infectious complications. We have documented that circulating neutrophils (PMNs) from patients manifesting SIRS have evidence of early postinjury priming for cytotoxicity. Consequently, we hypothesized that CPB would result in early postoperative PMN hyperresponsiveness (priming). Materials and methods. Six patients (mean age 50 ± 2.9 years) who underwent CPB for CABG had sequential blood samples obtained perioperatively. PMNs were isolated and superoxide anion (O−2) generation (nmol O−2/3.75 × 105 PMNs/min) was measured by reduction of cytochrome c after exposure to fMLP, C5a, or PMA; elastase release (% total PMN elastase content) was measured by cleavage of AAPV-pNA after exposure to fMLP or C5a. Results. PMNs were activated for increased elastase release 6 h after initiation of CPB. Significant PMN priming for O−2 production was discovered at 3, 6, and 12 h following CPB and for elastase release at 3 and 6 h after CPB. At 2 to 3 days after CPB, O−2 generation was significantly less than that of the preoperative control. Neutrophil primability with PAF was detected at 6 h after CPB. A similar defect in PAF-primable O−2 production was seen 2 and 3 days post-CPB. Direct PMN interrogation with the receptor-independent activator PMA revealed loss of integrity of the NADPH oxidase at 2 and 3 days following CPB. Conclusions. A vulnerable window exists between 3 and 12 h after CPB when PMNs are primed for enhanced cytotoxicity via O−2 production and elastase release. Paradoxically, PMN oxidase integrity becomes deficient 48 h post-CPB, while protease degranulation remains intact. These events render the bypass patient at risk for multiple organ failure via both early PMN-mediated tissue injury and delayed infectious complications.
Spatio-temporal fluctuations in the distribution and abundance of demersal fish and epibenthic crustaceans in Yaquina Bay, Oregon

A total of over 32,000 demersal fish and epibenthic crustaceans belonging to 62 species were caught in 42 biweekly trawls from 10 stations in Yaquina Bay, Oregon, during 1967 and 1968. English sole,Parophrys vetulus, was the most abundant species. Seventeen species (13 fishes and 4 crustaceans) constituted 95% of the catch. Total numerical abundances of both individuals (mainly juvenile fishes) and species were greatest in the lower 12 km of the estuary during summer and early fall, a period of water mass stability and increased water temperature and salinity. This section of the estuary is used by many immature fishes and crustaceans as a “nursery area”. These fishes generally emigrate from the estuary as subadults in the fall around the onset of the rainy season. The fewest species were taken in January 1968 from the central, upper-estuarine, and riverine areas of the bay, this being a time when high rainfall and river discharge result in low salinity and temperature. Crustaceans (shrimp and subadult crabs) were generally most abundant in late winter and early spring throughout the estuary. Changes in diversity indices reflected variations in community structure, the influence of migratory species and juvenile fishes, and seasonal changes in dominance. Year-to-year fluctuations in abundance may be due, in part, to local hydrographic and meteorological conditions along the central Oregon coast.
Character of ‘prolate’ galaxies

It is still not known whether elliptical galaxies are oblate, prolate or triaxial. The prototype prolate galaxy NGC2685 has a rapid observed stellar rotation rate around the projected minor axis. It is shown that a steady figure, exactly prolate model can have no such rotation, and that a nearly prolate model fails by a factor of 7. The galaxy is suggested to be oblate with gas disk that is the wreck of a dwarf companion.
Wnt pathway antagonists and angiogenesis

Dysregulation of the Wnt pathway has been extensively studied in multiple diseases, including some angiogenic disorders. Wnt signaling activation is a major stimulator in pathological angiogenesis and thus, Wnt antagonists are believed to have therapeutic potential for neovascular disorders. Actually, some Wnt antagonists have been identified directly from the anti-angiogenic factor family. This review summarizes the recent progress toward understanding of the roles of Wnt pathway antagonists in angiogenic regulation and their mechanism of action, and exploring their therapeutic potential.
Durability related transport properties of OPC and slag cement mortars hardened under different environmental conditions

Abstract In this work, the durability performances of mortars made with an ordinary Portland cement and a slag cement, were tested. These mortars were exposed to four different constant temperature and relative humidity during 365 days. The measured properties of both cement types are affected by the environment, but the durability of slag cement mortars is more influenced by temperature and the durability of OPC mortars is more influenced by the relative humidity. The obtained results show that the slag cement mortars hardened under non-optimal environmental conditions have good durability at any hardening age, even better than Portland cement.
Satiety: an ecological perspective.

Abstract The frequency and size of meals in freely feeding animals vary as a function of the economic structure of the animals' niche and their habitat. This paper review some of the evidence supporting this proposition. When the cost of access to a meal increases, the frequency of meals decreases and their size increases compensatorily. Similarly, increasing the caloric density of a meal results in a decrease in both meal frequency and size. When foraging animals encounter opportunities to procure meals that differ in cost or in benefit, they almost always procure low-cost or high-benefit meals. The frequency with which they procure high-cost or low-benefit meals is a function of the magnitude of the difference between either the costs or the benefits of the meals they had an opportunity to procure. To feed optimally an animal must minimize the sum of the costs of foraging, consumption, and utilization and maximize the sum of the benefits. To accomplish this, an animal must integrate information from its niche, its habitat, the process of ingestion, postingestive consequences, and its metabolic state. Feedback from both the consequences of ingestion and the metabolic state probably acts indirectly to provide information rather than directly as a satiety stimulus.
The interaction of major resources and their influence on waiting times in a multi-stage restaurant

Abstract The purpose of this study was to examine the impact of major resources on multi-stage waiting times and their interactions on waiting times. The simulation study showed that each resource influenced waiting for different service stages and that interaction among the multi resources occurred. The results implied that the simultaneous increase in the levels of two resources had a synergistic effect on reducing waiting times for some stages. However, for some resources, the simultaneous increase in the resource levels did not help reduce waiting times when the increase in one resource type overwhelmed the other resource's function.
Effect of Magnitude Estimation of Pleasantness and Intensity on fMRI Activation to Taste

The goal of the present study was to investigate whether the psychophysical evaluation of taste stimuli using magnitude estimation influences the pattern of cortical activation observed with neuroimaging. That is, whether different brain areas are involved in the magnitude estimation of pleasantness relative to the magnitude estimation of intensity. fMRI was utilized to examine the patterns of cortical activation involved in magnitude estimation of pleasantness and intensity during hunger in response to taste stimuli. During scanning, subjects were administered taste stimuli orally and were asked to evaluate the perceived pleasantness or intensity using the general Labeled Magnitude Scale (Green et al., Chem Senses, 21(3), 323-334, 1996; Bartoshuk et al., Physiol Behav, 82(1), 109-114, 2004). Image analysis was conducted using Analysis of Functional NeuroImage software. Magnitude estimation of intensity and pleasantness shared common activations in the insula, rolandic operculum, and the medio-dorsal nucleus of the thalamus. Globally, magnitude estimation of pleasantness produced significantly more activation than magnitude estimation of intensity. Areas differentially activated during magnitude estimation of pleasantness versus intensity included, e.g., the insula, the anterior cingulate gyrus, and putamen, suggesting that different brain areas were recruited when subjects made magnitude estimates of intensity and pleasantness. These findings demonstrate significant differences in brain activation during magnitude estimation of intensity and pleasantness to taste stimuli. An appreciation for the complexity of brain response to taste stimuli may facilitate a clearer understanding of the neural mechanisms underlying eating behavior and overconsumption.
Ciliate telomerase RNA structural features

Abstract Telomerase RNA is an integral part of telomerase, the ribonucleoprotein enzyme that catalyzes the synthesis of telomeric DNA. The RNA moiety contains a templating domain that directs the synthesis of a species-specific telomeric repeat and may also be important for enzyme structure and/or catalysis. Phylogenetic comparisons of telomerase RNA sequences from various Tetrahymena spp. and hypotrich ciliates have revealed two conserved secondary structure models that share many features. We have cloned and sequenced the telomerase RNA genes from an additional six Tetrahymena spp. (T. vorax, T. borealis, T. australis, T. silvana, T. capricornis and T. paravorax). Inclusion of these sequences, most notably that from T. paravorax, in a phylogenetic comparative analysis allowed us to more narrowly define structural elements that may be necessary for a minimal telomerase RNA. A primary sequence element, positioned 5' of the template and conserved between all previously known ciliate telomerase RNAs, has been reduced from 5'-(C)UGUCA-3' to the 4 nt sequence 5'-GUCA-3'. Conserved secondary structural features and the impact they have on the general organization of ciliate telomerase RNAs is discussed.
Reflectivity and Grazing Angle Diffraction of Polarized Neutrons

Using polarized-neutron reflectivity, one can determine the layer-averaged magnetic structure of films and multilayers with exquisite precision. By employing the closely related phenomenon of grazing-angle diffraction, it is possible to obtain information about the in-plane structure in interfacial layers some tens of Angstroms thick. We have used polarized-beam methods to study the Y/Gd interface using both reflectivity and grazingangle diffraction and discuss the status of these experiments.
Modelling the 3rd-order intermodulation-distortion properties of a GaAs f.e.t.

A simple analytical model of the 3rd-order intermodulation-distortion properties of a GaAs field-effect transistor is proposed. The model takes into account the distortion-producing nonlinearities of the Schottky-bairier junction, the trans-conductance and the drain conductance. Parameters of the model are presented for a GaAs f.e.t. of 0.5 μm gate length, and the model-predicted distortion characteristics are compared with measured data.
Two-photon luminescence imaging of Bacillus spores using peptide-functionalized gold nanorods

Bacillus subtilis spores (a simulant of Bacillus anthracis) have been imaged by two-photon luminescence (TPL) microscopy, using gold nanorods (GNRs) functionalized with a cysteine-terminated homing peptide. Control experiments using a peptide with a scrambled amino acid sequence confirmed that the GNR targeting was highly selective for the spore surfaces. The high sensitivity of TPL combined with the high affinity of the peptide labels enables spores to be detected with high fidelity using GNRs at femtomolar concentrations. It was also determined that GNRs are capable of significant TPL output even when irradiated at near infrared (NIR) wavelengths far from their longitudinal plasmon resonance (LPR), permitting considerable flexibility in the choice of GNR aspect ratio or excitation wavelength for TPL imaging.
Mechanism of wear by ribbon and paper

While wear by materials such as ribbon and paper represents a significant and identifiable problem in the business machine industry, it has received little attention in the wear literature. In this paper the results of a study into the nature of the wear processes involved and the various factors which influence them are presented. A significant result of that study is the conclusion that the basic wear processes for both materials are similar, i.e., abrasion by small hard particles as compared to an adhesive mechanism for paper as proposed by some in the literature.
Average properties of the magnetic reconnection ion diffusion region in the Earth's magnetotail: The 2001–2005 Cluster observations and comparison with simulations

[1] Magnetic reconnection plays a key role in the circulation of plasma through the Earth's magnetosphere. As such, the Earth's magnetotail is an excellent natural laboratory for the study of reconnection and in particular the diffusion region. To address important questions concerning observational occurrence rates and average properties, the Cluster data set from 2001–2005 has been systematically examined for encounters with reconnection X lines and ion diffusion regions in the Earth's magnetotail. This survey of 175 magnetotail passes resulted in a sample of 33 correlated field and flow reversals. Eighteen events exhibited electric and magnetic field perturbations qualitatively consistent with the predictions of antiparallel Hall reconnection and could be identified as diffusion region encounters. The magnitudes of both the Hall magnetic and electric field were found to vary from event to event. When normalized against the inflow magnetic field and the current sheet number density the average peak Hall magnetic field was found to be 0.39 ± 0.16, the average peak Hall electric field was found to be 0.33 ± 0.18, and the average out of plane (reconnection) electric field was found to be ∼0.04. Good quantitative agreement was found between these results and a large, appropriately renormalized particle-in-cell simulation of reconnection. In future missions, the magnitude of the total DC electric field may be a useful tool for automatically identifying ion diffusion region encounters.
A Calcium-Selective Optrode Based on the Fluorescence of Dansylated Troponin

Troponin C (TnC) is covalently labeled with a fluorescent probe molecule dansylaziridine and immobilized on polyethyleneimine-impregnated cellulose. An optrode is constructed by attaching the treated cellulose membrane to the distal end of a bifurcated fiber-optic cable. Because fluorescence is enhanced as Ca+2 binds with the immobilized dansylated troponin (TnCDANZ), this system can be used as a calcium sensor for monitoring plasma Ca+2 levels.
PLC-γ1 regulates fibronectin assembly and cell aggregation

Phospholipase C-gamma1 (PLC-gamma1) mediates cell adhesion and migration through an undefined mechanism. Here, we examine the role of PLC-gamma1 in cell-matrix adhesion in a hanging drop assay of cell aggregation. Plcg1 Null (-/-) mouse embryonic fibroblasts formed aggregates that were larger and significantly more resistant to dissociation than cells in which PLC-gamma1 is re-expressed (Null+ cells). Aggregate formation could be disrupted by inhibition of fibronectin interaction with integrins, indicating that fibronectin assembly may mediate aggregate formation. Fibronectin assembly was mediated by integrin alpha5beta1 in both cell lines, while assays measuring fibronectin assembly revealed increased assembly in the Null cells. Null and Null+ cells exhibited equivalent fibronectin mRNA levels and equivalent levels of fibronectin protein in pulse-labeling experiments. However, levels of secreted fibronectin in the conditioned medium were increased in Null cells. The data implicates a negative regulatory role for PLC-gamma1 in cell aggregation by controlling the secretion of fibronectin into the media and its assembly into fibrils.
Dendritic Cell Vaccination, Immune Regulation, and Clinical Outcomes in Ovarian Cancer

Clinical optimism for dendritic cell vaccination against ovarian cancer has been tempered by the knowledge that tumors avail themselves of multiple mechanisms of immune evasion, thus blunting the efficacy of therapeutic vaccination. Mechanisms of immune suppression include infiltration by regulatory T cells (Treg) and myeloid suppressor cell populations, expression of co-inhibitory receptors, and expression of indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO). Expression of both B7-H1 and IDO are associated with differentiation and recruitment of Treg, and clinical studies have shown that each of these mechanisms correlates independently with increased morbidity and mortality in ovarian cancer patients. In sharp contrast, recent studies have indicated that Th17 cell infiltration in ovarian cancer correlates with improved patient outcomes and prolonged overall survival. Given that IDO plays a pivotal role in the balance between Treg and Th17 immunity, elucidation of the mechanisms that regulate IDO activity and immune suppression may lead to novel adjuvants to boost the clinical efficacy of dendritic cell vaccination against ovarian cancer and other malignancies.
Recent Advances in the Theory of Liquids

In this paper, the methods of calculation of liquid properties using cluster integrals or the radial distribution function are not discussed. Rather, the theories using a model approach are presented. The basic principles involved in the cell theory, tunnel theory, and significant structure theory are reviewed, and the merits of the three theories are examined by comparing theoretical and experimental values of the pressures, molar volumes, compressibility factors, and excess entropies of real liquids. - The thermodynamic properties of two-and three- dimensional arrays of hard discsand spheres are also calculated, and compared with the machine calculation.–One finds that the significant structure theory gives the best results in every case.
Preoperative Localizing Studies for Initial Parathyroidectomy in MEN1 Syndrome: Is There Any Benefit?

The objective of the present study was to evaluate the utility of preoperative localizing studies in patients with MEN1 undergoing initial bilateral neck exploration (BNE) and parathyroidectomy for pHPT. We performed a retrospective analysis of patients diagnosed with MEN1 who underwent initial parathyroidectomy between December 1993 and December 2010. Results of preoperative localizing studies were compared with intraoperative findings and outcome. Sixty patients with MEN1 (32 females and 28 males) underwent initial subtotal parathyroidectomy. The median age at the time of surgery was 33 years (range: 13–78 years). Fifty-three patients had one or more positive localizing study results. Neck ultrasonography, sestamibi scan, parathyroid protocol computed tomography scan, and neck and mediastinum magnetic resonance imaging were performed in 93, 91, 32, and 19% of patients, respectively. Fifty-three patients (88%) had cervical thymectomy. Twenty patients had 24 ectopic parathyroid glands; 18 glands were in the thymus (75%). Preoperative localizing studies identified 9 of 24 ectopic parathyroid glands (38%), including 4 ectopic glands outside the thymus in 4 patients (7%); 3 were detected by ultrasonography. There were no supernumerary glands identified on preoperative localizing studies. In patients with MEN1, preoperative localizing studies identified a subset of ectopic glands (38%). Preoperative localizing studies may alter the operative approach in 7% of patients. Ultrasonography can detect most ectopic parathyroid glands outside thymus. This suggests that routine preoperative localizing studies to identify ectopic and supernumerary enlarged parathyroid glands is not useful in the majority of patients with MEN1 undergoing bilateral neck exploration and subtotal parathyroidectomy with cervical thymectomy.
Structural Organization of the Follicle-Stimulating Hormone Receptor Gene

We have characterized a series of rat genomic clones that code for the FSH receptor (FSHR) gene and approximately 14.8 kilobases of DNA up-stream of the transcriptional start sites. Southern blot analysis indicated that there was only a single gene for the FSHR. Primer extension and S1 nuclease experiments revealed the presence of two major transcriptional start sites at positions -80 and -98 relative to the translational start site. Transient expression studies of a fusion gene containing 830 basepairs of DNA 5' to the translational start site linked to the reporter gene chloramphenicol acyltransferase have shown that this portion of the gene is capable of acting as a transcriptional promoter in rat Sertoli cells. The FSHR gene contained 10 exons and nine introns. The first nine exons encoded the extensive amino-terminal domain of the receptor, while the last exon encoded the transmembrane-spanning and cytoplasmic domains. A repeated motif similar to that observed in the leucine-rich glycoprotein family ...
Industry structure and the choice of product reliability

Epple and Raviv (1979) and Saving (1982) argued that product reliability may be independent of market structure. Using a two period oligopoly model we show that this conclusion is correct only if the firms are risk-neutral and output is rented. If either of these conditions is violated, the firm's reliability will not be socially optimal. Our results provide further rationale for Avinger's (1981) empirical findings on product obsolescence in the vacuum tube and electric lamp industries. We do find, however, that the independence result can be reestablished in sales markets if firms are required to provide warranties.
Alginate-matrigel microencapsulated Schwann cells for inducible secretion of glial cell line derived neurotrophic factor

Controlled expression of glial cell line derived neurotrophic factor (Gdnf) can be integrated in the development of a system for repair of injured peripheral nerves. This delivery strategy was demonstrated via inducible Gdnf from microencapsulated cells in barium alginate. The Schwann cell line RT4-D6P2T was initially modified utilizing an ecdysone-based stable transfection system to produce RT4-Gdnf cells. During construct preparation, it was found that C6 cells (where Gdnf cDNA was isolated) make three Gdnf transcript variants. Additionally, the importance of 5′ untranslated region to drive biologically-functional Gdnf synthesis was shown. Encapsulation of RT4-Gdnf in 1% alginate was then performed. It was determined that cells were able to survive at least 1 month in vitro using starting densities of 20, 200 and 2000 cells/capsule and barium ion concentrations of 10, 50, 100 and 200 mM. Most importantly, encapsulated cells secreted exogenous Gdnf upon ponasterone A induction. Mixture of basement membra...
Adaptive radiotherapy for head and neck cancer--dosimetric results from a prospective clinical trial.

Abstract Purpose To conduct a clinical trial evaluating adaptive head and neck radiotherapy (ART). Methods Patients with locally advanced oropharyngeal cancer were prospectively enrolled. Daily CT-guided setup and deformable image registration permitted mapping of dose to avoidance structures and CTVs. We compared four planning scenarios: (1) original IMRT plan aligned daily to marked isocenter (BB); (2) original plan aligned daily to bone (IGRT); (3) IGRT with one adaptive replan (ART1); and (4) actual treatment received by each study patient (IGRT with one or two adaptive replans, ART2). Results All 22 study patients underwent one replan (ART1); eight patients had two replans (ART2). ART1 reduced mean dose to contralateral parotid by 0.6Gy or 2.8% (paired t -test; p =0.003) and ipsilateral parotid by 1.3Gy (3.9%) ( p =0.002) over the IGRT alone. ART2 further reduced the mean contralateral parotid dose by 0.8Gy or 3.8% ( p =0.026) and ipsilateral parotid by 4.1Gy or 9% ( p =0.001). ART significantly reduced integral body dose. Conclusions This pilot trial suggests that head and neck ART dosimetrically outperforms IMRT. IGRT that leverages conventional PTV margins does not improve dosimetry. One properly timed replan delivers the majority of achievable dosimetric improvement. The clinical impact of ART must be confirmed by future trials.
Free Fatty Acids in Exercising Arabian Horses Fed Two Common Diets

Four Arabian geldings were used in a randomized, repeated measure design to study the effect of two different diets on plasma free fatty acids at rest and during exercise. On each of four sampling days, two horses were fed one of two isoenergetic diets, either 100% corn or 100% alfalfa, at 22% of their estimated daily energy requirement. Two hours after the consumption of the diet, each horse participated in a submaximal standard exercise test consisting of three consecutive 10-min runs of increasing intensity at heart rates of 132, 140 and 147 beats/min, respectively. There were no significant (P greater than 0.05) differences between the two groups (corn-fed vs. alfalfa-fed) in pre-meal (0.554 +/- 0.031 vs. 0.629 +/- 0.033 mmol/L), post-meal (0.520 +/- 0.027 vs. 0.609 +/- 0.041 mmol/L), and basal (0.392 +/- 0.036 vs. 0.401 +/- 0.052 mmol/L) free fatty acid concentrations. However, free fatty acids were significantly higher in the horses fed alfalfa (0.608 +/- 0.038 mmol/L) rather than corn (0.484 +/- 0.031 mmol/L) during exercise.
Disturbance Field Characteristics of a Transversely Excited Annular Jet

This paper describes an investigation of transverse acoustic instabilities in premixed, swirl-stabilized flames. Additional measurements, beyond the scope of the current work, are described in O’Connor et al. [1]. Transverse excitation of swirling flow involves complex interactions between acoustic waves and fluid mechanic instabilities. The flame’s response to transverse acoustic excitation is a superposition of both acoustic and vortical disturbances that fluctuate in both the longitudinal and transverse direction. In the nozzle near field region, the disturbance field is a complex superposition of convecting vortical disturbances, as well as longer wavelength transverse and longitudinal acoustic disturbances. Farther downstream, the disturbance field is dominated by the transverse acoustic field. The phasing between the disturbances on the inside and outside of the burner annulus, as well as the left and right sides of the burner annulus is a strong function of the transverse disturbance field characteristics. For cases where the burner centerline is an approximate pressure node and velocity anti-node, the mass flow out of the left and right sides of the burner actually oscillates out-of-phase with respect to each other. In contrast, for cases where the centerline is a pressure anti-node, the burner responds symmetrically about the burner and annulus centerlines. These results show that the burner response characteristics strongly depend upon their location in the acoustic mode shape.Copyright © 2010 by ASME
Evolution of the egg: new findings and challenges

The evolution of the egg is dynamic, and eggs have numerous species-specific properties across vertebrates and invertebrates. Interestingly, although the structure and function of the egg have remained relatively conserved over time, some constituents of the egg's extracellular barriers are undergoing rapid evolution. In this article, we review current ideas regarding sperm-egg interactions, discuss genetic approaches used to elucidate egg gene functions, and highlight the interesting differences that have evolved across taxa. We suggest that the rapid evolution of egg components and the mechanisms behind sperm-egg interactions are integrally connected, and delve in depth into each component of the egg's extracellular matrices. Finally, we discuss the promising future of reproductive research and how high-throughput genomics and proteomics have the potential to revolutionize the field and provide new evidence that will challenge previously held views about the fertilization process.