cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A three-dimensional RNA motif mediates directional trafficking of Potato spindle tuber viroid from epidermal to palisade mesophyll cells in Nicotiana benthamiana.

Potato spindle tuber viroid (PSTVd) is a circular non-coding RNA of 359 nucleotides that replicates and spreads systemically in host plants, thus all functions required to establish an infection are mediated by sequence and structural elements in the genome. The PSTVd secondary structure contains 26 Watson-Crick base-paired stems and 27 loops. Most of the loops are believed to form three-dimensional (3D) structural motifs through non-Watson-Crick base pairing, base stacking, and other local interactions. Homology-based prediction using the JAR3D online program revealed that loop 27 (nucleotides 177–182) most likely forms a 3D structure similar to the loop of a conserved hairpin located in the 3' untranslated region of histone mRNAs in animal cells. This stem-loop, which is involved in 3'-end maturation, is not found in polyadenylated plant histone mRNAs. Mutagenesis showed that PSTVd genomes containing base substitutions in loop 27 predicted by JAR3D to disrupt the 3D structure were unable to replicate in Nicotiana benthamiana leaves following mechanical rub inoculation, with one exception: a U178G/U179G double mutant was replication-competent and able to spread within the upper epidermis of inoculated leaves, but was confined to this cell layer. Remarkably, direct delivery of the U178G/U179G mutant into the vascular system by needle puncture inoculation allowed it to spread systemically and enter mesophyll cells and epidermal cells of upper leaves. These findings highlight the importance of RNA 3D structure for PSTVd replication and intercellular trafficking and indicate that loop 27 is required for epidermal exit, but not epidermal entry or transit between other cell types. Thus, requirements for RNA trafficking between epidermal and underlying palisade mesophyll cells are unique and directional. Our findings further suggest that 3D structure and RNA-protein interactions constrain RNA sequence evolution, and validate JAR3D as a tool to predict RNA 3D structure.
Magnetic Design Aspects of the Trans-Rotary Magnetic Gear Using Quasi-Halbach Arrays

This article investigates magnetic design aspects of the trans-rotary magnetic gear (TROMAG) that using a quasi-Halbach array. TROMAG is a magnetic gear that converts high-force, low-speed linear motion to low-torque, high-speed rotational motion and vice versa. It is shown that quasi-Halbach magnetization significantly improves the force capability of the device compared to that of radial magnetization. Finite element analysis is used to study several design aspects of the quasi-Halbach TROMAG, including optimization of magnet dimensions and core thickness, effect of air gap length, effect of magnet remanent flux density, and distribution of flux density in the air gap. Moreover, the possibility of demagnetization is studied, and it is shown that if the quasi-Halbach TROMAG becomes overloaded repeatedly, demagnetization of magnets can degrade its force performance down to that of a similar TROMAG with radial magnetization. A quasi-Halbach TROMAG is prototyped, and static force and flux measurements verify the theoretical results.
Assessing the Effects of Redox Modifier MnTnBuOE-2-PyP 5+ on Cognition and Hippocampal Physiology Following Doxorubicin, Cyclophosphamide, and Paclitaxel Treatment.

Background: Chemotherapy treatment for breast cancer can induce cognitive impairments often involving oxidative stress. The brain, as a whole, is susceptible to oxidative stress due to its high-energy requirements, limited anaerobic respiration capacities, and limited antioxidant defenses. The goal of the current study was to determine if the manganese porphyrin superoxide dismutase mimetic MnTnBuOE-2-PyP (MnBuOE) could ameliorate the effects of doxorubicin, cyclophosphamide, and paclitaxel (AC-T) on mature dendrite morphology and cognitive function. Methods: Four-month-old female C57BL/6 mice received intraperitoneal injections of chemotherapy followed by subcutaneous injections of MnBuOE. Four weeks following chemotherapy treatment, mice were tested for hippocampus-dependent cognitive performance in the Morris water maze. After testing, brains were collected for Golgi staining and molecular analyses. Results: MnBuOE treatment preserved spatial memory during the Morris water-maze. MnBuOE/AC-T showed spatial memory retention during all probe trials. AC-T treatment significantly impaired spatial memory retention in the first and third probe trial (no platform). AC-T treatment decreased dendritic length in the Cornu Ammonis 1 (CA1) and dentate gyrus (DG) areas of the hippocampus while AC-T/MnBuOE maintained dendritic length. Comparative proteomic analysis revealed affected protein networks associated with cell morphology and behavior functions in both the AC-T and AC-T/MnBuOE treatment groups.
Integrated Metabolomics, Transcriptomics, and Signal Protein Profile Define the Effector Function and Associated Metabotype of Five Polarized Macrophage Phenotypes

Abstract Macrophages (MΦs) display remarkable plasticity and the ability to activate diverse responses to a host of intracellular and external stimuli. Despite extensive characterization of M1 MΦs and a broad set of M2 MΦs, comprehensive characterization of metabolic shifts driving MΦ activation remains. Herein, we utilized an ex vivo model to produce six MΦ functional phenotypes. Isolated CD14+ PBMCs were differentiated into resting M0 MΦs, and then polarized into M1 (IFN-γ/LPS), M2a (IL-4/IL-13), M2b (IC/LPS), M2c (IL-10), and M2d (IL-6/LIF) MΦs. The MΦs were profiled using a bioanalyte matrix of four cell surface markers, ∼50 secreted proteins, ∼800 expressed myeloid genes, and ∼450 identified metabolites relative to M0 MΦs. Signal protein and expressed gene profiles grouped the MΦs into inflammatory (M1 and M2b) and wound resolution (M2a, M2c, and M2d) phenotypes; however, each had a unique metabolic profile. While both M1 and M2b MΦs shared metabotype profiles consistent with an inflammatory signature; key differences were observed in the TCA cycle, FAO and OXPHOS. Additionally, M2a, M2c and M2d MΦs all profiled as tissue repair MΦs; however, metabotype differences were observed in multiple pathways including hexosamine, polyamine, and fatty acid metabolism. These metabolic and other key functional distinctions suggest phagocytic and proliferative functions for M2a MΦs, and angiogenesis and ECM assembly capabilities for M2b, M2c and M2d MΦs. By integrating metabolomics into a systems analysis of MΦ phenotypes, we provide the most comprehensive map of MΦ diversity to date, along with the global metabolic shifts driving MΦ functional plasticity in these phenotypes. Summary Sentence Macrophage functional plasticity of six macrophage phenotypes correlates with unique distinctions in cell-surface marker expression, signal protein secretion, transcriptomics profiles, and metabolic processes.
Comparative Analysis of Dorsal Root, Nodose and Sympathetic Ganglia for the Development of New Analgesics

Interoceptive and exteroceptive signals, and the corresponding coordinated control of internal organs and sensory functions, including pain, are received and orchestrated by multiple neurons within the peripheral, central and autonomic nervous systems. A central aim of the present report is to obtain a molecularly informed basis for analgesic drug development aimed at peripheral rather than central targets. We compare three key peripheral ganglia: nodose, sympathetic (superior cervical), and dorsal root ganglia in the rat, and focus on their molecular composition using next-gen RNA-Seq, as well as their neuroanatomy using immunocytochemistry and in situ hybridization. We obtained quantitative and anatomical assessments of transmitters, receptors, enzymes and signaling pathways mediating ganglion-specific functions. Distinct ganglionic patterns of expression were observed spanning ion channels, neurotransmitters, neuropeptides, G-protein coupled receptors (GPCRs), transporters, and biosynthetic enzymes. The relationship between ganglionic transcript levels and the corresponding protein was examined using immunohistochemistry for select, highly expressed, ganglion-specific genes. Transcriptomic analyses of spinal dorsal horn and intermediolateral cell column (IML), which form the termination of primary afferent neurons and the origin of preganglionic innervation to the SCG, respectively, disclosed pre- and post-ganglionic molecular-level circuits. These multimodal investigations provide insight into autonomic regulation, nodose transcripts related to pain and satiety, and DRG-spinal cord and IML-SCG communication. Multiple neurobiological and pharmacological contexts can be addressed, such as discriminating drug targets and predicting potential side effects, in analgesic drug development efforts directed at the peripheral nervous system.
Photometric Typing Analyses of Three Young Supernovae with the Robotic Palomar 60-Inch Telescope

We present photometric typing analyses of three young supernovae observed with the Robotic 60-inch Telescope at Palomar Observatory (P60). This represents the first time that such photo-typing has been attempted, in a blind fashion, on newly-discovered supernovae. For one of the target supernovae, SN2004cs, our photometry provided the first constraint on the SN type, which we predicted would be type Ia. To the contrary, however, our subsequent Keck spectroscopy shows it to be an unusual type II supernova. For each of the other two supernovae, SN2004dh (type II) and SN2004dk (type Ib), our photo-typing results are consistent with the known type of the event as determined from ground-based spectroscopy; however, the colors of SN2004dk are also consistent with a type Ic or type II classification. We discuss our approach to the challenges of photo-typing - contamination by host galaxy light and the unknown photometric quality of the data - in the case where it is desirable to complete the analysis with just one night of observations. The growing interest in the properties and behavior of very young supernovae, and the increased discovery rate for such events, mean that prompt photo-typing analyses can provide useful input to observational campaigns. Our results demonstrate the value and feasibility of such a project for P60, at the same time illustrating its chief inherent shortcoming: an inability to identify new and unusual events as such without later spectroscopic observations.
The interconnection between water quality level and health status: An analysis of Escherichia Coli contamination and drinking water from Nepal

Abstract Health outcomes can be remarkably dependent on the quality of drinking water. This study employs primary survey data collected in May 10 – July 27, 2016 to investigate the effects of water quality, measured by the presence of the Escherichia Coli (E. Coli) bacteria, on the health outcomes of households in Nepal. The health outcomes are based on the self-reported health status as well as the actual health condition of the members of the household. The novel contribution of this paper is that we investigate the health impacts of water quality by considering water quality itself as an intermediary process that could be affected by factors like household's cleanliness behaviors and hygienic infrastructures. Using a control function approach to account for potential endogeneity issues, the results indicate a significant effect of E. coli on the health status of individuals. Findings indicate the difference in expected diarrheal incidence to be about 0.913 units higher when E. coli is present in households' drinking water. The impact of E. coli is evident in both the self-reported health status and the actual health outcome, and the results hold across various empirical models and specifications. From a policy perspective, our results indicate the pressing need for policymakers to implement water quality tracking programs, and also to raise awareness among households regarding adequate cleanliness practices and hygiene infrastructures.
High strength welds in titanium & nickel based alloys by impact welding – A practical method

Abstract Joining titanium-based alloys to nickel-based superalloys is of great interest for applications in aerospace propulsion. Direct welding of these materials using conventional welding methods is very difficult as they are prone to heat affected zone and formation of strain-aged cracking. The purpose of this study is to produce multiple weld combinations of Ni-based superalloys (Ni-230, Ni-718, and Ni-625) to a near-alpha Ti-based alloy (6242), Ti to Ti, and Ni to Ni welds using Vaporizing foil actuator welding (VFAW) technique. The bonding quality of the joints was evaluated by mechanical lap shear and peel tests. The microstructural characterization of the weld interface was analyzed by scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS). The VFAW technique was successfully used to create 6 dissimilar and 4 similar combinations presented at various levels in this work. The Ni-Ti joints displayed mixed failure modes in both lap shear and peel tests, whereas nugget failure was observed for similar weld and dissimilar Ni-Ni joints. EDS maps of the peel surfaces showed both ductile and brittle facets that signified the material transfer between both parent materials. Irrespective of weld combinations, the microstructure showed a transition from a smooth bonding interface at the weld center to a wave profile showing a natural spatial progression as the weld forms. The VFAW process can be of interest in aerospace industries to join different exotic grade alloys, difficult to weld using conventional welding methods.
Mechanosensitive channel YnaI has lipid-bound extended sensor paddles.

The general mechanism of bacterial mechanosensitive channels (MS) has been characterized by extensive studies on a small conductance channel MscS from Escherichia coli (E. coli). However, recent structural studies on the same channel have revealed controversial roles of various channel-bound lipids in channel gating. To better understand bacterial MscS-like channels, it is necessary to characterize homologs other than MscS. Here, we describe the structure of YnaI, one of the closest MscS homologs in E. coli, in its non-conducting state at 3.3 A resolution determined by cryo electron microscopy. Our structure revealed the intact membrane sensor paddle domain in YnaI, which was stabilized by functionally important residues H43, Q46, Y50 and K93. In the pockets between sensor paddles, there were clear lipid densities that interact strongly with residues Q100 and R120. These lipids were a mixture of natural lipids but may be enriched in cardiolipin and phosphatidylserine. In addition, residues along the ion-conducting pathway and responsible for the heptameric assembly were discussed. Together with biochemical experiments and mutagenesis studies, our results provide strong support for the idea that the pocket lipids are functionally important for mechanosensitive channels. Hu, Wang & Zheng describe the cryo-EM structure of a bacterial MscS-like channel, named YnaI, in closed state. They further describe its extended paddle domain that is attached to the N-terminus of MscS, lipid pockets between paddles, its ion-conducting pathway, and its heptameric assembly, finally discussing its mechanosensing mechanism.
Challenges in Conducting Large-Scale Studies of Curricular Effectiveness: Data Collection and Analyses in the COSMIC Project

We discuss several challenges encountered during data collection and analyses in the Comparing Options in Secondary Mathematics: Investigating Curricula (COSMIC) project, a 3-year longitudinal comparative study of integrated and subject-specific curricula. Previously reported findings obscure the complexities associated with conducting well-designed studies of curricular effectiveness. In this chapter, we highlight key issues in our analyses of student and teacher data, and the construction of multilevel models of student learning outcomes. We discuss how these challenges were addressed, justify our decisions, and offer implications for conducting large-scale curriculum research in mathematics education.
A technique for making high-resolution megapixel mosaic photomicrographs of nematodes

Multiple images of a whole nematode specimen were taken with a high power oil-immersion objective lens and joined together to form one high-resolution megapixel, mosaic photomicrograph of the entire specimen, with the use of a relatively new mounting technique made with a 4% water agar pad. The agar pad kept the specimen nearly level and lateral, and when amended with 10 mM sodium azide, this mounting technique gradually paralyzed the nematode in a natural pose to enable production of sharp, clear images. The individual photographs were joined together and merged into one very large, seamless image. These montaged images will be useful for teaching because the student has access to a virtual specimen that is mounted in the correct orientation, imaged with a research grade microscope, and preserved in a narcotized, living condition. Such specimen images can also serve as representatives of type and voucher specimens without the deterioration typical of real types. The files can be copied and viewed with a computer almost anywhere and at any time, rather than using a more cumbersome, limiting, and expensive microscope.
The United States and International Law After September 11

I need not recount the horrors of September 11. In this essay, I want to address two specific questions. First, what can the United States do in response to the terrorist attacks of that day on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon, and still be true to its international legal obligations? Second, what should the United States do in response to those attacks, and be both prudent and effective in the long term? I believe that how we answer those questions will bear importantly on the future of the United States and of international law.
Noise and error pattern in shingled magnetic recording

Shingled magnetic recording (SMR) is a promising approach for achieving storage density beyond 1 Tbit/in2. The areal density increase is achieved by overlapping the tracks during writing, which results in increased impairments such as magnetic transition jitter, inter-track interference (ITI), residual and overwriting noise. Such media noises and interference becomes two-dimensional (jitter along the down track direction; ITI, overwriting and residual noise along the cross track direction) due to decreased track pitch in the SMR system, which is more challenging than the one-dimensional impairments seen in conventional magnetic recording. The goal of this effort is to better understand the effects of these 2D impairments in SMR at different channel densities by using the accurate micromagnetic writing model combined with the read channel. Recently [1], the rotated single head (RSH) has been investigated for its tolerance to ITI. To investigate the extant and effect of these impairments, this research has employed an optimized micromagnetic writer (shown in Fig.1(a)) to shingle-write an exchange coupled composite media (Voronoi grains of size 8nm) and readback with both a normally oriented single head (NSH) and rotated single head (RSH) based on the physically accurate reciprocity principle[1]. In this study, the magnetic fly height is 3nm, and the reader has 4nm×18nm×18nm free layer and 11nm shield-shield spacing. The signals are over-sampled at 2nm intervals and processed with a low-pass filter, 2D minimum mean squared error (MMSE) equalizer and detected with a Viterbi detector. In the simulation, the bit width is kept constant at 10nm, while the track width is varied from 20nm, 15nm to 10nm (corresponding to channel densities of 3.22 Tb/in2, 4.30 Tb/in2 and 6.45 Tb/in2, respectively) to mimic the increasing track density.
Influence of Psychiatric Comorbidities in Migraineurs in the Emergency Department: A Cross Sectional Analysis (S41.005)

Objective: To examine how psychiatric comorbidities in migraineurs in the emergency department (ED) affect healthcare utilization and treatment tendencies. Background: There is a strong association between migraine and psychiatric comorbidity, however, the influence of psychiatric comorbidity on the frequency of migraineurs’ healthcare visits, the procedures they receive and their treatment in the ED is not well described. Design/Methods: This is a cross sectional analysis of 2,872 patients identified from the Partners Database who visited the Massachusetts General Hospital ED over a 10-year period and were given a principal diagnosis of migraine. Patient diagnosis data is derived from a Hospital Decision Support System, a billing system, and medical records. We used the hierarchical tree structure function in the database to query the diagnoses, thus eliminating the need to know the exact ICD9 or medical record codes. The psychiatric disorder categories selected were neurotic depression, anxiety states, personality disorders, affective psychoses, schizophrenia disorders and paranoid states. We performed descriptive analyses on these patients. Results: Compared to migraineurs without a psychiatric comorbidity, migraineurs with a psychiatric comorbidity had approximately 3 times more ED visits, 6 times more inpatient hospital stays and 4 times more outpatient visits. Migraineurs with psychiatric comorbidities received narcotics in the ED more often than migraineurs without psychiatric comorbidities (p<0.0001). They were also more likely to receive triptans in the ED (p=0.012). Moreover, migraineurs with psychiatric disorders were more likely to have a CT of the head [RR 1.42 (95% CI= 1.28, 1.56, P<0.001)] or a MRI of the brain [RR 1.53 (95% CI=1.33, 1.76, P<0.001)] than patients without a psychiatric disorder. Conclusion: Migraineurs with psychiatric comorbidity who visit the ED have different healthcare utilization tendencies than migraineurs without psychiatric comorbidity who visit the ED. This is seen in the frequency of ED visits, outpatient visits and inpatient stays, in the medications administered to them and in the radiology tests they undergo. Further investigation is needed to understand such differences. Disclosure: Dr. Tanev has nothing to disclose.
Database management systems@!@@technical issues introduction

The four papers in this section on databases range from applications in clinical medicine to the development of a system which is to contain knowledge extracted from the published literature. In all four papers the database is the central part of the work being the container of the information but the technical issues are only partially those of the databases themselves.
Assessing Landslide Hazards

Despite their widespread occurrence and often deadly nature, it remains difficult to predict when and where landslides are likely to occur.
Human chorionic gonadotropin: Isolation by disk electrophoresis☆

Abstract By chemical extraction and disk electrophoresis, human chorionic gonadotropin has been separated into a single band on polyacrylamide gel. This band has been identified as human chorionic gonadotropin by eluting the protein from the gel and assaying its biological activity in immature mice. This isolation technique is being used as a test for pregnancy as well as a means of estimating the relative amounts of human chorionic gonadotropin excreted during pregnancy.
A comparative study of digital halftoning techniques

Digital half-toning, also known as spatial dithering converts a gray scale image into bilevel output for graphical devices such as cathode ray tube (CRT) monitors or laser printers. The author surveys several digital half-toning techniques such as ordered dithering, error diffusion, and a dithering scheme along the path of a special class of fractals, namely space-filling curves. A comparative study of different techniques of digital half-toning is provided. The frequency-domain analysis of various halftoning techniques is provided to address the issue of texturing effects. >
A Solution Rheology Approach to Component Dynamics in A/B Miscible Blends. 2. Friction Coefficients of Polymers A and B

A solution rheology method has been applied to resolve component friction dynamics in polymer mixtures. The approach consists of separately evaluating viscoelastic properties of entangled “object” solutions of polymeric A in oligomeric B and “mirror” solutions of polymeric B in oligomeric A. At various compositions, the friction coefficients ζA and ζB associated with both components A and B are obtained by applying the well-established reptation theory to analyze the oscillatory shear measurements of storage and loss moduli of these object and mirror solutions. It is found that ζA(φ,T) and ζB(φ,T) exhibit different temperature and composition dependencies. Specifically, the low-Tg component A, which is low vinylbutadiene (1,4-PB) in the present case, has considerably weaker temperature and composition dependencies in comparison with the high-Tg component B, which is a high vinyl butadiene (1,2-PB). Further analysis indicates the presence of two consecutive glass transitions in the mixtures. A revised free...
Absence of metathoracic wings and corrections to the description of Chaetocnema labiosa White, 1996 (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae).

Abstract Corrections and additions to the original description of Chaetocnema labiosa White are given and include the report of characters associated with the loss of flight. New distributional data are provided. Possible host plants and the likelihood of parthenogenetic populations are briefly discussed.
Ribonucleoprotein immunoprecipitation (RNP-IP): A direct in vivo analysis of microRNA-targets†

We have developed a novel Ribonucleoprotein Immunoprecipitation (RNP-IP) method to isolate miR-RISC complexes, associated microRNAs and target mRNAs. Our method characterizes mRNAs present in immunoprecipitates containing miR-RISC complexes that were obtained using GW182 and AGO2 antibodies. MicroRNA bound transcripts were reverse transcribed and amplified using seed sequence and 3'UTR derived primers. This flexible IP-based assay is a straightforward method to identify miRs participating in gene regulation and their cognate mRNAs in real time.
High-Q, in-plane modes of nanomechanical resonators operated in air

Nanomechanical resonators have traditionally been limited to use in vacuum due to low quality factors that come as a result of viscous damping effects in air or liquid. We have fabricated arrays of 90 nm thick trampoline-shaped resonators, studied their resonant frequency spectrum as a function of pressure, and found that some high frequency modes exhibit quality factors over 2000 at atmospheric pressure. We have excited the in-plane resonances of these devices, verified their identities both experimentally and with finite element modeling, and demonstrated their advantageous characteristics for ambient sensing. Even after deposition of a relatively thick polymer layer, the in-plane resonant modes still boast quality factors on the order of 2000. These results show promise for the use of nanomechanical resonant sensors in real-time atmospheric sensing applications.
Morphology, Plasmolysis, and Tetrazolium Bromide Stain as Criteria for Determining Viability of Phytophthora Oospores

Viability of Phytophthora oospores was determined by morphology, ability to plasmolyze in osmotica and by rose-colored staining with tetrazolium bromide. Morphologically, normal oospores contained ...
Benzodiazepine dependence among multidrug users in the club scene

Abstract Background Benzodiazepines (BZs) are among the most frequently prescribed drugs with the potential for abuse. Young adults ages 18–29 report the highest rates of BZ misuse in the United States. The majority of club drug users are also in this age group, and BZ misuse is prevalent in the nightclub scene. BZ dependence, however, is not well documented. This paper examines BZ dependence and its correlates among multidrug users in South Florida's nightclub scene. Methods Data were drawn from structured interviews with men and women ( N = 521) who reported regular attendance at large dance clubs and recent use of both club drugs and BZs. Results Prevalences of BZ-related problems were 7.9% for BZ dependence, 22.6% BZ abuse, and 25% BZ abuse and/or dependence. In bivariate logistic regression models, heavy cocaine use (OR 2.27; 95% CI 1.18, 4.38), severe mental distress (OR 2.63; 95% CI 1.33, 5.21), and childhood victimization history (OR 2.43; 95% CI 1.10, 5.38) were associated with BZ dependence. Heavy cocaine use (OR 2.14; 95% CI 1.10, 4.18) and severe mental distress (OR 2.16; 95% CI 1.07, 4.37) survived as predictors in the multivariate model. Discussion BZ misuse is widespread among multidrug users in the club scene, who also exhibit high levels of other health and social problems. BZ dependence appears to be more prevalent in this sample than in other populations described in the literature. Recommendations for intervention and additional research are described.
Immunoaffinity Purification of Active Rat Recombinant 1,25-Dihydroxyvitamin D3 Receptor

Abstract We have developed a large-scale immunoaffinity purification procedure for the recombinant vitamin D receptor. The purified receptor is homogenous, and is bound by 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 with a Kd of 5 × 10−10 M. The isolated receptor binds to the osteocalcin vitamin D response element in the presence of porcine intestinal nuclear extract stripped of endogenous vitamin D receptor as well. However, the binding of D3 and the vitamin D3 response element does not completely assure a native conformation of the protein. The availability of large quantities of highly purified active vitamin D receptor makes possible detailed structural analysis.
Problems identified by secondary review of accepted manuscripts.

To test the hypothesis that no important deficits would be identified on further review of accepted manuscripts, and that such manuscripts would be recommended for publication on rereview, we sent manuscripts that had been accepted for publication, after review and revision, for rereview by new referees who were unaware of the status of the manuscripts. Each review was evaluated independently by two assistant editors to determine whether substantive criticisms were identified by the new reviewers. The majority of manuscripts were thought by the new reviewers to have defects that warranted further revision, but the problems noted were often dissimilar. However, 80% of the manuscripts were recommended for publication and others were judged suitable for publication, although not at a high priority. The assistant editors frequently differed in their judgments whether a given criticism of a reviewer warranted further revision; nevertheless, there was infrequent disagreement regarding the basic decision for acceptance or rejection. ( JAMA . 1990;263:1369-1371)
Analysis of Pose Accuracy Reliability and Sensitivity for Six Degrees Freedom Welding Robot

With the continuous development of industrial automation, robots are applied to various fields of industry increasingly, and the robot pose accuracy become an important issues. Through the establishment of the robot parameterized virtual prototype model, the error of bar length, joint angle and joint space have been taken into account, and the Monte Carlo sampling method is used to process a number of simulation analysis. The reliable probability which is given within the error limits is calculated, and finally through sensitivity analysis, the conclusion is drawn that different error factors influent the robot end error differently, which have a certain significance for the allocation of the manufacturing tolerances of the robot and trajectory planning.
Evidence that activation of protein kinase-C can stimulate 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 secretion by rat proximal tubules.

PTH stimulates mammalian renal proximal tubule cell synthesis and secretion of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 [1,25-(OH)2D3] by a Ca-dependent process. In the present study regulation of 1,25-(OH)2D3 secretion by PTH, phorbol ester 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol 13-acetate, the Ca ionophore A23187, and calcitonin was evaluated in perifused rat proximal tubule cells isolated by collagenase digestion and centrifugation through Percoll. Tubules from rats fed a low Ca diet secreted 1,25-(OH)2D3 at a rate 2.5 times that of tubule cells from rats fed a normal Ca diet. Perifusion of tubules with human PTH-(1-34) (10(-7) M) induced an immediate and sustained increase in 1,25-(OH)2D3 secretion. Perifusion with either A23187 or 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol 13-acetate caused transient increases in hormone secretion, while both agents perifused simultaneously resulted in a sustained increase in 1,25-(OH)2D3 secretion. Perifusion of tubule cells with the protein kinase-C (PKC) inhibitor staurosporine blocked the PTH-induced increas...
Admission control for a multi-server queue with abandonment

In a M/M/N+M queue, when there are many customers waiting, it may be preferable to reject a new arrival rather than risk that arrival later abandoning without receiving service. On the other hand, rejecting new arrivals increases the percentage of time servers are idle, which also may not be desirable. We address these trade-offs by considering an admission control problem for a M/M/N+M queue when there are costs associated with customer abandonment, server idleness, and turning away customers. First, we formulate the relevant Markov decision process (MDP), show that the optimal policy is of threshold form, and provide a simple and efficient iterative algorithm that does not presuppose a bounded state space to compute the minimum infinite horizon expected average cost and associated threshold level. Under certain conditions we can guarantee that the algorithm provides an exact optimal solution when it stops; otherwise, the algorithm stops when a provided bound on the optimality gap is reached. Next, we solve the approximating diffusion control problem (DCP) that arises in the Halfin---Whitt many-server limit regime. This allows us to establish that the parameter space has a sharp division. Specifically, there is an optimal solution with a finite threshold level when the cost of an abandonment exceeds the cost of rejecting a customer; otherwise, there is an optimal solution that exercises no control. This analysis also yields a convenient analytic expression for the infinite horizon expected average cost as a function of the threshold level. Finally, we propose a policy for the original system that is based on the DCP solution, and show that this policy is asymptotically optimal. Our extensive numerical study shows that the control that arises from solving the DCP achieves a very similar cost to the control that arises from solving the MDP, even when the number of servers is small.
Intramolecular steric effects and hydrogen bonding in regular conformations of polyamino acids

A survey has been made, by using computer methods, of the types of helices which polypeptide chains can form, taking into account steric requirements and intramolecular hydrogen-bonding interactions. The influence on these two requirements, of small variations in the bond angles of the peptide residues, or of small changes in the overall dimensions of the helix (pitch and residues per turn), have been assessed for the special case of the α-helix. Criteria for the formation of acceptable hydrogen bonds have also been applied to helices of other types, viz., the 3, γ−, ω−, and π-helices. It was shown that the NH … O and H … OC angles in hydrogen bonds are sensitive to changes in either the NCαC′ bond angle or in the rotational angles about the NCα and CαC′ bonds. However, the variants of the α-helix observed experimentally in myoglobin can all be constructed without distortion of the hydrogen bonds. For α-helices, the steric and hydrogen bonding requirements are more easily fulfilled with an NCαC′ bond angle of 111°, rather than 109.5°. The decreased stability observed for the left-handed α-helix relative to the right-handed one for L-amino acids is due essentially only to interactions of the Cβ atom of the side chains with atoms in adjacent peptide units in the backbone, and interactions with atoms in adjacent turns of the helical backbone are not significantly different in the two helices. Restrictions in the freedom of rotation of bulky side chains may have significant kinetic effects during the formation of the α-helix from the “random coil” state.
Properties of L cells resistant to 5-bromodeoxyuridine.

Abstract Cells of strain LM (a subline of strain L mouse fibroblasts) were able to incorporate into its DNA 5-bromodeoxyuridine (BUDR) to replace thymidine. Extensive cellular damage, manifested as polyploidization, chromosome breakage and cellular death, is the result of BUDR treatment. After a period of cellular degeneration, however, the surviving cells became resistant to the toxic effect of BUDR, though still maintaining a high proportion of this analogue in the DNA. The growth capacity resumed and the frequency of chromosome breakage was reduced to barely above the control value. The BUDR-resistant lines were not BUDR or thymidine dependent, nor did they show homogeneity in chromosome constitution.
Space, Difference, Everyday Life: Reading Henri Lefebvre – Edited by Kanishka Goonewardena, Stefan Kipfer, Richard Milgrom and Christian Schmid

The article presents a review of the book "Space, Difference, Everyday Life: Reading Henri Lefebvre," edited by Kanishka Goonewardena, Stefan Kipfer, Richard Milgrom and Christian Schmid.
Enhanced ultraviolet photoconductivity in porous GaN prepared by metal-assisted electroless etching

Abstract The ultraviolet photoconductivity of porous GaN (PGaN) produced by Pt-assisted electroless etching has been investigated. The photoresponse of PGaN prepared from highly doped GaN ( n > 10 18 cm − 3 ) shows enhanced ( 15 × ) magnitude and faster decay of persistent photoconductivity relative to bulk crystalline (CGaN), suggesting advantages for PGaN in photodetector applications. A space charge model for changes in photoconductivity is used to explain these observations. Heightened defect density in the etched material plays an important role in the enhanced photoconductivity in PGaN. Flux-dependent optical quenching (OQ) behavior, linked to the presence of metastable states, is also observed in PGaN as in CGaN.
Studies on the neutral sugar composition of protein polysaccharides from human and rat costal cartilage and the linkages between protein and polysaccharides.

Abstract Neutral sugar composition has been studied on protein polysaccharides light and collagen and non-collagenous protein of the cartilage residue from human and rat costal cartilage. Galactose is the principal component of the neutral sugar in all samples studied. The neutral sugar fractions of human samples had higher fucose and mannose and lower xylose contents than those of the rat. After NaBH4 reduction, amino acids (serine and threonine) and neutral sugar (xylose) decreased; and amino acid alanine increased in all protein polysachharide samples studied. With increasing age, these changes were to a lesser extent. The data suggest that O-glycosydic linkage between xylose and serine or threonine is the principal linkage between carbohydrate and protein fraction in the protein polysaccharide light of both human and rat costal cartilage. Fucose may also be involved in the linkage as minor components.
On the implementation of a nationwide expertise educational network

Improving the science and engineering education at the university and high-school level through the establishment of Science and Engineering Centers (SECs) in each state is explored. An SEC in each state would be responsible for coordinating efforts of the universities, industry, and the government. Emphasis is placed on bringing an innovative 'hands-on' approach to education at all levels through the SECs. The expected results of establishing this network for knowledge and information would be: (1) a national focus on improving US technological competitiveness, (2) great improvements in the educational system and, in particular, science and engineering education, (3) more cooperative efforts between the universities, industry and the government, and (4) transmission, preservation, and exchange of knowledge and experience. >
Authorizing Yoga: The Pragmatics of Cultural Stewardship in the Digital Era

The so-called Digital Age, many claim, is marked by a shift from a global economy based on material industry to one based on the manipulation of information/ knowledge. Whether or not one agrees with this assessment, the increased realization of information/knowledge as a prime source of market value has led to a consequent growth in the reach of intellectual property (IP) rights and in the diversity of individual and cultural ownership claims considered possible. This expansion has sparked heated debates marked by a broad sense of crisis that the very foundations of culture, creativity, and even humanity, are increasingly subject to privatization. This article explores a key issue in these debates by examining processes of appropriation with respect to intangible heritage and the consequent development of “stewardship” as an authoritative claim over future interpretations of culture-as-resource. The discussion focuses on the complexities of fashioning contemporary cultural stewardship claims with respect to South Asian classical medicine, generally, and yoga, specifically. I examine the emergence of a particular understanding of cultural stewardship that enables certain parties, such as the Indian state, to be identified as legitimate guardians of South Asian intangible heritage while others, such as private individuals, come to be labeled cultural pirates.
Thermally reversible hydrogels: III. Immobilization of enzymes for feedback reaction control

Abstract Hydrogels have been synthesized which exhibit a lower critical solution temperature (LCST). The gels shrink and deswell in aqueous solutions when the temperature is raised through their LCST. This phenomenon is reversible on cooling below the LCST where the gels reswell and expand. An enzyme has been immobilized within a thermally reversible hydrogel for the first time. We have shown that the enzyme activity is “shut off” when the gel is raised above its LCST. This phenomenon is reversible and the enzyme-gel regains activity below its LCST. Such catalytic hydrogels may be used to control reaction rates and temperatures by a thermal feedback mechanism.
Thermal characteristics of neutralization therapy and water dilution for strong acid ingestion: an in-vivo canine model.

OBJECTIVE To determine whether in-vivo neutralization therapy for acid ingestions will superimpose a thermal injury upon tissue already damaged by acid. METHODS An in-vivo canine model was used with repeated measures of tissue and luminal temperatures. All dogs were placed under halothane general anesthesia. The stomach was exteriorized and temperature probes were placed in the lumen and mucosa. 25 mL of 0.5 N HCl (25 degrees C) was placed in the gastric lumen followed 5 minutes later by 75 mL of either 8% NaHCO3 neutralization (25 degrees C, n = 10) or water dilution (25 degrees C, n = 10). Temperature measurements were recorded at specified intervals for 5 minutes post HCl acid exposure and for 30 minutes post treatment. Temperature profiles were analyzed by repeated-measures ANOVA. Post-treatment changes were evaluated using signed-rank tests. RESULTS In both treatment groups, treatment resulted in significant decreases in initial mucosa and intraluminal temperatures. Both the mucosa and intraluminal temperatures decreased immediately after treatment with HCO3 by an average of 1.6 degrees C (p = 0.05). In the water dilution treatment group, both temperatures decreased by 1.1 degrees C (p = 0.05). Ensuing post-treatment temperatures increased but did not reach baseline temperatures at any time up to 30 minutes post treatment. CONCLUSIONS In the in-vivo setting, there is no evidence of hazardous temperature elevation when a weak alkali or dilution therapy is used to neutralize strong acid-induced injury. Contraindication of this form of emergency treatment should not be based on the preconceived idea that a resultant exothermic reaction will cause a superimposed thermal injury. Further clinical study is needed to determine the clinical utility of this emergency therapeutic modality.
Cocaine and β-Blockers: Should the Controversy Continue?

As cocaine abuse became prevalent in the United States in the late 1970s, clinicians were challenged with caring for young critically ill patients with adrenergic storm. Profound hypertension and tachycardia dominated a clinical syndrome that included psychomotor agitation and hyperthermia and often progressed to seizures and cardiovascular collapse. Led largely by the work of Rappolt et al, 1-3 propranolol gained rapid acceptance as a standard therapeutic intervention for acute cocaine toxicity. Although this approach was never evaluated in a rigorous, objective scientific fashion, many patients appeared to respond. However, as time progressed, these same forward thinkers added clonidine to their regimen, stating that propranolol administration was sometimes observed to result in unpleasant adverse effects, such as “hyperpyrexia, dyspnea, headache and diastolic hypertension.” 3 Fortunately, this practic never became popular. Within a few short years, 2 seminal animal experiments shed light on this consequential drug interaction. 4,5 Whether in nonhuman primates or conscious dogs, 5 propranolol clearly exacerbated seizures and death. These controlled trials clarified the mechanism of cocaine poisoning and brought hyperthermia and psychomotor agitation to the forefront as the critical sequelae in lethal poisoning. Subsequently, suggested management strategies focused on sedation and cooling. Proposed models and clinical observations supported this approach, observing that sedation and cooling were often sufficient to resolve all vital sign abnormalities. 6 For some clinicians, however, the need to rapidly correct critical abnormalities of pulse and blood pressure remained essential, and given newly recognized problems with propranolol, other -adrenergic antagonists were explored. Given the concerns about an interaction with -adrenergic antagonists, the benefits of -adrenergic antagonism (discussed later), and the relatively short duration of action of cocaine, evaluations of other -adrenergic antagonists (labetalol and esmolol) seemed logical. When Sand et al 7 reported on the use of esmolol in 7 patients with cocaine toxicity, several patients appeared to benefit. One patient developed significant hypotension without a change in pulse rate, and another developed severe diastolic hypertension (an acute increase in
Hypoxanthine transport in human glioblastoma cells and effect on cell susceptibility to methotrexate.

Purpose. Cancer cells may circumvent the cytotoxic effect of antimetabolite drugs that inhibit de novo nucleotide synthesis via the uptake of extracellular preformed nucleobases or nucleosides. The goal of this study was to investigate the nucleobase transport mechanism in human U-118 glioblastoma cells and to determine whether the purine nucleobase hypoxanthine affects cell susceptibility to methotrexate.