cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
ATP and magnesium differentially regulate ribose- and 2’-deoxyribose-cytidine, and its analogue monophosphate phosphorylation by human UMP/CMP kinase

Proc Amer Assoc Cancer Res, Volume 45, 2004 2964 UMP/CMP kinase (EC 2.7.4.14), which is responsible for phosphorylation of CMP, UMP, and dCMP, is crucial for nucleic acid synthesis and DNA repair. It also plays an important role in the activation of several cytidine or deoxycytidine analogues, some of which are clinically useful anticancer or antiviral drugs. Previous kinetic data using recombinant or highly purified human enzyme by us or others showed that dCMP, as well as other deoxycytidine analogue monophosphates, are relatively poor substrates for human UMP/CMP kinase. Under identical ATP and magnesium (Mg2+) condition (ATP/Mg2+= 8/8 mM), dCMP could only be phosphorylated with a > 200-fold less efficiency than CMP (referring to dCMPK activity Vs. CMPK activity). This raises a question how dCMP and these deoxycytidine analogue- monophosphates can be phosphorylated by this enzyme in vivo , giving higher intracellular concentrations of CMP and UMP. In the current study, we re-evaluate the optimal reaction conditions for recombinant human UMP/CMP kinase in phosphorylating dCMP and CMP. The data showed that ATP and Mg2+ affected dCMPK and CMPK activities very differently. While Mg2+ was crucial for kinase activity, free Mg2+ enhanced the dCMPK activity but inhibited the CMPK activity. Although ATP served as a good phosphate donor for this enzyme reaction, free ATP or excess ATP-Mg2+ showed inhibition of dCMPK activity, but no inhibition of CMPK activity. The differential regulation of dCMPK versus CMPK activities by ATP or Mg2+ was also seen in other 2’-deoxyribose-cytidine or uridine analogue monophosphates (dUMP, 5FdUMP, and ara-CMP) versus their ribose-counterparts (UMP, 5FUMP), in a similar manner. Further, under the optimal reaction condition for dCMP (when ATP/Mg2+= 0.1/2 mM), the relative efficiency for this enzyme to phosphorylate dCMP can be improved for 493± 25%, compared to when ATP/Mg2+= 8/8 mM. Our data suggest that the active sites of human UMP/CMP kinase for dCMP and for CMP cannot be identical. We hypothesize that this enzyme might be able to phosphorylate dCMP and deoxycytidine analogue monophosphates, such as gemcitabine, ara-C, or lamivudine monophosphates, in vivo through compartmentation of substrates or conformational change of enzyme either by post-translational modification, multimeric formation, or by interaction with other cellular factors. (This work was supported by NIH grants R01CA63477 & R01AI38204.)
Thrombotic thrombocytopenia purpura (TTP) associated retinopathy: Case report and literature review

Abstract Thrombotic thrombocytopenia purpura is a rare condition characterized by a pentad of clinical signs that include thrombocytopenia, microangiopathic hemolytic anemia, fluctuating neurologic dysfunction, renal failure and fever. The microangiopathic changes occurring in TTP may also result in ocular manifestations. We present a case of a patient diagnosed with TTP whose ocular findings include macular exudation, cotton wool spots, intraretinal microvascular abnormalities, blot haemorrhages and serous macular detachment.
Sodium Currents in Subthalamic Nucleus Neurons From Nav1.6-Null Mice

In some central neurons, including cerebellar Purkinje neurons and subthalamic nucleus (STN) neurons, TTX-sensitive sodium channels show unusual gating behavior whereby some channels open transient...
An analysis of the free intracellular amino acids of certain strains of Neurospora.

Abstract 1. 1. Free intracellular amino acids were demonstrated to be present as a definite cell fraction of Neurospora crassa . 2. 2. Some 35 ninhydrin-positive substances were encountered among 28 different strains analyzed; however, none of the strains had all of these substances present in their extracts. In some mutants internal free amino acids were found to be associated in their expressions with mutant characteristics. In other mutants, certain amino acids were consistently absent. Other apparent differences disappeared in backcrosses to wild type, and new amino acids showed up. 3. 3. When certain strains were backcrossed to wild type to the F 5 generation, results showed that a characteristic free intracellular amino acid pattern is associated with the genotype of the mutant that controls the mutational deficiency. Up into the F 5 generation, differences in the amino acid pool stayed consistent and were not lost on backcrosses to wild type. This indicates that the amino acid pattern must be related to the particular phenotype brought about by a single gene mutation, 4. 4. From a cross between a methionine-less mutant and an adenine-less purple pigment mutant, all possible F 1 segregants were obtained. Several strains of each recombination of segregants were tested by chromatography for both qualitative and quantitative differences in their free intracellular amino acid pattern. Differences appeared to be peculiar to each of these types of F 1 progenies. Some minor differences existed between strains that had the same mating type and growth factor requirement, but in the general pattern this experiment proved again the conclusion that was drawn from the F 5 experiment with backcrosses to wild type. 5. 5. When the wild-type strain Em5297a was grown on different supplements, such as amino acids, purine, or vitamins, a number of changes in the free intracellular amino acid fraction were observed.
Depletion of intracellular GSH and NPSH by buthionine sulfoximine and diethyl maleate: Factors that influence enhancement of aerobic radiation response

Many investigators have observed aerobic sensitization of V79, CHO and A549 (human lung carcinoma) cells upon depletion of GSH using buthionine sulfoximine (BSO). Recently we discovered that this aerobic sensitization can be reversed if WR-2721 or N-acetylcysteine is added to the cells just prior to irradiation. Reversal requires that the exogenous thiols be present during the time of irradiation. One possible explanation was that these thiols entered the cells and either increased the pool of cellular nonprotein thiols or reversed the thiol-depleted state by stimulation of GSH synthesis. Cells treated with BSO do not readily regenerate intracellular GSH because this agent irreversibly inhibits gamma-glutamyl synthetase. For A549 monolayer cultures, there is approximately 50% regeneration 6 hr after removal of 0.01 mM BSO, 20% 6 hr after 0.1 mM BSO, and only 5% 6 hr after 0.5 mM BSO. We found that addition of WR-2721 or N-acetylcysteine to BSO-treated cells did not affect the rate of regeneration of intracellular GSH. Thus, reversal of the aerobic sensitization of A549 cells by BSO cannot be explained on the basis of intracellular thiol levels alone, or by rapid reversal of BSO inhibition. In addition, diethylmaleate (DEM)-treated cells are considerably different from BSO-treated cells with respect to the ability to regenerate GSH. After removal of DEM, A549 cells immediately begin GSH resynthesis, and return to control levels occurs within 2 hr. Exogenous 5 mM GSH increases the rate of resynthesis of GSH in DEM-treated cells, but not in BSO-treated cells.
Ulex europaeus agglutinin-I binding to dental primary afferent projections in the spinal trigeminal complex combined with double immunolabeling of substance P and GABA elements using peroxidase and colloidal gold.

Ulex europaeus agglutinin I (UEA-I) is a plant lectin with an affinity for L-fucosyl residues in the chains of lactoseries oligosaccharides associated with medium and smaller-diameter dorsal root ganglion neurons and their axonal processes. These enter Lissauer's tract and terminate within the superficial laminae of the spinal cord overlapping projections known to have a nociceptive function. This implies that the surface coatings of neuronal membranes may have a relationship with functional modalities. The present investigation further examined this concept by studying a neuronal projection with a nociceptive function to determine whether fucosyl-lactoseries residues were incorporated in its primary afferent terminals. Transganglionic transport of horseradish peroxidase (HRP) following injection into tooth pulp chambers was employed to demonstrate dental pulp terminals in the trigeminal spinal complex, while peroxidase and fluorescent tags were used concomitantly to stain for UEA-I. Double immunolabeling...
Effect of neighborhood stigma on economic transactions

The hypothesis of neighborhood stigma predicts that individuals who reside in areas known for high crime, poverty, disorder, and/or racial isolation embody the negative characteristics attributed to their communities and experience suspicion and mistrust in their interactions with strangers. This article provides an experimental test of whether neighborhood stigma affects individuals in one domain of social life: economic transactions. To evaluate the neighborhood stigma hypothesis, this study adopts an audit design in a locally organized, online classified market, using advertisements for used iPhones and randomly manipulating the neighborhood of the seller. The primary outcome under study is the number of responses generated by sellers from disadvantaged relative to advantaged neighborhoods. Advertisements from disadvantaged neighborhoods received significantly fewer responses than advertisements from advantaged neighborhoods. Results provide robust evidence that individuals from disadvantaged neighborhoods bear a stigma that influences their prospects in economic exchanges. The stigma is greater for advertisements originating from disadvantaged neighborhoods where the majority of residents are black. This evidence reveals that residence in a disadvantaged neighborhood not only affects individuals through mechanisms involving economic resources, institutional quality, and social networks but also affects residents through the perceptions of others.
Testicular US findings after biopsy.

PURPOSE: To determine the ultrasonographic (US) abnormalities that may be encountered after testicular biopsy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Testicular US studies in 33 patients (64 testes) who had undergone unilateral or bilateral testicular biopsy were retrospectively reviewed for evidence of postbiopsy changes. Biopsy had been performed in 55 testes. RESULTS: US abnormalities were found in 49 (89%) of 55 testes. These abnormalities included focal, hypoechoic, round lesions in five (9%) testes; focal hypoechoic lesions with linear margins in 27 (49%); ill-defined, localized, hypoechoic areas in four (7%); peritesticular echogenic foci in 40 (73%); linear hypoechoic striations in five (9%); and focal contour defects in three (5%). CONCLUSION: A range of US findings are encountered after testicular biopsy. The US appearance of a round hypoechoic lesion seen after biopsy can overlap with that of testicular malignancy. Other findings, such as hypoechoic lesion with linear margins, peritesticular echogenic foci, li...
Aminotransferase study ofNeurospora crassa ser-3 versus wild type ST4A

TheNeurospora crassa serine auxotrophser-3 and the wild type ST4A were compared with respect to their phosphoserine and serine aminotransferase activities. The results obtained indicate no deficiency of either of these enzymes in the mutant strain.
DIFFERENTIAL EFFECTS OF REDUCED MUSCLE USE (HINDLIMB UNWEIGHTING) ON SKELETAL MUSCLE WITH AGING

The changes in hindlimb muscle mass, fiber area and contractile tension that occurred with two weeks of reduced weight-bearing (HU) were of greater magnitude in 6-month-old as opposed to 36-month-old rats. The pattern of change following HU for young and old animals differed, which may indicate that multiple mechanisms are responsible for the observed changes. The majority of old rats had difficulty with ambulation following unweighting, suggesting that the functional consequences of reduced weight-bearing are greater in old than in young animals. One hour of weight-bearing during HU attenuated the decline in SOL fiber atrophy, muscle mass and Po, but had no apparent effect on the GAST, PL or EDL. The reduction in Po with HU was not due, except for the old PL, to changes at the neuromuscular junction.
Caudatum sorghums and speakers of Chari-Nile languages in Africa

Our study of caudatum sorghums in Africa and the ethnography, history, and archaeology of regions where caudatum sorghums are grown has led us to the following conclusions.The distributions of caudatum sorghums and Chari-Nile-speaking peoples coincide so closely that a causal relationship seems probable.Caudatum sorghums appear to be a product of selection by Chari-Nile-speaking peoples for a hardy crop which will produce a large amount of grain under adverse conditions with a minimum amount of care. Caudatums can produce grain in spite of either droughts or heavy rains during the growing season and can produce grain in places where no other indigenous African crop can grow.Caudatum may be a relatively new race of sorghum. Available evidence indicates it was developed some time after about 350 A.D. and before about 900 A.D., the date for caudatum found at Daima mound, south of Lake Chad.By about 1000 A.D. caudatum was probably being grown in many parts of the savanna belt stretching from the eastern shores of Lake Chad to southwestern Ethiopia. This is assuming that the evidence of caudatum culture at Daima is indicative of a general phenomenon occurring in a region with close intercultural contacts.The large number of varieties of caudatum in the Republic of the Sudan suggests that caudatum sorghums have been grown in the Sudan for a relatively long time and may have been developed there.A caudatum and cattle-based economy has probably been an important factor in making possible the present level of occupation of regions now inhabited by Chari-Nile-speaking peoples.On the basis of oral histories and archaeological remains of people in northern East Africa, we have concluded that caudatum-based agriculture was probably introduced to Uganda and Kenya no later than the period from 1500–1800 A.D., when the Luo occupied the areas in which they live at the present. However, it is not unlikely that caudatums were introduced more than once as various Chari-Nile-speaking groups made their way into East Africa.
Symbolic Immortality in Ordinary Contexts: Impediments to the Nuclear Era:

Lifton's writings indicate that the fear of nuclear holocaust has severely impaired and threatens to negate the traditional modes of symbolic immortality in America. Lifton's research, however, has been limited to extreme contexts, i.e., situations involving people who have actually experienced the modern weaponry of the nuclear era. Data were triangulated in four distinctive American contexts that appeared to be representative with regard to the presence of nuclear symbols. Substantial negative evidence of Lifton's suspicions was found in each context. Reasons are offered concerning why Lifton's findings are not generalizable to America. Contemporary reactions to nuclear extinction will not be understood until knowledge of the processes that impede the effects of the nuclear era is blended with the insights Lifton has generated regarding the psychohistorical forces peculiar to this century.
End group effect on electrical transport through individual molecules: A microscopic study

The effect on molecular transport due to chemical modification of the metal-molecule interface is investigated, using as an example the prototypical molecular device formed by attaching a p-disubstituted benzene molecule onto two gold electrodes through chemically different end groups. Using a first-principles-based self-consistent matrix Green's function method, we find that, depending on the end group, transport through the molecule can be mediated by either near-resonant tunneling or off-resonant tunneling and the conductance of the molecule varies over more than two orders of magnitude. Despite the symmetric device structure of all the molecules studied, the applied bias voltage can be dropped either equally between the two metal-molecule contacts or mostly across the source (electron-injecting) contact depending on the potential landscape across the molecular junction at equilibrium.
The use of topical capsaicin in managing arthritis pain : a clinician's perspective

Effective management of pain and maintenance of functional status are issues common to all forms of arthritis. The rationale for the use of topical capsaicin toward achieving this goal is reviewed from a clinician's perspective. In addition to presenting findings from the clinical literature, clinical experience has been considered in addressing issues such as patient selection, dosage, systemic side effects, cost of therapy, and patient education.
A 10-Year Review of Otic Lichen Planus: The Mayo Clinic Experience

Importance Lichen planus is an autoimmune inflammatory dermatosis that typically affects the skin but can also involve the stratified squamous epithelium of the external auditory canals and tympanic membranes. Here we report our experience with the clinical presentation, diagnosis, and management of otic lichen planus. Observations We retrospectively reviewed medical records from January 1, 2001, through May 31, 2011, of patients with a diagnosis of otic lichen planus. Nineteen cases were identified (mean age at diagnosis, 57 years; 15 women). The most common concerns were persistent otorrhea and hearing loss. Other symptoms included plugging, pruritus, tinnitus, pain, and bleeding. The mean symptom duration was 4.0 years (n = 13). Most patients responded well to topical tacrolimus within several months. One patient had a dramatic positive response to rituximab. Conclusions and relevance Otic lichen planus can lead to persistent hearing loss and should be considered in the differential diagnosis of relentless otorrhea and external auditory canal stenosis. In our experience, topical tacrolimus is the best primary treatment, but alternative therapies could be instituted in severe cases. Early recognition of the nonspecific symptoms of otic lichen planus may lead to prompt treatment and avoidance of irreparable late sequelae.
The collapse effect and delay of reinforcement with amygdalectomized rats

In Phase 1, alleyway run speeds of amygdalectomized rats given large (12 pellets) or small (2 pellets) magnitude of reward were initially faster for the large-magnitude group, with the small-magnitude group catching up (termed the collapse effect) early in training. The collapse effect for nonlesion groups given similar magnitudes of reward occurred also, but much later in training. In Phase 2, all animals were given the same number of pellets as in Phase 1 with the addition of a 60-sec goalbox delay of reinforcement. In the lesion animals, the brief increase in performance, due to such a shift, occurred later in training than it did for the non-lesion animals. Following the brief increase there was a large decrement in responding for all groups, but the performance decrement of the lesion groups combined was less than it was for the nonlesion groups combined. Thus, rats with amygdala lesions were less responsive to original, and to changes in, contingencies of reinforcement relative to control animals. The normal function of the amygdala is briefly discussed.
HUMAN NEUTROPHIL (PMN) INTERACTIONS WITH HUMAN IMMUNE COMPLEXES (IC)

PMN have Fc Receptors (FcR) for IgG when part of an IC. We employed homologous IC (tetanus toxin and human anti-tecanus toxin IgG) as a stimulus for human PMN responsiveness. IC, at equivalence, stimulated PMN to produce superoxide (O2−) in a dose-dependent manner. Neither anttgen nor antibody alone had PMN stimulatory activity. The lag time for activation was 40-50 seconds and was dose-dependent. The addition of IC to PMN resulted in apparent membrane potential depolarization within 20 seconds (prior to the onset of superoxide production). IC-stimulated PMN increased their intracellular calcium, aggregated and degranulated. The addition of fresh human serum to IC resulted in enhanced O2− production and degranulation at less than saturating amounts of IC. Human monoraeric IgG (3 mg/ml) did not inhibit IC mediated PMN O2− production. The FAB fragment of a monoclonal antibody (IV3) specific for a 40 kD FcR on human PMN selectively inhibited IC-mediated O2− generation by approximately 75%. The same observations were obtained when another monoclonal antibody (3G8) FAB fragment, specific for a 51-75 kC FcR on human PMN was used. Complete inhibition of IC-mediated PMN O2− production was achieved only when FAB fragments of both antibodies were utilized. These results show that human IC can stimulate human PMN, that these interactions can be enhanced, by the presence of complement components and that monoclonal antibodies directed against both FcR are necessary to completely inhibit functional activity induced by human IC.
Cytodifferentiation in the accessory glands of Tenebrio molitor. VII. Patterns of leucine incorporation by the bean‐shaped glands of males

The bean-shaped accessory glands of male mealworm beetles are morphologically complex. Seven distinct cell types produce a semisolid secretory mass that contains structural proteins of the spermatophore. Cell numbers increase 3.5-fold over the pupal instar, and gland volume increases 30-fold over the pupal and early adult stage. DNA content reaches its maximum at adult ecdysis (11 pg/secretory cell), RNA at 4 days later (55 pg/cell), and protein at 6 days after ecdysis (1,200 pg/cell). Rates of 14C- and 3H-leucine incroporation increase in parallel to the rise in protein content. Over ten putative secretory protein bands were identified by using one-dimensional SDS-slab gel electrophoresis to compare BAG homogenates with homogenates of the secretory mass and the spermatophore. At least five of these secretory proteins accumulate in BAGs after adult ecdysis, and most show high rates of leucine incorporation in the adult. Twodimensional gel electrophoresis (pI and SDS) and fluorography allowed us to identify a score of reference spots, at least seven spots that are characteristic of the pupa, and over 40 spots that appear to be differentiation-specific and are presumably secretory products. The fluorographic indices give an unambiguous means of scoring terminal differentiation in the BAG.
Maintenance of patency after thrombolysis in stenotic coronary arteries requires combined inhibition of thrombin and platelets

Objectives. This study was designed to determine whether maintenance of patency in coronary arteries with high grade stenosis after thrombolysis with tissue-type plasminogen activator requires inhibition of thrombin or platelets, or both. Background. Activation of both thrombin and platelets has been implicated in delaying coronary recanalization induced with fibrinolytic drugs and in predisposing to reocciusion. Methods. Hirudin (1.5 mg/kg body weight) or aspirin (5 mg/kg), or both, was given conjunctively with tissue-type plasminogen activator in 28 conscious dogs with coronary thrombosis induced by electrical stimulation of the vessel wall in the presence of a previously placed high grade distal stenosis (85 ± 12% [SEM] area reduction). Results. Among 22 dogs exhibiting coronary recanalization, hirudin plus aspirin, but neither agent alone, modestly shortened the interval to recanalization (31 ± 4 min with saline solution, n 6; 29 ± 4 min with aspirin, n = 5; 23 ± 9 min with hirudin, n = 6; 21 ± 7 min with hirudin + aspirin, n = 5). Reocclusion occurred promptly and persisted in five of six dogs given only saline solution plus tissue-type plasminogen activator, in four of six dogs given hirudin and five of five dogs given aspirin; however, reocclusion was prevented in all five of the dogs given both hirudin and aspirin with tissue-type plasminogen activator (p < 0.05 compared with saline-treated dogs). In dogs given both hirudin and aspirin, the partial thromboplastin time was 2.4 ± 0.3 times baseline, and the template bleeding time was prolonged only modestly (1.6 ± 0.3 baseline). Conclusions. Thus, the combination of hirudin and aspirin in doses that do not markedly perturb hemostasis prevents early reocciusion after thrombolysis despite the presence of severe stenosis. Accordingly, conjunctive administration of both antithrombin and antiplatelet agents appears to be necessary for optimal maintenance of patency after thrombolysis induced in the presence of high grade coronary stenosis.
Unmodified drug used as a material to construct nanoparticles: delivery of cisplatin for enhanced anti-cancer therapy

The poor solubility of cisplatin (CDDP) often presents a major obstacle in the formulation of CDDP in nanoparticles (NPs) by traditional methods. We have developed a novel method for synthesizing CDDP NPs taking advantage of its poor solubility. By mixing two reverse microemulsions containing KCl and a highly soluble precursor of CDDP, cis-diaminedihydroplatinum (II), we have successfully formulated CDDP NPs with a controllable size (in the range of 12-75nm) and high drug loading capacity (approximately 80wt.%). The formulation was done in two steps. The pure CDDP NPs were first stabilized for dispersion in an organic solvent by coating with 1, 2-dioleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphate (DOPA). Both x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and (1)H NMR data confirmed that the major ingredient of the DOPA-coated NPs was CDDP. After purification, additional lipids were added to stabilize the NPs for dispersion in an aqueous solution. The final NPs contain a lipid bilayer coating and are named Lipid-Pt-Cl (LPC) NPs, which showed significant antitumor activity both in vitro and in vivo. Thus, CDDP precipitate serves as the major material for assembling the novel NPs. This unique method of nanoparticle synthesis may be applicable in formulating other insoluble drugs.
Thoracoscopic esophagomyotomy for achalasia: maximum gain, minimal pain.

Abstract Background. Achalasia can be effectively treated by either hydrostatic balloon dilatation or transthoracic modified Heller myotomy. The purpose of this study was to determine whether thoracoscopic methods could be used to achieve surgical results equal to the transthoracic approach with less pain. Methods. Twenty-one patients (10 men, 11 women; median age 42 years) had the diagnosis of achalasia confirmed by manometry, radiography, and endoscopy. All had dysphagia; five had weight loss. Median duration of symptoms was 12 months (range: 1 to 360 months). Eleven patients had undergone previous unsuccessful hydrostatic dilatation. Mean esophageal diameter was 5.5 ± 2.2 cm. Results. All patients underwent attempted modified Heller myotomy through a left thoracoscopic approach. Three patients required conversion to thoracotomy. The myotomy was extended Conclusions. Thoracoscopic Heller myotomy reproduces the superior results of open esophagomyotomy with a reduced hospitalization and reduced incisional pain and disability.
Retropharyngeal abscess in an afebrile child

A case of retropharyngeal abscess in a child is reported. The patient was nontoxic appearing, afebrile, and had minimal symptoms. The case is used to highlight the high index of suspicion that may be necessary to diagnose the condition. Diagnostic approaches, emergency treatment, and disposition of patients are discussed.
An experimental study on flow patterns and heat transfer characteristics during cryogenic chilldown in a vertical pipe

In the present paper, the experimental results of a cryogenic chilldown process are reported. The physical phenomena involve unsteady two-phase vapor–liquid flow and intense boiling heat transfer of the cryogenic fluid that is coupled with the transient heat conduction inside pipe walls. The objective for the present study is to compare the chilldown rates and flow patterns between the upward flow and downward flow in a vertical pipe. Liquid nitrogen is employed as the working fluid and the test section is a vertical straight segment of a Pyrex glass pipe with an inner diameter of 8 mm. The effects of mass flow rate on the flow patterns, heat transfer characteristics and interface movement were determined through experiments performed under several different mass flow rates. Through flow visualization, measurement and analysis on the flow patterns and temperature variations, a physical explanation of the vertical chilldown is given. By observing the process and analyzing the results, it is concluded that pipe chilldown in a vertical flow is similar to that in microgravity to some extent.
Reduced Hamiltonian Dynamics for a Rigid Body Coupled to a Moving Point Mass

Three equivalent reduced-dimensional Hamiltonian systems that model a rigid body in a perfect fluid coupled to am oving-mass particle are presented. These Hamiltonian systems describe the dynamics of an underwater vehicle with a moving-mass actuator or a flexible internal appendage. The systems include, as a special case, models for a spacecraft coupled to a moving mass. The Hamiltonian models are noncanonical; the structure of Hamilton’s equations is defined by the Poisson tensor, a generalization of the symplectic matrix from classical mechanics. The three models presented trade complexity of the generalized inertia tensor for complexity of the Poisson tensor. One model has a highly coupled inertia tensor and a block-diagonal Poisson tensor, whereas another has a highly coupled Poisson tensor and a block-diagonal inertia tensor. Two cases are considered. The first is that of an unconstrained mass particle. The second is that of a mass particle constrained to move in a linear track. Examples are included to illustrate the use of these models for nonlinear stability analysis.
A Quantitative Study of the Improvement of Speculum Gratings by the Application of Aluminum

Tests made on a clean concave speculum metal grating show that if the surface is coated with aluminum by evaporation, the time required to obtain a photograph of a spectrum is reduced by a factor which is the ratio of the reflection coefficient of aluminum to that of the speculum metal. The speed of the original grating was increased for the given wave-lengths by the following amounts:4077A–45 percent, 3341A–80 percent, and 2536A–170 percent. In preliminary tests the observed increase in speed was very much greater than indicated by these values, since the initial tests were made before the grating had been sufficiently cleaned.
Quantifying the Impact of Variability and Noise on Patient Outcomes in Breast Cancer Decision Making

Two issues of uncertainty in the breast-cancer decision-making process are addressed. These are factors contributing to false positive test results and the affect variability among radiologists has on patient outcomes. A simulation-based model is develo..
Scene shape from texture of objects

Joint reasoning about objects and 3D scene layout has shown great promise in scene interpretation. One visual cue that has been overlooked is texture arising from a spatial repetition of objects in the scene (e.g., windows of a building). Such texture provides scene-specific constraints among objects, and thus facilitates scene interpretation. We present an approach to: (1) detecting distinct textures of objects in a scene, (2) reconstructing the 3D shape of detected texture surfaces, and (3) combining object detections and shape-from-texture toward a globally consistent scene interpretation. Inference is formulated within the reinforcement learning framework as a sequential interpretation of image regions, starting from confident regions to guide the interpretation of other regions. Our algorithm finds an optimal policy that maps states of detected objects and reconstructed surfaces to actions which ought to be taken in those states, including detecting new objects and identifying new textures, so as to minimize a long-term loss. Tests against ground truth obtained from stereo images demonstrate that we can coarsely reconstruct a 3D model of the scene from a single image, without learning the layout of common scene surfaces, as done in prior work. We also show that reasoning about texture of objects improves object detection.
Minding morphology: How morphological awareness relates to reading for English language learners

This study explored subprocesses of reading for 157 fifth grade Spanish-speaking English language learners (ELLs) by examining whether morphological awareness made a unique contribution to reading comprehension beyond a strong covariate-phonological decoding. The role of word reading and reading vocabulary as mediators of this relationship was also explored. Results showed that fourth grade morphological awareness did not make a significant unique direct effect on fifth grade reading comprehension, controlling for phonological decoding, word reading, and reading vocabulary. Fourth grade morphological awareness did, though, make a unique moderate total contribution to fifth grade reading comprehension with reading vocabulary, but not word reading, mediating the relationship when controlling for phonological decoding. In contrast, phonological decoding made a nonsignificant total contribution to reading comprehension with neither word reading nor reading vocabulary mediating the relationship when controlling for morphological awareness. Alternative models were also explored, showing the importance of including both predictors in a model of ELL reading comprehension, primarily to include the support of phonological decoding to word reading and the support of morphological awareness to reading comprehension via reading vocabulary. Results highlighted the importance of morphological awareness in facilitating reading comprehension via improving reading vocabulary knowledge, and also the potential of interventions involving morphological instruction to support reading achievement for Spanish-speaking ELLs.
Cell Death after Spinal Cord Injury Is Exacerbated by Rapid TNFα-Induced Trafficking of GluR2-Lacking AMPARs to the Plasma Membrane

Glutamate, the major excitatory neurotransmitter in the CNS, is implicated in both normal neurotransmission and excitotoxicity. Numerous in vitro findings indicate that the ionotropic glutamate receptor, AMPAR, can rapidly traffic from intracellular stores to the plasma membrane, altering neuronal excitability. These receptor trafficking events are thought to be involved in CNS plasticity as well as learning and memory. AMPAR trafficking has recently been shown to be regulated by glial release of the proinflammatory cytokine tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα) in vitro. This has potential relevance to several CNS disorders, because many pathological states have a neuroinflammatory component involving TNFα. However, TNFα-induced trafficking of AMPARs has only been explored in primary or slice cultures and has not been demonstrated in preclinical models of CNS damage. Here, we use confocal and image analysis techniques to demonstrate that spinal cord injury (SCI) induces trafficking of AMPARs to the neuronal membrane. We then show that this effect is mimicked by nanoinjections of TNFα, which produces specific trafficking of GluR2-lacking receptors which enhance excitotoxicity. To determine if TNFα-induced trafficking affects neuronal cell death, we sequestered TNFα after SCI using a soluble TNFα receptor, and significantly reduced both AMPAR trafficking and neuronal excitotoxicity in the injury penumbra. The data provide the first evidence linking rapid TNFα-induced AMPAR trafficking to early excitotoxic secondary injury after CNS trauma in vivo, and demonstrate a novel way in which pathological states hijack mechanisms involved in normal synaptic plasticity to produce cell death.
Scan performance of dual offset reflector antennas for satellite communications

The basic numerical steps of a method to analyze dual offset reflector antennas are reviewed. The technique employs an alternative approach to calculating the secondary pattern of an arbitrarily shaped offset dual reflector antenna, and is based on the application of the geometrical theory of diffraction from the subreflector and physical optics (PO) scattering from the main reflector. The PO integral is evaluated using the Jacobi-Bessel series expansions, and numerical results are presented for the off-axis scan performance of an offset clear aperture Cassegrain antenna. Results indicate that the equivalent paraboloid concept can be used to determine the location of displaced feed and define the local optimal focal plane, and the scan performance of the Cassegrain reflector can be improved if the feed is located on the true opimal surface.
The Electroencephalogram Does Not Predict Depth of Isoflurane Anesthesia

BACKGROUND: The power spectrum of the electroencephalogram (EEG) may be analyzed to provide quantitative measures of EEG activity (e.g., spectral edge, which defines the highest EEG frequency at which significant activity is found). The current study tested the hypothesis that spectral edge and similar measures distinguish different functional depths of anesthesia in humans. METHODS: Three groups were studied. Group 1 consisted of 34 surgical patients (ASA physical status 1 or 2) who received 0.6, 1.0 and 1.4 MAC isoflurane anesthesia. A subgroup (group 2) of group 1 was tested during 1.0 MAC isoflurane anesthesia at surgical incision. Group 3 consisted of 16 volunteers who listened to an audiotape while receiving 0.15, 0.3, and 0.45 MAC isoflurane or 0.3, 0.45, and 0.6 MAC nitrous oxide in oxygen. The audiotape contained information designed to test implicit and explicit memory formation. We tested the ability of six EEG parameters (spectral-edge, 95th percentile power frequency, median power, and zero crossing frequencies and total power in the alpha- [8-13 Hz] and delta- [< 4 Hz] power ranges) to predict movement after surgical incision, purposeful response to command, or memory of information presented during anesthetic administration. RESULTS: Isoflurane decreased EEG activity in group 1 in a dose-related fashion. The 55% of group 2 who made purposeful movements in response to incision did not differ in their EEG from nonresponders (e.g., spectral edge 19.8 +/- 3.1 vs. 19.3 +/- 2.6 Hz, mean +/- SD). In group 3, memory of the information presented did not correlate with values of any EEG parameter. Response to verbal command was associated with lower anesthetic concentrations and with smaller alpha- and delta-band power (298 +/- 66 vs. 401 +/- 80 watts; and 75 +/- 20 vs. 121 +/- 49 watts, mean +/- SD), but there was no difference in values for other parameters. CONCLUSIONS: We conclude that our EEG measures do not predict depth of anesthesia as defined by the response to surgical incision, the response to verbal command or the development of memory.
Pre-mRNA processing and mRNA nuclear export.

The primary transcript of a prokaryotic gene is translated immediately following or during synthesis, whereas in eukaryotes, messenger RNA (mRNA) precursors (premRNAs) are synthesized in the nucleus and are then structurally altered and relocated to the cytoplasm before translation (Fig. 1). While in the nucleus, the premRNA is modified in a series of steps, which include splicing and formation of the 3’ end (RNA processing). The fully processed mRNA is then transported from the nucleus to the cytoplasm (mRNA nuclear export). Each of these steps is required to produce a stable, functional mRNA, and each is a potential target for regulation.
Trichophyton mentagrophytes Spores Differ From Mycelia in Their Ability to Induce Pustules and Activate Complement

To determine whether the morphology of dermatophytes plays a role in the clinical manifestation of dermatophytosis, we isolated spores and mycelia from colonies of killed Trichophyton mentagrophytes and tested their ability to induce gross and microscopic cutaneous changes when applied to guinea pig skin. The skin of normal guinea pigs failed to develop any cutaneous changes after inoculation with either dead spores or mycelia. In contrast, guinea pigs that had recovered from a T. mentagrophytes infection reacted to topically applied spores by producing pustules but failed to develop pustules either grossly or microscopically when inoculated with mycelia. Because differences in the activation of C' and the subsequent generation of the polymorphonuclear leukocyte (PMN) chemoattractant, C5a, might account for our in vivo findings, we measured the amount of C5a activated in vitro when serum was incubated with equivalent amounts of spores or mycelia. Spores consistently activated more C' to C5a than mycelia, although each could activate serum C'. The results support previous studies that show a direct correlation between the clinical manifestations ofa dermatophytic infection and the development of immunity against the dermatophyte. Furthermore, the data suggest that a dermatophyte's predominant morphology during an infection may play a critical role in producing pustules by activating C' and chemoattrading PMNs into the fungus-laden stratum corneum.
Home parking convenience, household car usage, and implications to residential parking policies

This paper investigates the effect of home parking convenience on households' car usage, and the implications to residential parking policies. A random sample of 840 households is selected from a travel survey in the New York City region, and their home parking types are identified through Google Street View. It found that with the same car ownership level, households without off-street parking used cars much less, and relied more on alternative modes than those with off-street parking. For households with access to both garage and street parking, those who use the handy street parking tend to make more car tours than those who do not. In general, convenient home parking encourages households' car usage. Policy implications to the minimum off-street parking requirement, residents parking permit, street cleaning, and new urbanism neighborhood design are discussed.
Dynamics of paramagnetic agents by off-resonance rotating frame technique.

Abstract Off-resonance rotating frame technique offers a novel tool to explore the dynamics of paramagnetic agents at high magnetic fields ( B 0 > 3 T). Based on the effect of paramagnetic relaxation enhancement in the off-resonance rotating frame, a new method is described here for determining the dynamics of paramagnetic ion chelates from the residual z -magnetizations of water protons. In this method, the dynamics of the chelates are identified by the difference magnetization profiles, which are the subtraction of the residual z -magnetization as a function of frequency offset obtained at two sets of RF amplitude ω 1 and pulse duration τ . The choices of ω 1 and τ are guided by a 2-D magnetization map that is created numerically by plotting the residual z -magnetization as a function of effective field angle θ and off-resonance pulse duration τ . From the region of magnetization map that is the most sensitive to the alteration of the paramagnetic relaxation enhancement efficiency R 1 ρ / R 1 , the ratio of the off-resonance rotating frame relaxation rate constant R 1 ρ verse the laboratory frame relaxation rate constant R 1 , three types of difference magnetization profiles can be generated. The magnetization map and the difference magnetization profiles are correlated with the rotational correlation time τ R of Gd-DTPA through numerical simulations, and further validated by the experimental data for a series of macromolecule conjugated Gd-DTPA in aqueous solutions. Effects of hydration water number q , diffusion coefficient D , magnetic field strength B 0 and multiple rotational correlation times are explored with the simulations of the magnetization map. This method not only provides a simple and reliable approach to determine the dynamics of paramagnetic labeling of molecular/cellular events at high magnetic fields, but also a new strategy for spectral editing in NMR/MRI based on the dynamics of paramagnetic labeling in vivo .
Valentine Mott. American surgeon pioneer.

Valentine Mott (1785–1865) was considered one of the most influential American surgical leaders of his time. Originally from Long Island, New York, he proceeded from a Quaker medical family and received a classical education from an elementary seminary. After completing an apprenticeship under his cousin, well-respected surgeon Valentine Seaman, he attended and received his medical degree from Columbia Medical College in 1806. Months later, he left for London, where he studied surgery under the superb guidance of the surgical star Sir Astley Cooper. Other noted English and Scottish surgeons actively participated in his education as well. By 1809, Valentine Mott returned to New York City. Various coveted surgical posts at Columbia, Rutgers Medical College of New Jersey, and University City of New York were occupied by Professor Mott.Valentine Mott was certainly the first American to ligate successfully a great number of large arteries. Because of Valentine Mott's extraordinary vascular surgery work, the di...
The effect of androgens on the urinary excretion of ketosteroids, nonketonic alcohols and estrogens.

INTRODUCTION THE development of a method for the colorimetric estimation of urinary steroid alcohols (3) and a fluorometric method for the estimation of urinary estrogens (2) makes it possible to carry out simultaneous studies of these components as well as ketosteroids in the urine of patients under various types of hormone therapy. This report will be concerned with the effect of the administration of dehydroepiandrosterone1 and testosterone on the urinary excretion of ketosteroids, steroid alcohols and fluorogenic phenols2 (FP) in a series of 6 patients with cancer of the breast (female), 1 patient with cancer of the prostate gland and 4 patients with rheumatoid arthritis.3 METHODS Twenty-four-hour urine specimens were collected during preliminary control periods, periods of therapy and post-treatment control periods. Daily determinations of creatinine were performed to check completeness of the collections. An aliquot of each 24-hour specimen was hydrolyzed by boiling for ten minutes with J 5 volumes ...
Rotational mechanism for vibrational relaxation in rigid media

Abstract We consider the contribution of molecular rotation to the vibrational relaxation of molecules in crystalline media. An analysis of realistic interactions leads to the introduction of a model one having the essential physical features. When the rotational mechanism is dominant, the rate varies exponentially with (ω/B)1/2 for ω/B large, where ω is the oscillator frequency and B is the rotational constant, while the rate is independent of temperature at least up to temperatures ≈ 20n˜B/kB.
The specific flowrate of deviation function based lobe pumps––derivation and analysis☆

In this paper a general specific flowrate formula for lobe pumps is derived in terms of the pitch and deviation functions of a lobe. This formula applies to both circular and non-circular pitch curves. Pump lobes can be conveniently grouped according to the type of their deviation function. This formulation of flowrate provides a systematic and efficient tool for lobe pump design. A few classes of new lobe pumps with circular pitch curves are designed and evaluated.