cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Purification and properties of Neurospora adenylosuccinase.

Abstract A procedure is described for the isolation of Neurospora adenylosuccinase. Under the conditions employed in the isolation of this protein, it exists in at least three forms that can be easily separated by ultracentrifugation or by moving boundary electrophoresis. The 10S form and the 4.0S form are readily interconvertible by changes in the hydrogen ion concentration. Only one form of the enzyme appears to catalyze the adenylosuccinate → AMP + fumarate reaction, and the same form catalyzes the S-AICAR → AICAR + fumarate reaction. (Here, the symbol S denotes a succinyl group and AICAR denotes 5-amino-4-imidazolecarboxamide ribonucleotide.) The active form of the enzyme has a molecular weight of about 200,000, optimal activity at pH 8.3, and a 0° stability optimum at pH 8.0. The Km for adenylosuccinate is 1.2 x 10-6 m. The inactive forms of the enzyme have molecular weights of about 27,000 and 55,000 and appear to be subunits of the 200,000 molecular weight form on the basis of identical peptide maps, amino acid composition, and the fact that the relative amounts of the three peaks in the ultracentrifuge can be modified by changing the pH. The results of the amino acid composition studies and the peptide maps of trypsin digests of adenylosuccinase indicate that the smallest molecular form of the enzyme is 25,000 to 30,000 molecular weight. This molecular weight value was confirmed by sedimentation equilibrium analyses, which gave a value of 27,600. On the basis of these data, the active form of adenylosuccinase consists of 6 to 8 identical subunits.
Paging on a RAM with Limited Resources

The paging problem is that of deciding which pages to keep in a cache of k pages to minimize the number of page faults for a two-level memory system. We consider efficient paging algorithms that require limited space and time on a unitcost RAM with word size w. We present an implementation of the randomized marking algorithm of Fiat et al. that uses only k + o(k) bits of space while supporting page requests in O(1) worst-case time. In addition, we present a novel k-competitive deterministic algorithm called Surely Not Recently Used (SNRU) that approximates the Least Recently Used (LRU) algorithm. For any constant 1/k ? ? < 1/2, SNRU(?) ensures that the ?(1/2 - ?)k? most recently requested pages are in the cache, while using only O(1/?) worst-case time per request and 2k + o(k) bits of space.
Loss of mitochondrial hsp60 function: nonequivalent effects on matrix-targeted and intermembrane-targeted proteins.

We have created yeast strains in which the mitochondrial chaperonin, hsp60, can be either physically depleted or functionally inactivated. Cells completely depleted of hsp60 stop growing but retain for awhile the capacity to reaccumulate hsp60. While this newly made hsp60 is targeted to and processed correctly within the mitochondrion, assembly of a functional hsp60 complex does not occur. Rather, the hsp60 monomers are localized in different-size soluble complexes containing another mitochondrial chaperone, the mitochondrial form of hsp70. A number of other mitochondrial matrix-targeted proteins synthesized in the absence of functional hsp60 are imported into mitochondria but often show some buildup of precursor forms and, unlike hsp60, accumulate as insoluble aggregates. By contrast, several mitochondrial proteins normally targeted to the intermembrane space show normal processing in the complete absence of a functional hsp60 complex. Similar and complementary results were obtained when we examined the metabolism of matrix- and intermembrane space-localized proteins in cells expressing three different temperature-sensitive alleles of HSP60. In all cases, matrix-targeted proteins synthesized at nonpermissive (i.e., hsp60-inactivating) temperatures were correctly targeted to and processed within mitochondria but accumulated predominantly or totally as insoluble aggregates. The metabolism of two intermembrane space proteins, cytochrome b2 and cytochrome c1, was unaffected at the nonpermissive temperature, as judged by the correct processing and complete solubility of newly synthesized forms of both proteins. These findings are discussed with regard to current models of intermembrane targeting.
Van Helmont’s hybrid ontology and its influence on the chemical interpretation of spirit and ferment

This essay proposes to discuss the manner in which Jan Baptista van Helmont helped to transform the Neoplatonic notions of vital spirit and of ferment by giving these notions an unambiguously chemical interpretation, thereby influencing the eventual naturalization of these ideas in the work of late seventeenth century chymists. This chemical interpretation of vital spirit and ferment forms part of Helmont’s hybrid ontology, which fuses a corpuscular conception of minima naturalia with a non-corporeal conception of semina rerum. For Helmont, chemical alterations involve the minima as physical units but also depend upon ferments that are contained in the semina, which function as formative spiritual agents. Helmont’s nuanced ontology ultimately contributes to the development of modern corpuscularian theory by explaining many chemical reactions in fundamentally corpuscular terms, as the addition and subtraction of particles.
Collaborative Instructional Strategies to Enhance Knowledge Convergence.

To promote knowledge convergence through collaborative learning activities in groups, this qualitative case study involved a layered approach for the design and delivery of a highly collaborative learning environment incorporating various instructional technologies grounded in learning theory. In a graduate-level instructional technology course, research design focused on the learning environment structure, collaborative learning activities such as digital knowledge mapping, and the instructor’s role in scaffolding students’ learning to achieve shared knowledge. Content analysis of students’ work revealed four themes in the construction of collaborative concept maps: research, process, organization, and behavior. Student statements within the themes indicated use of specific critical thinking skills in the knowledge-sharing process.
Changes in Cerebral Cyclic Nucleotides and Cerebral Blood Flow during Prolonged Asphyxia and Recovery in Newborn Pigs

Changes in Cerebral Cyclic Nucleotides and Cerebral Blood Flow during Prolonged Asphyxia and Recovery in Newborn Pigs
Ground- and Excited-State Mapping of Plastocyanin from Resonance Raman Spectra of Isotope-Labeled Proteins

Resonance Raman (RR) spectra are reported for recombinant poplar plastocyanin, which was isotopically labeled with cysteine-CβD2 and -15N. Abundantly expressed protein and careful low-temperature scanning permitted resolution of an unprecedented number of bands in the 400 cm-1 region and determination of their isotope shifts. These shifts confirm extensive mixing of ligand internal coordinates with the Cu−S(Cys) stretching coordinate and also reveal mixing into the mainly Cu−N(His) stretching mode at 267 cm-1. RR scattering is observed for combinations of this mode with all of the ∼400 cm-1 modes as well as of the ∼400 cm-1 modes with one another. In addition, the isotopic labeling establishes the assignment of higher-frequency RR-enhanced fundamental modes, S−C stretching, methylene twisting and scissoring, and the amide III mode, all of which are localized on cysteine, as well as three imidazole ring modes of histidine. The 1040 cm-1 imidazole peak is definitively assigned to the ligating His87 because ...
Comparative Ultrastructure of Cnidarian Sperm

Marine Cnidarian sperm consist of a head containing the nucleus and several electron dense vesicles. These vesicles aie anterior to the nucleus in the Hydrozoan and Scyphozoan sperm and adjacent to the posterior legion of the nucleus in the Anthozoan sperm. They are Golgi in origin and do not coalesce. They may be a primitive acrosome. Mitochondria may number four to five in the Hydrozoan and Scyphozoan sperm while they form an aggregate in the Anthozoans. Both centrioles persist in the mature spermatozoa. The distal centriole gives rise to the long flagellum and has associated with it nine pericentriolar processes.
Bacteremia Due to Nontypable Haemophilus influenzae — Three Cases in a Community Hospital

Nontypable Haemophilus influenzae is a normal inhabitant of the upper respiratory tract and a common pathogen in diseases limited to mucosal surfaces. Nontypable H. influenzae has only occasionally been reported to cause invasive disease locally or systemically. In a period of two years, three patients of 17 with positive blood cultures for H. influenzae were found to have nontypable strains, two of which were resistant to ampicillin. The presumed sites of entry were an oral mucosal lesion, sinus mucosa, and female genital tract. All three patients responded rapidly to antibiotics to which their isolates were susceptible.
Dual resonant slot antennas for wireless applications

First, a qualitative relationship between the dimensions of rectangular slot antennas and their bandwidths is studied and then the design and measurement results of a dual resonant slot antenna are presented and discussed.. It is shown that, by increasing the width of a rectangular slot antenna, its bandwidth also increases. For appropriately designed microstrip-fed slots, this increase results in the creation of a second resonance with similar current distribution to that of the first, and a frequency above the first and below the second normal resonant frequencies. This phenomenon is exploited to achieve an antenna with large bandwidth and similar radiation patterns across the entire band.
Control of phosphatidylserine biosynthesis through phosphatidylserine-mediated inhibition of phosphatidylserine synthase I in Chinese hamster ovary cells

Phosphatidylserine (PtdSer) synthesis in Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells occurs through the exchange of l-serine with the base moiety of phosphatidylcholine or phosphatidylethanolamine. The synthesis is depressed on the addition of PtdSer to the culture medium. A CHO cell mutant named mutant 29, whose PtdSer biosynthesis is highly resistant to this depression by exogenous PtdSer, has been isolated from CHO-K1 cells. In the present study, the PtdSer-resistant PtdSer biosynthesis in the mutant was traced to a point mutation in the PtdSer synthase I gene, pssA, resulting in the replacement of Arg-95 of the synthase by lysine. Introduction of the mutant pssA cDNA, but not the wild-type pssA cDNA, into CHO-K1 cells induced the PtdSer-resistant PtdSer biosynthesis. In a cell-free system, the serine base-exchange activity of the wild-type pssA-transfected cells was inhibited by PtdSer, but that of the mutant pssA-transfected cells was resistant to the inhibition. Like the mutant 29 cells, the mutant pssA-transfected cells grown without exogenous PtdSer exhibited an ≈2-fold increase in the cellular PtdSer level compared with that in CHO-K1 cells, although the wild-type pssA-transfected cells did not exhibit such a significant increase. These results indicated that the inhibition of PtdSer synthase I by PtdSer is essential for the maintenance of a normal PtdSer level in CHO-K1 cells and that Arg-95 of the synthase is a crucial residue for the inhibition.
Effects of milrinone on left ventricular cardiac function during cooling in an intact animal model.

Abstract Introduction Due to adverse effects of β-receptor agonists reported when applied during hypothermia, left ventricular (LV) cardiac effects of milrinone, a PDE3 inhibitor which mode of action is deprived the sarcolemmal β-receptor–G protein–PKA system, was tested during cooling to 15 °C. Methods Sprague Dawley rats were instrumented to measure left ventricular (LV) pressure–volume changes using a Millar pressure–volume conductance catheter. Core temperature was reduced from 37 to 15 °C (60 min) using internal and external heat exchangers. Milrinone, or saline placebo, was given as continuous i.v. infusions for 30 min at 37 °C and during cooling. Results In normothermic controls continuous milrinone infusion for 90 min elevated cardiac output (CO) and stroke volume (SV) significantly. Significant differences in cardiac functional variables between the milrinone group and the saline control group during cooling to 15 °C were found: Compared to saline treated animals throughout cooling from 33 to 15 °C SV was significantly elevated in milrinone animals, the index of LV isovolumic relaxation, Tau, was significantly better preserved, and both HR and CO were significantly higher from 33 to 24 °C. Likewise, during cooling between 33 and 28 °C also LVdP/dt max was significantly higher in the milrinone group. Conclusions Milrinone preserved LV systolic and diastolic function at a significantly higher level than in saline controls during cooling to 15 °C. In essential contrast to our previous results when using β-receptor agonists during hypothermia, the present experiment demonstrates the positive inotropic effects of milrinone on LV cardiac function during cooling to 15 °C.
Relationship between syndeformational partial melting and crustal-scale magmatism and tectonism across the Wet Mountains, central Colorado

In the Wet Mountains of central Colorado, we document evidence for increasing metamorphic grade and associated higher amounts of partial melting along a transect from northwest to southeast. Field observations of structural orientation and style, qualitative assessment of strain intensity, analysis of metamorphic mineral assemblages, and macroscopic identification of leucosomes and migmatites are complemented by the use of melt microstructures to carefully document the presence and locations of former partial melt and to identify melt-producing reactions. In the northwest Wet Mountains, migmatitic foliation is moderately well developed, and partial melting occurred via granite wet melting and muscovite-dehydration melting, with rare melt pseudomorphs remaining. At Dawson Mountain in the central part of the range, inferred former melt channels are preserved along grain and subgrain boundaries, deformation appears more intense, and anatexis occurred through biotite-dehydration melting. Farthest to the south, the highest intensity of strain is inferred, with very closely spaced foliations, abundant dynamic recrystallization, and local mylonitization occurring in rocks of granitic composition, and partial melting occurring via granite wet melting. Metapelitic rocks experienced biotite-dehydration melting and contain garnet with Mn-rich rims and Mn-poor cores mantled by plagioclase, decussate biotite, and quartz, textures indicating back-reaction between melt and garnet. These textures indicate there was abundant melt within these highest-grade rocks and extensive melt-rock interaction. Throughout the Wet Mountains, deformation is concentrated in areas where melt-producing reactions occurred, and melt appears to be localized along deformation-related features, suggesting a correlation between partial melting and deformation. The northern Wet Mountains contain few plutons, whereas the central and southern portions of the Wet Mountains contain more pervasive dikes and sills and may contain more former melt as a result of both higher metamorphic grade and widespread thermal insulation. The Wet Mountains represent an exhumed section of formerly molten middle crust located at the transition between upper and lower crust and provide insight into processes ongoing at depth in modern orogenic belts. The microstructures indicative of former partial melt, textures associated with melt-rock interaction, and melting reactions we have identified in the Wet Mountains will greatly facilitate the recognition of other such exhumed sections.
Activity of Citrus Essential Oils against Escherichia coli O157:H7 and Salmonella spp. and Effects on Beef Subprimal Cuts under Refrigeration

Abstract: Escherichia coli O157:H7 and Salmonella spp. are bacterial pathogens often associated with beef, and cause many cases of foodborne illness each year in the United States. During beef slaughter and processing, these bacteria may spread from the hide or intestines to the carcass. The objective of this research was to investigate the use of naturally occurring compounds citrus essential oils (CEOs) extracted from orange peel to reduce or eliminate these pathogens at the chilling stage of processing, or during fabrication. Brisket flats (used to simulate beef subprimals) were spot inoculated with approximately 6 log of surrogate generic E. coli cocktail (previously shown to be identical in growth and survival parameters to E. coli O157:H7 and Salmonella spp.). Following drying, CEOs were applied by spraying at concentrations of 3% and 6% to the surface of different pieces of meat. Treatments were applied using a custom built spray cabinet at 2.07 bar and applied at a rate of 3.79 L/min to replicate commercial practices. The CEOs significantly reduced (P < 0.05) the concentration of E. coli on the brisket flats in comparison to inoculated no spray or water sprayed controls over a period of 90 d, while causing an initial reduction of approximately 1.4 log units. Total aerobic bacteria and psychrotrophic counts were also reduced on uninoculated briskets following treatment. These results indicate that 3% cold-pressed terpeneless Valencia orange oil could be used as an additional intervention against E. coli O157:H7 and Salmonella spp. at the refrigerated storage stage of processing. Practical Application: CEOs are natural compounds that have been designated as Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS). They can be used to control Salmonella spp. and E. coli O157:H7 on beef carcasses at the chilling stage.
Role of Estrogen Receptor Signaling in Breast Cancer Metastasis

Metastatic breast cancer is a life-threatening stage of cancer and is the leading cause of death in advanced breast cancer patients. Estrogen signaling and the estrogen receptor (ER) are implicated in breast cancer progression, and the majority of the human breast cancers start out as estrogen dependent. Accumulating evidence suggests that ER signaling is complex, involving coregulatory proteins and extranuclear actions. ER-coregualtory proteins are tightly regulated under normal conditions with miss expression primarily reported in cancer. Deregulation of ER coregualtors or ER extranuclear signaling has potential to promote metastasis in ER-positive breast cancer cells. This review summarizes the emerging role of ER signaling in promoting metastasis of breast cancer cells, discusses the molecular mechanisms by which ER signaling contributes to metastasis, and explores possible therapeutic targets to block ER-driven metastasis.
Inhibition of the PI3K/AKT pathway enhances trail induced apoptosis in neuroblastoma cells

Abstract Purpose: The binding of TRAIL to membrane receptors activates caspase 8, which initiates the extrinsic apoptotic pathway. Activation of the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/Akt signaling pathway has been demonstrated to protect a number of human tumor cells from apoptosis that may occur via both the extrinsic and intrinsic apoptotic pathways. Investigators have shown that neuroblastoma are resistant to TRAIL induced apoptosis. We hypothesize that inhibition of the PI3K/Akt pathway may enhance the ability of TRAIL to induce apoptosis in neuroblastoma cells. Methods: Human neuroblastoma cells (IMR-32) were grown to 80% confluence. Cells were then divided into four groups receiving the following treatment over 48 hr: (Control) standard growth media, (LY) standard media with 20 μg/mL LY294002 (a specific PI3K inhibitor), (TRAIL) standard media with 100 ng/mL TRAIL, (LY&TRAIL) standard media with 20 μg/mL LY294002 × 24 hr followed by 100 ng/mL TRAIL × 24 hr. Flow cytometry was used to assess cell viability (7-AAD), apoptosis (Annexin V), mitochondrial transmembrane potential/apoptosis (DioC6), and active caspases 8 (extrinsic pathway) and 9 (intrinsic pathway). Results: There was no difference between the numbers of apoptotic and dead cells in control IMR-32 cells compared to those treated with TRAIL. LY294002 alone also did not increase apoptosis or cell death. The mitochondrial transmembrane potential was decreased 25% in the group pre-treated with LY294002 (LY&TRAIL) compared to control cells. Activity of caspase 8 increased by 10.5%, and activity of caspase 9 increased by 16% in the LY&TRAIL treated cells compared to controls. LY&TRAIL resulted in increased levels of TRAIL induced apoptosis by 5.5% and cell death by 9.5% compared to control cells. Conclusions: The resistance of IMR-32 neuroblastoma cells to TRAIL induced apoptosis is partly dependent upon the activation of the PI3K/Akt pathway. This protection appears to occur through inhibition of both the extrinsic and intrinsic apoptotic pathways. Specific blockage of the PI3K/Akt pathway can enhance the capacity for TRAIL induced apoptosis of neuroblastoma cells.
Dosimetric implications of residual seminal vesicle motion in fiducial-guided intensity-modulated radiotherapy for prostate cancer

Abstract To determine whether residual interfraction seminal vesicle (SV) displacement necessitates specific planning target volume (PTV) margins during fiducial-guided intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) of the prostate. A planning computed tomography (CT) scan and 2 subsequent CT scans were prospectively obtained for 20 prostate cancer patients with intraprostatic fiducial markers. After CT registration, SV displacement relative to the prostate was quantified as a function of margin size for both the proximal (1 cm) SV (PSV) and the full SV (FSV). Two IMRT plans were simulated for each patient (prostate + PSV and prostate + FSV) both with a uniform 5-mm PTV margin. Minimum clinical target volume (CTV) dose (Dmin) and the volume of SV receiving 95% of the prescription dose (V95%) were assessed during treatment and compared with the initial plan. In all cases, SV displacement with respect to the prostate was greater for the FSV compared with the PSV. To ensure at least 95% geometrical coverage of the CTV for 90% of patients, margins of 5 and 8 mm were required for the PSV and FSV, respectively. Dosimetrically, residual SV displacement had minimal impact on PSV coverage compared with FSV coverage. For the PSV Dmin was ≥95% of the prescribed dose in 90% of patients with an overall mean V95% of 99.6 ± 0.8%; for the FSV Dmin was ≥95% of the prescribed dose in only 45% of patients with a mean V95% of 97.9 ± 2.4%. The SVs move differentially from the prostate and exhibit greater variation with increasing distance from the prostate. For plans targeting just the prostate and PSVs, 5-mm PTV expansions are adequate. However, despite daily localization of the prostate, larger PTV margins are required for cases where the intent is to completely cover the FSV.
Identification and mapping of night lights' signatures using hyperspectral data

"ProSpecTIR" Imaging spectrometer (hyperspectral imagery or "HSI") data were collected for the city of Las Vegas, Nevada, USA at 10:55 PM July 28, 2009 for the purposes of identification, characterization, and mapping of urban lighting based on spectral emission lines unique to specific lighting types. The ProSpecTIR sensor measures the spectrum in 360 spectral bands between 0.4 and 2.5 micrometers at approximately 5nm spectral resolution, and for this flight, at 1.2m spatial resolution. Spectral features were extracted from the data and compared to a spectral library of known lighting measurements. Specific lighting types identified based on spectral signatures using the ProSpecTIR data included blue and red neon, high pressure sodium, and metal halide lights. A binary encoding method was used to map the spatial distribution of lighting types based on simplified spectral signatures. Results were overlain on a Quickbird panchromatic 0.6m spatial resolution image. The observed locations of specific light types were compared to a 3-D Las Vegas building model, and airborne signatures validated against spectral library measurements. The ProSpecTIR data successfully identified and mapped different lighting types and distributions, allowing determination of the nature and spatial associations of specific lights. Results illustrate the potential for using imaging spectrometer data to characterize urban development.
Conformation of insulin and its fragments in surfactant solutions.

Abstract The conformation of insulin, A and B chains and des(B23–30)octapeptide insulin (DOI) in surfactant solutions was studied by circular dichroism (CD). Addition of sodium dodecyl sulfate (NaDodSO4), dodecylammonium chloride (DodNH3Cl) or dodecyltrimethylammonium chloride (Dod(CH3)3NCl) slightly alters the CD spectrum of insulin, but not DOI. The CD of insulin in NaDodSO4 solution resembles that of DOI without the surfactant, suggesting the dissociation of the COOH-terminal antiparallel β-form of insulin oligomers (DOI lacks B23–30 and exists as monomers). Reduced insulin and DOI lose their ordered structure in water, but their helical conformation is restored in surfactant solutions. Reduced DOI in NaDodSO4 solution appears to be more helical than DOI with the disulfide bonds intact as judged from their ellipti cities. Oxidized A and B chains of insulin are unordered in aqueous solution. A chain that lacks cationic side groups remains unordered in a NaDodSO4 solution. It shows a small amount of helix in a Dod(CH3)3NCl solution and forms the interchain β-form in a DodNH3Cl solution. In contrast, B chain becomes partially helical in all three surfactant solutions.
Coal as a low-carbon fuel?

The conversion of coal into liquid fuel is one of the dirtiest ways to produce transportation fuel. But if carbon is captured and stored, and some biomass is added, it could become the cleanest way to power jets, trucks and trains.
Phorbol-12-myristate 13-Acetate Acting through Protein Kinase Cε Induces Translocator Protein (18-kDa) Tspo Gene Expression†

Translocator protein (TSPO) is an 18-kDa cholesterol-binding protein that is expressed at high levels in steroid synthesizing and several cancer cells where it is involved in steroidogenesis and cell proliferation, respectively. The factors regulating Tspo expression are unknown. We analyzed Tspo transcriptional responses to the tumor promoter, phorbol-12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA), in cells with varying TSPO levels. PMA induced Tspo promoter activity and Tspo mRNA levels in TSPO-poor nonsteroidogenic cells (NIH-3T3 fibroblasts and COS-7 kidney) but not in TSPO-rich steroidogenic cells (MA-10 Leydig) with high basal Tspo transcriptional activity. The stimulatory effect of PMA was mediated by an 805-515-bp region upstream of the transcription start site. Electrophoretic mobility shift assay (EMSA) revealed that PMA induced binding of c-jun and GA-binding protein transcription factor (GABP-alpha) to their respective activator protein 1 (AP1) and v-ets erythroblastosis virus E26 oncogene homologue (Ets) sites in this region. Protein kinase C (PKC)-specific inhibitors blocked PMA induction of Tspo promoter activity with an inhibition profile suggestive of involvement of PKCepsilon. PKCepsilon expression correlated with TSPO content in the three cell lines. In NIH-3T3 cells, PKCepsilon overexpression induced Tspo promoter activity and mRNA levels and enhanced PMA-induced up regulation of c-jun and TSPO. In MA-10 cells, a PKCepsilon-specific translocation inhibitor peptide reduced basal Tspo promoter activity. PKCepsilon siRNA pool reduced PKCepsilon and TSPO levels in MA-10 cells indicating a role for PKCepsilon in regulating TSPO expression. Taken together, these data suggest that elevated TSPO expression in steroidogenic cells may be due to high constitutive expression of PKCepsilon that renders them unresponsive to further induction while PMA activation of PKCepsilon drives inducible TSPO expression in nonsteroidogenic cells, likely through AP1 and Ets.
The comparability of estimates of retroilluminated lens opacities as judged from film-based and digital imaging.

Purpose Neitz film-based retroillumination cameras, the standard for documenting retroilluminated lens opacities for epidemiologic studies, are no longer produced. A digital imaging system is now available for imaging these opacities. We sought to compare gradings of images from both systems. Design Comparison of technique. Methods One hundred fourteen lenses were imaged with both systems and graded according to protocols. Concordance between the methods was compared using kappa statistics. Results There was moderate concordance for cortical opacities (κ = 0.63) and good concordance for posterior subcapsular opacities (κ = 0.83). Grades from digital images slightly underestimated the frequency and severity of cortical cataract. Conclusion Digital imaging of retroilluminated lens opacities results in similar classification of the severity of opacities. It will be useful for epidemiologic studies of cortical (CC) and posterior subcapsular cataracts (PSC).
Phase I study of intravenous bromodeoxyuridine used concomitantly with radiation therapy in patients with primary malignant brain tumors

We report here the results of a Phase I study conducted to determine the toxicity and serum levels that could be tolerated by patients receiving i.v. bromodeoxyuridine (BUdR) concomitantly with radiation therapy. Because of severe thrombocytopenia and leukopenia that was produced in three patients treated by a 96 hour infusion of BUdR at a dose of 1.5 g/m2/24 hours, the dose was reduced to 0.8 g/m2/24 hours in these patients and the remaining 9 patients in the study group. Even at this dosage, myelotoxicity was observed. BUdR levels were measured by an isocratic high performance liquid chromatographic (HPLC) method developed for this study. Results of in vitro studies conducted by others suggest that serum levels produced in our patients by administration of doses of 0.6 to 0.8 g/m2/24 hours should be adequate to achieve a therapeutic effect.
Toward Participatory Communal Citizenship Rendering Visible the Civic Teaching, Learning, and Actions of African Immigrant Youth and Young Adults

Rendering visible African immigrants’ shared and differing experiences of civic learning and action, the authors present findings from in-depth semi-structured interviews with second- and 1.5-generation African immigrants in New York City. Drawing on an interdisciplinary framework of African immigrant identities constructions and civic engagement, we highlight a multilayered view of civic teaching, learning, and action within and across contexts of families, identities, and schooling in the United States, Africa, and globally. In so doing, the research affirms African immigrant youth’s racial and ethnic identities toward broadened understandings of civic engagement such as participatory communal citizenship. The findings support the need for teacher educator preparation for immigrant youth and curriculum within secondary schools in a diverse U.S. society.
Toward a standard nomenclature for Earth-Mars cycler trajectories

Many Earth‐Mars cycler trajectories are now known and their numbers continue to grow. Unfortunately, the literature on Earth‐Mars cycler trajectories uses many different systems for naming the various cyclers being investigated. A nomenclature is proposed as a remedy to standardize the naming system for near-ballistic Earth‐ Mars cycler trajectories. Modeling assumptions are given and the proposed nomenclature is explained. All known near-ballistic cyclers fall within the scope of the described nomenclature. Examples are presented of how several well-known cyclers are denoted. The syntax of the nomenclature is formally specified using the extended Backus‐ Naur form. Criteria for evaluating Earth‐Mars cycler trajectories are summarized.
Molecular and cellular concepts in atherosclerosis.

Abstract Atherosclerosis is a complex disease of uncertain cause. Its pathobiology is believed to represent an abnormal expression of the processes of vascular healing. Etiologic models derive from a ‘response to injury’ paradigm and can be divided into three separate disease stages: endothelial dysfunction, smooth muscle proliferation and architectural disruption. The initiating event of endothelial dysfunction is unknown, but is believed to be related to low-density lipoproteins and/or their oxidized derivatives. Endothelial injury is signalled to the smooth muscle cells of the media by three routes: direct cell-cell interaction, secretion of soluble growth factors and monocyte-derived cytokines. Monocytes are recruited by the endothelium and invade the subintimal space by a complex interaction of a variety of adhesion proteins and receptors on both cell types. Smooth muscle cell proliferation is initiated by a change in phenotype expression from ‘contractile’ to ‘synthetic’ resulting from the binding of fibronectin to specific integrin receptors. Three functionally distinct activities may represent separate subtypes of the ‘synthetic phenotype’: migration from the media to the intima, increased proliferation and inappropriate extracellular matrix synthesis. The loss of normal regulatory control and anchorage independence of proliferation suggest a relationship to oncogenic transformation. Both migration and proliferation result from the binding of platelet-derived growth factor-like factors to smooth muscle cell receptors, which initiates a cascade of intracellular molecular events leading either to cytoskeletal locomotory restructuring or cell cycle activation. Both pathways also appear to be coregulated by integrin receptors and both depend upon phosphorylation of cell membrane, cytosolic and nuclear regulatory proteins. Clinical expression of atherosclerosis may follow sudden loss of architectural integrity of the intimal plaque by three different mechanisms: plaque fissuring, intraluminal plaque rupture or intramural hemorrhage related to abnormal vessel wall stress and/or biochemistry.
Sclerosing hepatic carcinoma : relationship to hypercalcemia

A series of 30 patients is reported whose primary hepatic tumors had a distinctive histologic pattern that we have called "sclerosing hepatic carcinoma" (SHC). Sixty-nine percent of those tested had hypercalcemia and low levels of serum phosphate. As comparison, 38 control patients who had either classical peripheral cholangiocarcinoma or typical hepatocellular carcinoma were studied. In the control group, only two patients, who also had bone metastases, had hypercalcemia. Sclerosing hepatic carcinoma is characterized by intense fibrosis in which the tubular neoplastic structures are embedded. Although the tumor in each patient superficially resembled peripheral cholangiocarcinoma, on close inspection 63% were found to be of apparent hepatocyte origin, 20% were apparently ductal, and 13% were mixed or not distinguishable. One patient's tumor had the pattern of the rare cholangiolocellular carcinoma. The difficulty of histological diagnosis was well illustrated by the fact that none of premortem biopsies in 16 patients was correctly interpreted unequivocally as primary carcinoma of the liver. Many were misinterpreted as metastatic adenocarcinomas, most frequently of pancreatic origin. We believe that, by describing clinicopathological features, more attention will be drawn to this unique carcinoma of liver origin.
Binding Characteristics of Tumor Necrosis Factor Receptor-Fc Fusion Proteins vs Anti-Tumor Necrosis Factor mAbs

Tumor necrosis factor (TNF) antagonists are efficacious in the treatment of various autoimmune diseases. Two classes of TNF antagonists are currently commercially available: soluble TNF receptor-Fc fusion proteins (etanercept) and anti-TNF mAbs (adalimumab and infliximab). The classes differ in molecular structures and mechanisms of action. The interactions between TNF antagonists with TNF molecules were characterized. The anti-TNF mAbs, but not the soluble TNF receptor, formed visible lines of precipitation in Ouchterlony assays. The molecular weights of complexes formed by TNF (52 kDa) with either etanercept (130 kDa), adalimumab (150 kDa), or infliximab (average 165 kDa) were determined by size exclusion chromatography-light-scattering assays. Etanercept and TNF formed complexes of 180 and 300 kDa, representing one and two etanercept monomers bound to a TNF trimer, respectively. Adalimumab and infliximab formed a variety of complexes with TNF with molecular weights as high as 4,000 and 14,000 kDa, respectively, suggesting the presence of complexes with a wide range of sizes and stoichiometries. The absence of large complex formation with the binding of soluble receptor-fusion proteins to TNF may account for the different clinical efficacy and safety profiles of the two classes of TNF antagonists.
Aeroelastic Modeling of Large Offshore Vertical-axis Wind Turbines: Development of the Offshore Wind Energy Simulation Toolkit.

The availability of offshore wind resources in coastal regions makes offshore wind energy an attractive opportunity. There are, however, significant challenges in realizing offshore wind energy with an acceptable cost of energy due to increased infrastructure, logistics, and operations and maintenance costs. Vertical-axis wind turbines (VAWTs) are potentially ideal candidates for offshore applications, with many apparent advantages over the horizontal-axis wind turbine configuration in the offshore arena. VAWTs, however, will need to undergo much development in the coming years. Thus, the Offshore Wind ENergy Simulation (OWENS) toolkit is being developed as a design tool for assessing innovative floating VAWT configurations. This paper presents an overview of the OWENS toolkit and provides an update on the development of the tool. Verification and validation exercises are discussed, and comparisons to experimental data for the Sandia National Laboratories 34meter VAWT test bed are presented. A discussion and demonstration of a “loose” coupling approach to external loading modules, which allows a greater degree of modularity, is given. Results for a realistic VAWT structure on a floating platform under aerodynamic loads are shown and coupling between platform and turbine motions is demonstrated. Finally, future plans for development and use of the OWENS toolkit are discussed.
Resuscitated sudden cardiac death in Andersen-Tawil syndrome.

Andersen-Tawil Syndrome (ATS) is an autosomal dominant or sporadic disorder characterized by ventricular arrhythmias, periodic paralysis and distinctive facial and skeletal dysmorphology [1-3]. ATS is notable for its variable penetrance (not all subjects manifest all three phenotypes) and variable expressivity (the severity of the expressed phenotype varies considerably). The neuromuscular manifestations of ATS consist of intermittent weakness, often in the setting of progressive interictal weakness. The distinctive physical characteristics include low-set ears, micrognathia, syndactyly, clinodactyly, short stature and scoliosis. Cardiac manifestations of ATS include QT and QU interval prolongation, prominent U waves, frequent premature ventricular contractions (PVCs), polymorphic ventricular tachycardia (VT) and bidirectional VT [3,4]. Although the burden of ventricular ectopy is often high in patients with ATS [5], degeneration into life-threatening arrhythmias is relatively uncommon [6]. Distinguishing individuals with stable, but frequent ventricular ectopy and those at risk for sudden cardiac death remains a challenge. Dominant-negative mutations in KCNJ2, the gene encoding the inward rectifier potassium channel Kir2.1, account for the majority of ATS cases. However, nearly 30% of ATS patients do not have an identifiable mutation in KCNJ2, confirming the genetic heterogeneity of this disorder [7]. Interestingly, there are no obvious phenotypic differences that distinguish individuals with and those without a mutation in KCNJ2. Likewise, it is not clear that patients with KCNJ2 mutations are at greater, lower or similar risk of life-threatening arrhythmias, compared to those who are KCNJ2-mutation negative. In this report, we present a 15-year-old female with KCNJ2-mutation negative ATS who experienced a life-threatening cardiac event with devastating clinical consequences.
The effects of particle size on microwave heating of metal and metal oxide powders

Abstract To understand the effect of particle size on microwave absorption, it is important to separate absorption in good bulk conductors (like aluminum or copper) from dielectrics, like iron oxide (Fe 2 O 3 ). This study experimentally examined coupling microwaves to powder compacts of discretely different materials such as aluminum and iron oxide as a function of particle size. An electromagnetic chamber exposed compacted powder samples of each material to microwaves at a frequency of 3.3 GHz and in-situ 2-D spatial temperature measurements of the sample surface were captured to quantify microwave heating. Results show that for the non-conductive oxidizer (Fe 2 O 3 ), decreasing the particle size increased the microwave absorption because of the increase in effective surface area and effective conductivity. In contrast, decreasing the conductive metal (Al) particle size resulted in decreased microwave absorption because the ratio of particle size to the skin depth was shown to be a critical parameter controlling energy absorption. This research contributes to new understandings of how microwave energy interacts with metal and metal oxide compacted pellets as a function of particle size.
Traffic system simulator-Educational aspects of student design projects

The Traffic Simulator is a small-scale model roadway on which vehicles are guided under computer control. The paper discusses a prototype design for the simulator which has evolved through a number of coordinated student design projects.
A model for the projection of solid particles from the surface of a gas-fluidized bed

Mise en place d'un modele mathematique et etude experimentale pour deux tailles de particules afin de decrire l'evolution du «renflement» provoque par la presence d'une bulle dans le lit fluidise
The structure of 9-methyladenine salicylate

Crystals of 9-methyladenine salicylate (C6H8N 5 + ·C7H5O 3 − ), mp 126°C, are orthorhombic, space groupPbcn (D 2 14 , No. 60) witha=25.305(3),b=8.066(1),c=12.928(2) A,d c=1.446 g cm−3,d m=1.43 g cm−3 (CCl4/ cyclohexane) forZ=8. The 9-methyladenine, protonated at N(1), and salicylate form a pair of strong hydrogen bonds with N⋯O distances of 2.617 and 2.858 A. In addition, a hydrogen bond is formed between two adenine moieties using the amino group and imidazole nitrogen, N(7), with N⋯N separation of 3.114 A. As in salicylic acid, an intermolecular hydrogen bond of 2.560 A is formed between the hydroxyl and a carboxyl oxygen atoms.
Microstructure evolution and photoluminescence in nanocrystalline MgxZn1 − xO thin films

The effects of Mg concentration and annealing temperature on the characteristics of nanocrystalline MgxZn1 − xO thin films (where x = 0–0.4) were studied using electron microscopy and photoluminescence. The films were prepared by a sol–gel method. The solid solubility limit of MgO in ZnO for the sol–gel-derived MgxZn1 − xO films in the present study was determined to be ~ 20 at.%. Microstructural characterization of the films showed that the wurtzite crystallites decrease in size with increase in Mg concentration up to the solubility limit. Increasing Mg concentration beyond the solubility limit resulted in a decrease in crystallinity of the films. The bandgap energy was found to increase with Mg concentration whereas the linewidth first increased and then decreased when the Mg concentration was increased beyond the solubility limit. Photoluminescence properties have been correlated to the microstructure of the films. A growth mechanism for MgxZn1 − xO nanocrystalline films under the present processing conditions has also been proposed.
Fibronectin fragmentation promotes α4β1 integrin-mediated contraction of a fibrin-fibronectin provisional matrix

Abstract In injured tissues, the fibrin–fibronectin (FN) provisional matrix provides a framework for cell adhesion, migration, and repair. Effective repair and remodeling require a proper balance between extracellular matrix (ECM) deposition, contraction, and turnover. We utilized a three-dimensional (3D) fibrin–FN provisional matrix model to determine the contributions of the FN-binding integrin receptors α5β1 and α4β1 to matrix contraction. CHOα5 cells expressing α5β1, a receptor for FN's RGD cell-binding domain, were highly contractile, and cells were well spread on a 3D fibrin–FN matrix. In contrast, CHOα4 cells expressing the α4β1 receptor for FN's alternatively spliced V region attached less efficiently to FN and were deficient in fibrin–FN matrix contraction. Surprisingly, cell adhesion and matrix contraction by CHOα4 cells were dramatically enhanced, to levels equivalent to CHOα5 cells, when proteolyzed FN was used in place of intact FN in the fibrin–FN matrix. Similar enhancement was observed when ligand binding by α4β1 integrins was activated by treatment with Mn ++ , but not by stimulation of actin organization with LPA. Therefore, α4β1-dependent cell responses to the provisional matrix are modulated by cleavage of matrix components.
Interdisciplinary Hospice Team Processes and Multidimensional Pain: A Qualitative Study

Hospice teams may address multidimensional pain through the synergistic interaction of team members from various professional disciplines during regularly scheduled team meetings. However, the occurrence of that critical exchange has not been adequately described or documented. The purpose of this qualitative study was to explore two processes in team pain palliation: communication and collaboration. Data were gathered through individual interviews and a 1-year observation of team members from two hospices (physicians, nurses, aides, chaplains, social workers). Utilizing constant comparison, 14 final thematic categories were discovered. Use of biopsychosocial/spiritual terms by all team members meant that the team had the common language needed to communicate about multidimensional pain. Interviews and observation revealed a gap in translating multidisciplinary communication in team meetings into collaborative acts for pain treatment. In addition, structural influences inhibited creativity in pain palliation. There was no mutual understanding of the purpose for team meetings, no recognition of the need to reflect on team process, or common definition of leadership. Social work roles in hospice should include leadership that moves teams toward interdisciplinary care for multidimensional pain.
Metabolic maturation of the brain: a study of local cerebral protein synthesis in the developing cat.

Abstract We used quantitative l -[1- 14 C]leucine autoradiography to study the maturation of cerebral protein synthesis metabolism in kittens, starting at birth and through postnatal age (P) 180 days as well as in adult cats. We found that at birth most brain structures show protein synthesis (nmol/min/g; lCPS leu ) rates already within the range of adult values (with some exceptions; e.g., the hippocampus and putamen). Likewise, most structures show a transient developmental peak during which the rates climb to levels higher than in adulthood. This peak often occurred at P60, but in some regions lasted from P30 to P90. Therefore, there is some regional heterogeneity in the maturation of brain protein synthesis. These results are compared with our previous findings on the maturation of cerebral glucose utilization and oxidative metabolism. We discuss the meaning of these maturational profiles in terms of time course of morphological development and of maturation of behavior in the cat. Correlations with findings in other mammalian species are also discussed.