cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
STRUCTURAL COMPARISON OF A 15 RESIDUE PEPTIDE FROM THE V3 LOOP OF HIV-1IIIB AND AN O-GLYCOSYLATED ANALOGUE

As part of a program to study the effect of glycosylation on the three-dimensional structures of HIV-1IIIB V3 peptide constructs, we have examined the solution structures of a 15 residue peptide (RIQRGPGRAFVTIGK, P18IIIB), originally mapped as an epitope recognized by CD8+ Dd class I MHC-restricted murine cytotoxic T-lymphocytes (CTL), and an analogue (P18IIIB-g), O-glycosylated with an α-galactosamine on Thr-12, using NMR, circular dichroism and molecular modeling methods. Our studies show that the peptides sample mainly random conformations in aqueous solution near 25°C and become more ordered by the addition of trifluoroethanol. Upon decreasing the temperature to 5°C, a reverse turn is formed around the immunodominant tip (G5−R8). Glycosylation on T12 ‘tightens’ the turn slightly as suggested by NOE and CD analysis. In addition, the sugar has a defined conformation with respect to the peptide backbone and influences the local peptide conformation. These data suggest that simple glycosylation may influence the conformational equilibrium of a V3 peptide which contains a domain critical for antibody recognition and virus neutralization. We also show that the ability of cytotoxic T-lymphocytes (CTL) to lyse tumor cells presenting P18IIIB was completely abrogated by threonine glycosylation.
Eu2+-doped Ba2CsI5, a new high-performance scintillator

Abstract The crystal growth and scintillation properties of Ba 2 CsI 5 :Eu 2+ are reported. Crystals were produced by the vertical Bridgman technique in a sealed quartz ampoule. Ba 2 CsI 5 :Eu 2+ presents excellent scintillation properties. An estimated light yield of 97,000±5,000 photons per MeV (ph/MeV) of absorbed gamma-ray energy was measured. An energy resolution (FWHM over peak position) of 3.8±0.3% was observed for the 662 keV full absorption peak. Pulsed X-ray luminescence measurements show a relatively complex time response with four exponential decay components of 48,383, 1500 and 9900 ns with a contribution to the total light output of 1%, 26%, 68% and 25%, respectively. Under X-ray and UV excitation, the emission corresponds to a broadband centered at 2.85 eV. First principles calculations show strong localization of the excited state on the Eu site. Ba 2 CsI 5 :Eu 2+ has a density of about 5 g/cm 3 . These first reported scintillation properties make Ba 2 CsI 5 :Eu 2+ a very high-performance scintillator.
Engineering the Substrate Specificity of the Abl Tyrosine Kinase

c-Abl is a non-receptor tyrosine kinase that is involved in a variety of signaling pathways. Activated forms of c-Abl are associated with some forms of human leukemia. Presently, no high resolution structure of the tyrosine kinase domain of Abl is available. We have developed a structural homology model of the catalytic domain of Abl based on the crystal structure of the insulin receptor tyrosine kinase. Using this model as a guide, we selected residues near the active site predicted to play a role in peptide/protein substrate recognition. We expressed and purified 15 mutant forms of Abl with single amino acid substitutions at these positions and tested their peptide substrate specificity. We report here the identification of seven residues involved in recognition of the P−1, P+1, and P+3 positions of bound peptide substrate. Mutations in these residues cause distinct changes in substrate specificity. The results suggest features of Abl substrate recognition that may be relevant to related tyrosine kinases.
Wideband photonic compressive sampling

We discuss the potential benefits of combining the high speeds, broad modulation bandwidths and precision timing of photonic sampling techniques with recent advances in the theory and algorithms of compressive sampling.
White noise analysis of cortical directional selectivity in cat.

We studied spatiotemporal interactions in cat cortical receptive fields by presenting a stimulus composed of 16 narrow bars whose luminances were randomly modulated. Conventional stimuli were also presented to classify receptive field properties. A white noise estimate of the cell's response to a stepwise moving bar stimulus was calculated from responses to the spatiotemporal random stimulus. The white noise estimate captured the most important feature of the receptive field demonstrated by conventional stimuli, i.e. directional selectivity. In addition, the white noise analysis; (1) made visible inhibitory response phases that are usually below threshold; (2) subdivided the response into its linear and non-linear estimates; (3) further subdivided the non-linear estimate into spatial and temporal interactions; and (4) allowed estimation of responses to stimuli that were never explicitly presented.
Neurotoxic behavioral effects of Lake Ontario salmon diets in rats

Six experiments were conducted to examine possible neurotoxic effects of the exposure to contaminants in Lake Ontario salmon administered through the diets of rats. Rats were fed different concentrations of fish (8%, 15% or 30%) in one of three diet conditions: Lake Ontario salmon, Pacific Ocean salmon, or laboratory rat chow only. Following 20 days on the diets, rats were tested for five minutes per day in a modified open field for one or three days. Lake Ontario salmon diets consistently produced significantly lower activity, rearing, and nosepoke behaviors in comparison with ocean salmon or rat chow diet conditions. A dose-response effect for concentration of lake salmon was obtained, and the attenuation effect occurred in males, females, adult or young animals, and postweaning females, with fish sampled over a five-year period. While only two of several potential contaminants were tested, both fish and brain analyses of mirex and PCBs relate to the behavioral effects.
Tensile Strength of Fiber-Reinforced Composites: III. Beyond the Traditional Weibull Model for Fiber Strengths

Commercially available graphite and ceramic fibers exhibit statistical strength distributions having separate Weibull moduli rho' for the scaling of strength versus fiber length and rho for the distribution of strengths across a collection of fibers at fixed length. It is shown that very similar distributions arise if each fiber in a collection of fibers exhibits Weibull length scaling according to rho' but with the scale strength appropriate to each fiber distributed according to a Weibull modulus m, with the relationship rho approximate to m rho'/ root m(2) + rho'(2). An analytic model based on the Global Load Sharing approximation is used to predict the trends in composite tensile strength for composites composed of such fibers. From this insight, an analytic model for the strength of composites containing such fibers, but with Local Load Sharing (LLS), is developed by adapting a previous model. Numerical simulations of the tensile strength under LLS are then presented and excellent agreement in the composite strength distribution between the numerical and analytic models is demonstrated. The new analytic model is applied to predict the tensile strength of several unidirectional graphite/epoxy composites, and the predictions shown agree well with experimental strengths. The differences between theory and experiment approach the order of the uncertainties in underlying fiber strengths and fiber volume fractions in the composites.
Platelet-activating factor stimulates expression of IL-1 beta mRNA in THP-1 cells.

A human monocytic cell line (THP-1) was used to study the effects of PAF (platelet-activating factor) on the expression of IL-1 beta mRNA. THP-1 cells were incubated with 10 pM PAF in the presence or absence of 0.1 μg/mL endotoxin for 4 hr, after which cytoplasmic RNA was extracted and subjected to Northern hybridizations. PAF, alone and in combination with endotoxin, caused an increase in mRNA levels for IL-1 beta. The magnitude of the effects of PAF on IL-1 beta mRNA levels matched closely the effects seen at the level of protein synthesis, suggesting that the effects of PAF on IL-1 beta release may result largely from its effects on IL-1 beta mRNA levels.
Bituminous Pavement Smoothness: Statistically Based Approach to Acceptance

Since 1987 the Federal Lands Highway (FLH) Branch of FHWA has been evaluating acceptance of newly constructed bituminous pavements using California-type profilograph measurements. California Test Method 526 and FLH T504, as well as various acceptance plans, have been used in this evaluation. The purpose of this study was threefold: (a) to determine whether operator trace reduction variability was too large for the method to be suitable for acceptance testing; (b) to decide the type of acceptance plan to incorporate into the Standard Specifications for Construction of Roads and Bridges on Federal Highway Projects (FP 92); and (c) to evaluate two commercially available computerized trace reduction systems. The study concludes that when used in conjunction with statistical evaluation procedures, the test method is suitable for acceptance purposes and that computerized trace reduction is superior to manual reduction. Also presented are some fundamentals of statistically based acceptance that are not widely kn...
Influence of Alternative and Conventional Management Practices on Soil Physical and Hydraulic Properties

This study examined the effects of alternative and conventional farming practices on soil physical properties, including texture, organic C content, bulk density, moisture retention, and saturated hydraulic conductivity ( K s ). There were no significant differences in soil organic C contents between the alternative and conventional management systems. Bulk density in the A horizon was 3% lower under alternative management practices (1.39 Mg m −3 ) than under conventional practices (1.43 Mg m −3 ). Saturated hydraulic conductivity was significantly higher in the A horizon under alternative management practices (45.5 cm d −1 ) than under conventional management (18.1 cm d −1 ). Differences in conductivity were greater for soils located at bottom-slope positions than soils at mid- or upper-slope positions. The b value of Campbell9s moisture retention equation was significantly smaller for alternative practices than conventional management practices in the A, B, and C horizons. In the B and C horizons, the smaller b values could have been due to smaller clay contents in soils of the alternatively managed system. The Campbell equation air entry value was significantly larger for alternative practices (1.1 kPa) than conventional practices (0.79 kPa) in the A horizon. Differences in bulk density, air entry, and K s between the alternative and conventional management systems were attributed to differences in crop rotations and nutrient or tillage management between the two systems. These results provide a useful database of soil physical and hydraulic properties that can be used by modelers to estimate the impacts of alternative agricultural practices on water movement and water quality.
BRCA1 in hormone-responsive cancers

Abstract Mutations of the breast cancer susceptibility gene BRCA1 are linked to hereditary early onset breast and breast–ovarian cancer syndromes. These mutations confer an increased risk for other hormone-dependent cancers, including those of the uterus, cervix and prostate. BRCA1 expression is decreased or absent in a significant proportion of sporadic breast and ovarian cancers, suggesting a wider role in these tumor types. Multiple functions for BRCA1 have been identified, including roles in DNA repair, cell-cycle progression and apoptosis. These functions are consistent with a tumor suppressor activity, but they do not explain why BRCA1 mutation carriers develop hormone-responsive cancer types. Recent studies indicate that BRCA1 interacts with and regulates the activity of estrogen receptor α (ERα) and the androgen receptor. Its expression is regulated by carcinogens and anticarcinogens that modulate ERα signaling, suggesting a molecular linkage between BRCA1 and hormone-responsive cancers.
Onset of panic disorder associated with rare use of cocaine

We report here the case of a young man who developed panic disorder following use of a small amount of cocaine
The soluble organic compounds of the Bells meteorite: Not a unique or unusual composition

Abstract The Bells meteorite is a CM2 chondrite that has long been considered anomalous for having mineralogical and isotopic differences with CMs together with an overall affinity to CIs in its matrix. We extracted a fragment of the only Bells stone collected unweathered with water and solvents and studied the meteorite’s soluble organic composition. We found Bells to contain abundant organic compounds, which are predominantly O-containing such as hydroxy- and di-carboxylic acids, and a scarcity of amino acids and other N-containing compounds. Amines were not detected and ammonia is less abundant than in both the Murchison and Ivuna meteorites. Overall, Bells’ soluble organic composition is more similar to that of Ivuna than of Murchison. The observation that Bells’ amino acid suite shares a distinct distribution of characteristic molecular species with other stones that are thought to have experienced extensive parent body aqueous alteration, such as the Orgueil, Ivuna and recently analyzed GRO 95577 CR1 meteorites, seems to allow the suggestion that such a composition is secondary to prolonged aqueous alteration processes that superseded some of the initial compositional distinctions determined by the asteroidal environments.
MO‐B‐351‐02: Dual‐Energy CT: Dual‐KV Techniques and Clinical Applications

In CTimaging, materials having different chemical compositions can be represented by the same, or very similar, CT numbers, making the differentiation and classification of different types of tissues extremely challenging. In dual energy CT, an additional attenuation measurement is obtained at a second energy, allowing the differentiation of the two materials. Previously implemented in the 1980s, dual‐kV techniques are again available on clinical CT systems, accomplished with either slow or fast tube potential switching or dual‐source methods. The fundamental principles of dual‐kV techniques and their relative strengths and weaknesses will be reviewed. Clinical applications of dual‐kV CTimaging will be described, including: 1) automatic removal of bony anatomy, including calcified plaque, from a CT data set; 2) semi‐quantitative indication of the perfused blood volume in lung parenchyma or the myocardium; 3) removal of the iodine signal from contrast‐enhanced CT data, which may allow for the elimination of the non‐contrast scan phase in some exams; and 4) characterization of tissue by its chemical composition, as in the discrimination of uric acid from calcium‐containing renal stones. Educational Objectives: 1. The technical approaches to dual‐kV, dual‐energy CT currently implemented or under investigation on commercial CT systems. 2. The technical strengths and weaknesses of each approach. 3. What clinical applications are currently in use or under investigation.
Properties of Brassica Carinata and Camelina Sativa Meals and Fast Pyrolysis Derived Bio-Oils

Fast pyrolysis is one method of creating bio-oil from various sources of biomass. In this research, fast pyrolysis of Brassica carinata and Camelina sativa meals were performed using a fluidized bed reactor. Chemical and physical properties of each oil sample were analyzed to determine the initial characteristics of the samples produced. Karl Fischer method was used to determine the water content and a total acid test was used to determine the total number of strong acids in each oil sample. A bomb calorimeter was used to determine the energy content of each bio-oil sample. Calorimetry and particle sizing were also done on the meals, on “dried” samples and “as received” samples. Particle size distributions of ground and unground samples of the feedstocks were determined. The results from this study can be used to assess the possibilities of using Brassica carinata and Camelina sativa meals as viable biomass sources for producing bio-oil. This could add value to these meals by turning a by-product of the oil extraction process into a resource for production of bio-oil.Copyright © 2014 by ASME
Regression of sclerosis in aging by an angiotensin inhibition-induced decrease in PAI-1.

can also induce regression of these processes. The mechanisms Methods. Eighteen-month-old male Sprague-Dawley rats were appear to involve modulation of cortical cell turnover and treated with the AIIRA losartan (N 5 8, 80 mg/L, dry weight), inhibition of PAI-1 expression. sacrificed at age 21 and 24 months, and compared with agematched untreated controls (N 5 15). Blood pressure and renal function were monitored, and morphological, biochemical, and Aging is a complex physiological condition in which molecular analyses were done on aorta and kidney. the function of many organ systems becomes altered. Results. Body weight increased in both groups. Mean arterial pressure (MAP) and serum creatinine remained normal The changes in kidney functions along with its morphol(24-month MAP 115 6 8 vs. 113 6 6 mm Hg, controls vs. ogy are among the most dramatic. Glomerulosclerosis AIIRA, P 5 NS). Aorta wall thickness ratio was reduced by and tubulointerstitial fibrosis are hallmarks of progresAIIRA at 21 and 24 months vs. age-matched controls (21 months sive forms of renal disease of diverse etiologies and are 0.12 6 0.01 vs. 0.15 6 0.01, P 5 0.006; 24 months 0.10 6 0.005 frequently present in kidneys from aged animals and vs. 0.14 6 0.003, AIIRA vs. controls, respectively, P 5 0.0027). The aorta wall thickness ratio after treatment with AIIRA for humans. In addition, aging kidneys show hypertrophy of six months was even lower than that of 18-month control rats glomeruli, mesangial matrix expansion, increased thick(P 5 0.018). AIIRA reduced proteinuria versus age-matched ness of basement membranes, arterial thickening, and control at 24 months (253 6 62 vs. 390 6 51 mg/24 h, P 5 hyalinosis [1]. 0.0017). AIIRA at 24 months decreased glomerulosclerosis versus age-matched control (sclerosis index, 0 to 41 scale: 0.06 6 Among the mechanisms underlying renal scarring, we 0.02 vs. 0.49 6 0.12, P 5 0.0082) to levels even lower than the postulate that plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) 18-month baseline (0.37 6 0.14, P 5 0.014). Renal collagen plays a critical role because of its effects on fibrinolysis content increased with aging and was decreased by AIIRA at and turnover of extracellular matrix (ECM) protein. 24 months (5.0 6 0.7 vs. 3.1 6 0.5% collagen, P , 0.05). PAI-1, a member of the superfamily of serine protease Apoptosis, assessed by TUNEL, was increased in tubular and interstitial cells in aging and was reduced by AIIRA versus inhibitors, is a major physiological inhibitor of tissuecontrol and baseline, respectively (TUNEL scoring, AIIRA 24 type plasminogen activator (t-PA) and urokinase-type months 0.33 6 0.16 vs. 1.06 6 0.23 and 0.80 6 0.05, P , 0.05). plasminogen activator (u-PA), both of which activate plasminogen to plasmin, thus promoting fibrinolysis. PAI-1 is produced by multiple sources, including endo
Spatial and temporal variations in land development and impervious surface creation in Oakland County, Michigan, 1945–2005

Summary Impervious surface has been recognized as a key indicator of watershed health and function. The rapid expansion of impervious surface associated with periurban development following the Second World War resulted in concerns that impervious surface would alter flow characteristics, water quality, sediment, and stream morphology. These effects have been documented in studies across many disciplines. Unfortunately, impervious surface is difficult to measure directly, and other forms of land-use data are often substituted as surrogates. This paper highlights the shortcomings in land-use data, particularly parcel-based land-use data, as a surrogate for impervious surface in a periurban environment. Periurban development has changed substantially in the last several decades. This study investigates changes in the form of periurban development in Oakland County, Michigan, from 1945 to 2005, with an emphasis on the accumulation of impervious surface. We first evaluate patterns in the sizes of parcels being developed to residential uses. Using an impervious surface map derived from aerial imagery, we then calculate amount of impervious surface created by different forms of development, both in parcels of similar sizes developed at different times, and across parcel sizes for the period of the study. The results indicate substantial variability in impervious surface within periurban residential development, from 5.4% of parcel area to 25.4% of total parcel area depending on parcel size. Even within relatively specific categories (for example, residential parcels less than 743 square metre) impervious surface varied between 18.5% and 34.6% of the parcel area between 1945 and 2000. Since 1980, the trend has been toward larger parcel sizes with lower impervious surface ratios. The overall effect is that land is being developed at a rate substantially greater than the rate impervious surface is being created. The bias created by the trend to larger parcel sizes with smaller impervious surface ratios results in a tendency to overestimate the effects of recent land development. In combination with the change in character of suburban development, this bias has a tendency to overestimate the hydrologic response to new development. This overestimation is easily overlooked because it is consistent with the expected effect of urbanization. However, this effect helps explain observed field results indicating little change in streamflow through time despite significant apparent periurban development.
The impact of developmental instability on Voxel-Based Morphometry analyses of neuroanatomical abnormalities in schizophrenia.

Abstract The etiologic factors underlying schizophrenia have been conceptualized as reflecting two largely genetic components — those unique to schizophrenia and those representing vulnerability to neurodevelopmental deviation in general. The Developmental Instability (DI) approach suggests that the latter can be indexed by minor physical anomalies (MPAs), which assess early prenatal growth abnormalities, and fluctuating anatomic asymmetries (FA), which reflects later deviations. Individuals with schizophrenia ( N = 19) had elevated scores on both measures as compared to healthy controls ( N = 23). Further, MPAs and FA were very highly correlated in the sample of individuals with schizophrenia but not in controls. In order to identify neuroanatomic variation linked with the unique factor, we conducted gray matter Voxel Based Morphometry analyses of group membership, with and without treating a composite measure of DI (based on FA, and MPAs) as a covariate. When DI was treated as a covariate, many more gray matter regions were found to statistically differ as a function of diagnosis. These results support the DI approach and suggest that the unique etiologic factors associated with schizophrenia lead to widespread gray matter volume reductions.
Primary mediastinal B-cell lymphoma: detection of BCL2 gene rearrangements by PCR analysis and FISH

Primary mediastinal large B-cell lymphoma (PMBCL) has a characteristic clinical presentation, morphology, and immunophenotype, representing a clinically favorable subgroup of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL). By gene expression profiling (GEP), PMBCL shares features with classical Hodgkin lymphoma (cHL). Of further interest, BCL6 gene mutations and BCL6 and/or MUM1 expression in a number of PMBCLs have supported an activated B-cell (ABC) origin. Several studies, including GEP, have failed to detect BCL2 gene rearrangements (GRs) in PMBCL. An index case of t(14; 18)+ PMBCL prompted our study of the incidence of BCL2 GRs in PMBCL by polymerase chain reaction (PCR)/fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) analyses and its possible clinical impact. Twenty-five retrospectively identified, well-defined PMBCLs (five with cytogenetics) from three institutions were analyzed for a BCL2 GR by PCR/FISH analyses. The formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissue blocks of 24 available cases were also analyzed by BCL2 immunohistochemistry (IHC). Of the five with cytogenetics, two had a t(14; 18) (q32; q21). Of the 25 analyzed by PCR, 2 had no amplifiable DNA (aDNA), including 1 t(14; 18)+ case. Of those with aDNA, two showed a BCL2 GR; by FISH analysis, three demonstrated a BCL2 GR. BCL2 protein expression by IHC analysis was variably detected in 21 out of 24 (strongly, uniformly expressed: 6, including all with a t(14; 18) or a BCL2 gene rearrangement; moderately weakly expressed in a subset of the malignant cells: 15). Available clinical follow-up of this BCL2+ subset showed a similar course to the other PMBCL cases. Our results imply that a subset of PMBCL [(4 out of 24 analyzed) in our series] may be of GC origin. A larger study is necessary to determine any clinical significance.
Theoretical study of the influence of strain and polarization on performance of AlGaN/4H-SiC HBT

Abstract The n + -AlGaN/p + -4H-SiC/n-4H-SiC HBT structure possesses large interfacial polarization charges as well as bulk and interfacial defects. Considerable leakage currents have thus far prevented significant development of this device. The piezoelectric polarization charge can be controlled by modifying the strain in the structure and can in fact negate the spontaneous charge for an Al 0.3 Ga 0.7 N layer on 4H-SiC. Although large-area AlGaN films are relaxed above a critical thickness, nano-heteroepitaxy theory predicts that AlGaN columns can be coherently grown on sub-micron oxide openings. The electrical characteristics were calculated for HBTs with strained and relaxed (Al)GaN emitter layers.
BSML: A binding schema markup language for data interchange in problem solving environments

We describe a binding schema markup language (BSML) for describing data interchange between scientific codes. Such a facility is an important constituent of scientific problem solving environments (PSEs). BSML is designed to integrate with a PSE or application composition system that views model specification and execution as a problem of managing semistructured data. The data interchange problem is addressed by three techniques for processing semistructured data: validation, binding, and conversion. We present BSML and describe its application to a PSE for wireless communications system design.
Non-radiative decay from photoselected vibrational levels of pyrimidine vapor franck-condon effects on 1pπ*→ 3ππ* intersystem crossing

Abstract Lifetimes of fluorescence from various vibrational levels in the 1 B 1 (nπ * ) state or pyrimidine vapor indicate that S 1 → S o intcrnal conversion is not important non-radiative decay channel of molecules with low exccss vibrational energies. The dominant “optical” accepting mode tor the 1 nπ * → 3 ππ * intersystem crossing is the totally symmetric ring stretching mode xxx.
Topological features of large fluctuations to the interior of a limit cycle

~Received 29 October 1996! We investigate the pattern of optimal paths along which a dynamical system driven by weak noise moves, with overwhelming probability, when it fluctuates far away from a stable state. Our emphasis is on systems that perform self-sustained periodic vibrations, and have an unstable focus inside a stable limit cycle. We show that in the vicinity of the unstable focus, the flow field of optimal paths generically displays a pattern of singularities. In particular, it contains a switching line that separates areas to which the system arrives along optimal paths of topologically different types. The switching line spirals into the focus and has a self-similar structure. Depending on the behavior of the system near the focus, it may be smooth, or have finite-length branches. Our results are based on an analysis of the topology of the Lagrangian manifold for an auxiliary, purely dynamical, problem that determines the optimal paths. We illustrate our theory by studying, both theoretically and numerically, a van der Pol oscillator driven by weak white noise. @S1063-651X~97!02703-7# Many nonlinear dissipative systems display stable periodic oscillations, i.e., their state spaces contain stable limit cycles @1#. Examples include lasers @2#, radiofrequency generators @1~a!#, chemical @3~a!# and biological @3~b!# systems. In many cases the vibrations are nonsinusoidal, as in a multimode laser with strong mode coupling @4#, passive optically bistable elements @5#, and various sorts of engineering structure @6#. Fluctuations in periodically oscillating systems play an extremely important role. They eventually destroy periodicity of the self-sustained oscillations, so that the oscillation phase becomes random, and a stationary probability distribution in the state space of the system is formed @7,8#. This distribution reaches a maximum at the cycle, does not vary much along the cycle, and falls off rapidly in directions transverse to the cycle. The shape of the maximum depends on the character of small transverse fluctuations away from the cycle. If the fluctuations are due to the system being perturbed by weak noise ~of intensity D), the transverse falloff will usually be approximately Gaussian @7‐9#, with standard deviation proportional to D 1/2 as D!0.
Role of subtotal pancreatectomy and pancreaticojejunostomy in chronic pancreatitis

Abstract Management of patients with pain associated with chronic pancreatitis or its complications is handicapped by our lack of knowledge as to the cause of pain in chronic pancreatitis and the natural history of chronic pancreatitis associated with alcoholism. However, as our ability to assess the structural pathology associated with chronic pancreatitis and its complications improves through endoscopic retrograde cannulation of the pancreas, ultrasound, and computerized axial tomography scan, it is possible to select operations designed to meet the specific needs of the patient. Some structural changes resulting from chronic pancreatitis are best treated by subtotal pancreatectomy and others by longitudinal pancreaticojejunostomy, and some could be managed by either procedure.
Receptor tyrosine kinases mediate epithelial Na channel inhibition by epidermal growth factor

Epidermal growth factor (EGF) decreases Na+ reabsorption across distal nephron epithelia. Activity of the epithelial Na+ channel (ENaC) is limiting for Na+ transport in this portion of the nephron....
Simple model for accurate calculation of Coulomb-barrier penetration factors in molecular fusion rates.

We have developed a simple model that yields an approximate analytical expression for the Coulomb-barrier penetration factor in terms of the reduced mass M of the nucleon pair, the mass m of the particle that binds together the nuclei, the inner turning point ${\mathit{r}}_{\mathit{i}}$ for the state under consideration, and the variation in the electronic or muonic contribution ${\mathit{E}}_{\mathit{e}}$(r) to the total energy between r=0 and ${\mathit{r}}_{\mathit{i}}$. In the case of muon-catalyzed d+t\ensuremath{\rightarrow}\ensuremath{\alpha}+n fusion, our model yields fusion rates within 25% of those obtained from much more elaborate calculations. The remarkable accuracy of our simple model results from the fact that it is highly accurate for small r, the region that we demonstrate makes the predominant contribution to Coulomb-barrier penetration factors. Furthermore, we use this observation to explain the old puzzle of why the adiabatic approximation yields such accurate fusion rates.
Pacemaker/implantable cardioverter-defibrillator interaction

We describe a case of pacemaker/implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) interaction in a single system causing failure to detect induced ventricular fibrillation (VF) in an 83-year-old man with ischemic cardiomyopathy. He underwent an ICD generator replacement due to battery depletion. In addition, a right atrial lead was placed to treat symptomatic bradycardia. Appropriate sensing and pacing parameters were observed in both leads during implant, and there was no cross-talk between the leads. A defibrillation threshold (DFT) test was performed (sense 1.5 mV, shock on T) with induction of VF that was not detected by the device, ultimately requiring an external defibrillation to terminate the arrhythmia. The device printout during testing showed atrial/ventricular lead cross-talk caused by the 1.1-J shock to induce VF, sensed beats in the noise window activating the noise suppression algorithm and preventing initial VF detection, and recurrent resetting of the automatic gain control due to ventricular sensing of the atrial pacing artifact preventing detection and perpetuating atrioventricular (AV) pacing at a rate of 60 bpm. In conclusion, pacemaker/ICD interaction can occur in a dual-chamber ICD system. This can be prevented by programming a shorter AV delay, increasing sensitivity (i.e., more sensitive value), and programming a pause before initiating pacing after an ICD discharge.
Cortical D.C. changes incident to midline thalamic stimulation

Abstract 1. 1. Cortical D.C. changes occur incident to stimulation of the mid-line thalamus of rabbit and cat. 2. 2. At stimulating frequencies which elicit recruiting a negative D.C. shift ordinarily occurs in the rabbit. In the cat there is no shift or a minor positive one may occur. 3. 3. In the rabbit with high frequency stimulation a negative D.C. shift results which may obtain an amplitude of 1.5 mV. and persist for several seconds into the post-stimulatory period. In the cat there is also a negative shift, but it is usually less manifest than the rabbit. 4. 4. The D.C. shift with low frequency stimulation results from summation of after-effect. At high frequency stimulation the D.C. shift is accounted for by summation of transients as well as summation of after-effects and is regarded as a steady state of activity in dendrites. 5. 5. Prolonged stimulation (10–15/sec) may introduce other effects which occasion the return of the D.C. shift to the pre-stimulatory base line and post-stimulatory positivity. 6. 6. The after-effect following the initial response of a recruiting series is associated with increased excitability. The negative D.C. shift following brief repetitive stimulation and the positive one following prolonged (10–15 sec.) stimulation are associated with decreased excitability for a test recruiting series. 7. 7. Intense repetitive stimulation in the relay nuclei of the thalamus may occasion cortical paroxysm on a base line indicative of positive D.C. shift, whereas corresponding stimulation in the mid-line thalamus has been shown to relate to negative D.C. shift. At present no explanation can be offered for this difference.
Delay-independent stability and performance of distributed congestion control

Recent research efforts to design better Internet transport protocols combined with scalable active queue management (AQM) have led to significant advances in congestion control. One of the hottest topics in this area is the design of discrete congestion control algorithms that are asymptotically stable under heterogeneous feedback delay and whose control equations do not explicitly depend on the RTTs of end-flows. In this paper, we first prove that single-link congestion control methods with a stable radial Jacobian remain stable under arbitrary feedback delay (including heterogeneous directional delays) and that the stability condition of such methods does not involve any of the delays. We then extend this result to generic networks with fixed consistent bottleneck assignments and max-min network feedback. To demonstrate the practicality of the obtained result, we change the original controller in Kelly's work [ldquoRate Control for communication networks: Shadow prices, proportional fairness and stability,rdquo Journal of the Operational Research Society, vol. 49, no. 3, pp. 237-252, March 1998] to become robust under random feedback delay and fixed constants of the control equation. We call the resulting framework max-min Kelly control (MKC) and show that it offers smooth sending rate, exponential convergence to efficiency, and fast convergence to fairness, all of which make it appealing for future high-speed networks.
Two New Caridean Shrimps (Bresiliidae) From a Hydrothermal Field on the Mid-atlantic Ridge

ABSTRACT Rimicaris, a new genus, and two new species of caridean shrimps, R. exoculata and R. chacei, are recorded in swarms from a thermally influenced site in the rift valley of the Mid-Atlantic Ridge at 26°08.3'N, 44°49.6'W, 3,620-3,650 m depth. The shrimps appear to be the predominant macroinvertebrates in heated waters (at least 1.0°C above ambient, 2.37°C away from vents) on black sediments and layered rocks with the appearance of polymetallic sulfides precipitated from black smoker-type vents. Characters of these species indicate placement in the family Bresiliidae which is distributed in surface to mid-ocean depths. A key to the 7 bresiliid genera is given.
Analytic evaluation of the inner-vertex correction to the decay rate of orthopositronium in the Fried-Yennie gauge

In this paper the order-\ensuremath{\alpha} contribution of the inner-vertex graph to the decay rate of orthopositronium in the Fried-Yennie gauge is obtained in analytic form.
Control by stochastic adjustment

This paper is concerned with the problem of designing an ?adaptive controller? for the control of a certain class of dynamic processes. In general, these processes consist of a dynamic element governed by a nonstationary, linear differential equation. It is assumed that the designer knows only the form of the differential equation and bounds on the parameter variations but not the exact equations. A further complication of the problem is that all measurements of the state variables of the process are obscured by additive noise.
Food insecurity, social capital and perceived personal disparity in a predominantly rural region of Texas: an individual-level analysis

Few studies have addressed the association of food insecurity with place of residence and perceptions of collective social functioning such as perceived social capital and perceived personal disparity. This study assessed the association between food insecurity and measures of perceived personal disparity and perceived social capital in a region of Central Texas, USA comprised of one urban and six rural counties. Food insecurity, perceived social capital, perceived personal disparity, and sociodemographic control measures were derived from the 2006 Brazos Valley Community Health Assessment on an analytic sample of 1803 adult participants (74% response rate). Robust multinomial regression models examined associations between food insecurity and perceived personal disparity, perceived social capital, education, age, residence in a poor or low-income household, minority group membership, and rural residence. A model was estimated for food insecurity (n = 1803, p < 0.0001). Residents with low social capital, higher levels of perceived personal disparity, rural residence, residence in a low-income or poor household, minority group membership, and lower levels of educational attainment were more likely to experience food insecurity. Rural residence (p = 0.021) was significant only for the comparison between those who never, and those who often experienced food insecurity, and findings for the stratified rural and urban samples were roughly equivalent to the combined sample. Individual level measures of collective social functioning are important correlates of food insecurity. In this study, both perceived personal disparity and perceived social capital play an important role, regardless of rural or urban residence.
The sex difference in vitamin A metabolism.

Various observations indicate a sex difference in the physiologic dynamics which act upon the vitamin A. Deficiency in vitamin A occurs more frequently in men than in women (1, 2). The average value of plasma vitamin A is higher in men than in women while for carotene the relation is reversed (3-7). The cutaneous carotene is much greater in amount in the female than in the male. Moreover, its pattern of distribution varies, women showing large amounts of it in regions which are poor in carotene in men (8). Female rats store and retain more vitamin A in the liver than the males, while the males have higher blood values (9). During depletion the livers of male rats lose vitamin A faster than those of females (10). The minimal protective vitamin A requirement of male rats is about 1.5 times that of the female of the same age (11).
Proteomics as a new paradigm to tackle Parkinson’s disease research challenges

Abstract Disease-modifying therapies capable to stop or slow Parkinson’s disease (PD) progression are still elusive due to severe shortcomings in the understanding of PD etiopathogenesis as well as limitations in routine clinically-based diagnosis precluding PD detection during its early course. Proteomics has recently emerged as one of the most attractive approaches to unravel the complex nature of PD processes and investigate PD potential biomarkers. In contrast to traditional candidate-based studies, it offers global and high-throughput strategies to systematically analyze proteins – the pathological effectors themselves – without the need to establish a priori hypotheses. This review aims to summarize the latest advances in PD research in the context of proteomics. After an overview of some methodological aspects, the most recent PD-related findings will be discussed together with the limitations and perspectives of current proteomic workflows.
On the geometry of space- and time-equivalent catastrophes

The geometrical nature of the Elementary catastrophes ( Thom, 1969 ) is reviewed. Histories of the movement of catastrophe manifolds and bifurcation sets are presented for some of the space-equivalent unfoldings described by Wassermann (1975) . These unfoldings provide descriptions of the variation with time of the stability of stationary states of associated potential energy functions. Identification of these stationary energy states with stationary states of a system therefore provides a description of its behavior with time. Qualitative descriptions of this type are particularly useful when the complexity of a system prevents a detailed quantitative description. Histories of bifurcation set movements suggest different types of system behavior at different space-like coordinates. This type of theory may be a useful model for the processes leading to differentiation of cells and to emergence of adult forms of a biological organism.
Anatomic considerations of the second sacral vertebra and dorsal screw placement

Direct measurements and measurements from images of axial cross-sections on 20 cadaveric sacra that had been scanned on computer were used in this study. The measurements, including parameters from the vertebral body, lateral mass and spinal canal of the second sacral vertebra (S2) were performed. The length of the screw path and the optimal angulation of the screw placement for dorsal sacral internal fixation were also included. The mean values of height, anteroposterior diameter, width and breadth of the S2 were 25.0 mm, 13.5 mm, 29.4 mm and 83.0 mm, respectively. The mean values of the mid-sagittal diameter, maximum transverse diameter and area of the S2 spinal canal were 10.3 mm, 23.1 mm and 162.4 mm2, respectively. The mean transpedicular screw length of the S2 and optimal medial angle were 25.2 mm and 30.0°, respectively. The mean lateral mass screw length of the S2 and optimal lateral angle were 32.8 mm and 22.0°, respectively. The present study provides quantitative anatomic data of the second sacral vertebra. All parameters indicate that, compared with our previous study, S2 is smaller than S1. When S2 lateral mass screw fixation is intended, anchoring the anterior cortex may violate the iliac vessels or lumbosacral trunk; therefore, understanding the unique anatomy of the S2 is imperative.
Melting Temperature and Partial Melt Chemistry of H2O-Saturated Mantle Peridotite to 11 Gigapascals

The H2O-saturated solidus of a model mantle composition (Kilborne Hole peridotite nodule, KLB-1) was determined to be just above 1000°C from 5 to 11 gigapascals. Given reasonable H2O abundances in Earth's mantle, an H2O-rich fluid could exist only in a region defined by the wet solidus and thermal stability limits of hydrous minerals, at depths between 90 and 330 kilometers. The experimental partial melts monotonously became more mafic with increasing pressure from andesitic composition at 1 gigapascal to more mafic than the starting peridotite at 10 gigapascals. Because the chemistry of the experimental partial melts is similar to that of kimberlites, it is suggested that kimberlites may be derived by low-temperature melting of an H2O-rich mantle at depths of 150 to 300 kilometers.
Thallium Speciation in the Great Lakes

An ion-exchange separation technique followed by analysis with atomic absorption spectroscopy was used to study the chemical forms and distribution of thallium in Lakes Michigan, Huron, and Erie. The dominant thallium form found in water samples analyzed was the oxidized Tl(III) which comprised 68 ± 6% of the total dissolved thallium, contrary to thermodynamic prediction that Tl(I) is favored in natural waters. A significant proportion of Tl(III) may be in colloidal form. No definite spatial (horizontal or vertical) pattern was found in the distribution of total dissolved thallium in the water columns of Lakes Michigan, Huron, and Erie. An overall decline of thallium concentration from Lake Michigan to Lake Erie was observed which may be related to rapid scavenging removal from the water column.
COMPARISON OF METHODS FOR DETERMINATION OF GFR IN PRETERM NEONATES

A simplified method for accurate determination of GFR would be useful in the management of critically ill, premature neonates. Serum creatinine (Sc) has been used to estimate GFR in children and adults but its validity in preterm infants has yet to be established. The purpose of this study was to compare GFR as estimated from Sc to that determined by three accepted clearance methods: UV/P creatinine clearance (Cc), UV/P inulin (In-a), and inulin constant infusion method (In-b). Eleven neonates with RDS (BW 2.24 ± .5 kg, GA 33 ± 1.7 wks, length 45.9 ± 4.2 cm) were studied longitudinally during the first 5 days of life. Timed urine collections (233 ± 48 min) for Cc were performed every eight hours in 8 patients. Once each day, simultaneous with Cc, In-a was performed in 5 infants, and In-b was performed in 7 infants. GFR was estimated from Sc and length (Sc-L) using the formula: GFR (ml/min/1.73 m2) = .4 X length (cm)/Sc (mg/dl) (Feld et al, Ped. Res. 17:1567, 1983). Comparison of methods is shown below.
The order of the CNBr peptides from the α2 chain of collagen

Abstract The isolation and characterization of peptides containing an uncleaved methionyl residue after CNBr cleavage of the α2 chain of chick bone and rat skin collagen show that α2-CB1 and α2-CBO are adjacent and come from the NH 2 -terminal end in the order 1-0 and that α2-CB3 and α2-CB5 come from the COOH-terminal end in the order 3–5. These results were confirmed and the remaining two peptides, α2-CB2 and α2-CB4, were positioned by pulse-labeling of rat collagen in culture and isolation of the CNBr peptides in a Dintzis-type experiment. The predicted specific activity gradient along the chain is obtained when the peptides are arranged in the order 1-0-4-2-3-5. These results are in agreement with electron microscopy of the renatured larger peptides α2-CB3, 4 and 5 from chick skin collagen (published in an accompanying article) which shows the order x-4-x-3-5 where x indicates spaces large enough for the remaining smaller peptides.