cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Heterologous expression of d-xylulokinase from Pichia stipitis enables high levels of xylitol production by engineered Escherichia coli growing on xylose

Deletion of the Escherichia coli xylulokinase gene (xylB) is essential for achieving high xylitol titers from xylitol-producing E. coli strains growing on glucose in the presence of xylose. Our study suggests that this is due to XylB-catalyzed toxic synthesis of xylitol-phosphate. This activity prohibits the use of xylose as the sole carbon source during xylitol production by E. coli. To overcome this limitation we turned to the yeast Pichia stipitis, which naturally produces xylitol, as a source of xylulokinase (Xyl3). We examined the effects of plasmid-based expression of Xyl3 versus XylB on growth and xylitol production by engineered E. coli strains. Xylulokinase activity assays show similar levels of functional expression of both enzymes (determined as activity on xylulose), and reveal significantly more activity on xylitol by XylB compared to Xyl3. (31)P NMR confirms the production of xylitol-phosphate from in vitro reactions with XylB. Lastly, the replacement of xylB with XYL3 results in drastically enhanced xylitol titers from E. coli strains co-expressing xylose reductase during growth on xylose.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW: Information, Regulation, and Networks: A Tale of Distributed Generation to Improve Air Quality

One important result of electric power deregulation in the United States has been a growing potential for small, distributed sources of electrical power that may serve a single home, neighborhood, business, or business complex more efficiently and reliably than centrally located power plants, and at lower cost. The expectation that distributed generation (DG) can provide reliable electrical power more efficiently and less expensively than conventional power plants is complicated, however, by the high levels of air pollution and low efficiency generally associated with the most affordable and accessible DG technologies. Therefore, the prospect of greater reliance on distributed sources of electrical power raises a number of important questions, among them, these: (1) How can a state's energy and environmental regulatory system best encourage the economic success of clean and efficient DG? (2) Exactly which DG technologies are the cleanest and most efficient? (3) What kind of policy is most likely to yield the most favorable level of DG usage in a given state? In answer to these questions, we present the development of DG policy in California as a study in establishing and deepening a network of state agencies, nongovernmental organizations, businesses, and individuals committed to the integration of clean, efficient DG into the state's electric utility system. More specifically, the California Energy Commission, the California Air Resources Board and most local air districts, the California Public Utilities Commission, environmental and professional organizations, DG manufacturers and other businesses, and interested individuals have responded to the rising demand for electricity in the state by advocating clean and efficient DG. Although the many agencies, organizations, and individuals involved in the “clean DG” network have not been overtly identified as such, we argue that administering the currently favored technology-forcing, clean DG policy will require ongoing and pervasive coordination among the members of this nascent network.
Prior exposure to repeated morphine potentiates mechanical allodynia induced by peripheral inflammation and neuropathy

Opioids, such as morphine, induce potent analgesia and are the gold standard for the treatment of acute pain. However, opioids also activate glia, inducing pro-inflammatory cytokine and chemokine production, which counter-regulates the analgesic properties of classical opioid receptor activation. It is not known how long these adverse pro-inflammatory effects last or whether prior morphine could sensitize the central nervous system (CNS) such that responses to a subsequent injury/inflammation would be exacerbated. Here, multiple models of inflammation or injury were induced two days after morphine (5mg/kg b.i.d., five days , s.c.) to test the generality of morphine sensitization of later pain. Prior repeated morphine potentiated the duration of allodynia from peripheral inflammatory challenges (complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA) into either hind paw skin or masseter muscle) and from peripheral neuropathy (mild chronic constriction injury (CCI) of the sciatic nerve). Spinal cord and trigeminal nucleus caudalis mRNAs were analyzed to identify whether repeated morphine was sufficient to alter CNS expression of pro-inflammatory response genes, measured two days after cessation of treatment. Prior morphine elevated IL-1β mRNA at both sites, MHC-II and TLR4 in the trigeminal nucleus caudalis but not spinal cord, but not glial activation markers at either site. Finally, in order to identify whether morphine sensitized pro-inflammatory cytokine release, spinal cord was isolated two days after morphine dosing for five days , and slices stimulated ex vivo with lipopolysaccharide. The morphine significantly induced TNFα protein release. Therefore, repeated morphine is able to sensitize subsequent CNS responses to immune challenges.
Starting and Sustaining a Statewide Coalition to Promote Health Education: The New York Experience

Abstract This article describes the formation and first 5 years of the New York State Coalition for Health Education (NYSCHE), an alliance of health education organizations to promote health education as a major strategy for improving the health of all New Yorkers. The authors define coalition, delineate coalition formation and maintenance tasks, describe the various uses/foci of coalitions, and identify key publications in the health education coalition-related literature. Then, juxtaposing key principles of coalition building with their own experiences, the authors tell the story of the formation and maintenance of the NYSCHE. They discuss recruitment, membership, mission, governance, strategic planning, and activities. In conclusion, the authors raise coalition maintenance and evaluation challenges suggested by the professional literature, and offer the coalition as a case study opportunity.
Estimates of incubation and completion times in recrystallization

Values of t* and t/sub f/ obtained by the technique presented in this paper provide reasonable estimates of incubation and completion times. Because of the approximations used in the computer model and the empirical relations used in the derivation of an equation, these times should be considered as apparent or effective times. Topics considered include metals, recrystallization, time dependence, incubation, computerized simulation, and equations.
Temporal analysis of products (TAP)—Recent advances in technology for kinetic analysis of multi-component catalysts

Abstract This paper presents an overview of the evolution, advancements, and capabilities of the temporal analysis of products (TAP) reactor system as a unique catalyst characterization tool. The origination of the TAP reactor based on molecular beam scattering experiments is briefly mentioned. The advancement in TAP reactor design from the TAP-1 system to the TAP-3 system is introduced to highlight its relevance as a valuable tool for elucidating mechanistic and kinetic aspects of adsorption, diffusion, and reaction in gas–solid systems. Since the invention of the TAP reactor system, a series of TAP microreactor configurations has been introduced with different amounts of catalyst packing starting from the one-zone microreactor to the most recent introduction, the single particle microreactor in which a single Pt particle is packed among 100,000 inert quartz particles. An advantage to decreasing the catalyst zone inside the microreactor is to eliminate non-uniformity in the active zone while still achieving high conversions (95%). Experimental designs and results coupling the TAP reactor to other experimental systems such as a time-of-flight mass spectrometer and atomic beam deposition system is also presented. Key results from recent TAP experiments are presented to show how the TAP reactor is used to answer fundamental questions in catalysis such as bridging the pressure gap between industrial catalysis and surface science, understanding the surface lifetimes of reactive adspecies in TAP pump-probe experiments, finding kinetic rate constants related to changes in catalyst composition and its performance.
Mechanical evaluation of poly(vinyl alcohol)-based fibrous composites as biomaterials for meniscal tissue replacement.

Abstract In this study, poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) hydrogels were reinforced with ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) and PP fibers and evaluated as potential nondegradable meniscal replacements. An investigation of hydrogel and composite mechanical properties indicates that fiber-reinforced PVA hydrogels could replicate the unique anisotropic modulus distribution present in the native meniscus; the most commonly damaged orthopedic tissue. More specifically, fibrous reinforcement successfully increased the tensile modulus of the biomaterial from 0.23 ± 0.02 MPa without any reinforcement to 258.1 ± 40.1 MPa at 29 vol.% UHMWPE. Additionally, the molecular weight between cross-links, bound water and the microstructure of the PVA hydrogels were evaluated as a function of freeze–thaw cycles and polymer concentration to lend insight into the processes occurring during synthesis. These results suggest the presence of multiple mechanisms as causes for increasing hydrogel modulus with freeze–thaw cycling, including hydrogen bonding between amorphous and/or crystalline regions, and the formation of highly concentrated regions of mostly amorphous PVA chains. It is possible that the formation of regions with highly concentrated amounts of PVA increases the load-bearing ability of the hydrogels.
The Feulgen banded karyotype of the mouse: analysis of the mechanisms of banding

The chromosomes of the mouse have been identified by specific banding patterns revealed by the Feulgen stain. Comparison of the patterns of the Feulgen-stained karyotype with those of acetic-saline-Giemsa stain and quinacrinemustard-fluorescence demonstrates a high order of similarity among the three, with the localization of Feulgen dense bands and regions closely paralleling that of Giemsa dark and fluorescence bright bands. Since the stained substrate of the Feulgen reaction is known to be DNA, it is suggested that all three banding methods reveal the distribution of DNA or of some moiety that closely follows DNA distribution in metaphase chromosomes. The preparative procedure of the Feulgen banding method consists of a 15 to 20 minute exposure to PO4 buffer at pH 10 and a prolonged (60–72 hrs) exposure to 12xSSC. Omission or curtailment of either step results in preparations with chromosome sets that are not karyotypable, although some stain differentiation is produced. HCl extraction prior to the preparative treatment blocks banding, but acid extraction following the preparative treatment, either that of the HCl hydrolysis of the Feulgen reaction of that of an almost fourfold extension of the standard hydrolysis time, does not obliterate bands already formed. By extrapolation from biochemical studies of chromatin, it is postulated that the localization of Feulgen dark and light stain, representing relative DNA densities, reflects the regional protein association of the DNA; the Feulgen dense regions may result from aggregation of a specific class of histones by the alkaline buffer with consequent condensation of the DNA bound to those histones; the Feulgen pale or negative regions may represent those in which non-aggregated proteins, histone and non-histone, have been solubilized in the saline incubation, rendering the DNA of those regions subject to diffusion or vulnerable to fragmentation in the Feulgen hydrolysis.
The Soviet Union in the twenty-first century

The subject of this article is how historians and others have understood Soviet history since the demise of the Soviet Union. It is argued that, despite the opening of archives, changes in interpretation have been driven as much by external political and disciplinary developments as by greater availability of data. Important external considerations have been the Cold War and the collapse of the Soviet regime in 1991. The main historical schools examined are the totalitarian (whose heyday was the 1950s); revisionist (1970s); and post-revisionist (1990s). Interpretations of the Soviet Union in the Russian media and popular opinion, ranging from condemnation of communism to nostalgia, are also discussed.
Some comments on experimental aspects of the use of ionizing radiation to initiate solid state reactions

Abstract Examples are given of organic crystals undergoing solid state reaction initiated by ionizing radiation where the properties of the product, especially surface morphology, obtained differ depending on specific experimental conditions. The authors strongly recommend that researchers using ionizing radiation for synthetic purposes specify experimental conditions used, especially the atmosphere over the sample and the radiation dosage and dose rate.
Faith and its fulfillment: agency, exchange, and the Fijian aesthetics of completion.

In this article, I develop a theory of what I call the abeyance of agency, drawing upon a comparison between Fijian Christian church and gift-giving rituals. I argue that from religious practitioners' viewpoint, religious faith concerns not so much the intentions of an anthropomorphic God as the limits that are temporarily placed on ritual participants' agency. Such abeyance and subsequent recovery of their agency enables them to experience the intimations of an ultimate response,[agency, form, temporality, gift exchange, Christianity, Fiji]
Elastic reticulum and collagen of normal mouse peritoneum—A conventional and high-voltage electron microscopy study

Abstract The ultrastructural and three-dimensional arrangement of elastic reticulum and collagen in mouse parietal peritoneum is described for the first time. As seen by high-voltage electron microscope stereoscopy of thick sections, the EL forms a three-dimensional network without free ends. The central part of the EL fibre is not amorphous but contains irregular 500-100 nm fibrils along its length. Large bundles of banded collagen (also without free ends) course in and out of the elastic reticulum. The production of these two interlacing networks implies the presence of a histo-architectural sensing and orientation system for the projected cytoplasmic processes of stromal fibroblasts and also bidirectional chain assembly for both collagen and elastin. Bilaterial assembly patterns have been described for collagen but not for elastin. The periodicity of the banded collagen varies in different regions of the fibre. A similar banding periodicity variation has been reported for Type I tendon collagen in association with local tension variations and curvature of the fibres. An unbanded type of collagen (so far not characterized as to type) lies between the elastic reticulum and the mesothelial cell basal lamina. It is speculated that the banded collagen may play a role in control of transudate across peritoneum and its disorganization in inflammation may relate to affect ascites production.
Changes in snowpack and snowmelt runoff for key mountain regions

Mountain snowpack and spring runoff are key components of surface water resources, and serve as important, regionally integrated indicators of climate variability and change. This study examines whether mountain snowpack and snowmelt have manifested a consistent hydrologic response to global climatic changes over the past several decades. Prior findings are compared to identify spatial and temporal patterns of trends in the volume, extent, and seasonality of snowpack and melt for key mountain regions. Evidence suggests that both temperature and precipitation increases to date have impacted mountain snowpacks simultaneously on the global scale; however, the nature of the impact is, among other factors, strongly dependent on geographic location, latitude, and elevation. Warmer temperatures at mid-elevations have decreased snowpack and resulted in earlier melt in spite of precipitation increases, while they have not affected high-elevation regions that remain well below freezing during winter. At high elevations, precipitation increases have resulted in increased snowpack. Not all local responses are consistent with the general findings, possibly because of local climatic trends, atmospheric circulation patterns, record lengths, or data quality issues. With continued warming, increasingly higher elevations are projected to experience declines in snowpack accumulation and melt that can no longer be offset by winter precipitation increases. There is a continued research need for hydroclimatic trend detection and attribution in mountains owing to the length, quality, and sparseness of available data from monitoring stations not directly impacted by human activity. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Pallidal stimulation: Effect of pattern and rate on bradykinesia in the non-human primate model of Parkinson's disease

Abstract Deep brain stimulation (DBS) involves the delivery of continuous, fixed-frequency electrical pulses to specific brain regions; however the reliance of therapeutic benefit on the fixed-frequency nature of the stimulation pattern is currently unknown. To address this, we investigated the effect of changes in the pattern and frequency of DBS in the internal segment of the globus pallidus (GPi) on bradykinesia in a single, hemi-parkinsonian monkey. Therapeutic parameters (i.e., contacts, pulse width, amplitude) were established for fixed-frequency stimulation at 135 Hz based on improved movement times during a reach and retrieval task. Thereafter, the pattern and frequency of stimulation were varied to assess the effect of variability, bursting and oscillatory patterns of stimulation on bradykinesia. During fixed-frequency stimulation, performance improved as a function of increasing pulse rate (P
Ethanol-induced Phosphorylation and Potentiation of the Activity of Type 7 Adenylyl Cyclase: INVOLVEMENT OF PROTEIN KINASE C δ *

Abstract Ethanol can enhance Gsα-stimulated adenylyl cyclase (AC) activity. Of the nine isoforms of AC, type 7 (AC7) is the most sensitive to ethanol. The potentiation of AC7 by ethanol is dependent on protein kinase C (PKC). We designed studies to determine which PKC isotype(s) are involved in the potentiation of Gαs-activated AC7 activity by ethanol and to investigate the direct phosphorylation of AC7 by PKC. AC7 was phosphorylated in vitro by the catalytic subunits of PKCs. The addition of ethanol to AC7-transfected HEK 293 cells increased the endogenous phosphorylation of AC7, as indicated by a decreased “back-phosphorylation” of AC7 by PKCin vitro. The potentiation of Gαs-stimulated AC7 activity by either phorbol 12,13-dibutyrate or ethanol, in HEL cells endogenously expressing AC7, was not through the Ca2+-sensitive conventional PKCs. However, the potentiation of AC7 activity by ethanol or phorbol 12,13-dibutyrate was found to be reduced by the selective inhibitor of PKCδ (rottlerin), a PKCδ-specific inhibitory peptide (δV1-1), and the expression of the dominant negative form of PKCδ. Immunoprecipitation data indicated that PKCδ could bind and directly phosphorylate AC7. The results indicate that the potentiation of AC7 activity by ethanol involves phosphorylation of AC7 that is mediated by PKCδ.
The Nhlh2 transcription factor is required for female sexual behavior and reproductive longevity

Abstract Nhlh2 is a member of the basic helix-loop-helix (bHLH) transcription factor family and is expressed in developing and adult neuroendocrine tissues such as the pituitary and hypothalamus. Targeted deletion of Nhlh2 (N2KO) in mice results in hypogonadism and obesity. While gonadally intact male N2KO mice are infertile and lack male sexual behavior, female N2KO mice can become pregnant and carry litters to full term. Unlike normal females in which fertility averages 8–12 months with approximately one pregnancy per month, N2KO females have a shorter reproductive span with most females supporting only three to four pregnancies in a 9-month period. In addition, N2KO females exhibit abnormal estrous cycles characterized by a truncated estrus and a prolonged proestrus. We have found that while young female N2KO mice ovulate the same number of oocytes as normal females in response to exogenous hormones, the number of oocytes released by aged N2KO females is reduced over 50%. Interestingly, oocytes from N2KO females are equally competent for in vitro fertilization assays when compared to oocytes from similarly aged normal and heterozygous mice. We have further demonstrated that both young and old N2KO females show at least a 50% reduction in hormone-stimulated sexual behavior as measured by their lordosis quotient. This suggests that N2KO females show a lifelong behavioral hyporesponsiveness to exogenous steroid hormones accompanied by a reduction in reproductive longevity via reduced ovulation with aging. Potential gene regulatory mechanisms that involve the action of the Nhlh2 transcription factor on female fertility and sexual behavior are discussed.
Compliant Mechanism Road Bicycle Brake: A Rigid-Body Replacement Case Study

The design of high-performance bicycle brakes is complicated by the competing design objectives of increased performance and low weight. But this challenge also provides a good case study to demonstrate the design of compliant mechanisms to replace current rigid-link mechanisms. This paper briefly reviews current road brake designs, demonstrates the use of rigid-body replacement synthesis to design a compliant mechanism, and illustrates the combination of compliant mechanism design tools. The resulting concept was generated from the modified dual-pivot brake design and is a partially compliant mechanism where one pin has the dual role of a joint and a mounting pin. The pseudo-rigid-body model, finite element analysis, and optimization algorithms are used to generate design dimensions, and designs are considered for both titanium and E-glass flexures. The resulting design has the potential of reducing the part count and overall weight while maintaining a performance similar to the benchmark.
A novel bi-directional step-flow growth mode: C60 on Ge(100) and GaAs(110)

Abstract A novel epitaxial step-flow growth mechanism is revealed in the growth of C 60 overlayers on Ge(100) and GaAs(110) surfaces using scanning tunneling microscopy. In contrast to the conventional step-flow growth mode, molecules attached to a substrate atomic step protrude well above its top edge and hence create an inverted step. This new step in turn acts as a nucleation site for subsequent growth over the upper terrace, and flows in the direction of ascending steps, in conjunction with the step flow on the lower terrace in the direction of descending steps. This bi-directional step-flow growth mode is a direct consequence of a large out-of-plane lattice mismatch, and thus should be common in the growth of large molecules or clusters on monoatomically stepped substrates.
H. pylori and cagA: relationships with gastric cancer, duodenal ulcer, and reflux esophagitis and its complications

Background. Helicobacter pylori infection is accepted to be associated with two mutually exclusive diseases: duodenal ulcer and gastric cancer. Attention has recently focused on possible relationships between H. pylori and gastroesophageal reflux disease and its complications such as adenocarcinoma of the gastric cardia. The aim of this study was to provide a framework for explaining the seemingly paradoxical associations between H. pylori and various gastrointestinal diseases. Methods. Available data regarding H. pylori infection, cagA, acid secretion, corpus gastritis, and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and its complications are reviewed, and testable hypotheses are presented. Results. Linking the type of H. pylori (cagA-positive vs. cagA-negative), the pattern and intensity of inflammation, and acid secretion explains the apparent paradoxes in the associations between H. pylori and gastric cancer, duodenal ulcer, and GERD. Although H. pylori is inhibited by bile, a duodenal acid load sufficient to lower the average pH to precipitate bile acids overcomes that inhibition. H. pylori that contain a functional cag pathogenicity island produce a vigorous inflammatory response. The severity of mucosal inflammation predicts likelihood of different outcomes (e.g., in the bulb with likelihood of developing duodenal ulcer, and in the corpus with the degree of reduction in acid secretion and the rate of development of multifocal atrophic gastritis). Development of H. pylori corpus gastritis is promoted by profound inhibition of acid secretion (e.g., childhood infections or a high level of antisecretory therapy). The CagA protein, or the cagA gene, is a marker for enhanced inflammation, but CagA is not directly involved in the pathogenesis of gastric cancer or duodenal ulcer disease, nor is it a reliable indicator of the presence of a functional cag pathogenicity island. Conclusion. The relationship between the type of H. pylori infection, presence or absence of a functional cag pathogenicity island, corpus inflammation, and acid secretion explains the duodenal ulcer/gastric cancer paradox and the relationship between H. pylori infection and the complications of GERD. The predicted rank order for the presence of GERD and its complications (peptic stricture, Barrett’s esophagus, and adenocarcinoma of the gastric cardia) is highest in the population without H. pylori infection, less in those with H. pylori infection, and least in those infected with cagA-positive H. pylori. Controversy and confusing epidemiological observations will continue unless future studies provide data on the gastric corpus histology (or acid secretion) as well as regarding the presence or absence of a functional and intact cag pathogenicity island of the infecting organism.
Experimental probes of bond orientational order models of blue phase III of chiral liquid crystals.

Recently, a cubic bond orientational order model was proposed for blue phase (BP) III [Phys. Rev. Lett. 71, 2757 (1993)]. It was suggested that in blue phase III, although there is no periodic translational symmetry, a cubic orientational order persists. A spatially independent fourth-rank tensor ${\mathit{B}}_{\mathrm{\ensuremath{\alpha}}\mathrm{\ensuremath{\beta}}\mathrm{\ensuremath{\mu}}\ensuremath{\nu}}^{4}$ was used to describe the cubic bond orientational order. In this paper, we show that since BP III is chiral, the bond orientational order parameter is expected to vary in space. Depending on the relative magnitudes of the elastic constants in the free energy, the cubic bond orientational order will twist along either a fourfold ([001]) or a threefold ([111]) symmetry direction. Due to the twist, the cubic symmetry of the bond orientational order is replaced by a lower point symmetry group, ${\mathit{D}}_{4}$(422) or ${\mathit{D}}_{3}$(32). Using Landau theory and dimensional analysis, we find that if there is a chiral cubic bond orientational order in BP III, there should be a measurable birefringence even in the absence of an external field. This is inconsistent with the knowledge that BP III is optically isotropic without a field. We also point out that a phase with cubic bond orientational order can be distinguished from an isotropic phase using field induced birefringence experiments.
Strengths-Based Practice with Family Caregivers of the Chronically Ill: Qualitative Insights:

Using a strengths-based perspective, this paper looks at the experiences of family caregiving to the chronically ill. Qualitative research allows researchers and practitioners to gain a deeper understanding of the family caregiver experience, adding breadth to the assessment and intervention process. Themes generated from a qualitative inquiry on the impact of the caregiving experience for the caregiver are explored and discussed in terms of implications for strengths-based practice, thus providing a positive experience for the caregiver and care recipient.
Oscillating wheelchair seat for prevention of decubitus ulcers

A wheelchair seat designed to prevent the occurrence of decubitus ulcers has been constructed and tested. The rear section of the seating surface is periodically lowered to allow a reduction in pressure for the highly stressed tissue underneath the ischial tuberosities. Several parameters in the seat can be easily adjusted to accommodate the needs of different individuals.
18 POTENT ACTIVITY OF 2-CHLORODEOXYADENOSINE IN CHRONIC LYMPHOCYTIC LEUKEMIA, HAIRY CELL LEUKEMIA, AND AUTOIMMUNE HEMOLYTIC ANEMIA

Unlike other nucleoside anti-metabolites, 2-chlorodeoxyadenosine is selectively toxic at nanomolar concentrations to human lymphocytes and monocytes. In susceptible cells, the drug causes a dose- and time-dependent accumulation of DNA strand breaks, with resultant activation of poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase. Furthermore, the actions of 2-chlorodeoxyadenosine are entirely independent of replicative DNA synthesis. For this reason, we reasoned that 2-chlorodeoxyadenosine would represent a useful agent for the treatment of slowly replicating lymphoid malignancies, and for the therapy of chronic autoimmune diseases. In the present study, 2-chlorodeoxyadenosine was administered to 18 patients wich advanced chronic lymphocytic leukemia, 4 of whom had concurrent autoimmune hemolytic anemia. An overall response rate of 56% was achieved. Only minor and reversible bone marrow suppression occurred during treatment, indicating a high degree of lymphocyte selectivity. Moreover, 3 of the 4 patients with autoimmune hemolytic anemia had complete resolution of hemolysis. Three patients with hairy cell leukemia also received 2-chlorodeoxyadenosine therapy. Two of the patients achieved clinical remission after one course of the drug. These results demonstrate that 2-chlorodeoxyadenosine is a safe and potent anti-lymphocyte and immunosuppressive agent. Further trials of the drug in autoimmune and lymphoproliferative diseases are warranted.
Movement disorders in autoimmune diseases

Movement disorders have been known to be associated with a variety of autoimmune diseases, including Sydenham's chorea, pediatric auto- immune neuropsychiatric disorders associated with streptococcus, systemic lupus erythematosus, anti- phospholipid syndrome, gluten sensitivity, paraneoplas- tic and autoimmune encephalopathies. Tremors, dystonia, chorea, ballism, myoclonus, parkinsonism, and ataxia may be the initial and even the only presen- tation of these autoimmune diseases. Although antibod- ies directed against various cellular components of the central nervous system have been implicated, the path- ogenic mechanisms of these autoimmune movement disorders have not yet been fully elucidated. Clinical recognition of these autoimmune movement disorders is critically important as many improve with immuno- therapy or dietary modifications, particularly when diagnosed early. We discuss here the clinical features, pathogenic mechanisms, and treatments of movement disorders associated with autoimmune diseases, based on our own experience and on a systematic review of the literature. V C 2012 Movement Disorder Society
60 GHz wireless communications: emerging requirements and design recommendations

Multiple GHz of internationally available, unlicensed spectrum surrounding the 60 GHz carrier frequency has the ability to accommodate high-throughput wireless communications. While the size and availability of this free spectrum make it very attractive for wireless applications, 60 GHz implementations must overcome many challenges. For example, the high attenuation and directional nature of the 60 GHz wireless channel as well as limited gain amplifiers and excessive phase noise in 60 GHz transceivers are explicit implementation difficulties. The challenges associated with this channel motivate commercial deployment of short-range wireless local area networks, wireless personal area networks, and vehicular networks. In this paper we detail design tradeoffs for algorithms in the 60 GHz physical layer including modulation, equalization, and space-time processing. The discussion is enhanced by considering the limitations in circuit design, characteristics of the effective wireless channel (including antennas), and performance requirements to support current and next generation 60 GHz wireless communication applications.
Real Time Monitoring of Water Quality Parameters in Corpus Christi Bay to Understand Hypoxia

Corpus Christi Bay (Texas, USA) is home to the nation's seventh largest port with numerous petrochemical facilities. This shallow wind-driven bay (average depth 3 m) is very dynamic, and is typically a well-mixed system. However, the water column becomes stratified during the summer months in the south-east portion of the bay, and so dissolved oxygen (DO) in the upper-layer water column is not able to mix with the lower-layer water column. Therefore, an hypoxic condition can develop at the lower portion of the water column in the bay, and as this bay is very stochastic in nature, this condition lasts on the order of hours. It is difficult to 'capture' this kind of episodic events through discrete sampling at limited locations in the bay. Our research group has developed an integrated data acquisition system which can measure horizontal and vertical variation of various water quality parameters 'synchronically' over a highly-resolved spatial regime. Also, software has been developed in our laboratory which can display the horizontal and vertical variation of these parameters in real time and thereby, guides in determining the spatial extent of the water quality parameters of interest. As part of our routine monitoring of Corpus Christi (CC) Bay, we conducted an east-west transect of the bay's ship channel on November 29, 2006 and March 22, 2007. The data collected by our system suggests that the inverse estuary situation exists in the ship channel, i.e., the water becomes more saline and dense as we moved away from the mouth of the Gulf of Mexico towards the bay interior. The prevailing south-east wind on those days 'pushed' the high saline water from the mouth of the Laguna Madre and Oso Bay toward the ship channel. The preliminary results of the hydrodynamic model developed by our research collaborators showed the similar circulation pattern. Integrating the model with the observed data will help us in characterizing the stratification pattern of the bay and therefore, greater understanding of the hypoxic phenomena. Also, particle concentrations measured by a particle sizer (one of the instruments in our suite of instruments) are well correlated with the acoustic backscatter intensity measured by our acoustic Doppler current profiler. This kind of relationship is very important because it provides a greater capability to characterize the particle dynamics of the bay. Particles can transport 'particulate BOD' (biochemical oxygen demand), thus affecting hypoxia. Quantification of the particle influx/outflux to the Gulf of Mexico through the ship channel may help us to understand the contribution of the ship channel effects on hypoxia in the bay.
Optimal dynamic experiments for bioreactor model discrimination

This paper describes a general approach for dynamic model discrimination for continuous cultures and presents dynamic models for pure cultures ofE. coli andC. utilis obtained using the method. For each pure culture system, four candidate models representing various levels of structure were considered. All models reduce to Monod growth kinetics at steady state. An optimized set of multivariable step inputs in selected manipulative variables was used to discriminate between candidate models. The models that best predicted the dynamic behavior were selected by comparison of model predictions with experimental data. Two discrimination functions were compared in terms of their ability to determine the optimal set of multivariable step inputs to discriminate between candidate models. Results indicate that model discrimination based on maximizing the minimum absolute difference between any two models for a given set of inputs possessed good potential for discrimination between candidate models. Models selected forE. coli andC. utilis from the model discrimination work are presented and compared with experimental data.
Synaptotagmin promotes both vesicle fusion and recycling.

In an active nerve terminal, exocytosis and endocytosis proceed at a frenzied pace. Each action potential releases ≈0.5% of the total supply of synaptic vesicles in the terminal (1), and, with some neurons firing at a rate of 50 Hz or greater, synapses would lose the ability to secrete neurotransmitter within seconds if they could not reform and refill synaptic vesicles. Endocytosis is the principal means, and perhaps the only means, by which the used vesicles are recovered and recycled into the releasable vesicle pool (2). Moreover, the rate of endocytosis is tightly coupled to the rate of exocytosis. In a resting terminal, endocytosis rates are low, but activity can increase this rate enormously to preserve the balance of exocytosis and endocytosis and thereby preserve the sizes of the nerve terminal and vesicle pool. How the rate of endocytosis is regulated, however, remains obscure. In this issue of PNAS, Nicholson-Tomishima and Ryan (3) report that synaptotagmin I, one of the principal proteins of the synaptic vesicle, has an important role to play in promoting the efficient endocytosis of synaptic vesicles. Synaptotagmin I has already been established as a significant contributor to exocytosis of synaptic vesicles (4). This protein is thus of consequence to both sides of the vesicle cycle at nerve endings. (Fig. 1). Fig. 1. Synaptotagmin coming and going. Vesicles in the nerve terminal are recycled for repeated use. In promoting exocytosis, synaptotagmin interacts with membranes and the SNARE complex, the complex of syntaxin, SNAP-25, and synaptobrevin that likely mediate vesicle fusion. In promoting endocytosis, synaptotagmin interacts with the clathrin adaptor complex AP-2. Precisely because of its involvement in exocytosis, synaptotagmin's involvement in endocytosis has long been suspected but difficult to establish. If endocytosis is decreased in a nerve terminal lacking synaptotagmin, is this due to a direct role of …
Neutral and Cationic Palladium(II) Bis(pyrazolyl)methane Complexes

The synthesis, structures, and reactivity of neutral and cationic Pd(II) complexes incorporating bis(pyrazolyl)methane ligands are described. The reaction of (CH3CN)2PdCl2 with the appropriate bis(...
Paternally inherited chromosomal structural aberrations detected in mouse first-cleavage zygote metaphases by multicolour fluorescencein situ hybridization painting

We describe a fluorescencein situ hybridization (FISH) procedure for assessing zygotic risk of paternal exposure to endogenous or exogenous agents. The procedure employs multicolour FISH with chromosome-specific DNA painting probes plus DAPI staining for detecting both balanced and unbalanced chromosomal aberrations in mouse first-cleavage (1-Cl) zygote metaphases. Four composite probes specific for chromosomes 1, 2, 3 or X, each labelled with biotin, plus a composite probe specific for chromosome Y labelled with digoxigenin, were used. We applied this method to evaluate the effects of paternal exposure to acrylamide, a model germ cell clastogen. First-cleavage zygote metaphases, collected from untreated females mated to males whose sperm or late spermatids were treated with acrylamide, were scored for the induction of structural aberrations using bothchromosome painting (PAINT analysis) andDAPI analysis. Structural chromosomal aberrations were observed in the sperm-deried, but not in the eggderived, pronuclei. While 59.4% of the zygotes had structural aberrations by DAPI analysis, 94.1% of the same zygotes had structural aberrations by PAINT analysis (P<0.001), illustrating the increased sensitivity for detecting translocations and insertions obtained by adding chromosome painting. These findings show that FISH painting of mouse 1-Cl zygotes when used in conjunction with DAPI analysis is a powerful model for investigating the cytogenetic defects transmitted from father to offspring.
Nuclear magnetic resonance studies of 161Dy and 163Dy in dysprosium iron garnet

Abstract 161Dy and 163Dy NMR have been studied at 4.2°K in polycrystalline DyIG powder with zero applied dc magnetic fields using the spin-echo technique.
Petrology and Geochemistry of the Quaternary Caldera-forming, Phonolitic Granadilla Eruption, Tenerife (Canary Islands)

The Granadilla eruption at 600 ka was one of the largest phonolitic explosive eruptions from the Las Canadas volcano on Tenerife, producing a classical plinian eruptive sequence of a widespread pumice fall deposit overlain by an ignimbrite. The eruption resulted in a major phase of caldera collapse that probably destroyed the shallow-level magma chamber system. Granadilla pumices contain a diverse phenocryst assemblage of alkali feldspar + biotite + sodian diopside to aegirine–augite + titanomagnetite + ilmenite + nosean/hauyne + titanite + apatite; alkali feldspar is the dominant phenocryst and biotite is the main ferromagnesian phase. Kaersutite and partially resorbed plagioclase (oligoclase to sodic andesine) are present in some eruptive units, particularly in pumice erupted during the early plinian phase, and in the Granadilla ignimbrite at the top of the sequence. Associated with the kaersutite and plagioclase are small clots of microlitic plagioclase and kaersutite interpreted as quenched blebs of tephriphonolitic magma within the phonolite pumice. The Granadilla Member has previously been recognized as an example of reverse-then-normal compositional zonation, where the zonation is primarily expressed in terms of substantial variations in trace element abundances with limited major element variation (cryptic zonation). Evidence for cryptic zonation is also provided by the chemistry of the phenocryst phases, and corresponding changes in intensive parameters (e.g. T, f O2, f H2O). Geothermometry estimates indicate that the main body of phonolite magma had a temperature gradient from 860 °C to ∼790 °C, with hotter magma (≥900 °C) tapped at the onset and terminal phases of the eruption. The reverse-then-normal chemical and thermal zonation reflects the initial tapping of a partially hybridized magma (mixing of phonolite and tephriphonolite), followed by the more sequential tapping of a zoned and relatively large body of highly evolved phonolite at a new vent and during the main plinian phase. This suggests that the different magma types within the main holding chamber could have been laterally juxtaposed, as well as in a density-stratified arrangement. Correlations between the presence of mixed phenocryst populations (i.e. presence of plagioclase and kaersutite) and coarser pumice fall layers suggest that increased eruption vigour led to the tapping of hybridized and/or less evolved magma probably from greater depths in the chamber. New oxygen isotope data for glass and mineral separates preclude syn-eruptive interaction between the vesiculating magma and hydrothermal fluids as the cause of the Sr isotope disequilibrium identified previously for the deposit. Enrichment in radiogenic Sr in the pumice glass has more likely been due to low-temperature exchange with meteoric water that was enriched in 87Sr by sea spray, which may be a common process affecting porous and glassy pyroclastic deposits on oceanic islands.
Dynamic peripheral nerve metabolic and vascular responses to exsanguination

We studied the dynamic effects of exsanguination of approximately one-third of rat blood volume over 3-12 min on energy metabolism and blood flow in rat sciatic nerves. Nerve high-energy phosphate compounds were relatively well maintained. There was a modest stimulation of anaerobic metabolism at slow rates of exsanguination, and glucose stores were slightly increased. These findings indicate that when stressed because of significant blood loss, compensatory mechanisms, presumably adrenosympathetic mediated, are effective in vivo. We recorded nerve blood flow (NBF), endoneurial oxygen tension, and mean arterial pressure simultaneously; NBF was linearly related to blood pressure (BP) over a wide range of BPs, confirming that NBF does not significantly autoregulate. Endoneurium underwent oxygen-exchange, indicating that peripheral nerve microvasculature is physiologically nutritive. NBF fell before and at a faster rate than BP, indicating that it is a capacitive system. Nerves also adapted to declining oxygen supplies, presumably by reducing their oxygen consumption. The physiological implications of such a system are discussed.
Transient Thermal Analysis of Electrical Machine

Transient thermal analysis of electric machine under realistic operation conditions and thermal losses is studied. A symmetrical portion of the stator and rotor is modeled and all thermal losses and cooling boundary conditions are applied according to operational duty cycle. It is found that there is a temperature gradient across the stator of more than 30 °C, across the rotor of more than 70 °C and across the whole machine of more than 100 °C. These temperature gradients could cause high thermal stresses and lead to severe reduction in the machine life. It is extremely important in future designs to consider reducing the temperature gradients by optimizing the design of the electric machines through advanced cooling techniques and strategies.Copyright © 2009 by ASME
A comparison of the Murray-TAT and a new Thematic Apperception Test for urban Hispanic children.

Minority children's lack of responsiveness to projective tests has been attributed to underlying verbal deficits versus productivity on the TAT and the TEMAS (Tell-me-a-story), a new TAT depicting ethnic minority figures, cultural themes, and urban backgrounds. Results indicated that children were more responsive to TEMAS pictures than TAT pictures, and this effect was more enhanced for females than males. Children were more likely to respond in Spanish to the TEMAS and to switch from English on the TAT to Spanish on the TEMAS. Results support earlier findings of increased responsiveness of minority children to culturally relevant stimuli and also suggest a promising instrument for assessment of minority children.
Pluripotent Stem Cell–Based Cancer Therapy: Promise and Challenges

The development of induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) technology has generated enthusiasm about the therapeutic potential of these cells for treating a variety of diseases. However, the evidence that they actually will be clinically useful is limited. Here, we discuss the potential therapeutic applications of iPSCs for treating cancer and other diseases and highlight the current barriers restricting their use.
Syntactic Identity in Sluicing: How Much and Why

Research on sluicing has not yet reached consensus on whether the identity condition on this ellipsis construction is syntactic or semantic. Evidence from Chamorro and English is presented that over and above semantic identity, sluicing requires limited syntactic identity. The limited syntactic identity condition involves argument structure on the one hand and abstract Case on the other. This approach is shown to account for a range of novel and familiar sluicing patterns in the two languages. It also provides new evidence for the idea that the Chamorro antipassive is an implicit argument construction.
Towards Cooling Internet-Scale Distributed Networks on the Cheap

Internet-scale Distributed Networks (IDNs) are large distributed systems that comprise hundreds of thousands of servers located around the world. IDNs consume significant amounts of energy to power their deployed server infrastructure, and nearly as much energy to cool that infrastructure. We study the potential benefits of using renewable open air cooling (OAC) in an IDN. Our results show that by using OAC, a global IDN can extract 51% cooling energy reducing during summers and a 92% reduction in the winter.