cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Studies of the differentiation of promyelocytic cells by phorbol ester. I: Induction of discrete membrane proteins characteristic of monocytes and expression of motility functions in HL-60 cells following differentiation by phorbol ester

Abstract Cells of the promyelocytic leukemia line, HL-60, differentiate into macrophage-like cells in response to phorbol ester. We report that this effect is associated with induction of spontaneous motility and a modest expression of chemotactic responsiveness to a formylated peptide. Using two-dimensional gel electrophoresis we demonstrate that the differentiation of HL-60 cells is associated with a differential effect on membrane vs. cytosol proteins. Changes in the cytosol characteristically involved reduction of synthesis of specific proteins. Changes in the membrane were mainly associated with either enhancement or de novo synthesis of discrete proteins. The hallmark of HL-60 cell differentiation appeared to be distinctive induction of a membrane-bound group of six proteins (p I ≈ 5, 45–70 kDa) and the de novo induction of a membrane protein indicated as m10 (p I ≈ 7, 28 kDa). These discrete membrane proteins were found to be very prominently synthesized by human cultured monocytes, but virtually absent in lymphocytes. It is proposed that our ability to detect synthesis of proteins characteristic of different states of cellular differentiation will permit detailed studies of the biochemical changes which constitute this process. Definition of the role of these proteins and the mechanism regulating their synthesis will help to elucidate the biochemical basis of monocyte differentiation.
Antigen Receptor Kinase Two-Step

After the discovery of the Ag/MHC-binding TCR for Ag and associated CD3 chains, the race was on to understand how these proteins function to control T cell activation. By 1994, when the featured paper by Iwashima et al. ([1][1]) was published, many of the now-familiar players in this process had
The Theory of Virtual Alphabets

This paper presents a theory of convergence for real-coded genetic algorithms—GAs that use floating-point or other high-cardinality codings in their chromosomes. The theory is consistent with the theory of schemata and postulates that selection dominates early GA performance and restricts subsequent search to intervals with above-average function value dimension by dimension. These intervals may be further subdivided on the basis of their attraction under genetic hillclimbing. Each of these subintervals is called a virtual character, and the collection of characters along a given dimension is called a virtual alphabet. It is the virtual alphabet that is searched during the recombinative phase of the genetic algorithm, and in many problems this is sufficient to ensure that good solutions are found. Although the theory helps explain why many problems have been solved using real-coded GAs, it also suggests that real-coded GAs can be blocked from further progress in those situations when local optima separate the virtual characters from the global optimum.
Ultrafast pump-probe photo-induced force microscopy at nanoscale

We perform time-resolved pump-probe microscopy measurements by recording the local force between a sharp tip and the photo-excited sample as a readout mechanism for the material's nonlinear polarization. We show that the photo-induced force is sensitive to the same excited state dynamics as measured in an optical pump-probe experiment. Ultrafast pump-probe force microscopy constitutes a non-optical detection technique with nanoscale resolution that pushes pump-probe sensitivities close to the realm of single molecule studies.
Child Support for Adult Children

Although family law requires parents to support their minor children, the question of post-majority support – or child support for adult children – is entirely different. Some states permit this type of child support, while others do not. Those affected by this divergence in approaches include college students, unemployed people, disabled people, and of course, their parents – at a time of financial difficulty for many. The approach of each jurisdiction to this issue rests on whether the family is viewed as a social support system and whether intergenerational obligations exist. To help analyze these questions, this Article uses a comparative approach, considering the relevant law and public policy of both Europe and the United States.
Iterative computer simulation as an aid to systems design and cost effectiveness analysis

Traditionally, in the design of a major system, product, or procedure, various cost effectiveness analysis techniques have been employed in order to choose the best from a set of alternative configurations. In choosing the best design, it is first necessary to divide the set of alternatives into acceptable and unacceptable members. Here we present those alternatives making up the set of acceptable alternatives which forms a boundary below and to the right of which no unacceptable alternative may be found. Consideration of a great number of alternatives finds more points included in this acceptable set and thereby the boundary smooths into a curve, possibly of the type shown.A variety of computer simulation languages have been utilized by many types of firms. One of the most successful of these languages is the General Purpose Simulation System (GPSS) initially developed by International Business Machines Corporation. It has generally been the case, as is borne out by those who have written of their use of GPSS, that the application of this language facilitates the understanding of major systems to be simulated and the quickness with which the simulation's user can construct, validate, operate, and gain the required results from his model. Proceeding on this basis, that the user of a simulation technique should be acutely critical of its contribution to understandability and response as well as its accuracy, the extended use of simulation as discussed in the following pages will be presented in relation to the GPSS language.
Learning from Inconsistent and Noisy Data: The AQ18 Approach

In concept learning or data mining tasks, the learner is typically faced with a choice of many possible hypotheses characterizing the data. If one can assume that the training data are noise-free, then the generated hypothesis should be complete and consistent with regard to the data. In real-world problems, however, data are often noisy, and an insistence on full completeness and consistency is no longer valid. The problem then is to determine a hypothesis that represents the “best” trade-off between completeness and consistency. This paper presents an approach to this problem in which a learner seeks rules optimizing a description quality criterion that combines completeness and consistency gain, a measure based on consistency that reflects the rule’s benefit. The method has been implemented in the AQ18 learning and data mining system and compared to several other methods. Experiments have indicated the flexibility and power of the proposed method.
Systems engineering meets quantitative systems pharmacology: from low-level targets to engaging the host defenses.

Quantitative systems pharmacology aims at systematizing, in a model-based manner, the integration of systems biology and pharmacology in an effort to rationalize the process of assessing the ability of a drug to enhance well-being by off-setting the effects of a disease. Systems engineering, on the other hand, has enabled us to develop principles and methodologies for designing and operating engineered networks of structures exploring the integration of the underlying governing (design) laws. Although the computational tools which have resulted in major advances in the design, analysis, and operation of complex engineered structures have had tremendous success in the analysis of systems pharmacology models, it is argued in this opinion paper, that exploring the underlying conceptual foundation of complex systems engineering will enable us to move toward integrated models at the host level to explore, and possibly, induce synergies between low-level drug targets and higher level, systemic, defense mechanisms. This is an approach which would require refocusing of the key activities; however, it is likely the more promising approach as we enter the new era of personalized and precision medicine. We finally argue for the development of an allostatic approach to quantitative systems pharmacology and the development of an integrated framework for considering drugs in their broader context, beyond their local site of action. WIREs Syst Biol Med 2015, 7:101–112. doi: 10.1002/wsbm.1294 For further resources related to this article, please visit the WIREs website. Conflict of interest: The author has declared no conflicts of interest for this article.
Posterior labral injury in contact athletes

Nine athletes (seven football offensive linemen, one defensive lineman, and one lacrosse player) were found at arthroscopy to have posterior labral detachment from the glenoid. In our series, this lesion is specific to contact athletes who engage their opponents with arms in front of the body. All patients had pain with bench pressing and while participating in their sport, diminishing their ability to play effectively. Conservative measures were ineffective in relieving their symptoms. Examination under anesthesia revealed symmetric glenohumeral translation bilaterally, without evidence of posterior instability. Treatment consisted of glenoid rim abradement and posterior labral repair with a bioabsorbable tack. All patients returned to complete at least one full season of contact sports and weightlifting without pain (minimum follow-up, > or = 2 years). Although many injuries leading to subluxation of the glenohumeral joint occur when an unanticipated force is applied, contact athletes ready their shoulder muscles in anticipation of impact with opponents. This leads to a compressive force at the glenohumeral joint. We hypothesize that, in combination with a posteriorly directed force at impact, the resultant vector is a shearing force to the posterior labrum and articular surface. Repeated exposure leads to posterior labral detachment without capsular injury. Posterior labral reattachment provides consistently good results, allowing the athlete to return to competition.
Facial Nerve Paralysis in Children: Is It as Benign as Supposed?

Abstract Background Facial nerve paralysis is a common disease in children. Most of the patients show complete recovery. This single-center cohort study exclusively included pediatric patients to investigate the outcome of all patients with facial nerve palsy. Methods Hospital records of all the patients admitted to the Children's Hospital in Linz between January 2005 and December 2010 with facial nerve paralysis were reviewed. Patients with peripheral facial nerve palsy were invited for clinical reevaluation between July 2011 and October 2011. The House-Brackmann score was used for reassessment. Results Fifty-six patients agreed to return for an additional clinical reevaluation. Study participants were divided in two groups according to their House-Brackmann scores: group 1 (n = 44), with a score P = 0.003) between the groups. Conclusion The results of this study indicate that facial paralysis in children is not as benign as supposed. It is suggested that patients and their guardians be informed that a slight face asymmetry may persist, but functional recovery in general is excellent.
Colonization by Staphylococcus aureus on Chapped Teat Skin: Effect of Iodine and Chlorhexidine Postmilking Disinfectants

Abstract The abilities of common postmilking teat disinfectant solutions and a teat skin ointment to retard Staphylococcus aureus colonization and promote healing of chapped skin were studied. Ten Holstein cows, free of S. aureus intramammary infections and mammary epidermal colonization, were used. All teats were experimentally chapped with 1N sodium hydroxide and dipped in S. aureus broth culture of 5 x 10 6 cfu/ml after three consecutive milkings. Postmilking teat disinfectant treatments were applied, starting after the second application of S. aureus broth culture, and were continued for the next 19 milkings. Quarters of each cow received one of the following postmilking teat treatments: 1% iodine plus 10% glycerin solution; .5% chlorhexidine plus 4.87% glycerin solution; 1% chlorhexidine ointment; and no postmilking treatment. After milking and before treatment application, samples of skin swabbings of the teat end and teat side and samples of milk were collected. Daily teat skin chapping visual scores were made to assess chapping and healing. Teat skin chapping decreased with time, and the decline was similar among treatments. The concentration of S. aureus recovered from teat skin swabbing solutions decreased over time. Staphylococcus aureus were recovered at significantly lower concentrations from swabbing solutions of teats that were dipped with iodine and chlorhexidine solutions as compared with untreated teats. Staphylococcus aureus was in marginally higher concentrations on ointment-treated teats than on dipped teats. Results indicate the importance of using post-milking teat dips on chapped teats and suggest no advantage in applying a disinfectant ointment to chapped teats to reduce S. aureus colonization and improve skin healing.
Obesity and Pain Are Associated in the United States

Recent small-scale studies have shown a positive association between central obesity and self-reported pain levels. This study attempts to replicate the finding in a survey of over 1,000,000 individuals in the United States. The Gallup Organization conducted a proprietary survey between 2008 through 2010 where 1,062,271 randomly selected individuals in the United States participated in a telephone interview. Survey questions included height and weight, from which BMI was computed, questions about pain conditions in the past year, and a question about pain experience yesterday. Only 19.2% of the sample was classified as Low-Normal BMI, 21.4 were classified as Overweight, and the remainder was in the three categories of Obese. BMI and pain yesterday were reliably associated when demographic variables were controlled: the overweight group reported 20% higher rates of pain than Low-Normal group, 68% higher for Obese I group, 136% higher for Obese II group, and 254% higher for Obese III group. The association held for both men and women and it became stronger in older age groups. Controlling the associations for other pain-related medical conditions substantially reduced the associations, but they remained substantial for the Obese groups. We conclude that BMI and daily pain are positively correlated in the United States: people who are obese are considerably more prone to having daily pain. The association is robust and holds after controlling for several pain conditions and across gender and age. The increasing BMI-pain association with older ages suggests a developmental process that, along with metabolic hypotheses, calls out for investigation.
MICROSCOPIC OBSERVATION OF CALCIUM CARBONATE PARTICLES: VALIDATION OF AN ELECTRONIC ANTI-FOULING TECHNOLOGY

Abstract It is hypothesized that an electronic anti-fouling (EAF) technology precipitates dissolved mineral ions through solenoid-induced molecular agitation. In order to investigate the hypothesis of the EAF technology, the present study conducted microscopic observation of calcium carbonate crystallization process from both untreated and treated water samples by the EAF technology as the water samples underwent drying process. The untreated water sample showed a large number of small crystals within a range from 1 μm to 10 μm in diameter, whereas the treated water sample by EAF technology showed large crystals ranging from 10 μm to 20 μm in diameter. © 1997 Elsevier Science Ltd
Decomposition of phosphoserine and phosphothreonine during acid hydrolysis

Abstract The rate of decomposition of phosphoserine and phosphothreonine, both as free O -phosphoamino acids and in peptides, was studied under conditions of acid hydrolysis, using 1, 2, and 6 n HCl at 110°C. For the free O -phosphoamino acids, the decomposition follows first-order kinetics and is two- to fourfold faster for phosphoserine than phosphothreonine. The rate of destruction of these O -phosphoamino acids during hydrolysis of peptides is dependent on the neighboring amino acid residues, and thus the hydrolysis of a free O -phosphoamino acid generally is not a good model for the hydrolysis of that O -phosphoamino acid in a peptide. For the three peptides studied, maximal recoveries of O -phosphoamino acids are obtained after hydrolysis in 6 n HCl for 2 to 4 hr.
Multiple mechanisms of spike-frequency adaptation in motoneurones

Spike-frequency adaptation is the continuous decline in discharge rate in response to a constant stimulus. We have described three distinct phases of adaptation in rat hypoglossal motoneurones: initial, early and late. The initial phase of adaptation is over in one or two intervals, and is primarily due to summation of the calcium-activated potassium conductance underlying the medium duration afterhyperpolarization (mAHP). The biophysical mechanisms underlying the later phases of adaptation are not well understood. Two of the previously-proposed mechanisms for adaptation are an increase in outward current flowing through calcium-activated potassium channels and increasing outward current produced by the electrogenic sodium-potassium pump. We found that neither of these mechanisms are necessary for the expression of the early and late phases of adaptation. The magnitude of the initial phase of adaptation was reduced when the calcium in the external solution was replaced with manganese, but the magnitudes of the early and late phases were consistently increased under these conditions. Partial blockade of the sodium-potassium pump with ouabain had no significant effect on any of the three phases of adaptation. Our current working hypothesis is that the magnitude of late adaptation depends upon the interplay between slow inactivation of sodium currents, that tends to decrease discharge rate, and the slow activation or facilitation of a calcium current that tends to increase discharge rate. Adaptation is often associated with a progressive decrease in the peak amplitude and rate of rise of action potentials, and a computer model that incorporated slow inactivation of sodium channels reproduced this phenomenon. However, the time course of adaptation does not always parallel changes in spike shape, indicating that the progressive activation of another inward current might oppose the decline in frequency caused by slow sodium inactivation.
Fluorescent indicators give biased estimates of intracellular free calcium change in aggregating platelets: implication for studies with human von Willebrand factor.

Abstract ABSTRACT: The ratiometric fluorescent indicators Fura-2 and Indo-1 are considered optimal probes for monitoring intracellular free calcium concentration ([Ca 2+ ] i ). Unique problems arise, however, in studying [Ca 2+ ] i changes induced in platelets by von Willebrand factor (vWF). Binding of native multimeric vWF causes extensive platelet aggregation, and is reported to evoke a gradual [Ca 2+ ] i increase. The present investigation examined the reliability of platelet [Ca 2+ ] i measurements in these circumstances. Ristocetin-mediated binding of vWF to human platelets promoted a slow rise in Fura-2 fluorescence ratio. Fura-2 extrusion contributed substantially to this rise, unless blocked by probenecid. Despite this precaution, the platelets were invariably contaminated slightly with extracellular indicator. As aggregation progressively reduced the number of platelets in the spectrofluorometer beam, through settling of the larger aggregates, such extracellular Fura-2 contributed proportionately more to the observed fluorescence. This extraneous signal accounted completely for the fluorescence ratio increase, and apparent [Ca 2+ ] i rise, in response to native multimeric vWF. The same problem arose with Indo-1, whereas the single wavelength indicator Fluo-3 showed the opposite pattern of apparent [Ca 2+ ] i changes. Thus, none of these indicators provides reliable data on [Ca 2+ ] i signals in aggregating platelets. Use of a dimeric form of vWF eliminated the problem of platelet aggregates settling out of suspension, but also virtually abolished the [Ca 2+ ] i increase. These observations may explain some of the inconsistencies among previous investigations of vWF-induced calcium signaling. Moreover, similar problems may arise in studies with other adhesive proteins.
Classification of and elemental fractionation among ureilites

Abstract Concentrations of Ni, Zn, Ga, Ge, Cd, In, Ir and Au in five ureilites can be combined with petrographie evidence to yield a well-defined suite extending from Goalpara (heavily shocked, low Ir concentration, low Ir/Ni ratio) through Havero, Dyalpur, Novo-Urei to Kenna (moderately shocked, high Ir concentration, high Ir/Ni ratio). Arguments are presented indicating that this suite represents the sampling of a vertical section within the ureilitic parent body. The large range in Ir/Ni and Ir/Au ratios indicates greater efficiency of extraction of primitive, refractory metal in the Goalpara region than in the Kenna region, and implies that higher maximum temperatures prevailed in the former during the production of ureilitic ultramafic silicates by a partial melting process. A major impact event injected a deposit of C-rich material into the ultramafic silicates. This C-rich material had a moderately high content of metal; there is no direct evidence that it contained volatiles other than the rare gases. High Ca contents of the ferromagnesian minerals indicate that the ultramafics were hot at the time the injection occurred; the zoning of these mineral grains also indicates high temperatures (ca. 1400 K) and low pressures (⩽S 10atm) such that reaction between C and Fe2SiO4 could occur, but that cooling occurred too quickly to allow complete equilibration. The ureilitic C-rich material appears to represent an important type of primitive material. Two siderophile-rich components are necessary to explain the relative siderophile trends in ureilites. We interpret the high-Ir component to be a refractory nebular condensate or residue that was retained during the partial melting event. The low-Ir component, which roughly resembles E4 chondrite siderophiles, is attributed to metal injected together with the vein material.
Subcellular localization and partial characterization of adenylate cyclase from rat lung

The subcellular localization of adenylate cyclase (ATP pyrophosphate lyase [cyclizing] EC 4.6.1.1) from predominantly alveolar tissue of rat lung was studied using isotonic and hypotonic homogenization and differential centrifugation. The fractions prepared under hypotonic conditions were further subfractionated by nonlinear sucrose gradient centrifugation. All fractions were assayed for adenylate cyclase, marker enzymes, and DNA. Only 5′-nucleotidase (EC 3.1.3.5, a plasma membrane marker enzyme for rat lung) paralleled the distribution of adenylate cyclase under both isotonic and hypotonic conditions (co-efficient of correlation = 0.94). It is concluded that this adenylate cyclase to a large extent but not exclusively is associated with the plasma membranes. Basal adenylate cyclase activity of plasma membrane fractions was stimulated 3.7 times by NaF (0.01 M). It was also stimulated by isoproterenol (55 µM), epinephrine (55 µM), prostaglandin E1 (0.03 mM), and prostaglandin E2 (0.03 mM).
Spreading activation layers, visual saccades, and invariant representations for neural pattern recognition systems

Abstract This paper shows how a simple spreading activation network in the form of two-dimensional (2D) diffusion followed by local maximum detection can quickly perform a large number of early vision tasks, for example, feature extraction, feature clustering, feature-centroid determination, and boundary gap completion, all on multiple scales. The results of the spreading activation process can be used to facilitate 2D object learning and recognition from silhouettes by generating representations from bottom-up fixation cues which are invariant to translation, orientation, and scale. In addition, the proposed network suggests a possible approach to longrange apparent motion correspondence and multiscale object decomposition. The theory is described and implementation examples are presented.
Sideroblastic anemias: Variations on imprecision in diagnostic criteria, proposal for an extended classification of sideroblastic anemias

Sideroblastic anemias are caused by a diversity of hereditary, congenital, or acquired disorders. Criteria used in describing sideroblastic anemias vary widely among standard medical textbooks and even so have been imprecisely applied in the literature. Recent discoveries concerning the basic pathophysiologic mechanisms involving the molecular biology of nuclear and mitochondrial DNA, erythroid ALA synthase (ALAS-2), and iron transport have made the classification of sideroblastic anemias very complex. We recommend a more precise evaluation and documentation of the components that characterize the sideroblastic abnormality and propose an extended classification of the sideroblastic anemias.
Magnetic space group of brownmillerite, Ca2 FeA105

Abstract The magnetic space group of brownmillerite, Ca 2 FeAlO 5 , is I P bm′2′ based on the results of a recent crystal structure determination.
Seasonal and spatial variations of individual organic compounds of coarse particulate matter in the Los Angeles Basin

Abstract To study the organic composition of ambient coarse particulate matter (CPM; 2.5–10 μm), coarse particles were collected one day a week from April 2008 to March 2009 at 10 sampling sites in the Los Angeles Basin. Samples were compiled into summer (June 2008 to September 2008) and winter (November 2008 to February 2009) composites, and were subsequently analyzed for individual organic constituents using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. n-alkanoic acids and medium molecular weight (MW) n-alkanes (C25 to C35) – the major constituents in the coarse size fraction – showed good associations with crustal materials. Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and hopanes (both in low concentrations), as well as high MW n-alkanes (C37 and C38), were associated with traffic-related emissions. In the summer, when prevailing onshore winds were strong, the downwind/rural sites had higher concentrations of PAHs, n-alkanes and n-alkanoic acids. An opposite trend was observed at the urban sites, where the levels of PAHs, n-alkanes and n-alkanoic acids were higher in the winter, when the low wind speed limited long-range atmospheric transport. In general, the contribution of organic compounds to CPM mass was higher during wintertime, due to a reduction in the fraction of other CPM components (sea salt, secondary ions, etc.) and/or the increase in source strengths of organic compounds. The latter is consistent with the traffic-induced re-suspension of mineral and road dust, as previously observed in this basin. Overall, our results suggest that emissions from natural sources (soil and associated biota) constitute the majority of the organic content in coarse particles, with a more pronounced influence in the semi-rural/rural areas in Riverside/Lancaster compared with urban Los Angeles in the summer.
The signature of a blocking episode on the general circulation in the southern hemisphere

Abstract Two major blocking events took place over the South Pacific Ocean east of New Zealand, 23 July-4 August and 19–27 August 1979. The configuration of the overall flow, including the split in the westerlies, the location of the blocking highs, and the wavenumber breakdown were very similar. The tendency for blocking highs to reform in the same location in close sequence is referred to as a blocking episode. The blocking events are analyzed in detail and the imprint they left on the general circulation statistics for the winter as a whole are presented. Since the blocking episode mostly prevented eddies from moving through the region, the variance of meridional velocity is small. Nevertheless, owing to the sequence of blocks the variance of geopotential height is a maximum. This signature on the general circulation is in marked contrast to that in storm track regions where the variance of geopotential height and meridional wind are both a maximum. A global-scale redistribution of mass was associated ...
SUBHARMONIC-SADDLE CONNECTIONS AS A PRECURSOR TO CHAOS IN A PERIODICALLY MODULATED LASER

We investigate the onset of chaos in a model for a periodically-forced class-B laser. By periodically modulating the laser-cavity damping rate we consider a pair of coupled nonautonomous ordinary differential equations for the laser intensity and population inversion. As the excitation is increased, the system exhibits saddle-node bifurcations to subharmonic oscillations, period-doubling bifurcations, chaos, and crises. Our investigations focus on the role of a pair of unstable orbits in the onset of the first chaotic attractor. One orbit is a subharmonic saddle while the other is a period one saddle. Upon creation of the period one saddle due to a period doubling bifurcation, its stable manifold immediately forms transverse intersections with the unstable manifold of a coexisting subharmonic saddle forming a heteroclinic crossing. These heteroclinic intersections provide a mechanism for the formation of horseshoes and the development of a chaotic attractor.
Latched 3-port waveguide circulators

A ferrite rod-and-tube structure that is suitable for an externally latched circulator has been analysed. The direction of circulation is shown to depend on the relative volumes of the oppositely magnetiscd rod and tube. Some effects of magnetisation are predicted for an ideal geometry.
The Effects of Prolonged Stress and APOE Genotype on Memory and Cortisol in Older Adults

Background Chronic elevations in cortisol associated with prolonged stress have been associated with memory loss, as has the apolipoprotein E gene (APOE-e4) genotype. Combined effects of stress and APOE status on memory and cortisol in humans have not been studied. Methods A semistructured interview with standardized scoring was used to measure stress level and univariate analysis of variance to assess effects of stress and APOE-e4 status on memory and salivary cortisol in 91 nondemented subjects (mean age 78.8 years). Results Low-stress subjects performed better than high-stress subjects on delayed recall of stories ( p = .04), word lists ( p = .02), and visual designs ( p = .04). APOE-e4-negative subjects obtained better scores than e4-positive subjects on immediate ( p = p p = .03) and cortisol ( p Conclusions These findings are consistent with a model in which prolonged exposure of older, nondemented individuals to stress in the presence of an e4 allele leads to memory decline. Further studies will assess whether stress and APOE-e4 interact to increase the risk of developing Alzheimer's disease.
The heme redox center of chloroplast cytochrome f is linked to a buried five‐water chain

The crystal structure of the 252-residue lumen-side domain of reduced cytochrome f, a subunit of the proton-pumping integral cytochrome b6f complex of oxygenic photosynthetic membranes, was determined to a resolution of 1.96 A from crystals cooled to -35 degrees. The model was refined to an R-factor of 15.8% with a 0.013-A RMS deviation of bond lengths from ideality. Compared to the structure of cytochrome f at 20 degrees, the structure at -35 degrees has a small change in relative orientation of the two folding domains and significantly lower isotropic temperature factors for protein atoms. The structure revealed an L-shaped array of five buried water molecules that extend in two directions from the N delta 1 of the heme ligand His 25. The longer branch extends 11 A within the large domain, toward Lys 66 in the prominent basic patch at the top of the large domain, which has been implicated in the interaction with the electron acceptor, plastocyanin. The water sites are highly occupied, and their temperature factors are comparable to those of protein atoms. Virtually all residues that form hydrogen bonds with the water chain are invariant among 13 known cytochrome f sequences. The water chain has many features that optimize it as a proton wire, including insulation from the protein medium. It is suggested that this chain may function as the lumen-side exit port for proton translocation by the cytochrome b6f complex.
HDL and cardiovascular disease: atherogenic and atheroprotective mechanisms

The lipoprotein HDL has two important roles: first, it promotes reverse cholesterol transport, and second, it modulates inflammation. Epidemiological studies show that HDL-cholesterol levels are inversely correlated with the risk of cardiovascular events. However, many patients who experience a clinical event have normal, or even high, levels of HDL cholesterol. Measuring HDL-cholesterol levels provides information about the size of the HDL pool, but does not predict HDL composition or function. The main component of HDL, apolipoprotein A-I (apo A-I), is largely responsible for reverse cholesterol transport through the macrophage ATP-binding cassette transporter ABCA1. Apo A-I can be damaged by oxidative mechanisms, which render the protein less able to promote cholesterol efflux. HDL also contains a number of other proteins that are affected by the oxidative environment of the acute-phase response. Modification of the protein components of HDL can convert it from an anti-inflammatory to a proinflammatory particle. Small peptides that mimic some of the properties of apo A-I have been shown in preclinical models to improve HDL function and reduce atherosclerosis without altering HDL-cholesterol levels. Robust assays to evaluate the function of HDL are needed to supplement the measurement of HDL-cholesterol levels in the clinic.
Imperialism, Colonial Identity, and Race in Algeria, 1830-1870: The Role of the French Medical Corps

During the military administration of Algeria, which lasted for forty years, the foundation of the French colony was laid. Indispensable to the military in Algeria was its sizable medical corps. While the ostensible reason for its presence was to maintain the soldiers' health and thus the army's efficiency, its role extended beyond this primary objective. Starting from the intellectual and political influences that shaped the training in France of the members of the medical corps, this essay examines the ways in which they contributed to the creation of a French colonial space in Algeria. It traces how their involvement in the intellectual, cultural, and political life of the colony enabled them both to further their own ambitions and to influence wider developments. It explores how colonial physicians and surgeons, deemed to be among the most efficient agents of the civilizing mission owing to their humane contacts with the indigenous population, in fact contributed to that population's categorization an...
Labeling of amine ligands with 99mTc in aqueous solutions by ligand exchange

Abstract Cyclam, ethylenediamine (EN) and a linear tetraamine (TA) form structurally similar complexes in high yields when pertechnetate is reduced with Sn(II) in aqueous alkaline solutions. Efficient labeling of these amine ligands is also accomplished by transfer of 99mTc from its complexes with diethylenetriaminepentaacetate (DTPA) and citrate. The labeling yields of cyclam, TA and EN using [99m Tc]DTPA are greater than 95% after standing for 30 min at room temperature in 0.03 M solutions of the amine ligands at pH above 11, but less than 10% at pH below 9. Yields of greater than 90% are obtained using [99mTc]citrate under similar conditions at pH 7 or greater. Ethylenediamine-N,N-diacetic acid (ENDA) also forms a complex with 99mTc that exhibits pH dependent stability characteristics that are the same as those of [99mTc]EN. The labeling efficiency of ENDA with 99mTc as a function of pH is nearly identical to that of the other amine ligands.
Smart Computer-Assisted Markets

The deregulation movement has motivated the experimental study of auction markets designed for interdependent network industries such as natural gas pipelines or electric power systems. Decentralized agents submit bids to buy commodity and offers to sell transportation and commodity to a computerized dispatch center. Computer algorithms determine prices and allocations that maximize the gains from exchange in the system relative to the submitted bids and offers. The problem is important, because traditionally the scale and coordination economies in such industries were thought to require regulation. Laboratory experiments are used to study feasibility, limitations, incentives, and performance of proposed market designs for deregulation, providing motivation for new theory.
Novel aluminum phosphate-5 crystal morphologies synthesized by microwave heating of a water-in-oil microemulsion.

The molecular sieve aluminum phosphate number 5 (AlPO 4 -5) was crystallized through microwave heating of reagents initially confined in water-in-toluene microemulsion droplets. The surfactant cetyltrimethylammonium bromide and cosurfactant butanol were used to form the microemulsion. By adjusting the microemulsion composition, the crystal morphology could be altered. Several novel crystal shapes were produced. The diversity of the observed crystal morphology suggests that there is a complex interplay of reagent confinement, crystal growth rate, and adsorption of some of the microemulsion components onto the growing crystal surface in affecting crystal nucleation and growth. The novel crystals may find application in optical devices, membranes, and catalysis.
Syntactic pattern recognition for the recognition of bright spots

Abstract Syntactic pattern recognition techniques are applied to the analysis of one-dimensional seismic traces and two-dimensional seismograms for the detection of bright spots. The calculation between error probability and Levenshtein distance is proposed. The system for two-dimensional seismic analysis includes three kinds of string distance computation to test the continuity of a bright spot pattern.
Incidence of Ureteral Strictures After Laparoscopic Donor Nephrectomy

Purpose: Previous reports of laparoscopic donor nephrectomy have suggested that preservation of the gonadal vein with the specimen is important for preventing ureteral strictures. To test this hypothesis we examined our series of patients for the incidence of ureteral strictures when the gonadal vein was not preserved with the specimen during laparoscopic donor nephrectomy.Materials and Methods: We reviewed the records of 300 consecutive patients at our institution who underwent laparoscopic donor nephrectomy between 2000 and 2005. Mean donor age was 36.7 years (range 18 to 68) in the 167 female and 133 male donors. Mean recipient age was 38.4 years. Average followup was 2 years. During ureteral dissection the gonadal vein was transected just distal to the renal vein and left in situ. The ureter was dissected and transected at the level of the common iliac vessels. Indwelling ureteral stents were used for all recipient ureteral reimplantations and left in place for 1 month. In the postoperative period tra...
Relation of left atrial V-wave/left ventricular systolic pressure ratio to mitral regurgitant volume

Evaluation of mitral regurgitation is difficult whether invasive or noninvasive methods are used. The determination of the regurgitant volume itself cannot be done in clinical practice with reasonable accuracy. In six sheep with chronic mitral regurgitation, left ventricular and left atrial pressures were recorded with high-fidelity catheters. The regurgitant volume was measured directly with electromagnetic flow probes positioned at the mitral annulus and around the ascending aorta, balanced against each other. A total of 24 hemodynamic states were obtained varying preload and afterload by fluid expansion and angiotensin infusion. On the basis of these studies, the pressure ratio of the V wave divided by the left ventricular systolic pressure is proposed as an index of regurgitant volume. A good correlation was found between this ratio and the regurgitant volume (r = 0.75). The ratio is easily recorded during routine heart catheterization.
NUMERICAL SIMULATION OF FIBER-OPTIC PHOTOACOUSTIC GENERATOR USING NANOCOMPOSITE MATERIAL

Photoacoustic generation using an optical fiber is a promising approach to meet the challenges in most advanced ultrasonic non-destructive testing (NDT) applications. The energy-absorption layer coated on the fiber endface plays an important role in converting the laser energy into heat and exciting the acoustic wave. The selection of the absorption material and the optimization of the structure dimension are the keys for achieving high energy-conversion efficiency. A 2D-axisymmetric finite element analysis (FEA) model was established to simulate the photoacoustic generation process using a newly developed absorption material, polydimethylsiloxane/gold nanoparticle (PDMS/Au NPs) nanocomposites, with different thicknesses and laser pulse durations. The experimental results obtained using a similar set-up show a similar trend predicted by this FEA simulation. The FEA results provide practical clues to the design of the fiber-optic photoacoustic generator.
A phase I/II study of prostaglandin E1 for the prevention of hepatic venocclusive disease after bone marrow transplantation

Summary. We conducted a phase I/II trial of prostaglandin E1 (PGE1) for the prevention of hepatic venocclusive disease (VOD). Twenty-four patients at high risk for VOD received PGE1 at four dose levels ranging from 1·25 to 10 ng/kg/min. Severe toxicity was experienced at all dose levels and was manifested as cutaneous erythema and desquamation, severe pain in dependent extremities, fluid retention and grade 4 oedema, or hypotension. In 12/24 patients, PGE1 administration was stopped prior to day 15 due to severe toxicity attributed to the drug. Three of 12 patients who received PGE1 for the entire course of treatment and 9/12 patients whose PGE1 was stopped prior to day 15 developed severe toxicity which was attributed to PGE1 (P= 0·039). Severe toxicity attributed to PGE1 was not related to either PGE1 concentration or PGE1, clearance. Six of 12 patients whose PGE1 infusion was stopped prior to day 15 and 2/12 patients who received PGE1 for the full course of treatment developed severe VOD (P= 0·19). We conclude that PGE1 causes significant toxicity in patients undergoing marrow transplantation. The ability of PGE1 to prevent severe VOD in patients at high risk remains unproven.
A Study of the Influence of Calibration Uncertainty on the Global Uncertainty for Digital Image Correlation Using a Monte Carlo Approach

Stereo digital image correlation (DIC) is now a standard measurement technique. It is, therefore, important to quantify the measurement uncertainties when using it for experiments. Because of the complexity of the DIC measurement process, a Monte Carlo approach is presented as a method to discover the magnitude of the stereo-DIC calibration uncertainty. Then, the calibration errors, along with an assumed sensor position error, are propagated through the stereo-triangulation process to find the uncertainty in three-dimensional position and object motion. Details on the statistical results of the calibration parameters are presented, with estimated errors for different calibration targets and calibration image quality. A sensitivity study was done to look at the influence of the different calibration error sources. Details on the best approach for propagating the errors from a statistical perspective are discussed, including the importance of using a “boot-strap” approach for error propagation because of the covariance of many of the calibration parameters. The calibration and error propagation results are then interpreted to provide some best-practices guidelines for DIC.
Epidemic and demographic interaction in the spread of potentially fatal diseases in growing populations

The spread of a potentially fatal infectious disease is considered in a host population that would increase exponentially in the absence of the disease. Taking into account how the effective contact rate C(N) depends on the population size N, the model demonstrates that demographic and epidemiological conclusions depend crucially on the properties of the contact function C. Conditions are given for the following scenarios to occur: (i) the disease spreads at a lower rate than the populations grows and does not modify the population growth rate: (ii) the disease initially spreads at a faster rate than the population grows and lowers the population growth rate in the long run and the following three subscenarios are possible: (iia) the population still grows exponentially, but at a slower rate; (iib) population growth is limited, but the population size does not decay; (iic) population increase is converted into population decrease.
The effect of test conditions on the relative toxicity of the pyrolysis products from some plastics

The authors discuss the differing results obtained from various test methods used to determine the toxicity of pyrolysis products.
Label-free bond-selective imaging by listening to vibrationally excited molecules.

We report the realization of vibrational photoacoustic (VPA) microscopy using optical excitation of molecular overtone vibration and acoustic detection of the resultant pressure transients. Our approach eliminates the tissue scattering problem encountered in near-infrared spectroscopy and enables depth-resolved signal collection. The 2nd overtone of the CH bond stretch around 8300 cm^(−1), where blood interference is minimal, is excited. We demonstrate 3D VPA imaging of lipid-rich atherosclerotic plaques by excitation from the artery lumen, and lipid storage in live Drosophila larvae, with millimeter-scale penetration depth.
Regulation of a wheat promoter by abscisic acid in rice protoplasts

Although it is well documented that plant tissue responds to phytohormones by expressing new genes1,2, the signal/transduction pathway from hormone to gene is not well understood. DNA sequences regulating plant tissue responses to other external signals such as light2, heat3 and anaerobic stress4 have been characterized. Regulatory sequences involved in hormonal activation of genes have not been described from any plant, however. We report here the normal regulation of a promoter from wheat, inducible by the phytohormone abscisic acid (ABA), in a transient expression assay using rice protoplasts: an isolated plant promoter fragment is thus responding specifically to hormone treatment, and provides direct evidence for phytohormone acting to regulate the initiation of gene transcription. The response is rapid (within 60 min), which should allow identification of intermediates between the ABA signal and its regulation of gene expression.
DNA microdensitometry as a measure of cycling-non-cycling activity in aged human diploid cells in culture

Abstract Feulgen DNA content distribution profiles of cultured human diploid cell strain WI-38 were determined by scanning microdensitometry. Evidence is presented to support the hypothesis that the decline in proliferative activity observed in this system can be attributed to the presence of noncylcing cells. Age-related transitions of cycling cells to a noncylcing state were found to occur with growth period as well as increasing passage level. Since a nonlcycling G1 blocked cell is a product common to both processes, it is felt that the plateau phase inhibition of proliferation may play a role in the finite lifespan of these cells in vitro.
Conceptual Requirements for Large Fusion Experiment Control, Data, Robotics, and Management Systems

The conceptual system requirements for the control, data, robotics, and project management (CDRM) system for the next generation of fusion experiments are developed by drawing on the success of the Tara control and data system. The requirements are described in terms of an integrated but separable matrix of well-defined interfaces among the various systems and subsystems. The study stresses modularity, performance, cost effectiveness, and exportability.