cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Utilization of Biuret by Pseudomonas aeruginosa

IN the course of investigating the dissimilation of biuret by micro-organisms, we found that all of seven strains of Pseudomonas aeruginosa examined were inducible for an enzyme, or enzyme system, capable of hydrolysing biuret. Den Dooren de Jong1 isolated some 40 pseudomonads, only two of which showed good growth when biuret was provided as sole carbon, nitrogen and energy source. Although biuret does not seem to be a good nitrogen source for any of the strains which we examined, conditions eventually were achieved in which cell growth, using glucose as an energy source, was sufficiently fast and predictable for study. Biuret does not serve as the sole source of carbon and energy. The mean generation time in biuret media (Fig. 1) is characteristically about twice that observed in ureamedia under similar conditions; this relation is maintained when absolute growth-rates higher than those shown are obtained by increasing the aeration. The curves shown describe only about three generations; but growth curves followed by plate counts, and extending over some 20 generations, are in agreement with those presented; however, for smaller, unadapted inocula, the adaptation is more erratic, and the curves cannot at present be analysed with confidence.
A Comparison of Blink Aided and Manual Inspection Using Laboratory and Plant Subjects

A commercially available blink comparator was compared to manual inspection of the component side of electronic circuit packs. In addition, the comparison was made using both laboratory-trained and plant-experienced inspectors. There was a considerable difference in performance as a function of circuit pack area (size) and differences in pattern between blink and manual inspection and between laboratory and plant inspectors. Overall the blink inspection device was little better than manual inspection, except for one fault type, missing components, Plant inspectors were slower than laboratory inspectors, but they found more of the most difficult faults.
Remediation of Soils and Wastes Contaminated with Uranium and Toxic Metals

The presence of radionuclides and toxic metals in soils and wastes due to nuclear related activities is a major environmental concern. To restore the contaminated sites, both the radionuclides and toxic metals must be removed. We have developed a comprehensive method to remediate contaminated soils and wastes with the removal and recovery of uranium and toxic metals. The overall process consist of three steps: extraction, biodegradation, and photodegradation. Radionuclides and toxic metals are removed from contaminated soils and wastes by extracting them with citric acid, a natural multidentate complexing agent. Citric acid forms different types of complexes with the transition metals and actinides that may involve the formation of bidentate, tridentate, binuclear, or polynuclear complex species. Several metal−citrate complexes were readily biodegraded by Pseudomonas fluorescens, resulting in the bioprecipitation and recovery of the metals, whereas uranyl citrate, which is recalcitrant to biodegradation,...
Drosophila Crumbs is a positional cue in photoreceptor adherens junctions and rhabdomeres.

Drosophila Crumbs (Crb) is required for apical–basal polarity and is an apical determinant in embryonic epithelia1,2. Here, we describe properties of Crb that control the position and integrity of the photoreceptor adherens junction and photosensitive organ, or rhabdomere3. In contrast to normal photoreceptor adherens junctions and rhabdomeres, which span the depth of the retina, adherens junctions and rhabdomeres of Crb-deficient photoreceptors initially accumulate at the top of the retina and fail to maintain their integrity as they stretch to the retinal floor. We show that Crb controls localization of the adherens junction through its intracellular domain containing a putative binding site for a protein 4.1 superfamily protein (FERM)4,5. Although loss of Crb or overexpression of the FERM binding domain causes mislocalization of adherens junctions, they do not result in a significant loss of photoreceptor polarity. Mutations in CRB1, a human homologue of crb, are associated with photoreceptor degeneration in retinitis pigmentosa 12 (RP12) and Leber congenital amaurosis (LCA)6,7,8,9,10. The intracellular domain of CRB1 behaves similarly to its Drosophila counterpart when overexpressed in the fly eye. Our studies may provide clues for mechanisms of photoreceptor degeneration in RP12 and LCA.
Protein- and peptide-based electrospun nanofibers in medical biomaterials

Electrospun fibers are being studied and developed because they hold considerable promise for realizing some advantages of nanostructured materials. The fibers can be made of biocompatible and biodegradable polymers. Electrospinning has therefore attracted interest in biotechnology and medicine, and there has been rapid growth in this area in recent years. This review presents an introduction to polymer nanofiber electrospinning, focusing on the use of natural proteins and synthetic peptides. We summarize key physical properties of protein-based and peptide-based nanofiber mats, survey biomedical applications of these materials, identify key challenges, and outline future prospects for development of the technology for tissue engineering, drug delivery, wound healing, and biosensors.
Human membrane transporter database: a Web-accessible relational database for drug transport studies and pharmacogenomics.

The human genome contains numerous genes that encode membrane transporters and related proteins. For drug discovery, development, and targeting, one needs to know which transporters play a role in drug disposition and effects. Moreover, genetic polymorphisms in human membrane transporters may contribute to interindividual differences in the response to drugs. Pharmacogenetics, and, on a genome-wide basis, pharmacogenomics, address the effect of genetic variants on an individual's response to drugs and xenobiotics. However, our knowledge of the relevant transporters is limited at present. To facilitate the study of drug transporters on a broad scale, including the use of microarray technology, we have constructed a human membrane transporter database (HMTD). Even though it is still largely incomplete, the database contains information on more than 250 human membrane transporters, such as sequence, gene family, structure, function, substrate, tissue distribution, and genetic disorders associated with transporter polymorphisms. Readers are invited to submit additional data. Implemented as a relational database, HMTD supports complex biological queries. Accessible through a Web browser user interface via Common Gateway Interface (CGI) and Java Database Connection (JDBC) (http://128.218.208.23/transporter/trans.html),
Midwives and Legal Medicine in México, 1740-1846

This study examines the participation of midwives as medical examiners in Mexican courts during the colonial period and their replacement by university-trained physicians in the 19th century. The author suggests that midwives were slowly eliminated as experts in sex crime cases when legal medicine became incorporated into the curriculum for male medical students in the 1830s. Criminal documents also prove to be an excellent source for obtaining socioeconomic information on midwives.
Statistical auditing of large‐scale management information systems

In recent years many large government and commercial organizations have developed large-scale management information systems. During the early phases of any system development, questions are likely to be raised concerning the criteria of completeness and accuracy of the data. How to respond to these questions is difficult, and represents the general subject of this paper. In particular, this paper describes the application of statistical techniques, namely, various kinds of multivariate data analysis, to the problem of assessing the quality of a large-scale data collection system in the U. S. Navy. Results of using these techniques are described and indicate their usefulness as auditing procedures. While the discussion is placed in a particular context, the procedures should be of value for other large-scale information systems.
Dynamic shifts in tactile localization after stroke

Plasticity in somatosensory maps has been observed after brain damage and differential stimulation. These studies demonstrate that the relationship between tactile stimulation and activation in primary somatosensory maps is labile. However, few studies have examined the perceptual consequences of somatosensory reorganization in humans. Repeated tactile stimulation can result in rapid changes in both somatosensory map topography and tactile perception in neurologically-intact individuals. Given evidence for rapid activity-dependent plasticity of somatosensory maps, along with the need to incorporate higher-order representations of the body to localize touch, we hypothesized that tactile localization could be shifted based on the location of previous stimulation in brain-damaged individuals. Therefore, we instructed two individuals with left primary somatosensory damage to localize suprathreshold tactile stimuli presented to the hand only, or to the hand preceded by forearm stimulation. On hand only trials, we found systematic mislocalization of tactile sensation, likely due to a mismapping from primary somatosensory maps to a higher-order representation of body size and shape. However, when preceded by forearm stimulation, localization judgments of hand stimuli shifted proximally on the contralesional, but not ipsilesional, limb. In an additional experiment, we presented stimuli to the medial segment of the contralesional fingers, and found that localization judgments were shifted in the direction of prior stimulation on the distal or proximal segment of the same finger. Our results, consistent with decreased inhibition in sensory cortex after stroke, may reflect rapid changes in primary somatosensory cortex combined with a continued mismapping from sensory maps to higher-order body representations.
Receptor-coupled activation of phosphoinositide-specific phospholipase C by an N protein

Cleavage of phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate by phospholipase C results in the production of two important second messengers: inositol-1,4,5-trisphosphate and 1,2-diacylglycerol. Although several receptors promote this cleavage, the molecular details of phospholipase C activation have remained unresolved. In this study, occupancy of a Ca2+-mobilizing receptor, the oligopeptide chemoattractant receptor on human polymorphonuclear leukocyte plasma membranes, was found to lead to the activation of a guanine nucleotide regulatory (N) protein by guanosine 5'-triphosphate. The activated N protein then stimulated a polyphosphoinositide-specific phospholipase C by reducing the Ca2+ requirement for expression of this activity from superphysiological to normal intracellular concentrations. Therefore, the N protein-mediated activation of phospholipase C may be a key step in the pathway of cellular activation by chemoattractants and certain other hormones.
The atomic structure of a large angle [001] twist boundary in gold determined by a joint computer modelling and X-ray diffraction study

Abstract Experimental techniques involving X-ray diffraction have been developed which provide information, through the structure factor, on the local atomic arrangements in the vicinity of large angle grain boundaries. Theoretical techniques involving computer modelling have also been developed to determine directly the structure of grain boundaries, but which rely to a large extent on the chosen interatomic potential and computational procedure. In order to obtain the actual grain boundary structure a joint study was undertaken involving both X-ray diffraction and computer modelling techniques. By comparing the computed structure via the structure factor to X-ray observations on the same boundary it is possible to obtain detailed information on the boundary structure and also to check the validity of the computer calculation. X-ray experiments were performed on the θ − 22.6° (∑ = 13) [001] twist boundary in gold. The atomic structure of the ∑ = 13 boundary was simulated using potentials representing four f.c.c. metals and was found to be strongly potential dependent. The correlation between the computer generated structure obtained using one particular gold potential and the X-ray observations was excellent. Additional X-ray diffraction information on a θ = 23.8° boundary was also correlated with the computer generated structure. The most striking feature of this structure is the puckered nature of the atomic planes in the vicinity of the boundary, where within a plane one atom which is nominally in ‘good’ match is displaced a large amount toward the boundary, while the remaining atoms are displaced a smaller amount away from the boundary. The distortions in the regions of ‘good’ match are only slightly smaller than those in the regions of ‘bad’ match. Since this structure is the result of both computer modelling and X-ray diffraction observations, considerable confidence can be placed in it being an accurate representation of the actual boundary structure in Au. It is believed that progress in the immediate future in determining the structure of grain boundaries will be made by joint studies, such as the one described here.
Complete chemical synthesis, assembly, and cloning of a Mycoplasma genitalium genome.

We have synthesized a 582,970 bp Mycoplasma genitalium genome. This synthetic genome, named M. genitalium JCVI-1.0, contains all the genes of wild-type M. genitalium G37 except MG408, which was disrupted by an antibiotic marker to block pathogenicity and to allow for selection. To identify the genome as synthetic, we inserted “watermarks” at intergenic sites known to tolerate transposon insertions. Overlapping “cassettes” of 5 to 7 kb, assembled from chemically synthesized oligonucleotides, were joined by in vitro recombination to produce intermediate assemblies of approximately 24 kb, 72 kb (“1/8 genome”), and 144 kb (“1/4 genome”), which were all cloned as bacterial artificial chromosomes (BACs) in Escherichia coli. Most of these intermediate clones were sequenced, and clones of all four 1/4 genomes with the correct sequence were identified. The complete synthetic genome was assembled by transformationassociated recombination (TAR) cloning in the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae, then isolated and sequenced. A clone with the correct sequence was identified. The methods described here will be generally useful for constructing large DNA molecules from chemically synthesized pieces and also from combinations of natural and synthetic DNA segments. M. genitalium is a bacterium with the smallest genome of any independently replicating cell that has been grown in pure
Substituent Effects on Energetics of Peptide-Carboxylate Hydrogen Bonds as Studied by 1H NMR Spectroscopy: Implications for Enzyme Catalysis

Substituent effects in N–H···O hydrogen bonds were estimated by comparing the acidities of two series of model compounds: N-benzoylanthranilic acids (A) and 4-benzoylamidobenzoic acids (B). Intramolecular N–H···O hydrogen bonds were found to be present in the A series of compounds, while B acids were used as control models. The respective pKa values for A and B acids were determined experimentally in DMSO solution using proton NMR spectroscopy. With X = H, the pKa for A and B acids were observed to be 7.6 and 11.6, respectively, a difference of 4.0 units (ΔpKa). However, with X = p-NO2, the ΔpKa value between A and B acids increased to 4.7 units: the pKa values for A and B acids were determined as 6.7 and 11.4, respectively. The ΔpKa values between A and B acids as a function of the X substituents were studied in 10 other examples. The effects of X substituents in A acids could be predicted on the basis of the observed linear Hammett correlations, and the sensitivity of each substituent effect was found t...
Gradient expansion approach to multiple-band Fermi liquids

Promoted by the recent progress of Berry phase physics in spin galvanomagnetic communities, we develop a systematic derivation of the reduced Keldysh equation (RKE) which captures the low-energy dynamics of quasiparticles constrained within doubly degenerate bands forming a single Fermi surface. The derivation begins with the Keldysh equation for a quite general multiple-band interacting Fermi system, which is originally an ${N}_{b}\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}{N}_{b}$ matrix-formed integral (or infinite-order differential) equation, with ${N}_{b}$ being the total number of bands. To derive the RKE for quasiparticle on a Fermi surface in question, we project out both the fully occupied and empty band degrees of freedom perturbatively in the gradient expansion, whose coupling constant measures how a system is disequilibrated. As for the electron-electron interactions, however, we only employ the so-called adiabatic assumption of the Fermi liquid theory, so that the electron correlation effects onto the adiabatic transport of quasiparticles, i.e., the Hermitian (real) part of the self-energy, are taken into account in an unbiased manner. The RKE thus derived becomes an SU(2) covariant differential equation and treats the spin and charge degrees of freedom on an equal footing. Namely, the quasiparticle spin precessions due to the non-Abelian gauge fields are automatically encoded into its covariant derivatives. When further solved in favor of spectral functions, this covariant differential equation suggests that quasiparticles on a doubly degenerate Fermi surface acquire spin-selective Berry curvature corrections under the applied electromagnetic fields. This theoretical observation gives us some hints of possible experimental methodology for measuring the SU(2) Berry's curvatures by spin-resolved photoemission experiments. Due to the nontrivial frequency dependence of (the Hermitian part of) self-energy, our RKE is composed of Berry's curvatures in the $d+1$ dual space, i.e., $k\text{\ensuremath{-}}\ensuremath{\omega}$ space, so that the dual electric field is already introduced. To provide a simple way to understand this ``temporal'' component of the U(1) Berry's curvature, we also provide the dual analog of the Ampere's law, where the ``spatial'' rotation of the electric field in combination with the temporal derivative of the well-known magnetic component is determined by the U(1) magnetic monopole ``current.''
Equine Herpesvirus 1 and 4 Respiratory Disease in the Horse

Equine herpesvirus (EHV)-1 and -4 associated respiratory disease in the horse occurs worldwide. Clinically there are no distinguishing characteristics between EHV-1 and EHV-4 infection. Disease is spread between animals by aerosolized virus, direct contact with infected respiratory secretions, or fomites. Diagnosis can be made by virus isolation, PCR of nasopharyngeal secretions or peripheral blood mononuclear cells, or serology. The characteristics of the protective immune response against EHV-1/4 infection have not been well described, but it is likely a combination of humoral and cell-mediated immunity. Current vaccines stimulate primarily a humoral immune response, which may decrease the severity of clinical signs, viremia, and viral shedding, but does not provide protection from infection. Since suckling foals have recently been shown to be an important reservoir in the transmission of EHV-1 and EHV-4, they ought to be the target for immunoprophylaxis to eliminate or significantly reduce EHV infections in the field and prevent the establishment of a latent state. Until more effective vaccine strategies are developed, appropriate herd management is essential to preventing or containing outbreaks of EHV-1/4.
ISTP: relativistic particle acceleration and global energy transport

Abstract With the International Solar Terrestrial Physics (ISTP) constellation of spacecraft, plus key measurements from other scientific and operational spacecraft, it is possible to study the flow of energy from the sun through the interplanetary medium into the magnetosphere and upper atmosphere of the Earth. We use Yohkoh soft x-ray images to identify large solar coronal holes. These solar regions give rise to high-speed solar wind streams which are detected and characterized by measurements from the WIND spacecraft. The high speed streams drive the Earth's magnetosphere quite substantially giving rise to strong relativistic electron acceleration throughout the outer radiation zone. The SAMPEX spacecraft in low Earth orbit and the MCP package onboard a high-inclination, elliptical-orbit satellite map the electron belts as they wax and wane under solar wind stream influence. New measurements from the CEPPAD investigation of the POLAR spacecraft are able to examine the spectral and angular distribution properties of accelerated magnetospheric electrons with unprecedented resolution. These data show that the Earth's magnetosphere is a strong accelerator of high energy electrons. Thus, the ISTP program may be able to contribute substantially to an important aspect of plasma astrophysics.
Role of Cysteine Residues in Heme Binding to Human Heme Oxygenase-2 Elucidated by Two-dimensional NMR Spectroscopy

Human heme oxygenases 1 and 2 (HO-1 and HO-2) degrade heme in the presence of oxygen and NADPH-cytochrome P450 reductase, producing ferrous iron, CO, and biliverdin. HO-1 is an inducible enzyme, but HO-2 is constitutively expressed in selected tissues and is involved in signaling and regulatory processes. HO-2 has three cysteine residues that have been proposed to modulate the affinity for heme, whereas HO-1 has none. Here we use site-specific mutagenesis and two-dimensional NMR of l-[3-13C]cysteine-labeled proteins to determine the redox state of the individual cysteines in HO-2 and assess their roles in binding of heme. The results indicate that in the apoprotein, Cys282 and Cys265 are in the oxidized state, probably in an intramolecular disulfide bond. The addition of a reducing agent converts them to the reduced, free thiol state. Two-dimensional NMR of site-specific mutants reveals that the redox state of Cys265 and Cys282 varies with the presence or absence of other Cys residues, indicating that the microenvironments of the Cys residues are mutually interdependent. Cys265 appears to be in a relatively hydrophilic, oxidizable environment compared with Cys127 and Cys282. Chemical shift data indicate that none of the cysteines stably coordinates to the heme iron atom. In the oxidized state of the apoprotein, heme is bound 2.5-fold more tightly than in the reduced state. This small difference in heme affinity between the oxidized and reduced states of the protein is much less than previously reported, suggesting that it is not a significant factor in the physiological regulation of cellular heme levels.
INCINERATION OF SURROGATE WASTES IN A LOW SPEED DUMP COMBUSTOR

Abstract An experimental study of waste surrogate (sulfur hexafluoride) destruction in a low speed dump combustor is described. The lengths of the combuslor cavity and plenum can be adjusted as a means of exciting combustion instabilities which can produce certain types of acoustic modes. In cases where the surrogate is injected either into recirculation zones within the combustor cavity or into the plenum, very high destruction and removal efficiencies (> 99.999%) can be obtained, particularly at relatively high heat release rates. Combustion instabilities are observed to play a role in the degree to which waste is destroyed, and are correlated with various acoustic modes. Under certain conditions, particularly where waste is injected into the plenum along with auxiliary fuel and oxidizer, acoustic behavior may provide a useful real-time indicator of proper incineration conditions.
Detection of apoptosis and DNA replication by differential labeling of DNA strand breaks with fluorochromes of different color.

Abstract Selective DNAstrandbreakinduction byphotolysis (SBIP) at sites that contain incorporated halogenated nucleotides has been recently proposed as a means of analyzing DNA replication and detecting proliferating cells. The presence of numerousin situDNA strand breaks is also an inherent feature of apoptotic cells. The aim of the present study was to differentially label DNA strand breaks in apoptotic cells vs photolysis-induced breaks in BrdUrd incorporating cells. This would allow one, by multicolor staining, to identify these respective cells in the same sample preparation. Toward this end, exponentially growing HL-60 cells were pulse labeled with BrdUrd and then were subjected to hyperthermia or treated with DNA topoisomerase I inhibitor camptothecin to induce apoptosis. DNA strand breaks in apoptotic cells were first labeled directly with fluorochrome-conjugated dUTP or dCTP, followed by dideoxynucleotide (to terminate chain elongation), in a reaction catalyzed by exogenous terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase. The cells were subsequently exposed to UV light to photolyze DNA containing the incorporated BrdUrd. The photolysis-induced DNA strand breaks were, in turn, labeled with digoxygenin- or biotin-conjugated dUTP followed by digoxygenin antibody or avidin, respectively, conjugated with fluorochrome of another color. Alternatively, DNA strand breaks were labeled with BrdUTP which was then detected by FITC-conjugated anti-BrdUrd MoAb. Following counterstaining of cellular DNA with a fluorochrome of a third color it was possible to identify apoptotic cells, cells incorporating BrdUrd, and cells having no DNA strand breaks. Cell fluorescence was measured either by flow cytometry or with the microscope-based laser scanning cytometer. The SBIP approach also offers a possibility to study a colocalization of the immunocytochemically detectable cell constituents at the DNA replication points by microscopy. Using this approach the presence of the proliferating cell nuclear antigen at the DNA replication sites was revealed in MCF-7 breast carcinoma cells.
Profiling African libraries: automation in Ghana, Kenya and Nigeria

Suggests that access to and sharing of information resources are dependent on the automation of library operations and use of computers. Profiles characteristics of libraries in three African countries (Ghana, Kenya and Nigeria), with particular emphasis on the state of the art of technological capabilities. A very small number of libraries have online public access catalogues, and very few of the respondents to the survey reported here indicated that their staff members had an excellent knowledge of computers and computer functions. About 44 per cent of responding libraries own computers, and the most common microcomputer application is local database searching. Lack of funds and training in librarianship are two major problems, though the vast majority of librarians indicated a strong desire to further their education in librarianship. When planning automation, it is important for African librarians and computer scientists to get leaders in authority involved. Resource sharing and co‐operation among libraries need to be given serious consideration.
Normalized fluorescence lifetime imaging for tumor identification and margin delineation

Fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy (FLIM) is a technique that has been proven to produce quantitative and qualitative differentiation and identification of substances with good specificity and sensitivity based on lifetime extracted information. This technique has shown the ability to also differentiate between a wide range of tissue types to identify malignant from benign tissue in vivo and ex vivo. However, the complexity, long duration and effort required to generate this information has limited the adoption of these techniques in a clinical setting. Our group has developed a time-resolved imaging system (patent pending) that does not require the extraction of lifetimes or use of complex curve fitting algorithms to display the needed information. The technique, entitled Lifetime Fluorescence Imaging (LFI, or NoFYI), converts fluorescence lifetime decay information directly into visual contrast. Initial studies using Fluorescein and Rhodamine-B demonstrated the feasibility of this approach. Subsequent studies demonstrated the ability to separate collagen and elastin powders. The technique uses nanosecond pulsed UV LEDs at 375 nm for average illumination intensities of ~4.5 μW on the tissue surface with detection by a gated CCD camera. To date, we have imaged 11 surgical head and neck squamous cell carcinoma and brain cancer biopsy specimens including 5 normal and 6 malignant samples. Images at multiple wavelengths clearly demonstrate differentiation between benign and malignant tissue, which was later confirmed by histology. Contrast was obtained between fluorophores with 35 μm spatial resolution and an SNR of ~30 dB allowing us to clearly define tumor margins in these highly invasive cancers. This method is capable of providing both anatomical and chemical information for the pathologist and the surgeon. These results suggest that this technology has a possible role in identifying tumors in tissue specimens and detecting tumor margins during procedures.
Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes

Abstract Background & Aims: Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is reported commonly in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM), which has been suggested as a risk factor for the progressive form of NAFLD, or nonalcoholic steatohepatitis. The aim of this study was to assess the outcome of patients with NAFLD and DM. Methods: A cohort of patients with NAFLD was identified, and patients with other causes of liver disease (alcohol, medication, etc.) were excluded. Clinical, pathological, and mortality data were available for this cohort. Patients were categorized and compared according to the presence or absence of DM. Results: Of 132 patients with NAFLD, 44 patients (33%) had an established diagnosis of DM. Patients with DM were older and had greater serum glucose and triglyceride levels and a greater aspartate aminotransferase-alanine aminotransferase ratio. Liver biopsy specimens from patients with DM showed more vacuolated nuclei and acidophilic bodies. Cirrhosis (histological or clinical) occurred in 25% of patients with DM (11 of 44 patients) and NAFLD compared with only 10.2% (9 of 88 patients) of patients without DM with NAFLD ( P = 0.04). After adjusting for potential confounders (age, body mass index, and the presence of cirrhosis), both overall mortality (risk ratio [RR], 3.30; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.76–6.18; P = 0.002) and mortality related to liver disease (RR, 22.83; 95% CI, 2.97–175.03; P = 0.003) were greater in diabetic patients with NAFLD. Markers of hepatic dysfunction (low albumin level, high total bilirubin level, and prolonged prothrombin time) were the only independent predictors of increased mortality. Conclusions: Patients with NAFLD and DM are at risk for the development of an aggressive outcome, such as cirrhosis and mortality. This study supports the potential role of insulin resistance in the development of poor clinical outcomes in patients with NAFLD.
Testosterone treatment for micropenis during early childhood

Low-dosage, short-term, systemic testosterone therapy resulted in enlargement of micropenis to normal penile size for age in 4, XY boys under 3 years of age. Each patient was given 25 mg. of intramuscular Depo-Testosterone every three weeks for three months. Acceleration of linear growth and osseous maturation was transient, returning toward a normal rate after the therapy. Parental acceptance of the results was favorable, and virilizing side effects other than enlargement of the penis were minimal. The decision to utilize this mode of treatment should obviously be approached with caution.
Polymeric Ambipolar Hosts for Large-Area Phosphorescent Light-Emitting Diodes

We report on a polymer bearing pendant ambipolar carbazole / oxadiazole moieties that can be used as an efficient host material for green-emitting iridium-based phosphorescent guests and discuss large-area diodes without indium-tin oxide electrodes.
Evidence for Non-DLVO Hydration Interactions in Solutions of the Protein Apoferritin

We have studied molecular interactions in solutions of the protein apoferritin by static and dynamic light scattering. When plotted against the electrolyte concentration, the second osmotic virial coefficient exhibits a minimum. The ascending branch of this dependence is a manifestation of a surprisingly strong repulsion between the molecules at electrolyte concentrations about and above $0.2M$, where electrostatic interactions are suppressed. We argue that the repulsion is due to the water structuring, enhanced by the accumulation of hydrophilic counterions around the apoferritin molecules, giving rise to so-called hydration forces.
Ontology and assembly joint topology representation

AbstractThis paper presents an ontology-based assembly joint topology representation framework, which is illustrated with a fixture assembly case study. Joints within the physical structure of an assembly are inevitable because of the limitations of component geometries and the associated, required engineering properties. While joints themselves may have similar geometrical configurations, the physical implications of the selected joining processes vary significantly. The presented ontology framework and model are based on an understanding of the morphological characteristics of an assembly and its physical effects. Even if geometry is of great importance during assembly design, the morphological characteristics are consequences of the principle physical processes and of the design intentions. In this paper, an assembly topology is represented as a mereotopology, which is a region-based theory for the parts and associated concepts. This formal ontology is used to differentiate often ambiguous assembly and...
Effects of temperature on the electrical activity of the hypothalamic feeding centers.

Abstract The effects of body temperature on electrical activity of the hypothalamic feeding centers was studied in lightly anesthetized cats. The temperature of the preoptic area of the hypothalamus was correlated with changes in electroencephalographic activity. An increase in body temperature was followed by an increase in the electrical activity of the satiety center and a decrease in activity in the feeding center. There were no significant changes in the levels or utilization rates of blood glucose, indicating that a glucostatic component was not operating in the present study. The results of the present study provide electrophysiological support for the thermostatic theory of food intake regulation.
Learning experiences and the value of knowledge

Generalized probabilistic learning takes place in a black-box where present probabilities lead to future probabilities by way of a hidden learning process. The idea that generalized learning can be partially characterized by saying that it doesn’t foreseeably lead to harmful decisions is explored. It is shown that a martingale principle follows for finite probability spaces.
Chromatin yo-yo: expansion and condensation during DNA repair

DNA double-strand breaks are repaired by nonhomologous end-joining (NHEJ) and homologous recombination (HR). Disrupting the balance between these pathways results in toxic chromosomal rearrangements. Several recent studies are revealing that dynamic changes in chromatin conformation can regulate DNA repair pathway choice both spatially and temporally.
[Ca2+]i-sensitive, IP3-independent Ca2+ influx in smooth muscle of rat vas deferens revealed by procaine

1. The actions of procaine (10 mM) on noradrenaline-induced effects on 45Ca-influx, 45Ca-efflux, 45Ca-content, total inositol phosphates, inositol-1,4,5-trisphosphate, and contractile status of the rat was deferens were examined. 2. Noradrenaline alone had no effect on 45Ca-influx or 45Ca-content, but released Ca2+ from intracellular stores as indicated by an increased 45Ca-efflux and increased total inositol phosphates, specifically inositol-1,4,5-trisphosphate, leading to contraction of the rat vas deferens. 3. Noradrenaline, in the presence of 10 mM procaine, increased 45Ca-influx and 45Ca-content. Procaine blocked the noradrenaline-induced 45Ca-efflux, the increase in total inositol phosphates, the increase in inositol-1,4,5-trisphosphate, and contraction. 4. The noradrenaline-induced increase in 45Ca influx which was observed in the presence of procaine was abolished by phentolamine and nifedipine but was not altered significantly by propranolol suggesting that, in the presence of procaine, noradrenaline activates dihydropyridine-sensitive calcium channels through alpha-adrenoceptors. 5. These findings indicate that, in the rat vas deferens, noradrenaline induces contraction by releasing intracellularly stored Ca2+. The effects of procaine appear to be due to its ability to block the release of Ca2+ from intracellular stores. Furthermore, the simultaneous increase in 45Ca influx and inhibition of inositol-1,4,5-trisphosphate formation in tissues treated with procaine plus noradrenaline indicates that Ca2+ influx is independent of inositol-1,4,5-trisphosphate formation.
Polycyclic Bis(tert-butylamido)cyclodiphosph(III)azane Complexes of Lithium and Magnesium: Their Syntheses, Molecular Structures, and Relationships to Isoelectronic Cyclodisilazane Derivatives

Syntheses and single-crystal X-ray diffraction studies of the bis(tert-butylamino)cylodiphosphazane cis-[(tBuNP)2(tBuNH)2], 1a, and its lithium and magnesium salts are described. The pristine molecule has crystallographic C2 symmetry, both N−H groups being disposed in an endo fashion, and crystallizes in the monoclinic space group P2/c with unit cell dimensions (193 K) a = 9.600(4) A, b = 5.904(4) A, c = 18.97(1) A, β = 101.09(3)°, and Z = 2. Treatment of 1a with nBuLi or (nBu)2Mg in refluxing THF yielded the heterocubic cis-[(tBuNP)2(tBuNLi·THF)2], 2a, and the seco-heterocubic {[(tBuNP)2(tBuN)2]Mg·(THF)2}, 3a, respectively. The crystal data (223 K) for the dilithio compound are monoclinic, space group P21/c, a = 10.691(1) A, b = 15.827(2) A, c = 19.424(4) A, β = 105.617(7)°, and Z = 4, and those for the magnesium derivative (213 K) are monoclinic, space group P21/n, a = 10.6272(4) A, b = 17.6643(7) A, c = 16.3625(6) A, β = 90.46(3)°, and Z = 4. The lithium and magnesium complexes are shown to be isostruc...
Penile Agenesis: An unusual variant

An unusual variant of penile agenesis with a high rectal termination of the urethra is reported. The difficulties faced in the management of this case and the possible aetiology of this rare anomaly are discussed.
A comparison of RNA and protein synthesis in fertilized and unfertilized eggs of Urechis caupo.

Abstract After fertilization in Urechis eggs, the apparent rate of protein synthesis increases approximately only twofold, when experiments are designed to avoid the complication of increased permeability to amino acids in fertilized eggs. RNA synthesis after fertilization drops to virtually undetectable levels until the completion of meiosis. The RNA synthesized during early cleavage sediments heterogeneously in sucrose gradients, but includes no distinct peak of “45 S” RNA, and shows higher levels of relative incorporation into RNA sedimenting at 18 S and less than the RNA synthesized by unfertilized eggs. Ribosomal RNA synthesis appears to cease until gastrulation. During the first 7 hours of development (to ciliated blastula) most of the RNA label is nuclear in autoradiograms of eggs exposed continuously to uridine- 3 H after fertilization. At least some of the RNA synthesized in unfertilized eggs persists after fertilization. The distribution in sucrose gradients of this RNA remains essentially unchanged through completion of meiosis, and 30 S ribosomal RNA labeled prior to fertilization with methionine-methyl- 14 C into the blastula stage. Autoradiograms show a dispersal of labeled unfertilized egg RNA into the cytoplasm following germinal vesicle breakdown, and no reentry into the interphase nuclei at the 2-cell stage.
Interaction and stimulation of human FEN-1 nuclease activities by heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein a1 in α-segment processing during Okazaki fragment maturation

High-fidelity DNA replication depends on both accurate incorporation of nucleotides in the newly synthesized strand and the maturation of Okazaki fragments. In eukaryotic cells, the latter is accomplished by a series of coordinated actions of a set of structure-specific nucleases, which, with the assistance of accessory proteins, recognize branched RNA/DNA configurations. In the current model of Okazaki fragment maturation, displacement of a 27-nucleotide or longer flap is envisioned to attract replication protein A (RPA), which inhibits flap endonuclease-1 (FEN-1) but stimulates Dna2 nuclease for cleavage. Dna2 cleavage generates a short flap of 5-7 nucleotides, which resists binding by RPA and further cleavage by Dna2. FEN-1 then removes the remaining flap to produce a suitable substrate for ligation. However, FEN-1 is not efficient in cleaving the short flap, and we therefore set out to identify cellular factors that might regulate FEN-1 activity. Through co-immunoprecipitation experiments, we have isolated heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein A1 (hnRNP A1), which forms a direct complex with FEN-1 and stimulates its enzymatic activities. The stimulation by hnRNP A1 is most dramatic using DNA substrates with short flaps. With longer flap substrates the hnRNP A1 effect is more modest and is suppressed by the addition of RPA. A model is provided to explain the possible in vivo role of this interaction and activity in Okazaki fragment maturation.
DNA Template and Activator-Coactivator Requirements for Transcriptional Synergism by Drosophila Bicoid

The template and coactivator requirements for synergistic transcription directed by a single activator, Bicoid (BCD), bound to multiple sites have been determined. Mutagenesis studies in combination with protein binding experiments and reconstituted transcription reactions identified two independent activation domains of BCD that target different coactivator subunits (TAF II 110 and TAF II 60) of the basal transcription factor IID (TFIID). The presence of both coactivators is required for BCD to recruit the TATA binding protein (TBP)-TAF complex to the promoter and direct synergistic activation of transcription. Thus, contact between multiple activation domains of BCD and different targets within the TFIID complex can mediate transcriptional synergism.
JOINT AND CONDITIONAL ESTIMATION FOR IMPLICIT MODELS FOR TESTS WITH POLYTOMOUS ITEM SCORES

Multinomial-response models are available that correspond implicitly to tests in which a total score is computed as the sum of polytomous item scores. For these models, joint and conditional estimation may be considered in much the same way as for the Rasch model for right-scored tests. As in the Rasch model, joint estimation is only attractive if both the number of items and the number of examinees are large, while conditional estimation can be employed for a large number of examinees whether or not the number of items is large. In neither case is computation difficult given currently available computers. Large-sample results favor use of conditional estimation, although some use of joint estimation can be contemplated if the number of items is large.
Effects of metallic debris on adult bovine articular chondrocyte metabolism in vitro

The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of particles, derived from metals commonly used in joint prostheses, on chondrocyte proliferation, metabolism, and morphology in vitro. Chondrocyte viability was influenced by the type and concentration of metal particle added. Cobalt was toxic to chondrocytes at all particle concentrations (0.83–0.000083%, v/v), whereas the chromium, titanium and titanium-aluminum particles only effected chondrocyte viability at high concentrations. The metabolic response of chondrocytes to particulate debris as assessed by caseinase, collagenase, and hexosaminidase activities were variable at low concentrations but were always reduced at high concentrations (0.83% v/v). Prostaglandin E2 levels in the medium showed a steady increase when particle load increased, except in the medium of chondrocytes exposed to titanium-aluminum. Scanning electron microscopy of chondrocytes exposed to titanium showed ruffled cell borders and frequent membrane blebbings. This was in contrast to chondrocytes exposed to cobalt, where the crenated appearance indicated cell death, and titanium-aluminum, where the cells appeared quiescent. These findings show that metal particles alter chondrocyte viability and metabolism and suggest that particulate debris may influence the integrity and stability of articular cartilage following hemiarthroplasty. © 1994 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Affine Toda field theories related to Coxeter groups of noncrystallographic type

We propose affine Toda field theories related to the noncrystallographic Coxeter groups H2,H3 and H4. The classical mass spectrum, the classical three-point couplings and the one-loop corrections to the mass renormalisation are determined. The construction is carried out by means of a reduction procedure from crystallographic to noncrystallographic Coxeter groups. The embedding structure explains for various affine Toda field theories that their particles can be organised in pairs, such that their relative masses differ by the golden ratio.
FIRM: capability-based inline mediation of Flash behaviors

The wide use of Flash technologies makes the security risks posed by Flash content an increasingly serious issue. Such risks cannot be effectively addressed by the Flash player, which either completely blocks Flash content's access to web resources or grants it unconstrained access. Efforts to mitigate this threat have to face the practical challenges that Adobe Flash player is closed source, and any changes to it need to be distributed to a large number of web clients. We demonstrate in this paper, however, that it is completely feasible to avoid these hurdles while still achieving fine-grained control of the interactions between Flash content and its hosting page. Our solution is FIRM, a system that embeds an inline reference monitor (IRM) within the web page hosting Flash content. The IRM effectively mediates the interactions between the content and DOM objects, and those between different Flash applications, using the capability tokens assigned by the web designer. FIRM can effectively protect the integrity of its IRM and the confidentiality of capability tokens. It can be deployed without making any changes to browsers. Our evaluation based upon real-world web applications and Flash applications demonstrates that FIRM effectively protects valuable user information and incurs small overhead.