cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Transient mGlu5R inhibition enhances the survival of granule cell precursors in the neonatal cerebellum

Abstract The generation of the most abundant neurons of the cerebellum, the granule cells, relies on a balance between clonal expansion and apoptosis during the first 10 days after birth in the external germinal layer (EGL). The amino acid glutamate controls such critical phases of cell development in other systems through specific receptors such as metabotropic glutamate receptor 5 (mGlu5R). However, the function of mGlu5Rs on the proliferation and survival of granule cell precursors (GCPs) remains elusive. We found mGlu5R mRNA transcripts in EGL using RT-PCR and observed mGlu5R-mediated Ca2+ responses in GCPs in acute slices as early as postnatal day (P) 2–3. Using in vivo injections of the selective non-competitive mGlu5R antagonist 2-methyl-6-(phenylethynyl)pyridine (MPEP) in P7–P9 mice, we found a 20% increase in the number of proliferative GCPs labeled at P7 with the S-phase marker bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU), but no increase in cell proliferation examined 2 h following a BrdU injection. Furthermore, similar treatments led to a significant 70% decrease in the number of apoptotic GCPs in the EGL as determined by terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) staining. In contrast, in vivo treatment with the mGlu5R agonist (RS)-2-chloro-5-hydroxyphenylglycine (CHPG) resulted in a ∼60% increase in the number of TUNEL-labeled GCPs compared to control. These findings identify a unique role for glutamate acting at mGlu5Rs as a functional switch regulating GCP survival in the EGL, thus controlling the total number of cerebellar granule cells produced.
Placenta accreta encountered during dilation and evacuation in the second trimester.

Objective: To assess the frequency of placenta accreta encountered during dilation and evacuation (D&E) in the second trimester. Methods: Among 16,827 second-trimester D&E procedures performed at our hospitals and clinics, seven cases of placenta accreta, either suspected clinically or proven histologically, were encountered. These cases were analyzed for history of prior cesarean delivery, placenta localization, and histology of hysterectomy specimens. Results: Six of the seven cases suspected clinically were confirmed histologically. All placenta accreta patients had at least one cesarean delivery (mean 1.7), and five had a preoperative sonogram demonstrating some form of placenta previa. The prevalence of clinical placenta accreta encountered during D&Es in the second trimester was 0.04%, the same as that reported for placenta accreta diagnosed clinically in the third trimester. Conclusion: Placenta accreta can be a potential complicating factor in the patient undergoing D&E in the second trimester.
The expression of Pim-1 and Endothelin-1 in osteolytic and osteoblastic metastatic carcinoma to bone

Certain tumors are known to induce an osteoblastic response when metastasizing to bone, but the exact mechanism by which the neoplastic cells stimulate new bone formation is only partially understood. The selective orthotropism in these neoplasms has been investigated and numerous factors have been implicated. Endothelin-1 is a potent peptide produced by endothelial cells. It is also produced by and affects bone cells and this is thought to play a role in osteoblastic metastasis. Independently, Pim-1, a serine/threonine protein kinase, is involved in the regulation of cell growth, differentiation, and apoptosis. The overexpression of this proto-oncogene is linked to the development of lymphoma, and recent studies have demonstrated that it also plays an important role outside of hematopoietic system. Recently, Roh et al ( Cancer Res 2003;63:8079-84) at our institution have demonstrated that overexpression of Pim-1 promotes genomic instability in prostate carcinoma, one of few types of carcinomas that are characteristically known to induce osteoblastic response when they metastasize. The exact role of Pim-1 in osteoblastic tumor metastasis and its expression in various tumor types have not been characterized. A search of our files returned 19 cases of metastatic carcinomas to bone with documented osteoblastic/osteolytic host response. We are currently investigating the expression of Pim-1 and endothelin-1 by immunohistochemical staining.
The effect of continuous corticosterone administration on lymphocyte subpopulations in the peripheral blood of the Fischer 344 rat as determined by two color flow cytometric analyses.

AbstractThis study was undertaken to determine the effects of continuous corticosterone administration on lymphocyte subsets in the peripheral blood of Fischer 344 rats. Pellets which released corticosterone over a 21 day period (0.07 mg/day, 0.48 mg/day and 4.8 mg/day) were implanted subcutaneously in male rats. Control rats received pellets containing only the excipient carrier. Rats in the test and control groups were sacrificed at 7, 14 and 21 days. Lymphocyte subsets were enumerated by dual color flow cytometry and the data expressed in absolute numbers/mm3. Effects were observed only in the animals treated with the highest dose which was 70,000 times the normal plasma level. the spleen, thymus and lymph nodes were examined for histopathological changes. At the seven day sacrifice there was a statistically significant decrease in total white blood cells and selective decrements in lymphocytes with reductions in the absolute numbers of the T helper/ amplifier, T cytotoxic/suppressor and B cells. Only ...
Highly proliferative endothelial colony forming cells isolated from pigs with acute myocardial infarction showing high affinity on bare metal stent

Background: Coronary stent implantation can cause significant injury of vessel endothelium with an inflammatory reaction which contributes to neointimal proliferation and thrombosis resulting in-stent restenosis. Endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) can be differentiated into endothelial cells that protect the vascular wall from damage. Acute myocardial infarction (AMI) induced in a porcine model leads to an increase in circulating high proliferative potential-endothelial colony forming cells (HPP-ECFC). This study was designed to test whether isolated porcine HPP-ECFC could be grown on bare metal coronary stent. Methods and Results: AMI was created by a PTCA balloon catheter with the proximal left anterior descending (LAD) artery being occluded just distal to the first septal perforator for 45min. Peripheral blood samples were drawn at baseline and immediately post deflation of the balloon. Circulating mononuclear cells (MNC) were isolated and cultured. Colonies of HPP-ECFC (>2000 cells/colony) were identified by a single cell assay and sorted by flow cytometry. After labeling with PKH26, the HPP-ECFC were seeded into culture slides at a density of 5 x 104 cells/cm2 with bare coronary stents (AVE, NIR, and ACS; 3 stents/each group). At day 5, the cells seeded on the stents were labeled with a nuclear DAPI stain. HPP-ECFC can only be detected in the post-MI samples and were increased 15-fold. In co-culture, HPP-ECFC coverage on the stent surface began on day 3 and complete coverage of stents occurred after day 5. The cells displayed a similar growth pattern in all of the stents and cell quantification is ongoing. Conclusion: This preliminary data demonstrates that the number of circulating HPP-ECFC significantly increases in the acute stress situation in a porcine AMI model. These cells had a high affinity to adhere to bare metal stent surfaces. HPP-ECFC coated stents may accelerate reendothelization after interventional procedures. Dongni Fong, Lan Huang, Mervin C. Yoder, Keith L. March, Dongming Hou www.iupui.edu/~icvbm Figure 1A & B. ‘Cobblestone’ morphology and Cytometry shows expression of CD31 and rare CD45. Conclusions Our findings demonstrate that peripheral blood HPP-ECFCs were increased in number following the myocardial ischemia insult in our porcine model. These cells showed a great affinity to adhere to the BMS surface. We postulate that HPP-ECFC coated stents may accelerate the re-endothelization process, prevent neointimal proliferation, and stent thrombosis. • The HPP-ECFCs were labeled by PKH26 (Sigma-Aldrich) according to the manufacturer’s instructions. • The expanded and sterilized AVE, ACS and NIR stents (n = 3/each) were separately placed into each well of 24-well plate after rinsing with culture medium.
Clinicopathologic features of papillary lesions on core needle biopsy of the breast predictive of malignancy

Background: The necessity for surgical excision of papillary lesions identified on percutaneous breast biopsy remains controversial. We reviewed data from patients with papillary lesions found on core needle biopsies to identify features associated with carcinoma. Methods: A retrospective chart review was performed on patients with papillary lesions diagnosed from image-guided breast biopsies over a 10-year period. Patients had surgical excision or were followed-up radiographically for a 2-year minimum. Results: Papillary lesions were identified in 154 core needle biopsies. Ninety-five lesions were diagnosed as either benign or atypical. Eighty-nine of these patients had surgical excisions of their lesions. Malignancy was discovered in 22 (25%) of these lesions. Only atypical lesions on biopsy were malignant (P < .005). Forty-six percent of patients age 65 or older were found to have cancer at surgical excision (P < .01). Conclusions: Papillary lesions found on core needle biopsy frequently harbor malignancy (25%). Atypia and age 65 or older are significant risk factors for malignancy.
Psyxpert: An expert system prototype for aiding psychiatrists in the diagnosis of psychotic disorders

Abstract Psyxpert is an expert computer system prototype disigned to aid psychiatrists in the diagnosis of mental disorders, in cases where psychotic features are the prominent part of the presenting clinical picture. The knowledge base contains psychiatric knowledge in the form of production rules. The system uses a backward-chaining control strategy to guide the consultation. Psyxpert provides a menu-driven user interface and an explanation subsystem. The system uses certainty and importance measures to produce a diagnosis with an attached certainty factor and recommendations for further evaluation or therapy. Psyxpert is written in Virginia Tech HC Prolog and runs on Digital Equipment Corporation's VAX 11 780 under the VMS operating system.
An adaptive scheme for admission control in ATM networks

This paper presents a real time front-end admission control scheme for ATM networks. A call management scheme which uses the burstiness associated with traffic sources in a heterogeneous ATM environment to effect dynamic assignment of bandwidth is presented. In the proposed scheme, call acceptance is based on an on-line evaluation of the upper bound on cell loss probability which is derived from the estimated distribution of the number of calls arriving. Using this scheme, the negotiated quality of service will be assured when there is no estimation error. The control mechanism is effective when the number of calls is large, and tolerates loose bandwidth enforcement and loose policing control. The proposed approach is very effective in the connection oriented transport of ATM networks where the decision to admit new traffic is based on the a priori knowledge of the state of the route taken by the traffic.
MEASURED ROTOR WAKE AND POTENTIAL FORCING FUNCTIONS, INCLUDING BLADE ROW INTERACTIONS

A fundamental experiment is directed at the acquisition and analysis of data dee ning compressible forcing functions generated by a rotor, including interactions with the upstream-generated inlet guide vane (IGV) wakes, for application to wake forcing function models in turbomachine forced-response design systems. The research fan facility consists of an IGV row and a downstream rotor. IGV‐ rotor axial spacing is variable, with the IGV row able to be indexed circumferentially, thereby enabling the rotor wakes to be measured both in the IGV freestream and wakes. At a rotor-relative Mach number of 0.6 unsteady measurements are made of the rotor wake pressure and velocity e elds for two IGV‐ rotor axial spacings and with the rotor wake measured in the IGV freestream and wake regions. The decay characteristics of the rotor blade wakes are compared to empirical correlations. After Fourier decomposition, a vortical‐ potential gust splitting analysis is implemented and applied to the e rst-harmonic data to determine the vortical and potential harmonic wake gust forcing functions both upstream and downstream of the rotor. The potential gust component of the rotor wakes upstream of the rotor is found to be dominated by the e rst-harmonic component with small contributions from the second and third harmonics. Higher harmonics of the vortical gust component of the rotor wakes measured both in and out of the IGV wakes are found to be signie cantly reduced in the IGV wake regions.
Quantification of Hen Egg White Lysozyme in Cartilage by an Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay

We have developed an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) with an inhibition step to quantify hen egg white lysozyme (HEWL) on a weight basis. The assay is relatively insensitive to changes in ionic strength or pH. Quantification is not affected by the presence or large amounts of mammalian lysozymes or inhibitors of enzymatic activity such as soluble chitin oligomers. We used this ELISA to show that the HEWL content of chick cartilages increases progressively between days 14 and 18 of embryonic life. The maturation-related increase does not appear to be the result of increased synthesis by the chondrocytes for the latter did not synthesize detectable amounts of lysozyme in vitro Evidence was obtained to suggest that most, if not all, the lysozyme in cartilage is derived from the surrounding fluids which come in contact with the matrix.
Electronic effects of bis(2-aryl-4,5,6,7-tetrahydroindenyl)titanocene dichlorides on the catalytic epoxidation of trans-3-hexene

Abstract The catalytic epoxidation of trans -3-hexene with electronically different bis(2-aryl-4,5,6,7-tetrahydroindenyl)titanium dichloride complexes in the presence of stoichiometric tert-butylhydroperoxide has been studied. The results show that both electron donating (4-methoxyphenyl and 4-methylphenyl) and withdrawing (4-bromophenyl) groups on the 2-position of 4,5,6,7-tetrahydroindene produce an enhancement in the number of turnovers of epoxide formed during 15 h at 80°C when compared to the 2-phenyl substituted complex. The facile preparation and purification of these previously unreported ligands and the corresponding titanocene complexes, and the results of the catalytic epoxidation of trans -3-hexene are described.
Pregnancy complications associated with hepatitis C: data from a 2003-2005 Washington state birth cohort.

Objective The objective of the study was to determine the effect of hepatitis C virus (HCV) on selected maternal and infant birth outcomes. Study Design This population-based cohort study using Washington state birth records from 2003 to 2005 compared a cohort of pregnant women identified as HCV positive from birth certificate data (n = 506) to randomly selected HCV-negative mothers (n = 2022) and drug-using HCV-negative mothers (n = 1439). Results Infants of HCV-positive mothers were more likely to be low birthweight (odds ratio [OR], 2.17; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.24, 3.80), to be small for gestational age (OR, 1.46; 95% CI, 1.00, 2.13), to need assisted ventilation (OR, 2.37; 95% CI, 1.46, 3.85), and to require neonatal intensive car unit (NICU) admission (OR, 2.91; 95% CI, 1.86, 4.55). HCV-positive mothers with excess weight gain also had a greater risk of gestational diabetes (OR, 2.51; 95% CI, 1.04, 6.03). Compared with the drug-using cohort, NICU admission and the need for assisted ventilation remained associated with HCV. Conclusion HCV-positive pregnant women appear to be at risk for adverse neonatal and maternal outcomes.
Eggs and hatchling components of the snapping turtle (Chelydra serpentina)

Abstract 1. 1. Whole eggs whose wet weight was 9.45 g contained 72.6% H 2 O and 12.38 kcal of energy while egg components included by dry weight 29.8% shell, 33.8% lipid and 54.9% protein. 2. 2. Mean weight of hatchling yolk-sacs on the day of hatching was 0.16 g and averaged 60.0% H 2 O, 37.3% lipid, 58.2% protein and 0.53 kcal energy. The majority of internal yolk-sacs present at hatching were absorbed by day 18 of hatchling life. 3. 3. Mean hatchling, minus yolk-sacs, wet weight was 7.59 g and averaged 82.1% H 2 O, 19.7% lipid, 32.2% protein and 6.72 kcal of energy. 4. 4. During development, approximately 40% lipid, 53% protein and 40% energy were utilized; the remaining portions were stored in the hatchlings. 5. 5. Protein percent by dry weight exceeded percent lipid by approximately 38% in both egg yolk and hatchlings but due to the different energy content in lipid and protein an equal energetic contribution was made.
Expanding Options for Scientific Publication Is More Always Better

Using a creative and original methodology, Fosbol et al1 document in the December 11, 2012, issue of Circulation that approximately one third of abstracts presented at the annual meetings of the American Heart Association, the American College of Cardiology, and the European Society of Cardiology result in a published peer-reviewed manuscript within 2 years. In addition, Fosbol and colleagues report that compared with abstracts presented at either the American College of Cardiology or the European Society of Cardiology meetings, those presented at the American Heart Association meeting are more likely to result in a peer-reviewed print publication within 2 years and are more likely to appear in journals with a higher citation index. Consistent with shifting attendance rates over the past decade, the authors further document that the European Society of Cardiology meeting has surpassed the American College of Cardiology meeting with respect to eventual publication, but that the American Heart Association meeting, with its greater emphasis on basic as well as translational science, remains the meeting of choice for cardiovascular investigators worldwide. As shown in related work in this arena, factors associated with a higher likelihood of subsequent publication included basic research, prospective study design, and randomized trials.2 Though not discussed in detail, the data from Fosbol and colleagues1 also document what editors know to be true, that an increasing share of the world’s scientific …
Phylogenetic analysis of Alpine voles of the Microtus multiplex complex using the mitochondrial control region

To elucidate the phylogenetic relationships of Alpine voles comprising the Microtus multiplex complex and related species the mitochondrial control region (CR) was employed as a genetic marker. Forty specimens were analysed representing the taxa Microtus liechtensteini, Microtus multiplex, and Microtus bavaricus (samples from 11 geographic regions) as well as specimens of Microtus subterraneus, Microtus tatricus, Microtus arvalis, Microtus agrestis, Microtus oeconomus, and Chionomys nivalis. The haplotypes from Tuscany and the Swiss canton of Valais can be ascribed to M. multiplex, whereas the haplotypes isolated from the geographic samples from Croatia, Slovenia, Carinthia, Styria, East Tyrol, and South Tyrol represent M. liechtensteini. The molecular data indicate that the distribution range of M. liechtensteini extends further to the north (Upper Styria) than has been assumed earlier. The haplotypes of M. bavaricus, together with the populations from North Tyrol, form a cluster clearly separated from M. liechtensteini. This result suggests that the North Tyrolean samples belong to M. bavaricus, a species thought to be extinct. Microtus tatricus splits off at the basis of the multiplex complex. Our sequence data do not support a close relationship between M. bavaricus and M. tatricus. The phylogenetic relationships deduced from the sequence data favour a hypothesis assuming three glacial refugia, in which M. multiplex, M. liechtensteini and M. bavaricus, respectively, survived the last one or two Alpine glaciations.
Natural production of biological optical systems

Synthesis and production in nature often provide ideas to design and fabricate advanced biomimetic photonic materials and structures, leading to excellent physical properties and enhanced performance. In addition, the recognition and utilization of natural or biological substances have been typical routes to develop biocompatible and biodegradable materials for medical applications. In this respect, biological lasers utilizing such biomaterials and biostructures have been received considerable attention, given a variety of implications and potentials for bioimaging, biosensing, implantation, and therapy. However, without relying on industrial facilities, eco-friendly massive production of such optical components or systems has not yet been investigated. We show examples of bioproduction of biological lasers using agriculture and fisheries. We anticipate that such approaches will open new possibilities for scalable eco-friendly ‘green’ production of biological photonics components and systems.
Decrease in plasma levels of endogenous progesterone during renal passage.

IT SEEMS established that two of the end products of the metabolism of progesterone in certain species are pregnanediol-3(α),20(α) (Venning, and Brown, 1937; Westphal and Buxton, 1939a; Heard, Bauld, and Hoffman, 1941; Westphal, 1942) and pregnanol-3(α)-one-20 (Dorfman, Ross, and Shipley, 1948). Whether other compounds are also end products is not definitely known, nor is it known where in the body the conversion occurs. Ovaries, uterus, placenta, and testis are not essential for the transformation (Westphal and Buxton, 1939a; Venning and Brown, 1940; Hamblen, Cuyler, and Hirst, 1940; Buxton, 1940; Heard, Bauld, and Hoffman, 1941; Hoffman, 1942), although it may occur in each of them. The two organs thus far implicated in the inactivation of progesterone are the liver and the kidney. Several authors have reported inactivation of progesterone by the liver in vivo (Selye, 1941; Kochakian, Haskins, and Bruce, 1944; Dosne, 1944; Masson and Hoffman, 1945; Engel, 1946; Forbes and Hooker, 1949).
Sounding rocket experiment employing microcalorimeter detectors to obtain a high-resolution spectrum of the diffuse x-ray background

We have developed microcalorimeters for high resolution soft X- ray spectroscopy that achieve an energy resolution of approximately eV FWHM. An adiabatic demagnetization refrigerator system has been constructed that will survive a sounding rocket launch and maintain the required 60 mK operating temperature following the approximately 17 g rms vibration associated with powered flight. Results of vibration tests show that both mechanical and thermal performance readily meet the requirement for using these detectors successfully on sounding rocket flights. The first flight of this system is intended to produce a high resolution spectrum of the 0.1-1.0 keV diffuse X-ray background, integrated over a approximately 1 steradian field of view. The same cryostat and detector system (36-pixel array) can be flown at the focus of a conical foil imaging mirror to do spatially resolved spectroscopy of supernova remnants and other extended source on future flights.
Defined conditions for the initiation and growth of cotton callus in vitro. I. Gossypium arboreum.

Defined in vitro conditions for callus initiation byGossypium arboreum L. were determined, and different tissues were evaluated as explant sources. Environmental conditions tested included light versus dark, and low light versus high light. Different nutrient media as well as carbohydrate sources were examined. Our data show that hypocotyl tissue was superior to cotyledon or leaf tissue as the explant source for callus proliferation; the Murashige-Skoog inorganic formulation with (in mg per 1) 100 myo-inositol, 0.4 thiamine·HCl, 2 indoleacetic acid (IAA), 1 kinetin, and 3% glucose solidified by agar was the best medium to initiate callus. Cultures with sucrose as a carbohydrate source browned rapidly. Callus proliferation was superior under high light (8000 to 9000 lux) conditions at 29±1°C. Various combinations of auxins and cytokinins were tested for their ability to improve callus proliferation and subsequent growth of subcultures. Although the MS medium containing IAA and kinetin was found superior for obtaining rapid proliferation of callus from hypocotyl explants, a second medium containing 2 mg per 1 naphthalenacetic acid (NAA) and 0.5 to 1 mg per 1 benzyladenine (BA) was found necessary for vigorous growth of subcultured callus. A MS medium with 5 to 10 mg per 1 {ie329-1} (2iP) and 1 mg per 1 NAA was also favorable for continued subculturing.
Matching pursuit filters applied to face identification

Abstract An algorithm has been developed for the automatic identification of human faces. Because the algorithm usesfacial features restricted to the nose and eye regions of the face, it is robust to variations in facial expression, hairstyle and the surrounding environment. The algorithm uses coarse to fine processing to estimate the location ofa small set of key facial features. Based on the hypothesized locations of the facial features, the identificationmodule searches the database for the identity of the unknown face. The identification is made by matching pursuitfilters. Matching pursuit filters have the advantage that they can be designed to find the differences between facialfeatures needed to identify unknown individuals. The algorithm is demonstrated on a database of 172 individuals. 1 Introduction There are many applications in modern society for a successful face identification system: nonintrusive identificationand verification for credit cards and ATM machines; nonintrusive access control to buildings and restricted areas;and monitoring of ports of entry for terrorists and smugglers. For the designer of pattern recognition algorithms,face recognition is a very challenging problem. The goal is to develop an algorithm that can differentiate among apopulation of three-dimensional curved objects that all have the same basic shape from databases whose size willvary from a couple of hundred individuals to over one million. The face itself is a dynamically varying object. Facialexpressions, make-up, facial hair and hair style all change from day to day. The conditions under which facial imageryis collected contribute to the difficulty of developing face recognition algorithms. The lighting, background, poseof the face, scale, and parameters of the acquisition are all variables in facial imagery collected under real-worldscenarios.A key to successfully developing a general face identification system is to systematically solve a sequence ofsubproblems of increasing complexity. One critical subproblem is the development of an algorithm that can identifyfaces from a gallery of full face frontal imagery. A gallery is the collection of images of known individuals; an imageof an unknown face presented to the algorithm is called a probe. The solution to this subproblem requires that thealgorithm implicitly handle the curved three-dimensional nature of the face and differentiate between the faces.
Morphology and monoaminergic modulation of Crustacean Hyperglycemic Hormone-like immunoreactive neurons in the lobster nervous system

Neuronal somata located near branch points in the second thoracic nerve roots of the lobster are immunoreactive for Crustacean Hyperglycemic Hormone (CHH)-like peptides, a family of putative stress hormones. We have employed intracellular dye injection, immunostaining, and confocal imaging to observe the anatomy of these root neurons, which are morphologically diverse and dye coupled. Some root neurons contribute to neurosecretory structures at the points of exit of the root from the nerve cord. Other CNS-projecting root neurons send projections into the T5-A1 interganglionic connectives. Neurosecretory elements of the serotonin (5HT) and octopamine (OCT) systems, implicated in postural control and aggression, terminate densely in the vicinity of the second thoracic root neurons. We have confirmed by double immunostaining for 5HT and CHH-like peptides that the endings of the 5HT neurons are in close apposition to root neurons in the superficial regions of the root. We have also extended previous studies documenting electrophysiological responses of the root neurons to 5HT or OCT. Bath-applied 5HT and OCT inhibit the spontaneous bursting activity of root neurons at concentrations higher than 100 nM. The root neurons desensitize to the persistent presence of high concentrations of 5HT, but not OCT, in the bath. Nanomolar concentrations of OCT, but not 5HT have an excitatory effect on the spontaneous bursting activity of root neurons. This region of the lobster nervous system is of continuing interest, as identified neurons of three neuromodulatory systems implicated in stress and aggression converge and interact at the level of identified neurons.
Purification and characterization of recombinant forms of murine Tcl1 proteins.

The TCL1 gene, which is located on chromosome 14, plays a major role in human hematopoietic malignancies and encodes a 14-kDa protein whose function has not been determined. This gene is expressed in pre-B cells, in immature thymocytes, and, at low levels, in activated T cells but not in peripheral mature B cells and in normal cells. The Tcl1 protein is similar in its primary structure to a protein encoded by the mature T-cell proliferation gene (MTCP1). The MTCP1 gene is located on the X chromosome and has been shown to be involved in rare chromosomal translocations in T-cell proliferative diseases. The murine TCL1 gene resides on mouse chromosome 12 and is homologous to the human TCL1 and MTCP1 genes. Murine Tcl1 protein has 116 amino acid residues and shares 50% sequence identity with human Tcl1, while the human and mouse Mtcp1 are nearly identical, with conservative differences in only six residues. The TCL1 and MTCP1 genes appear to be members of a family of genes involved in lymphoid proliferation and T-cell malignancies. Our laboratory has undertaken the study of the Tcl1 and Mtcp1 proteins to determine the structure and the function of these related proteins. In the present report, we have produced, using a bacterial expression system, the purified murine Tcl1 protein and a mutant form of murine Tcl1 protein containing a cysteine to alanine mutation at amino acid position 85. The recombinant proteins were purified by chromatography on a Ni-NTA resin followed by reverse-phase FPLC using a buffer system at pH 7.9 and a polymer-based reverse-phase column. The murine Tcl1 recombinant protein displays limited solubility and forms disulfide-linked dimers and oligomers, while the mutant murine Tcl1 C86A protein has increased solubility and does not form higher order oligomers. The purified recombinant murine proteins were characterized by N-terminal sequence analysis, mass spectrometry, and circular dichroism spectroscopy. Initial results indicate that the mutant murine Tcl1 C86A protein is suitable for both NMR and X-ray crystallographic methods of structure determination.
The near-patient test FlexSure had low sensitivity and high specificity for detecting Helicobacter pylori infection

Source Citation Duggan AE, Elliott C, Logan RF. Testing for Helicobacter pylori infection: validation and diagnostic yield of a near patient test in primary care. BMJ. 1999 Nov 6:319:1236-9. 10550087
Study of Narrowband Radiation Intensity Measurements from Subsonic Exhaust Plumes

Narrowband radiation intensitymeasurements were obtained of exhaust plumes exiting from a converging nozzle with varying Reynolds numbers (2:4–6:1 10), Mach numbers (0.4–1.0), and temperatures and species compositions corresponding to low fuel-to-air equivalence ratios (0.17–0.28). The plumeswere generated by burning jet A with dry air flowing through a laboratory gas turbine combustor. Radiation intensity measurements were acquired using an infrared camera fitted with a narrowband filter (4:34 0:1 m). The narrowband radiation intensity leaving adiametric path exhibited apower dependence (2.8) on the equivalence ratio. Smaller changes in the intensity were observed for plumes with near-identical equivalence ratios but varying exit velocities. These smaller changes are attributed to differences in the sensible and kinetic energy and the changes in the mixing rates with ambient air. The magnitude of the radiation intensities emanating from chordlike paths normalized by that emitted from the diametric path (at an identical distance from the nozzle exit) plotted as a function of the distance between these paths show approximately self-similar profiles for some conditions. A departure from the self-similar profiles is observed for conditionswhere thewidth of the infrared images contracts significantly. For the test conditions studied, the intensity emanating from the diametric paths first decayed linearly with increasing distance from the nozzle exit and then decayed exponentially with an inflexion point near the end of the plume core.
Structure, function and regulation of the tricarboxylate transport protein from rat liver mitochondria

Recent progress is summarized on the structure, function, and regulation of the tricarboxylate (i.e., citrate) transport protein (CTP) from the rat liver mitochondrial inner membrane. The transporter has been purified and its reconstituted function characterized. A cDNA clone encoding the CTP has been isolated and sequenced, thus enabling a deduction of the complete amino acid sequence of this 32.6 kDa transport protein. Dot matrix analysis and sequence alignment indicate that based on structural considerations the CTP can be assigned to the mitochondrial carrier family. Hydropathy analysis of the transporter sequence indicates six putative membrane-spanning α-helices and has permitted the development of an initial model for the topography of the CTP within the inner membrane. The questions as to whether more than one gene encodes the CTP and whether more than one isoform is expressed remain unanswered at this time. Studies documenting a diabetes-induced alteration in the function of several mitochondrial anion transporters, which can be reversed by treatment with insulin, provide a physiologically/pathologically relevant experimental system for studying the molecular mechanism(s) by which mitochondrial transporters are regulated. Potential future research directions are discussed.
Systematics of the genera Torulopsis, Debaryomyces and Metschnikowia. Proton magnetic resonance spectra of the mannans as an aid in classification.

The proton magnetic resonance spectra of the mannans of a number ofDebaryomyces andMetschnikowia species (Endomycetales) were determined. The spectra of all of the mannans had several similar characteristics, regardless of the species from which they originated.
An econometric study to evaluate proposal estimates

Abstract It is hypothesized that contract historical cost data can be used to provide a guide for evaluating proposal estimates generated by the organization. This hypothesis was tested for various input factors by examining multiple regressions of specific characteristics of fifty-five contracts. Of the various input factors examined, the multiple regression model explained from a high of over 94 per cent of the variation for engineering labor, to a low of 37 per cent of the variation for electronic development technical labor. The explanatory variables were highly significant with t values ranging from a low of 1·2 to a high of 26·6, with the vast majority greater than 2·0.
Beta-adrenergic blockers in pregnancy

The therapeutic indications for &adrenergic blocking drugs are varied. These drugs have proven efficacy in the treatment of hypertension, arrhythmias, hyperthyroidism, atherosclerotic heart disease, essential tremor, migraine headache, and glaucoma.’ Many of these conditions will manifest themselves during the reproductive years of the female patient. The desire to ensure both maternal health and normal fetal growth and development has led to questions regarding the safety of P-blocker use during pregnancy. In this review, the world experience with P-blocker treatment during pregnancy is assessed. Recommendations concerning p-blocker administration during pregnancy are proposed in light of this world experience.
Punctuated equilibria, rates of change and large-scale entities in evolutionary systems

Introduction Archaeology and palaeontology, often confused in the public’s mind, do in fact share more than a common source of data in the earth beneath our feet. Both are charged with documenting the actual results of history-be that history the fruits of the evolutionary process as preserved in the sequence of faunas and floras in the fossil record, or the history of human sociocultural evolution as preserved in the archaeological record. In this paper I wish to seek a still deeper analogy between the two disciplines: as I see it, both archaeology and palaeontology are poised and ready to enter the ranks of what, for want of a better term, we might call ‘functional’ science-conferring an alternative status to their traditional perception as purely ‘historical’ sciences. Asked what is unique and potentially powerful about their data, both archaeologists and palaeontologists generally respond with the simple word ‘time’. As skimpy and scantily incomplete as their data generally are, both disciplines are unique within their larger fields of evolutionary and sociocultural enquiry in providing the exact temporal backdrop against which the actual course of historical events have been played out. Yet it is so that, at least until recently, relatively little in terms of actual contributions to an understanding of evolutionary mechanisms (or simply processes of history) have been forthcoming from these disciplines. This is because the actual processes of change (or, for that matter, of that vastly more common pattern, stasis, meaning stability or virtual lack of change) are commonly held to be understood solely in the short-term phenomena of currently functioning systems. This epistemological assertion-that we can understand processes of stasis and change in both biological and sociocultural systems only by studying the structure and function of currently existing systems (e.g. Dobzhansky, 1937; Carson, 1981, for evolutionary biology)-is usually not distinguished from the ontological claim that those processes and phenomena observed in the short term are both necessary and entirely suficient to account for all historically observed phenomena-including those of the palaeontological and archaeological records. Thus the role of archaeology as well as of palaeontology has been simply to document the actual events of history-leaving to evolutionary biologists (mainly, in the past 50 years, geneticists) and sociocultural theorists working with various aspects of human behaviour and sociocultural organization the task of actually elucidating the mechanisms of stasis and change in those systems.
Tools supporting the creation and evolution of software development knowledge

Software development is a knowledge-intensive activity involving the integration of diverse knowledge sources that undergo constant change. The volatility of knowledge in software development requires that knowledge bases are able to support a continuous knowledge acquisition process where tools are available that can make use of partial knowledge. To address these issues, case-based technology is used in combination with an organizational learning process to create an approach that turns Standard Development Methodologies (SDM) into living documents that capture project experiences and emerging requirements as they are encountered in an organization. A rule-based system is used to tailor the SDM to meet the characteristics of individual projects and provide relevant development knowledge throughout the development lifecycle.
Chronic cough: State-of-the-art review

Cough is the most common presenting complaint in adults seeking medical treatment in an ambulatory setting. Chronic cough (persisting greater than 3 weeks) can be associated with myriad diseases that may overlap multiple medical specialties. For this reason, a thorough assessment of the patient with chronic cough relies on a multidisciplinary approach and close cooperation between pulmonary medicine, gastroenterology, and otolaryngology. Despite this daunting task, success can be achieved in up to 90% of patients with chronic cough if a systematic and thorough approach is used. The purpose of this review is to summarize the state-of-the-art in the diagnosis and treatment of chronic cough for the practicing otolaryngologist.
Floral density, pollen limitation, and reproductive success in Trillium grandiflorum.

Decreases in floral density can disrupt mutualistic interactions between plants and their pollinators, and decrease reproductive success. I addressed the relationship between floral density and plant reproductive success using two experimental approaches: a pollen supplementation experiment in 12 populations of Trillium grandiflorum that naturally varied in floral density, and a transplant experiment in which floral density was manipulated in plots at four experimental sites. In the pollen supplementation experiments, the degree of pollen limitation, in terms of fruit set and seed set, decreased with floral density. Further, in the experimental sites, plant reproductive success increased asymptotically with floral density. These results demonstrate the value of simultaneously conducting experiments in both experimental sites and natural populations to understand how population density influences plant reproductive success. Factors that reduce the density of this perennial herb, such as habitat fragmentation and herbivory by white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus), should be expected to limit its reproduction.
A Familial Study of Severe Phonological Disorders

The present study examined the familial basis for severe phonological disorders. Twenty children with severe phonological disorders and their siblings were compared to 20 normally developing children and their siblings on measures of phonology, language, reading, and motor ability. Results revealed that the siblings of the disordered children performed more poorly than control siblings on phonology and reading measures. Disordered subjects' phonological skills correlated significantly and positively with their siblings', whereas controls' scores did not. Families of disordered children reported significantly more members with speech and language disorders and dyslexia than did families of controls. Sex differences were reflected in the incidence but not the severity or type of disorder present. These findings suggest a familial basis for at least some forms of severe phonological disorders.
The Development of Adaptive Expertise in Biomedical Engineering Ethics

This paper is an investigation of the How People Learn (HPL) Legacy Cycle's ability to expand adaptive expertise across the developmental span of high school and college. Participants included high school and college students. Pre-test data indicated younger students (high school and first-year college students) were less knowledgeable about the science of stem cells than older students (second-, third-, and fourth year college students), and all students were low in adaptiveness. Post-test data showed that younger students achieved parity with the more advanced students in basic scientific knowledge. The younger students also became highly adaptive by the post-test, but the older students did not advance beyond their pre-curriculum levels. We hypothesize that the older students began the intervention with more preconceived notions about stem cells, and thus were less able to think and analyze flexibly within that framework.
Chemical network algorithms for the risk assessment and management of chemical threats.

A network of chemical threats: Current regulatory protocols are insufficient to monitor and block many short-route syntheses of chemical weapons, including those that start from household products. Network searches combined with game-theory algorithms provide an effective means of identifying and eliminating chemical threats. Language: en
Use of IGBT-gated GTO-cascode switches in resonant converters

The use of recently available high-voltage insulated gate bipolar transistor (IGBT) to improve switching performance of a gate turn-off (GTO) thyristor in a cascode configuration is documented. The IGBT-gated GTO-cascode switch features simple drive requirement, fast switching, robustness, and overcurrent protection. The cascode switch is applied in a quasi-resonant converter. Results indicate that IGBT-gated GTO-cascode switches are promising candidates for high-power and high-frequency applications. >
Arterial injury in uncomplicated upper extremity dislocations.

The purpose of this study is to analyze causes and consequences of arterial injury complicating simple dislocations of the upper extremity. This is a multicenter, 5-year, retrospective analysis of vascular injury in patients sustaining shoulder or elbow dislocations without associated fractures. Foci of the study were mechanisms of injury, preoperative imaging, incidence of closed reductions, types of arterial injury, methods of surgical repair, and ultimate outcome. Arterial injury in this patient cohort occurred in 0.74% of patients. Axillary artery injury occurred in 0.97% and brachial in 0.47%. Both elbow and shoulder dislocations may cause severe arterial damage and strenuously test surgical expertise to achieve successful repair.
Cognitive, Affective, and Behavioral Responses Associated with Mechanical Tooth Movement

Cognitive, affective, and behavioral responses to pain associated with mechanical tooth movement differ from responses to other procedures involved in changing physical appearance. Although orthodontic treatment can be an unpleasant experience that may be painful at times, it is more of a discomfort that can be attenuated by the expectation of improvement in quality of life resulting from an improvement in occlusion and facial morphology. In contrast to the almost immediate changes in appearance following plastic surgery, patients undergoing orthodontic treatment have a longer time to adjust their perceptions, emotions, and behavior to the relatively smaller changes in morphology. Techniques for managing the discomfort and behavioral changes associated with orthodontic procedures are described.
Abernethy Malformation and the Spectrum of Imaging Findings: A Case Report

Congenital extrahepatic porto systemic shunt (CEPS) is a rare condition in which the porto mesenteric blood drains into a systemic vein, bypassing the liver through a complete or partial shunt. It is commonly associated with multiple congenital anomalies. A diagnosis of Abernethy malformation is made by non-invasive cross-sectional imaging techniques such as Doppler ultrasound, CT or MRI, which show the shunt and intrahepatic portal vein branches. We report a case presenting with psychological issues, systemic hypertension, upper extremity deformities, liver lesions and portal hypertension. Usually the patients are diagnosed in childhood, in our case the patient is a middle aged woman. This case report shows the importance of imaging in diagnosis of this condition and presentation of the patient with portal hypertension which is rare.