cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The endocrine dependency of certain thyroid cancers and the danger that hypothyroidism may stimulate their growth.

Chyroidectomy or treatment with I/sup 131/ or thiouracil may stimulate the growth of well(differentiated thyroid cancers or may even convert them to anaplastic carcinomas. Probably it is not the radiation irom the I/sup 131/ but the secondary hypothyroidism and the increased output of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) that stimulates the cancer. Desiccated thyroid in doses of 3 gr or more daily inhibits the gression of differentiated thyroid cancers. Most inoperable thyroid cancers should not be treated by I/sup 131/ until they have been given a trial on treatment with desiccated thyroid. All patients operated on for thyroid cancer should be given desiccated thyroid tc prevent recurrences. (auth) 27lO The course of cancer of the thyroid with pulmonary metastases treated with radioiodine has been reviewed in 15 cases. Two patients died from what was presumed to be radiation pneumonitis. In 4 other patients there was x-ray evidence of pulmonary fibrosis. Nine patients are still alive one and a half to eight years after I/sup 131/ therapy of pulmonary metastases from carcinoma of the thyroid. (auth)
Current-Induced Forces upon Atoms Adsorbed on Conducting Carbon Nanotubes

We calculate the forces acting upon species adsorbed on a single wall carbon nanotube, in the presence of electric currents. We present a self-consistent real space Green function method, which enables us to calculate the current-induced forces from an ab initio Hamiltonian. The method is applied to calculate the force on an adsorbed O atom on a (5,5) carbon nanotube, for different bias voltages and adsorption sites. For good contact regimes and biases of the order of volts, the presence of a current can affect the potential energy surfaces considerably. Implications of these effects for the induced diffusion of the species are analyzed. The dependence of the force with the nanotube radius is studied. In addition, the magnitude of inelastic electron scattering, inducing vibrational heating, and its influence on the adsorbates' drift is commented.
Analysis of the left atrial appendage morphology by intracardiac echocardiography in patients with atrial fibrillation

Detailed information regarding the structure and dimensions of the left atrial appendage (LAA) is required to guide implantation of LAA occlusion devices in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF). Currently, this procedure is guided by transesophageal echocardiography (TEE). The objective of this study was to evaluate the accuracy of intracardiac echocardiography (ICE) in assessing LAA dimensions. The LAA anatomy was analyzed in 21 consecutive patients (age 62 ± 9 years, five women, six paroxysmal AF) who underwent catheter ablation for AF. All patients had pre-procedural scans (computed tomography (CT), N = 9; magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), N = 12) of the left atrium (LA). An 8-Fr phased-array ICE catheter was used to obtain images of the LAA. The LAA was visualized with the ICE probe placed sequentially in the right atrium (RA, N = 21 patients), in the coronary sinus (CS, N = 20 patients), and in the LA (N = 21 patients). ICE imaging from the LA showed a LAA ostium diameter of 24 ± 4 mm and a LAA depth of 32 ± 4 mm. There was strong correlation between the measurements by ICE and the values obtained by CT and MRI. The LAA was visualized in all cases from all locations (RA, CS, and LA), but complete visualization of the LAA could not be obtained from the RA and the CS in a significant number of cases, preventing accurate measurements. Imaging of LAA using an ICE probe positioned in the LA results in accurate measurements of LAA dimensions. This imaging modality could potentially be used during implantation of LAA occlusion devices as an alternative to TEE.
"Reform without change": update, 1998.

As a result of the Flexner Report in 1910, proprietary medical schools disappeared and science taught by researchers became a part of every medical school curriculum. Medical research produced products that improved health and brought large profits to health-related industries. Research became the c
A Virtual Environment for Training Military Checkpoint Guards

The present study describes a Virtual Environment (VE) designed to train individuals to perform the role of a military checkpoint guard. Participants stood guard at a fictitious base in which simulated drivers in vehicles would approach seeking entrance. Participants were asked to inspect each vehicle, interact with the drivers, verify their identification, and make a decision to allow the driver to enter the base, to detain the vehicle, or to ask the driver to turn around and leave. The experiment was conducted in a CAVE™ with stereoscopic visual and auditory displays, participant tracking, and voice recognition. The results showed that participants were able to learn quite effectively in the VE with the biggest performance improvements seen in the areas of proper protocol and social influence. These findings suggest that VE technology holds promise for activities that are more like experience-based training and which place a greater emphasis on social interaction skills.
Detection and apparent taste intensity of salt-acid mixtures in two media

Gustatory responses to mixtures of sodium chloride and citric acid were measured in two media of dispersion, distilled water and green bean puree, by fifteen experienced Ss. The two psychophysical methods employed, detection thresholds and apparent taste intensity, showed good agreement. Salt sharply depressed apparent sourness in both media, as well as interfering with detection of sourness. Citric acid influenced apparent saltiness in a complex manner, dependent upon concentration, media, method, and tile individual S. In water, lower concentrations of acid generally enhanced and higher concentrations depressed saltiness. Within both media, half the Ss indicated an enhancement of saltiness with increasing acidity and half indicated the reverse. Higher acid levels interfered with detection of saltiness. This biphasic response to binary taste stimuli are discussed and compared with pertinent findings from previous literature.
An adenovirus vector system used to express polyoma virus tumor antigens

Abstract We have used a generalized adenovirus vector system to express the three polyoma tumor (T) antigen proteins under the control of the adenovirus major late promoter. One hybrid virus, Ad-PySVR498, expresses high levels of polyoma middle and small T antigens. A second hybrid virus, Ad-LTSVR545, which contains a cDNA copy of the polyoma A gene, overproduces large T antigen. The T antigens produced are indistinguishable from their authentic polyoma counterparts as determined by immunoprecipitation and partial cleavage by V8 protease. Analysis of polyoma mRNAs encoded by the recombinant viruses showed that they initiate from the adenovirus major late promoter and contain the tripartite leader at their 5' ends. Large T antigen isolated from Ad-LTSVR545-infected cells by immunoaffinity was shown to bind selectively to polyoma DNA sequences that contain the origin of viral DNA replication as well as the sites for transcription initiation.
The MFPS XV Security Session

Abstract : Security has long been a popular application of formal methods. This is because it is a fertile source of challenging problems that are important enough to justify the effort involved in developing mathematical models and formal techniques. We are moving to a more networked world where our vital transactions depend upon our ability to communicate securely over an untrusted network and upon information and software obtained from parties about whom we may know little if anything. To meet these challenges, Mathematical Foundations of Programming Semantics (MFPS) is bringing people in formal methods and semantics together with researchers in the field of security. A special session of MFPS15 was devoted to security. It involved one invited talk by Martin Abadi and six speakers: Dominique Bolignano, Carl Gunter, Pat Lincoln, George Necula, Geoffrey Smith, and Paul Syverson. The speakers covered four major areas of security: Cryptographic Protocol Verification, Public Key Infrastructure, Secrecy Models, and Code Verification. In this paper, the authors present an overview of these areas and indicate why they are important and what makes them difficult. They also give a brief outline of the speakers' talks.
Deuterium analysis by infrared spectrophotometry

Abstract An improved method for the infrared spectrophotometric determination of deuterium is described.
A Technique to Predict the Acoustic Radiation Characteristics of an Automobile Tire

Abstract A technique to predict the acoustic radiation characteristics of the predominant structural modes of an automobile tire is presented. A stationary tire is excited by an electrodynamic vibrator and, through conventional modal analysis methods, a description of the surface velocity is obtained. With this information, and a representation of the tire geometry, numerical procedures are used to predict the acoustic surface intensity and field pressure, for a given frequency of interest, based on a Helmholtz integral formulation. Predicted far field sound pressure levels are in close agreement with experimental measurements taken in an anechoic chamber. This provided the necessary validation of the technique.
On implicit Runge-Kutta methods with a stability function having distinct poles

Because of their potential for offering a computational speed-up when used on certain multiprocessor computers, implicit Runge-Kutta methods with a stability function having distinct poles are analyzed. These are calledmultiply implicit (MIRK) methods, and because of the so-calledorder reduction phenomenon, their poles are required to be real, i.e., only real MIRK's are considered. Specifically, it is proved that a necessary condition for aq-stage, real MIRK to beA-stable with maximal orderq+1 is thatq=1, 2, 3 or 5. Nevertheless, it is shown that for every positive integerq, there exists aq-stage, real MIRK which is stronglyA0-stable with orderq+1, and for every evenq, there is aq-stage, real MIRK which isI-stable with orderq. Finally, some useful examples of algebraically stable real MIRK's are given.
From fermiology to spin dynamics: Current status of Fermi liquid based approaches to the cuprates

Abstract A central issue in the field of high temperature superconductivity is the nature of the normal state. Here we review normal state transport, thermodynamic, magnetic and spectroscopic data and discuss their interpretation within a Fermi liquid based framework. Il is demonstrated that the cuprate data are not consistent with canonical Fermi liquid behavior. However, if the Fermi liquid is characterized by low energy scales, arising from narrow bandwidths or soft spin fluctuations, then canonical behavior is not expected at the relatively “high” temperatures of the normal state. We discuss two main Fermi liquid based schools, i.e., the “almost localized” and “almost magnetic” descriptions. Both approaches have addressed the data with some success and it is clear that they are, in many respects, closely related. Here it is claimed that the strongest support for a Fermi liquid based approach to the cuprates derives from the comparison with other strongly correlated Fermi liquid systems, which exhibit similar normal state anomalies.
Abstract 3922: A comparative study of affibody, antibody and EGF for near-infrared fluorescence imaging of EGFR- and EGFRvIII-expressing tumors.

Proceedings: AACR 104th Annual Meeting 2013; Apr 6-10, 2013; Washington, DC Aberrant overexpression and/or activation of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) is associated with many types of cancers. EGFR variant III (EGFRvIII) is a common in-frame deletion mutant, which lacks a large part of the extracellular portion (exons 2-7), including components of the ligand-binding domain. Although EGFR has been extensively studied as a molecular imaging target, information about EGFRvIII-targeted molecular imaging is lacking. In this study, an EGFR-specific affibody, a therapeutic antibody (panitumumab) and the ligand EGF were labeled with IRDye 800CW (Ex/Em: 774/789 nm), and named as Aff800, Pan800 and EGF800 respectively. The binding affinities of the labeled agents were compared in cell-based assays using a rat glioma cell line F98 parental (F98-p) lacking EGFR, and two F98-derived transgenic cell lines expressing EGFR or EGFRvIII (designated as F98-EGFR and F98-vIII respectively). Results showed that all agents could bind to F98-EGFR, with Pan800 having the highest binding affinity, followed by Aff800 and EGF800. Pan800 and Aff800, but not EGF800, bound to F98-vIII with similar affinities. In vivo animal imaging studies demonstrated that compared to F98-p tumor signals, F98-EGFR tumor generated higher signals for all three agents. However, in the case of F98-vIII, only Pan800 and Aff800 signals were higher. Analysis of tissue lysates showed that a large portion of Pan800 was degraded into small fragments in F98-EGFR and F98-vIII tumors, possibly due to proteolytic digestion after its specific binding and internalization. In conclusion, Pan800 and Aff800 could be used as imaging agents for both wild type EGFR and EGFRvIII, whereas EGF800 only targets wild type EGFR. Citation Format: Haibiao Gong, Joy L. Kovar, Lael Cheung, Eben L. Rosenthal, David M. Olive. A comparative study of affibody, antibody and EGF for near-infrared fluorescence imaging of EGFR- and EGFRvIII-expressing tumors. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 104th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2013 Apr 6-10; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2013;73(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 3922. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2013-3922
Analog synthetic biology

We analyse the pros and cons of analog versus digital computation in living cells. Our analysis is based on fundamental laws of noise in gene and protein expression, which set limits on the energy, time, space, molecular count and part-count resources needed to compute at a given level of precision. We conclude that analog computation is significantly more efficient in its use of resources than deterministic digital computation even at relatively high levels of precision in the cell. Based on this analysis, we conclude that synthetic biology must use analog, collective analog, probabilistic and hybrid analog–digital computational approaches; otherwise, even relatively simple synthetic computations in cells such as addition will exceed energy and molecular-count budgets. We present schematics for efficiently representing analog DNA–protein computation in cells. Analog electronic flow in subthreshold transistors and analog molecular flux in chemical reactions obey Boltzmann exponential laws of thermodynamics and are described by astoundingly similar logarithmic electrochemical potentials. Therefore, cytomorphic circuits can help to map circuit designs between electronic and biochemical domains. We review recent work that uses positive-feedback linearization circuits to architect wide-dynamic-range logarithmic analog computation in Escherichia coli using three transcription factors, nearly two orders of magnitude more efficient in parts than prior digital implementations.
Discovery of a photoresponse amplification mechanism in compensated PN junctions

We report the experimental evidence of uncovering a photoresponse amplification mechanism in heavily doped, partially compensated silicon p-n junctions under very low bias voltage. We show that the observed photocurrent gain occurs at a bias that is more than an order of magnitude below the threshold voltage for conventional impact ionization. Moreover, contrary to the case of avalanche detectors and p-i-n diodes, the amplified photoresponse is enhanced rather than suppressed with increasing temperature. These distinctive characteristics lead us to hypothesize that the inelastic scattering between energetic electrons (holes) and the ionized impurities in the depletion and charge neutral regions of the p-n junction in a cyclic manner plays a significant role in the amplification process. Such an internal signal amplification mechanism, which occurs at much lower bias than impact ionization and favors room temperature over cryogenic temperature, makes it promising for practical device applications.
Establishing an industrial strength testing program.

This study was performed to develop and evaluate a scheme for matching the strength of workers to the strength demands of their jobs. Biomechanical analyses were performed on production jobs in an aluminum reduction plant to identify and quantify strength demands. These data were used to design a set of nine strength tests which simulated job activities with the greatest strength requirements. A cross section of plant employees assigned to these jobs was strength tested and monitored for medical incidents for a period of over two years. Significant relationships were found among job strength requirements, worker strengths, and medical incidents. Workers with strength abilities (as determined by the tests) less than job strength requirements suffered a higher rate of medical incidents than workers whose strength abilities matched or exceeded job demands. It was concluded that strength testing can be used to identify workers who would be at increased risk of suffering medical incidents if placed on jobs whi...
A model of the transient response of mass-transfer limited gas sensors

Abstract A model for the transient response of a mass-transfer limited electrochemical gas sensor is developed to describe the sensor behavior in the presence of a mixture of oxygen and one oxidizable (and possibly oxygenated) generic hydrocarbon, C l H m O n (i.e. CO, C 3 H 5 OH, H 2 , CH 4 , C 3 H 8 , C 3 H 6 …) in an inert carrier gas such as N 2 . The goal is to predict the time dependent sensor output resulting from a time dependent gas composition. The model is developed for a metal oxide sensor but can easily be adapted to other types of material. In principle, the model could also be extended to other gas environments. The model is shown to agree well with experiment under both steady state and transient conditions.
Density of states of degenerate n-type silicon from elastic constants

Abstract The density of states in heavily doped silicon can be derived from the electronic effect on a shear elastic constant. The density of states found in this way confirms the anomalous values obtained from specific heat measurements.
Reply to ``Comment on `Light-front Schwinger model at finite temperature' ''

In the preceding comment, Blankleider and Kvinikhidze criticize the form of the thermal propagator used previously by us and propose an alternate thermal propagator for the fermions in the light-front Schwinger model. We show that, within the standard light-front quantization used by us, the thermal propagator for the fermions is unique as presented in that paper.
Low temperature X-ray diffraction study of La2−xMxCuO4, M, Sr

Abstract The low temperature phase diagrams for La 2−x M x CuO 4 , M Ba and Sr, were redetermined using high resolution synchroton x-ray diffractionm by monitoring the low temperature orthorhombic (LTo1, standard space group Cmca indexed Bmab) 020/200 and low temperature tetragonal (LTT, P4 2 /ncm) 200 peaks. For M Ba, the LTT phase exists as a minority phase at the 10–15% level in the nominally LTO1 phase well above the bulk LTT transformation temperature. For M Sr there is no bulk LTT transformation, but up to 10% LTT phase is observed at low temperatures. For unsubstituted La 2 CuO 4 no LTT contribution to diffraction is observed, down to an estimated sensitivity of 3%. For x>0.12, both for M Sr and Ba, the LTO1 200/020 diffraction peak splitting at low temperatures is inadequate to allow the observation of a possible minority LTT phase. Based on low temperature transmission electron microscopy studies of La 2−x Ba x CuO 4 , we propose a two step transformation from the LTO1 to the LTT phase. The LTT phase may be nucleated at relatively high temperatures at the LTO1 twin boundaries. For M Ba, near T=60K, the LTT phase also develops within the LTO1 twins, and the sample essentially completely transforms to LTT.
Gramicidin, VDAC, porin and perforin channels

This review covers the miscellaneous channels that do not fall w=ithin the domain of the other reviews in this section. Three different channel systems will be reviewed: the gramicidin A channel; the large weakly selective channels that are present in the outer membrane of mitochondria (VDACs) and bacteria (porin); and the large channels whose function is to kill cells by colloid osmotic hemolysis (perform).
R&D for the Spallation Neutron Source mercury target

An overview of the research and development program for the Spallation Neutron Source (SNS) is presented. The materials-related efforts in target development are emphasized in order to provide a perspective for a number of specialized papers that are included in these proceedings. We give a brief introduction and historical sketch of the SNS project. Part of the materials R&D consists of calculations of radiation damage and of transmutation rates. He and H are considered to be the most important transmutation products. Radiation effects and Hg compatibility investigations make up the major part of the experimental effort. In the former, spallation irradiations are carried out in the LANSCE at Los Alamos National Laboratory and in the SINQ at the Paul Scherrer Institute. Irradiations that simulate aspects of a spallation environment are included to extend the parameter space of the spallation irradiations. The simulations are carried out at the low energy (MeV) accelerators of the TIF facility and at the HFIR reactor, both located at Oak Ridge National Laboratory. Irradiated specimens are tested for changes in mechanical properties and are characterized with respect to microstructural changes by transmission electron microscopy. The compatibility experiments cover both the effects of Hg on behavior in mechanical properties tests, and the effects of flowing Hg on mass transfer in target structural materials. The results of this extensive program of materials work indicate that the target design and materials performance will meet their intended service.
Teaching research theory and application through on-line simulation

The development of the University of Louisville program for teaching experimental psychology and statistics through computer simulation techniques is described.
A test of the reliability of Rb-Sr dates for selected glauconite morphologies of the upper Cretaceous (Navesink Formation) of New Jersey

Abstract Glauconite samples from the Navesink Formation of New Jersey were separated into different morphological groups. Each morphological type was dated using the Rb-Sr method in an attempt to test the hypothesis that the mamillary and the lobate glauconite morphologies are more suitable than other morphologies for radiometric dating. Isochron dates of unaltered dark-green lobate glauconites were found to be reliable indicators of the true age of the sedimentary rock. Weathering processes may drastically affect the87Rb/87Sr ratios of glauconite pellets by removal of Rb from the glauconite. This results in anomalously high apparent ages. Light-green glauconites were shown to have suffered extensive Rb loss and are hence inappropriate for dating. A slightly altered dark-green lobate glauconite appears to have suffered some Rb loss. X-ray diffraction criteria were not always sufficient in indicating whether glauconite samples have remained closed systems with respect to87Rb and87Sr.
Aberrant retinal projections to midbrain targets mediate spared visual orienting function in hamsters with neonatal lesions of superior colliculus.

Rodents, cats, and most nonmammalian vertebrates with bilateral tectal deafferentation or ablation in adulthood are extremely deficient at orienting to visual stimuli; yet animals with neonatal lesions of superficial layers of the superior colliculus (SC) show partial sparing of this response, particularly for targets in the central visual field. In this study, we sought to determine whether these spared orienting abilities are mediated by aberrant retinal projections to the remaining intermediate layers of the SC, or whether visual cortex (VC) mechanisms or alternative behavioral strategies are responsible. Neonatal golden hamsters received either bilateral heat lesions of the SC (rlSC), or a heat lesion of the right SC and enucleation of the right eye (rSCrE). This latter procedure causes axons from the left eye to recross the tectal midline and terminate in the “wrong” (left) SC (Schneider 1973). As adults, both groups of hamsters were extremely deficient in visually guided approach to stationary targets, although rlSC-lesioned hamsters showed some sparing for central field targets and rSCrE-lesioned hamsters often made wrong-direction turns for targets in the left peripheral field. We then subjected both groups of neonatally lesioned hamsters to bilateral aspiration lesions of the VC. Retesting showed no change in visual orienting behavior as a result of the cortical lesions. Labeling of the optic tract with horseradish peroxidase (HRP) revealed abundant aberrant retinal projections to remaining intermediate layers of the SC and thalamic nucleus lateralis posterior (LP), as well as supernormal innervation of pretectal nuclei, the dorsal terminal nucleus of the accessory optic tract, and the ventral nucleus of the lateral geniculate body (LGv). We conclude that the spared visual orienting capabilities of hamsters with rlSC and rSCrE lesions are mediated by the aberrant midbrain projections, and that cortical mechanisms are not involved in spared visual orienting functions following these neonatal lesions.
Raynaud's phenomenon: pathophysiologic features and treatment with calcium-channel blockers

Raynaud's phenomenon may be associated with severe pain, functional disability and digital infarction, particularly in patients with underlying vascular disease. The pathophysiologic features of Raynaud's phenomenon are complex although vasospasm contributes to the production of digital ischemia in most cases. Calcium-channel blockers have been shown to produce arteriolar vasodilation and an increase in peripheral blood flow. They have been used to treat patients with Raynaud's phenomenon in several prospective, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials. Low doses of verapamil were ineffective but both diltiazem and nifedipine produced subjective improvement in 60 to 90% of cases. Objective measures of digital blood flow were not improved. Patients without underlying vascular disease responded more readily to therapy than patients with scleroderma. Adverse effects were uncommon and seldom necessitated discontinuation of therapy. These data suggest that nifedipine and diltiazem provide effective short-term improvement in symptoms for most patients with Raynaud's phenomenon.
Effect of hypothyroidism on in-vitro and in-vivo intestinal glucose absorption in the chick (Gallus domesticus).

Abstract 1. 1. Propylthiouracil (0.1%) was fed in mash to one-week old chicks for a period of 2 weeks. 2. 2. After 2 weeks of PTU treatment intestinal glucose transport was studied in both control and PTU-fed chicks using in-vitro and in-vivo techiques. Glucose oxidation by the dispersed epithelial cells was also determined. 3. 3. Body weight, liver weight, plasma glucose as well as plasma and liver lipids were determined before and 15, 30, 60 and 120 min after glucose load. 4. 4. PTU feeding significantly increased serosal:mucosal (S:M) ratio by everted sacs and decreased glucose oxidation by dispersed epithelial cells. 5. 5. After an oral glucose load plasma glucose levels were significantly higher in PTU-fed chicks at 15 and 30 min compared to control chicks but returned to pre-load values by 120 min in both groups. 6. 6. The rise in plasma glucose was associated with a drop in plasma triglycerides and phospholipids. 7. 7. Increased transport in the PTU-fed chick returned towards control level after chicks were taken off PTU and fed control mash. 8. 8. Our data suggest that hypothyroidism in the chick results in increased intestinal glucose transport without affecting glucose disposal. These changes seem to be adaptive in nature and are reversible.
Multiyear satellite observations of the atmospheric response to Atlantic tropical instability waves

[1] High-resolution satellite measurements from the Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM), Quick Scatterometer (QuikSCAT), and Special Sensor Microwave Imager (SSM/I) are used to study the variability of sea surface temperature (SST), surface wind velocity, water vapor, cloud liquid water, and precipitation associated with westward moving tropical instability waves (TIWs) in the Atlantic Ocean from 1998 to 2005. Coherent ocean-atmosphere patterns are shown during these 8 years. Southeasterly trades strengthen and water vapor increases over warm SST anomalies associated with TIWs. The opposite is true over cold TIW SST anomalies. The cloud liquid water and rain response to the SSTs follows a similar pattern, appearing generally downstream of SST anomalies in the central tropical Atlantic. The atmospheric response to the TIW SST anomalies extends north of the TIW active region, suggesting a remote response to the TIWs. The atmospheric response to the Atlantic TIWs also exhibits interannual variations. In 1999, owing to the southward movement of the Atlantic Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ), the rainfall response to the TIW SST anomalies is much larger than in other years. When the Atlantic ITCZ moves south, it is more susceptible to TIW influence.
Myelin protein zero/P0 phosphorylation and function require an adaptor protein linking it to RACK1 and PKCα

Point mutations in the cytoplasmic domain of myelin protein zero (P0; the major myelin protein in the peripheral nervous system) that alter a protein kinase Cα (PKCα) substrate motif (198HRSTK201) or alter serines 199 and/or 204 eliminate P0-mediated adhesion. Mutation in the PKCα substrate motif (R198S) also causes a form of inherited peripheral neuropathy (Charcot Marie Tooth disease [CMT] 1B), indicating that PKCα-mediated phosphorylation of P0 is important for myelination. We have now identified a 65-kD adaptor protein that links P0 with the receptor for activated C kinase 1 (RACK1). The interaction of p65 with P0 maps to residues 179–197 within the cytoplasmic tail of P0. Mutations or deletions that abolish p65 binding reduce P0 phosphorylation and adhesion, which can be rescued by the substitution of serines 199 and 204 with glutamic acid. A mutation in the p65-binding sequence G184R occurs in two families with CMT, and mutation of this residue results in the loss of both p65 binding and adhesion function.
Structural and functional analysis of the semitendinosus tendon after harvest for soft tissue reconstructive procedures: A dynamic ultrasonographic study

To assess the potential for regeneration of the hamstring tendons after harvesting for various soft tissue reconstructive procedures, this study uses dynamic, high-resolution ultrasound to evaluate the presence of any tissue in the harvest gap and to characterize tissue functionality. Patients who underwent ACL reconstruction using ipsilateral hamstring autograft were identified in the database of a single surgeon. Dynamic 12-MHz sonographic imaging was used to evaluate the ipsilateral and contralateral (control) semitendinosus tendons from their insertion sites to proximal muscle bellies. The presence or absence and echogenicity of tissue in the harvest defect, tissue appearance, degree of retraction of the proximal tendon stump, thickness of gap tissue, and motion of the proximal tendon stump were recorded. Data were analysed with Wilcoxon–Mann–Whitney, sign or binomial tests, with significance of P < 0.05. Eighteen knees in 15 patients (aged 17–51 years) were studied. The proximal amputated stump was retracted an average of 9.0 ± 7.6 cm (range, 0–18 cm; P = 0.0063). With dynamic testing, 9 of 15 knees demonstrated decreased excursion of the proximal tendon stump when compared to the native, contralateral muscle–tendon unit (P = 0.0039). Tissue was detected in the harvest gap in nine knees, five of which had harvest gap tissue with a disorganized appearance compared to the native tendon (P < 0.0001). Six of these nine knees had tissue in the gap demonstrating either less or no excursion with active knee flexion when compared to the native, contralateral side (P = 0.0313). The presence of tissue in the harvest gap after ACL reconstruction is variable. When tissue is present, there is proximal retraction of the musculotendinous junction and disorganized appearance of the tissue that does not demonstrate normal excursion or physiological function similar to the native muscle-tendon unit. Case series, Level IV.
Conditional disruption of miR17-92 cluster in collagen type I-producing osteoblasts results in reduced periosteal bone formation and bone anabolic response to exercise.

In this study, we evaluated the role of the microRNA (miR)17-92 cluster in osteoblast lineage cells using a Cre-loxP approach in which Cre expression is driven by the entire regulatory region of the type I collagen α2 gene. Conditional knockout (cKO) mice showed a 13–34% reduction in total body bone mineral content and area with little or no change in bone mineral density (BMD) by DXA at 2, 4, and 8 wk in both sexes. Micro-CT analyses of the femur revealed an 8% reduction in length and 25–27% reduction in total volume at the diaphyseal and metaphyseal sites. Neither cortical nor trabecular volumetric BMD was different in the cKO mice. Bone strength (maximum load) was reduced by 10% with no change in bone toughness. Quantitative histomorphometric analyses revealed a 28% reduction in the periosteal bone formation rate and in the mineral apposition rate but with no change in the resorbing surface. Expression levels of periostin, Elk3, Runx2 genes that are targeted by miRs from the cluster were decreased by 25–30% in the bones of cKO mice. To determine the contribution of the miR17-92 cluster to the mechanical strain effect on periosteal bone formation, we subjected cKO and control mice to 2 wk of mechanical loading by four-point bending. We found that the periosteal bone response to mechanical strain was significantly reduced in the cKO mice. We conclude that the miR17-92 cluster expressed in type I collagen-producing cells is a key regulator of periosteal bone formation in mice.
Rapid mtDNA deletion by oxidants in rat liver mitochondria after hemin exposure

Abstract The amounts of superoxide and hydrogen peroxide generated by mitochondria under physiological conditions can be enhanced by cellular stress. This study tested the hypothesis that the response to hemin-induced stress, which includes heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) induction, predisposes to oxidative damage of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA). Hepatic mitochondria from control, hemin-, and CO-exposed rats were incubated with tert -butyl hydroperoxide ( tert -BH) or the NO donor 1,2,3,4-oxatriazolium, 5-amino-3- (3,4-dichlorophenyl)-chloride (GEA 3162). Mitochondrial total and oxidized glutathione (GSH and GSSG), total and free iron, and 8-oxo-7, 8-dihydro-2′-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) were determined with and without oxidants. As expected, oxidation by tert -BH induced significant GSH depletion and increased amounts of free iron and 8-OhdG. Oxidant exposure rapidly produced a large mtDNA deletion involving the coding regions for cytochrome c oxidase (COX 1) and NADH dehydrogenase (ND1 and ND2). Hemin and CO greatly exacerbated susceptibility to the deletion of mtDNA by tert -BH, and this was attenuated by preincubation with GSH methyl ester. Analysis of mitochondria-associated proteins Bax and Bcl-xl in hemin- and CO-exposed rats showed significant responses, revealing interactions with apoptotic pathways. Thus, hemin-induced mitochondrial events sensitize a specific region of the mitochondrial genome to deletion, which is related to depletion of GSH and is not explained by effects of CO. This mtDNA damage is associated with altered expression of mitochondrial cell death proteins, thereby suggesting a novel mechanism for systemic or environmental pro-oxidants to influence apoptosis.
Modeling of twin-screw extrusion cooking of corn meal and sugar beet fiber mixtures☆

Abstract A statistical model was established for extrusion cooking of corn meal and sugar beet fiber mixtures in a twin-extruder. The operational variables included screw speed of the extruder, addition level of sugar beet fiber and fiber particle size. Specific mechanical energy (SME) input, product temperature (T), pressure before die (DP) and gelatinized starch content (GS) were measured and used to characterize the physical and chemical properties of extrudates. The results showed that these predictor variables could explain 79–96% of the variations in product length, diameter, specific volume, breaking strength and water absorption index. Color attributes of the product also depended on the fiber particle size. It showed that the empirical model proposed by Meuser and coworkers is applicable to the complex food system.
Designer Media and Pulses for Optimally Long-Lived and Reversible Energy Storage

Given a dielectric resonance structure and geometry, we outline design of pulses stored most reversibly. Given a pulse and medium geometry, we outline design of a resonance structure for most reversible pulse storage.
Photosynthesis and Chloroplast Development in Primary Leaves of Phaseolus vulgaris Illuminated with Continuous Far-Red Light

Summary A comparative study of photosynthetic properties of bean primary leaves illuminated with continuous far-red or white light during an 8-day period revealed the following. Leaf size in far-red developed plants is about half that in white light developed plants. However, the rates of CO2 fixation on an area basis in far-red developed leaves are comparable to those in white light developed tissue, although the far-red developed leaves have 20 times less chlorophyll per unit leaf area. The ethanol soluble photosynthetic products, and the developmental patterns of ribulosebisphosphate carboxylase and of NADP-dependent glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase in the two leaf types are similar. However, chloroplast ultrastructure, after prolonged far-red illumination, remains curtailed at a simple stage characterized by unappressed thylakoids. Gel electrophoresis indicates that chloroplasts from far-red illuminated leaves are deficient in a polypeptide corresponding in molecular weight to the protein moiety of the light harvesting chlorophyll protein (Complex II). In addition it appears that far-red illumination, while significantly affecting chlorophyll synthesis and chloroplast structure, has little effect on the development of the enzymes and activities associated with the dark reactions of photosynthesis.
Using Near Infrared Reflectance Spectroscopy to Schedule Nitrogen Applications on Dwarf-Type Bermudagrasses

Due to the high rates of N fertility necessary for producing high-quality turfgrasses, quick, reliable methods of determining the N status of turfgrasses would be valuable management tools. The first objective of this study was to evaluate the use of near infrared reflectance spectroscopy (NIRS) to schedule N fertilization on two dwarf-type bermudagrasses [Cynodon dactylon (L.) Pers. × C. transvaalensis Burtt Davy]. The second objective was to test the accuracy of NIRS-predicted mineral tissue concentrations. The third objective was to study the effect of N fertility on thatch development. Tifdwarf' and FloraDwarf' bermudagrasses grown on sand-peat (9:1 by volume) were subjected to five treatments using time, NIRS-predicted N thresholds, and a visual quality rating threshold to schedule applications of (NH 4 ) 2 SO 4 for 20 wk per growing season in 1997 and 1998. There were positive linear relationships between total Kjeldahi nitrogen (TKN) and NIRS-predicted N in 1997 (r 2 = 0.76; slope = 0.96) and 1998 (r 2 = 0.92; slope = 1.06). NIRS-scheduled fertility resulted in similar quality with less fertilizer than time or visual quality-based fertility. The NIRS mineral concentration predictions for K, Ca, Mg, Fe, Zn, Mn, and Cu were positively correlated with traditional laboratory methods, but there was not sufficient precision in measurements to use NIRS for determination of these nutrients. Thatch development and yields were greater in treatments receiving higher rates of fertilizers, suggesting that excessive growth rates due to high rates of applied fertilizer may have contributed to thatch development.
Action Potential Initiation in the Hodgkin-Huxley Model

A recent paper of B. Naundorf et al. described an intriguing negative correlation between variability of the onset potential at which an action potential occurs (the onset span) and the rapidity of action potential initiation (the onset rapidity). This correlation was demonstrated in numerical simulations of the Hodgkin-Huxley model. Due to this antagonism, it is argued that Hodgkin-Huxley-type models are unable to explain action potential initiation observed in cortical neurons in vivo or in vitro. Here we apply a method from theoretical physics to derive an analytical characterization of this problem. We analytically compute the probability distribution of onset potentials and analytically derive the inverse relationship between onset span and onset rapidity. We find that the relationship between onset span and onset rapidity depends on the level of synaptic background activity. Hence we are able to elucidate the regions of parameter space for which the Hodgkin-Huxley model is able to accurately describe the behavior of this system.
Decrease in cranial nerve complications after radiosurgery for acoustic neuromas: a prospective study of dose and volume.

Abstract Purpose: To determine whether tumor control can be maintained, and cranial nerve complications decreased by reducing the radiosurgical dose to acoustic neuromas. Methods and Materials: Forty-two consecutive patients with acoustic neuromas were treated prospectively using an initial standard-dose protocol in which the tumor-margin dose (50% isodose) was 20, 18, and 16 Gy for tumor diameters ≤ 2 cm, 2.1–3 cm, and 3.1–4 cm, respectively. After analysis of tumor control and complications, the next 40 patients were treated using a reduced-dose protocol in which the tumor-margin dose was 16, 14, and 12 Gy for tumor volumes ≤ 4.2 cm 3 , 4.2–14.1 cm 3 , and ≥ 14.1 cm 3 , respectively. Results: Median follow-up was 2.3 years (range 0.1–6) for 80 of 82 patients. The actuarial incidence (Kaplan-Meier) of facial neuropathy at 2 years was 38% (95% confidence interval [CI], 23–53%) for the standard-dose protocol and 8% (95% CI, 0–17%) for the reduced-dose protocol ( p = 0.006). Univariate analysis revealed an association between risk of facial neuropathy and use of CT planning, higher radiosurgical dose, and neurofibromatosis, type 2. Multivariate analysis revealed that the only factor associated with increased risk of post-treatment facial neuropathy was a tumor margin dose ≥ 18 Gy. The incidence of trigeminal neuropathy at 2 years was 29% (95% CI, 15–43%) for the standard-dose protocol and 15% (95% CI, 3–27%) for the reduced-dose protocol ( p = 0.17). Univariate analysis revealed an association between maximal tumor diameter and increased risk of trigeminal neuropathy; multivariate analysis revealed no additional statistically significant associations between tumor and dosimetric and patient characteristics and risk of trigeminal neuropathy. Two tumors in the standard-dose protocol required salvage surgery for progression. To date, no tumor in the reduced-dose protocol has shown progression. Conclusion: Our analysis suggests that a tumor margin dose of ≥ 18 Gy is the most significant risk factor for facial nerve complications after acoustic neuroma radiosurgery. Patients receiving a minimal tumor dose of ≤ 16 Gy are at significantly lower risk for permanent facial neuropathy after radiosurgery. Longer follow-up is required before definitive conclusions can be made about the ultimate rate of tumor control using reduced radiosurgical doses.
In vitro effects of cyclosporine on glomerular function.

Cyclosporine A (CsA) causes vasoconstriction and decrease in glomerular filtration rate. Experiments were conducted in isolated glomeruli to study effects of CsA of glomerular perfusion and independent of systemic or renal factors. CsA caused a dose dependent decrease in glomerular volume consistant with mesangial contraction. The ultrafiltration coefficient Kf was significantly lower after incubation in 4 × 10-4 M CsA when compared to control (2.81 ± 0.2 vs 5.19 ± 0.5 nl/min × mm Hg; p < 0.001). Hydraulic conductivity Lp was diminished by CsA from 2.69 ± 0.11 to 1.41 ± 0.05 μl/min × mm Hg × cm2 (p < 0.001). These findings demonstrate a direct effect of CsA on the glomerulus which must be considered in addition to drug-induced changes in perfusion and tubular function.
NEW RHEOMETER FOR DETERMINING RHEOLOGICAL AND VISCOELASTIC PROPERTIES OF FLUIDS.

A rising cylinder rheometer is described which can be used to study the flow properties of fluids in the low shear regions similar to those caused by a falling particle. The rheometer may also be used to study viscoelastic properties of fluids. The rheometer was used to obtain flow curves in the low shear region of several pharmaceutical suspending agents. Bingham yield values were obtained by extrapolating methods from these flow curves. Dynamic viscosities of these materials were obtained by analysis of their relaxation behavior. The dynamic viscosities are compared with the plastic viscosities of the materials in the low shear range.
Model-Based Control of an Integrated Fuel Cell and Fuel Processor With Exhaust Heat Recirculation

In this paper, we consider the dynamic and controlled operation of an integrated natural gas fuel processor system (FPS), a proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEM-FC), and a catalytic burner (CB). The FC provides power based on the electrochemical reaction of hydrogen. The FPS generates the hydrogen from natural gas through catalytic partial oxidation (CPOX) and the CB provides the energy for preheating the FPS inlet flows by burning any excess hydrogen from the FC exhaust. The coupling of these three systems poses a challenging optimization and control problem. Optimization is performed to generate the air and fuel flow intake setpoints to the FPS for various load levels. The optimal flow setpoints are used in a static feedforward map that ensures maximum efficiency at steady state. Linear quadratic techniques are then used to develop a controller to mitigate hydrogen starvation in the fuel cell and regulate CPOX reactor temperatures. We show in simulations that the designed observer-based feedback controller, which relies on temperature measurements of two reactors, speeds up the transient response fourfold, as compared to the baseline when the static feedforward controller is employed