cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Constructs of human neuropathy target esterase catalytic domain containing mutations related to motor neuron disease have altered enzymatic properties.

Neuropathy target esterase (NTE) is a phospholipase/lysophospholipase associated with organophosphorus (OP) compound-induced delayed neurotoxicity (OPIDN). Distal degeneration of motor axons occurs in both OPIDN and the hereditary spastic paraplegias (HSPs). Recently, mutations within the esterase domain of NTE were identified in patients with a novel type of HSP (SPG39) designated NTE-related motor neuron disease (NTE-MND). Two of these mutations, arginine 890 to histidine (R890H) and methionine 1012 to valine (M1012V), were created in human recombinant NTE catalytic domain (NEST) to measure possible changes in catalytic properties. These mutated enzymes had decreased specific activities for hydrolysis of the artificial substrate, phenyl valerate. In addition, the M1012V mutant exhibited a reduced bimolecular rate constant of inhibition (ki) for all three inhibitors tested: mipafox, diisopropylphosphorofluoridate, and chlorpyrifos oxon. Finally, while both mutated enzymes inhibited by OP compounds exhibited altered time-dependent loss of their ability to be reactivated by nucleophiles (aging), more pronounced effects were seen with the M1012V mutant. Taken together, the results from specific activity, inhibition, and aging experiments suggest that the mutations found in association with NTE-MND have functional correlates in altered enzymological properties of NTE.
Current moment in sprite-producing lightning

Abstract Studies of sprite-producing lightning have revealed much of what we currently know about the mechanisms responsible for this phenomenon. With a combination of new and previous results, we summarize the currently known quantitative characteristics of this special class of lightning. This information has come primarily from the quantitative analysis of the electromagnetic fields produced by distant lightning. The long range of this technique has made it especially powerful, but there are important limitations on what can be measured that are related to the bandwidth of the measurement system. The lightning charge moment change required to initiate sprites varies across a relatively wide range, from approximately 100– 2000 C km . Note that this is not the total charge moment change in sprite producing lightning, which is by definition greater than the initiation threshold. This range is in very good agreement with the predictions of streamer-based sprite modeling. We also summarize the strong evidence, from a variety of sources, in favor of sprite currents as the origin of ELF pulses seen in a significant fraction of sprite events. The largest events show sprite current moment amplitudes of ∼1000 kA km and sprite charge moment changes of at least 1200 C km , and perhaps significantly more. Lastly, we show that delayed sprites are generated from very strong continuing currents (20– 60 kA km ) following a +CG return stroke. In the few cases analyzed, this current generates a charge moment change from 2000 to 6000 C km at the time of sprite initiation, which appears to be consistent with theoretical predictions of larger charge moment changes required for delayed sprite initiation. This current can be detected and analyzed with distant, sensitive ULF magnetic field measurements. Although much is known about sprite-producing lightning, there remain some fundamental yet unanswered questions about the lightning–sprite relationship. We expect that at least some of these will be answered in the relatively near future.
Electrocardiogram, Myocardial Oxygen and Contraction in Scar and Collaterally Supplied Muscle After Experimental Coronary Ligation

Studies of myocardial electrocardiograms, oxygen, and cinematographic muscle contraction were carried out in dogs during coronary branch ligation and after 2 to 12 weeks' recovery. Scars were found in 12 of 13 animals. Five were transmural at some point and seven entirely subendocardial. Myocardial electrocardiographic abnormalities were found in every animal with a scar. Epicardial electrocardiographic abnormalities (localized Q waves or low R waves) were roughly conterminous with the surface projection of the entire extent of all transmural scars and of six out of seven subendocardial scars. Precordial leads were abnormal in only three animals, all with transmural scars. Responses to oxygen inhalation, hypoxia, and levarterenol for these animals were within the range of normal variation, but there was a tendency to develop ventricular fibrillation, unrelated to the amount of scar. Study of the acute ischemic dysfunction consequent to coronary ligation is not of great value for the interpretation of the ...
Measurements of 1/f noise amplitude modulated by a large-signal carrier in bipolar junction transistors

Abstract A novel experimental system for the investigation of frequency-translated flicker noise in bipolar junction transistors is demonstrated. First, transistors are characterized for their base–emitter junction behavior and flicker noise parameters in steady state. Then, measurements of the frequency conversion of 1/ f noise are performed by the application of a large sinusoidal signal to the base–emitter junctions of bipolar junction transistors. The applied signal is varied in frequency and amplitude, and the resulting conversion gains are reported. A novel measurement technique, which enables the detection of noise fluctuations near a much larger signal is demonstrated. These results are compared with harmonic balance simulation.
On the adaptive interpolation of discrete-time signals

Abstract In this paper, the problem of adaptive interpolation of discrete-time signals that could be modeled as autoregressive processes is studied. The interpolation of discrete-time signals has received considerable attention recently and a variety of interpolating techniques have been developed with varying degrees of success. A suboptimal iterative approach for the interpolation problem is developed and it is shown by simulation studies that this technique converges quite fast within a few iterations, and is computationally very attractive as it does not involve matrix inversion during interpolation. The effect of signal bandwidth and the center frequency of the pole on the accuracy of interpolation is also examined and some theoretical results for first and second order AR processes are derived. These theoretical results are verified using computer simulations.
Increased acidic phospholipids in rat brain membranes after chronic ethanol administration.

Abstract Two types of plasma membranes isolated from rat brain cortex were used to study the membrane-perturbing properties of ethanol. Rats administered ethanol in the form of a liquid diet showed an increase in levels of phosphatidylserines, phosphatidylinositols and phosphatidic acids as compared to controls. The results present evidence that chronic ethanol treatment results in an increase in the acidic phospholipids in brain membranes. This type of membrane modification may have important implications for the function of membrane transport enzymes such as (Na + ,K + )-ATPase, which also increases in activity upon chronic ethanol administration.
A 3D global MHD simulation of Saturn's magnetosphere

Abstract We present the results of a three dimensional global magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) model of the magnetosphere of Saturn. The model represents the interaction of a magnetized solar wind with a fast rotating, magnetized planet and includes planetary rotation as well as a simplified model of the neutral torus produced by Titan. This neutral cloud acts as a plasma source inside the magnetosphere and can strongly affect plasma densities. We present steady-state solutions for three different interplanetary magnetic field (IMF) conditions and show that the interaction of corotational flow of the inner magnetosphere with the solar wind driven flow depends strongly on the IMF configuration.
Long term results of detrusorectomy in children

Purpose To assess bladder behaviour after detrusorectomy and check whether good short time outcome remains unchanged at long-time follow-up. Material and methods Between 1990 and 2001 forty nine detrusorectomies were done (mean follow up 9,6 years). Urodynamic study (UDS) was done before surgery and at 12 months and 3 to 5 years post-op. Bladder capacity (BC) was considered good when more than 80% of EBC. Compliance was defined as good when less than 20 H2O at 80% of EBC. Twenty patients had good BC and compliance before surgery (group I). Indication for detrusorectomy in this group was: detrusor overactivity and/or complex surgery (fascial sling/reimplantation). Twenty nine patients had poor BC or/and compliance preoperatively (group II). Good BC and compliance postoperatively were considered as good result. Results All had UDS with success rate of 70% (14 pts) in group I and 31% (9 pts) in group II. Long term follow-up (min. 6 years) revealed 28 good bladders (16 group I and 12 in group II). Six patients had only one control UDS. Those patients did clinically very well and did not need 2nd UDS. Overall success rate was 57%. Two bladders deteriorated in function and 3 improved. Nine patients (18%) needed formal bladder augmentation (group I – 3pts; group II – 6pts). In eleven patients anticholinergics could be stopped (group I – 5pts; group II – 6pts) and in 2 patients reduced to once daily. Conclusions Bladder behaviour improves after detrusorectomy and can obviate the need of antimuscarinics in most of succesfull cases. Good short term result remain usually unchanged at long term outcome.
Should Target Organ Damage Become a Therapeutic Target

In this issue of the Journal, Shlomai, Grassi, Grossman,and Mancia address the always “hot topic” of targetorgan damage in patients with hypertension in an articleentitled “Assessment of Target Organ Damage in theEvaluation and Follow-Up of the Hypertensive Patients:Where Do We Stand?” The article is thoughtful andinformative, considers the facts and takes away theﬁction, and balances the totality of evidence to reachconclusions. It is a pleasure to offer my brief commen-tary from a different angle.Hypertension is a well-known cardiovascular (CV)risk factor that contributes substantially to increasedmorbidity and mortality. High blood pressure (BP) cancause changes in many organs in the body, such as leftventricular hypertrophy (LVH), proteinuria and renalfailure, retinopathy and vascular dementia, increasedcarotid intima-media thickness, and even increasedcalcium score. These changes are collectively called“target organ damage” (TOD) and are associated withincreased risk for CV complications. There are manyprocesses involved in the pathogenesis of TOD andthese include endothelial activation, platelet activation,increased thrombogenesis, changes in the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS), and collagenturnover. Most of the changes early on affect thevasculature, cause endothelial dysfunction, vascularhypertrophy, arteriosclerosis, and atherosclerosis. Forthis reason, hypertension has also been called a vasculardisease.Endothelial dysfunction (or endothelial activation) ischaracterized by 3 distinct properties: inability tovasodilate, inability to prevent adhesion of inﬂamma-tory molecules, and loss of ability to prevent proteinleak.Endothelial dysfunction is associated with decreasedproduction of nitric oxide (NO) and decreased NObioavailability in the vessel wall
Latex Hypersensitivity in a Child With Diabetes

Background A 6-year-old girl who was diagnosed with diabetes mellitus 20 months previously developed erythematous, raised lesions at the site of her insulin injections. The reactions occurred when isophane and lispro insulin were administered individually or combined but not when insulin was obtained from the bottle after the septum had been removed. Objectives To describe latex hypersensitivity in a child with diabetes and to review the literature. Design Case report. Results Findings from intradermal testing confirmed latex hypersensitivity. A change to insulin administration by insulin pen decreased the frequency of the reactions. Conclusion Latex hypersensitivity should be considered in children with type 1 diabetes who develop local reactions to insulin injections.
Conservative Management of Stage I Endometrial Carcinoma after Surgical Staging

Abstract Objective. The aim of this study was to determine the outcomes of Stage I endometrial carcinoma patients who are managed without adjuvant radiation after comprehensive surgical staging. Methods. A computerized hospital database identified women diagnosed with adenocarcinoma of the endometrium from 1993 to 1998. A chart review identified 864 women as having primary surgery for adenocarcinoma of the endometrium. A total of 670 of 864 patients (78%) underwent comprehensive surgical staging with total hysterectomy, bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy, pelvic/para-aortic lymphadenectomy, and peritoneal cytology. After 57 patients with high-risk histologic subtypes were excluded, 613 patients remained for analysis. Results. A total of 321 of 325 Stage IB patients (99%) did not receive adjuvant radiation. Fifteen of 321 patients (5%) recurred; 9 recurred in the pelvis or vagina. All 9 local recurrences were salvaged with whole pelvic radiation (XRT) and brachytherapy (BT). Seventy-seven patients were diagnosed with Stage IC disease; 53 (69%) received no adjuvant therapy. Four patients (8%) recurred, of which 2 recurred in the vagina. Three of 4 patients (75%) were salvaged, 2 with XRT/BT and 1 with surgery and chemotherapy. For all Stage I patients, the 5-year disease-free survival was 93% and the 5-year overall survival was 98%. Conclusions. Surgically staged patients with endometrial carcinoma confined to the uterine corpus have a small risk of recurrence and the majority of these recurrences can be salvaged with radiation therapy. Conservative management of Stage I endometrial carcinoma patients is an effective treatment strategy.
Effect of continuous traffic noise on percentage of deep sleep, waking, and sleep latency

When subjected to alternating quiet nights (32 dB) and noise nights (equivalent levels of 47 dB) a group of 14 subjects showed an average increase in the fraction of deep sleep of about 2.5% resulting from the traffic noise. Another group of 12 subjects whose noise nights were at 60 dB had an average of 4.6% increase in deep sleep during these nights. The number of wakings also increased for both groups but, as was found before, this adapted rapidly with the number of nights. The average latency of sleep onset does not appear to be affected by the traffice noise but individual differences are great and may be of opposite sign. Latency of sleep onset and waking both show appreciable ‘‘laboratory effect’’ which takes longer to disappear than the one or two nights usually assumed.
Pepsin-solubilized collagen of human nucleus pulposus and annulus fibrosus

Human nucleus pulposus and annulus fibrosus, obtained at autopsy from patients 7-30 years of age, were extracted with 2 M guanidine-HCl (pH 5.82) to remove proteoglycans, then stirred with pepsin in 0.5 M acetic acid, followed by three 24-h extractions with 1 M NaCl (pH 7.5) and one 24-h extraction with 2 M KSCN (potassium thiocyanate) (pH 7.2). Pepsin and NaCl solubilized an average of about 30% of nucleus pulposus collagen and 18% of annulus fibrosus collagen. KSCN extracted a further 34% of nucleus pulposus collagen and only 4% of annulus fibrosus collagen. CM-cellulose chromatography of nucleus and annulus collagen purified from the pepsin, NaCl and KSCN supernatants consistently revealed only one peak, always appearing slightly ahead of the alpha1 position for rat tail tendon type I collagen. Polyacrylamide and SDS-gel electrophoresis consistently revealed only one band with the mobility of alpha1 chains. Amino acid composition of collagen from nucleus and annulus is comparable to those of mammalian and avian cartilage type II collagen, and distinctly different from those of rat tail tendonand guinea pig skin type I collagens. Periodate oxidation of nucleus and annulus collagens showed that 81% and 67%, respectively, of the hydroxylysine residues survive treatment, compared to 71% for bovine articular cartilage collagen and 17% for guinea pig skin collagen. Total hexose analysis revealed 1.8 muM and 2.0 muM hexose per muM periodate-stable hydroxylysine in nucleus and annulus collagens, respectively. Ion exchange chromatography showed the presence of glucose and galactose in a ratio of 0.92:1 in nucleas collagen and 1.07:1 in annulus collagen. Pepsin-solubilized, NaCl-extracted collagen from nucleus and annulus formed native-type fibrils in vitro. The banding patterns of ATP-induced segment-long-spacing precipitates of nucleus and annulus collagens were identical to each other and indistinguishable from those of cartilage (type II) collagen, but distinctly different from those of rat tail tendon (type I) collagen. These data suggest that the collagen which can be extracted after limited pepsin attack of human nucleus and annulus is of the form [alpha1 (II)]3.
Instructor Misbehaviors as Digital Expectancy Violations: What Students Despise and What They Let Slide

This study examines students’ motives for communicating with their instructors when the instructor exhibits inappropriate or unprofessional online behavior. To understand the relationship between w...
Surface core level shifts in photo-electron spectra from the Ca, Sr and Ba titanates

Photoelectron binding energy (BE), shifts observed in core level spectra of Ca, Sr and Ba present at the outer most surface with respect to the bulk in the respective single crystal titanates can be correlated to the inverse of their respective electro-negativities. Such trends can be explained within the context of the charge potential model. This model, which does not account for final state effects, indicates that (a) the direction of the BE shift results from chemical environment variations (an inter-atomic effect sometimes referred to in Madulung constant terms), and (b) BE shift variations result from electron density variations on the atom the photo-electron emanated from (an intra-atomic effect, which can also be relayed in ionic radii and electro-negativity terms).
Rapid acid treatment of Escherichia coli: transcriptomic response and recovery.

Many E. coli genes show pH-dependent expression during logarithmic growth in acid (pH 5–6) or in base (pH 8–9). The effect of rapid pH change, however, has rarely been tested. Rapid acid treatment could distinguish between genes responding to external pH, and genes responding to cytoplasmic acidification, which occurs transiently following rapid external acidification. It could reveal previously unknown acid-stress genes whose effects are transient, as well as show which acid-stress genes have a delayed response. Microarray hybridization was employed to observe the global gene expression of E. coli K-12 W3110 following rapid acidification of the external medium, from pH 7.6 to pH 5.5. Fluorimetric observation of pH-dependent tetR-YFP showed that rapid external acidification led to a half-unit drop in cytoplasmic pH (from pH 7.6 to pH 6.4) which began to recover within 20 s. Following acid treatment, 630 genes were up-regulated and 586 genes were down-regulated. Up-regulated genes included amino-acid decarboxylases (cadA, adiY, gadA), succinate dehydrogenase (sdhABCD), biofilm-associated genes (bdm, gatAB, and ymgABC), and the Gad, Fur and Rcs regulons. Genes with response patterns consistent with cytoplasmic acid stress were revealed by addition of benzoate, a membrane-permeant acid that permanently depresses cytoplasmic pH without affecting external pH. Several genes (yagU, ygiN, yjeI, and yneI) were up-regulated specifically by external acidification, while other genes (fimB, ygaC, yhcN, yhjX, ymgABC, yodA) presented a benzoate response consistent with cytoplasmic pH stress. Other genes (the nuo operon for NADH dehydrogenase I, and the HslUV protease) showed delayed up-regulation by acid, with expression rising by 10 min following the acid shift. Transcriptomic profiling of E. coli K-12 distinguished three different classes of change in gene expression following rapid acid treatment: up-regulation with or without recovery, and delayed response to acid. For eight genes showing acid response and recovery (fimB, ygaC, yhcN, yhjX, ymgABC, yodA), responses to the permeant acid benzoate revealed expression patterns consistent with sensing of cytoplasmic pH. The delayed acid response of nuo genes shows that NADH dehydrogenase I is probably induced as a secondary result of acid-associated metabolism, not as a direct response to cytoplasmic acidification.
Patch Migration: A Serious Late Complication of Thoracotomy Lead Systems

Thoracotomy patch leads used for implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs) are generally safe and effective. We describe two patients in whom a late complication of patch lead migration occurred years after the original implants, causing a bronchopleural fistula in one and lingular lobe collapse in the other patient. We conclude that patch migration is a late but possible complication of extrapericardial ICD leads, and should be suspected in patients who present with hemoptysis, atypical pneumonia, or lung collapse after the initial ICD surgery.
The magnitude of the extracellular space in electron micrographs of superficial and deep regions of the cerebral cortex.

Electron micrographs (EMs) of central nervous tissue perfused with glutaraldehyde and post-fixed with osmium tetroxide exhibit more extracellular space in superficial than in deep regions of the brain. It was postulated that this is due to the availability to the surface tissue of the cerebrospinal fluid in the subarachnoidal space. It was assumed that in addition to the extracellular material this fluid is taken up by dendritic elements in the surface layer of the cortex during the glutaraldehyde perfusion. Indeed, dendritic structures in EMs of the surface layer of glutaraldehyde-perfused and OsO4-post-fixed cortex exhibited a more pronounced swelling than similar structures in deeper cortical regions, where only extracellular material was available to the dendrites. The extracellular space in such preparations consisted of narrow slits surrounding the tissue elements. These slits were formed during the post-fixation since they were not present in freeze-substituted, glutaraldehyde-perfused tissue, which showed a paucity of extracellular material. The slits were in general wider in the superficial than in the deep cortical tissue. That this difference is related to the amount of material taken up by the dendrites during the glutaraldehyde perfusion was supported by experiments in which the exposed cortical surface was flooded with Ringer's solution during the glutaraldehyde perfusion. This resulted in a ballooning of dendritic elements in the cortical surface due to the availability of an unlimited amount of fluid on the cortex. Post-fixed material of these flooded cortices yielded EMs with unusually wide extracellular slits around the tissue elements.
Genetic networks that regulate B lymphopoiesis

Purpose of review The B cell developmental pathway represents a leading model within the hematopoietic system for the analysis of genetic networks, which orchestrate cell fate specification and commitment. Considerable progress is being achieved in the characterization of regulatory components that comprise such networks and examining their connectivity. These components include the cytokine receptors Flk2 and IL-7R as well as the transcription factors PU.1, Ikaros, Bcl11a, E2A, EBF, and Pax-5. Based on new experimental evidence, a comprehensive model is proposed that invokes sequentially acting and inter-dependent regulatory modules that instruct the generation of B cell precursors from multipotential hematopoietic progenitors. Recent findings The transcription factor PU.1 regulates the generation of lymphoid progenitors that express Flk2 and IL-7R. IL-7R receptor signaling appears to function in specification of the B cell fate. The transcription factor EBF can bypass the requirement for PU.1 and E2A in early B cell development. Pax-5 expression and function are contingent on EBF. Summary Assembly of gene regulatory networks involved in cell fate specification may facilitate the efficient and directed generation of lineage-specific hematopoietic progenitors from embryonic stem cells for therapeutic purposes.
InSAR-based hydrology of the Everglades, South Florida

New space-based observations of South Florida reveal spatially detailed, quantitative images of water levels in the Everglades, the focus of the largest wetlands restoration project yet attempted. The new data capture dynamic water level topography, providing the first three-dimensional regional-scale picture of wetland sheet flow. We observe localized radial sheet flow in addition to well-known southward unidirectional sheet flow. Our study shows that space-based hydrological observations can provide critical information for monitoring, understanding and managing wetland sheet flow, and contribute to wetland restoration
Prenatal Exposure to Cocaine Impairs Neuronal Coding of Attention and Discriminative Learninga.

Cingulate cortex and related areas of the thalamus are critically involved in the mediation of discriminative avoidance learning, wherein rabbits step in response to an acoustic conditional stimulus (CS+) to avoid foot shock and they learn to ignore a different acoustic stimulus (CS-) not followed by shock. Studies of multi-unit neuronal activity recorded simultaneously in many cingulothalamic areas have documented massive learning-related neuronal firing changes during the course of behavioral acquisition. Stimulated by findings (this volume) of neurobiological changes in anterior cingulate cortex in rabbits exposed in utero to cocaine, we investigated behavioral learning and correlated neuronal activity in several cingulothalamic areas in cocaine-exposed rabbits. In an initial study, training-induced enhancement of cingulate cortical neuronal firing in response to the CS+ and CS- was abolished in rabbits exposed to cocaine in utero. Yet discriminative neuronal activity (greater firing in response to the CS+ than to the CS-) did develop during training, and behavioral learning was normal in the cocaine-exposed rabbits. In a second study, we reduced the salience of the CS+ and CS- by employing 200 msec CSs rather than standard 500 msec CSs. Early training-stage development of anterior cingulate cortical discriminative neuronal activity was abolished, the elicited neuronal discharge profiles were altered, and behavioral learning was impaired in rabbits exposed to cocaine, relative to saline-exposed controls. The specificity of these changes to low-salience CSs suggested that prenatal cocaine results in disturbed associative attentional processes of anterior cingulate cortex in adult rabbits. Consideration of the neuronal response profile alterations together with other reported neurobiological changes suggested that the cocaine-related attentional deficit is due to impaired dopaminergic afferent activation of GABA neurons in anterior cingulate cortex.
The immune response to a schistosomacide, amoscanate. II. Cell-mediated immune responses.

AbstractA potent antischistosomal drug, Amoscanate, was found to induce vigorous serum antibody responses when either fed or administered parenterally as a drug-protein conugate. Because of preliminary evidence that the drug could bind covalently to proteins in vivo, we decided to investigate the possibility that the drug could act as a contact sensitizing agent like DNCB. It was found that Amoscanate could induce a delayed-type hypersensitivity (DTH) response when painted on the shaved skin of guinea pigs. Moreover, the type of DTH response elicited was found to be cutaneous basophilic hypersensitivity (CBH). The significance of these findings are discussed.
Selective Ubiquitylation of p21 and Cdt1 by UBCH8 and UBE2G Ubiquitin-Conjugating Enzymes via the CRL4Cdt2 Ubiquitin Ligase Complex

CRL4Cdt2 is a cullin-based E3 ubiquitin ligase that promotes the ubiquitin-dependent proteolysis of various substrates implicated in the control of cell cycle and various DNA metabolic processes such as DNA replication and repair. Substrates for CRL4Cdt2 E3 ubiquitin ligase include the replication licensing factor Cdt1 and the cyclin-dependent kinase (Cdk) inhibitor p21. Inhibition of this E3 ligase leads to serious abnormalities of the cell cycle and cell death. The ubiquitin-conjugating enzyme (UBC) involved in this important pathway, however, remains unknown. By a proteomic analysis of Cdt2-associated proteins and an RNA interference-based screening approach, we show that CRL4Cdt2 utilizes two different UBCs to target different substrates. UBCH8, a member of the UBE2E family of UBCs, ubiquitylates and promotes the degradation of p21, both during the normal cell cycle and in UV-irradiated cells. Importantly, depletion of UBCH8 by small interfering RNA (siRNA) increases p21 protein level, delays entry into S phase of the cell cycle, and suppresses the DNA damage response after UV irradiation. On the other hand, members of the UBE2G family of UBCs (UBE2G1 and UBE2G2) cooperate with CRL4Cdt2 to polyubiquitylate and degrade Cdt1 postradiation, an activity that is critical for preventing origin licensing in DNA-damaged cells. Finally, we show that UBCH8, but not UBE2G1 or UBE2G2, is required for CRL4Cdt2-mediated ubiquitylation and degradation of the histone H4 lysine 20 monomethyltransferase Set8, a previously identified CRL4Cdt2 substrate, as well as for CRL4Cdt2-dependent monoubiquitylation of PCNA in unstressed cells. These findings identify the UBCs required for the activity of CRL4Cdt2 on multiple substrates and demonstrate that different UBCs are involved in the selective ubiquitylation of different substrates by the same E3 complex.
Acquired Brachial Cutaneous Dyschromatosis in a 60-Year-Old Male: A Case Report and Review of the Literature

Acquired brachial cutaneous dyschromatosis is an acquired pigmentary disorder that has been described in only 20 patients but likely affects many more. This case of a man with acquired brachial cutaneous dyschromatosis is unique as most reports are in women. We report the case of a 60-year-old male who presents with an asymptomatic eruption characterized by hyperpigmented and telangiectatic macules coalescing into patches on the bilateral extensor aspects of the forearms which is consistent clinically and histopathologically with acquired brachial cutaneous dyschromatosis. Given its presence in patients with clinical evidence of chronic sun exposure and its histopathological finding of solar elastosis, acquired brachial cutaneous dyschromatosis is likely a disorder caused by cumulative UV damage. However, a possible association between angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors and acquired brachial cutaneous dyschromatosis exists. Further investigation is needed to elucidate both the pathogenesis of the disorder and forms of effective management. Treatment of the disorder should begin with current established treatments for disorders of dyspigmentation.
EXAMINATION OF Ti XANES SPECTRA OF MINERALS AND SOLIDS : EFFECTS OF SITE GEOMETRY ON SPECTRAL FEATURES

The X-ray absorption near edge structure of Ti in 16 oxides and s i 1 icates has been col lected and analyzed by computer f i t t i n a Gaussian 1 ines to the spectral envelopes. Comparison of feature in tens i t ies and energies with geometric s i t e parameters reveals that the near edge changes systema t i ca l ly with s i t e symmetry variation and mean Ti-0 bond length.
Effect of a prolonged-release formulation of N-methionyl bovine somatotropin (sometribove) on milk fat.

Forty Holstein cows received bi-weekly injections of prolonged-release formulation of bST, and 39 received bi-weekly injections of excipient, in a study to evaluate the effects of long-term bST administration on milk composition and component production. Injections began at 60 +/- 3 d postpartum. Administration of bST increased production of milk and of all measured components. Concentrations of lactose (4.85 and 4.81%), fat (3.76 and 3.67%), total solids (12.57 and 12.44%), SNF (8.83 and 8.75%), casein (2.56 and 2.53%), and true protein (3.13 and 3.08%) were similar in milks from cows receiving bST and excipient, respectively. Percentages of NPN (times 6.38) and total protein were greater in milk from bST-treated cows (.179% NPN and 3.32% total protein) compared with milk from cows injected with excipient (.172% NPN and 3.24% total protein). Use of bST did not change the relative percentages of alpha s-casein, beta-casein, kappa-casein, beta-lactoglobulin, alpha-lactalbumin, or casein proteolysis products. A cyclical pattern of milk production, component production, and composition within each 14-d injection interval was observed. This suggests that a diminishing amount of bST was delivered during the latter third of each injection interval. There were no effects of bST on milk composition that would be of any practical significance to dairy product manufacturers or consumers.
Partitioning based mobile element scheduling in wireless sensor networks

In recent studies, using mobile elements (MEs) as mechanical carriers of data has been shown to be an effective way of prolonging sensor network life time and relaying information in partitioned networks. As the data generation rates of sensors may vary, some sensors need to be visited more frequently than others. In this paper, a partitioning-based algorithm is presented that schedules the movements of MEs in a sensor network such that there is no data loss due to buffer overflow. Simulation results show that the proposed Partitioning Based Scheduling (PBS) algorithm performs well in terms of reducing the minimum required ME speed to prevent data loss, providing high predictability in inter-visit durations, and minimizing the data loss rate for the cases when the ME is constrained to move slower than the minimum required ME speed.
Factor assay (VIII and IX) results in the College of American Pathologists Survey Program (1976-1979).

Data from the 1976-1979 CAP Surveys for Factor VIII assays are reviewed. Beginning in 1979, Factor IX assays were also performed by survey participants. Data was obtained from approximately 2500 laboratories and the different instrument-reagents are ranked according to precision and sensitivity. Also, the results of questionnaires on specific assay techniques (1977 through 1979) are analyzed. A trend was noted indicating an increasing number of laboratories are now performing factor assays. There is poor correlation between precision and sensitivity of most systems (i.e., instrument and reagent combination). For any given system, there was considerable variation in precision from a normal Factor VIII levels specimen to a low Factor VIII specimen. This was also the case with respect to Factor IX assays. With respect to the technical aspects of factor assays there was marked interlaboratory variation (i.e., dilution of normal plasma used to construct standard curve, etc.). The need for standardization of factor assays is evident from the survey data.
Neo-symbiosis: a system design philosophy for diversity and enrichment

Abstract Neo-symbiosis is an updating and elaboration of the notion of symbiosis advanced by Licklider in 1960. Licklider argued that new levels of cognition could be reached by promoting a partnership between human brains and computing machines. Recent developments in both computer technology and theoretical psychology have advanced to the point where the level of symbiosis envisioned by Licklider could become a reality. A theoretical framework is presented for advancing neo-symbiosis. Neo-symbiosis provides an overarching view that pushes the envelope on what technology can do for homo sapiens. It is a concept that both enhances productivity and results in job enrichment. The ramifications of this for business and industry are developed and discussed. The conclusion addresses the benefits of and challenges for neo-symbiosis. Relevance to Industry Neo-symbiosis is a conceptual tool that should leverage human potential and reduce human errors through the design of industrial systems and processes. It offers the means to both increase industrial productivity and to increase the well-being and satisfaction of staff and employees. It deals with automation in a manner that benefits both staff and management. It also provides a means of addressing and ameliorating diversity issues.
A Perspective on the FDA Premarket Approval Process

Premarket review processes as prescribed by the Medical Device Amendments of 1976 to the Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act greatly affect the use of materials in medical products, especially for implantable devices. The premarket approval process can have a particularly important role in eventual commercial medical uses of materials. Managing the process properly is often critical to the success or failure of a product. A review of the law and regulations as they pertain to premarket approval is presented. Subjects included in this overview are prediction of process time and costs, examination of potential pitfalls in the process, recommendations on organizing for successful completion of the process and handling the relationship with FDA. Specific materials related issues that are likely to arise are noted.
Crystal structure of a new benzoic acid inhibitor of influenza neuraminidase bound with a new tilt induced by overpacking subsite C6

Influenza neuraminidase (NA) is an important target for antiviral inhibitors since its active site is highly conserved such that inhibitors can be cross-reactive against multiple types and subtypes of influenza. Here, we discuss the crystal structure of neuraminidase subtype N9 complexed with a new benzoic acid based inhibitor (2) that was designed to add contacts by overpacking one side of the active site pocket. Inhibitor 2 uses benzoic acid to mimic the pyranose ring, a bis-(hydroxymethyl)-substituted 2-pyrrolidinone ring in place of the N-acetyl group of the sialic acid, and a branched aliphatic structure to fill the sialic acid C6 subsite. Inhibitor 2 {4-[2,2-bis(hydroxymethyl)-5-oxo-pyrrolidin-1-yl]-3-[(dipropylamino)methyl)]benzoic acid} was soaked into crystals of neuraminidase of A/tern/Australia/G70c/75 (N9), and the structure refined with 1.55 A X-ray data. The benzene ring of the inhibitor tilted 8.9° compared to the previous compound (1), and the number of contacts, including hydrogen bonds, increased. However, the IC50 for compound 2 remained in the low micromolar range, likely because one propyl group was disordered. In this high-resolution structure of NA isolated from virus grown in chicken eggs, we found electron density for additional sugar units on the N-linked glycans compared to previous neuraminidase structures. In particular, seven mannoses and two N-acetylglucosamines are visible in the glycan attached to Asn200. This long, branched high-mannose glycan makes significant contacts with the neighboring subunit. We designed inhibitor 2 with an extended substituent at C4-corresponding to C6 of sialic acid-to increase the contact surface in the C6-subsite and to force the benzene ring to tilt to maximize these interactions while retaining the interactions of the carboxylate and the pyrolidinone substituents. The crystal structure at 1.55 A showed that we partially succeeded in that the ring in 2 is tilted relative to 1 and the number of contacts increased, but one hydrophobic branch makes no contacts, perhaps explaining why the IC50 did not decrease. Future design efforts will include branches of unequal length so that both branches may be accommodated in the C6-subsite without conformational disorder. The high-mannose glycan attached to Asn200 makes several inter-subunit contacts and appears to stabilize the tetramer.
Final operations of the Tokamak Fusion Test Reactor (TFTR)

In April of 1997, The TFTR completed it's final operating period bringing to a close a highly successful phase of research in plasma science. The TFTR produced over 80,000 high power plasmas since 1982 with the objectives of studying the plasma physics of large tokamaks, gaining experience in the solution of engineering problems associated with large fusion systems, and demonstrating fusion energy production from the burning, on a pulsed basis, of deuterium and tritium in a magnetically confined toroidal plasma system. In 1993, TFTR became the first magnetic fusion device to study plasmas using nearly equal concentrations of deuterium and tritium. Since that time, over 1000 D-T experimental shots and over 23000 D-D shots have been carried out demonstrating new regimes of plasma confinement, proof of alpha heating, and reactor level, fusion power densities by producing a plasma which yielded over 10 MW of fusion power at a corresponding central fusion power density of /spl sim/2.8 MW m/sup -3/. The TFTR technical systems routinely operated at or beyond the original design criteria throughout the period, maintaining an impressive machine availability of >85%, and continued to do so through the final night of operations when a plasma with a record 7.7 MJ of stored energy was attained. Safe operation of the TFTR systems in D-T has been demonstrated, with over 950 kCi of tritium processed within the constraints of a 50 kCi site limit and a 20 kCi machine limit. The Tritium Purification System "closed the loop" on the TFTR fuel cycle during the final operating campaign, processing >50 kCi of tritium at >98% purity back to the Tritium Storage and Delivery System U-Beds for further use on TFTR experiments. This paper describes the experimental results of TFTR along with the technical systems and operating routines that provided the backbone of the TFTR experimental program. Discussed are the upgrades made to the TFTR device in preparation for the final operating campaign and the present plans for the shutdown and safing of the facility.
Analysis of phased-array diode lasers

An improved, more accurate analysis of phased-array diode lasers is presented, which yields results that differ both qualitatively and quantitatively from those previously employed. A numerical example indicating decreased splitting in array mode gains is included.
Egg Banks: Moving the Concept from Wishful Thinking to Clinical Reality

Egg Banks: Moving the Concept from Wishful Thinking to Clinical Reality I believe we have entered the era of “egg banking” and it is likely that recent improvements in the method of cryobiology of female gametes will forever change the way in which we approach assisted reproduction. In my 26 years of clinical practice I have seen few innovations as significant as oocyte vitrification and the impact promises to be profound. So many times patients have mused, “Wouldn’t it be great if there were egg banks just like there are sperm banks?” I always believed that someday this would likely occur; I am just pleased that it is happening right now.
Characterization of laminar jet impingement cooling in portable computer application

A thermal characterization study of laminar air jet impingement cooling of electronic components within a geometry representative of the CPU compartment of a typical portable computer is reported. A finite control volume technique was used to solve for the velocity and temperature fields. Convection, conduction and radiation effects were included in the simulations. The range of jet Reynolds numbers considered was 63 to 1500; the applied compartment heat load ranged from 5-15 W. Radiation effects were significant over the range of Reynolds numbers and heat loads considered, while the effect of natural convection was only noticeable for configurations when the ratio Gr/Re/sup 2/ exceeded 5. The predicted importance of Re rather than jet size was confirmed with test data. Proof of concept was demonstrated with a numerical model representative of a full laptop computer. Both simulations and laboratory tests showed that low flow rate JI cooling schemes can provide cooling comparable to a high volume flow rate configuration, while using only a fraction of the air flow. Furthermore, under the conservative assumption of steady state, fully powered components, a hybrid cooling scheme utilizing a heat pipe and laminar JI was capable of cooling the processor chip to within 11/spl deg/C of the vendor specified maximum temperature for a system with a total power dissipation of over 21 W.
Secretory Immunoglobulin A Antibodies against the σ1 Outer Capsid Protein of Reovirus Type 1 Lang Prevent Infection of Mouse Peyer's Patches

Reovirus type 1 Lang (T1L) adheres to M cells in the follicle-associated epithelium of mouse intestine and exploits the transport activity of M cells to enter and infect the Peyer's patch mucosa. Adult mice that have previously cleared a reovirus T1L infection have virus-specific immunoglobulin G (IgG) in serum and IgA in secretions and are protected against reinfection. Our aim in this study was to determine whether secretory IgA is sufficient for protection of Peyer's patches against oral reovirus challenge and, if so, against which reovirus antigen(s) the IgA may be directed. Monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) of the IgA isotype, directed against the σ1 protein of reovirus T1L, the viral adhesin, were produced and tested along with other, existing IgA and IgG MAbs against reovirus T1L outer capsid proteins. Anti-σ1 IgA and IgG MAbs neutralized reovirus T1L in L cell plaque reduction assays and inhibited T1L adherence to L cells and Caco-2BBe intestinal epithelial cells in vitro, but MAbs against other proteins did not. Passive oral administration of anti-σ1 IgA and IgG MAbs prevented Peyer's patch infection in adult mice, but other MAbs did not. When anti-σ1 IgA and IgG MAbs were produced in mice from hybridoma backpack tumors, however, the IgA prevented Peyer's patch infection, but the IgG did not. The results provide evidence that neutralizing IgA antibodies specific for the σ1 protein are protective in vitro and in vivo and that the presence of these antibodies in intestinal secretions is sufficient for protection against entry of reovirus T1L into Peyer's patches.
The relationship between positive and negative attitudes towards children and reproductive intentions

Abstract A significant, but incomplete, relationship exists between fertility intentions and actual fertility but much less is known about how fertility intentions emerge, particularly at the individual level. Three studies assessed the relationships between fertility-relevant attitudes, desires, and intentions. The structure of the Attitudes towards Babies Scale (ABS) was verified, indicating that people concurrently have both positive and negative attitudes towards having children, as well as being aware of tradeoffs inherent in having children. Although the positive and negative factors reliably loaded as different dimensions they were also negatively correlated, indicating these factors are distinct but non-orthogonal. Additional analyses support this interpretation. The ABS was found to not only predict desires to have a baby, but to also predict fertility intentions (total number of children desired and desired age to have a first child). General undergraduates' fertility intentions were strongly predicted by positive and negative elicitors, whereas students who were parents or in a committed relationship showed a weaker relationship with these factors and more influence of tradeoff considerations. This suggests that fertility attitudes may relate differently to fertility intentions, dependent on people's circumstances.
Response Patterns and Force Relations of Monkey Spinal Interneurons During Active Wrist Movement

Maier, Marc A., Steve I. Perlmutter, and Eberhard E. Fetz. Response patterns and force relations of monkey spinal interneurons during active wrist movement. J. Neurophysiol. 80: 2495–2513, 1998. Th...