cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Nuclear PRAS40 couples the Akt/mTORC1 signaling axis to the RPL11-HDM2-p53 nucleolar stress response pathway

The ribosomal protein (RP)-HDM2-p53 pathway has been shown to have key roles in oncogene-induced apoptosis and senescence, but the mechanism regulating this pathway remains elusive. The proline-rich Akt substrate of 40 kDa (PRAS40) has recently been identified as a binding partner and inhibitor of the mechanistic (formerly referred to as mammalian) target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1). Although other inhibitors of mTORC1 are known tumor suppressors, PRAS40 promotes cell survival and tumorigenesis. Here we demonstrate that Akt- and mTORC1-mediated phosphorylation of PRAS40 at T246 and S221, respectively, promotes nuclear-specific association of PRAS40 with ribosomal protein L11 (RPL11). Importantly, silencing of PRAS40 induces upregulation of p53 in a manner dependent on RPL11. This effect is rescued by wild-type PRAS40, but not by the RPL11-binding-null PRAS40T246A mutant. We found that PRAS40 negatively regulates the RPL11-HDM2-p53 nucleolar stress response pathway and suppresses induction of p53-mediated cellular senescence. This work identifies nuclear PRAS40 as a dual-input signaling checkpoint that links cell growth and proliferation to inhibition of cellular senescence. These findings may help to explain the protumorigenic effect of PRAS40 and identify the PRAS40–RPL11 complex as a promising target for p53-restorative anticancer drug discovery.
A stochastic compartmental model with continuous infusion

This paper deals with stochasticm-compartmental systems with continuous time-dependent infusions into all compartments and reversible time-independent flows between any two compartments. A methodology for the first two moments of the distribution of the number of units in the different compartments at any point in time is outlined without resorting to the usual techniques of generating functions and inverse Laplace transforms. A possible application to a systems analysis of the kidney transplant system is discussed.
Shape matters: the diffusion rates of TMV rods and CPMV icosahedrons in a spheroid model of extracellular matrix are distinct.

Nanomaterial-based carrier systems hold great promise to deliver therapies with increased efficacy and reduced side effects. While the state-of-the-art carrier system is a sphere, recent data indicate that elongated rods and filaments have advantageous flow and margination properties, resulting in enhanced vascular targeting and tumor homing. Here, we report on the distinct diffusion rates of two bio-inspired carrier systems: 30 nm-sized spherical cowpea mosaic virus (CPMV) and 300 × 18 nm-sized tobacco mosaic virus (TMV) with a tubular structure, using a spheroid model of the tumor microenvironment and fluorescent imaging.
Integral equation based analysis of transient scattering from surfaces with impedance boundary condition

Time domain integral equation (TDIE)-based methods for analyzing transient scattering from objects characterized by an impedance boundary condition (IBC) have been studied less extensively than their frequency domain counterparts. Here, a new TDIE-based scheme for analyzing scattering from arbitrarily shaped three-dimensional objects characterized by an IBC is presented. Specifically, a set of two coupled integral equations that involves no analytical approximations and that is devoid of spurious solutions is constructed. These TDIE are solved using a marching-on-in-time (MOT) technique wherein interactions arising from the IBC are accounted for through a recursive convolution algorithm. The proposed scheme is verified by two numerical examples.
Strict deterministic grammars

A grammatical definition of a family of deterministic context free languages is presented. It is very easy to decide if a context free grammar is strict deterministic. A characterization theorem involving pushdown automata is proved, and it follows that the strict deterministic languages are coextensive with the family of prefix free deterministic languages. It is possible to obtain an infinite hierarchy of strict deterministic languages as defined by their degree.
A routine mouse gingivectomy procedure for periodontal research in aging

A micro-surgical procedure was developed for the performance of simple, routine, standardized gingivectomies on the mesial papillae of the maxillary first molars of mice of different age. The application of subcutaneously administered sodium pentobarbital as anaesthetic, allowed for the handling of large numbers of animals in assembly-line fashion with an animal loss of approximately 1%. The gingivectomies were performed under a stereomicroscope with remote focusing control at a magnification of 10 X using surgical microcurettes. A fiber-optics cold light source was used to illuminate the surgical field.
External field effect on the critical behavior of the interface between fluid phases

The equilibrium structure of the interface between fluid phases ind dimensions in the presence of an external field is investigated. The equilibrium interface is assumed to consist of an intrinsic interface which undergoes capillary-wave fluctuations. It is found that in two dimensions the interfacial thickness is very sensitive to the choice of external field and intrinsic interface. For an intrinsic interface of a thickness proportional toξ, the bulk correlation length, the exponent co, which describes the divergence of the interfacial thickness as the critical point is approached, depends on the scale of the external field relative toξ and ranges fromω=9/32 toω = 17/32, in contrast to the predictionω=1 of scaling theory. When an intrinsic interface of vanishing thickness is chosen,ω=9/32 for any external field. This is in strong contrast to the results in three or more dimensions, whereω is found to be independent of both the external field and the intrinsic interface and satisfiesμ = (d-1)ω, withμ the critical exponent of the surface tension, in accord with scaling theory.
Changing life ways and corporate planning

The driving force in our society is no longer technology, economic growth, production, income, invention, and the like. Instead the driving force seems to lie in the inner realm of people's values. This article examines the effect of changing values on corporate planning.
Photometric titrations—XI: Construction and evaluation of a semiimmersion phototitrator

Abstract The principal differences in the requirements of a photometer and a phototitrator are discussed and it is shown that an instrument specifically designed for photometric titrations is more versatile than a modified photometer. The prime requirements for a phototitrator are operation with the vessel in ambient light, freedom from the need for special cuvettes and the possibility of adjusting the light path length by some means other than changing vessels. A simple, yet versatile phototitrator which meets these requirements is described.
Competition for antigen between Th1 and Th2 responses determines the timing of the immune response switch during Mycobaterium avium subspecies paratuberulosis infection in ruminants.

Johne's disease (JD), a persistent and slow progressing infection of ruminants such as cows and sheep, is caused by slow replicating bacilli Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis (MAP) infecting macrophages in the gut. Infected animals initially mount a cell-mediated CD4 T cell response against MAP which is characterized by the production of interferon (Th1 response). Over time, Th1 response diminishes in most animals and antibody response to MAP antigens becomes dominant (Th2 response). The switch from Th1 to Th2 response occurs concomitantly with disease progression and shedding of the bacteria in feces. Mechanisms controlling this Th1/Th2 switch remain poorly understood. Because Th1 and Th2 responses are known to cross-inhibit each other, it is unclear why initially strong Th1 response is lost over time. Using a novel mathematical model of the immune response to MAP infection we show that the ability of extracellular bacteria to persist outside of macrophages naturally leads to switch of the cellular response to antibody production. Several additional mechanisms may also contribute to the timing of the Th1/Th2 switch including the rate of proliferation of Th1/Th2 responses at the site of infection, efficiency at which immune responses cross-inhibit each other, and the rate at which Th1 response becomes exhausted over time. Our basic model reasonably well explains four different kinetic patterns of the Th1/Th2 responses in MAP-infected sheep by variability in the initial bacterial dose and the efficiency of the MAP-specific T cell responses. Taken together, our novel mathematical model identifies factors of bacterial and host origin that drive kinetics of the immune response to MAP and provides the basis for testing the impact of vaccination or early treatment on the duration of infection.
Dementia and Dementia Care: The Contributions of a Psychosocial Perspective

The social sciences have and continue to play a unique role in the study of dementia and dementia care. For central to the social sciences, particularly the discipline of sociology is a history of critical inquiry that challenges long held societal assumptions, a concern for issues of social justice, social exclusion and the treatment of marginalized populations. All significant areas to consider when caring for a person with dementia. This chapter will trace the development of the study of dementia and dementia care starting with its biomedical roots, examine the contributions of the social sciences in furthering the conceptual development of the field, and suggest future areas where sociologists can play a critical role in the provision of quality dementia care.
Seed dispersal, habitat suitability and the distribution of halophytes across a salt marsh tidal gradient

Summary 1 The relative importance of seed availability and the post-dispersal environment in causing the distribution and abundance patterns of five halophytic forbs and a shrub was investigated across a New England salt marsh tidal gradient. Seed traps and soil samples were used to assess the spatial pattern of seed availability across the marsh, and experimental seed additions were performed to examine the effects of tidal elevation and interspecific competition with dominant grasses and rushes on seedling emergence and survivorship. 2 Seed distributions strongly paralleled adult plant abundance patterns across the marsh, suggesting localized dispersal with limited movement out of parental environments. 3 Adding seeds typically increased seedling densities by at least an order of magnitude, thus lack of seed availability may be important in limiting plant abundance within marsh zones. 4 Post-dispersal factors were primarily responsible for determining species distribution patterns across zones. Lower limits to the distribution of species typically found at high-marsh elevations were determined by intolerance to abiotic conditions in the lower marsh zones. In contrast, species typically found at low-marsh elevations were precluded from the high marsh due to competitive suppression by dominant plants. Patterns of post-dispersal success were strongly reinforced by limited dispersal. 5 Seed dispersal patterns and post-dispersal factors may therefore interact to generate distribution and abundance patterns in salt marsh plant communities.
The Interpersonal Judgment Scale: A Measure of Liking or Respect?

Abstract Female college students in the United States were given the option of working with a similar or dissimilar peer on a set of difficult math problems. The peer was identified as either an English or a math major. Potential partners with relevant expertise (math majors) were rated as liked better than the English majors. However, this finding occurred only on the liking item of the Interpersonal Judgment Scale (IJS). There was no effect of academic major on the working-with item or the traditional composite measure. These results were interpreted in terms of self-presentation and may indicate a limitation of the IJS as a method of measuring attraction.
The role of the spleen in the febrile response induced by endotoxin in guinea pigs

Abstract The spleen plays a vital role in the host's protection against invading microorganisms. In spite of its fundamental participation and that of fever in the host defenses against infections, the role of the spleen in the febrile response has not yet been systematically investigated. We reported previously that splenectomy significantly increases both the febrile response to lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and the uptake of LPS by Kupffer cells (KC). In support, we also have shown that the ligation of the splenic vein of conscious guinea pigs challenged with LPS intraperitoneally (ip), augmented also both the febrile response and the uptake of LPS by KC until new collateral veins developed. This suggests that the spleen may normally contribute a factor that limits the KC uptake of LPS and thus modulates the febrile response. To verify the presence of a putative splenic antipyretic factor, we injected extract of spleens from guinea pigs pretreated with LPS and ultrafiltrated it, then injected it intravenously (iv) into splenectomized guinea pigs pre-treated with LPS ip. The results confirmed our presumption, viz., the splenic extract from LPS-treated guinea pigs inhibited the exaggerated febrile response observed in the splenectomized guinea pigs, supporting the presence of a putative antipyretic factor. The identity of the splenic factor(s) that may thus be released into the splenic vein, however, is (are) still uncertain, but the fact that the active principle passes through a microporous filter having a nominal molecular weight cutoff of 10,000 Da suggests that this factor could be a prostaglandin or a small peptide. Such factors have been described, e.g., PGD 2 , PGE 2 , PGF1 α , thromboxane B 2 , atrial natriuretic peptide and β -endorphins. The identification of this putative splenic antihyperpyretic factor will be crucial for a better understanding of how the febrile response is controlled by the spleen to protect health by mitigating the potentially injurious effects of high fevers of the distressed host during infectious states. The aim of the present review is to focus on the new findings regarding the role that the spleen plays during the febrile response.
Effects of pesticides upon nitrogen fixation and nodulation by dry bean.

The effects of seven fungicides, seven herbicides and six insecticides on nitrogen fixation and nodulation by the dry bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L. cv “Bonus”) were investigated. All pesticides examined were found innocuous to nitrogen fixation (acetylene reduction) except bentazone, a post-emergence herbicide. Bentazone at 3 × label rate (6.7 kg ha−1) consistently depressed nitrogen fixation rates within 48 h after application. However, rates recovered and were comparable to those of control plants after 6 days. No effects were observed on nodulation from any of the pesticides (3 × or label rate) applied.
Screening of antioxidants and other compounds for antimutagenic properties towards benzo[a]pyrene-induced mutagenicity in strain TA98 of Salmonella typhimurium.

Abstract Antioxidants and several other compounds, some of which are known to inhibit carcinogenicity, have been screened for their effectiveness as inhibitors of benzo[a]pyrene (BP) mutagenicity towards Salmonella typhimurium strain TA98 in the Ames test. A total of 32 compounds were tested. In the assay, metabolic activation of BP (8.2 nmoles/plate) was mediated by the S9 fraction from β-naphthoflavone-induced rat livers. Among compounds which are known to inhibit carcinogenicity, retinol, phenothiazine, disulfiram, phenethylisothiocyanate and phenylisothiocyanate were the most effective inhibitors of BP mutagenicity, being effective at equimolar concentrations. Several other compounds showed inhibition at higher concentrations of antioxidant and the remainder showed little or no inhibition. Dose-response curves have been obtained for the 17 most active compounds. No general pattern of inhibition is obvious from our studies, inhibitors are not drawn from any single class of compounds, nor does a particular compound necessarily appear to inhibit more than one mutagen.
CPT tests in the neutral kaon system.

Fermilab experiment E773 has measured the phases {Phi}{sub +{minus}}=43.53{degree}{plus_minus}0.97{degree} and {Phi}{sub 00}{minus}{Phi}{sub +{minus}}=0.62{degree}{plus_minus}1.03{degree} of the {ital CP} violating parameters {eta}{sub +{minus}} and {eta}{sub 00} from interference in the decay of neutral kaons into two charged or neutral pions from a pair of regenerators. New measurements of the {ital K}{sub {ital L}}-{ital K}{sub {ital S}} mass difference and the {ital K}{sub {ital S}} lifetime are also given. These results test {ital CPT} symmetry and show no evidence for a violation.
Neuronal Correlates of Optic Flow Stimulation

Neurons in a region of monkey extrastriate cortex, MSTd, respond to the components of optic flow stimulation. Some of these neurons (single-component neurons) are selective for a single type of motion such as inward- or outward-radial motion. Other neurons respond to multiple types of rotation, for example, rightward planar, clockwise circular, and inward radial. Rather than forming discrete groups, we think these neurons represent a continuum covering the range from single-component sensitivity to multiple-component sensitivity. By combining the optic flow stimuli, we have also been able to recognize that such combinations alter the response of cells in the continuum to varying degrees. At this point, while our evidence is consistent with the hypothesis that cells in area MSTd contribute to the processing of optic flow stimuli, we do not know whether these neurons do in fact serve this function. As in all single-cell recording experiments, even those in awake animals performing tasks closer to real-world tasks than we have succeeded in emulating here, the activity of the cell in relationship to the visual stimulation is simply a correlate of the optic flow stimulation and may or may not contribute to the processing of optic flow stimulation upon which behavior depends. Further information on a number of characteristics of these cells might clarify their role. Information on such factors as whether heading in the environment is conveyed by individual neurons, or whether this property is more likely to be conveyed over a population of neurons, and the role of changes in the point of fixation of the eyes are critical points. Generation of behavior on the basis of the optic flow stimulation and determination that this behavior is modified by selective lesion of MSTd would also strengthen the argument that visual motion processing in this area is related to analyzing optic flow information.
Alzheimer's disease and soluble Aβ

Abstract The discovery of soluble amyloid β (sAβ) suggests that the role of amyloid in Alzheimer's disease (AD) is similar to the previously studied systemic amyloidoses and alters the notion that membrane damage is the initial event in AD. The disease state is characterized by the abnormal accumulation of a normal degradative peptide, which becomes resistant to further proteolysis due to a conformational change. Mutations in the βPP gene have been found in a very small percentage of AD cases, hence other factors, both genetic and environmental, need to be identified. Priority needs to be given to detailed studies of the structural differences between sAβand the Aβ in amyloid deposits. This will help uncover the determining factors governing the aggregation of sAβ. These structural alterations may be critical for the possible toxic effects Aβ and/or associated proteins (molecular chaperones, e.g., apolipoprotein E) have on brain cell function.
Strong Negative Cooperativity Between Subunits in Voltage-Gated Proton Channels

Voltage-activated proton (HV) channels are essential components in the innate immune response. Hv channels are dimeric channels with one proton permeation pathway per subunit. It is not known how Hv channels are activated by voltage and whether there is any cooperativity between subunits during voltage activation. Using cysteine accessibility measurements and voltage clamp fluorometry, we show that the fourth transmembrane segment S4 functions as the voltage sensor in HV channels from Ciona Intestinalis. Surprisingly, in a dimeric HV channel, the S4s in both subunits have to move to activate the two proton permeation pathways. In contrast, if HV subunits are prevented from dimerizing, then the movement of a single S4 is sufficient to activate the proton permeation pathway in a subunit. These results suggest a strong negative cooperativity between subunits in dimeric HV channels.
A Bayesian approach for health monitoring of critical systems

Bayesian medical monitoring is a concept based on using real-time performance-related data to make statistical predictions about a patient's future health. The following paper discusses the fundamentals behind the medical monitoring concept and the application to monitoring the health of nuclear reactors. Necessary assumptions are discussed regarding distributions and failure-rate calculations. A simple example is performed to illustrate the effectiveness of the methods. The methods perform very well for the thirteen subjects in the example, with a clear failure sequence identified for eleven of the subjects
Examining the Affordable Care Act Through the Lens of Institutional Theory

Healthcare is a highly institutionalized field, and the organizations within it have long been subject to a range of evolving institutional pressures. The 2010 passage of the Patient Protection and...
Use of stable oxygen and carbon isotope analyses for monitoring the pathways and rates of intrinsic and enhanced in situ biodegradation

Significant challenges remain in developing reliable techniques to monitor in situ biodegradation. Stable carbon and oxygen isotope analyses of the contaminants, products of degradation, and electron acceptor(s) may provide robust means for monitoring the occurrence, pathways, and rates of intrinsic or enhanced in situ biodegradation. Results of a laboratory study using diesel fuel and a mixed microbial culture show that combined stable carbon isotope analyses of carbon dioxide and stable oxygen isotope analyses of molecular oxygen allow monitoring of the occurrence and pathways of degradation. The first-order rate constants for contaminant degradation (about −0.04 day-1) obtained from oxygen and contaminant concentrations are in excellent agreement with those obtained from isotopic data for oxygen (−0.04 to −0.05 day-1), indicating that oxygen isotope analyses of molecular oxygen can be used for quantifying the rate of contaminant degradation. Based on our results and a review of the published literature...
An introduction to mixed effect modeling: Concepts, definitions, and justification

In spite of the vast amount of data generated during the new drug development process, much remains to be learned about the pharmacokinetics of a drug once it is released on the market. The ethical and logistical problems which arise during an experimental pharmacokinetic study frequently prevent the study of elderly, pediatric, or critically ill patients. The recognition of these limitations by scientists and regulators have prompted a desire to extract the maximum amount of information from data available during Phase III and Phase IV clinical trials and, in addition, to use information generated during the routine clinical care of patients. Mixed effect model analysis allows one to overcome the problems of analyzing observational data to obtain accurate and precise estimates of population pharmacokinetic parameters. Use of this approach expands the methodologies available to the data analyst and opens up a number of data sources which can now be considered for analysis.
How safe are college campuses

There are few events as shocking and scary as a mass murder. The volatility of such an event makes us ponder, what could we do to reduce the chances of it happening again? According to the FBI, mas...
Initialization and convergence of the stochastic mixing model

An investigation of methods for class mean and covariance initialization of a stochastic mixing model for hyperspectral imagery is described along with other relevant issues concerning algorithm convergence such as updating of the class priors, constraining the mixture classes and the number of fraction levels and endmember classes. The various refinements of the iterative algorithm are presented and tested on synthetically-generated test data as well as real reflective hyperspectral imagery, and recommendations are made concerning how the stochastic mixing model can be best implemented. The results show that the refined stochastic mixng model is a robust approach for unmixing hyperspectral imagery with different levels of complexity.
Serum immunoglobulin levels in childhood Hodgkin's disease. Effect of splenectomy and long‐term follow‐up

Children with Hodgkin's disease had significantly elevated serum IgG and IgA levels but normal IgM and IgD levels when compared with healthy age- and sex-matched controls. The increased serum IgG and IgA levels occurred in all four clinical stages of Hodgkin's disease but were not related to histologic cell type. Following staging splenectomy, serum IgG, IgA, and IgD levels fell by 20% in patients who recieved radiation therapy then returned to preoperative levels; by contrast, serum IgM levels fell by 50% and remained there for at least 36 months. Patients who received chemotherapy had a persistent decline in serum levels of all immunoglobulin classes by at least 40%. Thus, staging splenectomy per se appears to be at least partly responsible for the postoperative decline in serum IgM levels and this effect is enchanced by aggressive treatment of the Hodgkin's disease.
An Experimental Evaluation of Different Methods of Restoring Phyllospadix torreyi (Surfgrass)

The surfgrass Phyllospadix torreyi is an abundant seagrass found on rocky exposed shores of the Pacific coast of North America. In southern California surfgrass populations are adversely affected by a range of natural events and anthropogenic activities. Few attempts have been made to develop restoration methods for surfgrass, and none have investigated the efficacy of using different life stages. We evaluated several techniques for restoration in intertidal and subtidal habitats using: (1) laboratory-reared seedlings transplanted to the field (2) sprigs (short lengths of rhizome containing a few shoots) transplanted from undisturbed populations, and (3) plugs (a cohesive clump of shoots and rhizomes) transplanted from undisturbed populations. We calculated the net change in the aerial coverage of surfgrass after 6 months, taking into account the recovery or additional losses from the donor population, and amount of effort involved in transplanting. Transplanted seedlings survived poorly and had minimal rhizome growth at both the intertidal and the subtidal sites, yet the individuals that did survive showed a 275% increase in leaf number. Survivorship of transplanted plugs was high in both habitats; however, physical disturbances to the donor populations exacerbated damage sustained at the time of collecting, yielding a substantial net loss in surfgrass. Sprigs transplanted to the subtidal had higher survivorship (71 versus 48%) and a greater increase in the aerial coverage of rhizome (86 versus 42%) than those transplanted to the intertidal. Of the three techniques, transplanted sprigs had the greatest overall increase in aerial coverage per unit effort, suggesting that this method may be the most effective approach for restoring P. torreyi.
Synthesis of 2.3 mg/ml of protein with an all Escherichia coli cell-free transcription-translation system

Abstract Cell-free protein synthesis is becoming a useful technique for synthetic biology. As more applications are developed, the demand for novel and more powerful in vitro expression systems is increasing. In this work, an all Escherichia coli cell-free system, that uses the endogenous transcription and translation molecular machineries, is optimized to synthesize up to 2.3 mg/ml of a reporter protein in batch mode reactions. A new metabolism based on maltose allows recycling of inorganic phosphate through its incorporation into newly available glucose molecules, which are processed through the glycolytic pathway to produce more ATP. As a result, the ATP regeneration is more efficient and cell-free protein synthesis lasts up to 10 h. Using a commercial E. coli strain, we show for the first time that more than 2 mg/ml of protein can be synthesized in run-off cell-free transcription–translation reactions by optimizing the energy regeneration and waste products recycling. This work suggests that endogenous enzymes present in the cytoplasmic extract can be used to implement new metabolic pathways for increasing protein yields. This system is the new basis of a cell-free gene expression platform used to construct and to characterize complex biochemical processes in vitro such as gene circuits.
A role for sperm in regulation of egg-laying in the Nematode C. elegans

Background In insects and in mammals, male sperm and seminal fluid provide signaling factors that influence various aspects of female physiology and behavior to promote reproductive success and to compete with other males. It is less apparent how important such signaling is in the context of a self-fertile hermaphrodite species. We have addressed this question in the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans, which can reproduce either by hermaphrodite self-fertilization or by male-hermaphrodite mating.
A low-cost, miniature CTD for animal-borne ocean measurements

The study of fine-scale linkages between animal behavior and the physical microstructure of the marine habitat is essential for understanding the ecology of many marine animals. Animal-borne salinity data has the potential to define the importance of physical water mass features to the ecology of marine animals. Recently CTD (conductivity, temperature and depth) data loggers mounted on large marine mammals (pinnipeds and cetaceans) have been able to capture direct qualitative information on the physical microstructure of the foraging environment and microhabitat.
Staged Biventricular Repair for Absent Aortic Valve in a Neonate

Congenitally absent aortic valve is an extremely rare and fatal cardiac malformation. We report the case of a neonate with absent aortic valve, an interrupted aortic arch, and a normal-sized left ventricle. At age 9 hours, emergency aortic valve closure and a Norwood procedure were performed to maintain coronary circulation. The patient's postoperative course was complicated because of tracheomalacia and a severely dilated aorta that were treated with reduction aortoplasty at age 4 months. Finally, a staged Yasui procedure was performed at 26 months. To our knowledge, this is the first report of a successful biventricular repair for absent aortic valve.
Familial t(11;13)(q21;q14) and the duplication 11q, 13q phenotype

Cases of duplication of distal 11q or proximal 13q have been reported independently. A specific translocation resulting in duplication of distal 11q, [der(22)t(11;22)(q23;q11)], has been documented in over 40 cases. We report on a male fetus with chromosomal excess of both distal 11q and proximal 13q resulting from a familial translocation. This case supports the causal association of duplication 11q with neural tube defects.
Application of the 3ω Hot Wire Technique for Measurement of Fluid Thermophysical Properties

The popular 3ω method of measuring thermophysical properties of solids is adapted for the simultaneous measurement of thermal conductivity and heat capacity in both liquids and gases. This technique is experimentally simple and has a lower susceptibility to random experimental noise, bulk fluid motion, radiation losses, and non-linear effects than other transient hot wire measurement methods. The compactness of the 3ω hotwire allows it to be used with different fluids in a variety of circumstances with very little specialized experimental equipment. Both the experimental setup and theoretical model are detailed. Experimental 3ω measurements were made in a variety of common fluids (air, water, and mineral oil) using commercially drawn 10μm platinum and 5μm tungsten hot wires which serve as both heating element and resistance thermometer. Measurements taken over a range of frequencies are numerically reduced to provide both thermal conductivity and heat capacity information. Experimental measurements and the corresponding analytical model are presented in terms of impedance or thermal resistance; a more physically meaningful and intuitive basis of comparison. Fluid properties are determined by curve-fitting an analytical model to experimental data using a least-squares approach. This technique allows both thermal conductivity and heat capacity (or thermal diffusivity) to be uniquely determined from a single measurement sequence.Copyright © 2007 by ASME
Comparison of the performance of a few packing materials designed to minimize the thermodynamic band tailing of basic compounds in reversed-phase liquid chromatography.

Abstract The adsorption isotherms of phenol, caffeine, propranolol chloride, and amitriptyline chloride were measured on three new brands of C18-bonded silica that have been designed to be more resistant than conventional C18-bonded silica at high pHs ( > 8). These columns were the 4 μ m Bidendate Cogent-C18 (Microsolv Technology Corporation, Long Branch, NJ, USA), the 3.5 μ m Zorbax Extend-C18 (Agilent Technologies, Palo Alto, CA, USA), and the 5 μ m XTerra-C18 (Waters, Milford, MA, USA). The originality of these adsorbents is due to their surface chemistry, which protects them from rapid hydrolysis or dissolution at extreme pH conditions. Their adsorption properties were compared to those of the 3 μ m Luna-C18 (Phenomenex, Torrance, CA), which is a more conventional monofunctional material. The adsorption data were acquired by frontal analysis (FA) and the adsorption energy distributions (AEDs) of all systems studied were calculated by the expectation–maximization (EM) method. The experimental results show that neither a simple surface protection (Extend-C18) nor the elimination of most of the silanol groups (Cogent-C18) is sufficient to avoid a peak tailing of the basic compounds at pH 8 that is of thermodynamic origin. The incorporation of organic moieties in the silica matrix, which was achieved in XTerra-C18, the first generation of hybrid methyl/silica material, reduces the silanols activity and is more successful in reducing this peak tailing.
Learning curves and production functions: An integration☆

Abstract This paper explores a class of dynamic cost models that are designed for made-to-order production and are particularly applicable to the airframe industry. In these models we use optimal control theory to describe the time paths of resource use and production rate. The analytic solution for the most general specification of the model is unknown, however the imposition of a restriction on the relation between production rate and experience rate leads to a straightforward solution. The model implies that there exists an optimal trade-off between learning and production rate during the life of a program and that production rate should be changing throughout the life of the program in order to minimize cost. The model is compared with the learning curve, and the applicability of the model is explored by performing various parametric sensitivity analyses. The model's behavior is consistent with the dynamics of actual made-to-order production programs.
The shifted eigenvalue problem and phonon frequencies

It is shown that there is a transformation between the phonon frequencies in certain similar crystals (eg Ge and ZnSe) if it is assumed that the force constants do not vary and only act between nearest neighbors; that is, the effect of varying the masses can be understood in a simple way. It is also shown how the partial densities of states associated with each mass can be projected out. Finally, using similar techniques, the eigenfrequencies of a simple version of the shell model in Ge are related to an equivalent rigid-ion model.
Life history of Manson's blood fluke, Schistosoma mansoni. I. Extramammalian phase of the cycle.

The work of which this contribution forms a part was carried on in Puerto Rico, where Manson's blood fluke infection is an important and extensive clinical entity. The lateral-spined eggs of the parasite were obtained from the feces of human and experimental animals. The stools were washed and concentrated either by centrifugation or by sedimentation. The numbers of these eggs obtained from a 24-hour specimen varied not only with the age of the infection in the mammalian host but also fluctuated from day to day. The majority were viable, and contained ciliated larvae (miracidia), which were studied for detailed morphological features, including the number and pattern of the epithelial plates.Hatching was found to be due to several factors, including the maturity and vitality of the miracidium, the tonicity of the medium and mechanical agitation of the eggs. Some larvae hatch immediately after washing and concentration but the majority require from 12 to 24 hours. After swimming around for several minutes ...
Competitive overgrowth in interactions among sessile colonial invertebrates: A comparison of stochastic and phenotypic variation

Abstract The outcome of interspecific competition has been shown to be variable in a variety of field and laboratory studies. This variability has been attributed to both stochastic and deterministic processes and, furthermore, has been used as evidence for deviation from at least three hypothetical competitive models. Here, I evaluate two sources of variation in the competitive interaction between two species in terms of their relative impact on the abundance of one competitor (a population response) and on species richness (a community response). Several levels of stochastic variation in the outcome of encounters between the highest and lowest ranked species in a multispecies assemblage provided a null, one-phenotype model for comparison against a two-phenotype model. Two competitive phenotypes of the lowest ranked species differed in terms of their ability to overgrow or be overgrown by the highest ranked species. Even low levels of phenotypic variation resulted in the persistence of the lowest ranked species and enhanced species richness. Comparable low levels of stochastic variation did not. Even competitive equivalency (Kay and Keough, 1981; Russ, 1982) in the stochastic model did not result in enhanced species richness. The question as to whether competitive intransitivity results from stochastic, environmental uncertainty or intrinsic determinism within real sessile assemblages remains unresolved at this time. The results of these simulations suggest that natural selection is more likely to favor competitive phenotypes which contribute to the formation of intransitive networks in assemblages with few rather than many species. Furthermore, the successful discrimination between phenotypic and stochastic variation will be much more difficult to attain in species-rich assemblages.
Influence of myocardial infarction size on radionuclide and Doppler echocardiographic measurements of diastolic function.

Abstract To assess the relation between myocardial infarction size and diastolic function as measured by radionuclide ventriculography and Doppler echocardiography, 83 patients (aged 58 ± 9 years) without significant valvular disease were studied 8 to 12 weeks after an acute myocardial infarction. Myocardial infarction size was measured by resting thallium-201 tomography. Peak early filling rate (in end-diastolic volumes/s) was measured by gated blood pool scintigraphy. Doppler measures of mitral inflow were peak early (E) and atrial (A) filling velocities, slopes of E and A, percent E and A filling, E A ratio and diastolic filling period. In univariate analyses, there was a significant inverse correlation between infarction size and the peak early filling rate (r = −0.59, p E A ratio was r = 0.43 (p Thus, a larger myocardial infarction size was associated with a reduced peak early filling rate by radionuclide angiography, a higher peak E and a lower peak A velocity, and an increased E A ratio by Doppler. In addition to the other variables known to influence diastolic measurements, these results suggest that myocardial infarction size determines, in part, diastolic function as assessed by either radionuclide or Doppler techniques.
Impact of age and environment on somatic mutation at the hprt gene of T lymphocytes in humans

Analysis of two human populations for dependence of somatic mutation on age has revealed both similarities and differences. The studies performed employed peripheral blood lymphocytes and measured the efficiency with which these cells form clones in vitro (cloning efficiency, CE) and the frequency of cells with inactivating mutations of the hypoxanthine phosphoribosyltransferase gene (mutant frequency, MF). The people studied were between 19 and 64 years of age. In one population, composed of 78 never smokers and 140 current smokers from the United States (US), both CE and MF were dependent on age: CE declined with age (p = 0.005); MF increased 0.15 per 106 cells per year of age for nonsmokers (p < 0.001) and at 1.3 times that rate for smokers (p = 0.01). In the second population, 80 people of unknown smoking status from Russia, the increase in MF per year was even greater, 2.5 times that of the US nonsmokers (p = 0.001) but the dependence of CE on age was the same as for the US population (p = 0.043). Because the increase of MF of the Russians with age is 2-fold greater than that of the US smokers, the intensity of smoking and/or other environmental exposures, or the susceptibility to these exposures, must account for the difference in age dependent MF increase, not the proportion of Russians that are smokers. Differences in the lymphocyte subpopulations that survived the longer transit from Russia may have contributed to the observed differences in MF. However, overall, the mutant frequency results suggest that the Russians were chronically exposed to higher levels of agents that induce somatic mutation and that, on an age adjusted basis, the Russia population studied is at increased risk for health consequences from accumulated genetic damage.
Single vibronic level fluorescence and relaxation spectra of s-tetrazine-d0 and d2 vapors

Abstract The third strongest cold band in the 5500A absorption spectrum of s-tetrazine vapor is assigned to 6b 0 2 by analysis of single-vibronic-level (SVL) fluorescence spectra obtained with a tunable cw dye laser. Fermi resonance model calculations for the doublet 6a 0 1 …6b 0 2 simulate the perturbations of relative intensities in ν 6a ″ fluorescence progressions which arise fron interference between the two terms of the Franck-Condon factors. Addition of a quartic anharmonic term to the quadratic ν 6b ′ potential accounts for the observed spacing of the observed 6b 1 and 6b 2 levels and suggests a likely candidate for the heretofore missing 6b 0 4 member of the Fermi resonance triad. Weak bands with in-plane polarization are revealed in fluorescence and contribute to a list of newly measured frequencies of the ground state. Experiments with added n -pentane show that rotational relaxation proceeds at the hard-sphere rate while vibrational relaxation is about five times slower. Vibrational relaxation exhibits non-statistical distribution in the early stages; it is rather distinctive when starting from the zero-level of the excited state, but is reminiscent of earlier work (on benzene) when starting from the 16b 1 level. Identification of the level 6b 1 is supported by these relaxation experiments.
Hydroxyurea therapy for sickle cell disease in community-based practices : A survey of Florida and North Carolina hematologists/oncologists

Little is known about patterns of hydroxyurea (HU) use by community-based hematologist/oncologists (H/Os) for the treatment of sickle cell disease (SCD). Determination of these practice patterns pertaining to adult SCD patients was the focus of this study. A self-administered survey was mailed to H/Os in two southeastern states. Replies were received from 70% of eligible physicians. This study focuses on responses from 184 community H/Os and a comparison group of 30 university-based/affiliated H/Os providing ongoing care for at least 3 SCD patients/month. The majority of community H/O respondents saw less than 3 SCD patients/month. HU was prescribed by more than half (55%) of community H/Os in at least 10% of their patients. The most common reasons cited for prescribing HU include frequent painful crises (76%), chronic pain with frequent narcotic use (58%), and acute chest syndrome (43%). Although the majority of community H/Os care for few patients with SCD, the reported indications for HU were consistent with currently accepted recommendations. However, community H/Os reported acute chest syndrome, stroke, and pulmonary hypertension as indications for HU less often than the academic H/O group. Barriers to wider use of HU include physician concerns about carcinogenic potential, doubts about HU effectiveness, perceived patient apprehension about adverse effects, concern about lack of contraceptive use, and patient compliance. Further resources should focus on updating physicians on recently published material supporting the effectiveness of HU in symptomatic SCD as well as providing management guidelines to optimize the use of HU.
TH‐C‐201B‐08: Use of GAFCHROMIC® XR‐QA Film for Entrance Skin Dose and Skin Dose Measurements during Computed Tomography‐Guided Procedures; an Ongoing Study

Purpose: Use of GAFCHROMIC® XR‐QA film to estimate entrance skin dose and skin dose measurements resulting from computed tomography‐guided procedures such as tumor ablation cyst aspiration and needle biopsies. Materials and Methods: Small pieces of GAFCHROMIC® XR‐QA each measuring approximately 1 × 6 cm2 were exposed to different measured radiation doses using a conventional x‐ray tube. The beam energy used was 117 kVp with a measured a HVL of 5.15 mm Al. An additional 1.85 mm Al were added to better approximate the beam characteristics of a computed tomography x‐ray beam of 120 kVp and a HVL of 7 mm Al. After 24 hours post‐exposure the films were scanned with a commercially available reflective‐type scanner. The mean pixel value measured for each film was used to calculate a net pixel value. The film calibration curve was generated by plotting the radiation dose as a function of net pixel value and then performing a curve fit. For each of seven computed‐tomography procedures selected a GAFCHROMIC® XR‐QA film strip measuring approximately 1 × 30 cm2 was positioned on the patient's skin parallel to the direction of table movement during the entirety of the procedure. The GAFCHROMIC® XR‐QA film strips were scanned and a dose profile generated.Results: The GAFCHROMIC® XR‐QA film skin dose measurements for all the patients so far investigated had a maximum dose ranging from 8–267 mGy with an average skin dose between 0.7–125 mGy. Conclusion: GAFCHROMIC® XR‐QA film has the potential for performing quick and reliable radiation skin dose measurements for patients undergoing computed tomography guided procedures. Skin dose profiles may be used to determine maximum or peak skin dose to provide feedback to physicians on their radiation management techniques and to optimize the CT scan parameters in order to minimize patient dose while maintaining diagnostic quality imaging.