cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Host as the Driver of the Microbiota in the Gut and External Environment of Drosophila melanogaster

Most associations between animals and their gut microbiota are dynamic, involving sustained transfer of food-associated microbial cells into the gut and shedding of microorganisms into the external environment with feces, but the interacting effects of host and microbial factors on the composition of the internal and external microbial communities are poorly understood. This study on laboratory cultures of the fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster reared in continuous contact with their food revealed time-dependent changes of the microbial communities in the food that were strongly influenced by the presence and abundance of Drosophila. When germfree Drosophila eggs were aseptically added to nonsterile food, the microbiota in the food and flies converged to a composition dramatically different from that in fly-free food, showing that Drosophila has microbiota-independent effects on the food microbiota. The microbiota in both the flies that developed from unmanipulated eggs (bearing microorganisms) and the associated food was dominated by the bacteria most abundant on the eggs, demonstrating effective vertical transmission via surface contamination of eggs. Food coinoculated with a four-species defined bacterial community of Acetobacter and Lactobacillus species revealed the progressive elimination of Lactobacillus from the food bearing few or no Drosophila, indicating the presence of antagonistic interactions between Acetobacter and Lactobacillus. Drosophila at high densities ameliorated the Acetobacter/Lactobacillus antagonism, enabling Lactobacillus to persist. This study with Drosophila demonstrates how animals can have major, coordinated effects on the composition of microbial communities in the gut and immediate environment.
Variation in Sign Languages: Recent Research on ASL and Beyond

This article summarizes early approaches to sociolinguistic research and the factors that condition variation in sign languages. The article then examines the methodological issues that arise in the study of sign languages before discussing recent research on variation in several different sign languages and dialects including Black ASL, Australian Sign Language, New Zealand Sign Language, and Italian Sign Language. This research shows that sign languages, like spoken languages, are subject to a wide range of internal and external constraints, some of which are particular to sign languages. We conclude with suggestions for future research.
EYE-TRAC: monitoring attention and utility for mTBI

Attention is a core function in cognition and also the most prevalent cognitive deficit in mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI). Predictive timing is an essential element of attention functioning because sensory processing and execution of goal-oriented behavior are facilitated by temporally accurate prediction. It is hypothesized that impaired synchronization between prediction and external events accounts for the attention deficit in mTBI. Other cognitive and somatic or affective symptoms associated with mTBI may be explained as secondary consequences of impaired predictive timing. Eye-Tracking Rapid Attention Computation (EYE-TRAC) is the quantification of predictive timing with indices of dynamic visuo-motor synchronization (DVS) between the gaze and the target during continuous predictive visual tracking. Such quantification allows for cognitive performance monitoring in comparison to the overall population as well as within individuals over time. We report preliminary results of normative data and data collected from subjects with a history of mTBI within 2 weeks of injury and post-concussive symptoms at the time of recruitment. A substantial proportion of mTBI subjects demonstrated DVS scores worse than 95% of normal subjects. In addition, longitudinal monitoring of acute mTBI subjects showed that initially abnormal DVS scores were followed by improvement toward the normal range. In summary, EYE-TRAC provides fast and objective indices of DVS that allow comparison of attention performance to a normative standard and monitoring of within-individual changes.
Heavy metal concentrations in tissues of Virginia river otters.

Concentrations of lead, cadmium, zinc and copper in liver, kidney and bone samples of otter harvested during the 1979-1980 and 1980-1981 trapping seasons were determined by atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Correlations between metal concentrations and age for all three tissues were nonsignificant. Correlations among the concentrations of the four elements in liver and kidney samples were also nonsignificant for otter samples in both years. The highest correlation coefficient (0.47) was found between zinc and copper concentrations in liver samples from otters trapped during the 1979-1980 trapping season. (JMT)
An algebraic method for processing colored images

Abstract An 8-valued commutative ring is developed to process colored images. Algebraic operators are defined to perform a number of operations such as the extraction of the primary colors and contours of different colors.
Measuring Various Drug Use Dimensions with a Calendar Method

This note presents a technique used to acquire a variety of time-specific data on drug use. The calendar technique involves self-reported patterns of consumption and any changes therein, including cessation. Advantages of this technique over other approaches are discussed, and examples of the variety of use measures that can be derived from the calendar method are illustrated.
Static and dynamic Fourier analysis of finite cross-ply doubly curved panels using classical shallow shell theories

Abstract Analytical solutions to the boundary-value problems of static response under transverse load and free vibration of a general cross-ply doubly curved panel of rectangular planform are presented. Four classical shallow shell theories (namely, Donnell, Sanders, Reissner and modified Sanders) are used in the formulation, which generates a system of one fourth-order and two second-order (in terms of the transverse displacement) partial differential equations with constant coefficients. A recently developed boundary-discontinuous double Fourier series approach is used to solve this system of three partial differential equations with the SS2-type simply supported boundary conditions prescribed at all four edges. The accuracy of the solutions is ascertained by studying the convergence characteristics of deflections, moments and natural frequencies of cross-ply panels, and also by comparison with the available analytical solutions. Also presented are comparisons of numerical results predicted by the four classical shallow shell theories considered for cross-ply panels over a wide range of geometric and material parameters. Comparisons with the available FSDT (first-order shear deformation theory)-based analytical solutions are presented for the purpose of establishing the upper limit (with respect to the thickness-to-length ratio) of validity of the present CLT (classical lamination theory)-based solutions for both symmetric and antisymmetric cross-ply panels. Other important numerical results presented include variation of displacements, moments and the two lowest natural frequencies with the shell geometric parameters, such as radius-to-length ratio.
The interaction between OPH and paraoxon at the air–water interface studied by AFM and epifluorescence microscopies

The paraoxon hydrolysis reaction catalyzed by organophosphorus hydrolase (OPH) monolayer at the air-water interface was studied. OPH-paraoxon interactions, occurring at the two-dimensional interface, by close-packed, highly orientated OPH monolayer, were investigated by several different surface chemistry techniques; e.g. surface pressure area isotherms, atomic force microscopy (AFM), and in situ epifluorescence microscopy. The characterization of OPH Langmuir and Langmuir-Blodgett films prepared in both the presence and absence of paraoxon, demonstrated significantly distinctive feature when compared with one another. Continuous growth of the OPH aggregates is a distinct phenomenon associated with hydrolysis, in addition to the pH changes in the local environment of the enzyme macromolecules.
Nephrology Crossword: Obstetric nephrology.

ACROSS 1. This diagnostic urinary cellular biomarker for preeclampsia was initially thought to be useful, but now it is neither sensitive nor specific in making the diagnosis. (11) 3. Renal pathological lesion in pre-eclampsia is characterized by this glomerular cell swelling and detachment. (11) 6. Tacrolimus during pregnancy is associated with the risk of this potential neonatal electrolyte disorder. (12) 8. First described in 1982 by Weinstein and colleagues, this syndrome is typically seen in the third trimester. (5) 9. These cells are increased during normal pregnancy and have a potent immunosuppressive action and contribute to fetal tolerance (abbrev). (5) 10. This anti-angiogenic factor has been widely studied for the detection of pre-eclampsia, and a trial showed that its levels increase 5–6 weeks before the detection of the clinical syndrome of pre-eclampsia. (4) 11. Increased incidence of pre-eclampsia in women with type 1 diabetes mellitus and diabetic nephropathy is due to endothelial dysfunction, impaired maximal vasodilatation, and increased level of this component of the renin–angiotensin system. (8) DOWN 1. First described in 1996, in this setting of pre-eclampsia, this syndrome is characterized by neurologic signs and symptoms in combination with neuro-imaging findings of vasogenic edema in the posterior circulation (abbrev). (4) 2. This rapidly growing technology helps characterize complete collections of metabolites or small molecules in an organism or in its cells or tissues, and has been shown to help predict pre-eclampsia. (12) 4. The minimum suggested hemodialysis dose in hours per week for pregnant women with end-stage renal disease. (6) 5. This anti-hypertensive b-blocker has been associated with intra-uterine growth retardation and should be avoided in pregnancy. (8) 7. This complement gene mutation has the highest risk of pregnancy-induced atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome. (7) 10. Increased levels of this anti-angiogenic factor appear to correlate with either severe pre-eclampsia or eclampsia (abbrev). (4) http://www.kidney-international.org m a k e y o u r d i a g n o s i s
A mathematical model and inversion procedure for magneto-acousto-electric tomography

Magneto-acousto-electric tomography (MAET), also known as the Lorentz force or Hall effect tomography, is a novel hybrid modality designed to be a high-resolution alternative to the unstable electrical impedance tomography. In this paper, we analyze the existing mathematical models of this method, and propose a general procedure for solving the inverse problem associated with the MAET. It consists in applying to the data one of the algorithms of thermo-acoustic tomography, followed by solving the Neumann problem for the Laplace equation and the Poisson equation. For the particular case when the region of interest is a cube, we present an explicit series solution resulting in a fast reconstruction algorithm. As we show, both analytically and numerically, the MAET is a stable technique yielding high-resolution images even in the presence of significant noise in the data.
Polymorphisms for lethal alleles in European populations of Mus musculus.

Breeding tests of wild house mice ( Mus musculus ) from European populations in Denmark and East Germany show that each population contains mice heterozygous for recessive lethal alleles at the T locus (chromosome 17). Two of the lethal alleles found in Europe are indistinguishable from those known to be widespread in North American populations of Mus ;one European lethal (from Denmark) represents an hitherto unknown form. The European lethals appear to be maintained as polymorphisms by the same type of gametic selection (sperm transmission ratios of 80 to 99 per cent) previously found in North American t-lethals. Some possible evolutionary histories of lethal polymorphisms in the European subspecies of Mus are discussed.
Ultrastructural localization of reelin in the cortex in post-mortem human brain

Reelin is a glycoprotein that plays a critical role in brain development, including proper cortical lamination. In adult animals, reelin continues to be expressed in different neuronal populations in many brain regions. We performed labeling for reelin immunoreactivity (-i) in post-mortem cerebral cortex from five adults and two fetuses with three different antibodies. The tissue was then processed for light and electron microscopy. In cell bodies, reelin-i was found in pyramidal and nonpyramidal neurons on the outer nuclear membrane, rough endoplasmic reticulum (rER), and ribosomes. In dendrites, labeling was found in the rER and ribosomes and was diffusely distributed in spines. In the neuropil, diffuse labeling was seen in small axon terminals and unmyelinated axons, and the postsynaptic density (PSD) frequently had discrete labeling. Reelin-i was also found in glial somata and in small astrocytic processes. With rare exceptions, reelin-i in the adult was conspicuously absent from both the extracellular matrix (ECM) and the subcellular organelles, where secreted proteins are modified and taken back into the cell. Labeling in fetal cortex was similar to that in the adult except for prominent labeling in the ECM. The presence of reelin in adult spines, PSD, and terminals suggests that in the adult human reelin has a role in synaptic remodeling, which is consistent with the evidence for its role in long-term potentiation in the adult brain. J. Comp. Neurol. 482:294–308, 2005. © 2004 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Change in the editorial leadership of PLoS Pathogens.

In the fall of 2004, John Young was approached by Harold Varmus and the PLoS founders to start a new PLoS journal in the field of microbial pathogenesis. The need for such a journal was immediately recognized by the community. Since the initial call for papers in 2005, the journal has grown steadily and, at times, dramatically, with consistent increases in both the number of manuscripts considered and manuscripts published, and with a significant expansionof theEditorial Board.Under John’s direction, and by dint of the tireless and outstandingwork of theEditorial Board, each of whom volunteer their time, PLoS Pathogens has lived up to its stated goals of publishing ‘‘the highest quality work that embodies a significant advance across microbial pathogenesis.’’ John’s leadership is manifest at all levels of the journal, and we now encounter our biggest editorial transition todate ashe steps aside asEditor-inChief. Particularly important to this transition has been the development of a journal editorial structure that ensures a smooth adjustment of responsibilities as board members balance the complex demands of time, both professional and personal. In this way, former Deputy Editor Kasturi Haldar will now assume EIC duties, and Grant McFadden, one of theVirology Section Editors, will take on the Deputy Editor role; John will remain an active member of the community and, in the role of Associate Editor, the journal. We are indebted to John for his expert guidance of the journal and expect to continue to build off of his example. We are also naturally excited about the possibilities inherent with changes in journal leadership, pathogens research, and open-access publishing. We look forward to another dynamic year ahead with you, the community of PLoS Pathogens. Thanks for your continued support and best wishes, Kasturi, Grant, and John & Citation: Haldar K, McFadden G, Young JAT (2008) Change in the editorial leadership of PLoS Pathogens. PLoS Pathog 4(1): e15. doi:10.1371/journal.ppat. 0040015
Reduction of spectral interferences in flame emission spectrometry by selective spectral-line modulation

Abstract Spectral interferences in flame emission spectrometry can be significantly reduced through the use of selective spectral-line modulation (s.l.m.). In this method, a mirrored, rotating chopper is used to direct the emission from a sample flame alternately through and around a second (modulating) flame; selective modulation is achieved when the modulating flame contains absorbing atoms identical to emitting analyte atoms in the sample flame. The effects of optical configuration and modulating conditions on working curve slope, linearity, and signal-to-noise ratio are examined. Also, the ability of s.l.m. to minimize broad-band and narrow-line spectral interferences is demonstrated. In particular, it has been shown that the interference of the 554-nm CaOH band on barium determinations can be largely overcome. Also, interference of several palladium lines on nickel in the 350-nm region can be reduced. Finally, it is shown how the interference of flame background itself can be restricted in s.l.m. procedures.
Lack of a Simple Relationship Between Endogenous Growth Hormone and NSILA-s Related Peptides

Using a liver membrane radioreceptor assay that is specific for NSILA-s and related compounds we have previously shown that plasma NSILA-s, like plasma somatomedin, is low in hypopituitary patients and rises acutely after iv hGH. In contrast to the somatomedins, however, NSILA-s, as measured in this assay, is not elevated in the sera of acromegalic patients. In an attempt to understand better the interrelationship between NSILA-s and endogenous growth hormone, a variety of physiologic and pharmacologic stimuli were studied. NSILA-s rose after oral glucose at a time when hGH levels were falling. Conversely, after iv insulin or estrogen, NSILA-s levels fell at a time when hGH levels were rising. Furthermore, oral L-Dopa and iv glucagon both produced substantial rises in plasma growth hormone without causing an acute change in NSILA-s related peptides. The most striking dissociation between endogenous hGH and NSILA-s related peptides was observed during a 48–72 h fast. In normal subjects fasting produced a r...
Fibronectin‐adherent monocytes express tissue factor and tissue factor pathway inhibitor whereas endotoxin‐stimulated monocytes primarily express tissue factor: physiologic and pathologic implications

Summary Background: Monocytes are critical cells in initiating physiologic and/or pathologic tissue factor (TF)-induced intravascular and extravascular coagulation. Monocytes constitutively express small amounts of TF and tissue factor pathway inhibitor (TFPI). Non-adherent lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated monocytes express significant amounts of TF; however, increased expression of TFPI by these cells is controversial. Further, whether fibronectin-adherent monocytes (mimicking conditions in the extravascular space) express sufficient TFPI to inhibit TF-procoagulant activity (PCA) is unknown.Objective: To compare TF and TFPI expression by fibronectin-adherent and LPS-stimulated non-adherent monocytes.Methods: Monocytes were isolated from normal peripheral blood, adhered to fibronectin or stimulated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) under non-adherent conditions and examined for expression of TF and TFPI using quantitative real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), ELISA and factor X (FX) activation.Results: Under LPS-free conditions, the fibronectin-adherent monocyte TF mRNA, antigen and activity were markedly upregulated. Notably, cell and microparticle (MP)-associated TF and alternatively spliced TF (asTF) were all upregulated. TFPI mRNA and antigen were also upregulated in the fibronectin-adherent monocytes, which significantly inhibited TF-PCA. TFPI mRNAs for both alpha and beta forms were detected. The peak in TFPI activity occurred in tandem with the peak in TF-PCA. In contrast, LPS-stimulated monocytes, which expressed cell and MP-associated TF and asTF, demonstrated only minimal expression of TFPI as determined by mRNA, antigen or inhibition of TF activity.Conclusion: Both LPS-stimulated and fibronectin-adherent monocytes demonstrate a procoagulant phenotype by expressing TF but only fibronectin-adherent monocytes express significant amounts of TFPI to control thrombin generation and fibrin formation in the context of extravascular space.
The detection of neighbors by plants.

Abstract Whether plants detect and respond to neighboring plants is crucial for a complete understanding of how plants interact with each other. If plants do not detect and respond to neighbors, interactions are determined by the way in which each species alters available resources and the passive responses of nearby plants. If plants do detect and respond to neighbors, interactions are not regulated by resource availability alone. Most reports of plants detecting and responding to neighbors have focused on avoidance, where either roots or shoots grow away from a detected neighbor. However, a recent paper by Gersani and colleagues has demonstrated that soybeans increase root growth in soil shared with conspecific competitors. Their findings shed light on a new ecological role for noncognitive behavior in plants.
Wellbore integrity in carbon sequestration environments: 1. Experimental study of Cement–Sandstone/Shale–Brine–CO2

Abstract It is important to determine the geochemical reactions between common cements used in wellbore construction, formation mineralogy, and supercritical CO 2 stored in deep saline reservoirs, because abandoned and completed wells provide a pathway for release of the stored CO 2 back to overlying aquifers and to the atmosphere. Although it is known that alkaline cements readily react with acidic CO 2 -rich waters, the influence of the formation and cement mineralogy on the bonding of the wellbore cement to the caprock at pressure and temperature conditions associated with saline CO 2 storage reservoirs is uncertain. We reacted end member components of the heterolithic sandstone and shale unit that forms the upper section of the carbon storage reservoir at the Krechba Field, In Salah, Algeria with supercritical CO 2 and class G cement in a representative brine at 95 °C and 10 MPa in gold bag autoclaves to identify geochemical reactions that occur in the wellbore environment. The experimental system allows reaction progress of complex geochemical environments to be tracked by sampling the aqueous phase periodically over the two-month long experiments. Analysis of the solution chemistry over time and the solid products show that the wellbore environment is dominated by reactions between cement, carbonate, and clay minerals when exposed to CO 2 -rich fluid. Reaction of the hydrated cement with synthetic brine equilibrated with supercritical CO 2 rapidly forms amorphous silica, calcite, and aragonite. Similar reaction products were observed when cement reacted with sandstone and CO 2 (reservoir). However in the vicinity of the shale (caprock) cement minerals altered to calcium carbonate minerals and smectite (clay).
Fluctuations in Mitochondrial Membrane Potential in Single Isolated Brain Mitochondria: Modulation by Adenine Nucleotides and Ca2+

In this study we investigated fluctuations in mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm) in single isolated brain mitochondria using fluorescence imaging. Mitochondria were attached to coverslips and perfused with K+-based buffer containing 20 μM EDTA, supplemented with malate and glutamate, and rhodamine 123 for ΔΨm determination. ΔΨm fluctuations were triggered by mitochondrial Ca2+ uptake since they were inhibited by both ruthenium red, a Ca2+-uniporter blocker, and by high concentrations of EGTA. A very low concentration of Ca2+ (∼30 nM) was required to initiate the fluctuations. Both ATP and ADP reversibly inhibited ΔΨm fluctuations, with maximal effects occurring at 100μM. The effect of nucleotides could not be explained by the reversed mode of mitochondrial ATP-synthase, since oligomycin was not effective and nonhydrolysable analogs of ATP and ADP did not stop the fluctuations. The effects of adenine nucleotides were abolished by blockade of the adenine nucleotide translocator with carboxyatractyloside, but were insensitive to another inhibitor, bongkrekic acid. ATP-sensitive K+-channels are not involved in the mechanism of ΔΨm fluctuations, since the inhibitor 5-hydroxydecanoate or the activator diazoxide did not affect dynamics of ΔΨm. We suggest ΔΨm fluctuations in brain mitochondria are not spontaneous, but are triggered by Ca2+ and are modulated by adenine nucleotides, possibly from the matrix side of the inner mitochondrial membrane.
An Actor Network Theory Translation of the Bush Legacy and the Obama Collectif

Employing Actor-Network Theory as an analytical framework, this article explores presumptions of reality, power and authority expressed by the Bush collectif. The article demonstrates both successes and failures of the Bush administration's attempts to define the terms and contexts of its actions. The author discusses the Obama administration's success in building of a strong network of alliances and challenges towards its maintenance.
The polyamine-derived amino acid hypusine: its post-translational formation in eIF-5A and its role in cell proliferation

The unusual amino acid hypusine [Ne-(4-amino-2-hydroxybutyl)lysine] is a unique component of one cellular protein, eukaryotic translation initiation factor 5A (eIF-5A, old terminology, eIF-4D). It is formed posttranslationally and exclusively in this protein in two consecutive enzymatic reactions, (i) modification of a single lysine residue of the eIF-5A precursor protein by the transfer of the 4-aminobutyl moiety of the polyamine spermidine to itse-amino group to form the intermediate, deoxyhypusine [Ne-(4-aminobutyl)lysine] and (ii) subsequent hydroxylation of this intermediate to form hypusine. The amino acid sequences surrounding the hypusine residue are strictly conserved in all eukaryotic species examined, suggesting the fundamental importance of this amino acid throughout evolution. Hypusine is required for the activity of eIF-5Ain vitro. There is strong evidence that hypusine and eIF-5A are vital for eukaryotic cell proliferation. Inactivation of both of the eIF-5A genes is lethal in yeast and the hypusine modification appears to be a requirement for yeast survival (Schnier et al., 1991 [Mol Cell Biol 11: 3105–3114]; Wohl et al., 1993 [Mol Gen Genet 241: 305–311]). Furthermore, inhibitors of either of the hypusine biosynthetic enzymes, deoxyhypusine synthase or deoxyhypusine hydroxylase, exert strong anti-proliferative effects in mammalian cells, including many human cancer cell lines. These inhibitors hold potential as a new class of anticancer agents, targeting one specific eukaryotic cellular reaction, hypusine biosynthesis.
A Procedure to Predict Solid Particle Erosion in Elbows and Tees

A semi-empirical procedure has been developed for predicting erosion rates in pipe geometries, such as elbows and tees. The procedure can be used to estimate safe operating conditions and velocities in oil and gas production where sand is present. In the proposed procedure, a concept is introduced that allows determination of erosion rate for different pipe geometries. In the procedure, based on empirical observations, the erosion rate is related to the impact velocity of sand particles on a pipe fitting wall. A simplified particle tracking model is developed and is used to estimate the impact velocity of sand particles moving in a stagnation region near the pipe wall. A new concept of equivalent stagnation length allows the simplified procedure to be applicable to actual pipe geometries. The equivalent stagnation regions'' of an elbow and a tee geometry of different sizes are obtained from experimental data for small pipe diameters, and a computational model is used to extend the procedure to larger pipe diameters. Currently, the prediction method applies to mild steel and accounts for the effects of sand size, shape, and density; fluid density, viscosity, and flow speed; and pipe size and shape. The proposed method has been verified formore » gas and liquid flows through several comparisons with experimental data reported in the literature. The results of the model accurately predict the effects of sand size and fluid viscosity observed in the experiments. Furthermore, predicted erosion rates showed good agreement with experimental data for gas, liquid, and gas-liquid flows in several 50.8-mm (2-in.) elbows and tees.« less
Right ventricular volume estimation using an ellipsoidal shell model and single-plane magnetic resonance imaging.

RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVES To investigate whether accurate right ventricular volumes could be obtained using an ellipsoidal shell model with magnetic resonance (MR) image measurements from a single imaging plane. METHODS An initial retrospective patient study included 10 patients with congenital cardiac defects who had undergone same-day or next-day radiographic contrast ventriculography. An expanded study included MR scans of a total of 29 patients with congenital cardiac defects. Magnetic resonance scans of 10 healthy volunteers were also included in part of the study. Right ventricular volumes were calculated from (1) model-based calculations using single-plane cine MR imaging, and (2) multislice calculations based on contrast angiography. RESULTS Regression of angiography-based volumes against MR-based volumes showed high correlation (r = 0.97, see = 12.5 mL) and slope near unity. Regression of right against left stroke volumes, both calculated from MR data, showed excellent correlation (r = 0.90, see = 11.6 ml) and slope near unity. CONCLUSIONS The ellipsoidal shell model can be used to reliably estimate right ventricular volume using single-plane MR images.
Sequential heat-curing of Tn5-Mob-sac labelled plasmids from Rhizobium to obtain derivatives with various combinations of plasmids and no plasmid

All four plasmids from Rhizobium leguminosarum bv. trifolii W14-2 were sequentially labelled with Tn5-Mob-sac, which codes for resistance to kanamycin and sensitivity to sucrose, and cured by exposing rhizobia to supra-optimal temperatures. This is the first report where a plasmid-less derivative of Rhizobium was obtained. No relationship was found between plasmid size and elimination. The efficiency of Hynes' selection system decreased when used to cure plasmids from rhizobial derivatives already lacking one plasmid or more. The authors' results suggest that previous reports of failure in curing Tn5-Mob-sac labelled plasmids may only be due to an insufficient number of colonies being screened.
DVI parallel image compression

At the heart of DVI is an image compression and expansion technology that uses proprietary chips to expand an image in real time from a bit stream that has been compressed on a large computer at non-real time rates. This article describes how the compression algorithm is used and how it was ported.
Biotransformation of dichloroaromatic compounds in nonadapted and adapted freshwater sediment slurries.

Nonadapted freshwater sediment slurries and sediment slurries adapted to dechlorinate 2,3-dichloropyridine (2,3-Cl2Pyd), 2,3-dichloroaniline (2,3-Cl2Anl), 2,3-dichlorophenol (2,3-Cl2PhOH), 3,5-dichloropyridine (3,5-Cl2Pyd), 3,5-dichloroaniline (3,5-Cl2Anl) and 3,5-dichlorophenol (3,5-Cl2PhOH) were studied to determine the rate, range and extent of biotransformation of structurally related compounds under anaerobic conditions. 2,3-dichloroanisole (2,3-Cl2Ans) and 3,5-dichloroanisole (3,5-Cl2Ans) were initially demethylated, producing 2,3-Cl2PhOH and 3,5-Cl2PhOH as intermediate transformation products. All other dichloroaromatic compounds examined were initially dechlorinated. The rates of dechlorination of 2,3-Cl2PhOH, 2,3-Cl2Anl, and 2,3-Cl2Pyd were significantly lower (5–15 times) in nonadapted sediment slurries compared to sediment slurries adapted to 2,3-Cl2Anl or 2,3-Cl2Pyd. In 2,3-Cl2PhOH adapted sediment, the rate of dechlorination of 2,3-Cl2PhOH was 15 times greater than in nonadapted sediment; however, the rates of dechlorination of 2,3-Cl2Anl and 2,3-Cl2Pyd were similar for 2,3-Cl2PhOH-adapted and nonadapted sediment slurries. In adapted and nonadapted sediment slurries, 2,3-Cl2PhOH, 2,3-Cl2Anl, and 2,3-Cl2Pyd were preferentially dechlorinated at the ortho, meta, and meta positions, respectively. Additionally, 2,3-Cl2Pyd adapted sediment slurries dechlorinated 2,3-Cl2PhOH and 2,3-Cl2Pyd at both ortho and meta positions.
Lead-induced inhibition of brain adenyl cyclase.

ACUTE lead toxicity can produce such neurological signs as ataxia, peripheral neuropathy, seizures, coma and even death1. Chronic low level exposure to lead, however, may be accompanied by more subtle defects in behaviour, such as hyper-activity, aggressiveness and shortened attention span2–4. Although lead can cause small (15–25%) and variable changes in the level of brain catecholamines3,5,6, no biochemical basis has been clearly established for these behavioural defects. We have now found, however, that very low concentrations of lead inhibit adenyl cyclase activity in mammalian brain tissue.
Anomalous right coronary artery from the pulmonary artery in Taussig-Bing anomaly

The presence of associated anomalies in patients with double-outlet right ventricle can significantly alter surgical intervention. Preoperative delineation of these anomalies can facilitate surgical planning and improve outcome. We describe a case in which the right coronary artery and anterior descending coronary artery arose from the pulmonary artery in a patient with double-outlet right ventricle with subpulmonary ventricular septal defect (Taussig-Bing anomaly). Recognition of this important anomaly prevented significant intraoperative myocardial damage by altering techniques of cardioplegia administration for myocardial preservation.
The virtue of cold-heartedness

I defend a strong version of the Kantian claim that actions done solely from duty have moral worth by (1) considering pure cases of acting from duty, (2) showing that love and sympathy, unlike a sense of duty, can often lead us to do the wrong thing, (3) carefully distinguishing moral from non-moral virtues, and (4) by distinguishing pathological sympathy from practical sympathy. Not only is acting purely from a sense of duty superior to acting from love and sympathetic feelings, but the cold-heartedness found in Kant’s examples should be thought of as a virtue rather than a vice.
Effect of nitrogen limitation on the biodegradability and toxicity of nitro- and aminophenol isomers to methanogenesis.

Monosubstituted nitro- and aminophenol isomers exhibited limited biodegradability under methanogenic conditions when supplied as the sole source of carbon and energy. This was examined by supplying to the same sediment samples, each isomer of nitro- and aminophenol as a sole source of added carbon under either N-supplemented or N-deprived methanogenic conditions. The results demonstrated that under N-supplemented conditions, only 2-NP (NP=nitrophenol), 4-NP and 4-AP (AP=aminophenol) were stoichiometrically mineralized, 2-AP, 3-AP, and the 3-AP metabolite formed from 3-NP reduction were persistent over the 51-week incubation period. In addition, NP isomers inhibited initial rates of methanogenesis, while all AP amended cultures exhibited no significant inhibition in the rate of methanogenesis. Under N-deprived conditions, 2-NP, 2-AP and 4-AP were mineralized, while 3-NP, 4-NP and 3-AP were persistent over the 51-week incubation period. Although all NP isomers were still metabolized through the corresponding AP isomer, the deprivation of nitrogen significantly depressed both the rate and extent of methanogenesis. In general, nitrogen supplemented cultures produced 25% more methane than the nitrogen limited cultures, and the initial rates of methanogenesis were four times greater. While these data showed that under N-deprived conditions methanogenesis was inhibited to a greater extent by these compounds, it also suggests that N-deprived conditions may have facilitated the establishment of a 2-AP metabolizing consortium.
Mammalian N-acetylglutamate synthase

N-Acetylglutamate synthase (NAGS, E.C. 2.3.1.1) is a mitochondrial enzyme that catalyzes the formation of N-acetylglutamate (NAG), an essential allosteric activator of carbamylphosphate synthetase I (CPSI). The mouse and human NAGS genes have been identified based on similarity to regions of NAGS from Neurospora crassa and cloned from liver cDNA libraries. These genes were shown to complement an argA- (NAGS) deficient Escherichia coli strain, and enzymatic activity of the proteins was confirmed by a new stable isotope dilution assay. The deduced amino acid sequence of mammalian NAGS contains a putative mitochondrial-targeting signal at the N-terminus. The mouse NAGS preprotein was overexpressed in insect cells to determine post-translational modifications and two processed proteins with different N-terminal truncations have been identified. Sequence analysis using a hidden Markov model suggests that the vertebrate NAGS protein contains domains with a carbamate kinase fold and an acyl-CoA N-acyltransferase fold, and protein crystallization experiments are currently underway. Inherited NAGS deficiency results in hyperammonemia, presumably due to the loss of CPSI activity. We, and others, have recently identified mutations in families with neonatal and late-onset NAGS deficiency and the identification of the gene has now made carrier testing and prenatal diagnosis feasible. A structural analog of NAG, carbamylglutamate, has been shown to bind and activate CPSI, and several patients have been reported to respond favorably to this drug (Carbaglu®).
Disagreement between experimental and theoretical metal surface relaxations

A cornerstone of our understanding of surface structure is that outer-layer separations of close-packed metal surfaces are within a percent or two of corresponding bulk interlayer spacings. Largely based on low energy electron diffraction (LEED) analyses, this conventional wisdom co-exists in the literature with numerous first-principles calculations that predict considerably larger surface contractions for reactive metals. Achieving a realistic, comprehensive understanding of bonding at surfaces requires that we uncover the source of the discrepancies.
Computerized segmentation and measurement of malignant pleural mesothelioma.

Purpose: The current linear method to track tumor progression and evaluate treatment efficacy is insufficient for malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM). A volumetric method for tumor measurement could improve the evaluation of novel treatments, but a fully manual implementation of volume measurement is too tedious and time-consuming. This manuscript presents a computerized method for the three-dimensional segmentation and volumetric analysis of MPM. Methods: The computerized MPM segmentation method segments the lung parenchyma and hemithoracic cavities to define the pleural space. Nonlinear diffusion and a k-means classifier are then implemented to identify MPM in the pleural space. A database of 31 computed tomography scans from 31 patients with pathologically confirmed MPM was retrospectively collected. Three observers independently outlined five randomly selected sections in each scan. The Jaccard similarity coefficient (J) between each of the observers and between the observer-defined and computer-defined segmentations was calculated. The computer-defined and the observer-defined segmentation areas (averaged over all observers) were both calculated for each axial section and compared using Bland–Altman plots. Results: The median J value among observers averaged over all sections was 0.517. The median J between the computer-defined and manual segmentations was 0.484. The difference between these values was not statistically significant. The area delineated by the computerized method demonstrated variability and bias comparable to the tumor area calculated from manual delineations. Conclusions: A computerized method for segmentation and measurement of MPM was developed. This method requires minimal initialization by the user and demonstrated good agreement with manually drawn outlines and area measurements. This method will allow volumetric tracking of tumor progression and may improve the evaluation of novel MPM treatments.
Circadian rhythmicity in the oviposition of the grasshopper Chorthippus curtipennis

Abstract The pattern of oviposition in the grasshopper, Chorthippus curtipennis, shows a rhythm which is entrained by light dark cycles and free runs under unvarying conditions of illumination. The physiological rhythm could be inverted in time through an inversion of the light dark regime by 180°. The process of inversion is rapid and displays one transient before the new phase of the rhythm is achieved. The rhythmicity in oviposition persists even after the ocelli and/or the compound eyes are ablated and coated over with opaque material. A similar persistence of the rhythm is observed in grasshoppers with the whole head capsule painted, indicating that light still reaches some part of the central nervous system through an extracephalic path. Since oviposition is a complex physiological process the integration of the light dark information probably takes place at a higher oscillatory nerve centre which regulates the rhythm via the neuro-secretory system.
Sudden death in cardiomyopathy: Role of bradycardia-dependent repolarization changes

Abstract A 20-year-old man presented with cardiomegaly, frequent PVC's, and abdominal pain. On the nineteenth hospital day the patient developed ventricular fibrillation and died. Analysis of a Holter recording initiated 16 hours previously demonstrated an increase in the corrected QT interval (QTc) to 0.48 second and a prematurity index less than 1.0 only during the minute terminated by ventricular fibrillation. This report documents changes in sinus rate, coupling interval, QTc, and prematurity index for 16 hours preceding ventricular fibrillation in a patient with cardiomyopathy. The timing of the terminal arrhythmia coincided with significant changes in the QTc and prematurity index characterized by bradycardia-dependent QTc prolongation and a post-extrasystolic reduction in prematurity index.
Driving with a driveline: A survey of current practice patterns for allowing a patient supported with a left ventricular assist device to drive

The authors thank Dr Angelo Graffigna and Chiara Dalpiaz (Anesthesiology and Intensive Care Unit, Santa Chiara Hospital, Trento, Italy) for their clinical efforts and logistic support. Further thanks to Dr Marco Lanfranconi, Stefano Pelenghi, and Tiziano Colombo (Cardiac Surgery Unit, Niguarda Hospital, Milano, Italy), who performed cardiac retrieval and transplantation, and to Dr Aldo Cannata, Giuseppe Bruschi (Cardiac Surgery Unit, Niguarda Hospital, Milano, Italy) and Maria Frigerio (Cardiology Unit, Niguarda Hospital, Milano, Italy), and to Roberto Paino (Anesthesiology and Intensive Care Unit, Niguarda Hospital, Milano, Italy) for their technical help and postoperative care. None of the authors has a financial relationship with a commercial entity that has an interest in the subject of the presented manuscript or other conflicts of interest to disclose.
The “Arthroscopic impingement test”

Summary Arthroscopic acromioplasty is an effective technique to treat refractory impingement syndrome of the shoulder; however, it is a technically demanding procedure and failure due to inadequate acromial resection has been reported. The purpose of this study was to describe a more reliable technique of arthroscopic acromioplasty ("arthroscopic impingement test") that allows determination of subacromial space available (SSA) during shoulder flexion after acromioplasty. During a 2-year period, 70 consecutive patients (group I) underwent arthroscopic acromioplasty by a conventional technique and 50 consecutive patients (group II) underwent the modified technique. Both groups were comparable in terms of age, gender, chronicity of symptoms, incidence of workman's compensation cases, side of surgery, and operative findings. In group I, four patients (6%) failed due to inadequate acromioplasty and at time of revision were found to have 0 mm SSA at 120° flexion (contact of cuff on acromion). After revision acromioplasty, SSA at 120° flexion was measured as >3 mm, and impingement symptoms resolved postoperatively. In group II, there were no failures and SSA after initial acromioplasty was found to average 13 mm at 0°, 10 mm at 45°, 8 mm at 90°, and 6 mm at 120° flexion. In four cases, the "arthroscopic impingement test" determined that there was inadequate SSA at 120° (
The role of plasma concentrations in the use of tricyclic antidepressant drugs

1. The range of tricyclic antidepressant plasma levels (or doses) needed for therapeutic response remains largely unresolved, since quantal plasma concentration (or dose)--response relationships have not been clearly defined for either therapeutic or nontherapeutic effects. 2. The fact that certain patients apparently became more depressed at higher plasma levels must be balanced against the facts that "depression" is a mixture of disorders as yet poorly distinguishable and that tricyclic antidepressants have multiple pharmacologic effects. 3. There is presently no justification for routinely monitoring tricyclic antidepressant plasma levels, even though, as for any drug, such determinations are justifiable in patients who are unresponsive or show signs of toxicity. 4. Plasma level determinations can never replace sound clinical judgment and dosage adjustment for individual patients.
Continuum kinematical modeling of mass increasing biological growth

Constructing continuum kinematical models of mass increasing biological growth has been the objective of many studies in the last 100 years. The significant features of the successful studies are briefly described, critically reviewed and organized in the contemporary notation of continuum kinematics. While success has been achieved in many kinematic tissue modeling categories, an agreed upon kinematic model for the large deformations of soft tissue remains a challenge.
Splanchnic input to thoracic spinal neurons and its supraspinal modulation in the rat.

Abstract The unitary responses of 62 T 8 –T 11 spinal neurons were recorded extracellularly following electrical stimulation of the greater splanchnic nerve (GSN) in chloralose-anesthetized rats. Recorded neurons were found inboth the dorsal and ventral horns. Fifty-seven neurons increased their firing rate in response to GSN stimulation; 8 of these exhibited biphasic responses consisting of excitations followed by inhibitions. Excitatory responses to GSN stimulation consisted of either one or two bursts with latencies consistent with activation by either Aδ or C fibers. GSN stimulation inhibited 5 neurons. The effects of reversible spinalization on spontaneous activity and on both synchronous and non-synchronous (afterdischarge) GSN-evoked responses were investigated using a cooling probe on the spinal cord between C 1 and C 2 . Of 29 neurons tested in this way, 9 exhibited opposite directional changes in their spontaneous activities and their GSN-evoked responses upon spinalization. Differential effects of cold-block on first and second bursts, or on Aδ- and C-fiber mediated responses, were not usually observed. However, differential effects of cold-block on synchronous and non-synchronous portions of the overall GSN-evoked response were often observed in that their magnitudes often changed independently of one another. Supraspinal pathways contributed to GSN-evoked responses of several neurons because their responses were diminished during cooling while spontaneous activity was increased or unchanged. These decreases in the magnitude of the GSN-evoked response were not always accounted for by decreases in the synchronous portions of the responses. However, most neurons did exhibit decreases in the number of non-synchronous responses, or afterdischarges, during spinal cooling, exhibiting in some cases biphasic responses. This study provides evidence for strong supraspinal regulation of splanchnic afferent input to the spinal cord of the rat. Further, this regulation exhibits some specificity toward different portions of splanchnic-evoked responses in spinal neurons.