cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Pseudomyxoma peritonei: cytomorphologic findings and clinicopathologic correlates

Introduction To analyze the cytomorphology and clinical correlates of pseudomyxoma peritonei (PP), a frequently fatal pathological entity defined by gelatinous ascites caused by slow but relentless accumulation of mucin produced by neoplastic glandular epithelium. Materials and methods A retrospective search of the electronic pathology data systems of three large tertiary care medical institutions revealed 41 cases from 32 patients with PP and corresponding abdominal fluid cytologic specimens. Cytologic material was available for review in 15 cases. Results The primary tumor site was appendix in 25 (78.1%) of the 32 patients, other regions of the gastrointestinal tract in 2 (6.3%) patients, and in 5 (15.6%) patients, the primary could not be entirely identified. Of the 41 cases, only 15 had available cytologic slides to review. Extracellular mucin was a constant feature in all 15 (100%) cases, being abundant in 13 cases and focal in 2 cases. Predominance of mucin-secreting neoplastic epithelial cells were observed in 10 (66.7%) and muciphages in 11 (73.4%) cases. Cytopathologic interpretations were consistent with the subsequent histopathologic diagnosis in 30 of 32 cases (93.8%). There were two false negative cases, both of which showed scant mucinous material on second review. Conclusions PP is uncommonly encountered in routine cytopathology practice. The common denominator is the presence of an often-abundant extracellular mucin. Epithelial (glandular) component is usually scant. An accurate diagnosis in a fluid specimen requires proper identification of free/extracellular mucin as well as distinguishing the often “benign-appearing” epithelial cells from reactive mesothelial cells and histiocytes.
Coronary steal in four models of single or multiple vessel obstruction in dogs.

Abstract Two types of coronary steal (subendocardial to subepicardial; collateral dependent to noncollateral dependent) were examined in four models of single or multiple vessel obstruction In 32 anesthetized dogs with controlled heart rate and aortic blood pressure. Different degrees of vasodilation were produced by use of the selective coronary arteriolar dilator, chromonar. Subendocardial to subepicardial steal was studied in two models of stenosis, mild (50 percent decrease in reactive hyperemia) and severe (93 percent decrease In reactive hyperemia). During mild left circumflex arterial stenosis, chromonar produced an Increase In poststenotic blood flow primarily In the subeptoardtum with only minimal increases in the subendocardium. The Ischemic endocardial epicardial flow ratio decreased significantly. During severe left circumflex stenosis, chromonar produced an increase in poststenotic subepicardial flow whereas subendocardial flow decreased. The ischemic endocardial epicardial flow ratio also decreased significantly. Changes In endocardial epicardial flow ratio correlated closely with distal diastolic perfusion pressure in both models of stenosis (r = 0.84, p Collateral-dependent to noncollateral-dependent steal was studied in two models of total left anterior descending coronary arterial occlusion. During distal occlusion of this artery, collateral blood flow decreased significantly only during chromonar-lnduced maximal vasodilation, whereas mild vasodilation produced a significant decrease in collateral flow when a proximal left circumflex stenosis was present in addition to occlusion of the left anterior descending artery. These results demonstrate that mild to maximal coronary vasodilation produces coronary steal in different models of single or multiple vessel disease In the absence of changes in aortic pressure and heart rate. Decreases in perfusion pressure distal to a stenosis or at the origin of collateral vessels are responsible for the two types of coronary steal.
Jesuit Scientific Activity in the Overseas Missions, 1540–1773

Within the context of national traditions in colonial science, the scientific activities of Jesuit missionaries present us with a unique combination of challenges. The multinational membership of the Society of Jesus gave its missionaries access to virtually every Portuguese, Spanish, and French colony. The Society was thus compelled to engage an astonishingly diverse array of cultural and natural environments, and that diversity of contexts is reflected in the range and the complexity of Jesuit scientific practices. Underlying that complexity, however, was what I see as a unique combination of institutional structures; namely, European colleges, overseas mission stations, and the regular circulation of personnel and information. With this institutional framework as a backdrop, I briefly trace what I see as the most salient themes emerging from recent studies of Jesuit overseas science: (1) the Societys ability to use scientific expertise to its advantage amid the complex web of dependencies upon which it missionary activities rested; (2) the ability of its missionaries to become intimate with a wide range of cultures and to appropriate natural knowledge held by indigenous peoples, especially in the fields of material medica and geography; and (3) the different ways Jesuits used published accounts of "remote nature" (i.e., natural histories of overseas colonies) to advance their corporate and religious causes.
MISO Amplify Forward scheme and its viability

In this paper, we consider a MISO equivalent of a three node cooperative communication system as described in [1] and compare its energy efficiency with a pure relaying scheme. Specifically, we first quantify the transmit energy required to maintain a target error probability at the destination in an Amplify Forward (AF) based MISO scheme. Based on theoretical analysis, we reason that AF based MISO scheme is not a viable option from an energy efficiency standpoint — pure relaying strategy is shown to be more energy efficient in this framework.
Active glass nanoparticles by ultrafast laser pulses

The authors have successfully demonstrated a method employing pulsed-laser ablation of active glass to produce nanoparticles exhibiting upconversion, pumped by near-infrared wavelengths and emitting visible light. A high repetition rate ultrashort pulsed laser was used to ablate glass under atmospheric conditions. Ejected particles collected were analysed by electron microscopy to determine particle size and characterise the morphology. The measured mean particle diameter was ~17~nm. A bright upconversion green emission was observed from the nanoparticles almost in a similar fashion as from the bulk specimen. The upconversion photoluminescence characteristics have been investigated to explore potential applications for efficient bioimaging and light-emitting devices.
Correlation of findings from iodine 123 scan and ultrasonography in the recommendation for thyroid fine-needle aspiration biopsy.

ABSTRACT Objective To assess the impact of correlating findings from iodine I 123 (123I) radionuclide scans and thyroid ultrasonography on the decision to perform fine-needle aspiration (FNA) biopsy of thyroid nodules. Methods Iodine 123 scans and sonographic images of adult patients who had both examinations performed within 6 months of each other at our institution were retrospectively reviewed. The presence of 1 or more nodules satisfying imaging-specific criteria for recommending FNA biopsy was recorded. Iodine 123 scan and sonographic images were then directly compared to determine how frequently the FNA recommendation would be affected by discordant findings. Results The study included 97 adult patients, with a total of 291 thyroid lobes (right thyroid lobe, left thyroid lobe, and isthmus). Recommendations for FNA biopsy were concordant in 231 of 291 lobes (79.4%), with both modalities recommending FNA biopsy in 55 lobes and not recommending FNA biopsy in 176 lobes. A discordant recommendation occurred in 60 of 291 lobes (20.6%). Using only ultrasonography findings, a recommendation for FNA biopsy was not indicated for 11 of the 291 lobes (3.8%) with functioning nodules. Using only 123I findings, a recommendation for FNA biopsy was not indicated for 23 of the 291 lobes (7.9%); 13 had nodules, but none that fulfilled sonographic criteria, and 10 had no identifiable nodule on ultrasonography. Iodine 123 scan did not identify 26 lobes with nodules (8.9%) for which FNA biopsy was recommended based on ultrasonography findings. Conclusion Recommendations for FNA biopsy should not be based on the presence of hypofunctioning regions on 123I scan without sonographic confirmation. (Endocr Pract. 2011;17:699-706)
Biological treatment of a coal gasification process wastewater

Abstract An 8 month experimental study was performed to assess biological treatability characteristics of Hygas coal gasification process pilot plant wastewater comprised of cyclone and quench condensates. The study evaluated treatability characteristics of ammonia stripped and unstripped wastewater at full strength and at 1:1 dilution. It was determined that minimum pre-treatment required for biological oxidation consisted of reducing wastewater alkalinity, and decreasing raw ammonia concentration by dilution or by stripping. Kinetic studies with stripped Hygas wastewater showed the waste could be processed at mean cell residence times varying from 10 to 40 days with hydraulic residence times of 2–3 days; the bacteriological yield coefficient was 0.10 (COD basis), and the decay coefficient was 0.01 day −1 . Hygas wastewater seemed to inhibit bacteriological growth because mean cell residence times less than 10 days do not appear feasible and because apparently higher yield coefficients were observed with diluted wastewater. However, this factor should not effect removal efficiencies for organic contaminants at recommended processing conditions.
Protein cross-linking analysis using mass spectrometry, isotope-coded cross-linkers, and integrated computational data processing.

Distance constraints in proteins and protein complexes provide invaluable information for calculation of 3D structures, identification of protein binding partners and localization of protein−protein contact sites. We have developed an integrative approach to identify and characterize such sites through the analysis of proteolytic products derived from proteins chemically cross-linked by isotopically coded cross-linkers using LC-MALDI tandem mass spectrometry and computer software. This method is specifically tailored toward the rapid analysis of low microgram amounts of proteins or multimeric protein complexes cross-linked with nonlabeled and deuterium-labeled bis-NHS ester cross-linking reagents (both commercially available and readily synthesized). Through labeling with [18O]water solvent and LC-MALDI analysis, the method further allows the possible distinction between Type 0 and Type 1 or Type 2 modified peptides (monolinks and looplinks or cross-links), although such a distinction is more readily made...
Convergence of the gradient expansion in metallic surface-energy calculations

The exchange contribution to the surface energy of a finite-barrier model (chosen to reproduce a physical density profile) is calculated for a Yukawa interparticle interaction. The above result is compared with the exchange contribution to the surface energy calculated from the gradient expansion and is found to give excellent agreement. This comparison gives a first clear assessment of the important question for the convergence rate of the gradient expansion in surface-energy calculations.
Control of the Meibomian gland in health and disease

Purpose The meibomian gland is extremely important in maintaining the health and integrity of the ocular surface. This gland, through its lipid synthesis and secretion, promotes the stability and prevents the evaporation of the tear film. Conversely, meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD) leads to a decreased stability and increased evaporation of the tear film. Indeed, meibomian gland dysfunction is thought to be the major cause of dry eye syndromes throughout the world. Our goal is to advance understanding of the regulation of meibomian gland function and the mechanisms underlying MGD. Methods Procedures included the immortalization of human meibomian gland epithelial cells with human telomerase reverse transcriptase, the evaluation of cellular responsiveness, and the identification of glandular gene expression changes in MGD. Gene analyses were conducted with Illumina HumanHT-12 v3 Expression BeadChips and Geospiza bioinformatics software. Results To date we have [a] immortalized human meibomian gland epithelial cells that respond to secretagogue, growth factor, neurotransmitter and hormone exposure with alterations in proliferation, differentiation, signaling, gene expression and/or lipogenesis; [b] discovered human meibomian gland genes that may facilitate the development and/or progression of MGD. These genes encode proteins that promote keratinization and amplify inflammation. Conclusion Our findings advance our understanding of the control of the meibomian gland in both health and disease. [Acknowledgments: S.M. Richards, M. Hatton, A.M. Fay and K. Lo; Supported by grants from NIH (R01EY05612) and Alcon] Commercial interest
Aortoenteric fistula: A catastrophe waiting to happen

Presented is the case of a patient with recurrent massive upper gastrointestinal hemorrhage. Evaluation during initial hospitalization revealed no definite etiology. During his second hospitalization, he underwent exploratory laparotomy, and an abdominal aortic aneurysm with fistulization into the duodenum was identified. During surgery the patient suffered a cardio-pulmonary arrest and could not be resuscitated. This case exemplifies some of the important clinical features that may suggest the diagnosis, including presence of a pulsatile abdominal mass, a peculiarly intermittent or obscure source of bleeding, and the concomitant complaint of back pain and gastrointestinal bleeding.
Quality Assurance Sampling-Based (QAS) Screening of Primary Care Practice Immunization Coverage Levels in a Community: A Technique to Efficiently Target Resources ♦ 570

Background. Many providers overestimate immunization coverage levels of their practice and may not recognize a need to improve immunization practices. Measuring coverage levels to identify practices in need of interventions is expensive, requiring 150 - 200 chart reviews per practice. QAS is a statistical technique that uses minimal sample sizes to estimate performance on binary outcomes, with potential use in immunization assessment. Objective. Measure potential reduction in provider immunization assessments by use of QAS compared with traditional point estimation techniques. Setting. Monroe County, NY. Subjects. Primary care practices (n=55) and their patients, age 2 years of age (n= 1,666). Design. Cross-sectional survey using systematic, representative samples of practices' patients with bootstrap simulation of QAS sampling. Measures. (1) Immunization coverage levels, (2) binary estimate that a practice has coverage greater than specified pass levels, (3) counts of records required to achieve these estimates, and% reduction in chart reviews since only failing practices require additional chart reviews to obtain point estimates of coverage. Results. Weighted, community-wide, series-complete coverage was 81%. Traditional point estimation techniques would require 7,143 reviews for these practices. The table shows QAS parameters, results of the QAS simulation, and potential savings by use of QAS. N is QAS sample size; C is the required number of up-to-date children/practice to pass at P, the pass level.
Analysis of pressure and pressure derivative without type curve matching, 4. Naturally fractured reservoirs

Abstract An alternative method, referred to as direct synthesis , is proposed for interpreting pressure transient tests in naturally fractured reservoirs. This new method offers consistent and accurate results from pressure tests with or without all reservoir flow regimes observed during the test period. Direct synthesis utilizes the characteristic intersection points and slopes of various straight lines from a log-log plot of pressure and pressure derivative data. Values of these points are linked directly to the exact, analytical solutions to obtain reservoir or well parameters. The direct synthesis method offers the following advantages: (1) accurate results from using the exact, analytical equations to calculate reservoir parameters; (2) independent verification is frequently possible from a third unique point; and (3) useful information is obtained when not all flow regimes are observed, as a direct result of the additional characteristic values developed by the method. Application of this technique is presented for single-well pressure tests in an infinite-acting naturally fractured reservoir with pseudosteady-state interporosity flow. Both the effect of wellbore storage and skin are included in the analysis. New analytical and empirical expressions were developed as a result of this work. These expressions are an integral part of the technique and provide the desired accuracy and versatility. Several field examples are given to clarify the technique and also illustrate the accuracy acquired by the method. When possible, a comparative analysis with other methods is included.
A 10‐year longitudinal study of cognitive changes in elderly persons

Neuropsychological reexamination of older study participants 10 years after initial assessment indicated that significant cognitive decline was not commonplace, even in participants in their 9th decade. Health status, however, was an important factor: Study participants with chronic disease and poor health tended to show a moderate degree of cognitive impairment. The results indicate that in elderly persons in good health, aging per se does not necessarily produce adverse affects on higher order mental capacities such as language, intellect, perception, and decision making.
Effect of low dose recombinant interleukin 2 plus indomethacin on mortality after sepsis in a murine burn model

Under anaesthesia, 129 8-week-old male A/J mice were subjected to a 25 per cent scald or sham burn and then resuscitated. They were divided at random into two groups. Mice from the first group were allocated into two groups. Mice from the first group were allocated into four subgroups to receive 6 days intraperitoneal (I.P.) injections as follows: (i) recombinant human interleukin 2 (rhIL-2) (250 units day-1); (ii) saline; (iii) indomethacin (5 micrograms-1 day-1); or (iv) rhIL-2 (250 units) + indomethacin (5 micrograms). Sham burned mice served as no treatment controls. All animals were subjected to peritonitis induced by caecal ligation and puncture 10 days after the burn and mortality was assessed. Mice from the second group were allocated to two subgroups to receive 6 days intraperitoneal injections of: (i) rhIL-2 + indomethacin; or (ii) saline. Animals in this group did not undergo septic challenge. They were randomly killed on days 7, 9 or 10 after the burn. Their splenocytes were harvested and assayed for response to the mitogens phytohaemagglutinin (PHA) and concanavalin A (Con A), and for production of interleukin 2. Mortality rate in animals subjected to burn and septic challenge without treatment was 75 per cent; in mice receiving rhIL-2 alone it was 68 per cent, in mice receiving indomethacin alone it was 62 per cent (no significance) and in mice receiving rhIL-2 + indomethacin it was reduced to 38 per cent (P less than 0.02). Splenocytes from animals receiving combination therapy had markedly improved responses to PHA on days 7 (P = 0.01), 9 (P = 0.02), and 10 (P = 0.008), and to Con A on days 7 (P = 0.001), 9 (P = 0.002) and 10 (P = 0.001), after burn injury. Interleukin 2 production was also significantly (P = 0.004) improved by therapy with rhIL-2 + indomethacin. These data suggest that low dose rhIL-2 in combination with indomethacin may have potential use in the therapy of burn victims.
Preferential unequal recombination in the glyS region of the Escherichia coli chromosome.

Duplications of the Escherichia coli chromosomal region carrying the glyS and xylloci can be selected by deoxyadenosine treatment of trpA36 glySL glyTsuAGA or (glyUsuAGA) cultures. The deoxyadenosine lowers the suppression efficiency of these missense suppressors, and growth is severely limited by the resulting tryptophan starvation. Prolonged growth in the presence of 250 μg deoxyadenosine/ml leads to the accumulation of mutants with two (or more) copies of the allele for glycyl-transfer RNA synthetase, glySL. The same duplication is obtained each time the selective pressure is applied. This was shown by physically isolating the duplicated region in the form of circular DNA excised from the duplication by recombination. In repeated experiments, a circular species 140,000 base-pairs in size was isolated. These results are interpreted as showing that there are two loci, one on each side of the glyS locus, and spaced 140,000 base-pairs apart, which are prone to recombining with each other in a manner leading to a genetic duplication.
Semi-empirical correlations for gas turbine emissions, ignition, and flame stabilization

Abstract For operating conditions where the fuel evaporation rate is fast compared to the fuel vapor/air mixing rate, a characteristic time model has been formulated to predict gaseous emissions and efficiency in terms of combustor inlet conditions and geometry. The model, which involves kinetic and fluid mechanic times, has been used to design low NO x burners, and study of several different conventional engine combustors suggests that the correlation may be universal. A related model, which includes a fuel droplet evaporation time, is being validated with data from laboratory combustors for spark ignition and lean flame stabilization. The preliminary application of this latter model to engine situations is described.
Mouse alpha1-syntrophin binding to Grb2: further evidence of a role for syntrophin in cell signaling.

Syntrophins have been proposed to serve as adapter proteins. Syntrophins are found in the dystrophin glycoprotein complex (DGC); defects in the constituents of this complex are linked to various muscular dystrophies. Blot overlay experiments demonstrate that α-dystroglycan, β-dystroglycan, and syntrophins all bind Grb2, the growth factor receptor bound adapter protein. Mouse α1-syntrophin sequences were produced as chimeric fusion proteins in bacteria and found to also bind Grb2 in a Ca2+-independent manner. This binding was localized to the proline rich sequences adjacent to and overlapping with the N-terminal pleckstrin homology domain (PH1). Grb2 bound syntrophin with an apparent KD of 563 ± 15 nM. Grb2-C-SH3 domain bound syntrophin with slightly higher affinity than Grb2-N-SH3 domain. Crk-L, an SH2/SH3 protein of similar domain structure but different specificity, does not bind these syntrophin sequences.
Multiple ovarian cysts and oligomenorrhea as the initial manifestations of a gonadotropin-secreting pituitary macroadenoma.

Objective: To report a case of a follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH)-secreting pituitary adenoma, which manifested with oligomenorrhea, dysmenorrhea, and multiple bilateral ovarian cysts. Methods: W...
Familial cancer of the esophagus in Iran

A high incidence of esophageal cancer in 14 inhabitants of a small village in the northeastern part of Iran was discovered. Thirteen were descendants of the same parents. All members of the fourth and fifth generations suffering from esophageal cancer showed a remarkably earlier onset of the disease, compared to patients with the same disease in other areas of northeastern Iran with a high incidence of esophageal cancer. The aggregation of cancer in this family may reflect an environmental influence on genetically susceptible individuals. Cancer 33:1649–1652, 1974.
Relationship between protein synthesis and concentrations of charged and uncharged tRNATrp in Escherichia coli

We have continuously monitored Trp-tRNA(Trp) concentrations in vivo and, in the same cultures, measured rates of protein synthesis in isogenic stringent and relaxed strains. We have also manipulated cellular charged and uncharged [tRNA(Trp)] by two means: (i) the strain used contains a Trp-tRNA synthetase mutation that increases the Km for Trp; thus, varying exogenous Trp varies cellular Trp-tRNA(Trp); and (ii) we have introduced into the mutant strain a plasmid containing the tRNA(Trp) gene behind an inducible promoter; thus, total [tRNA(Trp)] also can be varied depending on length of induction. The use of these conditions, combined with a previously characterized assay system, has allowed us to demonstrate that (i) the rate of incorporation of Trp into protein is proportional to the fraction of tRNA(Trp) that is charged; for any given total [tRNA(Trp)], this rate is also proportional to the [Trp-tRNA(Trp)]; (ii) uncharged tRNA(Trp) inhibits incorporation of Trp into protein; and (iii) rates of incorporation into protein of at least two other amino acids, Lys and Cys, are also sensitive to [Trp-tRNA(Trp)] and are inhibited by uncharged tRNA(Trp). Our results are consistent with models of translational control that postulate modulating polypeptide chain elongation efficiency by varying concentrations of specific tRNAs.
Characterizing walking activity in people with stroke

Stroke is the leading cause of disability in the U.S. Many people with stroke have limited walking ability and are inactive. In this paper we describe a novel shoe based sensor, SmartShoe, and a signal processing technique to identify walking activity. The technique was validated with 6 people with walking impairment due to stroke. The results suggest that the SmartShoe is able to accurately identify walking activity. This device could be used to monitor walking activity as well as provide behavioral enhancing feedback to increase activity levels and walking ability in people with stroke for extended periods of time in the real world.
Dexmedetomidine: as safe as safe can be

Dexmedetomidine (DMET) is an alpha-2 adrenoceptor agonist approved for short-term use as a sedative for mechanically ventilated patients. Alpha-2 adrenoceptor agonists exhibit sedative–hypnotic, analgesic, anxiolytic, and sympatholytic effects. The ability of DMET to produce a readily arousable state of moderate–deep sedation and analgesia with a lack of respiratory depression has led to an increased interest in its use. Very little published data exists on the side effects/adverse event profile of the drug, especially with high-dose prolonged infusions. In addition, the ceiling dose is not really known. This article reviews the current literature with regards to multiple organ systems and the effects of DMET.
Antiviral Activity of Distamycin A against Vaccinia Virus Is the Result of Inhibition of Postreplicative mRNA Synthesis

Distamycin A has been described as an inhibitor of the cellular pathogenesis of vaccinia virus in culture. Distamycin is an antibiotic that specifically targets the minor groove of DNA. We show here that distamycin is a potent inhibitor of vaccinia virus replication. Pulse-labeling experiments showed that most major late proteins failed to accumulate in the presence of the antibiotic. We characterized the effect of distamycin on vaccinia virus nucleic acid biosynthesis with the goal of determining the inhibitor's target. Early gene transcription was unaffected. DNA synthesis proceeded at normal rates, but DNA accumulated in large masses in the cytoplasm with no evidence of virion assembly. Transcription from the intermediate class promoter for the I1L gene was partially reduced by distamycin; however, transcription from the intermediate promoters for the three late transcription factor genes was severely inhibited. The accumulation of the late transcripts for the viral F17R and A10L genes also was severely impaired and was shown to be a direct inhibition of late promoter activity. These results indicate that inhibition of postreplicative intermediate and late transcription is the basis for inhibition of vaccinia virus by distamycin and indicate that DNA minor-groove ligands hold promise for effective anti-poxvirus drugs.
Upgrading the asphaltic concrete specification of the New Jersey Department of Transportation

An earlier upgrading of New Jersey's specification for in-place air voids in asphaltic concrete pavement was made to strengthen the acceptance procedure and incorporate several advances in specification-writing technology. Modifications included changing to percent defective as the quality measure, switching to an equation-type pay schedule, adding a bonus provision for superior work, and including a remove-and-replace clause for seriously defective work. Changing from an acceptance procedure based on the sample mean to one based on percent defective essentially redefined the acceptable quality level from a percent defective value of 50 to a considerably more demanding value of 10. To allow the construction industry a chance to become familiar with this new requirement, a relaxed form of the pay schedule was initially adopted. Industry has subsequently had extensive experience with the new specification and the New Jersey Department of Transportation is now preparing to modify the specification further to provide an even stronger incentive to produce high-quality pavement. The modifications were developed by a joint task force representing the construction industry and the New Jersey Department of Transportation and include increasing the bonus provision, retaining the present pay schedule for quality that is only marginally deficient, changing to a more steeply descending pay schedule for seriously defective quality, and adding a more elaborate retest procedure to ensure that substantial pay reductions, when they occur, are truly warranted. In addition to controlling air voids, the new acceptance procedure also combines requirements for thickness and smoothness into a single composite pay equation. Operating characteristic curves are presented to demonstrate the capability of the new procedure.
Gallium-avid thymic hyperplasia in an adult after chemotherapy for Hodgkin disease

This article presents the case of a 22-year-old patient with treated Hodgkin disease (HD) who had mediastinal widening on computed tomography scan after chemotherapy. This mass was gallium avid. These findings were explained by histologically documented benign thymic hyperplasia, the first such case reported in an adult with HD, to the knowledge of the authors. The literature on thymic hyperplasia after chemotherapy is reviewed.
Regions of allelic hypervariability in the murine Aα immune response gene

Abstract The murine la antigens, a group of cell surface glycoproteins, are involved in the control of the immune response. The structure of one of these class II major histocompatibility complex molecules, A α , was recently deduced from sequence analysis of a cDNA clone produced from k haplotype mice. We have now isolated and sequenced A α cDNA clones from five other mouse haplotypes: d, b, f, u, and q. Sequence comparison revealed a surprisingly high degree of allelic polymorphism. Interestingly, amino acid substitutions were clustered within the first external domain of this polypeptide chain, particularly at a few highly variable positions. Functional implications of Aa polymorphism and possible mechanisms for its generation are discussed.
Single-crystal elastic properties of dense hydrous magnesium silicate phase A

The single-crystal elastic properties of phase A have been investigated by Brillouin spectroscopy at ambient conditions. The Voigt-Reuss-Hill verage for the adiabatic bulk and shear moduli are K S = 106(1) GPa and μ = 61(1) GPa, respectively. The present acoustic measurements resolve discrepancies between the bulk moduli obtained in earlier compression studies. The axial compressibility of the hexagonal ( P 6 3 ) structure is highly anisotropic with the c -axis, which is perpendicular to the distorted close-packed layers, approximately 21% stiffer than the a -axis, in agreement with previous compression studies. The hydration of forsterite to phase A decreases the bulk and shear moduli by about 18 and 21%, respectively, while both compressional V P and shear V S wave velocities decrease by about 7%. These results suggest that water could be identified seismologically if phase A is present in abundance in cold subducted slabs.
Systematic errors in children's drawings

Abstract Prior literature has been unclear concerning developmental effects on the numbers and kinds of systematic errors children make when copying simple figures. The copied drawings of 89 children between the ages of 4 and 10 were examined for the extent to which they contained three types of systematic errors: simplifications, schematizations, and orientation biases. Overall, systematic errors decreased in frequency with increasing age, with some subtypes declining steadily and others persisting even until ages 8 to 10. Suggestions for why systematic drawing errors occur and possible ways for overcoming them are presented.
Older adults' health and late-life drinking patterns: a 20-year perspective.

Objectives: This study focused on the associations between older adults’ health-related problems and their late-life alcohol consumption and drinking problems. Methods: A sample of 719 late-middle-aged community residents (55–65 years old at baseline) participated in a survey of health and alcohol consumption and this survey was followed 10 years and 20 years later. Results: Health-related problems increased and alcohol consumption and drinking problems declined over the 20-year interval. Medical conditions, depressive symptoms, medication use, and acute health events were associated with a higher likelihood of abstinence; acute health events were also associated with less alcohol consumption. In contrast, reliance on alcohol to reduce pain was linked to more alcohol consumption. Moreover, an individual's overall health burden and reliance on alcohol to reduce pain were associated with more drinking problems. Reliance on alcohol to reduce pain potentiated the association between health burden, alcohol con...
CBP Is Required for Sterol-regulated and Sterol Regulatory Element-binding Protein-regulated Transcription

Cells were transfected with luciferase reporter genes, under the control of promoters derived from either the farnesyl diphosphate (FPP) synthase, 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) synthase, HMG-CoA reductase, or low density lipoprotein receptor genes. The increase in luciferase activity that occurred when cells were either incubated in sterol-depleted medium or cotransfected with a cDNA encoding sterol regulatory element-binding protein (SREBP)-1a was prevented by coexpression of wild-type E1A or a Gal4-CBP (1–451) fusion protein. The inhibitory effect of E1A was overcome by coexpression of CBP. The increase in reporter gene activity noted above was not affected when the cells were cotransfected with cDNAs that encoded either a mutant E1A that is unable to interact with the transcriptional activator CBP or Gal4-CBP fusion proteins encoding separate fragments of CBP, which span the remainder of the CBP molecule. A preformed SREBP-1a:[32P]DNA complex bound specifically to membrane-immobilized GST-CBP fusion proteins that contained amino-terminal portions of CBP. In order to investigate the role of CBP in the regulation of endogenous genes, we isolated stable transformants that express Gal4-CBP(1–451) in response to added doxycycline. Induction of endogenous FPP synthase and HMG-CoA synthase mRNAs, in response to cellular cholesterol depletion, was prevented when cells expressed Gal4-CBP(1–451). We conclude that when cells are incubated in the absence of sterols, the transcriptional activation of the HMG-CoA synthase, HMG-CoA reductase, FPP synthase, and low density lipoprotein receptor genes is dependent on a specific interaction between SREBP, which is bound to the promoter DNA, and the amino-terminal domain (amino acids 1–451) of CBP.
Molecular and supramolecular ionic aggregates HxOyzin organic and organometallic crystalline hydrates

Ionic aggregates of the form H(x)O(y)(z) (z ≠ 0) have been characterized during an analysis of 245 crystal structures extracted from the Cambridge Structural Database [Allen (2002). Acta Cryst. B58, 380-388]. A systematic nomenclature is proposed for these species. Three modes of hydrogen bonding are described, characterized in part by the distance between contiguous O atoms: normal (NHB; O···O = 2.6-3.0 A), charge assisted (CAHB; O···O = 2.5 A) and molecular (MHB; O···O = 2.4 A). The three modes are consistent with previous reports, our experimental results, and quantum-chemical-optimized geometries and energetics. No evidence is presented concerning the possible existence or stability of these aggregates in solution. Rather, emphasis is placed on the necessity in crystal structure analysis to develop thoroughly existing hydrogen-bonded networks, ignorance of which can lead to erroneous crystal structure models and other physico-chemical data associated with composition and charge balance.
ShaneAO: an enhanced adaptive optics and IR imaging system for the Lick Observatory 3-meter telescope

The Lick Observatory 3-meter telescope has a history of serving as a testbed for innovative adaptive optics techniques. In 1996, it became one of the first astronomical observatories to employ laser guide star (LGS) adaptive optics as a facility instrument available to the astronomy community. Work on a second-generation LGS adaptive optics system, ShaneAO, is well underway, with plans to deploy on telescope in 2013. In this paper we discuss key design features and implementation plans for the ShaneAO adaptive optics system. Once again, the Shane 3-m will host a number of new techniques and technologies vital to the development of future adaptive optics systems on larger telescopes. Included is a woofer-tweeter based wavefront correction system incorporating a voice-coil actuated, low spatial and temporal bandwidth, high stroke deformable mirror in conjunction with a high order, high bandwidth MEMs deformable mirror. The existing dye laser, in operation since 1996, will be replaced with a fiber laser recently developed at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratories. The system will also incorporate a high-sensitivity, high bandwidth wavefront sensor camera. Enhanced IR performance will be achieved by replacing the existing PICNIC infrared array with an Hawaii 2RG. The updated ShaneAO system will provide opportunities to test predictive control algorithms for adaptive optics. Capabilities for astronomical spectroscopy, polarimetry, and visible-light adaptive optical astronomy will be supported.
Minimizing job completion time variance for service stability on identical parallel machines

This paper addresses a job scheduling problem on multiple identical parallel machines so as to minimize job completion time variance (CTV). CTV minimization is closely related to the Just-In-Time philosophy and the service stability concept since it penalizes both earliness and tardiness. Its applications can be found in many real-life areas such as Internet data packet dispatching and production planning. This paper focuses on the unrestricted case of the problem where idle times are allowed to exist before machines start to process jobs. We prove several dominant properties about the optimal solution to the problem. For instance, we prove that the mean completion time (MCT) on each machine should be the same under an optimal schedule. Based on these properties, an efficient heuristic algorithm is proposed. Computational experiments are conducted to test the performance of the proposed algorithm. The outputs demonstrate that the proposed algorithm is near optimal for small problem instances and greatly outperforms some existing algorithms for large problem instances.
Partition of a fluorescent molecule between liquid-crystalline and crystalline regions of membranes

We have determined the partition coefficient of the fluorescent molecule perylene between liquid crystalline and crystalline regions of vesicle membranes formed from binary mixtures of several lipids. We measured the fluorescence intensity of perylene in these vesicles as a function of temperature and used the intensity profiles, together with a theory developed in a previous paper, to determine the partition coefficient defined as the ratio of the concentration of perylene in the liquid-crystalline (fluid) regions of the membrane to the concentration in the crystalline (solid) phase. In vesicles composed of dipalmitoyl phosphatidylcholine/distearoyl phosphatidylcholine (dppc/dspc) mixtures and of dipalmitoyl phosphatidylcholine/dipalmitoyl phosphatidylethanolamine (dppc/dppe) mixtures, the partition coefficient is close to unity. Its value is 1.04±0.18 for dppc/dsp mixtures and 1.10±0.26 for dppc/dppe mixtures. In vesicles composed of dimyristoyl phosphatidylcholine/distearoyl phosphatidylcholine mixtures, the partition coefficient was more difficult to determine and its value ranged from 0.3 to 7.
Gauge coupling unification in the Standard Model

Abstract The string landscape suggests that the supersymmetry breaking scale can be high, and then the simplest low energy effective theory is the Standard Model (SM). We show that gauge coupling unification can be achieved at about 10 16 – 17 GeV in the SM with suitable normalizations of the U ( 1 ) Y . Assuming grand unification scale supersymmetry breaking, we predict that the Higgs mass range is 127 GeV to 165 GeV, with the precise value strongly correlated with the top quark mass and SU ( 3 ) C gauge coupling. We also present 7-dimensional orbifold grand unified theories in which such normalizations for the U ( 1 ) Y and charge quantization can be realized.
Natural hybridization of Cupressus sargentii and C. macnabiana and the composition of the derived essential oils

Essential oil from the foliage of “pure” (unhybridized) Cupressus macnabiana and C. sargentii trees as well as from putative natural hybrids found in Devil's Head Ridge (northern Napa/south-eastern Lake County of California) was analyzed for monoterpenoid hydrocarbons. The presence of a substantial number of trees having volatile oils intermediate in chemical characteristics corroborated the suspected hybridization in this area. Correlation between morphological and chemical assessment of hybridity was only moderate.
An analysis of rapid eye movements of sleep in the monkey

Abstract Eye movements and the parietal EEG were measured in two Macaca mulatta monkeys during natural sleep. Most of the eye movements during the REM period occurred at velocities less than 50 deg/sec which corresponds to the velocity range of smooth pursuit movements in the awake monkey. Saccades or rapid fixation changes also occur during REM sleep but take up only 0.5% of the total episode time. In addition, the eye often turns at velocities intermediate to the normal saccadic and smooth pursuit velocities, exhibiting a type of movement which is not observed in the awake animal. During one-third of the REM episode the eye undergoes loop-shaped trajectories composed of movements of different velocities and there is a constancy of the velocity histograms among REM episodes. Neither of these phenomena were observed in the awake monkey suggesting that the interpretation that all eye movements during REM sleep are related to dream content should be made with caution.
How Well Can a Lens System Transmit Entropy

A lens system may be judged by its ability to relay entropy from object to image. The pertinent criterion of optical quality is h, the loss of entropy between corresponding sampling points in the object and image planes. Since h is a unique function of the optical pupil, depending on the object only through its cutoff frequency Ω, by the proper choice of a pupil function it is possible to maximize h at each given Ω. Physically, the optimum pupil function is an absorbing film applied to a diffraction-limited lens system. A numerical procedure is established for determining, with arbitrary accuracy, the optimum pupil function, the resulting transfer function, and the maximum h, all at a given Ω. These quantities are determined, both for the one-dimensional pupil and the circular pupil, in the approximation that the optimum pupil function may be represented as a Fourier (Bessel) series of five terms. The computed values of hmax, at a sequence of Ω values, are estimated to be correct to 0.2% for the 1-D pupil, and to 0.5% for the circular pupil. The optimum pupil functions are apodizers at small Ω and superresolvers at large Ω.
Response of Some Members of the Fish Community to Gizzard Shad Removal from Chambers County Public Fishing Lake, Alabama

Abstract The removal of gizzard shad (Dorosoma cepedianum) had a positive but short-term effect on the largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides) and bluegill (Lepomis macrochirus) populations in Chambers County Public Fishing Lake, Alabama. There was a favorable shift in community structure of the sport fishes 1 and 2 years after elimination of gizzard shad. The number of young-of-year largemouth bass and bluegill increased following gizzard shad removal and the survival of young largemouth bass increased considerably. Young-of-year largemouth bass and bluegills subsequently declined 2 to 3 years after gizzard shad removal to levels encountered when gizzard shad were present, indicating that species of fish other than gizzard shad may be effective in competing with largemouth bass and bluegill.
Dipole solvation: Nonlinear effects, density reorganization, and the breakdown of the Onsager saturation limit

Linear cavity solvation models predict saturation of the solvation chemical potential, μp → constant, at high solvent polarity. This qualitative prediction is tested on computer simulations of dipole solvation in dipolar hard-sphere solvents in the liquid and solid phase states. We find that solvation saturation does exist for solid dipolar solvents, but does not exist for liquid dipolar solvents when the linear solvent response holds. Solvation saturation occurs due to nonlinear solvation in liquid solvents when solvent−solvent attractions exceed solute−solvent attractions. Nonlinear solvation is caused by electrostriction resulting in dewetting of the solute surface of a nonpolar or weakly polar dipolar solute. Solvation thermodynamics is affected by a combination of orientational and density solvent reorganization. The relative contribution of each component is strongly dependent on solvent polarity. In highly polar solvents, the orientational and density reorganization approximately equally contribute...
Discriminant analysis of fecal bacterial species composition for use as a phenotypic microbial source tracking method

A rapidly growing method to identify origins of nonpoint source (NPS) pollution is microbial source tracking (MST). Current MST research utilizes either an organism's genetic or physiological traits to establish source identification. To determine if an MST method based on fecal bacterial species composition can be used to determine sources of NPS pollution, samples from known NPS contributors (human, cattle, poultry, and swine) were collected and analyzed for fecal coliform (FC) and fecal streptococci (FS). Five colonies from each bacterial type were randomly selected, isolated and identified using phenotypic profiles. The species composition was calculated from these data and analyzed statistically via discriminant analysis. The rates of correct classification (RCC) for FC species composition patterns were 64, 71, 47 and 70% for cattle, human, poultry and swine, respectively. The RCC for FS species composition patterns were 87, 86, 74, and 83% for cattle, human, poultry, and swine, respectively. The average rate of correct classification for samples from all known sources was significantly higher (P=0.05) for FS species composition data (82%) than for FC (63%). The average rate of correct classification was increased when the FC and FS species composition data was combined (93%). The results from this study indicate that a phenotypic MST methodology based on species composition of dominant fecal bacteria may be useful in determining major contributors to NPS pollution. Based on the average rates of correct classification, the use of FS species composition patterns appears to be more useful in identifying source than the use of FC patterns.