cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Synthesis of thiol-containing analogues of puromycin and a study of their interaction with N-acetylphenylalanyl-transfer ribonucleic acid on ribosomes to form thioesters

1. The thiol-containing analogue of puromycin, 6-dimethylamino-9-{1′-[3′-(2″-mercapto-3″-phenylpropionamido)-3′-deoxy-β-d-ribofuranosyl]}purine (XVII) in which the primary amino group of the antibiotic is replaced with a thiol grouping, was synthesized chemically (compound XVII is abbreviated to thiopuromycin). 2. Thiopuromycin (XVII) was found to be active in releasing N-[3H]acetylphenylalanine from its tRNA carrier as the thioester, N-acetylphenylalanylthiopuromycin (XIX) in the Escherichia coli ribosomal system. The reaction product (XIX) was synthesized chemically from thiopuromycin and N-acetylphenylalanine and found to be stable to hydrolysis in the standard incubation medium at pH7.6. dl-Phenyl-lactylpuromycin (XXI), the hydroxy analogue of puromycin, was also synthesized chemically and shown to release N-acetylphenylalanine from its tRNA carrier in the E. coli ribosomal system, thus confirming the previous results of Fahnestock et al. [Biochemistry (1970) 9, 2477–2483]. 3. In marked contrast with the results obtained in the E. coli system, both thiopuromycin (XVII) and hydroxypuromycin (XXI) were found to be inactive in releasing N-acetylphenylalanine from its tRNA carrier in the rat liver ribosomal system.
An accurate AC characteristic table look-up model for VLSI analog circuit simulation applications

A new accurate table look-up method is presented for modeling both I-V characteristics and C-V and/or Q-V characteristics of deep submicron MOSFETs for VLSI analog circuit simulation. Based on the linear and quadratic isoparametric shape functions, the proposed table lookup approach can accurately model complicated AC characteristics of MOSFETs. The charges and capacitances derived through integration of C-V characteristics and differentiation of Q-V characteristics match the original measured data at table grid points. The proposed table lookup model accurately fits the deep submicron MOSFET's I-V characteristics as well. It is shown that AC small-signal and transient simulations of CMOS operational amplifier circuits using the proposed table lookup approach are exactly matched to those with the Ward and Dutton model in the simulation program with IC emphasis (SPICE)2 when AC table data are generated from the Ward and Dutton model. >
Physiological alterations of motor units in hemiplegia.

Abstract Isometric contractions of single motor units in the first dorsal interosseous muscle were recorded with an intramuscular microstimulation technique in patients with short- or long-term hemiplegia and compared with controls. In the hemiplegic patients motor units could be classified as in controls, utilizing twitch contraction time and fatigue sensitivity, as FF (fast fatigable), FR (fast fatigue resistant) and S (slow fatigable). The mean twitch contraction time of fast-twitch but not slow-twitch units was slightly prolonged in patients with spastic hemiplegia and motor units, especially type S, tended to generate larger twitch tensions. A fourth type of motor unit, characterized by slow-twitch contraction times and increased fatigability (SF units), was recorded in long-term hemiplegia. The data demonstate that during long-term spastic hemiplegia in man some motor units develop increased fatigability and prolonged-twitch contraction times, reflecting the dynamic properties of muscle.
Old Status Trappings in a New World: The “Middle People” (Chungin) and Genealogies in Modern Korea

Master narratives structure discussions of ancestry in Korea. Status conscious commoners and slaves made genealogical claims in early modern Korea, but what chungin, government-employed specialists...
Standardized echography in the diagnosis of lacrimal drainage dysfunction.

• Fifteen patients with symptoms of nasolacrimal duct obstruction were evaluated with B-scan and standardized A-scan ultrasonography. Results were correlated with findings on routine clinical tests of lacrimal drainage function, and echographic findings were confirmed at surgery in all cases. Ten normal lacrimal systems were also examined. In all patients the lacrimal sac and duct were easily visualized as an echolucent defect bounded by the bony lacrimal crests. Abnormal dilatation, diverticuli, and inflammatory exudates were readily detected. Surgically created dacryocystorhinostomy ostia were imaged on both A- and B-scans, as were obstructing membranes seen before surgical revision. Physiologic lacrimal pump failure could not be evaluated, and the exact site of obstruction could not be determined.
Cardiac Inotropic and Coronary Vascular Responses to Countershock

These experiments were designed to examine the role of excitation of intracardiac nerves in the response to countershock with either alternating current (ac) or direct current (dc). Studies were performed on intact anesthetized dogs and on isolated perfused hearts. In intact dogs a-c and d-c countershock produced transient sinus arrest and an increase in myocardial contractile force. Sinus arrest could be prevented with atropine, and the positive inotropic response could be prevented with propranolol or prior surgical denervation of the heart. In isolated hearts, a-c and d-c countershock produced sinus arrest which could be prevented with atropine or hemicholinium-3. Alternating-, but not direct-, current countershock increased contractile force of the isolated heart. The inotropic response to ac could be blocked with propranolol and was absent in hearts removed from dogs which had undergone prior cardiac denervation. Both a-c and d-c countershock produced a decrease in coronary vascular resistance which could be prevented with atropine. Cholinergic responses to countershock persisted after surgical denervation of the heart. These observations provide evidence for excitation of intracardiac cholinergic and adrenergic nerves by countershock. Direct-current countershock excites cardiac sympathetic nerves in intact dogs, but not in isolated hearts. Intracardiac cholinergic nerves persist after surgical denervation of the heart.
Is First, They Killed My Father a Cambodian testimonio?

In his article "Is First, They Killed My Father a Cambodian testimonio" John T. Maddox discusses aspects of the testimonial. Dialoguing with leading Latin Americanists, Maddox argues that Cambodian writer Loung Ung's First, They Killed My Father (2000) challenges this uniqueness and opens studies on the testimonio to new possibilities for intellectual reflection and political activism. In Maddox's view, the continued use of the term testimonio would serve as a reference to this long-standing tradition of writing and thinking about political violence in Latin America. After a discussion of the debate of the definition and function of testimonio and a synopsis of Ung's work, Maddox argues that the ongoing intellectual debates regarding the testimonio, its form, its place in the literary canon, and its role in politics among Latin Americanists can also be applied to the work
Impacts of air-sea flux parameterizations on the intensity and structure of tropical cyclones

AbstractFluxes of momentum and moist enthalpy across the air–sea interface are believed to be one of the most important factors in determining tropical cyclone intensity. Because these surface fluxes cannot be directly resolved by numerical weather prediction models, their impacts on tropical cyclones must be accounted for through subgrid-scale parameterizations. There are several air–sea surface flux parameterization schemes available in the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) Model; these schemes differ from one another in their formulations of the wind speed–dependent exchange coefficients of momentum, sensible heat, and moisture (latent heat). The effects of surface fluxes on the intensity and structure of tropical cyclones are examined through convection-permitting WRF simulations of Hurricane Katrina (2005).It is found that the intensity (and, to a lesser extent, structure) of the simulated storms is sensitive to the choice of surface flux parameterization scheme. In agreement with recent studies...
Spondyloepiphyseal dysplasia congenita A cause of lethal neonatal dwarfism

Spondyloepiphyseal dysplasia congenita is a form of primarily short trunk dwarfism, that is manifest at birth but generally has not been regarded as a cause of lethal neonatal dwarfism. Seven neonates with severe dwarfism are presented. The first survived the newborn period, but the other six were early neonatal deaths. All displayed the clinical and radiologic features of spondyloepiphyseal dysplasia congenita. The striking similarities between spondyloepiphyseal dysplasia congenita and achondrogenesis type 2 are discussed.
Structure and properties of silica nanoclusters at high temperatures

The properties of silica clusters at temperatures from 1500 to 2800 K are investigated using classical molecular dynamics simulations for particles containing up to 1152 atoms. We found that atoms in the cluster were arranged in a shell-like structure at low temperatures, and that the radial density profile peaked near the outer edge of the particle. Smaller clusters have much higher pressures, with the magnitudes corresponding quite well to those obtained from the Laplace-Young equation, when evaluated in a self-consistent manner using our derived surface tension. Our computed surface tension did not show any significant size-dependent behavior in contrast to the decreasing surface tension observed for Lennard-Jones liquid clusters. Finally our computed diffusion coefficients in the liquid state are seen to be larger than bulk computed diffusivities. A discussion regarding the relevance of these computations on the growth of silica nanoparticles is presented.
Theoretical basis and empirical implications of the bovine brucellosis market slaughter testing program in the United States

Abstract With reductions in federal funding, the Market Slaughter Testing (MST) surveillance system might once again become the primary bovine brucellosis surveillance system for the beef-cow population in the United States. Thus, understanding the weaknesses and/or strengths of the MST surveillance system will be crucial in determining the most effective program in a limited funding control/eradication program. An estimation of a hypergeometric distribution used in previous studies to describe the effectiveness of the MST system is employed and parameters of this distribution are estimated from secondary data. Results analyzed by herd size, and within-herd infection level yield a distinct herd size bias in the MST surveillance system. For example, the probability of detection in a 9-cow herd is 24% compared to 85.4% for a 645 cow herd after 1 year of infection. This herd size bias implies that secondary testing may be efficiently u used by concentrating testing in the smaller herds when funds for secondary testing are limited. MST detection probabilities can vary 30% between the build-up and liquidation phases of the cattle cycle, i.e., secular upswings and downswings in cattle inventory numbers. First Point of Concentration testing (FPC) of purchased replacements can partially offset the effects of the cattle cycle. A 95% herd vaccination level can reduce the probability of detection as much as 40% when compared to a similar herd that is not vaccinated.
Suggested response criteria for phase II antitumor drug studies for neurofibromatosis type 2 related vestibular schwannoma

Neurofibromatosis type 2 (NF2) is a tumor suppressor gene syndrome characterized by multiple schwannomas, especially vestibular schwannomas (VS), and meningiomas. Anticancer drug trials are now being explored, but there are no standardized endpoints in NF2. We review the challenges of NF2 clinical trials and suggest possible response criteria for use in initial phase II studies. We suggest two main response criteria in such trials. Objective radiographic response is defined as a durable 20% or greater reduction in VS volume based on post-contrast T1-weighted MRI images collected with 3 mm or finer cuts through the internal auditory canal. Hearing response is defined as a statistically significant improvement in word recognition scores using 50-word recorded lists in audiology. A possible composite endpoint incorporating both radiographic response and hearing response is outlined. We emphasize pitfalls in response assessment and suggest guidelines to minimize misinterpretations of response. We also identify research goals in NF2 to facilitate future trial conduct, such as identifying the expectations for time to tumor progression and time to measurable hearing loss in untreated NF2-related VS, and the relation of both endpoints to patient prognostic factors (such as age, baseline tumor volume, and measures of disease severity). These data would facilitate future use of endpoints based on stability of tumor size and hearing, which might be more appropriate for testing certain drugs. We encourage adoption of standardized endpoints early in the development of phase II trials for this population to facilitate comparison of results across trials of different agents.
Planning and Urban Rivalry in the San Francisco Bay Area in the 1930s

Urban scholars have posited a shift in city planning from the city-beautiful ideals of the 1890s to the city-functional goals of the 1920s. In San Francisco, elite fears that the Bay Bridge would lead to the exodus of residents and businesses to Oakland and the East Bay spurred new planning proposals in the 1930s. However, conventional planning efforts that focused on improving transit efficiency failed to generate much public support. Instead, merchants and other elites demanded that planning be used to create a cityscape of fantasies that would distinguish San Francisco from its rivals. The planning of new fairs and festivals re-created the city’s history and drew public support for other planning efforts aimed at attracting tourists. As a result, the creation of fantasies became a mainstay of planning in San Francisco and throughout the nation.
The integration of locoregional with systemic adjuvant therapy for early-stage breast cancer: the shifting sands of decision-making

SUMMARY Given the generally excellent outcomes for modern breast cancer treatment, the recognition that overtreatment is commonplace is the driving force to reduce the treatment impact of surgery, radiation therapy and chemotherapy. Many recent trials have demonstrated that fewer axillary lymph node dissections, smaller radiation field sizes and less administration of chemotherapy are all feasible without compromising the long-term outcomes. However, each of these trials has studied a single modality while maintaining the intensities of the other modalities. There is a natural tendency, albeit controversial, to reduce more than one modality at a time. We review the literature, and counsel the breast cancer oncologist to work as a multimodality team to decide with the patient which modality can be reduced, and which should be preserved in its intensity.
The group interview in social research

Abstract The group interview has been overlooked by social researchers in general and by ethnographic investigators in particular. Their preference has been for the individual interview. Group interviews can be formal with a specific, structured purpose such as a marketing focus group, or, it can be informal taking place in a field setting where a researcher stimulates a group discussion with a topical question. The data generated can be instrumental and factual, or, it can be subjective and qualitative. Researchers can use group interviews as a more efficient use of resources and as a means of adding valuable insight to the interpretation of a social or behavioral event. On the cautionary side, lessons from group dynmics tell us that the characteristics of the group (e.g. size) and background of members (e.g. leadership style) can impact the interaction and response patterns within the group. Still, the group interview has great potential for social research.
Complex Genetic Disease: Can Genetic Strategies in Alzheimer's Disease and New Genetic Mechanisms Be Applied to Epilepsy?

Strategies used in molecular genetics have changed modern neurology. The gene or genes responsible for several major neurologic diseases have now been identified using "reverse" or positional genetics. Unexpected new genetic mechanisms have been discovered in human neurologic diseases, including (a) identical mutations of the prion protein gene in Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease and fatal familial insomnia with the phenotypic expression directed by an accompanying polymorphism; (b) stable duplications of chromosome 17 in Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease (type 1A) that involve many genes, only one of which appears to cause neuropathy; and (c) highly variable, dynamic mutations in myotonic dystrophy, fragile X syndrome, and Kennedy's syndrome that modulate variable expressivity in multiple tissues. There is growing recognition that neurologic diseases are often complex genetic diseases with multifactorial rather than simple modes of inheritance. For example, genetic association/linkage strategies have interacted with biochemistry and immunopathology studies to produce new insights into the disease mechanism of late-onset Alzheimer's disease. The role of apolipoprotein E in late-onset Alzheimer's disease is an example of how new analytical techniques of genetic disease can be applied to dissect multiple genes. Similar research strategies are suggested for the study of epilepsy as a complex disease.
Death influence in clinical practice: A course for graduate students

Abstract A course for graduate instruction was designed to provide for analysis and study of the social, cultural, and psychological conditions that influence death in modem society. The course was open to any graduate student with an interest in the topic, xoith enrollment limited to 16 participants. The formal objectives emphasize the cognitive focus of the course, but there is an overall goal of facilitating an integration of intellectual and emotional learnings in relation to death and dying. Methods of instruction include weekly seminars, experiential out-of-class assignments, specific written assignments, and readings. Seminar topics include social values and death in human society, cultural variations and death expectations, death and the family, institutional death: its fortns and effects, life versus death: an occupational dilemma, recovery care versus comfort care: nurses' problems, dying as a Personal experience, effect of dying on social interaction, and unresolved problems and major issues. F...
Ocular ischemic syndrome

Ocular ischemic syndrome (OIS) is relatively uncommon, but is a serious blinding condition. In 1874, Schmidt [1] reported neovascular glaucoma (manifestations of OIS) in a 58-year-old man who had suffered two cerebrovascular accidents – one 2.5 months before and the second 10 months after the development of glaucoma. The same year Loring [1] reported the case of a 62-year-old woman who developed central retinal artery occlusion and neovascular glaucoma (manifestations of OIS) and died of cerebrovascular accident. Thus, apart from being a serious blinding condition, it has a significant associated related risk of cerebrovascular and cardiovascular disease – and hence it has the possibility of being a potentially fatal condition. Iris neovascularization and neovascular glaucoma may be the first manifestation of OIS, and ophthalmologists may be the first to see these patients. That makes it an important ophthalmic disease, in which early detection and management may help to reduce associated complications of blindness and also reduce the risk of devastating systemic complications. Unfortunately, it is often missed or misdiagnosed, primarily because of its diverse and sometimes subtle presentation, and it can masquerade as several other ocular conditions. Unfortunately, most ophthalmologists are not aware of this fact. Moreover, the term ocular ischemia in some cases is applied loosely to any type of ocular ischemic lesions, e.g., anterior ischemic optic neuropathy, central retinal artery occlusion, and others, and that has sometimes created confusion in the literature. OIS is usually unilateral but sometimes may be bilateral.
Infectious and noninfectious tolerance are blocked by a monoclonal antibody to T-suppressor factor☆

Two forms of hapten-specific unresponsiveness have been demonstrated following intravenous (iv) injection of hapten-conjugated syngeneic spleen cell based on the nature of the antigen-presenting cell (APC): I-J+, I-A- APC have been shown to induce T-suppressor cells (Ts cells) which are demonstrated upon adoptive transfer, while I-J-, I-A+ APC induce a nontransferable tolerance. In this paper we report that a monoclonal antibody specific for T-suppressor effector cells and factors (14-12) can block the Ts cells induced by I-J+, I-A- APCs and the tolerance induced by I-J-, I-A+ APCs. In addition, it sufficiently overcomes suppression such that injection of TNP-spl iv induces immunity rather than suppression. We show that the I-A+, I-J- TNP-spl, which induce nontransferable tolerance upon iv injection, are the cells which induce immunity in 14-12-treated recipients. These results demonstrate that injection of I-J-, I-A+ APC does not lead to clonal deletion and the tolerance induced by the iv injection of both I-J+, I-A- and I-J-, I-A+ APC operate via Ts cells.
Effect of calcium (II) and magnesium (II) ions on the 18–23 γ‐carboxyglutamic acid containing cyclic peptide loop of bovine prothrombin An AMBER molecular mechanics study

The effect of calcium (II) and magnesium (II) ions on the conformation of the 18-23 cyclic peptide loop of bovine prothrombin are investigated by the molecular mechanics program AMBER (Assisted Model Building with Energy Refinement). The work is an extension of an earlier paper (Eastman et al., Int. J. Peptide Protein Res. 27, 1986, 530-553) that employed the program ECEPP (Empirical Conformational Energy Program for Peptides). In the absence of either metal ion, or in the presence of either one Ca(II) or one Mg(II) ion, the lowest-energy forms found by AMBER have the Gla21-Pro22 peptide bond in a trans conformation. In the presence of two Ca(II) or Mg(II) ions, the loop form of lowest energy is decidedly cis. The coordination about the Ca(II) and Mg(II) ions is different in both the single and double metal cases. In addition, the peptide chains that emerge from the loop are oriented parallel to each other in the lowest-energy complex with two Ca(II) ions, but are not parallel in the lowest-energy complex with two Mg(II) ions.
The "Infrared Catastrophe": When Does It Trash Fermi Liquid Theory?

We give an historical discussion of the “infrared catastrophe” and the “x-ray edge anomalies” of Mahan associated with scatterers in a Fermi sea of electrons. The infrared catastrophe provides a perspicuous way into understanding the difficulties with many-body perturbation theory which have recently been discovered as a result of a study of high T c superconductivity, and we show how this “catastrophe” is avoided in some cases, but cannot be avoided in the one and 2-dimensional electron gas systems. Finally, we indicate the new type of theory which is necessary in the event of such a breakdown.
An ultrastructural study of the development of a granulosis virus in the cells of the moth Plodia interpunctella (Hbn.)

An account is given of the ultrastructure of a granulosis affecting the larvae of the Indian meal moth, Plodia interpunctella (Hbn.) (Phycitidae). The sequence of virus and capsule assembly within the cells of the host is described. The virus rods arise in the virogenic stroma and are liberated into the cytoplasm. The naked rods, consisting of protein and nucleic acid and lacking both outer and intimate membranes, are assembled into regimented arrays in close association with the endoplasmic reticulum. The outer membrane is formed first, apparently from the endoplasmic reticulum; next the intimate membrane arises between the virus particle and the outer membrane. The crystalline protein forming the capsule begins to be deposited either on the end or at the side of the virus rod and grows until the complete capsule is formed. Occasionally, a crystal begins growth at both ends of the virus rod; this results in the formation of two “half-crystals” joined together by the exposed portion of the virus rod. A diagrammatic representation of the process of virus and capsule assembly is appended.
Can Economic Liberalization and Improved Governance Alter The Defense-Growth Trade-Off?

Abstract Because of the presumed guns vs. butter trade-off, defense expenditures in developing countries are coming under increased scrutiny from the international lending agencies as well as key donors. As a result, defense expenditure cuts have often taken place despite rising security concerns. Empirically we find that developing countries may have more options than previously believed in their quest for adequate security and sustained economic growth. Specifically the main finding of the study is that key combinations of reforms and governance measures are likely to exist and are capable of neutralizing many of the adverse economic effects often associated with defense expenditures. The key is to coordinate economic liberalization and governance reforms in the civilian sector with the requirements for improved security in the defense sector.
Sign Chi Do and physical function: A pilot study

Abstract Participating in strength, balance, and flexibility training reduces the risk for decreased physical function for older adults. This pilot study tested the effect of an exercise intervention on physical function. A pretest/posttest single-group design was used to test the effect of a 12-week Sign Chi Do (SCD) exercise intervention on upper body strength (arm curls) and lower body strength (chair stands); balance (Timed Up & Go and one-leg stance), and flexibility (back scratch). Five community-dwelling older adults not participating in strength, flexibility, or balance training completed the study. Strength scores improved by at least 2 arm curls or chair stands for those at risk for loss of physical function. Timed Up & Go scores improved by an average of 3.83 (range 1.98–4.98) seconds for those at risk for falls. All flexibility scores remained in the upper 75th percentile. Continued practice of SCD has the potential to improve physical function for older adults.
Isolated systolic hypertension in the elderly: Results of the camerano study on hypertension

In a cross-sectional study, carried out on a population of a small Italian town, the authors examined the prevalence of isolated systolic hypertension in two age groups. One included subjects whose ages ranged between sixty-five and seventy-four years and the second, subjects seventy-five years-old or older. There was no significant difference between the prevalence of isolated systolic hypertension in the two groups, ie, 14.7% and 18.9%, respectively.
Effects of chemical inhibition of N-WASP, a critical regulator of actin polymerization on aqueous humor outflow through the conventional pathway

The integrity of actin cytoskeletal organization in aqueous humor outflow pathway is thought to play a critical role in modulation of aqueous humor outflow through the trabecular meshwork. Our understanding of the regulation of actin cytoskeletal dynamics in outflow pathway, however, is very limited. To explore the potential importance of Neural Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome protein (N-WASP), a critical regulator of actin polymerization/nucleation in aqueous humor outflow pathway, the effects of Wiskostatin, a selective pharmacological inhibitor of N-WASP, on aqueous humor outflow facility were evaluated using enucleated porcine eyes and a constant pressure perfusion system. Further, drug induced effects on actin cytoskeletal organization, cell adhesions, myosin II phosphorylation, matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) activity, and cytoskeletal protein profile in porcine trabecular meshwork (TM) cells were determined by immunofluorescence, zymography, and mass spectrometry. Aqueous humor outflow facility was increased significantly and progressively in the Wiskostatin perfused porcine eyes. The Wiskostatin perfused eyes appear to exhibit increased giant vacuoles in the inner wall of aqueous plexi and deformation of aqueous plexi. The Wiskostatin treated TM cells demonstrated extensive vacuoles in their cytosol, and both actin stress fibers and focal adhesions were decreased in a reversible manner. The drug-treated TM cells also revealed decreased myosin II and actin in the cytoskeletal enriched triton insoluble fraction but did not affect myosin II phosphorylation or MMP-2 activity. These data demonstrate that the chemical inhibition of N-WASP increases aqueous humor outflow facility in association with decreased actomyosin interaction and cell adhesive interactions revealing the importance of N-WASP in homeostasis of aqueous humor outflow.
A model for light toxicity of cultured human retinal pigment epithelium.

• Background: The effect of visible light on human retinal pigment epithelial (HRPE) cells has not been characterized under conditions that provide strict thermal control. • Methods: HRPE cells were isolated and grown to confluence. Cells were exposed to light in an incubator in which the cell temperature was controlled in response to a temperature sensor maintained in the tissue culture medium. Cells were exposed: (A) for 24, 36, and 48 h; and using a 24-h exposure followed by 24 h darkness; (B) at varying intensities of light using neutral density filters; (C) under a yellow filter; and (D) with a 12-h on-off cyclic light. • Results: (A) Light exposure of 36 and 48 h resulted in significant cytotoxicity, while the initial 24-h exposure did not induce subsequent cytotoxicity. (B) Light irradiance levels from 43 to 54 mW/cm2 were required to demonstrate cytotoxicity. (C) Use of a yellow filter did not eliminate the observed cytotoxicity. (D) Cyclic exposure did not result in significant cytotoxicity. • Conclusion: This study establishes a model and basic parameters of light toxicity to HRPE cells in vitro using strict temperature control that may be used to evaluate photochemical injury to HRPE cells.
JC virus DNA in cerebrospinal fluid of human immunodeficiency virus—infected patients: Predictive value for progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy

Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML) is a lytic infection of oligodendrocytes by the human papovavirus JC. Patients with defects in cell-mediated immunity are at risk for active disease: a usually lethal demyelination of the brain. PML develops in at least 4% of patients with the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). Definitive diagnosis currently requires brain biopsy. Previous attempts to detect JC virus DNA by polymerase chain reaction in cerebrospinal fluid of PML patients, particularly those with human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV - 1) infection, have been of low sensitivity. In the present study, cerebrospinal fluid was assayed by polymerase chain reaction from 26 HIV-1-positive patients with PML, 114 HIV-1-positive control subjects, and 16 control subjects who were HIVv1 negative or were without risk factors for HIV disease. Polymerase chain reaction conditions were optimized to detect a single copy of viral DNA in 50 μl of cerebrospinal fluid. Specificity of the polymerase chain reaction product was confirmed by size on gel electrophoresis and Southern blot hybridization. JC virus DNA was detected in 24 of 26 samples from patients with PML: 8 of 8 with tissue diagnosis and 16 of 18 with strong clinical and magnetic resonance imaging evidence of PML. Among control subjects, 11 of 130 samples were positive for JC virus: 10 of 114 samples from HIV-infected patients and one from an HIVvnegative patient with risk factors for PML and an unexplained hemiparesis. Overall senstivity was 92% (24/26); specificity was, at minimum, 92% (119/130). Treatments for PML are now in clinical trials. This assay provides a safe, inexpensive means of establishing the diagnosis of a potentially treatable condition. Furthermore, our data suggest that a subgroup of presymptomatic patients who may be at high risk for PML can be identified. Such patients may be particularly suitable for prophylactic interventions.
The effects of cue-target uniqueness on cued recall performance

The uniqueness of the cue-target word encoding episode was examined as an important determinant of retrieval-cue effectiveness. Using a single list of unrelated word pairs, the uniqueness of the cue-target word relationship in each word pair was manipulated through two sets of encoding instructions. One set of instructions led the subjects to relate the items in each word pair in a unique way by having them treat the word pairs as similes. The other set of instructions led subjects to relate the items in each word pair in a similar way by having them compare the items in each pair with respect to their hardness properties. Subjects receiving the simile encoding instructions performed significantly better on a cued recall test, where one word from each pair was used as a cue for the other member. The encoding instructions were also found to have a significant effect on the ability to recognize word pairs, but were found to have little effect on subjects' ability to recall and recognize individual list items. Implications of the results for theories of memory are discussed.
INTRAPLEURAL INSUFFLATION OF DICETYL PHOSPHATE TO PROMOTE PLEURAL SYMPHYSIS.

In six dogs, dicetyl (di-n-hexadecyl) phosphate was insufflated into one pleural cavity, with the contralateral space serving as a control. Broad viscero-parietal adhesions developed on the treated side. Histologically there was no distinct evidence of damage to the underlying lung. In clinical practice, the production of pleural symphysis has been of advantage in the treatment of spontaneous pneumothorax and of intractable malignant pleural effusion. Dicetyl phosphate and related compounds are deserving of further evaluation in the search for an agent that may be clinically satisfactory in these situations.
The effect of cyst(e)ine on the auto-oxidation of homocysteine

This study examines the effect of cysteine on the auto-oxidation of homocysteine, a process that has been implicated in the pathologic mechanism of hyperhomocystinemia with respect to arteriosclerosis and vascular disease. It is shown that homocysteine autoxidizes at a much slower rate than cysteine, but that low concentrations of cysteine or cystine dramatically accelerate homocysteine oxidation and increase the rate of homocysteine-dependent oxygen consumption. It is proposed that the major role of homocysteine is to reduce cystine to cysteine, and that cysteine autoxidation is the mechanism by which thiol-dependent oxidative stress occurs.
Characterization of the forward and reverse reactions catalyzed by CDP-diacylglycerol:inositol transferase in rabbit lung tissue.

Abstract CDPdiacylglycerol: inositol transferase activity in rabbit lung tissue has been characterized and the optimum conditions for assaying this enzyme in vitro were determined. Rabbit lung tissue CDPdiacylglycerol:inositol transferase activity was found primarily in the microsomal fraction. The pH optimum of the enzyme activity was between 8.8 and 9.4, and the reaction was dependent on either Mn 2+ or Mg 2+ . Detergents and Ca 2+ inhibited the activity of the enzyme. The apparent K m values of the enzyme for CDPdioleoylglycerol and myo -inositol were 0.18 mM and 0.10 mM, respectively. The reversibility of the reaction catalyzed by CDPdiacylglycerol:inositol transferase in microsomes prepared from rabbit lung tissue was demonstrated by the synthesis of [ 3 H]CDP-diacylglycerol when [ 3 H]CMP and phosphatidylinositol were present in the incubation mixture. The reverse reaction was characterized and its importance in the regulation of the acidic phospholipid composition of surfactant during lung development is discussed. The pH optimum for the reverse reaction was 6.2, and the reverse reaction was also dependent on Mn 2+ or Mg 2+ . The apparent K m value of CDPdiacylglycerol:inositol transferase for CMP was found to be 2.8mM.
Nine-year trend analysis of hospitalizations attributed to oral and oropharyngeal cancers in the United States

Objectives This study examines 9-year discharge patterns and changes in outcomes in oral cancer hospitalizations in the United States. Study Design All hospitalizations with primary diagnosis of oral and oropharyngeal cancers were selected from 2000 to 2008 Nationwide Inpatient Sample. Association between outcomes (in-hospital mortality, length of stay [LOS], hospital charges, and discharge status) and independent variables was examined using multivariable regression analyses. Results Of 146,928 hospitalizations, 5310 died in hospitals. Mean LOS was 6.7 days. Mean hospitalization charges ranged from $47,331 to $62,885. After adjusting for confounders, in-hospital morality and charges did not vary while LOS decreased. Hospitalizations occurring in 2004-2008 were more likely to be discharged to long-term facilities (odds ratio = 1.24-1.59, P Conclusion Our study demonstrates changes in longitudinal trends in socio-demographic and hospital-related factors. Our results do not provide compelling evidence on whether hospitals are saving cost or shifting cost to another type of facility.
Secure Information Sharing in a Virtual Multi-Agency Team Environment

This paper proposes a two tier RBAC approach for secure and selective information sharing among virtual multi-agency response team (VMART) and allows expansion of the VMART by admitting new collaborators (government agencies or NGOs) as need arise. A coordinator Web Service for each member agency is proposed. The coordinator Web Service is responsible for authentication, information dissemination, information acquisition, role creation and enforcement of predefined access control policies. Secure, selective and fine-grained information sharing is realized through the encryption of XML documents according to RBAC policies defined for the corresponding XML schema.
Neuromuscular patterns and the origin of trophic specialization in fishes

The pattern of muscle electrical activity in the pharyngeal muscles of the mollusc-eating sunfish Lepomis microlophus is highly specialized in comparison with the pattern displayed by most other members of the sunfish family and does not change when different prey are eaten. The closest genealogical relative of this species has the specialized muscle activity pattern for crushing prey when it feeds on snails but uses the primitive sequence of muscle activity during swallowing of other prey. The ability of species that crush snails to use molluscan prey effectively is due primarily to the evolutionary transformation of the neuromuscular program controlling the trophic apparatus.
Analysis of Cell Fate from Single-Cell Gene Expression Profiles in C. elegans

The C. elegans cell lineage provides a unique opportunity to look at how cell lineage affects patterns of gene expression. We developed an automatic cell lineage analyzer that converts high-resolution images of worms into a data table showing fluorescence expression with single-cell resolution. We generated expression profiles of 93 genes in 363 specific cells from L1 stage larvae and found that cells with identical fates can be formed by different gene regulatory pathways. Molecular signatures identified repeating cell fate modules within the cell lineage and enabled the generation of a molecular differentiation map that reveals points in the cell lineage when developmental fates of daughter cells begin to diverge. These results demonstrate insights that become possible using computational approaches to analyze quantitative expression from many genes in parallel using a digital gene expression atlas.
Fracture pattern of refractories in the system dolomite-magnesite based on a tar binder

In a laboratory converter the wear of tar-bound refractories based on a dolomite-magnesite composition is due to fusion of the working layer. The service life of the refractories increases with their magnesium oxide content.
Spreading resistance correction factors

Abstract The solution for the potential distribution from a circular flat contact current source on a semi-infinite medium composed of N layers of finite thickness and different resistivities is given. This is applied to the three-point spreading resistance probe system in the form of correction factors. Examples are given which indicate when a single layer approximation may not be used. A general scheme for correcting any type of profile is proposed and compared with other correction techniques.
Crushed by the job crash? Analyse, energize

Examines how executives can recover from a “crash” at work – i.e. a situation requiring executives to find new employment. Considers the importance of knowing oneself. Goes on to discuss the characteristics of different forms of employment.
Molecular aspects of iron uptake and storage in ferritin

Abstract The iron storage protein ferritin is composed of 24 subunits of two types, H and L, which assemble to form a hollow protein shell capable of encapsulating up to 4500 Fe atoms in the form of a hydrous ferric oxide mineral core. Iron is oxidized for incorporation into the mineralized core by either a protein enzymatic mechanism involving a putative dimeric Fe ferroxidase site on the H chain subunit or a mineral surface mechanism. The net stoichiometric reactions for the two kinetic pathways are given by the following equations: 2Fe 2+ + 0 2 + 4H 2 O → 2FeOOH core + H 2 O 2 + 4H + 4Fe 2+ + 0 2 + 6H 2 O → 4FeOOH core + 8H + The L chain subunit appears to be involved mostly in mineralization of the core but modulates the ferroxidase activity of the H chain subunit as well. A reaction mechanism in which Fe(II) oxidation occurs in one electron steps accounts for the observed kinetics. Several reaction intermediates have been identified using UV-visible, electron paramagnetic resonance and Mossbauer spectroscopies but their roles in the mechanism of iron deposition in the protein remain to be determined.
Tensorial classification of domain pairs

Abstract A classification of domain pairs via a group theoretical classification of the corresponding pairs of a full physical property tensor characterizing the domains has been introduced by V. Janovec (Czech. J. Phys., B22, 974 (1972)). This classification scheme is extended here from the case of full physical property tensors, where each domain is characterized by a unique form of the physical property tensor, to the case of partial physical property tensors, where more than a single domain is characterized by a specific form of the physical property tensor.
Clustering characterization of adaptive resonance

Abstract By exploiting the relationship between adaptive resonance networks in the fast learning mode and clustering algorithms, we seek to characterize and streamline their operations. We make the observation that a variant of k -means learning, Jancey's, actually provides a more apt counterpart to ART operation. In addition, since redundacy occurs in the search initiated by the reset mechanism in fast learning situations, we suggest an alternative strategy for the practical design of the network. The analogy with k -means based clustering leads to the identification of vigilance as a threshold-like measure comparable to parameters in these algorithms.
Experimental entanglement concentration and universal Bell-state synthesizer

We report a Bell-state synthesizer in which an interferometric entanglement concentration scheme is used. An initially mixed polarization state from type-II spontaneous parametric down-conversion becomes entangled after the interferometric entanglement concentration. This Bell-state synthesizer is universal in the sense that the output polarization state is not affected by spectral filtering, crystal thickness, and, most importantly, the choice of pump source. It is also robust against environmental disturbance and a more general state, partially mixed-partially entangled state, can be readily generated as well.
Bursting by taste-responsive cells in the rodent brain stem

Neurons that fire in bursts have been well-characterized in vision and other neural systems, but not in taste systems. We therefore examined whether brain stem gustatory neurons fire in bursts during spontaneous activity and, if so, whether such cells differ from nonbursting cells in other characteristics. We looked at neurons in the nucleus of the solitary tract (NST) of C57BL/6ByJ (B6) and 129P3/J (129) mice, and in the NST and parabrachial nucleus (PBN) of Sprague-Dawley rats. Many NST cells fired frequently with short intervals characteristic of bursting, and such neurons differed from others in their responsiveness to taste compounds. In B6 mice and rats, there was a significant positive correlation between the prevalence of short-interval firing and the net spikes evoked by application of NaCl. In contrast, in 129 mice the prevalence of short intervals was positively correlated with the size of sucrose responses. We also compared breadth-of-tuning measures based on counting either all spikes or only those following short intervals, and we found narrower tuning for the latter in the NST of B6 mice and rats. There was little evidence of spontaneous bursting in the rat PBN, and firing patterns in this nucleus were not related to the size of taste-evoked responses. We suggest that bursting may be a strategy employed by the NST to amplify the postsynaptic impact of particular taste stimuli, depending on an animal's needs. Another function may be to sharpen breadth-of-tuning and thus enhance the contrast between stimuli of different taste qualities.
Metabolic properties of human acetylcholine receptors can be characterized on cultured human muscle

Experiments examining acetylcholine receptor (AChR) metabolism in tissue culture have hitherto been limited to animal systems. For many studies, the human AChR on human skeletal muscle provides a more physiologic target. However, previous studies suggested that the levels of AChR produced on cultured human muscle were inadequate for metabolic studies. We demonstrate here that the metabolism of human acetylcholine receptors can be analysed on pure human muscle fibers that develop in tissue culture. Degradation of AChR follows first-order kinetics and is inhibited 85% by leupeptin, demonstrating that proteolysis of human AChR occurs in the lysosome. New AChR continue to appear on the cell surface for 3 h in the presence of cycloheximide, indicating the existence of a pool of intracellular AChR destined for the cell membrane. This pool is equivalent to approximately one-third of the AChR present on the surface of the cell. At any given time, the rate of AChR accumulation on the cell surface can be quantitatively accounted for by the rates of synthesis and degradation. Our results demonstrate that studies on the effects of hormones, neurotoxins or antibodies from patients with autoimmune neuromuscular diseases are now possible with human AChR which develop on intact human muscle myotubes formed in tissue culture.
Sculpting Needle-Shaped Atom Probe Specimens with a Dual Beam FIB

The goal of atom probe specimen preparation is to produce a needle-shaped specimen with an end radius of less than 50 nm on a smooth uniform shank with a taper angle of less than 5°. Neither the microstructure nor the solute distribution should be altered during fabrication. Traditionally, electropolishing has been the dominant method for producing these needles. Focused ion beam (FIB) instruments enable specimens to be fabricated from a wider range of materials and different forms [1].