cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A comparison of the utilization of thymine and thymidine for the synthesis of DNA-thymine in novikoff hepatoma cells☆

Abstract A comparison was made between the utilization of thymine and thymidine for the synthesis of DNA in Novikoff hepatoma cells growing in suspension culture. When the cell cultures were switched from exponential growth to a relatively non-growing condition, by resuspending them in culture media minus serum for 18 h, there was an 85% decrease in the rate of thymidine incorporation but only a 15% decrease in the rate of thymine incorporation. Exposure to an alkylating agent (methyl methane sulfonate) resulted in a 79% decrease in thymidine incorporation, while thymine incorporation was decreased only 35%. Thymidine at a concentration equal to its Km for incorporation into DNA (4 × 10 −7 M) had virtually no effect on thymine incorporation. It was not until a thymidine concentration of ten times the K m was employed that appreciable (40%) decreases in the rate of thymine incorporation were observed. Examination of total cellular DNA or nuclear DNA gave similar results. These studies are interpreted as indicating the presence of multiple precursor pools for the synthesis of DNA-thymine in Novikoff hepatoma cells.
What Can Children's Spelling of Running and Jumped Tell Us about Their Need for Spelling Instruction?.

This article describes effective instructional strategies for teaching verbs with inflected endings. The ability to spell past and present progressive verbs provides an example of how children need to learn to integrate their developing understanding of letter-sound correspondences with knowledge of morphological and orthographic patterns in order to spell and write effectively. Furthermore, multisensory instruction that enables children to discover phonological, morphological, and orthographic patterns as well as instruction that incorporates opportunities for generalizing learning to context provides teachers with options for addressing these specific spelling deficits in children's written performance. While the instructional strategies described in this article were specifically designed for students who demonstrate difficulty spelling verbs with inflected endings, it is important to note that instruction in past and present progressive verbs also sets the groundwork for all students' future spelling development as they learn to spell words with multiple morphological units.
The DAISEY Data System: A Computerized System to Support Longitudinal Research

This paper describes a computerized System (DDCS) for collecting test scores and other data which will be useful in determining how children perform as they progress through the South Carolina public school system. Records from various statewide testing programs are linked by the use of student name, birthdate, gender and ethnicity to a data set reflecting experiences in a preschool program. The capability to capture these test data will facilitate the evaluation of the preschool program. Trial runs based on the children in the study who entered the first grade during the 1985‐86 school year suggest that the DDCS has very low rates of mismatches and missed matches and that it is cost effective. Furthermore, it possesses other advantages relative to alternative methods of obtaining these data. Implications are drawn for research on child development and the evaluation of preschool intervention programs which are best addressed with longitudinal data bases.
Robust Two Degree-Of-Freedom Control for MIMO System with Both Model and Signal Uncertainties

Abstract In the study, a model inversion based two degree-of-freedom (DOF) controller is proposed to achieve optimal robust performance for multi-input-multi-output (MIMO) system with existence of both model and signal uncertainties. The original plant dynamics are modified by a pre-compensator and a post-compensator to obtain a diagonally dominant matrix, where the selected dynamics of the plant are contained within the diagonal entries. The inversion of the diagonal matrix, as a result, reflects the inversion of the plant dynamics within a specified frequency range. The feedback controller is designed using a standard H2 mixed sensitivity approach. The feedforward controller consists of plant inversion and a feedforward filter, which is optimized to balance the trade-off between nominal performance and robust performance under model uncertainty and signal uncertainty. A numerical example is used to demonstrate the improvement of the robust performance when using the optimal feedforward control.
Nutritive Value and Animal Selection of Forage Chicory Cultivars Grown in Central Appalachia

The unequivocal success of 'Grasslands Puna' (Puna) chicory (Cichorium intybus L.) as a forage species in other areas has not been realized in the central Appalachian Region of the USA. A field study was conducted in southern West Virginia (38° N, 81° W; 850 m above sea level) to compare nutritional qualities and palatability of herbage from three forage chicory cultivars that were developed in different parts of the world. Puna, 'INIA Le Lacerta' (Lacerta), and 'Forage Feast' were established on a Gilpin soil (fine-loamy, mixed, semiactive, mesic, Typic Hapludults) in replicated plots in 1997 and 1998, and herbage was used for chemical analyses and ruminant feeding assessments. Whitetail deer (Odocoileus virginianus), in a free-foraging situation, and sheep (Ovis aries), in two cafeteria trials, discriminated against Forage Feast. Deer selected Lacerta first; sheep did not exhibit a preference for Lacerta over Puna. Mature leaves from vegetative rosettes of the three cultivars had similar concentrations of crude protein, neutral detergent fiber, and add detergent fiber (P > 0.10). In vitro organic matter disappearance and amino acid composition were also similar among the cultivars (P > 0.05). In all cultivars, approximately 65% of the total N occurred as protein amino acids. Nonprotein amino acids were not major constituents in any of the cultivars. Results suggest that differences in palatability and intake of chicory are related to the secondary plant metabolite composition of the herbage.
Gating circuit for single photon‐counting fluorescence lifetime instruments using high repetition pulsed light sources

We have constructed a circuit that permits conventional timing electronics to be used in single photon‐counting fluorimeters with high repetition rate excitation sources (synchrotrons and mode‐locked lasers). Most commercial time‐to‐amplitude and time‐to‐digital converters introduce errors when processing very short time intervals and when subjected to high‐frequency signals. This circuit reduces the frequency of signals representing the pulsed light source (stops) to the rate of detected fluorescence events (starts). Precise timing between the start/stop pair is accomplished by using the second stop pulse after a start pulse. Important features of our design are that the circuit is insensitive to the simultaneous occurrence of start and stop signals and that the reduction in the stop frequency allows the start/stop time interval to be placed in linear regions of the response functions of commercial timing electronics.
Transcriptional profiles of benzo(a)pyrene exposure in normal human mammary epithelial cells in the absence or presence of chlorophyllin

Abstract Benzo(a)pyrene (BP) exposure causes alterations in gene expression in normal human mammary epithelial cells (NHMECs). This study used Affymetrix Hu-Gene133A arrays, with 14,500 genes represented, to evaluate modulation of BP-induced gene expression by chlorophyllin in six NHMEC strains derived from different donors. A major goal was to seek potential biomarkers of carcinogen exposure and how they behave in the presence of a chemopreventive agent. NHMECs (passage 6 and 70% confluence) were exposed for 24 h to either vehicle control, or BP, or chlorophyllin followed by BP and chlorophyllin together. BP exposure resulted in approximately 3-fold altered expression of 49 genes in at least one of the six NHMEC strains. When cells were exposed to chlorophyllin pre-treatment followed by BP plus chlorophyllin, expression of 125 genes was similarly altered. Genes in the functional categories of xenobiotic metabolism, cell signaling, cell motility, cell proliferation, cellular transcription, metabolism, cell cycle control, apoptosis and DNA repair were identified. Only CYP1B1 and ALDH1A3 were consistently up-regulated by ∼3-fold in most of the cell strains (at least 4) when exposed to BP. Cluster analysis identified a suite of 13 genes induced by BP where induction was mitigated in the presence of chlorophyllin. Additionally, cluster analysis identified a suite of 16 genes down-regulated by BP where induction was partially restored in the presence of chlorophyllin.
Diminution of the eosinophilotactic response, a specific effect of injections of allergenic extracts.

Abstract The eosinophilotactic response was observed in seven untreated patients with pollinosis who appeared to be clinically sensitive to two pollens. The subjects reacted intensely by skin test to extracts of both pollens to which they also gave a marked eosinophilotactic response. Each patient received a course of injections with one of the two extracts giving the responses described and, after three to four months, the tests were repeated. A highly significant decrease in the eosinophilotactic response was observed in tests with those extracts given by injection, whereas no significant change was seen in tests done with the extracts withheld. It is concluded that the decrease observed is a specific response to injection therapy.
The Injury Severity Score is unable to differentiate between poor care and severe injury.

The Injury Severity Score (ISS) has been the most frequently used tool for stratifying injured patients. The primary hypothesis of this study was that ISS fails to differentiate between severe injury and mismanagement. Methods : Data models were generated for mismanaged and ideally managed patients for isolated injuries for each body system. Flow charts of care, outcomes, and Abbreviated Injury Scale (AIS) and ISS scores were generated for each model. Results : Multiple models demonstrated that minor injuries that were mismanaged would result in AIS and ISS scores that were the same as ideally managed severe injuries. Three examples are summarized as follows : A comparison of two patients with splenic injuries demonstrates that ISS is unable to differentiate between mismanagement of a minor splenic laceration as compared to a severely lacerated spleen. In the case of the minor injury to the spleen (initial AIS = 2) that was missed by the treating physicians and allowed to bleed into shock and near arrest because of massive hemorrhage that could have been prevented by early recognition and treatment, the final AIS is coded as 4 in this mismanaged patient, the same AIS and ISS as a severely lacerated spleen (AIS = 4) managed well. Both result in a discharge ISS of 16. Similarly, the ISS at discharge is the same for a well-managed severe head injury (AIS = 4) and a mismanaged minor head injury that is unrecognized, progresses and leads to coma (AIS = 4). Finally AIS, ISS does not differentiate between a well-managed cervical fracture with complete cord injury and a mismanaged cervical spine fracture that initially does not involve a cord injury, but because of mismanagement and lack of immobilization, progresses to complete cord injury becuase of poor care. Both result in the same injury severity assessment (AIS = 5, ISS = 25 in both). Conclusions : This study demonstrates a fact that should be recognized by all who rely upon the ISS for comparing quality of care : ISS fails to differentiate severe injury from mismanagement of injury. Because the ISS mixes outcome data with injury severity, ISS incorrectly assigns increased severity to the lesser injuries of mismanaged patients. These findings have important implications for use of the ISS in quality of care assessments.
In vitro accumulation of glucocerebroside in neuroblastoma cells: A model for study of Gaucher disease pathobiology

Gaucher disease is the most common lysosomal glycosphingolipid storage disease; decreased activity of glucosylceramide β-glucosidase (GCase) results in the accumulation of glucocerebroside (GlcCer) in macrophage-derived cells. The most devastating types of Gaucher disease also involve neuronopathology, thought to be mediated by intracellular GlcCer accumulation in the brain. In this study, we developed an in vitro neuronal cell model for accumulation of endogenous GlcCer to enable studies on the cellular basis for the neuronopathology of this disease. A human neuroblastoma cell line (SH-SY5Y) was selected because it produced appreciable GCase. When these cells were treated with conduritol B epoxide (CBE), a competitive, irreversible inhibitor of this enzyme, GCase levels fell precipitously, while other lysosomal hydrolase levels were unaffected. Relative to untreated control cells, the CBE-treated cells accumulated higher levels of GlcCer, but not other related glycolipids, over time. Thus, this in vitro system displayed many essential biological parameters relevant for studies on cellular events responsible for the neurologic damage that occurs in some types of Gaucher disease. This model should also be useful in investigations of the normal role of sphingolipids in neuronal cell function. © 1996 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Abstract 5477: mTOR inhibitors protect from apoptosis in B-ALL cells treated with chemotherapeutic drugs

B-cell acute lymphocytic leukemia (B-ALL) is the most common pediatric cancer. Although most children can be cured by combination chemotherapy, 10-20% are refractory or have early relapses. These high-risk B-ALLs include Philadelphia chromosome (Ph+) and Ph-like with activated tyrosine kinases that drive elevated signaling through the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway. High mTOR signaling correlates with poor prognosis. These findings have raised interest in targeting mTOR in B-ALL and other leukemias. Novel inhibitors of the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway are in clinical development, but little is known about how these agents modulate responses to the standard of care in B-ALL. Here we have tested inhibitors of various nodes in the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway on B-ALL cells in combination with chemotherapeutic drugs. The data show that PI3K inhibition sensitizes B-ALL cell lines to chemotherapy but, surprisingly, mTOR inhibition induces resistance to several drugs. This chemotherapy resistance is observed when using rapamycin as well as active-site mTOR inhibitors (MLN0128 and AZD8055). The degree of drug resistance conferred by mTOR inhibition varies with different chemotherapeutic agents. mTOR inhibition best protects cells from killing by methotrexate and is least protective when combined with daunorubicin. In Ph+ cell lines, dasatinib also confers resistance to methotrexate that correlates with mTOR inhibition. We designed a simple in vitro model of relapse in which B-ALL cells were treated for 3 days with chemotherapy alone or with mTOR inhibitor, followed by 9 days of culture without drugs. Including mTOR inhibitor in the first culture period resulted in a striking increase in outgrowth of viable cells compared to chemotherapy alone. Mechanistic studies show that resistance does not correspond with effects on cell cycle. Preliminary data indicate that mTOR inhibition enhances DNA repair in B-ALL cells treated with etoposide or AraC. Further studies to define the resistance mechanisms and reverse the protective effect could potentially augment the effectiveness of inhibiting the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway. Our results will lead to a better understanding of how to best utilize PI3K pathway inhibitors in combination with standard chemotherapy as an option for high-risk B-ALL cases driven by oncogenic PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling. Citation Format: Thanh-Trang Vo, David A. Fruman. mTOR inhibitors protect from apoptosis in B-ALL cells treated with chemotherapeutic drugs. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 105th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2014 Apr 5-9; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2014;74(19 Suppl):Abstract nr 5477. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2014-5477
Clinical Outcome Measures and Rating Scales in Multiple Sclerosis Trials

In this review, we analyzed clinical outcome measures used in multiple sclerosis (MS) clinical trials in which the primary goal is to slow or arrest progression of disease. In addition, we examined rating scales that quantify symptomatic complications of MS (for example, spasticity) and the current role of magnetic resonance imaging in MS treatment trials. Each proposed scale has advantages and deficiencies, and none meets all the criteria for an ideal outcome measure. The validity of trial design may be improved by using combinations of selected components of current scales as well as new instruments targeted to specific variables (such as motor strength). Symptom-specific rating scales are most appropriately used in trials of symptomatic therapeutic strategies for MS. Until serial magnetic resonance imaging changes are definitely known to predict long-term impairment and disability in patients with MS, clinical outcome measures will remain the primary means of assessing therapeutic efficacy in phase III clinical trials.
Response to "Theoretical aspects of autism: causes--a review" by Ratajczak, HV (Journal of Immunotoxicology 8:68-79, 2011).

In a recent review paper by Ratajczak (2011) on theoretical aspects of autism, the lines between speculation and well-supported science were blurred with respect to how possible risk factors for au...
Radar detection of near-Earth Asteroids 1915 Quetzalcoatl, 3199 Nefertiti, 3757 (1982 XB), and 4034 (1986 PA)

Abstract We describe Arecibo (2380 MHz, 12.6 cm) Doppler-only radar detections of near-Earth Asteroids 1915 Quetzalcoatl, 3199 Nefertiti, 3757 (1982 XB), and 4034 (1986 PA) obtained between 1981 and 1989. Estimates of the echo spectral bandwidths, radar cross-sections, and circular polarization ratios of these objects constrain their sizes, radar albedos, surface roughnesses, taxonomic classes, rotation periods, and pole directions. Our radar constraints on the diameters of Quetzalcoatl and Nefertiti are most consistent with sizes determined using thermal-radiometry and the Fast Rotation Model (FRM); this consistency may indicate that these asteroids have surfaces of high thermal inertia (i.e., little or no regolith). Constraints on Quetzalcoatl's radar albedo rule out a “metallic M” classification. The radar constraints for Nefertiti are inconsistent with a rotation pole published by Kaasalainen et al. (2004, Icarus 167, 178). Our estimates of 1982 XB's size are consistent with previously published estimates. The radar bandwidth of 1986 PA places an upper bound of about 24 h on its rotation period.
Craniofacial and dental development in Costello syndrome.

Costello syndrome (CS) is a RASopathy characterized by a wide range of cardiac, musculoskeletal, dermatological, and developmental abnormalities. The RASopathies are defined as a group of syndromes caused by activated Ras/mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling. Specifically, CS is caused by activating mutations in HRAS. Although receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK) signaling, which is upstream of Ras/MAPK, is known to play a critical role in craniofacial and dental development, the craniofacial and dental features of CS have not been systematically defined in a large group of individuals. In order to address this gap in our understanding and fully characterize the CS phenotype, we evaluated the craniofacial and dental phenotype in a large cohort (n = 41) of CS individuals. We confirmed that the craniofacial features common in CS include macrocephaly, bitemporal narrowing, convex facial profile, full cheeks, and large mouth. Additionally, CS patients have a characteristic dental phenotype that includes malocclusion with anterior open bite and posterior crossbite, enamel hypo-mineralization, delayed tooth development and eruption, gingival hyperplasia, thickening of the alveolar ridge, and high palate. Comparison of the craniofacial and dental phenotype in CS with other RASopathies, such as cardio-facio-cutaneous syndrome (CFC), provides insight into the complexities of Ras/MAPK signaling in human craniofacial and dental development.
Information technology and food composition databases

Abstract There have been several advances in the development and use of computerized food composition databases in recent years. However, there are still many barriers to the effective use and exploitation of such data. Continuing improvements in the quality of food composition data together with notable advances in computer technology are helping to overcome the limitations of the existing database systems.
Dynamic characteristics of double tunneling-injection quantum dot lasers

Dynamic characteristics of double tunneling-injection (DTI) quantum dot (QD) lasers are studied. To reveal the potential of such lasers for high-speed direct modulation of their optical output by pump current, fast carrier injection into QDs and no carrier leakage from QDs are assumed. The small-signal analysis of rate equations is applied. The modulation bandwidth is calculated as a function of the dc component of the injection current density and parameters of the laser structure.
Role of transcription factors CREB and CREM in cAMP-regulated transcription during spermatogenesis

The cAMP response element binding protein (CREB) and the cAMP-responsive element modulator (CREM) are cyclically expressed at high levels during spermatogenesis. Cyclical expression of CREB and CREM in germ and somatic Sertoli cells correlates with the fluctuations in cAMP signaling induced by the pituitary gonadotropic hormones FSH and LH both during sexual maturation of the testis and during the 12-day cycles of spermatogenesis that occur in the adult testis. CREB and CREM are expressed at different times during the spermatogenic cycle, undergo programmed sequential switches from activator to repressor isoforms by mechanisms of alternative exon splicing and promoter usage, and are autoregulated by cAMP signaling in opposing directions. cAMP response elements located in the promoter of the CREB gene upregulate the expression of activator CREBs, whereas cAMP autoregulatory response elements in the internal promoter of the CREM gene induce expression of repressor CREM isoforms. The complex mechanisms for the regulation of the expression of CREB and CREM in the testis appear to reflect critical adaptations for regulating key target genes essential for the development of germ cells.
Adsorption of CO2 on Glass Fibers

Isotherms of adsorption of CO2 on two different glass fibers are measured at 158 and 185 K by the volumetric method. Heats of adsorption are determined. Experimental data are analyzed in terms of the Langmuir model of independent adsorption sites. Distributions of adsorption sites in free energy (not in energy) are determined at two temperatures, and their temperature dependence is discussed. This dependence makes it possible to obtain the entropy and energy distribution of adsorption sites and the relation of entropy to energy for a site. The latter enables one to assess the reliability of the distributions.
HF Ground Wave Propagation over Mixed Land, Sea, And Sea-Ice Paths

Ground wave propagation is analyzed for a two-section path on a spherical earth. Each section can be a two-layer medium which is characterized by a surface impedance. Specific calculations for a land-to-sea path indicate that the well-known recovery effect in amplitude and phase is more extreme at higher frequencies but is reduced for elevated observer heights. Calculations for a sea-to-sea ice path indicate a brief recovery because of the excitation of the trapped surface wave over sea ice. At greater distances from the boundary, the field may be seriously degraded due to the sea ice.
129: Acute and Reversible Vancomycin Nephrotoxicity: A Case Series

ACUTE AND REVERSIBLE VANCOMYCIN NEPHROTOXICITY: A CASE SERIES Marco Ladino, Manju Alex, and Ivonne Hernandez Schulman Division of Nephrology and Hypertension, Veterans Affairs Medical Center and University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA Vancomycin is a glycopeptide antibiotic commonly used for the treatment of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, which has significantly increased in prevalence. It has been described that the current preparations of vancomycin are not nephrotoxic. We present two cases of acute renal failure related to high vancomycin blood levels. The first case is that of a 52-year old male with a history of liver cirrhosis admitted with fevers and chills. Physical exam revealed blood pressure 110/80mmHg, pulse 81, respiratory rate 18, temperature 101F, ascites, splenomegaly, and spider angiomata. On admission his creatinine was 1.0mg/dl, blood urea nitrogen (BUN) 22mg/dL, urinalysis normal, and blood cultures grew methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus. Vancomycin 1gm IV every 12hr was given and 72 hours later the creatinine was 4.2mg/dL, BUN 44mg/dL, and vancomycin trough level 52mcg/ml. The second case is that of an 80year old male with a history of coronary artery bypass graft admitted with methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus wound infection. On physical exam his blood pressure was 130/85, pulse 78, respiratory rate 16, and temperature 98F. His baseline creatinine was 0.7mg/dL and BUN 17mg/dL. Vancomycin 1gm IV every 12hr was given and 96 hours later the patient developed oliguria, creatinine 7.7mg/dL, BUN 32mg/dL, and vancomycin trough level 49mcg/ml. In both cases, other causes of acute renal failure (ARF) were excluded, vancomycin was stopped, and in the following days the renal function returned to baseline. Although vancomycin nephrotoxicity is uncommon, levels above 40mcg/ml may produce ARF. Experi mental studies suggest that vancomycin induces oxidative stress, resulting in tubular injury. We propose that vancomycin nephrotoxicity may be more common than previously described and that trough levels be closely monitored, particularly in patients with or at risk for chronic kidney disease.
Cerebral tumor volume calculations using planimetric and eigenimage analysis

Volume determination in cerebral tumors requires accurate and reproducible segmentation. This task has been traditionally accomplished using planimetric methods which define the boundary of the lesion using thresholding and edge detection schemes. These methods lack accuracy and reproducibility when the contrast between the lesion and surrounding tissue is not maximized. Because of this limitation contrast agents are used providing reproducible results for the enhancing portion of the lesion. A novel approach for volume determination has been developed (eigenimage filter) which segments a desired feature (tissue type) from surrounding undesired features in a sequence of images. This method corrects for partial volume effects and has been shown to provide accurate and reproducible volume determinations. In addition, the eigenimage filter does not require the use of contrast and has the capability to segment a lesion into multiple regions. This allows different components of the lesion to be included and monitored in treatment. In this study planimetric methods and the eigenimage filter were compared for segmenting cerebral tumors and determining their volumes. The planimetric methods were reproducible in determining volumes for the enhancing portion of the lesion with interobserver percent differences <8% and intraobserver percent differences <4%. The eigenimage filter had interobserver percent differences <7% and intraobserver percent differences <3%. In the eigenimage procedure both the enhancing portion of the lesion as well as additional regions within the lesion were identified. Comparing the results obtained from the two methods demonstrated good agreement for presurgical studies (percent differences <9%). When comparing postsurgical studies large differences were seen. In the postsurgical studies the eigenimage method allowed multiple regions to be followed in subsequent MRI and in two patients showed a volume change that suggested tumor recurrence more clearly. Since the amount of information obtained using the eigenimage filter may allow a more complete assessment of the lesion, it is suggested that it could improve the clinical evaluation of cerebral tumors.
Boronic esters: a simple route to discotic liquid crystals that are electron deficient

The formation of boronic esters lowers the LUMO energy of hexamethoxytriphenylene by ∼1 V, converting the discotic core archetype from electron-rich to electron-deficient. Cyclic voltammetry gives E1/2 reduction values (ca. −1.2 V vs. Fc/Fc+) that are comparable to that of C60, the standard electron acceptor in organic electronics. Suitable peripheral functionalization imparts large mesophase temperature ranges. Homeotropic, columnar hexagonal phases with good charge carrier mobilities (up to 8 × 10−2 cm2 V−1 s−1) are observed.
Isolation and characterization of insulin receptors from rat kidney glomeruli and tubules

Abstract In order to directly compare the structural characteristics of renal glomerular and tubular insulin receptors, the purified isolated nephron subunits were extracted with 1% Triton X-102, fractionated by DEAE-Sephacel ion exchange column chromatography and the fractions containing insulin binding proteins were identified by the precipitation of 125I-insulin-protein complexes with polyethylene glycol (PEG). The fractions containing insulin binding proteins were pooled, incubated with 125I-insulin and covalently cross-linked with disuccinimidyl suberate, followed by chromatography of the cross-linked samples on Sepharose CL-6B. From both glomeruli and tubules, three 125I-insulin-binding complexes with molecular weights of 560KDa, 220KDa and 95KDa were found. SDS-PAGE of these complexes from glomeruli and tubules under both reducing and nonreducing conditions gave similar patterns of 125I-insulin-crosslinked components, with the exception of the polypeptide pattern from the 560KDa peak fraction which was markedly different between glomeruli and tubules with the former giving major labeled components at 170 and 68KDa while the latter showed labeled components of 125KDa and > 250KDa. Glomerular and tubular insulin receptors, therefore, display similar subunit composition under reducing conditions, but differ in the non-reduced state, suggesting that these complexes may differ in the extent and/or nature of disulfide bonding.
Feldspar and Oxide Thermometry of Granulites in the Adirondack Highlands

Thermometry of regionally metamorphosed granulites of the Adi- rondack Highlands has been undertaken using feldspar and iron-titanium- oxide equilibria. Electron microprobe analyses of 20 coexisting oligoclase (An18 3o) and microcline perthite (Ors7 87) pairs from charnockites and granitic gneisses give KD(Na/(Na + Ca + K)plag/(Na/(Na + Ca + K))or = 2-3 yielding temperatures of 650 ~ to 750~ in comparison to Seck's (1971) experimental and Stormer's (1975) calculated temperatures for inferred pres- sures of 8 kilobars. Microprobe analyses of 10 coexisting titaniferous magne- tite (ulv6spinels~ 1645) and ilmenite (hematitess 4.7-6.5) pairs from the Marcy massif anorthosite and related gabbros give temperatures of 620 ~ to 800 ~ C in comparison to Buddington and Lindsley's (1964) experimental data. Oxygen fugacities buffered by this assemblage range between 10-2~ and 10 16 and always lie within 10 +1 of thefo2 buffered by fayalite-magne- tite-quartz. Exsolved albite in alkali feldspar and ilmenite (oxidized ulv6spinel lamellae) must be reintegrated to infer metamorphic temperatures. Both thermometers give internally consistent, reproducible and geologically rea- sonable results. The inferred 750 ~ and 700~ isotherms wrap around the anorthosite massif in roughly concentric circles. Maximum metamorphic temperatures (790_+ 50 ~ C) occur between Saranac Lake and Tupper Lake, New York.
Effects of Structural Guidance in Story Retelling on Children's Dictation of Original Stories

The study sought to determine if frequent story retellings with structural guidance could improve kindergarten children's use of structural elements in dictations of original stories and increase the oral language complexity of the stories. Treatments were administered to children once a week for eight weeks. After a story was read, the control children (n = 44) drew a picture about it and the experimental children (n = 38) retold the story individually to a research assistant. Story dictation pre- and posttests were administered. Analysis of covariance indicated significant improvement for the experimental group in dictation of original stories and in oral language complexity. Retelling proved to be an instructional strategy capable of improving children's dictations of original stories and oral language complexity within those stories.
The effects of gait impairment with and without freezing of gait in Parkinson’s disease

Abstract Objective To compare the effects of gait impairment without freezing of gait (FOG) versus FOG without gait impairment in Parkinson’s disease (PD) on disability and quality of life. Background FOG is frequently characterized as the major cause of gait-related disability in PD. However, gait impairment may also result from other PD symptoms including slowing, motor asymmetry, gait variability, dystonia or stooped posture. Methods The Unified Parkinson’s Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS), Older Americans Resources and Services Disability Scale (OARS) and the SF-12 Health Status Survey were used to evaluate patients with PD. Responses to UPDRS Items #14 (Freezing) and # 29 (Gait) were used to create 4 subgroups: 1) No FOG or gait impairment, 2) FOG, no gait impairment, 3) Gait impairment, no FOG, and 4) Both FOG and gait impairment. Disease severity, disability, and quality of life were compared across the subgroups with ANOVAs, and between subgroups with t -tests. Results 916 PD patients were divided into 4 subgroups based on their gait and freezing score (#1: n = 213, #2: n = 41, #3: n = 323 and #4: n = 339). Total UPDRS progressively increased from Group 1 through Group 4 (1 = 25.2, 2 = 33.7, 3 = 39.2, 4 = 59.2; p p p p Conclusions Gait impairment without FOG was associated with greater disease severity than FOG without gait impairment. The combination of gait impairment and FOG was associated with the greatest disease severity and disability. These results show differential effects of diverse features of gait impairment in PD and demonstrate the importance of gait features unrelated to freezing.
Teaching First or Teaching Last: Does the Timing Matter in Simulation-Based Surgical Scenarios?

Objective The optimal timing of instruction in simulation-based scenarios remains unclear. We sought to determine how varying the timing of instruction, either before (teaching first) or after (teaching last) the simulation, affects knowledge outcomes of surgical trainees. Design We conducted a pretest/posttest crossover study in which fourth-year medical students and general surgery residents (PGY 1–3) participated in 3 instructional modules, each repeated twice in consecutive weeks: endocrine surgery (sessions 1 and 2), trauma resuscitation (sessions 3 and 4), and team training (sessions 5 and 6). Each session comprised 3 cases, each involving a prescenario briefing, a simulated scenario, and a postscenario debriefing. The timing of instruction varied between sessions. For the teaching-first sequence (sessions 1, 4, and 6), participants received a lecture during each prescenario briefing. In the teaching-last sequence (sessions 2, 3, and 5), trainees received an identical lecture during the postscenario debriefings. We assessed attitudes and knowledge using a postsession survey and identical 10-question multiple-choice tests at the start (pretest) and end (posttest) of each session, respectively. The mean differences in knowledge scores between groups were analyzed with repeated-measures analysis of variance (ANOVA). Results Forty-nine participants (11 medical students and 38 surgical residents) attended at least 1 session, providing 76 observations. Mean pretest scores were equivalent (p > 0.05). The change in scores from pretest to posttest varied between the 2 groups (p = 0.002). The mean posttest score was 8.24 (standard error [SE], 0.29) for the teaching-last group and 6.68 (SE, 0.27) for the teaching-first group (mean difference, 1.56; 95% confidence interval, 0.79–2.33). Both teaching-last and teaching-first group participants preferentially rated debriefings and scenarios, respectively, as the better learning experience. Conclusions Participants who received instruction after simulated scenarios achieved higher mean knowledge scores than those who received instruction before simulated scenarios. Cognitive overload, stress, or activation of prior knowledge could all be involved as causal mechanisms.
Integrated electron devices in medicine

Due to their revolutionary rate of advance for nearly two decades, integrated electron devices can be applied in medical instruments with outstanding advantages to the quality and availability of health care. To provide an overview of activities in this field, various types of medical electronic instruments are classified in a matrix format according to their orientation relative to the patient and the generic function which they perform. Explicit examples which illustrate the utility of custom integrated electron devices are: i) totally implantable blood flow telemetry for use in research animals, ii) noninvasive ultrasonic imaging systems for diagnostic and monitoring functions, and iii) a prosthetic optical-to-tactile reading aid for the blind.
Characterization of a translocation within the von Recklinghausen neurofibromatosis region of chromosome 17

The genetic defect causing von Recklinghausen neurofibromatosis (NF1) has been mapped to the proximal long arm of chromosome 17 by linkage analysis. Flanking markers have been identified, bracketing NF1 in 17q11.2 and laying the foundation for isolating the disease gene. Recently, a family in which a mother and her two children show both the symptoms of NF1 and the presence of a balanced translocation, t(1;17)(p34.3;q11.2), has been identified. We have examined the possibility that the translocation has occurred in or near the NF1 gene by constructing a somatic cell hybrid line containing the derivative chromosome 1 (1qter-p34.3::17q11-qter). On chromosome 1, the breakpoint occurred between SRC2 and D1S57, which are separated by 14 cM. The translocation breakpoint was localized on chromosome 17 between D17S33 and D17S57, markers that also flank NF1 within a region of 4 cM. These data are consistent with the possibility that the translocation event is the cause of NF1 in this pedigree. Consequently, the isolation of the translocation breakpoint, by approach from either the chromosome 1 or the chromosome 17 side, may facilitate the identification of the NF1 gene.
Supporting Spatial Semantics with SPARQL

Though the intersection of spatial data and semantic web technologies holds significant promise, there are still many challenges before this promise can be realized. One of these challenges is query representation. History suggests that an appropriate solution is a specialized query language for spatial data; however, with a broad interpretation of the SPARQL specification and extensions that would be useful outside the spatial realm, one can use SPARQL to query spatial concepts effectively. This article establishes a set of desiderata for a query language capable of dealing with spatial Semantic Web-based data, discusses the challenges facing such a query language, and addresses these challenges with straightforward solutions that are broadly applicable. The effectiveness of these extensions is demonstrated using example queries.
Features of Medullary Thymic Epithelium Implicate Postnatal Development in Maintaining Epithelial Heterogeneity and Tissue-Restricted Antigen Expression

Although putative thymic epithelial progenitor cells have been identified, the developmental potential of these cells, the extent of medullary thymic epithelium (mTEC) heterogeneity, and the mechanisms that mediate the expression of a wide range of peripheral tissue-restricted Ags (TRAs) by mTECs remain poorly defined. Here we have defined several basic properties of the mTEC population that refine our understanding of these cells and impose important constraints for any model of mTEC differentiation and function. We report here that mTECs from adult mice are mitotically active, implying continual turnover, differentiation, and replacement of mTEC populations in the adult thymus. The mTEC population in adult thymus expresses transcription factors implicated in the maintenance of multipotential progenitor cell populations, suggesting that epithelial progenitors in the adult thymus may not be restricted to a thymic fate. mTECs also express multiple transcription factors required for the specification of multiple epithelial lineages in peripheral tissues. Thus, expression of some TRAs by mTECs may represent coordinated gene expression that reflects alternate programs of epithelial differentiation among mTECs. Analysis of TRA expression in individual and small pools of sorted mTECs show that mTECs are highly heterogeneous; each individual mTEC expresses a limited spectrum of TRAs, and the frequency of mTECs that express any individual TRA is quite low (>0.4-2%). Collectively, these findings suggest that the differentiation of mTECs can involve some of the developmental programs used by other epithelial lineages and that expression of some TRAs by mTECs may reflect this activity.
Struggling Readers and Content Area Text: Interactions with and Perceptions of Comprehension, Self, and Success

This year-long case study examines how a struggling reader in a sixth-grade social studies class, a seventh grade mathematics class, and an eighth grade science class “transacted” with the reading task demands of her specific classroom. Through regular classroom observations and interviews, the researcher documents how each student responded to and worked with text and reading instruction provided by her respective content area teacher. The results suggest that each student attempted to be engaged with text as much as possible and was interested in learning course content. However, the ways in which the students approached text was heavily influenced by how she saw herself as a reader. Students who believed they could comprehend a piece of text were more willing to engage with it than if they believed it was too difficult. However, even when a student chose not to read a portion of text, she considered other ways in which she might learn the content being presented. Overall, the results suggest that there is more to working with struggling readers than considering the type of instruction they need. The case presented here suggests that teachers and researchers need to find ways to understand the connections between identity and instruction.
Evaluation of Human Monoclonal Antibody 80R for Immunoprophylaxis of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome by an Animal Study, Epitope Mapping, and Analysis of Spike Variants

In this report, the antiviral activity of 80R immunoglobulin G1 (IgG1), a human monoclonal antibody against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV) spike (S) protein that acts as a viral entry inhibitor in vitro, was investigated in vivo in a mouse model. When 80R IgG1 was given prophylactically to mice at doses therapeutically achievable in humans, viral replication was reduced by more than 4 orders of magnitude to below assay limits. The essential core region of S protein required for 80R binding was identified as a conformationally sensitive fragment (residues 324 to 503) that overlaps the receptor ACE2-binding domain. Amino acids critical for 80R binding were identified. In addition, the effects of various 80R-binding domain amino acid substitutions which occur in SARS-like-CoV from civet cats, and which evolved during the 2002/2003 outbreak and in a 2003/2004 Guangdong index patient, were analyzed. The results demonstrated that the vast majority of SARS-CoVs are sensitive to 80R. We propose that by establishing the susceptibility and resistance profiles of newly emerging SARS-CoVs through early S1 genotyping of the core 180-amino-acid neutralizing epitope of 80R, an effective immunoprophylaxis strategy with 80R should be possible in an outbreak setting. Our study also cautions that for any prophylaxis strategy based on neutralizing antibody responses, whether by passive or active immunization, a genotyping monitor will be necessary for effective use.
Categorical Abstract Algebraic Logic : Gentzen π-Institutions and the Deduction-Detachment Property

Given a π -institution I , a hierarchy of π -institutions I(n ) is constructed, for n ≥ 1. We call I(n ) the n-th order counterpart of I . The second-order counterpart of a deductive π -institution is a Gentzen π -institution, i.e. a π -institution associated with a structural Gentzen system in a canonical way. So, by analogy, the second order counterpart I(2) of I is also called the “Gentzenization” of I . In the main result of the paper, it is shown that I is strongly Gentzen , i.e. it is deductively equivalent to its Gentzenization via a special deductive equivalence, if and only if it has the deduction-detachment property . (© 2005 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
A Finite Element Study of Elasto-Plastic Hemispherical Contact Against a Rigid Flat

This work presents a finite element study of elasto-plastic hemispherical contact. The results are normalized such that they are valid for macro contacts (e.g., rolling element bearings) and micro contacts (e.g., asperity contact), although micro-scale surface characteristics such as grain boundaries are not considered. The material is modeled as elastic-perfectly plastic. The numerical results are compared to other existing models of spherical contact, including the fully plastic truncation model (often attributed to Abbott and Firestone) and the perfectly elastic case (known as the Hertz contact). This work finds that the fully plastic average contact pressure, or hardness, commonly approximated to be a constant factor of about three times the yield strength, actually varies with the deformed contact geometry, which in turn is dependent upon the material properties (e.g., yield strength). The current work expands on previous works by including these effects and explaining them theoretically. Experimental and analytical results have also been shown to compare well with the current work. The results are fit by empirical formulations for a wide range of interferences (displacements which cause normal contact between the sphere and rigid flat) and materials for use in other applications.
Improvement in Abrasive Biopsy Sampling of Tooth Enamel

The abrasive biopsy technique for removal of enamel in vivo was modified by controlling the biopsy area, polishing speed, and pressure. These modifications resulted in greater uniformity of samples obtained by a single operator, as well as between different operators. A mean depth of 2.5 μm was obtained within the standardized area of the controlled biopsies.
Hypophosphatemia as atypical panic disorder: a case study.

Panic disorder is extremely common, affecting 1 to 3 percent of the US population in its fully developed form.l Up to 10 percent of adults experience partial manifestations of panic disorder at some point in their lives.z Frequently the initial symptoms, such as chest pain, dizziness, or paresthesia, are physical, and it can be difficult to decide how aggressively to search for potential biomedical explanations for a symptom once the diagnosis of panic disorder is suspected. In an attempt to balance thorough and conscientious diagnostic testing when intuition suggests the condition is psychogenic, it is not uncommon to do extensive testing before comfortably settling on the diagnosis of panic. This report describes a case of a particularly unusual physical manifestation of panic disorder-hypophosphatemia-and the long road of diagnostic testing traveled before arriving at the appropriate diagnosis and treatment.