cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of land subsidence from underground coal mining using TimeSAR (SBAS and PSI) in Springfield, Illinois, USA

We used advanced radar interferometry time-series analysis methods, persistent scatterer interferometry and small baseline subset, to delineate areas of ground deformation related to underground coal mining in Springfield, Illinois, USA, and to measure the temporal pattern of deformation. Two satellite radar systems were used: the European Remote Sensing satellites (ERS-1/2) covered a period from June 14, 1992 to August 30, 2000 and the Phased Array type L-band synthetic aperture radar (PALSAR) onboard the Advanced Land Observation Satellite (ALOS) covered from June 18, 2007 to February 11, 2011. Results from ERS-1/2 processing showed several areas in Springfield subsiding. ALOS PALSAR, however, appears to overestimate deformation, probably because of large baselines and the limited number of images. Many of these areas are likely the result of collapse of underground mine workings and are consistent with reported incidents of past mine subsidence. The maximum deformation rate attributed to mine subsidence for the period from 1992 to 2000 was up to about −4.1 mm/year, while for the period from 2007 to 2011 the rate was up to about −35.9 mm/year. In addition, we discovered a railroad right-of-way south of Springfield that had subsided at a rate of about 3 mm/year during the 1992–2000 period. The measurements of both ERS-1/2 and ALOS PALSAR are consistent with on-the-ground survey data taken from November 29, 1989 to April 23, 2008. Our study has revealed several locations of subsidence likely caused by the collapse of abandoned underground mine workings. Also, the unexpected discovery of ground surface displacement of the railroad right-of-way reveals one of the advantages of satellite-based monitoring, namely discovering unknown deformation areas.
Earth Science Markup Language (ESML):: a solution for scientific data-application interoperability problem

Interchange technologies facilitate seamless interactions between applications, tools and services with datasets in heterogeneous formats. The Information Technology and Systems Center at the University of Alabama in Huntsville is developing an interchange technology focused on scientific data in general, and particularly on the vast amounts of remotely sensed Earth Science data. This interchange technology consists of the Earth Science Markup Language (ESML) and a related library of programming utilities. ESML, based on the eXtensible Markup Language (XML), allows data format structure descriptions to be written in a standard manner. ESML is unique in that it is not another new data format, instead it is a external structural metadata based solution for decoding existing formats. The effort involved to describe legacy data formats in ESML is small. ESML and the associated software library will allow wider interoperability of Earth Science services and tools, enabling Earth Scientists to work more easily with data in a variety of formats. This interchange technology will facilitate the development of data format independent search, visualization, and analysis tools. This paper will describe this interchange technology and compare it with similar XML based efforts.
Employment problems following traumatic brain injury: families assess the causes.

Employment difficulties are a common and chronic sequelae of traumatic brain injury (TBI).1-3 Research on persons with all severities of brain injury consistently points to high unemployment rates. 45 In response to these findings, researchers have begun to identify the primary risk factors associated with employment difficulties after brain injury.2,5-7 Assessment of causative factors has relied on both objective and subjective methodologies, including: (1) neuropsychological tests; (2) injury demographics (e.g., duration of unconsciousness, length of posttraumatic amnesia), (3) ratings of employers and employment specialists; and (4) ratings of family members. In a recent study, Sale and colleagues 7 asked employment specialists to identifY the causes of premature job separation for participants in a supported employment program. These specialists rated 29 persons with brain injury who had
Benefitting from Dopant Loss and Ostwald Ripening in Mn Doping of II-VI Semiconductor Nanocrystals.

Annealing or growth at high temperatures for an extended period of time is considered detrimental for most synthetic strategies for high-quality Mn-doped II-VI semiconductor nanocrystals. It can lead to the broadening of size distribution and, more importantly, to the loss of dopants. Here, we examine how ripening can be beneficial to doping in a simple “heat-up” approach, where high dopant concentrations can be achieved. We discuss the interplay of the loss of dopants, Ostwald ripening, and the clustering of Mn near the surface during nanocrystal growth. Smaller nanocrystals in a reaction batch, on average, exhibit higher undesirable band-edge photoluminescence (PL) and lower desirable dopant PL. The optimization of dopant loss and the removal of such smaller undesirable nanocrystals through Ostwald ripening along with surface exchange/passivation to remove Mn clustering lead to high Mn PL quantum yields (45 to 55 %) for ZnSxSe1−x, ZnS, CdS, and CdSxSe1−x host nanocrystals. These results provide an improved understanding of the doping process in a simple and potentially scalable synthetic strategy for achieving “pure” and bright dopant emission.
Development of the Signals and Systems Concept Inventory (SSCI) assessment instrument

Linear systems theory is a core component of the undergraduate curriculum in electrical and computer engineering. This work-in-progress describes the Signals and Systems Concept Inventory (SSCI), an assessment tool designed to measure students' understanding of fundamental concepts in linear systems. The objective of this research is to develop a means of evaluating pedagogical techniques and curricular reform. The SSCI is patterned after the Force Concept Inventory, which is used to assess students' conceptual understanding of Newtonian physics. This paper discusses the development of the SSCI and its initial testing at the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth (UMassD) and George Mason University (GMU).
Structural changes without stable intermediate state in inelastic material. Part II. Applications to displacive and diffusional–displacive phase transformations, strain-induced chemical reactions and ductile fracture

Abstract A number of simple examples demonstrate the applicability of the general theory developed in Part I of this paper to various structural changes in solids, namely to displacive and generalized second-order phase transformations, twinning and reorientation of crystal lattice, ductile fracture, and strain-induced chemical reactions. The theory is extended to diffusional-displacive phase transitions. The following problems for elastic and elastoplastic materials are solved analytically: displacive and diffusional–displacive phase transitions in a spherical particle inside the space under external pressure, martensitic phase transition and twinning in ellipsoidal inclusion under applied shear stress, spherical void nucleation, crack propagation in a similar framework to the Dugdale model for a plane stress state. In most cases explicit expressions for the thermodynamic and kinetic conditions for structural changes and the geometric parameters of the nucleus are obtained and analyzed. The following typical cases in the determination of the geometric parameters of nucleus are found: solely from the principle of the minimum of transformation time and the kinetic equation without any constraints or with thermodynamic constraint; from the principle of the minimum of transformation mass and the thermodynamic criterion of structural changes (thermodynamically admissible nucleus); as an interatomic distance. For diffusional–displacive phase transformations, additional variants are related to the necessity to consider the diffusion equation (for the diffusion-controlled transformation) and constraints related to the maximum and minimum possible volume fraction of solute atoms. The nucleation kinetics for various nucleus geometries is compared.
A versatile helium-filled detector using thin foils for converting low energy gamma rays to electrons

Abstract A new He-filled detector: (a) detects recoillessly scattered gamma rays by using conversion electrons from an enriched stainless steel foil; or (b) converts gamma rays to photoelectrons by using non-resonant detector foils.
Abnormal acidic amino acids and N-acetylaspartylglutamate in hereditary canine motoneuron disease

Hereditary canine spinal muscular atrophy (HCSMA) is a lower motor neuron disease found in Brittany Spaniels that shares clinical and pathological features with human amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Since acidic excitatory amino acids and the neuropeptide N-acetyl-aspartyl-glutamate (NAAG) are reduced in spinal cord and cerebral cortex in ALS, the levels of these substances were measured in nervous tissue in Brittany Spaniels heterozygous and homozygous for HCSMA. Significant reductions in the levels of endogenous aspartate, glutamate, N-acetylaspartate (NAA), and NAAG were found in the spinal cord in homozygous but not heterozygous HCSMA. In contrast, the activity of N-acetylated-alpha-linked-amino dipeptidase (NAALADase), an enzyme that cleaves NAAG into NAA and Glu, was significantly increased. None of these parameters was affected in the motor cortex or occipital cortex. Since NAA and NAAG are highly concentrated in motoneurons, they may play a role in the pathogenesis of motor neuron disease.
Reliability, Validity, and Methodological Response to the Assessment of Physical Activity via Self-Report

(2000). Reliability, Validity, and Methodological Response to the Assessment of Physical Activity via Self-Report. Research Quarterly for Exercise and Sport: Vol. 71, No. sup2, pp. 15-20.
Frontal plane dynamic stability and coordination in subjects with cerebellar degeneration.

Objective attempts to characterize postural control in subjects with cerebellar (Cb) pathology have focused primarily on sagittal plane responses to static standing, semi-dynamic standing, and platform perturbation. Repeated, dynamic, functional movement may provide a better opportunity to study the effects of ataxia on frontal plane postural stability. The purpose of this investigation was to quantify lateral stability using center of gravity (CG) and center of pressure (CP) movement analysis, and to examine motor responses necessary to complete a repetitive stepping task. Whole body kinematic and kinetic data were collected as patients with Cb degeneration and non-disabled volunteers repeatedly ascended forward and descended backward from a 7.6-cm step to the beat of a metronome. Cb subjects demonstrated significantly greater lateral CG instability, consistent with increased CG velocity and displacement variability in the frontal plane compared to non-disabled subjects. Significantly greater lateral CP displacement was found in subjects with Cb degeneration. Phase plot patterns from patients with Cb degeneration showed poor movement quality, indicated by abruptly changing CG phase plot patterns and abnormal CG acceleration and deceleration phases. Ataxic postural reactions were observed consistently during lateral weight shifting phases toward the stance limb. We hypothesized that lateral postural instability in Cb subjects stems from altered lower extremity intersegmental coordination and inadequate lateral CG velocity control. Frontal plane CG instability may necessitate a wide-based gait. Despite the varied neuroanatomic sites of degenerative Cb pathology, subjects with Cb pathology demonstrated similar CG movement patterns and altered motor strategies to avoid destabilization. Dynamic assessment provides important information regarding frontal plane instability not revealed by static assessment methods. These findings suggest that a dynamic, constrained stepping task effectively differentiates Cb and non-disabled volunteers, contributing to our knowledge of the effect of ataxic movement disturbances on frontal plane postural stability and lower limb coordination.
T-cell sets that control B-cell secretion of antigen-specific immunoglobulin also control secretion of nonspecific immunoglobulin

Abstract We have asked whether T-cell sets that activate or suppress B-cell secretion of specific antibodies also regulate the nonspecific portion of immunoglobulin (Ig) secretion. We demonstrate that immune Ly1 + 2 − cells activate B cells to secrete Ig that does not bind to antigen. In addition, nonimmune Ly1 + 2 + cells can inhibit nonspecific Ig secretion by B cells. Finally, this analysis reveals that substantial numbers of B cells from senescent mice and from mice that spontaneously develop autoimmunity secrete Ig in the absence of Ly1-inducer cells.
Abstract 5211: Regulation of SRC kinases by microRNA-3607 located in a frequently deleted locus in prostate cancer

Proceedings: AACR Annual Meeting 2014; April 5-9, 2014; San Diego, CA Genomic studies suggest that deletions at chromosome (chr) 5q region (particularly chr5q14-q23) are frequent in prostate cancer, implicating this region in prostate carcinogenesis. However, the genes within this region are largely unknown. Here we report for the first time, the widespread attenuation of miR-3607 - a microRNA gene located at chr5q14 region- in prostate cancer. Expression analyses of miR-3607 in a clinical cohort of prostate cancer (PCa) specimens showed that miR-3607 is significantly attenuated and low miR-3607 partment of Urology, UCSF School of Mediacinehip and guidance. his guidance. expression is correlated with tumor progression and poor survival outcome in prostate cancer. Our analyses suggest that miR-3607 expression may be a clinically significant parameter with an associated diagnostic potential. We examined the functional significance of miR-3607 in prostate cancer cell lines and found that miR-3607 overexpression led to significantly decreased proliferation, apoptosis induction and decreased invasiveness. Further, our results suggest that miR-3607 directly represses oncogenic SRC family kinases, LYN and SRC, in prostate cancer. In view of our results, we propose that miR-3607 plays a tumor suppressive role in prostate cancer by regulating SRC kinases that in turn regulates prostate carcinogenesis. To our knowledge this is the first report that: (i) identifies a novel role for miR-3607 located in a frequently deleted region of prostate cancer and (ii) defines novel miRNA mediated regulation of SRC kinases in prostate cancer. Since SRC kinases play a central role in prostate cancer progression and metastasis and are attractive targets, this study has potential implications in the design of better therapeutic modalities for prostate cancer management. Citation Format: Sharanjot Saini, Sumit Arora, Shahana Majid, Varahram Shahryari, Laura Z. Tabatabai, Soichiro Yamamura, Yuichiro Tanaka, Rajvir Dahiya, Guoren Deng. Regulation of SRC kinases by microRNA-3607 located in a frequently deleted locus in prostate cancer. [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 5211. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2014-5211
Industrial psychology in psychological abstracts, 1927–1969

(1971). Industrial Psychology in Psychological Abstracts, 1927–1969. The Journal of Psychology: Vol. 78, No. 1, pp. 125-137.
Vectorial point spread function and optical transfer function in oblique plane imaging

Oblique plane imaging, using remote focusing with a tilted mirror, enables direct two-dimensional (2D) imaging of any inclined plane of interest in three-dimensional (3D) specimens. It can image real-time dynamics of a living sample that changes rapidly or evolves its structure along arbitrary orientations. It also allows direct observations of any tilted target plane in an object of which orientational information is inaccessible during sample preparation. In this work, we study the optical resolution of this innovative wide-field imaging method. Using the vectorial diffraction theory, we formulate the vectorial point spread function (PSF) of direct oblique plane imaging. The anisotropic lateral resolving power caused by light clipping from the tilted mirror is theoretically analyzed for all oblique angles. We show that the 2D PSF in oblique plane imaging is conceptually different from the inclined 2D slice of the 3D PSF in conventional lateral imaging. Vectorial optical transfer function (OTF) of oblique plane imaging is also calculated by the fast Fourier transform (FFT) method to study effects of oblique angles on frequency responses.
Are Robots and Satellites the Future of Fishries Management

(2010). Are Robots and Satellites the Future of Fishries Management. Fisheries: Vol. 35, No. 1, pp. 48-48.
[3H]Spiperone binding to human anterior pituitaries and pituitary adenomas secreting prolactin, growth hormone, and adrenocorticotropic hormone.

Dopamine or its agonists inhibit PRL release from the anterior pituitary both in vivo and in vitro, while specific dopaminergic antagonists can reverse this inhibition. The direct measurement of dopamine in portal blood and dopamine receptors in the anterior pituitary of the rat, sheep, and steer with radioligand-binding assays supports the hypothesis that dopamine is a PRL inhibitory factor. In the present study, [3H]spiperone (a dopamine antagonist) bound to an apparent single class of high affinity sites in human anterior pituitaries as well as in human PRL-secreting pituitary adenomas. Neither the dissociation constant [Kd = 2.2 ± 0.7 and 3.1 ± 1.4 nM, respectively (mean ± SEM)] nor the site numbers per PRL content were different in these two tissues. However, if the site numbers were expressed per mg protein, there were significantly more sites in the PRL-secreting pituitary adenomas (707 ± 113 fm/mg protein; n = 5) than in the control anterior pituitaries (141 ± 22 fm/mg protein; n = 7). This may be...
Clonal lymphocytosis of uncertain significance (CLUS): what clues will CLUS yield?

Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is the most common adult leukemia, yet our understanding of the molecular features associated with malignant transformation is limited. Two separate studies have made sentinel observations documenting the presence of a clonal lymphocytosis of uncertain significance
Ornithine decarboxylase: essential in proliferation but not differentiation of human promyelocytic leukemia cells

The ornithine decarboxylase inhibitor DL-alpha-difluoromethyl ornithine inhibited a proliferation-associated increase in ornithine decarboxylase activity in cultured human promyelocytic leukemia cells, resulting in a marked suppression of cell proliferation and subsequent cell loss. It also inhibited increases in ornithine decarboxylase activity associated with the phorbol ester-induced conversion of promyelocytic HL-60 cells to monocyte-like cells and the retinoic acid-induced conversion to granulocyte-like cells. However, the inhibition of ornithine decarboxylase activity did not prevent cellular differentiation. These results suggest that polyamine biosynthesis has a specific role in cell proliferation rather than in inducing differentiation that is not accompanied by proliferation. The data also demonstrate that cessation of proliferation in HL-60 cells is not necessarily associated with differentiation.
WE‐F‐16A‐04: Micro‐Irradiator Treatment Verification with High‐Resolution 3D‐Printed Rodent‐Morphic Dosimeters

Purpose: Pre-clinical micro-radiation therapy studies often utilize very small beams (∼0.5-5mm), and require accurate dose delivery in order to effectively investigate treatment efficacy. Here we present a novel high-resolution absolute 3D dosimetry procedure, capable of ∼100-micron isotopic dosimetry in anatomically accurate rodent-morphic phantoms Methods: Anatomically accurate rat-shaped 3D dosimeters were made using 3D printing techniques from outer body contours and spinal contours outlined on CT. The dosimeters were made from a radiochromic plastic material PRESAGE, and incorporated high-Z PRESASGE inserts mimicking the spine. A simulated 180-degree spinal arc treatment was delivered through a 2 step process: (i) cone-beam-CT image-guided positioning was performed to precisely position the rat-dosimeter for treatment on the XRad225 small animal irradiator, then (ii) treatment was delivered with a simulated spine-treatment with a 180-degree arc with 20mm x 10mm cone at 225 kVp. Dose distribution was determined from the optical density change using a high-resolution in-house optical-CT system. Absolute dosimetry was enabled through calibration against a novel nano-particle scintillation detector positioned in a channel in the center of the distribution. Results: Sufficient contrast between regular PRESAGE (tissue equivalent) and high-Z PRESAGE (spinal insert) was observed to enable highly accurate image-guided alignment and targeting. The PRESAGE was found to have linear optical density (OD) change sensitivity with respect to dose (R2 = 0.9993). Absolute dose for 360-second irradiation at isocenter was found to be 9.21Gy when measured with OD change, and 9.4Gy with nano-particle detector- an agreement within 2%. The 3D dose distribution was measured at 500-micron resolution Conclusion: This work demonstrates for the first time, the feasibility of accurate absolute 3D dose measurement in anatomically accurate rat phantoms containing variable density PRESAGE material (tissue equivalent and bone equivalent). This method enables precise treatment verification of micro-radiation therapies, and enhances the robustness of tumor radio-response studies. This work was supported by NIH R01CA100835.
Masculinization of female fetus due to use of orally given progestins.

A markedly masculinized female infant is readily mistaken for a hypospadic male or for a normal male with simple cryptorchism. This congenital condition is sometimes caused by virilizing adrenal hyperplasia, but data here presented show that it has also frequently resulted from administration of progestins to mothers in treating habitual or threatened abortion. Seventy cases of fetal masculinization of female infants associated with the oral administration of progestins to their mothers are analyzed. Thirty-one followed the use of 17-α-ethinyltestosterone, and 35 followed the use of 17-α-ethinyl-19--nortestosterone. In 25 cases the mothers were given estrogens with the progestins in order that the estrogen might offset the virilizing effect of the progestin, but the evidence showed that the estrogens did not prevent fetal masculinization. These data do not argue against the use of progesterone, for the progestins concerned in all cases were synthetic.
The behavior of vertically integrated boundary-layer winds

This research provides a study of the behavior of vertically integrated boundary-layer winds (IBLWs). This information should be helpful for both theoretical and practical applications, e.g., boundary-layer parameterization in general circulation models, air pollution models, and low-level parachuting operations. The study concerned itself with winds integrated up to a height of 300 m in the United States. The only data suitable for studying the behavior of IBLWs for such heights were measurements taken on tall towers. An extensive search indicated that data were readily available from only four towers instrumented to or above 300 m. These were located in rural locations in Texas, Oklahoma, Nevada, and South Carolina. At each location, means and coefficients of variation of IBLWs were computed, plotted as a function of time since sunrise/sunset, and compared. The research shows that IBLWs may differ appreciably in magnitude at different locations; may have considerable universality in behavior, and may also be ‘regionally’ dependent; and that IBLWs have a pronounced diurnal variation linked to sunrise/sunset time.
Acute benauwdheid op de huisartsenpost

Arnold I. Acute benauwdheid op de huisartsenpost. Huisarts Wet 2011;54(7):394–7. Acute benauwdheid is een veelvoorkomende klacht op de huisartsenpost. Naast somatische aandoeningen zoals een hartinfarct of longembolie komt ook een paniekaanval vaak voor. Dit artikel beschrijft de verschillende diagnoses bij acute benauwdheid en de manier waarop de huisarts het onderscheid kan maken tussen somatische oorzaken en een paniekaanval. Onder de 65 jaar is een paniekaanval de meest voorkomende verklaring van benauwdheid, na luchtweginfecties en astma/COPD. De eerste paniekaanval treedt meestal op voor het dertigste jaar – een eerste paniekaanval na het 65ste jaar is zeldzaam. Bij de triage op de huisartsenpost is van belang dat de doktersassistente benauwdheid via de telefoon soms moeilijk kan beoordelen. Daarom is vaak een klinische beoordeling van de huisarts nodig. Kenmerkend voor patienten met een paniekaanval op de spoedeisende hulp is dat zij vooral een onbehaaglijk gevoel hebben en geen angst. Daarnaast gaan symptomen als hartkloppingen en benauwdheid niet gepaard met afwijkende bevindingen bij het lichamelijk onderzoek of een verlaagde zuurstofsaturatie. De eerste behandeling van een paniekaanval bestaat vooral uit uitleg en advies. Intensievere behandeling, zoals cognitieve gedragstherapie of het voorschrijven van antidepressiva, is een taak voor de eigen huisarts.
An Energy Criterion for the Onset of Shear Localization in Thermal Viscoplastic Materials, Part I: Necessary and Sufficient Initiation Conditions

Necessary and/or sufficient conditions for the onset of shear flow localization in thermal viscoplastic materials are derived. Initiation of shear band formation is examined through the analysis of a one-dimensional model of dynamic simple shear with velocity-controlled boundaries. An exact energy estimate is derived for the fully nonlinear initial boundary value problem which illustrates the weak effect of elasticity as regards the onset of localization. The existence, uniqueness and well-posedness properties of a spatially homogeneous solution are also examined. A unique homogeneous solution is shown to exist for the dynamic simple shear problem with velocity controlled and thermally insulated boundaries. The former solution is also shown to be the unique static solution of the simple shear problem, with no elastic or heat conduction effects, consistent with the foregoing boundary conditions. A linear system of equations is derived for the perturbations superposed on the reference, time-dependent homogeneous (static) solution. A discussion regarding the notions of instability and localization motivates the introduction of a novel localization criterion, based on an appropriately selected energy norm, that takes full account of the time variation of the homogeneous solution. Taking advantage of the admissible spatial form of the perturbations together with the foregoing criterion allows for the association of the positive rate of change of the total kinetic energy of the absolute perturbations with the onset of shear strain localization.
Optimizing at the ergodic edge

Abstract Using a simple, annealed model, some of the key features of the recently introduced extremal optimization heuristic are demonstrated. In particular, it is shown that the dynamics of local search possesses a generic critical point under the variation of its sole parameter, separating phases of too greedy (non-ergodic, jammed) and too random (ergodic) exploration. Comparison of various local search methods within this model suggests that the existence of the critical point is essential for the optimal performance of the heuristic.
Extraction of Ca(II), Sr(II) and Ba(II) by acidic esters of phosphorus oxy acids

Abstract The extraction of Ca(II), Sr(II) and Ba(II) from aqueous mineral acid, in the presence and absence of the corresponding sodium salt, into xylene solutions of (GO) 2 PO(OH), G = 2-ethyl hexyl and para (1,1,3,3 tetramethyl butyl) phenyl, and of (GO)G′PO(OH), G = n-octyl and G′ = phenyl and chloro methyl, has been investigated radiometrically. The distribution ratio, K , has been found to be inversely second-power dependent upon the hydrogen ion concentration in the equilibrated aqueous phase. The dependency of K upon the concentration of extractant in the equilibrated xylene phase was found to be 2·5-power for Ca and Sr and 3·0-power for Ba in systems involving bis [para (1,1,3,3 tetramethyl butyl) phenyl] phosphoric acid or n-octyl hydrogen chloromethyl phosphonate; 3·0-power for Ca, Sr and Ba in systems involving n-octyl hydrogen phenyl phosphonate; and 3·0-power for Ca (Sr and Ba not proved) in systems involving bis(2-ethyl hexyl) phosphoric acid. The effect of structural differences in the extractants is discussed, and the extraction of alkaline earths (II) is compared with that of Pm(III) and Cm(III).
The mass spectra of formycin, formycin B and showdomycin carbon linked nucleoside antibiotics

The mass spectra of the nucleoside antibiotics formycin (I), formycin B (II) and their heterocyclic aglycons (7-aminopyrazolo[4,3-d]pyrimidine and pyrazolo[4,3-d]-7-pyrimidone) have been studied utilizing high resolution mass spectroscopy. The major electron-impact fragmentation pattern exhibited by the heterocyclic aglycons can be explained by the initial expulsion of hydrogen cyanide followed by decarbonylation or by loss of a second mole of hydrogen cyanide. There is a striking difference in the fragmentation pattern of these nucleoside antibiotics where the glycoside linkage is a C-C bond as compared to nucleosides possessing a C-N bond linkage. The base peak observed for formycin and formycin B occurred at B + 30 in direct contrast to the usual nucleosides where the B + 1 or B + 2 normally occurs as the predominant peak. This pattern suggests that such a carbon linked nucleoside should be readily identified by this means. The mass spectrum of showdomycin (3-β-D-ribofuranosylmaleimide, III) was also determined and found to exhibit a similar parent peak at B + 30. This base + 30 peak has been assigned to the aglycon plus a protonated formyl group which results from fragmentation of the sugar. Mass spectrometry should prove very useful in the future structural elucidation of carbon linked nucleoside derivatives since these features (B + 30 and M-103) may be considered diagnostic.
Analysis of Lubrication Theory for the Power Law Fluid

A lubrication theory for the power law fluid is developed and analyzed. Only the infinite width gap is considered. Considered is flow between rigid walls of arbitrary shape under combined Couette and squeezing motion with a pressure gradient. equations appropriate to a thin film are derived by asymptotic integration of the three-dimensional equations of fluid mechanics. Further integration of these equations yields an algebraic equation for the pressure gradient. Working out the details of the structure of the equation enables us to develop a numerical algorithm for its solution
Crystallization and preliminary X-ray diffraction analysis of Hypocrea jecorina Cel7A in two new crystal forms.

Cel7A (previously known as cellobiohydrolase I) from Hypocrea jecorina was crystallized in two crystalline forms, neither of which have been previously reported. Both forms co-crystallize under the same crystallization conditions. The first crystal form belonged to space group C2, with unit-cell parameters a = 152.5, b = 44.9, c = 57.6 A, β = 101.2°, and diffracted X-rays to 1.5 A resolution. The second crystal form belonged to space group P6322, with unit-cell parameters a = b ≃ 155, c ≃ 138 A, and diffracted X-rays to 2.5 A resolution. The crystals were obtained using full-length Cel7A, which consists of a large 434-residue N-terminal catalytic domain capable of cleaving cellulose, a 27-residue flexible linker and a small 36-residue C-terminal carbohydrate-binding module (CBM). However, a preliminary analysis of the electron-density maps suggests that the linker and CBM are disordered in both crystal forms. Complete refinement and structure analysis are currently in progress.
Bacterial Sporulation: An ATP/ADP switch

Regulatory factors that initiate forespore-specific transcription during Bacillus subtilis sporulation respond to adenosine nucleotide ratios.
Rodent Osteoblastic Cells Express Voltage-Sensitive Calcium Channels Lacking a γ Subunit

Voltage-sensitive calcium channels (VSCC) open in response to external stimuli, including calcitropic hormones, that alter plasma membrane calcium (Ca2+) permeability. Ca2+ that enters the cell through these channels serves a second messenger function, eliciting cellular responses that include secretion and changes in gene expression. In osteoblasts, VSCCs serve as key regulators of Ca2+ permeability and are a major class of calcitropic hormone-sensitive Ca2+ channels present in the plasma membrane. The members of the VSCC family exist as a complex of polypeptide subunits that are comprised of a pore-forming α1 subunit, an intracellular β subunit, a dimer of disulfide-linked α2 and δ subunits, and in some tissues, a γ subunit. Previous studies in our laboratory have shown that the major functional α1 subunit present in osteoblasts is the α1C (CaV1.2). To determine the complement of auxiliary subunits present in rodent osteoblastic cells, we employed RT-PCR using a battery of subunit specific primers and appropriate tissue controls. Immunohistochemistry also was performed, using available subunit specific antibodies, to measure protein expression and localization. Cell types examined included MC3T3-E1 at various stages of differentiation, ROS 17/2.8 osteosarcoma, and primary cultures of rat calvarial osteoblasts. The results indicate that all cells expressed multiple β subunit classes and α2δ dimers, but no γ subunits, regardless of differentiation state. We propose a structure for the functional osteoblast VSCC that consists of α1, β, α2δ subunits and is devoid of a γ subunit.
Identification of a third isoform of Na+, K+-ATPase activity in rat brain synaptosomes

Abstract 3H-ouabain binding and ouabain-inhibitable 86Rb+ (K+) uptake were investigated as a means to identify a third isoform of Na+, K+-ATPase in crude synaptosome preparations. The specific binding of low concentrations (10 nM and 1 uM) of 3H-ouabain, in crude synaptosome preparations, was markedly inhibited by K+ (0.5–5 mM). Accordingly, 86Rb+ (K+) uptake, in the presence of 5 mM K+ was not sensitive to inhibition by low concentrations (10−11–10−7 M) of ouabain. Higher concentrations (10−6–10−2.6 M) of ouabain resulted in a biphasic inhibition of K+ uptake, which distinguished the activities of the presumed alpha 2 and alpha 1 isozymes of Na+, K+-ATPase. Reduction of K+ (1.25 mM and 0.5 mM) in the incubation, resulted in the observation of a third component of ouabain- sensitive K+ uptake. This Na+, K+-ATPase activity, which was defined, pharmacologically, as very sensitive (VS) to ouabain, exhibited IC50s of 3.6 nM and 92 nM at 1.25 mM K+ and 0.5 mM K+, respectively. Inhibition of ouabain binding and VS-dependent K+ uptake, at a high, physiological cocentration (5 mM) of K+, suggests that VS may be an inactive isoform of brain Na+, K+-ATPase under resting conditions.
The autoreactive T cell population in experimental allergic encephalomyelitis: T cell receptor β-chain rearrangements

T cell receptor beta-chain gene rearrangements were examined in myelin basic protein (MBP)-reactive T cell lines and hybridomas from Lewis (Lew) rats. Nearly 75% of the cloned hybrids were specific for the major encephalitogenic determinant residues 68-88 of guinea pig (GP) MBP; three fine specificities could be distinguished. Southern blot analysis of receptor beta-chain genes revealed polyclonality and shared rearrangements not seen in non-68-88-specific clones. Generation of short-term, encephalitogenic Lew T cell lines revealed rearrangements shared with the 68-88-specific hybrids, indicating that the hybrids were representative of the whole antigen-specific population and suggesting restricted V beta gene usage within this polyclonal population.
Cosmetics and function: Quality-of-Life changes after rhinoplasty surgery

Objectives/Hypothesis: To measure patient quality of life after rhinoplasty in regard to nose appearance and function with use of the modern structural and functional surgical approach. Study Design: Retrospective chart review at a tertiary referral center. Methods: We performed a retrospective chart review with prospective follow-up. All patients with rhinoplasty in the past 5 years by the senior author were identified. Patients who simultaneously underwent additional nasal surgery were excluded. McNemar test was used to compare preoperative and postoperative clinical evaluations. Paired t tests were used to evaluate questionnaire scores preoperatively and postoperatively from the nasal obstruction symptom evaluation and rhinoplasty outcome evaluation. Two-group t tests were used for comparative analysis after dividing patients into two groups on the basis of dorsal reduction, osteotomies, open versus closed approach, and revisions. Results: Among 370 patients invited, 126 participated and 113 provided completed questionnaires. Analysis of preoperative and postoperative nasal-obstruction symptom evaluation scores showed a median difference of −40 (quartiles, −25 and −60), indicating improvement (P < .01). Preoperative and postoperative rhinoplasty outcome evaluation scores showed a median difference of 29.2 (quartiles, 12 and 50), also indicating improvement (P < .01). Difference in improvement in scores was not significant when groups were divided on the basis of dorsal reduction, osteotomies, and open versus closed approach or whether rhinoplasty was primary versus revision. Conclusions: Modern rhinoplasty techniques that depend on a strong structural framework of grafts compared with the traditional reduction rhinoplasty techniques significantly improve patient quality of life in regard to nose function and appearance.
Modification of the plasma corticosterone response as a function of infantile stimulation and electric shock parameters

Abstract Male Purdue-Wistar rats were handled for 20 days in infancy or were not disturbed (total N = 324). In adulthood these animals were subdivided and exposed to one of three electric shock intensities (0.2, 0.5, or 0.8 mA) for durations of 2, 5, 10, 15, 30, or 60 min. Following the termination of shock, the animals were killed immediately, 5 min afterwards, or 15 min afterwards; and the free plasma corticosterone was assayed. Both duration of shock and time between shock termination and decapitation affected the magnitude of the corticoid response; these effects were additive and permit the general conclusion that the major parameter is total time between shock onset and killing. Rats handled in infancy were found to have a greater amount of plasma corticosterone at the time that shock was terminated, but their rate of release of corticosterone during the subsequent 15 min was less than that of nonhandled controls.
An ultra-fast gas delivery system for producing abrupt compositional switching in OMVPE

Abstract We present here the design and testing of an ultra-fast gas handling/switching system for OMVPE which provides a very sharp compositional abruptness during growth. The system was made from commercially available proportioning electromagnetic valves, with modifications to provide a dead-space H 2 flush. The valves, in conjunction with flow and pressure transducers, function both as an ON/OFF as well as mass flow controller valves. The switching characteristics and stability of this system were tested with an IR diode laser spectrometer set-up tuned to the vibrational absorption frequency of the OM species flowing in the reactor or the associated methyl radical produced upon decomposition over a hot substrate. The ON/OFF switching time of this system (0.9s) is about ten times faster than the conventional vent/run linear manifold configuration used on our OMVPE reactor. For GaAs/AlGaAs growth, the 0.9s corresponds to a compositional transition of 7 A. In addition to the fast switching, this new injection system has other attributes such as the ability to vary the OM concentration in a few hundred milliseconds and to deliver source material more efficiently.
Analyses of Pt/Ti Electrodes for Plzt Capacitors

A suitable choice of an electrode material is important for an acceptable electrical contact to a high-permittivity dielectric, such as PLZT. A material which does not form a low-permittivity oxide is necessary, since these dielectrics generally require high temperature deposition or annealing in an oxidizing environment. Platinum, which is one of the few metals that satisfy this requirement, has been widely employed for contacting PLZT. However, for integrated circuit applications, an adhesion layer must be superposed between Pt and the substrate, and Ti is used frequently. Therefore, we have investigated the Pt/Ti combination to determine its suitability as an electrode for contacting PLZT. Using x-ray diffraction, Rutherford backscattering spectrometry, Auger electron microscopy, and scanning electron microscope techniques, interdiffusion of Pt/Ti bilayers has been investigated. Pt/Ti films with or without PLZT overlay were annealed in either O2 or N2 ambients or in N2 followed by O2. Annealing temperatures varied from 500 to 800 °C. It was observed that the anneal ambient has a marked effect on the interdiffusion processes, the reaction products, the morphology of the structures, and the crystallization of PLZT.
Navigating Adolescence with a Chronic Health Condition: A Perspective on the Psychological Effects of HAIR-AN Syndrome on Adolescent Girls

HAIR-AN syndrome is a subphenotype of polycystic ovary syndrome and is characterized by acne, obesity, hirsutism, and acanthosis nigricans. It usually manifests in early adolescence, a time of significant developmental change in females across physical, cognitive, social, and emotional domains. We contend that adolescent development for females is difficult, even in the best of circumstances, and having a chronic health condition, like HAIR-AN syndrome, will likely impact the afflicted individual’s development and psychological well-being. While many researchers have discussed the long-term health effects of HAIR-AN and similar disorders, little has been written about the potential psychological sequelae of HAIR-AN on the adolescent girl. We discuss the normal developmental sequence for adolescent girls across early, middle, and late adolescence; discuss common mental health problems that adolescents experience; define HAIR-AN syndrome and its clinical manifestations; and discuss its likely psychological impact on adolescent girls. We also make suggestions for future clinical interventions and research in the area of HAIR-AN syndrome and its psychological sequelae.
Reduction of Dopamine β-Monooxygenase A UNIFIED MODEL FOR APPARENT NEGATIVE COOPERATIVITY AND FUMARATE ACTIVATION

The interactions of reductants with dopamine β-monooxygenase (DβM) were examined using two novel classes of reductants. The steady-state kinetics of the previously characterized DβM reductant, N,N-dimethyl-1,4-p-phenylenediamine (DMPD), were parallel to the ascorbic acid-supported reaction with respect to pH dependence and fumarate activation. DMPD also displayed pH and fumarate-dependent apparent negative cooperativity demonstrating that the previously reported cooperative behavior of DβM toward the reductant is not unique to ascorbic acid. The 6-OH phenyl and alkylphenyl-substituted ascorbic acid derivatives were more efficient reductants for the enzyme than ascorbic acid. Kinetic studies suggested that these derivatives behave as pseudo bisubstrates with respect to ascorbic acid and the amine substrate. The lack of apparent cooperative behavior with these derivatives suggests that this behavior of DβM is not common for all the reductants. Based on these findings and additional kinetic evidence, the proposal that the apparent negative cooperativity in the interaction of ascorbic acid with DβM was due to the presence of a distinct allosteric regulatory site has been ruled out. In contrast to previous models, where fumarate was proposed to interact with a distinct anion binding site, the effect of fumarate on the steady-state kinetics of these novel reductants suggests that fumarate and the reductant may interact with the same site of the enzyme. In accordance with these observations and mathematical analysis of the experimental data, a unified model for the apparent negative cooperativity and fumarate activation of DβM in which both fumarate and the reductant interact with the same site of all forms of the enzyme with varying affinities under steady-state turnover conditions has been proposed.
Direct interaction of resistance gene and avirulence gene products confers rice blast resistance

Rice expressing the Pi-ta gene is resistant to strains of the rice blast fungus, Magnaporthe grisea, expressing AVR-Pita in a gene-for-gene relationship. Pi-ta encodes a putative cytoplasmic receptor with a centrally localized nucleotide-binding site and leucine-rich domain (LRD) at the C-terminus. AVR-Pita is predicted to encode a metalloprotease with an N-terminal secretory signal and pro-protein sequences. AVR-Pita(176) lacks the secretory and pro-protein sequences. We report here that transient expression of AVR-Pita(176) inside plant cells results in a Pi-ta-dependent resistance response. AVR-Pita(176) protein is shown to bind specifically to the LRD of the Pi-ta protein, both in the yeast two-hybrid system and in an in vitro binding assay. Single amino acid substitutions in the Pi-ta LRD or in the AVR-Pita(176) protease motif that result in loss of resistance in the plant also disrupt the physical interaction, both in yeast and in vitro. These data suggest that the AVR-Pita(176) protein binds directly to the Pi-ta LRD region inside the plant cell to initiate a Pi-ta-mediated defense response.
The Santa Cruz Autonomía Movement in Bolivia: A Case of Non-Indigenous Ethnic Popular Mobilization?

AbstractThis paper discusses the recent autonomy movement in Santa Cruz, Bolivia, within a theoretical framework typically reserved for ‘ethnic’ political or social movements. The paper begins with a brief chronology of the Santa Cruz autonomia movement as it developed into a powerful political oppositional movement during the rise of Evo Morales. In doing so, the movement's leaders consciously adopted the organizational tactics and forms of discourse typically identified with traditional, indigenous-popular Bolivian social movements. As such, the Santa Cruz case both highlights the fluidity of multiculturalism and challenges our notions of how ethnic identity is publicly constructed.
Further analysis of temperature and emission measure during the decay phase of solar flares derived from soft X-ray light curves

The light curves of soft X-ray lines, observed by the Flat Crystal Spectrometer on Solar Maximum Mission during eight solar flares are modeled to determine the plasma temperature and emission measure as functions of time using the method first presented by Bornmann (1985, Paper I), but modified to include a χ2 search routine. With this modification the technique becomes more general, more accurate, and applicable throughout the gradual phase of the flare. The model reproduces the light curves of the soft X-ray lines throughout these flares. Model fits were repeated for each flare using five different sets of published line emissivity calculations. The emissivities of Mewe and Gronenschild (1981) consistenly gave the best fits to the observed light curves for each flare.