cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Affinity crosslinking of 125I-labeled human ß-endorphin to cell lines possessing either μ- or δ-type opioid binding sites

Abstract The specific labeling of opioid receptor-related polypeptides was compared in two cell lines which differ in their opioid receptor population: SK-N-SH which contains predominantly μ-type opioid receptors, and NG-108-15, which contains exclusively δ-type opioid receptors. Labeling of opioid receptors was achieved by affinity cross-linking of membranes, using 125 I-labeled human s-endorphin, followed by solubilization in sodium dodecyl sulphate (SDS), SDS-gel electrophoresis and autoradiography. Different labeling patterns were obtained from these two cell lines. In SK-N-SH cells, 3 major proteins were labeled, corresponding to molecular weights of 92, 65 and 25 kDa, while in the NG-108-15 cells, 53-kDa and 25-kDa polypeptides were the major ones labeled. The radioactivity incorporated into the 92- and 65-kDa peptide bands derived from SK-N-SH cells was displayed by the μ-selective ligand Tyr- d -Ala-Gly-MePhe-Gly-ol (DAGO) but not by the δ-selective ligand [ d -Pen 2 , d -Pen 5 ]enkephalin (DPDPE). The radioactivity incorporated into the NG-108-15-derived peptide bands was displaced by the δ-selective ligand, but not by the μ-selective ligand. This confirms our previous finding in mammalian brain which demonstrated that μ- and δ-opioid binding sites can be identified as distinct proteins which differe in molecular size.
Effects of amount of interpolated activity in short-term memory.

A short-term memory (STM) experiment attempted to separate the effects of interference due to interpolated activity (IA, digit counting) and elapsed time in a retroactive inhibition (RI) paradigm, whereas in previous studies IA and elapsed time have been confounded. A further intent was to assess the effects of rate of information processing (rate of counting) on the retention of individual items. Two levels of word frequency (high and low) were combined factorially with three retention intervals (3, 9, and 18 sec.) and two levels of forced counting (1.3 and 2.25 digits/sec.); 20 Ss were assigned at random to each of the 12 conditions. Word frequency, retention interval, and rate of counting were significant sources of variation. The results indicated the importance of rate of information processing, as opposed to amount of IA, and elapsed time in the retention of individual items in STM. Results were discussed in terms of their relevance to the decay theory of forgetting up to 9 sec. Rate of information ...
An indicator of forest dynamics using a shifting landscape mosaic

Abstract The composition of a landscape is a fundamental indicator in land-cover pattern assessments. The objective of this paper was to evaluate a landscape composition indicator called ‘landscape mosaic’ as a framework for interpreting land-cover dynamics over a 9-year period in a 360,000 km2 study area in the southern United States. The indicator classified a land parcel into one of 19 possible landscape mosaic classes according to the proportions of natural, developed, and agriculture land-cover types in a surrounding 4.41-ha neighborhood. Using land-cover maps from remote sensing, the landscape mosaics were calculated for each 0.09-ha pixel in the study area in 1996 and 2005. Mosaic transition matrices estimated from the pixel change data were then used to develop two Markov chain models. A “landscape mosaic” model was a temporal model of the shifting landscape mosaic, based on the probability of landscape mosaic change for all pixels. A “forest security” model was the same, except that the Markov states were defined by both the landscape mosaic and the land-cover of each pixel, which allowed interpreting forest land-cover dynamics in the context of a shifting landscape mosaic. In the forest security model, the overall percentage of forest decreased from 33% in 2005 to 17% at steady-state, and there was little change in the relative distribution of existing forest area among landscape mosaic classes. In contrast, the landscape mosaic steady-state was reached later, and indicated that a maximum of 10% of total area was available for forest. The implication was that forest security depended ultimately on the dynamics of the landscape mosaics that contained forest, not on forest dynamics within those landscape mosaics.
Reconfigurable Antennas Based on Electrically Tunable Impedance Surfaces

We describe an electrically tunable impedance surface, and antennas based on such a surface. The structure is built as a periodic array of electrically small, coupled resonators, commonly known as a high-impedance surface. By tuning the resonance frequency of the surface as a function of position, one can generate an arbitrary refection phase that varies across the surface. This can be used to steer a reflected radio frequency beam, or to tune antennas that are placed near the surface. We describe such a surface that is electrically tunable using commercially available varactor diodes, and offer techniques for achieving full two-dimensional beam steering with a design that is optimized for bandwidth.
Three-body reactions resulting from 6Li + d

Abstract Three-body reactions resulting from 6Li + d at a deuteron bombarding energy of 10 MeV have been studied by the coincident detection of two charged-particle reaction products in silicon surface barrier detectors. Mass identification of one of the particles has been accomplished using a time-of-flight technique. Final-state interactions are observed through states in the possible intermediate nuclei. Decay through excited states of 4He near 20.2 and 21.9 MeV was observed but with branching ratios significantly different from those previously reported. Interference effects were observed in the d-d and α-d coincident spectra.
The branching ratio of anions in thermal electron attachment to chlorinated fluorobenzenes

Abstract The temperature dependences of the formation of negative ions from C 6 F 6− x Cl x , CF 3 C 6 F 5− x Cl x , and NC 5 F 5− x Cl x ( x =1,2) were studied using negative chemical ionization mass spectrometry. Cl − and the parent negative ion were produced. The ( M −Cl) − (M: parent molecule) was also observed for CF 3 C 6 F 5− x Cl x and NC 5 F 5− x Cl x . The temperature dependence of the relative intensity, ( M −Cl) − /Cl − , suggested that the electron affinity of the fragment radicals decreases in the order, CF 3 C 6 F 4 >C 5 F 4 N>C 6 F 5 . On the other hand, the relative intensity, Cl − / M − , suggested that the electron affinity of the parent molecules decreases in the order, CF 3 C 6 F 5− x Cl x ⪢NC 5 F 5− x Cl x >C 6 F 6− x Cl x . Geometries of the parent anions were also calculated using with B3LYP/6-31+G method. The parent anions have an out-of-plane deformed structure and the extent of the deformation corresponds to that of the electron affinity for the parent molecule.
Digital Radiometer Performance

This work investigates the performance of an all-digital, total-power radiometer (TPR), consisting of RF, mixer, and IF stages followed by an analog-to-digital converter (ADC). Square-law detection and smoothing is performed in a digital computer. A figure of merit, the degradation factor, is defined which compares the digital TPR with an ideal analog TPR. Exact results are obtained which include the effects of saturation, finite step size, and finite sampling rate of the ADC. A good approximation is developed which compares favorably with the exact results under certain conditions. The use of a general digital filter for smoothing is considered. A new parameter, the ?equivalent summation number?, is shown to be analogous to the equivalent integration time of an analog TPR.
PTOP interacts with POT1 and regulates its localization to telomeres

Telomere maintenance has been implicated in cancer and ageing, and requires cooperation between a multitude of telomeric factors, including telomerase, TRF1, TRF2, RAP1, TIN2, Tankyrase, PINX1 and POT1 (refs 1–12). POT1 belongs to a family of oligonucleotide-binding (OB)-fold-containing proteins that include Oxytricha nova TEBP, Cdc13, and spPot1, which specifically recognize telomeric single-stranded DNA (ssDNA)10,13,14,15,16,17,18,19. In human cells, the loading of POT1 to telomeric ssDNA controls telomerase-mediated telomere elongation12. Surprisingly, a human POT1 mutant lacking an OB fold is still recruited to telomeres. However, the exact mechanism by which this recruitment occurs remains unclear. Here we identify a novel telomere protein, PTOP, which interacts with both POT1 and TIN2. PTOP binds to the carboxyl terminus of POT1 and recruits it to telomeres. Inhibition of PTOP by RNA interference (RNAi) or disruption of the PTOP–POT1 interaction hindered the localization of POT1 to telomeres. Furthermore, expression of the respective interaction domains on PTOP and POT1 alone extended telomere length in human cells. Therefore, PTOP heterodimerizes with POT1 and regulates POT1 telomeric recruitment and telomere length.
Temporal Patterns in the Home Ranges of Chipmunks (Eutamias)

An observational study of chipmunks in Montana during two con secutive summers revealed marked changes from week to week in the sizes and shapes of the summer ranges of many individuals, and in the intensity of use of sites within the boundaries. The two most important factors responsible for such change were reproduction and the dispersion of the plants selected for food. The total summer range of most individual chipmunks remained the same from one summer to the next, and changing use within the observed boundaries was predictable and orderly for phenologically equivalent time spans of both summers. Such predictability substantiates the classical concept of home range. However, such changes, if they occur in most populations of small mammals, would necessitate time-qualified expressions of home range.
Some considerations of the dynamics of Space Shuttle vehicle thermal protection system

Two types of reusable surface insulation under consideration for Space Shuttle applications have been analyzed for flutter stability. The first consisted of silicone rubber-coated Nomex felt bonded to the skin of the vehicle; the second consisted of silicone tiles with ceramic coating on five faces, bonded to Nomex felt which was then attached to the vehicle skin. The piston theory was used to compute the aerodynamic forces on the basis of simple models on the two systems. Exact solutions were obtained, and the effect of different parameters of the flutter stability boundary was investigated. Possible reasons for the slow convergence of the Galerkin technique for analyzing membrane flutter are suggested, and a consistent set of nondimensional parameters convenient for flutter studies is introduced.
LSD in pregnancy: Chromosomal effects

Abstract The chromosomal effects of LSD in pregnant rats and their offspring were studied. Drug was given during implantation or during the period of differentiation and chromosome analyses were performed in the embryo and bone marrow cells from the mother and the adult offspring. Our results showed that exposure to pure LSD in pregnancy did not damage the chromosomes of the mother, embryos or adult offspring.
CD1 assembly and the formation of CD1-antigen complexes.

The CD1 antigen presentation system presents lipid antigens to effector T cells, which have diverse roles in antimicrobial responses, antitumor immunity and in regulating the balance between tolerance and autoimmunity. The trafficking of CD1 molecules and lipid antigens facilitates their intersection and binding in specific intracellular compartments. Recent studies have now identified unexpected accessory molecules that are critical to CD1 assembly and lipid loading. The atomic structures of CD1–antigen complexes have defined both the orientation of polar headgroups between the α1 and α2 helices of CD1 and the manner in which distinct CD1 isoforms bind a range of lipids that have different lengths and numbers of hydrocarbon chains.
Exponential and gamma distributions on positive semigroups, with applications to Dirichlet distributions

In this paper, we give new characterizations of exponential distributions on positive semigroups and we study the corresponding gamma distributions that govern semigroup products of independent and identically distributed exponential variables. We apply these results to the positive integers under multiplication to obtain new interpretations of results on Dirichlet distributions.
A DISMANTLING TRIAL OF MOTIVATIONAL INTERVIEWING AND FEEDBACK AMONG HEAVY DRINKING COLLEGE STUDENTS

Motivational Interviewing (MI) is a brief intervention that has been shown to reduce heavy drinking among college students. To date, all college studies of MI (and most adult studies) have used an intervention format that includes a feedback profile delivered in an MI style. This presentation will discuss the results of a dismantling trial of motivational interviewing, and feedback among heavy drinking college students. After an initial screen, 350 heavy drinking students were randomized to: (1) MI with feedback, (2) MI without feedback, (3) Web feedback only, (4) Assessment only, or (5) Delayed assessment only. At 6 months, only MI with feedback showed an effect over control in reducing drinks per week, peak BAC, and drinking related consequences. Neither MI nor feedback alone had an effect over assessment. Drinking severity moderated the effect of the interventions.
Another look at uncertainty and risk management when evaluating manufacturing technology

Abstract Many quantitative methods have been developed in an attempt to acknowledge uncertainty under decision making and to manage the inherent risk during economic planning for technology implementation. Current methods range in complexity from simple heuristics to elaborate mathematical modes. They are applied with varying levels of success, but there is no ‘best’ method. In reality, resources devoted to complex models of oversimplified situations may compound the problem by creating an illusion of risk management which diverts attention from real problems. This paper outlines a relatively simple and practical risk analysis procedure accompanied by an application example. It employs the proven Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) coupled with confidence intervals from data gathered through simulation techniques or through observations and empirical sampling.
Passive and Active Stabilization of Liquid Bridges in Low Gravity

Tests are planned in the low gravity environment of the International Space Station (ISS) of new methods for the suppression of the capillary instability of liquid bridges. Our suppression methods are unusual in that they are not limited to liquid bridges having very special properties and may impact a variety of low-gravity and earth-based technologies. There are two main approaches to be investigated: (1) Passive Acoustic Stabilization (PAS); and (2) Active Electrostatic Stabilization (AES). In PAS, the suppression of the mode growth is accomplished by placing the bridge in an acoustic field having the appropriate properties such that the acoustic radiation pressure automatically pulls outward on the thinnest portion of the bridge. In AES, the bridge deformation is sensed optically and counteracted by actively adjusting the electrostatic Maxwell stresses via two ring electrodes concentric with the slightly conducting bridge to offset the growth of the unstable mode. While the present work emphasizes cylindrical bridges, the methods need not be restricted to that case. The methods to be explored are relevant to the suppression of capillary instabilities in floating zone crystal growth, breakup of liquid jets and columns, bubbles, and annular films as well as the management of coolants or propellants in low-gravity.
Reality monitoring: Second perceptions and thoughts

Sentences were presented so that, for some, subjects heard the last word in the sentence and for others, they covertly filled in the last word. In addition, these critical externally presented or subject-generated words occurred either once or twice in the acquisition sequence. Later, subjects could better identify the origin of critical words that had occurred twice than the origin of those that had occurred once. Misidentifications of perceptions as thoughts were generally rare and unaffected by repetition. Repeating a thought reduced the likelihood that subjects would attribute it to external sources.
Validation of the Welch Allyn Spot Vital Signs blood pressure device according to the ANSI/AAMI SP10: 2002. Accuracy and cost-efficiency successfully combined.

ObjectivesTo validate a significantly lower priced, new-generation blood pressure device by using the ANSI/AAMI SP10:2002 Standard evaluation.MethodsThe Spot Vital Signs device evaluation was performed using the procedure specified in the SP10: 2002 American National Standard. Both obese and hyperte
Discrimination of color-odor compounds by honeybees: Tests of a continuity model

In experiments previously reported, individual honeybees were trained in a variety of problems to choose between two visually identical but differently scented targets, one or the other of which contained sucrose solution. The results could be simulated accurately with simple equations for computing changes in associative strength produced by reinforcement or nonreinforcement and for predicting choice on the basis of relative strength. In the present experiments, the targets used differed in color as well as in odor, and the animals were trained in a variety of problems with color-odor compounds. Contrary to expectation, the new results could be simulated accurately with the same equations as before on the further assumption that the components of a compound gain and lose associative strength independently (independence rule) and that the associative strength of a compound is equal to the sum of the strengths of its components (summation rule).
Magnetocardiographic mapping of reentry tachycardias: A new non invasive method to localize concealed accessory pathways

Three cases are reported, in whom MCG mapping, performed during sustained reentry tachycardias, was successful in localizing respectively the atrial insertion of a right-sided Kent bundle (case n° 1), the ventricular insertion of a nodo-ventricular (Mahaim) accessory pathway (case n° 2) and reentry within the atrio ventricular node (case n° 3).
Enrichment of basalt and mixing of dacite in the rootzone of a large rhyolite chamber: inclusions and pumices from the Rattlesnake Tuff, Oregon

A variety of cognate basalt to basaltic andesite inclusions and dacite pumices occur in the 7-Ma Rattlesnake Tuff of eastern Oregon. The tuff represents ∼280 km3 of high-silica rhyolite magma zoned from highly differentiated rhyolite near the roof to less evolved rhyolite at deeper levels. The mafic inclusions provide a window into the processes acting beneath a large silicic chamber. Quenched basaltic andesite inclusions are substantially enriched in incompatible trace elements compared to regional primitive high-alumina olivine tholeiite (HAOT) lavas, but continuous chemical and mineralogical trends indicate a genetic relationship between them. Basaltic andesite evolved from primitive basalt mainly through protracted crystal fractionation and multiple cycles (≥10) of mafic recharge, which enriched incompatible elements while maintaining a mafic bulk composition. The crystal fractionation history is partially preserved in the mineralogy of crystal-rich inclusions (olivine, plagioclase ± clinopyroxene) and the recharge history is supported by the presence of mafic inclusions containing olivines of Fo80. Small amounts of assimilation (∼2%) of high-silica rhyolite magma improves the calculated fit between observed and modeled enrichments in basaltic andesite and reduces the number of fractionation and recharge cycles needed. The composition of dacite pumices is consistent with mixing of equal proportions of basaltic andesite and least-evolved, high-silica rhyolite. In support of the mixing model, most dacite pumices have a bimodal mineral assemblage with crystals of rhyolitic and basaltic parentage. Equilibrium dacite phenocrysts are rare. Dacites are mainly the product of mingling of basaltic andesite and rhyolite before or during eruption and to a lesser extent of equilibration between the two. The Rattlesnake magma column illustrates the feedback between mafic and silicic magmas that drives differentiation in both. Low-density rhyolite traps basalts and induces extensive fractionation and recharge that causes incompatible element enrichment relative to the primitive input. The basaltic root zone, in turn, thermally maintains the rhyolitic magma chamber and promotes compositional zonation.
A proton pore in a potassium channel voltage sensor reveals a focused electric field

Voltage-dependent potassium channels are essential for the generation of nerve impulses. Voltage sensitivity is conferred by charged residues located mainly in the fourth transmembrane segment (S4) of each of the four identical subunits that make up the channel. These charged segments relocate when the potential difference across the membrane changes, controlling the ability of the pore to conduct ions. In the crystal structure of the Aeropyrum pernix potassium channel KvAP, the S4 and part of the third (S3B) transmembrane alpha-helices are connected by a hairpin turn in an arrangement termed the 'voltage-sensor paddle'. This structure was proposed to move through the lipid bilayer during channel activation, transporting positive charges across a large fraction of the membrane. Here we show that replacing the first S4 arginine by histidine in the Shaker potassium channel creates a proton pore when the cell is hyperpolarized. Formation of this pore does not support the paddle model, as protons would not have access to a lipid-buried histidine. We conclude that, at hyperpolarized potentials, water and protons from the internal and external solutions must be separated by a narrow barrier in the channel protein that focuses the electric field to a small voltage-sensitive region.
Analysis of Early Deaths After Isolated Lung Transplantation

Study objectives To determine the causes of death inpatients dying within 30 days after lung transplantation at the University of Florida, to assess the importance of several diagnosticmodalities for determining the causes of their decline, and toconstruct an algorithm for the evaluation of patients with severerespiratory compromise occurring early after lung transplantation. Design Retrospective review of medical records andpathology slides from all patients dying within 30 days after lungtransplantation, and biopsy specimen diagnoses from all lung allograftrecipients at the University of Florida. Patients Nine deaths occurred during the first 30 days after transplantationamong 117 patients undergoing 123 isolated lung transplantationoperations. Results Infections accounted for thegreatest number of deaths (bacterial pneumonia, four patients;catheter-related bacteremia, one patient). Persistent pneumoniaconfirmed by biopsy specimen was usually accompanied by histologicmanifestations of acute cellular rejection and was associated with poorpatient outcome ( ie , death or subsequent development ofbronchiolitis obliterans syndrome). In two patients, antibody-mediatedrejection either was the immediate cause of death (hyperacuterejection, one patient) or preceded a fatal case of pneumonia(accelerated antibody-mediated rejection, one patient). Other causes ofdeath included hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy secondary to anintraoperative cardiac arrest (one patient), pulmonary venousthrombosis with bacterial colonization of the thrombotic material (onepatient), and ischemic reperfusion injury (one patient). In mostpatients, more than one type of diagnostic technique was needed toascertain the cause of the catastrophic decline. Conclusions The causes of early posttransplant death inour patient group included infections, antibody-mediated rejection, hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy secondary to cardiac arrest, pulmonaryvenous thrombosis, and ischemic reperfusion injury. Because theseprocesses often demonstrate overlapping clinical and morphologicfeatures requiring multiple diagnostic techniques for resolution, asystematic multimodality approach to diagnosis is advantageous fordetermining the causes of decline in individual patients and forestimating the incidences of the different causes of early graft andpatient loss in the lung transplant population.
Modern chemoradiation and chemotherapy protocols for locally advanced rectal cancer: The current and future standards of care

Abstract The introduction of radiotherapy, chemoradiotherapy, and total mesorectal excision has significantly changed the treatment landscape of locally advanced rectal cancer (LARC) in the last two decades. A number of large randomized controlled trials have established preoperative chemoradiotherapy followed by total mesorectal excision as the standard of care treatment. The addition of oxaliplatin, irinotecan, bevacizumab, or anti-EGFR therapies to 5-fluorouracil or capecitabine and radiation therapy has failed to improve outcomes at an acceptable toxicity. With excellent control of local recurrences (5–10%), the focus has shifted to reducing distant metastases and improving pathological complete response. Despite no proven benefit, adjuvant chemotherapy remains the standard of care in the United States based on extrapolation from colon cancer trials. Defining the best chemotherapy combination has remained a challenge. Trials are ongoing to address the best sequence of the most efficacious combination chemotherapy to be given either before or after preoperative chemoradiotherapy. In this review, we have summarized the literature of LARC and addressed the role and sequence of different chemotherapy combinations with respect to surgery and radiotherapy in the multimodality treatment. Lastly, we discuss important questions that need to be addressed for future clinical trials.
The Heritability of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis in a Clinically Ascertained United States Research Registry

Background The genetic basis of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is not entirely clear. While there are families with rare highly penetrant mutations in Cu/Zn superoxide dismutase 1 and several other genes that cause apparent Mendelian inheritance of the disease, most ALS occurs in families without another affected individual. However, twin studies suggest that all ALS has a substantial genetic basis. Herein, we estimate the genetic contribution to ALS in a clinically ascertained case series from the United States. Methodology/Principal Findings We used the database of the Emory ALS Center to ascertain individuals with ALS along with their family histories to determine the concordance among parents and offspring for the disease. We found that concordance for all parent–offspring pairs was low (<2%). With this concordance we found that ALS heritability, or the proportion of the disease explained by genetic factors, is between 40 and 45% for all likely estimates of ALS lifetime prevalence. Conclusions/Significance We found the lifetime risk of ALS is 1.1% in first-degree relatives of those with ALS. Environmental and genetic factors appear nearly equally important for the development of ALS.
Complex heterogeneous equilibria in vapor phase crystal growth systems

Abstract Knowledge of equilibrium composition of the gas phase in vapor phase crystal growth systems is of vital importance in gaining control over the crystal growth processes. Methods of calculation of the equilibrium partial pressures in two systems, i.e., GaAs-Cl2 and Si-H-P, have been presented. For the former system, which involved but four gaseous species, a manual method of calculation was found to be quite satisfactory. For the latter system, as there are eleven species in the gas phase, a more sophisticated computational procedure involving the use of a digital computer has been developed. This procedure with some modifications can be applied to other crystal growth systems.
Squares Inscribed in Angles and Triangles

(1998). Squares Inscribed in Angles and Triangles. Mathematics Magazine: Vol. 71, No. 4, pp. 278-284.
STUDIES ON THE BACTERIOPHAGE OF D'HERELLE III. SOME OF THE FACTORS DETERMINING THE NUMBER AND SIZE OF PLAQUES OF BACTERIAL LYSIS ON AGAR.

The experiments reported above confirm the fact that lytic principle is distributed in active solution in a state of indivisible units. This permits its quantitative evaluation by serial dilution, as well as by plating on agar. The latter method, however, often gives readings considerably lower than those obtained by the broth dilution method of titration. By varying the concentration of agar it has been possible to show that the discrepancy is due to adsorption of the lytic agent on agar. When the concentration of the latter is increased from 0.3 per cent to 2.5 per cent the number of plaques of lysis is reduced more than 100 times. At the same time the average size of the plaques also decreases approximately to one-tenth of the original. The size, as well as the number of plaques, has been found to depend also on the condition of the culture employed in titration. Thus, when the culture exposed to the action of lytic agent is composed of young susceptible bacteria, the greater the concentration of bacteria, the smaller the plaques. When the culture is composed partly of young and partly of old susceptible bacteria, both the size and the number of the plaques are diminished with the increase in the relative concentration of old bacteria. On the other hand, presence in the culture of resistant bacteria does not affect either the size or the number of the plaques so long as the relative concentration of susceptible bacteria in the culture is sufficient to allow formation of them. The plaques appearing in the presence of a high concentration of resistant variants in the culture are relatively indistinct owing to overgrowth. Under carefully controlled conditions the size of plaques is found to be determined by the character of the lytic filtrate. Thus in the case of lytic agents which act upon more than one bacterial species the size of the plaques remains constant, irrespective of the bacterial substratum used for the production of the active filtrate.
Modifications of the hepatocyte growth factor/c-met pathway by constitutive expression of transforming growth factor-α in rat liver epithelial cells

We have previously shown that rat liver epithelial cells (RLEC) transfected with and constitutively expressing transforming growth factor-α (TGF-α) have an enhanced mitogenic response to hepatocyte growth factor (HGF). In the study reported here, we examined tumor clones derived from the TGF-α transfectants with respect to mitogenic response to HGF. Tumor cell lines that expressed TGF-α responded to HGF with a greater increase in DNA synthesis than did the nontransfected parental RLEC (pRLEC). The tumor clones had also acquired a lower threshold for HGF response, which enabled them to undergo significant DNA synthesis at a low concentration of HGF that did not evoke a response in the pRLEC or TGF-α transfectants. We investigated the mechanisms by which TGF-α expression may influence the HGF/c-met pathway. We showed that most TGF-α transfectants and tumor cells displayed increases in c-met mRNA and protein, indicating that the enhanced HGF response may be due in part to an increase in the amount of receptor present. However, in all transfectants and tumor clones that constitutively expressed TGF-α, c-met was tyrosine phosphorylated in the absence of ligand (HGF) or another exogenous growth factors. These data suggest that induction of c-met mRNA and transactivation of c-met may be a sequela of the constitutive expression of TGF-α and that constitutive activation of the epidermal growth factor receptor pathway leads to phosphorylation and activation of c-met. These studies provide evidence for a novel mechanism of communication between epidermal growth factor receptor and c-met pathways that may partially explain the synergistic effects reported between TGF-α and HGF. Mol. Carcinog. 18:244–255, 1997. © 1997 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Stability analysis of structures via a new complementary energy method

Abstract A new procedure for the analyses of finite deformations and stability of structures, based on a complementary energy principle and an associated hybrid-mixed finite element method, is presented. In this procedure, the description of kinematics is based on the polar-decomposition of the displacement gradient into pure stretch and rigid rotation. The details of the procedure are illustrated through the problems of (i) post-buckling of a column, (ii) the elastica, and (iii) finite-displacements of a transversely loaded beam.
Assignment of a fibronection gene to human chromosome 2 using monoclonal antibodies

Abstract The locus coding for the presumed structural gene for fibronectin has been mapped to human chromosome 2 using human-mouse somatic cell hybrids. The assignment of fibronectin has been made by testing man-mouse somatic cell hybrids with two anti-human fibronectin monoclonal antibodies which recognize different antigenic determinants of human, but not mouse, fibronectin, Both monoclonal antibodies demonstrate a highly concordant association between the presence of two different human fibronectin antigens and human chromosome 2.
SOME METHODS OF PSYCHOPHYSICS FOR ASCERTAINING VISUAL PROCESSES IN THE PIGEON.

Methods of psychophysics can be applied to research on the pigeon by bringing the behavior of the bird under stimulus control and by measuring the appropriate response. When used properly, the methods would show the least amount of energy (the absolute threshold) and the least amount of change in stimuli (the relative threshold) that the bird can detect. One of the foremost problems of animal psychophysics is to find a simple and dependable response. Various methods that have been used are described and evaluated in light of the response problem.
Compartment syndrome: the orthopaedic nurse's vital role

This article explores the nurse's vital role in relation to the care and assessment of a patient with acute compartment syndrome. The pathophysiology is discussed, incorporating current literature. Recommedations for future practice are made, as the need for a recognized assessment tool will be highlighted.
Four-year biochemical outcome after radioimmunoguided transperineal brachytherapy for patients with prostate adenocarcinoma

Abstract Purpose To evaluate 4-year biochemical outcomes for patients with prostate adenocarcinoma who underwent radioimmunoguided (Prostascint) permanent prostate brachytherapy. Methods and materials Eighty patients with clinical T1C–T3A NxM0 prostate cancer underwent ProstaScint-guided prostate brachytherapy using either 103 Pd or 125 I between February 1997 and December 2000. Sixty-seven patients underwent prostate brachytherapy alone, whereas 13 patients received neoadjuvant hormonal manipulation before implantation. Risk factors (RF) included PSA >10, Stage ≥T2b, and Gleason grade ≥7. Sixty patients had low-risk disease (0 RF), 17 were intermediate risk (1 RF), and 3 were high risk (2 RF). Biochemical disease-free survival (bDFS) was calculated using the American Society for Therapeutic Radiology and Oncology (ASTRO) consensus criteria, a PSA cutoff of 1.0 ng/mL, and a PSA cutoff of 0.5 ng/mL. Results Four-year bDFS for the entire cohort was 97.4% using the ASTRO consensus criteria. Low-risk patients (60) had a 4-year bDFS of 100%; intermediate- and high-risk patients (20 patients) were 89.2%. The hormonally naive group (67 patients) had a 4-year bDFS of 96.9% and a median PSA nadir of 0.2 ng/mL. Median time to nadir was 19.8 months (range: 1.9–53.2 months). For the neoadjuvant hormonal therapy group (13 patients), ASTRO-defined bDFS was 100%. Overall, 85.2% of patients had a posttreatment PSA ≤1.0 ng/mL, and 75.9% had a PSA ≤0.5 ng/mL at a median follow-up of 36 months. Conclusions At a median follow-up of 36 months, ProstaScint-guided transperineal brachytherapy results in a high probability of actuarial 4-year biochemical disease-free survival for patients with localized prostate cancer.
(U-Th)/He Dating of Phosphates: Apatite, Monazite, and Xenotime

The common phosphate minerals, apatite Ca_5(PO_4)_3(F,OH,Cl), monazite (Ce,La,Th)PO_4, and xenotime YPO_4, have found widespread use in geochronology because they incorporate U and Th into their structures. For example, apatite usually has a few tens of ppm of both U and Th, while monazite and xenotime usually have hundreds of ppm to weight percent levels of these elements. As a consequence, these phosphates can be dated using several fundamentally different isotopic techniques. Elsewhere in this volume Harrison et al. describe phosphate dating using ingrowth of radiogenic Pb, the final daughter of U and Th series decay, and Gleadow et al. describe dating based on damage tracks from the spontaneous fission of ^(238)U. The most recently developed dating technique applied to phosphates, described in this chapter, uses the accumulation of α particles from U and Th series decay, (U-Th)/He dating. While phosphate U-Th-Pb dating is usually used to date high temperature events such as crystallization of igneous rocks and the timing of prograde metamorphism, fission track and (U-Th)/He dating are more commonly used to establish cooling histories through low temperatures, for example, in the range ~110-40°C in the case of apatite. Dating of minerals using radiogenic He was first explored shortly after the discovery of radioactivity (Strutt 1908) and was investigated extensively in the 1950s and 1960s, mostly on very U- and Th-rich minerals such as zircon and titanite (Hurley 1952, 1954; Damon and Kulp 1957, Damon and Green 1963). Apatite He dating was first investigated by Zeitler et al. (1987), who studied the diffusion rate of He from apatite and proposed that apatite He dating might provide a useful thermochronometer, recording cooling through about 100°C. Further studies both in the laboratory (Lippolt et al. 1994, Wolf et al. 1996b, Warnock et al. 1997, Farley 2000) and in the natural setting (House et al. 1999, Stockli et al. 2000) have confirmed this idea, and the technique has now been applied to a range of tectonic, geologic and geomorphologic problems (e.g., House et al. 1997, 1998; Spotila et al. 1997, Farley et al. 2001, Stockli et al. 2000). Monazite and xenotime have only recently come under scrutiny for He geochronology (e.g., Pik and Marty 1999), and little is yet known of their potential for routine geo- or thermochronometry.
Aflatoxin-producing fungi in maize field soils from sea level to over 2000 masl: a three year study in Sonora, Mexico.

Aflatoxins, highly toxic carcinogens produced by several members of Aspergillus section Flavi, contaminate crops in temperate zones. In the state of Sonora, Mexico, maize is cultivated from 0 to 2100 masl with diverse cultivation practices. This is typical of the nation. In order to design better sampling strategies across Mexico, aflatoxin-producing fungal communities associated with maize production during 2006, 2007, and 2008 in Sonora were investigated in four agro-ecological zones (AEZ) at varying elevation. Fungal communities were dominated by the Aspergillus flavus L strain morphotype (46 %), but variation occurred between years and among AEZ. Several atoxigenic isolates with potential to be used as biocontrol agents for aflatoxin mitigation were detected in all AEZ. The characteristics of each AEZ had minimal influences on fungal community structure and should not be a major consideration for future sampling designs for Mexico. Insights into the dynamics and stability of aflatoxin-producing fungal communities across AEZ are discussed.
Effects of herpes simplex virus on sister chromatid exchange and chromosome abnormalities in human diploid fibroblasts.

To study viral effects on sister chromatid exchange (SCE), human diploid fibroblasts were infected with herpes simplex virus (HSV) of type-1 and type-2. Both types of virus produced remarkable chromosomal aberrations in the early phases of the infection, but neither of them caused an increase in the SCE frequency over the uninfected control level. Analysis of the breakpoints of chromatid deletions with respect to their association with SCE revealed that the chromatid deletions induced by HSV arose independently of the sites of SCE. It is probable that the genesis of virus-induced chromosomal aberrations is unrelated to the molecular processes that function in SCE formation.
Prostate specific antigen levels and clinical response to low dose dexamethasone for hormone‐refractory metastatic prostate carcinoma

BACKGROUND:It has been suggested that suppression of adrenal androgens may provide benefit to patients with metastatic prostate cancer refractory to initial hormonal therapy (e.g., orchiectomy). METHODS:The records of 38 patients with metastatic prostate cancer that had progressed after orchiectomy who were placed subsequently on low dose dexamethasone (DXM) with no other concurrent therapy (36 patients received 0.75 mg twice daily and two received 0.75 mg three times daily) were reviewed. Symptomatic status, prostate specific antigen (PSA) measurements, and available radiographic assessments were recorded. Bone scans were reviewed by an independent, blinded evaluator. RESULTS:Symptomatic improvement was experienced by 24 patients (63%), 20 (83%) of whom also had decreases in PSA. Prostate specific antigen values decreased in 30 patients (79%) with decreases 50% or greater and 80% or greater in 23 (61%) and 13 (34%) patients, respectively. Of the 23 patients with PSA decreases 50% or greater, 8 (35%) had radiographic evidence of disease regression, 5 (22%) were stable, 7 (30%) had disease progression, and 3 (13%) did not have serial radiographic exams. Flutamide was discontinued shortly before DXM treatment for 2 of the 23 patients. CONCLUSIONS:Low dose DXM may produce important symptomatic improvement and decreased PSA levels in the majority of patients with hormone-refractory prostate cancer. In addition, a substantial percentage of those patients with decreases in PSA also will have radiographic evidence of disease regression. These results suggest the need for additional prospective controlled studies of DXM as a therapy for hormone-refractory prostate cancer.
“Valuation of Discrete Dynamic Fund Protection under Lévy Processes,” Hoi Ying Wong and Ka Wai Lam, April 2009

(2009). “Valuation of Discrete Dynamic Fund Protection under Levy Processes,” Hoi Ying Wong and Ka Wai Lam, April 2009. North American Actuarial Journal: Vol. 13, No. 4, pp. 520-524.
The Problem of an Elastic Stiffener Bonded to a Half Plane

The contact problem of an elastic stiffener bonded to an elastic half plane with different mechanical properties is considered. The governing integral equation is reduced to an infinite system of linear algebraic equations. It is shown that, depending on the value of a parameter which is a function of the elastic constants and the thickness of the stiffener, the system is either regular or quasi-regular. A complete numerical example is given for which the strength of the stress singularity and the contact stresses are tabulated.
Virtual Testbed Aerospace Operations Center (VT-AOC)

The Air Force is conducting research in new technologies for next-generation Aerospace Operations Centers (AOCs). The Virtual Testbed Aerospace Operations Center (VT-AOC) will support advanced research in information technologies that operate in or are closely tied to AOCs. The VT-AOC will provide a context for developing, demonstrating, and testing new processes and tools in a realistic environment. To generate the environment, the VT-AOC will incorporate multiple mixed-resolution simulations that are capable of driving existing and future AOC command and control (C2) systems. The VT-AOC will provide the capability to capture existing or proposed C2 processes and then evaluate them operating in conjunction with new technologies. The VT-AOC will also be capable of connecting with other facilities to support increasingly more complex experiments and demonstrations. Together, these capabilities support key initiatives such as Agile Research and Development/Science and Technology (R&D/S&T), Predictive Battlespace Awareness, and Effects-Based Operations.
Developmental differences in concept transfer as a function of variability of irrelevant features during acquisition

The effect of variability of irrelevant information on concept transfer as a function of age was investigated. The pictorial stimuli were either designs or toy shelves. The individual features for the designs were geometric figures such as a diamond, trapezoid, and so on, and the toy shelves consisted of simple figures such as a dog or plant. The different shapes for each figure were determined by the ratio of the horizontal to the vertical axis. The number of figures that varied in shape during acquisition constituted the extent of variability during acquisition. Results indicated that fourth-graders had fewer errors in transfer with increase in variability during acquisition. For the second-graders, the trend was in the opposite direction. The results reflected developmental differences in ability to infer categories from the relation- ship between stimulus variation and response change.
Parent-adolescent communication in sandwich generation families

This study examined parent-adolescent communication infamilies of middle-adolescent children in which at least one parent was providing assistance to an aging grandparent. Parents and adolescents from 62 three-generation families completed questionnaires. Multiple regression analysis indicated that developmental characteristics of family members and mothers' strain in their relationships with grandparents were related to variations in parent-adolescent communication. Specifically, the majorfindings were that (a) adolescents who exhibited greater psychosocial maturity indicated that they shared better communication with parents than did less mature adolescents, (b) fathers' heightened concerns over midlife issues were related both to fathers' and adolescents' reports of poorer communication, and (c) mothers' experiences of strain in their relationships with grandparents were associated with their perceptions of poorer communication with their children. These results illustrate the usefulness of combining l...
Platelet adhesion to collagen activates a phosphoprotein complex of heat-shock proteins and protein phosphatase 1.

Rapid activation of blood platelets is required for effective haemostasis, with shape change, aggregation, secretion of granule contents and cell adhesion occurring in seconds or even milliseconds. Signal-transduction events, evidenced by changes in protein phosphorylation and calcium levels, also take place in this time domain. We have now shown that platelet adhesion to collagen via the α2β1 integrin under arterial shear forces initiated the rapid dephosphorylation of a 67 kDa protein “band” which contained the 70 kDa constitutive heat-shock protein, hsc70. Immunoprecipitation with hsc70 antibodies revealed a large phosphoprotein complex in resting platelets and adhesion caused dissociation of the complex along with dephosphorylation of hsc70. The complex also contained the hsp90 heat-shock protein, protein phosphatase 1C, α, δ and M subunits, and some 7–8 unidentified phosphoproteins. The data suggest that heat-shock proteins and protein phosphatases are actively involved in integrin-mediated platelet adhesion.