cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The oxygen equilibria and aggregation behavior of polymerizing mouse hemoglobins.

Abstract 1. 1.|Hemoglobin from BALB/cJ mice polymerizes from tetramers to octamers and larger aggregates. This polymerization does not significantly alter the oxygen equilibrium. 2. 2.|Both C57 mouse hemoglbin (which does not polymerize) and BALB/cJ mouse hemoglobin (which polymerizes) have similar equilibria with oxygen when both hemoglobins are tetrameric. 3. 3.|The oxygen affinity of C57 and BALB/cJ hemoglobin increases at pH 6.9–7.2 after reaction with iodoacetamide. The value of n drops from about 2.5–2.7 to 1.9–2.2. Neither of these effects is present at pH 7.7. The effect of pH 6.9–7.2 is independent of the state of aggregation of BALB/cJ hemoglobin molecules above the tetramer level. 4. 4.|BALB/cJ hemoglobin has 3 cysteinyl residues per αβ unit: 1 per α chain, ad 2 per β chain. 5. 5.|Both C57 and BALB/cJ tetrameric hemoglobins have similar sedimentation velocity behavior between 0.1 and 1.0% in protein concentration. 6. 6.|Dilution of the polymeric BALB/cJ hemoglobins leads to dissociation at least to tetrameric units. These tetramers are probably of the form αβ-S-S-βα and notβααβ.
Translocation of 14C Sucrose in Sugar Beet during Darkness

The time-course of arrival of 14C translocate in a sink leaf was studied in sugar beet (Beta vulgaris L. cultivar Klein Wanzleben) for up to 480 minutes of darkness. Following darkening of the source leaf, translocation rapidly declined, reaching a rate approximately 25% of the light period rate by 150 minutes. Comparison of data from plants that were girdled 1 cm below the crown with data from ungirdled plants indicates that after about 150 minutes darkness the beet root becomes a source of translocate to the sink leaf. After about 90 minutes darkness, starch-like reserve polysaccharide from the source leaf begins to contribute 14C to ethanol soluble pools in that leaf. Because of a 15% isotope mass effect, sucrose, at isotopic saturation, reaches a specific activity which is about 85% of the level of the supplied CO2. The source leaf sucrose specific activity remains at the isotopic saturation level for about 150 minutes of darkness, after which time input from polysaccharide reserves causes the specific activity to drop to about 55% of that of the supplied CO2. Sucrose specific activity determinations, polysaccharide dissolution measurements, and pulse labeling experiments indicate that following partial depletion of the sucrose pool, source leaf polysaccharide contributes to dark translocation. Respired CO2 from the source leaf appears to be derived from a pool which, unlike sucrose, remains at a uniform specific activity.
Optical Interconnects and Their Implications

This column discusses issues surrounding optical interconnect, particularly the implications that may occur if optical interconnect is available and practical in two generations.
Activation of Nrf2 by cadmium and its role in protection against cadmium-induced apoptosis in rat kidney cells

Kidney is the primary target organ in chronic cadmium (Cd) toxicity, and oxidative stress plays an important role in this process. The nuclear transcription factor Nrf2 binds to antioxidant response elements (AREs) and regulates genes involved in protecting cells from oxidative damage. Whether kidney cells respond to Cd by activating Nrf2 is unknown. This study was designed to examine the Cd-induced activation of Nrf2 transcriptional activity in a stable rat kidney cell line, NRK-52E, and to investigate the protection this might offer against apoptosis. The cells were treated with 5-20 microM CdCl(2) for 5 h, followed by a recovery period of up to 24 h. A concentration-dependent increase (up to 2.9-fold) in the level of reactive oxygen species was noted upon termination of 5-h Cd treatment. The Nrf2-ARE binding activity also increased and peaked (6.1-fold) at 10 microM Cd concentration. Time-course study revealed that the binding activity increased at 1 h of Cd treatment and peaked 2 h post Cd treatment. Apoptosis was detected 6 h post treatment with Cd and a concentration- and time-dependent increase in the apoptotic cell population occurred during the next 18 h. Over-expression of Nrf2 by transient transfection conferred resistance against Cd-induced apoptosis. Conversely, suppression of Nrf2 expression by specific siRNA resulted in greater sensitivity of the cells to Cd by decreasing the levels of two antioxidant enzymes, hemeoxygenase-1 and glutamate-cysteine ligase. Taken together, these results suggest that in kidney cells the activation of Nrf2 is an adaptive intracellular response to Cd-induced oxidative stress, and that Nrf2 is protective against Cd-induced apoptosis.
A DILEUCINE MOTIF IN HIV-1 NEF IS ESSENTIAL FOR SORTING INTO CLATHRIN-COATED PITS AND FOR DOWNREGULATION OF CD4

Nef, a approximately 200 residue multifunctional regulatory protein of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV), interacts with components of host cell signal transduction and clathrin-dependent protein sorting pathways. The downregulation of surface CD4 molecules and major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I antigens by Nef is believed to be important in AIDS pathogenesis [1-7]. Nef contains a globular core domain and two disordered segments--a myristylated arm at the amino terminus and a carboxy-terminal loop projecting from the globular core [8,9]. Here, we aimed to determine the sorting signals in HIV-1 Nef that were responsible for its involvement in the clathrin-mediated pathway. We found that a sequence in the carboxy-terminal disordered loop of Nef is essential for downregulation of CD4. This sequence resembles the dileucine motif, one of two well-characterized sorting signals that target membrane proteins to clathrin-coated vesicles. The dileucine-motif-containing segment of Nef bound directly and specifically to the beta-adaptin subunit of the clathrin adaptor complexes AP-1 and AP-2, which are responsible for recruiting sorted proteins into coated pits. Unlike wild-type Nef, a mutant form of Nef that lacked the dileucine motif did not localize to clathrin-coated pits and did not downregulate CD4 expression, although it could downregulate MHC class I surface expression. Thus, the dileucine motif in HIV-1 is required for CD4 downregulation and for interaction with clathrin adaptor complexes.
Proteasome Modulates Positive and Negative Translational Regulators in Long-Term Synaptic Plasticity

Proteolysis by the ubiquitin-proteasome pathway appears to have a complex role in synaptic plasticity, but its various functions remain to be elucidated. Using late phase long-term potentiation (L-LTP) in the hippocampus of the mouse as a model for long-term synaptic plasticity, we previously showed that inhibition of the proteasome enhances induction but blocks maintenance of L-LTP. In this study, we investigated the possible mechanisms by which proteasome inhibition has opposite effects on L-LTP induction and maintenance. Our results show that inhibiting phosphatidyl inositol-3 kinase or blocking the interaction between eukaryotic initiation factors 4E (eIF4E) and 4G (eIF4G) reduces the enhancement of L-LTP induction brought about by proteasome inhibition suggesting interplay between proteolysis and the signaling pathway mediated by mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR). Also, proteasome inhibition leads to accumulation of translational activators in the mTOR pathway such as eIF4E and eukaryotic elongation factor 1A (eEF1A) early during L-LTP causing increased induction. Furthermore, inhibition of the proteasome causes a buildup of translational repressors, such as polyadenylate-binding protein interacting protein 2 (Paip2) and eukaryotic initiation factor 4E-binding protein 2 (4E-BP2), during late stages of L-LTP contributing to the blockade of L-LTP maintenance. Thus, the proteasome plays a critical role in regulating protein synthesis during L-LTP by tightly controlling translation. Our results provide novel mechanistic insights into the interplay between protein degradation and protein synthesis in long-term synaptic plasticity.
Antenatal diagnosis of single umbilical artery: Is Fetal echocardiography warranted?

Abstract OBJECTIVE: To estimate the utility of fetal echocardiography in the evaluation of the fetus with isolated single umbilical artery. METHODS: A retrospective analysis of fetuses diagnosed with single umbilical artery by sonography was conducted between January 1995 and June 2000 (n = 127). In the 103 patients who had fetal echocardiograms, we examined the frequency of abnormal echocardiographic findings when the initial sonogram demonstrated a normal four-chamber view and cardiac outflow tracts. RESULTS: Approximately 1% of fetal anomaly screens had a diagnosis of single umbilical artery. Of these, 72% were isolated (no other anomalies identified). No fetus in this group had an abnormal echocardiogram. There was one postnatal diagnosis of cardiac disease in this group; it was not predicted by either the four-chamber and outflow tract views or the echocardiogram. Among the group with other anomalies, the four-chamber view predicted every abnormal echocardiogram but one. CONCLUSION: Fetal echocardiography does not appear to add further diagnostic information to the antenatal evaluation of the fetus with isolated single umbilical artery when normal four-chamber and outflow tract views of the heart have already been obtained.
Relativistic spin corrections in proton-proton bremsstrahlung

Abstract Relativistic corrections to the ppγ cross sections from the electromagnetic vertex are much smaller than experimental error if these corrections are calculated in the center of mass. In the lab frame they may be larger than experimental error.
Management of Dislocated Nuclear Fragments After Phacoemulsification

We examined 13 patients referred for management of dislocated lens fragments after phacoemulsification. Ocular findings included corneal decompensation, glaucoma, inflammation, and retinal tears and detachments. Eleven of the 13 patients underwent vitrectomy with removal of lens fragments. Surgical indications included the presence of large lens fragments, uncontrolled glaucoma, persistent and severe inflammation, and retinal detachment. Better visual acuity was observed in patients who had smaller lens fragments or when vitrectomy was delayed to allow medical treatment of intraocular inflammation and glaucoma. The results indicate that nucleus dislocation during phacoemulsification is an important visual complication, with seven of the 13 patients having a final visual acuity of 20/80 or less.
An in Trans Interaction at the Interface of the Helicase and Primase Domains of the Hexameric Gene 4 Protein of Bacteriophage T7 Modulates Their Activities

DNA helicase and primase are essential for DNA replication. The helicase unwinds the DNA to provide single-stranded templates for DNA polymerase. The primase catalyzes the synthesis of oligoribonucleotides for the initiation of lagging strand synthesis. The two activities reside in a single polypeptide encoded by gene 4 of bacteriophage T7. Their coexistence within the same polypeptide facilitates their coordination during DNA replication. One surface of helix E within the helicase domain is positioned to interact with the primase domain and the linker connecting the two domains within the functional hexamer. The interaction occurs in trans such that helix E interacts with the primase domain and the linker of the adjacent subunit. Most alterations of residues on the surface of helix E (Arg404, Lys408, Tyr411, and Gly415) eliminate the ability of the altered proteins to complement growth of T7 phage lacking gene 4. Both Tyr411 and Gly415 are important in oligomerization of the protein. Alterations G415V and K408A simultaneously influence helicase and primase activities in opposite manners that mimic events observed during coordinated DNA synthesis. The results suggest that Asp263 located in the linker of one subunit can interact with Tyr411, Lys408, or Arg404 in helix E of the adjacent subunit depending on the oligomerization state. Thus the switch in contacts between Asp263 and its three interacting residues in helix E of the adjacent subunit results in conformational changes that modulate helicase and primase activity.
An Initial Comparison of Energy Use Between Crane Control Methods

Cranes have been used for transport of material since antiquity. Modern cranes still share some characteristics with the ancients, namely payload oscillation. As such, there has an extensive research effort to control crane payload vibration, resulting in the development of many effective methods. This paper compares two popular methods of crane vibration control, feedback control and input shaping. In addition to showing that both of these methods can dramatically reduce payload oscillation, one primary measure used in this comparison is energy use. The differing nature of the control methods is shown to result in different energy use profiles. This is shown to be true even for when the payload responses for the two controllers are similar.Copyright © 2014 by ASME
Output price indices for regulated monopoly

We construct an output price index for monopoly firms based on the firm's markups over marginal costs. Computation of the index requires product-specific markups over marginal costs or demand elasticities. The form of the Tornqvist exact output price index number is the same in both regulated and unregulated cases.
Supplementation of Alkaline Phytase (Ds11) in Whole‐Wheat Bread Reduces Phytate Content and Improves Mineral Solubility

: In this study, alkaline phytase was added to whole-wheat bread and the phytate content and mineral profiles were compared to commercially available acidic phytase. At neutral pH, some phytate (approximately 20%) was degraded by endogenous phytase in wheat flour, while 40% of phytate was hydrolyzed by alkaline phytase DS11 and a 35% reduction was observed with acidic phytase. Most of the enzymatic activity occurred during the proofing stage, and the rate of reaction depended on pH. DS11 phytase effectively degraded the phytate level within a 30 min treatment at pH 7; however, at least 60 min was needed with acidic phytase to achieve the same hydrolysis level. Mineral profiles were also dramatically affected by the phytate reduction. The biggest increase was observed in Fe2+ by the phytase treatment. The Fe2+ content increased 10-fold at pH 7 and 8-fold at pH 5 with alkaline phytase DS11. Alkaline phytase DS11 was shown to be effective at phytate reduction in whole-wheat bread preparation. Additionally, phytate degradation enhanced the mineral availability of bread.
Hybrid Parallel Linear System Solvers

This paper presents a new approach to the solution of nonsymmetric linear systems that uses hybrid techniques based on both direct and iterative methods. An implicitly preconditioned modified syste...
Rotifer Seasonal Succession and Copepod Predation in Lake Michigan

Phytoplankton and zooplankton population dynamics in southeastern Lake Michigan provide indirect evidence that selective Cyclops predation and food resource levels are important determinants of rotifer species succession. The spring rotifer community, dominated by the soft-bodied Synchaeta, declined in abundance by late spring and was succeeded by a summer assemblage dominated by spiny (Kellicottia, Keratella) and colonial (Conochilus) rotifers, and then by an autumn assemblage of spiny rotifers and the soft-bodied, evasive-swimming Polyarthra vulgaris. In contrast to Synchaeta, these latter forms are resistant to predation by Cyclops bicuspidatus thomasi, the major invertebrate predator in the study area. The density of Synchaeta was negatively correlated with the population density of late instar C. bicuspidatus thomasi and positively correlated with standing stocks of flagellates and small, non-flagellate (<30 μm on one dimension) phytoplankton. These results suggest that Cyclops predation and food resource levels were important factors affecting the abundance of this genus. Conservative estimates of predation mortality of Synchaeta by Cyclops can account for most of the estimated population death rates during spring and early summer when Synchaeta abundances declined markedly. The population dynamics of rotifers resistant to Cyclops predation, especially Keratella cochlearis and Kellicottia longispina, were positively correlated with Cyclops populations, suggesting that abundances of these populations were not predation-limited. A high correlation between egg ratios of these resistant species and phytoplankton standing stocks was found. However, no significant correlation was observed between estimated death rates of resistant species and Cyclops abundance, suggesting that population dynamics of these predation-resistant species were more affected by food resources than by cyclopoid predation.
Postnatal growth of genioglossal motoneurons.

The postnatal growth of kitten genioglossal motoneurons was examined in six different age groups (newborn, 2, 4, 8, and 12 weeks and adult) using the technique of retrograde transport of horseradish peroxidase (HRP). The cell bodies of 100–150 motoneurons in each age group were analyzed in a transverse plane of section using standard techniques. Somatic genioglossal motoneuron growth occurred primarily along the major axis, which increased from 25.2 μm to 41.3 μm between birth and 8 weeks of postnatal age, after which time there was no further increase in either major or minor dimension of the cell body. The form factor decreased from 0.94 to 0.80 from birth to adulthood indicating an increased eccentricity of the cell body. The number of primary dendrites visible with this technique remained constant throughout the postnatal period. Calculated somal surface area increased in a linear fashion from birth through 8 weeks of postnatal life. There was no further increase in surface area beyond this age. The rate of increase in somal surface area with age was significantly different from both the rate of increase of animal weight and animal surface area with age. The correlations between the demonstrated immature genioglossal morphology and its cellular electrophysiology or integrated respiratory function remain unknown. The recent demonstration of decreased activation of the genioglossus muscle following airway occlusion in premature infants with apnea suggests that the relationships between developing genioglossal motoneuron structure and function warrant further investigation. Pediatr Pilmonol. 1989; 7:133-139.
Decay of genetic markers for fecal bacterial indicators and pathogens in sand from Lake Superior.

Beach sands impact water quality and pathogen loads, however, the comparative decay of the fecal indicator bacteria (FIB) Enterococcus spp. and Escherichia coli, and pathogens in freshwater sand have not been examined. In this study, freshwater sand microcosms were inoculated with sewage and pure cultures of bacterial pathogens to compare relative decay rates. The abundance of culturable Enterococcus spp. and E. coli, genetic markers for Enterococcus spp. (Entero1), total Bacteroides (AllBac), and human-specific Bacteroides (HF183), and genetic markers for the pathogens Campylobacter jejuni, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica serovar Typhimurium, and Shigella flexneri were monitored over the course of two weeks using conventional culture methods and quantitative PCR (qPCR). The effect of moisture on the persistence of culturable FIB and all genetic markers was also determined. In addition, propidium monoazide (PMA) treatment was used to examine differences in the persistence of total genetic markers and those from live cells. Decay rates were statistically compared using Tukey's test. Moisture had a significant (p ≤ 0.05) effect on the decay rates of culturable indicator bacteria, total AllBac markers, and genetic markers for FIB, Salmonella, and MRSA from live cells. At 14% sand moisture, the decay rate of total markers was slower than that of live cells for all qPCR assays, but at 28% moisture, there was no difference in the decay rates of total and live markers for any assay. AllBac and MRSA markers increased in sand at 28% moisture, probably indicating cellular growth. Overall, culturable FIB and HF183 had decay rates that were most comparable to the bacterial pathogen markers examined in this study, whereas Entero1 and AllBac rarely exhibited decay rates similar to the bacterial pathogens in this study. The choice of FIB for assessment of fecal contamination in freshwater sand should take into account the pathogen of concern and sand moisture conditions.
Clinical utility of dual-energy vertebral assessment (DVA).

The current study was undertaken to evaluate the clinical utility of DVA, a system for imaging the lateral spine on the Lunar Prodigy densitometer. DVA images were obtained and bone density of the lumbar spine and proximal femur measured in 297 subjects (272 women), aged 64±13 years. The images were classified as: normal (N) if no fractures were detected and all vertebrae between T6 and L4 were visualized, fracture (F) if any vertebra had a fracture (defined as 25% or more reduction in the vertebral height) even if some of the other vertebrae could not be visualized, and un-interpretable (U) if at least one of the vertebra between T6 and L4 could not be classified and no fractures were detected in the visualized vertebrae. A subset of 66 patients also had standard radiographs of the thoracic and lumbar spine. Compared to radiographs, DVA had a 95% sensitivity to detect fractures and 82% specificity (to exclude them). Among all 297 subjects studied, DVAs were interpretable in 87%. They were classified as N in 204 (68%), F in 55 (19%) and U in 38 (13%). The reasons for un-interpretability were: scoliosis, scapular or rib shadow, severe arthritic changes and multiple vertebral compression fracture with severe spinal deformities. Only 11% of F subjects gave a history of a vertebral fracture, and only 56% of F subjects met the BMD criteria for osteoporosis (T score <−2.5). These results indicate that adding DVA, a low radiation and relatively low cost "point of service" procedure, to BMD measurement provides the clinician with a more comprehensive fracture risk assessment than that afforded by clinical evaluation and BMD measurement alone.
Comparing proteolytic action of milk-clotting enzymes on caseins and cheese.

Abstract The proteolytic properties of fungal rennets from Endothia parasitica and from Mucor pusillus var. Lindt were compared with those of veal rennet and of pepsin. Enzyme proteolysis of whole, α s -, and β-casein, soluble in 12% trichloroacetic acid and soluble nitrogen compounds produced by enzymes on freshly ground mild cheese curd were determined. Residual fractions from the action of the enzymes on the casein substrates and on cheese were determined by polyacrylamide-gel electrophoresis. Fungal rennets showed greater proteolytic activity than did veal rennet or pepsin on whole, α s -, and β-casein. Of the two fungal rennets, the one from E. parasitica was more proteolytic on the casein preparations. There was no significant increase in nonprotein nitrogen by veal rennets or pepsin on β-casein or by veal rennets on α s -casein. When fresh mild cheese was used as substrate, the two fungal rennets produced more soluble nitrogen than did the veal rennets or pepsin. Electrophoretic patterns showed considerable differences among the enzymes with respect to degradation of the specific milk proteins.
Polyethylene Glycol (PEG) Results in Concentration-Dependent Sedimentation of Survanta and Improvement of Its Function

Polyethylene Glycol (PEG) Results in Concentration-Dependent Sedimentation of Survanta and Improvement of Its Function
Analgesic effect of minocycline in rat model of inflammation-induced visceral pain.

The present study investigates the analgesic effect of minocycline, a semi-synthetic tetracycline antibiotic, in a rat model of inflammation-induced visceral pain. Inflammation was induced in male rats by intracolonic administration of tri-nitrobenzenesulphonic acid (TNBS). Visceral hyperalgesia was assessed by comparing the viscero-motor response (VMR) to graded colorectal distension (CRD) prior and post 7 days after TNBS treatment. Electrophysiology recordings from CRD-sensitive pelvic nerve afferents (PNA) and lumbo-sacral (LS) spinal neurons were performed in naive and inflamed rats. Colonic inflammation produced visceral hyperalgesia characterized by increase in the VMRs to CRD accompanied with simultaneous activation of microglia in the spinal cord and satellite glial cells (SGCs) in the dorsal root ganglions (DRGs). Selectively inhibiting the glial activation following inflammation by araC (Arabinofuranosyl Cytidine) prevented the development of visceral hyperalgesia. Intrathecal minocycline significantly attenuated the VMR to CRD in inflamed rats, whereas systemic minocycline produced a delayed effect. In electrophysiology experiments, minocycline significantly attenuated the mechanotransduction of CRD-sensitive PNAs and the responses of CRD-sensitive LS spinal neurons in TNBS-treated rats. While the spinal effect of minocycline was observed within 5 min of administration, systemic injection of the drug produced a delayed effect (60 min) in inflamed rats. Interestingly, minocycline did not exhibit analgesic effect in naive, non-inflamed rats. The results demonstrate that intrathecal injection of minocycline can effectively attenuate inflammation-induced visceral hyperalgesia. Minocycline might as well act on neuronal targets in the spinal cord of inflamed rats, in addition to the widely reported glial inhibitory action to produce analgesia.
Advertising to Bilingual Consumers: The Impact of Code-Switching on Persuasion

Building on a sociolinguistic framework, our research explores the impact of code‐switching on the persuasiveness of marketing messages. Code‐switching refers to mixing languages within a sentence, a common practice among bilingual consumers. We investigate how responses to different types of code‐switched messages can provide insight into bilingual consumers’ persuasion processes. A pilot study reveals a code‐switching direction effect such that minority‐language slogans switching to the majority language result in greater persuasion than majority‐language slogans switching to the minority language. The effect is attributed to the salience of the code‐switched word in the slogan. Study 1 explores this code‐switching direction effect in more detail and shows that when associations toward the minority language are positive, the code‐switching direction effect is reversed.
Magnetic properties of transition metal-rare-earth chalcogenide spinels

Abstract Three transition metal-rare-earth chalcogenide spinels have been prepared by high-temperature solid-state reaction in evacuated sealed quartz tubes, and their magnetic susceptibilities determined as a function of temperature with Faraday apparatus. Results indicate that MnYb2S4 and MnYb2Se4 both contain divalent Mn and trivalent Yb, but FeYb2S4 appears to contain trivalent Fe and trivalent Yb. This may be explained on the basis of delocalization of one of the 3d electrons of Fe, which might be expected to make the compound an electrical conductor. Conductivity has indeed been experimentally observed in this compound, while the two Mn compounds are insulators. None of the data indicates long-range magnetic order in any of the compounds.
Identifying total carotid occlusion with colour flow duplex scanning.

A major limitation of conventional duplex scanning is its inability reliably to differentiate severe stenosis from total occlusion of the internal carotid artery (ICA). Colour flow duplex scanning (CFS) facilitates the identification of internal and external carotid arteries, enables simultaneous evaluation of flow in multiple vessels in longitudinal and transverse views, and allows more accurate assessment of very low Doppler-shift frequencies with new "slow-flow" software technology. From July 1987 to January 1991, 9731 ICAs (4866 patients) were evaluated with CFS. Arteriography was performed in 483 of these patients (959 ICAs), and the results of the two studies were compared. Colour flow scanning was highly accurate in differentiating total occlusion from carotid stenosis. Eighty-two of 87 totally occluded ICAs were detected (sensitivity 94%) and 873 of 878 patent arteries were properly identified (specificity 99%). Positive and negative predictive values were 93 and 99%, respectively. False positive results ( n = 6) were due to interpreter error ( n = 4) and poor scanning technique ( n = 2). All false negative results ( n = 5) were the result of interpreter error. During the last 24 months of the study, no false positive or false negative results were detected, giving an accuracy of 100%. We conclude that CFS offers distinct advantages in the diagnosis of carotid occlusion, thereby overcoming the limitations of conventional duplex scanning in distinguishing total occlusion of the ICA from less severe disease, and is the method of choice for evaluating the carotid bifurcation.
Misartigulation and discrimination of speech sounds

(1951). Misartigulation and discrimination of speech sounds. Quarterly Journal of Speech: Vol. 37, No. 4, pp. 483-491.
The Maintenance of Cooperation: Expectations of Future Interaction and the Trigger of Group Punishment

Public goods are characterized by the nonexcludability: those who do not contribute can still consume the good. This characteristic can create problems for the creation and maintenance ofpublic goods. However, under some conditions, when the group members know that they will be making numerous decisions together, public good provision is likely. We consider the effects of discountparameters or expectations offuture interaction, and trigger strategies that involve group punishment. The experimental tests demonstrate the importance of both factors on the first decision period. After group interaction, the effect of the discount parameter diminishes. However, when long punishment periods are mandated, cooperation started at high levels and remained relatively high. Public goods, a type of social dilemma, characterize situations in which people must "give up" something valuable for the possibility that others will do the same and therefore all will be better off. Such dilemmas shape our everyday life: civil rights movements involve contributions of effort and time and sacrifices that can be tremendously costly, but also immensely beneficial to a great many; academicians must give their time to help create an atmosphere that enables freedom of expression, for if nobody contributes, such an atmosphere does not
A Specific Docking Site for DNA Polymerase α-Primase on the SV40 Helicase Is Required for Viral Primosome Activity, but Helicase Activity Is Dispensable

Replication of simian virus 40 (SV40) DNA, a model for eukaryotic chromosomal replication, can be reconstituted in vitro using the viral helicase (large tumor antigen, or Tag) and purified human proteins. Tag interacts physically with two cellular proteins, replication protein A and DNA polymerase α-primase (pol-prim), constituting the viral primosome. Like the well characterized primosomes of phages T7 and T4, this trio of proteins coordinates parental DNA unwinding with primer synthesis to initiate the leading strand at the viral origin and each Okazaki fragment on the lagging strand template. We recently determined the structure of a previously unrecognized pol-prim domain (p68N) that docks on Tag, identified the p68N surface that contacts Tag, and demonstrated its vital role in primosome function. Here, we identify the p68N-docking site on Tag by using structure-guided mutagenesis of the Tag helicase surface. A charge reverse substitution in Tag disrupted both p68N-binding and primosome activity but did not affect docking with other pol-prim subunits. Unexpectedly, the substitution also disrupted Tag ATPase and helicase activity, suggesting a potential link between p68N docking and ATPase activity. To assess this possibility, we examined the primosome activity of Tag with a single residue substitution in the Walker B motif. Although this substitution abolished ATPase and helicase activity as expected, it did not reduce pol-prim docking on Tag or primosome activity on single-stranded DNA, indicating that Tag ATPase is dispensable for primosome activity in vitro.
Methylphenidate (Ritalin®) treatment of cocaine dependence—A preliminary report

The authors report on three cases of cocaine dependence treated with methylphenidate. All patients treated showed marked to dramatic improvement with regard to toxic/abstinence signs and symptoms, craving behavior and other behavioral disturbances associated with heavy and chronic cocaine abuse. The authors explore the possibility that cocaine dependence is associated with pre-existing or resulting psychopathology, particularly mood disturbances. Emphasis is also placed on a predisposing or de novo attention deficit disorder (ADD) as possibly contributing to heavy or continued reliance on cocaine.
Effect of buckberg cardioplegia and peripheral cardiopulmonary bypass on infarct size in the closed chest dog

Objectives. To simulate a human catheterization laboratory setting of controlled reperfusion during myocardial infarction, regional infusion of commercially available Buckberg cardioplegic solution and peripheral vented bypass were administered in the closed chest dog. Background. Studies in open-chest dogs have demonstrated a significant reduction in infarct size and improvement in regional wall motion with a similar controlled reperfusion method using infusion of substrate-enriched (Buckberg) cardioplegic solution during cardiopulmonary bypass coupled with left ventricular venting. Methods. After 100 or 180 min of balloon occlusion of the proximal left anterior descending artery, controlled reperfusion was performed with cardioplegic infusion and vented bypass. Dogs matched for occlusion time underwent balloon deflation without bypass or cardioplegia (uncontrolled reperfusion groups). Microspheres were used to quantify coronary ischemia during balloon inflation. All four groups (n = 8 to 9 per group) were followed up at 1 week to determine regional wall motion and infarct size. Results. Qualitative echocardiographic analysis demonstrated no significant difference among groups in recovery of regional wall motion at 1 week; however, wall motion improved significantly in all groups between the ischemia and 1-week recovery periods. The histologic infarct size compared with the area at risk for dogs with uncontrolled versus controlled reperfusion, respectively, was 17.9 ± 10.5% versus 31.9 ± 8.3% (p < 0.05) for dogs with 100 min of occlusion and 40.1 ± 11.7% versus 46.2 ± 8.4% (p = NS) for dogs with 180 min of occlusion. A greater rate-pressure product in the dogs with controlled reperfusion after 100 min of occlusion (p < 0.05) may explain the larger infarct size observed for that group. Conclusions. These results demonstrate that regional infusion of substrate-enriched cardioplegic solution in combination with peripheral vented bypass does not further reduce infarct size after prolonged ischemia in the closed chest dog (compared with uncontrolled reperfusion).
Marked heterogeneity of aromatase activity in human malignant melanoma tissue

The prognosis from human malignant melanoma varies according to sex and to multiple histologic, biologic and cell kinetic parameters. Thus melanomas exhibit a major degree of heterogeneity in their biologic properties and further characterization of their biochemical heterogeneity should yield important information. The present study sought to demonstrate the activity of a biochemical marker of estrogen synthesis, the aromatase enzyme, in melanoma tissue and to determine its range of activity. Initially, we validated a highly sensitive radiometric assay for aromatase by comparing it with a direct product isolation method. We detected production of 417 pmol/g protein/h of estrone and 37.3 pmol/g protein/h of estradiol by direct product isolation in a human melanoma and 398 pmol estrone/g protein/h by the radiometric assay. The activity present was blocked by similar amounts of the aromatase inhibitor, aminoglutethimide, as were necessary to block placental, breast cancer, and rat brain aromatase activity. We then assayed aromatase radiometrically in 19 human melanomas and found measurable activity ranging from 9 to 398 pmol estrone/g protein/h in 15 tissues. No relationship with the patient's age or sex was demonstrated. The activity exceeded by 2-fold that previously detected in 4961 human breast cancers. This study identified a marker enzyme in melanoma tissue which varied by 40-fold among human tumors. Correlation of aromatase activity with prognosis and response to various types of therapy is now necessary to establish the biologic relevance of this finding.
Nuclear factor-κB binding to the HIV-1 LTR in kidney: Implications for HIV-associated nephropathy

Nuclear factor-κB binding to the HIV-1 LTR in kidney: Implications for HIV-associated nephropathy. Background We have recently shown that renal epithelium is infected by HIV-1 and supports HIV-1 transcription in seropositive patients with renal disease. To investigate the regulation of HIV-1 gene expression in kidney, an HIV-1 transgenic mouse model was used to analyze the host transcriptional proteins that bind the 5′ long-terminal repeat (LTR). Methods Viral gene expression was assessed in transgenic mouse tissue using Northern blotting and mRNA in situ hybridization. The transcription factors involved in LTR binding were determined using electrophoretic mobility shift assays. Cytoplasmic and nuclear extracts were prepared from tissues with varied levels of transgene expression. The binding of transcription factors to specific LTR fragments was determined using DNA competition experiments and supershifts with transcription factor-specific antibodies. Results Tissue-specific expression of the transgene was variable, with viral gene expression in the kidney at an intermediate level as compared with other tissues. Overall, the level of transgene expression directly correlated with abundance of nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) in the nuclear extracts. High expressing tissue, however, had a constitutively active form of NF-κB. In contrast, the kidney contained an inducible NF-κB, which bound the LTR in combination with Sp1, suggesting a requirement for an activating event in renal HIV-1 expression of the LTR. Conclusions These studies indicate that the regulation of the HIV-1 LTR in the kidney is similar to lymphoid tissues, and may explain, in part, why the HIV-1 life cycle is supported in kidney.
Facilitating Joint Chaos and Fractal Analysis of Biosignals Through Nonlinear Adaptive Filtering

Chaos and random fractal theories are among the most important for fully characterizing nonlinear dynamics of complicated multiscale biosignals. Chaos analysis requires that signals be relatively noise-free and stationary, while fractal analysis demands signals to be non-rhythmic and scale-free. To facilitate joint chaos and fractal analysis of biosignals, we report an adaptive multiscale decomposition algorithm, which: (1) can readily remove nonstationarities from the signal, (2) can more effectively reduce noise in the signals than linear filters, wavelet denoising, and chaos-based noise reduction schemes; (3) can readily decompose a multiscale biosignal into a series of intrinsically bandlimited functions; (4) offers a new formulation of fractal and multifractal analysis that is better than the popular detrended fluctuation analysis when a biosignal contains a strong oscillatory component. The effectiveness of the approach is demonstrated by applying it to classify EEGs for the purpose of detecting epileptic seizures.Copyright © 2011 by ASME
The potential public health risk estimates associated with infections by Escherichia coli pathotypes, Salmonella and Campylobacter spp., in Qatar

Background and Objectives: A major challenge to global health initiatives is food safety. In the USA it is estimated that 76 million foodborne illnesses occur each year causing 300,000 hospitalizations and 5,000 deaths. Escherichia coli O157:H7, Campylobacter and Salmonella enterica are among the leading causes of these illnesses including inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) with severe sequelae. The severity of illness is in part attributable to the virulent factors encoded by genes present in individual pathogens. Data on the risk associated with infection by foodborne bacterial pathogens in Qatar and the complement of virulent factors in these pathogens is lacking. Cost-effective intervention strategies rely on accurate microbial risk assessment (MRA) of the adverse consequences of exposure and infection with specific pathogens (dose-response relationships), but also according to the complement of virulent factors present in each agent. We carried out molecular studies to investigate the profile of virulent genes of three major foodborne bacterial pathogens isolated from humans in Qatar in support of developing accurate MRA. Methods: Multiplex polymerase chain reactions (PCR) test and PCR restriction fragment length polymorphism were used to examine E. coli O157:H7 isolates for virulent factors. PCR amplification was used to screen C. jejuni and C. coli for the presence of cytolethal distending toxin (cdt) subtypes (cdtA, cdtB, and cdtC). Results: E. coli isolates had a number of virulent factors in common. The enterotoxigenic E. coli (ETEC) pathotypes were detected in human samples at a rate of 40%, while Shiga-toxin producing E. coli (STEC) pathotype was detected at a much lesser rate. The attaching and effacing E. coli (AEEC) pathotype which included several serotypes (O26, O45, O103, O111, O121 and O145) causing illnesses in 2010 were detected at a rate of 60%. The cdtB gene was detected in 82% and 30% of the C. jejuni and C. coli isolates, respectively. The majority of Salmonella enterica isolates expressed cdtB gene. Conclusions: The data indicate that infection by foodborne bacterial pathogens are common causes of gastroenteritis in Qatar. Implementation of cost-effective control measures for these important foodborne pathogens require intervention strategies that take into account MRA within the context of Qatar.
ISOCYANIDES IN ORGANIC SYNTHESIS. A REVIEW

(1979). ISOCYANIDES IN ORGANIC SYNTHESIS. A REVIEW. Organic Preparations and Procedures International: Vol. 11, No. 6, pp. 293-311.
Effect of oocyte donation on pregnancy outcomes in in vitro fertilization twin gestations

Objective To estimate the effect of oocyte donation on pregnancy outcomes in patients with twin pregnancies conceived via IVF. Design Retrospective cohort study. Setting Patients with IVF twin pregnancies delivered by one maternal–fetal medicine practice from 2005 to 2013. Patient(s) Fifty-six patients with IVF twin pregnancies who had oocyte donation and 56 age-matched controls with IVF twin pregnancies who used autologous oocytes. We excluded women aged >50 years because there were no age-matched controls aged >50 years using autologous oocytes. Intervention(s) None. Main Outcome Measure(s) Gestational hypertension, pre-eclampsia. Result(s) The baseline characteristics were similar between the groups, including maternal age, race, parity, chorionicity, and comorbidities. The mean (±SD) age was 43.0 ± 6.0 vs. 41.9 ± 1.7 years. There were no differences in outcomes between the groups in regard to preterm birth, birth weight, or gestational diabetes. There was a greater incidence of gestational hypertension (32.1% vs. 13.0%) and pre-eclampsia (28.3% vs. 13.0%) in the group that underwent IVF with donor oocytes. Conclusion(s) In patients who conceive twin pregnancies using IVF, oocyte donation increases the risk of gestational hypertension and pre-eclampsia. However, this did not translate into increased rates of preterm birth or low birth weight. Patients who require oocyte donation should be carefully counseled regarding the increased risk for pre-eclampsia and gestational hypertension but should be reassured that oocyte donation does not seem to lead to other adverse outcomes.
LP formulation of asymmetric zero-sum stochastic games

This paper provides an efficient linear programming (LP) formulation of asymmetric two player zero-sum stochastic games with finite horizon. In these stochastic games, only one player is informed of the state at each stage, and the transition law is only controlled by the informed player. Compared with the LP formulation of extensive stochastic games whose size grows polynomially with respect to the size of the state and the size of the uninformed player's actions, our proposed LP formulation has its size to be linear with respect to the size of the state and the size of the uninformed player, and hence greatly reduces the computational complexity. A travelling inspector problem is used to demonstrate the efficiency of the proposed LP formulation.
Clinical evaluation of adenoviral-mediated p53 gene transfer: Review of INGN 201 studies

Gene therapy represents a new modality of cancer therapeutics based on novel mechanisms of action. Modified adenoviruses have important properties that lend themselves readily to commercial-scale manufacturing; with an excellent safety record, they have been used as the gene transfer vector in most clinical studies to date. They provide a potent means of delivering genes into cancer cells. Although multiple genes are involved in the development of malignancy, preclinical models (and now clinical studies) have proven that insertion of a single gene, p53, can arrest cancer cell growth and induce apoptosis and tumor regression in advanced cancers such as squamous cell cancer of the head and neck and non-small cell lung cancer. With equally strong rationale, clinical studies using combination approaches also have been initiated, with promising results in localized inoperable non-small cell lung cancer. In addition, the apparent safety, and especially the lack of adverse effects on normal tissues at injection sites following gene transfer, have stimulated an evaluation of intervention in the postoperative surgical adjuvant setting and in treating premalignancies. The goal of these studies has been to provide an antitumor locoregional effect. This may result in effective palliation in the advanced-disease setting, especially for diseases that do not metastasize widely. However, the most exciting near-term potential of p53 gene transfer using INGN 201 will be in up-front regimens in combination with surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy in the many clinical settings where local disease control remains suboptimal.
Associations between mindfulness and panic symptoms among young adults with asthma.

Despite the well-documented associations between panic psychopathology and asthma, there has been a dearth of empirical work examining factors that may reduce the negative effects of panic for individuals with asthma. Thus, the goal of the present study was to examine the role of mindfulness skills (i.e. observe, describe, acting with awareness, nonjudgment, and nonreactivity) in symptoms of panic psychopathology (i.e. panic symptoms, anxiety sensitivity, and body vigilance). Participants were young adults with asthma (n = 56; 30.4% male, Mage = 19.5 years, SD = 2.7) who completed online self-report measures for course credit. After controlling for the effects of asthma control and negative affectivity, greater use of the mindfulness skill of acting with awareness, relative to the other mindfulness skills, significantly predicted fewer panic symptoms and decreased anxiety sensitivity. The skill of observing approached statistical significance in terms of predicting increased body vigilance and anxiety sen...