cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Novel Mycosin Protease MycP1 Inhibitors Identified by Virtual Screening and 4D Fingerprints

The rise of drug-resistant Mycobacterium tuberculosis lends urgency to the need for new drugs for the treatment of tuberculosis (TB). The identification of a serine protease, mycosin protease-1 (MycP1), as the crucial agent in hydrolyzing the virulence factor, ESX-secretion-associated protein B (EspB), potentially opens the door to new tuberculosis treatment options. Using the crystal structure of mycobacterial MycP1 in the apo form, we performed an iterative ligand- and structure-based virtual screening (VS) strategy to identify novel, nonpeptide, small-molecule inhibitors against MycP1 protease. Screening of ∼485 000 ligands from databases at the Genomics Research Institute (GRI) at the University of Cincinnati and the National Cancer Institute (NCI) using our VS approach, which integrated a pharmacophore model and consensus molecular shape patterns of active ligands (4D fingerprints), identified 81 putative inhibitors, and in vitro testing subsequently confirmed two of them as active inhibitors. Therea...
Metabolite Profiling of [14C]hexahydro-1, 3, 5-trinitro-1,3,5-triazine (RDX) in Yucatan Miniature Pigs

The study reported herein examined the metabolism of 14C-labeled hexahydro-1,3,5-trinitro-1,3,5-triazine (RDX) resulting from a single oral gavage of 5 ml/kg to male and female Yucatan miniature pigs (43 mg/kg, 56 microCi/kg in 0.5% carboxymethylcellulose in water). Blood, urine, and feces were collected at selected times of 1, 6, 12, and 24 h postdose. At 24 h postdose, liver samples were collected. Blood, plasma, liver, and excreta were analyzed for total RDX-derived radioactivity and metabolites were identified. Urine was the major route of elimination of 14C-RDX-derived radioactivity in both males and females. Relatively low levels of radioactivity were found in gastrointestinal contents and in feces, suggesting nearly complete absorption of 14C-RDX following an oral dose. Analysis of urine by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC/MS) identified quantifiable levels of two ring-cleavage metabolites, 4-nitro-2,4-diazabutanal and 4-nitro-2,4-diaza-butanamide, as well as parent RDX. The 4-nitro-2,4-diazabutanal, was seen in earlier studies of aerobic metabolism of RDX. The 4-nitro-2,4-diaza-butanamide, an amide, was not previously reported but was tentatively identified in this study. Analysis by a more sensitive method (LC/MS/MS) also showed trace amounts of the RDX metabolites 1-nitroso-3,5-dinitro-1,3,5-triazacyclohexane (MNX) (in both male and female urine) and 1-nitro-3,5-dinitroso-1,3,5-triazacyclohexane (DNX) (in male urine). Analysis of plasma by LC/MS/MS also revealed quantifiable levels of RDX and trace levels of MNX, DNX, and 1,3,5-trinitroso-1,3,5-triazacyclohexane (TNX). None of the liver extracts showed quantifiable levels of RDX or any identifiable metabolites. Most of the radioactivity was in the form of water-soluble high-molecular-weight compounds. RDX when given orally to pigs was rapidly metabolized by loss of two nitro groups followed by ring cleavage.
Peroxyacetyl nitrate in the free troposphere

First free tropospheric (0–8 km) peroxyacetyl nitrate (CH3C(O)OONO2, PAN) measurements in the clean marine air of the Pacific (36–40 °N) show that the tropospheric reservoir of nitrogen oxides (NO, NO2) may be 30–50% larger than hitherto believed. We show here that these measurements provide experimental support for the contention that PAN is an important constituent of the natural atmosphere, and a potentially significant reservoir of reactive nitrogen. There is evidence to suggest that higher PAN concentrations exist in the free troposphere over land, as compared with the marine environment. Preliminary indications are that measured PAN was produced through in situ photochemical mechanisms, and was not transported from polluted sources.
Stable crack growth and instability prediction in thin plates and cylinders

Many fracture applications require accurate prediction of the tearing resistance of thin metallic components. However, the three-dimensional (3D) nature of crack front advance is significant even in thin plates and requires special considerations for accurate predictions. An advanced fracture code, WARP3D, was used to model 3D effects and predict the large amounts of crack tearing preceding instability in flat plates and cylinders. In this work, the crack tearing resistance of thin plate aluminum alloy 2219-T87 fracture test specimens was measured experimentally. Finite element analysis (FEA) computations that modeled crack tunneling behavior were performed with WARP3D to determine a characteristic crack tip opening angle to match the observed tearing resistance behavior. Fracture predictions for the same thickness in a pressurized cylinder were then made using the calibrated values, and compared with results from tests and with uniform crack front FEA predictions. The experiments and calculations were performed for two thicknesses of material, the thinner one to verify the methodology, and a thicker one to predict critical crack length for the International Space Station modules.
Elegance of Disordered Granular Packings: A Validation of Edward's Hypothesis

We have found a way to analyze Edwards' density of states for static granular packings in the special case of round, rigid, frictionless grains assuming a constant coordination number. It obtains the most entropic density of single grain states, which predicts several observables including the distribution of contact forces. We compare these results against empirical data obtained in dynamic simulations of granular packings. The agreement is quite good, helping validate the use of statistical mechanics methods in granular physics. The differences between theory and empirics are mainly related to the coordination number, and when the empirical data are sorted by that number we obtain several insights that suggest an underlying elegance in the density of states.
Thrombocytopenia related neonatal outcome in preterms

Objective To investigate the thrombocytopenia and platelet transfusion related outcome in very preterm infants.
Calcium transport by rabbit skeletal muscle microsomes ("fragmented sarcoplasmic reticulum").

Abstract Ca2+ binding by skeletal muscle microsomes in 5 mM ATP exhibited saturation kinetics in the range of Ca2+ concentrations between 3 · 10−8 and 10−5 M. Approximately 140 nmoles binding sites per mg protein were found. These had a Ca2+ binding constant of approximately 4.5 · 106 M−1 with half saturation at 2.2 · 10−7 M Ca2+. In the presence of oxalate, much larger amounts of Ca2+ (approx. 6 μmoles/mg protein) were taken up by the microsomes (Ca2+ uptake), but the rate of Ca2+ uptake increased linearly with [Ca2+] when ionized Ca2+ concentrations were below 3 · 10−6 M. At Ca2+ concentrations above 3 · 10−6, Ca2+ uptake was inhibited. Double reciprocal plots of the Ca2+ dependence of the initial rates of Ca2+ uptake in the concentration range between 3 · 10−7 M and 10−5 M, unlike those of Ca2+ binding, did not demonstrate saturation kinetics, but could be interpreted as representing a non-saturable system with inhibition at higher Ca2+ concentrations. In view of these differences, and because Ca2+-binding sites were almost fully saturated at 10−6 M Ca2+, whereas Ca2+ uptake rate increased linearly with increasing [Ca2+] to approximately 3 · 10−6 M, the Ca2+-binding sites are not shown kinetically to participate in oxalate-dependent Ca2+ uptake.
Isolated posterior table frontal sinus fractures do not form mucoceles in a goat model

Objective The goal of this study was to investigate how patency of the nasofrontal outflow tract would affect frontal sinus healing in the setting of displaced, comminuted, posterior table fractures in the adult goat (Capra hircus). Study Design Prospective animal study. Subjects and Methods Posterior table fractures were created in 20 adult goats. The nasofrontal outflow tract was left patent in 10 goats (Group 1) and obstructed in 10 (Group 2). Gross, radiologic, and histologic evaluation were carried out six months postoperatively. Results One of nine subjects subjects (11%) in Group 1 developed a mucocele while eight of 10 (80%) in Group 2 developed mucoceles (P = 0.004). No subjects (100%) in Group 1 had gross, radiologic, or histologic evidence of mucosal ingrowth into the posterior table, while two of 10 (20%) in Group 2 showed evidence of mucosal ingrowth into, but not through, the posterior table. In both groups 100% of the subjects had gross and histologic evidence of intact posterior tables abutting the dura. Conclusion An occluded nasofrontal outflow tract leads to an increased mucocele formation rate at six months. In an unobstructed nasofrontal outflow tract there is no gross, radiologic, or histologic evidence of mucosal ingrowth into the posterior table at six months. These findings would suggest that not all comminuted, significantly displaced posterior table fractures need to be surgically addressed if the nasofrontal outflow tract is patent.
Endograft infection leading to rupture of aortic aneurysm

Aortic endografting has quickly been accepted as a less morbid method of aneurysm repair. However, preservation of the aortic sac after endografting remains a liability of this procedure. Late rupture has occurred, albeit rarely. Graft infections are another rare complication of endografting. We present the first reported case, to our knowledge, of aortic rupture secondary to infection of an aortic endograft.
Adaptive system correction for robust Fourier ptychographic imaging

Fourier ptychography (FP) is a recently developed imaging approach that bypasses the resolution limit defined by the lens’ aperture. In current FP imaging platforms, systematic noise sources come from the intensity fluctuation of multiple LED elements and the pupil aberrations of the employed optics. These system uncertainties can significantly degrade the reconstruction quality and limit the achievable resolution, imposing a restriction on the effectiveness of the FP approach. In this paper, we report an optimization procedure that performs adaptive system correction for Fourier ptychographic imaging. Similar to the techniques used in phase retrieval, the reported procedure involves the evaluation of an image-quality metric at each iteration step, followed by the estimation of an improved system correction. This optimization process is repeated until the image-quality metric is maximized. As a demonstration, we used this process to correct for illumination intensity fluctuation, to compensate for pupil aberration of the optics, and to recover several unknown system parameters. The reported adaptive correction scheme may improve the robustness of Fourier ptychographic imaging by factoring out system imperfections and uncertainties.
Mixed magnetic systems: A model with application to (1−x)CdCr2S4 · xCdCr2Se4

Abstract The Curie temperatures and asymptotic Curie temperatures are calculated for mixed magnetic systems by a semi-classical Bethe-Peierls-Weiss cluster approach. The systems are typified by (1− x ) CdCr 2 Se 4 · xCdCr 2 Se 4 in which the substitution changes the anions but not the magnetic cations. It is found that next-nearest-neighbor interactions are needed to match the data but that, with them, excellent agreement can be obtained for a reasonably unique choice of the exchange integrals.
Amniotic fluid soluble fas levels in intra-amniotic infection

Abstract Objective: Membrane Fas can induce apoptosis in sensitive cells. It has been reported that soluble Fas (sFas) is elevated in septicemia. We examined amniotic fluid (AF) sFas levels in patients with and without intra-amniotic infection. Methods: Forty-two AF specimens were studied. Intra-amniotic infection was defined as the presence of a positive AF culture. Twenty-one specimens were from patients with intra-amniotic infection and 21 were from patients without intra-ammotic infection. Amniotic fluid sFas was determined by an enzyme immunoassay and normalized by AF creatinine levels. The Mann-Whitney U test, contingency table method, and Spearman’s rank correlation test were used for statistical analyses. Data were expressed as median with ranges. Results: There were no significant differences in maternal age, gestational age, parity, and race between the groups. The median AF sFas was significantly higher with intra-amniotic infection than without it (5.07 U/mL, range 0.32–13.25 compared with 1.95 U/mL, range 0.01–5.35; P = .004). After normalizing to AF creatinine, infected fluids also had significantly higher median sFas/creatinine than uninfected amniotic fluids (289.1 U/mg creatinine, range 16.6–920.5 compared with 126.8 U/mg creatinine, range 0.5–546.2; P = .01). Amniotic fluid sFas and sFas/creatinine were positively correlated with AF leukocytes and negatively correlated with AF glucose. Conclusion: Elevated AF sFas is associated with intra-amniotic infection. High production of AF sFas in intra-amniotic infection may play a role in the inhibition of apoptosis of AF leukocytes, leading to the persistence of inflammation.
Synthesis of Polymer Dielectric Layers for Organic Thin Film Transistors via Surface-Initiated Ring-Opening Metathesis Polymerization

The use of surface-initiated ring-opening metathesis polymerization (SI-ROMP) for producing polymer dielectric layers is reported. Surface tethering of the catalyst to Au or Si/SiO2 surfaces is accomplished via self-assembled monolayers of thiols or silanes containing reactive olefins. Subsequent SI-ROMP of norbornene can be conducted under mild conditions. Pentacene semiconducting layers and gold drain/source electrodes are deposited over these polymer dielectric films. The resulting field effect transistors display promising device characteristics, demonstrating for the first time that SI-ROMP can be used in the construction of organic thin-film electronic devices.
A Systematic Method to Analyze the Effects of the Non-Technological Infrastructural Factors of Industrially Developing Countries on Managerial Effectiveness and Success

The role of the management factor in technology transfer is studied. The effects of the social and cultural environments of Industrially Developing Countries (IDC) in terms of the variables influencing managerial effectiveness is also examined. An efficient and novel method for job analysis (i.e., Job Profiling) which incorporates the above variables is introduced and its theoretical foundations is discussed. Based upon the findings of a presented case it is concluded that, the Job Profiling method has to be integrated with selection criteria and should be used in conjunction with focused selection techniques to ensure the optimal match of the managers working in the IDC and their jobs.
Data security for object-oriented programming systems based on inference engines (abstract)

Protecting data stored in a computer is a difficult task, particularly in a society which has become increasingly dependent on computer systems. This paper focuses on a new model which has been proposed for data security and explores the extension of this model to object-oriented programming systems.The model uses both a trusted filter and an inference engine to provide security in a dynamically changing environment. The filter component protects against Trojan Horse release and direct user release, while the inference engine used rules which specify security constraints to decide if access to requested data should be allowed. The rule base is constantly updated any time information is released, thus protecting against user inference dynamically.The model is extended to apply to object-oriented programming systems. The notions of data abstraction, data encapsulation and object-oriented programming have become the subject of extensive research. This paper shows how security constraints can be incorporated into the specification for an object. Dynamic protection can therefore be provided for any object by using the filter, inference engine and the rule base, which specifies the security constraints on the object. The specification contains static constraints on the object and on any procedures manipulating the object, while the rule base provides dynamic protection for the object.Finally, an example is presented to illustrate how the model is extended to object-oriented programming systems. The advantages of this extension and future applications are then explored.
Molecular cloning of two novel rab genes from human melanocytes

We isolated the genes of two small GTP-binding proteins of the rab family from a human melanocyte cDNA library and from melanoma cells. One gene, rab30 codes for a novel rab protein of 203 amino acids with minimal homology to previously documented GTPases. The other, rab22b, appears to be an isoform of the human homologue of canine rab22. Both rab mRNAs displayed a nearly ubiquitous pattern of expression in the various tissues examined. Rab22b and rab30 were mapped to chromosomes 18 and 11, respectively.
Finite element micromechanical analysis of a unidirectional composite including longitudinal shear loading

Abstract A two-dimensional finite element analysis has been extended to include longitudinal shear loadings in the third direction, thus permitting a more complete micromechanical analysis of a unidirectional composite material subjected to combined loading states. The numerical analysis includes temperature and moisture loadings as well as mechanical loadings, and models temperature—and moisture—dependent material properties, into the inelastic range to first failure. Correlations of the predictions of composite material response with available experimental data indicate good agreement.
An odometre for underwater transects

A simple device for the measurement of length (or area) along an underwater transect is described. This instrument is pushed or pulled by SCUBA divers along lake or river bottoms and the rotation of a paddle wheel is recorded on a digital counter. The device eliminates the need for straight line and smooth bottom transects, and allows for greater versatility than that provided by the more usual rope line transect.
Glycosylphosphatidylinositol-anchored receptor-mediated bacterial endocytosis

An increasing number of pathogens or their toxins appear to utilize glycosylphosphatidylinositol(GPI)-anchored receptors to trigger entry into immune and other host cells. Since these receptors have no transmembrane and intracellular moieties, how endocytosis is initiated is unclear. Recently, CD48 on mast cell membranes was shown to trigger endocytosis of bacteria via a route that avoids fusion with lysosomes and by a mechanism involving discrete cellular entities called caveolae. The localization of CD48 within caveolae appears to be a prerequisite for caveolae-mediated bacterial entry.
Nanotopography as Modulator of Human Mesenchymal Stem Cell Function

Nanotopography changes human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSC) from their shape to their differentiation potential; however little is known about the underlying molecular mechanisms. Here we study the culture of hMSC on polydimethylsiloxane substrates with 350 nm grating topography and investigate the focal adhesion composition and dynamics using biochemical and imaging techniques. Our results show that zyxin protein plays a key role in the hMSC response to nanotopography. Zyxin expression is downregulated on 350 nm gratings, leading to smaller and more dynamic focal adhesion. Since the association of zyxin with focal adhesions is force-dependent, smaller zyxin-positive adhesion as well as its higher turnover rate suggests that the traction force in focal adhesion on 350 nm topography is decreased. These changes lead to faster and more directional migration on 350 nm gratings. These findings demonstrate that nanotopography decreases the mechanical forces acting on focal adhesions in hMSC and suggest that force-dependent changes in zyxin protein expression and kinetics underlie the focal adhesion remodeling in response to 350 nm grating topography, resulting in modulation of hMSC function.
The Influence of Light on the Development of the Coprophilous Fungus, Pilobolus

ungi consist of about 100,000 species arranged in groups according to reproductive strategies. Fungi play an important role in the ecosystem, in nutrient cycling as decomposers, and as part of symbiotic relationships in lichens and mycorrhizae (Mueller et al., 2004). Fungi are also important plant and animal pathogens: Hyphal tips penetrate plant cell walls, insect cuticles and human skin, nails and hair Uackson et al., 1997; Moore, 2001).
Simple dispersion law for arbitrary sequences of dispersive optics: erratum

This erratum reports a correction in Eq. (1) of our previous paper [Appl. Opt.49, 6840 (2010)].
Thalidomide-Associated Thrombosis in the Treatment of HIV-Associated Severe Aphthous Disease: A Case Report and Review of the Literature

Venous thrombosis is a well-described complication of thalidomide therapy in patients with multiple myeloma (MM). However, an association between thalidomide use and thrombosis in HIV-positive patients has not been previously described. We present the case of a 48-year-old HIV-positive man who developed a deep venous thrombosis while on thalidomide for the treatment of severe aphthous ulcers. We review the management of severe aphthous disease and the potential adverse effects of thalidomide therapy. We examine the association between thalidomide and thrombosis in patients with MM and discuss how the same relationship may or may not exist in HIV-positive patients. Although the strength of the association between thalidomide use and thrombosis in HIV-positive patients being treated for aphthous disease remains unclear, HIV providers should be aware of the potential risk of thrombosis in all patients receiving thalidomide.
Expressed motives in elected Presidents' addresses and rates of personal violence (suicide and homicide) in USA election years.

Winter ( 1987) rated the inaugural addresses of American Presidents for the motives expressed (achievement, affiliation, and power). The present note explored whether the suicide and homicide rates of the USA during the election year were related to the kind of person elected as President (and so indirectly to the motives expressed in his inaugural address). Mortality data for the complete USA were collected only from 1933 on, and so the only inaugural addresses for which data could be used were 1949, 1953, 1961, 1965, 1969, 1977, and 1981. (Winter rated only the speech given at the initial inauguration of a President.) The suicide rate in the election year was significantly associated with the n-ach score given the speech (Pearson r = 0.81, twetailed p < 0.05), but not to n-aff, or n-pow scores (7s = -0.39 and 0.20). Homicide rates were not related to n-ach, n-aff, or n-pow scores (rs = 0.69, -0.50, and -0.06). The fact that the scores for need to achieve expressed in inaugural speeches were associated with the suicide rates in the election year can be seen post hoc as congruent with suicide as a response to failure to achieve, a common motive in modern mieties (Handin, 1964) and one possible explanation for the extraordinarily high suicide rates in professional women (Lester, 1984).
The role of elasticity in supply chain performance

Abstract This paper develops a model that describes the performance of supply chains based on their elasticities of supply and demand. The model can be used to predict a supply chain's ability to respond to supply interruptions, cost increases, and demand shifts, while also quantifying the degree to which it is prone to the bullwhip effect. The bullwhip effect is a behavioral phenomenon by which orders are distorted as they are transmitted through the chain. Four types of supply chains are identified and their distinct operating characters are examined. The impact of rival firms and the impact of a decoupling point on supply chain performance are also examined.
Use of potassium tellurite for rapid-drug susceptibility testing of Mycobacterium avium complex.

Background Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC) is a major cause of infection in immunocompromised patients. MAC possesses an enzyme that reduces potassium tellurite in less than 3 days and results in formation of a black precipitate. The objective of this study was to determine whether reduction of potassium tellurite by mycobacteria can be used as a means of testing the susceptibility of MAC to clarithromycin. Methods Minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) for 104 clinical isolates of MAC were determined by the tellurite method and compared with those tested by a recommended microdilution method. Microdilution breakpoints were used for interpretation of susceptibility. MIC of less than 8 μg/mL was considered as susceptible, and MIC of greater than or equal to 8 μg/mL was resistant. Results There was agreement within a 2-fold dilution between MICs for 89% of isolates. Of the 53 isolates that had discrepant MICs by the two methods, 70% had higher MICs by the tellurite method. When the MICs were classified into interpretive categories, there was 100% agreement by the two methods. The MIC tested by the tellurite method was available within 5 days. Conclusions These data suggest that use of potassium tellurite is a more rapid, reliable, and inexpensive method of testing the susceptibility of MAC to clarithromycin.
5-amino-2'-deoxyuridine, a novel thymidine analogue for high-resolution footprinting of protein-DNA complexes.

5-Amino-2‘-deoxyuridine 5‘-triphosphate, an analogue of deoxythymidine triphosphate, was synthesized and found to be a substrate of Taq DNA polymerase. The DNA-borne analogue underwent selective chemical reaction with permanganate. The use of 5-amino-dU as an interference probe was validated using the Ada protein/ada promoter complex. The performance of 5-amino-dU in interference footprints is similar to that of the previously described analogue 5-hydroxy-dU, but the former is incorporated more readily into DNA during enzymatic polymerization.
Application of a thermal rearrangement reaction to questions of structure of condensed dihydrodiazepinones: Synthesis and characterization of isomeric dihydropyrido[3,4-b] [1,4]diazepinones from 3,4-diaminopyridine and ethyl acetoacetate †

Reaction of ethyl acetoacetate with 3,4-diaminopyridine can theoretically give rise to the iso-meric dihydrodiazepinones 1 and 3. However, only one of these (compound 1) was formed on direct condensation of the reactants in boiling toluene. The preparation of 3 required the synthesis of the pyridylaminocrotonate 2, which cyclized under conditions of base catalysis. When subjected to dry fusion, both diazepine derivatives rearranged to give isomeric isopropenylpyridoimidazol-ones. The structures of these rearranged products were used to characterize the diazepines from which they were derived, according to a technique previously described (20,21). Our results contradict a recent report (17) ascribing structure 3 to the product from 3,4-diaminopyridine and ethyl acetoacetate in boiling xylene.
Elaborating the Communication Theory of Identity: Identity Gaps and Communication Outcomes

The Communication Theory of Identity identifies four frames of identity and their interpenetration. This article articulates identity gaps as a way to study interpenetration and selected two of the gaps, between personal and relational frames and between personal and enacted identities, for the study. A survey was administered and, as hypothesized, significant negative correlations were observed between the identity gaps and three communication outcomes. Possible causal directions were suggested by post hoc analyses. The results support the theory and suggest the utility of identity gaps as a means for understanding the role of identity in social relationships.
Gonococcal arthritis (disseminated gonococcal infection)

Septic arthritis caused by N gonorrhoeae is monoarticular or pauciarticular, and is more commonly associated with positive synovial fluid cultures and negative blood cultures. Gonococcal bacteremia is more likely to be associated with polyarthralgias and skin lesions. The diagnosis of gonococcal arthritis or DGI is also secure if a mucosal gonococcal infection is documented in the presence of a typical clinical syndrome that responds promptly to appropriate antimicrobial therapy. Hospitalization is indicated in patients with suppurative arthritis or when the diagnosis is in doubt. Initial treatment with ceftriaxone or another advanced-generation cephalosporin is warranted until signs and symptoms have improved; continuation of treatment for a total period of therapy of 1 week can be accomplished with a fluoroquinolone.
Prostate Specific Antigen Velocity Risk Count Predicts Biopsy Reclassification for Men with Very Low Risk Prostate Cancer

Purpose: Prostate specific antigen velocity is an unreliable predictor of adverse pathology findings in patients on active surveillance for low risk prostate cancer. However, to our knowledge a new concept called prostate specific antigen velocity risk count, recently validated in a screening cohort, has not been investigated in an active surveillance cohort.Materials and Methods: We evaluated a cohort of men from 1995 to 2012 with prostate cancer on active surveillance. They had stage T1c disease, prostate specific antigen density less than 0.15 ng/ml, Gleason score 6 or less, 2 or fewer biopsy cores and 50% or less involvement of any core with cancer. The men were observed by semiannual prostate specific antigen measurements, digital rectal examinations and an annual surveillance biopsy. Treatment was recommended for biopsy reclassification. Patients with 30 months or greater of followup and 3 serial prostate specific antigen velocity measurements were used in primary analysis by logistic regression, Co...
Toward Highly Oriented Conjugated Polymers for Non-Linear Optics

The promise of conjugated polymers as fast response nonlinear optical materials has been emphasized, since the nonresonant third order nonlinear susceptibilities of these π-electron polymers are among the largest measured in any material. For example, third harmonic generation (THG) experiments have shown that for trans-polyacetylene, χ║(3)(3ω:ωω,ω) = (4± 2) × 10-10 esu, where χ║(3) refers to that component of the third order susceptibility tensor with all indices parallel to the chain direction [1]. The large nonlinear response is anisotropic and arises from the π-electrons of the conjugated polymer. The magnitude and anisotropy are comparable to results obtained from single crystals of polydiacetylene-(toluenesulfonate). Given these large χ║(3) values, it is important to develop methods for fabricating chain-aligned (oriented) conjugated polymer films which have optical quality.
HLA restriction fragment length polymorphisms associated with insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus and the seronegative spondyloarthropathies

A variety of disease states in man have been shown to be associated with genes within the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) of man (Tiwari & Terasaki, 1985). Moreover, the predisposing genes for several diseases appear to be linked to the MHC. For the past several years our laboratory group in collaboration with several colleagues has focused on immunogenetic studies of insulin~dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM) and the seronegative spondyloarthropathies (SNSA).
Rotational vibrational–rotational Raman differential absorption lidar for atmospheric ozone measurements: methodology and experiment

A single-laser Raman differential absorption lidar (DIAL) for ozone measurements in clouds is proposed. An injection-locked XeCl excimer laser serves as the radiation source. The ozone molecule number density is calculated from the differential absorption of the anti-Stokes rotational Raman return signals from molecular nitrogen and oxygen as the on-resonance wavelength and the vibrational–rotational Raman backscattering from molecular nitrogen or oxygen as the off-resonance wavelength. Model calculations show that the main advantage of the new rotational vibrational–rotational (RVR) Raman DIAL over conventional Raman DIAL is a 70–85% reduction in the wavelength-dependent effects of cloud-particle scattering on the measured ozone concentration; furthermore the complexity of the apparatus is reduced substantially. We describe a RVR Raman DIAL setup that uses a narrow-band interference-filter polychromator as the lidar receiver. Single-laser ozone measurements in the troposphere and lower stratosphere are presented, and it is shown that on further improvement of the receiver performance, ozone measurements in clouds are attainable with the filter–polychromator approach.
Kinetic energy conservation issues associated with the collocated mesh scheme for incompressible flow

The collocated-mesh scheme is often favored over the staggered-mesh scheme for turbulence simulation in complex geometries due to its simpler form in curvilinear coordinates. The collocated mesh scheme does not conserve kinetic energy however, and few careful checks of the impact of these errors have been made. In this work, analysis is used to identify two sources of kinetic energy conservation error in the collocated-mesh scheme: (1) errors arising from the interpolations used to estimate the velocity on the cell faces, and (2) errors associated with the slightly inconsistent pressure field used to ensure mass conservation for the cell face volume fluxes. It is shown that the interpolation error can be eliminated through the use of first-order accurate centered interpolation operators with mesh-independent weights. The pressure error appears to be intrinsic to the scheme and it is shown to scale as O(Δt2Δx2). The effects of the conservation errors are investigated numerically through simulations of inviscid flow over an airfoil and in large eddy simulations of turbulent channel flow. Neither the interpolation error nor the pressure error appear to lead to significant problems in the channel flow simulations where viscous dissipation is present and where the Cartesian mesh is stretched in only one direction. The inviscid airfoil simulations performed on a curvilinear mesh show a much greater sensitivity to the interpolation error. The standard second-order centered interpolation is shown to lead to severe numerical oscillations, while the kinetic energy-conserving first-order centered interpolation produces solutions that are almost as smooth as those obtained with a third-order upwind interpolation. When compared in channel flow simulations, however, the first-order centered interpolation is shown to be far superior to the third-order upwind interpolation, the latter being adversely affected by numerical dissipation. Only slight differences were noted when comparing channel flow simulations using first-order and second-order centered interpolations. These results suggest that numerical oscillations can be controlled in curvilinear coordinates through the use of properly-constructed non-dissipative centered interpolations.
High temperature gas chromatography – atomic emission detection of metalloporphyrins in crude oils

High temperature gas chromatography-atomic emission spectroscopy is used for the detection of vanadyl, nickel, and iron porphyrins in crude oils. The operational variables are investigated with regard to the effects on performance in high temperature GC-AED. Under optimal conditions, the method provides charactersitic metal distributions for oils from different sources. The method is also advantageous in the study of decomposition of petroleum metal species. Several crude oils were analyzed for the content of the distillable metals in comparison with total metals as determined by a direct spectroscopic method.
Contribution of the Purkinje network to wave propagation in the canine ventricle: insights from a combined electrophysiological-anatomical model

The heart includes a specialized conduction system that ensures the necessary activation sequence and timing of the ventricles to produce an effective contraction. The role of this system, called the Purkinje network, during ventricular tachyarrhythmias remains unclear. To understand how the Purkinje network interacts with ventricular muscle, we develop the first combined electrophysiology-structural model of the canine Purkinje network based on microelectrode recordings and a digitized reconstruction of the Purkinje system. For the Purkinje electrophysiology model, we construct a new model of canine Purkinje electrophysiology based on action potentials recorded from canine tissue and designed to reproduce the important phenomenon of alternans. In addition, we use digital photographs of canine ventricular endocardium stained with Lugol’s solution to develop a structural model of the Purkinje network. We combine these electrophysiological and anatomical models of the Purkinje system with a model of canine ventricular electrophysiology to study how the Purkinje network can interact with the ventricular muscle during arrhythmias. Using our combined model, we find that two different results can occur: The long-range connections provided by the Purkinje network can depolarize the tissue more quickly, thereby promoting arrhythmia termination, but if termination does not occur, the Purkinje system can increase the dispersion of refractoriness in the tissue, thereby sustaining the arrhythmia. The different behaviors result from the two competing effects contributed by the Purkinje network: effective reduction in tissue size and increased spatial heterogeneity.
Pyramids: an efficient computational geometry-based approach for timing-driven placement

The purpose of global placement is to find non-overlapping locations for cells, typically while minimizing a wirelength objective. Because of this objective, however, when more timing information about the design is known, some cells will inevitably be sub-optimally placed from a timing perspective. In this paper, we present two new techniques to incrementally improve placements by moving cells to their optimal timing locations. We call our approach Pyramids, since it uses pyramid-shaped delay surfaces to solve for the optimal location, rather than running a more expensive linear programming solver. We show how to apply these techniques to timing-driven detailed placement and also for more accurate late-stage incremental timing correction. Experimental results validate the effectiveness of Pyramids by showing significantly improved timing after an industrial placement algorithm. Furthermore, compared to the linear programming solvers, the speedup of Pyramids solver is 373times vs. CLP and 448times vs. GLPK.
Other transgenic mutation assays: Tissue specificity of spontaneous point mutations in λsupF transgenic mice

Transgenic mice carrying multiple copies of a recoverable λ phage shuttle vector carrying the supF mutation reporter gene (λsupF) were constructed for the purpose of studying mutagenesis in a whole animal. Spontaneous mutations in rescued supF target genes from mouse liver and skin were analyzed. The mutation frequency was similar in both tissues (in the range of 2 x 10 -5 ), but the spectrum of point mutations was distinct, with transitions common in the skin and transversions more prominent in the liver (P = 0.01). These results may help to elucidate pathways of endogenous mutagenesis in vivo, and they illustrate potentially important tissue-specific differences in genetic instability.
Model analysis of plant traits leading to prolonged crop survival during severe drought.

Abstract Plant survival of severe drought may be especially important in long-life crops such as pastures and rangelands, which might be subjected to prolonged water deficit at some time during their life cycles. While a number of plant traits have been discussed as being beneficial in increasing drought survival, there is virtually no quantitative evidence concerning the relative merits of these traits. This analysis was undertaken with a relatively simple model of plant water balance to calculate the duration of crop survival during exposure to severe water deficits. A low leaf epidermal conductance was an essential factor in prolonging plant survival under drought. The benefit of low epidermal conductance was greatest at a value of 0.10 mm s−1, which is less than has been typically reported for annual field crop species. Investigation of the variation and inheritance of epidermal conductance in crops that may be subjected to survival-threatening drought were identified as prime topics for future research. Once a low epidermal conductance has been achieved, additional increases in prolonging plant survival of severe drought can be obtained as a result of leaf shedding and a low lethal relative water content for leaves.
Predilections for narrative outcomes: The impact of story contexts and reader preferences

As readers experience narratives, they have ample opportunities to generate expectations about likely outcomes. We suggest that past research on such expectations has ignored the extent to which readers bring their own preferences to bear on those outcomes. In four experiments, we demonstrate that reader preferences can influence expectations for future narrative events. In Experiments 1 and 2, readers made explicit judgments about the likelihood of narrative outcomes. They tended to agree with outcomes consistent with prior story contexts but also consistent with preferences. In Experiments 3 and 4, we provide converging evidence for these effects by analyzing reading times for outcomes. Participants were slower to read outcomes inconsistent with prior story contexts and preferences. Our results suggest that theories of narrative comprehension must include some notion of reader wishes and desires to adequately describe the types of outcome expectations readers use during narrative experiences.
Microstructural extremes and the transition from fatigue crack initiation to small crack growth in a polycrystalline nickel-base superalloy

Abstract The fatigue behavior of the nickel-base superalloy Rene 88 DT has been investigated at room temperature with fully reversed loading in an ultrasonic fatigue apparatus operating at a frequency close to 20 kHz. A characterization protocol based on the electron backscatter diffraction technique has been developed to identify the combination of microstructural features within crack initiation sites and surrounding neighborhoods that leads to the transition from initiation to early small crack growth. Surface grains that were more than three times the average grain size, that were favorably oriented for cyclic slip localization and that also contained Σ3 twin boundaries inclined to the loading axis were most favorable for fatigue crack initiation. Fatigue cracks subsequently grew in grain clusters within which grains are misoriented by less than 20° relative to the initiation grains. More highly misoriented neighboring grains resulted in crack arrest. The material characteristics that promote crack initiation and small crack growth exist only at the extreme tails of the microstructural distributions. The implications for modeling of fatigue life and fatigue life variability are discussed.
The effects of age and prestimulus duration upon reflex inhibition.

Reflex inhibition was investigated in young and elderly subjects as a function of prestimulus duration. In Experiment 1, tone prestimuli of 20 and 200 msec duration were presented at ISIs of 60, 120, 240, and 420 msec before the reflex-eliciting, periorbital airpuff. Both age groups evidenced more eyeblink inhibition with the longer prestimulus. The heart rate response was primarily decelerative in both age groups. In young subjects, the initial deceleration was augmented by the prestimulus, particularly for the 200-msec prestimulus, whereas the elderly heart rate response was unaffected. In Experiment 2, a gap in a continuous tone served as the prestimulus. In both young and elderly subjects, eyeblink inhibition increased as gap duration increased from 10 to 80 msec. The longest gap (120 msec) produced the most inhibition in the elderly, while inhibition decreased somewhat in young subjects between the 80 and 120 msec gaps. Heart rate was not affected by the gap prestimuli in either group. It was proposed that reflex inhibition is, in part, a function of the onset and offset transients of the prestimulus. As prestimulus duration is increased and, consequently, the two transients become more separated in time, their effects upon the reflex may become progressively more independent. The discrepancy between the PS effects upon eyeblink and HR in the elderly is probably due to a decline in HR response plasticity rather than central nervous system processes involved in reflex inhibition.
Design-for-reusability in VHDL

The reuse of electronic components can improve productivity in system design. However, without careful planning, components are rarely designed for reuse. Hardware description languages are commonly used to construct from simple hardware to complex ones. HDLs allow the creation of reusable models, but the reusability of a design does not come with language features alone. It requires design disciplines to reach an efficient reusable design. Reusability issues and design methodologies to achieve design-for-reusability (DFR) are presented. Results of measuring the reusability of ten VHDL applications, based on the proposed reusable models, are summarised. This research allows us to gain an insight into DFR.
Short cytoplasmic sequences serve as retention signals for transmembrane proteins in the endoplasmic reticulum

The adenoviral transmembrane E3/19K glycoprotein is a resident of the endoplasmic reticulum. Here we show that the last six amino acid residues of the 15-membered cytoplasmic tail are necessary and sufficient for the ER retention. These residues can be transplanted onto the cytoplasmic tail of other membrane-bound proteins such that ER residency is conferred. Deletion analysis demonstrated that no single amino acid residue is responsible for the retention. The identified structural motif must occupy the extreme COOH-terminal position to be functional. An endogenous transmembrane ER protein, UDP-glucuronosyltransferase, also contains a retention signal in its cytoplasmic tail. We suggest that short linear sequences occupying the extreme COOH-terminal position of transmembrane ER proteins serve as retention signals.
Infants of depressed mothers facing a mirror versus their mother

Abstract Behavioral responses were assessed in 3–6-month-old infants of depressed mothers placed face-to-face in front of a mirror versus in front of their mother. Infants showed more positive behavior (smiling) with their mothers versus the mirror but also showed more negative behavior (gaze aversion, distress brow and crying) during the mother condition. These differences highlight the infants’ greater affective responses (both positive and negative) to their mother versus the mirror. Equivalent amounts of vocalizing to the mother and mirror suggested that the mirror does elicit social behavior, with the infants perhaps enjoying watching themselves talk. Group differences suggested that the infants of depressed mothers showed less gaze aversion with their mothers, perhaps because their mothers were less interactive. When in front of the mirror, they vocalized more and gaze averted less than the infants of nondepressed mothers, suggesting that the mirror was particularly effective in eliciting vocalizations in infants of depressed mothers.