cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Adenovirus Regulates Sumoylation of Mre11-Rad50-Nbs1 Components through a Paralog-Specific Mechanism

The Mre11-Rad50-Nbs1 (MRN) complex plays a key role in the DNA damage response, presenting challenges for DNA viruses and retroviruses. To inactivate this complex, adenovirus (Ad) makes use of the E1B-55K and E4-open reading frame 6 (ORF6) proteins for ubiquitin (Ub)-mediated, proteasome-dependent degradation of MRN and the E4-ORF3 protein for relocalization and sequestration of MRN within infected-cell nuclei. Here, we report that Mre11 is modified by the Ub-related modifier SUMO-2 and Nbs1 is modified by both SUMO-1 and SUMO-2. We found that Mre11 and Nbs1 are sumoylated during Ad5 infection and that the E4-ORF3 protein is necessary and sufficient to induce SUMO conjugation. Relocalization of Mre11 and Nbs1 into E4-ORF3 nuclear tracks is required for this modification to occur. E4-ORF3-mediated SUMO-1 conjugation to Nbs1 and SUMO-2 conjugation to Mre11 and Nbs1 are transient during wild-type Ad type 5 (Ad5) infection. In contrast, SUMO-1 conjugation to Nbs1 is stable in cells infected with E1B-55K or E4-ORF6 mutant viruses, suggesting that Ad regulates paralog-specific desumoylation of Nbs1. Inhibition of viral DNA replication blocks deconjugation of SUMO-2 from Mre11 and Nbs1, indicating that a late-phase process is involved in Mre11 and Nbs1 desumoylation. Our results provide direct evidence of Mre11 and Nbs1 sumoylation induced by the Ad5 E4-ORF3 protein and an important example showing that modification of a single substrate by both SUMO-1 and SUMO-2 is regulated through distinct mechanisms. Our findings suggest how E4-ORF3-mediated relocalization of the MRN complex influences the cellular DNA damage response.
Augmented efficacy of external CPR by intermittent occlusion of the ascending aorta.

BACKGROUND After prolonged cardiac arrest, conventional methods of closed-chest cardiac compression are ineffective. This is primarily because of failure to generate minimal threshold levels of coronary perfusion pressure for cardiac resuscitation. This report introduces a new option for cardiac resuscitation by use of a combination of intermittent ascending aortic balloon occlusion, aortic infusion, and precordial compression to increase the pressure gradient for coronary perfusion. METHODS AND RESULTS Twenty anesthetized, mechanically ventilated, normovolemic domestic pigs were investigated. A 10F balloon catheter was advanced from the left femoral artery into the ascending aorta. Ventricular fibrillation was induced with an AC current delivered through an electrode catheter advanced into the right ventricle. Precordial compression was initiated after 7 minutes of untreated ventricular fibrillation. The animals were randomized to one of four groups: (1) balloon occlusion with proximal infusion of oxygenated saline, (2) balloon occlusion alone, (3) proximal aortic infusion together with epinephrine without balloon occlusion, and (4) injection of epinephrine without balloon occlusion or proximal infusion. For balloon occlusion, the balloon was inflated for 30 seconds during each minute of cardiopulmonary resuscitation. In the subsets of animals that received infusions, oxygenated saline (30 mL) was injected into the proximal aorta immediately after balloon occlusion. Epinephrine was used in two subsets: It was injected as a bolus in amounts of 30 micrograms/kg into the right atrium at 30 seconds after start of precordial compression and repeated as required to maintain coronary perfusion pressure within the range of 25 to 30 mm Hg. Defibrillation was attempted at 1 minute after start of precordial compression and at 1-minute intervals thereafter. Resuscitation attempts were continued until there was return of spontaneous circulation or for a total of 30 minutes after start of precordial compression. Coronary perfusion pressure generated by precordial compression was significantly increased after balloon occlusion. Each of 10 animals was successfully resuscitated and survived for 48 hours after balloon occlusion whether or not it was combined with infusion. Three of five animals were resuscitated by a combination of infusion and epinephrine in the absence of aortic occlusion, but none survived for 48 hours (P = .02). Only one epinephrine-treated animal was successfully resuscitated and survived for 48 hours in the absence of balloon occlusion or infusion (P < .05). CONCLUSIONS Ascending aortic balloon occlusion with or without proximal aortic infusion strikingly increased resuscitability and 48-hour survival after cardiac arrest under conditions when conventional methods failed.
On the least squares fit by radial functions to multidimensional scattered data

This paper investigates some aspects of discrete least squares approximation by translates of certain classes of radial functions. Its specific aims are (i) to provide conditions under which the associated least squares matrix is invertible and (ii) to give upper bounds for the Euclidean norms of the inverses of these matrices (when they exist).
Governance and Growth: Lessons from the Asian Economic Crisis

The East Asian financial crisis of 1997-98 has provoked yet another round of controversy on the institutional foundations of the region’s growth. This article provides some flavour of this new work by examining three factors that impinge on economic policy and performance: the role of political regime type; the structure of business-government relations; and the design of government agencies. Institutional weaknesses contributed to the onset of the Asian financial crisis.
Thermal degradation and spontaneous ignition of paper sheets in air by irradiation

The temperature and surface-density histories of a radiantly heated thermally thin filter-paper sheet held freely in air were measured in order to study the dynamics of the ignition of paper. Analyses of these histories indicate that the chemically complex degradation reactions can be approximately represented for fire dynamics purposes by two competitive first-order reactions with Arrhenius kinetics as observed by Tang [3]. One of these reactions with a preexponential factor 5.9 × 10 6 sec −1 and an activation energy 26 kcal/gm-mole is dominant at less than about 655°K. At higher temperatures, the other reaction with a preexponential factor 1.9 × 10 16 sec −1 and an activation cnergy 54 kcal/gm-mole is dominant. The heat-transfer rates to and from the test sheet were measured in order to estimate the energetics of the reactions. The data were insensitive to the small heat of the low-temperature reaction. Assuming this heat to be −88 cal/g (endothermic), based on DTA measurements of Tang and Neill [8], the heat of the high-temperature reaction is estimated to be about 444 cal/g (exothermic). An approximate formula is developed to predict the spontaneous ignition of a thermally thin sheet under known heating and cooling conditions, provided the Arrhenius kinetics and the heat of a first-order reaction in the sheet are known. Using the measured kinetics and heat of the high-temperature reaction in this formula, the results are compared with the measured data as well as with Martin's [9] ignition data.
Aqueous h2o2 production from o3 in glass impingers

Abstract The aqueous generation of H2O2 from bubbling ozonized air through water in glass impingers is investigated. O3 loss is monitored throughout each experiment. Aqueous H2O2 is measured at the end of each experiment. The mole quantities of O3 lost (ΔO3) and H2O2 formed (ΔH2O2) are calculated. There is a stoichiometric relationship between ΔO3 and ΔH2O2 which is independent of bubbling time, solution acidity and initial O3 concentration but is dependent upon the liquid water content of each impinger. For 10 ml of water in each impinger, the AO3 to ΔH2O2 mole ratio is between 2:1 and 3:1 and for 20 ml is between 1:1 and 1:2. Increasing the solution acidity increases the rates of O3 loss and H2O2 generation. This result contradicts mechanisms in which a O3 + HO− reaction is used to initiate radical formation and H2O2 production. These results are interpreted through a combination of glass surface chemistry and bulk aqueous chemistry. The O3-H2O2 impinger mechanisms involve O3 adsorption and/or reaction on the impinger surface and its surface products subsequent reaction with water or trace impurities in the water. Experiments using tetrafluorethylene (TFE) impingers in place of glass impingers are conducted to examine the role of surface chemistry. The TFE impingers are found to substantially increase ΔO3 and ΔH2O2 without changing their mole ratio. This is attributed to an enhanced O3-H2O surface chemistry or O3 reaction with unsaturated Teflon linkages or impurities in the Teflon from machining.
An aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) homologue from the soft-shell clam, Mya arenaria: evidence that invertebrate AHR homologues lack 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin and β-naphthoflavone binding

The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) mediates numerous toxic effects following exposure of vertebrate animals to certain aromatic environmental contaminants, including 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD). To investigate possible effects of TCDD on invertebrates, a cDNA encoding an AHR homologue was cloned from the soft-shell clam, Mya arenaria. The predicted amino acid sequence contains regions characteristic of vertebrate AHRs: basic helix-loop-helix (bHLH) and PER-ARNT-SIM (PAS) domains and a glutamine-rich region. Phylogenetic analysis shows that the clam AHR sequence groups within the AHR subfamily of the bHLH-PAS family, in a clade containing AHR homologues from Drosophila melanogaster and Caenorhabditis elegans. AHR mRNA expression was detected in all tissue types tested: adductor muscle, digestive gland, foot, gill, gonad, mantle, and siphon. The in vitro-expressed clam AHR exhibited sequence-specific interactions with a mammalian xenobiotic response element (XRE). Velocity sedimentation analysis using either in vitro-expressed clam AHR or clam cytosolic proteins showed that this AHR homologue binds neither [(3)H]TCDD nor [(3)H]beta-naphthoflavone (BNF). Similarly, in vitro-expressed D. melanogaster and C. elegans AHR homologues lacked specific binding of these compounds. Thus, the absence of specific, high-affinity binding of the prototypical AHR ligands TCDD and BNF, is a property shared by known invertebrate AHR homologues, distinguishing them from vertebrate AHRs. Comparative studies of phylogenetically diverse organisms may help identify an endogenous ligand(s) and the physiological role(s) for this protein.
Cross-Education Strength and Activation After Eccentric Exercise

Context: After injury, eccentric exercise of the injured limb is often contraindicated. Cross-education training, whereby the uninvolved limb is exercised, is an alternative that may improve quadri...
A Different Sort of Contextualism

A number of virtue epistemologists endorse the following thesis: Knowledge is true belief resulting from intellectual virtue, where S’s true belief results from intellectual virtue just in case S believes the truth because S is intellectually virtuous. This thesis commits one to a sort of contextualism about knowledge attributions. This is because, in general, sentences of the form “X occurred because Y occurred” require a contextualist treatment. This sort of contextualism is contrasted with more familiar versions. It is argued that the position: (a) yields a better solution to the lottery problem, and (b) may be grounded in a more general theory of virtue and credit.
Synthesis of Cyclolinear Poly(carbosilane)-g-poly(methyl methacrylate or styrene) Random Copolymers

The cyclolinear polycarbosilane, (poly(1-hexyl-1,3-ditolyl-1,3-disilacyclobutane) poly(HDTDSCB)), which has tolyl groups attached to the main chain Si atoms, was prepared by ADMET polymerization with the second-generation Grubbs catalyst, and 10%, 5%, and 2% of the tolyl groups were brominated by reactions with N-bromosuccinimide. A series of well-controlled poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) anions of 2.5K, 5K, and 10K molecular weight were introduced via the “grafting onto” strategy at low temperature to the randomly 10%, 5%, and 2% brominated poly(HDTDSCB), respectively, without any lithiation or ring opening of the disilacyclobutane in the main chain. Because of side reactions initiated by the PS anion under similar conditions, a “grafting from” strategy by ATRP was employed to yield the corresponding poly(HDTDSCB)-g-PS random copolymers. The product poly(HDTDSCB)-g-(PMMA or PS) random copolymers were purified by using total adsorption−desorption interaction chromatography, which involves selective adso...
Formation Sand Liquefaction: A Mechanism for Explaining Fines Migration and Well Sanding

To understand the basic relationship between the rising water-cut, well sanding, and migration of fines, the author’s work led him to examine the mechanism of well sanding due to sand liquefaction in cases where the storm chokes in offshore wells were activated and when the production platform separator lines froze due to sudden cold weather. The author found that as the original water-oil contact plane rose above the original plane of contact, it caused a drastic change in water saturation and relative permeability. We show the increased water saturation decreases the resistance of the formation to stress by as much as 50%. This is one of the causes of sand liquefaction at or near the perforation cavities. The parameters affecting the process most are the fine-particle buoyancy, changes in the effective stress and the bulk density of the sand, the pore pressure buildup and changes in porosity near the perforation cavities, the induced transient shear stress resulting from the water-hammer total pressure wave, and the lack of adequate cohesive cement or interlocking contacts between the grains of the unconsolidated sand. The simple model calculations pointed to the conclusion that if the grains of the unconsolidated sand or the fine particles accelerated above the threshold limit of 0.19000g, the chances for fines migration and sand liquefaction were high. Furthermore, if, at the free face of the washed-out perf tunnels or the cavernous cavities of the unconsolidated sand, the total pressure wave magnitude exceeded the shear resistance of the sand, then sand liquefaction was certain to occur. The obvious outcome of this process is nothing but serious formation damage. Based on his models, the author’s recommendation for alleviating this type of damage, includes but is not limited to selective perforation, oriented perforation, gravel packing, frac packing, filter packing, trajectory planning for well reentries, and controlled drawdown.
Action control as a vulnerability factor in dysphoria

Kuhl (1984) recently has advanced a theoretical account of metacognitive processes which allow one to exert a measure of “voluntary” control over one's emotions and cognitions and which assist in the translation of intentions into actions. Central to the theory is the idea that individual differences have an important impact on the ability to exert such controls. It also has been hypothesized (Kuhl, 1984) that persons who are lower in control resources (“state-oriented” persons) are more vulnerable to depression. The present research tested this hypothesis and provides support for it. The results show that state-oriented persons are more likely to be dysphoric and that stressful life events have a more adverse impact on state-oriented persons. The results also show that future levels of dysphoria can be predicted by current level of state orientation.
The taxonomy of Pilayella littoralis (L.) Kjellm. (Phaeophyta, Ectocarpales) in the British Isles, a numerical approach

The taxonomy of Pilayella littoralis (L.) Kjellm. is confused due to the extreme variability of the species. A numerical taxonomic study has been carried out using computer clustering techniques on...
An Energy-Based Stochastic Model for Wireless Sensor Networks

We propose an energy-based stochastic model of wireless sensor networks (WSNs) where each sensor node is randomly and alternatively in an active and a sleep mode. We first investigate the sensor model and derive the formula of the steady-state probability when there are a number of data packets in different sensor modes. We then determine important sensor’s performance measures in terms of energy consumptions, average data delay and throughput. The novelty of this paper is in its development of a stochastic model in WSN with active/sleep feature and the explicit results obtained for above mentioned energy consumption and performance characteristics. These results are expected to be useful as the fundamental results in the theoretical analysis and design of various hybrid WSNs with power mode consideration.
Nitric Oxide Synthesis Inhibition Blocks Reversal of Two-Kidney, One Clip Renovascular Hypertension After Unclipping

It is well established that two-kidney, one clip renovascular hypertension can be rapidly reversed by unclipping. We hypothesized that rapid renal reperfusion and the subsequent fall in blood pressure are mediated in part by nitric oxide, the endothelium-derived relaxing factor. We tested whether the hypotensive response to unclipping could be blocked by nitric oxide synthesis inhibition using a bolus of 10 mg/kg body wt N omega-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester. Rats were made hypertensive by placing a silver clip on the left renal artery. After 4 weeks, they were anesthetized and either not treated (controls) or had nitric oxide synthesis blockade. After 10 minutes, the clip was removed and blood pressure monitored over 60 minutes. Initial pressure in controls was 157 +/- 8 mm Hg, and heart rate was 310 +/- 21 beats per minute. Unclipping resulted in pressure falling to 125 +/- 6 mm Hg within 45 minutes (P < .005). Heart rate was unchanged (312 +/- 9 beats per minute). In contrast, nitric oxide synthesis inhibition increased blood pressure from 149 +/- 6 to 174 +/- 9 mm Hg (P < .001). Unclipping did not change blood pressure, which was 167 +/- 8 mm Hg after 60 minutes (P < .005 versus controls), and heart rate remained unchanged (282 +/- 13 versus 276 +/- 16 beats per minute). We determined the blood flow to the clipped kidneys using radioactive microspheres. Unclipping untreated hypertensive rats resulted in a 10-fold increase in renal blood flow (P < .001), concomitant with a decrease in blood pressure.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Dual S-100-AE1/3 Immunohistochemistry to Detect Perineural Invasion in Nonmelanoma Skin Cancers

Background. Perineural invasion (PNI) is an adverse prognostic histologic finding and increases the risk of local recurrence and metastasis. Objective. We aimed to determine if dual immunohistochemical (IHC) staining with S-100 and AE1/3 would increase the detection of PNI on nonmelanoma skin cancers (NMSCs). Methods. We collected 45 specimens of NMSCs in which there was clinical suspicion for PNI. Two dermatopathologists independently reviewed the tumors for the unequivocal presence of PNI. Results. Unequivocal PNI was present on 10 of the 45 tumors by H&E staining and on 15 of the 45 tumors by IHC staining. Large nerves (>0.1 mm) were involved in 3 of 10 H&E-stained cases and 3 of 15 IHC-stained cases, with 2 of the 4 cases demonstrating large nerve involvement with both staining methods. Of the 8 cases of PNI detected only on IHC, 7 were small nerves (≤0.1 mm). Limitations. All cases were selected because they were clinically suspicious for PNI, and this may be considered selection bias. Conclusions. PNI detection may be increased using dual S-100 and AE1/3 staining, but the majority of additional cases detected were small nerves. The clinical significance, given the small size of the involved nerves, is unclear.
A MULTIDIMENSIONAL METHODOLOGY FOR EVALUATING PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION SERVICES

Abstract The conceptual and methodological bases of evaluating public transportation services are examined. Multiple measures of transit performance, including efficiency and effectiveness measures, service area characteristics and planning and design criteria, are proposed and tested against data gathered from 56 American transit agencies. The analysis supports a multidimensional conceptualization of performance that looks comprehensively at the entire span of evaluation including the context, process and outcome of the evaluation. The analysis also shows that in addition to achieving efficiency and effectiveness, transit performance could also lead to improvement in data utilization, and agency capabilities and public image. Furthermore, the outcome of performance analysis is more significantly affected by the use of standards and techniques, service area criteria and planning and design criteria, which contributed 85% of the explained variance. Operating criteria which have dominated current data collection efforts contributed 9.2%. It is recommended that service performance evaluation research be redirected toward the development of a multidimensional methodology that incorporates service design and toward the development of a multidimensional methodology that incorporates service design and area factors that influence the productivity and demand for transit.
Precipitation of bcc nanocrystals in bulk Mg–Cu–Y amorphous alloys

Coexistent amorphous and nanoscale bcc-Mg7Li3 phases were found in slowly quenched alloys of the Mg65–xLixCu25Y10 system containing 3 to 15 at.% Li. The crystallization behavior of these alloys has been studied. The grain size of the nanocrystalline bcc phase which is formed ranges from 2 to 20 nm. The volume fraction of nanocrystalline phases as well as the grain size of the nanocrystals increase as the Li composition increases. Transmission electron microscopy studies suggest that the alloy exhibits phase separation in the undercooled liquid state and that the nucleation and growth of the bcc-nanocrystals is related to the phase separation. Some characteristic thermal properties of the glassy phase are presented, and the composition dependence of Tg and Tx is discussed. It is concluded that the addition of a small amount of Li is essential for the production of a bcc nanocrystalline phase in the Mg–Li–Cu–Y system.
Role of B19′ martensite deformation in stabilizing two-way shape memory behavior in NiTi

Deformation of a B19′ martensitic, polycrystalline Ni49.9Ti50.1 (at. %) shape memory alloy and its influence on the magnitude and stability of the ensuing two-way shape memory effect (TWSME) was investigated by combined ex situ mechanical experimentation and in situ neutron diffraction measurements at stress and temperature. The microstructural changes (texture, lattice strains, and phase fractions) during room-temperature deformation and subsequent thermal cycling were captured and compared to the bulk macroscopic response of the alloy. With increasing uniaxial strain, it was observed that B19′ martensite deformed by reorientation and detwinning with preferred selection of the (1¯50)M and (010)M variants, (201¯)B19′ deformation twinning, and dislocation activity. These mechanisms were indicated by changes in bulk texture from the neutron diffraction measurements. Partial reversibility of the reoriented variants and deformation twins was also captured upon load removal and thermal cycling, which after iso...
Locating agreement in grammar: an argument from agreement in conjunctions

In Hindi-Urdu, T(ense) can agree with non-overtly case-marked subjects or objects. Despite being controlled by the same head and being sensitive to the same morphological properties of the agreement target, agreement inside conjunction structures reveals differences between subjects and objects: agreement with objects is sensitive to linear proximity, while agreement with subjects is not. This difference shows itself in two sets of conjunction structures: agreement with conjoined subjects and objects, and agreement in Right Node Raising. This difference between agreement with co-ordinated subjects and objects is addressed in terms of two questions: why does object agreement not access the same features as subject agreement, and how does it access the features of the closest NP in the coordinated object. We argue that the answers to these questions show that agreement is largely syntactic, but that post-syntactic processes can be recruited for agreement when syntactic processes have failed to value agreement in the syntax. The inaccessibility of certain features to agreement with objects follows from Bhatt’s (2005) proposal that agreement with subjects assigns case, but agreement with objects is agreement with an already case-licensed argument. While T-agreement can access the ϕ-features of subjects, case assignment to the object prior to T-agreement deactivates the object’s ϕ-features so that T can match their features but is not valued by them. Post-syntactic processes use the matching relation between T and the inactive features of objects to retrieve values for T. This process is sensitive to linear proximity.
Interleukin-13 fusion cytotoxin arrests Schistosoma mansoni egg-induced pulmonary granuloma formation in mice.

Schistosoma mansoni egg-induced lung pathology requires the actions of interleukin (IL)-4 and IL-13. Because receptors for IL-4 and IL-13 share chains, we examined the effect of a fusion protein comprised of IL-13 and Pseudomonas exotoxin (IL13-PE) on the development of pulmonary granulomas in mice. At day 8 after an intravenous injection of live S. mansoni eggs, whole lung samples from IL13-PE-treated mice exhibited significantly lower IL-4 and IL-13 gene expression, smaller granulomas, decreased collagen levels, and increased IL-13 receptor α2 gene expression compared to controls. The therapeutic effects of IL13-PE were also observed at day 16 despite the termination of IL13-PE treatment at day 8. These studies demonstrate that targeting IL-4- and IL-13- responsive cells with IL13-PE effectively arrests S. mansoni egg granuloma formation.
Abstract IA22: Causes and consequences of cancer-associated thrombocytosis

Platelets represent one of the largest storage pools of angiogenic and oncogenic growth factors in the human body. The observation that thrombocytosis (platelet count >450,000/μL) occurs in patients with solid malignancies was made over 100 years ago. However, mechanisms of paraneoplastic thrombocytosis and the role that platelets play in abetting cancer growth are unclear. We have used clinical data coupled with sophisticated mouse models to identify the mechanisms and biological implications of paraneoplastic thrombocytosis. Thrombocytosis was significantly associated with advanced disease and shortened survival. Plasma levels of thrombopoietin and interleukin-6 were significantly elevated in patients who had thrombocytosis as compared with those who did not. In mouse models, increased hepatic thrombopoietin synthesis in response to tumor-derived interleukin-6 was an underlying mechanism of paraneoplastic thrombocytosis. Tumor-derived interleukin-6 and hepatic thrombopoietin were also linked to thrombocytosis in patients. Silencing thrombopoietin and interleukin-6 abrogated thrombocytosis in tumor-bearing mice. Anti–interleukin-6 antibody treatment significantly reduced platelet counts in tumor-bearing mice and in patients with epithelial ovarian cancer. In addition, neutralizing interleukin-6 significantly enhanced the therapeutic efficacy of paclitaxel in mouse models of epithelial ovarian cancer. The use of an antiplatelet antibody to halve platelet counts in tumor-bearing mice significantly reduced tumor growth and angiogenesis. Biologically, platelets were detected within the tumor microenvironment and affected tumor growth and response to chemotherapeutic agents. These findings support the existence of a paracrine circuit wherein increased production of thrombopoietic cytokines in tumor and host tissue leads to paraneoplastic thrombocytosis, which fuels tumor growth. Blocking the stimulatory effects of platelets may have implications for new therapeutic approaches. Citation Format: Anil K. Sood, Rebecca L. Stone, Vahid Afshar-Kharghan. Causes and consequences of cancer-associated thrombocytosis. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Special Conference on Advances in Ovarian Cancer Research: From Concept to Clinic; Sep 18-21, 2013; Miami, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Clin Cancer Res 2013;19(19 Suppl):Abstract nr IA22.
A Case Exemplifying the Forward Edge: With Commentary by Marian Tolpin

The following article is a case study that Marian Tolpin thought of as a dramatic illustration of her ideas about the concept of the forward edge. It presents a young female patient who entered analysis in a fragmented state and was unable to make use of her good native endowment to lead a successful life. Marian frequently discussed this case, pointing out how pivotal moments in Colleen's analysis demonstrate her main point: that clinical momentum and significant intrapsychic change depend on two forms of transference to the analyst. Some scenes from this analysis demonstrate the back-and-forth between these transferences: one revives the “trailing edge” of development in a “new edition” of the childhood illness; and the other, only recently recognized, revives the “forward edge of development in a “new edition” of remaining childhood health. In this article I will talk about Colleen's analysis and intersperse Marian's comments. El siguiente articulo es el estudio de un caso que Marian Tolpin considero u...
Kinetics of intramolecular electron transfer in cytochrome bo3 from Escherichia coli

We have examined the temperature dependence of the intramolecular electron transfer (ET) between heme b and heme o3 in CO-mixed valence cytochrome bo3 (Cbo) from Escherichia coli. Upon photolysis of CO-mixed valence Cbo rapid ET occurs between heme o3 and heme b with a rate constant of 2.2 × 105 s−1 at room temperature. The corresponding rate of CO recombination is found to be 86 s−1. From Eyring plots the activation energies for these two processes are found to be 3.4 kcal/mol and 6.7 kcal/mol for the ligand binding and ET reactions, respectively. Using variants of the Marcus equation the reorganization energy (λ), electronic coupling factor (HAB), and the ET distance were found to be 1.4 ± 0.2 eV, (2 ± 1) × 10−3 eV, and 9 ± 1 A, respectively. These values are quite distinct from the analogous values previously obtained for bovine heart cytochrome c oxidase (CcO) (0.76 eV, 9.9 × 10−5 eV, 13.2 A). The differences in mechanisms/pathways for heme b/heme o3 and heme a/heme a3 ET suggested by the Marcus parameters can be attributed to structural changes at the CuB site upon change in oxidation state as well as differences in electronic coupling pathways between Heme b and heme o3.
Optical detection of rate-determining ion-modulated conformational changes of the ether-à-go-go K+ channel voltage sensor.

In voltage-dependent ether-a-go-go (eag) K+ channels, the process of activation is modulated by Mg2+ and other divalent cations, which bind to a site in the voltage sensor and slow channel opening. Previous analysis of eag ionic and gating currents indicated that Mg2+ has a much larger effect on ionic than gating current kinetics. From this, we hypothesized that ion binding modulates voltage sensor conformational changes that are poorly represented in gating current recordings. We have now tested this proposal by using a combined electrophysiological and optical approach. We find that a fluorescent probe attached near S4 in the voltage sensor reports on two phases of the activation process. One component of the optical signal corresponds to the main charge-moving conformational changes of the voltage sensor. This is the phase of activation that is well represented in gating current recordings. Another component of the optical signal reflects voltage sensor conformational changes that occur at more hyperpolarized potentials. These transitions, which are rate-determining for activation and highly modulated by Mg2+, have not been detected in gating current recordings. Our results demonstrate that the eag voltage sensor undergoes conformational changes that have gone undetected in electrical measurements. These transitions account for the time course of eag activation in the presence and absence of extracellular Mg2+.
Interactions between parents and parents and pups in the monogamous California mouse (Peromyscus californicus).

The California mouse (Peromyscus californicus) may be a valuable animal model to study parenting as it is one of the few monogamous and biparental rodent species. By using automated infra-red imaging and video documentation of established pairs spanning two days prior to birth of the litter until d 5 of post natal development (PND), it was possible to follow interactions between parents and between parents and pups. The paired males were attentive to their partners in the form of grooming and sniffing throughout the time period studied. Both these and other activities of the partners, such as eating and drinking, peaked during late light/ mid-dark period. Beginning the day before birth, and most significantly on PND 0, the female made aggressive attempts to exclude the male from nest-attending, acts that were not reciprocated by the male, although he made repeated attempts to mate his partner during that period. By PND 1, males were permitted to return to the nest, where they initiated grooming, licking, and huddling over the litter, although time spent by the male on parental care was still less than that of the female. Male and female pups were of similar size and grew at the same rate. Pups, which are believed to be exothermic for at least the first two weeks post-natally, maintained a body temperature higher than that of their parents until PND 16. Data are consistent with the inference that the male California mouse parent is important in helping retain pup body heat and permit dams increased time to procure food to accommodate her increased energy needs for lactation. These assessments provide indices that may be used to assess the effects of extrinsic factors, such as endocrine disrupting chemicals, on biparental behaviors and offspring development.
Microstructure Effects in Multidipped Tin Oxide Films

Porous ultrafine tin oxide films (particle size 70–90 A) have been prepared from tin alkoxide by dip coating. The influence of the number of coating applications on the thickness, microstructure, and electrical properties of multidipped tin oxide films was investigated. With an increase in the number of coating applications, the porosity of the multidipped films decreased from 60% to 12%, but the particle size of the films increased. The resistivity of the films decreased from 5.5 × 10–2 to 5.7 × 10–3Ω·cm with increasing the number of coating applications from 1 to 10. This tendency of the resistivity to decrease is due to the microstructural change of the films with the number of coating applications. The microstructure, the surface structure, and the composition of the multidipped films were investigated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and Auger electron spectroscopy (AES).
Cloning and sequence analysis of the gene and cDNA encoding mouse spermidine/spermine N1-acetyltransferase : a gene uniquely regulated by polyamines and their analogs

Abstract The polyamine catabolizing enzyme, spermidine/spermine N1-acetyltransferase (SSAT), has been implicated as a critical determinant of polyamine pool maintenance. SSAT has recently been shown to be positively regulated in human cell lines by polyamines and their analogs at the level of mRNA accumulation. Mouse LA-4 lung adenoma cells treated with either spermine or the spermine analog, N1,N12-bis(ethyl)spermine, produced a 2.3 and 6.5-fold increase, respectively, in SSAT mRNA. Prior evidence for transcriptional control of the enzyme prompted investigation of SSAT gene structure and its regulatory elements. The mouse SSAT gene was isolated as a 3650 bp EcoRI fragment from a λ-J1 Mus saxicola genomic library by hybridization with human SSAT cDNA. An additional 431 bp downstream from the 3′ EcoRI site were sequenced from a BamHI fragment (total gene sequence, 4066 bp). The gene contains six exons and five introns. Sequence analysis of the 774 bp of the 5′ non-coding region revealed the absence of TATAA or CCAAT sequence motifs and the presence of a number of binding motifs in the 5′ region of the gene with consensus binding sequences for transcription factors SP1, AP1, E2F, AP2, PEA-3 and others. The deduced amino acid sequence of the coding region differs from that of the human SSAT cDNA by five amino acids. The 527 bp of the 3′ non-coding region contains four possible polyadenylation signal sites of which only one displays a typical consensus sequence. A 940 bp SSAT cDNA was isolated from Mus domesticus (BALB-C) liver λgt11 cDNA library. It contains a 5′ untranslated region 89 bp in length and a 3′ untranslated region 376 bp in length. The amino acid sequence deduced from Mus domesticus differs from that of Mus saxicola by one amino acid, from the hamster cDNA, by four amino acids and from the human cDNA by six amino acids. Further elucidation of the structural features of the SSAT gene may reveal how it is positively regulated by polyamines and their analogs.
A constitutive theory for rigid polyurethane foam

Rigid, closed-cell, polyurethane foam consists of interconnected polyurethane plates which form cells. When this foam is compressed, it exhibits an initial elastic regime which is followed by a plateau regime in which the load required to compress the foam remains nearly constant. In the plateau regime, cell walls are damaged and large permanent volume changes are generated. As additional load is applied, cell walls are compressed against neighboring cell walls, and the stiffness of the foam increases and approaches a value equal to that of solid polyurethane. When the foam is loaded in tension, the cell walls are damaged and the foam fractures. A constitutive theory for rigid polyurethane foam has been developed. This theory is based on a decomposition of the foam into two parts: a skeleton and a nonlinear elastic continuum in parallel. The skeleton accounts for the foam behavior in the elastic and plateau regimes and is described using a coupled plasticity with continuum damage theory. The nonlinear elastic continuum accounts for the lock-up of the foam due to internal gas pressure and cell wall interactions. This new constitutive theory has been implemented in both static and dynamic finite element codes. Numerical simulations performed using the newmore » constitutive theory are presented.« less
Survival of Listeria monocytogenes on Processed Poultry

The potential for Listeria monocytogenes to survive and proliferate on processed poultry was investigated. Chicken breasts were inoculated with L. monocytogenes, cooked to one of five different internal temperatures, then either vacuum-packaged or wrapped in an oxygen permeable film and stored for up to four wk at 4oC and 10oC. Survivors were encountered at each cooking temperature employed. The magnitude of lethality was directly related to the cooking temperature. No significant increase in microbial populations occurred through 2 wk of storage. Bacterial populations in samples that were overwrapped increased significantly by week 4, except for the 160oF (71.1oC) treatment. For samples which were vacuum-packaged, only the bacterial population in the 150oF (65.6oC) treatment significantly increased. Differences due to packaging were observed at 4oC storage but not at 10oC storage.
Phosphorolytic Cleavage of Phosphate and Phosphonoformate Diesters by Cetyltrimethylammonium Iodosobenzoate

Micellar cetyltrimethylammonium iodosobenzoate (4) cleaves P−O ester linkages of bis(p-nitrophenyl) phosphate (3), methoxycarbonyl phenyl phosphonoformate (6), and hexyloxycarbonyl phenyl phosphonoformate (7). Kinetic advantages of several orders of magnitude are obtained relative to the unassisted hydrolyses.
Tension receptors associated with the tailspine muscles of the horseshoe crab,Limulus polyphemus

The distal portion of the flexor muscles powering tailspine movement in the horseshoe crab is innervated by separate sensory and motor nerves. Records from the sensory nerve of an undisturbed preparation show tonic afferent activity which is increased by movement of the tailspine. Splitting the nerve, which randomly isolated small bundles of fibers, permitted identification of individual sensory units. Imposed lengthening or shortening of the passive muscle elicited unidirectional “movement” fibers. Another class of units fired only upon active contraction and showed increased activity with increasing muscle length. These units appear to be series tension receptors. Each of the receptor types observed showed phasic and tonic activity. Reflex motor activity could be elicited by stimulation of the sensory nerve, although the identity of the afferents eliciting this activity was not determined. Methylene blue staining showed multipolar and bipolar neurons near the muscle insertions, suggesting that these might be the receptors responsible for the observed sensory activity.
Analysis of SiGe/Si quantum dot superlattices grown by low-pressure chemical vapor deposition for thin solar cells

Abstract We have grown SiGe/Si quantum dot superlattices (QDSLs) via low-pressure chemical vapor deposition (LPCVD) in order to analyze their performance as thin-film solar cells. Self-assembled SiGe quantum dots were included in the base region in order to increase absorption of near-infrared (NIR) photons and to increase short-circuit current density, J sc . Rather than physically separate the epitaxial layers from the substrate prior to testing, a unique cell design was used to ensure that the epitaxial layers dominate the photocurrent from the cells. We found that open-circuit voltage V oc in our LPCVD-grown cells was comparable to that in earlier-reported cells grown by molecular beam epitaxy (MBE). The effect of both superlattice thickness and quantum dot density were also explored, and dislocations were found to sharply reduce V oc for thick superlattices with sufficiently-high dot density.
The Influence of Prior Knowledge and Repeated Questioning on Children's Long-Term Retention of the Details of a Pediatric Examination.

Children’s recall of the details of pediatric examinations was examined over the course of a 6-month interval. Although the 83 4- to 7-year-old participants reported a substantial amount of information at each assessment, performance declined over time, dropping sharply over the course of 3 months but then remaining constant out to the final interview at 6 months. As expected, older children provided more total information than younger children did and reported a greater proportion of the event components in response to general rather than specific questions. However, comparable patterns of remembering and forgetting over time were observed at each age level. In addition, no effects of repeated questioning—in the form of an interview at 3 months for half of the children—were observed on performance at the 6-month assessment. Moreover, children’s prior knowledge about routine doctor visits was assessed before the checkup for half of the participants at each age and was associated with initial but not delayed recall. Although knowledge increased with age as expected, it nonetheless affected recall over and above the influence of age.
The consequences of midnight regulations and other surges in regulatory activity

Is the midnight regulations phenomenon real and what are its consequences? This paper finds that when an administration’s time is almost up, submissions of economically significant regulations nearly double. Such surges in regulatory activity decrease the duration of regulatory review at the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs (OIRA), likely because of political pressure to quickly approve new rules. Specifically, one additional economically significant regulation submitted to OIRA decreases the mean review time for all regulations by about two thirds of a day. If OIRA review improves regulation quality, then regulatory surges that decrease review time could hinder such improvement.
Line ratio diagnostics in helium and helium seeded argon plasmas

We investigate the potential use of line ratio diagnostics to evaluate electron temperature in either helium or helium seeded argon plasmas. Plasmas are produced in a helicon plasma source. A rf compensated Langmuir probe is used to measure both the electron temperature and plasma density while a spectrometer is used to measure He I line intensities from the plasma. For all plasma densities where the electron temperature remains at 5 ± 1 eV, three He line ratios are measured. Each experimental ratio is compared with the prediction of three different collisional radiative models. One of these models makes uses of recent R-matrix with pseudo-states calculations for collisional rate coefficients. A discussion related to the different observations and model predictions is presented.
Mammography Screening Among Mexican, Central-American, and South-American Women

Cancer and cancer screening disparities exist across Latino subgroups; however the reasons for these disparities are not fully known. This study examines (1) mammography screening among Latinas born in Mexico, Central-America and South-America and (2) the impact of birthplace and acculturation on mammography screening. Data were derived from the California Health Interview Survey 2007. Analyses included 1,675 Latina women 40 years of age and older. Multivariate logistic regression examined predictors of mammography screening. Mexican and Central-American women were less likely to report ever receiving a mammogram while Mexican women were less likely to report a recent mammogram. Low-acculturated women were less likely to report ever receiving a mammogram and less likely to report recent mammography. Different screening patterns across Latina subgroups were observed. Differences in screening patterns and the factors associated with screening highlight the need for unique intervention strategies tailored specifically to Latinas.
Serum concentrations of antioxidant vitamins and carotenoids are low in individuals with a history of attempted suicide.

Abstract Primary objective: Low consumption of fruits and vegetable has been reported in individuals with psychiatric disorders. We tested the hypothesis that antioxidant vitamins and carotenoids rich in fruits and vegetable may be consequently low among attempters. Design and methods: As a part of the Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES III), 1988 – 1994, serum vitamins and carotenoids were measured in 6680 adults aged 17 – 39 years, who also completed a mental disorder diagnostic interview. Serum levels below gender-specific 1st quartile of the population were defined as low, otherwise as normal. Results: Compared with non-attempters, prevalence ratios (PRs) of low α-carotene, β-cryptoxanthin in attempters were 1.45 (95% CI = 1.06 – 1.98) and 2.12 (1.47 – 3.08), respectively, the mean differences (nonattempter–attempter) of vitamin C, lutein/zeaxanthin and lycopene were 6.071 mmol/l (SE = 1.948, p < 0.005), 0.041 μmol/l (0.015, p < 0.005) and 0.045 μmol/l (0.015, p < 0.005) re...