cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Analytical reduction of combinatorial complexity arising from multiple protein modification sites

Combinatorial complexity is a major obstacle to ordinary differential equation (ODE) modelling of biochemical networks. For example, a protein with 10 sites that can each be unphosphorylated, phosphorylated or bound to adaptor protein requires 3(10) ODEs. This problem is often dealt with by making ad hoc assumptions which have unclear validity and disallow modelling of site-specific dynamics. Such site-specific dynamics, however, are important in many biological systems. We show here that for a common biological situation where adaptors bind modified sites, binding is slow relative to modification/demodification, and binding to one modified site hinders binding to other sites, for a protein with n modification sites and m adaptor proteins the number of ODEs needed to simulate the site-specific dynamics of biologically relevant, lumped bound adaptor states is independent of the number of modification sites and equal to m + 1, giving a significant reduction in system size. These considerations can be relaxed considerably while retaining reasonably accurate descriptions of the true system dynamics. We apply the theory to model, using only 11 ODEs, the dynamics of ligand-induced phosphorylation of nine tyrosines on epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and primary recruitment of six signalling proteins (Grb2, PI3K, PLCγ1, SHP2, RasA1 and Shc1). The model quantitatively accounts for experimentally determined site-specific phosphorylation and dephosphorylation rates, differential affinities of binding proteins for the phosphorylated sites and binding protein expression levels. Analysis suggests that local concentration of site-specific phosphatases such as SHP2 in membrane subdomains by a factor of approximately 10(7) is critical for effective site-specific regulation. We further show how our framework can be extended with minimal effort to consider binding cooperativity between Grb2 and c-Cbl, which is important for receptor trafficking. Our theory has potentially broad application to reduce combinatorial complexity and allow practical simulation of a variety ODE models relevant to systems biology and pharmacology applications to allow exploration of key aspects of complexity that control signal flux.
Conversion of proinsulin to insulin in a subcellular fraction from rat islets.

Abstract Endogenously labeled proinsulin was converted to insulin during incubation of a crude granule fraction prepared from isolated islets of Langerhans of the rat. The sensitivity of this process to detergents and to freezing and thawing, as well as the lack of conversion of exogenous 131 I-proinsulin and the absence of inhibition by added soybean trypsin inhibitor, all suggest that the proteolysis occurs within particulate elements of this fraction. No conversion of proinsulin was observed in the supernatant fraction.
Examination of the epidermis by the strip method. IV. The melanocytes during a period of forced regeneration.

Previous papers of this series (Pinkus (1, 2)) showed that removal of the stratum corneum by stripping with plastic tape induces a burst of mitotic activity in the human epidermis and that the cells lost on the surface are replaced within a few days by multiplication of the basal cells and lower prickle cells of the malpighian rete. The impression was gained that during this period of forced regeneration, the appearance of the so-called “clear cells'' of the epidermis was not materially altered (Fig. 1). Clear cells are generally identified with melanocytes except by Andrew and Andrew (3) who consider them to be intermediate steps in the transformation of lymphocytes into epidermal cells. Melanocytes are considered to be modified epidermal cells by Allen (4), while most other recent authors favor the opinion that they are derivatives of the neural crest, which in fetal life have migrated into the skin and have come to rest at the dermo-epidermal junction (5). It was believed that closer examination of these cells under experimental conditions might clarify their relationship to the malpighian cells.
Path Curvature of the Single Flier Eight-Bar Linkage

man @9# presented a geometric approach to this problem, which he termed second-order joint-joining, and is an extension of his earlier paper on first-order reduction through joint-joining. The technique presented in this paper uses kinematic inversion to determine ten virtual links which can be used to form a series of six four-bar chains. These chains are then manipulated to create an equivalent four-bar linkage for the motion of the coupler link. For the purposes of this paper, an equivalent linkage is defined as having the same kinematic properties of the original linkage up to, and including, the second-order. This stipulation also applies to the four-bar chains formed by the ten virtual links. The inflection circle and the center of curvature of the coupler path can then be obtained in a straightforward manner from the Euler-Savary equation @10#. This equation has proved to be important in the study of curvature relationships for the analysis and synthesis of planar, single-degree-of-freedom mechanisms @1,11#. The important contribution of this paper is that the techniques presented here are purely geometric; i.e., the methods do not require the velocity and acceleration of points fixed in links. The paper is arranged as follows. Section 2 presents the graphical technique to locate the velocity pole for the coupler link of the single flier linkage. Then Sec. 3 presents the graphical technique to locate the center of curvature and determine the radius of curvature of the path traced by a coupler point. Section 4 presents a numerical example to illustrate the graphical techniques and compares the result for the radius of curvature of the coupler curve with an analytical method presented by Pennock and Kinzel @12#. Finally, Sec. 5 presents some conclusions and suggestions for future research.
Interactions of mast cells with the nervous system--recent advances.

This article reviews recent advances in the understanding of mast cell-nervous system interactions. It is drawn largely from work published within the last ten years, and discusses the anatomical and biochemical evidence of a functional connection between mast cells and the nervous system, and the implications that such a relationship may have for normal and abnormal physiological functioning. Mast cells are found at varying levels of association with the nervous system; in CNS parenchyma (mainly thalamus), in connective tissue coverings (e.g. meninges, endonerium), and in close apposition to peripheral nerve endings in a variety of tissues. There is, as yet, no clearly defined role for mast cells in nervous system function, or vice-versa, and it seems most likely that their interactions fulfil mutually modulatory roles. By extension, pathological situations where one of the partners in this relationship is overly stimulated may lead to a dysregulation of the other, and contribute to disease symptomatology.
CURRENT BEHAVIOR MODIFICATION IN THE CLASSROOM: BE STILL, BE QUIET, BE DOCILE

Classrooms have recently been criticized as total institutions where there is a rigid preoccupation with order and control, and where children are required to be still, to be silent, and to obey. Behavior modification has been described as a major source of change in the classroom. A review of this journal's papers on behavior modification in the classroom indicated that inappropriate behavior has been consistently defined as behavior that interferes with order, quiet, and stillness. It is argued therefore, that behavior modification has supported rather than changed the questionable status quo. Alternative areas for behavior modification in traditional classrooms and the role of behavior modification in the development of open classrooms are discussed.
Hydraphiles: a rigorously studied class of synthetic channel compounds with in vivo activity

Hydraphiles are a class of synthetic ion channels that now have a twenty-year history of analysis and success. In early studies, these compounds were rigorously validated in a wide range of in vitro assays including liposomal ion flow detected by NMR or ion-selective electrodes, as well as biophysical experiments in planar bilayers. During the past decade, biological activity was observed for these compounds including toxicity to bacteria, yeast, and mammalian cells due to stress caused by the disruption of ion homeostasis. The channel mechanism was verified in cells using membrane polarity sensitive dyes, as well as patch clamping studies. This body of work has provided a solid foundation with which hydraphiles have recently demonstrated acute biological toxicity in the muscle tissue of living mice, as measured by whole animal fluorescence imaging and histological studies. Here we review the critical structure-activity relationships in the hydraphile family of compounds and the in vitro and in cellulo experiments that have validated their channel behavior. This report culminates with a description of recently reported efforts in which these molecules have demonstrated activity in living mice.
Correcting for On-Site Visitor Sampling Bias When Estimating the Regional Economic Effects of Tourism

This paper demonstrates the importance of correcting for trip frequency bias in on-site samples of visitors when estimating regional economic effects associated with outdoor recreation. Because visitors taking more trips are more likely to be intercepted during on-site exit interviews than those taking fewer trips, it is important to correct for this bias when estimating total trips, calculating average expenditures and when calculating total local income and employment using input-output models. The paper presents methods for correcting for trip frequency bias in estimates of the number of trips, length of stay bias in visitor day estimates, as well as the resulting bias in visitor expenditures. In the empirical example of rafting trips on the Snake River in Wyoming, correcting for trip frequency and length of stay reduced by half total jobs and total income associated with recreation. Correcting average expenditures for trip frequency bias further reduced jobs and income by an additional 14%.
Reanalysis and critique of "sensory discrimination" as an ability component of the blind.

Juurmaa (1967) carried out the first comprehensive study to assess the ability domain of totally blind males. Using Thurstone's centroid method and graphic orthogonal rotation, 9 factors were extra...
Micro-laser myomectomy technique to enhance reproductive potential: A preliminary report†

Uterine myomas may be removed utilizing the carbon dioxide laser by direct and indirect vaporization, or by direct and indirect excision. The advantages of utilizing the CO2 laser are (1) improved hemostasis; (2) more precision, thus removing only abnormal tissue; and (3) the ability to remove fibroids from previously inaccessible areas. A description of the micro-surgical technique for myomectomy in eight patients is discussed. No major complications were encountered with this new technique, which will require long-term follow-up in a larger series of patients to define more precisely its role in gynecologic surgery.
Theory of diffusion of gases in protein solutions

A theory based on a rigid sphere model is presented for the diffusion coefficient of dissolved gases (and liquids) in protein solutions. The only quantities needed in order to make calculations are the rigid sphere diameters and the solution density; methods are given for obtaining the diameters. The theory predicts that the ratio of the diffusion coefficient of the gas in protein solution to that in pure water is strongly dependent on the size of the protein molecule, but is insensitive to the properties of the solute gas. The theory gives good agreement with available experimental data for the effects of protein concentration and molecular properties on the diffusion coefficient. On expose une theorie basee sur un modele de sphere rigide en rapport avec le cocefficient de diffusion de gaz (et liquides) dissous dans des solutions de proteines. Les seules donnees necessaires pour faire les calculs sont les diametres des spheres rigides et les densites des solutions; on decrit des methodes pour trouver les diametres. La theorie predit que le rapport entre le coefficient de diffusion du gaz dans la solution de proteine et celui dans l'eau pure varie beaucoup avec les dimensions de la molecule de proteine, mais n'est pas affecte par les proprietes du gaz dissous. La theorie concorde bien avec les resultats experimentaux disponibles, en ce qui a trait aux effets de la concentration des proteines et des propriete moleculaires sur le coefficient de diffusion.
Effect of an uptake inhibitor on serotonin metabolism in rat brain: Studies with 3-(p-trifluoromethylphenoxy)-n-methyl-3-phenylpropylamine (Lilly 110140)

Summary Lilly 110140 is an inhibitor of serotonin uptake by brain synaptosomes. In rats, it had no effect on brain levels of tryptophan, serotonin, dopamine, or norepinephrine, but it decreased 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid (5HIAA) levels. The decrease in 5HIAA levels was dose-related over a 1–20 mg/kg i.p. dose range and persisted for at least 24 hrs after a 10 mg/kg dose of 110140. The decline in 5HIAA levels occurred mostly in the cerebral hemispheres and midbrain and apparently resulted from a reduced turnover of serotonin. Reduced turnover was indicated by a decreased rate of fall in brain serotonin levels after p-chlorophenylalamine was given to inhibit serotonin synthesis. Turnover rates calculated from the rate of 5HIAA accumulation in brain after probenecid injection were 0.18 μg/g/hr in control rats and 0.066 μg/g/hr in 110140-treated rats. The decline in serotonin turnover presumably is a compensatory mechanism occurring when receptor sites are overstimulated due to blockade of the reuptake (inactivation) of serotonin at the nerve synapse.
Activation of gastrin gene transcription in islet cells by a RAP1-like cis-acting promoter element.

Abstract Gastrin transcription in islet cells is activated by a cis -regulatory sequence containing a binding site for the yeast transcription factor RAP1. The DNA—protein interactions between RAP1 protein and the gastrin DNA element determined by methylation interference assays are identical to those of RAP1 and yeast genes. Point mutations in the gastrin RAP1 binding site, which abolished RAP1 binding, decreased transcriptional activation by this sequence. Islet cells revealed a DNA binding protein with RAP1 -like binding specificity. These findings support the conclusion that gastrin transcription is activated in mammalian cells by a RAP1 -like transcription factor.
Robotic Interfaces Through Virtual Reality Technology

Virtual reality, the ability to view and interact with virtual environments, has changed the way the world solves problems and accomplishes goals. The ability to control a person’s perceptions and interactions with a virtual environment allows programmers to create situations that can be used in numerous fields. Virtual interaction can go from a computer program to an immersive experience with realistic sounds, smells, visuals, and even touch. Research in virtual reality has covered human interaction with virtual reality, different potential applications, and different techniques in creating the virtual environments. This paper reviews several key areas of virtual reality technology and related applications. An application that has large implications for our research is the control of robotic systems. Robotic systems are only as smart as their programming. This limitation often limits the utility of robotic applications in otherwise desirable circumstances. Virtual reality technologies offer the ability to couple the intelligence of a human operator with a physical robotic implementation through a user-friendly virtualized interface. This early-stage research aims to develop a technological foundation that will ultimately lead to a virtual teleoperation interface for robotics in hazardous applications. The resulting system may have applications in nuclear material handling, chemical and pharmaceutical manufacturing, and biomedical research fields.Copyright © 2010 by ASME
Economists' Perceptions of Their Own Professional Research

A recent survey of 1,000 professional economists indicates they believe their research does afford spillover benefits for various audiences. A majority believe, however, that those benefits are lim...
Exploring Race Differences in the Relationship between Social Interaction with the Clergy and Feelings of Self-Worth in Late Life

The purpose of this study is to see if em onal support from the clergy and negative interaction with clergy are associated with feelings of self-esteem in late life. A special emphasis is placed on assessing race differences in the relationships among these constructs. Data from a nationwide survey of older whites and older African Americans reveal that emotional support from the clergy tends to bolster the self-esteem of older blacks, but not older whites. The fndings further indicate that negative interaction with a pastor is associated with diminished feelings of selfworth, but race differences failed to emerge in the relationship between these constructs. Instead, unpleasant interation with the cergy was related to lower selfsteem only among older people who did not use religious coping responses to deal with these interpersonal problems.
Separation of anti-Ia (I-region associated antigens) from anti-H-2 antibodies in complex sera, by absorption on blood platelets. description of three new Ia specificities.

H-2 antigens are expressed in substantial amounts of murine blood platelets (for H-2 antigenic content 1 lymphocyte approximately 50 platelets) whereas Ia antigens are probably not expressed at all (minimal Ia antigenic content more than 35 times lower than for H-2). This property of blood platelets makes them very useful for the selective absorption of anti-H-2 antibodies from complex sera and for the preparation of specific anti-Ia antibodies from such sera. In 20 sera produced against the complete H-2 complex, 12 sera contained anti-Ia antibodies beside the expected anti-H-2 antibodies. In two sera, separation of the anti-Ia antibodies was easily obtained by absorption of the anti-H--2 antibodies on platelets. The analysis of one serum (C3H.Q X B10.D2) anti-C3H [(q X d) anti-k] showed that, in addition to be expected anti-H--2.23 and anti-Ia.2 antibodies, it contained at least three other Ia antibodies, separable by absorption on lymphocytes, which recognized three antigens--Ia.17, determined by the haplotypes k, f, s, r, j; Ia.18, determined by the haplotypes k, f, s; and Ia.19 determined by the haplotypes k and r. The genes are located in the I--A and/or I--B subregions of the H--2 complex.
Study of the origin of superstructure patterns in the scanning tunneling images of perylene-3,4,9,10-tetracarboxylic-dianhydride on graphite by electronic structure calculations

Partial electron density plots were calculated for various arrangements of perylene-3,4,9,10-tetracarboxylic-dianhydride (PTCDA) molecules on graphite to understand why scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) images of PTCDA on graphite exhibit superstructure contrast variations. In agreement with experiment, the contrast of the partial electron density plot depends strongly on the orientation and position of PTCDA on graphite. This observation originates from the fact that the overlap between the orbitals of the adsorbate and substrate is strongly affected by their relative arrangement. The HOMO or LUMO density of an adsorbate molecule can be inadequate in interpreting STM images of adsorbate molecules.
CHEMISTRY OF SINGLET OXYGEN—XXV. PHOTOOXYGENATION OF METHIONINE*

— Methionine (Met) photooxidation sensitized by rose bengal has been studied as a function of pH and other variables. At pH ≤ 6, the reaction is a simple one, 2 Met + O2 2 Methionine sulfoxide (MetO). At pH 6–10, another mechanism becomes important, leading to dehydromethionine; the structure of this compound was correctly assigned by Lavine (1945) as the heterocyclic N-S compound 2. One mole of H2O2 is also produced in this process. Dehydromethionine hydrolyzes slowly to MetO. Above pH9, a process leading directly to MetO + H2O2 becomes important. The stoichiometry of the latter two processes are Met + O2+ H2O MetO + H2O2; competition among these three processes accounts for the puzzling variations in O2 uptake. N-Formylated derivatives of methionine undergo only the first and third processes. Substantial catalytic effects of buffers complicate the picture. All the reactions appear to involve singlet oxygen, since there is the predicted effect of D2O vs H2O on the rate of reaction, although the situation is complicated by apparent aggregation of Met above 5 mM.
Effects of FPL-55712 or indomethacin on leukotriene-induced coronary constriction in the intact pig heart.

Abstract Intracoronary leukotriene D 4 , 0.1–3.0 μg (0.2–6.0 nmol), produced dose-dependent decreases in coronary flow of anesthetized pigs. Pretreatment with intracoronary FPL-55712 (0.1, 0.3 and 1.0 mg) reduced coronary constriction due to 1.0 μg leukotriene D 4 by up to 77%. FPL-55712 did not produce sustained alterations is coronary flow, left ventricular end-diastolic pressure, systemic arterial pressure, or heart rate. Indomethacin pretreatment (6 mg/kg i.v.) had no effect on leukotriene-induced coronary constriction. Inhibition produced by FPL-55712 may be useful in disease states involving leukotriene-mediated coronary constriction.
Synthesis and Protein Kinase C Inhibitory Activities of Acyclic Balanol Analogs That Are Highly Selective for Protein Kinase C over Protein Kinase A

A series of balanol analogs in which the perhydroazepine ring and the p-hydroxybenzamide moiety were combined into an acyclic linked unit have been prepared and evaluated for their inhibitory properties against the serine/threonine kinase PKC. Several low-micromolar to low-nanomolar inhibitors of the α, βI, βII, γ, δ, e, and η PKC isozymes were prepared. In general, these acyclic balanol analogs were found to be highly selective for PKC over the serine/threonine kinase PKA. The type and number of atoms linking the benzophenone ester to the p-hydroxyphenyl group necessary for optimal PKC inhibition were investigated. The most potent compounds contained a three-carbon linker in which the carboxamide moiety of balanol had been replaced by a methylene group. The effect of placing substituents on the three-carbon chain was also investigated. The preferred compounds contained either a 2-benzenesulfonamido (6b) or a 1-methyl (21b) substituent. The preferred compounds 6b and 21b were tested against a panel of ser...
Toxicity of sediments from three metal-contaminated areas

Sediments from Phillips Chain of Lakes (Wisconsin), Torch Lake (Michigan), and Little Grizzly Creek System (California) were tested for acute toxicity using the water flea, Daphnia magna, and the burrowing mayfly nymph, Hexagenia limbata. The organisms were tested simultaneously in a laboratory recirculating bioassay apparatus; Daphnia were tested during the first two (Daphnia I) and the last two (Daphnia II) days of 10-d Hexagenia tests. Sediment from one of six sampling locations from the Phillips Chain of Lakes was toxic to Daphnia I, but not Daphnia II. None of these sediments was toxic to Hexagenia. Contaminated sediments from Torch Lake and the Little Grizzly Creek System were highly toxic to Daphnia I and II, and Hexagenia. In general, numbers of organisms, biomass, species diversity and dominant types of organisms correlated with metal content and acute laboratory toxicity.
Impact of simulation training on self-efficacy of outpatient health care providers to use electronic health records

Abstract Objectives To examine whether simulation training enhanced self-efficacy of physicians and nurses who work in the outpatient setting to use electronic medical records, and whether the training changed their perceptions about the importance of electronic medical records (EMRs) in helping patients and improving patients' safety. Methods Two-hundred and ninety-three physicians and 94 nurses participated in the study. Participants first attended two computer classroom training sessions on how to use EMRs. Subsequently, the participants attended simulation training and practiced application of EMRs while encountering standardized patients. They answered questionnaires on a seven-point Likert-type scale prior to and immediately after simulation training. The questionnaires assessed their perceptions about the importance of EMRs in helping patients and improving patients' safety and their confidence and preparedness level to use EMRs. Results The overall self-efficacy of physicians and nurses to use EMRs increased after simulation training as compared to before simulation training. The physicians' and nurses' ratings about importance of EMRs to help patients' and improve patients' safety after simulation training were relatively unchanged compared to the ratings before simulation training. Additionally, participants described simulation training as exceptional, because it was an interactive learning opportunity to use EMRs within a simulated clinical setting with a simulated patient. Conclusions Simulation training in the current study enhanced physicians' and nurses' level of self-confidence and preparedness to use EMRs. To train health care providers how to use EMRs, simulation training should be considered as an interactive and effective method of teaching prior to implementation of EMRs in medical institutions.
Peripheral insulin-like growth factor-I produces antidepressant-like behavior and contributes to the effect of exercise

Growth factors in the brain are important to depression and it's treatment and we assessed the ability of peripherally administered insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) to influence behavior related to depression. We found that mice that received chronic IGF-I treatment showed antidepressant-like behavior in forced-swim and novelty-induced hypophagia (NIH) tests and increased sucrose consumption after chronic mild unpredictable stress exposure. Additionally, peripheral anti-IGF-I administration blocked exercise-induced antidepressant effects in the forced-swim test (FST). These results support the functional relevance of neurotrophic mechanisms to depression and extend this idea to include neurotrophic factors in the periphery.
Exposure trading: an approach to more efficient air pollution control — comment

Abstract J. A. Roumasset and K. R. Smith (Exposure trading: An approach to more efficient air pollution control, J. Environ. Econom. Management , 18 , 276–291, 1990) advocate the shifting of some resources from the control of large outdoor sources of pollution to the control of indoor emissions. However, their model excludes the possibility, well studied in the scientific literature, of controlling indoor emissions by ventilation. This paper uses a model that combines abatement of outdoor emissions and ventilation of indoor emissions to demonstrate that the two are complementary activities. A possible conclusion is that the control of indoor emissions should be intensified along with, and not at the expense of, outdoor abatement.
Using Children’s Literature to Teach Standard-Based Science Concepts in Early Years

This paper discusses the benefits and limitations of using children’s literature in introducing science concepts to young children. The manuscript also provides an overview of preschool science standards of 12 states and presents lists of appropriate children’s literature suitable to use in teaching science concepts targeted in those preschool science standards.
Indexing the real world: sensing, big data and mobility

In this presentation, Dr. Henry Tirri, EVP & CTO of Nokia and UC Berkeley will discuss insights into the social and scientific implications of the technology trends being driven by the rise of large scale multi-device cloud-based computing. The cloud has already fundamentally transformed everyday experiences visible to consumers through their access to streaming media, social networking and location services via multiple different computing devices, from phones and tablets to connected accessories. As bits continue to eat atoms, more elements of the physical world will turn first into code and then into code that lives in the cloud. This is driven by the enormous advantages in sharing, indexing and elasticity of computing code has with respect to physical objects. We have seen this happening to photos and videos, music and books, but this is only the beginning. Consumers will increasingly turn to connected experiences that will in turn produce a wealth of data at a at rate unprecedented in the history of mankind. Due to the pervasiveness of this change, the next phase of the cloud era will see increased partnerships between public and private sectors around long-term technology trends in areas ranging from urban planning to health care. It can be anticipated that connected hardware will continue to diversify, with an increased emphasis on "multi-sensing". Wearables, sensor clusters in vehicles and smart devices, and independent sensors will all become first class citizens of the cloud: both feeding data into it and drawing it back out again. We will look at one exciting example of this trend -- indexing of the real world made possible by global scale location services. We argue that ultimately computing will totally de-centralize and live throughout a heterogeneous cloud-based architecture, but energy will continue to be the "One Ring to Rule Them All," that will define where in the cloud the execution happens.
The Sex Chromatin of Interphase Nuclei in the Nine-Banded Armadillo Dasypus novemcinctus

Fixed tissues from 13 armadillos and cell cultures from two were examined for the presence of sex chromatin. Barr bodies were easily recognizable in smooth and cardiac muscle tissue of adult animals and in loose connective tissue of the embryos. Nervous tissue proved unsuitable for sexing both in young and adult armadillos. Cultured cells in vitro were also examined and showed prominent nuclear sex chromatin in the female animals. These results are in accordance with Benirschke's earlier findings in these animals.
A numerical method for introducing an arbitrary yield function into rigid–viscoplastic FEM programs

Many standard yield functions (Hill, von Mises, etc,…) allow the derivation of simple equations relating the effective strain rate to principal strain rates explicitly. Such yield functions are easily implemented in rigid–viscoplastic finite element method programs. Other yield functions (Hosford, e.g.) do not allow for this simple approach. A numerical method was proposed in this paper to solve this problem which meets the requirement of rigid–viscoplastic finite elements and can generate the material stiffness terms (first and second derivatives of the effective strain rate with respect to principal strain rates) at any strain state. The numerical method was found to be numerically efficient, accurate and robust. As an example of the procedure, Hosford's yield function was introduced in a rigid–viscoplastic finite element program and results for the punch stretching simulation were compared with Hill-type materials. The numerical efficiency of the method was also compared. Simulation of full dome formability test, plane strain and square punch stretching was performed by this numerical method with Hosford's yield function.
The Elav-like Proteins Bind to a Conserved Regulatory Element in the 3′-Untranslated Region of GAP-43 mRNA

Previous studies have identified three brain proteins (40, 65 and 95 kDa, respectively) that specifically bind to the 3'-untranslated region of GAP-43 mRNA. In this study, using a specific monoclonal antibody, we now show that the 40-kDa proteins are members of the Elav-like protein family. This family of specific RNA-binding proteins comprise three neural specific members called HuD, HuC, and Hel-N1. We have shown that purified recombinant HuD can bind with high affinity to GAP-43 mRNA. In addition, we have mapped the binding site to a highly conserved 26-nucleotide sequence within the regulatory element. The binding of HuD to this site is readily displaced by RNA oligonucleotides encoding other HuD binding sites. We also show that only the first and second RNA binding domains of HuD are required for selective binding to GAP-43 mRNA.
Mammogram image quality as a potential contributor to disparities in breast cancer stage at diagnosis: an observational study.

In an ongoing study of racial/ethnic disparities in breast cancer stage atdiagnosis, we consented patients to allow us to review their mammogramimages, in order to examine the potential role of mammogram image quality onthis disparity. In a population-based study of urban breast cancer patients, a single breastimaging specialist (EC) performed a blinded review of the index mammogramthat prompted diagnostic follow-up, as well as recent prior mammogramsperformed approximately one or two years prior to the index mammogram. Sevenindicators of image quality were assessed on a five-point Likert scale,where 4 and 5 represented good and excellent quality. These included 3technologist-associated image quality (TAIQ) indicators (positioning,compression, sharpness), and 4 machine associated image quality (MAIQ)indicators (contrast, exposure, noise and artifacts). Results are based on494 images examined for 268 patients, including 225 prior images. Whereas MAIQ was generally high, TAIQ was more variable. In multivariablemodels of sociodemographic predictors of TAIQ, less income was associatedwith lower TAIQ (p < 0.05). Among prior mammograms, lowerTAIQ was subsequently associated with later stage at diagnosis, even afteradjusting for multiple patient and practice factors (OR = 0.80,95% CI: 0.65, 0.99). Considerable gains could be made in terms of increasing image quality throughbetter positioning, compression and sharpness, gains that could impactsubsequent stage at diagnosis.
THE ANNUAL COURSE OF ZONAL MEAN ALBEDO AS DERIVED FROM ESSA 3 AND 5 DIGITIZED PICTURE DATA

Abstract Temporal and meridional variations of zonal means of albedo and absorbed solar radiation, derived from digitized satellite pictures, are portrayed for the period February 1967–February 1968 over a broad range of latitudes. The variations in a number of prominent features of the zonal mean albedo—the maxima associated with the intertropical convergence zone, the minima associated with the subtropical anticyclones and equatorial dry zone, and the poleward ascendants of albedo from the subtropics—are revealed in more detail than possible heretofore. The annual courses of zonal mean albedo in three component sectors of 120° longitude each are also shown. The sector covering the zone 0°–115°E differs the most from the overall mean and from the other two sectors covering the Pacific and Atlantic-Americas regions. These differences are most pronounced in the period June–August when the summer monsoon is dominant over Southeast Asia. Harmonic analysis of the overall zonal mean albedo values for a full ye...
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy for treatment of adverse radiation effects after stereotactic radiosurgery of arteriovenous malformations: case report and review of literature

Abstract Background Adverse radiation effects are a known complication after the use of SRS for AVMs, although it is difficult to predict which patients will manifest with these side effects. Treatment of swelling due to ARE is usually medical, but refractory cases may require surgical decompression. Case Description This report presents a case of a patient who experienced AREs after SRS (edema, headaches, and nausea) that failed to respond to steroid treatment but was successfully treated with HBO. The treatment characteristics of this and of 5 other cases of radiation injury after SRS for AVM managed with HBO therapy are reviewed, and the pathophysiology is discussed. Conclusion Hyperbaric oxygen therapy provides a therapeutic option to treat AREs following SRS of cerebral AVMs.
How the pilidium larva feeds

The nemertean pilidium is a long-lived feeding larva unique to the life cycle of a single monophyletic group, the Pilidiophora, which is characterized by this innovation. That the pilidium feeds on small planktonic unicells seems clear; how it does so is unknown and not readily inferred, because it shares little morphological similarity with other planktotrophic larvae. Using high-speed video of trapped lab-reared pilidia of Micrura alaskensis, we documented a multi-stage feeding mechanism. First, the external ciliation of the pilidium creates a swimming and feeding current which carries suspended prey past the primary ciliated band spanning the posterior margins of the larval body. Next, the larva detects prey that pass within reach, then conducts rapid and coordinated deformations of the larval body to re-direct passing cells and surrounding water into a vestibular space between the lappets, isolated from external currents but not quite inside the larva. Once a prey cell is thus captured, internal ciliary bands arranged within this vestibule prevent prey escape. Finally, captured cells are transported by currents within a buccal funnel toward the stomach entrance. Remarkably, we observed that the prey of choice – various cultured cryptomonads – attempt to escape their fate. The feeding mechanism deployed by the pilidium larva coordinates local control of cilia-driven water transport with sensorimotor behavior, in a manner clearly distinct from any other well-studied larval feeding mechanisms. We hypothesize that the pilidium’s feeding strategy may be adapted to counter escape responses such as those deployed by cryptomonads, and speculate that similar needs may underlie convergences among disparate planktotrophic larval forms.
Status of the SNS project

The Spallation Neutron Source (SNS) is a second-generation pulsed neutron source under construction at Oak Ridge National Laboratory. SNS is funded by the U.S. Department of Energy's Office of Basic Energy Sciences and is dedicated to the study of the structure and dynamics of materials by neutron scattering. A partnership of six national laboratories (ANL, BNL, JLab, LANL, LBNL, and ORNL) is responsible for the design and construction of the various subsystems. The facility will begin operation in 2006 and will deliver a 1.0-GeV, 1.4-MW proton beam with a pulse length of approximately 700 nanoseconds to a liquid mercury target. The expertise of the different laboratories has been exploited to enhance the delivered beam power by almost an order of magnitude compared to existing neutron facilities. The achievable neutron-scattering performance will exceed present sources by more than a factor of 20 to 100. To achieve such a big step, the subsystems require substantial improvements compared with existing accelerators. The challenges, the status of the project, and potential upgrades are presented here.
Crypticity of Myrothecium verrucaria spores to maltose and induction of transport by maltulose, a common maltose contaminant.

Spores of the fungus Myrothecium verrucaria are cryptic to maltose and isomaltose. Induction of a transport system can be effected by several sugars whose order of effectiveness is: turanose > maltulose > sucrose > d-arabinose, d-fructose, nigerose, maltotriulose, kestose > melezitose, raffinose, nystose, and stachyose. The transport system is not specific to maltose and isomaltose, and it is apparently identical to an induced trehalose permease described previously. Induction of the permease is markedly influenced by spore age—older spores being more responsive. Pure maltose is not absorbed by spores. Absorption of commercial reagent-grade maltose is due to permease induction by maltulose as an impurity. Maltulose contamination of maltose was demonstrated by charcoal column chromatography and comparison of its physical, chemical, and permease-inductive properties with those of authentic maltulose. Maltose accumulates temporarily in spores after absorption and then decreases, although no conversion to glucose can be detected. Although spores contain small quantities of maltase, metabolism of maltose may be via some nonhydrolytic pathway.
Reintroduced prairie dog colonies change arthropod communities and enhance burrowing owl foraging resources

In the western United States, human activities have decreased black-tailed prairie dog ( Cynomys ludovicianus ) populations to < 10% of their historic extent. These animals are ecosystem engineers that radically alter soil physical and chemical characteristics and plant communities on their colonies. We tested the hypothesis that prairie dogs have an impact on higher levels of grassland ecology by measuring the differences in arthropod community structure and burrowing owl foraging on those arthropods, between reintroduced colonies and adjacent grassland in southern New Mexico, USA. Arthropod communities differed between colonies and grassland in both number of taxa and abundance. Burrowing owls foraged more on colonies, and caught more prey on colonies compared to grasslands. Pursuit times of burrowing owls in grassland were longer than pursuits on colonies. Burrowing owls nesting on the edge of colonies foraged extensively on colonies, and edge and center-nesting owls delivered similar proportions of prey captured on colonies to their nests. This study suggests that prairie dogs play a vital role in structuring arthropod communities and provide foraging resources for other grassland species.
Guidelines: for creating accessible library Web pages

Library Web developers can improve their Web pages and work towards accessibility by all user groups. This article describes some general accessibility guidelines to follow when creating Web pages. It discusses the recommendations of the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C), called the Web Accessibility Initiatives (WAI). This article focuses attention on the accessibility of Web pages to users with visual impairments, auditory impairments, and mobility impairments. Accessibility guidelines for these user groups are suggested. Another important aspect of creating accessible Web pages is to test the pages during and after development. Online products that test accessibility are discussed as well as additional test methods, such as user input.
Pulmonary Toxicity of Cytostatic Drugs: Cell Kinetics

Mice were treated with three cytostatic drugs: cyclophosphamide, busulfan, or 1,3-bis(2-chloroethyl)-1-nitrosourea (BCNU). The alveolar labeling index was measured following drug administration with a pulse of /sup 3/H-labeled thymidine and autoradiography. In cyclophosphamide-treated animals, peak alveolar cell proliferation was seen 5 days after injection of the drug. In animals treated with busulfan or BCNU, proliferation was even more delayed (occurring 2-3 weeks after administration). In contrast, with oleic acid, the highest alveolar cell labeling was found 2 days after intravenous administration. In animals exposed to a cytostatic drug, proliferation of type II alveolar cells was never a prominent feature whereas in animals treated with oleic acid there was an initial burst of type II cell proliferation. It is concluded that the patterns of pulmonary repair vary between chemicals designed to interfere with DNA replication as compared to agents which produce acute lung damage such as oleic acid.
Cocooning: Influenza Vaccine for Parents and Caregivers in an Urban, Pediatric Medical Home

Objective. To determine the acceptance of influenza vaccination by caregivers of children at risk for complications of influenza, if their annual vaccination could be administered by their child’s pediatric caregivers during their child’s office visit. Results. During the 2008-2009 influenza season, 474 caregivers were approached, and 336 (70.9%) agreed to participate; 44 were excluded because they had already received their seasonal influenza vaccination, leaving 292 participants. Most were female (80.8%), the child’s mother (68.5%), and African American (58.6%). In all, 250 of the 292 participants agreed to receive the influenza vaccine in the pediatrician’s office. There were no clinically relevant demographic differences between those who received the vaccine and those who did not. The change in vaccination rate for the group of participants from the previous year was significant (23.7% to 85.6%; P < .001). Conclusion. Caregivers of at-risk pediatric patients are accepting of influenza vaccination fro...
Measurement of right ventricular volume from biplane contrast ventriculograms: validation by cast and three-dimensional echo.

We compared six models for measuring right ventricular (RV) volume from biplane ventriculograms in the 30° right anterior oblique and 60° left anterior oblique projections in adult and dilated RVs. We used 27 casts of normal RVs plus 37 three-dimensional (3D) echocardiographic RV reconstructions that we rotated to the oblique projections for contour extraction. Biplane volumes were computed using published formulas. RV volumes ranged from 18.9 to 322.4 ml. Both sets of volumes correlated similarly to true volume and were combined. Simpson's method with 50 slices yielded the lowest absolute error (19.5 ± 28.9 ml); Simpson's with 20 slices yielded the lowest bias (1.3 ± 35.7 ml). The prism and area-length models performed within this range. The Simpson's method provides the most accurate measurement of RV volume from biplane contrast ventriculograms recorded in oblique projections. Volume validation can be performed using 3D echo data. Catheter Cardiovasc Interv 2004;62:46–51. © 2004 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Effects of Commercial-scale Pulsed Electric Field Processing on Flavor and Color of Tomato Juice

Effects of commercial-scale pulsed electric field (PEF) processing on the flavor and color of tomato juice during storage at 4 deg;for 112 d were studied. Tomato juice was prepared by hot break at 88°C for 2 min and then thermally processed at 92° for 90 s or PEF processed at 40 kV/cm for 57 μs. The PEF-processed tomato juice retained more flavor compounds of trans-2-hexenal, 2-isobutylthiazole, cis-3-hexanol than thermally processed or unprocessed control tomato juice (P < 0.05). PEF-processed juice had significantly lower nonenzymatic browning and higher redness than thermally processed or control juice (P < 0.05). Sensory evaluations indicated that the flavor of PEF-processed juice was preferred to that of thermally processed juice (P < 0.01).
Salt Tolerance of Turkeys

ABSTRACT Foss (1941) fed mashes containing 2, 4, 6, and 8 percent of salt to 3-week old poults. The birds on the 6 and 8 percent levels died within one week. Those on the 4 percent level lived several weeks but made no gain in weight. Scrivner (1946) found that sodium chloride or sodium bicarbonate administered with feed or water produced edema and ascites in poults. In one trial 2.5 percent salt in the mash caused the death of 40 percent of the poults in seven days with typical edema and ascites. James (1946) added 0.25, 0.5, 1.0, and 2.0 percent iodized salt to the diet of poults for the first 25 days. The mortality, all occurring from 5 to 15 days, was 38.4 percent on the 2 percent level of salt as compared to 9.6 percent on the 1 percent level. On the 2 percent level the gains were reduced . . .
Low Temperature Deposition of Hard, Amorphous Diamondlike Films by Laser Evaporation

Substrate temperature during deposition of hard carbon films by short pulse (40 nsec, FWHM) eximer (308 nm) laser ablation (∼1.25 × 108 W/cm2) of solid carbon affects the optical and mechnical properties of deposited films. Films deposited at 25° C are superior to those deposited at 500° C. Deposited films were charaterized by spectroscopic ellipsometry, microhardness, TEM, Raman and FT-IR techniques.