cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Enzyme kinetics and distinct modulation of the protein kinase N family of kinases by lipid activators and small molecule inhibitors.

Synopsis The PKN (protein kinase N) family of Ser/Thr protein kinases regulates a diverse set of cellular functions, such as cell migration and cytoskeletal organization. Inhibition of tumour PKN activity has been explored as an oncology therapeutic approach, with a PKN3-targeted RNAi (RNA interference)-derived therapeutic agent in Phase I clinical trials. To better understand this important family of kinases, we performed detailed enzymatic characterization, determining the kinetic mechanism and lipid sensitivity of each PKN isoform using full-length enzymes and synthetic peptide substrate. Steady-state kinetic analysis revealed that PKN1–3 follows a sequential ordered Bi–Bi kinetic mechanism, where peptide substrate binding is preceded by ATP binding. This kinetic mechanism was confirmed by additional kinetic studies for product inhibition and affinity of small molecule inhibitors. The known lipid effector, arachidonic acid, increased the catalytic efficiency of each isoform, mainly through an increase in kcat for PKN1 and PKN2, and a decrease in peptide KM for PKN3. In addition, a number of PKN inhibitors with various degrees of isoform selectivity, including potent (Ki<10 nM) and selective PKN3 inhibitors, were identified by testing commercial libraries of small molecule kinase inhibitors. This study provides a kinetic framework and useful chemical probes for understanding PKN biology and the discovery of isoform-selective PKN-targeted inhibitors.
Structure and performance of carbon aerogel electrodes

The chemistry and physics of small clusters of atoms (1-100 nm) has received considerable attention in recent years because these assemblies often have properties between the molecular and bulk solid-state limits. The different properties can be explained in terms of the large fraction of atoms that are at the surface of a cluster as compared to the interior. Although the synthesis and properties of metal and semiconductor clusters, metallocarbohedrenes, fullerenes, and nanotubes are the subject of extensive investigations, little attention has been paid to cluster-assembled porous materials. This oversight is of particular interest to us since we believe that aerogels are one of the few monolithic materials presently available where the benefits of cluster assembly can be demonstrated. In particular, the unique optical, thermal, acoustic, mechanical, and electrical properties of aerogels are directly related to their nanostructure, which is composed of interconnected particles (3-30 nrm) with small interstitial pores (< 50 nm). This structure leads to extremely high surface areas (400-1100 m2/g) with a large fraction of the atoms covering the surface of the interconnected particles. As a result of these structural features, carbon aerogels are finding applications as electrodes in supercapacitors with high energy and power densities.
Movements of Channel and Flathead Catfish between the Missouri River and a Tributary, Perche Creek

Abstract The lower segments of tributary streams provide the only remaining backwater habitat for much of the lower Missouri River. We describe the movements of adult channel catfish Ictalurus punctatus between a 13-km segment of the Missouri River and a tributary, Perche Creek, that enters the river in this segment to determine the extent to which river-dwelling fish use the tributary habitats. We used mark-recapture techniques to describe movements offish larger than 250 mm in total length between these habitats during a 22-month period. Most fish (59%) initially caught, recaptured, or both in the Missouri River moved into or out of Perche Creek, and most of these transient fish (72%) used the lower 8 km of the tributary. The tributary population was made up predominantly of resident fish (79%), which were initially caught and recaptured in Perche Creek. Channel catfish moved greater distances in the spring than in the fall and were more likely to move upstream in the spring and downstream in the fall. ...
Preparation and Electrochemical Characterization of Poly(N-isopropylacrylamide-co-acrylic acid) Gels Swollen by Nonaqueous Solvents: Alcohols

Preparation and electrochemical characterization of poly(N-isopropylacrylamide-co-acrylic acid), NIPA-AA, gels swollen by organic solvents are described. Five simple alcohols, methanol, ethanol, 1-propanol, 1-butanol, and1-pentanol, were chosen for these studies. Transport properties of gels swollen by alcohols for several NIPA-AA concentrations were investigated using steady-state voltammetry at microelectrodes with 1,1'-ferrocenedimethanol as an electroactive probe. Diffusion coefficients of 1,1'-ferrocenedimethanol determined over the temperature range 5-55 °C were used to evaluate the activation energy of the probe diffusion and to estimate the local microscopic viscosity of the gels using the Arrhenius equation and the Stokes-Einstein relation, respectively. It was found that an increase in the solvent viscosity is accompanied by an increase in the macroscopic viscosity of the gel; however, an enormously large value of macroscopic viscosity has an insignificant effect on the transport parameters for uncharged species. Diffusion of an uncharged probe in gels was almost as fast as in corresponding liquid media (alcohols). Change in the composition of NIPA-AA/alcohol gels from 2.5 to 4.0% polymer concentration influenced the diffusion coefficient value at 25 °C and activation energy of diffusion by less than 18% and 13%, respectively. No volume phase transition of NIPA-AA gels was observed while swollen by alcohols, a phonomenon well-known for NIPA-AA gels swollen by water, indicating a key role of hydrogen bonds in that process. The strength of hydrogen bonds at amide groups of the NIPA-AA polymer swollen by alcohols and water was examined by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, FT-IR.
CMOS-compatible microresonator-based optical frequency comb

We generate optical frequency combs spanning 75 THz with a 204-GHz spacing using parametric oscillation in an integrated silicon-nitride microring resonator. The comb spacing is uniform to better than 5.2×10−11 relative to the optical frequency.
Network dynamics of chalcogenide glasses. I. Germanium diselenide.

The scattering function S(Q,E) of vitreous GeSe/sub 2/ at 13 K was measured with inelastic neutron scattering over a wide range of variables (1
Against composition as identity

Some philosophers, such as Peter van Inwagen (1994), have claimed that the view that composition is identity is incoherent. Van Inwagen cites the apparent ungrammaticality of sentences like ‘the six plots are the farmer’s field’ as evidence for his view. Perhaps van Inwagen is right, but I needn’t settle this question here. I will argue against the view that composition is identity, whatever that view amounts to, in the following way. First, I will elucidate a principle called ‘the Plural Duplication Principle’ [PDP]. Any acceptable way of making sense of the slogan that composition is identity— i.e., any way that properly conforms to the intuitions that lead one to utter this slogan— must validate PDP. Second, I argue that PDP is false. So any acceptable way of making sense of the slogan that composition is identity is false. The slogan that composition is identity will be refuted prior to being properly formulated. Following David Lewis (1986: 59-63), let us say that x and y are duplicates just in case there is a 1-1 correspondence between their parts that preserves perfectly natural properties and relations. Suppose that A is identical with B. Then any duplicate of A must also be a duplicate of B. This follows via Leibniz’s Law: if some duplicate of A were not
Oligodendrocyte degeneration in AD

Most would agree with a description of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) primarily as a degeneration of the cerebral cortex. As a result, much laboratory research in the past decade has focused on the cell death mechanisms of neurons. However, it may be time broaden the focus of AD research to include dysfunction of the tracts that connect cortical areas. At the cell biological and molecular levels, tract function depends on integrity of the myelin sheath and associated oligodendrocytes. The flow of information between brain areas is critical for cognitive function, as well as complex motor behaviors such as gait. In this issue, Bartzokis presents a detailed model of oligodendrocyte degeneration in the AD brain and addresses the clinical consequences of tract dysfunction.
Late‐onset neurofibromatosis in a liver transplant recipient

A 44-year-old Caucasian man was admitted in December 1995 for the treatment of generalized skin pruritus. The patient had a history of cirrhosis felt to be caused by chronic ethanol abuse and renal insufficiency. He had undergone orthotopic liver transplantation in January 1991. Physical examination revealed numerous, fleshy, nontender nodules protruding from the face ( Fig. 1), trunk, and extremities, as well as axillary freckling. The patient was certain that the lesions had appeared 2–-3 months after his liver transplant. Wood's lamp examination revealed several cafe-au-lait macules. Ophthalmic examination was remarkable for Lisch nodules ( Fig. 2). Figure 1. A representative clinical lesion as a fleshy, non-tender nodule on the neck. Also a few very small lesions are barely visible on the mandible line Download figure to PowerPoint Figure 2. Iris hamartomas (Lisch nodules) in our patient Download figure to PowerPoint Two skin nodules on contralateral sides of the body were biopsied. Histologic examination of the nodules revealed a normal epidermis and a nonencapsulated dermal mass composed of thin, wavy eosinophilic fibers lying in loosely textured strands. Interdispersed among these strands were cells with spindle-shaped or oval nuclei and an increased number of mast cells. The histology was typical of a neurofibroma ( Fig. 3). Figure 3. Histopathologic features of a cutaneous nodule demonstrating normal epidermis overlying a non-encapsulated dermal mass (left panel), with loosely-textured thin wavy eosinophilic fibers and strands, containing cells with spindle-shaped or oval nuclei (right panel) Download figure to PowerPoint Computed tomography (CT) scans of the chest, abdomen, and pelvis taken before and after the transplant surgery did not reveal any internal plexiform neurofibromas. A thorough review of the patient's medical record dating to shortly after birth made no mention of any skin nodules or hyperpigmentation prior to the transplant. There was no family history of neurofibromatosis. The patient's pruritus resolved with UVB light therapy and hemodialysis. Currently, the patient is on hemodialysis with no clinical progression of his neurofibromatosis.
Do you see what I hear: experiments in multi-channel sound and 3D visualization for network monitoring?

Detection of intrusions is a continuing problem in network security. Due to the large volumes of data recorded in Web server logs, analysis is typically forensic, taking place only after a problem has occurred. This paper describes a novel method of representing Web log information through multi-channel sound, while simultaneously visualizing network activity using a 3-D immersive environment. We are exploring the detection of intrusion signatures and patterns, utilizing human aural and visual pattern recognition ability to detect intrusions as they occur. IP addresses and return codes are mapped to an informative and unobtrusive listening environment to act as a situational sound track of Web traffic. Web log data is parsed and formatted using Python, then read as a data array by the synthesis language SuperCollider [1], which renders it as a sonification. This can be done either for the study of pre-existing data sets or in monitoring Web traffic in real time. Components rendered aurally include IP address, geographical information, and server Return Codes. Users can interact with the data, speeding or slowing the speed of representation (for pre-existing data sets) or "mixing" sound components to optimize intelligibility for tracking suspicious activity.
Using neural network to improve the performance of the hybrid evolutionary algorithm in image registration

The hybrid evolutionary algorithm is used for image registration formulated as an optimization problem of finding a vector of parameters minimizing the difference between images. The reproduction phase of the algorithm is enhanced with a two-level operation of local correction performed on the best genes in the reproduction pool. Random search is performed in the neighborhood of a gene until the time interval reaches a pre-set threshold. If the gene still retains its position in the pool, a refined multi-step search is performed using the Downhill simplex method. In order to improve the computational performance of the local search, local response analysis is used in the following way. All domains of the given reference image are classified according to their local response to a unit variation of the parameter vector. The classification scheme is based on a self-organizing neural network. During the local correction of the reproduction pool, the step size in the Downhill simplex search is modified according to the class of the image domain.
Production of leukotriens in phorbol ester-induced acute lung injury

Leukotrienes, when administered into the pulmonary circulation of intact animals or isolated perfused lungs, have been associated with the formation of pulmonary edema. In addition, leukotrienes were identified in edema fluid and in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) both from patients with the adult respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) and from dogs with ethchlorvynol-induced acute lung injury (ALI). To determine whether the identification of leukotrienes in BALF was a finding common to ALI, etiology notwithstanding, we produced acute lung injury in dogs with phorbol myristate acetate (PMA). PMA produces a model of ALI thought to differ mechanistically from ethchlorvynol-induced ALI. Leukotriene C4 (LTC4), D4 (LTD4) and B4 (LTB4) were measured in BALF before and after PMA administration in intact pentobarbital-anesthetized dogs. The intravenous administration of 20 or 30 micrograms/kg of PMA produced increases in pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR) and extravascular lung water (EVLW), whereas, 10 or 15 micrograms/kg caused only a modest increase in PVR with no increase in EVLW. LTD4 and LTB4 were increased in BALF solely in those animals that developed increases in EVLW. These results, when viewed together with those reported in humans with ARDS and in dogs with ethchlorvynol-induced ALI, support the hypothesis that leukotriene detection in BALF is a feature common to ALI, etiology notwithstanding.
Cytosolic, Autocrine Alpha-1 Proteinase Inhibitor (A1PI) Inhibits Caspase-1 and Blocks IL-1β Dependent Cytokine Release in Monocytes

Rationale: Activation state-dependent secretion of alpha-1 proteinase inhibitor (A1PI) by monocytes and macrophages was first reported in 1985. Since then, monocytes and tissue macrophages have emerged as key sentinels of infection and tissue damage via activation of self-assembling pattern recognition receptors (inflammasomes), which trigger inflammation and cell death in a caspase-1 dependent process. These studies examine the relationship between A1PI expression in primary monocytes and monocytic cell lines, and inflammatory cytokine expression in response to inflammasome directed stimuli. Methods: IL-1 b expression was examined in lung macrophages expressing wild type A1PI (A1PI-M) or disease-associated Z isoform A1PI (A1PI-Z). Inflammatory cytokine release was evaluated in THP-1 monocytic cells or THP-1 cells lacking the inflammasome adaptor ASC, transfected with expression vectors encoding A1PI-M or A1PI-Z. A1PI-M was localized within monocytes by immunoprecipitation in hypotonic cell fractions. Cell-free titration of A1PI-M was performed against recombinant active caspase-1 in vitro. Results: IL-1 b expression was elevated in lung macrophages expressing A1PI-Z. Overexpression of A1PI-M in THP-1 monocytes reduced secretion of IL-1b and TNF-a. In contrast, overexpression of A1PI-Z enhanced IL-1b and TNF- a secretion in an ASC dependent manner. A1PI-Z-enhanced cytokine release was inhibited by a small molecule caspase-1 inhibitor but not by high levels of exogenous wtA1PI. Cytosolic localization of A1PI-M in monocytes was not diminished with microtubule-inhibiting agents. A1PI-M co-localized with caspase-1 in gel-filtered cytoplasmic THP-1 preparations, and was co-immunoprecipitated with caspase 1 from nigericin-stimulated THP-1 cell lysate. Plasma-derived A1PI inhibited recombinant caspase-1 mediated conversion of a peptide substrate in a dose dependent manner. Conclusions: Our results suggest that monocyte/macrophage-expressed A1PI-M antagonizes IL-1b secretion possibly via caspase-1 inhibition, a function which disease-associated A1PI-Z may lack. Therapeutic approaches which limit inflammasome responses in patients with A1PI deficiency, in combination with A1PI augmentation, may provide additional respiratory tissue-sparing benefits. Citation: Wang Y, He Y, Abraham B, Rouhani FN, Brantly ML, et al. (2012) Cytosolic, Autocrine Alpha-1 Proteinase Inhibitor (A1PI) Inhibits Caspase-1 and Blocks IL
The Perfect Food and the Filth Disease: Milk-borne Typhoid and Epidemiological Practice in Late Victorian Britain

This article explores the initial set of epidemiological investigations in Victorian Britain that linked typhoid fever to milk from dairy cattle. Because Victorian epidemiologists first recognized the milk-borne route in outbreaks of typhoid fever, these investigations served as a model for later studies of milk-borne scarlet fever, diphtheria, and perhaps tuberculosis. By focusing on epidemiological practices conducted by Medical Inspectors at the Medical Department of the Local Government Board and Medical Officers of Health, I show that Victorian epidemiology was committed to field-based, observational methods that defined the professional nature of the discipline and its theories and practices. Epidemiological investigations of milk-borne typhoid heated up several important public health debates in the second half of the nineteenth century, and demonstrate how Victorian epidemiology was not solely wedded to examining population studies using statistical methods, as historians have typically argued, but also relied on observational case-tracing in individuals, animals, and even environments.
Trypanosoma lewisi: alterations in membrane function in the rat.

Abstract DEAE-cellulose-purified Trypanosoma lewisi from 4-day (dividing trypanosomes) and 7-day (non-dividing trypanosomes) infections in rats were compared for initial uptake of glucose, leucine, and potassium. Glucose entered the parasitic cells by mediated (saturable) processes, whereas leucine and K + entered by mediated processes and diffusion. Glucose entry was significantly elevated in 4-day cells ( V max 4.00 ± 1.02 nmoles/ 1 × 10 8 cells/min) with respect to 7-day cells ( V max 1.83 ± 0.62 nmoles 1 × 10 8 cells/min). Likewise, the affinity of the glucose carrier was significantly greater in 4-day cells ( K m = 0.30 ± 0.02 m M ) than in 7-day cells ( K m = 0.59 ± 0.11 m M ). When leucine and K + transport were compared in 4- and 7-day populations, significant elevations in the rate of entry ( V max ) of both substrates were observed for 4-day cells; K m values for leucine and K + were not altered by the stage of infection. For leucine, the V max and K m for 4-day cells were 2.40 ± 0.50 nmoles/1 × 10 8 cells/30 sec and 78 ± 7 μ M , respectively; corresponding values in 7-day cells were 1.06 ± 0.02 nmoles/1 × 10 8 cells/30 sec and 66 ± 11 μ M . For K + , the V max and K m for 4-day cells were 15.97 ± 0.38 nmoles/1 × 10 8 cells/min and 1.2 m M , respectively; corresponding values in 7-day cells were 4.76 ± 1.82 nmoles/1 × 10 8 cells/min and 1.05 m M . The observed increase in the rate of K + entry into 4-day cells was attributable to enhanced influx; no significant difference in the rate of K + efflux was noted when 4- and 7-day cells were compared ( t 1 2 of K + leak for 4- and 7-day cells were 68.1 ± 9.3 and 67.9 ± 15.2 min, respectively). Potassium influx was ouabain insensitive. Membrane function in 7-day cells was not uniformly inhibited. No significant difference in the activity of the membrane-bound enzyme, 5′-nucleotidase, was observed when 4- and 7-day cells were compared.
A Tutte decomposition for matrices and bimatroids

We develop a Tutte decomposition theory for matrices and their combinatorial abstractions, bimatroids. As in the graph or matroid case, this theory is based on a deletion-contraction decomposition. The contribution from the deletion, derived by an inclusion-exclusion argument, consists of three terms. With one more term contributed from the contraction, the decomposition has four terms in general. There are universal decomposition invariants, one of them being a corank-nullity polynomial. Under a simple change of variables, the corank-nullity polynomial equals a weighted characteristic polynomial. This gives an analog of an identity of Tutte. Applications to counting and critical problems on matrices and graphs are given.
Anisotropic electrical conductivity and low-temperature phase transitions of the solid electrolyte Ag 26 I 18 W 4 O 16

Results of measurements of electrical conductivity of single crystals of ${\mathrm{Ag}}_{26}$${\mathrm{I}}_{18}$${\mathrm{W}}_{4}$${\mathrm{O}}_{16}$ in the temperature range 473-175 K show the existence of two first-order transitions at 246 and 197 K; the phases are labeled $\ensuremath{\alpha}$, $\ensuremath{\beta}$, $\ensuremath{\gamma}$ in order of decreasing temperature. Within experimental error, the principal conductivity axes of the $\ensuremath{\alpha}$ phase are $\stackrel{\ensuremath{\rightarrow}}{\mathrm{a}}$, $\stackrel{\ensuremath{\rightarrow}}{\mathrm{b}}$, and ${\stackrel{\ensuremath{\rightarrow}}{\mathrm{c}}}^{*}$ over its temperature range of existence. At 25\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}C, the principal conductivities are 0.120, 0.085, and 0.083 ${\mathrm{\ensuremath{\Omega}}}^{\ensuremath{-}1}$ ${\mathrm{cm}}^{\ensuremath{-}1}$, respectively, and the average conductivity, 0.097 ${\mathrm{\ensuremath{\Omega}}}^{\ensuremath{-}1}$ ${\mathrm{cm}}^{\ensuremath{-}1}$, is 1.6 times the best value obtained from conductivity measurements on polycrystalline material. It is shown that the ${log}_{10}(\ensuremath{\sigma}T)$ vs ${T}^{\ensuremath{-}1}$ data for the $\ensuremath{\alpha}$ phase imply that the activation enthalpies of motion are temperature dependent. It is also likely that very few ${\mathrm{Ag}}^{+}$ ions are thermally excited from the immobile to the mobile category. The magnitudes of the activation enthalpies of motion of the $\ensuremath{\beta}$ and $\ensuremath{\gamma}$ phases appear to be constant, and suggest that there is greater (possibly complete) order in the $\ensuremath{\gamma}$ than in the $\ensuremath{\beta}$ phase and greater order in the $\ensuremath{\beta}$ than in the $\ensuremath{\alpha}$ phase.
The use of peripheral nerve blocks at the elbow for carpal tunnel release

This case report illustrates that median, radial, and ulnar nerve blocks at the elbow provides anesthesia for ambulatory carpal tunnel release surgery. This report discusses 3 patients with medical conditions, including vascular access problems and morbid obesity, which made nerve blocks at the elbow advantageous compared with other anesthetic techniques. Peripheral nerve blocks at the elbow were done before surgery in a block room, so the patients spent less time in the operating room. Nerve blocks at the elbow are effective anesthesia for hand procedures with no patient requiring further local anesthetic injection and opioids for pain or expressing any discomfort during surgery. The blocks are easy to perform and set up quickly, and using long-acting local anesthetics, elbow blocks provide postoperative pain control for approximately 10 hours. The nerve blocks at the elbow facilitate the perioperative process by being done out of the operating room and providing prolonged pain control without the need for opioids, so nausea may be avoided.
A role of stimulus compounds in eliciting responses: Relatively spaced extinction following massed acquisition

One of two schedules of rewarded (R) and nonrewarded (N) trials (RNR vs. RRN) was combined factorially with intertrial interval (ITI) in acquisition (1 vs. 45 min), with extinction occurring at a 45-min ITI. The RNR schedule produced greater resistance to extinction than the RRN schedule regardless of acquisition ITI. The shift in ITI from acquisition to extinction reduced resistance to extinction slightly in the RNR group but not in the RRN group. These findings suggest that there are cues common to 1-min and 45-min ITIs. It was suggested that these ITI-associated cues enter into compound with memories to control instrumental responding.
Gold nanoparticle mediated formation of aligned nanotube composite films.

We report on the formation of highly anisotropic nanotube composite materials, made by the attachment of gold nanoparticles to the surface of the single-walled carbon nanotubes, followed by prepara...
LBSN Data and the Social Butterfly Effect (Vision Paper)

LBSN data are well-suited for research questions and perspectives on social or spatial phenomena. Researchers often subset large LBSN datasets into different social networks (using snowball sampling), temporal or spatial granularities, to test for statistical patterns. Yet, researchers lack a way to examine how human interpersonal behavior results in digital traces of geolocated social events, although macro global flows of movement and communication are built from micro individual human intentions.To help navigate between the individual mind and the resultant big LBSN data that researchers use to understand society and space, I list a 14-tier scale of connectivity typologies. Each step can provide different a perspective of a single LBSN dataset. This scale can illustrate how perturbations at one level affect another level. E.g. How will reported escalating rates of autism affect the future network of connectivity between global cities? Will a change in migration policy strain emotional ties between an international family? The scale allows us to track changes at different levels between micro-, meso- and macro-scale social-spatial phenomena in a computationally-friendly way.
Linear momentum transfer in 40-150 MeV proton-induced reactions with 238U.

Angular correlations between coincident fission fragments have been measured for 40-, 90-, and 150-MeV proton-induced reactions on a /sup 238/U target. From these data linear momentum transfer distributions have been derived, which are then compared with other results for protons and more complex projectiles. On a per nucleon basis, protons exhibit the largest average linear momentum transfer values of any projectile over the energy range from E/A = 40 to 1000 MeV. This can be understood in terms of fundamental scattering cross sections, and is qualitatively demonstrated by intranuclear cascade calculations. Both cascade and precompound decay calculations reproduce the linear momentum transfer distributions with moderate success.
Characterization and complementation of a cephalosporin-deficient mutant of Streptomyces clavuligerus NRRL 3585.

We have characterized a mutant of Streptomyces clavuligerus NRRL 3585 which is almost completely blocked in cephalosporin biosynthesis and exhibits depressed activities of both the delta(l-alpha-aminoadipyl)-l-cysteinyl-d-valine (ACV) synthetase and cyclase enzymes of the cephalosporin pathway. A wild-type DNA region was cloned which partially restores antibiotic production, ACV synthetase and cyclase activities to this mutant. The recombinant plasmid exhibits a variable copy number in different transformants. Hybridization experiments indicate that sequences homologous to the cloned region are present in various β-lactam-producing Streptomyces spp. but absent in species which are not known to produce this class of antibiotics. Furthermore, the chromosomal copy of the cloned region lies in close proximity to a gene coding for the isopenicilin N synthase gene of the cephalosphorin pathway.
Performance comparison of standoff minefield detection algorithms using thermal IR image data

The US Army has a major interest in the development of an airborne system capable of detecting surface and buried anti-tank mines under all-weather, day/night conditions. While the hardware components are essentially an airborne reconnaissance system generating high resolution image data, it is the processing algorithm which provides the mine/minefield detection capability. During the spring and summer of 1997, flight test of several minefield detection systems were concluded at Ft. Huachuca, AZ. The systems tested represented three major technology approaches, namely passive thermal IR, active near IR laser imager for polarization based discrimination and hyperspectral. Image data generated by these sensors were recorded to tape or other media and subsequently processed using various minefield detection algorithm approaches.
Prostate specific antigen and prostate specific antigen density. Roles in patient evaluation and management

Prostate specific antigen (PSA) is the most accurate serum marker for prostate cancer. However, sensitivity and specificity are suboptimal, especially at the intermediate levels between 4.1 and 10.0 ng/ml (monoclonal). For intermediate PSA levels, PSA density (PSAD) provides unique information regarding the need for biopsy and the likelihood of prostate cancer. The authors prospectively used PSAD to determine the need for biopsy in 68 patients with PSAD values below 0.150 and normal results from a digital rectal examination. Ten patients have undergone biopsy secondary to a rising serum PSA. Three were found to harbor prostate cancer and have undergone therapy. The remaining 65 patients continue on surveillance. PSAD can predict treatment outcomes for patients with clinically localized prostate cancer treated with radical prostatectomy. PSADs at low values are 90% accurate in predicting operative success. PSADs at high values are 67% accurate in predicting failure. Cancer 1994; 74: 1667-73.
Effects of Teriparatide Retreatment in Osteoporotic Men and Women

Context: The stimulatory effect of teriparatide on bone mineral density (BMD) and bone turnover is initially exuberant, but then diminishes. Objective: Our objective was to determine whether retreating with teriparatide after a drug-free period can restore the initial exuberant response to teriparatide. Design and Setting: This was a planned extension of a randomized controlled trial conducted in a single university hospital. Patients and Intervention: Subjects previously participated in a 30-month randomized trial comparing the effects of alendronate (group 1), teriparatide (group 2), or both (group 3) on BMD and bone turnover in men and women with low BMD (phase 1). Subjects who completed phase 1 on their assigned therapy entered phase 2 (months 30–42), during which teriparatide was stopped in groups 2 and 3. Teriparatide was administered to all subjects during months 42 to 54 (phase 3). Main Outcome Measures: We compared changes in BMD and markers of bone turnover (serum osteocalcin, N-terminal propeptide of type 1 collagen, and N-telopeptide) between phase 1 and 3 in subjects receiving teriparatide alone. Results: Posterior-anterior and lateral spine BMD increased 12.5 ± 1.5 and 16.9 ± 1.7%, respectively, during the first 12 months of teriparatide administration and 5.2 ± 0.8 and 6.2 ± 1.8%, respectively, during teriparatide retreatment (P < 0.001 and P = 0.001). Increases in osteocalcin (P < 0.001), N-terminal propeptide of type 1 collagen (P < 0.001), and N-telopeptide (P < 0.001) were greater during the first period of teriparatide administration. Conclusion: The response to teriparatide is attenuated when readministered after a 12-month hiatus.
Information alignment for mitigating jamming in wireless relay networks

We propose information alignment that enables the destination to mitigate jamming in wireless multi-source relay networks. A central idea is to make the message packets from the sources and those from the relay aligned in the same direction such that they can be canceled each other and only the forwarded decoding error caused by jamming remains at the destination. This enables the destination to determine the forwarded decoding error and to remove it from the received packet to restore the true codeword. We show that the proposed scheme can achieve the performance close to what can be achieved by the genie relay that completely knows the message packets and therefore always forwards the correct information.
Direct formation of a water oxidation catalyst from thin-film cobalt

A cobalt-based water oxidation catalyst may be grown from sputter-deposited thin films (800 nm thick) of cobalt metal on a non-conductive glass substrate. Chemical composition and function of the catalyst prepared in this manner are similar to that for catalyst films prepared by electrodeposition of the catalyst from aqueous solutions of Co2+ salts. The method permits water oxidation catalysis to be established from protective barrier layers on materials that otherwise experience corrosion under the aqueous oxidative conditions.
Optoelectronic router with a reconfigurable shuffle network based on micro-optoelectromechanical systems

An optoelectronic router with a shuffle exchange network is presented and enhanced by the addition of micro-optoelectromechanical systems (MOEMS) in the network to add the ability to reconfigure the shuffle network. The MOEMS described here are fully connected any-to-any crossbar switches. The added reconfigurability provides the opportunity to adapt the system to different common application characteristics. Two representative application models are described: The first has symmetric properties, and the second has asymmetric properties. The router system is simulated with the specified applications and an analysis of the results is carried out. By use of MOEMS in the optical network, and thus reconfigurability, greater than 50% increased throughput performance and decreased average packet delay are obtained for the given application. Network congestion is avoided throughout the system if reconfigurability is used.
Prospective Study of Motor, Sensory, Psychologic, and Autonomic Functions in Patients With Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Background & Aims: The aim of this study was to assess pathophysiology in irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Methods: A total of 122 IBS patients (3 male) and 41 healthy females underwent the following: questionnaires (symptoms, psychology), autonomic function, gut transit, gastric volumes, satiation, rectal compliance, and sensation (thresholds and pain ratings) testing. Proportions of patients with abnormal ( 90th percentiles) motor or sensory functions according to bowel symptoms (constipation [C], diarrhea [D], mixed [M),) pain/bloat, and number of primary symptoms were estimated. Results: IBS subgroups (C, D, M) were similar in age, gastric and small-bowel transit, satiation, gastric volumes, rectal compliance, sensory thresholds, and pain ratings. IBS was associated with body mass index, somatic symptoms, and anxiety and depression scores. Significant associations were observed with colonic transit (IBS-C [ P = .078] and IBS-D [ P P P = .056] at 48 h): 32% of IBS patients had abnormal colonic transit: 20.5% at 24 hours and 11.5% at 48 hours. Overall, 20.5% of IBS patients had increased sensation to distensions: hypersensitivity ( 90th percentile for ratings in health) in 13%. Conversely, 16.5% of IBS patients had reduced rectal sensation. Pain greater than 6 times per year and bloating were not associated significantly with motor, satiation, or sensory functions. Endorsing 1 to 2 or 3 to 4 primary IBS symptoms were associated with abnormal transit and sensation in IBS. Conclusions: In tertiary referral (predominantly female) patients with IBS, colonic transit (32%) is the most prevalent physiologic abnormality; 21% had increased and 17% had decreased rectal pain sensations. Comprehensive physiologic assessment may help optimize management in IBS.
Aseptic hip pneumarthrosis following modular total hip arthroplasty: a potential mimic of hip infection

Pneumarthrosis following total hip arthroplasty accompanied by acute hip symptoms is a potentially ominous finding suggesting infection with gas-forming bacteria, a medical emergency. We describe a case of a 61-year-old male presenting to the Emergency Department 43 months following a titanium/titanium (Ti/Ti) modular neck-stem total hip arthroplasty (MTHA) (Wright Medical Systems, Arlington, Tennessee) with acute presentation of hip symptoms and joint gas on radiographs proven to be aseptic hip pneumarthrosis. We review the imaging features of aseptic hip pneumarthrosis following MTHA which have not been elaborated on previously and suggest a less aggressive workup in select cases. We believe emergency radiologists should be aware of this unusual complication as it may mimic a septic hip which may entail an unnecessarily aggressive workup.
Sagnac interferometric intensity-dependent refractive-index measurements of polymer optical fiber.

We have applied a new modified Sagnac interferometric technique to measure the real part of the intensity-dependent refractive index of a single-mode polymer optical fiber. For a 0.1% by weight squaraine dye in a poly(methyl methacrylate) core, Re⁡[χ1111(3)] is 12(±7) × 10−13 cm3/erg at λ = 1064 nm. We discuss the effect of these measurements on all-optical devices.
“Writing Will Keep You Free”: Allusions to and Recreations of the Fairy Tale Heroine in The House on Mango Street

This article explores how Sandra Cisneros alludes to and recasts popular fairy tales in The House on Mango Street to reveal their troubled legacy in the lives of many women in the novel. Drawing upon Latina feminist theory and Cisneros’s autobiographical writing, this article posits that the main character Esperanza’s alternative “happily ever after” comes through locating the vocation of writing as the fulcrum for self-definition and social change. It is suggested that feminist literary criticism can be enhanced through analysis of heroines from diverse cultural backgrounds and theoretical frameworks attuned to racial and ethnic diversity.
Facultative effects of verbal pretraining and checklist availability upon idea production

The effects of adjective production prior to the presentation of two creativity problems and the availability of a seven-item checklist upon idea production were tested. Adjective pre training facilitated idea production especially if the checklist was continuously available. The results suggested that pre-problem activities may be an important adjunct to the checklist procedure in markedly facilitating idea production.
Paraxial wave-optics simulation of x-ray lasers

Paraxial wave-optics models of x-ray lasers include diffraction, time dependence, a stochastic description of spontaneous emission, two-way waves coupled by a saturable nonuniform gain, and refraction due to a nonuniform charge density. Standard algorithms for this modeling tax the speed and storage of a supercomputer. Recent work, using such algorithms on an overly coarse grid, has very distorted near fields, too wide far fields, and an optimistic estimation of spatial coherence. This paper develops axial shooting-secant iterations that feature coarse-grid storage of fields, refined-axial-step standard-algorithm shooting between coarse-grid data, and improved coarse-grid approximations via secant estimation. Such calculations, effective when the charge density and gain vary much more transversely than axially, save time and much storage. High-accuracy integral Hermitian methods for the transverse discretization are also introduced and provide several advantages in comparisions with standard finite differences, discrete Fourier transforms, and Gauss-Hermite or Gauss-Laguerre expansions. Several well-converged x-ray-laser calculations are presented. A slightly greater gain along certain curved paths contributes much less than refraction to prominent maxima in the far-field wings. Discrete computation inherently underestimates diffraction and thereby overestimates power output. Refraction enhances the evolution of single-mode-like intensity whereas saturation of the gain inhibits this process. The fields are sensitivemore » to the transverse profiles of the charge density and small-signal gain. Although refraction leads to many more transverse modes, it improves spatial coherence.« less
Why Do Colleges Become Universities? Mission Drift and the Enrollment Economy

This paper analyzes mission drift in baccalaureate colleges. “Becoming a university,” defined as a change in organizational name (e.g., Aurora College becomes Aurora University), symbolizes the transition from a liberal arts mission to a comprehensive university mission. Mission drift is conceptualized as a form of “divergent change,” which can be studied using institutional theory. This paper develops testable hypotheses about becoming a university by integrating institutional theory literatures on market factors, institutional factors, and network factors. Hypotheses are tested by applying panel methods to a 1972–2010 panel dataset of all private organizations defined as “liberal arts colleges” by the 1973 Carnegie Classification. Results show that colleges became universities in response to declining freshmen enrollments, prior adoption of curricula associated with the comprehensive university model, and when network contacts previously became universities. Organizational age and strong market position lowered the probability of becoming a university. The findings contribute to literatures on organizational change and mission drift. Given that most postsecondary institutions—both public and private—are increasingly tuition reliant, future research should analyze the adoption and the effects of behavioral changes designed to increase enrollment-related revenue.
Low-Frequency Light Modulator

An electromechanical shutter has been developed which will modulate the light flux from a variety of sources in response to an electrical input at frequencies up to 100 cps. Feedback assures a linearity of 0.6% and, in addition, maintains a constant output in spite of fluctuations in source intensity.
Effect of Temperature on Apical Membrane Remodeling in ADH-Stimulated Toad Urinary Bladders:

Pretreatment and removal of vasopressin (ADH) in toad urinary bladder renal model tissues induces endocytosis at 25 degrees C. The objective of the current study is to determine if apical membrane remodeling, as well as transepithelial water flow, can be affected by lowering the temperature to 15 degrees C. Control toad urinary bladders in the presence of an osmotic gradient at either 25 degrees C or 15 degrees C when visualized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) show a typical apical membrane surface with no apparent surface differences. ADH-treated tissues following 15-min stimulation at 25 degrees C or 15 degrees C revealed a propagation of apical microvilli on their surface membranes. After 15 min following removal of ADH, bladder tissues at 25 degrees C or 15 degrees C showed surface invaginations involving over 44% and 80% of granular cells, respectively. The rate of water flow in tissues at 15 degrees C remained elevated compared to tissues held at 25 degrees C. This was consistent with the observation that ADH-stimulated tissues following washout at 15 degrees C still had marked apical membrane surface involvement. However, at 30 min and 60 min postwashout, ADH-stimulated tissues at 15 degrees C recovered considerably, with a reduction in the number of shallow apical membrane invaginations involving fewer than 33% and 20% of granular cells respectively. This may indicate that the membrane undergoes continuous remodeling even at cold temperature conditions but with a different half-time. Control bladder tissues subjected to transmission electron microscopy (TEM) reveal a dense cytoplasmic profile with a scattered distribution of secretory granules, rough ER cisternae, mitochondria, and little or no vacuolation. In contrast, ADH-stimulated bladder tissues displayed a vacuolated cytoplasm, expanded rough ER cisternae, and ruffled basolateral membranes. These observations suggest that the apical membrane undergoes considerable reorganization following cessation of hormone action and that lowering the temperature reduces the rate of membrane remodeling and thus may provide a means to monitor the processes of endocytosis and the mechanisms responsible for water channel retrieval.
Vibrational mode effects and energy disposal in reactions of polyatomic ions

Laser excitation is used to create small polyatomic ions with excitation in selected vibrational modes. These are formed into a beam and collided with a neutral target gas. Reactions are studied and product recoil energy distributions are measured as a function of collision energy and vibrational state. A wide variety of dynamical behavior is observed: strong mode-selective vibrational effects, severe steric bottlenecks, mode-dependent barrier crossing, complex lifetimes ranging from 10 microsecond(s) ec to 100 fsec, and impact parameter dependent mechanism switching.
Variation in growth stimulation by elevated carbon dioxide in seedlings of some C3 crop and weed species

Seven C3 crop and three C3 weed species were grown from seed at 360 and at 700 cm 3 m ‐3 carbon dioxide concentrations in a controlled environment chamber to compare dry mass, relative growth rate (RGR), net assimilation rate (NAR), leaf area ratio (LAR) and photosynthetic acclimation at ambient and elevated carbon dioxide. The dry mass at the final harvest at elevated carbon dioxide relative to that at ambient carbon dioxide was highly correlated with the RGR at the lower carbon dioxide concentration. This relationship could be quite common, because it does not require that species differ in the response of RGR or photosynthesis to elevated carbon dioxide, and holds even when species differ moderately in these responses. RGR was also measured for a limited period at the end of the experiment to determine relationships with leaf gas exchange measured at this time. Relative increases in RGR at elevated carbon dioxide at this time were more highly correlated with the relative increase in NAR at elevated carbon dioxide than with the response of LAR. The amount of acclimation of photosynthesis was a good predictor of the relative increase in NAR at elevated carbon dioxide, and the longterm increase in photosynthesis in the growth environment. No differences between crops and weeds or between cool and warm climate species were found in the responses of growth or photosynthetic acclimation to elevated carbon dioxide.
Molecular Fingerprint of Interferon-γ Signaling in Unstable Angina

Background—Activation of circulating monocytes in patients with acute coronary syndromes may reflect exposure to bacterial products or stimulation by cytokines such as IFN-γ. IFN-γ induces phosphorylation and nuclear translocation of transcription factor STAT-1, which initiates a specific program of gene induction. To explore whether monocyte activation is IFN-γ driven, patients with unstable (UA) or stable angina (SA) were compared for nuclear translocation of STAT-1 complexes and upregulation of IFN-γ–inducible genes CD64 and IP-10. Methods and Results—Peripheral blood mononuclear cells were stained for expression of CD64 on CD14+ monocytes and analyzed by PCR for transcription of IP-10. Expression of CD64 was significantly increased in patients with UA. Monocytes from UA patients remained responsive to IFN-γ in vitro, with accelerated transcriptional competency of CD64. IP-10–specific sequences were spontaneously detectable in 82% of the UA patients and 15% of SA patients (P<0.001). Most importantly, S...