cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Small-caliber endobronchial ultrasonic videoscope: successful transesophageal and transgastric FNA after failed passage of a standard ultrasonic endoscope

Background EUS-guided tissue acquisition is a valuable technique. Obstructing lesions of the oropharynx or esophagus may preclude passage of a standard echoendoscope. In the past this has prevented EUS-guided tissue sampling. The recently introduced small-caliber ultrasonic bronchovideoscope (developed for endobronchial ultrasound) may allow EUS-guided FNA in this setting. Objective Our purpose was to assess the possible use of the ultrasonic bronchovideoscope to perform upper GI EUS in patients where passage of standard EUS scope was unsuccessful. Design A descriptive case series. Setting A tertiary referral center. Results Two patients were evaluated after failure of passage of a standard echoendoscope (1 with congenital narrowing of the esophageal inlet, 1 with postoperative deformity). In both cases, sonographic visualization of the lesion of concern was achieved and FNA was performed successfully. Conclusions The ultrasonic bronchovideoscope may be a valuable tool to perform FNA of mediastinal and GI lesions in situations when a standard ultrasonic endoscope cannot be passed because of luminal narrowing.
Self-assembly of diamondoid molecules and derivatives (MD simulations and DFT calculations).

We report self-assembly and phase transition behavior of lower diamondoid molecules and their primary derivatives using molecular dynamics (MD) simulation and density functional theory (DFT) calculations. Two lower diamondoids (adamantane and diamantane), three adamantane derivatives (amantadine, memantine and rimantadine) and two artificial molecules (ADM•Na and DIM•Na) are studied separately in 125-molecule simulation systems. We performed DFT calculations to optimize their molecular geometries and obtained atomic electronic charges for the corresponding MD simulation, by which we predicted self-assembly structures and simulation trajectories for the seven different diamondoids and derivatives. Our radial distribution function and structure factor studies showed clear phase transitions and self-assemblies for the seven diamondoids and derivatives.
Temporal lobe lesion-induced obesity in rats: An anatomical investigation of the posterior amygdala and hippocampal formation

Bilateral lesions centered in the posterodorsal amygdala of female rats resulted in hyperphagia and excessive weight gain (mean = 65.3 g in 20 days compared to 6.8 g for control animals). The brain damage always extended posteriorly into the ventral hippocampal formation. However, lesions that were confined to the ventral hippocampus or amygdalohippocampal area had no effect on daily food intake or body weight, nor did lesions at any other hippocampal site. In a previous study, lesions of the basolateral, corticomedial, and anterior groups of amygdaloid nuclei failed to affect food intake or body weight. It is concluded that the posterodorsal aspect of the amygdala is the critical site for this experimentally induced obesity syndrome. New coordinates for the effective site are presented.
Use of a mathematical error criterion in the design of adaptive control systems

Mathematical error criteria are examined in terms of the goals of an adaptive control system. For dynamic processes which contain pure-time delay, a modification of these error criteria is postulated on the basis of the time-domain concept of control developed here.
Cationic d0/f0 metallocene catalysts. properties of binuclear organoborane Lewis acid cocatalysts and weakly coordinating counteranions derived therefrom

Reaction of [sup t]BuCH[sub 2]CH(BCl[sub 2])[sub 2] with LiC[sub 6]F[sub 5] yields the binuclear organo-Lewis acid [sup t]BuCH[sub 2]CH-[B(C[sub 6]F[sub 5])[sub 2]][sub 2], which can be converted with KEt[sub 3]RH, followed by metathesis, into the salt [HN[sup n]Bu[sub 3]][sup 1][[sup t]BuCH[sub 2]CH[B(C[sub 6]F[sub 5])[sub 2]] [sub 2]H][sup [minus]]. Reaction of this salt with Cp[prime]2Th(CH[sub 3])[sub 2] (Cp[prime] = [eta][sup 5]-Me[sub 5]C[sub 5]) yields the cationic metallocene complex Cp[prime][sub 2]ThCH[sub 3][sup +][[sup t]BuCh[sub 2]CH[B(C[sub 6]F[sub 5]]) [sub 2]H][sup [minus]], which is a highly active catalyst for ethylene polymerization and 1-hexene hydrogenation. The THF adduct, Cp[prime][sub 2]Th(CH[sub 3])THF[sup +][[sup t]BuCH[sub 2]CH[B(C[sub 6]F[sub 5]) [sub 2]][sub 2]][sup [minus]], has been characterized by X-ray diffraction. 21 refs., 1 fig.
The precursor protein of the structural apolipoproteins of lipophorin: cDNA and deduced amino acid sequence.

Abstract A 10 138 bp cDNA from the fat body of the tobacco hornworm, Manduca sexta, which encodes the precursor protein for apolipophorin aPOLP-1 and -II, the structural apolipoproteins of the insect lipoprotein, lipophorin, has been cloned and sequenced. The cDNA has a single 9915 bp open reading frame beginning at an initiating ATG at bp 59 and extending to a stop codon at position 9974. This open reading frame encodes a 3305 amino acid protein with a molecular mass of 366 812 Da. Signal peptide cleavage is predicted to occur after residue 23, leaving a 3,282 amino acid precursor protein. The precursor protein is arranged with apoLp-II at the amino terminal end and apoLp-I at the car☐y terminal end. At present, the site of cleavage of the precursor protein to generate apoLp-I and -II is unknown.
“A Dream of Motion”: Global Dance in Victorian Literature and Culture

Then she fancies she is on the stage of an ancient theatre out in the open air, with hundreds of faces upturned towards her… . She bounds forward and dances, bends her lissom waist, and curves her slender arms, and gives to the soul of each man what he craves, be it good or evil. And she can feel now, lying here in the shade of Irish hills with her head resting on her scarlet shawl and her eyes closed, the grand intoxicating power of swaying all these human souls to wonder and applause. She can see herself with parted lips and panting, rounded breasts, and a dancing devil in each glowing eye, sway voluptuously to the wild music that rises, now slow, now fast, now deliriously wild, seductive, intoxicating, with a human note of passion in its strain. She can feel the answering shiver of feeling that quivers up to her from the dense audience, spellbound by the motion of her glancing feet, and she flies swifter and swifter, and lighter and lighter, till the very serpents seem alive with jeweled scintillations...
An information theoretic analysis of maximum likelihood mixture estimation for exponential families

An important task in unsupervised learning is maximum likelihood mixture estimation (MLME) for exponential families. In this paper, we prove a mathematical equivalence between this MLME problem and the rate distortion problem for Bregman divergences. We also present new theoretical results in rate distortion theory for Bregman divergences. Further, an analysis of the problems as a trade-off between compression and preservation of information is presented that yields the information bottleneck method as an interesting special case.
Complex-Natural-Resonance-Based Design of Chipless RFID Tag for High-Density Data

Each scatterer responds to the incident wave in a unique manner. The backscattered signal from the scatterer is affected by two distinct phenomena: early-time response which emanates from the scattering centers of the scatterer and late-time response which is the summation of the complex natural resonances (CNRs) with some weighting residues. Based on the singularity expansion method (SEM), CNRs are aspect-independent parameters which include some structural information of the scattering target. Based on this fact, the data can be embedded on the RFID tag as CNRs associated to the structural parameters. In this paper, a low-profile chipless RFID tag as a suitable device for high-density data is introduced. By incorporating several slots on the chipless RFID tag, the data can be encoded as CNRs on the structure. The designed RFID tag operates in the frequency band of 3.1-10.6 GHz. The data are decoded in the reader by applying short-time matrix pencil method (STMPM) to the transient backscattered response of the tag. In addition, the turn-on times, damping factors, and resonant frequencies of the poles are distinguished. After studying the effects of various parameters of the tag, a 24-bit tag is designed on the area of 24 × 24 mm2, simulated and measured. The measurement is performed in the frequency domain and, after applying inverse fast Fourier transform (IFFT), STMPM is employed to extract the signature of the tag. The tag is successfully read remotely via its scattered fields.
Preparation parameter development for layer-by-layer assembly of Keggin-type polyoxometalates

Polyoxometalates possess many useful properties for electrochemical catalysis. These molecule-size clusters can be assembled into thin films through the layer-by-layer method. In this study, we determined a cluster concentration range within which layer-by-layer (LbL) films have been successfully fabricated. We also find the influence of salt added to the deposition solutions. In an attempt to understand the self-assembly process at the molecular level, thermodynamic arguments, derived from complexation between nanoscale particles and oppositely charged polyelectrolyte chains, have been employed to interpret the adsorption of polyoxometalate clusters onto a cationic polymer layer. The scaling results describe the contact mode between a polymer chain and a cluster. The assembly can be visualized with assistance by understanding the contact between the polymer chain and the cluster.
Modulation of a transient outward current in serotonergic neurones by alpha 1-adrenoceptors.

The excitability of various neurones in the mammalian central nervous system (CNS), ranging from motoneurones to serotonergic neurones, is enhanced by α1-adrenoceptor agonists1. Excitations mediated via α1-adrenoceptors are associated with a slow depolarization and an increase in input resistance, probably resulting from a decrease in resting potassium conductance1,2. However, the involvement of voltage-dependent transient currents in mediating α1 excitatory effects has not been evaluated. An early transient outward current has been described which is important in regulating the frequency of repetitive firing; it is activated by depolarizing voltage steps from potentials more negative than rest and blocked by 4-aminopyridine3,4. This current, which has been termed ‘IA’, was found originally in invertebrates3,4 and subsequently in various vertebrate neurones5–8. The present single-electrode voltage-clamp study demonstrates an early transient outward current (IA) in serotonergic neurones which is suppressed by noradrenaline and the α1-agonist phenylephrine; a suppression of IA may account in part for the acceleration of pacemaker activity induced by α1-agonists in serotonergic neurones.
Childhood T-Cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia: The Dana-Farber Cancer Institute Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia Consortium Experience

Purpose: T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL) accounts for 10% to 15% of newly diagnosed cases of childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). Historically, T-ALL patients have had a worse prognosis than other ALL patients. Patients and Methods: We reviewed the outcomes of 125 patients with T-ALL treated on Dana-Farber Cancer Institute (DFCI) ALL Consortium trials between 1981 and 1995. Therapy included four- or five-agent remission induction; consolidation therapy with doxorubicin, vincristine, corticosteroid, mercaptopurine, and weekly high-dose asparaginase; and cranial radiation. T-ALL patients were treated the same as high-risk B-progenitor ALL patients. Fifteen patients with T-cell lymphoblastic lymphoma were also treated with the same high-risk regimen between 1981 and 2000. Results: The 5-year event-free survival (EFS) rate for T-ALL patients was 75% ± 4%. Fourteen of 15 patients with T-cell lymphoblastic lymphoma were long-term survivors. There was no significant difference in EFS compari...
Can Synchronous Cultures of Bacteria Be Manufactured

The bacterial cell cycle is simpler and different than that of the typical eukaryotic cell cycle. The selective pressure during evolution has been directed to achieve optimal growth of the individual free-living microbial cell instead of a variety of replication rates of the differentiated cell within an entire multicellular organism. This means that for most bacterial cells division depends more critically on their success in acquiring and using resources than is the case for most eukaryotic cells. The further implication is that bacterial cells somehow measure their own success in growth and from this ‘decide’ when they should attempt cell cycle events such as cell division and chromosome replication. On the assumption that bacterial division is responsive, directly or indirectly, to cell size, the cell cycle is analyzed here through Monte Carlo simulations.The results are used to consider the possibility of generating bacterial cultures growing synchronous. Because the precision of the size-at-division...
212 PERSISTENT PULMONARY VASOCONSTRICTION AFTER POSITIVE END-EXPIRATORY PRESSURE

To study recovery of the pulmonary vasculature after cessation of positive end-expiratory pressure(PEEP) in the intact, infant lamb, electromagnetic flow probes were placed about R and L pulmonary arteries(PA) and the L atrium(LA) was catheterized through a L thoracotomy. 1 wk later, under chloralose, probe terminals and LA catheters were exteriorized. A custom-made endobronchial tube was inserted, and R and L lungs were subjected to independent, volume regulated ventilation. In each study, PEEP (11mmHg) was applied for 4 minutes to the L lung only. Aortic(Ao), PA and LA pressures, left lung peak airway pressure(Lpmax), and R and L lung blood flows(QR,QL) were recorded during and for 4 minutes after abrupt cessation of PEEP. Data was complete in 18 trials among 6 preparations. Cessation of unilateral PEEP did not measurably alter Ao pressure or cardiac output(CO). PA and LA pressures and Lpmax recovered completely within 10 seconds of cessation of PEEP. QL, however, recovered more slowly and remained depressed for at least 2 minutes (p<.01). PEEP has an effect on pulmonary vascular tone that persists after airway pressure returns to baseline.
Radioguided parathyroidectomy for tertiary hyperparathyroidism.

Background Tertiary hyperparathyroidism (3HPT) is defined as the persistent hyper-production of parathyroid hormone (PTH) and resulting hypercalcemia following renal transplantation. Here, we examine the utility of radioguided parathyroidectomy (RGP) in patients with 3HPT.
Estrogen and Alzheimer's disease: A review and update

Abstract Women are living longer. It is calculated that women older than 50 years of age comprise 17% of the total population of any country in the modern western world. With the advances of medical science increasing the life expectancy of women, disease processes once only occasionally seen are becoming more evident. Alzheimer's disease is one such disease process that has been steadily increasing in prevalence as the population grows older, and it is now the leading cause of dementia before and after age 65. Research has not found a cure or preventive method for Alzheimer's disease. Recently, however, increasing evidence speculating that estrogen may have a role in the treatment or even prevention of Alzheimer's disease has become more prominent in both lay and medical literature. This article reviews current knowledge of the benefits of estrogen in hormone replacement therapy. A review of Alzheimer's disease is presented, including several theories on its pathogenesis and an update on the treatment modalities available. Finally, the effects of estrogen on Alzheimer's disease are discussed, with an examination of the literature encompassing epidemiologic studies to clinical trials pertaining to the use of estrogen for the treatment and prevention of Alzheimer's disease.
Cumulative Index on Radar Systems

Significant IEEE papers and items of correspondence in the radar field are dispersed through many publications, not covered by a comprehensive index. To assist the radar system engineer in locating material of interest, the following cumulative index, limited to the IRE/IEEE journals published since World War II, has been prepared. The 41 subject headings are somewhat arbitrary, but they cover the field of radar as shown in Table I. Listings under each subject are chronological, and the journals covered are listed in Table II. Papers on components and circuit design are generally excluded, and the subsystem areas are covered only to the extent needed in performing system engineering. In spite of omissions, however, it is believed that the index should prove useful to many engineers in the radar field. Correspondence is indicated by the letter c after the page numbers. Supplementary issues (e.g., EASTCON) are indicated by (Sup) after the page numbers. Presence of a correction, comment, or addendum in a subsequent issue of the same journal is shown by the year and page number of the item in brackets.
Isotropic filter design for MIMO filter bank multicarrier communications

Although orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) has been the dominant technology for broadband communications in the past, a number of researchers have noted the shortcomings of OFDM in frequency-selective fast-fading channels, e.g., underwater acoustic channels. Hence, alternative systems that use filter banks for multicarrier (FBMC) modulation have been proposed. The widely studied FBMC systems use offset quadrature amplitude modulation (OQAM) or cosine modulated filter bank (CMFB) to maximize the transmission efficiency. However, unfortunately, such systems are not extendable to transmission over multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) channels. The emphasis of this paper is on a class of FBMC systems in which data symbols are conventional QAM and, thus, support MIMO channels. Unlike OQAM/CMFB-based systems, the FBMC systems considered in this paper suffer some bandwidth loss. We develop a novel filter design that minimizes this bandwidth loss.
Functionalized nanoporous silica for the removal of heavy metals from biological systems: adsorption and application.

Surface-functionalized nanoporous silica, often referred to as self-assembled monolayers on mesoporous supports (SAMMS), has previously demonstrated the ability to serve as very effective heavy metal sorbents in a range of aquatic and environmental systems, suggesting that they may be advantageously utilized for biomedical applications such as chelation therapy. Herein we evaluate surface chemistries for heavy metal capture from biological fluids, various facets of the materials’ biocompatibility, and the suitability of these materials as potential therapeutics. Of the materials tested, thiol-functionalized SAMMS proved most capable of removing selected heavy metals from biological solutions (i.e., blood, urine, etc.) Consequentially, thiol-functionalized SAMMS was further analyzed to assess the material’s performance under a number of different biologically relevant conditions (i.e., variable pH and ionic strength) to gauge any potentially negative effects resulting from interaction with the sorbent, suc...
Controversies in counseling for mitochondrial conditions

A healthy woman sought preconceptional genetic counseling regarding a family history of a mitochondrial myopathy in her brother and retinitis pigmentosa (RP) in her two maternal aunts. Several questions were raised: (1) What is the likelihood of a familial mitochondrial condition? (2) What molecular tests or prenatal screening can we offer? (3) How would these tests help assess the likelihood of a familial mitochondrial condition? A mitochondrial mutation previously identified in the brother consisted of a heteroplasmic 2.9 kb deletion. We detected this deletion in the peripheral blood of the brother by PCR amplification of the deletion breakpoint, but not in his mother, the consultand, nor in one of the two aunts affected with RP. Although the molecular analysis was encouraging to the consultand, a familial mitochondrial disorder could not be eliminated with certainty. The pros and cons of prenatal testing for mitochondrial disorders are discussed in general, and as specifically related to this family.
Superrigidity Theorems in Positive Characteristic

Abstract We generalize the superrigidity theorem of G. A. Margulis (1991, “Discrete Subgroups of Semisimple Lie Groups,” VII.5.19, Springer-Verlag, New York/Berlin) to the case of the more general non-reductive target group F . We also provide a proof of the cocycle superrigidity theorem in the case of algebraic groups defined over a local field of positive characteristic and the generalization of this proof to the case of the more general target group analogous to our generalization of the superrigidity theorem.
Common precursors of human blood group MN specificities.

Abstract Human blood group MM and NN specific structures have the same precursors. Complete sialic acid removal produced the Thomsen-Friedenreich T antigen which was transformed into Tn antigen by E. coli β- D -galactosidase on red cells as well as on isolated T antigen. MN antigens and their precursors are most clearly defined by isologous human antisera.
Mystical experiences associated with seizures

Alterations of consciousness are critical factors in the diagnosis of epilepsy and seizure disorders. With this alteration in consciousness, some persons report unusual experiences that have been thought to resemble spontaneous mystical experiences. This study was designed to identify and characterize the mystical experiences associated with seizure activity, through the use of a quantitative instrument with well-documented reliability and validity for assessing the content and quality of mystical states of consciousness. Ninety-eight patients with epilepsy completed a modified version of the Mysticism Scale, of whom 86 had EEGs recorded. Fifty-five per cent of the patients in this study recalled some subjective experience in association with their seizures. However, none of the patients' descriptions met the criteria for mystical experience. Although some features of mystical experience were reported in this study, particularly those suggestive of introvertive mysticism, they were not associated with any...
Callus Induction, Plant Regeneration, and Mutagenesis of Eastern Gamagrass.

A tissue culture protocol using leaf sheath as the explants has been established for callus induction and for plant regeneration of eastern gamagrass. An MS basal medium supplemented with 2, 4-D, kinetin, and zeatin was used to induce friable calli and to form plantlets in vitro. Ethylmethane sulfonate applied at a concentration of 0.01% on calli appeared to be effective in inducing variation, as shown in the electrophoretic patterns from leaf protein extracts. This protocol has served as a basis for establishing cell suspension cultures for mutagenesis experiments with a goal of inducing a low-lignin mutant of gamagrass with a high level of digestibility and efficiency of use by ruminant animals.
Conflicting bright light exposure during night shifts impedes circadian adaptation.

This simulated night shift field study compared high-intensity ("bright") light exposures designed to either facilitate or conflict with adaptation to a 9-h phase shift of the sleep/dark schedule. There were 7 days of baseline with night sleep followed by 8 night shifts with day sleep in a 2 x 2 design with factors bright light (facilitating vs. conflicting) and direction of shifted sleep/dark (delayed vs. advanced). A total of 32 subjects (8 in each group) were exposed to 3 h of bright light (about 5,000 lux) and 5 h of ordinary indoor room light of "dim" light ( or = 6 h during the last 4 night shifts relative to baseline) with facilitating bright light compared to conflicting bright light as well as with delayed sleep/dark compared to advanced sleep/dark. The combination of facilitating bright light and delayed sleep/dark produced large phase delay shifts in all subjects tested. By contrast, the combination of conflicting bright light and advanced sleep/dark resulted in very small phase shifts in most subjects. Because bright light timed to delay usually was not able to phase shift rhythms when sleep/dark was advanced, it appears that the timing of sleep/dark was as important as the timing of the bright light. There was a relationship between the amount of phase shift and the individual's baseline phase when sleep/dark was delayed. Larger phase delays were achieved by subjects with later baseline temperature minima and greater eveningness on the Morningness-Eveningness Questionnaire. These results show that it is important to time bright light appropriately to achieve circadian adaptation to the night shift and that individual differences play an important role in the ability of the circadian system to phase shift.
WESTLAW vs LEXIS: computer‐assisted legal research comes of age

Two commercial computer‐based legal retrieval systems are described — WESTLAW of West Publishing Co. and LEXIS of Mead Data Central. These systems enable searches by words or phrases in the full legal text of such as those relating to court opinions, US codes and various Federal tax matters. Also it is possible to check case citations. Examples are given of how the computer is able to meet the lawyer's needs and explanation of the various ways in which searches can be made. It is considered that familiarity with the relevant law speeds up searching due to the user's knowledge of the vocabulary of the judges. The limitation on the number of years covered should soon disappear as file sizes are increased and storage costs reduce. The article goes on to compare the coverage and performance of both systems. Examples are given of search statements for each. Comparative comment is given on data input, text editing, text enhancement including indexing, updating and hard copy support. It is concluded that the customer will find it difficult to choose between the systems. No refs.
Studies directed toward the total synthesis of the rubradirin antibiotics. 3. Diels-alder reactions of unsymmetrically substituted quinones-a confirmation of structure.

Abstract The regiochemical course of the Diels-Alder reaction of 2-acetamido-3-iodo-p-benzo-quinone with 1-methoxy-2-methyl-3-trimethylsilyloxy-1,3-butadiene has been unambiguously established through a correlation study.
Disrupted Festivities in Medieval Courtly Literature: Poetic Reflections on the Social and Ethical Decline in Mauritius von Craûn , The Stricker’s Daniel von dem Blühenden Tal , and Heinrich Wittenwiler’s Ring

As much as courtly life in the Middle Ages was determined by the royal and aristocratic celebrations and festivities, as much disruptions and dangerous tensions also emerged easily, as reflected by numerous late medieval poets. In the course of time, the ideals and the theatricality of courtly life seem to have become increasingly fragile and deceptive, which finds powerful expression in such works as the anonymous Mauritius von Craun, Der Stricker’s Daniel von dem Bluhenden Tal, and Heinrich Wittenwiler’s Der Ring. This paper presents the way how those poets utilized the concept of the courtly festivity and its radical disruption as subtle criticism of an ever more duplicitous and untrustworthy courtly existence.
Role played by acid-sensitive ion channels in evoking the exercise pressor reflex

The exercise pressor reflex arises from contracting skeletal muscle and is believed to play a role in evoking the cardiovascular responses to static exercise, effects that include increases in arte...
Subcellular Binding of Halothane-l-14C in Mouse Liver and Brain

Abstract The extent of binding of halothane-l- 14 C to mouse liver and brain 24 hr. after injection of a subanesthetic dose was measured utilizing several techniques: ( a ) exhaustive dialysis with phosphate buffer, ( b ) solvent extraction with 0.25 M sucrose and toluene, ( c ) protein precipitation with trichloroacetic acid, and ( d ) soxhlet extraction with methanol and benzene. A substantial portion of the radioactivity was not removed by these procedures and thus was bound both in liver and brain, the liver containing a greater amount of bound radioactivity on both an absolute basis and a protein content basis. The liver microsomal fraction, subjected to exhaustive dialysis, contained a higher specific activity (disintegrations per minute per milligram protein) than the whole homogenate, 9000 × g pellet, or cytosol. The combination of trichloroacetic acid precipitation and soxhlet extraction with methanol and benzene (1:1) removed virtually all radioactivity from the brain, whereas 13% of the initial radioactivity remained in the liver as tightly bound material. Thus, halothane or a metabolite is tightly and probably covalently bound to a protein or other high molecular weight component in mouse liver but not in the brain.
Control of Oscillating Transmitted Forces in Axial-Thrust Bearings with a Secondary Magnetic Bearing@

In certain applications, axial pulsating forces in a machine need to be isolated so as to reduce the vibration or transmitted force of the main support. This paper illustrates the trade-offs that must be considered for such vibration isolation. It considers tile use of active feedback control and duly notes the control algorithm difficulties that are anticipated in the use of a magnetic bearing as the means for implementing the isolation. Complete vibration isolation is theoretically possible in a machine over certain frequency ranges for a sinusoidally varying exciting force, but at the cost of large vibration amplitudes of the shaft or very large control forces at low frequencies. Conversely, optimum (reduced) transmitted forces may be determined on the basis of a maximum prescribed amplitude of vibration that is acceptable for a particular machine. Presented at the 41st Annual Meeting in Toronto, Ontario, Canada May 12–15, 1986
Dual Signaling during Mating in Brown-headed Cowbirds (Molothrus ater, Family Emberizidae/Icterinae)

:'Ifale hrown-headed cowbirds (,Uo!otbmJ ater) vocalize to females during pair formation, a period usually lasting several days. Males also vocalize to females in the seconds immediately prior to females' adopting copulatory postures. The two major classes of male vocalizations occurring during courtship and copulation arc songs and flight whistles. Observations across the species' ''orth American range suggest that the function of these two courtship vocalizations may differ geographically. Aviary observations of eastern and midwestern populations suggested, furthermore, that the precise timing of song and whistle used during copulation sequences differs, with night whistles occurring most often after a copulatory posture but before the male mounts and the pair copulates. Such timing of the two signals suggested different proximate functions. Here, we report three experiments that addressed the commllnicative properties of the two signals in two midwestern populations. Pirst, we tested females of the two populations in two playback experiments to determine copulatory responsiveness and discrimination of the two signals. We asked whether females of the two populations gave more copulatory responses to the playbacks of songs and flight whistles of males of their own population than to those of males of the other population, and whether females responded differently to songs than to whistles. In the third experiment) we observed courtship interactions among males and fClnaies from one population in a large aviary to assess the use of flight whistles in relation to courtship success. females of both populations responded more frequently to playbacks of songs than to plavbacks of flight whistles and showed reliably more responsiveness to local song \'ariants. Thus, information in male song can be used bv females to discriminate the local population. The aviary data revealed that the rate of flight whistling correlated strongly with male courtship success. Thus, the \'Clcal antecedents to mating in midwestern cowbirds include close-range signaling to females followed by longer range signaling, perhaps to other males and to females other than the mate. Acoustic and behavioral differences between these two signals in diverse parts of the cowhirds' range suggest that the function of 'species­ typical' signals such as songs or whistles may not be fixed, a conclusion in keeping with the growing evidence of vocal and social malleability in these brood parasitic birds.
Science Signaling Podcast: 02 December 2008

This is a conversation with Sam Lee and Pat Ongusaha, authors of a Research Article published in the 25 November issue of Science Signaling . Drs. Lee and Ongusaha discuss the connection between Rho-associated kinase 1 (ROCK1) and Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) signaling in the apoptotic response to ultraviolet B irradiation.
Sacrilege: A Study of Sacred Loss and Desecration and Their Implications for Health and Well‐Being in a Community Sample

In this study, we proposed that people understand major life events in terms of spiritual as well as psychological, social, and physical dimensions. Specifically, we examined the possibility that life events that are perceived to be sacred losses or violations of the sacred (i.e., desecrations) have significant implications for the health and well-being of the individual. A total of 117 adults, randomly selected from a community, identified the most negative life event they had experienced in the past two years. They then completed measures of the degree to which they appraised this event as a sacred loss and as a desecration, as well as measures of religious coping, the impact of the event, and four sets of criteria: traumatic impact, physical health, emotional distress, and growth. These hypotheses were largely supported. Sacred loss and desecration were unrelated to physical health. However, they were tied to higher levels, though somewhat differential patterns, of emotional distress. While sacred loss was predictive of intrusive thoughts and depression, desecration was tied to more intrusive thoughts and greater anger. Furthermore, sacred loss was linked to greater posttraumatic growth and positive spiritual change; in contrast, desecration was associated with less posttraumatic growth. The links between the spiritual appraisals and outcomes were partially mediated by positive and negative methods of religious coping. These findings underscore the importance and multidimensionality of the spiritual meanings people attribute to major life stressors. I could not comprehend the level of on-going purposeful deceit on the part of my significant other. [It was] unimaginable that an “upstanding, prominent, religious, moral, preaching” person could be so utterly deceitful in so many ways for such an extended period of time. (48-year-old woman after discovering that her partner had been maintaining three-year affair with a mutual friend)
Role of Ocular Complement Factor H in a Murine Model of Choroidal Neovascularization

The objective of this study was to explore the relationship between local (ie, ocular) complement factor H (CFH) and choroidal neovascularization (CNV) associated with wet age-related macular degeneration (AMD), a leading cause of irreversible blindness, in laser-treated C57BL/6 mice. Immunohistochemical and RT-PCR analysis of retinal pigmented epithelium (RPE)-choroid sclera revealed that the expression of CFH was down-regulated on day 1 with a dramatic increase on days 5 and 7 postlaser injury. Flat mount and Western blot analysis further revealed that membrane attack complex (MAC) expression was up-regulated on days 1 and 3 postlaser injury; however, MAC was down-regulated on days 5 and 7 postinjury but was still higher than in non-injured mice. Similar patterns for CFH and MAC were observed for RPE cells when serial paraffin sections of the laser spots were analyzed. Subretinal injection of siRNA directed against CFH resulted in a threefold suppression of CFH in the RPE and choroid without affecting either CFH levels in the liver or the functional activity of the alternative pathway in the peripheral blood. Ocular knock-down of CFH resulted in increased MAC deposition, which leads to the early onset as well as exacerbation of laser-induced CNV. In conclusion, our findings provide evidence that CFH present on RPE and choroid regulates local MAC formation that is critical for the development of laser-induced CNV.
Superresolution microscopy for microbiology

This review provides a practical introduction to superresolution microscopy from the perspective of microbiological research. Because of the small sizes of bacterial cells, superresolution methods are particularly powerful and suitable for revealing details of cellular structures that are not resolvable under conventional fluorescence light microscopy. Here we describe the methodological concepts behind three major categories of superresolution light microscopy: photoactivated localization microscopy (PALM) and stochastic optical reconstruction microscopy (STORM), structured illumination microscopy (SIM) and stimulated emission-depletion (STED) microscopy. We then present recent applications of each of these techniques to microbial systems, which have revealed novel conformations of cellular structures and described new properties of in vivo protein function and interactions. Finally, we discuss the unique issues related to implementing each of these superresolution techniques with bacterial specimens and suggest avenues for future development. The goal of this review is to provide the necessary technical background for interested microbiologists to choose the appropriate superresolution method for their biological systems, and to introduce the practical considerations required for designing and analysing superresolution imaging experiments.
A study of Pneumococcal merodiploids at the molecular level.

The DNA of a sulfonamide-resistant Pneumococcal strain (heterozygous for sulr-c) and that of three highly resistant and persistently heterozygous cd transformants, derived by introducing sul r-c marker into a stable sulfonamide resistant strain (sul r-d), were studied to analyze the genetic basis of their merodiploidy. The physical properties of the native and denatured DNA from the heterozygotes and the nonheterozygous strains were not distinguishable. The denaturability and the renaturability of biological activity for the heterozygous markers were essentially identical to those of the normal markers. The heterozygosity extends to the closely linked locus giving rise to four different configurations of cd and cd+ transformants, characterized by their frequencies of segregation and donor-marker activities. The marker-activity ratios and the frequency of co-transfer of heterozygous markers were found to remain the same in each when the donor DNA was native, denatured or reannealed without fractionation or reannealed after remixing of resolved strands. Possible models were weighed against these observations and these considerations led to the suggestion that tandem duplication of a gene region may be responsible for the heterozygosity and instability of this region. A more detailed examination of this model will be presented in an accompanying paper.
Comparative Immunology of Allergic Responses

Allergic responses occur in humans, rodents, non-human primates, avian species, and all of the domestic animals. These responses are mediated by immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies that bind to mast cells and cause release/synthesis of potent mediators. Clinical syndromes include naturally occurring asthma in humans and cats; atopic dermatitis in humans, dogs, horses, and several other species; food allergies; and anaphylactic shock. Experimental induction of asthma in mice, rats, monkeys, sheep, and cats has helped to reveal mechanisms of pathogenesis of asthma in humans. All of these species share the ability to develop a rapid and often fatal response to systemic administration of an allergen--anaphylactic shock. Genetic predisposition to development of allergic disease (atopy) has been demonstrated in humans, dogs, and horses. Application of mouse models of IgE-mediated allergic asthma has provided evidence for a role of air pollutants (ozone, diesel exhaust, environmental tobacco smoke) in enhanced sensitization to allergens.
A diagnostic X ray field verification device for a 10 MV linear accelerator

The quality of portal films taken at megavoltage energies is frequently poor, despite the use of various techniques such as lead screens to improve the image. When critical structures, such as the spinal cord, are to be blocked out of the treatment field, it is frequently difficult to determine whether the block is correctly placed. To solve this problem, a diagnostic X ray source has been mounted on the side of a 10 MV linear accelerator to provide accurate verification of patient positioning and location of shielding blocks. The coincidence between the mechanical, 10 MV and diagnostic X ray isocenters is about 1 mm. The system has been designed so that procedures to monitor this coincidence, and adjustment procedures to maintain it, are easily performed.
Distinct in vitro binding properties of the anti-CD20 small modular immunopharmaceutical 2LM20-4 result in profound and sustained in vivo potency in cynomolgus monkeys

Objectives. To characterize the in vitro binding and effector function properties of CD20-directed small modular immunopharmaceutical (SMIP) 2LM20-4, and to compare its in vivo B-cell depletion activity with the mutated 2LM20-4 P331S [no in vitro complement-dependent cytotoxicity (CDC)] and rituximab in cynomolgus monkeys. Methods. Direct binding is examined in flow cytometry, confocal microscopy, scatchard and lipid raft assays. Effector function assays include CDC and Fc-mediated cellular toxicity. In the 6-month-long in vivo B-cell depletion study, single i.v. dosages of 1 or 10 mg/kg of anti-CD20 proteins were administered to monkeys and B-cell counts were monitored in peripheral blood, bone marrow and lymph nodes. Results. 2LM20-4 has lower saturation binding to human primary B cells and recruits fewer CD20 molecules into lipid rafts compared with rituximab; however, it induces higher in vitro CDC. In competitive binding, 2LM20-4 only partially displaces rituximab, suggesting that it binds to a fraction of CD20 molecules within certain locations of the plasma membrane as compared with rituximab. In monkeys, 2LM20-4 had more sustained B-cell depletion activity than rituximab in peripheral blood and had significantly more profound and sustained activity than 2LM20-4 P331S and rituximab in the lymph nodes. Conclusions. SMIP 2LM20-4, which binds to a fraction of CD20 molecules as compared with rituximab, has more potent in vitro CDC, and more potent and sustained B-cell depletion activity in cynomolgus monkeys. Our work has considerable clinical relevance since it provides novel insights related to the emerging B-cell depletion therapies in autoimmune diseases.
Total synthesis of (-)-senepodine G and (-)-cermizine C

An efficient, stereospecific synthesis of the alkaloids senepodine G (2) and cermizine C (1) has been completed using the BF3·Et2O-promoted stereospecific addition of Me2CuLi to α,β-unsaturated lactam 6 to provide lactam 3, the addition of MeMgBr followed by HCl to convert 3 to senepodine G (2) (six steps, 40% overall yield), and the stereospecific NaBH4 reduction of 2 to give cermizine C (1) (seven steps, 40% overall yield).
Systemic delivery of liposome-anchored anti-CD137 and IL2-Fc prevents lethal toxicity and elicits potent antitumor immunity

Many immunostimulatory drugs, such as agonistic antibodies to CD137 and interleukin (IL)-2, generate effective antitumor immune responses in preclinical studies, but demonstrate serious toxicity profiles after systemic administration, which hampers their clinical application. We recently discovered that a combination of anti-CD137 with an extended half-life IL-2-Fc fusion protein (lacking Fc receptor binding) had pronounced anti-tumor activity, but also induced toxic levels of systemic inflammatory cytokines. In order to reduce their in vivo toxicity and enhance the therapeutic window, anti-CD137 and IL2-Fc were anchored to the surface of PEGylated liposomes (Lipo-αCD137/IL2-Fc), which served as a scaffold to deliver sufficient quantities of immunostimulatory cytokines to primary and metastatic tumors following systemic administration, while minimizing systemic toxicity. In the aggressive, poorly immunogenic B16F10 melanoma model, soluble mixtures of anti-CD137 and IL2-Fc (αCD137/IL2-Fc) dramatically retarded tumor growth, but also elicited lethal toxicity in 100% of animals following 2 injections; reduced doses of this combination therapy exhibited less toxicity but also lost therapeutic efficacy. In striking contrast, mice treated with Lipo-αCD137/IL2-Fc showed significant tumor growth inhibition comparable to the soluble drug treatment, but with negligible in vivo toxicity. High levels of systemic inflammatory cytokines were triggered after intravenous administration of αCD137/IL2-Fc while minimum levels of cytokines were detected in Lipo-αCD137/IL-2-treated animals. Both αCD137/IL2-Fc and Lipo-αCD137/IL2-Fc enhanced the infiltration of cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTL) and NK cells as well as the IFN-γ secretion in tumors. However, Lipo-CD137/IL-2 quickly cleared from the circulation after bolus IV administration and accumulated in tumor via the enhanced permeation and retention effect; while soluble αCD137 and IL2-Fc showed prolonged blood circulation profiles, which persistently activated circulating T lymphocytes, leading to toxicity and decreased survival. These results demonstrate that potent immunomodulators anchored to liposomes exhibit significantly reduced in vivo toxicity while retaining anti-tumor efficacy compared to their soluble forms at equivalent cytokine doses after systemic administration. Reduced in vivo toxicity was due to the biodistribution and pharmacokinetic profiles offered by the liposome scaffold. Figure 1 Figure 2 Figure 3 Figure 4 Figure 5 Figure 6
The Sitkalidak Archaeological Survey Project

The Sitkalidak Archaeological Survey Project was conducted between 1993 and 1996. It was designed to identify and document the archaeological resources of the Sitkalidak Island region of Southeast Kodiak (Figure 7.1). The Old Harbor Native Corporation, the region’s predominant land-owner, wanted a comprehensive inventory of cultural properties as a prelude to effective land management. The resulting archaeological data were anticipated as a source of regional data on changing settlement and land use patterns.