cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Mass and functional capacity of regenerating muscle is enhanced by myoblast transfer

Morphology and functional capacity of homotopically transplanted extensor digitorum longus muscles (EDL) of adult SCID mice that received 1 × 106 myoblasts [stably transfected to express nuclear localizing β-galactosidase under the control of the myosin light-chain 3F promoter/enhancer] 2 days posttransplantation were evaluated 9 weeks after transplantation, to determine whether the injection of exogenous myoblasts had an effect on muscle regeneration. Regenerated muscles that received exogenous myoblasts were compared to similarly transplanted muscles that received (a) no further treatment, or (b) sham injection of the vehicle (without myoblasts) and to unoperated EDL. Nine weeks after myoblast transfer, myofibers containing donor-derived nuclei could be identified after staining with X-gal solution. Judging from its size and poor functional performance compared to muscles subjected to transplantation only, sham injection provided a secondary trauma to the regenerating muscle from which it failed to fully recover. In comparison to the sham-injected muscle, the myoblast-injected muscles weighed 61% more and had 50% more myofibers and 82% more cross-sectional area occupied by myofibers at the muscles' widest girths. Their absolute twitch and tetanic tensions were threefold and twofold greater, respectively, and their specific twitch and tetanic tensions were 71% and 50% greater, respectively, than those of sham-injected muscles. In many parameters, the regenerating muscle subjected to myoblast transfer equaled or exceeded those of muscles that were transplanted only received only one trauma). Absolute twitch and tetanic tensions were 73% and 65% greater, respectively, and specific twitch tensions of the muscles receiving myoblasts were 50% greater than forces generated by muscles subjected to whole-muscle transplantation only. © 1997 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Neurobiol 33: 185–198, 1997
Selective targeting of DNA for cleavage within DNA-histone assemblies by a spermine-[CpW(CO)3Ph]2 conjugate.

In contrast to the histone-modifying action of other complexes of the type CpMLnR, the compound obtained by linking the phenyl rings of two CpW(CO)3Ph moieties to the DNA-binding agent spermine selectively cleaves DNA in DNA–histone assemblies.
ADVANCES IN THERMODIFFUSION AND THERMOPHORESIS (SORET EFFECT) IN LIQUID MIXTURES

Recent advances in thermodiffusion (Soret effect) in binary and higher multicomponent liquid mixtures are reviewed. The mixtures studied include the hydrocarbon, associating, molten metal and semiconductor, polymer, and DNA mixtures. The emphasis is placed on the theoretical works, particularly models based on the nonequilibrium thermodynamics, although other approaches such as the statistical, kinetic and hydrodynamic approaches are discussed as well. For each mixture, the major theoretical and experimental works are discussed and the research trends and challenges are addressed. Some of the challenges include a need for combining various methods to develop a comprehensive theoretical model or at least to try to understand the differences and pros and cons of each approach. Thermodiffusion and ordinary diffusion coefficients are scarce in some mixtures such as binary DNA, molten metal and metal-semiconductor mixtures and all ternary mixtures. Understanding of the molecular structure of associating mixtures, and modeling of thermodiffusion in such mixtures are also very challenging.
Choosing the greater of two goods: neural currencies for valuation and decision making

To make adaptive decisions, animals must evaluate the costs and benefits of available options. The nascent field of neuroeconomics has set itself the ambitious goal of understanding the brain mechanisms that are responsible for these evaluative processes. A series of recent neurophysiological studies in monkeys has begun to address this challenge using novel methods to manipulate and measure an animal's internal valuation of competing alternatives. By emphasizing the behavioural mechanisms and neural signals that mediate decision making under conditions of uncertainty, these studies might lay the foundation for an emerging neurobiology of choice behaviour.
The New AGS Slow External Beam Switchyard

The original switchyard for the Slow External Proton Beam at the AGS of Brookhaven National Laboratory incorporated two current carrying, copper septa to split the beam into three parts. These septa were each .05 mm thick and intercepted a substantial amount of beam when, as often occurs, it was necessary to split the beam across its densest region. To adjust splitting ratios and optimize losses, a complex time consuming pattern of steering adjustments using various magnets was necessary. When the question of providing a fourth beam to a new target station arose, it was clear that adding a third copper septum in the very constrained space available would lead to unacceptable increases in the radiation and control problems. In order to circumvent these difficulties, it was decided to rebuild the switchyard using much thinner electrostatic septa as splitters and to provide a greater degree of independence of the various beam segments.
Stable and unstable manifolds for hyperbolic bi-semigroups

We show the existence of local Lipschitzian stable and unstable manifolds for the ill-posed problem of perturbations of hyperbolic bi-semigroups. We do not assume backward nor forward uniqueness of solutions. We do not use cut-off functions because we do not assume global smallness conditions on the nonlinearities. We introduce what we call dichotomous flows which recovers the symmetry between the past and the future. Thus, we need to prove only a stable manifold theorem. We modify the Conley–McGehee–Moeckel approach to avoid appealing to Wazewski principle and Brouwer degree theory. Hence we allow both the stable and unstable directions to be infinite dimensional. We apply our theorem to the elliptic system uξξ+Δu=g(u,uξ) in an infinite cylinder R×Ω.
Natural transformation of Pseudomonas stutzeri by plasmids that contain cloned fragments of chromosomal deoxyribonucleic acid

Natural transformation of plasmids by Pseudomonas stutzeri was found to depend on their bearing inserts of chromosomal DNA. A set of plasmids derived from the nonconjugative broad host range plasmid pSa151 was constructed by integrating various chromosomal DNA fragments into the single EcoR1 site of pSa151. Selection for the kanamycin resistance determined by pSa151 demonstrated that the derivative plasmids were taken into the cells by natural transformation and stably maintained; each could be reisolated unchanged. Thirty-two different derivative plasmids, 14 to 31 kbase pairs in size, all transformed. The frequency of transformation increased with the size of the chromosomal insert over a twenty fold range. These results suggest that the mechanism of transformation of plasmids by the Gram-negative P. stutzeri is similar to those proposed to operate in Gram-positive bacteria.
SU‐FF‐I‐34: Radiation Dose in Cardiovascular Computed Tomography

Purpose: To assess the effective dose delivered to patients undergoing cardiovascular CT examinations at one institution. To highlight how adjustment of scan parameters to compensate for body habitus affects the CT dose index (CTDI), and how variations in CTDI and scan length combine to deliver a wide range of estimated effective dose. To evaluate the ability of manual scan parameter selection based on perceived patient size to maintain consistent image quality. Method and Materials:CT scan protocol parameters including kV, effective mAs, scan length, scan time, CTDIvol, dose length product (DLP), and effective dose were collected or calculated for cardiovascular CT examinations performed on a Philips Brilliance 64 scanner from Oct 2006 – March 2007. The effect of parameter selection on CTDIvol and effective dose was measured. Clinical factors were analyzed to determine the major contributors to CTDI and scan length, and thus to effective dose. Imagecontrast,noise and contrast‐to‐noise ratio were measured on clinical images to evaluate the ability of manual selection of kVp and mAs to compensate for body habitus and achieve consistent image quality. Results: The scan length in this patient population was 193.6 +/− 29 mm (range 125.6 – 279.2 mm). Effective dose measured 16.9 +/− 5.5 mSv (range 8.7 – 31.3 mSv). When the aorta and pulmonary arteries are also evaluated in “triple rule‐out” studies, scan length and thus effective dose tend to increase compared with simple coronary angiography.Imagenoise and contrast to noise ratio can be stabilized by adjusting kVp and mAs per slice based on patient size. Conclusions: Effective dose in CT depends linearly on both CTDIvol and scan length. Both of these factors can vary widely in cardiovascular CT, resulting in the potential for effective dose exceeding 30 mSv.
Graph theory and parametric representations of feynman amplitudes

Elementary graph theoretic properties of connected Feynman diagrams are used to derive a topological formula which enables one to write down by inspection the parametric integrals of an arbitrary Feynman amplitude in terms of the external momenta. Several examples are given and two theorems on normal thresholds are discussed.
ATTRACTION OF THE TWOLINED CHESTNUT BORER, AGRILUS BILINEATUS (WEBER) (COLEOPTERA: BUPRESTIDAE), AND ASSOCIATED BORERS TO VOLATILES OF STRESSED WHITE OAK

The twolined chestnut borer, Agrilus bilineatus (Weber) (Coleoptera: Buprestidae), is associated with mortality of stressed oaks in the eastern deciduous forests of North America. Beetles were attracted to stressed trees within hours of the onset of stress. We hypothesized that adult beetles rapidly locate suitable hosts by olfactory detection of tree-released volatiles. Trees with sticky-band traps and vane traps baited with crude steam distillates from inner bark of stressed white oaks, or with combinations of ethanol and oak volatiles, captured significantly more beetles than did water controls. Ethanol alone did not attract significant numbers of A. bilineatus. Eighty-two percent of beetles captured were females. Ethanol-baited traps captured large numbers of Cerambycidae, Scolytidae, and a few Cleridae, and these insects were not attracted to oak volatiles. Sticky-band traps were more effective than vane traps in capturing A. bilineatus and other Buprestidae, but Cerambycidae and Scolytidae were more effectively captured in vane traps. Our results show that A. bilineatus is attracted to oak volatiles but later successional beetles are attracted to ethanol.
Stability of gels formed following coagulation of limulus amebocyte lysate: Lack of covalent crosslinking of coagulin

Abstract Incubation of lysates prepared from amebocytes of the horseshoe crab (Limulus polyphemus) with bacterial endotoxin results in coagulation and formation of a solid gel. Although Limulus gels remained solid indefinitely, if undisturbed, they were easily disrupted by mechanical agitation. Chemical solubility studies of gelled lysates demonstrated rapid solubilization of gels in monochloroacetic acid, a property of clots that have not been covalently stabilized; but in contrast demonstrated resistance to solubilization by urea, a property of stabilized clots. Analysis of solubilized proteins by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis in SDS demonstrated coagulin, the designation for the activated form of coagulogen (the clottable protein) that forms a gel, only in samples derived from clotted lysate that had been previously incubated with monochloroacetic acid, but not in samples following incubation with urea, confirming the results of the chemical solubility studies. Enzymatic assays for transpeptidase (Factor XIII-like) activity in either native or gelled Limulus lysates were negative. Furthermore, analysis for covalently crosslinked peptides in gelled coagulin confirmed the absence of intermolecular γ-glutamyl-ϵ-lysyl bonds. Therefore, the stable gels formed following coagulation of Limulus lysate by bacterial endotoxin are not covalently crosslinked.
Large-scale Epstein–Barr virus EBNA1 protein purification

The protein-DNA and protein-protein interactions of Epstein-Barr virus nuclear antigen 1 (EBNA1) are known to play an important role in the many functions of this viral protein. Large quantities of pure EBNA1 protein would be useful in biochemical assays to elucidate such interactions. In particular, the crystal structure of the full-length protein would be important to show possible regions of interaction and/or post-translational modification. Recently, we described a novel approach to overexpress and purify EBNA1 from Escherichia coli; however, it is not ideal for large-scale production of EBNA1. We were able to optimize this protocol by (1) adding a polyethyleneimine precipitation step prior to Ni-NTA chromatography to reduce complexity of the sample and remove nucleic acid, (2) optimizing the Ni-NTA gradient to further separate EBNA1 from impurities, and (3) concluding with a MonoS cation-exchange chromatography step to further purify and concentrate EBNA1. We were able to recover 10-mg quantities of pure EBNA1 protein.
Two pools of luteinizing hormone in the human pituitary: evidence from constant administration of luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone.

ABSTRACT The pituitary gonadotrophin response to constant intravenous infusions of hypothalamic luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone (LH-RH), 0.2 μg/min for 4 hr, was studied in 5 normal human men. Serum LH-RH levels were measured by radioimmunoassay to confirm the constancy of the infusions. Serum luteinizing hormone levels in response to the constant LH-RH administration revealed a biphasic pattern of elevation characterized by early and late peaks. This pattern of release is similar to that of other hormones stored in granules and suggests the existence of two pools of luteinizing hormone in the human pituitary, one requiring longer LH-RH stimulation for release than the other. In contrast, serum follicle-stimulating hormone values revealed a gradual rise during the entire infusion.
Extraluminal gastrointestinal stromal tumour (GIST) located at the splenic flexure of the colon

Gastrointestinal stromal tumours (GISTs) are mesenchymal tumours usually located in the stomach. They rarely occur in the colon and rectum. These tumours originate from the cells of Cajal and may reach a considerable size before symptoms become obvious. Preoperative diagnosis is difficult to establish, and only a detailed histopathological analysis of the excised tumour will reveal the nature of the disease. We present a case of an elderly male patient with the extraluminal location of a large gastrointestinal stromal tumour at the splenic flexure of the colon which was accidentally discovered at a routine CT examination of the abdomen after a fall on the ground. The literature on this rare modality is briefly reviewed.
Binding of zinc finger protein transcription factor IIIA to its cognate DNA sequence with single UV photoproducts at specific sites and its effect on DNA repair.

The relationship between DNA repair efficiency at specific locations in the binding site of the nine-zinc finger protein transcription factor IIIA (TFIIIA) and binding of its individual zinc fingers was studied. Homogeneously damaged oligonucleotides, which contained a single cis-syn cyclobutane thymine dimer (CTD) at one of six different sites in the internal control region (ICR) of the 5 S rRNA gene to generate a series of damaged DNA substrates, were prepared by chemical synthesis. Binding of TFIIIA to the substrates was assayed by measurement of dissociation constants (Kd), dissociation rates (k off), and protein-DNA contacts. The results indicated that a single CTD in the ICR does not significantly affect the Kd of TFIIIA. In contrast, CTDs at positions +55 and +72 (from the transcription start site) in the ICR markedly enhanced k off of TFIIIA from the complex. In addition, CTDs in these two sites increased methylation of the N7 of guanines (by dimethyl sulfate) in the zinc finger contacts of the ICR-TFIIIA complex. Furthermore CTDs at +55 and +72 were more efficiently removed from the complex than CTDs at other sites in the ICR by Xenopus oocyte nuclear extracts. This suggests that repair of CTDs closely correlates with changes in the binding of individual zinc fingers of the ICR-TFIIIA complex. These results have implications for the mechanism of DNA damage recognition and repair in protein-DNA complexes.
Understanding changes in established practice: Pulmonary artery catheter use in critically iii patients

OBJECTIVE Multiple studies suggest that routine use of pulmonary artery catheters is not beneficial in critically ill patients. Little is known about the patterns of "uptake" of practice change that involves removal of a device previously considered standard of care, rather than adoption of a new technique or technology. Our objective was to assess recent pulmonary artery catheter use across ICUs and identify factors associated with high use. DESIGN Cohort study. SETTING U.S. ICUs in Project IMPACT. PATIENTS Adult ICU admissions from 2001 to 2008. INTERVENTIONS None. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS Trends in pulmonary artery catheter use from 2001 to 2008 were assessed. For 2006-2008, we compared pulmonary artery catheter use across ICUs. We assessed characteristics of ICUs and hospitals in the top quartile for in-ICU pulmonary artery catheter placement (vs the bottom quartile) using chi-square and t tests and factors associated with in-ICU pulmonary artery catheter insertion using multilevel mixed effects logistic regression. Total pulmonary artery catheter use decreased from 10.8% of patients (2001-2003) to 6.2% (2006-2008; p < 0.001); insertion of pulmonary artery catheters in ICU decreased from 4.2% to 2.2% (p < 0.001). In 2006-2008, ICUs in the top quartile for in-ICU pulmonary artery catheter insertion (3.4-25.0% of patients) were more often surgical (54.2% vs 21.7% in the lowest quartile, p = 0.070), teaching hospitals (54.2% vs 4.3%, p = 0.001), and had surgeon leadership (40.9% vs 13.0%, p = 0.067). After multivariable regression, surgical patients (p < 0.001) and all patients in surgical ICUs (p = 0.057) were more likely to have pulmonary artery catheters placed in ICU. CONCLUSIONS Use of pulmonary artery catheters in ICU patients has declined but with significant variation across units. Removal of this technology has occurred most in nonsurgical ICUs and patients.
Demonstration of dual A-V pathways in a patient with Lown-Ganong-Levine syndrome.

Electrophysiologic evidence suggestive of dual A-V transmission (atrium to His bundle) is presented in a patient with short P-R, narrow QRS, and paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia. A “fast pathway,” probably representing an A-V nodal bypass tract (James tract) and a “slow pathway” possibly reflecting the A-V node were defined using the extrastimulus technique. The “fast pathway” conduction time (A-H) did not increase appropriately with rapid atrial pacing or with premature atrial stimulation. The “slow pathway” showed increase in A-H interval, with shortening of the atrial coupling interval. The “fast pathway” effective refractory period was longer than the “slow pathway's.” The echo zone coincided with A 1 -A 2 equal or less than the “fast pathway” effective refractory period.
ON THE POSSIBLE LINE ELEMENTS FOR THE UNIVERSE.

Introduction. - As is well known, two different line elements, both compatible with general relativity, have been proposed respectively by Einstein and by de Sitter for the treatment of the large-scale behavior of the universe as a whole. Since neither of these line elements appears to account in any very direct or inevitable way for our present observational facts with regard to the distances and Doppler shifts for the extragalactic nebulae,(1) it is interesting to inquire whether these are the only possible line elements that could be proposed as applicable to cosmological behavior.
Effect of density-gradients on the binding of photosensitizing agents to plasma proteins

The binding of photosensitizing agents to low-density lipoprotein is considered an important factor in tumor localization. We examined the affinity of a group of photosensitizers, varying in charge and hydrophobicity, for LDL, under conditions designed to determine whether the high salt concentration involved in conventional KBr gradients affected the results. Density-gradients containing KBr vs D2O were evaluated; the latter can delineate VLDL and LDL from other plasma components, while the KBr gradient readily resolved VLDL, LDL, HDL and albumin. Distribution of the photosensitizers to plasma fractions was assessed, along with the effect of Cremophor EL, an emulsifier used for formulation of water-insoluble drugs. Both the D2O and KBr gradients provided similar results with regard to the affinity of anionic, neutral or cationic photosensitizers for LDL. The use of Cremophor EL for drug formulation was associated with an altered electrophoretic lipoprotein profile. In some cases, affinity of CRM-solubilized sensitizers for plasma components varied with the density-gradient employed. The high salt concentration used in density-gradient fractionation had little effect on the affinity of photosensitizing agents to low-density lipoprotein but may introduce artifacts when emulsifiers are used in drug formulation.
Skin cancer in an atomic veteran: cause or coincidence?

Background. Some military personnel who were exposed to ionizing radiation during atomic weapons tests subsequently developed skin cancer, but the cause–effect relationship is unclear. Objective. To explore the possible relationship between exposure to atomic tests and the development of skin cancer. Methods. We reviewed available literature regarding the effects of radiation on the skin and the case history of a patient in whom more than 300 basal cell carcinomas developed over a 30-year period after exposure to radiation during atomic testing. Results and Conclusions. Ionizing radiation can cause skin cancer, usually basal cell carcinoma. In some veterans of atomic testing, skin cancer may have been initiated by ionizing radiation and promoted by ultraviolet radiation. We conclude that exposure to ionizing radiation during atomic weapons testing contributed to the excessive number and location of basal cell carcinomas in our patient.
Effects of fire, grazing and topographic variation on vegetation structure in tallgrass prairie.

Questions How do fire and grazing by bison affect the composition and structure of tallgrass prairie plant communities and their temporal stability? Are these responses modulated by topographic location? Location Konza Prairie Biological Station, Kansas, USA. Methods Plant community composition was monitored in permanent plots in native grassland sites receiving different long-term prescribed burning and bison grazing regimes across a topographic gradient (lowlands, slopes, uplands) following 20 yr of variable burning treatments and 13 yr of grazing by bison. A combination of multivariate analyses was used to determine how community structure, life forms and individual species responded to the accumulated effects of long-term fire and grazing by native bison in upland, slope and lowland soils. Results Species diversity was maximized in sites that were infrequently burned and grazed by bison with the strongest response on infrequently burned slope sites, while diversity was lowest on frequently burned ungrazed sites and on frequently burned slope sites. In general, grass cover was highest in infrequently burned ungrazed sites and lowest on frequently burned grazed sites, while forb richness was highest in infrequently burned and grazed sites. Community response to fire and grazing differed across the topographic gradient. In general, frequent burning favoured C4 grasses, which reduced the abundance of C3 forbs, especially in lowland sites. Responses of dominant grasses and forbs to fire and grazing varied depending on topographic position. Community stability was positively correlated with species richness. Conclusions Overall, we found that fire and grazing are the main determinants of plant community composition and structure in this grassland system, but that topography mediates these effects. A combination of bison grazing and periodic fire is necessary to maximize diversity and community stability across this native grassland landscape.
Business-Government Relations Within a Contingency Theory Framework: Strategy, Structure, Fit, and Performance

Using a contingency theory framework, this study examines the relationship between a firm’s business-government relations (BGR) strategy, BGR structure, and BGR performance. Based on previous work, the study hypothesizes that BGR strategy determines, in part, the structure of the public affairs function, as well as the function’s effectiveness. Furthermore, the study contends that an appropriate fit between BGR strategy and BGR structure leads to improved BGR performance. Results indicate that there is a positive association between BGR strategies (buffering and bridging) and BGR performance. There is also a positive association between BGR strategy and BGR formalization (structure). However, the study finds no direct association between BGR structure and performance. Further analysis reveals that it is a fit between a firm’s BGR strategy and BGR structure that leads to improved BGR performance. The associations between strategy, structure, fit, and performance offer empirical support for the relevance of...
The Instrumented Fetal Sheep as a Model of Cerebral White Matter Injury in the Premature Infant

Despite advances in neonatal intensive care, survivors of premature birth remain highly susceptible to unique patterns of developmental brain injury that manifest as cerebral palsy and cognitive-learning disabilities. The developing brain is particularly susceptible to cerebral white matter injury related to hypoxia-ischemia. Cerebral white matter development in fetal sheep shares many anatomical and physiological similarities with humans. Thus, the fetal sheep has provided unique experimental access to the complex pathophysiological processes that contribute to injury to the human brain during successive periods in development. Recent refinements have resulted in models that replicate major features of acute and chronic human cerebral injury and have provided access to complex clinically relevant studies of cerebral blood flow and neuroimaging that are not feasible in smaller laboratory animals. Here, we focus on emerging insights and methodologies from studies in fetal sheep that have begun to define cellular and vascular factors that contribute to white matter injury. Recent advances include spatially defined measurements of cerebral blood flow in utero, the definition of cellular maturational factors that define the topography of injury and the application of high-field magnetic resonance imaging to define novel neuroimaging signatures for specific types of chronic white matter injury. Despite the higher costs and technical challenges of instrumented preterm fetal sheep models, they provide powerful access to clinically relevant studies that provide a more integrated analysis of the spectrum of insults that appear to contribute to cerebral injury in human preterm infants.
The effect of aging and acute illness on delayed hypersensitivity

A group of standard antigens (monilia, mosquito, mumps, purified protein derivative [PPD], staphylococcus toxoid, streptokinase-streptodornase [sk-sd] and trichophyton) were applied to 321 normal volunteers, 60 patients admitted to a medical ward, and 41 patients in an intensive care unit (ICU) to evaluate their delayed hypersensitivity skin test response. Eighty-eight per cent of the normal subjects reacted with at least 5 mm. induration to one or more skin tests without any decrease in reactivity occurring with increasing age. In the hospitalized group, only 62 per cent of the ward and 63 per cent of the ICU patients reacted to the same skin tests. All (8/8) anergic ICU patients tested after discharge regained normal reactivity. Acute illness but not increasing age will impair the delayed hypersensitivity skin test response.
Critical dynamics of ferromagnets in 6 − ε dimensions: General discussion and detailed calculation

We report in detail a study of the critical dynamics of a model ferromagnet in $6\ensuremath{-}\ensuremath{\epsilon}$ dimensions both above and below ${T}_{c}$, for small $\ensuremath{\epsilon}$. The precession of spins in the local magnetic field plays a major role in the dynamics. Its effect can be ignored at 6 or more dimensions, as many authors have previously observed. At a dimension slightly less than 6, the effect is nontrivial but tractable by perturbation theory. We carry out a renormalization-group analysis and determine the dynamic exponent $z=4\ensuremath{-}\frac{\ensuremath{\epsilon}}{2}=1+\frac{d}{2}$, accurate to $O(\ensuremath{\epsilon})$. We also solve the equation of motion to obtain the spin response function. The frequency and damping of spin waves below ${T}_{c}$ are determined. Forms of equations of motion and the extent of universality in critical dynamics are discussed.
Oligomerization of Dopamine Transporters Visualized in Living Cells by Fluorescence Resonance Energy Transfer Microscopy

To examine the oligomeric state and trafficking of the dopamine transporter (DAT) in different compartments of living cells, human DAT was fused to yellow (YFP) or cyan fluorescent protein (CFP). YFP-DAT and CFP-DAT were transiently and stably expressed in porcine aortic endothelial (PAE) cells, human embryonic kidney (HEK) 293 cells, and an immortalized dopaminergic cell line 1RB3AN27. Fluorescence microscopic imaging of cells co-expressing YFP-DAT and CFP-DAT revealed fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) between CFP and YFP, which is consistent with an intermolecular interaction of DAT fusion proteins. FRET signals were detected between CFP- and YFP-DAT located at the plasma membrane and in intracellular membrane compartments. Phorbol esters or amphetamine induced the endocytosis of YFP/CFP-DAT to early and recycling endosomes, identified by Rab5, Rab11, Hrs and EEA.1 proteins. Interestingly, however, DAT was mainly excluded from Rab5- and Hrs-containing microdomains within the endosomes. The strongest FRET signals were measured in endosomes, indicative of efficient oligomerization of internalized DAT. The intermolecular DAT interactions were confirmed by co-immunoprecipitation. A DAT mutant that was retained in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) after biosynthesis was used to show that DAT is oligomeric in the ER. Moreover, co-expression of an ER-retained DAT mutant and wild-type DAT resulted in the retention of wild-type DAT in the ER. These data suggest that DAT oligomers are formed in the ER and then are constitutively maintained both at the cell surface and during trafficking between the plasma membrane and endosomes.
Morphology of cold-drawn polyethylene

Abstract Small-angle studies suggest the presence of either a 1000- or a 100-A periodicity in cold-drawn polyethylene. A 1000-A periodicity is shown in cold-drawn polyethylene thin films to be due to regular placements of portions of two or three lamellae which stayed together during deformation by interlamellar ties. The 100-A periodicity is shown by dark-field electron microscopy and, in particular, by bright-field diffraction-contrast microscopy to be due to alternating crystalline and noncrystalline units aligned in 100-A diameter microfibrils. At lower draw ratios, a lateral alignment of the 100-A units is observed, resulting in the formation of “wavy lamellae.” Although the wavy lamellae are destroyed at higher draw ratios, the 100-A units remain present throughout the sample. These observations suggest the possible presence of a grain structure of the order of 100 A in the original crystal.
Differences in root and shoot growth and soil moisture extraction between cotton cultivars in an acid subsoil

Research was conducted to determine if differences in yield and crop growth of field-grown cotton cultivars (Stoneville 825, Deltapine 41, Auburn 56, and Pima S-5) would be related to root length density and end-of-season soil moisture content in an acid soil.
An Alternative Mechanism of Bioluminescence Color Determination in Firefly Luciferase

Beetle luciferases (including those of the firefly) use the same luciferin substrate to naturally display light ranging in color from green (lambda(max) approximately 530 nm) to red (lambda(max) approximately 635 nm). In a recent communication, we reported (Branchini, B. R., Murtiashaw, M. H., Magyar, R. A., Portier, N. C., Ruggiero, M. C., and Stroh, J. G. (2002) J. Am. Chem. Soc. 124, 2112-2113) that the synthetic adenylate of firefly luciferin analogue D-5,5-dimethylluciferin was transformed into the emitter 5,5-dimethyloxyluciferin in bioluminescence reactions catalyzed by luciferases from Photinus pyralis and the click beetle Pyrophorus plagiophthalamus. 5,5-Dimethyloxyluciferin is constrained to exist in the keto form and fluoresces mainly in the red. However, bioluminescence spectra revealed that green light emission was produced by the firefly enzyme, and red light was observed with the click beetle protein. These results, augmented with steady-state kinetic studies, were taken as experimental support for mechanisms of firefly bioluminescence color that require only a single keto form of oxyluciferin. We report here the results of mutagenesis studies designed to determine the basis of the observed differences in bioluminescence color with the analogue adenylate. Mutants of P. pyralis luciferase putative active site residues Gly246 and Phe250, as well as corresponding click beetle residues Ala243 and Ser247 were constructed and characterized using bioluminescence emission spectroscopy and steady state kinetics with adenylate substrates. Based on an analysis of these and recently reported (Branchini, B. R., Southworth, T. L., Murtiashaw, M. H., Boije, H., and Fleet, S. E. (2003) Biochemistry 42, 10429-10436) data, we have developed an alternative mechanism of bioluminescence color. The basis of the mechanism is that luciferase modulates emission color by controlling the resonance-based charge delocalization of the anionic keto form of the oxyluciferin excited state.
Cooperative Multisite Binding to DNA

The method of sequence generating functions is applied to the binding of substrates to a linear array of binding sites such as is encountered in DNA. Cooperativity parameters are introduced for contact between bound ligands and for the extension of interaction over one or two empty binding units. By allowing these parameters to have values less than or greater than one, a large variety of anticooperative and cooperative situations can be developed. These and other parameters are systematically built into the sequence generating function as markers which are useful for statistical averages even in the absence of cooperativity. The resulting equations are applied to a system of highly cooperative binding, resulting in predicted behavior that simulates many features of the binding of T4 gene 32 protein to DNA. A model for the intercalation of dyes in DNA is also proposed which is based on two anticooperativity parameters: one for intercalating dyes in adjacent sites, the other for dyes separated by one empty site. The method of sequence generating functions not only permits the prediction of binding isotherms for systems like those described above, but also provides statistical distributions for any type of binding event to which a statistical weight can be attached. The only limitation is that the chains must be sufficiently long that end effects are negligible.
A MULTIPLE INOCULATION DEVICE FOR USE WITH FLUIDS

SUMMARY A multiple inoculation device comprising a stainless steel inoculator and Perspex containers for inocula is described. It has been used mainly in the screening of different strains of bacteria for lysogeny, but other applications are listed. Comparison is made with other similar devices.
Intelligent decision support for waste minimization in electroplating plants

Abstract Wastewater, spent solvent, spent process solutions, and sludge are the major waste streams generated in large volumes daily in electroplating plants. These waste streams can be significantly minimized through process modifiction and opertion improvement. In this endeavor, extensive knowledge covering various disciplines is required, which makes problem-solving extremely difficult. Moreover, available process data pertaining to waste minimization (WM) is usually inprecise, incomplete, and uncertain due to the lack of sensors, the difficulty of measurement, and process variations. These hinder the use of rigorous mathematical approaches in formulating WM problems. In the present work, an intelligent decision support system, namely WMEP-Advisor, is developed by resorting to artificial intelligence and fuzzy logic. This system is capable of performing detailed process analysis on waste-generation mechanisms, evaluating WM practice for an individual process unit or an entire plating process, identifying WM opportunities, and providing adequate decision support to process and environmental engineers for process modification and operational change. The tool can be used for either on-site WM or off-line personnel training.
A rare cause of syncope and pulmonary opacities.

A 33 year-old man with no previous past medical history was admitted to the hospital after a syncopal episode at home with no preceding symptoms. On initial evaluation he had a chest X-ray which showed right lower lung focal opacities (Figure 1). This led to a Computerized Tomography (CT) of the thorax where pulmonary arteriovenous malformations (PAVM) were found (Figure 2). Panel …
Understanding the Effect of Trenching on Film Cooling

Recently, there has been a strong focus on film cooling holes embedded in trenches. In this study, film cooling predictions are used to understand the mechanisms of the jets that exit these trenched holes. The present work employs RSM (Reynolds stress transport models) for simulation of turbulent flows in film cooling and the simulation was run using FLUENT computer code. Comparisons are made with experimental data for the film effectiveness distributions. Results show that the film cooling jet exiting the trenched hole shows more two-dimensional flow than the typical cylindrical holes. The jet appears to remain closer to the surface providing more coverage to the surface.Copyright © 2007 by ASME
Experimental and computational studies of R3Al-ER '(3) (E = P, As, Sb, Bi; R = Et, t-bu; R ' = SiMe3, i-Pr) donor-acceptor complexes: Role of the central pnictine and the substituents on the structure and stability of alane adducts

Donor−acceptor interactions within analogously substituted Lewis acid−base adducts of the type Et3Al−E(SiMe3)3 and t-Bu3Al−E(i-Pr)3 (E = P, As, Sb, Bi) were investigated in the solid state, on the basis of single-crystal X-ray structure analyses, and in solution by temperature-dependent NMR spectroscopy. In addition, density functional theory computations (B3LYP/SDD) were performed to analyze molecular structures and to derive dissociation energies (De) of the R3Al−ER‘3 adducts. The thermodynamic stability of these depends both on the electronic strength of the Lewis acid and base, which is influenced by the central group 13 and 15 elements and their substituents R and R‘, and on steric interactions between the Lewis acid and base. Such repulsive interactions are decisive for the stability of adducts containing small central elements such as P and large substituents such as i-Pr and t-Bu. Comparisons between central structure parameters (Al−E and Al−C(H) bond distances; C(H)−Al−C(H) bond angles) and De va...
1981 National Electrical Code Revisions: Emergency and Legally Required Standby and Optional Standby Systems

In the 1981 National Electrical Code, the rules that apply to emergency and legally required or optional standby systems were rewritten, clarified, and more firmly established. The differences among these systems are outlined. Comments on the more significant changes are given. Further, a listing of related standards is included.
Reed-Sternberg-like cells in lymph node aspirates in the absence of Hodgkin's disease: Pathologic significance and differential diagnosis†

We discuss nine cases identified at our institution with prominent Reed-Sternberg-like cells in fine-needle aspiration of lymph nodes in patients without Hodgkin's disease. Cytomorphology was studied using Diff-Quik and Papanicolaou-stained smears and flow cytometric analysis was performed in all cases. Clinical and/or histopathologic follow-up was reviewed. Of the nine cases, all were diagnosed as "atypical lymphoid proliferation" despite a negative flow cytometric analysis. Clinicopathologic follow-up revealed that three cases evolved into malignant non-Hodgkin's lymphoma and one case into a posttransplant lymphoproliferative disorder. The remaining five cases were benign in the follow-up period also, of which one case was later diagnosed as an inflammatory pseudotumor. In two cases of reactive hyperplasia and in the inflammatory pseudotumor case, an in situ hybridization stain for Epstein Barr virus (EBV) was positive. The significance and differential diagnosis of Reed-Sternberg-like cells in lymph nodes in the absence of Hodgkin's disease is discussed.
Effects of Kindergarten Retention at the End of First Grade.

The purpose of the study was to assess the effect of kindergarten retention on firstgrade achievement and adjustment. Forty children who had been retained in kindergarten were identified from schools that practiced kindergarten retention at a high rate. Control children were selected from schools matched on socioeconomic and achievement level, but that did not practice retention in kindergarten. Then, control children were selected individually to match retained children on sex, birthdate, socioeconomic level, second language, and beginning kindergarten readiness scores. The two groups, which were equally young and unready at the start of kindergarten, were compared at the end of first grade on seven outcome measures; the retained children were then completing three years of school and the control children two. There were no differences between the retained and control children on teacher ratings of reading achievement, math achievement, social maturity, learner self-concept, or attention. The groups also did not differ in CTBS math scores; the only difference occurred on the CTBS reading test, where the retained group was one month ahead. Based on parent interview data, children who had spent an extra year before first grade were not much different from those deemed at risk but not retained, except that, on average, retained children had slightly more negative attitudes toward school. The study findings are consistent with other available research on transition programs that show no academic benefit for the extra year and, when examined, a negative impact on social-emotional outcomes.
Characterization of a d.c. arc plasma jet in argon as an atomization and excitation source for atomic spectroscopy

Abstract A low-current d.c. arc plasma jet in argon is characterized. Apparent temperatures observed in the plasma flame region are considerably lower than those reported previously by other workers with similar devices. It appears that much of the sample aerosol does not enter the high-temperature plasma region.
Adjacency lattices and shape-tree semilattices

This paper further investigates a new approach for self-dual morphological processing, where eroded images have all shapes shrunk in a contrast-invariant way. In the binary case, we operate on a given image with morphological operators in the so-called ''adjacency lattice,'' which is intimately related to the image's adjacency tree. These operators are generalized to grayscale images by means of the so-called ''shape-tree semilattice,'' which is based on the tree of shapes of the given image. Apart of reviewing their original definition, different algorithms for computing the shape-tree morphological operators are addressed.
EFFECT OF X-IRRADIATION ON THE PHYSICOCHEMICAL PROPERTIES OF DEOXYRIBONUCLEIC ACID.

Abstract Intact lymphoblasts and isolated DNA were irradiated under conditions known to reduce the priming activity of DNA for Escherichia coli DNA-polymerase in order to detect structural alterations responsible for the decrease in biological activity. Irradiation of intact lymphoblasts with 1000 R caused single-strand breaks in the DNA as evidenced by a greater reduction in the viscosity of the DNA subsequently extracted and heat-denatured as compared with that observed in DNA extracted from control cells and denatured. Irradiation of DNA in dilute solution with 1000 R was more effective in producing alterations in the DNA, as evidenced by a reduction in the viscosity of native DNA, a reduction in the Tm and sedimentation rate, and an increased sensitivity to alkaline phosphatase and a nuclease preparation from E. coli. It has been proposed that enough single breaks are produced on opposite strands by the in vitro radiation to cause horizontal cleavage. Iodouracil substitution in the DNA increased the irradiation effect when intact cells were irradiated but not when the DNA was irradiated in dilute solution.
A social-psychological perspective on successful community control of high blood pressure: a review.

This review brings together studies dealing with factors that affect participation in screening, referral, and treatment for high blood pressure (HBP). Community-based screening programs are examined first, in order to describe the changing and the current distribution of hypertensives as “unaware,” untreated, treated but uncontrolled, and controlled by treatment. Factors influencing this distribution are examined. Next, data on referral, acceptance of treatment, and staying in treatment are discussed, with a special reference to intervention studies. The review then brings in the broader social science literature on the psychosocial dynamics of health-maintaining and risk-reducing behaviors. The article concludes with an interpretive summary and some suggestions for further action.
Design of High-Radix Clos Network-on-Chip

Many high-radix Network-on-Chip (NOC) topologies have been proposed to improve network performance with an ever-growing number of processing elements (PEs) on a chip. We believe Clos Network-on-Chip (CNOC) is the most promising with its low average hop counts and good load-balancing characteristics. In this paper, we propose (1) a high-radix router architecture with Virtual Output Queue (VOQ) buffer structure and Packet Mode Dual Round-Robin Matching (PDRRM) scheduling algorithm to achieve high speed and high throughput in CNOC, (2) a heuristic floor-planning algorithm to minimize the power consumption caused by the long wires. Experimental results show that the throughput of a 64-node 3-stage CNOC under uniform traffic increases from 62% to 78% by replacing the baseline routers with PDRRM VOQ routers. We also compared CNOC with other NOC topologies, and found that using the new design techniques, CNOC has the highest throughput, lowest zero-load latency, and best power efficiency.