cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
5 – Cuticular Proteins

Publisher Summary This chapter summarizes the wealth of information about cuticular proteins amassed. Cuticular protein sequences are certain to be described in ever-increasing numbers as more insect genomes are analyzed. Central to the issue of cuticle structure is the important fact that considerable cuticle growth can occur during an intermolt period, some of it by a smoothing out of macro- and microscopic folds and pleats. During intra-instar growth, new cuticular proteins are interspersed among the old, necessitating a model of chitin–protein and protein–protein interactions that will permit such intussusception. A wealth of sequence information is available for cuticular proteins, but many challenges lie ahead for those who wish to continue to further their understanding of how the diverse forms and properties of cuticle are constructed extracellularly as these proteins self-assemble in proximity to chitin and make specific contributions to the properties of the exoskeleton.
A structural model of anti-anti-σ inhibition by a two-component receiver domain: the PhyR stress response regulator.

PhyR is a hybrid stress regulator conserved in {alpha}-proteobacteria that contains an N-terminal {sigma}-like (SL) domain and a C-terminal receiver domain. Phosphorylation of the receiver domain is known to promote binding of the SL domain to an anti-{sigma} factor. PhyR thus functions as an anti-anti-{sigma} factor in its phosphorylated state. We present genetic evidence that Caulobacter crescentus PhyR is a phosphorylation-dependent stress regulator that functions in the same pathway as {sigma}{sup T} and its anti-{sigma} factor, NepR. Additionally, we report the X-ray crystal structure of PhyR at 1.25 {angstrom} resolution, which provides insight into the mechanism of anti-anti-{sigma} regulation. Direct intramolecular contact between the PhyR receiver and SL domains spans regions {sigma}{sub 2} and {sigma}{sub 4}, likely serving to stabilize the SL domain in a closed conformation. The molecular surface of the receiver domain contacting the SL domain is the structural equivalent of {alpha}4-{beta}5-{alpha}5, which is known to undergo dynamic conformational change upon phosphorylation in a diverse range of receiver proteins. We propose a structural model of PhyR regulation in which receiver phosphorylation destabilizes the intramolecular interaction between SL and receiver domains, thereby permitting regions {sigma}{sub 2} and {sigma}{sub 4} in the SL domain to open about a flexible connectormore » loop and bind anti-{sigma} factor.« less
The Prediction of Ignition Delay and Combustion Intervals for a Homogeneous Charge, Spark Ignition Engine

Correlations for the ignition delay and combustion energy release intervals in a homogeneous charge, spark-ignited engine are developed. After incorporation within a simplified engine cycle simulation, predicted values of these two combustion parameters are compared to experimental engine data. The correlations are based on four fundamental quantities--the turbulent integral scale, the turbulent micro-scale, the turbulent intensity, and the laminar flame speed. The major assumptions include: (1) the turbulent integral scale is proportional to the instantaneous chamber height prior to flame initiation; (2) angular momentum is conserved in the individual turbulent eddies ahead of the flame front (i.e., a ''rapid distortion'' turbulence model); and (3) the turbulent intensity scales with the mean piston speed. Two empirical constants scale the correlations to a given engine. Predicted values for the ignition delay and burn intervals show good agreement with experimental results for wide variations in engine operating and design conditions (e.g., engine speed and load, spark timing, EGR, air-fuel ratio, and compression ratio). In addition, the shapes of the predicted mass fraction burned curves agree well with published data.
The utility of molecular markers in pre-operative assessment of thyroid nodules

The pre-operative diagnosis of thyroid tumors is determined by gold standard fine needle aspiration (FNA) biopsy. This has been widely accepted and offers the most cost-effective approach for evaluation of thyroid nodules. However, its diagnostic accuracy can pose a challenging scenario to surgeons. These diagnostic difficulties may subject patients to unnecessary thyroidectomies for benign thyroid nodules. Thus, additional molecular tests are needed to improve the sensitivity and specificity of FNA. The role of molecular markers is being proposed to predict the type and risk of malignancy to abate the need for diagnostic thyroidectomies. This review discusses their utility and validity in pre-operative diagnosis of thyroid nodules and how these markers can enhance the accuracy of FNA cytology.
Labrado en la página

Georgica americana. Seleccion, introduccion y notas de Victor Manuel Patino. Instituto Caro y Cuervo, Bogota, 2000, 322 pags.
Rhizotron Study of Cucurbitaceae: Transport of Soil-Bound Chlordane and Heavy Metal Contaminants Differs with Genera

Environmental Context. Many pesticides are difficult to remove from the soil, and remain as persistent pollutants. Some plant species can extract these pollutants from the soil and thereby degrade them, leading to a potential plant-based soil remediation technology. This study examines how plants extract an enduring organic pollutant (chlordane) and heavy metals (zinc, cadmium) from the soil, where they are processed in the plant, and what end-products are generated. Abstract. Two Cucurbitaceae, Cucurbita pepo L. and Cucumis sativus L., were grown in rhizotrons containing soil contaminated with heavy metals and highly weathered chlordane residues. This experimental scheme allowed in situ access to several portions of the soil/plant system. In the root exudates, concentrations of low molecular weight organic acids (LMWOAs) collected from both genera were detected consistently in the order malic > citric > succinic. Xylem sap was collected from severed plant stems over recorded time segments. Chlordane components and elemental analytes in the sap showed distinct, consistent differences between C. pepo L. and C. sativus L. with regard to chlordane flux, enantiomeric fractions of chlordane components, and heavy metal content. This is the first detailed report of patterns of heavy metals and persistent organic pollutants (POPs) in the contiguous compartments of soil, whole root tissue, xylem sap, and aerial tissue.
Perturbative QCD fragmentation functions for production of P-wave charm and bottom mesons

We calculate the leading order QCD fragmentation functions for the production of P-wave charmed b mesons. Long-distance effects are factored into two nonperturbative parameters: the derivative of the radial wave function at the origin and a second parameter related to the probability for a (b\ifmmode\bar\else\textasciimacron\fi{}c) heavy quark pair that is produced in a color-octet S-wave state to form a color-singlet P-wave bound state. The four 2P states and those 3P states which lie below the BD flavor threshold eventually all decay into the 1S ground state ${\mathit{B}}_{\mathit{c}}$ through hadronic cascades or by emitting photons. The total fragmentation probabilities for production of the 1S ground state ${\mathit{B}}_{\mathit{c}}$ from the cascades of the 2P and 3P states are about 1.7\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}${10}^{\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}4}$ and 2.3\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}${10}^{\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}4}$, respectively. Thus the direct production of the P-wave states via fragmentation may account for a significant fraction of the inclusive production rate of the ${\mathit{B}}_{\mathit{c}}$ at large transverse momentum in high energy colliders. Our analytic results for the P-wave fragmentation functions disagree with those obtained earlier in the literature. Our results also cover the P-wave heavy quarkonium case in the equal mass limit.
Efficacy of modified recombinant type II collagen in modulating autoimmune arthritis.

Objective Previous studies have shown that an analog peptide of the immunodominant T cell determinant of type II collagen (CII), i.e., CII256–276(N263, D266), was able to suppress the immune response to CII and the development of arthritis in DR1-transgenic mice. The present study tested the hypothesis that introduction of the same amino acid substitutions into full-length CII might improve the efficacy of the mutant collagen in achieving suppression of autoimmune arthritis. Methods Using recombinant technology, full-length CII was modified, while the native conformation was retained. Two point mutations were introduced within the immunodominant T cell determinant to convert the F263 to N and E266 to D, using a baculovirus expression system that has previously been utilized in the production of recombinant CII (rCII). Results The mutant rCII(N263, D266) was capable of reducing the incidence and severity of arthritis as well as the antibody response to CII when administered to DR1-transgenic mice that display susceptibility to collagen-induced arthritis. More importantly, it was significantly more effective than the synthetic analog peptide, CII256–276(N263, D266). Its mechanism of suppression may be explained by the secretion of predominantly Th2 cytokines by the T cells immunized with rCII(N263, D266). Administration of rCII(N263, D266) was ineffective in suppressing arthritis in IL4−/− mice, suggesting that the profound suppressive effects of rCII(N263, D266) were mediated through the production of interleukin-4. Conclusion These findings describe a promising specific immunotherapy for patients with DR1-mediated autoimmunity to CII.
Specific heat of osmium between 0.18 and 4.2 K

Abstract The specific heat of a polycrystalline osmium sample (resistivity ratio 500) has been measured between 0.18 and 4.2 K in zero magnetic field. The transition from superconducting to normal state occurs at T 0 = 0.638±0.002 K. In the normal state, the coefficient of the electronic contribution was found to be 2.050±0.003 mJ/mole deg 2 , and the Debye temperature at absolute zero, θ 0 = 467±6 K . In the superconducting state, the electronic specific heat was found to agree with C es = ayT 0 e -bT 0 /T where a = 9.8 and b = 1.51. The critical-field parameter H 0 was found to be 77.5 G, and the deviation of the critical-field curve from the parabolic law was 4.3%. The value of the superconducting energy gap derived from γ, T 0 , and H 0 is 3.55 kT 0 .
Two synaptotagmin genes, Syt1 and Syt4, are differentially regulated in adult brain and during postnatal development following kainic acid-induced seizures

The synaptotagmins together with other vesicle proteins are thought to be essential for the docking and/or fusion of synaptic vesicles with the plasma membrane that occurs following depolarization and calcium influx in presynatic terminals. Syt4, the fourth identified member of the synaptotagmin family, is inducible in PC12 cells by depolarization and secretagogues, and in limbic regions of the adult rat brain by kainic acid-induced seizures. In the present study, we examined the time course of the seizure-induced changes in the expression of Syt4 and Syt1, both in adult animals and during the postnatal period. Syt4 was transiently induced in several structures of the adult rat brain following seizure activity with peak inductions between 4 and 8 h and overal return to control values by 30 h. No induction was observed following seizure activity in 7-day-old animals. The brain regions most sensitive to increased induction were, in decreasing order of sensitivity, hippocampal pyramidal cells dentate granule cells and piriform cortex pyramidal cells. The brain areas showing the greatest Syt4 stimulation in adults were also the areas in which Syt4 was induced by seizures earlier in development. In contrast, Syt1 mRNA was depressed in adult brains following seizure activity, particularly in the dentate granule cells. Our results suggest that the differential regulation of different synaptotagmin genes following excessive neuronal activity might participate in rapid adaptation of subsequent transmitter release.
Treatment of the K-Quantum Number in Unimolecular Reaction Theory: Insights from Product Correlations

The connection between the K-quantum number and product correlations in the barrierless unimolecular dissociation of symmetric-top molecules is explored to establish a qualitative diagnostic for the treatment of the K-rotor dynamics in unimolecular reaction theory. We find that fragment scalar and vector correlations can provide guidance in this matter, and the photodissociation dynamics of thermal NCNO to form CN and NO at several dissociation wavelengths are presented to demonstrate the utility of this approach. The "goodness" of the K-quantum number can be related to the amount of energy in the conserved vibrational modes at the inner transition state. On the basis of measured correlated vibrational distributions, the K-quantum number is found to be approximately conserved at the inner transition state for the photodissociation of NCNO at 514, 520, and 526 nm. The methodology, involving a comparison of product distributions from the photodissociation of jet and thermal ensembles at identical wavelengths, is general and may be applied to previously studied systems that dissociate along barrierless potential energy surfaces, CF(3)NO and CH(2)CO. In addition, vector correlations serve as a means to probe the K-mixing at the outer transition state, and measured v-j correlations in the photodissociation of thermal NCNO are presented.
Electronic, Magnetic, and Geometric Structure of Metallo-Carbohedrenes

The energetics and the electronic, magnetic, and geometric structure of the metallocarbohedrene Ti8C12 have been calculated self-consistently in the density functional formulation. The structure of Ti8C12 is a distorted dodecahedron with a binding energy of 6.1 electron volts per atom. The unusual stability is derived from covalent-like bonding between carbon atoms and between titanium and carbon atoms with no appreciable interaction between titanium atoms. The density of states at the Fermi energy is high and is derived from a strong hybridization between titanium 3d and carbon sp electrons. Titanium sites carry a small magnetic moment of 0.35 Bohr magneton per atom and the cluster is only weakly magnetic.
Mechanism of Enhanced Mechanical Stability of Retroviral Kissing-Loops Elucidated by Non-Equilibrium Molecular Dynamics Simulations

An RNA kissing-loop from the Moloney Murine Leukemia Virus (MMLV) exhibits unusual mechanical stability despite having only two intermolecular base-pairs. Mutations at this junction have been shown to destabilize genome dimerization, with concomitant reductions in viral packaging efficiency and infectivity rates. Optical tweezers experiments have shown that it requires as much force to break the MMLV kissing-loop complex as is required to unfold an entire 11 base-pair RNA hairpin (Li PTX, Bustamante C, Tinoco I (2006) P.N.A.S. 103:15847). Using non-equilibrium all-atom molecular dynamics simulations, we have developed a detailed model for the kinetic intermediates of the force-induced dissociation of the MMLV kissing-loop. 208 dissociation events were simulated under constant applied external force, for a total of ∼16 μs simulation time. These events are combined to construct a Markov state model for kissing-loop dissociation, which is capable of predicting overall dissociation rates on timescales longer than were actually simulated. We find that the complex undergoes a conformational rearrangement which distributes the applied force in parallel among multiple intermolecular hydrogen-bonds, which is substantially more mechanically stable than the serial bond breaking observed in the force-unfolding of RNA hairpins. Stacking interactions with adjacent, unpaired adenine bases further stabilize the complex by increasing the repair rates for partially broken base-pairs. These stacking interactions are also prominently featured in the transition state, which requires additional coordinates orthogonal to the end-to-end extension to be uniquely identified. Our findings can be extended to explain the peculiar sequence-stability relationships of the 6 base-pair HIV-1 DIS kissing-loop.
Town Heterogeneity and Affiliation: A Multilevel Analysis of Voluntary Association Membership:

This article develops and tests a general hypothesis derived from a theoretical perspective that links the individual-level outcome of voluntary association membership to the aggregate-level feature of town heterogeneity. The hypothesis predicts that heterogeneity will be negatively related to membership because, ceteris paribus, the potential for homophilous social network ties decreases with heterogeneity. The research examines heterogeneity with respect to four sociodemographic variables: education, income, industry, and race. To correctly separate individual effects from structural effects, nonlinear hierarchical models are employed. The results from models separately including each type of heterogeneity provide support for the hypothesis. Estimates from a model including all four types of heterogeneity suggest that race heterogeneity has the strongest impact on affiliation, although the effect of education heterogeneity also remains. The article concludes with a discussion of how future research on v...
pH-sensitive membranes from poly(vinyl alcohol)/poly(acrylic acid) interpenetrating networks

Abstract Membranes with varying degree of crosslinking and ionic content were prepared from interpenetrating networks of poly(vinyl alcohol) and poly(acrylic acid). Equilibrium swelling studies were conducted to characterize their crosslinked structure and determine the average molecular weight between crosslinks, crosslinking density, and mesh size of the networks. Equilibrium and oscillatory swelling studies were performed to investigate the gel response to changes in the pH and ionic strength of the swelling medium. The permeation of solutes of varying size including urea, guaiacol glyceryl ether, l -tryptophan, vitamin B12 and selected dextrans was investigated as a function of pH and membrane mesh size.
Origin of Enantioselectivity in the Jacobsen Epoxidation of Olefins

It is proposed that facial selectivity in the Jacobsen epoxidation is determined by electrostatic and steric factors with a two-step pathway involving a carbocationic intermediate.
Verbal, Facial, and Paralinguistic Cues to the Detection of Truth and Lying

Edited videotaped segments of the television program "To Tell the Truth" were presented to 47 female and 34 male students who judged truthfulness of contestants. The modes of information presented to subjects were manipulated by presenting different edited tapes to create four conditions: (1) total information, including facial, verbal content, and paralinguistic cues, (2) verbal and paralinguistic cues, (3) facial and verbal content, (4) facial cues. Results indicated that concurrent deletion of verbal content and paralinguistic cues led to decreased accuracy, while deletion of only facial cues or paralinguistic cues did not affect accuracy.
Clinical expression of LRRK2 G2019S mutations in the elderly

Mutations in the leucine-rich repeat kinase 2 gene (LRRK2, PARK8) are the most commonly identified monogenic etiology of Parkinson disease (PD). Over-represented in the Ashkenazi Jewish population, these mutations are transmitted in an autosomal dominant manner with age-dependent reduced penetrance. The natural history and penetrance of these mutations in the elderly is controversial and inadequately studied. We conducted a nested cohort study in a community-based aging study (the Einstein Aging Study). Six elderly, initially nonmanifesting carriers (NMC) of the LRKK2 G2019S mutation were identified (average age 82.1 ± 7.0, range 72.7-90.8), and five had available longitudinal data. We matched five noncarrier controls to each NMC and followed them for an average of 4.7 years with annual cognitive and motor examinations. PD was identified in one NMC at age 95 and in no control subjects. The remaining carriers did not differ from controls on motor scores at baseline or follow-up. The baseline Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale motor subscore (UPDRS-III) in cases was 6.2 ± 6.9 (range 1-19) and in controls was 4.5 ± 6.6 (1-30), P = 0.6; the mean difference in UPDRS-III slopes over time between cases and controls was 0.1 ± 1.3 and was not statistically significant. Our data, while limited by a small sample size, show that in LRKK2 G2019S mutation carriers, phenoconversion to PD can occur late in life. However, most NMC have motor decline which is indistinguishable from their age mates, suggesting that the larger subset of elderly NMC is not on the motor trajectory to disease.
Solution structure of Fe(II)–azide–bleomycin derived from NMR data: transition from Fe(II)–bleomycin to Fe(II)–azide–bleomycin as derived from NMR data and structural calculations

The coordination cage of the metal center in Fe(II)–bleomycin has been proposed to consist of the secondary amines in β-aminoalanine, the pyrimidinylpropionamide and imidazole rings, and the amide nitrogen in β-hydroxyhistidine as equatorial ligands, and the primary amine in β-aminoalanine and either the carbamoyl group in mannose or a solvent molecule occupying the axial sites. With the aim of supporting or not supporting coordination of a water molecule to the metal center in Fe(II)–bleomycin, the solution structure of Fe(II)–azide–bleomycin has been derived from NMR data. The structural changes that occur in Fe(II)–bleomycin upon azide binding have been monitored by comparing the experimental results with those obtained from the calculated structures for both bleomycin adducts. The results of this investigation strongly support a model of Fe(II)–bleomycin with six endogenous ligands as the most likely structure held in solution by this metallobleomycin in the absence of DNA.
A Strategy to Identify Probes that Detect a High Degree of Polymorphism in Bread Wheat

Although the genetic linkage map of Triticum tauschil, the D-genome progenitor of wheat its available, its use for linkage analysis of hexaploid wheat chromosome regions is hampered by the lack of polymorphism in wheat. Here we describe a strategy to identity probes that detect a high degree of polymorphism in wheat. The strategy involves the use of DNA probes that detect null alleles. About 16% of the Pstl genomic clones from Triticum tauschil detect null alleles in the species. The probes that detect null alleles reveal high degree of polymorphism among hexaploid wheat cultivars. The probes selected following this strategy are expected to detect null alleles throughout the tribe Triticeae, therefore, reveal high degree of polymorphism.
Self-similar Solutions of Nonlinear Elasticity and Poroelasticity Equations

Recent advances in nonlinear wave propagation in elastic and porous elastic (poro-elastic) material have presented new nonlinear evolutionary equations. The derivation of these equations in three-dimensional space is based on the semilinear Biot theory. The nonlinear elastodynamic equations are derived form the more general model of poro-elastodynamic using consistency arguments. For simplicity, we discuss and carry out the analysis for the nonlinear elastic model. It is found in this article that the methods of symmetry groups and self-similar solutions can furnish solutions to the nonlinear elastodynamic wave equation. It is also found that these models lead to shock wave development in finite time. Necessary conditions for the existence of the solution are given and well-posedness of the Cauchy problem is discussed.
Sodium phosphate-derived calcium phosphate cements

Abstract Calcium phosphate cements (CPC) were synthesized by the acid-base reaction between sodium phosphate, NaH2PO4 or -(-NaPO3-)-n, as the acid solution, and calcium aluminate cements (CAC) as the base reactant at 25 °C. The extent of reactivity of -(-NaPO3-)-n with CAC was much higher than that of NaH2PO4, thereby resulting in a compressive strength of > 20 MPa. Sodium calcium orthophosphate (SCOP) salts as amorphous reaction products were responsible for the development of this strength. When this CPC specimen was exposed in an autoclave, in-situ amorphous → crystal conversions, such as SCOP → hydroxyapatite (HOAp), and Al2O3· xH2O → γ-A100H, occurred at ≈ 100 °C, while the rate of reaction of the residual CAC with the phosphate reactant was increasingly accelerated by hydrothermal catalysis. Based upon this information, we prepared lightweight CPC specimens by hydrothermally treating a low-density cement slurry (1.28 g/cc) consisting of CAC powder, -(-NaPO3-)-n solution, and mullite-hollow microspheres. The characteristics of the autoclaved lightweight specimens were a compressive strength of > 9.0 MPa, water permeability of ≈ 5.0 × 10−3 milli darcy, and a low rate of alkali carbonation. The reasons for such a low carbonation rate reflected the presence of a minimum amount of residual CAC, in conjunction with the presence of HOAp and γ-A100H phases that are unsusceptible to wet carbonation.
Developmental malformations resulting from the administration of lead salts

Abstract Specific congenital-skeletal malformations have been induced in hamster embryos by treatment of the pregnant hamster with various salts of lead. These malformations were primarily localized within the developing sacral and tail vertebrae and were characterized by varying degrees of tail malformations ranging from stunting to complete absence of the tail. Minor degrees of this malformation are compatible with life and the fertility of several affected newborns which have been reared to adulthood does not appear to be affected.
Quartz Dissolution as Influenced by pH and the Presence of a Disturbed Surface Layer

Quartz particles (10 to 2 microns in diameter, produced by grinding) released 45 ppm of SiO2 to a buffer solution of pH 7 during a 48 hr period. The grinding of quartz particles produced a disturbed surface layer with solubility properties intermediate between crystalline quartz (6 ppm SiO2) and amorphous silica (120 ppm SiO2). Removal of the disturbed layer by treatment with 1N HF lowered the SiO2 dissolution from 45 to 3 ppm. Use of 12N HF decreased the amount of SiO2 dissolved to 2 ppm, a result found to coincide with a preferential dissolution of the finer quartz particles in addition to the removal of the disturbed surface layer. The rate of dissolution of SiO2 from quartz particles, subsequent to treatment with 1N HF, increased with decrease in particle size, from 1 to 3 ppm for quartz particles 50 to 20 microns in diameter to 30 to 44 ppm for particles 2 to 0.2 microns in diameter, during each of three consecutive 14-day extractions with pH 7 buffer solution. The amount of SiO2 dissolved from quartz in buffer solutions increased in the pH range of 4 to 10, from 0.6 ppm of SiO2 at pH 4 to 19 ppm at pH 10 during a 14-day period of extraction from quartz particles, 10 to 2 microns in diameter. Quartz particles, subsequent to the removal of the disturbed surface layer, removed SiO2 from pH 4 and pH 8 buffer solutions prepared with more SiO2 in solution than would be released from quartz in the respective solution.
The competition between optical pumping and intramolecular vibrational relaxation in organometallics: A new chromium Rydberg series

Abstract We have measured the multiphoton ionization spectra of Cr(CO)6, Cr(CO)3C6H6, Cr(CO)3C6H5Cl, and Cr(CO)3C6H5CH3 in the region 355–365 nm. We have identified previously unassigned features, in particular, an even-parity 7S3 Rydberg series of neutral bare chromium atoms. From the assignment we have obtained an improved value for the ionization potential, the quantum defect and evidence for electron correlation and nuclear screening effects in the bare chromium atom. Coupled with assignments of other nearby spectral features we have also obtained the first evidence of intramolecular vibrational redistribution (IVR) competing with multiphoton up-pumping of organometallic molecules.
State Spending On Dual Eligibles Under Age 65 Shows Variations, Evidence Of Cost Shifting From Medicaid To Medicare

Roughly half of Medicare beneficiaries under age sixty-five are also eligible for Medicaid. These “dual eligibles” have been the subject of much research because of their low income and poor health status. Previous studies suggest that some states seek to shift costly health care services for this group out of state-run Medicaid programs and into the federally funded Medicare program—for example, replacing nursing home care with hospital care. Using state-level data on dual eligibles under age sixty-five, we found support for this hypothesis. In states with below-average per capita Medicaid spending, corresponding Medicare spending was above average. These state-level estimates also revealed a nearly threefold difference in total—Medicare plus Medicaid—price-adjusted spending per person, ranging from $16,309 in Georgia to $43,587 in New York. Such large variations among people with serious diseases suggest inefficiency. Some states may be spending too little for Medicaid, meaning that some patients’ needs...
Improved climate, culture, and communication through multidisciplinary training and instruction

Objective The objective of the study was to determine the effectiveness of multidisciplinary team training on organizational culture and team communication. Study Design The training included a 6-step protocol: (1) a pretest survey assessing cultural attitudes and perceptions, (2) a baseline high-fidelity simulation session, (3) invitational medical rhetoric instruction, (4) a second high-fidelity simulation session, (5) a posttest survey assessing changed cultural attitudes and perceptions, and (6) a debriefing with participants. Teams of 4 physicians trained together: 2 obstetricians and 2 anesthesiologists. Forty-four physicians completed the training protocol during 2010 and 2011. Results Paired-sample t tests demonstrated significant decreases in autonomous cultural attitudes and perceptions ( t = 8.23, P t = −4.05, P t tests also demonstrated significant increases in communication climate that invited participation and integrated information from both medical services ( t = −5.80, P Conclusion The multidisciplinary team training program specified in this report resulted in increased teamwork among obstetricians and anesthesiologists.
Current Readings: Status of Surgical Treatment for Endocarditis

Valve endocarditis is associated with high morbidity and mortality and requires a thorough evaluation including early surgical consultation to identify patients who may benefit from surgery. We review 5 recent articles that highlight the current debates related to best treatment strategies for valve endocarditis. Recent publications have focused on neurologic risk assessment, timing of surgery, and prognostic factors associated with native and prosthetic valve endocarditis. The initial patient assessment and management is best performed by a multidisciplinary team. Future investigations should focus on identifying surgical candidates early and the outcomes affected by replacement valve choice in both native and prosthetic valve endocarditis.
Heavy-ion (56Fe) irradiation leads to impaired aortic relaxation prior to atherosclerotic plaque formation in ApoE-/- mice

Terrestrial radiation exposure is a well-established risk factor for cardiovascular disease. For example, coronary artery disease and stroke are both well-established adverse effects of therapeutic radiation, especially for breast and head-and-neck cancers [ 1]. Similarly, atomic bomb survivors were significantly more likely to die of cardiovascular disease than their countrymen [ 2]. Even radiation technologists, prior to 1950 (when regulations governing shielding and occupational exposure were less rigorous), had an increased risk of clinically significant atherosclerosis [ 3]. Although the character of the radiation in interplanetary space is very different from that encountered on Earth, there is concern that exposure to this cosmic radiation might pose a similar risk for astronauts. Decreased endothelium-dependent vasodilation is thought to predispose humans to the development of structural vascular changes that precede development of atherosclerosis. Therefore, in this study, we examined the effect of 56Fe, an important component of cosmic radiation, on vascular relaxation. At the NASA Space Radiation Laboratory at Brookhaven National Laboratory, 10-week-old apoE−/− mice (an age at which there is little atherosclerotic plaque in the descending aorta) were exposed to 2.6 Gy 56Fe, a dose in the range that was shown previously to accelerate the development of atherosclerotic plaques in this mouse model at 13 weeks post-exposure [ 4]. The mice were then transferred to the University of Alabama at Birmingham, where they were housed under standard conditions and fed a normal diet. At 4–5 weeks post-irradiation, aortic rings were isolated and endothelial-dependent relaxation in irradiated mice was compared with that of age-matched controls from un-irradiated apoE mice and from un-irradiated wild-type mice of the same C57BL/6 genetic background. Aortic relaxation was not significantly different between un-irradiated apoE−/− mice and un-irradiated wild-type C57BL/6 mice, consistent with previous studies. 56Fe radiation, however, resulted in significantly impaired relaxation in response to acetylcholine. This suggests that heavy-ion radiation exposure leads to impairment of normal vascular reactivity prior to the appearance of atherosclerotic plaques, suggesting that it may be a driving force, rather than a consequence, of radiation-induced accelerated atherosclerosis.
Isolated right ventricular hypoplasia

Abstract A 3 month old girl with cyanosis was found to have isolated right ventricular hypoplasia by cardiac catheterization and angiography. On physical examination, no murmur was heard and a single second heart sound was noted. The electrocardiogram revealed a frontal plane ÂQRS of 40 °, left atrial enlargement and left ventricular preponderance for age. Chest x-ray examination was not remarkable and probably normal. At cardiac catheterization, a large right to left shunt at the atrial level was demonstrated in spite of normal right-sided pressures. Angiograms revealed a diminutive right ventricular chamber which emptied into normal-sized pulmonary arteries. Intramyocardial contrast material was present after the injection, but no morbidity resulted; however, right ventricular injection of contrast material may be more hazardous in patients with isolated right ventricular hypoplasia. The clinical findings in reported cases so vary that, at present, cardiac catheterization is necessary for definitive diagnosis of this rare entity. The clinical findings in isolated right ventricular hypoplasia may mimic those of tricuspid atresia or type I pulmonary atresia and should be included in the differential diagnosis of any patient with cyanosis and left ventricular enlargement or preponderance.
Micropipet delivery-substrate collection mode of scanning electrochemical microscopy for the imaging of electrochemical reactions and the screening of methanol oxidation electrocatalysts.

The micropipet delivery−substrate collection (MD−SC) mode of scanning electrochemical microscopy (SECM) is demonstrated. This new mode is intended for the study and imaging of electrochemical as well as electrocatalytic reactions of neutral species that cannot be generated electrochemically. The spontaneous transfer of the analyte from an organic solvent across an interface between two immiscible electrolyte solutions (ITIES) and its diffusion into the aqueous solution served as the mechanism to deliver it to the substrate, where the corresponding electrochemical or electrocatalytic reaction is carried out. High-resolution SECM images of ferrocenemethanol (FcMeOH) oxidation, benzoquinone (BQ) reduction, and the formic acid oxidation reaction (FAOR) at a Pt microelectrode substrate were successfully acquired. Furthermore, this new mode was used for the screening of electrocatalyst arrays for the methanol oxidation reaction (MOR), with the optimization of an efficient candidate, Pt80Ce20. Digital simulation...
Updating Predictive Models: Calibration, Bias Correction and Identifiability

Model updating, which utilizes mathematical means to combine model simulations with physical observations for improving model predictions, has been viewed as an integral part of a model validation process. While calibration is often used to “tune” uncertain model parameters, bias-correction has been used to capture model inadequacy due to a lack of knowledge of the physics of a problem. While both sources of uncertainty co-exist, these two techniques are often implemented separately in model updating. This paper examines existing approaches to model updating and presents a modular Bayesian approach as a comprehensive framework that accounts for many sources of uncertainty in a typical model updating process and provides stochastic predictions for the purpose of design. In addition to the uncertainty in the computer model parameters and the computer model itself, this framework accounts for the experimental uncertainty and the uncertainty due to the lack of data in both computer simulations and physical experiments using the Gaussian process model. Several challenges are apparent in the implementation of the modular Bayesian approach. We argue that distinguishing between uncertain model parameters (calibration) and systematic inadequacies (bias correction) is often quite challenging due to an identifiability issue. We present several explanations and examples of this issue and bring up the needs of future research in distinguishing between the two sources of uncertainty.Copyright © 2010 by ASME
The amyloid precursor protein of Alzheimer disease is expressed as a 130 kDa polypeptide in various cultured cell types

The vascular and parenchymal amyloid deposits in Alzheimer disease (AD), normal aging and Down syndrome are mainly composed of a 4 kDa polypeptide (A4), which derives from a larger precursor protein (APP). There is evidence that APP is a transmembrane glycoprotein present in most tissues, but the characteristics of APP in intact cells are not yet known. In order to investigate this issue, we examined the immunoreactivity of fibroblasts of human and nonhuman cell lines with antisera raised to synthetic peptides corresponding to A4 and to two other domains of the APP. All three antisera recognized a 130 kDa polypeptide (APP-130) in immunoblots from all cell lines. In fibroblasts, an additional polypeptide of 228 kDa (APP-228) was recognized by the antiserum to A4. In immunoblots of two dimensional gels, APP-130 showed a pI of 6.2, while APP-228 failed to focus in the pH range of 4.7–7.0. Sequential extractions of cells with buffer and with Triton X-100 indicate that APP-130 is extractable with nonionic detergents at high ionic strength, whereas 228 kDa APP is a cystolic component. Immunofluorescence staining is consistent with an intracellular perinuclear and plasma membrane localization. It is concluded that APP-130 and APP-228 are two forms of the APP which result from extensive posttranslational modifications of a smaller original gene product. It is likely that APP undergoes similar posttranslational modifications in different cell types.
FUNCTIONAL INTEGRO-DIFFERENTIAL STOCHASTIC EVOLUTION EQUATIONS IN HILBERT SPACE

We investigate a class of abstract functional integro-differential stochastic evolution equations in a real separable Hilbert space. Global existence results concerning mild and periodic solutions are formulated under various growth and compactness conditions. Also, related convergence results are established and an example arising in the mathematical modeling of heat conduction is discussed to illustrate the abstract theory.
Isolation and characterization of a molecular cDNA clone of a human mRNA from interferon-treated cells encoding nucleolar protein B23, numatrin☆☆☆

Abstract A cDNA clone encoding human nucleolar phosphoprotein B23, numatrin, was isolated from a library prepared with mRNA from human U cells. The complete nucleotide sequence was determined; it revealed a single open reading frame of 294 amino acids that included four in-frame AUG codons as potential sites of translation initiation. Comparison of the human B23 nucleotide sequence with the rat and mouse B23 sequences revealed 91% homology (hum:rat, and hum:mus) in the coding region; the predicted B23 proteins displayed 94% amino acid identity. Northern gel blot analysis revealed a single B23 mRNA species of ∼1.5 kb. The level of B23 mRNA in U cells was not detectably altered by treatment with either alpha or gamma interferon. Southern gel blot analysis revealed polymorphism within the human B23 gene structure, and suggested the presence of multiple B23 genes and/or extensive splicing of B23 RNA transcripts.
The influence of exercise on the neuromuscular activity of relaxant drugs.

1. The influence of the rate of exercise on the partial neuromuscular block produced by three non-depolarizing (d-Tc, toxiferine, and gallamine) and two depolarizing (CIO and SCh) relaxants was studied in ten healthy, adult, unan-aesthetized subjects equally divided between the two sexes. 2. Exercise, which consisted of squeezing the bulb of an ergograph at the rate of six per minute, had no effect on the partial neuromuscular block, as measured by the grip strength, produced by either non-depolarizing or depolarizing relaxants. 3. Similar exercise, but at the rate of 60 per minute, caused a rapid decrease of the grip strength if the partial neuromuscular block was induced by a nondepolarizing agent. No fatigue was observed under similar circumstances if the partial neuromuscular block was induced by a depolarizing relaxant. 4. Possible explanation of the findings presented and their clinical significance have been discussed.
Regulation, action and transport of prostaglandins during the periovulatory period in cattle.

Abstract Follicular production of prostaglandins (PGs) is essential for mammalian ovulation, but the factors that mediate production and the cell-specific action(s) of PGE and PGF2α during the ovulatory cascade remain largely unknown. The aims of these experiments were: (1) to investigate the potential role of oxytocin (OT) in ovulatory PG production, (2) to determine cellular and temporal patterns of expression of mRNA for specific PG receptors during the periovulatory interval, (3) to determine cell-specific effects of PGE2 on progesterone secretion, and (4) to investigate the potential for an active transport mechanism that may regulate the effect of PGs during the ovulatory cascade, using cattle as the animal model. Heifers were treated sequentially with PGF2α and GnRH to induce luteal regression, a follicular phase and the LH/FSH surge (ovulation occurs ∼30 h after GnRH). In experiment 1, OT increased the secretion of PGE and PGF2α by granulosa cells collected from preovulatory follicles (before the LH/FSH surge) and OT production by pieces of follicle wall from periovulatory follicles (after the LH/FSH surge) was regulated by progesterone acting through the progesterone receptor. In experiment 2, levels of mRNA for the PGF2α receptor and three PGE receptor subtypes were determined by semi-quantitative RT-PCR in theca interna and granulosa cells from pre- and periovulatory follicles collected at 0, 6, 12, 18 and 24 h post-GnRH. Time- and cell-specific patterns of change in mRNA for PG receptors were observed, suggesting multiple effects of both PGE and PGF2α in both theca interna and granulosa cells throughout the ovulatory cascade. Cell-specificity of PG action was confirmed in experiment 3; PGE2 increased the secretion of progesterone by theca interna but not granulosa cells collected from late periovulatory follicles. The results of experiment 4 revealed the expression of mRNA for the bovine PG transporter in theca interna and granulosa cells and its regulation during the periovulatory period, thus revealing the presence of a potential transport mechanism that could regulate cellular distribution of PGs throughout the ovulatory cascade. Taken together, these results provide new insight into mechanisms that regulate the production, distribution and site of action of PGE and PGF2α during the ovulatory cascade.
Hierarchical Texture Motifs

A fundamental challenge in analyzing spatial patterns in images is the notion of scale. Texture based analysis typically characterizes spatial patterns only at the pixel level. Such small scale analysis usually fails to capture spatial patterns that occur over larger scales. This paper presents a novel solution, termed hierarchical texture motifs, to this texture-of-textures problem. Starting at the pixel level, spatial patterns are characterized using parametric statistical models and unsupervised learning. Higher levels in the hierarchy use the same analysis to characterize the motifs learned at the lower levels. This multi-level analysis is shown to outperform single-level analysis in classifying a standard set of image textures.
Statistical Image Processing With A Hybrid Flying Window Scanning System

The local statistics of an image are needed, for example, to transform the input into stationary data for which many standard enhancement/coding algorithms are optimized, as well as to implement locally adaptive processing techniques. We discuss a system that uses a flying window scanner to extract the second-order parameters (local mean, variance, and correlation length) in real time and show how these parameters can be used to transform an input into block stationary data. The same scanning system is also applied to the measurement of a variety of histograms in a single frame scan.
Pityrosporum Folliculitis Its Potential for Confusion With Skin Lesions of Systemic Candidiasis

• Development of an erythematous, papulonodular to papulopustular skin eruption in four febrile, immunocompromised patients raised the possibility of a systemic mycosis when Gram's stains of unroofed lesions disclosed budding yeasts. Candidiasis, torulopsosis, sporotrichosis, and cryptococcosis were considered in the differential diagnosis, and therapy with amphotericin B was begun. Skin biopsy specimens disclosed fungi to be located exclusively within intact and ruptured hair follicles. Inability of the fungi to grow on media that were not supplemented with lipid and their structure and location all suggested the presence of Pityrosporum sp. When hematogenous dissemination of a mycosis to the skin is suspected, the diagnosis must be based on biopsy specimen demonstration of dermal invasion, ideally with positive cultures. Pityrosporum sp, common skin saprophytes, may produce folliculitis, and be mistaken for pathogenic yeasts. ( Arch Intern Med 1982;142:2126-2129)
An Interactive Lake Survey Program

Consideration is given to the development and operation of the interactive lake survey program developed by the Jet Propulsion Laboratory and the Environmental Protection Agency. The program makes it possible to locate, isolate, and store any number of water bodies on the basis of a given digital image. The stored information may be used to generate statistical analyses of each body of water including the lake surface area and the shoreline perimeter. The hardware includes a 360/65 host computer, a Ramtek G100B display controller, and a trackball cursor. The system is illustrated by the LAKELOC operation as it would be applied to a Landsat scene, noting the FARINA and STATUS programs. The water detection algorithm, which increases the accuracy with which water and land data may be separated, is discussed.