cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Cloning and sequence analysis of lily and tobacco guanylate kinases.

Guanylate kinase is an essential enzyme in the nucleotide biosynthetic pathway, catalyzing the reversible transfer of the terminal phospharyl group of ATP to GMP or dGMP. This enzyme has been well studied from several organisms and many structural and functional details have been characterized. Animal GMP kinases have also been implicated in signal transduction pathways. However, the corresponding role by plant derived GMP kinases remains to be elucidated. Full-length cDNA clones encoding enzymatically active guanylate kinases were isolated from cDNA libraries of lily and tobacco. Lily cDNA is predicted to encode a 392-amino acid protein with a molecular mass of 43.1 kDa and carries amino- and carboxy- terminal extensions of the guanylate kinase (GK)-like domain. But tobacco cDNA is predicted to encode a smaller protein of 297-amino acids with a molecular mass of 32.7 kDa. The amino acid residues known to participate in the catalytic activity of functionally characterized GMP kinases, are also conserved in GK domains of LGK-1 and NGK-1. The GK domains of NGK-1, LGK-1 and previously characterized AGK-1 from Arabidopsis exhibit 74–84% identity, whereas their N- and C-terminal domains are more divergent with amino acid conservation in the order of 48-55%. Phylogenetic analysis on the deduced amino acid sequences reveals that NGK-1 and LGK-1 form one distinct subgroup along with AGK-1 and AGK-2 homologues from Arabidopsis. Isolation of GMP kinases from diverse plant species like lily and tobacco adds a new dimension in understanding their role in cell signaling pathways that are associated with plant growth and development.
Evolution of Network Synchronization during Early Epileptogenesis Parallels Synaptic Circuit Alterations

In secondary epilepsy, a seizure-prone neural network evolves during the latent period between brain injury and the onset of spontaneous seizures. The nature of the evolution is largely unknown, and even its completeness at the onset of seizures has recently been challenged by measures of gradually decreasing intervals between subsequent seizures. Sequential calcium imaging of neuronal activity, in the pyramidal cell layer of mouse hippocampal in vitro preparations, during early post-traumatic epileptogenesis demonstrated rapid increases in the fraction of neurons that participate in interictal activity. This was followed by more gradual increases in the rate at which individual neurons join each developing seizure, the pairwise correlation of neuronal activities as a function of the distance separating the pair, and network-wide measures of functional connectivity. These data support the continued evolution of synaptic connectivity in epileptic networks beyond the latent period: early seizures occur when recurrent excitatory pathways are largely polysynaptic, while ongoing synaptic remodeling after the onset of epilepsy enhances intranetwork connectivity as well as the onset and spread of seizure activity.
The REC1 gene of Ustilago maydis involved in the cellular response to DNA damage encodes an exonuclease

Mutation in the REC1 gene of Ustilago maydis is known to lead to a complex phenotype with alterations in DNA repair, recombination, mutagenesis, meiosis, and cell division. The predicted product of the REC1 gene is a polypeptide of 522 amino acid residues with a molecular mass of 56,866 daltons, with no overall sequence homology to any other known protein. The open reading frame of the REC1 gene placed by itself in a U. maydis expression vector was found to be sufficient to complement the rec1 mutant. Overexpression of REC1 in Escherichia coli gave rise to the anticipated 57-kDa product together with a 3'-->5' exonuclease activity. This activity was only present in cells overexpressing REC1 and its characteristics were distinguishable from the major bacterial nucleases, but it had certain enzymatic features in common with epsilon, the proofreading exonuclease subunit of E. coli DNA polymerase III holoenzyme. To facilitate isolation of the protein product from bacteria, the REC1 gene was overexpressed from a vector that fused a hexa-histidine-leader sequence onto the amino terminus, enabling the isolation of the HisREC1 product on an immobilized metal ion affinity column. The His-REC1 protein co-eluted with the novel exonuclease activity. Alignment of the amino acid sequence of the REC1 gene product with the conserved proofreading exonuclease motifs of DNA polymerases indicated significant homology.
Clinical Discussion and Review of the Management of Brain Metastases

Abstract Brain metastases are common in patients with cancer and are associated with a poor prognosis. Optimal treatment requires an integrative multidisciplinary approach, and therapeutic options may include stereotactic radiosurgery, whole-brain radiation therapy, surgical resection, chemotherapy, and targeted agents. The goals of therapy are to prolong survival, preserve neurologic function, and palliate symptoms. This article outlines the various therapeutic modalities, factors that guide treatment decisions, and medical management of frequently encountered complications of brain metastases.
A role for anti‐BP180 autoantibodies in chronic rhinosinusitis

Objectives/Hypothesis Chronic Rhinosinusitis (CRS) is accompanied by evidence of a vigorous adaptive immune response, and emerging studies demonstrate that some nasal polyps manifest a polyclonal autoantibody response. We previously found that antibodies against BP180, a component of the hemidesmosome complex and the dominant epitope in autoimmune bullous pemphigoid, were found at elevated levels in nasal polyp tissue. Given the critical role of hemidesmosomes in maintaining epithelial integrity, we sought to investigate the distribution of BP180 in nasal tissue and evaluate for evidence of systemic autoimmunity against this antigen in CRS. Study Design Case-control experimental study. Methods The expression and distribution of BP180 in cultured nasal epithelial cells and normal nasal tissue were confirmed using real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR), Western immunoblotting, immunofluorescence and immunohistochemistry. Sera were collected from three groups: control, CRSsNP, and CRSwNP. A commercially available ELISA was utilized to compare anti-BP180 autoantibody levels in sera. Results BP180 is expressed in nasal epithelium, but is not confined to the basement membrane as it is in human skin. In cultured nasal epithelial cells, confocal immunofluorescence showed a punctate distribution of BP180 along the basal surface, consistent with its distribution in epithelial keratinocytes. There are significantly higher levels of circulating nonpathologic anti-BP180 autoantibodies in CRS patients compared with normal controls (P <0.05). Conclusions BP180 is more widely expressed in nasal epithelium versus skin, although it appears to play a similar role in the formation of hemidesmosomes along the basement membrane. Further investigations are ongoing to characterize the pathogenicity of the anti-epithelial antibody response in CRS. Level of Evidence N/A. Laryngoscope, 123:2104–2111, 2013
Applying kinodynamic randomized motion planning with a dynamic priority system to multi-robot space systems

Presents a new motion planning system that can construct collision-free trajectories for groups of robots in dynamic environments, without global knowledge or high-bandwidth communication. The robots plan within a confined environment that consists of stationary and moving obstacles. Each robot plans independently using Kinodynamic Randomized Motion Planner techniques to construct its own trajectory that is free of collisions with moving obstacles and other robots. To resolve conflicts between robot trajectories, a new Dynamic Priority System (DPS) is introduced which gives the right of way to the robot whose local workspace is the most crowded. The kinodynamic randomized motion planner allows easy integration of the robots nonholonomic constraint into the planning so that only kinematically and dynamically consistent plans are constructed. The speed of the trajectory construction allows planning in real-time, enabling the robot to maneuver safely in a dynamic environment. To verify the planner's effectiveness, it was tested using both simulation and experiment.
Reproductive axis suppression in acute illness is related to disease severity.

Changes in the adrenal and thyroid axes in critically ill patients are accentuated by increasing disease severity. However, the relationship of gonadal axis suppression to severity of illness is not well defined. We evaluated serial serum levels of LH, FSH, and testosterone (T) in 59 men and 42 postmenopausal women admitted to critical care units with a spectrum of disease severity. Patients were grouped according to severity of illness by the Acute Physiologic and Chronic Health Evaluation II (APACHE II) scores and by survival. Patients with surgery, renal or hepatic failure, alcohol abuse, endocrine disease, or head trauma were excluded to avoid these confounding factors. In men, mean admission serum T levels in all groups were lower than in healthy controls (P 15) were lower than in men with relatively mild (APACHE < 10; P < 0.01) or moderate illness (APACHE 10-15; P < 0.05). These differences were accentuated as hospitalization progressed. In postmenopausal women and men, nadir serum FSH but not LH levels during hospitalization were lower in patients with APACHE greater than 15 than in patients with APACHE scores of 10-15 or less than 15 (P < 0.05). Grouping patients by survival yielded similar results. Analysis of drug effects, age, and PRL did not explain these relationships. We conclude that the degree of both central and peripheral suppression of the reproductive axis in acute illness is related to disease severity. This suppression could not be attributed to other factors known to alter the reproductive axis independently from critical illness (e.g. age, drugs, head trauma, hepatic failure, etc.). These findings further document a general endocrine response to acute illness involving several axes which is graded according to disease severity.
The Distant Future? Reading Franco Moretti

Franco Moretti’s suggestion that we swap close for distant reading has shaken up the academy. Yet while so many critics knows Moretti’s name, it can be difficult to pin down exactly what he’s saying. Without any single magnum opus to his name, Moretti’s points are instead scattered across a score of articles and a handful of short books. This article attempts to join the insights of books like Atlas of the European Novel and Graphs, Maps, Trees to those of articles like ‘Conjectures on World Literature’ and ‘The Slaughterhouse of Literature,’ in hopes of providing a fuller picture of exactly what kind of reading (and what kinds of distance) are implied by distant reading.
Alterations of the Cardiac Cycle and of Polygrams Produced by Artificial Fever

ConclusionsAnalysis of the polygrams recorded during artificial fever suggest that the distressing symptoms one observes and the subjective discomfort experienced by patients during the induction of artificial hyperpyrexia are caused by an inadequate filling of the heart. The inadequate filling of the heart may be accounted for, in part at least, by an insufficient duration of the filling time. These observations further support the belief that the undesirable symptoms which occur during artificial fever therapy are caused by a temporary cardiac decompensation resulting from inadequate filling. Reduced cardiac filling probably results from (1) a reduced venous return resulting from uncompensated peripheral vasodilatation, (2) a shortening of the filling time, and (3) reduced blood volume.Compensation may be accounted for not only by an increase in the efficiency of the emptying of the ventricles but also by a more adequate filling brought about by an increase in the venous return, an increase in the durat...
Muscular atrophy: activation of mitochondrial ATPase.

Abstract Mitochondria isolated from atrophic rat gastrocnemius muscles are deficient in respiratory control. In this report, it is demonstrated that the ATPase activity of mitochondria isolated from atrophic muscles is higher than the activity of control preparations. Activation of ATPase may be a factor in the loss of respiratory control in mitochondria from disused muscles.
Calculation of Radiative Corrections to Hyperfine Splitting in p1/2 States

Techniques to calculate one-loop radiative corrections to hyperfine splitting including binding corrections to all orders have been developed in the last decade for s states of atoms and ions. In this paper these methods are extended to p{sub 1/2} states for three cases. In the first case, the point-Coulomb 2p{sub 1/2} hyperfine splitting is treated for the hydrogen isoelectronic sequence, and the lowest order result, {alpha}/4{pi} E{sub F}, is shown to have large binding corrections at high Z. In the second case, neutral alkalis are considered. In the third case, hyperfine splitting of the 2p{sub 1/2} state of lithium-like bismuth is treated. In the latter two cases, correlation corrections are included and, in addition, the point is stressed that uncertainties associated with nuclear structure, which complicate comparison with experiment for s states, are considerably reduced because of the smaller overlap with the nucleus.
The Relationship of Parental Warm Responsiveness and Negativity to Emerging Behavior Problems Following Traumatic Brain Injury in Young Children

Parenting behaviors play a critical role in the child's behavioral development, particularly for children with neurological deficits. This study examined the relationship of parental warm responsiveness and negativity to changes in behavior following traumatic brain injury (TBI) in young children relative to an age-matched cohort of children with orthopedic injuries (OI). It was hypothesized that responsive parenting would buffer the adverse effects of TBI on child behavior, whereas parental negativity would exacerbate these effects. Children, ages 3-7 years, hospitalized for TBI (n = 80) or OI (n = 113), were seen acutely and again 6 months later. Parent-child dyads were videotaped during free play. Parents completed behavior ratings (Child Behavior Checklist; T. M. Achenbach & L. A. Rescorla, 2001) at both visits, with baseline ratings reflecting preinjury behavior. Hypotheses were tested using multiple regression, with preinjury behavior ratings, race, income, child IQ, family functioning, and acute parental distress serving as covariates. Parental responsiveness and negativity had stronger associations with emerging externalizing behaviors and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder symptoms among children with severe TBI. Findings suggest that parenting quality may facilitate or impede behavioral recovery following early TBI. Interventions that increase positive parenting may partially ameliorate emerging behavior problems.
A Summertime Tornado Outbreak in Colorado: Mesoscale Environment and Structural Features

Abstract On 14 August 1977, there was a mini-outbreak of three tornadoes about 40 km cut of Denver, Colorado. There were no significant synoptic-scale disturbances affecting Colorado on that day. Mesoscale analysis is used to establish several smaller scale systems that influenced storm development. The most notable feature of the mesoscale band of parent thunderstorms was the active growth along their northwest flank, in spite of cell movement toward the east. On the convective scale, the situation can be described as discrete propagation of multi-cell storms by new cell development on the left rear flank. Two of the three tornadoes were documented photographically, and post-analysis shows that they were of large size and long duration, but slow moving. Structural features of the largest tornado are analyzed in different portions of the life cycle, and compared with other cases in the literature. This tornado moved on a track curving toward the north-northwest, remaining at least 5–10 km distant from any...
Shape optimal design of elastic bodies using a mixed variational formulation

Abstract This study is concerned with the development of a variational formulation and a procedure for the computational solution for the shape optimal design of a two-dimensional linear elastic body. The objective is to minimize the maximum value of the Von Mises equivalent stress in the body, subject to an isoperimetric constraint on the area. The optimality conditions for this problem are derived using a mixed variational formulation, where the equations defining the elastostatics problem are dealt with as additional constraints for the optimization. The results of the analysis are implemented via a finite element discretization. The discretized model is tested in two numerical examples, the shape optimization of a hole in a biaxially loaded sheet, and of the design of a fillet.
Spatial organization in the reaction A+B-->(inert) for particles with drift.

We describe the spatial structure of particles in the (one dimensional) two-species annihilation reaction A + B --> 0, where both species have a uniform drift in the same direction and like species have a hard core exclusion. For the case of equal initial concentration, at long times, there are three relevant length scales: the typical distance between similar (neighboring) particles, the typical distance between dissimilar (neighboring) particles, and the typical size of a cluster of one type of particles. These length scales are found to be generically different than that found for particles without a drift.
Application of Raman Spectroscopy to Identify Microcalcifications and Underlying Breast Lesions at Stereotactic Core Needle Biopsy

Microcalcifications are a feature of diagnostic significance on a mammogram and a target for stereotactic breast needle biopsy. Here, we report development of a Raman spectroscopy technique to simultaneously identify microcalcification status and diagnose the underlying breast lesion, in real-time, during stereotactic core needle biopsy procedures. Raman spectra were obtained ex vivo from 146 tissue sites from fresh stereotactic breast needle biopsy tissue cores from 33 patients, including 50 normal tissue sites, 77 lesions with microcalcifications, and 19 lesions without microcalcifications, using a compact clinical system. The Raman spectra were modeled on the basis of the breast tissue components, and a support vector machine framework was used to develop a single-step diagnostic algorithm to distinguish normal tissue, fibrocystic change (FCC), fibroadenoma, and breast cancer, in the absence and presence of microcalcifications. This algorithm was subjected to leave-one-site-out cross-validation, yielding a positive predictive value, negative predictive value, sensitivity, and specificity of 100%, 95.6%, 62.5%, and 100% for diagnosis of breast cancer (with or without microcalcifications) and an overall accuracy of 82.2% for classification into specific categories of normal tissue, FCC, fibroadenoma, or breast cancer (with and without microcalcifications). Notably, the majority of breast cancers diagnosed are ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS), the most common lesion associated with microcalcifications, which could not be diagnosed using previous Raman algorithm(s). Our study shows the potential of Raman spectroscopy to concomitantly detect microcalcifications and diagnose associated lesions, including DCIS, and thus provide real-time feedback to radiologists during such biopsy procedures, reducing nondiagnostic and false-negative biopsies.
Time series analysis of diurnal cycles in small-scale turbulence

Two new time series techniques are employed to study the diurnal effect at between 30 and 60 metres depth in the upper equatorial ocean. A modified spectral approach is proposed to identify the period of an unequally spaced series. Based on the exceedances of mixing activities, a new criterion is introduced to identify local nights and days. These two techniques together provide a simple way to demonstrate the existence of the diurnal cycle in deep stratified layers in the ocean. Instead of entertaining complicated models, the proposed approach suggests a simple way to identify the periodicity of an unequally spaced data set of this nature. Similar diurnal effects are detected in the analyses of a subsequent data set. © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Differences in clinical expression of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy associated with two distinct mutations in the beta-myosin heavy chain gene. A 908Leu----Val mutation and a 403Arg----Gln mutation.

BACKGROUND The disease gene for hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) has been identified as the beta-myosin heavy chain (beta-MHC) gene in some HCM families. We describe extensive clinical evaluations in two kindreds with two distinct point mutations in the beta-MHC gene. METHODS AND RESULTS We used single-strand confirmation polymorphism (SSCP) gel analysis of polymerase chain reaction-amplified products capturing each of the 40 beta-MHC gene exons to identify distinct missense mutations in two HCM kindreds. Clinical, ECG, and echocardiographic studies were performed in the two kindreds: kindred 2755 with amino acid 908Leu----Val mutation and kindred 2002 with amino acid 403Arg----Gln mutation. The morphological appearances of HCM were similar in these two kindreds. However, the two kindreds differed with respect to disease penetrance, age of onset of disease, and incidence of premature sudden death. Twelve of 31 adults (greater than or equal to 17 years) with the disease gene in kindred 2755 did not have left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH), and only five of these had ECG abnormalities. Thus, the disease penetrance in adults with this mutation was only 61%. None of 11 children aged less than 16 years had LVH. The 908 mutation was associated with a low incidence of cardiac events: Only two sudden deaths and one syncope occurred in 46 individuals with the mutant allele. In contrast, LVH was present in all 11 adults in kindred 2002 with the 403 mutation (100% disease penetrance). In addition, three of four affected children were symptomatic and had clinical evidence of HCM. The disease in this kindred was severe and resulted in six premature sudden deaths. Seven additional patients had syncope or presyncope. CONCLUSIONS In some kindreds, the HCM disease gene is more prevalent than indicated by echocardiography and ECG. Some point mutations may be associated with a more malignant prognosis. Preclinical identification of children with mutations associated with a high incidence of sudden death and syncope provides the opportunity to evaluate efficacy of early therapeutic interventions.
Esophageal perforation: A continuing challenge

Perforation of the esophagus remains a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge. Currently, the most common cause of perforation is instrumentation of the esophagus, and the incidence of esophageal perforations has increased as the use of endoscopic procedures has become more frequent. Diagnosis depends on a high degree of suspicion and recognition of clinical features, and is confirmed by contrast esophagography or endoscopy. Outcome after esophageal perforation is dependent on the cause and location of the injury, the presence of underlying esophageal disease, and the interval between injury and initiation of treatment. Reinforced primary repair of the perforation is the most frequently employed and preferable approach to the surgical management of esophageal perforations. Nonoperative management consisting of antibiotics and parenteral nutrition is particularly successful for limited esophageal injuries meeting proper selection criteria.
An optimal design problem for submerged bodies

Abstract : When a body, floating on the surface of an infinite, ideal, inviscid, irrotational fluid is subjected to a periodic vertical displacement, a wave pattern is created in the fluid and the problem of determining this pattern from a knowledge of the body geometry and applied forces is well known in fluid mechanics. In problems with both partially and fully submerged objects, quantities of physical interest are not only the wave patterns which may be derived from the velocity potential but also functionals of the potential such as added mass and damping factors which measure the distribution of energy in the fluid. These factors are, of course, dependent on the body geometry. The present paper is devoted to showing how these quantities may be optimized over restricted classes of body geometry. Specifically we study the problem of the optimal design of a floating body, totally submerged in a fluid of finite depth. In the terminology of optimal control, this is a problem of optimization of geometrical elements.
Relation between level or change of hemoglobin and generic and disease-specific quality of life measures in hemodialysis

We sought to examine the relation between meeting or exceeding the current minimum guideline for hemoglobin (11 g/dl) in dialysis patients and generic and disease-specific QOL scores at 1 year. In 438 incident hemodialysis patients from a national prospective cohort study, we used regression models to predict QOL score (all scaled 0–100) at 1 year using 6-month values of hemoglobin, adjusting for potential confounders. Compared to values <11 g/dl, hemoglobin ≥11 g/dl at 6 months was associated with higher scores for the general domains of physical functioning, role physical, mental health, social functioning, and bodily pain at 1 year; cognitive function, diet restriction, and dialysis access dialysis-specific domain scores were also higher for these patients. Each 1 g/dl greater hemoglobin was also statistically significantly associated with higher QOL scores for most domains. In longitudinal analyses, most of the domains showed that, with each 1 g/dl increase in hemoglobin concentration from baseline to 6 months, QOL score increased significantly over the first year. Hemodialysis patients who attain higher hemoglobin concentration at 6 months, especially ≥11 g/dl, have better QOL at 1 year, with regard to important physical, mental, social, and cognitive domains.
The fine structure and development of the peritubular contractile cell component in the seminiferous tubules of the mouse.

Testes of sexually mature, as well as newborn and young mice of varying ages were studied by electron microscopy. The seminiferous tubules in the mature mouse possess a single cell layer of extremely flattened cells which form a sheath-like structure around the epithelium of the tubule. These peritubular cells are characterized by cytoplasmic filaments and other features which are typical of smooth muscle cells. A basement lamina is associated with the interstitial or peripheral surface of the cell. Peripherally, there is an additional cellular layer consisting of connective tissue fibrocytes. In newborn animals, the cells surrounding the tubule epithelium consist of a homogeneous population of fibroblasts, 3–4 layers in thickness. With growth and development of the testes the number of cell layers is reduced and the cells become more attenuated. At 13 days, those cells which are closest to the epithelium show localized aggregates of fine filaments, as well as what appears to be the elaboration of a basement lamina. By 17 days, the cytoplasmic filaments are more numerous and the basement lamina is well defined: by 19 days, the cells closely resemble the peritubular muscle cells of the adult. The probable functional role of these cells is discussed with respect to both sperm transport and the production and maintenance of the surrounding connective tissue stroma.
Automated detection and classification of sea mines in sonar imagery

An advanced capability for automated detection and classification of sea mines in sonar imagery has been developed. The advanced mine detection and classification (AMDAC) algorithm consists of an improved detection density algorithm, a classification feature extractor that uses a stepwise feature selection strategy, a k-nearest neighbor attractor-based neural network (KNN) classifier, and an optimal discriminatory filter classifier. The detection stage uses a nonlinear matched filter to identify mine-size regions in the sonar image that closely match a mine's signature. For each detected mine-like region, the feature extractor calculates a large set of candidate classification features. A stepwise feature selection process then determines the subset features that optimizes probability of detection and probability of classification for each of the classifiers while minimizing false alarms.
Efficient distributed simulation of acyclic systems

Abstract Distributed simulation often requires a large amount of overhead that can severely affect performance of the simulator. In this paper we study the distributed simulation of a special class of systems, namely acyclic systems, which can be simulated via distributed simulation with low overhead. These acyclic systems are any arbitrary feedforward networks of processes that communicate solely by exchanging messages asynchronously. Such systems include acyclic logic circuits, acyclic queuing networks, etc. We define a low overhead distributed simulation scheme specifically tailored for these systems and prove correctness of this scheme. The scheme is simple to implement and the number of overhead messages is nearly zero. By isolating the class of acyclic systems and designing a distributed simulation algorithm specifically geared for it, we have been able to avoid almost all overhead messages. By contrast, other distributed simulation algorithms are usually designed for more general systems and they usually require a significant number of overhead messages, not only for more general systems, but also for these acyclic systems.
Behavioral choice: neural mechanisms in Pleurobranchaea

In the marine mollusk Pleurobranchaea, it is known that feeding occurs and withdrawal from tactile stimuli is suppressed when the sensory stimuli for feeding and withdrawal are presented simultaneously. This "dominance" of feeding behavior over withdrawal behavior occurs because the central nervous network controlling feeding inhibits the central nervous network controlling withdrawal. The inhibition is mediated by a bilaterally symmetrical pair of reidentifiable feeding neurons that are members of the "corollary discharge" population in the buccal ganglion. This study supports the hypothesis that inhibitory interactions between competing motor systems are responsible for the "singleness of action" that characterizes animal behavior.
Shark heart mitochondria: effects of external osmolality on respiration

Shark mitochondrial respiration was studied in media with osmolalities between 160 and 1500 milliosmoles. The respiratory control ratio, a marker for functional integrity of the isolated mitochondria, was maximal at 1000 millismoles and decreased during hypotonic or hypertonic exposure. Shark mitochondria function best at their native tonicity, a value that produces abnormal function in mammalian mitochondria.
Gonadotroph adenoma in a premenopausal woman secreting follicle-stimulating hormone and causing ovarian hyperstimulation.

The clinical manifestations of gonadotroph adenomas are almost always neurological, consequences of their large size, and are rarely endocrinological. We report an exception, a 39-yr-old woman whose gonadotroph adenoma caused supranormal serum concentrations of FSH, which resulted in the development of multiple ovarian cysts, persistent elevation of her serum estradiol concentration, and endometrial hyperplasia. She initially presented because of amenorrhea at age 30 yr and was treated for an intrasellar mass by transsphenoidal surgery at age 31 yr and again at age 36 yr. Before and after the second operation she had persistently supranormal plasma estradiol concentrations (> 1840 pmol/L) and endometrial hyperplasia. When she was evaluated at age 39 yr, transvaginal ultrasound showed multiple ovarian cysts and endometrial thickening. Her plasma estradiol level was markedly supranormal (2160 pmol/L), FSH was mildly supranormal (17.8 IU/L), and alpha-subunit was markedly supranormal (23.3 micrograms/L). Cha...
Linkers and the Internal Structure of vP

In a variety of languages a particle, which we call the linker, appears between the direct object and a secondary object or nominal adpositional phrase. We compare the syntax of this linker particle in Kinande (Niger-Congo) to its syntax in two Khoisan languages, Ju|’hoansi and # Hoan. We propose an account of the properties that linkers in these languages share, including the linkers’ word order properties and Case-theoretic contributions. We then go on to explore the range of variation that the linker construction tolerates, with respect to what phrases can move into the linker’s specifier, and whether or not the linker manifests agreement with its specifier. In so doing, we uncover both the principles and the parameters relevant to these linker constructions. Finally, we point to some evidence that the linker category even exists in Chichewa (and other Bantu languages) in which it is not spelled out overtly. Our analysis provides striking support for the existence of vP-internal functional projections. The data in this paper also lead us to the surprising conclusion that the Minimal Link Condition can be parameterized.
Development of the visual placing response in the human infant

Abstract The development of the visual placing response was studied in the human infant using an apparatus that controlled the visual stimulus (texture density of patterns) and the depth at which stimuli were presented. The visual placing response was found to be nearly an all-or-none response having an acute onset at between 170 and 190 days of age. The response is identified in the human infant by rigid extension of the hands and arms, characteristically with the fingers fanned. Shortly after it develops, the response appears to be visually mediated and is well differentiated with respect to increasing depth. In contrast, the older infants showed less well differentiated visual placing, tending to respond to all depths equally. The results suggest that there are two phases in the development of the response. The first phase is the initial acquisition of the response and is determined largely by visual depth. The second phase occurs later in development, near the time of walking, and seems to be determined by several factors, including both texture density and depth.
Effects of high oxygen pressure and temperature on the aging of polypropylene

Thin films of polypropylene were aged in air and in pure oxygen at pressures ranging from 0.051 to 4.24 MPa (7.4 to 614 psi) and temperatures from 60 to 90°C. Carbonyl formation resulting from polypropylene oxidation was monitored using infrared spectroscopy. The induction time for spectroseopically detectable oxidation coincided with a drastic reduction in tensile elongation for similarly aged tensile specimens. The induction time decreased monotonically with increasing oxygen pressures, while the maximum rate of carbonyl formation increased rapidly at lower oxygen pressures and increased slightly thereafter. The maximum rate of carbonyl formation as a function of oxygen pressure was shown to be consistent with a kinetic rate equation proposed by Stivala, et al. Nearly identical activation energies for the initiation of polypropylene oxidation were determined from reciprocal induction times for samples aged in air and in 4.24 MPa of oxygen (23.9 and 23.8 kcal/g-mole, respectively). The similarity of activation energies suggests that the same mechanism is involved in the initiation step. Samples aged 3.6 times faster in 4.24 MPa of oxygen than in air at the same aging temperature.
Recent Developments in Relational-Cultural Theory

(2008). Recent Developments in Relational-Cultural Theory. Women & Therapy: Vol. 31, No. 2-4, pp. 1-4.
Redox Regulation of Fcγ Receptor-Mediated Phagocytosis: Implications for Host Defense and Tissue Injury

Recent advances in our understanding of the mechanisms that regulate acute and chronic inflammatory responses have revealed a key role for reactive oxygen intermediates in modulating the activation...
Role of transcription factor yin yang 1 in manganese-induced reduction of astrocytic glutamate transporters: Putative mechanism for manganese-induced neurotoxicity

Astrocytes are the most abundant non-neuronal glial cells in the brain. Once relegated to a mere supportive role for neurons, contemporary dogmas ascribe multiple active roles for these cells in central nervous system (CNS) function, including maintenance of optimal glutamate levels in synapses. Regulation of glutamate levels in the synaptic cleft is crucial for preventing excitotoxic neuronal injury. Glutamate levels are regulated predominantly by two astrocytic glutamate transporters, glutamate transporter 1 (GLT-1) and glutamate aspartate transporter (GLAST). Indeed, the dysregulation of these transporters has been linked to several neurodegenerative diseases such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), Alzheimer's disease (AD) and Parkinson's disease (PD), as well as manganism, which is caused by overexposure to the trace metal, manganese (Mn). Although Mn is an essential trace element, its excessive accumulation in the brain as a result of chronic occupational or environmental exposures induces a neurological disorder referred to as manganism, which shares common pathological features with Parkinsonism. Mn decreases the expression and function of both GLAST and GLT-1. Astrocytes are commonly targeted by Mn, and thus reduction in astrocytic glutamate transporter function represents a critical mechanism of Mn-induced neurotoxicity. In this review, we will discuss the role of astrocytic glutamate transporters in neurodegenerative diseases and Mn-induced neurotoxicity.
Performance of a K-band superconducting annular ring antenna

Superconducting annular ring antennas operating in the TM12 mode at 21 GHz are designed and fabricated on a lanthanum aluminate substrate using a YBCO high-temperature superconducting thin film. The efficiencies and far-field antenna patterns are measured and compared with an identical antenna patterned with silver. The resonant frequencies and experimental far-field patterns agree well with published models, and efficiency measurements show a maximum improvement of 6 percent at 20 K in the efficiency of the HTS antenna when compared to the silver ring at the same temperature.
Memory: Recording experience in cells and circuits: Diversity in memory research

One of the long-standing and challenging issues that memory research continues to confront is the dilemma of localizing a complex function in an exquisitely anatomically differentiated central nervous system. Is memory a mental function that can be identified with an isolated neural structure or specific groups of neurons? Traditionally, this question has been framed by psychological inquiry. The 19th century school of “faculty psychology” divided mental processes into separate and distinct human attributes such as “courage” and “ambition,” encouraging the anatomist, Gall (1), to impose the multiple attributes of human psychological make-up onto a physical map of the brain. Although this naive view of psychological process was widely repudiated, it nevertheless spawned the powerful and ultimately validated idea that specific functions can be relegated to particular brain structures or regions. Clinical observations in patients with focal lesions in the last century clearly established a correspondence between specific symptoms and localized regions of injury, most notably left hemisphere frontal sites with expression of speech (2) and left hemisphere posterior temporal lobe sites with speech …
This is How Life Can Be Different: How U.S. Student Experiences in International Education Programs Facilitate Civic and Global Engagement

This study examined how the international education experiences of 16 participants facilitated civic and global engagement. This article focuses on 3 participants whose experiences were representative of the entire sample. Interpersonal interactions and observations of the host culture were primary factors in facilitating global competence, global-mindedness, and global engagement. Due to the time required to process their experiences, participants often took several years to translate personal growth into global engagement.
Nitrobenzene poisoning: Report of a case due to exterminator spray

Summary 1. A case of mononitrobenzene poisoning due to exterminator sprayis reported. 2. Nitrobenzene is used in many commercial preparations, and numerousinstances of poisoning have been recorded. The commonest of them is “shoe dye poisoning”. 3. The symptomatology and treatment of nitrobenzene poisoning is briefly discussed. 4. In every case of cyanosis of obscure etiology, poisoning with nitrobenzeneshould be considered.
Syntheses and structural characterization of 2,2′-methylene-bis(6-t-butyl-4-methyl-phenoxide complexes of titanium, zirconium and tantalum

Abstract The reactions of M(NMe 2 ) n (M = Ti, Zr, n = 4; Ta, n = 5) with 2,2′-methylene-bis(6- t -butyl-4-methylphenol), HOCH 2 OH, in toluene produce Ti(OCH 2 z.sbnd;O) 2 ( 1 ), Zr 2 ( η 2 OCH 2 O) 2 (μ, η 1 -OCH 2 O) 2 ( 2 ) and Ta(OCH 2 O)(NMe 2 ) 3 ( 3 ). Compounds 1 and 2 can also be obtained via metathesis of MCI 4 with Li 2 (OCH 2 O). Reducing (OCH 2 O)TiCl 2 with 2 equiv. of Na/Hg also generates 1 by ligand redistribution. Reaction of Zr(NMe 2 ) 4 with I equiv. of HOCH 2 OH yields (OCH 2 O)Zr(NMe 2 ) 2 ( 4 ). Metathesis of TaCl 5 with 1 equiv. of Li 2 (OCH 2 O) produces (OCH 2 O)TaCl 3 ( 5 ). (OCH 2 O)Ta(NMe 2 ) 2 Cl ( 6 ) is formed from the reaction of 3 with 1 equiv. of trimethylsilylchloride in toluene. The dimethylamide groups of compounds 3 and 4 reveal dynamic behavior on the NMR time-scale. The compounds 1, 2 and 3 have been characterized by single-crystal X-ray crystallography.Ltd
Techniques for determining protein sequence evolution applied to primates

Abstract Each amino acid in a protein is considered to be an individual, mutable characteristic of the species from which the protein is extracted. For a branching tree representing the evolutionary history of the known sequences in different species, our computer programs use majority logic and parsimony of mutations to determine the most likely ancestral amino acid for each position of the protein at each node of the tree. The number of mutations necessary between the ancestral and present species is summed for each branch and the entire tree. The programs then move branches to make many different configurations, from which we select the one with the minimum number of mutations as the most likely evolutionary history. We used this method to elucidate primate phylogeny from sequences of fibrinopeptides, carbonic anhydrase, and the hemoglobin beta, delta and alpha chains. All available sequences indicate that the early Pongidae had diverged into two lines before the divergence of an ancestor for the human line alone. We have constructed some probable ancestral sequences at major points during primate evolution and have developed tentative trees showing the order of divergences and evolutionary distances among primate groups. Further questions on primate evolution could be answered in the future by the detemination of the appropriate sequences.
Functional impairments in elderly patients with schizophrenia and major affective illness in the community: Social skills, living skills, and behavior problems

Despite recent advances in the psychosocial treatment of schizophrenia and other severe mental illnesses, little is known about the specific needs of elderly persons with these disorders. To address this gap in understanding, we examined the functional impairments of a sample of elderly patients with diagnoses of schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder (N = 55), bipolar disorder (N = 39), or major depression (N = 90) who were living in the community and receiving mental health services. Functioning in four different areas was assessed: social skills, behavior problems, self-care skills, and community living skills. Diagnostic group comparisons indicated that the schizophrenia-schizoaffective disorder group had worse functioning than the other groups across all of the different domains. The clinical and research implications of the findings for the development of psychosocial interventions for elderly persons with schizophrenia are discussed.
Saliency detection for videos using 3D FFT local spectra

Bottom-up spatio-temporal saliency detection identifies perceptually important regions of interest in video sequences. The center-surround model proves to be useful for visual saliency detection. In this work, we explore using 3D FFT local spectra as features for saliency detection within the center-surround framework. We develop a spectral location based decomposition scheme to divide a 3D FFT cube into two components, one related to temporal changes and the other related to spatial changes. Temporal saliency and spatial saliency are detected separately using features derived from each spectral component through a simple center-surround comparison method. The two detection results are then combined to yield a saliency map. We apply the same detection algorithm to different color channels (YIQ) and incorporate the results into the final saliency determination. The proposed technique is tested with the public CRCNS database. Both visual and numerical evaluations verify the promising performance of our technique.
Burst scheduling networks

Abstract Most application-level data units are too large to be carried in a single packet and must be segmented for network delivery. To an application, the end-to-end delays and loss rate of its data units are more relevant measures of performance than ones specified for individual packets. From this observation, we introduced the concept of a burst (which subsumes the concept of a block in the ATM literature). A flow is modeled as a sequence of bursts, each of which models a sequence of packets that encapsulate an application data unit. We describe an approach towards designing integrated services packet-switching networks that provide QoS guarantees to bursts. We present a burst-based flow specification, an architecture and algorithms for packet scheduling, and tight bounds on end-to-end burst delays. In particular, we illustrate how to exploit the burst-based flow specification to improve implementation efficiency. We describe how burst scheduling networks can be designed to provide a real-time VBR service with no loss and, with burst-based admission control, a real-time VBR service at a specified loss rate.
Free vibration analyses of generally laminated tapered skew plates

Abstract An efficient method is developed for the free vibration analyses of generally laminated composite skew plates having arbitrary edge conditions, such as clamped, simply supported or free. The procedure consists of the Rayleigh-Ritz method utilizing a strain energy functional containing both bending and stretching effects and accommodating arbitrary ply stacking sequences. A set of Chebyshev polynomials is used as trial functions to represent the three components of the displacement at a given point. The geometric boundary conditions are satisfied by providing appropriate springs with large stiffnesses at a given edge. Results are obtained for isotropic, specially orthotropic, symmetrically laminated and unsymmetrically laminated plates. Both rectangular and skewed tapered plates are analyzed. The capability to perform the static analysis of a composite plate is also demonstrated. To establish the correctness and effectiveness of the method, whenever possible, the numerical results are compared with those obtained by other researchers.