cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Cadherin-catenin complex dissociation in lobular neoplasia of the breast.

E-cadherin (E-CD) inactivation with loss of E-CD-mediated cell adhesion is the hallmark of lesions of the lobular phenotype. E-CD is typically absent by immunohistochemistry in both lobular carcinoma in situ (LCIS) and invasive lobular lesions, suggesting it occurs early in the neoplastic process. In laboratory models, downstream post-transcriptional modifiers such as TWIST and SNAIL contribute to the dissociation of the intracellular component of the cadherin–catenin complex (CCC), resulting in tumor progression and invasion. We hypothesized that complete CCC dissociation may play a role in lobular neoplasia progression. Here we explore the relationship between loss of E-CD and dissociation of the CCC in pure LCIS and LCIS associated with invasive cancer. Fresh-frozen tissues were obtained from 36 patients undergoing mastectomy for pure LCIS (n = 11), LCIS with ILC (n = 18) or LCIS with IDC (n = 7). Individual lesions were subject to laser-capture microdissection and gene-expression analysis (Affymetrix HG-U133A 2.0). Immunohistochemistry for ER,PR,HER2, E-CD,N-CD,α-,β-, and phosphoβ-catenin, TWIST, and SNAIL were evaluated in normal, in situ, and invasive components from matched formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded samples (n = 36). CCC-dissociation was defined as negative membranous E-CD, α- and β-catenin expression. E-CD was negative in all LCIS and ILC lesions, and positive in all normal and IDC lesions. Membranous α and β-catenin expressions decreased with the transition from LCIS to ILC (pure LCIS 82%; LCIS w/ILC 28%; ILC 0%), while TWIST expression increased (pure LCIS low; LCIS w/ILC moderate; ILC high). Gene expression paralleled IHC-staining patterns with a stepwise downregulation of E-CD, α and β-catenins from normal to LCIS to invasive lesions, and increasing expression of TWIST from normal to LCIS to ILC. Loss of E-CD expression is an early event in lobular neoplasia. Decreasing membranous catenin expression in tandem with increasing levels of TWIST across the spectrum of lobular lesions suggests that CCC dissociation is a progressive process.
Model Reduction of Nonstationary LPV Systems

This paper focuses on the model reduction of nonstationary linear parameter-varying (NSLPV) systems. We provide a generalization of the balanced truncation procedure for the model reduction of stable NSLPV systems, along with a priori error bounds. Then, for illustration purposes, this method is applied to reduce the model of a two-mass translational system. Furthermore, we give an approach for the model reduction of stabilizable and detectable systems, which requires the development and use of coprime factorizations for NSLPV models. For the general class of eventually periodic LPV systems, which includes periodic and finite horizon systems as special cases, our results can be explicitly computed using semidefinite programming
A comparison of usefulness of 2D and 3D representations of urban planning

Very little existing literature has addressed the issues of the perceived usefulness of 3D visualizations over 2D and the use of cartographic shadow representations in the planning community. Urban planning has moved toward a 3D, geographic-information-system-centric, and functional decision support framework. This study aims to examine the preferences of urban planning professionals with respect to 2D and 3D visualizations in a case study. The authors built a 3D representation of a proposed building along with the existing urban environment in Queenstown, New Zealand and conducted a usefulness test through a survey and interview. Based on the survey, the study evaluated the degree of task utility perceived in each visualization method, the effect on the mental image, and shadow representation preferences. The findings support the literature that the benefits of using a 2D or 3D model are closely related to the types of planning tasks undertaken. The findings also reveal a complex view of planning activit...
Human immunodeficiency virus-1 infection and multiple sclerosis-like illness in a child

We present a child with human immune deficiency virus-1 infection associated with a multiple sclerosis-like illness. This case is the first reported of human immune deficiency virus-1 infection and a disease indistinguishable from multiple sclerosis in a child. Because of the rarity of either disease in pediatric patients, their coexistence in a child argues in favor of a casual association between the two illnesses, thus reinforcing the long-held assumption that viral agents may trigger some of the immunologic abnormalities underlying multiple sclerosis. Cases in which such an association was present in adults are also described in this article.
UV Raman detection of micro-organisms and their toxins in fish tissue

H. Ne1son', Department of Chemistry and J.F. Sperry, Department of MicrobiologyUniversity of Rhode Island, Kingston, RI 02881P.E. Hargraves, Graduate School of Oceanography, Bay CampusUniversity of Rhode Island, Narragansett, RI 02882andE.G. Hanlon, R.R. Dasari and M. FeldHarrison Spectroscopy LaboratoryMassachusetts Institute of Technology77 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge MA 02139AbstractIt has been determined that domoic acid(DA) can be quantitated from homogenizedshellfish tissue by means of resonance Raman spectra excited by 25 1 nm light. Detectionlimits have been found to be substantially below the 20 micrograms DA per gram tissuedeemed by regulators to be unfit for human consumption. Clam tissue obtained from asupermarket has been prepared for analysis by direct homogenization for 2 minutes in aWaring blender. The homogenized samples were placed in a flow system and subjectedto a 5- 10 mw 25 1 nm excitation. Back-scattering collected for 20-30 seconds providedsufficient information for analysis. The method is extremely simple to use since the DAproduces a single intense peak at 1652 cm'. Because relatively-weak protein, nucleicacid and lipid spectra are excited from the tissue, background interference is surprisinglylow. Bacteria can be detected using the same approach, but sensitivities are much lowerprimarily due to spectral interference from tissue nucleic acids.a. to whom correspondence should be addressed.
TWISTORS, YANG-MILLS AMPLITUDES AND LANDAU LEVELS

We give a short discussion/review of the recent developments expressing the perturbative scattering amplitudes in Yang-Mills theory, specifically for the theory, in terms of holomorphic curves in a supersymmetric twistor space. Holomorphic curves, which are maps of CP1 to the supertwistor space, can also be interpreted as the lowest Landau level wave functions; this point of view is also briefly explained.
THE TREATMENT OF CLINICAL TETANY WITH IRRADIATED ERGOSTEROL

It is the purpose of this paper to report the results of treatment with irradiated ergosterol of a number of patients suffering from postoperative parathyroid tetany. The literature on the experimental investigation of the relation of vitamin D in some form to the function of the parathyroids has been reviewed extensively by others [Moritz (1), Bloch and Faber (2), Grant and Gates (3), Higgins and Sheard (4), Hess and Lewis (5), Hess, Weinstock and Rivkin (6), Jones (7), Jones, Rapoport and Hodes (8), Brougher (9), Wade (10), Greenwald and Gross (11), Bauer, Marble and Claflin (12), Gleieh and Goodman (13), Stern (14), Jaques (15), Findley (16), Hansmann (17), Pappenheimer (18), Shelling (19), Spies, Wilson and Strinkham (20), Taylor, Weld, Branion and Kay (21), Sjostroin (22), Laurens (23), Thomson and Collip (24) and others]. It is, therefore, not necessary at present to enter into any further extensive discussion of the literature.
Port-site recurrence after thoracoscopic resection of pulmonary metastasis owing to osteogenic sarcoma.

Abstract Video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS) is being used increasingly to evaluate and treat intrathoracic pathology. Port-site seeding is a rare but feared complication when minimally invasive surgical techniques are used in the evaluation and treatment of malignancies. The authors report a of port-site seeding after thoracoscopic resection of pulmonary metastasis from an osteogenic sarcoma.
Treatment of Infections Caused by Ampicillin-Resistant Pathogens with a Combination of Ampicillin and CP-45,899

Abstract Eleven patients infected with ampicillin-resistant organisms were treated with a combination of CP-45,899, a β-lactamase inhibitor, and ampicillin. All infections were controlled within 7 days without any signs of toxicity.
Experimental and theoretical studies of ultra-fine particle behavior in electrostatic precipitators

Abstract A cylindrical electrostatic precipitator (ESP) was used to investigate the applied voltage versus corona current characteristics and ultra-fine particle (diameter
Turbo MMSE equalizer for spread OFDM signal detection

Symbol spread OFDM technique has been introduced to improve diversity performance of the conventional OFDM system in the frequency selective fading channel, where, in this technique, every data symbol is mod- ulated using all OFDM subcarriers. Linear Minimum Mean Square Error (MMSE) equalizer is widely used in spread OFDM signal detection because of its low complexity compared to optimal equalizers such as Maximum Likelihood (ML).1 In this paper we introduce turbo equalization based receiver for detecting symbol spread OFDM signal in which MMSE equalizer and channel decoder exchange soft information in an iterative fashion. Bit Error Rate (BER) performance is investigated with both full and partial spread scenarios and also with and without channel decoding. Simulation results show improved performance especially at low SNR regime and when partially spread OFDM scenario is used.
Romantic Relational Aggression: What about Gender?

This study examined the relations among romantic relational aggression, social anxiety, loneliness, depressive symptoms, and alcohol and drug use in a sample of 215 undergraduate college students. Consistent with prior work, no gender differences were found in the experience of romantic relational aggression. Results indicated that romantic relational aggression was positively associated with social anxiety (for women only), loneliness, depressive symptoms, and alcohol use and drug use. Implications of these findings for the role of aggression within the context of intimate relationships during college are discussed.
Optimal interception with time constraint

This paper considers the problem of minimum-fuel interception with time constraint. The maneuver consists of using impulsive thrust to bring the interceptor from its initial orbit into a collision course with a target which is moving on a well-defined trajectory. The intercept time is either prescribed or is restricted to be less than an upper limit.
Saturated ferromagnetism and magnetization deficit in optimally annealed Ga1-xMnxAs epilayers

We examine the Mn concentration dependence of the electronic and magnetic properties of optimally annealed ${\mathrm{Ga}}_{1\ensuremath{-}x}{\mathrm{Mn}}_{x}\mathrm{As}$ epilayers for $1.35%l~xl~8.3%.$ The Curie temperature ${(T}_{c}),$ conductivity, and exchange energy increase with Mn concentration up to $x\ensuremath{\sim}0.05,$ but are almost constant for larger x, with ${T}_{c}\ensuremath{\sim}110\mathrm{K}.$ The ferromagnetic moment per Mn ion decreases monotonically with increasing x, implying that an increasing fraction of the Mn spins do not participate in the ferromagnetism. By contrast, the derived domain wall thickness, an important parameter for device design, remains surprisingly constant.
Reducing energy use: Automatic selection of the appropriate communications channel

Energy use for communications and computing equipment has become a major concern. A growing trend is the almost universal access to multiple communications channels such as Wi-Fi and Ethernet. We develop and evaluate a means of automatically selecting a low-speed (and low-power) channel that delivers sufficient level of performance and selecting a high-speed channel only when it is absolutely needed. Specifically, we explore a Dual-Channel, Single-Link (DCSL) concept at the application layer whereby file downloads automatically select a Wi-Fi or Ethernet channel as appropriate for given performance and energy use constraints. We develop a software application that autonomously selects the best channel for a given file download. A performance evaluation shows the application-layer DCSL is feasible and a controlled trade-off of response time performance and energy use is possible. We project that our system can reduce local communications energy costs in many key cases.
A computer program for editing the news

The computer news editing program is designed to perform the following functions: (1) it will input automatically those stories from the AP Teletypesetter tape which the editor wishes to use; (2) it will make additions and deletions in these stories according to instructions received from the editor; (3) it will attempt to “edit,” i.e. cut from the bottom, the stories in its possession according to (a) an overall news hole limitation, (b) a minimum-lines-per-story limitation, (c) the general interests of the paper's editor in various categories of news, (d) a formula which grants more space to those stories which the editor thinks are more important, and (e) the availability of news on the day in question; (4) it will print out stories cut to desired lengths and arranged in categories.There are, of course, many editing functions which the program does not perform. It does not assign stories to pages; it does not lay out the news and advertising; it does not crop pictures nor provide for display headlines; it does not cut stories (as an editor would) with regard for their meaningfulness and literary effectiveness. In short, the present program is presented more as an “aid to the editor” handling the news than as a complete computer editing system. Designing a complete editing system, though probably feasible, would be a major undertaking.
Effect of Cyano Substituents on Electron Affinity and Electron-Transporting Properties of Conjugated Polymers

A series of cyano-containing distyrylbenzenes were synthesized as the model compounds to systematically study the effect of cyano substituents on the redox behaviors of conjugated molecules. By introducing the electron-withdrawing functional groups (cyano and dicyanovinyl) onto the phenylene ring, both electron affinity and electrochemical stability of the resulting distyrylbenzenes are greatly enhanced. The results enabled us to design and synthesize a new class of highly electron affinitive, fluorene-based copolymers with these cyano-containing chromophores as comonomers. The effects of acceptor strength and side chain on electron-transporting properties of these polymers were also investigated. By properly adjusting copolymer compositions, a combined high electron affinity and transport was achieved in a statistic copolymer, poly(fluorenebenzothiadiazole−cyanophenylenevinylene) (PFB−CNPV). An external quantum efficiency up to 0.88% and brightness as high as 4730 cd/m2 were achieved in a double-layer li...
The T box mechanism: tRNA as a regulatory molecule

The T box mechanism is widely used in Gram-positive bacteria to regulate expression of aminoacyl-tRNA synthetase genes and genes involved in amino acid biosynthesis and uptake. Binding of a specific uncharged tRNA to a riboswitch element in the nascent transcript causes a structural change in the transcript that promotes expression of the downstream coding sequence. In most cases, this occurs by stabilization of an antiterminator element that competes with formation of a terminator helix. Specific tRNA recognition by the nascent transcript results in increased expression of genes important for tRNA aminoacylation in response to decreased pools of charged tRNA.
Defining “Pharmacy Technician”

Background:Legal definitions of “pharmacy technician” vary by state. Also, many pharmacy organizations have definitions of “pharmacy technician.” There is no consensus on the definition.Objective:T...
Using history to enhance computing courses

In this poster, we describe how instructors can use history to enhance student learning in computer-related courses. The use of history relates events to people, places, and things.
Transduction of lactose-utilizing ability among strains of E. coli and S. dysenteriae and the properties of the transducing phage particles.

Abstract Transduction of the lac + property by phage P1 among strains of Escherichia coli K12 and Shigella dysenteriae Sh has been studied. When E. coli strains are used both as donors and recipients, transduction gives stable lac + transductants (transduction by integration). Transduction from E. coli lac + donors to strain Sh gives mainly unstable, lac v transductants, in which the lac + genes are apparently associated with some phage P1 genes in a defective prophage, called P1 dl (transduction by lysogenization). A variety of P1 dl elements is postulated to account for the properties of different Sh lac v transductant strains. Some of these strains produce phage lysates that transduce the lac + property at high frequency (HFT lysates), probably because of a high content of phage particles carrying the defective phage element P1 dl . A different type of P1 dl element, called P1 dl w , has been obtained by using HFT lysates from Sh lac v strains to transduce the lac + property in a strain of E. coli that appears to have a deletion of the lac genetic region. The results of lac + transduction by various types of lysates to various recipient strains have been compared, using both untreated and ultraviolet-irradiated lysates. The results are interpreted by assuming that the transducing particles contain genetic elements with various combinations of phage genes and of bacterial genes, and that the transduction type that is obtained, by integration or by lysogenization, depends both on the ability of the transducing elements to lysogenize and on the degree of genetic homology between the donor and the recipient of the transduced bacterial genes. High genetic homology favors integration; low genetic homology hinders integration and allows detection of transductants carrying the transducing element as prophage.
Role of Prolactin and Its Receptor in Colorectal Cancer

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third leading cause of cancer related deaths in the USA. Worldwide, up to 5 % of all reported cancer cases are due to CRC, with ∼60 % occurring in industrially developed or developing countries. Environmental factors ranging from changing dietary habits to environmental toxins are associated with the development of CRC. Germline mutations in APC, TP53, and DNA mismatch repair genes contribute to nearly 35 % of the registered CRC cases and are by far the best-studied factors for CRC. Hormones are critical regulatory factors produced by the body to regulate diverse physiological activities. Prolactin (PRL) is a polypeptide hormone, which is expressed in most mammalian species. In humans, PRL binds to PRL receptor (PRLR) and induces the JAK-STAT or JAK-STAT-ERK pathways. Studies from several groups over the last few decades have shown that PRL can regulate a spectrum of functions ranging from behavior to immune responses to tumorigenesis. Epidemiological studies related to cancer especially breast or prostrate have linked the role of PRL or receptor in the causation of tumor progression. This review sheds a brief overview about PRL or receptor role in colorectal tumorigenesis.
The Strength of Corporate Culture and the Reliability of Firm Performance

Prevailing research claims that strong corporate cultures improve firm performance by facilitating internal behavioral consistency. This paper addresses an unexamined implication of this argument by analyzing the effect of strong corporate cultures on the variability of firm performance. This relationship depends on how strong cultures affect organizational learning in response to internal and external change. I hypothesize that strong-culture firms excel at incremental change but encounter difficulties in more volatile environments. Results of analyses of a sample of firms from a broad variety of industries show that in relatively stable environments, strong-culture firms have more reliable (less variable) performance. In volatile environments, however, the reliability benefits of strong cultures disappear.
Statistical analysis of data pertaining to complex state systems by stepwise regression with reformulated parameters; application to spectroscopically monitored hemoglobin oxygen binding data.

Abstract A method is described for the statistical analysis of data pertaining to complex state systems, based on the concept of reformulating the parameters describing the system as a hierarchy of interactions, and this method demonstrated on the analysis of spectroscopically monitored hemoglobin oxygen binding data [K. Imai, Biophys. Chem. 37 (1990) 197–210]. The concept of reformulation was first extended to state parameters other than Δ G °s, such as the extinction coefficients ( ϵ s) associated with different ligation states during hemoglobin oxygen binding. The reformulated parameters are incrementally allowed to vary in the data fitting procedure, and the statistical significance of the added parameters tested by F and Kolmogorov–Smirnov tests. The result of this method is the minimal set of statistically significant parameters required to describe the data. The hierarchical nature of reformulated parameters allows the physical significance of the subset of statistically significant parameters to be discussed even when all reformulated terms may not be statistically significant. Applying this method to hemoglobin oxygen binding data with the reformulated Adair model demonstrated that at least two, and at most three, of the four reformulated Adair constants are statistically significant. A reformulated square model was found to give a statistically indistinguishable fit from the Adair model, with the statistically significant thermodynamic terms essentially those proposed by Linus Pauling in 1935. A change in Δ ϵ with subsequent oxygen binding events was found to be significant in both models. These results are consistent with a model for hemoglobin oxygen binding where a subunit changes its conformation upon oxygen binding, and affects the conformation of adjacent subunits.
Vapour—liquid equilibria in the ternary system ethyl acetate—benzene—cyclohexane

The vapour—liquid equilibrium compositions and temperatures covering the entire composition range were determined experimentally under isobaric conditions of 760 mm Hg pressure for the ternary system ethyl acetate — benzene — cyclohexane and its three constituent binaries. A continuous recirculating equilibrium still combining the best features of Jones and Gillespie stills was used. Values of activity coefficients and their ratios were correlated by Redlich—Kister equations. A modification of these equations was introduced to satisfy the Gibbs—Duhem equation at constant pressure.
Isolation and Characterization of Glial Cell Lines from Xenopus Neuroepithelium and Retinal Pigment Epithelium

Abstract We have isolated several immortal cell lines from Xenopus neuroepithelium and retinal pigment epithelium. These cell lines were initially isolated from primary cultures by serial passaging of proliferating cells, followed by subcloning with limiting dilution techniques. Several morphologically distinct cell lines have been isolated using these procedures. On the basis of immunocytochemical characterization using specific antibodies, we have established that three of these cell lines, the XR1, XRpe1, and XRpe2 cell lines, are glial-like in nature. These cell lines were extensively labeled by antibodies against glial fibrillary acidic protein and vimentin, markers used to identify glial cells. Mono-layers of these cell lines served as useful substrates for axon outgrowth from developing retinal ganglion cells. In addition, analysis of cell-free substrates, prepared by treatment of cell line monolayers with Triton X- 100, revealed that the XR1, XRpe1, and XRpe2 cell lines produce an extracellular matrix (ECM) with potent neurite outgrowth-promoting activity. In contrast, other established retinal and nonretinal Xenopus cell lines were relatively ineffective and did not support axon outgrowth. We propose that neurite outgrowth-promoting activity produced by these cell lines is associated with their ECM and may be glial cell specific. In addition, to further characterize these cell lines, we have recently imaged live cells, using the atomic force microscope (AFM). The use of AFM on living, cultured cells provides a new, high-resolution method for examining dynamic cytoskeletal and morphological events.
High levels of polysaccharides in Aplysia hepatopancreas and penis: Differential effects of nutrition and development

Abstract 1. 1. Carbohydrate levels in tissues of Aplysia californica were measured. In animals maintained in the laboratory without feeding for 1–2 weeks, the penis contained the highest concentration of glycogen. 2. 2. Blood glucose ranged between 2.5 and 4.8mg/dl and averaged 3.2 ± 0.2 mg/dl. 3. 3. Fed animals had significantly greater tissue glycogen levels than starved animals. The penis exhibited the smallest per cent increase in glycogen concentration in response to feeding. 4. 4. In contrast, the hepatopancreas exhibited a large increase, attaining glycogen concentrations near that of the penis. 5. 5. Most of the increase in total tissue glycogen in fed animals occurred in the hepatopancreas. 6. 6. Starved and fed animals did not differ significantly in blood glucose concentration, thus indicating that blood glucose is regulated and excess glucose is stored. 7. 7. The hepatopancreas is the major mobile glucose store. 8. 8. The high concentrations of glycogen found in the penis were not affected by mating activity. 9. 9. However, penis glycogen concentration increased greatly with reproductive maturation of Aplysia ; in contrast, hepatopancreas glycogen concentration was relatively unaffected by development. 10. 10. A structural role by carbohydrates in the penis is suggested.
Calcium intake and bone quality in the elderly

As shown in older participants in the Ten‐State (U.S.A.) Nutrition Survey, there is at best a low order, barely significant relationship between daily calcium intake (mg/day) and metacarpal cortical area (CA) prior to partialling for caloric intake. This finding, based on 1435 subjects, does not support the assumption that adult bone loss is a product of low or inadequate intake of calcium.
Social Learning in Early Childhood Play Communities

This article proposes that early childhood play communities, socially constructed by young children in educational settings, are important contexts of social interaction and social learning. Dewey believes the most important contexts for children's learning are social activities within communities and cultures. According to Dewey, a viable community is defined through the components of shared common interests, cooperative social interaction, and communication between play groups (Dewey 1966, p. 5, 24, 87).
Single crystals of Tl5Ba5Ca2Cu6Ox: A 106 K superconductor

Superconducting single crystals in the Tl-Ba-Ca-Cu-O system with composition near 5526 have been grown and shown to be orthorhombic with a>=5.458, b=5.467 and c=29.306 A. Static magnetization, RF impedance coil, and DC resistivity measurements show a Tc near 106 K and a pressure dependence of Tc of 0,24(4) K/kbar for these crystals. A structural relationship to other high temperature superconducting oxides is offered as speculation.
Technology innovation in aluminum products

In 2001, the aluminum industry continues to benefit from technical innovations made in alloy development, product-manufacturing technologies, and processing equipment over the last century. This paper examines the top ten alloy, product, and process developments that have shaped the industry’s production methods and markets. The interrelationships among the alloy development, process innovations, and markets are highlighted. Omitted are details about patent literature or the inception of many technologies; the major criterion for placement on the list was impact on the total industry.
Contribution of the Respiratory Muscles to the Lactic Acidosis of Heavy Exercise in COPD

Patients with COPD usually are limited in their exercise tolerance by a limited ventilatory capacity. Lactic acidosis induced by exercise increases the stress on the ventilatory system due to CO 2 generated by bicarbonate buffering and hydrogen ion stimulation. Patients with COPD are often observed to increase blood lactate levels at low levels of exercise. We wished to determine whether patients with COPD who experience lactic acidosis do so because of respiratory muscle production of lactate. Eight patients with moderate to severe COPD (FEV 1 =43.5±11.6% predicted) and 5 healthy subjects performed 10 min of moderate constant work rate exercise either breathing spontaneously or volitionally increasing their ventilation for 5 min to approximate the peak minute ventilation seen during incremental exercise. During volitional increased ventilation, 3% CO 2 was added to the inspirate to prevent alkalosis and hypocapnia. In neither the healthy subjects nor the COPD group was the end-exercise lactate level significantly higher during volitional ventilation increase than during spontaneous ventilation. Further, in the COPD patients, the blood lactate levels during volitional ventilation increase were much lower than during maximal exercise (averaging 2.4 vs 5.3 mmol/L) despite similar ventilation levels (averaging 50 and 53 L/min). We conclude that it is unlikely that the respiratory muscles have an important influence on the blood lactate level elevation seen during maximal exercise in COPD patients.
Unweighting Accelerates Tidemark Advancement in Articular Cartilage at the Knee Joint of Rats

Morphologic development of articular cartilage is influenced by biologic adaptation to functional demands. It has been theorized that intermittent stresses generated by load bearing and motion determine cartilage thickness by controlling advancement of the subchondral mineralization front. The mineralization front is comprised of two interfaces, the tidemark and chondroosseus junction, each of which advances through a different biologic process. This study was designed to evaluate the influence of one month of hind limb unweighting, with and without concurrent restriction of joint motion, on mineral apposition at the tidemark and vascular invasion at the chondroosseus junction in the knee joints of young adult rats. In mobile joints, hind limb unweighting induced a 2-fold increase in the tidemark mineral apposition rate (p = 0.0001) at the primary weight bearing region, resulting in a thinning of the uncalcified cartilage layer and a concurrent thickening of the calcified layer. Cast immobilization negated the effect of unweighting at the tidemark while it activated subchondral vascular encroachment into the calcified cartilage (p = 0.001). These findings suggest that cartilage thinning associated with the elimination of weight bearing is mediated through a different biological mechanism than cartilage loss associated with restriction of joint motion.
Surface morphology and molecular chemical structure of poly(n-butyl methacrylate)/polystyrene blend studied by atomic force microscopy (AFM) and sum frequency generation (SFG) vibrational spectroscopy

Sum frequency generation (SFG) vibrational spectroscopy and atomic force microscopy (AFM) have been applied to study the poly(n-butyl methacrylate) (PBMA)/polystyrene (PS) blend surfaces. SFG showed that PBMA tended to segregate to the blend surfaces because of its lower surface tension. The phenyl groups on the pure PS surface orientated closely to the surface normal with a narrow angle distribution. Presence of PBMA dramatically affected the orientation angle of the phenyl groups on the blend surface. For example, on the surface of the blend with only 4 wt % PBMA in the bulk, the phenyl groups would tilt more toward the surface, but they did not completely lie down on the surface. Because of the larger orientation angle of the phenyl groups versus the surface normal, no ppp signal of PS could be detected on the PBMA/PS blend surfaces with our experimental geometry. AFM results showed that pure PS and PBMA surfaces were flat, but domain structures existed on the polymer blend surfaces. Selective solvent ...
Mismatch: When the Imaging Studies Conflict With the Neurologic Exam

As neurologists, we increasingly rely on imaging studies to help us diagnose acute stroke. This unusual case is a reminder that even sophisticated imaging techniques can have false negatives and emphasizes the importance of the clinical exam.
Determination of the toluene diisocyanate binding sites on human serum albumin by tandem mass spectrometry.

Diisocyanates are highly reactive chemical compounds widely used in the manufacture of polyurethanes. Although diisocyanates have been identified as causative agents of allergic respiratory diseases, the specific mechanism by which these diseases occur is largely unknown. To better understand the chemical species produced when diisocyanates react with protein, tandem mass spectrometry was employed to unambiguously identify the binding sites of the industrially important isomers, 2,4- and 2,6-toluene diisocyanate, on human serum albumin at varying diisocyanate/protein ratios. The 2,4-isomer results in approximately 2-fold higher conjugation product ion abundances than does the 2,6-isomer, suggesting that the 2,4-isomer has a higher reactivity toward albumin. Both isomers preferentially react with the N-terminal amine of the protein and the e-NH(2) of lysine. At a low (1:2) diisocyanate/protein ratio, five binding sites are identified, whereas at a high (40:1) ratio, near-stoichiometric conjugation is observed with a maximum of 37 binding sites identified. Binding sites observed at the lowest conjugation ratios are conserved at higher binding ratios, suggesting a subset of 5-10 preferential binding sites on albumin. Diisocyanate-protein conjugation results in a variety of reaction products, including intra- and intermolecular crosslinking, diisocyanate self-polymerization, and diisocyanate hydrolysis.
Microstructure and mechanical behavior of spray-deposited High-Li Al-Li alloys

High-Li alloys, with the composition Al-3.8Li-XCu-1.0Mg-0.4Ge-0.2Zr, were synthesized using a spray deposition technique (wt. pct, X=0∼1.5). The microstructure of the spray-deposited Al-Li alloys consisted of equiaxed grains with an average grain size in the range from 20 to 50 µm. The grain-boundary phases were fine and discrete. The spray-deposited and thermomechanically processed materials were isothermally heat treated at 150 °C and 170 °C to investigate the age-hardening kinetics. It was noted that the spray-deposited Al-3.8Li-XCu-1.0Mg-0.4Ge-0.2Zr alloys exhibited relatively sluggish aging behavior. The peak-aged condition was achieved at 170 °C in the range from 20 to 90 hours. It was noted that Cu increases the hardness of alloys during aging. Moreover, the influence of Cu on age-hardening kinetics is marginal. The mechanical properties of the spray-deposited and extruded Al-Li alloys were studied in the underaged, peak-aged, and overaged conditions. For example, the peak-aged yield strength, tensile strength, and ductility of Al-3.8Li-1.0Cu-1.0Mg-0.4Ge-0.2Zr are 455 MPa, 601 MPa, and 3.1 pct, respectively. Moreover, an increase in the Cu content of the alloy led to improvements in strength, with only slight changes in ductility, for Cu contents up to 1.0 wt pct. Beyond this range, an increase in Cu content led to decreases in both strength and ductility.
PHASE SYNCHRONIZATION OF CHAOS IN A PLASMA DISCHARGE TUBE

Experimental phase synchronization of chaos is demonstrated for a plasma discharge tube subject to a high dc voltage (800–900 V), and paced with a low amplitude (less than 1 V) wave generator.
Instrumentation of a Geosynthetic-Reinforced Flexible Pavement System

Geosynthetics have been proposed and used to reinforce base course layers in flexible pavement sections to reduce base course thickness, or life-cycle costs, or both. Studies show conflicting results regarding the level to which geosynthetics can improve the performance of flexible pavements. To examine the reinforcement role of geosynthetics, a program of study has been initiated to define the mechanisms of base course reinforcement, to define and quantify the effect of site-specific parameters on the level of improvement observed, and to devise a design tool that can be readily applied in practice. This program will eventually involve the instrumentation of a full-scale pavement subjected to moving traffic loads, the success of which is essential to meeting the three objectives. As a first examination of the performance of proposed instruments, a pilot test section was constructed and monitored for approximately 3 months. The test section was chosen and constructed not necessarily to establish geosynthetic performance but rather to evaluate instrument installation techniques and subsequent instrument performance. Instruments designed to measure strain in the geosynthetics, base course, and asphalt concrete were included.
Relationships of naming skills to reading, memory, and receptive vocabulary: Evidence for imprecise phonological representations of words by poor readers

The main hypotheses addressed in the research were (1) whether imprecision in the phonological representations of lexical items underlies the impaired expressive naming abilities of disabled readers, and (2) whether weak verbal memory might mediate the relationship between naming and reading skills. From samples of 93 first graders and 67 fourth graders, extreme groups of good and poor readers were identified and compared on measures of receptive vocabulary, expressive naming, acceptability judgments for variants of object names, imitation and correction of naming errors by another speaker, pseudoword repetition, and long-term memory. Performance was generally better by older than younger students and by good than poor readers at each age, with little interaction between grade and reader group. The results indicated that for both good and poor readers, imprecise phonological knowledge, especially about long words, contributed to children’s difficulties on all naming tasks. Memory differences, however, appeared to play only a minor role in explaining the strong association between naming and reading.
Quantum yield of photosynthesis in synchronous Scenedesmus cultures.

A decrease in the quantum yield during the synchronous life cycle of Scenedesmus obliquus seems to be associated with the second light reaction of photosynthesis.
Genetic analysis by peptide nucleic acid affinity MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry

The ability to analyze multiple polymorphic sites rapidly and accurately is crucial in all areas of genetic analysis. We have developed an approach for the detection of multiple point mutations, using allele-specific, mass-labeled, peptide nucleic acid (PNA) hybridization probes, and direct analysis by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry. The composite mass spectra produced contain peaks of distinct masses corresponding to each allele present, resulting in a mass spectral “fingerprint” for each DNA sample. The hybridization characteristics of PNA:DNA duplexes were found to be highly dependent on both base content and sequence. Results from the analysis of four polymorphic sites contained in exon 4 of the human tyrosinase gene show that this approach is simple, rapid, and accurate with potential applications in many areas of genetic analysis.
Arteriovenous shunts in the human spleen.

The mission of this study was to determine whether or not arteriovenous connections, indicative of a “closed” type of circulation, existed in the human spleen. Spleens from four patients requiring therapeutic splenectomy were the basis for this report. Scanning electron microscopy of plastic corrosion casts, prepared from these four spleens, revealed direct vascular conduits between splenic pulp arteries or arterial capillaries and the venous sinuses in the red pulp. Also demonstrated were a few arteriovenous shunts between pulp arteries or arterial capillaries and pulp or trabecular veins. Inclusion of sized microspheres in low-viscosity perfusion plastic illustrated that some diameters of the connecting shunts were 7-10 μm, with other shunts even smaller. Not only do arteriovenous connections exist in human spleens, but their frequency, as revealed by methods accentuating three-dimensional aspects of the splenic microcirculation, justify future reconsiderations of the functional significance of this closed type of circulation. Examination of samples of the same intact spleens, prepared by freeze-fracture and conventional critical-point drying, also revealed an “open” type circulation structure, namely, pore-patterned sinus walls that could facilitate blood cell movement from pulp cords into venous sinuses. Scanning electron microscopy thus has provided direct evidence that human spleens have both “open” and “closed” circulatory pathways in their microvasculature.
Nonuniversal electron-electron interaction effects on the fluctuation conductivity above the superconducting transition.

We study the effects of the Coulomb electron-electron interaction on the Aslamazov-Larkin fluctuation correction to the conductivity in impure two-dimensional metals. We show that unlike the correction to the superconducting transition temperature, the above correction to the conductivity is sensitive to the form of the Coulomb interaction. In particular we studied the case of a thin metallic film separated from a massive metallic substrate by an insulator, when the electron-electron interaction is modified by image forces.
Separation of the yellow chromophores in individual brunescent cataracts

Abstract Quantitative changes in the 330 nm absorbing chromophores and 350/450 nm fluorophores of water-soluble (WS) and water-insoluble (WI) proteins of individual human cataract lenses were characterized and compared with aged normal human lens. Twenty-five brunescent cataract lenses from India were selected from five different stages (types I–V) based upon the color of the lens. The WS and WI proteins from each lens were collected and subjected to an extensive enzymatic digestion procedure under argon. The lens protein digests were separated by Bio-Gel P-2 size-exclusion chromatography and individual peaks were analyzed further by reversed-phase HPLC. The total WI proteins increased and the total WS protein decreased with the development of cataract, especially in the late stages of cataract (III–V). The total 330 nm absorbance and 350/450 nm fluorescence of the WI fraction also increased, however, the A330 and fluorescence per mg lens protein were constant except for type V (black) lenses. Bio-Gel P-2 chromatography separated the chromophores and fluorophores into four fractions. The main fraction (designated as peak 2+3) from the cataract WI proteins was several times higher than that present in aged normal human lens WI proteins. A significant increase of this fraction was observed in WI proteins, but not in WS proteins with cataract development. Similarly, fractions 1 and 4 in the WI proteins also increased gradually but fraction 5 did not. Reversed-phase HPLC resolved fraction (2+3) of the water-insoluble sonicate supernatant proteins into four 330 nm absorbing peaks and eight fluorescent peaks. Among these peaks, a late-eluting peak (peak 8) increased 10 to 15-fold with the progress of cataract, and accounted for 80% of the total chromophores in type V lenses. This peak may represent limit digests of advanced glycation end-products (AGEs) derived protein cross-links. HPLC profiles of fraction 5 from both WS and WI proteins showed numerous new peaks which were not observed in either WS protein from cataract or WI proteins from aged normal human. The severe coloration and the higher levels of numerous novel chromophores and fluorophores in brunescent cataractous lenses reveal the possibility that a different chemistry occurs during cataract development.
A Unified Approach to Sensitivity Analysis in Equilibrium Displacement Models

In this article a unified approach for doing sensitivity analysis in equilibrium displacement models is presented that extends the existing method and overcomes many of its deficiencies. An empirical example from Gardner's seminal article highlights the advantages of the approach presented here.
Age-dependent changes in murine protein kinase and protease enzymes

Abstract Hormone responsiveness is mediated by signal transduction mechanisms involving second messengers, such as cAMP and Ca2+, which regulate reversible changes in the phosphorylation state of proteins. During senescence individuals frequently exhibit a diminished responsiveness to hormones. We examined changes in enzymes involved in protein phosphorylation reactions that might account for this decreased adaptiveness in old mice, and observed the following post-maturational changes: (1) cAMP-dependent protein kinase (Pk-A) specific activity decreased in spleen cytosol and in the particulate fractions of lung, spleen and liver of 24-month-old mice as compared to 2-month-old mice. Splenic cytosolic Pk-A activity decreased by 18 months of age, while particulate activity decreased by 6 months; (2) The amount of 8-N3-[32P]cAMP, a photoaffinity analog of cAMP, incorporated into Pk-A regulatory (R)-subunits from spleen and liver particulate fractions decreased, while photolabeling of R-subunit degradative products with this analog in heart and spleen cytosol increased. (3) Age-dependent increases in membrane-associated protease activities were found in all organs, along with a decrease in cytosolic lung calpain activity. these preteolytic changes may account for the enhanced R-subunit degradation and decreased Pk-A activities observed during senescence. (4) Age-dependent alterations in Ca2+/phospholipid-dependent protein kinase (Pk-C) are organ specific: lung, liver, brain, and heart demonstrate no change in Pk-C activity, while spleen exhibits decreased activity. We hypothesize that these age-dependent alterations in kinase and proteolytic activities may be in part responsible for changes in cellular response to hormonal stimulation, differentiation signals, and antigen responsiveness during senescence.
MUTATION RATES AS ADAPTATIONS

In order to better understand life, it is helpful to look beyond the envelop of life as we know it. A simple model of coevolution was implemented with the addition of a gene for the mutation rate of the individual. This allowed the mutation rate itself to evolve in a lineage. The model shows that when the individuals interact in a sort of zero-sum game, the lineages maintain relatively high mutation rates. However, when individuals engage in interactions that have greater consequences for one individual in the interaction than the other, lineages tend to evolve relatively low mutation rates. This model suggests that one possible cause for differential mutation rates across genes may be the coevolutionary pressure of the various forms of interactions with other genes.