cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Altered kelp (Laminariales) phlorotannins and growth under elevated carbon dioxide and ultraviolet-B treatments can influence associated intertidal food webs

Due to the importance of brown algae, such as kelp (Laminariales, Phaeophyta), within most cool nearshore environments, any direct responses of kelp to multiple global changes could alter the integrity of future coastal marine systems. Fifty-five-day manipulation of carbon dioxide (CO2) and ultraviolet light (UVB) within outdoor sea-tanks, approximating past, present and two predicted future levels, examined the direct influences on Saccharina latissima (=Laminaria saccharina) and Nereocystis luetkeana development and biochemistry, as well as the indirect influences on a marine herbivore (Tegula funebralis; Gastropoda, Mollusca) and on naturally occurring intertidal detritivores. Kelp species displayed variable directional (negative and positive growth) and scale responses to CO2 and UVB manipulations, which was influenced by interactions. Kelp phlorotannin (phenolic) production in blade tissues was induced by elevated UVB levels, and especially enhanced (additively) by elevated CO2, further suggesting that some actively growing kelp species are carbon limited in typical nearshore environments. Negative indirect effects upon detritivore consumers fed CO2-manipulated kelp blade tissues were detected, however, no statistical relationships existed among UVB-treated tissues, and test herbivores did not distinguish between phlorotannin-altered CO2: UVB-treated kelp blade tissues. Results suggest that past and future conditions differentially benefit these kelp species, which implies a potential for shifts in species abundance and community composition. Higher CO2 conditions can indirectly impede marine decay processes delaying access to recycled trace nutrients, which may be disruptive to the seasonal regrowth of algae and/or higher trophic levels of nearshore ecosystems.
PURIFICATION AND PHYSICOCHEMICAL PROPERTIES OF β-GALACTOSIDASE FROM Kluyveromyces fragilis

β-Galactosidase was purified to apparent homogeneity from cell-free extracts of Kluyveromyces fragilis by acetone precipitation, pseudo-affinity chromatography, hydroxylapatite chromatography and DEAE-Sephadex A-50 chromatography. The molecular weight was 201,000 and the partial specific volume was 0.715. No carbohydrate was detected. Electron microscopy indicated a molecular diameter of about 160A with 9-10 subunits present. Isoelectric point of the major isozyme was 5.1. The extinction coefficient was 1.58 cm3 mg protein-1 at 280 nm. The amino-acid composition was quite different from the β-galactosidase of Escherichia coli. Enzyme activity was rapidly lost on incubation with p-chloromercuribenzoate; formation of 5-6 moles of mercaptide per mole of protein gave complete loss of activity.
Analysis of optimal Adaptive Optics system for Hybrid RF-wireless optical communication for maximum efficiency and reliability

Free space optics (FSO) has become a viable, high-bandwidth wireless alternative to fiber optic cabling. A more practical solution to extending the high availability range is to back-up the FSO link with a lower data rate radio frequency (RF) link. This hybrid FSO/RF system would extend the 99.999% link range to longer distances and open up a much larger metro/access market to the carriers. However, the atmospheric turbulence is the major limiting factor in these types of systems. The use of the optimal adaptive optics (AO) systems is investigated for mitigation of turbulence effects in the Hybrid RF-FSO systems. We develop the efficient analysis and simulation tools for modeling the highly random, turbulence degraded optical channel. Kolmogorov phase screen models are used to generate realistic aperture plane distributions and calculations and prediction of laser beam parameters. Optical adaptive optics system is used at the receiver end. It is shown that the use of adaptive optics greatly improves the performance of the hybrid receiver by reducing the scintillations induced errors.
Abstract 2169: The effect of WT1 on E-cadherin expression in prostate cancer cells

Proceedings: AACR 102nd Annual Meeting 2011‐‐ Apr 2‐6, 2011; Orlando, FL Prostate carcinoma is the most common malignancy and second leading cause of death among American men. The molecular mechanisms that control the progression of this type of cancer are still poorly understood. One of the genes expressed in prostate cancer epithelium is the zinc finger transcription factor Wilms’ Tumor 1, WT1. Previous studies in our lab have shown WT1 protein in a majority of high grade prostate tumor sections with little or no WT1 staining in non-neoplastic or benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) tissues. However, a mechanistic role for WT1 in prostate cancer has not been established. Recently, WT1 has been associated with the regulation of cell adhesion molecules such as E-cadherin in NIH 3T3 cells and epicardial cells. Loss of E-cadherin expression is frequently associated with increased cellular motility and tumor invasion. Several regulatory mechanisms controlling E-cadherin gene expression have been proposed in breast cancer cells, however the mechanisms of regulation of E-cadherin gene expression in prostate cancer cells are not yet understood. The objective of this study was to determine whether WT1 might regulate E-cadherin expression and contribute to cancer progression in prostate cancer cells. First, potential WT1 binding sites were identified in the promoter of the E-cadherin gene using a bioinformatics approach. Chromatin Immunoprecipitation (ChIP) showed direct in vivo binding of WT1 to the E-cadherin promoter in the chromatin of LNCaP and PC3 cells. The effect of transfection of prostate cancer cells with a GFP/WT1 expression construct was then tested by quantitative real-time PCR (QRT-PCR). QRT-PCR results showed a decrease in E-cadherin transcripts in GFP/WT1 transfected prostate cancer cells. Conversely, knockdown of WT1 mRNA in siWT1 transfected LNCaP cells, showed increased levels of E-cadherin mRNA. Moreover, co-transfection of WT1 expression construct with an E-cadherin promoter reporter construct showed that WT1 decreased the activity of the proximal E-cadherin promoter in PC3 cells. Overall these results demonstrated that WT1 modulated E-cadherin expression in prostate cancer cells and suggests a novel mechanism whereby WT1 may increase migration by decreasing E-cadherin levels, a novel role for WT1 mediated prostate cancer progression. This work was supported by NIHR15CA11360 and Ohio Board of Regents. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 102nd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2011 Apr 2-6; Orlando, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2011;71(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 2169. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2011-2169
Program for Assisted Labeling of Sulcal Regions (PALS): description and reliability.

With the improvements in techniques for generating surface models from magnetic resonance (MR) images, it has recently become feasible to study the morphological characteristics of the human brain cortex in vivo. Studies of the entire surface are important for measuring global features, but analysis of specific cortical regions of interest provides a more detailed understanding of structure. We have previously developed a method for automatically segmenting regions of interest from the cortical surface using a watershed transform. Each segmented region corresponds to a cortical sulcus and is thus termed a “sulcal region.” In this work, we describe two important augmentations of this methodology. First, we describe a user interface that allows for the efficient labeling of the segmented sulcal regions called the Program for Assisted Labeling of Sulcal Regions (PALS). An additional augmentation allows for even finer divisions on the cortex with a methodology that employs the fast marching technique to track a curve on the cortical surface that is then used to separate segmented regions. After regions of interest have been identified, we compute both the cortical surface area and gray matter volume. Reliability experiments are performed to assess both the long-term stability and short-term repeatability of the proposed techniques. These experiments indicate the proposed methodology gives both highly stable and repeatable results.
Assembly of Triangular Trimetallic Complexes by Triamidophosphine Ligands: Spin-Frustrated Mn2+ Plaquettes and Diamagnetic Mg2+ Analogues with a Combined Through-Space, Through-Bond Pathway for 31P-31P Spin−Spin Coupling

The reactions of 2 equiv of the ligand precursor P(CH2NHPh)3 or P[CH2NH-3,5-(CF3)2C6H3]3 with 3 equiv of Mn[N(SiMe3)2]2 provide high-yielding routes to the triangular trinuclear Mn(II) complexes [P(CH2NPh)3]2Mn3(THF)3·1.5THF and [P(CH2N-3,5-(CF3)2C6H3)3]2Mn3(THF)3. The solid-state structures of these paramagnetic complexes have approximate C3 symmetry. The magnetic moments from 300 to 1.8 K could be fit as a magnetic Jahn−Teller distorted isosceles triangle. These complexes exhibit spin frustration and possess an S = 1/2 ground state, as revealed by a plot of magnetization versus field at 1.8 K; at fields above 3.8 T, the occupation of an excited state with S = 3/2 becomes significant. The diamagnetic magnesium analogues were prepared by the reaction of the ligand precursor P(CH2NHPh)3, P[CH2NH-3,5-(CF3)2C6H3]3, or P(CH2NH-3,5-Me2C6H3)3 with nBu2Mg. The solid-state structures of [P(CH2NPh)3]2Mg3(THF)3·1.5THF and [P(CH2N-3,5-(CF3)2C6H3)3]2Mg3(THF)3 were determined. Solution 1H NMR spectroscopy was used to ...
Is the mechanism of general anesthesia related to lipid membrane spontaneous curvature

Lipid bilayers in biomembranes may exist in a state of elastic curvature stress which may couple to the conformation of integral membrane proteins in a logical, and energetically significant, fashion. Many biomembranes contain sufficiently large fractions of nonlamellar-prone lipids to have monolayers under substantial curvature stress. Although very few experiments have been performed that can be used to correlate protein activity with curvature stress, the literature does contain a small number of studies that indicate that some protein function is nonspecifically modulated by the amounts of nonlamellar-prone lipid in the imbedding bilayers. The spontaneous curvature, is altered by the presence of anesthetics in physiologically relevant concentrations. This leads us to suggest that anesthetic action may be coupled to protein function via alteration of the tensions leading to the spontaneous curvature of biomembrane layers. The spontaneous curvature is also sufficiently sensitive to pressure that a mechanism for the pressure reversal of anesthesia follows if the effects of pressure are to counter changes in membrane lateral tension induced by anesthetics. It is emphasized that many more experimental data must be acquired to determine whether the ideas presented in this paper have validity. In particular, there is a need for data on the effects of different anesthetics and pressure on the spontaneous curvature and, more generally, lipid monolayer lateral tensions. Most importantly, experiments must be performed to investigate whether protein function correlates with these quantities.
The Self-fulfilling Panic Prophecy: Anxiety-Related Control Attributions Uniquely Predict Reactivity to a 7.5 % CO 2 Challenge

Theoretical models of panic disorder posit a unique role for external anxiety-related control attributions (i.e., lack of perceived control over the onset and maintenance of one’s anxiety symptoms) in predicting panic reactivity, even beyond well-established cognitive risk factors such as anxiety sensitivity. The present study examined whether anxiety-related control attributions would uniquely predict a range of anxious responses across multiple phases and sessions of a biological stressor. Undergraduate students (N = 317) completed measures of anxiety-related control attributions and anxiety sensitivity prior to undergoing a 7.5 % carbon dioxide (CO2) challenge. A subset of these participants (N = 102) returned 1 week later for a second administration. Self-reported subjective distress, physical panic symptoms, and panic-related threat cognitions were measured at baseline and again during several phases of the challenge procedure. Physiological measures of heart rate, skin conductance, and respiration rate were also recorded throughout the challenge. Consistent with theoretical models, higher external control attributions uniquely predicted greater reactivity on all self-report indices across challenge phases and sessions; findings were more mixed for the physiological indices, with higher external control attributions predicting higher heart rate but lower skin conductance, and no prediction for respiration rate. Implications for theory and treatment of panic pathology are discussed.
Overview of the essential tools

Abstract The essential tools needed for the analysis of HEP experiments are software, networking, data handling, and CPU power. Leaving most software topics to other papers, this paper describes how we can use today's hardware effectively for HEP data analysis. It describes a new but viable model for HEP computing and data handling on a single site, and outlines the challenge of extending this environment to the wider university-based community. Finally it touches on the revolution in software design that may be triggered by the revolution in computing technology.
Use of the Dirichlet process for reliability analysis

Abstract Recently, many researchers apply the non-parametric Bayesian approach to predict the reliability of highly complex electronic systems. The Dirichlet process is the most common model for the non-parametric Bayesian analysis. The Kuo's simulation procedure [6] for Dirichlet process under a variance reduction techniques introduced in Chien and Kuo (1994) [2] is applied for a Weibull-distributed system. Optimal burn-in time is determined given the cost parameters. A model, the percentage of good items in a lot, is used to explain when the Dirichlet process is not a proper choice.
Black/White Biracial Identity: The Influence of Colorblindness and the Racialization of Poor Black Americans

How do persons with both a Black and a White parent racially identify in a society in which race is no longer supposed to matter? In a society in which Blackness is tied to poor Black culture, how do they identify if This article focuses on the influence of colorblindness, the interaction of class and culture, and the racialization of poor Black culture on the racial identity of Biracial Americans with both a Black and a White parent. In doing so, it makes the following points: 1) Despite the fact that almost all Biracial persons experience racism (particularly during adolescence), the ideology of colorblindness promotes a non-racial or “honorary white” racial identity among middle and upper-middle class Biracial persons who live in predominantly white settings, 2) Many middle and upper-middle class Biracial persons have more in common with their White neighbors than with poor Black Americans. 3) The common stereotype of “true” Blackness connects it to the culture of poor, marginalized Black Americans. These points are conceptually distinct, yet all promote the distance many middleand upper-class Biracial Americans feel from a Black racial identity. [Article copies available for a fee from The Transformative Studies Institute. E-mail address: journal@transformativestudies.org Website: http://www.transformativestudies.org ©2009 by The Transformative Studies Institute. All rights reserved.]
Depression, visual acuity, comorbidity, and disability associated with age-related macular degeneration.

Abstract Objective To examine (1) the prevalence of depressive disorders in community-dwelling adults with advanced age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and (2) the relationship in this population between depression, visual acuity, the number of comorbid medical conditions, disability caused by vision loss as measured by the National Eye Institute-Vision Function Questionnaire (NEI-VFQ) and the vision-specific Sickness Impact Profile (SIPV), and disability caused by overall health status as measured by the Sickness Impact Profile-68 (SIP). Design Analysis of cross-sectional baseline data from a randomized clinical trial. Participants Participants were 151 adults aged 60 and older (mean age, 80 years) with advanced macular degeneration whose vision was 20/60 or worse in their better eye. Methods Subjects were interviewed using measures of depression, disability, and chronic medical conditions. Visual acuity was obtained. Nonparametric correlation analyses and linear regression analyses were performed. Main outcome measures Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV (SCID-IV), Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS), NEI-VFQ, SIPV, and SIP. Results Of the participants, 32.5% (n = 49) met SCID-IV criteria for depressive disorder, twice the rate observed in previous studies of community-dwelling elderly. Over and above depression (GDS), visual acuity aided in prediction of the level of vision-specific disability (NEI-VFQ and SIPV). Conclusions Depressive disorder is a significant problem for the elderly afflicted with advanced macular degeneration. Further research on psychopharmacologic and psychotherapeutic interventions for depressed AMD patients is warranted to improve depression and enhance functioning. Over and above depression, visual acuity aided in predicting vision-specific disability. Treatment strategies that teach patients to cope with vision loss should be developed and evaluated.
A genome wide RNA interference screening method to identify host factors that modulate influenza A virus replication

The use of genome wide RNA interference (RNAi) screens to investigate host-virals interactions has revealed unexpected connections that have improved our understanding of viral pathogenesis and cell biology. This work describes the use of an RNAi screening method employing an immunofluorescence image-based strategy and influenza A virus. We find this approach to be readily implemented, scalable and amenable to the direct evaluation of a variety of viral lifecycles.
Effect of anterior strut chordal transection on the force distribution on the marginal chordae of the mitral valve

Objectives Transection of the secondary chordae on the anterior leaflet of the mitral valve to relieve leaflet tethering and reduce regurgitation is an experimentally proven procedure to correct functional mitral regurgitation. In the present study, we sought to investigate whether transecting the secondary chordae would have an effect on the marginal chordal force on the same leaflet. Methods Adult porcine mitral valves (n = 8) were studied in a pulsatile heart simulator, in which the papillary muscle positions can be precisely positioned. Miniature transducers were inserted into the anterior marginal chordae to measure the chordal forces. Each valve was studied under baseline conditions, 3 different tethering conditions (apical, apical-lateral, and apical-lateral-posterior), and after chordal cutting in the 3 tethering conditions. The temporal changes and peak and average marginal chordal forces under each condition are reported. Results Apical tethering increased the marginal chordal force by an average of 96% but remained unchanged after chordal cutting. With apical-lateral tethering, the marginal chordal force increased by 210% from baseline and increased further to 350% of baseline after chordal cutting. After apical-lateral-posterior tethering, the marginal chordal force increased to 335% of baseline before transection and by 548% after transection. Conclusions The increase in the marginal chordal force after secondary chordal cutting depends on the location of the papillary muscles and the extent of leaflet tethering. Although chordal cutting might not alter the valve mechanics under minimal leaflet tethering, it significantly affects the mechanics when the leaflet tethering is more pronounced, which is typically seen in patients with functional mitral regurgitation.
The Large Black Slug at Honolulu

LAST month, when in the Mansa Valley, Honolulu, Hawaiian Islands, I became acquainted with the large slug which is now common in that locality. A living specimen was handed to me by Dr. Robert Faus, and later Dr. Montague Cooke gave me a good series from the collection of the Bishop Museum. Until recent years these slugs were unknown in the islands, and no doubt remained that they had been introduced. Nevertheless, as Dr. Cooke informed me, no one knew whence they came, or what (if any) described species they represented. I find that they agree with Veronicella Jeydigi, described from specimens collected at Brisbane, Queensland. Simroth, who made the species known, gave good coloured figures, and figured the anatomy. Henry Tryon (1899) gave a popular account of the slug, showing that it was destructive in gardens. Both he and C. Hedley were of the opinion that the animal had been introduced from some unknown locality. Dr. Willey lound specimens at Esafate, Newr Hebrides, and this may be the original home.
Glutamate at the Site of Phosphorylation of Nitrogen-regulatory Protein NTRC Mimics Aspartyl-Phosphate and Activates the Protein

The NTRC protein of enteric bacteria is an enhancer-binding protein that activates transcription by the sigma 54-holoenzyme form of RNA polymerase under nitrogen-limiting conditions. In vitro NTRC must be phosphorylated to catalyze ATP hydrolysis and activate transcription. The site of phosphorylation of NTRC from Salmonella typhimurium is Aspartate 54, which lies in the amino-terminal regulatory domain of the protein. We used site-directed mutagenesis to make "conservative" substitutions at residue 54 to alanine, asparagine, and glutamate, and examined the properties of the mutant NTRC proteins in vitro and in vivo. In vitro none of them was detectably phosphorylated, as expected if D54 is, in fact, the sole site of phosphorylation. D54A and D54N did not activate transcription of glnA but, interestingly, D54E activated constitutively. Activation by D54E was partial compared to that by phosphorylated wild-type NTRC. Combining D54A or D54N with S160F, a change in the central domain of NTRC that partially bypasses the requirement for phosphorylation, yielded doubly mutant proteins that were as active as a form carrying S160F alone, indicating that the changes in D54 did not adversely affect the function of the remainder of NTRC. Combining D54E with S160F increased the levels of constitutive ATPase activity and transcriptional activation above those of mutant NTRC proteins carrying either single change alone. We conclude that phosphorylation of aspartate 54 is required to activate NTRC and postulate that the D54E mutation mimics phosphorylation, thereby allowing NTRC to hydrolyze ATP and activate transcription. Phenotypes of mutant strains encoding NTRC proteins with substitutions at D54 indicated that phosphorylation of NTRC at position 54 was necessary for normal growth in the absence of glutamine and that such phosphorylation occurred to some extent even in the absence of NTRB.
Ontological Parity and/or Ordinality?

The principles of ontological parity and ordinality have distinct functions in Buchler's ontology. Ontological parity could be independently subscribed to, whereas ordinality signals the positive conception of the nature of reality as irreducibly complex or indefinitely related, which Buchler's metaphysical system seeks to articulate. Both principles inform Buchler's system, but each has a distinctive function. They are not, I suggest, necessarily at odds with one another, as some critics claim. I do identify several difficulties that follow from (1) the level of generality claimed by Buchler and (2) the claim of irreducible complexity or indefinite relatedness.
One-Flask Syntheses of c-di-GMP and the [Rp,Rp] and [Rp,Sp] Thiophosphate Analogues

An integrated set of reactions and conditions that allow an eight-step one-flask synthesis of the protected derivatives of c-di-GMP and the [Rp,Rp] and [Rp,Sp] thiophosphate analogues is reported. Deprotection is also carried out as a one-flask procedure, with the final products isolated by crystallization from the reaction mixture. Chromatography is only used for separation of the thiophosphate diastereomers.
Structural Basis for Differential KCNQ1 Interactions with KCNE1 and KCNE2 in the Extracellular Juxtamembrane Region

KCNE1 and KCNE2 are both expressed in human heart and can associate with KCNQ1. KCNE1 and KCNE2 share transmembrane topology and sequence homology, yet they differ in KCNQ1 modulation (KCNE1 slows KCNQ1 Closed-to-Open transition, while KCNE2 slows KCNQ1 Open-to-Closed transition) and pharmacology (KCNQ1/KCNE2 is 5 and 10 fold less sensitive than KCNQ1/KCNE1 to niflumic acid, IKs activator, and azimilide, IKs suppressor). Previous work has shown that the extracellular juxtamembrane (EJM) region of KCNE1 interacts with the extracellular surface of KCNQ1 to modulate gating kinetics and to form IKs activator binding sites. This prompts us to compare the EJMs of the two KCNE subunits in terms of KCNQ1 interaction. We apply cysteine (Cys) scanning mutagenesis to EJMs of KCNE1 and KCNE2 and analyze the patterns of functional perturbation when coexpressed with KCNQ1. We use methanethiosulfonate (MTS) reagents to probe the relationship between EJMs of KCNE subunits and KCNQ1. Finally we probe disulfide formation between Cys engineered into the EJMs of KCNE subunits and those engineered into extracellular surface of KCNQ1. The EJM of KCNE1 makes frequent contacts with KCNQ1, so that MTS modification of exposed Cys side chains can affect channel gating. KCNQ1/KCNE2 is largely indifferent to MTS modification of exposed Cys side chains engineered to EJM of KCNE2. However, MTS can slowly access 7 consecutive hydrophobic positions in the beginning of KCNE2 transmembrane domain, as if there is a crevice between KCNQ1 and KCNE2. Disulfide trapping experiments suggest that KCNE2 is leaning more toward KCNQ1 S2 than KCNE1. We propose that KCNE2 interferes with S2-S4 interactions during KCNQ1 Open-to-Closed transition and thus slows deactivation. This weakens sensitivity to niflumic acid and azimilide by affecting binding site directly or by an allosteric mechanism.
Care pathway reduces hospitalizations and cost for hemodialysis vascular access surgery

Hemodialysis vascular access-related hospitalizations account for more than 20% of United States end-stage renal disease (ESRD) hospitalizations, with an annual cost approximating $675 million. Limiting access-related costs while delivering similar degrees of quality care thus would enhance alternative utilization of ESRD funding. We implemented a vascular access care pathway emphasizing coordinated patient evaluation and outpatient surgery to determine whether such an intervention affected outcomes associated with vascular access surgery. Data examining hospitalization and vascular access surgery charges, complications, and patient satisfaction (determined by questionnaire) were analyzed, comparing patients who underwent vascular access surgery in 1994 and 1995 as inpatients (non-care pathway patients) and patients who underwent vascular access surgery via the care pathway in 1995. Inpatient days declined in 1995 (1994: 582 days; 1995: 85 days; P < 0.03) and the average charges per patient for the care pathway cohort were significantly less than charges per patient in 1994 and charges for non-care pathway patients in 1995 (1994 patients: $10,524 ± $5,209; 1995 non-care pathway patients: $11,196 ± $5,806; 1995 care pathway patients: $4,686 ± $2,912/patient; P < 0.02). Incidence rates for major (life-threatening) complications were not significantly different between 1994 patients and care pathway patients in 1995. However, the 1995 non-care pathway patients had a higher incidence of major complications (15.4%). Forty-seven repeat access procedures were performed in 29 patients in 1994 versus 35 repeat access procedures in 22 care pathway patients in 1995, and 12 repeat access procedures were performed in eight non-care pathway patients in 1995. Finally, a majority of the patients entered into the care pathway who responded to a survey stated that they were satisfied with access surgery via the care pathway. These data suggest that a vascular access care pathway can reduce hospital days and costs while achieving acceptable outcomes for access surgery.
Maximum isometric detrusor pressure to measure bladder strength in men with postprostatectomy incontinence.

Objective To describe the use of isovolumetric detrusor pressure (Piso) in men with postprostatectomy incontinence and compare the rates of detrusor underactivity using Piso versus other common measurements/surrogates of bladder strength. Methods We evaluated 62 men referred to our institution during a 3-year period for workup of postprostatectomy incontinence. During videourodynamic evaluation, the maximum Piso was measured using a mechanical stop test—with the examiner gently occluding the penile urethra during volitional voiding. Statistical analysis was performed to evaluate the effect of patient variables on Piso. Results The mean Piso was 54.6 ± 25.4 cm H 2 O. The Piso was 2 O in 40%. Isometric strength did not significantly correlate with age, interval since radical prostatectomy, abdominal leak point pressure, maximal urethral closure pressure, or pad use. The bladder contractility index and other approximations of detrusor underactivity were not predictive of low isometric pressure. Conclusion Detrusor underactivity is relatively common in men with postprostatectomy incontinence, with 40% demonstrating a Piso 2 O. Our data do suggest, however, that the use of common bladder contractility nomograms, such as the bladder contractility index, might not be appropriate in this population.
Pairing, Phase Separation, and Deformation in the BEC-BCS Crossover

We prepare a two-component gas of 6Li atoms which pair at sufficiently low temperatures. The BEC-BCS crossover is realized by tuning the atomic interactions via a broad Feshbach resonance. We determine the closed-channel molecular component of the pairs as a function of interaction strength by measuring the rate of photoexcitation to a molecular state. The molecular component is sufficiently small that the order parameter of the paired superfluid agrees well with a single-channel model of the crossover. We have also produced a gas with unequal numbers of the two spin components. We observe that this polarized gas phase separates into a paired central core, with the excess unpaired atoms residing outside the core. Remarkably, the real-space distributions deform significantly with increasing polarization.
On the dynamics of a hydrous melt layer above the transition zone

[1] The “transition zone water filter” (Bercovici and Karato, 2003) model relies on the presence of a dense hydrous melt above the 410-km discontinuity that is formed by dehydration melting as wet wadsleyite undergoes a phase change to low-water-solubility olivine. Recent studies suggest that, particularly in the Pacific, there is sufficient water in the transition zone for dehydration melting to occur. Here we construct a model for melt spreading and entrainment along the 410-km discontinuity. In particular, we propose a mechanism for melt entrainment in downwelling regimes at ambient mantle temperatures. We find: (1) that this entrainment mechanism is efficient in that it does not require melt to reach subducting slabs in order to recycle most of the upwelling water; (2) that in steady state, the efficiency of entrainment does not necessitate the existence of a thick melt layer; (3) that the entrainment of hydrous, buoyant material into the transition zone significantly affects the bulk mantle flow field, thereby diminishing entrainment efficiency and allowing the melt to spread further; (4) that these interactions help to recirculate water from the entrained regions through the transition zone; and (5) that the adjustments in bulk mantle velocity due to water entrainment are characterized by a broadening of upward flow with a corresponding decrease in amplitude. Our model predicts regions of high water content in the transition zone at ambient mantle temperatures, which may contribute to seismic observations of high attenuation near slabs.
Differential sites of origin and collateralization of corticospinal neurons in the rat: a multiple fluorescent retrograde tracer study

Cells of origin for corticospinal fibers in the rat were identified following retrograde transport of Fluoro-Gold (FG), Propidium iodide (PI), Fast blue (FB), and Diamidino yellow (DY) injected unilaterally into lumbar (FG), mid-thoracic (PI), cervical enlargement (FB), and cranial cervical (DY) spinal gray matter. Most labeled neurons were contralateral to injection in lamina V and ranged from small to very large. These cells occupied two distinct cortical regions: one rostral and the other larger and more caudal. Neurons of the rostral region projected axons solely to cervical spinal segments whereas neurons of the caudal region projected fibers to all spinal segments. Somatotopically, most neurons projecting to lumbar segments were most medial. More than 98% of all labeled cortical neurons contained only a single fluorescent tracer; however, within a single tissue section each of the 4 tracers could be found in these single labeled neurons. The few double labeled neurons contained only cervical (DY + FB) or thoracolumbar (PI + FG) tracers. No triple or quadruple labeled cells were seen. Hence morphological evidence is presented that corticospinal axons branch to terminate in more than one spinal region, but these collateral terminations are restricted to only a few adjacent spinal segments.
MaxEnt versus MaxLike: empirical comparisons with ant species distributions

MaxEnt is one of the most widely used tools in ecology, biogeography, and evolution for modeling and mapping species distributions using presence-only occurrence records and associated environmental covariates. Despite its popularity, the exponential model implemented by MaxEnt does not directly estimate occurrence probability, the natural quantity of interest when modeling species distributions. Instead, MaxEnt generates an index of relative habitat suitability. MaxLike, a newly introduced maximum-likelihood technique, has been shown to overcome the problem of directly estimating the probability of occurrence using presence-only data. However, the performance and relative merits of MaxEnt and MaxLike remain largely untested, especially when modeling species with relatively few occurrence data that encompass only a portion of the geographic range of the species. Using geo-referenced occurrence records for six species of ants in New England, we provide comparisons of MaxEnt and MaxLike. We show that by most quantitative metrics, the performance of MaxLike exceeds that of MaxEnt, regardless of whether MaxEnt models account for sampling bias and include greater model complexity than implemented in MaxLike. More importantly, for most species, the relative suitability index estimated by MaxEnt often was poorly correlated with the probability of occurrence estimated by MaxLike, suggesting that the two methods are estimating different quantities. For species distribution modeling, MaxLike, and similar models that are based on an explicit sampling process and that directly estimate probability of occurrence, should be considered as important alternatives to the widely-used MaxEnt framework.
Beyond personality impressions: effects of physical and vocal attractiveness on false consensus, social comparison, affiliation, and assumed and perceived similarity

We examined the effects of target persons' physical and vocal attractiveness on judges' responses to five measures: false consensus (the belief that the target shares one's behavior), choice of targets as comparison others, affiliation with targets, assumed similarity (similarity between self-ratings and ratings assigned to targets), and perceived similarity (direct questions about similarity). Higher physical attractiveness and higher vocal attractiveness were both related to higher scores on all variables. The effect of one type of attractiveness was more pronounced for higher levels of the other type of attractiveness. The joint effect of the two types of attractiveness was best described as synergistic, i.e., only targets high on both types of attractiveness elicited higher scores on the dependent variables. The effect of physical attractiveness on most dependent variables was more pronounced for subjects who were themselves physically attractive. The synergistic effect (the advantage of targets high on both types of attractiveness) was more pronounced for judges high in self-monitoring. The contribution of the study to the literature on attractiveness stereotypes is discussed.
DNA unwinding by ring-shaped T4 helicase gp41 is hindered by tension on the occluded strand.

The replicative helicase for bacteriophage T4 is gp41, which is a ring-shaped hexameric motor protein that achieves unwinding of dsDNA by translocating along one strand of ssDNA while forcing the opposite strand to the outside of the ring. While much study has been dedicated to the mechanism of binding and translocation along the ssDNA strand encircled by ring-shaped helicases, relatively little is known about the nature of the interaction with the opposite, ‘occluded’ strand. Here, we investigate the interplay between the bacteriophage T4 helicase gp41 and the ss/dsDNA fork by measuring, at the single-molecule level, DNA unwinding events on stretched DNA tethers in multiple geometries. We find that gp41 activity is significantly dependent on the geometry and tension of the occluded strand, suggesting an interaction between gp41 and the occluded strand that stimulates the helicase. However, the geometry dependence of gp41 activity is the opposite of that found previously for the E. coli hexameric helicase DnaB. Namely, tension applied between the occluded strand and dsDNA stem inhibits unwinding activity by gp41, while tension pulling apart the two ssDNA tails does not hinder its activity. This implies a distinct variation in helicase-occluded strand interactions among superfamily IV helicases, and we propose a speculative model for this interaction that is consistent with both the data presented here on gp41 and the data that had been previously reported for DnaB.
The achievement of mass balance by simultaneous quantification of floxuridine prodrug, floxuridine, 5-fluorouracil, 5-dihydrouracil, α-fluoro-β-ureidopropionate, α-fluoro-β-alanine using LC-MS

5-Fluoro-2'-deoxyuridine (floxuridine, 5-FdUrd) and 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) are widely used for the treatment of colorectal cancers. The mechanisms of action of 5-FdUrd and 5-FU, as well as the biochemical pathway responsible for their metabolism, are well understood. Identification of every metabolite and achieving mass balance by conventional UV absorption-based HPLC analysis are not feasible because the metabolites beyond 5-FU in the 5-FdUrd metabolic pathway are undetectable by UV light. We therefore established a mass spectrometry method, designed for fast and convenient analysis, for simultaneously measuring 5-FdUrd, 5-FU, and their metabolites. Linearity, precision and accuracy were validated in the concentration ranges studied for each compound. Hydrolysis studies of 5-FdUrd and amino acid mono ester prodrugs of 5-FdUrd in Capan-2 cell homogenates were carried out and the achievement of mass balance was established with this method (recovery of 5'-O-l-leucyl-FdUrd was 96.6-108.2% and that of 5-FdUrd was 79.4-117.4%). This simple LC-MS method achieves reliable quantitation and mass balance of 5-FdUrd, 5-FU, and their metabolites and can be effectively utilized for further kinetic studies.
Investigating optimal coordinates for describing vibrational motion

Results of independent mode models of molecular vibrations of SO2 and H2O are compared to converged eigenvalues and eigenfunctions. Energies of self-consistent-field and adiabatic wave functions are calculated and compared to the eigenvalues; Brueckner functions and natural modals are compared to the eigenfunctions. These comparisons are made for a class of normal coordinates of varying curvature. Of the coordinates we considered, an independent mode model based on rectilinear normal coordinates provides the best description of the energetics yet provides the poorest description of the eigenfunctions. The ramifications of this finding are discussed for both independent mode models and perturbative descriptions of molecular vibrations.
Risk factors and predictors of mortality in children after ejection from motor vehicle crashes.

PURPOSE: Mortality after ejection from a motor vehicle crash (MVC) has been studied extensively in adults. The magnitude of this problem in children is relatively unknown. We retrospectively examined fatalities resulting from ejection after MVC in the state of Pennsylvania to define risk factors and predictors of mortality in children. METHODS: The records for all patients 0 to 16 years of age involved in an MVC and entered in the Pennsylvania Trauma Outcome Study between 1993 and 1997 were reviewed. We examined mortality, length of hospitalization, major injuries sustained, and impact of safety restraint devices. Significant differences were determined using chi2 test. RESULTS: There were 2,298 children involved in MVCs during this period; 189 were ejected. A total of 77% of the ejected passengers were greater than 10 years of age, 16% were 0 to 4 years of age, and 7% were 5 to 9 years of age. Overall, 88% of the ejected occupants were unrestrained. Ejection nearly tripled the overall mortality rate and significantly increased the Injury Severity Score for each age group. Infants and children 0 to 4 years of age had the highest fatality rate despite having a lower Injury Severity Score than all other age groups. Head injuries accounted for the majority of deaths in all age groups. Children older than 10 years of age had a higher incidence of associated chest, abdominal, and pelvic injuries. CONCLUSION: Our data show that most children ejected from MVCs were either unrestrained or improperly restrained. Head injuries were the most common cause of death in all age groups. Greater public awareness through educational programs targeting parents and children at risk may reduce this serious problem.
Role of Conserved Tyrosine Residues in NiSOD Catalysis: A Case of Convergent Evolution

Superoxide dismutases rely on protein structural elements to adjust the redox potential of the metallocenter to an optimum value near 300 mV (vs NHE), to provide a source of protons for catalysis, and to control the access of anions to the active site. These aspects of the catalytic mechanism are examined herein for recombinant preparations of the nickel-dependent SOD (NiSOD) from Streptomyces coelicolor and for a series of mutants that affect a key tyrosine residue, Tyr9 (Y9F-, Y62F-, Y9F/Y62F-, and D3A-NiSOD). Structural aspects of the nickel sites are examined by a combination of EPR and X-ray absorption spectroscopies, and by single-crystal X-ray diffraction at approximately 1.9 A resolution in the case of Y9F- and D3A-NiSODs. The functional effects of the mutations are examined by kinetic studies employing pulse radiolytic generation of O2- and by redox titrations. These studies reveal that although the structure of the nickel center in NiSOD is unique, the ligand environment is designed to optimize the redox potential at 290 mV and results in the oxidation of 50% of the nickel centers in the oxidized hexamer. Kinetic investigations show that all of the mutant proteins have considerable activity. In the case of Y9F-NiSOD, the enzyme exhibits saturation behavior that is not observed in wild-type (WT) NiSOD and suggests that release of peroxide is inhibited. The crystal structure of Y9F-NiSOD reveals an anion binding site that is occupied by either Cl- or Br- and is located close to but not within bonding distance of the nickel center. The structure of D3A-NiSOD reveals that in addition to affecting the interaction between subunits, this mutation repositions Tyr9 and leads to altered chemistry with peroxide. Comparisons with Mn(SOD) and Fe(SOD) reveal that although different strategies for adjusting the redox potential and supply of protons are employed, NiSOD has evolved a similar strategy for controlling the access of anions to the active site.
Complement-dependent cytolysis of human B lymphocytes with anti-light chain antisera

Using anti-light chain antiserum and rabbit complement, 12 % of human peripheral blood lymphocytes and 42 % of tonsillar lymphocytes were specifically lysed. From control experiments it could be assumed that these cells are B lymphocytes. Under comparable conditions, cytolysis of tonsillar lymphocytes on a preparative scale was achieved. After removal of the lysed cells by Ficoll-Isopaque centrifugation, the T/B cell compositions of the remaining living cell population and the untreated cell suspension were compared using the immunofluorescence technique for demonstration of surface immunoglobulin-bearing cells and the rosette tests for sheep erythrocyte-binding and complement-receptor leukocytes. A maximal B cell depletion of 97 % and a T cell enrichment up to 139 % could be obtained. The applicability of the described method for studies on lymphocyte functions is discussed.
Biosynthesis of Hemoglobin Ann Arbor: Evidence for Catabolic and Feedback Regulation

Hemoglobin Ann Arbor, in which arginine replaces leucine in position 80 of the a chain, occurs in aflected individuals in low proportion to hemoglobin A. Biosynthetic studies were perforined on reticulocytes of a patient heterozygous for this hemoglobin. These studies suggested that the low percentage of hemoglobin Ann Arbor is prinlarily due to preferential destruction of the abnormal component. The reduced concentration of α Ann Arbor chains was also reflected in a decreased synthesis of normal β chains.
Hierarchical cache coherence protocol verification one level at a time through assume guarantee

Due to the error-prone nature of modern cache coherence protocols, in all modern processor design flows these protocols are formally specified at the level of interleaving atomic transactions and model checked. Explicit state enumeration methods are almost always used for coherence protocol verification, as symbolic methods have failed to deliver advantages in this area. The move towards multicores implies that hierarchical organizations of several different cache coherence protocols will be employed in the future. The product state space of all these protocols jointly operating in a multicore cache hierarchy is beyond the reach of all available explicit state model checkers. In our previous work, an assume guarantee technique that allowed these protocols to be handled for the first time was reported. In this approach, a method was proposed to create a set of initial abstract protocols Mi % where each Mi simulates the given hierarchical protocol. After the set of initial Mi's are created, verification consists of dealing with Mi's in an assume guarantee manner, refining each Mi in the process. The drawbacks of this work were: (i) even a single Mt modeled more than one level of the coherence protocols, thus still creating very large product spaces; (ii) details such as non-inclusive caching hierarchies could not be handled; (iii) the initial Mi's were created manually, which is tedious and error prone. This paper overcomes all these limitations, handling non-inclusive caching hierarchies, bringing about a 95% reduction in the total state space encountered during any single explicit enumeration search, and requiring only a few such runs to finish verification.