cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Characterization of human torsinA and its dystonia-associated mutant form

Deletion of a single glutamate in torsinA correlates with early-onset dystonia, the most severe form of a neurological disorder characterized by uncontrollable muscle contractions. TorsinA is targeted to the ER (endoplasmic reticulum) in eukaryotic cells. We investigated the processing and membrane association of torsinA and the dystonia-associated Glu-deletion mutant (torsinAdeltaE). We found that the signal sequence of torsinA (residues 1-20 from the 40 amino-acid long N-terminal hydrophobic region) is cleaved in Drosophila S2 cells, as shown by the N-terminal sequencing after partial protein purification. TorsinA is not secreted from S2 cells. Consistently, sodium carbonate extraction and Triton X-114 treatment showed that torsinA is associated with the ER membrane in CHO (Chinese-hamster ovary) cells. In contrast, a variant of torsinA that contains the native signal sequence without the hydrophobic region Ile24-Pro40 does not associate with the membranes in CHO cells, and a truncated torsinA without the 40 N-terminal amino acids is secreted in the S2 culture. Thus the 20-amino-acid-long hydrophobic segment in torsinA, which remains at the N-terminus after signal-peptide cleavage, is responsible for the membrane anchoring of torsinA. TorsinAdeltaE showed similar cleavage of the 20 N-terminal amino acids and membrane association properties similar to wild-type torsinA but, unlike the wild-type, torsinAdeltaE was not secreted in the S2 culture even after deletion of the membrane-anchoring segment. This indicates that the dystonia-associated mutation produces a structurally distinct, possibly misfolded, form of torsinA, which cannot be properly processed in the secretory pathway of eukaryotic cells.
Revascularization of the proximal circumflex coronary artery

In complex coronary bypass procedures it is often desirable to target the left circumflex coronary distribution at a site other than the obtuse marginal and terminal branches. Reluctance to bypass into the circumflex artery in the atrioventricular groove is due to difficulty in exposure and possible injury to the coronary sinus. Herein is presented our technique for exposure and anastomosis into the proximal circumflex artery, which avoids these pitfalls. This technique has been consistently simple to perform with excellent results.
Development of telemetry data processing program

Telemetry, tracking, and control subsystem has been typically applied to acquire data from a remote measurand, and the information is used to control the remote target precisely. According to the purpose of telemetering and telemetry applications, the composition of telemetry subsystem varies. In addition, the telemetry data frame architecture and processing schemes are different in accordance with the characteristics of remote signal sources. Telemetry data formats and the data processing schemes are investigated in this research, and the data processing program is implemented. The developed graphical user interfaced telemetry data processing program is applied to process the surface-to-air guided missile flight test data, and it shows easy way of acquiring information and analyzing data from a remote fast-moving target.
Consumer Reactions to Contraceptive Purchasing

Consumer reactions to a contraceptive purchase were examined in a field setting. Male subjects (N = 40) purchased condoms from a pharmacist in a drugstore, and affective and evaluative responses to this purchase were assessed. Compared to subjects for whom buying condoms elicited relatively positive affect, individuals responding with relatively negative affect evaluated the drugstore, the pharmacist, the pharmacist's attri butions about them, condoms in general and in actual use, and the reliability of condoms more negatively (multivariate p < .03).
Accentuating the positive in adolescent patients.

One is forced to distinguish ”positive“ transference from ”negative“ transference, the transference of affectionate feeling from that of hostile feeling, and to deal separately with the two varieties of the transference to the physician ⋯ Where the capacity to transfer feeling has come to be of an essentially negative order ⋯ the possibility of influence or cure ceases.
A comparison of light-triggered spectral changes in rhodopsin and isorhodopsin.

— This report describes spectral changes associated with the transformation of metarhodopsin I to metarhodopsin II following light excitation of isorhodopsin and rhodopsin. Irradiated isorhodopsin gives rise to an equilibrium mixture of metarhodopsin I and metarhodopsin II which at 2°C and pH 6.8 favors the former. Isorhodopsin and rhodopsin are converted to metarhodopsin II via metarhodopsin I at very similar rates and activation parameters for the conversions are essentially identical. It is concluded that the initial cis to trans isomerization erases all differences in the two pigments.
State of the Practice: Evaluation of Sediment Basin Design, Construction, Maintenance, and Inspection Procedures

AbstractTo protect the nation’s surface waters from sediment-laden discharge, the proper selection, design, application, installation, and maintenance of erosion and sediment control practices on active construction sites are imperative. These practices will be required to comply with new, stricter regulations applied by the EPA to control high sediment concentrations of storm water discharge from construction sites. One mean of controlling sediment-laden discharge is through the use of sediment basins. The purpose of this paper is to report results from a survey conducted to determine the state of the practice for sediment basin design, construction, maintenance, and inspection techniques used by state highway agencies (SHAs) nationwide. The survey consisted of 68 possible questions in six categories: (1) background and experience, (2) design, (3) construction, (4) maintenance of sediment basins during construction, (5) inspection and monitoring, and (6) lessons learned. A total of 37 responses (74% resp...
In Vitro Induction of Regulatory CD4+CD8α+ T Cells by TGF-β, IL-7 and IFN-γ

In vitro CD4+ T cell differentiation systems have made important contributions to understanding the mechanisms underlying the differentiation of naive CD4+ T cells into effector cells with distinct biological functions. Mature CD4+ T cells expressing CD8αα homodimers are primarily found in the intestinal mucosa of men and mice, and to a lesser extent in other tissues such as peripheral blood. Although CD4+CD8α+ T cells are easily identified, very little is known about their development and immunological functions. It has been reported, however, that CD4+CD8α+ T cells possess regulatory properties. In this report, we present a novel in vitro differentiation system where CD4+ T cells are stimulated to become CD4+CD8α+ T cells in the presence of TGF-β, IL-7 and IFN-γ, resulting in cells with very similar features as CD4+CD8α+ intraepithelial lymphocytes. This novel in vitro differentiation culture should provide a powerful and tractable tool for dissecting the differentiation and biological functions of CD4+CD8α+ T cells.
Cathartic-induced magnesium toxicity during overdose management

A 39-year-old women was admitted to the hospital following a large ingestion of a tricyclic antidepressant. The administration of magnesium citrate in repeated doses with activated charcoal resulted in a striking increase in serum magnesium levels followed by acute neuromuscular deterioration and respiratory depression. The patient required dialysis for control of hypermagnesemia. Her clinical condition improved slowly without further complication and she was discharged to a rehabilitation center.
Dissolution of silica from montmorillonite: effect of solution chemistry

The rate of silica removal from two montmorillonites (Chambers and Polkville) has been measured as a function of time, temperature, solution composition, and exchange ion on the clay. Silica removal rate increased with temperature from 200 to 350°C, decreased with time, and could be approximated initially by a parabolic rate law. Solution composition influenced silica removal rate by determining the exchange population of the clay; silica removal is most rapid when K-exchange ions are present. Thus increasing the concentration of K+ accelerated silica removal, whereas increasing the concentration of Na+, Ca2+, and Mg2+ inhibited silica removal. Activation energies for silica removal range from 5 to 10 kcal/mol. The largest values are associated with the largest concentrations of inhibitor ions in solution. Activation energies of this magnitude suggest that the rate-limiting step for silica removal is transport through a hydrated, expanded interlayer space. Application of experimental results to diagenesis in moderately to deeply buried sediments suggests that K+ uptake by montmorillonite may precede and accelerate illite formation.
Seasonal and daily variations in the plasma gonadotropin II response to a LHRH analog and serotonin in Atlantic croaker (Micropogonias undulatus): evidence for mediation by 5-HT2 receptors.

The effects of serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine; 5-HT) alone, and in combination with luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone analog (LHRHa), on plasma levels of maturational gonadotropin (GtH II) in the post-vitellogenic female and spermiating male Atlantic croaker were investigated during mid-light, late-light, mid-dark, and late-dark phases of the day-night (12 hr light: 12 hr dark) cycle. Although LHRHa stimulated GtH II secretion throughout the day-night cycle, maximal stimulation was observed during the mid-dark phase. Serotonin significantly potentiated LHRHa-induced GtH II secretion at all time points tested except during the late-dark phase. The plasma GtH II response to LHRHa was markedly reduced, and the response to 5-HT was abolished in regressed Atlantic croaker. Pretreatment of the fish with a 5-HT2 antagonist, LY 53,857 maleate, almost completely abolished the stimulatory effect of 5-HT on LHRHa-induced GtH II secretion, whereas a 5-HT1 antagonist, methiothepin mesylate, failed to influence the stimulatory effect of 5-HT on GtH II secretion. In addition, a 5-HT2 agonist, (±) DOI hydrochloride, potentiated the effect of 5-HT on basal and LHRHa-induced GtH II secretion, while a 5-HT1 agonist, m-chlorophenylpiperazine dihydrochloride, did not. The results clearly demonstrate timeand season-dependent stimulatory effects of LHRHa and 5-HT on plasma GtH II levels in Atlantic croaker. Moreover, the stimulatory effect of 5-HT appears to be mediated by 5-HT2 receptors in this species. © 1994 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Output feedback MIMO MRAC schemes with sensor uncertainty compensation

This paper addresses the problem of sensor uncertainty compensation for model reference adaptive control (MRAC) of multivariable systems. Two output feedback based MRAC schemes are developed for MIMO plants with known and unknown plant dynamics. The sensor uncertainty is modeled as parametrizable uncertain functions and a compensator is constructed to adaptively cancel the effects of sensor uncertainties, to generate an adaptive estimate of the plant output. The estimated system output is used for the feedback control law. For systems with unknown plant dynamics, a new feedback controller structure is developed, so that uncertainties of both plant and sensor measurements can be effectively compensated by adaptation. Simulation results are presented to show that the proposed MRAC scheme for unknown plant dynamics can significantly improve the tracking performance despite the sensor uncertainties.
Inertial rotation sensor.

Mechanism for inertial rotation sensing device for measuring spectral lines of rotating atoms seen by rotating observer
Synthesis of 21-acryloxyprogesterone, 21-bromoacetoxyprogesterone and 11α-bromoacetoxyprogesterone for affinity labeling

Abstract Esters of 21- and 11α-hydroxyprogesterone capable of alkylating amino acids are prepared by reaction of acrylyl chloride or bromoacetyl bromide with the appropriate hydroxysteroid in dimethylformamide. Alternatively bromoacetic acid can be condensed with a steroidal alcohol in the presence of dicyclohexylcarbodiimide. Although the steroidal acrylate and bromoacetates all alkylate certain amino acids only the bromoacetates inactivate 20β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase by affinity labeling.
159. Socioeconomic factors and leukocyte telomere length in a sample of African American men

Higher rates of morbidity and mortality and earlier onset of aging-related diseases among African American men compared to men of other race groups in the US emanate in part from lower socioeconomic status (SES) in this population. Studies on leukocyte telomere length (LTL), a biomarker of cell aging, may yield insight into the biological pathways through which lower SES adversely impacts health among African American men. This study examined associations between measures of SES and LTL among 92 African American men 30–50 years of age. In multinomial logistic regression models predicting short, medium, and long tertiles of LTL, income (p = 0.043) and subjective reports of financial strain (p = 0.029) were significantly and independently associated with LTL. Lower income and greater financial strain were associated with greater probability of short compared to medium LTL. In addition, a significant interaction was found between employment and education (p = 0.040), with lower education being associated with greater probability of short versus long LTL only among those not working (p = 0.034). These results suggest that socioeconomic-related cellular aging may represent a mechanism leading to poorer health among African American men. Findings point to the importance of examining both objective and subjective measures of economic conditions, and to examine combinations of risk factors. The greater socioeconomic burden experienced by African Americans may contribute to racial disparities in health via effects on cellular aging.
Singlet Oxygen Chemistry in Water. 2. Photoexcited Sensitizer Quenching by O2 at the Water−Porous Glass Interface

Insight into the O2 quenching mechanism of a photosensitizer (static or dynamic) would be useful for the design of heterogeneous systems to control the mode of generation of 1O2 in water. Here, we describe the use of a photosensitizer, meso-tetra(N-methyl-4-pyridyl)porphine (1), which was adsorbed onto porous Vycor glass (PVG). A maximum loading of 1.1 × 10−6 mol 1 per g PVG was achieved. Less than 1% of the PVG surface was covered with photosensitizer 1, and the penetration of 1 reaches a depth of 0.32 mm along all faces of the glass. Time-resolved measurements showed that the lifetime of triplet 1*-ads was 57 μs in water. Triplet O2 quenched the transient absorption of triplet 1*-ads; for samples containing 0.9 × 10−6−0.9 × 10−8 mol 1 adsorbed per g PVG, the Stern−Volmer constant, KD, ranged from 23 700 to 32 100 M−1. The adduct formation constant, KS, ranged from 1310 to 510 M−1. The amplitude of the absorption at 470 nm decreased slightly (by about 0.1) with increased O2 concentrations. Thus, the quen...
Structural and Biochemical Investigation of the Role in Proofreading of a β Hairpin Loop Found in the Exonuclease Domain of a Replicative DNA Polymerase of the B Family

Replicative DNA polymerases, as exemplified by the B family polymerases from bacteriophages T4 and RB69, not only replicate DNA but also have the ability to proofread misincorporated nucleotides. Because the two activities reside in separate protein domains, polymerases must employ a mechanism that allows for efficient switching of the primer strand between the two active sites to achieve fast and accurate replication. Prior mutational and structural studies suggested that a β hairpin structure located in the exonuclease domain of family B polymerases might play an important role in active site switching in the event of a nucleotide misincorporation. We show that deleting the β hairpin loop in RB69 gp43 affects neither polymerase nor exonuclease activities. Single binding event studies with mismatched primer termini, however, show that the β hairpin plays a role in maintaining the stability of the polymerase/DNA interactions during the binding of the primer DNA in the exonuclease active site but not on the return of the corrected primer to the polymerase active site. In addition, the deletion variant showed a more stable incorporation of a nucleotide opposite an abasic site. Moreover, in the 2.4A crystal structure of the β hairpin deletion variant incorporating an A opposite a templating furan, all four molecules in the crystal asymmetric unit have DNA in the polymerase active site, despite the presence of DNA distortions because of the misincorporation, confirming that the primer strand is not stably bound within the exonuclease active site in the absence of the β hairpin loop.
Context Matters: The Moderating Role of Bar Context in the Association Between Substance Use During Sex and Condom Use Among Male Clients of Female Sex Workers in Tijuana, Mexico

Tijuana is situated on Mexico’s northern border with the U.S., where sex work is quasi-legal. Whereas previous work has focused on the risk behaviors of female sex workers (FSWs), less is known about the risk behaviors of their male clients. Further, research has not examined structural factors as moderators of the association between substance use and condom use, including the contexts in which sex takes place. The purpose of the current study is to examine whether having sex with FSWs in a bar moderates the link between alcohol intoxication during sex and condom use. We recruited 375 male clients of FSWs in Tijuana, Mexico from San Diego, California and Tijuana. Using computer assisted interviewing, we surveyed participants on their alcohol use, condom use, and physical contexts of sex with FSWs in the past 4 months. Results showed that more frequent intoxication during sex with FSWs is associated with more unprotected sex, but only among clients having sex with FSWs in a bar context. Results point to potential reasons for inconsistent condom use with FSWs in this context, including lower risk perceptions of sex with FSWs in bars. Future research should examine structural factors that underlie clients’ risk behavior in bars in order to inform structural-level HIV prevention interventions.
Beta-adrenergic receptors and adenylate cyclase activity in rat reticulocytes and mature erythrocytes.

Abstract The adenylate cyclase activity in membranes from rat reticulocytes exhibits a markedly greater stimulation (relative to basal activity) by catecholamines than does the activity in membranes from mature erythrocytes; this increased responsiveness of reticulocytes to catecholamines is not observed for other hormonal adenylate cyclase activators such as prostaglandins E 1 and E 2 and human growth hormone. From the order of potency ofcatecholamine-stimulated adenylate cyclase activity (isoproterenol > epinephrine > norepinephrine), and from the selective action of butoxamine compared with practolol, both in inhibiting isoproterenol-stimulated adenylate cyclase activity and in blocking the binding to membranes of 125 I-labeled hydroxybenzylpindolol, it is concluded that both reticulocytes and mature rat erythrocytes possess adrenergic receptors of the beta-2 type. Practolol acts as a partial agonist in both cell types, stimulating adenylate cyclase activity. The guanine nucleotides, GTP and 5′-guanylylimidodiphosphate (GMP-PNP), affect the adenylate cyclase activity in membranes from both cell types. GTP stimulates basal activity 2-fold, but does not affect stimulation by fluoride. In reticulocyte membranes, GTP enhances isoproterenol stimulation of adenylate cyclase to a level approximately 2-fold greater than that achieved by fluoride; in contrast, in mature erythrocyte membranes, isoproterenol stimulation of adenylate cyclase in the presence of GTP is equivalent to that of fluoride. In reticulocyte membranes, the stimulation of adenylate cyclase by GMP-PNP alone is equivalent to the stimulation in the presence of either isoproterenol or fluoride. In contrast, in membranes from mature erythrocytes the stimulation by GMP-PNP alone is equivalent to stimulation by fluoride, but is markedly lower than that obtained in the simultaneous presence of isoproterenol. It is concluded that whereas the beta-2 nature of the catecholamine receptor on rat erythrocytes remains unaltered as the reticulocyte matures, there is a pronounced change during maturation in the coupling of adrenergic-receptor occupation to adenylate cyclase activation, as indicated by the effects of guanine nucleotides.
Bidirectional relationship between chronic kidney and periodontal disease: a study using structural equation modeling.

Periodontal disease is associated with diabetes, heart disease, and chronic kidney disease (CKD), relationships postulated to be due in part to vascular inflammation. A bidirectional relationship between CKD and periodontal disease is plausible, though this relationship has not been previously reported. In this study, we assessed the potential for connections between CKD and periodontal disease, and mediators of these relationships using structural equation models of data from 11,211 adults ≥18 years of age who participated in the Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Multivariable logistic regression models were used to test the hypothesis that periodontal disease was independently associated with CKD. Given the potential that the periodontal disease and CKD relationship may be bidirectional, a two-step analytic approach was used that involved tests for mediation and structural equation models to examine more complex direct and indirect effects of periodontal disease on CKD, and vice versa. In two separate models, periodontal disease (adjusted odds ratio of 1.62), edentulism (adjusted odds ratio of 1.83), and the periodontal disease score were associated with CKD when simultaneously adjusting for 14 other factors. Altogether, three of four structural equation models support the hypothesized relationship. Thus, our analyses support a bidirectional relationship between CKD and periodontal disease, mediated by hypertension and the duration of diabetes.
Biscyclometalated platinum complexes with thiophene ligands

The reaction of [Pt 2 (CH 3 ) 4 ( μ -S(CH 3 ) 2 ) 2 ] with four equivalents of ligand C 4 H 3 SCH NCH 2 C 6 H 5 gives the platinum (II) complex [Pt{(C 4 H 2 S)CH NCH 2 C 6 H 5 } 2 ] with two cyclometalated CˆN ligands. [Pt{(C 4 H 2 S)CH NCH 2 C 6 H 5 } 2 ] can also be prepared by refluxing the monometalated species [Pt(C 4 H 2 SCH NCH 2 C 6 H 5 )CH 3 (S(CH 3 ) 2 )], alone in toluene or with the addition of one equivalent of ligand C 4 H 3 SCH NCH 2 C 6 H 5 . Similar reactions were observed for [Pt 2 (CH 3 ) 4 ( μ -S(CH 3 ) 2 ) 2 ] with the ligands ( S )-C 4 H 3 SCH NCHCH 3 C 6 H 5 and C 4 H 3 SCH NC 6 H 5 , and the corresponding monocyclometalated species. A mechanism of formation is proposed with the support of DFT calculations. The complexes show emission, in solution, at room temperature, with emission bands red-shifted ∼200 nm, excited state lifetimes of the order of 1 μs, and modest quantum yields up to 0.012. DFT calculations were used to assist in the assignment of the electronic spectroscopy.
Autographa californica nuclear polyhedrosis virus phosphoproteins and synthesis of intracellular proteins after virus infection.

Abstract Polypeptides and phosphoproteins isolated from nuclear and cytoplasmic fractions of TN-368-10 cells infected with Autographa californica nuclear polyhedrosis virus (Ac M NPV) were analyzed by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Likewise, Ac M NPV extracellular virus and alkali-released virus were compared. ACMNPV extracellular virus possessed at least nine phosphoproteins while the alkali-released virus had about 14 phosphoproteins. The major structural polypeptide of Ac M NPV, polyhedrin, was phosphorylated. Intracellular proteins of infected TN-368-10 cells were pulse-labeled with [ 35 S]methionine and separated into nuclear and cytoplasmic fractions. At least 36 virus-induced polypeptides were detected in infected cells, and several polypeptides were found as early as 5 hr postinfection. The patterns of synthesis and appearance of infected cell polypeptides were complex, but polypeptide differences between nuclear and cytoplasmic fractions were detected. Twenty phosphoproteins labeled with 32 P were also detected in the two fractions, and at least six had electrophoresic mobilities similar to virus-associated phosphoproteins.
Implications of new Jurassic stratigraphic, geochronometric, and paleolatitudinal data from the western Klamath terrane (Smith River and Rogue Valley subterranes)

Combined biostratigraphic, chronostratigraphic, and geochronometric studies of the Rogue and Galice Formations (Rogue Valley subterrane, southwestern Oregon) indicate that the Oxfordian-Kimmeridgian boundary should be placed at 154 ±1.5 Ma rather than at 156 ±6 Ma as advocated in the Decade of North American Geology 1983 geologic time scale. In the Smith River subterrane (northwestern California, southwestern Oregon), well-preserved Radiolaria were recovered not only from strata overlying the Josephine ophiolite, but also from within the volcanic member of the ophiolite. U/Pb geochronometric data constrain the age of the Mirifusus first-occurrence event to after 162 ±1 Ma and to being 157 ±1.5 Ma or slightly older. Radiolarian faunal data indicate that the Josephine ophiolite originated at Central Tethyan paleolatitudes during the latest Callovian (162 Ma) and was carried northward to Northern Tethyan and Southern Boreal paleolatitudes during the Oxfordian.
Proteomic studies of a single CNS synapse type: the parallel fiber/purkinje cell synapse.

Precise neuronal networks underlie normal brain function and require distinct classes of synaptic connections. Although it has been shown that certain individual proteins can localize to different classes of synapses, the biochemical composition of specific synapse types is not known. Here, we have used a combination of genetically engineered mice, affinity purification, and mass spectrometry to profile proteins at parallel fiber/Purkinje cell synapses. We identify approximately 60 candidate postsynaptic proteins that can be classified into 11 functional categories. Proteins involved in phospholipid metabolism and signaling, such as the protein kinase MRCKγ, are major unrecognized components of this synapse type. We demonstrate that MRCKγ can modulate maturation of dendritic spines in cultured cortical neurons, and that it is localized specifically to parallel fiber/Purkinje cell synapses in vivo. Our data identify a novel synapse-specific signaling pathway, and provide an approach for detailed investigations of the biochemical complexity of central nervous system synapse types.
Criteria, mechanisms, and potency evaluation for tumor promoters: Dioxin as a model

Abstract The promotion stage of cancer development involves the reversible clonal growth of initiated cells with an altered expression of several protein markers. 2,3,7,8-Tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) is the most potent promoting agent known with a Promotion Index in excess of 10 6 . The time dependence (1–5 months) of promotion by biweekly injections of 0.14 μg TCDD/kg (equivalent to 0.01 μg TCDD/day was determined in female rats treated with diethylnitrosamine (10 mg/kg) in an initiation-promotion paradigm. In addition, the reversibility of promotion by TCDD was assessed in rats maintained for 6 months without TCDD administration after 1 to 5 months of TCDD administration. Whereas the number of altered hepatic foci (AHF) observed was decreased in animals promoted with TCDD and subsequently withdrawn from further TCDD administration for 6 months prior to sacrifice, the volume percentage of the liver occupied by AHF was increased with this regimen, suggesting that sufficient TCDD may remain in the liver after 6 months to maintain promotion or, alternatively, that TCDD exhibits progressor as well as promoter activity.
Electron microscopy of mitochondria in Saccharomyces

The mitochondria in Saccharomyces , grown on glucose nutrient agar medium, have been revealed by electron microscopy. Specimens were fixed in 2% potassium permanganate, post-fixed in 1 % uranyl acetate, and embedded in a methacrylate mixture. The yeast mitochondrion is bounded by a continuous membrane consisting of two dense layers divided by a less dense osmiophobic interspace. The inner membranes also consist of two dense outer layers and a less dense central one. The dense layers of the inner membranes are continuous with the osmiophilic layers of the outer membranes; the clear layers are directly connected with the osmiophobic interspace of the outer membrane. Both the inner membranes and the outer surface membrane are about 150 A thick.
The internal friction of lead doped with doble metals

Abstract Internal friction peaks have been observed in PbCu and PbAg similar to those reported earlier for PbAu, but it is found that a bismuth impurity is necessary to see the effect. Relaxation peaks from two orthorhombic interstitial configurations have been monitored and reveal unusual kinetics for the transition from one configuration to the other.
A method to help minimize the cost of quality

There is a relationship between, defects, failure mechanisms and quality assurance. Methods to design for producibility and reliability are given for low-volume applications.
Exploring the Latino Paradox: How Economic and Citizenship Status Impact Health

The authors examined the contributions of economic status (ES) and citizenship status to health differences between European Americans, Latino Americans, and noncitizen Latinos. The investigation w...
Bi-invariant differential operators on the Euclidean motion group and applications to generalized Radon transforms

On determine l'algebre des operateurs differentiels bi-invariants du groupe M(n) des mouvements rigides de R n en decrivant explicitement un ensemble de (n+1)/2 generateurs algebriquement independants d'ordres 2,4,6,...
Ebola — Underscoring the Global Disparities in Health Care Resources

An outbreak of Ebola virus disease has jolted West Africa, claiming more than 1000 lives. As the disease's spread gains attention, health professionals and the public struggle to comprehend the unfolding dynamics and separate misinformation and speculation from truth.
Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome related Kaposi's sarcoma eroding the maxillary bone.

Background:Oral involvement is a common manifestation of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome related Kaposi's sarcoma, and it occurs in approximately one-third of afflicted patients.Methods:We report an unusual case of Kaposi's sarcoma of the hard palate which invaded the underlying maxillary bone.Results:The patient underwent excisional biopsy and was subsequently treated with localised radiation and systemic chemotherapy including liposomal doxorubicin.Conclusions:The presentation, differential diagnosis, radiographic appearance and management of this serious complication are discussed. Our case highlights the need for a multidisciplinary approach, consisting of ENT, oncology and infectious disease consultation, to ensure appropriate management of maxillofacial, intraosseous, acquired immunodeficiency syndrome related Kaposi's sarcoma.
A counter-IED preparedness methodology for large event planning

Since 2009, Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) has been involved in a project sponsored by the Department of Homeland Security Science and Technology Directorate aimed at improving preparedness against Improvised Explosive Devices (IED) at large sporting events. Led by the University of Southern Mississippi (USM) as part of the Southeast Region Research Initiative, the project partners have been developing tools and methodologies for use by security personnel and first responders at sports stadiums. ORNL's contribution has been to develop an automated process to gather and organize disparate data that is usually part of an organization's security plan. The organized data informs a table-top exercise (TTX) conducted by USM using additional tools developed by them and their subcontractors. After participating in several pilot TTXs, patterns are beginning to emerge that would enable improvements to be formulated to increase the level of counter-IED preparedness. This paper focuses on the data collection and analysis process and shares insights gained to date.
Fracture surface interference effects in mode III

Abstract In this experimental investigation, the effects of fracture surface interference upon the torsional properties of steel alloys were quantitatively characterized. A cyclic compression pre-cracking technique was employed to produce microscopically fine crack fronts in circumferentially notched cylindrical test specimens. The abrasion and deformation that the resulting fracture surfaces underwent during the application of torsional loading was studied in detail. The interference of the fracture surfaces was observed to enhance the measured torsional stiffness of a mode III specimen by as much as 70%. The most intense abrasion effects occur close to the crack tip where the separation between adjacent fracture surfaces is relatively small. Compliance techniques, which are considered standard practice in the construction of crack resistance curves in mode I loading applications, were applied to determine their accuracy in mode III loading applications. These techniques, in comparison with direct post-fracture crack length measurements, were found to produce unreliable results in mode III due to the effects of fracture surface interference.
Results of percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty by multiple, relatively low frequency operators: 1986-1987 experience.

Abstract The initial results of percutaneous transluminal coronary angloplasty (PTCA) in this institution were described previously and were comparable with national statistics despite the comparatively small number of cases performed by individual physicians. Two years later, the number and complexity of cases have increased significantly. In the present study, the experience of 3 physicians (group 1) who performed >100 PTCAs (143 ± 35, mean ± standard deviation) was compared with that of 14 physicians (group 2) who performed
Bilateral biopsy of non-palpable cervical lymph nodes. Diagnosis and prognosis in carcinoma of the lung.

One hundred thirty-four consecutive patients who had non-palpable cervical lymph nodes and carcinoma of the lung and were thought to be candidates for major thoracotomy were given bilateral biopsy of the cervical lymph nodes. Of these, 35 patients (26.1 per cent) had metastatic carcinoma in the lymph nodes on one or both sides of the neck. There were 16 patients with ipsilaterally positive nodes, seven patients with contralaterally positive nodes, and 12 patients with bilaterally positive nodes in the neck. The evidence indicates that before major thoracotomy is undertaken all patients with known carcinoma of the lung and all who are strongly suspected of having carcinoma of the lung should have the advantage of bilateral biopsy of non-palpable cervical lymph nodes, unless there is other evidence of distant metastasis.
Large-scale patterns in seagrass (Thalassia testudinum) demographics in south Florida

An examination of the population age structure of 118 spatially separated subpopulations of Thalassia testudinum over the extent of the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary (FKNMS) during a 2-yr period revealed significant spatial variation in short shoot (SS) demographic characteristics and population dynamics. Shoot age was determined for 12,031 SS. The number of leaf scars on individual shoots was converted to shoot age by use of observed seasonally and spatially variable leaf emergence rates. The yearly mean leaf emergence rate was 0.0295 ± 0.0128 leaves SS−1 d−1 (±1 SD), and the median age of counted shoots was ~5 yr. A significant relationship between asexual reproductive effort and gross recruitment of SS into the populations (r2 = 0.15, P < 0.001) and between mortality of SS and gross recruitment (r2 = 0.72, P < 0.001) existed. Thus, the greatest risk of mortality occurred in areas where gross recruitment was highest. The net population growth for T. testudinum within the boundaries of FKNMS was stable (mean = −0.006 ± 0.089 yr−1). However, areas within FKNMS fluctuated between positive and negative net growth rates (−0.20–0.50 yr−1). The power of such large-scale observations is the ability to identify areas of management concern and to frame questions that address the controlling mechanisms that influence these regions of fluctuating population growth.
Reproductive Success of Psoroptes ovis (Acari: Psoroptidae) on Hereford Calves with a Previous Infestation of Psoroptic Mites

Hereford calves with no previous exposure to Psoroptes ovis (Hering) (naive) developed mange with significantly greater numbers of mites at 3, 6, and 7 wk after exposure to mites than did calves that had been previously infested (PI) with P. ovis . Seven weeks after exposure there were 3-fold more mites in skin scrapings of naive calves than in scrapings of PI calves. Egg production by female P. ovis on naive calves was significantly greater than that by females on PI calves. The observed reduction in fecundity apparently was attributable to a lower rate of oviposition by females on PI calves rather than to inhibition of egg development.
Field evaluation of yield effects on the U.S.A. heirloom sweetpotato cultivars infected by Sweet potato leaf curl virus

The incidence of Sweet potato leaf curl virus (SPLCV), a Begomovirus, on sweetpotato, Ipomoea batatas (L.) Lam. (Convolvulaceae), in South Carolina, U.S.A. has increased rapidly in recent years. This is likely due to the use of infected propagating materials and the increasing population of its vector, the sweetpotato whitefly, Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius). In this study, we demonstrated in field experiments that SPLCV infection reduced the yields of most heirloom sweetpotato lines relative to the yields of non-infected plants. Real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technology specific to several common sweetpotato viruses was used to determine the virus infection status in 69 selected accessions of heirloom sweetpotato lines. Meristem tip culture technology was used to regenerate virus-free plants from these materials. To ensure the virus-free status, each mericlone was evaluated using real-time PCR and graft bio-indexing on the indicator species, Ipomoea setosa Ker Gawl. Mericlones of 27 cultivars were found to be free of the viruses. The 27 cultivars were included in a field test to determine the effect of SPLCV infection on yield. Yields of virus-free plants of the cultivars ranged from 10 to 80% greater than the yields of SPLCV-infected plants. However, the yield differences between virus-free and infected plants were diminished in the second year of the field experiment due to a rapid re-infection by SPLCV. These results demonstrate the importance of using certified, virus-tested seed roots or cuttings. The rapid re-infection of the virus-tested sweetpotato plants with SPLCV observed in these studies suggests that management of the whitefly population should be a critical element in control of this important virus.
Rarity of Deep Vein Thrombosis and Ankylosing Spondylitis

Deep vein thrombosis is rarely seen in patients with ankylosing spondylitis. Only two cases have been reported in the medical literature. We describe a case of idiopathic deep vein thrombosis associated with ankylosing spondylitis and discuss the reason why thrombosis in ankylosing spondylitis is rare. Key Words: Ankylosing spondylitis-Deep vein thrombosis.
Adsorption and Desorption of Stearic Acid Self-Assembled Monolayers on Aluminum Oxide

Development of coatings to minimize unwanted surface adsorption is extremely important for their use in applications, such as sensors and medical implants. Self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) are an excellent choice for coatings that minimize nonspecific adsorption because they can be uniform and have a very high surface coverage. Another equally important characteristic of such coatings is their stability. In the present study, both the bonding mechanism and the stability of stearic acid SAMs on two aluminum oxides (single-crystal C-plane aluminum oxide (sapphire) and amorphous aluminum oxide (alumina)) are investigated. The adsorption mechanism is investigated by ex situ X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and infrared (IR) spectroscopy. The results revealed that stearic acid binds to sapphire surfaces via a bidentate interaction of carboxylate with two oxygen atoms while it binds to alumina surfaces via both bidentate and monodentate interactions. Desorption kinetics of stearic acid self-organized on both al...
Probing the pairing symmetry of Sr2RuO4 with magnetic fields

Abstract Early experiments on the pairing state of Sr 2 RuO 4 indicated spin-triplet superconductivity. The most likely spin-triplet state consistent with these early experiments is nodeless. However, recent experiments show evidence for low energy excitations. This has prompted proposals for a wide variety of spin-triplet pairing states with nodes. In this talk, the response of these possible pairing states and of fully gapped (but possibly anisotropic) pairing states to magnetic fields are examined.
New results on coke formation in the combustion of heavy-fuel droplets

Prediction and control of particulate emissions from the combustion of residual oil in boiler systems are limited by lack of knowledge concerning the particle formation process. More information is needed concerning the dependence of the particle size and mass distribution on the spray size distribution in addition to information on the cenosphere structure and its influence on the particle oxidation process. To study these problems, the formation and early stages of the oxidation of coke cenospheres formed in the combustion of residual oil have been investigated using an isolated droplet combustion facility. The droplet oxidation process was found to undergo a transition from quiescent burning to multiple, small scale, disruptions in the late stages of the droplet lifetime. This late disruption is the likely cause of the blow holes seen in the cenospheres. Microscopic examination of the particle shells revealed a foamed structure with a porosity that varied with the fuel source. Particle surface oxidation was found to proceed nonuniformly. Qualitative elemental analysis of the particle surface suggests that variation in the presence of catalytic components is not responsible for the nonuniform oxidation. Instead, microscopic analysis suggests that local variation in shell porosity causes the nonuniform surface oxidation. Furthermore, the surface oxidation was found to involve evolution of additional surface area through the opening of internal voids rather than simple spherical surface regression. The Coke Formation Index (or fractional coke production) and the product of the cenosphere shell thickness and density were found to be insensitive to change in the droplet diameter for a given oil. Results facilitate the modeling of particulate burnout by predicting the particle size and mass from the spray size distribution.
Wnt/β-catenin regulation of the Sp1-related transcription factor sp5l promotes tail development in zebrafish

Tail formation in vertebrates involves the specification of a population of multipotent precursors, the tailbud, which will give rise to all of the posterior structures of the embryo. Wnts are signaling proteins that are candidates for promoting tail outgrowth in zebrafish, although which Wnts are involved, what genes they regulate, and whether Wnts are required for initiation or maintenance steps in tail formation has not been resolved. We show here that both wnt3a and wnt8 are expressed in the zebrafish tailbud and that simultaneous inhibition of both wnt3a and wnt8 using morpholino oligonucleotides can completely block tail formation. In embryos injected with wnt3a and wnt8 morpholinos, expression of genes in undifferentiated presomitic mesoderm is initiated, but not maintained. To identify genes that might function downstream of Wnts in tail formation, a DNA microarray screen was conducted, revealing that sp5l, a member of the Sp1 family of zinc-finger transcription factors, is activated by Wnt signaling. Moreover, we show that sp5l expression in the developing tail is dependent on both wnt3a and wnt8 function. Supporting a role for sp5l in tail formation, we find that inhibition of sp5l strongly enhances the effects of wnt3a inhibition, and overexpression of sp5l RNA is able to completely restore normal tail development in wnt3a morphants. These data place sp5l downstream of wnt3a and wnt8 in a Wnt/beta-catenin signaling pathway that controls tail development in zebrafish.
Chemical inhibition of alpha-toxin, a key corneal virulence factor of Staphylococcus aureus.

PURPOSE. α-Toxin mediates extreme corneal damage during Staphylococcus aureus keratitis. Chemical inhibition of this toxin was sought to provide relief from toxin-mediated pathology. METHODS. Inhibition of α-toxin by phosphate-buffered saline (PBS), 0.1% methyl-β-cyclodextrin (CD), or CD plus cholesterol (0.1%, CD-cholesterol) was assayed by hemolysis of rabbit erythrocytes. Pathologic changes in rabbit corneas injected with 12 hemolytic units of α-toxin suspended in PBS, 1% CD, or 1 % CD-cholesterol were compared over time. Rabbit corneas injected with 10 2 colony forming units (CFU) of S. aureus were treated from 7 to 13 hours postinfection (PI) with a total of 15 drops of CD-cholesterol, CD, or PBS. Slit lamp examination (SLE) and measurement of erosions were performed at 13 hours PI and bacteria were quantified at 14 hours PI. RESULTS. Toxin-mediated lysis of erythrocytes was inhibited up to 16,000-fold in the presence of CD-cholesterol compared with CD or PBS. Eyes injected with α-toxin mixed with CD-cholesterol had, at 7 hours postinjection, significantly smaller erosions than eyes injected with α-toxin in PBS or α-toxin mixed with CD (P = 0.0090 and P = 0.0035, respectively). Eyes infected with S. aureus and treated with CD-cholesterol had significantly lower SLE scores than eyes treated with CD or PBS (P ≤ 0.0103 and P ≤ 0.0017, respectively); however, there were no differences in the number of bacteria present (P ≥ 0.0648). CONCLUSIONS. CD-cholesterol is a potent inhibitor of α-toxin activity in vitro and an effective means to arrest corneal damage during S. aureus keratitis.
Probing near‐surface atmospheric turbulence with high‐resolution lidar measurements and models

[1] Lidar technology provides fast data collection at a resolution of meters in a three-dimensional atmospheric volume. A modeling counterpart of this lidar capability can greatly enhance our understanding of near-surface atmospheric turbulence. This paper describes an integrated research capability on the basis of data from a scanning water vapor lidar and a high-resolution hydrodynamic model (HIGRAD) equipped with a visualization routine (VIEWER) which simulates the lidar scanning. The purpose is to better understand the degree to which the lidar measurements represent faithfully the spatial and temporal features of the atmospheric boundary layer and to extend the utility of the measurements in studying turbulent fields in this layer. Raman lidar water vapor data collected over the Pacific warm pool and the HIGRAD simulations thereof are first compared with each other. The results are then used to identify the potential aliasing effects of lidar measurements due to the relatively long duration of the lidar scanning. This integrated lidar-model capability also helps improve the trade-off between the spatial and the temporal resolution of the lidar measurements on the one hand and their coverage on the other.