cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Human ovarian cancer of the surface epithelium

Epidemiologic studies have shown that the risk of cancer in the ovarian surface epithelium is decreased by factors that suppress ovulation, whereas uninterrupted ovulation has been associated with increased risk. This suggests that ovulation may play a critical role in ovarian carcinogenesis. More recently, molecular studies have demonstrated alterations in specific oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes in ovarian cancers. Overexpression of the HER-2/neu oncogene occurs in approximately 30% of ovarian cancers and correlates with poor survival. Although mutation of the K-ras oncogene has been found in some mucinous ovarian cancers, mutations in this gene appear to be more common in borderline ovarian tumors. Amplification of c-myc occurs in approximately 30% of ovarian cancers and is more frequently seen in serous cancers. Mutation of the p53 tumor suppressor gene, with resultant overexpression of mutant p53 protein, occurs in 50% of stage III/IV and 15% of stage 1/11 ovarian cancers. Most p53 mutations in ovarian cancers are transitions, which suggests that they arise spontaneously rather than due to exogenous carcinogens. In contrast to the acquired genetic alterations described above that are a feature of sporadic ovarian cancers, 5–10% of ovarian cancers probably arise due to inherited genetic defects. Recently, the BRCA1 tumor suppressor gene has been identified and shown to be responsible for most cases of hereditary ovarian cancer. Further studies are needed to augment our understanding of the molecular pathogenesis of ovarian cancer.
Molecular targets of botulinum toxin at the mammalian neuromuscular junction

The molecular targets of botulinum neurotoxins (BoNTs) are SNARE (soluble N-ethylmaleimide-sensitive factor-attachment protein-receptor) proteins necessary for neurotransmitter release. BoNT are powerful therapeutic agents in the treatment of numerous neurological disorders. The goals of this study were to (1) assess toxin diffusion by measuring substrate cleavage in adjacent and distant muscles, and (2) characterize the clinical course using SNARE protein chemistry. A small volume of BoNT/A was injected unilaterally into the mouse gastrocnemius muscle. Motor impairment was limited to the toxin-treated limb. No systemic illness or deaths occurred. At five time points, a subset of mice were killed, and muscles from both hindlimbs, and the diaphragm, were collected. Protein samples were examined for changes in SNAP-25 (synaptosomal-associated protein of Mr = 25 kDa) using immunochemistry. SNAP-25 cleavage product was noted in the toxin-treated limb as early as 1 day postinjection and continued through day 28. Onset and peak levels of substrate cleavage corresponded to the onset and peak clinical response. Cleavage was observed in adjacent and distant muscles, demonstrating that substrate cleavage is a sensitive indicator of toxin diffusion. Significant increases in full-length SNAP-25 and vesicle-associated membrane protein II were evident early in the impaired limb and continued through day 28. The increased SNARE protein most likely originates from nerve terminal sprouts.
High potassium intake inhibits neointima formation in the rat carotid artery balloon injury model

Abstract Recently, we reported that elevated extracellular potassium concentration in vitro inhibited proliferation and migration of vascular smooth muscle cells, formation of free radical compounds by macrophages, and reduced platelet sensitivity to agonists. In the present study we analyzed the effects of long-term, in vivo elevation of extracellular potassium concentration resulting from changes in dietary potassium intake on the vascular response to injury. The rat carotid artery balloon injury model was employed in 70 adult Sprague Dawley rats assigned to three groups. Beginning 14 days before surgical placement of the carotid lesion and continuing until death, the animals were fed diets containing either low (0.1% potassium, n = 25), normal (1.5% potassium, n = 19), or high potassium (4.0% potassium, n = 26). Fourteen days postsurgery the animals were killed and the arteries were analyzed to determine quantitatively the ratio of neointimal to medial area. Dietary potassium had a significant effect on arterial plasma potassium concentration (one-way analysis of variance, P
Multinuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy of Centered Zirconium Halide Clusters

Nuclear magnetic resonance spectra for each of the interstitials within centered [(Zr6Z)Cli12Cla6-nLn]m- clusters (Z = Be, B, C, N, Mn, and Co; L = Cl-, AlCl4-, CH3CN, and/or PPh3; n = 0−6) are rep...
A 6-Bit 1GS/s asynchronous binary search ADC with 2 bit flash quantizers

This paper presents a new asynchronous binary search analog to digital converter (ADC). Proposed asynchronous binary search ADC enables higher speed operation of binary search algorithm by resolving two bits in each step. Using two bit flash quantizers in each stage of the proposed binary search ADC the conversion speed improves by two times compared with conventional binary search ADC architectures. New sampling scheme and dynamic offset cancellation technique for the comparator have been adapted to realize a low power and high speed converter. The proposed single channel 6-bit 1GS/s ADC was designed in 65nm CMOS process. Simulation results show that the ADC reaches a peak SNDR of 36.12dB consuming 1.35mW from a single 1.2V power supply. It achieves of 29fJ/conv.code FoM.
Pial involvement in Wegener's granulomatosis shown on MRI

Involvement of the brain and meninges is rare in Wegener's granulomatosis (WG); it has been reported in 1.2–8 % of patients. Meningeal involvement in WG has been reported in imaging as being confined to the duramater, and is thought to represent granulomatous infiltration. We present a case of WG with abnormal pial enhancement and involvement of the perivascular spaces on MRI, pathologically proven to represent granulomatous infiltration due to the primary disease rather than to infection.
Incorporation of glucosamine into rhodopsin in isolated bovine retina.

Abstract Radioactive glucosamine is incorporated into the outer segments of the rod cells of bovine retinas incubated in vitro . One component of the outer segment labeled in this process is rhodopsin which can be extracted with detergent, purified by sequential chromatography on calcium phosphate-Celite and agarose, and shown to be light sensitive by its altered chromatographic mobility. The radioactive component can be released from rhodopsin by acid hydrolysis and shown to migrate with glucosamine on paper chromatography. In double label experiments both glucosamine and leucine are incorporated into rhodopsin. The time course of glucosamine incorporation is similar to that of leucine. The system supports prolonged synthesis of both the polypeptide and oligosaccharide portions of the rhodopsin molecule in vitro .
Lipid modifications of proteins - slipping in and out of membranes.

Abstract Protein lipid modification, once thought to act as a stable membrane anchor for soluble proteins, is now attracting more widespread attention for its emerging role in diverse signaling pathways and regulatory mechanisms. Most multicellular organisms have recruited specific types of lipids and a suite of unique enzymes to catalyze the modification of a select number of proteins, many of which are evolutionarily conserved in plants, animals and fungi. Each of the three known types of lipid modification – palmitoylation, myristylation and prenylation – allows cells to target proteins to the plasma membrane, as well as to other subcellular compartments. Among the lipid modifications, protein prenylation might also function as a relay between cytoplasmic isoprene biosynthesis and regulatory pathways that control cell cycle and growth. Molecular and genetic studies of an Arabidopsis mutant that lacks farnesyl transferase suggest that the enzyme has a role in abscisic acid signaling during seed germination and in the stomata. It is becoming clear that lipid modifications are not just fat for the protein, but part of a highly conserved intricate network that plays a role in coordinating complex cellular functions.
Gravitoinertial force level affects the appreciation of limb position during muscle vibration.

Abstract Illusory motion and displacement of the restrained forearm can be elicited by vibrating the biceps brachii or triceps brachii muscle. We measured the influence of gravitoinertial force level on these perceptual responses to vibration during parabolic flight maneuvers where normal (1G) and high force (1.8G) background levels alternated with microgravity (0G). Subjects indicated the apparent forearm position of the vibrated arm with the other forearm and also made verbal reports. Biceps brachii vibration induced illusory extension of the forearm and triceps brachii, illusory flexion; these apparent motions and displacements were highly G force-dependent being enhanced at 1.8G and diminished at 0G relative to normal 1G force level. These alterations are discussed in terms of vestibulo-spinal and propriospinal influences on α-γ motoneuronal control of muscle tone and the varying requirements for postural load support in different force backgrounds. Their implications for the control and appreciation of limb movements during exposure to different G force levels are also described.
Effect of NaF Pretreatments on the Resistance of Powdered Human Dentin to Acid Dissolution

The acid resistance of powdered human dentin increased linearly after pretreatments in 2.5, 25, 250, and 1,000 mM NaF in water. The acid resistance was not directly correlated to the F content of the dentin. The results indicated F uptake by the dentin to be a result of chemical reaction and of adsorption .
Denileukin Diftitox and Hyper-CVAD in the Treatment Human T-Cell Lymphotropic Virus 1–Associated Adult T-Cell Leukemia/Lymphoma

Abstract We report a case of human T-cell lymphotropic virus 1 (HTLV-1)–associated adult T cell leukemia/lymphoma (ATL) in clinical remission >1 year after therapy with denileukin diftitox and hyper-CVAD (hyperfractionated cyclophosphamide/doxorubicin/vincristine/decadron). The patient presented with leukocytosis, anemia, and thrombocytopenia, and bone marrow biopsy demonstrated extensive myelofibrosis and infiltration with leukemic T cells. Initial therapy with 4 cycles of denileukin diftitox resulted in restoration of normal hematopoiesis and a reduction in bone marrow myelofibrosis. After disease progression, 4 cycles of hyper-CVAD were administered and a complete clinical remission was achieved. The patient remains free of disease with normal hematopoiesis and has continued maintenance therapy with denileukin diftitox for 1 year. This case demonstrates clinical improvement of myelofibrosis and acute T-cell leukemia after denileukin diftitox administration, suggesting that denileukin diftitox may affect the paracrine secretion of HTLV-1–associated clinical manifestations of ATL.
Microporous Silica Prepared by Organic Templating: Relationship Between the Molecular Template and Pore Structure

Microporous silica materials with a controlled pore size and a narrow pore size distribution have been prepared by sol-gel processing using an organic-templating approach. Microporous networks were formed by pyrolytic removal of organic ligands (methacryloxypropyl groups) from organic/inorganic hybrid materials synthesized by copolymerization of 3-methacryloxypropylsilane (MPS) and tetraethoxysilane (TEOS). Molecular simulations and experimental measurements were conducted to examine the relationship between the microstructural characteristics of the porous silica (e.g., pore size, total pore volume, and pore connectivity) and the size and amount of organic template ligands added. Adsorption measurements suggest that the final porosity of the microporous silica is due to both primary pores (those present in the hybrid materials prior to pyrolysis) and secondary pores (those created by pyrolytic removal of organic templates). Primary pores were inaccessible to N{sub 2} at 77 K but accessible to CO{sub 2} at 195 K; secondary pores were accessible to both N{sub 2} (at 77 K) and CO{sub 2} (at 195 K) in adsorption measurements. Primary porosity decreases with the amount of organic ligands added because of the enhanced densification of MPS/TEOS hybrid materials as the mole fraction of trifunctional MPS moieties increases. pore volumes measured by nitrogen adsorption experiments at 77 K suggest that the secondary (template-derived) porosity exhibits a percolation behavior as the template concentration is increased. Gas permeation experiments indicate that the secondary pores are approximately 5 {angstrom} in diameter, consistent with predictions based on molecular simulations.
A Second Ionization Potential in Potassium Vapor

The occurrence of a second peak in the photoionization curve of potassium vapor (Lawrence and Edlefsen) suggests that there might be a related peak (or discontinuity) in the curve for ionization by electron impact. The ionization in potassium vapor was investigated by Hertz' method of neutralization of space charge by positive ions. It was found that there was an abrupt increase in gradient of the ionization curve, indicating a second ionization potential at 0.97\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.05 volt above the first one corresponding to the series limit. With mercury vapor, the apparatus indicated the presence of Lawrence's ultraionization potentials in mercury vapor, together with three new ones (10.40, 10.62, 10.88, 11.28, 11.40, 11.77, 12.16, 12.46).
Collaboration research in SCL

The System Concepts Laboratory (SCL) of Xerox PARC is in the second year of a research program investigating the support and enhancement of collaboration. To begin, we explain our research goals and operationally define "collaboration" as we have chosen to study it. Then, we describe the environment in which the research takes place, including the two-site, distributed organization of SCL. In our first year, we have had many experiences that are relevant to understanding collaboration and we present a few of them and discuss how they are affecting the course of our future research.
A 1.15Gb/s fully parallel nonbinary LDPC decoder with fine-grained dynamic clock gating

The primary design goal of a communication or storage system is to allow the most reliable transmission or storage of more information at the lowest signal-to-noise ratio (SNR). State-of-the-art channel codes including turbo and binary LDPC have been extensively used in recent applications [1-2] to close the gap towards the lowest possible SNR, known as the Shannon limit. The recently developed nonbinary LDPC (NB-LDPC) code, defined over Galois field (GF), holds great promise for approaching the Shannon limit [3]. It offers better coding gain and a lower error floor than binary LDPC. However, the complex nonbinary decoding prevents any practical chip implementation to date. A handful of FPGA designs and chip synthesis results have demonstrated throughputs up to only 50Mb/s [4-6]. In this paper, we present a 1.15Gb/s fully parallel decoder of a (960, 480) regular-(2, 4) NB-LDPC code over GF(64) in 65nm CMOS. The natural bundling of global interconnects and an optimized placement permit 87% logic utilization that is significantly higher than a fully parallel binary LDPC decoder [7]. To achieve high energy efficiency, each processing node detects its own convergence and applies dynamic clock gating, and the decoder terminates when all nodes are clock gated. The dynamic clock gating and termination reduce the energy consumption by 62% for energy efficiency of 3.37nJ/b, or 277pJ/b/iteration, at a 1V supply.
Directional movement of cells in vivo and in vitro under the influence of 5‐lipoxygenase inhibitors

SUMMARY Five inhibitors of 5-lipoxygenase activity [phenidone, nordihydroguaiaretic acid (NDGA), BW755C, nafazatrom and the methyl ester of caffeic acid] have been compared with the cyclo-oxygenase inhibitor indomethacin as inhibitors of aggregation and chemotaxis by guinea-pig polymorphonuclear leukocytes. The results suggest that neither 5-lipoxygenase nor cyclo-oxygenase products are of significance in these in vitro assays. However, all of these compounds, with the exception of BW755C, significantly inhibited cell accumulation in an acute inflammatory model. These results cast doubt on the central importance of any individual arachidonic acid metabolite in the development of inflammation in vivo.
Statistical Power Analysis

pression, Journal of Clinical Psychiatry, 51, 61-69 (1990). 11. L.R. Baxter, Jr., J.M. Schwartz, B.H. Guze, J.C. Mazziotta, M.P. Szuba, K. Bergman, A. Alazraki, C.E. Selin, H.K. Freng, P. Munford, and M.E. Phelps, Obsessive-compulsive disorder vs. Tourette's disorder: Differential function in subdivi sions of the neostriatum, paper presented at the an nual meeting of the American College of Neuropsy chopharmacology, San Juan, Puerto Rico (December 1991). 12. E.M. Reiman, M.E. Raichle, F.K. Butler, P. Herscovitch, and E. Robins, A focal brain abnormal ity in panic disorder, a severe form of anxiety, Na ture, 310, 683-685 (1984); E.M. Reiman, M.E. Ra ichle, E. Robins, F.K. Butler, P. Herscovitch, P. Fox, and J. Perlmutter, The application of positron emis sion tomography to the study of panic disorder, American Journal of Psychiatry, 143, 469-477 (1986); T.E. Nordahl, W.E. Semple, M. Gross, T.A. Mellman, M.B. Stein, P. Goyer, A.C. King, T.W. Uhde, and R.M. Cohen, Cerebral glucose metabolic differences in patients with panic disorder, Neuro psychopharmacology, 3, 261-272 (1990).
The Making of Chinese Foreign and Security Policy in the Era of Reform. Edited by David M. Lampton. Stanford: Stanford University Press, 2001. 508p. $65.00 cloth, $19.95 paper -

The Making of Chinese Foreign and Security Policy in the Era of Reform according to the editor David Lampton, endeavors to provide the reader with an in-depth understanding of the decision-making process in China as it relates to formulating China's external and strategic policies. It is the third of three books edited by Lampton that aim at the same goal.
Secure mobility in healthcare networks for optimal patient care

Quality healthcare depends greatly on technology. It provides the foundation needed to allow doctors, nurses and support staff to get closer to their patients to accurately record data in real time, provide care and deliver medication and/or treatments. The network is at the heart of everything, from communications, to patient data to basic things such as building systems infrastructure, from doors to parking garages.
Pneumocystis carinii induction of tumor necrosis factor-α by alveolar macrophages: modulation by pentamidine isethionate

Abstract Pneumocystis carinii , and the inflammatory response it provokes, together contribute to irreversible lung damage in immunocompromised patients. P. carinii cysts were found to be capable of inducing tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF) release from alveolar macrophages in a concentration-dependent manner. At physiologically achievable concentrations, pentamidine isethionate (pentamidine) substantially reduces such production. Pretreatment of alveolar macrophages (AMO) with interferon-γ (IFN-γ) synergizes with P. carinii to produce increased levels of TNF, a condition which pentamidine was also able to antagonize. Pentamidine treatment did not interfere with the phagocytic ability of AMO. Considering clinical reduction of TNF could lessen P. carinii pneumonia (PCP) induced inflammation, the efficacy of pentamidine in the treatment of PCP may be partially associated with its ability to inhibit the release of inflammatory mediators such as TNF.
Prediction of Compressive Failure in Laminated Composites at Room and Elevated Temperature

An experimental and analytical investigation of the notched strength of fiber reinforced polymer matrix composite laminates subjected to remote uniaxial and biaxial loads is presented. Experimental results pertaining to failure mechanisms, critical loads, and critical strains for cross-ply and quasi-isotropic laminates at room and elevated temperature (200°C) are presented. A micromechanics based finite element analysis that uses readily available constituent properties for predicting notched strength of general multilayered composite laminates is developed and used to predict the experimentally measured failure loads. Good agreement between experiment and analysis is reported. The present methodology is an attempt to remove the empirical nature of composite strength prediction.
A Taylor series in symmetry-adaptable functions

Abstract A Taylor series in symmetry-adaptable, spherical harmonic functions and simple powers is presented. A general expression is derived and specific examples considered. The first- and second-order terms, in particular, have proved useful in spectral and chemical rate analyses.
Advances in precision contrast interferometry with Yb Bose-Einstein condensates

Using a three-path contrast interferometer (CI) geometry and laser-pulse diffraction gratings, we create a matter-wave interferometer with ytterbium (Yb) atoms. We present advances in contrast interferometry relevant to high-precision measurements. By comparing to a traditional atom interferometer, we demonstrate the immunity of the CI to vibrations for long interaction times ($g20\phantom{\rule{0.28em}{0ex}}\mathrm{ms}$). We characterize and demonstrate control over the two largest systematic effects for a high-precision measurement of the fine-structure constant via photon recoil with our interferometer: diffraction phases and atomic interactions. Diffraction phases are an important systematic for most interferometers using large-momentum transfer beam splitters; atomic interactions are a key concern for any Bose-Einstein condensate (BEC) interferometer. Finally, we consider the prospects for a future subpart per billion photon recoil measurement using a Yb CI.
Polarity reversal of a magnetic vortex core by a unipolar, nonresonant in-plane pulsed magnetic field

We report the polarity reversal of a magnetic vortex core using a nonresonant in-plane pulsed magnetic field of arbitrary waveform studied using time-resolved x-ray photoemission electron microscopy and micromagnetic simulations. The imaging and simulations show that a 5 mT pulse, higher than the critical field for nonlinear effects, effectively leads to the randomization of the vortex core polarity. The micromagnetic simulations further show that the onset of stochastic core polarity randomization does not necessarily coincide with the critical reversal field, leading to a field window for predictable core reversal.
Inactivation of Escherichia coli and Bacillus subtilis suspended in pea soup using pulsed electric fields

Pea soup inoculated with 10 7 CFU/mL of Escherichia coli, Bacillus subtilis, or a mixture of the two organisms was treated with pulsed electric fields (PEF) of selected intensities of 25, 28, 30, and 33 kV/cm. The pulsing rate was adjusted to 2.9, 4.3, or 6.7 Hz to achieve 10 or 15 pulses per pass while using either 0.5 L/min or 0. 75 L/min flow rate in a continuous treatment chamber. Two passes were selected to reach 20 or 30 pulses under selected conditions. Inactivation of Escherichia coli and Bacillus subtilis suspended in pea soup increased with increases in intensity of the electric field, number of pulses, and pulsing rate. A reduction of 6.5D was obtained at 33 kV/cm, 0. 5 L/min, 4.3 Hz, and 30 pulses with E. coli and 5.3D for B. subtilis, each microorganism alone. Meanwhile, reductions of up to 4. 8D were observed when the pea soup containing a mixture of the microorganisms was treated with PEF of 30 kV/cm at 6.7 Hz and 0. 75 L/min. In general, pea soup inoculated with a mixture of the microorganisms and exposed to PEF greater than 30 kV/cm and bulk temperatures over 53 C exhibited inactivation greater than 2.0D while less than 1.6D was observed when the temperature was below 53C.
Technology Assessment in the U.S. State Legislatures

Abstract With the demise of the Office of Technology Assessment (OTA) and reassertion of state roles in R&D. the future of legislative technology assessment in the United States may indeed reside in the states. This article reviews the history of science and technology advice to state legislatures and, based on a survey of 50 states and field work including 185 interviews in 11 states, describes the status of the provision of technical information and analysis to state legislatures by legislative staff, committees, and inter-branch and inter-sectoral organizations. The article argues that these sources perform a thin form of technology assessment for state legislatures. It concludes by recommending ways in which state legislatures might enhance their performance by adopting a more self-conscious attitude toward their technology assessment role, by expanding participation, and looking to European technology assessment organizations as models.
Acute complications of catheter therapy for congenital heart disease.

Abstract Although therapeutic catheter procedures for congenital heart disease are still developing, the number of procedures being performed allows statistically relevant review of the acute complications. Between January 1, 1984, and February 1, 1987, 417 such procedures were performed at The Children's Hospital, Boston; the age range of the patients was 1 day to 51 years (median 4 years, 6 months). Catheter procedures consisted predominantly of vascular dilations (peripheral pulmonic stenosis, 97; valvular pulmonic stenosis, 67; valvular aortic stenosis, 62; recurrent coarctation, 49) and embolizations (double umbrella device, 36; steel coils, 45). Overall, there were 50 acute complications (12%); 24 (6%) were major and 26 (6%) were minor. The mortality rate was 3 of 417 (0.7%). Complication rates varied between 4% for dilation of recurrent coarctation and 40 % for dilation of aortic stenosis. The age of the patients was a factor in complications of vascular access (11 patients), 8 of which occurred in patients younger than 6 months (median 5), and in cardiac arrest and ventricular fibrillation (4 patients, 3 of whom were younger than 6 months [median 3]). No statistically significant trend toward diminishing overall complication rates was discerned over the 37 months of this study.
Measurement and analysis of variability in 45nm strained-Si CMOS technology

A test-chip in a low-power 45 nm technology, featuring uniaxial strained Si, has been built to study variability in CMOS circuits. Systematic layout-induced variation, die-to-die (D2D), wafer-to-wafer (W2W) and within-die (WID) variability has been measured and analyzed. Delay is characterized using an array of ring-oscillators and transistor leakage current is measured with an on-chip ADC. Results show that systematic variations are small and layout-induced variation is dominated by strain effects.
Range Measurements by a Mobile Robot Using a Navigation Line

A continuous, straight-edged line is used for the visual navigation of an autonomous mobile robot in a factor environment. This line, which resides on the floor and contrasts with background, may also be used to determine range information. Two methods are developed for determining the range of an object in the sensor's field of view. The effects of various error conditions in the system geometry on each ranging method are determined. Equations are derived which yield the percent error in calculating ranges given estimates of these error conditions. Numerical examples using typical sensor parameters are given.
Increase in mean square forecast error when omitting a needed covariate

Abstract Mean square errors of ex-post and ex-ante forecasts from transfer function (regression) models are compared with mean square forecast errors of univariate time series models that ignore the covariate. We show that forecasts from the univariate ARMA models are never better, and are usually worse, than the forecasts from the transfer function model.
The emerging role of APC/CCdh1 in development

The function of APC/C (anaphase-promoting complex/cyclosome) was initially implicated with the onset of anaphase during mitosis, where its association with Cdc20 targets securin for destruction, thereby allowing the separation of two duplicated daughter genomes. When combined with Cdh1, APC regulates G1/S transition and DNA replication during cell cycle. Beyond cell cycle control, results from recent biochemical and mouse genetic studies have attracted our attention to the unexpected impact of APC/CCdh1 in cellular differentiation, genomic integrity and pathogenesis of various diseases. This review will aim to summarize current understanding of APC/CCdh1 in regulating crucial events during development.
Cyanide- and carbon monoxide-resistant mutants of Vitreoscilla: Altered cytochromes and respiratory properties

Abstract Two respiratory mutants of the aerobic bacterium, Vitreoscilla , have been studied: a CO-resistant mutant that can grow in 50% CO-50% oxygen, and a cyanide-resistant mutant that can grow in 1 m m KCN. Wild-type cells are unable to grow under either condition. This report presents evidence that the resistance of the CO mutant is due to an altered membrane-bound cytochrome o [cytochrome o (m)], and that of the cyanide mutant is due to the presence of an increased amount of cytochrome d , which has a lower affinity for cyanide than cytochrome o (m). The evidence was obtained from spectral studies on the three types of intact cells as well as enzymatic and ligand-binding techniques on the cytoplasmic cytochromes o [cytochrome o (s)] and the respiring membrane vesicles isolated from these cells. Carbon monoxide difference spectra of intact cells revealed a 5-nm shift in an absorption maximum of a CO-binding pigment in the CO mutant relative to that of the wild type. The formation of oxygenated cytochrome o (s) and its conversion to the reduced form when the cells became anaerobic due to cellular respiration were inhibited when 1 m m KCN was added to a cell suspension of wild-type cells; the cyanide mutant cells showed resistance to cyanide in this experiment. Cytochrome o (s) purified from all three cell types had identical physical, electron transferring, and ligand binding properties within experimental error. Respiring membrane vesicles isolated from the two mutants showed more resistance to inhibition by cyanide and carbon monoxide than those from the wild type. Carbon monoxide difference spectra of these membrane vesicles revealed that there was a fivefold increase in the amount of cytochrome d in the cyanide mutant relative to the wild type. A CO absorption band of the membrane-bound cytochrome o in the CO mutant membrane vesicles showed a 5-nm shift relative to that of the wild type.
Self-directed weight control through eating and exercise.

Abstract A weight control program using a written contract and other self-control behavior modification techniques for changing eating habits was compared with a similar program concentrating on both eating and exercise behavior and with an attention-placebo control condition. Participants in all three programs lost weight during the 12 week program, with no significant differences between groups. A seven-month follow-up revealed that Ss in the two behavior modification groups lost more than those in the control group and that those in the eating plus exercise group lost more than those in the group dealing only with eating behavior.
Critical Care Transport: Outcome Evaluation After Interfacility Transfer and Hospitalization

Abstract Study objective: To test the hypothesis that interfacility transfer is not associated with increased mortality, duration of stay, or readmission within 7 days. Methods: We matched 3,298 patients who were hospitalized for chest pain or related complaints in Kaiser Permanente medical centers after transfer from the emergency department of a nonplan hospital (transported patients) with 3,298 patients of the same gender and age (±5 years) and with the same principal diagnosis who were hospitalized within 6 months without transfer in the same Kaiser Permanente medical center (directly admitted patients). Patients were compared in terms of outcome measures: in-hospital deaths, continued care in another facility, readmission within 7 days, in-patient length of stay (LOS), and LOS in special care units. Results: The adjusted odds ratios for in-hospital mortality and readmission within 7 days were 1.0 (95% confidence interval, .8 to 1.4) and .9 (95% confidence interval, .7 to 1.2), respectively. The adjusted mean difference in LOS was –.1 days (95% confidence interval, –.2 to .1). Transported and directly admitted cardiac patients were also compared for all examined outcome measures at each of 10 medical centers. At a few medical centers, we observed significant difference in LOS, special care LOS, and continued care in another facility. However, all these differences were small, and most were probably random errors. Conclusion: Conservative patient selection criteria, pretransfer stabilization, and the use of appropriate equipment and medical personnel have resulted in the interfacility transfer program's achieving its goal of transferring high-risk patients without adverse impact on clinical outcomes or resource use. [Selevan JS, Fields WW, Chen W, Petitti DB, Wolde-Tsadik G: Critical care transport: Outcome evaluation after interfacility transfer and hospitalization. Ann Emerg Med January 1999;33:33-43.]
Juvenile hormone regulation of oxidative metabolism in isolated insect mitochondria

Nachweis, dass das Juvenilhormon in isolierten Mitochondrien der GetreidemottePlodia interpunctella die NAD-gekoppelte Oxydation hemmt und die Succinat-Oxydation stimulieren kann. JH scheint auf die Nichthaem-Eisenkomponente der Atmungskette einzuwirken.
Drift function tracking with compressibility and variable temperature

Abstract The drift function—stream function tracking method has been used together with linear interpolations of velocity in a cross-triangle Nagtigaal Reduced Constraint element, and with Gauss—Laguerre quadrature for the stress integrals, to solve for flows of incompressible single-integral memory fluids under isothermal conditions. The tracking method is extended herein so that it can treat compressible fluids and thermo-rheologically simple fluids under non-isothermal conditions. For thermo-rheologically simple materials, with temperture and time-temperature superposition factor interpolated linearly element-wise, use of the Gauss-Laguerre quadrature can be preserved provided that function evaluations are made where the temperature-dependent material time takes the quadrature-point values. For compressible fluids, tracking in terms of an artificial time allow the essence of the tracking procedure to be carried over from the incompressible case. Both compressibility and thermo-rheological simplicity can be handled together. Conservation of energy gives rise to a needed equation for the temperature.
A plethora of paths

A common static software bug detection technique is to use path simulation. Each execution path is simulated using symbolic variables to determine if any software errors could occur. The scalability of this and other path-based approaches is dependent on the number of paths in the program. This paper explores the number of paths in 15 different programs. Often, there are one or two functions that contribute a large percentage of the paths within a program. A unique aspect in this study is that slicing was used in different ways to determine its effect on the path count. In particular, slicing was applied to each interesting statement individually to determine if that statement could be analyzed without suffering from path explosion. Results show that slicing is only effective if it can completely slices away a function that suffers from path explosion. While most programs had several statements that resulted in short path counts, slicing was not adequate in eliminating path explosion occurrences. Looking into the tasks that suffer from path explosion, we find that functions that process input, produce stylized output, or parse strings or code often have significantly more paths than other functions.
Mindmelding: Connected Brains and the Problem of Consciousness

Contrary to the widely-held view that our conscious states are necessarily private (in that only one person can ever experience them directly), in this paper I argue that it is possible for a person to directly experience the conscious states of another. This possibility removes an obstacle to thinking of conscious states as physical, since their apparent privacy makes them different from all other physical states. A separation can be made in the brain between our conscious mental representations and the other executive processes that manipulate them and are guided by them in planning and executing behaviour. I argue here that these executive processes are also largely responsible for producing our sense of self in the moment. Our conscious perceptual representations themselves reside primarily in the posterior portions of the brain's cortex, in the temporal and parietal lobes, while the executive processes reside primarily in the prefrontal lobes. We can imagine an experiment in which we sever the association fibers that connect the posterior regions with these prefrontal regions and, instead, connect the posterior regions to the prefrontal regions of another person. According to my hypothesis, this would produce in the latter person the direct experience of the conscious perceptual states of the first person.
Systems biology in systemic lupus erythematosus: Integrating genes, biology and immune function

Overactive B cells, abnormally activated T cells and inappropriate handling of cellular debris by the innate immune system are central in the pathogenesis of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Genetic studies in SLE patients have unraveled allelic variations in genes encoding key molecules that control inter- and intra-cellular signaling and play a role in the abnormal handling of apoptotic material. Despite recent breakthroughs though, it is still unclear how exactly genes and environment interact to produce the characteristic immune dysregulation in SLE.
Tests for Evaluating Fine Aggregate Particle Shape, Angularity, and Surface Texture

Particle shape, angularity, and surface texture are critical properties in assessing fine aggregate quality for asphalt concrete. The index for aggregate particle shape and texture and uncompacted voids tests indirectly measure these properties. Several sources of fine aggregate from Alabama were evaluated by both tests. Modifications to current test procedures to include all particle sizes normally included in fine aggregate are suggested. Particle index and uncompacted voids are affected by gradation, and this effect should be eliminated in assessing fine aggregate quality. Testing of individual size fractions and computation of composite indexes or void contents or testing of samples with standard gradations are viable options for elimination of gradation effects. Particle indexes or uncompacted voids of blends of two aggregates may be assessed by linear proportioning of values for individual components.
Interspecific interactions in temperate agroforestry

The ecological principles that define the competitive and complementary interactions among trees, crops, and fauna in agroforestry systems have received considerable research attention during the recent past. These principles have not yet, however, been adequately integrated and synthesized into an operational approach. This paper reviews the ecological and ecophysiological bases for interspecific interactions based on data from site-specific research and demonstration trials from temperate agroforestry systems, primarily from temperate North America. The review shows that information on ecological interactions in several temperate agroforestry systems is inadequate. It is recommended that the future research should focus on exploring new species and systems that have received little attention in the past. Priority research areas should include cultural practices and system designs to minimize interspecific competition and maximize environmental benefits such as improved water quality. Potential for genetic modification of components to increase productivity and reduce competition also needs to be explored. Process-oriented models may be used increasingly to predict resource-allocation patterns and possible benefits for a suite of site and species combinations.
Spontaneous Recovery of Consummatory Behavior, But Not of Consummatory Successive Negative Contrast.

Five experiments were designed to study spontaneous recovery (SR) in two situations involving consummatory behavior: consummatory successive negative contrast (cSNC) and consummatory extinction (cE). SR of consummatory suppression should occur if incentive downshift induces an egocentric memory encoding information about the emotional reaction to the downshift that is counterconditioned or extinguished during exposure to the downshifted reward. SR of cSNC failed to occur after resting periods of 24, 96, or 336 h interpolated following complete (Experiment 1) and incomplete (Experiment 2) recuperation of consummatory behavior, and was not induced by the opioid-receptor antagonist naloxone (2 mg/kg), known to enhance cSNC (Experiment 3). However, SR of consummatory behavior occurred across sessions in cSNC (Experiment 3) and cE (Experiments 4–5). Furthermore, naloxone facilitated cE without affecting SR (Experiments 4–5). These results are discussed in relation to evidence for the development of an egocentric memory of the aversive downshift experience in consummatory situations.
The certifying examination of the american board of surgery: the effect of improving communication and professional competency: twenty-year results.

Purpose In 1985, a small research group identified variables affecting applicant success on the oral Certifying Examination (CE) of the American Board of Surgery (ABS). This led to the design of an oral examination course first taught in 1991. The success of and need for this program led to its continuation. The results from the first 10 years were presented at the 2001 Association of Program Directors in Surgery annual meeting. 1 We now report the outcomes for the course of the second 10 years as measured by success on the CE. Methods Thirty-six courses were held over 20 years. There were 57 invited faculty from 27 general surgery programs throughout the United States and Canada. The participant-to-faculty ratio ranged from 16:7 to 5:1 in the newer 3-day format (2007). Courses were offered at sites that replicated the actual examination setting. Each course included (1) pretest and posttest examinations, (2) analysis of case presentation skills, (3) measurement of communication apprehension, (4) 1:1 faculty feedback, (5) small-group practice sessions, (6) individual videotaping, (7) didactic review of specific behaviors on examinations, (8) a debrief session with two faculty members, and (9) a written evaluative summary that included an improvement strategy. Results There were 36 courses with 326 participants (30-54 years). Follow-up data are available for 225 participants. Trends were analyzed between 1991-2001 and 2002-2011. As resident performance on the CE increased in importance, applicant profiles changed from those who had previously failed (1991-2001) to residents identified by program directors as needing assistance (52%). Since 2002, most course participants (69%) who had failed the CE had completed at least 1 other review course. Participants reported more significant stressors (2002-2011) 9%, but communication apprehension remained the same. As a result, individual counseling for anger and family stressors was integrated into the course. The perception of knowledge deficits was associated with those who enrolled in fellowship training and delayed their examination. The recent groups exhibited more professionalism and articulation issues related to performance. Five surgeons (2002-2011) were asked not to return to the course because of severe knowledge deficiencies or ethical/behavioral issues based on faculty evaluations. Although complete follow-up of all participants was not possible (only 225/326), the success rate among those providing follow-up was 97% for those who followed their remediation plan, giving 218/326, a worse-case pass rate of 67%. Conclusion Communication and professionalism deficits are still common in those struggling with the CE, Early identification of those at risk of failing by program directors who are documenting the competencies may promote earlier interventions and thus lead to success. This program continues to be effective at identifying behaviors that interfere with success on the CE of the ABS.
Multidisciplinary optimization of a lightweight torpedo structure subjected to an underwater explosion

Undersea weapons, including torpedoes need to be designed to survive extreme loading conditions such as underwater explosions (UNDEX). In this work, a multidisciplinary optimization problem is solved for a lightweight torpedo model subjected to UNDEX. A torpedo configuration with least possible weight for a given level of safety from an explosion at a critical distance is obtained. The torpedo is modeled using both metallic and composite material models. The similitude relations are used to model the pressure wave resulting from an explosive, which is assumed as a spherical wave. The response of the composite flat plate is obtained prior to the torpedo for validating the analysis routine and determining the stress levels in each of the layers. The response of a composite lightweight torpedo model is also obtained and structural optimization is performed to achieve the minimum weight subject to the required safety levels. Similar analysis and optimization was performed for a stiffened metallic torpedo. The optimal designs for both models are compared and it is observed that the composite torpedo model is stronger and lighter than the metallic design when subjected to an UNDEX at a given standoff distance.
The importance of algebra for XML query processing

Relational algebra has been a crucial foundation for relational database systems, and has played a large role in enabling their success. A corresponding XML algebra for XML query processing has been more elusive, due to the comparative complexity of XML, and its history. We argue that having a sound algebraic basis remains important nonetheless. In this paper, we show how the complexity of XML can be modeled effectively in a simple algebra, and how the conceptual clarity attained thereby can lead to significant benefits.