cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Ancestry of unisexual salamanders.

IN eastern North America there are populations of all-female salamanders that incorporate the nuclear genomes of two or three of four sympatric bisexual species. The hybrids can be diploid, triploid, tetraploid or pentaploid, and 18 different combinations have been reported. All hybrids require sperm from a sympatric male of one of the bisexual species to reproduce, but the sperm may or may not be incorporated in the egg. Some of the hybrids are believed to represent separate, clonal species, but little is known of the origin of this hybrid complex. Vertebrate mitochondrial DNA is inherited maternally, allowing identification of the female parent that gave rise to hybrid lineages. A portion of the cytochrome b gene was sequenced from diploid and triploid hybrids that represent combinations of all four species. Nearly all hybrids had a similar mitochondrial genome sequence, independent of nuclear genome composition and ploidy, and the sequence was distinct from that of any of the four bisexual species. The hybrids maintain a mitochondrial lineage that has evolved independently of their nuclear genome and represent the most ancient known unisexual vertebrate lineage.
Reducing cholesterol and overcoming drug resistance

Comment on Banker et al, page [1816][1], and Schmidmaier et al, page [1825][2] Two studies provide a conceptual framework for understanding how statins overcome drug resistance in leukemia and myeloma, and furnish support for strategies incorporating such agents into the therapeutic armamentarium
Developing realistic treatment standards in today’s economic climate: stroke survivor education

Teaching people about the risk factors and early symptom identification of stroke significantly decreases the incidence of both first time and recurrent strokes. Patient teaching has traditionally been a nursing responsibility. However, in the fiscal constraints of today's health care delivery system, nurses' time for teaching is highly restricted. This pilot study was designed to evaluate the impact of a short 1(1/2) hour stroke education programme in a population of hospitalized stroke survivors prior to their discharge. The first session focused on the disease process of stroke and its warning signs. A second session addressed risk factors and behavioural strategies for exercise, stress management, or smoking cessation. Responses to the teaching programme were evaluated through patient interviews immediately following the teaching session and 3 weeks later. Responses indicated that short-session patient teaching, in and of itself, is not always successful in changing behaviour but is successful for knowledge attainment. The findings from this pilot study suggests a need to consider new teaching strategies and a need to identify opportunities for reinforcement, support and encouragement that will meet the realities of today's time constraints while still meeting our professional responsibilities for patient education.
“Slow” metastable decomposition of oligosaccharide cations produced in an external source fourier transform mass spectrometer

Unimolecular metastable decomposition of cucyclodextrin cations is observed in a fast-atom bombardment Fourier transform mass spectrometry instrument. Cleavage reactions occur at the glycosidic bonds to produce oligomeric fragment ions. The first-order rate constant for the decay of the protonated parent was measured and found to be (4.2 ± 1.0) × 102s−1.
X-Ray Energy Detection Using Silicon Field Emission Imaging Array

In this paper, silicon field-emission imaging array tips were used for X-ray energy detection. The incident X-ray photon, depending on its photon energy and the material of the detector, will generate a specific number of electron/hole pairs (EHPs) and penetrate an energy-dependant distance into the substrate. The collected electron current generates a distinct pulse width and height, which correlates to the specific energy of the incident photon. The amplified pulses, unlike ordinary energy detectors, are spatially specific to the photon impact; therefore, this method produces both an imager and an energy detector. This capability is unavailable in any other X-ray imaging method and therefore, is valuable in X-ray diffractometric applications
Ethylene biosynthesis in Regnellidium diphyllum and Marsilea quadrifolia

The pathway of ethylene biosynthesis was examined in two lower plants, the semi-aquatic ferns Regnellidium diphyllum Lindm. and Marsilea quadrifolia L. As a positive control for the ethylene-biosynthetic pathway of higher plants, leaves of Arabidopsis thaliana (L.) Heynh. were included in each experiment. Ethylene production by Regnellidium and Marsilea was not increased by treatment of leaflets with 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylic acid (ACC), the precursor of ethylene in higher plants. Similarly, ethylene production was not inhibited by application of aminoethoxyvinylglycine and α-aminoisobutyric acid, inhibitors of the ethylene biosynthetic enzymes ACC synthase and ACC oxidase, respectively. However, ACC was present in both ferns, as was ACC synthase. Compared to leaves of Arabidopsis, leaflets of Regnellidium and Marsilea incorporated little [14C]ACC and [14C]methionine into [14C]ethylene. From these data, it appears that the formation of ethylene in both ferns occurs mainly, if not only, via an ACC-independent route, even though the capacity to synthesize ACC is present in these lower plants.
Statistical significance of partial base-pairing potential: Implications for recombination of SV40 DNA in eukaryotic cells

Abstract The frequent detection of "patchy homology" between recombining DNAs in eukaryotic systems suggests that partial sequence homology might facilitate formation of partially base-paired hybrid structures and thus define a specific target for recombination. Indeed, the extent of such "patchy homology" initially appears impressive. The question of whether such homology is statistically significant, however, has not been addressed. In this paper we compare the extent of "patchy homology" within the sequence of SV40 recombination sites and within randomly-generated sequences with the same average GC content. We have found no statistically significant differences favoring the existence of "patchy homology" within the recombining regions of SV40. On the average 50% of the bases in randomly-generated sequences with the same GC content can be paired in a pattern of "patchy homology". We have also assessed the ability of sequences near recombination junctions in SV40 to form partially base-paired intra-strand secondary structures. Again, the ability of these sequences to form such configurations was unremarkable when compared with random sequences. Thus, the notion that partial base-pairing provides specificity for sites of recombination must be considered with caution.
Fate mapping of mammalian embryonic taste bud progenitors

Mammalian taste buds have properties of both epithelial and neuronal cells, and are thus developmentally intriguing. Taste buds differentiate at birth within epithelial appendages, termed taste papillae, which arise at mid-gestation as epithelial thickenings or placodes. However, the embryonic relationship between placodes, papillae and adult taste buds has not been defined. Here, using an inducible Cre-lox fate mapping approach with the ShhcreERT2 mouse line, we demonstrate that Shh-expressing embryonic taste placodes are taste bud progenitors, which give rise to at least two different adult taste cell types, but do not contribute to taste papillae. Strikingly, placodally descendant taste cells disappear early in adult life. As placodally derived taste cells are lost, we used Wnt1Cre mice to show that the neural crest does not supply cells to taste buds, either embryonically or postnatally, thus ruling out a mesenchymal contribution to taste buds. Finally, using Bdnf null mice, which lose neurons that innervate taste buds, we demonstrate that Shh-expressing taste bud progenitors are specified and produce differentiated taste cells normally, in the absence of gustatory nerve contact. This resolution of a direct relationship between embryonic taste placodes with adult taste buds, which is independent of mesenchymal contribution and nerve contact, allows us to better define the early development of this important sensory system. These studies further suggest that mammalian taste bud development is very distinct from that of other epithelial appendages.
Occupational bladder cancer.

Abstract 4-Aminobiphenyl, 2-naphthylamine, benzidine, 1-naphthylamine and 4-nitrobiphenyl are responsible for occupational bladder cancer in man. Bladder tumors are found in workers who make or use these substances and possibly in those who purify them. The manufacture of auramine and magenta is also associated with the disease. Direct evidence that these chemicals are occupational bladder carcinogens has been obtained from the chemical and rubber industries. Occupational bladder cancer is also a problem in other industries, but in such cases, etiological agents have not been defined. Animal experiments have confirmed that aromatic amines, such as 2-naphthylamine, are carcinogenic and have helped to elucidate their mechanism of action. The problems in protecting workers already exposed to occupational bladder carcinogens and methods which may be used to control the disease are discussed.
Peroxidase staining combined with autoradiography for study of eosinophilic granules.

Giemsa staining and a peroxidase reaction were applied to blood films in conjunction with autoradiography to establish the types of granulocytes that stain differentially with the benzidine-peroxidase reaction. Differential counts made on Ciemsa-stained and peroxidase-stained autoradiograms were compared. In T. spiralis-infected rats with an elevated eosinophil count, as judged by Giemsa staining, the percentage of granulocytes that stained more intensely with peroxidase was increased. The results suggested that the eosinophils were the intensely peroxidase-positive cells. Blood smears were stained for peroxidase before being coated with NTB2 liquid emulsion. Although the blue color of the peroxidase reaction faded during photographic development, the color redeveloped when peroxidase-stained autoradiograms were stained once again after photographic development. It was found necessary to stain for peroxidase both before and after autoradiography. The correlation of Giemsa-stained and peroxidase-stained au...
Growth of a hydraulically pressurized fracture

Abstract A general formulation for hydraulic fracture in an elastic medium is presented. The analysis develops the governing equations, initial conditions, boundary conditions and solution process. A complete numerical analysis for the axially symmetric case is presented and an index M , which is related to solution stability, is found. For small values of M , the prevailing method of using an equivalently constant fluid pressure proves to be a very good approximation. For this case, the equations for the fluid become unnecessary to solve and the initial conditions are relatively unimportant.
Bank Balance-Sheet Management: An Alternative Multi-Objective Model

Bank balance-sheet management entails considering competing and conflicting objectives such as maximization of returns and minimization of risks associated with alternative portfolio combinations. Traditional multi-objective models simply provide the decision-maker with the entire set of non-dominated solutions; the decision-maker must then choose, unaided, the best solution based on his subjective trade-offs, experience and judgement. This paper develops an alternative multi-objective balance-sheet management model which allows the explicit incorporation of the decision-maker's trade-offs between conflicting objectives, and attempts to reduce his cognitive burden while ensuring that the solution obtained belongs to the set of non-dominated points.
Stem surface injuries of 20 species of succulent Euphorbia (Euphorbiacae) from South Africa

Cactus and succulent Euphorbia plants have green stems that are exposed to sunlight over long periods. Previous research demonstrated that barking injuries occur to stem surfaces of 20 species of cacti in the Americas. For these 20 cactus species the amounts of injuries were related to annual amounts of sunlight exposure on surfaces. Cacti with many injuries had high mortality rates. Data herein show that stem surfaces of 20 species of Euphorbia in South Africa have identical surface injuries as for cacti. Euphorbia plants at 30°S show a mean ratio of scale and bark injuries of 3.5:1 of equatorial-facing to polar-facing surfaces, a ratio is similar to the 4:1 of annual sunlight exposure ratio at that latitude. Results show that Euphorbia stems have injuries on younger tissues than cactus species. Thus, Euphorbia stems are more sensitive than cactus stems. Euphorbia species with most stem injuries had smooth (non-undulate) surfaces, a one-celled epidermal cell layer only, cortex cells that abutted the epidermis, and initial injuries that involved only epidermal cells. This is the first report of identical stem surface injuries to Euphorbia species that are identical to surface injuries to cactus species worldwide. Moreover, the amounts on stem injuries on Euphorbia and long-lived, columnar cactus species are highly correlated with relative amounts of sunlight on stem surfaces over the annual cycle. These results suggest that these species are good bio-indicators of annual sunlight exposure.
Nonlinear Control of a Magnetic Levitation System Using Single Multiplicative Neuron Models

The paper presents an approach to nonlinear control of a magnetic levitation system using artificial neural networks (ANN). A novel form of ANN, namely, single multiplicative neuron (SMN) model is proposed in place of more traditional multi-layer perceptron (MLP). SMN derives its inspiration from the single neuron computation model in neuroscience. SMN model is trained off-line, to estimate the network weights and biases, using a population based stochastic optimization technique, namely, particle swarm optimization (PSO). Both off-line training and on-line learning of SMN have been considered. The ANN based techniques have been compared with a feedback linearization approach. The development of the control algorithms is illustrated through the hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) implementation of magnetic levitation in LabVIEW environment. The controllers based on ANN performed quite well and better than the one based on feedback linearization. However, the SMN structure was much simpler than the MLP for similar performance. The simple structure and faster computation of SMN have the potential to make it a preferred candidate for implementation of real-life complex magnetic levitation systems.Copyright © 2013 by ASME
Pathway analysis with signaling hypergraphs

Signaling pathways play an important role in the cell's response to its environment. Signaling pathways are often represented as directed graphs, which are not adequate for modeling reactions such as complex assembly and dissociation, combinatorial regulation, and protein activation/inactivation. More accurate representations such as directed hypergraphs remain underutilized. In this paper, we present an extension of a directed hypergraph that we call a signaling hypergraph. We formulate a problem that asks what proteins and interactions must be involved in order to stimulate a specific response downstream of a signaling pathway. We relate this problem to computing the shortest acyclic B-hyperpath in a signaling hypergraph --- an NP-hard problem --- and present a mixed integer linear program to solve it. We demonstrate that the shortest hyperpaths computed in signaling hypergraphs are far more informative than shortest paths found in corresponding graph representations. Our results illustrate the potential of signaling hypergraphs as an improved representation of signaling pathways and motivate the development of novel hypergraph algorithms.
Design and implementation of a relational data base for automated process planning

Abstract The function of process planning in a manufacturing facility is to identify the processes and the machines required to convert a design into its final form. Majority of the process plans are still made manually. The degree of the process plan detail varies with the shop environment. A feature-based process planning system which interacts with the SDRC I-DEAS solid modeling software is presented. The system operates under the UNIX environment. A relational database model which incorporates manufacturing details including the operation selection, machine selection, tool selection, fixture selection, etc. was developed and implemented. This relational database was structured using Microsoft SQL SERVER for the PC multi-user environment. This database is part of an ongoing research project on automated process planning and scheduling and primarily focuses on prismatic parts. The developed routines generate the Overall Removable Volume (ORV) graphically by comparing the desirable design to the blank work piece. The routines then decompose the ORV into various General Manufacturing Features (GMF) based on concave edges. The recognition routine captures geometrical and topological information and identifies the shape of each GMF. An expert system (using CLIPS expert system shell) analyzes the GMFs and determines appropriate operation(s) for the designed part. The developed expert system is capable of recommending the suitable machines, tools, fixtures, etc.
When a Usual Source of Care and Usual Provider Matter: Adult Prevention and Screening Services

OBJECTIVE To examine whether the usual source of preventive care, (having a usual place for care only or the combination of a usual place and provider compared with no usual source of preventive care) is associated with adults receiving recommended screening and prevention services.
Cloning and characterization of the promoters of the maxiK channel α and β subunits

Large conductance, calcium-activated potassium (maxiK) channels are expressed in nerve, muscle, and other cell types and are important determinants of smooth muscle tone. To determine the mechanisms involved in the transcriptional regulation of maxiK channels, we characterized the promoter regions of the pore forming (alpha) and regulatory (beta) subunits of the human channel complex. Maximum promoter activity (up to 12.3-fold over control) occurred between nucleotides -567 and -220 for the alpha subunit (hSlo) gene. The minimal promoter is GC-rich with 5 Sp-1 binding sites and several TCC repeats. Other transcription factor-binding motifs, including c/EBP, NF-kB, PU.1, PEA-3, Myo-D, and E2A, were observed in the 5'-flanking sequence. Additionally, a CCTCCC sequence, which increases the transcriptional activity of the SM1/2 gene in smooth muscle, is located 27 bp upstream of the TATA-like sequence, a location identical to that found in the SM1/2 5'-flanking region. However, the promoter directed equivalent expression when transfected into smooth muscle and other cell types. Analysis of the hSlo beta subunit 5'-flanking region revealed a TATA box at position -77 and maximum promoter activity (up to 11.0-fold) in a 200 bp region upstream from the cap site. Binding sites for GATA-1, Myo-D, c-myb, Ets-1/Elk-1, Ap-1, and Ik-2 were identified within this sequence. Two CCTCCC elements are present in the hSlo beta subunit promoter, but tissue-specific transcriptional activity was not observed. The lack of tissue-specific promoter activity, particularly the finding of promoter activity in cells from tissues in which the maxiK gene is not expressed, suggests a complex channel regulatory mechanism for hSlo genes. Moreover, the lack of similarity of the promoters of the two genes suggests that regulation of coordinate expression of the subunits does not occur through equivalent cis-acting sequences.
Global proteomic analysis of the chromate response in Arthrobacter sp. strain FB24.

A global proteomic evaluation of the response of Arthrobacter sp. strain FB24 to 5 and 20 mM Cr(VI) was conducted using both two-dimensional gel electrophoresis (2-DGE) and liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry (LC/LC-MS/MS). The changes in protein expression found with 2-DGE indicate alterations in central metabolism and amino acid synthesis. Proteome coverage increased from 22% with 2-DGE to 71% with LC/LC-MS/MS. The proteins exhibiting the highest levels of expression under Cr(VI) stress suggest intracellular sulfur limitation, which could be driven by competition for the sulfate (SO42−) transporter by the chromate (CrO42−) ion. These results are consistent with the growth defects seen with strain FB24 when Cr(VI) concentrations exceeded 5 mM.
A nonconforming spectral element ocean model

A nonconforming spectral element ocean model, which allows a combination of higher- and lower-order elements in a single formulation, is presented. The choice between the order of interpolating polynomials and the number of elements can be adjusted locally in a subregion of a domain, based on the geometric and dynamic properties of a solution. High-order elements are applied in regions with smooth properties and achieve high-order convergence rates. In the regions where smoothness of the solution is limited and/or geometric requirements are complex, low-order elements are used. This paper presents a nonconforming spectral element method based on mortar elements. Convergence of the method is analyzed using several elliptic and hyperbolic test problems in two and three dimensions. To test the method, a study of wave propagation through a nonconforming interface for two problems in a realistic geometry is also presented.
Dynamic Tray Model To Predict Start-Up Transients in Concentrated Absorbers

In the presence of a sink, a gas stream with high solute concentration can undergo large decreases in pressure and flow rate because of the transfer of solute. This behavior has been observed during the loading of concentrated gas adsorbers. In this paper we introduce a dynamic tray model capable of predicting gas-phase transients during the start-up of concentrated absorbers. The model accounts for gas holdup and pressure, solvent evaporation, weeping, entrainment, and downcomer holdup. The main assumptions in the model are equilibrium trays, well-mixed gas and liquid phases, and ideal gas behavior. Simulation results for the absorption of concentrated HCl gas in water and concentrated NH 3 gas in water are discussed. Predictions with the model reveal severe flow and pressure transients capable of inducing excessive weeping. An alternate start-up procedure to reduce transient weeping is discussed.
Continuous robust controller guaranteeing ESL for second-order dynamical systems

Abstract The stabilization problem of general second-order single-input dynamical systems is discussed. This class of linear or non-linear dynamical systems contains some uncertainties. A new robust discontinuous controller is proposed to guarantee asymptotic stability of general dynamical systems with bounded uncertainties. Then, to guarantee the continuity of the control, a quasi-saturation function is introduced into the control law and guaranteed eventual stability-in-the-large (ESL) of the dynamical systems is proved. Some examples and simulations are given to illustrate the effectiveness of the robust continuous controller. The control signals are indeed continuous and smooth while maintaining the desired performance of the system.
Effect of Ro 4-1284 on audiogenic seizure susceptibility and intensity in epilepsy-prone rats.

Abstract The effects of CNS monoamine depletion on audiogenic seizure (AGS) susceptibility and intensity were studied in two types of Sprague-Dawley derived rats: (1) the progeny of a nonsusceptible strain (controls); and (2) the nonsusceptible progeny of epilepsy-prone (audiogenic seizure susceptible) parents (NSPSP). Forty-five minutes after injection of the benzoquinolizine Ro 4-1284, a significant fraction of the NSPSP developed AGS susceptibility, whereas the incidence in controls was not significant. AGS intensity was also significantly elevated 45 minutes and 19 days following Ro 4-1284 in NSPSP. In controls, there was a smaller, but significant, elevation of seizure intensity only at the earlier time period. Both types of rats exhibited a marked depletion of norepinephrine (NE) and 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) in all of the six different areas of the CNS which were examined. In the NSPSP, a significant incidence of seizure susceptibility was retained as long as 19 days after Ro 4-1284 administration, despite the complete repletion of monoamine stores. These observations suggest that CNS monoaminergic neurons function as determinants of AGS susceptibility and intensity in animals which also carry some other genetically determined susceptibility factor(s). A deficiency in monoaminergic transmission is insufficient to cause susceptibility in animals not carrying the other trait(s). Also, although a monoaminergic deficit may initially cause the appearance of susceptibility, the presence of the deficit may not be necessary for the continuation of susceptibility once an animal has actually sustained an AGS in the presence of the monoaminergic deficit.
Nonselective access of English phonology in bi-scriptal Chinese–Korean visual word recognition

This study investigated the phonological processes with bilingual readers of Korean and Chinese. Three types of same-different matching between the prime and target were compared. The critical point was on whether the phonological information of English was activated automatically in a semantic judgment task involving only Korean and Chinese. The results showed that the latency of the conditions (S+P-, S-P- and S-P+) was significantly different; latencies in the S-P+ condition where there is no semantic but with phonological relations were slower than in the S-P- condition where there are neither semantic nor phonological relations. The implication for phonological recoding was discussed.
The Language of Class and Classroom

† Social Stratification and Classroom Discourse: A Sociolinguistic Analysis of Classroom Practice. By Emilia Ribeiro Pedro, LiberLaromedel Lund, Stockholm (1981). [Stockholm Institute of Education, Studies in Education and Psychology 10/Studies in Curriculum Theory and Cultural Reproduction 6.] Pp. 350. Soft cover.
High rate membrane-less microbial electrolysis cell for continuous hydrogen production

Abstract This study demonstrates hydrogen production in a membrane-less continuous flow microbial electrolysis cell (MEC) with a gas-phase cathode. The MEC used a carbon felt anode and a gas diffusion cathode with a Pt loading of 0.5 mg cm−2. No proton exchange membrane (PEM) was used in the setup. Instead, the electrodes were separated by a J-cloth. The absence of a PEM as well as a short distance maintained between the electrodes (0.3 mm) resulted in a low internal resistance of 19 Ω. Due to an improved design, the volumetric hydrogen production rate reached 6.3 LSTP L A − 1 d−1. In spite of the PEM absence, methane concentration in the gas collection chamber was below 2.1% and the presence of hydrogen in the anodic chamber was never observed.
The quest for absolute values

Abstract Absolute values reflect the search for an identity of principles at work in man and his world. The unfolding of order in the human world permits a systematic ordering of absolute values as manifestations of three processes of integration—grounding, socialisation and individuation. Value dynamics thus becomes an integral aspect of the evolution of human consciousness and the human world : it forms the core of an internal (non-Darwinian) learning process of mankind as a whole and makes history a self-balancing order of process.
Cytologic diagnosis of ovarian tumors: factors influencing accuracy in previously undiagnosed cases.

Abstract OBJECTIVES: Cytologic diagnosis of ovarian masses by needle aspiration techniques remains controversial. This reviw proposes to define the accuracy of the technique, report complications, and relate clinical situations in which the technique was used. STUDY DESIGN: In a retrospective review all patients undergoing cytologic aspiration biopsy diagnosis of ovarian masses at the University of Virginia Health Sciences Center from 1986 through 1993 were identified, and 74 women with corresponding histologic material were used. Clinical data were abstracted and all cytologic and pathologic material was reviewed. RESULTS: The overall sensitivity of the 74 aspiration biopsies to predict the histologic diagnosis of malignancy was 78%; specificity was 92%. Two patients had complications, one necessitating operative intervention. Correct diagnoses were influenced by menopausal status, patient age, sample type, aspiration method, and cytologic quality. CONCLUSIONS: The cytologic diagnoses of ovarian tumors, while quite specific, lack the sensitivity for general application. Use of this diagnostic technique must remain individualized, and the factors that influence the accuracy of the technique must be kept in mind. There remains the need for standardization of reporting fine needle aspiration results.
Screening for upper gastrointestinal tract malignancies

The screening for malignancies involving the upper gastrointestinal (GI) tract has taken on new importance as the incidence of cancers such as adenocarcinoma of the esophagus has risen. The availability of new screening technology and molecular biological techniques has dramatically improved our ability to detect early lesions. We have also developed a detailed understanding of the natural history of many upper GI malignancies. This new knowledge has led to significant improvement in population-based screening programs. In this review we will detail the evidence supporting our current screening methods and provide a concise overview of current screening recommendations for select upper GI malignancies.
The challenge of large vascular malformations

Vascular malformations are of the low- or high-flow variety, the latter variety also having shunting characteristics. In this manuscript, significant and challenging conditions will be presented. The high-flow lesions can cause excessive growth in the local area, and severe bleeding is always a possibility, either spontaneous or during surgery. Clinical examination, angiography, and Doppler studies confirm the diagnosis. In treatment of the above-mentioned high-flow lesions, embolization is temporary and should be employed mainly as an aid prior to surgery. Nonpermanent material is used. At the time of resection, an inflow vessel is preserved for later embolization should there be a recurrence. Otherwise, treatment may be extremely hazardous with significant blood loss. Resection is performed post-embolization in order to reduce bleeding. Free tissue transfer is frequently needed post-resection. These procedures will often involve cooperation with neurosurgery, vascular surgery, maxillofacial surgery, or ENT surgery. Very occasionally, cardiac arrest and bypass may be necessary, but only after considerable assessment. This can result in severe blood loss in the warming phase. Sotradecol injections have been used during surgery to prevent bleeding in a sclerose-as-you-go technique. Free tissue transfer may produce a new vascular environment, and it is our impression that there is less recurrence after the use of this technique. When there is severe, almost uncontrollable bleeding, large sutures are used to compartmentalize the area and reduce the blood flow followed by injection of sclerosants. This can make resection feasible. Lymphovenous and venous malformations present their own problems. Intralesional therapy is the treatment of choice for these low-flow lesions. If this is unsuccessful, they can be resected but hemostasis can be difficult. All the therapeutic tricks may have to be used: compartmentalization, Sotradecol, and then resection. Again, there is always concern about recurrence.
Control Strategy Optimization for Attainment and Exposure Mitigation: Case Study for Ozone in Macon, Georgia

Implementation of more stringent 8-hour ozone standards has led the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to designate nonattainment status to 474 counties nationwide, many of which had never previously violated air quality standards. As states select emission control measures to achieve attainment in these regions, their choices pose significant implications to local economies and the health of their citizens. Considering a case study of one such nonattainment region, Macon, Georgia, we develop a menu of potential controls that could be implemented locally or in neighboring parts of the state. The control menu offers the potential to control about 20–35% of ozone precursor emissions in most Georgia regions, but marginal costs increase rapidly beyond 15–20%. We link high-order ozone sensitivities with the control menu to identify cost-optimized strategies for achieving attainment and for alternative goals such as reducing spatially averaged or population-weighted ozone concentrations. Strategies targeted toward attainment of Macon ozone would prioritize local reductions of nitrogen oxides, whereas controls in the more densely populated Atlanta region are shown to be more effective for reducing statewide potential population exposure to ozone. A U.S. EPA-sanctioned approach for demonstrating ozone attainment with photochemical models is shown to be highly dependent on the choice of a baseline period and may not foster optimal strategies for assuring attainment and protecting human health.
Alkene hydrosilation by a cationic hydrogen-substituted iridium silylene complex.

A cationic hydrogen-substituted iridium silylene complex [(PNP)(H)Ir═Si(Mes)H][B(C6F5)4] (2) was synthesized via hydride abstraction from the corresponding neutral iridium silyl hydride complex. DFT calculations for 2 indicate that the cationic charge is localized at the silicon center and depict a LUMO with predominant silicon p-orbital character. Notably, complex 2 reacts rapidly with unhindered alkenes at ambient temperatures to afford disubstituted silylene complexes via Si−C bond formation. Complex 2 is also the catalyst for alkene hydrosilation of primary silanes with a high degree of anti-Markovnikov selectivity.
Fasting activates neuropeptide Y neurons in the arcuate nucleus and the paraventricular nucleus in the rhesus macaque

It is well accepted that neuropeptide Y (NPY) plays a pivotal role in the regulation of food intake and energy homeostasis in the rodent, with NPY neurons in the arcuate nucleus (ARH) being thought of as the major contributor to the complex central feeding circuitry. Recent data from our group also indicate that NPY is important in the regulation of energy homeostasis in the nonhuman primate (NHP); exogenous NPY administration into the 3rd ventricle is a potent stimulator of food intake in the male rhesus macaque. The purpose of this study was to determine if NPY neurons in the rhesus macaque respond to a metabolic challenge, induced by 48 h of fasting, in a manner similar to that seen in the rodent. NPY mRNA was detected in hypothalamic sections from 48-h fasted or fed rhesus monkeys by in situ hybridization, using a [35S]UTP-labeled riboprobe specific for human NPY. Not surprisingly, NPY mRNA was abundant in the ARH of the NHP; however, of great interest was the expression of NPY mRNA in neurons within the paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus (PVH) and the supraoptic nucleus (SON). This raised the question as to whether all of these populations of NPY neurons are sensitive to changes in energy availability. Indeed, NPY expression in the ARH and PVH was significantly elevated in response to fasting; however, no significant change was detected in the SON. These data indicate that the NPY neurocircuitry involved in the regulation of food intake is more complex in the NHP than in rodents.
Influences of herbivory and canopy opening size on forest regeneration in a southern bottomland hardwood forest

Abstract We examined the effects of white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) browsing and canopy opening size on relative abundance and diversity of woody and herbaceous regeneration in various sized forest openings in a southern bottomland hardwood forest over three growing seasons (1995–1997). We created 36 canopy openings (gaps), ranging from 7 to 40 m in radius, by group selection timber harvest in December 1994. Fenced exclosures were constructed in the center of each gap and vegetation was sampled monthly from April to September. Plant species richness, diversity, evenness, relative abundance, and a browsing index were calculated for each gap size and for each exclosure type. Herbaceous richness, diversity, or evenness did not differ among exclosure types in any year of the study. Browsing index was higher in the controls in 1996 and 1997. Browsing index for woody species was highest in the controls in 1995 and 1997. Relative abundance of herbaceous species was highest in the 29 m gap size in 1997. Richness and diversity of woody species were lowest in the 29 m gap size in 1995 and 1996. Overall browsing rates on both woody and herbaceous vegetation were low throughout all the 3 years of the study. Low browsing rates reflect seasonal changes in habitat use by deer. Because of the low rates of browsing, vegetative differences among exclosure treatments and gap sizes likely are not attributable to deer herbivory. Other factors, such as soil disturbance, may have influenced the initial vegetative response more than herbivory or gap size.
An in vitro analysis of ligament reconstruction or extension osteotomy on trapeziometacarpal joint stability and contact area.

Purpose Painful instability of the minimally osteoarthritic thumb carpometacarpal (CMC) joint can be treated successfully by either ligament reconstruction or metacarpal extension osteotomy. The purpose of this study was to measure the laxity of cadaveric thumb CMC joints and to determine the influence of ligament reconstruction and metacarpal osteotomy on joint laxity and contact area. Methods The baseline laxity of CMC joints from 25 fresh-frozen human cadaveric specimens (average age, 42 y; range, 18–55 y) was measured in the position of lateral pinch on a custom-designed CMC joint laxity tester. Joint laxity was measured again after 2 surgical simulations consisting of either a metacarpal extension osteotomy (at 10° and 15°) or a simulated Eaton-Littler ligament reconstruction (including total, volar, and dorsal ligament reconstructions relative to the plane of the thumbnail). Contact area between the thumb metacarpal and trapezium during testing was determined using stereophotogrammetry. Results The 15° extension osteotomy significantly reduced CMC joint laxity in the radial-ulnar, dorsal-volar, pronation-supination, and distraction directions in the position of lateral pinch. The 10° osteotomy reduced laxity only in the dorsal-volar direction. The total ligament reconstruction significantly reduced joint laxity in the radial-ulnar, dorsal-volar, and pronation-supination directions. The dorsal ligament reconstruction reduced laxity in the dorsal-volar direction only; the volar ligament reconstruction reduced laxity in both dorsovolar and radioulnar directions. The 10° and 15° osteotomies produced a dorsal shift of the weighted centroid of contact on the metacarpal and trapezium, whereas the ligament reconstruction did not produce such an effect. Conclusions In the position of lateral pinch the 15° osteotomy and total ligament reconstruction significantly reduced laxity of the thumb CMC joint in all directions tested. The isolated dorsal or volar ligament reconstructions both reduced dorsal-volar laxity. Metacarpal extension osteotomy may stabilize the thumb CMC joint in lateral pinch to a degree similar to that of a standard ligament reconstruction.
Para‐aminobenzoate synthase gene of Saccharomyces cerevisiae encodes a bifunctional enzyme

The Saccharomyces cerevisiae gene for para-aminobenzoate (PABA) synthase has been identified based upon its ability to confer sulfonamide resistance when present on a multicopy episomal vector. The 3840 bp DNA sequence fragment reported here contains a 2199 bp open reading frame encoding a 733 amino acid protein with similarity to the two components of PABA synthase described for prokaryotes (Escherichia coli PabA and PabB), suggesting that PABA synthase is bifunctional in yeast. The cloned sequence was confirmed to be PABA synthase by gene disruption. Chromosome gel analysis places the gene for PABA synthase on chromosome XIV.
Association between a functional single nucleotide polymorphism in the MDM2 gene and sporadic endometrial cancer risk

Abstract Objectives. MDM2 is an important negative regulator of the p53 tumor suppressor protein. A naturally occurring T/G single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in the MDM2 gene promoter, SNP309, causes an increase in MDM2 protein levels and impairment of p53 tumor suppressor activity. SNP309 occurs at a relatively high frequency in the general population and has been associated with accelerated tumorigenesis in hereditary Li-Fraumeni associated cancers as well as in sporadic soft tissue sarcomas. The objective of this study was to examine the association between SNP309 and sporadic endometrial cancer risk. Methods. Genomic DNA was isolated from 73 patients with endometrial cancer and 79 healthy, female controls. The MDM2 gene promoter region was amplified by PCR and the SNP309 genotype determined by restriction enzyme digestion of the amplified DNA fragment. Unconditional logistic regression analysis was used to determine the relationship between genotypes and endometrial cancer risk and histopathologic features. Results. The homozygous G/G genotype was found in 25% of endometrial cancer cases and 11% of controls. In an age-adjusted analysis of cases and controls, the G/G genotype increased the risk of endometrial cancer 2.76-fold (95% CI: 1.06, 7.20; p =0.03) compared to presence of a wild-type T allele (T/G and T/T genotypes). No association was found between the SNP309 G/G genotype and either endometrial cancer histology, grade, stage, or age at diagnosis. Conclusions. The MDM2 SNP309 homozygous G/G genotype may be a genetic variant that influences sporadic endometrial cancer susceptibility.
Paramagnetic relaxation enhancement of membrane proteins by incorporation of the metal-chelating unnatural amino acid 2-amino-3-(8-hydroxyquinolin-3-yl)propanoic acid (HQA)

The use of paramagnetic constraints in protein NMR is an active area of research because of the benefits of long-range distance measurements (>10 A). One of the main issues in successful execution is the incorporation of a paramagnetic metal ion into diamagnetic proteins. The most common metal ion tags are relatively long aliphatic chains attached to the side chain of a selected cysteine residue with a chelating group at the end where it can undergo substantial internal motions, decreasing the accuracy of the method. An attractive alternative approach is to incorporate an unnatural amino acid that binds metal ions at a specific site on the protein using the methods of molecular biology. Here we describe the successful incorporation of the unnatural amino acid 2-amino-3-(8-hydroxyquinolin-3-yl)propanoic acid (HQA) into two different membrane proteins by heterologous expression in E. coli. Fluorescence and NMR experiments demonstrate complete replacement of the natural amino acid with HQA and stable metal chelation by the mutated proteins. Evidence of site-specific intra- and inter-molecular PREs by NMR in micelle solutions sets the stage for the use of HQA incorporation in solid-state NMR structure determinations of membrane proteins in phospholipid bilayers.
MOLECULAR CLONING AND CHARACTERIZATION OF AN AQUAPORIN CDNA FROM SALIVARY,LACRIMAL, AND RESPIRATORY TISSUES

The Aquaporin family of water channels plays a fundamental role in transmembrane water movements in numerous plant and animal tissues. Since the molecular pathway by which water is secreted by salivary glands is unknown, a cDNA was isolated from rat submandibular gland by homology cloning. Similar to other Aquaporins, the salivary cDNA encodes a 265-residue polypeptide with six putative transmembrane domains separated by five connecting loops (A-E); the NH2- and COOH-terminal halves of the polypeptide are sequence-related, and each contains the motif Asn-Pro-Ala. A mercurial-inhibition site is present in extracellular loop E, and cytoplasmic loop D contains a cAMP-protein kinase phosphorylation consensus. In vitro translation yielded a 27-kDa polypeptide, and expression of the cRNA in Xenopus oocytes conferred a 20-fold increase in osmotic water permeability (Pf) which was reversibly inhibited by 1 mM HgCl2. Northern analysis demonstrated a 1.6-kilobase mRNA in submandibular, parotid, and sublingual salivary glands, lacrimal gland, eye, trachea, and lung. In situ hybridization revealed a strong hybridization over the corneal epithelium in eye and over the secretory lobules in salivary glands. These studies have identified a new mammalian member of the Aquaporin water channel family (gene symbol AQP5) which is implicated in the generation of saliva, tears, and pulmonary secretions.
Primary anti-trinitrophenyl memory cells investigated by plaque-forming cells and ELISA.

Abstract Primary anti-trinitrophenyl antibody production was investigated from spleen cells of mice immunized with trinitrophenylated-keyhole limpet hemocyanin, using the plaque-forming cell method and ELISA. Cells taken 5 days after antigen injection do not produce IgE, but do produce IgM and IgG1 anti-trinitrophenyl antibodies as demonstrated by plaque-forming cells. Substantial increase of IgM, IgG1, and IgE antibody production was seen from cells taken 7 days after immunization, followed by a rapid decline. By ELISA it was seen that cells taken 3 days after immunization already produce small amounts of anti-trinitrophenyl antibodies. Presence of antigen from the start of the cultures did not increase antibody production from cells taken 3 days after immunization, but potentiated antibody secretions from cells taken 5 days or later after immunization. This potentiation was interpreted as recruitment of antibody-forming cells from early memory B cells. The presence of IL-4 from the start of the cultures had no appreciable effect. Cell sorting with specific antibody-coated magnetic beads showed that plaque-forming cells from nonsorted cells, membrane IgE + or membrane IgE − cells secreted similar amounts of anti-trinitrophenyl IgG1 and IgE antibodies. No difference in anti-trinitrophenyl IgM, IgG1, or IgE production was found in controls; cells sorted negatively or positively for CD23. The data show that memory B cells can be demonstrated already on Day 5 after immunization, and their antigen-induced antibody secretion is IL-4 dependent.