cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Asymmetric hypsarrhythmia and infantile spasms in West syndrome

The video encephalograms (EEGs) of 77 consecutive infantile spasms patients were evaluated for the presence of focal or asymmetric hypsarrhythmia and infantile spasms, to determine whether these findings were useful in predicting the presence of focal structural brain disease and were of any additional diagnostic or prognostic significance. Of the 77 patients with infantile spasms, 38% had focal or lateralized features present on video-EEG studies. Unilateral hypsarrhythmia and asymmetric ictal EEG changes during infantile spasms often occurred together: each always indicated the side of a focal or asymmetric structural cerebral lesion that was visible on computed tomographic or magnetic resonance imaging brain scan and was usually large. Clinically asymmetric infantile spasms were less common, always occurred in the presence of asymmetric ictal EEG changes, and did not appear to have additional localizing value. Lateralized hypsarrhythmia, with or without asymmetric infantile spasms, occurred in the presence of bilateral structural lesions that were more abnormal in the area of the greater EEG abnormality. Partial seizures also indicated symptomatic etiologies but were less localizing to visible focal lesions. Patients with symmetric hypsarrhythmia and infantile spasms rarely had focal/lateralized lesions visible on imaging studies. Although the majority of the symmetric group had structural brain disease, these brain lesions were diffuse, not lateralized. This group also included all patients who had cryptogenic etiology and normal development.
Antiferromagnetism in Pressure-Amorphized Fe2SiO4.

Amorphous Fe(2)SiO(4) synthesized at elevated pressures exhibits a Neel transition at a temperature identical to that observed in the crystalline form, T(N) = 65 (+/-2) kelvin at zero pressure. This behavior contrasts sharply with observations on other disordered systems, such as spin glasses, which characteristically exhibit strong "frustration" of the spins and consequent marked suppression of the Neel transition.
The program review team approach and multisite experiments: The spouse assault replication program

Coordination and oversight of multisite experiments for evaluation of criminal and civil justice projects can be improved through a Program Review Team approach.
A specific micromethod for determination of acetyl residues in proteins.

Abstract A sensitive, specific, and economical method for the detection and determination of acetyl groups in proteins and other biochemical substances is described. It is based on the utilization of acetate kinase, pyruvate kinase and lactate dehydrogenase. An amount of acetate as low as 0.02 μmole/ml can be detected and determinated quantitatively. The application of this method to rabbit muscle phosphofructokinase revealed that this enzyme contained one acetyl group per 62,000g. The latter figure is probably the molecular weight of the subunit of phosphofructokinase. The possible significance of this structural characteristic is discussed.
An appraisal of the double indicator-dilution method for the estimation of mitral regurgitation in human subjects.

The amount of mitral regurgitation was estimated in 50 patients by an indicator-dilution technic and by the usual clinical, catheterization, operative, and autopsy criteria. There was a good correlation between the two estimates. Patients with significant mitral regurgitation (grade 2 or grade 3) had, with one exception, QR/QF ratios above 0.41. There were at least two instances where the calculated QR/QF was almost certainly falsely high. It seems likely that these discrepancies are related to the presence of an unusually large volume between the pulmonary artery and the femoral artery.
Analysis of symmetric domains in advanced applications with the boundary element method

The strategy in the boundary element method for the analysis of symmetric domains that does not require the modelling of contours corresponding to the axes of symmetry is investigated for a number of advanced applications. These applications include : treatment of domain loadings, two-dimensional time domain transient elastodynamics, and the analysis of probabilistic problems in elastostatics with a random geometric configuration. Both symmetric as well as arbitrary loadings acting on the symmetric objects are considered. A number of case studies are presented to provide comparisons of computer memory and CPU time requirements for the analyses of the entire object versus the analyses of only the symmetric portion of the object. The numerical data presented clearly demonstrates the advantages of developing efficient symmetric formulations for advanced applications.
Correlation between urine and cervical specimens for the detection of cervical Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae using ligase chain reaction in a cohort of HIV infected and uninfected adolescents.

Abstract Purpose: (a) To examine the concordance between ligase chain reaction (LCR) results from urine and cervical samples for Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae in HIV infected and uninfected adolescent women, and (b) to examine factors that may influence the concordance of LCR results in this population. Methods: Baseline specimens from 269 of 334 female subjects enrolled in a longitudinal study of HIV infection in adolescents were analyzed for C. trachomatis and N. gonorrhoeae using ligase chain reaction (LCR) assays in a central laboratory. Concordance was measured using kappa coefficient with permutation analyses to calculate the difference between HIV status groups. Discordant LCR results were examined for the co-infection with the other microorganism, bacterial vaginosis, or Trichomonas vaginalis . Results: The prevalence of C. trachomatis detected by LCR in the HIV infected and uninfected groups was 19.3% and 12.2%, respectively ( p = .16); the prevalence of N. gonorrhoeae was 7.0% and 2.4%, respectively ( p = .16). Urine LCR assay sensitivity to detect cervical C. trachomatis infection was 86% (95% CI: 68%–96%) in the HIV infected group and 100% (95% CI: 69%–100%) in the HIV uninfected group. Urine LCR assay sensitivity to detect cervical N. gonorrhoeae infection was 92% (95% CI: 62%–100%) in the HIV infected group. There were only 2 N. gonorrhoeae infections in the HIV uninfected group, and both were urine LCR positive. Differences in sensitivity between HIV infected and HIV uninfected subjects were not statistically significant. Coinfection with N. gonorrhoeae , bacterial vaginosis or Trichomonas vaginalis was not associated with the concordance of urine and cervical LCR results. Conclusion: The relatively high sensitivity of urine LCR testing overall suggests that urine screening may be reasonable for sexually active adolescent females with or without HIV infection in situations in which urine screening may be more acceptable than pelvic examinations.
Angiotensin-estrogen central interaction: localization and mechanism.

Abstract Intracerebroventricular (ICVT) administration of estradiol benzoate (EB) to ovariectomized female rats decreased drinking and pressor responses to central injections of angiotensinn II (AII). Estrogen treatment does not have this effect in male rats. As EB given ICVT reaches many brain areas, the site of action of EB was localized using crystalline implants of EB in the medial preoptic area or the ventromedial nucleus of the hypothalamus. These areas were chosen as they have a high density of estrogen receptors. Only medial preoptic area application of estrogen decreased angiotensin II-induced drinking. Angiotensin receptor binding was examined in homogenates from different brain regions to determine if the mechanism through which estrogen decreases central responses to AII involves altered receptor function. Systemic EB did not affect AII receptor binding in several brain regions but binding was decreased in homogenates from the preoptic area and septum-thalamus blocks which encompassed structures (median preoptic nucleus, organum vasculosum, and subfornical organ) implicated in central actions of AII. The sex specificity of the effect of estrogen was dependent on sexual differentiation of the brain. Manipulation of the neonatal hormone environment, which alters this brain differentiation, also altered the characteristic responses of the two sexes to estrogen. Neonatal androgenization of females, which causes masculinization and defeminization, resulted in animals which as adults no longer responded to EB with decreased drinking. On the other hand, preventing the development of a male brain by neonatal castration produced animals which as adults tended to decrease their drinking following estrogen. In summary, this study found that EB acts in the preoptic area to depress AII-induced responses by a site specific modulation of central AII receptors. Alteration of early brain development changed the responses of the two sexes to estrogen, perhaps by altering sexual differentiation of the preoptic area.
Beta-2-microglobulin expression correlates with high-grade prostate cancer and specific defects in androgen signaling.

BACKGROUND Previously, we identified Beta-2-microglobulin (β2M) as an androgen-regulated secreted protein elevated in the serum of prostate cancer patients. In this study, we explore an interaction between β2M expression, prostate cancer tissue, and the androgen signaling axis. METHODS β2M expression in relation to clinical and pathologic variables was examined in a tissue microarray representing specimens obtained at the time of radical prostatectomy. Viral vectors were designed to down-regulate β2M expression, and the effects on androgen-dependent growth, transcriptional regulation, and androgen receptor recruitment was investigated in human prostate cancer cell lines. RESULTS Variation in β2M expression in human prostate cancer is associated with characteristics of clinically aggressive disease such as high tumor grade. Knockdown of β2M expression in human prostate cancer cells resulted in selective defects in androgen-dependent events including growth, gene regulation, and chromatin assembly. CONCLUSIONS β2M expression may provide prognostic information in patients treated with surgery for prostate cancer. Targeting β2M expression or activity may represent a new and important mechanism to manipulate the androgen signaling axis in patients with prostate cancer. Prostate 70: 1201–1210, 2010. © 2010 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Communicating in times of uncertainty: the need for trust.

(2003). Communicating in Times of Uncertainty: The Need for Trust. Journal of Health Communication: Vol. 8, No. sup1, pp. 13-14.
The ultrastructural morphology of the muscle fiber in myotonic dystrophy

Biopsies from three patients with different clinical and pathological stages of myotonic dystrophy were studied by phase and electron microscopy. Large sarcoplasmic masses and spiral annulets were prominent in Cases 1 and 2 while in Case 3, featured clinically by atrophic weakness, they were infrequent. In the latter the residual fibers were either large and dystrophic or small and atrophic.
Shared Sectoral Growth Versus the Dual Economy Model: Evidence from Côte d'Ivoire, Ghana, and Zimbabwe

: Though recently challenged, the dual economy view has affected development economics and development policy, either explicitly or implicitly, for more than half a century. According to this view, agriculture merely serves to build the industrial sector — in particular, agriculture has no role as an engine of growth in the long term. Examining agriculture, industry and service sector growth in Cote d'Ivoire, Ghana, and Zimbabwe over more than three decades, we find little empirical support for this view. On the contrary, our analyses find a large degree of interdependence in long-run sectoral growth, implying that the sectors ‘grow together’ or, similarly, that there are externalities or spillovers between sectors. Policy implications are also discussed; these include directing more attention towards the interdependencies in sectoral growth broadly defined. In particular, our findings have implications for the design of education and health programs, as well. This improved understanding of inter-sectoral dynamics at all levels may facilitate policy implementation aimed at increasing economic growth — and thereby ultimately improving peoples' livelihoods — in Africa and elsewhere.
Very early alloantigen-independent trafficking of lymphocytes during ischemic acute kidney injury

Lymphocytes play an important role during ischemia–reperfusion injury (IRI). Lai et al. have demonstrated, for the first time, an increase in kidney lymphocytes 1 hour after IRI, a newly identified kidney lymphocyte reservoir, and have confirmed the pathogenic role of lymphocytes by manipulating the sphingosine-1-phosphate (SIP)–sphingosine-1-phosphate type 1 (S1P1) receptor pathway.
CW Laser Wavelength Modulation in Raman and Site Selection Fluorescence Spectroscopy

Raman and site selection fluorescence spectra are compared when these spectra have been measured with conventional fixed wavelength excitation and with modulated wavelength excitation. The samples were solutions of benzene and of chlorophyll. The modulated wavelength method records the differential spectra. Simple analysis of signal/noise ratios from these different experimental techniques show modulation methods can give improvements under particular conditions. These conditions are discussed.
Anatheism: Returning to God After God

By Richard Kearney Columbia University Press, 2010. Pp. 269pp. ISBN 978–0–2311–4788–0. £20.50/$29.50 (hbk). Richard Kearney’s work has unfolded as a series of wagers – wagers about identity, nation...
Administrative Sensitivity to Economic Needs of Employees: Some Distorting Mechanisms

Modern organization theory tells us that an administrator’s attitude toward the satisfaction of the needs of his subordinates is related to the administrator’s personal characteristics. This articl...
New Measurement of the Rydberg Constant Using Polarization Spectroscopy of H α

We have determined a new Rydberg value, ${R}_{\ensuremath{\infty}}=109737.31476(32)$ ${\mathrm{cm}}^{\ensuremath{-}1}$, from an absolute wavelength measurement of the $2{S}_{\frac{1}{2}}\ensuremath{-}3{P}_{\frac{1}{2}}$ component of the hydrogen Balmer-$\ensuremath{\alpha}$ line. Polarization spectroscopy of a mild helium-hydrogen discharge with a cw dye laser provided a threefold higher accuracy than the only previous Doppler-free measurement. Another twofold improvement can be obtained by a more precise wavelength measurement of a near-coincident $^{127}\mathrm{I}_{2}$ reference line.
Zeros of difference polynomials

Abstract Let Δ be the difference operator defined by Δf(x) = f(x + 1) − f(x). The polynomial Δmxn of degree n − m is known to have n − m collinear zeros. We study the distribution of these zeros and relate them to zeros of Hermite polynomials. Several open questions are presented.
Sphericity error evaluation: theoretical derivation and algorithm development

Several methods for the evaluation of sphericity error exist. The Minimum Radial Separation (MRS) spheres method is a method that has been studied by several researchers. In the MRS criterion, two concentric spheres at minimum radial separation must be found such that they contain all points on the actual spherical surface. The existing procedures for finding MRS spheres are either too complex and time consuming or do not provide an optimal solution to the sphericity error evaluation problem. In this paper, mathematical optimization concepts are utilized to develop a theory and an algorithm for the evaluation of sphericity error based on MRS criterion. Results indicate that the algorithm is fast and accurate in providing optimal solution to the sphericity error evaluation problem.
Coupling an Eulerian fluid calculation to a Lagrangian solid calculation with the ghost fluid method

We propose a numerical method for modeling multimaterial flows where the domain is decomposed into separate Eulerian and Lagrangian subdomains. That is, the equations are written in Eulerian form in one subdomain and in Lagrangian form in the other subdomain. This is of interest, for example, when considering the effect of underwater explosions on the hull of a ship or the impact of a low speed projectile on a soft explosive target. On the one hand, high-speed fluid flows are traditionally modeled by applying shock-capturing schemes to the compressible Euler equations to avoid problems associated with tangling of a Lagrangian mesh. On the other hand, solid dynamics calculations are traditionally carried out using Lagrangian numerical methods to avoid problems associated with numerical smearing in Eulerian calculations. We use the ghost fluid method to create accurate discretizations across the Eulerian/Lagrangian interface. The numerical method is presented in both one and two spatial dimensions; three-dimensional extensions (to the interface coupling method) are straightforward.
Urethral obstruction malformation complex: a cause of abdominal muscle deficiency and the "prune belly".

Abdominal muscle deficiency with a “prune belly” abdomen has been a major feature of the so-called prune belly syndrome, which has been regarded as a specific entity, although the etiology and developmental pathology are not understood. We present evidence that abdominal muscle deficiency is an etiologically nonspecific anatomic defect which is secondary to fetal abdominal distention of various causes. One of the more common causes is urethral obstruction with consequent early bladder distention, causing abdominal distention and other anomalies, a constellation of findings which we have termed the urethral obstruction malformation complex. This interpretation of the etiology of most cases of prune belly syndrome accounts for the male predominance, the observed variability in severity, and the lack of a defined mode of inheritance. Recurrence risk figures need to be redefined for each specific obstructing lesion of the urethra. The possibility of early prenatal diagnosis and management of fetuses with urethral obstruction needs further study.
Content Validity in Evaluation and Policy-Relevant Research.

Abstract It is argued that, in assessing attitudes about policy issues, the policy area can be conceptualized as a “domain of content,” and standards of content validity applied. The role of content validity in policy-relevant research is illustrated in a study that contrasts the findings of two surveys concerning public opinion toward gun control. Attitudes were assessed with items from the two surveys, which focused on different aspects of the policy domain of gun control. It was found that inadequate content validity threatened inferences about the overall level of support for gun control, but not inferences about opinion differences between the sexes or between respondents of varying political affiliation. Discussion focuses on the general conditions under which inadequate content validity threatens inferences from research. Finally, it is argued that attention to content validity should enhance construct validity.
A Two-Point Hook for Mitral Valve Excision

Abstract A new instrument is described that has been designed to facilitate excision of the mitral valve for prosthetic replacement.
EFFECTS OF MENSTRUAL CYCLE ON SPATIAL INFORMATION-PROCESSES

The present study examined effects of menstrual cycle (i.e., ovulatory vs menstrual phase) on performance on spatial information-processes. Participants included 20 spontaneously cycling women (with regular 28- to 30-day menstrual cycles) who were tested on a reaction-time task developed to assess specific spatial information-processes and the Spatial Relations subtest of the PMA battery. For the spatial information-processing task, women responded faster and applied relatively less stringent criteria in the decision process during the ovulatory phase. No effects of cycle changes were found for accuracy of performance on either of the spatial tasks. It is suggested that studies examining effects of menstrual cycle on spatial ability consider an information-processing approach in measuring spatial performance and an application of signal-detection theory to separate components (strategy vs aptitude) of problem solving.
Wireless Capsule Endoscopy Indication as a Predictor of Study Quality

Purpose The aim of the study was to assess whether specific indications are associated with poor visualization during wireless capsule endoscopy (WCE) studies . Four hundred consecutive WCE studies performed at our institute were analyzed retrospectively. Results Data was available on cases involving 176 males and 224 females. About 23 capsules failed to exit the stomach (excluded from the study). Poor visualization was reported in 66 (17%) WCE studies. The most common indications were gastrointestinal (GI) blood loss (271 cases; 72%), abdominal pain and/or diarrhea (73 cases; 19%), and suspected inflammatory bowel disease (46 cases; 12%). Of the 271 patients suffering GI bleeding, visualization was reported to be poor in 53 (19%) patients; among those showing other indications, visualization was poor in 13 (11%) patients (P = 0.02). After controlling for secondary indications and age, GI bleeding was associated with a higher rate of poor visualization compared to all other indications (odds ratio 2.6; 95% confidence interval 1.4–6.8). Conclusions Gastrointestinal bleeding as study indication for WCE is associated with a higher rate of poor visualization.
Radiation Damage to Chromosomes

The foregoing, I think, does give some idea of the types of things that can be done and have been done in experiments on chromosome aberrations. The studies I discussed represent basic radiobiological research on chromosomes. I would like to point out, however, that the information obtained from such basic studies is being used in a practical way. For instance, in the field of cancer radiotherapy knowledge of changes in chromosome sensitivity during the cell cycle is being exploited to devise rational dose fractionation procedures for treatments. Furthermore, attempts are now being made to either oxygenate tumor cells (which are ordinarily anoxic) or to use more densely ionizing radiations. The reason for this is that either method will obviate the difference in radiosensitivity between anoxic tumor cells, which we want to kill, and oxygenated normal cells, which we want to spare. As a basic scientist, I find it particularly gratifying to see that, ever more frequently, concepts
Development of Predatory Behaviour in the Southern Grasshopper Mouse (Onychomys Torridus)

This study described the effects that maturation and experience had on the development of cricket-catching behaviour in the southern grasshopper mouse. The responses of eight groups of mice of different ages or backgrounds were compared. Mice from the field exhibited the most proficient searches, pursuits, and kills and committed fewer errors than the lab-reared mice. Of the groups of lab-reared mice, the 20-day-old mice were the least and the 70-day-old the most proficient attackers. Maturation primarily affected the mouse's first attack response. Mice younger than 23 days of age were more reluctant to attack a cricket the first time than older lab-reared mice. These maturational changes appeared related to when weaning normally occurs in grasshopper mice. Experience contributed to the development of attack proficiency in three ways: decrease in reluctance to attack, improved killing technique and recognition of a cricket as prey sooner during an encounter. Compared with hamsters, grasshopper mice exhibit a nearly complete functional attack response the first time and require much less experience from repeated trials to become proficient insect captors. The early and rapid development of a proficient attack response may be related to the grasshopper mouse's carnivorous life style.
Chromosome aberrations: persistence of alkylation damage and modulation by O6-alkylguanine-DNA alkyltransferase.

Abstract Alkylating agents produce a spectrum of DNA lesions alkylated at different sites on the molecule. These lesions differ in their propensities to cause effects such as cytotoxicity, mutations and sister-chromatid exchanges. We have used our observations that some methylating agents produce increasing levels of chromosome aberrations (abs) through successive cell cycles in Chinese hamster ovary cells, but not in normal human cells, to begin a study of which alkylated products are most likely to lead to chromosome abs, and in particular which adducts persist in DNA and cause abs after the first cell cycle. We previously observed increasing yields of abs with successive cell cycles in CHO-WBL cells treated with dimethyl nitrosamine (DMN), e.g., at 10 mM DMN, 8.8% cells with abs at first metaphase (M1) and 26.0% and third metaphase (M3) after treatment. Here we tested 4 methylating agents and their ethyl analogs in CHO cells, normal human fibroblasts (L136), and human lymphocytes. We sampled cells at several times after treating for 3 h (CHO and lymphocytes) or 4.5 h (L136). S9 metabolic activation was used for DMN and diethyl nitrosomine. BrdUrd labeling was used to identify cells in M1, M2 and M3. The methylating agents were more potent aberration (ab) inducers than ethylating agents, on a molar basis. In CHO cells, yields of abs were maintained or increased through up to 3 cell cycles after treatment with DMN, methyl methanesulfonate, methyl nitrosourea and 1-methyl-3-nitro-1-nitrosoguanidine (MNNG). With ethylating agents the ab yields in CHO cells were similar or lower in second and third cycles. In contrast, there was no evidence for persistence of lesions leading to abs in either human cell type; ab yields were markedly decreased with subsequent cell cycles for all agents. Normal human cells are proficient in repair of alkylation at the O 6 site of guanine by O 6 -alkylguanine-DNA alkyltransferase (AGT), whereas CHO cells lack AGT activity. To explore the role of repair by AGT, on the lesions involved in production of abs, we studied L136 cells, with and without O 6 -benzylguanine (BZG), a specific inhibitor of AGT. With MNNG, inhibition of AGT resulted in higher ab yield and production of abs through later cell cycles, so that human fibroblsts now behaved similarly to CHO cells. Preliminary data from the reciprocal experiment in CHO cells engineered to express high levels of AGT revealed a greatly decreased ab response to MNNG. In addition, the low ab yields observed were similar through later cycles or increased only slightly. Although multiple types of lesions and mechanisms of repair may be involved in ab production, O 6 -methylguanine is an important lesion, particularly in secondary ab production in later cycles. The differences between CHO and normal human cells in response to methylating agents may be due largely to inherent levels of AGT.
Ethical Principles and Standards That Inform Educational Gatekeeping Practices in Psychology

Educational gatekeeping functions in psychology serve to assess, remediate, and/or dismiss students and trainees with problematic professional competencies (STPPC). Recently, professional psychology graduate programs have increasingly focused on problems with professional competency, and they have begun to implement formal procedures to intervene with STPPC (Rubin et al., 2007). However, there has been considerably less literature addressing the ethics and ethical considerations of instituting these gatekeeping functions, especially in different stages of education and training in psychology. The American Psychological Association (APA; 2002) Ethical Principles of Psychologists and Code of Conduct (Ethics Code) offers faculty and supervisors ethical principles and obligatory standards that provide guidance about how to implement highly ethical gatekeeping practices. The purpose of this article is to highlight the major ethical issues and dilemmas that faculty and supervisors may face when intervening with...
Improved representations of misorientation information for grain boundary science and engineering

Abstract For every class of polycrystalline materials, the scientific study of grain boundaries as well as the increasingly widespread practice of grain boundary engineering rely heavily on visual representation for the analysis of boundary statistics and their connectivity. Traditional methods of grain boundary representation drastically simplify misorientations into discrete categories such as coincidence vs. non-coincidence boundaries, special vs. general boundaries, and low- vs. high-angle boundaries. Such rudimentary methods are used either because there has historically been no suitable mathematical structure with which to represent the relevant grain boundary information, or, where there are existing methods they are extremely unintuitive and cumbersome to use. This review summarizes recent developments that significantly advance our ability to represent a critical part of the grain boundary space: the misorientation information. Two specific topics are reviewed in detail, each of which has recently enjoyed the development of an intuitive and rigorous framework for grain boundary representation: (i) the mathematical and graphical representation of grain boundary misorientation statistics, and (ii) colorized maps or micrographs of grain boundary misorientation. At the outset, conventions for parameterization of misorientations, projections of misorientation information into lower dimensions, and sectioning schemes for the misorientation space are established. Then, the recently developed hyperspherical harmonic formulation for the description of orientation distributions is extended to represent grain boundary statistics. This allows an intuitive representation of the distribution functions using the axis–angle parameterization that is physically related to the boundary structure. Finally, recently developed coloring schemes for grain boundaries are presented and the color legends for interpreting misorientation information are provided. This allows micrographs or maps of grain boundaries to be presented in a colorized form which, at a glance, reveals all of the misorientation information in an entire grain boundary network, as well as the connectivity among different boundary misorientations. These new and improved methods of representing grain boundary misorientation information are expected to be powerful tools for grain boundary network analysis as the practice of grain boundary engineering becomes a routine component of the materials design paradigm.
Monoclonal antibody to chick embryo hyaluronan-binding protein: Changes in distribution of binding protein during early brain development☆

A monoclonal antibody, MAb IVd4, that recognizes hyaluronan-binding protein (HABP) from chick embryo brain has been produced and characterized. By immunoblotting, MAb IVd4 was shown to recognize three proteins in chick embryo brain of molecular weight 93, 90, and 69 kDa; this interaction was inhibited by addition of hyaluronan hexasaccharides. Overlay of transblots with [3H]hyaluronan showed binding to proteins of similar molecular weight. MAb IVd4 blocked binding of [3H]hyaluronan to brain HABP and to simian virus-transformed 3T3 cells, indicating a possible relationship with the 85-kDa hyaluronan receptor of these cells. The distribution of HABP during early brain development was analyzed by immunohistochemistry. Immunoreactivity was uniform in newly formed neuroectoderm but became more concentrated in the roof of the brain during the second day of embryonic development. As the neuroectoderm becomes layered, the HABP was increasingly restricted to the forming plexiform layer, an area enriched in neural cell processes. Immunoreactivity was greatly enhanced by pretreatment of tissue with hyaluronidase, presumably due to removal of hyaluronan bound to the HABP, and was abolished on treatment with hyaluronan hexasaccharide, presumably due to inhibition of HABP-antibody interaction. These results suggest that a hyaluronan receptor is involved in early cellular events in brain development.
PATTERN RECOGNITION: PORTABLE COMPUTER PROGRAMS FOR THE FOOD INDUSTRY

Some of the available libraries of pattern recognition programs are tabulated. These include programs ARTHUR (University of Washington), RECOG (Lawrence Livermore Laboratory), and STAG (Fairfield University) the last of which uses both the APL and FORTRAN IV computer languages. The distinction between supervised and unsupervised methods of pattern recognition is presented and the more useful computer algorithms are described. These include programs and literature references for minimal spanning tree, factor analysis, linear dimension reduction, nonlinear dimension reduction, nearest neighbor, and the linear learning machine. The intent is to make the food process industry more aware of the availability of portable computer programs using that branch of artificial intelligence that has come to be termed pattern recognition.
Seasonality, Food Origin, and Food Preference: A Comparison between Food Cooperative Members and Nonmembers

Abstract A growing body of evidence supports the link between optimal health and diets rich in fruits, vegetables, and other plant foods. Most areas of the United States experience significant seasonal variation in the availability of locally produced fresh fruits and vegetables. However, little is known about consumer attitudes toward locally grown produce that is available on a seasonal basis. A mail survey was used to explore differences in preference for local foods, concerns about food and health, environmental concerns, and dietary habits between food cooperative members and nonmembers in the greater Seattle area. In contrast to nonmembers, food cooperative members displayed a stronger preference for seasonal and local foods. They also evinced less doubt about the nutritional adequacy of regionally based diets and a stronger commitment to buying locally produced food as a way to conserve natural resources. In both groups, a preference for seasonal and local fruits and vegetables was significantly correlated with concern for the environment. For food cooperative members, a concern over the use of natural resources in food production was a significant explanatory variable for seasonal and local food preference. Implications for food and nutrition education, policy, and the food system are discussed.
Nonparametric analysis of the impact of inbreeding on production in Jersey cows.

Abstract Under dominance, the relationship between a quantitative trait and the inbreeding coefficient ( F ) is expected to be linear. Epistasis involving dominance effects or selection against inbred individuals can produce nonlinear patterns in the form of inbreeding depression. The form of the relationship between F and yield traits was explored via local regression (LOESS). First-lactation milk, fat, and protein records from 59,778 Jersey cows with at least 6 generations of known pedigree were used. The F ranged from 0.6 to 34% and median F was 6.3%. The LOESS regressions of predicted residuals from an animal model (empirical best linear unbiased predictions, EBLUP) on F were calculated for each trait; the EBLUP model included fixed herd-year-season, age at calving and DIM effects, and random additive genetic effects. The relationship between EBLUP residuals and inbreeding was complex and nonlinear. Yields were unaffected for F ≤7%, and inbreeding depression seemed to stabilize at F >20% for fat and protein yield. For SCS, both parametric and LOESS fits were consistent with the absence of sizable dominance effects. Effects of inbreeding on performance seemed to be more complex than suggested by previous studies based on linear regression. Results should be interpreted with caution because the data were scarce at high levels of F .
The Effects of Positive Self-Descriptions on Impressions General Principles and Individual Differences

Evidence is presented suggesting that a speaker who makes positive self-descriptions will be perceived differently as a function of the conversation context of his or her remarks. Subjects read a transcript of a conversation between two persons; one of whom made positive self-statements about his (Replication 1) or her (Replication 2) intellectual prowess. Impressions of the target were positive when these statements were made in response to specific questions or were made in the context of positive self-statements by the other. However, when the target simply took advantage of the topic of the conversation to make positive statements about the self, impressions of the target were much more negative. These effects were greater for subjects high in public self-consciousness, and this finding is used to argue that such subjects are more sensitive to the implicit rules of social interaction.
The facts first: A reply to Baumol & Baumol

Intiodactioii(l) In a recent issue of this journal (Volume 4, Number 2), Baumol and Baumd(2) analyze the finances of the performing arts during the recent period of stagflation. They attempt to show that the recent behavior follows the historical pattern: that cost per unit of output in the arts will rise faster than those in the economy as a whole "for all states of the economy with the notable exception of periods of inflation (italics included)." The purpose of this note is to show that the data which they exhibit do not necessarily portray the behavior which they claim to have existed.
Conversion of exposed aspartyl and glutamyl residues in proteins to asparaginyl and glutaminyl residues

1. 1. The feasibility of converting exposed carboxyl groups in proteins to carboxamido groups using 1-ethyl-3-dimethylaminopropylcarbodiimide (EDC) as a condensing agent was demonstrated. 2. 2. The effectiveness of ammonia as a nucleophile in the EDC-mediated condensation with carboxyl groups in proteins was determined. In 5.5 M NH4Cl at pH 4.75, 11.5, 14.7, 9.0, 5.0 and 5.1 carboxyl groups are converted to carboxamido groups in chymotrypsinogen A, α-chymotrypsin (EC 3.4.4.5), lysozyme (EC 3.2.1.17), ribonuclease (EC 2.7.7.16) and trypsin (EC 3.4.4.4), respectively. 3. 3. The number of carboxamido groups found was determined from the amount of extra ammonia appearing in acid-hydrolyzed protein which was reacted with EDC and NH4Cl. In one case, the number of β- and γ-carboxamido groups formed was also determined enzymically by digesting treated protein with proleolytic enzymes and then enzymically assaying the digest for free asparagine and glutamine. Both acid hydrolysis and enzymatic assays gave essentially the same value for the yield of carboxamido groups. 4. 4. 5.5 M NH4Cl, 1 M glycine methylester, and 1 M glycinamide were all equally effective in modifying carboxyl groups. Since previous studies showed that the glycine derivatives quantitatively modify exposed carboxyl groups in proteins, it was concluded that NH4Cl may be used to quantitatively convert exposed carboxyl groups in proteins to carboxamido groups. Now that it is possible to convert aspartyl and glutamyl residues in proteins to asparaginyl and glutaminyl residues, it should be possible to establish with greater certainty the role of carboxyl groups in the function and structure of proteins.
Soluble guinea pig liver TPN dependent 17β-hydroxysteroid (testosterone) dehydrogenase: Partial purification and substrate specificity

Ammonium sulfate fractionation, DEAE-cellulose and hydroxylapatite chromatography have been employed to effect 200–230 fold purification of the soluble TPN dependent 17β-hydroxysteroid (testosterone) dehydrogenase of guinea pig liver. The purified preparations also oxidize saturated C19-3β-hydroxysteroids of the 5α series and saturated C19-17β-hydroxysteroids. Studies on substrate specificity indicate that the planarity of the substrate influences the reactivity.
An Electron Beam Initiated Fusion Neutron Generator

An experimental scheme is proposed which seems to satisfy all the requirements for use of a high energy electron beam to initiate a thermonuclear plasma. One-dimensional expansion is utilized to obtain confinement times longer than the pulse length of the electron beams. A magnetic field is used to limit the radial heat conductivity, and this magnetic field also serves as a guiding field for the electron beams when they are in the vicinity of the target. Two opposing electron beams are employed and the forces produced by these counterstreaming currents in the overlap region of the beams are sufficient to stop the beams within the target. Estimates made of all the critical factors indicate that beams achievable with current technology can be focused and stopped in T-D targets 6 cm long with densities as low as 1021 cm-3. With a containing magnetic field of 750 kilogauss the containment time of the plasma is sufficiently long so that beam pulse lengths up to 8 × 10-9 sec can be used. Furthermore a positive fusion energy yield relative to the energy delivered to the target is predicted.
Altered Patterns of Phosphorylation in Cultured Mouse Lenses During Development of Buthionine Sulfoximine Cataracts

Abstract Buthionine sulfoximine (BSO), a specific inhibitor of glutathione biosynthesis, induces oxidative cataracts following multiple injections into mice at 1 week of age. Cultures of lenses with 35S-methionine have previously demonstrated altered patterns of protein biosynthesis that precede and accompany these cataracts. To obtain parallel information about changes in protein phosphorylation during cataract development, lenses from BSO-treated or control mouse pups were cultured for 3 hr at 37°C with 32Pi, homogenized in phosphate buffer, and resolved by centrifugation into water-soluble (WS) and water-insoluble (WI) fractions. These were characterized by 2D-gel electrophoresis, Coomassie blue staining, phosphorimaging, immunoblotting, and tandem mass spectrometry. Heaviest labelling was in the WI fraction. The labelled 2D-gel spots included: (1) a series of phosphorylated filensins at 95 kDa; (2) a major radioactive spot at 45–50 kDa, slightly anodic to actin and the beaded filament protein, phakinin (CP 49); (3) a phosphorylated betaB1-crystallin, considerably anodic to parent betaB1; (4) an acidic cluster of labelled alphaA-crystallins, phosphorylated in part at serine-148, and (5) a labelled trace alpha crystallin, slightly anodic to alphaB-crystallin. The results confirm previously reported phosphorylations of actin, phakinin, alphaA- and alphaB-crystallin, demonstrate previously unrecognized phosphorylations of filensin and betaB1-crystallin, and provide unequivocal evidence for phosphorylation of alphaA-crystallin at serine-148. The earliest changes in phosphorylation detected after BSO treatment were increased labelling of alphaA- and alphaB-crystallin during cataract stages 1–3, coupled with a general decrease in protein labelling. In stage 5 cataracts, phosphorylated alpha crystallins persisted as the dominant labelled species. However, the major modifications of alphaA-crystallin in advanced BSO cataracts were unlabelled and partially degraded, in contrast to phosphorylated alphaA. It is therefore proposed that phosphorylation of alphaA-crystallin may confer resistance to proteolytic degradation.
Specific phosphorylation of exogenous protein and peptide substrates by the human cytomegalovirus UL97 protein kinase. Importance of the P+5 position.

Human cytomegalovirus UL97 is an unusual protein kinase that can phosphorylate nucleoside analogs such as ganciclovir but whose specificity for exogenous protein substrates has remained unknown. We found that purified, recombinant glutathioneS-transferase-UL97 fusion protein can phosphorylate histone H2B. Phosphorylation was abrogated by substitution of glutamine for a conserved lysine in subdomain II and inhibited by a new antiviral drug, maribavir. Sequencing and mass spectrometric analyses of purified32P-labeled tryptic peptides of H2B revealed that the sites of phosphorylation were, in order of extent, Ser-38, Ser-87, Ser-6, Ser-112, and Ser-124. Phosphorylation of synthetic peptides containing these sites, analyzed using a new, chimeric gel system, correlated with their phosphorylation in H2B. Phosphorylation of the Ser-38 peptide by UL97 occurred on Ser-38 and was specifically sensitive to maribavir, whereas phosphorylation of this peptide by cAMP-dependent protein kinase occurred on Ser-36. The extent of phosphorylation was greatest with peptides containing an Arg or Lys residue 5 positions downstream (P+5) from the Ser. Substitution with Ala at this position essentially eliminated activity. These results identify exogenous protein and peptide substrates of UL97, reveal an unusual dependence on the P+5 position, and may abet discovery of new inhibitors of UL97 and human cytomegalovirus replication.
One man's "torment...".

Arthur Taub (Letters, 9 Jan., p. [159][1]) refers to acupuncture as “torment” and later describes it as “20-minute, painful needling.” In the same manner, one might describe Taub's own practice of anesthesiology as a systematic drugging of the patient that infrequently results in death. Little if any pain is associated with acupuncture. If acupuncture truly were experienced as “torment” or a “20-minute, painful needling,” it wouldn't have the widespread use and interest that prompted the National Institutes of Health to study it in the first place. [1]: /lookup/doi/10.1126/science.279.5348.155f
Implementation techniques for geometric branch-and-bound matching methods

Algorithms for geometric matching and feature extraction that work by recursively subdividing transformation space and bounding the quality of match have been proposed in a number of different contexts and become increasingly popular over the last few years. This paper describes matchlist-based branch-and-bound techniques and presents a number of new applications of branch-and-bound methods, among them, a method for globally optimal partial line segment matching under bounded or Gaussian error, point matching under a Gaussian error model with subpixel accuracy and precise orientation models, and a simple and robust technique for finding multiple distinct objcct instances. It also contains extensive reference information for the implementation of such matching methods under a wide variety of error bounds and transformations. In addition, the paper contains a number of benchmarks and evaluations that provide new information about the runtime behavior of branch-and-bound matching algorithms in general, and that help choose among different implementation strategies, such as the use of point location data structures and space/time tradeoffs involving depth-first search.
Anything optical rays cannot do

The limits of ray optical methods to provide a valid model for describing the propagation of electromagnetic radiation are explored. We briefly review fundamentals of ray optics as well as various extensions. This review is partially intended to emphasize that existing ray based methods are able to address most, if not all, wave phenomena. In addition, we propose an extension of ray optics which interprets rays as generalized trajectories in an abstract configuration state. This allows us to propose the use of rays and ray optics as fundamental and practical concept to compute any wave phenomenon, including rigorous diffraction problems. Wave optics, in this context, becomes a convenient and efficient method to calculate the ray transfer properties. In addition, our concept facilitates interfacing conventional ray-tracing methods with wave optical methods to predict diffraction.