cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
DIALYSIS FLASK FOR CONCENTRATED CULTURE OF MICROORGANISMS

Gerhardt, Philipp (The University of Michigan, Ann Arbor), and D. M. Gallup. Dialysis flask for concentrated culture of microorganisms. J. Bacteriol 86:919-929. 1963.-A twin-chambered dialysis flask was designed with a supported membrane clamped between a reservoir of medium in the bottom and a small volume of culture above, the unit being mounted on a shaking machine to provide aeration and agitation. The performance of different dialysis membranes and membrane filters was compared in glucose-diffusion and bacterial-culture tests. Some of the variables in dialysis culture were assessed and the growth response was characterized, with Serratia marcescens as the test organism. The general usefulness and concentrating effect of dialysis culture were demonstrated in trials with 16 representative types of microorganisms. Dialysis culture was shown to be especially suitable for producing dense populations of cells or their macromolecular products in an environment free from complex medium constituents, for removing toxic products that limit growth or fermentation, and for supplying oxygen by diffusion without the damage from usual aeration procedures.
Making services work : indicators, assessments, and benchmarking of the quality and governance of public service delivery in the human development sectors

Improving governance is central to improving results in human development. It is clear that money is not enough: improved outcomes from service delivery require better governance, including mechanisms for holding service providers accountable and appropriate incentives for performance. There is therefore a growing demand for indicators to measure how and whether these processes work, and how they affect health and education results. This paper makes the case for measuring governance policies and performance, and the quality of service delivery in health and education. It develops a framework for selecting and measuring a set of indicators and proposes options, drawing from new and innovative measurement tools and approaches. The paper proposes the adoption of a more systematic approach that will both facilitate the work of health and education policymakers and allow for cross-country comparisons and benchmarking.
Time-Reversal Optical Focusing and its Application in Deep Brain Optogenetics

I will discuss our recent work on applying time-reversal ultrasound encoded focusing (TRUE) and Time Reversal by Analysis of Changing wavefronts from Kinetic targets (TRACK) for living tissue optical imaging and stimulation. Article not available.
Classical bump cepheids: reconciliation of theory with observations

New models of classical bump Cepheids lying along the Cepheid ridge line in the H-R diagram are computed to obtain a more accurate set of predicted surface velocity curves. Acceptable Cepheid models are found to be 0.5 mag brighter at a fixed stellar mass than standard evolutionary models. All the previously obtained manifestations of the Cepheid mass discrepancy, except for the anomalous double-mode Cepheid masses, are resolved, at least in a statistical sense, by accepting the implied luminosity increase. The need for the luminosity increase is independently inferred from standard evolutionary models of intermediate-mass and high-mass giant and supergiant stars from their location in the observational H-R diagram.
Structural characteristics of pendant and copolymeric cyclodextrin polysiloxane stationary phases and their influence on chiral selectivity and resolution in capillary gas chromatography

The dependence of gas chromatographic properties on stationary phase structural characteristics was evaluated for three different types of cyclodextrin-bonded polysiloxanes: small-rim-tethered, large-rim-tethered, and copolymeric. Separation efficiency, chiral selectivity, and resolution were investigated as functions of stationary phase structural features such as length and chemical composition of the connecting arms, chemical composition of the substituent groups on the small rim of the cyclodextrin toroid, and the position(s) of connecting arm attachment(s) on the cyclodextrin rims. For all of the solutes and experimental conditions used in this study, the small-rim-tethered cyclodextrin phases were found to provide superior chromatographic performances compared to the other two types of cyclodextrin phases. The chiral selectivities of the investigated phases were found to depend both on chemical composition and length of the connecting arm(s). Shorter connecting arms were found to provide improved chiral selectivities. Stationary phases having a four-carbon connecting arm with an etheric oxygen linkage in the chain provided higher chiral selectivities compared to stationary phases with hydrocarbon or phenoxy group-containing connecting arm(s). The chiral selectivities of the studied phases did not change when the substituents at the C-6 positions were changed from -CH2OCH2 to -CH3. Efficiency values of up to 5,000 theoretical plates per meter were obtained using 200 μm i.d. columns. Column efficiency was found to be independent of structural features of the cyclodextrin toroid and the connecting arms.
Constructions and topological invariants of 2-(n,3,l) designs with group actions

Connections between 2-(ν3, λ) designs and topology are exploited to produce topological invariants of these designs. When these designs have a natural group action with 0 or 1 fixed point, these invariants are easily computed. Methods of constructing 2-(ν, 3, λ) designs with such a group action are given. Examples of this construction are given and the invariants are used to distinguish the designs.
Megakaryocytes muscle in.

In this issue of Blood, Halene and colleagues reveal an essential function of the transcription factor SRF during megakaryocyte maturation and platelet formation. The spectrum of SRF-regulated genes overlaps with SRF targets in muscle cells, including those involved in actin cytoskeletal dynamics.
Thiaindanones II.: Nitration, Acetylation, and Mannich Reactions

The nitration, acetylation, and Mannich reactions with thiaindanones are described. These reactions were observed to be analogous to similar reactions with 2-acylthiophenes and 1-indanone.
Recruitment, Selection, and Retention of Personnel at North Carolina Community Transportation Systems: Findings and Recommendations from a Study

The hiring and the retention of personnel have been a long-standing issue in the public transportation industry. This involves finding and recruiting potential employees, selecting and hiring the most qualified candidates, training and developing employees, monitoring performance and retaining employees, and reducing excessive turnover and absenteeism. While human resources topics have typically been investigated at urban transit systems operating fixed-route services, hiring and retention have not been studied extensively at smaller rural transit systems operating demand-responsive transit services. This research focused on such rural systems and on the various factors that most impact on the issue at nine North Carolina community transportation systems. This effort included various human resources policies and practices such as recruiting, selecting, compensating, training, evaluating, and motivating. Practices at the nine case study systems and recommendations to improve policies and procedures are described.
d,l-S-Methyllipoic Acid Methyl Ester, a Kinetically Viable Model for S-Protonated Lipoic Acid as the Oxidizing Agent in Reductive Acyl Transfers Catalyzed by the 2-Oxoacid Dehydrogenase Multienzyme Complexes†

d,l-S(6,8)-Methyllipoic acid methyl ester triflate salt (d,l-S-methyllipoic acid methyl ester) was synthesized as a model for S-protonated lipoic acid, suggested to be the active form of lipoic aci...
Flagella allow uropathogenic Escherichia coli ascension into murine kidneys

Abstract Uropathogenic Escherichia coli (UPEC) cause bladder and kidney infections in humans and mice. UPEC initiate many kidney infections by ascending out of infected bladders, but how this occurs is not well understood. To determine if the flagella were responsible for the ascension of UPEC to the kidneys, a fliC mutation in strain NU149 was created. The fliC mutant spread poorly on soft agar plates, and 12 h post-inoculation of murine urinary tracts, ascension into the murine kidneys was compromised in this mutant strain compared with wild-type bacteria. Complementation of the mutation restored the ability to spread on soft agar plates and ascend into the murine kidneys. To confirm the fliC mutant results, an anti-flagella monoclonal antibody that has been previously described inhibited the spread of UPEC strain NU149 on soft agar plates. When the anti-flagella antibody was mixed with strain NU149 cells and the antibody-treated bacterial cells were used to infect mice, significantly fewer mice had kidney infections than mice that were injected with strain NU149 cells mixed with normal mouse serum or anti-type 1 pili antibody. These results suggest that E. coli flagella may be of importance in allowing the bacteria to ascend from the bladder and initiate kidney infections in humans, and the use of an antibody against the flagella could prevent the spread of UPEC into the kidneys.
The reaction of phenylmagnesium bromide with diethyl ether during Grignard preparation

Abstract To determine the Grignard products generated during the preparation of phenylmagnesium bromide in peroxide-free ether, the prepared compound was quenched with H2O or D2O and the products quantitatively determined by gas chromatography and gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry. Identified compounds showing no incorporation of deuterium were 1-phenylethanol, 1-ethoxy-1-phenylethane, 1-ethoxy-2-phenylethane, and phenol while those showing hydrogen and deuterium incorporation following D2O quench included benzene, toluene, α-deuteroethylbenzene, biphenyl and terphenyls. Enrichment studies with phenetole suggested that, if produced, it is converted near-quantitatively to phenol while similar studies with 1-ethoxy-1-phenylethane suggested this compound was not the sole intermediate in the chemogenesis of 1-phenylethanol, ethylbenzene and phenetole. It is concluded that phenylcyclidene cosynthetics originate from new Grignard reagents formed by the reaction of the incipient phenylmagnesium bromide and the solvent diethyl ether.
Chelating polymer‐bearing 4‐(3‐triazolylazo)phenol moiety as the functional group

The chelating polymer-bearing triazolylazophenol moiety as the functional group was synthesized, its metal adsorption properties for 6 divalent heavy metal ions; Co2+, Ni2+, Cu2+, Zn2+, Cd2+, and Pb2+ were investigated. The capacity of the polymer for Cu2+ achieved 8.7 mEq/g in pH 5.3 solution. The polymer showed remarkable color changes from orange to red violet or blue violet with its chelations to the heavy metal ions. The metal adsorption rates of the polymer were rapid in performing complete capacity saturation of heavy metal ions in about 30 min. The capacities varied little the presence of alkali or alkaline earth metal ions in solutions. The perfect elimination of metals from the polymer–M2+ chelates were performed with mineral acid solutions. The metal ions; Cu2+ and Ni2+ in plating-process solutions were effectively removed by the chelating polymer, and the polymer can be practically used for the removal of these ions from waste water.
Behavioral changes with paranoia in an elderly woman taking atorvastatin

Abstract Background: There have been a number of published reports of central nervous system (CNS) adverse effects with statins. Case summary: A 79-year-old woman developed paranoia, anxiety, and behavioral changes ~2.5 weeks after starting atorvastatin 10 mg/d. The patient had no other medication changes at this time. After 2 months of therapy, the patient discontinued atorvastatin, and her symptoms fully resolved after 4 days. Conclusions: This is the first case report, to our knowledge, describing paranoia as one of the symptoms associated with statin therapy. Our report suggests an adverse reaction due to the initiation of atorvastatin via the temporal relationship between the start of atorvastatin and symptom onset, as well as termination of therapy and subsequent symptom disappearance. Use of the Naranjo adverse drug reaction probability scale to assess causality revealed a “probable” association (score, 5) for this adverse event. This report emphasizes the possibility of paranoia as a CNS adverse effect due to statin therapy. Statins are frequently used in older populations and should therefore be considered when such CNS adverse effects occur during therapy.
The Necessity of Information Security in the Vulnerable Pharmaceutical Industry

The pharmaceutical industry produces billions of dollars in sales each year. The industry is evolving and relying on using technology more and more to conduct day-to-day business. The pharmaceutical industry generates enormous amounts of sensitive and private information such as medical records, employee information, financial data and research data. This makes the pharmaceutical industry vulnerable to cybercrime. The pharmaceutical industry has a big responsibility to stakeholders, patients, employees and customers all over the world to ensure this information is secure. It is imperative for organizations to budget adequate amounts of money and resources to have effective Information Security Management. Information Security Management is critical in the pharmaceutical industry and the alternative of not having it would be devastating to a pharmaceutical company. Cyber criminals can tarnish company reputations and the effects can take years to overcome. The main contributions of this paper will be to describe the concerns about the security of information in the pharmaceutical industry, provide examples of organizations that are victims of cybercrime, describe regulations in place to help reduce information security breaches and illustrate why information security is necessary in the pharmaceutical industry.
Regulation and Actions of Smad7 in the Modulation of Activin, Inhibin, and Transforming Growth Factor-β Signaling in Anterior Pituitary Cells1

Activins and transforming growth factor-β (TGFβ) are crucial autocrine, paracrine, and endocrine modulators of anterior pituitary function. Activins regulate most pituitary cells and lactotropes are targets of TGFβ. Smad2 and Smad3 are two cellular mediators of activin/TGFβ signaling, whereas Smad7 is as an inducible, negative modulator of the pathway. This study was undertaken to evaluate Smad7 regulation in the pituitary. Activin A rapidly and transiently increased Smad7 messenger RNA (mRNA) levels of rat anterior pituitary (RAP), clonal gonadotrope (αT3–1 and LβT2), and corticotrope (AtT20) cells with an EC50 of 0.1–0.2 nm. In RAP cells, activin A or TGFβ1 had equivalent effects that were additive. Follistatin, known to bind and inactivate activins, prevented Smad7 induction by activin. Inhibin A partially antagonized activin A, perhaps reflecting gonadotrope-selective actions. This antagonism was also evident with αT3–1 and LβT2 gonadotropes. Forskolin had no measurable effect in RAP cells, but increa...
Studies on the specialized transfer RNA population of the lens

Abstract The transfer RNA populations of bovine lens tissue and bovine brain tissue were compared by reversed-phase chromatography. The differences seen were the same as those reported previously for a comparison of lens and muscle tRNA. This is consistent with the hypothesis that lens tRNA population has become specialized and that these changes may facilitate the rapid synthesis of lens proteins. Comparisons of the tRNA populations obtained from preparations of lens capsule and cortex show that similar tRNA changes can be seen in different regions of the lens. It was shown that there is a specific decrease in a major isoaccepting lysine tRNA (lys-tRNA 2 ) and a loss of two minor lysine tRNAs (lys-tRNA 1 and lys-tRNA 4 ). No change was seen, however, in the other major lysine tRNA (lys-tRNA 5 ). Phenylalanine tRNA from lens cortex had two major isoaccepting species (phe-tRNA 1 and phe-tRNA 2 ) while capsule tRNA had only one (phe-tRNA 2 ). These results suggest that specific tRNA modifications occur during the process of cell differentiation in lens tissue. Ribosomal binding experiments with capsule and cortex lysine tRNA showed a two-fold decrease in the ability to bind to the codon AAG with no decrease in the ability to bind to the codon AAA. Similar experiments with lens cortex phe-tRNA 1 and phe-tRNA 2 however, showed no differences in the binding of these tRNAs to either poly (U) or poly(U·C). Both phe-tRNA 1 and phe-tRNA 2 were also equally active in transferring phenylalanine into protein in an in vitro protein-synthesizing system from rat liver. Phe-tRNA 1 therefore, is not an inactive from of phe-tRNA 2 but is a fully functional phe-tRNA which is produced during lens cell differentiation and which accounts for the two-fold increase in phenylalanine acceptance activity seen in lens cortex.
The unpredictable character of congenital cystic lung lesions.

Abstract Background: The spectrum of congenital cystic disease of the lung ranges from hydrops and neonatal respiratory distress to asymptomatic lesions. Surgical management is dictated by the presence of symptoms, recurrent infection, and the potential risk of malignant transformation. Methods: Since 1995, all consecutive patients with congenital cystic lung lesions underwent follow-up for symptoms, treatment, and correlation of presumptive with pathological diagnosis. Results: Twelve cystic lung lesions were identified. Seven were diagnosed with mediastinal shift in utero; in 6 of 7, the shift subsequently resolved. Overall, 6 of 7 lesions that were followed up serially decreased in size. Two patients were symptomatic in utero; 1 underwent thoracoamniotic shunting, 1 pleurocentesis for impending hydrops. Postnatally, these 2, and 2 other newborns required urgent surgery. Five of 8 asymptomatic patients had elective resection by 16 months, and 4 await operation. In 6 of the 9 surgical cases (67%), there was a discrepancy between preoperative and pathological diagnosis. There were 4 hybrid congenital cystic adenomatoid malformation (CCAM)/sequestrations. Conclusions: At least 6 of 7 congenital cystic lung lesions decreased in size regardless of gestational age or presence of mediastinal shift. Antenatal intervention is therefore rarely indicated. Hybrid morphology may necessitate resection of stable, asymptomatic lesions to prevent the theoretical concern for associated malignancies as well as other complications of CCAM. J Pediatr Surg 35:801-805. Copyright © 2000 by W.B. Saunders Company.
Abnormalities in Contractile Proteins in Myocardium from Chronic Diabetic Animals

Diabetes is known to cause abnormalities in cardiac function in humans which are not explained by coronary artery disease. Noninvasive studies in diabetics without overt cardiac disease have revealed abnormalities suggestive of a subclinical cardiomyopathy (1,2). At cardiac catheterization, Regan et al. (3) noted significant reductions in stroke volume index and elevated end-diastolic pressures. These findings occurred in the absence of coronary artery occlusion. Post-mortem studies in other patients were suggestive of a primary myopathic process.
Morphology and mechanical and dynamic mechanical properties of linear and star poly(styrene-b-isobutylene-b-styrene) block copolymers

Abstract The morphologies of solution cast linear and star poly(styrene-b-isobutylene-b-styrene) (SIBS) block copolymers, of ∼0.3–0.33 polystyrene (PS) volume fraction, were investigated using transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and small angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) methods. The linear (L) and 4-arm star materials have hexagonal packed cylinder morphologies. TEM indicates more continuous domains for the 3-arm SIBS and SAXS indicates lamellar morphology. The diameters of the PS cylinders are 25–30 nm in all cases, but inter-domain distances increase in the order: L→3-arm star →4-arm star SIBS. Dynamic mechanical analysis shows a decrease of plateau modulus in the order L→3-arm →4-arm star. Tg for the PIB phase is independent of star-branching. Tg increases for the PS block phase from L- to 3-SIBS although Tg(PS) for 4-SIBS is not significantly greater than that of L-SIBS. A high temperature shoulder on the PIB block glass transition peak is associated with sub-Rouse motions. Tensile modulus is essentially the same for L- and 3-SIBS but considerably greater for 4-SIBS. Stress levels and energy-to rupture increase in the order: L-SIBS
Counseling Parents of a Child with Meningomyelocele

The primary care physician has an important role in counseling families of children with meningomyelocele and providing ongoing support and coordination of care. A spina bifida treatment center will provide subspecialists in neurology, neurosurgery, orthopedics, urology, physical therapy, occupational therapy, nutrition, social work, and genetics. When the family does not live near a center, the pediatrician may fill many of these roles as well as that of team coordinator himself with the psychosocial and educational issues, as these are often forgotten by the multiple subspecialists seen by these children. The outlook for children with spina bifida is changing rapidly. The evolving medical, educational, and social treatment of individuals with meningronyelocele makes reliable prognostic information unavailable. Intelligence is usually normal and death due to renal insufficiency is extremely rare. A follow-up of surviving patients treated from 1928 to 1951 revealed that more than half were self-sufficient, full-time college students or housewives.7 With the improved outlook today, the majority of affected children can expect to become independent adults.
Phospholipid metabolism in the rat renal inner medulla

In view of the importance of phospholipids as a source of precursor fatty acids for the high prostaglandin synthesis in the renal inner medulla, we studied pathways of phospholipid esterification and degradation in the rat inner medulla. De novo acylation of [14C]arachidonate occurred predominantly in position 2 of phosphatidylcholine in the microsomal fraction. This newly esterified [14C]arachidonate was accessible to deacylation by a microsomal phospholipase A2 (EC 3.1.1.4) with alkaline optimum which was Ca2+-dependent and resistant to 0.1% deoxycholate. No phospholipase A1 (EC 3.1.1.32) activity against endogenous labeled phosphatidylcholine could be demonstrated in the microsomal fraction. When exogenous phosphatidylcholine labeled at position 2 was deacylated by renomedullary homogenates, labeled free fatty acid but no labeled lysophosphatidylcholine was recovered in the reaction products. This could be attributed to further degradation of generated lysophosphatidylcholine by a cytosolic lysophospholipase (EC 3.1.1.5). Sodium deoxycholate at a concentration of 0.1% or higher inhibited the lysophospholipase and allowed the demonstration of both A2 and A1 alkaline phospholipase activities in the homogenate. The major in vitro pathway of lysophosphatidylcholine disposition is further degradation by a cytosolic lysophospholipase, while reutilization for phosphatidylcholine synthesis through the action of a predominantly microsomal acyltransferase appears to be a minor pathway. In the presence of several acyl-CoAs, reutilization of lysophosphatidylcholine is significantly increased by an acyl-CoA:lysophosphatidylcholine acyltransferase (EC 2.3.1.23) but there is no preferential transfer of arachidonyl-CoA compared to other acyl-CoAs.
Agonist treatment did not affect association of mu opioid receptors with lipid rafts and cholesterol reduction had opposite effects on the receptor-mediated signaling in rat brain and CHO cells.

Abstract Lipid rafts are small cholesterol- and glycosphingolipid-enriched membrane subdomains. Here we compared the mu opioid receptor (MOR)–lipid rafts relationship in the rat brain, where neurons have non-caveolae rafts, and in CHO cells stably transfected with HA-rat MOR (CHO-HA-rMOR), which are enriched in caveolae. Membranes of rat caudate putamen (CPu) and thalamus or CHO-HA-rMOR cells were homogenized, sonicated in a detergent-free 0.5 M Na 2 CO 3 buffer and fractionated through sucrose density gradients. Western blot and [ 3 H]diprenorphine binding showed that ∼ 70% of MOR in CHO-HA-rMOR was present in low-density (5–20% sucrose) fractions enriched in cholesterol and/or ganglioside M1 (GM1) (lipid rafts) in plasma membranes, whereas about 70% and 45% of MOR in CPu and thalamus, respectively, were associated with lipid rafts. Incubation with a saturating concentration of etorphine or morphine at 37 °C for 30 min failed to change the MOR location in rafts in CHO-HA-rMOR, indicating that the internalized MOR does not move out of rafts, in contrast to the delta opioid receptor. In vivo , rafts association of MOR in CPu and thalamus was not affected significantly in rats implanted with two 75-mg morphine pellets for 72 h. In addition, cholesterol reduction by methyl-β-cyclodextrin (MCD) disrupted rafts and shifted MOR to higher density fractions in both CHO-HA-rMOR and CPu membranes. However, MCD treatment had opposite impacts on MOR signaling in the two tissues: it attenuated MOR-mediated [ 35 S]GTPγS binding in CPu but enhanced it in CHO-HA-rMOR.
Intensive hormone monitoring in women with unexplained infertility: evidence for subtle abnormalities suggestive of diminished ovarian reserve

Abstract Objective: To determine hormone levels across the menstrual cycle in women with rigorously defined unexplained infertility. Design: Prospective study. Setting: National Center for Infertility Research at Michigan. Patient(s): Evaluation of 1,885 women with infertility identified 12 women who met the following rigorously defined criteria for unexplained infertility: [1] infertility of ⩾24 months' duration, with no male factor, anatomic or functional disorders of the reproductive tract, or immunologic infertility; [2] normal body mass index (BMI); (3) ovulatory cycles ranging from 26 to 32 days; [4] normal luteal phase determined by endometrial biopsy; and [5] normal baseline hormonal profile. Controls (n = 12) were healthy, parous women with normal ovulatory cycles and normal hormonal screens, and were matched for age and BMI with patients. Main Outcome Measure(s): Daily gonadotropin and steroid hormone levels across the menstrual cycle. Result(s): Basal FSH and LH levels in the early, middle and late follicular phases were increased significantly in the group with unexplained fertility compared with the normal controls. The mean (±SD) early follicular FSH levels were 7.0 ± 0.57 mIU/mL in the unexplained-infertility group and 4.7 ± 0.37 mIU/mL (conversion factor to SI units, 1.00) in the normal controls, respectively. There was no difference between groups over the periovulatory or luteal phase. Midluteal mean (±SD) P levels were lower in the unexplained-infertility group than in the normal controls (13.7 ± 1.6 versus 24.0 ± 3.2 ng/mL [conversion factor to SI units, 3.180]). Mean E 2 concentrations were elevated in the group with unexplained infertility versus normal controls in the early through the late follicular phase but reached significance only in the midfollicular phase. Mean prolactin levels were elevated consistently across the menstrual cycle in the unexplained-infertility group compared with those in normal controls but reached significance only in the early and late follicular and midluteal phases of the cycle. Cortisol concentrations were similar between the two groups. Conclusion(s): These data indicate that there are subtle alterations in various hormones measured across the menstrual cycle in women with unexplained infertility compared with those in normal controls, suggesting a diminished ovarian reserve.
De novo and inverse folding predictions of protein structure and dynamics

In the last two years, the use of simplified models has facilitated major progress in the globular protein folding problem, viz., the prediction of the three-dimensional (3D) structure of a globular protein from its amino acid sequence. A number of groups have addressed the inverse folding problem where one examines the compatibility of a given sequence with a given (and already determined) structure. A comparison of extant inverse protein-folding algorithms is presented, and methodologies for identifying sequences likely to adopt identical folding topologies, even when they lack sequence homology, are described. Extension to produce structural templates or fingerprints from idealized structures is discussed, and for eight-membered β-barrel proteins, it is shown that idealized fingerprints constructed from simple topology diagrams can correctly identify sequences having the appropriate topology. Furthermore, this inverse folding algorithm is generalized to predict elements of supersecondary structure including β-hairpins, helical hairpins and α/β/α fragments. Then, we describe a very high coordination number lattice model that can predict the 3D structure of a number of globular proteins de novo; i.e. using just the amino acid sequence. Applications to sequences designed by DeGrado and co-workers [Biophys. J., 61 (1992) A265] predict folding intermediates, native states and relative stabilities in accord with experiment. The methodology has also been applied to the four-helix bundle designed by Richardson and co-workers [Science, 249 (1990) 884] and a redesigned monomeric version of a naturally occurring four-helix dimer, rop. Based on comparison to the rop dimer, the simulations predict conformations with rms values of 3–4 A from native. Furthermore, the de novo algorithms can asses the stability of the folds predicted from the inverse algorithm, while the inverse folding algorithms can assess the quality of the de novo models. Thus, the synergism of the de novo and inverse folding algorthhm approaches provides a set of complementary tools that will facilitate further progress on the protein-folding problem.
Reactive flux and folding pathways in network models of coarse-grained protein dynamics.

The reactive flux between folded and unfolded states of a two-state protein, whose coarse-grained dynamics is described by a master equation, is expressed in terms of the commitment or splitting probabilities of the microstates in the bottleneck region. This allows one to determine how much each transition through a dividing surface contributes to the reactive flux. By repeating the analysis for a series of dividing surfaces or, alternatively, by partitioning the reactive flux into contributions of unidirectional pathways that connect reactants and products, insight can be gained into the mechanism of protein folding. Our results for the flux in a network with complex connectivity, obtained using the discrete counterpart of Kramers’ theory of activated rate processes, show that the number of reactive transitions is typically much smaller than the total number of transitions that cross a dividing surface at equilibrium.
Human Factors Concerns in Industrial Robot Applications

Industrial robot population has been growing at a fast pace during the last decade. With the impending technological breakthroughs, the number of industrial robots is expected to grow at a much higher rate. This paper addresses certain human factors issues that must be considered before and during the installation and operation of a robot work system.
Lipolysis by Human Skin Surface Debris in Organic Solvents

Human skin surface debris collected from ether extracts of the scalp catalysed the hydrolysis of triolein, tristearin and methyl stearate, but not cholesteryl stearate or cetyl palmitate, when suspended in ether or hexane solutions of these lipids. The activity was slowly destroyed by heating at 120° C, but was not inhibited by addition of tetracycline.
In vitro response of fish and mammalian cells to complex mixtures of polychlorinated naphthalenes, polychlorinated biphenyls, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons.

Abstract In vitro characterization and comparison of responses to different classes of biologically active compounds can increase the utility of bioassays. In this study, the relative potencies (REPs) of mixtures of polychlorinated naphthalenes (PCNs), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), to induce in vitro ethoxyresorufin-O-deethylase (EROD) in PLHC-1 fish hepatoma cells, H4IIE wild type (H4IIE-wt) rat hepatoma cells, and recombinant H4IIE cells (H4IIE-EROD) were determined. The mixtures were also analyzed by in vitro luciferase assay with recombinant H4IIE cells (H4IIE-luc). Halowaxes 1051, 1014, and 1013 caused significant induction in all three H4IIE assays at concentrations less than 10 mg/l, but did not elicit a significant response in the PLHC-1 assay. Based on H4IIE results, the Halowaxes were estimated to have relative potencies (REPs) of approximately 10−6–10−8 relative to 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD). Less than 5 mg/l of Aroclors 1242, 1248, 1254; Clophens A60, T64; and Chlorofen induced significant responses in the H4IIE assays, while only Clophens A60 and T64 caused a significant response in the PLHC-1 assay. The efficacy of the Aroclor mixtures was generally insufficient to allow for quantitative REP estimates, but, based on their responses in the H4IIE assays, Clophen A60 and Chlorofen were estimated to have REPs of approximately 10−6 and 10−7, respectively. A mixture of 16 priority PAHs caused significant induction in all four cell types and was estimated to have a REP of approximately 10−4. Overall, the results of this study add to a growing database on the dioxin-like potency of complex mixtures of xenobiotics, and suggested that H4IIE-based in vitro bioassays were more sensitive than PLHC-1 cells for detecting dioxin-like activity in complex mixtures.
Maspin modulates prostate cancer cell apoptotic and angiogenic response to hypoxia via targeting AKT

Hypoxia has been previously linked to the development of both benign prostatic hyperplasia and prostate cancer. This study investigated the effect of maspin, an extracellular matrix (ECM) tumor suppressor, on the apoptotic response of prostate cancer cells to hypoxia. Gene expression profiling of human benign and malignant prostate epithelial cells after exposure to hypoxia or normoxia revealed dramatic changes in ECM regulators. Maspin was found to be overexpressed in response to hypoxia in prostate cancer cells, but not in benign prostate cells. To dissect the contribution of maspin to tumor cell responses within a hypoxic microenvironment, we used maspin-overexpressing DU-145 human prostate cancer cells. Exposure to hypoxic conditions (1% O2) led to a significant increase in apoptosis in the DU-145 maspin cells, compared to DU-145 neo-transfectants without a significant effect on cell migration. This enhanced sensitivity to hypoxia-induced apoptosis leads to a significant suppression of tumor growth and tumor vascularity in vivo by targeting Akt and focal adhesion kinase activation. Our findings implicate maspin in prostate cancer cell response to hypoxia via recruitment of intracellular signaling partners. This study may have significance in the identification of maspin-driven therapeutic targeting in advanced metastatic prostate cancer.
Effects of obesity and race on prognosis in lymph node-negative, estrogen receptor-negative breast cancer.

Background Several factors may contribute to poorer prognosis for obese breast cancer patients, including unfavorable disease features, the influence of fat on estrogen availability, co-morbidity, and socio-demographic factors. Both obesity and estrogen receptor negative (ER-) tumors are more prevalent in black women than in whites in North America. We evaluated obesity and race in relation to outcomes in women with ER-breast cancer.
Palladium catalyzed coupling of F-cinyl zinc reagents with aryl iodides. An improved synthesis of α,β,β-trifluorostyrenes and the stereospecific preparation of 1-phenyl-F-propenes

Abstract Palladium catalyzed coupling of trifluorovinyl zinc reagents with substituted aryl iodides provides a practical high yield route to α,β,β- trifluorostyrenes. Ortho, meta, and para substituted aryl iodides all work equally well. Similar coupling with E - and Z -1-iodo- F -propenes outlines the first stereospecific preparative route to 1-aryl- F -olefins. This approach provides a rapid, easily scaled-up synthesis via a one pot procedure to these valuable styrenes from commercially available precursors without recourse to low temperature processes or the use of unstable reaction intermediates.
Conflict and Withdrawal During Marital Interaction: The Roles of Hostility and Defensiveness

The present study examined the hypothesis that hostile and defensive personality characteristics contribute to conflict and withdrawal within an important social relationship, marriage. A total of 90 newly wed couples participated in a videotaped discussion concerning areas of disagreement in their marriage. Couples' interactions were coded using the Marital Interaction Coding System (MICS), and codes were aggregated to assess conflict engagement and withdrawal. Among husbands, the combination of high levels of hostility and low levels of defensiveness was associated with a greater percentage of conflict. Among wives, this same personality pattern was associated with a greater percentage of withdrawal Both of these findings held after controlling for marital satisfaction, highlighting the importance of personality for social interactions. Moreover, the results support the tenability of Smith's psychosocial vulnerability model of personality and health, which posits that certain personality characteristics...
A Test of the Clinical Supervision Model

AbstractA study was conducted to investigate possible differences in verbal exchanges between supervisors and teachers contrasting clinical supervision and traditional supervision. Past study of supervisors indicated that they were predominantly authoritarian in their relationships with teachers. Clinical supervision was hypothesized to create a more democratic relationship as revealed by the verbal interaction. Seven supervisors each worked with one teacher in the clinical pattern and one in the traditional pattern. Their post-observation conferences were taped and analyzed by trained observers using Blumberg's A System for Analyzing Supervisor Teacher Interaction. Univariate ANOVA analysis of the data revealed a significant difference between the treatment groups favoring the clinical supervision style. Teachers responding on a semantic differential scale also favored the clinical supervision style.
Upregulated Expression of Fibroblast Growth Factor (FGF) Receptors by Transforming Growth Factor-β1 (TGF-β1) Mediates Enhanced Mitogenic Responses to FGFs in Cultured Human Lung Fibroblasts

Abstract Transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) is a multifunctional cytokine that induces mesenchymal cell proliferationin vivowhile inhibiting growth of most cells directly via serine–threonine receptor(s) binding/activationin vitro.In this study, the ability of TGF-β1 to regulate the receptor expression of classical mitogenic growth factors that bind receptor tyrosine kinases was examined. TGF-β1 markedly increased the protein expression of the fibroblast growth factor (FGF) receptors FGFR-1 (Flg) and FGFR-2 (Bek) in a time- and dose-dependent manner in human lung fibroblasts. This resulted in a potentiation of the mitogenic response of multiple FGF ligands that bind to these receptors. TGF-β1 had no effect on epidermal growth factor (EGF) or platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF)-β receptor expression and the mitogenic responses mediated by specific ligands for these receptors were not increased. These results demonstrate a novel action of TGF-β1 to selectively upregulate the expression of FGF receptor family members leading to enhanced mitogenesis by FGFs.
Overview of breast imaging.

Summary In summary, it is an exciting time in breast imaging with many tools being brought to bear on an ever more common problem. The challenge for this decade will be to develop optimal cost-effective strategies to use all the tools now available with minimal discomfort and disfigurement to the patient.
Rating the winter weather forecast

For the second year in a row, the National Weather Service (NWS) winter forecast fell disappointingly short of the mark because of an unforseen atmospheric event that shaped an entire season of weather. This winter it was a mass of bitter cold arctic air that caused December's record-breaking low temperatures and established the character of January and February weather patterns, according to Donald L. Gilman, chief of the NWS longrange predictions branch. As a result, says Gilman, the weather prediction issued in November (Eos, December 20, 1983, p. 985) was “not a good forecast.” Once the model makers started seeing the cold temperatures in December, however, they were able to update their figures for a new 3-month forecast extending through March that turned out to be quite accurate. NWS issues a 3-month forecast each month. The most publicized forecast, according to Gilman, is the November one that covers the entire winter season. At the end of each prediction period, the forecast is given a numerical accuracy score. A rating of zero would mean that the forecast was no better than what might be predicted from general climatological data. Above zero, though, means that the forecast is “skilled,” and a score of 100 would mean 100% accuracy. (Scores generally range between +10 and −15.) Using this method of figuring probability scores, the November forecast earned a low score of −5, ranking it 13th among the 18 predictions issued by NWS since these forecasts began a couple of years ago. Last winter's forecast, sabotaged by a surprisingly strong El Nino, ranked 14th.
A Comparison of the Effect of Menadione, Methylene Blue and Ascorbic Acid on the Reduction of Methæmoglobin in vivo

HEREDITARY methaemoglobinaemia, a rare disorder often associated with a deficiency in NADH-dependent ‘diaphorase’ activity1, has been treated successfully with methylene blue (1–2 mg/kg intravenously) or ascorbic acid (200–500 mg/day orally)2. Methylene blue probably effects the reduction of methaemoglobin by activating the NADPH-dependent methaemoglobin reductase that has been isolated, from human erythrocytes by Kiese et al.3 and by Huennekens et al.4. By serving as electron carriers between NADPH and the methaemoglobin reductase, methylene blue and other artificial electron carriers increase the activity of the hexose monophosphate shunt pathway of glucose metabolism5 and facilitate the reduction of methaemoglobin to haemoglobin. This NADPH-dependent methaemoglobin reductase system is a reserve mechanism for the reduction of methaemoglobin, for the NADH-dependent ‘diaphorase’ system appears to be the physiologically important pathway in normal human erythrocytes. Ascorbic acid can reduce methaemoglobin to haemoglobin slowly both in vivo and in vitro, probably through a direct effect on the methaemoglobin2.
Detecting emergent effects of multiple predator species

When foraging together, multiple predator species that share a single prey often cause prey mortality that cannot be predicted based on knowledge of predation by each species separately. Modeling and managing the effects of multiple predator species depend on accurately assessing these combined effects. Two methods are currently used to experimentally examine combined predation by multiple predator species: the additive and substitutive experimental designs. I simultaneously employed both experimental designs to examine predation by two crab species on shared mussel prey. I show that the two methods yield results that disagree both quantitatively and qualitatively, leading to very different conclusions about the way that predator species combine to affect prey mortality. This discrepancy occurred because the two methods examine complimentary, but not interchangeable questions. I advocate using an experimental design that incorporates both additive and substitutive designs to achieve a more complete understanding of the combined effects of multiple predator species.
The Tripartite Basal Enhancer of the Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone (GnRH) Receptor Gene Promoter Regulates Cell-Specific Expression Through a Novel GnRH Receptor Activating Sequence

The molecular mechanisms regulating restricted expression of GnRH receptor and gonadotropin subunit genes to gonadotrope cells have been the focus of intense interest. Using deletion and mutational analysis we have identified a tripartite enhancer that regulates cell-specific expression of the GnRH receptor gene in the gonadotrope-derived αT3–1 cell line. Individual elements of this enhancer include binding sites for steroidogenic factor-1; activator protein 1 (AP-1); and a novel element referred to as the GnRH receptor activating sequence (GRAS). Mutation of each element alone results in loss of approximately 60% of promoter activity. Combinatorial mutations of any two elements decreases promoter activity by approximately 80%. Finally, mutation of all three elements reduces promoter activity to a level not different from promoterless vector. Using 2-bp mutations, we have defined the functional requirements for transcriptional activation by GRAS. The core motif of GRAS is at −391 to −380 bp relative to th...
Network Glenda software design

This paper outlines the functions and data structures needed for the functioning of the Glenda software on a Network. The Network Glenda model follows the iPSC-860 Glenda software design. The paper describes the setup, working, and usage of Glenda software on a network. Message passing is handled using TCP/IP in the Network Glenda Model. The paper describes how the use of signal-handlers and rendezvous nodes make communication in the Network Glenda model a quick yet simple task. The primary Glenda functions and data types have been defined. Additionally, network messages and network data structures have been described.
Optoelectronic devices and integration for highly parallel interconnects

Optical interconnects have been touted for many years as a way to achieve dense, interference free, high speed interconnects from box to box, board to board and chip to chip. However, optical interconnects based upon integrated laser/detector arrays have not yet achieved widespread commercial application.
Blood Pressure Reduction in the Long-Term Cardiovascular Risk Reduction Dietary Intervention Trial

Abstract As a follow-up in a series of studies designed to test the effect of a risk-reducing prepared meal plan on CVD endpoints in patients with CVD risk factors, this year-long study was designed to determine the long-term effects on blood pressure (BP) of a prepared meal plan (PMP) compared to a usual care self-selected diet (SSD). In a multi-center trial, 220 participants aged 25-70 with marginally controlled hypertension and dyslipidemia were randomized to either: 1) usual care SSD (n= 110) or 2) nutrient-fortified PMP (n=110). Both plans were designed to provide (as % energy) 22% fat, 17% protein and 61% carbohydrate. Supine systolic (SBP) and diastolic (DBP) blood pressure was measured at baseline (BL), week 12, and at the end of 26 weeks. ANOVA with repeated measures was used to determine changes in BP (mean change ±SD) from BL within and between diets through 6 months of intervention (interim data are shown):PMPSSDweek12week26week12week26SBP−12.4±10.6−15.0±9.9−8.1±9.1−8.8±10.9DBP−8.0±6.5−9.3±6.6−4.9±6.4−6.5±6.7Baseline BP was 146/91 and 147/88 for the PMP and SSD respectively (p=ns). Within diets, SBP and DBP were reduced from BL in both groups (p