cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Greenhouse and Field Studies on Hay Harvest to Remediate High Phosphorus Soil

Runoff from soil with high levels of phosphorus (P) may induce eutrophic conditions in downstream water bodies. Land-application of poultry litter rich in P has resulted in build-up of excessive P in many soils. The studies reported in this paper examined the potential of hay harvest to reduce the level of P in a Louisiana Coastal Plain soil. Five warm-season and five cool-season forages were evaluated in a greenhouse study for P uptake (=biomass yield x tissue concentration) from a Ruston soil (fine-loamy, siliceous, thermic Typic Paleudult) with elevated P concentration. Common bermudagrass [Cynodon dactylon(L.) Pers.] yield and P uptake as affected by fertilization rate with poultry litter and level of soil P were also examined in a field study on Ruston soil. Under optimum growth conditions in the greenhouse, alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) and crabgrass [Digitaria sanguinalis (L.) Scop.] removed more P than other summer forages, and annual ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum Lam.) removed more P than other win...
ERCP and laparoscopic cholecystectomy in a combined (one-step) procedure: a random comparison to the standard (two-step) procedure

Background Current treatment of complicated calculous biliary disease typically involves a two-step procedure consisting of preoperative endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) followed by laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Alternatively, laparoscopic cholecystectomy with intraoperative cholangiogram (IOC) and intraoperative common bile duct exploration or ERCP at a later date may be performed. This study compared the benefits of the traditional two-step procedure to the novel one-step procedure for the management of calculous biliary disease.
Aspects of the yield behavior in poly(ethylene terephthalate) fibers

The yield behavior during cold drawing of commercially spun poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) filament yarn was investigated. Microscopic examination revealed the presence of inherent flaws within the spun filaments; these act as points for localized stress concentration. These inhomogeneities appear to be either internal cracks or crazes developed during the fiber melt spinning process. During elongation, stress magnification at these flaws results in shear band formation, indicating the onset of inhomogeneous yielding. At the yield bend in the load-elongation curve a circumferential crack propagates within these shear band regions. This yield crack develops into the classical neck geometry which further localizes additional plastic deformation within the sample at the neck.
Novel eicosanoid and docosanoid mediators: resolvins, docosatrienes, and neuroprotectins

Purpose of review It is well known that arachidonic acid is the precursor to potent mediators. Many clinical studies suggest that omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids such as eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid have beneficial actions in human diseases. The molecular basis of these actions remains of interest. Recent findings These demonstrate that eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid are precursors to potent (nM range) bioactive mediators that possess both anti-inflammatory and protective properties. These mediators were coined resolvins, docosatrienes, and protectins as general classes, since each possesses unique chemical structures that are features of the new chemical classes and are biosynthesized by new pathways. Resolvins, discovered first, were identified during the resolution phase of acute inflammation; hence the term resolution interaction products, because they are also biosynthesized by human cells via cell–cell interactions. Docosatrienes contain conjugated triene structures generated from docosahexaenoic acid as a defining feature. The protectins comprise docosatrienes and resolvins of the D series that are both neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory. Aspirin impacts on these new pathways by triggering formation of their epimers (i.e. R isomers). Summary In view of the many beneficial actions attributed to omega-3 dietary supplementation, identification of novel potent mediators from omega-3 that are both anti-inflammatory and protective may have wide implications.
Evidence for a constitutive and inducible form of kynurenine formamidase in an actinomycin-producing strain of Streptomyces parvulus.

Abstract Two forms of kynurenine formamidase have been found in an actinomycin-producing strain of Streptomyces parvulus . Formamidase I has a molecular weight of 42,000 and is synthesized constitutively. Formamidase II is smaller (24,000) and is present just prior to and during synthesis of actinomycin.
Compressive strain rate sensitivity of ballistic gelatin

Gelatin is a popular tissue simulant used in biomedical applications. The uniaxial compressive stress-strain response of gelatin was determined at a range of strain rates. In the quasistatic regime, gelatin strength remained relatively constant. With increase in loading rate, the compressive strength increased from 3kPa at a strain rate of around 0.0013/s to 6MPa at a strain rate of around 3200/s. This dramatic increase in strength of gelatin at high rates is attributed to its shear-thickening behavior and is argued on the basis of hydrocluster formation mechanism and differences in internal energy dissipation mechanism under static and dynamic loading.
Forging Collective Capacity for Urban Redevelopment: “Power To,”“Power Over,” or Both?:

This paper explores the dynamic of cooperation between economic and political elites in a public‐private partnership that was created to guide the redevelopment of downtown Santa Cruz, California, ...
A mechanism for transition-metal nanoparticle self-assembly.

The four-step mechanism by which transition-metal nanoclusters or bulk-metal films self-assemble from metal salts under reductive conditions has been discovered. The presence of two autocatalytic steps in the same reaction schemedouble autocatalysisis the key to the sharp “turn-on” feature after an induction period observed in the signature kinetic curves. Predictions of the new mechanism that are tested experimentally include the following: that low concentrations and high temperatures will favor nanoclusters over bulk-metal film formation; that bulk-metal is formed in some, if not many, literature syntheses reporting only Pt0 nanoclusters; and that added ligands are one key to turning on the new mechanism. Particle-size-dependent metal-ligand bond dissociation energies are another implication from this mechanistic work.
Evaluation of wood ash disposal on agricultural land. I. Potential as a soil additive and liming agent

Abstract This study evaluated wood ash as an agricultural fertilizer and liming material. Winter wheat (Triticwn aestivum) and poplar (Populus sp.) were grown in a greenhouse on six different Idaho soils amended with different ash concentrations. At ash levels equal to or lower than 2%, no detrimental plant growth effects were observed. In fact, the biomass of the wheat and the caliper and height of the poplar cuttings increased more at 2% ash (40 mt/ha) than with the control soil. These results suggest that wood ash could be used in agricultural applications as a low analysis fertilizer containing K and/or a liming agent. Land application of wood ash could be less expensive and more environmentally sound than present landfilling practices.
MOLECULAR CLONING OF HUMAN CARDIAC TROPONIN T ISOFORMS : EXPRESSION IN DEVELOPING AND FAILING HEART

Troponin T, which links the troponin complex to tropomyosin, is found as multiple isoforms in the hearts of many animal species. Changes in isoform composition have been correlated with variation in myofilament sensitivity to calcium. In order to determine the origin of diversity of the cardiac troponin T (cTnT) isoforms indicated by existing protein data, we have determined the sequences and patterns of expression of mRNAs encoding troponin T in fetal and adult heart and those present in adult heart in end-stage failure. Three main regions of alternative splicing within the cTnT coding region were identified using reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Alternatively spliced RNAs are developmentally regulated and some of the fetal forms are expressed in adult failing heart. The molecular structure of the spliced regions was determined from cloned cDNAs and RT-PCR products. In the 5′ region of the mRNA, isoforms are generated by the inclusion or exclusion of 15-, 3- and 27-nucleotide (nt) sequences and by the inclusion or exclusion of a separate 3-nt sequence. In the 3′ region of the mRNA, alternative splicing involves a 9-nt sequence which can be present in full, in part or not at all. A further splicing site was identified in the central region involving a 234-nt sequence and resulting in rare but detectable mRNAs. This work demonstrates the complexity of cTnT RNA composition in human heart and provides the information necessary to address the function of cTnT isoforms in contraction.
Sex, ethics and the practice of law

A woman walks into a room and sits down beside a man. They talk and as they talk he puts his arm around her. After a few moments they kiss. He becomes excited and starts to fondle her. She does not resist. A few moments later, she gets up and leaves.
HCV and Chemotherapy: Does Infection Change Management?

Hepatitis C infects 1.6% of the United States adult population, and the peak prevalence of infection is present in the Baby Boomer generation. HCV infection predisposed patients to both hepatic and non-hepatic malignancies, leading to an increasing number of HCV infected patients needing chemotherapy. Since the liver is the most important site of drug metabolism, it is critical to understand how HCV impacts chemotherapy. Clinical decisions regarding chemotherapy dosing are traditionally based on serum biochemical tests; however these do not measure liver function, and liver biopsy combined with the Child classification are better measures of true liver function. Fortunately, patients without cirrhosis have intact synthetic function. However, patients with cirrhosis, some of whom have normal liver function tests, may not. Not only can HCV infection increase the risk of hepatotoxicity from chemotherapy, but chemotherapy can accelerate the progression of HCV related liver disease.
Aspects of the rogue phenotype of peas

Abstract The rogue mutation of peas reduces mean leaf area by 35% and reduces mean stipule area by 44%. This reduction in area of both structures is due to a reduction in the number of cells present during development and in the fully developed structure. Comparisons of rogue and type cells showed no evidence to suggest that rogue cells were smaller. Neither did rogue leaves and stipules have more cells per unit weight. The consequences of smaller leaves and stipules on rogue pea plants are discussed.
Nuclear Fermi momenta from quasielastic electron scattering

The cross sections for quasielastic electron scattering from nine target nuclei from lithium to lead have been measured for an electron incident energy of 500 MeV and a scattering angle of 60\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}. The data are interpreted in terms of a Fermi gas model, yielding the nuclear Fermi momentum as a function of atomic number. The Fermi momentum increases from lithium to calcium and remains roughly constant at about 260 $\frac{\mathrm{MeV}}{c}$ from nickel to lead.
Hydrogen sulfide oxidation and the arterial chemoreflex: Effect of methemoglobin

Endogenous H(2)S has been proposed to transduce the effects of hypoxia in the carotid bodies (CB). To test this hypothesis, we created a sink for endogenously produced H(2)S by inducing ∼10% methemoglobinemia via the injection of 250 mg of sodium nitrite in spontaneously breathing anaesthetized sheep. Methemoglobinemia has been shown to catalyze the oxidation of large quantities of sulfide in the blood and tissues. We found that the presence of metHb completely abolished the ventilatory stimulation induced by 10 mg NaHS (i.v.), which in control conditions mimicked the effects of breathing 6-7 tidal volumes of nitrogen, confirming the dramatic increase in the oxidative power of the blood for sulfide. The ventilatory responses to hypoxia (10% O(2)), nitrogen and hyperoxia were in no way depressed by the metHb. Our results demonstrate that the ventilatory chemoreflex is not depressed in the presence of a high oxidative capacity for sulfide and challenge the view that H(2)S transduces the effects of hypoxia in the CB.
The effect of non-ionic detergents and phospholipase A on enzymes involved in adult rat brain sterol biosynthesis from (2-14C)-mevalonic acid in vitro.

Incubation of (2-14C)-mevalonic acid with 3000 × g adult rat brain supernate in the presence of Tween 80 or Triton X-100 produced a marked shift in the distribution of radioactivity among squalene, steryl ester and free sterol when compared to controls. Although the conversion of labeled mevalonate to cholesterol was only slightly influenced, the detergents markedly affected the turnover of squalene and methyl sterol precursors. The major neutral isoprenoid material formed had the general properties of geranylgeraniol on TLC and radioactivity-monitored-GLC. Phospholipase A from Vipera russelli, at an optimal tissue to phospholipase ratio, resulted in a 25% increase in mevalonate incorporation into total neutral isoprenoids. An increase in radioactivity of almost 25% was also seen in the free sterol fraction. Phospholipase A from bee venom did not show this type of increase. No labeled geranylgeraniol-type material was found on incubation with either of the phospholipases.
Atmospheric input of heavy metals chronicled in lake sediments of the Algonquin Provincial Park, Ontario, Canada

The flux of Pb, Zn, Cu, Ni and Cd into ten remote lakes in the Algonquin Provincial Park of Ontario has been determined. Deviation from constant sedimentation rates in recent sediments depicted in the 210Pb profiles can be related to human activities within the last 100 years. Sedimentation rates in these softwater lakes vary from 0.5 mm yr.−1 (62 g m−2 yr.−1) to 2.9 mm yr.−1 (190 g mm−2 yr.−1). The corresponding present-day metal flux rates for Ni, Cu, Pb, Zn and Cd are 0.6–8.4, 0.7–9.4, 3.7–43.5, 5.0–50.3 and 0.07–0.74 mg m−2 yr.−1, respectively. There is an overall 2-fold enrichment for Ni, Cu, Zn and Cd in surficial sediments together with a 25-fold increase for Pb. The gyttja contain 25–50% organic matter with (organic C)/(organic N) ratios which strongly suggest high influx of allochthonous plant debris.
Insular Races of Animals and Plants

IF we accept the view that species are such by virtue of segregation, and consider subspecies to be groups as yet imperfectly segregated, we seem logically bound to regard insular forms as valid species. According to this way of looking at the matter, a subspecies is in biology what a peninsula is in geography, while a species corresponds to an island. Hence it follows that many subspecies are far more widely distributed and for most purposes more important than many distinct species; just as many peninsulas are more important than the small islands off their coasts.
Treatment of skeletal metastases from urologic malignancies

Metastases from genitourinary tumors frequently involve the skeletal system and often produce the most disabling symptoms. Judicious early orthopedic management may prevent paralysis and maintain ambulation, thus significantly improving the quality of life. The role of prophylactic surgery for impending fractures and the symptomatic therapy of painful metastatic foci are discussed.
Laser Oscillation Near 5 μm, Based On Vibrational Emission From Fh(CN) Defects In Alkali Halide Crystals

The association of F-centers to CN defects in alkali halide crystals forms "FH(CN)" complexes which under excitation of their electronic absorption transitions in the visible produce optical emission from vibrationally excited CN- molecular states around 5 μm. In the host CsCl, with the most efficient F-center/CN- molecule coupling, laser oscillation has been obtained at temperatures up to 77 K on the three strongest vibrational emission transitions at 2000, 2025 and 2050 cm -1. Threshold pump powers are in the mW range.
Inhalation anesthetics and the reproductive risk associated with occupational exposure among women working in veterinary anesthesia

Abstract Objective To investigate reproductive health issues for women working in veterinary anesthesia compared with those working in veterinary critical care. Reproductive health issues were classified as time to conceive, fertility treatment, miscarriage, and children with birth defects. Study design Questionnaire-based survey. Methods A survey was designed to assess the reproductive health of female personnel working in veterinary anesthesia. To account for other job related factors that might impact reproductive health (i.e. stress, heavy lifting, long working hours and varying schedules), women working in veterinary critical care were used as a comparison group. Results There were 295 respondents including, (209 faculty and staff working in veterinary anesthesia and 86 in veterinary critical care). There were no statistical differences in length of time to conceive, number of couples receiving fertility treatment, miscarriages, and children with birth defects between the two groups. Conclusions This study did not show a statistically significant difference in reproductive risk for women working in veterinary anesthesia when compared to women working in veterinary critical care. Overall the incidence for reproductive health problems is similar to the risk for the general population of females in North America.
Intracranial hematoma with subsequent brain abscess after carotid endarterectomy

A 62-year-old man developed an infected left carotid endarterectomy with false aneurysm formation and subsequent bacteremia after staged carotid endarterectomies. He was found to have a right frontal lobe hemorrhage that developed into a staphylococcal brain abscess. We postulate there was bacterial seeding of the hematoma resulting in brain abscess formation.
Geologic Nuclear Waste Repository Site Selection Studies in the Paradox Basin, Utah

During Phase I regional-level studies, a literature review was conducted to ascertain geologic characteristics pertinent to repository siting factors. On the basis of the regional screening results, four areas in southeastern Utah were selected as being suitable for more detailed study in Phase II: Elk Ridge and Gibson Dome, containing nearly horizontal bedded salt deposits; Salt Valley, containing a diapiric salt anticline; and Lisbon Valley, containing a non-diapiric salt anticline. During current Phase II area studies, the four study areas are being characterized in greater detail than in Phase I. Phase II will culminate in the identification of a potentially suitable location(s), if any, that will be recommended for study in still greater detail in a subsequent phase of work. 5 refs.
Physical Attractiveness and Psychological Adjustment Among Substance Abuse Inpatients: A Longitudinal Study1

Relations between psychological adjustment and physical attractiveness were examined longitudinally in substance abuse inpatients, controlling for the effects of length of drug abuse, length of inpatient stay, age, and socioeconomic status. Measures of adjustment and attractiveness were obtained during the first week of admission and six weeks later (within two weeks of discharge). Regression analyses indicated that initial attractiveness did not predict later adjustment, and initial adjustment did not predict later attractiveness. Partial correlation analyses revealed a positive association between attractiveness and adjustment at the first time point, but not at the later time point. These results suggest that physical attractiveness exerts only a temporary effect on judgments of adjustment in an inpatient setting. Attractiveness may affect decisions made when screening patients at mental health facilities, but may not affect decisions made over the full course of inpatient treatment.
New features of self-trapped-exciton luminescence in rubidium iodide

Picosecond-resolution spectroscopy of the three intrinsic self-trapped-exciton luminescence bands in RbI, i.e., σ, E x , and π, is reported. For T≥17 K, the E x and π bands each display a rapid rise coincident with the 15-ps rise time of the σ band, followed by a second-stage growth matching the 3.4-ns decay of the σ luminescence. The results provide confirmation of recent theoretical models attributing all three luminescence bands to progressive degrees of «off-center» relaxation of the self-trapped exciton, in contrast to the well-known V k +e model
Photocatalytic reduction of 4-nitrophenol with arginine-modified titanium dioxide nanoparticles

Abstract The surface charge of titanium dioxide (TiO2) affects the adsorption rates of target molecules, thereby influencing the associated photocatalytic degradation rates of these molecules. This study describes the specific photocatalytic reduction of 4-nitrophenol (4-NP) to 4-aminophenol (4-AP) with arginine-modified TiO2 (Arg–TiO2) nanoparticles. 4-AP was the only identifiable by-product detected by chromatographic analysis. The terminal amine groups of the arginine monolayer create a positive TiO2 surface charge over a wide range of pH values. At high pH, the degradation rate of 4-NP increased due to improved target adsorption. Furthermore, the presence of the arginine monolayer perturbs the degradation mechanism distribution of 4-NP away from indiscriminant oxidation toward selective reduction. Photocatalysis of a target molecule such as benzenesulfonic acid (BSA) showed that while electrostatic attraction of the target to the photocatalyst is important, the reduction potential of the target molecule dictates efficient degradation on Arg–TiO2.
An examination of the anticonvulsant properties of voltage-sensitive calcium channel inhibitors in amygdala kindled seizures.

Voltage-sensitive calcium (VSC) channels may contribute to epileptogenesis. A systematic examination of the anticonvulsant efficacy of different classes of VSC channel inhibitors, however, is lacking in chronic seizure models. The present study evaluated representatives from three different classes of VSC channel inhibitors for their protection against amygdala kindled seizures. Adult male rats (n=12) were kindled to stage 5 seizures (GS), and a threshold intensity required to evoke a GS was determined. The Ca++-channel inhibitors (verapamil 0, 10, 20, 40 mg/kg; nimodipine 0, 5, 25, 50 mg/kg; nitrendipine 0, 25, 50, 100 mg/kg and flunarizine 0, 20, 40, 80 mg/kg) were administered 60–90 min prior to amygdala stimulation at the established threshold. None of the drugs altered threshold for inducing a seizure. Verapamil, a phenylalkylamine, and the dihydropyridines nimodipine and nitrendipine were without effect on kindled seizures. The diphenylalkylamine, flunarizine, was found to be the most efficacious, reducing AD duration and duration of clonic seizure activity by more than 60% in most animals. Flunarizine also decreased the severity of behavioral seizures, with 40% of the animals displaying Stage 1–2 seizures only. It is concluded that some VSC Ca++-channel inhibitors do possess anticonvulsant potential. Thus influx of extracellular calcium through VSC channels may contribute to the expression of kindled seizures.
Finite viscoplasticity of non-affine networks: stress overshoot under shear

A constitutive model is derived for the viscoplastic behavior of polymers at finite strains. A polymer is treated as an equivalent network of chains bridged by permanent junctions. The elastic response of the network is attributed to elongation of strands, whereas its plastic behavior is associated with sliding of junctions with respect to their reference positions. A new kinetic equation is proposed that expresses the rate of sliding of junctions in terms of the Cauchy stress tensor. Constitutive equations for an equivalent non-affine network are developed by using the laws of thermodynamics, where internal dissipation of energy reflects two processes at the micro-level: sliding of chains along entanglements and friction of strands between junctions. A similarity is revealed between these relations and the “pom-pom” model. The governing equations are applied to study stress overshoot at simple shear of an incompressible medium. Adjustable parameters in the stress-strain relations are found by fitting experimental data on polycarbonate melt reinforced with short glass fibers and polystyrene solution. Fair agreement is demonstrated between the observations and the results of numerical simulation.
Phenotypic plasticity in Phlox. III. Variation among natural populations of P. drummondii

Amounts and patterns of phenotypic plasticity were measured for seven populations of the Texas annual Phlox drummondii. Individuals from each population were grown in a factorial greenhouse experiment involving five treatments: control, low water, leaf removal, low nutrients, and small pots. Ten traits, representing aspects of biomass, shape, reproduction, and allocation, were measured for each plant. Results of two-way ANOVA (population by treatment interaction) indicated variation in plasticity for 6 of the 10 traits. Pairwise two-way ANOVAs on these traits allowed identification of the particular populations responsible for the overall population by treatment interactions. Five populations had relatively similar plastic responses, while two populations differed substantially from the others. The patterns of plasticity of certain traits (e.g. root/shoot ratio) showed very little divergence among populations compared to other traits. Divergence among populations based on the plasticities of traits differed substantially from the pattern of divergence based on trait means, indicating that the plastic responses of traits are able to evolve independently of the traits themselves.
Evaluation of the Potency and Safety of Inactivated Japanese Encephalitis Vaccine in US Inhabitants

In 1981 and 1982, two US citizens died from Japanese encephalitis (JE) acquired in China. In 1983, the Centers for Disease Control initiated an evaluation of a purified, inactivated, mouse-brain-derived JE vaccine produced and used in Japan since 1966. Two doses of this vaccine given 1-2 weeks apart evoked neutralizing antibody titers greater than or equal to 8 in only 77% of recipients. After three JE vaccine doses administered 1-2 weeks apart, 99% developed titers greater than or equal to 8. When a third dose was given to 29 participants 6-12 months after the primary series, all developed titers greater than or equal to 16. Reported adverse reactions included injection site tenderness (18%), erythema (6%), or swelling (3%); headache (9%); and dizziness, fatigue, sleepiness, nausea, chills, fever, or lower back pain (less than or equal to 5%). On the basis of this study, three doses of BIKEN JE vaccine are recommended for US citizens who may be at risk of exposure to JE virus.
Microbial contributions to the aggregation of a cultivated grassland soil amended with starch

Abstract The activity of microorganisms, especially fungi, is thought to play a key role in the formation and stabilization of macroaggregates in many soils. Our aim was to follow the aggregate formation and stabilization of organic matter in a controlled laboratory experiment, where microaggregates (53–250 μm) obtained by slaking of a cultivated Duroc loam (fine–silty, mixed, mesic Pachic Haplustoll) were incubated with 13C-labelled granular starch equivalent to 8 mg starch-C g−1 soil. Over 71 d we measured the size distribution of water-stable aggregates, followed the dynamics of native and labelled C within the aggregate-size classes, and estimated the development of the microbial biomass by chloroform fumigation–extraction and by direct counting. After an initial flush of starch decomposition, at d 4 macroaggregates (250–8000 μm) represented 56% of the soil mass and contained 6.3 mg starch-derived C g−1 soil compared with 1.6 mg starch-derived C g−1 soil in the 53–250-μm microaggregates. The concentration of starch-derived C isolated in microbial biomass at d 4 was 3270 μg g−1 soil in the macroaggregates and 630 μg g−1 soil in the microaggregates and declined thereafter in both size classes. At d 4, fungal biomass predominated the microbial community in the macroaggregates, in all other samples bacterial biomass predominated. The mass of soil found in macroaggregates did not follow the decline in fungal and bacterial biomass with incubation-time but remained constant. Except at the last sampling date, we observed no formation of macroaggregates in the control samples (incubated without starch amendment), and the undecomposed starch did not glue microaggregates into macroaggregates either. We suggest that microhabitats enriched in substrate acted as `hot spots' for fungal growth towards and on these sources. In accordance with previous studies, the resulting filamentous entanglement of primary particles and microaggregates formed macroaggregates. However, the stabilization of the macroaggregates throughout the experiment may be attributed to other factors that persist after cell death of the microorganisms. In situ mineralization rate constants of labelled C were much lower for the microaggregates, compared with those of the macroaggregates, indicating a better stabilization of starch-derived C within the microaggregates, and thus supporting the macroaggregate–microaggregate conceptual model.
The Metastable 2p(3)-State of Mercury Atoms.

Let us consider a mixture of mercury vapor, thallium vapor and nitrogen in a closed quartz tube under well defined conditions of pressure and temperature, illuminated by λ 2537A of constant intensity. Due to the absorption of the illuminating radiation a constant number N of mercury atoms will be activated in unit time. Those activated atoms persist in the 2p2-state for a finite time t which is known to be of the order of magnitude of 10^-7 sec [1]. If they escape collision during this period they return to their normal state in the ordinary wave-emitting radiation (resonance). They may, however, while activated, collide with nitrogen molecules, normal mercury atoms or normal thallium atoms. We shall assume, for the present, that the amount of nitrogen and thallium sufficiently exceeds the amount of mercury, so that we may disregard totally the collisions between activated and normal mercury atoms. We assume furthermore that all collisions between activated mercury atoms and thallium atoms result in the activation of the latter, producing the fluorescence radiation of thallium with a constant energy distribution between its different lines.
Cytochemical changes in aging Ochromonas; evidence for an alkaline phosphatase.

SYNOPSIS. Changes accompanying aging in light-grown stationary cultures of Ochromonas danica were examined cytochemically. Succinate dehydrogenase activity increased during the log phase and decreased steadily during stationary and later phases. Acid phosphatase, alkaline phosphatase and lipase activities increased during the several phases of growth, as did accumulation of lipid. These results imply loss of mitochondrial activity and a gain in lysosomal activity with aging of the cell population. Alkaline phosphatase, widely distributed in animals and believed absent from most photosynthetic organisms and bacteria, is here reported in the photosynthetic genus Ochromonas.
Conflicting selection pressures target the NS3 protein in hepatitis C virus genotypes 1a and 1b

Analysis of complete polyprotein-encoding sequences of the two most prevalent genotypes of hepatitis C virus (HCV-1a and HCV-1b) revealed evidence of abundant, slightly deleterious nonsynonymous variants subject to ongoing purifying selection. In the case of both HCV-1a and HCV-1b, the NS3 protein demonstrated a high incidence of forward-and-backward or parallel nonsynonymous changes in CTL epitopes as measured by the phylogenetic consistency index. These results imply that certain nonsynonymous mutations have occurred frequently throughout the HCV-1a and HCV-1b phylogenies in the codons encoding the epitopes in NS3. This pattern is best explained by the frequent re-occurrence of the same set of escape mutations in CTL epitopes of NS3, which are selectively favored within hosts presenting the class I major histocompatability complex molecule, but subject to purifying selection in the population at large. This pattern was more pronounced in HCV-1b than in HCV-1a, suggesting that there may be differences between the two genotypes with respect to NS3's interaction with host immune recognition.
Superior outcomes in HIV-positive kidney transplant patients compared with HCV-infected or HIV/HCV-coinfected recipients.

The prerequisite for an ‘undetectable' HIV viral load has restricted access to transplantation for HIV–infected kidney recipients. However, HCV–infected recipients, owing to the historic limitations of HCV therapy in patients with renal disease, are commonly viremic at transplant and have universal access. To compare the effect of HIV, HCV, and HIV/HCV coinfection on kidney transplant patient and allograft outcomes, we performed a retrospective study of kidney recipients transplanted from January 1996 through December 2013. In multivariable analysis, patient (hazard ratio 0.90, 95% confidence interval 0.66–1.24) and allograft survival (0.60, 40–0.88) in 492 HIV patients did not differ significantly from the 117,791 patient-uninfected reference group. This was superior to outcomes in both the 5605 patient HCV group for death (1.44, 1.33–1.56) and graft loss (1.43, 1.31–1.56), as well as the 147 patient HIV/HCV coinfected group for death (2.26, 1.45–3.52) and graft loss (2.59, 1.60–4.19). HIV infection did not adversely affect recipient or allograft survival and was associated with superior outcomes compared with both HCV infection and HIV/HCV coinfection in this population. Thus, pretransplant viral eradication and/or immediate posttransplant eradication should be studied as potential strategies to improve posttransplant outcomes in HCV–infected kidney recipients.
The "Iron Inventor": Using Creative Problem Solving to Spur Student Creativity

Based on the popular television show the Iron Chef, an innovative marketing activity called the "Iron Inventor" is introduced. Using the creative problem-solving approach and active learning techniques, the Iron Inventor facilitates student learning pertaining to the step-by-step processes of creating a new product and exposes students to the challenges associated with the new product development processes. End-of-semester assessments reveal the Iron Inventor as a superior method in enhancing student satisfaction. More specifically, the Iron Inventor activity increases students' creative input, enhances topic knowledge, engages participation, fosters relationships, and builds class enthusiasm.
Osteoimmunology and Bone Homeostasis: Relevance to Spondyloarthritis

The seronegative spondyloarthopathies (SpA) share certain common articular and peri-articular features that differ from rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and other forms of inflammatory arthritis. These include the tendency of the SpAs to involve the axial skeleton in addition to the diarthrodial joints, and the prominent involvement of the extra-articular entheses (sites of ligamentous and tendon insertion), which are not common sites of primary pathology in RA and other inflammatory arthropathies. The differential anatomic sites of bone pathology in the SpAs in comparison to the other forms of arthritis suggest that the underlying pathogenic processes and cellular and molecular mechanisms that account for the peri-articular bone pathology involve different underlying disease mechanisms. This review will highlight the molecular and cellular processes that are involved in the pathogenesis of the skeletal pathology in the SpAs, and provide evidence that many of the factors involved in regulation of bone cell function exhibit potent immune-regulatory activity, providing support for the general concept of osteoimmunology.
Evidence that behavioral phenotypes of morphine in β-arr2-/- mice are due to the unmasking of JNK signaling.

The altered behavioral effects of morphine, but not most other mu agonists, in mice lacking β-arrestin 2, suggest that this scaffolding protein regulates the signaling cascade of this commonly used analgesic. One of the cascades that could be regulated by β-arrestin 2 is cJun-N-terminal kinase (JNK), which binds with β-arrestin 2 and modulates the analgesic effects of morphine. Using neurons lacking β-arrestin 2 (β-arr2−/−) to examine this interaction, we found that β-arr2−/− neurons show altered intracellular distribution of JNK and cJun, and that morphine, but not fentanyl, increased the nuclear localization of the phosphorylated, therefore activated, form of cJun, a JNK target in dorsal root ganglia neurons. This suggests that deleting β-arrestin 2 affects the JNK cascade. We therefore examined whether some of the behavioral phenotypes of mice lacking β-arrestin 2 could be a result of altered JNK signaling. Indeed, two different JNK inhibitors reversed the enhanced analgesic effect of morphine, a known phenotype of β-arr2−/− mice, to +/+ levels. Both the reduced locomotor effect of morphine and the psychomotor sensitization to repeated morphine administration in β-arr2−/− mice were also returned to +/+ levels by inhibiting JNK. In contrast, the behavioral effects of fentanyl were neither genotype-dependent nor affected by JNK inhibition. Furthermore, a PKC inhibitor had a similar effect as inhibiting JNK in reducing the enhanced analgesic effect of morphine in β-arr2−/− mice to +/+ levels. In summary, removing β-arrestin 2 reveals mu receptor activation of the JNK cascade in a ligand-specific manner explaining several behavioral phenotypes of β-arr2−/− mice.
Place of Drug Therapy in the Treatment of Carotid Stenosis

Carotid stenosis is an important cause of transient ischaemic attacks and stroke. The cause of carotid stenosis is most often atherosclerosis; contributing to the pathogenesis of the lesion are endothelial injury, inflammation, lipid deposition, plaque formation, fibrin, platelets and thrombin. Carotid stenosis accounts for 10-20% of cases of brain infarction, depending on the population studied. Despite successful treatment of selected patients who have had an acute ischaemic stroke with tissue plasminogen activator and the promise of other experimental therapies, prevention remains the best approach to reducing the impact of ischaemic stroke. High-risk or stroke-prone patients can be identified and targeted for specific interventions. At this juncture, treatment of carotid stenosis is a well established therapeutic target and a pillar of stroke prevention. There are two main strategies for the treatment of carotid stenosis. The first approach is to stabilise or halt the progression of the carotid plaque through risk factor modification and medication. Hypertension, diabetes mellitus, smoking, obesity and high cholesterol levels are closely associated with carotid stenosis and stroke; control of these factors may decrease the risk of plaque formation and progression. The second approach is to eliminate or reduce carotid stenosis through carotid endarterectomy or carotid angioplasty and stenting. Carotid endarterectomy, which is the mainstay of therapy for severe carotid stenosis, is beyond the scope of this review. Anticoagulants seem to play little role (if any) in the medical (i.e. non-surgical) treatment of carotid stenosis. Adoption of a healthy lifestyle combined with the reduction of risk factors has been shown to lead to a reduction in the extent of carotid stenosis. The medical treatment of carotid stenosis should be based on the triad of the reduction of risk factors, patient education, and use of antiplatelet agents.
End-of-Injection Behavior of Diesel Sprays Measured With X-Ray Radiography

The behavior of diesel fuel sprays at the end of injection is poorly understood, yet has important implications regarding diesel engine emissions. Recent research has shown that at the end of injection, an entrainment wave is created, causing the fuel spray to rapidly entrain ambient gas. This rapid entrainment creates a dilute mixture of fuel that may be a source of unburned fuel emissions. In this study, x-ray radiography is used to examine the end-of-injection behavior of diesel sprays. X-ray radiography permits quantitative mass distribution measurements in dense sprays, providing data that cannot be obtained with optical techniques. Analysis of the spray velocity at steady-state suggests an entrainment wave speed of several hundred m/s, which is supported by the appearance of a travelling entrainment wave at low ambient density. The spray density declines most rapidly near the nozzle, behavior that matches the expected entrainment wave behavior. In several cases, the spray distribution in a cross-section across the nozzle axis becomes smoother at the end of injection. Three-dimensional reconstructions of the spray density at the end of injection show that the spray plume widens considerably, enhancing the dilution caused by the reduction in spray mass in the flowfield. Measurements of injector needle motion with x-ray phase contrast imaging show that throttling across the needle seat may cause a smearing of the ideally sharp entrainment wave.Copyright © 2010 by ASME
Potential Impact Of Managed Care On National Health Spending

Abstract: Illustrative estimates suggest that if all acute health care services were delivered through staff- or group-model health maintenance organizations (HMOs), national health spending might be almost 10 percent lower. If the delivery of all such services (except those now provided by staff- or group-model HMOs) were subject to utilization review arrangements incorporating precertification and concurrent review of inpatient care, spending might be 1 percent lower. The estimates assume no changes in the health care system apart from expansion of these two forms of managed care to cover all insured persons. They also assume that moving to universal managed care would produce a one-time drop in the level of national health spending with no subsequent effect on spending growth.
Detection of Wave Front Set Perturbations via Correlation: Foundation for Wave-equation Tomography

We discuss the mathematical aspects of wave field measurements used in traveltime inversion from seismograms. The primary information about the medium is assumed to be carried by the wave front set and its perturbation with respect to a hypothetical background medium is to be estimated. By a convincing heuristics a detection procedure for this perturbation was proposed based on optimization of wave field correlations. We investigate its theoretical foundation in simple mathematical case studies using the distribution theoretic definition of oscillatory integrals.
Electromagnetic Methods of Lightning Detection

Both cloud-to-ground and cloud lightning discharges involve a number of processes that produce electromagnetic field signatures in different regions of the spectrum. Salient characteristics of measured wideband electric and magnetic fields generated by various lightning processes at distances ranging from tens to a few hundreds of kilometers (when at least the initial part of the signal is essentially radiation while being not influenced by ionospheric reflections) are reviewed. An overview of the various lightning locating techniques, including magnetic direction finding, time-of-arrival technique, and interferometry, is given. Lightning location on global scale, when radio-frequency electromagnetic signals are dominated by ionospheric reflections, is also considered. Lightning locating system performance characteristics, including flash and stroke detection efficiencies, percentage of misclassified events, location accuracy, and peak current estimation errors, are discussed. Both cloud and cloud-to-ground flashes are considered. Representative examples of modern lightning locating systems are reviewed. Besides general characterization of each system, the available information on its performance characteristics is given with emphasis on those based on formal ground-truth studies published in the peer-reviewed literature.
Animal models for human T-lymphotropic virus type 1 (HTLV-1) infection and transformation

Over the past 25 years, animal models of human T-lymphotropic virus type 1 (HTLV-1) infection and transformation have provided critical knowledge about viral and host factors in adult T-cell leukemia/lymphoma (ATL). The virus consistently infects rabbits, some non-human primates, and to a lesser extent rats. In addition to providing fundamental concepts in viral transmission and immune responses against HTLV-1 infection, these models have provided new information about the role of viral proteins in carcinogenesis. Mice and rats, in particular immunodeficient strains, are useful models to assess immunologic parameters mediating tumor outgrowth and therapeutic invention strategies against lymphoma. Genetically altered mice including both transgenic and knockout mice offer important models to test the role of specific viral and host genes in the development of HTLV-1-associated lymphoma. Novel approaches in genetic manipulation of both HTLV-1 and animal models are available to address the complex questions that remain about viral-mediated mechanisms of cell transformation and disease. Current progress in the understanding of the molecular events of HTLV-1 infection and transformation suggests that answers to these questions are approachable using animal models of HTLV-1-associated lymphoma
Detecting the Formation of a Loop in Endoscopic Tubing Using Fiber Optic Techniques

When performing an endoscopic procedure, it is possible that a loop might be formed by the endoscopic tubing inside the patients body. This condition is potentially dangerous and poses a threat to the safety of the patient if the doctor who performs the procedure is unaware of the situation. This paper presents a technique for detecting the formation of an endoscopic loop using fiber optics technology. A custom-made loop detecting device using different configurations of optical fiber wires was developed. The effectiveness of each configuration in detecting the formation of a loop was studied.This loop detecting device was designed such that it can be embedded into an endoscope without increasing the diameter of the endoscopic tubing. If a loop is detected, the device can transmit a warning signal so the doctor who performs the endoscopic procedure can adjust his or her operation to avoid harming the patient.
Biochemical characterization of a lipid-dependent membrane protein antigen in HK sheep red cells

Abstract This paper reports on several biochemical characteristics of the M antigen in membranes of high-potassium sheep red cells. 1. 1. The M antigen was solubilized by sodium deoxycholate and retained its activity following removal of detergent. 2. 2. Membrame proteins and lipids were separated by gel filtration in deoxycholate and the M antigen was shown to reside only in the protein fraction, but at reduced levels. 3. 3. Antigenic activity was enhanced by recombination with lipid, and both phospholipid and cholesterol were required for full activation. 4. 4. Treatment of whole M-positive membranes with 2-mercaptoethanol and iodoacetamide resulted in a slight decreased of the M-antigenic activity but completely inactivated the M antigen when performed in the presence of 6 M guanidine hydrochloride. The results indicate that the antigen is bound to the membrane primarily through hydrophobic forces. We suggest that portions of the antigen are relatively buried in the membrane matrix, and are inaccessible to small molecular weight reagents.