cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Malaria in the newborn

Summary 1. An unusual mode of malarial infection in the newborn is reported. In the case described, the infection was apparently initiated by the intramuscular injection of mother's blood. 2. Since the intramuscular injection of mother's blood is now a routine therapeutic measure, it is important to exclude the possibility of malarial infection in the mother donor.
Insight into the impact of dietary saturated fat on tissue-specific cellular processes underlying obesity-related diseases.

This study investigated the influence of three high-fat diets (HFDs), differing in the percentage of total calories from saturated fat (SF) (6%, 12%, 24%) but identical in total fat (40%), for a 16-week period in mice on a variety of tissue-specific cellular processes believed to be at the root of obesity-related diseases. Specifically, we examined ectopic lipid accumulation, oxidative capacity [peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator 1-alpha (PGC-1α) mRNA and protein; mtDNA; Cox IV and cytochrome C protein; citrate synthase activity; and gene expression of fission 1, mitofusin (Mfn) 1 and Mfn2], oxidative stress (4-hydroxy-2-nonenal), endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress (binding immunoglobulin protein, activating transcription factor 6-p50, p-eukaryotic initiation factor 2 alpha and x-box binding protein 1 spliced protein), inflammatory [p-c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), p-nuclear factor kappa-B, p-p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase) and insulin signaling (p-Akt), and inflammation [tumor necrosis factor-alpha, monocyte chemotactic protein-1, interleukin-6, F4/80, toll-like receptor (TLR)2 and TLR4 gene expression] in various tissues, including the adipose tissue, liver, skeletal muscle and heart. In general, adipose and hepatic tissues were the only tissues which displayed evidence of dysfunction. All HFDs down-regulated adipose, cardiac and hepatic PGC-1α mRNA and hepatic citrate synthase activity, and induced adipose tissue oxidative stress, whereas only the 6%-SF and 12%-SF diet produced hepatic steatosis. However, compared to the 6%-SF and 24%-SF diets, consumption of the 12%-SF diet resulted in the greatest degree of dysregulation (hepatic ER and oxidative stress, JNK activation, increased F4/80 gene expression and down-regulation of adipose tissue Akt signaling). These findings suggest that the saturated fatty acid composition of an HFD can greatly influence the processes responsible for obesity-related diseases — nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, in particular — as well as provide further evidence that the mechanisms at the root of these diseases are diet and tissue sensitive.
Evaluation of the mutagenic and cytostatic potential of aristolochic acid (3,4-methylenedioxy-8-methoxy-10-nitrophenanthrene-1-carboxylic acid) and several of its derivatives

Aristolochic acid (1), a constituent of Aristolochia species, has been used for medicinal purposes since the Graeco-Roman period. Following the observation that the compound was mutagenic and carcinogenic, it was removed from pharmaceutical products. Consistent with previous reports, we have found that 1 serves as a direct-acting mutagen in Salmonella typhimurium strains TA100, TA102, TA1537 and TM677, but was not active in the nitroreductase-deficient strains TA98NR and TA100NR. However, aristolic acid (2), a compound that differs in structure only by the absence of the nitro group, was also found to be a direct-acting mutagen in Salmonella strains TA98, TA100, TA102, TA1537, and TM677, as well as strains TA98NR and TA100NR. Both compounds (1 and 2) were active mutagens when evaluated with cultured Chinese hamster ovary cells. Thus, in contrast to previous suggestions, the nitro group at position 10 is not required to induce a mutagenic response. Also, a series of structural relatives (the methyl esters of 1 and 2 (3 and 4, respectively), aristolochic acid-D (5), aristolactam (6), aristolactam A-II (7), and aristolactam-N-beta-D-glucoside (8)) were evaluated for mutagenic potential with Salmonella typhimurium strain TM677 and found to be inactive. Since compounds 3 and 4 were found to be active mutagens with Salmonella typhimurium strains TA98, TA100, TA102 and TA1537 (sufficient quantities of compounds 5-8 were not available for testing), differential sensitivity of the tester strains unrelated to mutagenic potential is suggested. Further, compounds 1, 2, and 6-8 were evaluated for potential to inhibit growth with cultured KB or P388 cells. P388 cells were substantially more sensitive, and compound 1 was the most active of the materials tested (ED5 = 0.58 microM). Compound 6 also demonstrated appreciable activity (ED50 = 4.2 microM), as did compound 8 (ED50 = 6.0 microM). It therefore appears that phenanthrene-ring substituents, in addition to the nitro group at position 10, serve important roles for biological potential. In considering the carcinogenic event induced by aristolochic acid, these functionalities should also be taken into account.
Antibody activity against Pseudomonas aeruginosa in immune globulins prepared for intravenous use in humans.

Twenty-seven lots of human immune globulin for intravenous use (IGIV) from seven different producers, including one hyperimmune preparation, were examined for immunologic reactivity and opsonic and protective activity against Pseudomonas aeruginosa. All IGIVs contained hemagglutinating antibodies to seven immunotype-specific lipopolysaccharides of P. aeruginosa (geometric mean titer ± SE, 14 ± 3 for nonhyperimmune preparations and 420 for the hyperimmune product) and to exotoxin A (77 ± 15). All IGIVs tested demonstrated opsonic activity against P. aeruginosa in an in vitro granulocyte-dependent bactericidal assay. All IGIVs conferred dose-dependent protection (hyperimmune more so than nonhyperimmune) against fatal burn-wound infections due to P. aeruginosa in mice. In contrast, single lots of hyperimmune and nonhyperimmune IGIV conferred limited protection against infections due to P. aeruginosa in granulocytopenic mice. These studies indicate the potential prophylactic efficacy of IGIV in human pseudomonas disease, and the possible need for high doses of hyperimmune IGIV in granulocytopenic patients. Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a ubiquitous and highly virulent nosocomial pathogen. Antibiotics have been only partially successful in controlling the morbidity and mortality associated with pseudomonas infections [1]. Specific antibodies constitute a critical immunologic defense mechanism against pseudomonas disease; augmentation of
Crack Initiation and Arrest of Irradiated RPV-Steels: A National Project on German RPV Weld and Base Materials

In Germany the procedure which has to be applied for the safety assessment of the reactor pressure vessel is based on the RTNDT concept. The Master Curve concept (based on T0 ) has the advantage compared to the RTNDT concept that the basic tests are fracture toughness tests instead of Charpy impact energy or Pellini tests. By means of the recently initiated German project CARISMA (C rack Initiation and A rrest of I rradiated S teel Ma terials), a data base will be created on pre-irradiated original materials of the four generations of German nuclear pressurized water reactors, which allows to examine the consequences if the Master Curve instead of the RTNDT concept will be applied.Copyright © 2004 by ASME
Single-center experience with drug-eluting stents in the treatment of critical limb ischemia: midterm follow-up

Purpose The endovascular treatment of infrapopliteal arterial disease in the setting of critical limb ischemia (CLI) is increasing in use. When percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA) results in suboptimal angiographic results, flow limiting dissection or re-coil is thought to limit acute and long-term clinical success. This single-center experience examines the angiographic and clinical results when Drug-Eluting Stents (DES) were placed in a large cohort of patients with CLI after immediate infrapopliteal PTA failure. Materials and Methods A retrospective review of a prospectively collected single-center endovascular database was performed. 107 Rutherford grade 4, 5, and 6 patients were treated between October 2005 and October 2012 with PTA because lack of an acceptable autologous vein for bypass-grafting or severe medical comorbidities precluded them from surgical bypass. The study cohort had suboptimal angiographic results immediately after PTA that was subsequently treated with DES. Patients were then placed on clopidogrel and aspirin indefinitely. Angiographic, clinical, and the results of noninvasive vascular examinations were collected and reviewed. Results In total, 171 stents (106 sirolimus, 62 everolimus, 3 paclitaxel) were placed in 107 patients to treat a total of 143 angiographic lesions. Simultaneous femoral-popliteal intervention was performed in 71% of the patients while 41% of the treated lesions were total occlusions. Lesion length ranged from 13 mm-147 mm (mean 52 mm). Initial technical success was 100%, with all 143 lesions being treated successfully with less than 10% stenosis after stent implantation. Mean follow-up was 25 months (1-75 months) with 6, 12, and 24-month primary patency rates of 92%, 84%, and 70% respectively. Freedom from major amputation was 89% (95/107) with all 12 major amputations occurring in the Rutherford grade 6 group (12/25). Overall mortality rate was 21% (22/107) with one death occurring within 30 days. Conclusion The use of drug-eluting stents following suboptimal PTA for the treatment of infrapopliteal arterial disease in this cohort of patients with CLI produced high primary patency and limb salvage rates supporting the efficacy of this treatment strategy.
A zero-walk charge storage diode discriminator for fast coincidence systems☆

Abstract The use of charge storage diodes in conjunction with discrimination of fast scintillation detector pulses is described. It is demonstrated that the “snap-off” time of such devices can be made independent of the incident pulse amplitude. Several such circuits are shown. A technique for evaluation of such circuits in prompt coincidence systems is described.
Fluorescence decay profile measured with spread spectrum excitations

A novel excitation and detection scheme has been proposed to measure time-resolved fluorescence. A train of continuous excitation pulses modulated by a pseudo-random bit sequence, instead of periodical short pulses of a very low duty factor, is used as the light source to illuminate a fluorescent sample. The cross-correlation between the emission from the sample and the modulation sequence yields the temporal profile of fluorescence decay. We have developed a primitive PC-based time-resolved fluorometer, in which an ultraviolet LED is modulated by a 4095-bit long maximal length pseudo-random bit sequence. The temporal resolution of the fluorometer is up to 1 microsecond. A long lifetime (more than 300 microseconds) europium chelate was used to test our instrument. Its fluorescence decay profile was successfully retrieved, and the measured lifetime is compatible with the specification.
Multi-alphabet consensus algorithm for identification of low specificity protein-DNA interactions

Abstract A method for the identification and characterization of protein-DNA interactions is presented. We have developed an approach for finding unknown multiple patterns that occur imperfectly in a set of several sequences. The pattern may contain letters from the nucleotide alphabet (A, C, G and T) including ambiguous characters (A/C, A/G, A/T; A/C/G, etc.). This method reveals weak DNA signals on an unaligned set of DNA fragments known to be functionally related and assumes no prior information on the sequences' alignment. It determines the locations of the signals from only the information intrinsic to the sequences themselves. We have applied this method to analyze the binding sites of cAMP receptor protein (CRP). The consensus based on these data are discussed and a comparison of the consensus with the crystal structure of CAP-DNA complex is presented. We further show that in a mixture of DNA sequences, containing binding sites for two different proteins, both classes of binding sites can be discovered simultaneously by this method. The DNA sequences of nucleosome cores from chicken erythrocyte and a set of the other known nucleosomal sequences show existence of symmetrical features in nucleosome-binding DNA sequences. We also show multi-alphabet patterns that can play a role in the phasing signal on the nucleosome DNA molecule and have compared the results with existing models of nucleosome positioning.
Hyperspectral face recognition under variable outdoor illumination

We examine the performance of illumination-invariant face recognition in outdoor hyperspectral images using a database of 200 subjects. The hyperspectral camera acquires 31 bands over the 700-1000nm spectral range. Faces are represented by local spectral information for several tissue types. Illumination variation is modeled by low-dimensional spectral radiance subspaces. Invariant subspace projection over multiple tissue types is used for recognition. The experiments consider various face orientations and expressions. The analysis includes experiments for images synthesized using face reflectance images of 200 subjects and a database of over 7,000 outdoor illumination spectra. We also consider experiments that use a set of face images that were acquired under outdoor illumination conditions.
Human-Related Threats to Urban Raptors

Abstract Annual bird mortality in the United States from anthropogenic sources is estimated at one billion. Urban raptors are affected by many of these factors; however, little is known about the relative frequency and magnitude of sources within and among species. I reviewed 86 published sources on mortality and urban use for the raptors of the United States and Canada. Within the Falconiformes (28 urban species), vehicle collisions and electrocutions were reported for most species (73% and 48%, respectively), and vehicular and window strikes were the leading sources of mortality for 39% and 12% of species, respectively. For the Strigiformes (14 urban species), vehicular (63%) and window (47%) collisions affected most species, and the primary sources of mortality were from vehicles (32%) and electrocution (5%). Window-strike mortality was reported for 45% of urban raptors and represented the leading source of mortality for Sharp-shinned Hawks (Accipiter striatus), Cooper's Hawks (A. cooperii), Merlins (F...
Patterns in the cochlear potentials of the Tokay gecko (Gekko gecko).

The nature and origin of the nonlinearity in the cochlear potentials of the lizard Gekko gecko are investigated. Potentials recorded from silver ball electrodes on the round window and in the cochlea are averaged in an on-line computer and measured on a wave analyzer. The waveform of the potentials follows the frequency of the stimulating sound at low intensity and appears in general as a frequency doubling. Fourier analysis of the potentials reveals a second harmonic that is often larger than the fundamental, depending on the frequency of the stimulating sound. Action potentials, middle ear structures, and middle ear muscles contribute to the distortion only to a small degree. This distortion must thus arise in the inner ear structures. Differences between potentials from two sites of recording support this hypothesis. The findings are analyzed in comparison with mammalian cochlear potentials and discussed in relation to anatomical characteristics of the auditory structures of the Gekko gecko.
Proton-enhanced nuclear induction spectroscopy 13C chemical shielding anisotropy in some organic solids

Abstract Using the recently introduced technique of proton-enchanced nuclear induction spectroscopy, 13 C chemical shielding parameters are reported for a number of simple organic compounds, and some exemplary spectra are shown. The 13 C chemical shielding parameters are sensitive to the functional character of the carbon and to molecular structure. Several interesting aspects of these experiments, including molecular motion and cross-relaxation effects, are mentioned briefly.
Modeling colloid-facilitated contaminant transport in the vadose zone

Subsurface colloids can enhance the movement of strongly sorbing contaminants, a phenomenon called colloid-facilitated contaminant transport. In the presence of mobile subsurface colloids, contaminants may move faster and farther than in the absence of colloids, thereby bypassing the filter and buffer capacity of soils and sediments. Fate and transport models neglecting colloid-facilitated transport therefore often underpredict contaminant movement. Long-term predictions of contaminant fate and transport as well as risk assessment rely on an accurate representation of subsurface processes, and in the case of strongly sorbing contaminants, need to consider mobile colloids as potential contaminant carriers. The purpose of this review is to discuss the current knowledge and recent developments of modeling colloid-facilitated contaminant transport in the vadose zone. The main part of this review is devoted to the discussion of conceptual models used to describe colloid-facilitated contaminant transport in the vadose zone and their mathematical implementation. Modeling of colloid-facilitated contaminant transport involves various interactions, including colloid attachment to and detachment from the solid matrix and the air–water interface, contaminant adsorption to and desorption from colloids and transport with mobile colloids, and contaminant adsorption to and desorption from the solid matrix. Most of these processes in colloid-facilitated contaminant transport models have been described by first- or second-order kinetics. The unique feature of the vadose zone is the presence of an air phase, which affects colloid and contaminant transport in several ways. Colloids can be trapped in immobile water, strained in thin water films and in the smallest regions of the pore space, or attached to the air–water interface itself. The modeling of colloid-facilitated contaminant transport in the vadose zone has mostly been theoretical, and tested only with column experiments; field applications are still lacking.
When saying and doing diverge: The effects of stereotype threat on self-reported versus non-verbal anxiety☆

Abstract Although research has established that stigmatized individuals suffer impaired performance under stereotype threat conditions, the anxiety presumed to mediate this effect has proven difficult to establish. In the current investigation, we explored whether non-verbal measures would fare better than self-reports in capturing stereotype threat anxiety. Gay and heterosexual men interacted with preschool children under stereotype threat or control conditions. As predicted, stereotype-threatened gay men demonstrated more non-verbal anxiety, but not more self-reported anxiety, than non-threatened gays during these interactions. Furthermore, non-verbal anxiety appeared to mediate the effects of stereotype threat on the quality of participants’ childcare skills. We discuss how these findings advance stereotype threat research, and highlight their potential implications for gay childcare workers.
Triple trisomy in a 17-week-old fetus

Autosomal trisomies account for the majority of chromosome abnormalities associated with spontaneous miscarriages. Occasionally, double autosomal trisomies are found to be present in abortuses. This report describes the second occurrence of triple trisomy associated with fetal demise.
A moisture-accounting watershed model for single-storm events based on time—Area concept

Abstract A watershed model for simulating a total runoff hydrograph due to a single storm is fromulated. Two concepts form the basis of the model: 1. (1) The rainfall variability over the area is accounted for by a multiple input resulting from the subdivision of the watershed into zones. 2. (2) The division of the total rainfall input into various components is accomplished through a moisture-accounting procedure of the upper soil layer. The model is applied to the Raba River in southern Poland. An interactive process of identification of the model parameters is described, and the results of the calibration are presented. Both the results and sensitivity analysis indicate the robustness and usefullness of the model developed.
SOME EFFECTS OF GAMMA RADIATION AND A CHEMOSTERILANT ON THE MEXICAN BEAN BEETLE

Gamma radiation or the alkylating agent apholate sterilized male and female Mexican bean beetle, Epilachna varivestis Mulsant. with adults the effect was produced with ionizing radiation at 8 or 16 kr. Pupae were more susceptible—complete sterilization of females was obtained at doses of 1, 4, 8, or 16 kr and males were sterilized at doses of 4, 8, or 16 kr. Larvae were more susceptible to direct radiation effects than pupae and pupae more susceptible than adults. Adult male or female bean beetles dipped in an aqueous solution of 0.5% apholate or confined for 48 hours on bean foliage sprayed with the same concentration in water were completely sterilized. Untreated female beetles mated with treated males (irradiated or exposed to apholate at effective doses) deposited about the same number of eggs as females of untreated pairs, but no eggs hatched. Treated female beetles (irradiated or exposed to apholate at effective doses) mated with untreated males deposited few or no eggs. Adult beetles of either sex irradiated in the pupal or adult stage or apholate treated adults were shorter lived than untreated beetles. Untreated female beetles mated first with irradiated or apholate-treated males produced sterile eggs, but a subsequent mating with untreated males resulted in the production of viable eggs.
Magnetization Dynamics Coarse Graining Through Landau–Lifshitz–Gilbert Equation Renormalization

Coarse-graining ferromagnetic dynamics is obtained from fine-graining magnetization dynamics through Landau-Lifshitz-Gilbert (LLG) equation renormalization. Analytical formulas are obtained to connect LLG dynamics at separate spatial and temperature scales by averaging out fast spatial-varying magnetization components. Besides rescaling transverse LLG damping, a longitudinal damping term appears in the renormalization process, which increases with temperature.
Neutron scattering studies of spin waves in one-dimensional Heisenberg ferromagnet Cu Cl 2 · DMSO (dimethyl sulfoxide)

We report the first results of a neutron scattering investigation of spin waves in a one-dimensional Heisenberg ferromagnet CuCl/sub 2/xDMSO (dimethyl sulfoxide). Experimentally obtained spin-wave linewidths near the zone boundary do not agree well with theories for classical 1 D Heisenberg ferromagnets, which suggests the presence of significant quantum corrections to the linewidths.
Adolescents' performance on a sequence of proportional reasoning tasks

This study was designed to investigate the understanding of proportion by a select group of college-bound adolescents. Gender-related differences and the influence of course experience were also studied in relation to first-order direct proportional reasoning and multiple proportional reasoning. The 901 subjects were administered the Tall-Short task as a test of first-order direct proportional reasoning. From the 474 subjects classified as successful, a random subsample of 128 subjects was administered the Projection of Shadows task. Only 22 subjects succeeded on all four subtasks of this multiple proportion task. An analysis of the transcripts of responses showed that feedback and second trials were essential for success for most (68%) of these successful subjects. In addition, this select subsample generally used a multiplicative strategy and still could not overcome the inhibiting effect of focusing on direct proportions. There were significant gender differences, in favor of male subjects, in first-order direct proportional reasoning but there were no gender differences in multiple proportional reasoning. Prior course experience in mathematics and science were each significantly related to first-order direct proportional reasoning but there was no significant relationship between either of these variables and multiple proportional reasoning.
Group parent training: Is it effective for children of all ages?

Archival data from 304 mothers who attended group parent training were used to test for age effects on statistical and clinical significance of improvements in child behavior problems following participation in the program. The Total Problem T score from the Child Behavior Checklist served as the dependent measure for all analyses. Results indicated that, for the total sample, the severity of problem behaviors before treatment was the best predictor of treatment outcomes. When the sample was divided into age groups, older children had more severe behavior problems before treatment, but all groups improved. When outcomes were examined for clinically significant improvements, adolescents had the lowest rate of clinical recovery, but the only significant predictor of treatment effects was again the severity of behavior problems before treatment. In general, the data supported the null hypothesis that group parent training is effective for children from early childhood through adolescence. However, positive group parent training outcome for families with children of any age was best predicted by the seriousness of the child's behavior problems prior to treatment.
Breast Cancer Risk with Oral Contraceptives and Oestrogen Replacement Therapy

An obstetrics-gynecology professor has conducted a literature review of epidemiological studies on the association between breast cancer and exogenous estrogens in combined oral contraceptives (OCs) and hormone replacement therapy. These studies largely consist of case control studies but also include cohort studies and meta-analyses. The review concludes that neither OCs nor estrogen replacement therapy (ERT) cause breast cancer in women. Exogenous estrogen may speed up the time of breast cancer diagnosis suggesting a possible promotional effect in OC users under the age of 45 and long-term users of ERT with a high dosage of estradiol. OC use during young age may protect against breast cancer after age 45. Physiological doses of conjugated equine estrogen do not appear to increase the risk of breast cancer in postmenopausal women even if they have used ERT for a long time. Progestogen use alone or with ERT has no effect on the risk of breast cancer. Clinicians can reassure women that there is no correlation between exogenous estrogen use (OCs and ERT) and an increased risk of breast cancer. Researchers should conduct better designed and implemented epidemiological studies to add to the information on breast cancer risk and exogenous estrogen use.
Analysis of reactive carbonyls in the expired air of transgenic mice.

Methods for the determination of trace levels of volatile carbonyl compounds in air expired from mice were developed and validated. Tumor bearing transgenic mice or nontransgenic control mice were placed into a glass chamber through which air was passed continuously at 90 ml/min for 1 h. The effluent gas stream was bubbled into an aqueous cysteamine solution or an aqueous methylhydrazinesolution. Formaldehyde, acetaldehyde, and acetone in expired air were derivatized to thiazolidines with cysteamine and malonaldehyde was derivatized to 1-methyl-2-pyrazole with methylhydrazine. The derivatized compounds were analyzed by capillary gas chromatography with flame photometric or nitrogen-phosphorous-specific detection. The lowest level quantitated was 4 μg/ml thiazolidine, equivalent to 1.35 μg/ml formaldehyde. Formaldehyde was recovered at a level of 1356 ± 234 nmol/kg0.75 (mean ± SD) from mice with tumors and 898 ± 97 nmol/kg0.75 from mice without tumors, suggesting that tumor bearing transgenic mice expired significantly more formaldehyde than did tumor free controls. Amounts of expired acetaldehyde and acetone were not different among mice. Malonaldehyde was not detected in either group of mice.
Real-time histogram generation using active optical scanning

A prototype of an optical-electronic histogram generator has been designed and tested for one-dimensional objects. In this scheme, the object to be analysed is laser scanned. The resulting optical signal is detected by a photodetector, which generates an electrical signal output that is subsequently analysed with a combination of analogue and digital electronics. The system is shown to be fairly modular in design. Various aspects of the extension of the design to two dimensions are discussed.
Identification of phenolic compounds in strawberries by liquid chromatography electrospray ionization mass spectroscopy

Strawberry (Fragaria x ananassa Duch.) fruits contain phenolic compounds that have antioxidant, anticancer, antiatherosclerotic and anti-neurodegenerative properties. Identification of food phenolics is necessary since their nature, size, solubility, degree and position of glycosylation and conjugation influence their absorption, distribution, metabolism and excretion in humans. Freeze-dried whole strawberry fruit powder and strawberry fruit extracts were analyzed by liquid chromatography electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (LC-ESI-MS) methods. Phenolics were identified as ellagic acid (EA), EA-glycosides, ellagitannins, gallotannins, anthocyanins, flavonols, flavanols and coumaroyl glycosides. The anthocyanidins were pelargonidin and cyanidin, found predominantly as their glucosides and rutinosides. The major flavonol aglycons were quercetin and kaempferol found as their glucuronides and glucosides. LC-ESI-MS/MS methods differentiated EA from quercetin conjugates since both aglycons have identical molecular weights (302 g/mol). The identification of strawberry phenolics is necessary to generate standardized materials for in vitro and in vivo studies and for the authentication of strawberry-based food products. (c) 2005 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
N-Ethylmaleimide-sensitive Factor Acts at a Prefusion ATP-dependent Step in Ca2+-activated Exocytosis

An ATP-dependent activity of NSF (N-ethylmaleimide-sensitive factor) that rearranges soluble NSF attachment protein (SNAP) receptor (SNARE) protein complexes was proposed to be the driving force for membrane fusion. The Ca2+-activated fusion of secretory vesicles with the plasma membrane in permeable PC12 cells requires ATP; however, the ATP requirement is for a priming step that precedes the Ca2+-triggered fusion reaction. While phosphoinositide phosphorylation is a key reaction required for priming, additional ATP-dependent reactions are also necessary. Here we report that the NSF-catalyzed rearrangement of SNARE protein complexes occurs during ATP-dependent priming. NSF with α-SNAP (soluble NSF attachment protein) were required for ATP-dependent priming but not Ca2+-triggered fusion, indicating that NSF acts at an ATP-dependent prefusion step rather than at fusion itself. NSF-catalyzed activation of SNARE proteins may reorganize membranes to generate a vesicle-plasma membrane prefusion intermediate that is poised for conversion to full fusion by Ca2+-dependent mechanisms.
Remarkable Stabilization of Zwitterionic Intermediates May Account for a Billion-fold Rate Acceleration by Thiamin Diphosphate-Dependent Decarboxylases†

When the E91D variant of apo-yeast pyruvate decarboxylase (EC 4.1.1. 1) is exposed to C2alpha-hydroxybenzylthiamin diphosphate, this putative intermediate is partitioned on the enzyme between release of the benzaldehyde product (as evidenced by regeneration of active enzyme) and dissociation of the proton at C2alpha to form the enamine-C2alpha-carbanion intermediate. While the pKa (the negative log of the acid dissociation constant) for this dissociation is approximately 15.4 in water, formation of the enamine at pH 6.0 on the enzyme indicates a >9 unit pKa suppression by the enzyme environment. The dramatic stabilization of this zwitterionic enamine intermediate at the active center is sufficient to account for as much as a 10(9)-fold rate acceleration on the enzyme. This "solvent" effect could be useful for achieving the bulk of the rate acceleration provided by the protein over and above that afforded by the coenzyme on all thiamin diphosphate-dependent 2-oxo acid decarboxylases.
Transience and the postmodern self : The geographic mobility of resort workers

The occupational community of resort workers offers a glimpse into the global postmodern workforce: individuals who relocate around the world, impelled by their career aspirations or their search f...
Residential Herbicide Use and Risk of Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma

Context: Environmental exposure to herbicides has been hypothesized to contribute to the long-term increase in non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL). Objective: To estimate the effects of residential herbicide exposure on NHL risk. Design: Population-based case-control study. Setting: Iowa and metropolitan Detroit, Los Angeles, and Seattle, 1998 to 2000. Participants: NHL patients ages 20 to 74 years and unaffected residents identified by random digit dialing and Medicare eligibility files. Main Outcome Measures: Computer-assisted personal interviews (1,321 cases, 1,057 controls) elicited data on herbicide use at each home occupied since 1970. Levels of 2,4-dichlorophenoxy-acetic acid and dicamba were measured in dust taken from used vacuum cleaner bags in the current home (679 cases, 510 controls who had owned at least half of their carpets for ≥5 years). Results: Herbicide use on the lawn or garden was similar among cases and controls (adjusted relative risk, 1.02; 95% confidence interval, 0.84-1.23). Estimated risk did not increase with greater duration, frequency, or total number of applications of herbicides to the lawn, the garden, or to both combined. Risk was not elevated for respondents who applied the herbicides themselves and not for those exposed during the 1970s, 1980s, or 1990s. We detected 2,4-dichlorophenoxy-acetic acid equally often in homes of cases and controls (78%). We found dicamba in homes of 15% of cases and 20% of controls. We also found no elevation in risk among the respondents who had the highest dust levels and highest self-reported exposures. We found no consistent patterns for specific histologies. Conclusions: We found no detectable excess associated with residential exposures. Residential herbicide exposures are unlikely to explain the long-term increase in NHL.
Strike-Slip Displacement on Faults in Triassic Rocks in New Jersey

The Hopewell and Flemington faults in New Jersey are inferred to extend 10 to 15 miles or more farther north than their previously mapped northward limits. The Hopewell fault, previously known to show dip-slip displacement of 10,000 feet or more, is inferred to include as well a right-lateral strike-slip component of 12 miles on the basis of apparent displacement along its northern extension of the crestal traces of two partial anticlines which are held to be displaced segments of the same transverse structure, here called the Somerville anticline. An unknown amount of strike-slip displacement may have occurred also on the Flemington fault, if the apparent offset of the Ramapo fault at the northwestern border of the Triassic outcrop belt is explained as the result of displacement of a formerly continuous northeast-trending, southeast-dipping fault by a north-trending vertical extension of the Flemington fault.
Determination of ε-Caprolactam Concentration in Water and a White Wine Simulant during Simulated Transport and Storage of Lidded Cups

Under normal sealing and storage conditions, nylon-6, poly (caprolactam)-based plastic laminates may release impurities to packaged foods and liquids, and the application of heat for cooking often increases the rate of migration. Epsilon-caprolactam is one of the main contaminates found to migrate from a nylon-6 poly (caprolactam) plastic film. The objectives of this study were to determine the effects of solvent, transportation, and storage time on the concentration of e-caprolactam from a nylon-6-based lidding material in water or a white wine substitute (12 % ethanol) in poly (propylene) cups lidded with a nylon-6-based film. Cups were filled, sealed, packaged, stacked, and exposed to a simulated 3-day cross-country shipment. Cups were sampled with or without simulated shipment after 0, 7, 14, or 28 days at 20.6°C. Epsilon-caprolactam was determined using a gas chromatograph (GC) equipped with flame ionization detector and Restek Rtx 1301 megabore column. Results of the study indicated release of e-caprolactam into containers at the time of sealing with significantly higher levels (4.42 ppm average) occurring in 12 % ethanol versus water (0.01 ppm average). After the cups were sealed, neither simulated cross-country shipment nor storage increased levels of e-caprolactam in either solvent. It is not understood how the alcohol, whether as liquid or vapor, interacted with the lidding material to increase e-caprolactam release at the time of sealing. No delamination of the poly (propylene) layer of the lidding material was observed when cups were sealed. Future research needs to be conducted to study the effects of alcohol, alcohol vapor, sealing time, and temperature on potential e-caprolactam release.
Viking image processing

The paper discusses the camera systems capable of recording black and white and color imagery developed for the Viking Lander imaging experiment. Each Viking Lander image consisted of a matrix of numbers with 512 rows and an arbitrary number of columns up to a maximum of about 9,000. Various techniques were used in the processing of the Viking Lander images, including: (1) digital geometric transformation, (2) the processing of stereo imagery to produce three-dimensional terrain maps, and (3) computer mosaicking of distinct processed images. A series of Viking Lander images is included.
Quantifying the Stability of Acridines to Ribosomal G-Quadruplexes

G-quadruplexes are involved in fundamental regulatory processes, including those associated with cancer. Previous studies primarily focused on telomeric and oncogenic DNA G-quadruplexes, but recent studies have demonstrated that G-quadruplexes in ribosomal DNA or ribosomal RNA (rDNA or rRNA), may be an alternative target with a significant clinical potential through the inhibition of RNA polymerase I (Pol I) in ribosome biogenesis. The structures of ribosomal G-quadruplexes at atomic resolution are unknown and very little biophysical characterization has been performed on them. In our present study, we modeled putative ribosomal G-quadruplexes that were previously predicted using a bioinformatics algorithm and verified using CD spectroscopy to exist in a predominantly parallel topology. To quantify the relative stabilities of the acridine:G-quadruplex structures, we introduce two novel metrics for quantifying the relative stability of the G-quadruplex tetrads: 1) the center of mass base-to-base distance between diagonal guanines, and 2) the torsional angle between four guanines. Our relative free energy profiles show that the rDNA G-quadruplex structures with shorter loops are more stable for parallel topologies. The antiparallel topology was determined adopt a disordered configuration due to the lack of planarity after the simulation. To evaluate acridine molecules as a viable small molecule chemotherapeutic agent, we then rationally designed several acridine molecules. Each has a polyaromatic face that binds to the top-most G-tetrad and has amino or carboxyl side-chains to selectively optimize the shape and electrostatic complementarity. We then docked acridines to the rDNA G-quadruplexes and performed MD simulations. We identified several acridines with amino groups, and the nature of their specificity and relative stabilities depend on the rDNA G-quadruplex loop structures.
Beware of ulnar nerve entrapment in flexion-type supracondylar humerus fractures

Abstract Purpose A recent study reported a higher incidence of pre-operative ulnar nerve symptoms in patients with flexion-type supracondylar fractures than in those with the more common extension supracondylar fractures and a greater need for open reduction (Kocher in POSNA paper #49 2006). We have encountered a specific pattern of flexion supracondylar fractures that often require open reduction with internal fixation (ORIF) due to entrapment of the ulnar nerve within the fracture. Methods Medical records and X-rays from 1997 to 2005 at our children’s hospital were examined to identify flexion supracondylar fractures that required open reduction. The operative reports were reviewed to identify cases that had the ulnar nerve blocking the reduction. Results During the 8 years examined, 1,650 supracondylar fractures had been treated by means of closed reduction and percutaneous pinning. Of these, only 1.8% or 30 cases could not be reduced closed and required open reduction internal fixation, excluding 11 o...
THE ROLES OF PHONOLOGICAL SHORT-TERM MEMORY AND WORKING MEMORY IN L2 GRAMMAR AND VOCABULARY LEARNING

This study analyzed phonological short-term memory (PSTM) and working memory (WM) and their relationship with vocabulary and grammar learning in an artificial foreign language. Nonword repetition, nonword recognition, and listening span were used as memory measures. Participants learned the singular forms of vocabulary for an artificial foreign language before being exposed to plural forms in sentence contexts. Participants were tested on their ability to induce the grammatical forms and to generalize the forms to novel utterances. Individual differences in final abilities in vocabulary and grammar correlated between 0.44 and 0.76, depending on the measure. Despite these strong associations, the results demonstrated significant independent effects of PSTM and WM on L2 vocabulary learning and on L2 grammar learning, some of which were mediated by vocabulary and some of which were direct effects.
Dynamic Changes in Soluble Interleukin-2 Receptor Levels after Lung or Heart-Lung Transplantation

Activation of T-lymphocytes is accompanied by the release of interleukin-2 receptors (IL-2R) in a soluble form that can be measured as an index of the activation process. We performed a prospective, blinded study of the dynamic changes in soluble IL-2R levels in serum in 12 patients undergoing lung or heart-lung transplantation. The levels of soluble IL-2R were markedly elevated during episodes of rejection (geometric mean value SEM = 3,770 1.06 versus 411 1.08 U/ml for normal controls, p < 0.0001). Levels of soluble IL-2R were 2,105 1.16 U/ml with rejection episodes in single lung recipients versus 5,560 1.30 in recipients of two lungs (p = 0.005). Soluble IL-2R levels were 1,468 1.05 during episodes of nonbacterial infections, 1,879 1.34 with bacterial infections, and 5,056 1.08 with sepsis (p < 0.001 for each category compared to normals). Levels of soluble IL-2R exceeded 6,750 U/ml only with rejection episodes and were greater than 4,100 U/ml either with rejection, clinical sepsis, or overwhelming bac...
Design considerations for optical interconnects in parallel computers

Communication complexity and latency is a critical problem in multiprocessor systems. A significant portion of communication latency is associated with the interconnect network. Optics has many advantages for achieving low latency, scalable interprocessor communication. The author identifies significant ways in which optical technology can boost network functionality and performance when key architectural and implementation design issues are considered. A high bandwidth, reconfigurable optical interconnect capable of increased network throughput and optimal processor-memory connectivity can result from this approach. >
Distributed Medium Access Control Strategies for MIMO Underwater Acoustic Networking

The requirements of multimedia underwater monitoring applications with heterogeneous traffic demands in terms of bandwidth and end-to-end reliability are considered in this article. To address these requirements, a new medium access control protocol named UMIMO-MAC is proposed. UMIMO-MAC is designed to i) adaptively leverage the tradeoff between multiplexing and diversity gain according to channel conditions and application requirements, ii) select suitable transmit power to reduce energy consumption, and iii) efficiently exploit the UW channel, minimizing the impact of the long propagation delay on the channel utilization efficiency. To achieve the objectives above, UMIMO-MAC is based on a two-way handshake protocol. Multiple access by simultaneous and co-located transmissions is achieved by using different pseudo-orthogonal spreading codes. An algorithm is proposed that, in a cross-layer fashion, jointly selects optimal transmit power and transmission mode through the cooperation of transmitter and receiver to achieve the desired level of reliability and data rate according to application needs and channel condition. Extensive simulation results show that UMIMO-MAC increases network throughput, decreases channel access delay, and decrease energy consumption compared with existing MAC protocols for UW-ASNs.
Indirect effects of an invasive annual grass on seed fates of two native perennial grass species

Invasive plants exhibit both direct and indirect negative effects on recruitment of natives following invasion. We examined indirect effects of the invader Bromus tectorum (cheatgrass) on seed fates of two native grass species, Elymus elymoides and Pseudoroegneria spicata, by removing B. tectorum and by adding inoculum of the shared seed pathogen Pyrenophora semeniperda in factorial experiments at xeric and mesic field sites. We also included a supplemental watering treatment to increase emergence and also the potential for pathogen escape. We recorded emergence and survival of native seedlings and also determined the fate of unemerged seeds. At the xeric site, Pyrenophora-caused mortality was high (34 %), and effects of other pathogens and failed emergence of germinants were smaller. Cheatgrass removal negatively affected both emergence (35 vs. 25 %) and spring survival (69 vs. 42 %). Pyrenophora-caused seed mortality increased with inoculum augmentation for both species (22 vs. 47 % overall), but emergence was negatively impacted only for P. spicata (20 vs. 34 %). At the mesic site, Pyrenophora-caused mortality was low (6 %). Cheatgrass removal doubled emergence (26 vs. 14 %). Seed mortality increased significantly with inoculum augmentation for P. spicata (12 vs. 5 %) but not E. elymoides, while emergence was not significantly affected in either species. A large fraction of seeds produced germinants that failed to emerge (37 %), while another large fraction (35 %) was killed by other pathogens. We conclude that facilitation by cheatgrass at the xeric site but interference at the mesic site was probably mediated through litter effects that could be ameliorative or suppressive. Apparent competition between cheatgrass and native grasses could occur through Pyrenophora, especially in a xeric environment, but effects were weak or absent at emergence. This was probably because Pyrenophora attacks the same slow-germinating fraction that is subject to pre-emergence mortality from other causes, including attack by other pathogens such as Fusarium.