cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Aberrant Upregulation of Astroglial Ceramide Potentiates Oligodendrocyte Injury

Oligodendroglial injury is a pathological hallmark of many human white matter diseases, including multiple sclerosis (MS) and periventricular leukomalacia (PVL). Critical regulatory mechanisms of oligodendroglia destruction, however, remain incompletely understood. Ceramide, a bioactive sphingolipid pivotal to sphingolipid metabolism pathways, regulates cell death in response to diverse stimuli and has been implicated in neurodegenerative disorders. We report here that ceramide accumulates in reactive astrocytes in active lesions of MS and PVL, as well as in animal models of demyelination. Serine palmitoyltransferase, the rate-limiting enzyme for ceramide de novo biosynthesis, was consistently upregulated in reactive astrocytes in the cuprizone mouse model of demyelination. Mass spectrometry confirmed the upregulation of specific ceramides during demyelination, and revealed a concomitant increase of sphingosine and a suppression of sphingosine-1-phosphate, a potent signaling molecule with key roles in cell survival and mitogenesis. Importantly, this altered sphingolipid metabolism during demyelination was restored upon active remyelination. In culture, ceramide acted synergistically with tumor necrosis factor, leading to apoptotic death of oligodendroglia in an astrocyte-dependent manner. Taken together, our findings implicate that disturbed sphingolipid pathways in reactive astrocytes may indirectly contribute to oligodendroglial injury in cerebral white matter disorders.
Chemical damage resulting from 15 keV C60, Ar18 and Ar60 cluster bombardments of solid benzene

Molecular dynamics simulations of 15 keV normal incidence cluster bombardment of solid benzene with Ar18, Ar60 and C60 were run for 50 ps using a mixed resolution model with the goal of elucidating the differences in chemical damage created in the crystal solid. The chemical damage in the solid for a single trajectory was found to be minor for all three clusters when compared with the total sputter yields; the largest number of damaged molecular benzene equivalents was only 28 ± 3 for Ar18 just two percent of the total sputter yield. All three clusters had relatively the same topography of chemical damage remaining in the crystalline solid. The damage was confined to the near surface region of the crystal with the overwhelming majority of damage confined to the crater created by the cluster impact. The chemical damage was also found to be approximately uniformly and randomly distributed around the crater. These findings demonstrate that for cluster bombardment of a small organic solid similar to molecular benzene, the total chemical damage remaining in the surface and the topography of the damage would be similar for Ar18, Ar60 and C60. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
On the scaling of the critical temperature with the degree of polymerization in symmetric polymer blends

The scaling of the critical temperature (Tc) with the degree of polymerization (N) in symmetric polymer blends is investigated via a new molecular closure to the polymer reference interaction site model integral equation theory. The theory predicts Tc∼N, which is qualitatively consistent with classical mean field ideas.
Predicting incidence of some critical events by sun signs—the Pisces study

Abstract Background Zodiac signs are believed to influence personality and health. Those born under the sun sign Leo are alleged to be big-hearted and at risk for heart disease. Methods We compared the demographic and exercise variables among a cohort of 32,386 patients undergoing stress testing at a large academic center. Further, we studied the association of Leo sun sign with long-term mortality. Results There were only minor differences in the baseline or exercise variables among Leos and the remainder of the cohort. There was a total of 2586 deaths over a period of 5 years. There was a slight excess of deaths among the Leos (9.6% vs. 8.7%). This relationship acquired a borderline significance after multivariate adjustment (hazard ratio, 1.17; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.03 to 1.33, p=0.019). However, no significant difference in risk of mortality was seen in a propensity-adjusted model (adjusted hazard ratio, 1.10; 95% CI, 0.92 to 1.31; p=0.30). Conclusion Being a Leo is not associated with any adverse cardiac risk. Our findings should provide reassurance to the large population of Leos that together make up approximately one twelfth of mankind.
A theory for discriminating the mechanism responsible for the water density anomaly

Abstract We propose a model elucidating the mechanisms at the origin of the density anomaly of water. We start from a model of Sastry et al., with no correlation between the hydrogen bonds (HBs), that rationalizes the experiments with an anomalous behavior of the line of temperatures of maximum density (TMD), i.e., with a singularity-free scenario. We introduce the correlation of HBs and solve the model within a mean-field approach. The resulting phase diagram shows the same anomalous behavior of the TMD line but also the occurrence of a phase transition between a high- and a low-density liquids ending in a critical point. Therefore, the introduction of the HBs correlation is enough to pass from the singularity-free scenario to the second critical point scenario. Since experiments on water show the presence of HBs correlation, this result suggests that the relevant mechanism for the density anomaly is the liquid–liquid phase transition.
Insecticide action at the GABA-gated chloride channel: recognition, progress, and prospects

Three billion (3 x 10(9)) pounds of hexachlorocyclohexanes, polychlorobornanes, and chlorinated cyclodienes (such as lindane, toxaphene, and endosulfan, respectively) were used to control pest insects before their mode of action was established as blocking the GABA-gated chloride channel. With the restricted use or demise of these polychlorocycloalkanes (each approximately 50 to approximately 75% by weight of chlorine), the GABAergic system is for now an underutilized target of insecticide action. Newer compounds with outstanding potency at this receptor and as toxicants to houseflies are suitably-substituted 2,6,7-trioxabicyclo[2.2.2]-octanes, particularly the bicycloorthobenzoates, and 1,3-dithianes, including those with no halogenated substituents. Picrotoxinin analogs and alkynylphenyl-silatranes also act at this target but are of lower insecticidal activity. [3H]n-Propyl-ethynylbicycloorthobenzoate ([3H]EBOB) is for now the best radioligand for this insecticidally-relevant binding site in insects. Macrocyclic lactones such as the avermectins and moxidectin act at a different binding site to disrupt chloride flux and they have a different spectrum of insecticidal activity and no cross resistance with cyclodienes in houseflies. The search for new insecticides has provided the incentive and probes for a better understanding of the insect GABAergic system.
Contesting State Multiculturalisms: Indigenous Land Struggles in Eastern Panama

This article examines the implications of Latin America's recent wave of state-embraced multiculturalism for the region's indigenous peoples, arguing that state recognition of indigenous difference is not inevitably empowering for indigenous groups or transformative of nation-states. It utilises data from fieldwork with the Kuna Indians of eastern Panama in order to delineate more precisely the contexts and strategies of indigenous peoples which may serve to push outwards more constrained forms of institutional multiculturalism. It explores the links between Panama's historical nationalist project, contemporary state multiculturalism and ethnically specific forms of mobilisation for land rights and autonomy. It also examines the transformative potential of multiculturalism in the context of the simultaneous implementation of global economic and cultural projects of neoliberalism.
Structural origin of bulk molecular hydrogen in hydrogenated amorphous silicon

The elastic anomaly observed previously at the triple point of bulk molecular hydrogen in hydrogenated amorphous silicon films prepared by hot-wire chemical-vapor deposition has also been observed in deuterated films at the triple point of D2. The origin of this anomaly has now been traced to bubbles formed at the crystalline-amorphous interface. An upper limit of the pressure in these bubbles at their formation temperature, 440°C, has been estimated to be 11 MPa, and is suggested to be a measure of the bonding strength between film and substrate at that temperature. Bubble formation after heat treatment at 400°C has also been observed in films prepared by plasma-enhanced chemical-vapor deposition. The internal friction anomalies resemble those observed previously in cold-worked hydrogenated iron where they have been interpreted through plastic deformation of solid hydrogen in voids.
Film boiling of nitrogen with suction on an electrically heated porous plate

Experimental equipment to study the film boiling of liquid nitrogen on a porous heat source with vapor suction was developed. The electrically heated element was a 3.69 in. sintered stainless steel screen, which was also used as a resistance thermometer in conjunction with an a.c. potentiometric circuit. In preliminary work, this mode of heat transfer was unstable, but stability was achieved by placing a porous flow control element on the liquid side of the heater. It was found that the Nusselt number was a function of only the Reynolds number; the heat transfer coefficient was increased by a factor of as much as 2.5 over the heat transfer coefficient in normal film boiling; it was possible to vary independently any two of the three variables, heat flux, flow rate through the plate, and temperature difference; and the generated vapor was considerably superheated. Fluctuations in the local surface temperature were measured in film boiling from both porous and nonporous flat plates, indicating that momentary solid-liquid contacts can occur, for all practical purposes, in film boiling.
The temporal branch of the facial nerve : how reliably can we predict its path?

A thorough examination of the temporal branch of the facial nerve was performed to characterize precisely the number of rami crossing the zygomatic arch and their location with respect to bone and soft-tissue landmarks. Fresh cadaver dissection was performed in 12 facial halves, dissecting the facial nerve superiorly from the stylomastoid foramen to identify all branches crossing the zygomatic arch. There were a median of three (range two to four) rami of the temporal branch crossing the lower aspect of the zygomatic arch, with distinct anterior and posterior divisions identified in each dissection. In 8 of the 12 dissections, one or more separate middle divisions of the nerve also were seen at the inferior aspect of the zygomatic arch. Superior to the zygomatic arch, frequent interconnections were noted between all divisions of the temporal branch, but no connections were noted to other branches of the facial nerve. Previous descriptions of the course of the temporal branch based on soft-tissue landmarks most closely correlated with nerve rami that were found in the present study to be located within the anterior division of the nerve. On crossing the inferior aspect of the zygomatic arch, the anterior and middle divisions of the temporal branch were located a median of 12 and 4 mm anterior to the articular eminence, respectively; the posterior division ranged in location from 10 mm posterior to 7 mm anterior to the articular eminence. The range over which rami of the temporal branch crossed the inferior aspect of the zygomatic arch was equally divided anterior and posterior to the articular eminence and covered up to 50 percent of the total length of the zygomatic arch. The present study confirms that the temporal branch is not a single nerve branch but consists of multiple rami that cross the zygomatic arch anywhere for over half the length of its inferior border. Techniques for localizing the nerve based on reference points from two soft-tissue landmarks are therefore unreliable.
Paleotemperatures and Chronology at Archeological Cave Site Revealed by Thermoluminescence

Contrasting values of remnant thermoluminescence of limestone samples from Jaguar Cave, eastcentral Idaho, reveal temperature differences attributable to position within the cave microenvironment. Absence of recorded temperature change during cave-filling by rock and human debris indicates brevity of human occupation, which was near the end of Wisconsin (Pine-dale) time.
The Limits of Transparency: Ambiguity and the History of International Finance

The Limits of Transparency: Ambiguity and the History of International Finance. By Jacqueline Best. Ithaca, NY: Cornell University Press, 2005. 240p. $37.50. While social constructivism has moved into the mainstream of international relations theory, informing scholarship in the subfields of security studies and international organization, its application and status in international political economy (IPE) has lagged behind. From the articles in the highest-status political science journals to the works on graduate syllabi across the major research universities, the study of IPE has been dominated by a single view of markets, drawn from neoclassical economics, premised on a narrow view of rationality, and rooted in materialist foundations.
A physical approach to generating time frequency distributions of dynamic CEM targets

Generating accurate, high-resolution time-frequency distributions (TFD) is a critical aspect of dynamic radar scattering analysis. Well-formed TFD's can be used for target identification, target acquisition in high-noise environments, or extending the range of radar systems. In this paper, we diverge from traditional methods employing complex signal-processing methods and propose a simple approach for constructing the TFD for computational electromagnetic (CEM) targets based on the physics of the problem. The proposed method allows for an arbitrarily high resolution at any single look angle. Several examples are presented to validate the method. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 35: 186–189, 2002; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/mop.10552
BUN:creatinine ratio - definition of the normal range in children

The normal range for the BUN:Creatinine ratio (BCR) has not been determined for infants and children. The objectives of this study were to: i) test the hypothesis that the BCR is higher in young ch...
Fluctuation of Motor Charge in the Lateral Membrane of the Cochlear Outer Hair Cell

Abstract Functioning of the membrane motor of the outer hair cell is tightly associated with transfer of charge across the membrane. To obtain further insights into the motor mechanism, we examined kinetics of charge transfer across the membrane in two different modes. One is to monitor charge transfer induced by changes in the membrane potential as an excess membrane capacitance. The other is to measure spontaneous flip-flops of charges across the membrane under voltage-clamp conditions as current noise. The noise spectrum of current was inverse Lorentzian, and the capacitance was Lorentzian, as theoretically expected. The characteristic frequency of the capacitance was ∼10kHz, and that for current noise was ∼30kHz. The difference in the characteristic frequencies seems to reflect the difference in the modes of mechanical movement associated with the two physical quantities.
On adaptive estimation of nonlinear functionals

Abstract The known asymptotically efficient estimates of a nonlinear functional of an unknown function are crucially depended on prior information about a smoothness of this function. We show on example of filtering that this information is not necessary at all whenever the asymptotically efficient estimation is possible, that is, when the smoothness is sufficiently large. On the other side, if no prior information about the smoothness is given then there does not exist adaptive estimator which achieves the optimal nonadaptive rates for risk convergence.
An interactive environment for the modeling and discovery of scientific knowledge

Existing tools for scientific modeling offer little support for improving models in response to data, whereas computational methods for scientific knowledge discovery provide few opportunities for user input. In this paper, we present a language for stating process models and background knowledge in terms familiar to scientists, along with an interactive environment for knowledge discovery that lets the user construct, edit, and visualize scientific models, use them to make predictions, and revise them to better fit available data. We report initial studies in three domains that illustrate the operation of this environment and the results of a user study carried out with domain scientists. Finally, we discuss related efforts on model formalisms and revision and suggest priorities for additional research.
Pharmacotherapy for chronic depression

There is now strong evidence from controlled studies that antidepressant medication, including SSRIs, tricyclic antidepressants, and MAOIs, is effective in treating both the depressive symptomatology and social dysfunction of many patients with chronic depression. Encouraging data from a controlled long-term trial in progress indicate that desipramine is effective in sustaining recovery during maintenance treatment. Future studies are needed to better understand the optimal duration of treatment, the efficacy of augmentation strategies, and the efficacy of combined treatment with psychotherapy and pharmacotherapy in chronic depression.
Size and shape control of nanocrystallites in mesoporous TiO2 films

We investigated the influences of the titania precursor chemistry and hydrothermal temperature in the sol–gel procedure on the growth of TiO2 nanocrystallites. The nanocrystallites were prepared either from Ti(OiPr)4 (OiPr = isopropoxide) in acetic acid solution or from Ti(OiPr)3(OAc) (OAc = acetate) in water followed by nitric acid acidification. Nanocrystallites formed from the first method were 20–40% larger than those produced from the second method. The average size of calcined TiO2 nanocrystallites formed from Ti(OiPr)4 varied from 16–36 nm over the hydrothermal temperature range of 180–300 °C, while the average size of those prepared from Ti(OiPr)3(OAc) varied from 13–23 nm over temperatures of 200–250 °C. Significantly, the size of the crystallites displayed a linear dependence on the hydrothermal temperature. Crystal growth in acetic acid was enhanced in the [001] direction with increased autoclave temperature, whereas crystallites formed in the presence of nitric acid grew less rapidly in the [001] direction. The mechanisms for the preferential growth direction of the nanocrystals are discussed.
Origin and mechanical significance of honeycomb garnet in high-pressure metasedimentary rocks from the Tauern Window, Eastern Alps

High-pressure schists (2–2.5 GPa) from the Eclogite Zone in the Tauern Window contain honeycomb garnet in which fine webs of garnet surround strain-free quartz ± carbonate grains. High-resolution X-ray computed tomography shows that the garnet webs form a cellular structure that coats all surfaces of the inclusions. Electron backscatter diffraction analysis shows that the garnet cells are crystallographically continuous with more massive garnet regions, and that the quartz ± carbonate inclusions have random orientations; in contrast, matrix quartz exhibits a prominent crystallographic preferred orientation (CPO). High-resolution transmission electron microscopy shows few dislocations in either the garnet or the inclusion quartz. Most honeycomb garnet is chemically homogeneous, but some displays asymmetric core–rim zoning. Taken together, these observations are most consistent with formation of the garnet sheets via precipitation from a wetting fluid along quartz–quartz grain boundaries, or possibly via wholesale precipitation of garnet + quartz ± carbonate from a fluid. In either case, a silicate-rich aqueous fluid must have been present. The likelihood that a fully wetting fluid existed at high pressure has important implications for rheology during subduction of metasedimentary rocks: strain may be accommodated by grain rotation and sliding in an aqueous silicate slurry, rather than via dislocation creep mechanisms at high pressures. The absence of a CPO in early quartz may thus point to involvement of a pervasive grain-boundary fluid rather than requiring low differential stresses during subduction.
Diurnal variations in the plasma concentrations of mevalonic acid in patients with abetalipoproteinaemia

Previous studies have demonstrated that changes in the rates of cholesterol biosynthesis can be evaluated by the determination of plasma concentrations of sterol intermediates, including mevalonic acid and lathosterol and that, in normal human subjects, a diurnal rhythm exists in which the highest concentrations of sterol intermediates are observed at night. The factors responsible for this diurnal rhythm in cholesterol synthesis are, however, unknown. To test the hypothesis that the nocturnal increase in cholesterol biosynthesis is attributable to a reduced rate of hepatic uptake of chylomicron remnants at night as compared to higher rates of uptake during the daytime in response to alimentary lipaemia, we have examined the diurnal rhythm of mevalonic acid in six normal volunteers and three patients with phenotypic abetalipoproteinaemia. The latter patients do not absorb appreciable amounts of dietary cholesterol and are unable to synthesize chylomicron particles. Plasma concentrations of mevalonic acid exhibited a diurnal rhythm in the normal subjects, and the highest plasma concentrations were observed between 24.00 hours/04.00 hours. A similar rhythm was observed in the plasma of patients with abetalipoproteinaemia. These results suggest that the nocturnal increase in cholesterol biosynthesis which occurs in humans is not attributable to reduced hepatic uptake of chylomicron remnants at night; further studies are needed to better define those factors which influence the periodicity of cholesterol biosynthesis in humans.
Infrared spectra of terpyridyl-rare earth halide complexes (650-80 cm−1)

Abstract Infrared studies have been made on several mono and bis terpyridyl—rare earth (III) halide complexes. The results obtained in the 650-80 cm −1 region are presented. Assignments for the rare earth metal—chloride and metal—bromide stretching vibrations are made. The results do not allow assignments to be made for metal—nitrogen vibrations.
Interaction of Cibacron Blue 3G-A and related dyes with nucleotide-requiring enzymes.

Abstract Cibacron Blue 3G-A (I), the chromophore in Blue Dextran, its structural isomer Cibacron Brilliant Blue BR-P (II), and two other structural analogs (III, IV) were used to probe the nucleotide binding sites of selected kinases and dehydrogenases. Inhibition studies indicate that the portion of the dye molecule necessary for effective inhibition of nucleotide binding is a structure similar to 1-amino-4(4′-aminophenylamino)-anthraquinone-2,3′-disulfonic acid (ASSO; III). The strong inhibition exhibited by these dyes is likely to be due to interaction with specific nucleotide binding sites, irrespective of the presence of a “dinucleotide fold” in the proteins' supersecondary structure.
The Co-optation of a ‘‘Revolution’’: Rastafari, Reggae, and the Rhetoric of Social Control

In the 1970s, reggae's international popularity increased the visibility of the Rastafarian movement around the world. It can be argued that while the international popularity of reggae apparently enhanced the Rastafarians' cultural identity in Jamaica, much of that legitimacy was illusory1. While the Rastafarians played a significant role in promoting Black Pride and rehabilitating Jamaica's African heritage, Jamaica's neocolonial power structure remained essentially unchanged. Furthermore, the Rastafarians failed to achieve many of their more specific policy goals, including repatriation to Africaand the legalization of marijuana.
Differences between Males and Females on Rosenburg Scale of Self-Esteem

These data seem to suggest that the structure of self-esteem is similar for 487 college-age males and 707 females, the self-esteem scores of males and females do not differ, and the unidimensionality of the Rosenburg scale, found earlier, is consistent across samples.
Alternation responding following nonreinforcement (Eo) in 2-choice probability learning as a function of instructed interpretations of Eo

With the contingent event probabilities of π1 = π2 =.50, alternating response choices across the E0 event was investigated as a function of the two interpretations of this event, namely a wrong prediction or a blank trial. Groups receiving both interpretations of E0 showed some tendency to alternate choices across E0. Groups instructed with a single or neither interpretation displayed a tendency to repeat the E0-trial choice on the next trial, which for the group given wrong-prediction instructions reached a significant level in the first 40 trials. However, the latter result differed markedly from the alternation tendency across the wrong-prediction E0 found in a treatment group which had individual E0’s designated as either wrong predictions or blank trials during training. No satisfactory explanation for this discrepancy could be given.
Wolf, elk, and aspen food web relationships: Context and complexity

Like most ecological communities, aspen (Populus tremuloides) forests are influenced by a synergy of bottom-up (resources-driven) and top-down (predator-driven) processes. Since the 1920s, ecologists have observed the decline of many aspen communities throughout the Intermountain West. The extent and possible drivers of this decline are topics of much recent scientific study. In addition to bottom-up effects, which include drought, fire suppression, and disease, ungulate herbivory is a contributing factor. Trophic cascades are ecological relationships in which an apex predator produces strong top-down, direct effects on its prey and indirect changes in faunal and floral communities at lower trophic levels. Apex predators, such as the gray wolf (Canis lupus), have been linked to aspen vigor and recruitment, via trophic cascades mechanisms. Scientists have hypothesized that returning wolves to the landscape enables aspen to recruit into the forest overstory, via the density-mediated and behaviorally-mediated effects of wolves on their ungulate prey, primarily elk (Cervus elaphus). We present a synthesis of scientific findings on this topic, identify trends in the ecological impacts of wolves in aspen communities in a variety of ecosystems, and suggest areas for further investigation. Knowledge gaps include the interaction of top-down (e.g., predators) and bottom-up (e.g., drought, fire, hydrology, logging) effects, and how the ecological context of the interaction affects the outcome. Future horizons involve exploring these food web relationships as a complex of inter-level interactions in a more integrated, empirical manner. We suggest adopting a new standard for the aspen/wolf ecology literature by shifting its emphasis and lexicon from trophic cascades to food web studies. Such an integrated approach can help managers create more resilient aspen communities.
Official Intervention in the Foreign Exchange Market: Elements of Best Practice

This paper offers guidance on the operational aspects of official intervention in the foreign exchange market, particularly in developing countries with flexible exchange rate regimes. A brief survey of the literature and country experience is followed by an analysis of the objectives, timing, amount, degree of transparency, and choice of markets and counterparties in conducting intervention. The analysis highlights the difficulty of detecting exchange rate misalignments and disorderly markets, and argues in favor of parsimony in official intervention. Determining the timing and amount of intervention is a highly subjective exercise, and some degree of discretion is almost always necessary, though policy rules may serve as rules of thumb.
Purification of human mitochondrial ribosomal L7/L12 stalk proteins and reconstitution of functional hybrid ribosomes in Escherichia coli.

Bacterial ribosomal L7/L12 stalk is formed by L10, L11, and multiple copies of L7/L12, which plays an essential role in recruiting initiation and elongation factors during translation. The homologs of these proteins, MRPL10, MRPL11, and MRPL12, are present in human mitochondrial ribosomes. To evaluate the role of MRPL10, MRPL11, and MRPL12 in translation, we over-expressed and purified components of the human mitochondrial L7/L12 stalk proteins in Escherichia coli. Here, we designed a construct to co-express MRPL10 and MRPL12 using a duet expression system to form a functional MRPL10–MRPL12 complex. The goal is to demonstrate the homology between the mitochondrial and bacterial L7/L12 stalk proteins and to reconstitute a hybrid ribosome to be used in structural and functional studies of the mitochondrial stalk.
Ethnic Diversity and Economic Reform in Sub-Sahara Africa

Welfare in ethnically divided societies depends on privately owned resources as well as on a public good, namely cooperation between the various ethnic groups. Economic reforms designed to improve efficiency in the allocation of privately owned resources may have an ambiguous impact on welfare if they have a negative impact on inter-ethnic cooperation and political stability. This may provide an additional explanation of why reforms have failed in a number of countries of sub-Sahara Africa. Copyright 1998 by Oxford University Press.
Analysis of polypeptide disposition in human erythrocyte membranes employing membrane inversion.

Abstract High resolution segregation of erythrocyte membrane polypeptides achieved by isoelectric focusing in 8 M urea was employed in conjunction with surface-restricted radioiodination to analyze the disposition of polypeptides within the human erythrocyte membrane. Several membrane polypeptides showed significant uptake of radioiodine, with the principal labeled component migrating between pH values of 3.0 and 3.5. Two approaches were taken in examining membrane polypeptide disposition on both faces of the erythrocyte membrane. Saturation labeling of the outer face of the membrane with one iodine isotope followed by cell lysis and re-iodination with a second iodine isotope did not prove feasible and another procedure based on surface iodination with 125I, formation of sealed inside-out vesicles and re-iodination with 131I was adopted. Studies of sialic acid release from the membrane surface and trypsin cleavage of radioiodinated peptides indicated that selectively labeled, sealed inside-out vesicles had been formed. The ratio of 125I to 131I in membrane polypeptides separated by isoelectric focusing confirmed the existence of externally disposed, internally disposed and spanning proteins.
Modeling and design of anaerobic fluidized bed reactor with recycling for denitrification of reverse osmosis concentrates

Reverse osmosis is a widely used technology in wastewater treatment, water purification, water reclamation and reuse. A major concern is production of brine concentrates containing high levels of ammonia or nitrogen. This work addresses biological denitrification of brine concentrates in anaerobic fluidized bed reactor (AFBR) systems. Previous publications (Ersever et al., 2007a ; Ersever et al., 2007b) described the first phase: process development, feasibility evaluation, and reaction optimization. This paper describes the second phase involving process modeling for performance prediction, simulation, and design with upscaling implications. Laboratory-scale studies provided data for AFBR process evaluation and model verification under different conditions, including media characteristics, hydraulic residence times, and influent nitrate levels. Model simulations facilitated process design and upscaling, and further projected that among different parameters the Monod yield coefficient and maximum specific growth rate significantly influenced process dynamics. Transient-state dynamics provided insight into process induction and acclimation besides process recovery after upsets.
Ethanol Increases the Neurotoxic Effect of Tumor Necrosis Factor‐α in Cultured Rat Astrocytes

Background: The central nervous system is particularly sensitive to the cytotoxic effect of ethanol. In vivo and in vitro studies indicate that ethanol decreases cell proliferation in a number of cells types, including neurons and glial cells in the central nervous system. The cellular mechanisms involved in ethanol-induced cell toxicity, however, are unclear. In this study, we examined the effect of ethanol on tumor necrosis factor-α (TNFα)-induced cell death in a homogeneous population of cultured rat astrocytes. Methods: Flow cytometric and 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenytetrazolium bromide (MTT) dye reduction analyses were performed on cultured rat astrocytes to determine the effect of alcohol on TNFα-induced cell death. Results: Flow cytometric analysis revealed that, in quiescent astrocytes, high concentrations of ethanol were required to increase DNA fragmentation and decrease cell viability. Preexposure of astrocytes to low concentrations of ethanol (10 to 50 mM), however, increased the sensitivity of astrocytes to TNFα with low TNFα concentrations (25 to 50 ng/ml) resulting in increased DNA fragmentation. Furthermore, MTT dye reduction analysis revealed that exposure of astrocytes to 5 mM ethanol was sufficient to increase the susceptibility of astrocytes to the cytotoxic effect of ethanol. In a number of cell types, TNFα receptor binding results in the activation of specific signal transduction cascades, including the hydrolysis of sphingomyclin to ceramide. We show that preexposure of astrocytes to a low concentration of ethanol increased the sensitivity of astrocytes to sphingomyelinase, and C2-ceramide resulting in increased DNA fragmentation and decreased cell viability. More importantly, astrocytes prepared from rats exposed to ethanol prenatally showed increased susceptibility to TNFα-induced cell death. Conclusions: These studies suggest that ethanol increases the susceptibility of astrocytes to TNFα-induced cell death by shifting the balance of sphingolipid metabolism in favor of a pathway that increases the susceptibility of astrocytes to the cytotoxic effect of TNFα.
Body composition in patients with chronic hypercapnic respiratory failure.

Summary Study objective To evaluate the contribution of body composition measurements to clinical assessment in patients on home nasal positive-pressure ventilation for chronic hypercapnic respiratory failure (CHRF), and their relationship to respiratory impairment. Methods Patients with CHRF (restrictive lung disease (RLD), n = 3 7 ; chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), n = 1 9 ), during elective yearly evaluations underwent pulmonary function testing (forced expiratory volumes, arterial blood gases, maximal inspiratory and expiratory pressure (PImax or PEmax)), and bioelectrical impedance analysis to determine fat-free mass (FFM) index (kg/m2) and body fat mass index. Results When compared with age- and sex-matched healthy controls, RLD patients (OR 5.5, CI 1.9–15.6, P 0.0 0 2 ) and COPD (OR 5.2, CI 1.1–24.9, P = 0.0 4 ) were significantly more likely to have a low FFM index. Roughly one-half of patients with RLD and one-third with COPD had abnormally low FFM index. Estimation of nutritional status by body mass index (BMI) alone clearly underestimated the prevalence of FFM index depletion. Muscle mass assessed by FFM index explained 26% of variance of PImax ( P 0.0 0 1 ) and 27% of that of PEmax ( P 0.0 0 1 ). Conclusion BMI alone clearly underestimated FFM depletion, and presence of a very high body fat mass index. Indeed, normal or high BMI can be associated with FFM depletion. Because of its relationship to respiratory muscle strength, an assessment of FFM appears to be valuable in CHRF.
A new integral labeling technique for Gaussian-70

Abstract A new integral labeling technique is suggested for the important program GAUSSIAN-70 that greatly increases the number of basic functions that can be handled and that facilitates incorporation of MERGE, DELETE, MOVE and ADD options.
Combined Top-Down and Bottom-Up Mass Spectrometric Approach to Characterization of Biomarkers for Renal Disease

Here we describe a mass spectrometry (MS) approach for biomarker discovery and structural characterization, based on both top-down and bottom-up analyses. Capillary electrophoresis (CE) coupled to electrospray ionization (ESI) time-of-flight (TOF) MS serves to separate and mass-measure the thousands of polypeptides contained in human urine. Statistical analysis of the differences between healthy control samples and patients with focal-segmental glomerulosclerosis, membranous glomerulonephritis, minimal change disease, IgA nephropathy, and diabetic nephropathy validates multiple biomarkers for the control and each of the diseases. To identify those biomarkers, we employ preparative CE, enabling direct infusion ESI MS analysis, followed by sample manipulation and reanalysis where necessary. We show how tandem Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance (FT-ICR) MS identifies these sometimes large (>8 kDa) biomarkers. Critically, we maintain connectivity between the CE TOF MS data and the ICR data used for bio...
Transcription: Base J Blocks the Way

How do cells stop transcribing RNA Polymerase II to promote proper gene expression and prevent transcriptional havoc in the genome? In the case of Leishmania, a uniquely modified DNA base blocks RNA Polymerase II and suggests an interesting new model for transcription termination.
Simulating continuous fuzzy systems for fuzzy solution surfaces

Our approach to simulation of a fuzzy ODE system is to evaluate the system with triangular fuzzy parameters, evaluating at the left/vertex/right supports and values in between. Solutions are presented as a graph(s) of the variable(s) of interest, with respect to time. With multiple fuzzy parameters, a solution graph is likely to become overloaded with superfluous information. Because of the cost of processing and plotting the superfluous information, critical support values may be skipped. We implement a reduction algorithm for determining solution boundaries, as trajectories are computed. Keeping aware of membership values, quantization considerations, and solution neighborhoods, we are able to collect a fraction of the data collected by brute force methods, and yet provide better coverage of fuzzy parameters. Three dimensional fuzzy solution trajectories are the second improvement we investigate. By including membership computation in our simulations, we produce fuzzy solution surface boundaries. These surfaces enclose the possible solution space. To make this process manageable, we combine this with boundary determination. In this paper we describe our method and present 3D solutions of two classical systems of ODE.
Examining the Online Wine Tourism Experience of California Wineries

Online wine tourism is boosting the level of competition among wineries and wine regions around the world. This paper presents and extends a proven framework for examining the strategic orientation of winery web sites. By treating winery web sites as intensive information environments this paper shows how they can have a strategic impact on perceptions. Using a modified AIPD framework and statistical analyses, the authors show how certain California wineries are able to fully project the wine tourism experience online while targeting strategic perception goals that are effective at building virtual brand equity and boosting winery visitations at the same time. The result of this research indicates that it is possible to measure and evaluate both the web experience and the strategic perception aspects of winery web sites.
Glycosaminoglycans of EDTA soluble and insoluble dentin in dentinogenesis imperfecta type I.

Abstract A study of glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) in dentinogenesis imperfecta Type I (DI I) revealed increased GAG in DI I EDTA soluble dentin as compared to controls. EDTA insoluble GAG contained less GAG than age-matched controls. The role of GAG in dentin pathosis is discussed.
Plasma selenium and glutathione peroxidase activity fluctuate during the rat estrous cycle

Abstract The effect of the estrous cycle on selenium status was studied in chronically-catheterized Sprague-Dawley rats. Plasma and red blood cell selenium concentrations and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activities were measured in five chronically-catheterized rats throughout two consecutive 4-d estrus cycles. Fifteen blood samples were serially drawn from each animal during each 4-d cycle. Plasma selenium and GPx activity and RBC selenium concentrations fluctuated significantly throughout the estrus cycle. Plasma selenium concentration reached a peak during proestrus and was significantly greater (P
Fast Algorithms for Optimal Link Selection in Large-Scale Network Monitoring

The robustness and integrity of IP networks require efficient tools for traffic monitoring and analysis, which scale well with traffic volume and network size. We address the problem of optimal large-scale monitoring of computer networks under resource constraints. Specifically, we consider the task of selecting the “best” subset of at most K links to monitor, so as to optimally predict the traffic load at the remaining ones. Our notion of optimality is quantified in terms of the statistical error of network traffic predictors. The optimal monitoring problem at hand is akin to certain combinatorial constraints, which render the algorithms seeking the exact solution impractical. We develop a number of fast algorithms that improve upon existing algorithms in terms of computational complexity and accuracy. Our algorithms exploit the geometry of principal component analysis, which also leads us to new types of theoretical bounds on the prediction error. Finally, these algorithms are amenable to randomization, where the best of several parallel independent instances often yields the exact optimal solution. Their performance is illustrated and evaluated on simulated and real-network traces.
Scale-Out Networking in the Data Center

Scale-out architectures supporting flexible, incremental scalability are common for computing and storage. However, the network remains the last bastion of the traditional scale-up approach, making it the data center's weak link. Through the UCSD Triton network architecture, the authors explore issues in managing the network as a single plug-and-play virtualizable fabric scalable to hundreds of thousands of ports and petabits per second of aggregate bandwidth.
Interactive Effects of Apolipoprotein E Type 4 Genotype and Cerebrovascular Risk on Neuropsychological Performance and Structural Brain Changes

Objective We sought to determine whether the presence of the apolipoprotein E type 4 (apoE4) allele, a known risk factor for Alzheimer disease, interacts with cerebrovascular risk factors to produce a disproportionate impairment in neuropsychological (NP) performance and alterations in structural morphometry as measured by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Methods In all, 1995 participants from the community-based Framingham Offspring Cohort participants (mean age 61 years; 1063 women) underwent NP testing and structural MRI in 1999 to 2002. Multivariate linear regression was used to estimate the relationships among Framingham Stroke Risk Profile scores, NP variables, and MRI measures; interaction terms were included to examine modification of these relationships by the presence of the apoE4 allele. All analyses were cross sectional. Results We found significant interactions between the presence of the apoE4 allele and the top sex-specific quartile of the stroke risk profile and their effects on verbal memory ( P ≤ .001), verbal organization ( P ≤ .001), nonverbal memory ( P =.015), as well as set shifting and complex attention ( P =.005). Systolic blood pressure (SBP) was the only individual risk factor significantly linked to these cognitive measures. With the exception of lateral ventricular volume, there were no significant interactions among presence of apoE4, the top sex-specific quartile of the stroke risk profile, and any of the MRI variables. Conclusion The apoE4 allele exacerbates the effects of cerebrovascular risk factors on NP function. This relationship appears to be driven by SBP, suggesting that treatment of high SBP could potentially reduce risk of cognitive impairment among those already at increased risk for Alzheimer disease.
Experimental results of plasma antennas

Summary form only given. Considerable progress has been made on plasma antennas of which the major advances are: operation at higher plasma densities in the steady state, considerable reduction of power consumption and reduction of noise from the electrical current, which generates the plasma. We have performed experiments concerning transmission and reception, stealth, reconfigurability, shielding, protection from electronic warfare, mechanical robustness, mechanical reconfigurability, plasma waveguides and noise reduction of plasma antennas. In the past, our plasma tubes were ionized by steady state DC current. If the tubes are ionized by extremely short bursts of DC current, we find that the plasma is produced in an extremely short time of about 2 microseconds. However, the plasma persists for a much longer time of about 1/100 second. This is the reason why fluorescent lamps can operate on 60 or 50 Hz electric power. In the new mode of operation, we observe that the plasma density produced by the pulsed power technique is considerably higher than the plasma density produced by the same power supplied in the steady state, which produces two beneficial results: we can operate at much higher plasma densities and at several giga Hertz. In addition, we can operate during the long, non-current carrying phase, which should not have noise generated by current-driven instabilities. We have also operated our plasma antennas at several megawatts using a spark-gap-driven separate RF power supply. We find that even at very high power levels, the plasma antenna operates as efficiently as a metal antenna. We also find that with the proper operating mode, the plasma antenna will not ignite even in the presence of a megawatt RF field. In conclusion, our recent inclusion of a pulsed power supply for our plasma tubes provides reduced noise, higher steady state DC plasma density and reduced power consumption. There are possibly minor problems because of a slight plasma density fluctuation during the pulsing cycle, which will be addressed in the future work
Acromegaly and Zollinger-EUison Syndrome Secondary to an Islet Cell Tumor: Characterization and Quantification of Plasma and Tumor Human Growth Hormone-Releasing Factor*

Abstract A young woman with acromegaly and Zollinger-Ellison syndrome associated with a GH-releasing factor (GRF)-and gastrin-secreting metastatic islet cell carcinoma was studied by means of specific antisera which recognize various regions of the GRF molecule. Using specific immunohistochemical techniques, the tumor cells were shown to contain GRF, gastrin, and gastrin-releasing peptide, but not GH. During a 4-h period, plasma GRF levels averaged 5.6 ± 1.4 ng/ml (±SD), while GH levels averaged 148 ± 71 ng/ml. GH secretion was pulsatile and increased after TRH administration. GRF RIAs may be useful in establishing the diagnosis of acromegaly secondary to the ectopic secretion of GRF.