cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Biosynthesis of man-β-G1cNAc-G1cNAc-pyrophosphoryl-polyprenol by a solubilized enzyme from aorta

Abstract The particulate enzyme fraction from pig aorta was treated with Triton X-100 or Nonidet P-40 to yield a soluble enzyme preparation. This solubilized enzyme catalyzed the transfer of mannose from GDP-[ 14 C]mannose, but not from [ 14 C]mannosyl-phosphoryl-polyprenol, to G1cNAc-G1cNAc-pyrophosphoryl-polyprenol to form the trisaccharide-lipid, Man-β-GlcNAc-GlcNAc-pyrophosphoryl-polyprenol. The trisaccharide-lipid formed in these reactions was isolated by solvent fractionation and was subjected to mild acid hydrolysis to release the [ 14 C]trisaccharide. Essentially all of the radioactivity was released from this trisaccharide as mannose upon treatment with β-mannosidase while α-mannosidase had no effect.
Angiotensin and norepinephrine efflux

Abstract Rabbit aortae were equilibrated with labelled norepinephrine and the effects of various drugs on efflux of the catecholamine studied. Angiotensin amide (10 μg/ml) given at a rate of 0.18 ml/min increased norepinephrine efflux. Tyramine (100 μg/ml), cocaine (50 μg/ml), guanethidine (250 μg/ml), 0.25 and 0.4 M KCl, and acetylcholine (1 mg/ml) also increased norepinephrine efflux, whereas bethanidine (250 μg/ml) and bretylium (250 μg/ml) had no effect. Tyramine and guanethidine probably act by displacing norepinephrine from storage granules, whereas KCl, acetylcholine and probably angiotensin act by depolarizing neuronal membranes. Bretylium and bethanidine prevented the increased efflux seen after tyramine and angiotensin, probably by stabilizing the storage granule membrane, and preventing release of norepinephrine. Bretylium and bethanidine, however, increased efflux during KCl administration, possibly owing the inhibition of the catecholamine pump. It is concluded that angiotensin can release norepinephrine from tissue but the amount of angiotensin required is a thousand-fold in excess of that needed to inhibit norepinephrine uptake.
Adsorption dynamics in a stratified convergent tapered bed

Mass transfer characteristics of a novel fixed-bed adsorber configuration with a convergent tapered geometry and reverse layering of adsorbent particles is examined in this paper from both experimental and theoretical standpoint. In the tapered convergent bed, the adsorbent particle diameters and the fluid flow velocity decrease in the direction of flow. Laboratory column studies conducted for the adsorption of trichloroethylene on activated carbon in tapered convergent beds show that the solute front sharpens as it travels along the column depth, resulting in a longer time to breakthrough compared to a conventional stratified fixed-bed adsorber. The experimental results were verified using a modified version of the homogeneous solid diffusion model (HSDM). Model simulations indicate that the mass transfer zone length in this adsorber is sensitive to the angle of taper of the bed, particle size distribution, and influent concentration. With a modest taper angle of 1.5°, this system is shown to provide increase in breakthrough times ranging from 46 to 75% over that for conventional fixed-bed adsorbers operating under same conditions. The improved bed utilization afforded by this arrangement can reduce adsorbent inventory and operating costs relative to a conventional stratified fixed-bed adsorber.
Acute lung injury:apoptosis and signaling mechanisms.

Acute lung injury (ALI) has been documented clinically following several pathological states such as trauma, septic shock and pneumonia. The histopathological characteristics, paired with the production of a number of cellular pro-inflammatory mediators, play a crucial role in the progression of ALI. During ALI, polymorphonuclear neutrophil (PMN)-mediated apoptosis is delayed by macrophages, possibly via effects on the Fas/FasL mediated pathway, leading to the accumulation of these cells at the site of injury and inflammation. The transcriptional regulation of NFκB, CREB, and AP-1 also regulates the pathogenesis of ALI. During sepsis and septic shock, we found evidence of infiltrating leukocytes in the alveolar spaces along with an increased number of TUNEL-positive cells in the lung sections. We also observed an increased expression of TRADD and Bax/Bcl2 ratio at 7 days post-sepsis. In contrast, the NFκB/IκB ratio increased at 1 day post-sepsis. Together, these data provide evidence illustrating the indu...
Reflections of a University-Based Teacher Educator on the Future of College- and University-Based Teacher Education:

Drawing on his nearly 30 years as a university teacher educator, the author reflects about the future of college- and university-based teacher education in the United States in light of recent atta...
Absent CD44v6 expression is an independent predictor of poor urothelial bladder cancer outcome.

Purpose: CD44v6 is a cell surface protein involved in cell migration, cell adhesion, tumor progression and metastatic spread. We evaluated its role as a molecular marker for urothelial bladder cancer.Materials and Methods: A tissue microarray was constructed containing 410 primary urothelial bladder cancers, each in triplicate. Immunohistochemical staining was done with a commercially available antibody. The percent of tumor cells staining positive for CD44v6 was evaluated and we assessed associations with stage, grade and survival.Results: CD44v6 expression was higher in noninvasive (Ta, Tis) vs invasive (T1–T4) tumors (p <0.001). It decreased with increasing grade (p <0.001). In patients who underwent transurethral bladder resection absent CD44v6 expression was associated with a 2.3-fold increased risk of recurrence (95% CI 1.28 to 4.08). Median time to recurrence for tumors with vs without CD44v6 expression was 23 vs 9 months (p = 0.003). In a multivariate Cox model absent CD44 expression was an indepe...
Restricted Summer Habitat and Growth of Northern Pike in Two Southern Ohio Impoundments

Abstract Available summer habitat for northern pike Esox lucius in southern Ohio impoundments is restricted by warm epilimnetic temperatures and anoxic bottom waters. We used temperature-sensitive radio transmitters to determine locations of adult northern pike in two impoundments, and we related seasonal growth of other tagged fish to availability of suitable habitat. We implanted transmitters in eight fish in one lake and nine fish in the other; fish locations were monitored from April to October. Condition factors were highest in spring and lowest in late summer. Individually tagged fish lost weight during summer. At the onset of summer thermal stratification, fish moved from inshore to offshore locations that were frequently associated with macrophytes or bottom structures such as submerged stream channels. When lake surface temperatures exceeded 25°C, fish were found in the coolest available water with dissolved oxygen concentrations of at least 3.0 mg/L, and they were restricted to this stratum for ...
Tectonics: Arabia's slow dance with India

India and Arabia collide with Eurasia at slightly different velocities. Detailed mapping of the Arabian Sea suggests that this motion started between 3 and 8 million years ago, possibly with a transfer of an Arabian plate wedge to the Indian plate.
Biased normalized cuts

We present a modification of “Normalized Cuts” to incorporate priors which can be used for constrained image segmentation. Compared to previous generalizations of “Normalized Cuts” which incorporate constraints, our technique has two advantages. First, we seek solutions which are sufficiently “correlated” with priors which allows us to use noisy top-down information, for example from an object detector. Second, given the spectral solution of the unconstrained problem, the solution of the constrained one can be computed in small additional time, which allows us to run the algorithm in an interactive mode. We compare our algorithm to other graph cut based algorithms and highlight the advantages.
Submerged river‐valleys of the Bahamas

In a preliminary report of the International (Navy-Princeton) Expedition to the West Indies, presented before the Union (Trans. Amer. Geophys. Union, 13th annual meeting, 28–33, 1932) last year, the great submarine valleys of the Bahamas were briefly described. Additional data collected last summer and a further study have brought to light several interesting features which are thought to be worth mentioning at this time. A full report of the results of the Expedition is to be published shortly by the Hydrographic Office of the United States Navy.
Design and subsystem development of a high temperature selective laser sintering machine for enhanced process monitoring and control

Abstract As Additive Manufacturing (AM) adoption grows, the demand for improved quality output product is increasing. This is evident in the desire for both increased repeatability and higher strength and ductility in Selective Laser Sintered (SLS ® ) Polymer parts. One approach to expanding the performance envelope for polymers in this domain is through high temperature manufacturing processes, supporting the use of polymers with increased mechanical strength, lighter weight, and a favorable ability to sterilize for medical applications. Early candidate materials that exhibit higher melting and glass transition temperatures include the Poly Ether Ether Ketone (PEEK) and Polyaryletherketone (PAEK) family of materials. This paper describes the design of a laboratory SLS ® machine for operation with these and other similar materials, emphasizing its thermal and operational design features. Data is also provided from initial testing of key subsystems during assembly and prior to full system operation. Because this machine is intended to explore processing new materials, it also incorporates features for improving the data collection, and associated feedback control for improved repeatability, and ultimately defect detection and mitigation during the Additive Manufacturing.
Gene therapy for glaucoma.

Purpose of reviewGlaucoma is a chronic progressive disease for which ideal treatment would provide a localized long-lasting therapy with minimal side-effects. A gene therapy approach in which a mutated gene is replaced or inactivated, or in which a new gene is introduced, could provide a novel and m
Characterization of acylating intermediates formed on H-ZSM-5

Abstract The adsorption of typical acylating agents (acetic acid, acetic anhydride and acetyl chloride) on the Bronsted-acid sites in H-ZSM-5 has been investigated with temperature-programmed-desorption (TPD) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), infrared spectroscopy and 13 C NMR. Acetic acid forms a hydrogen-bonded complex with the Bronsted sites that is characterized by ν(CH) stretching frequencies of 1740 and 1750 cm−1. Both acetyl chloride and acetic anhydride react with the Bronsted sites below 400 K, forming an acetyl-zeolite intermediate and either HCl or acetic acid, characterized by a ν(CH) stretching frequency of 1705 cm−1. The acetyl-zeolite intermediate reacts readily at room temperature with either water (forming acetic acid) or ammonia (forming acetamide). 13 C NMR isotropic shifts for the C-2 carbon of the acetic-acid adsorption complex and the acetyl-zeolite intermediate occur at similar frequencies, making them difficult to distinguish by this technique. In TPD, the acetyl-zeolite intermediate decomposes, with CO2 and acetone being the primary initial products. Most of acetic acid desorbs unreacted, although a fraction also forms CO2 and acetone, suggesting the formation of an acetate intermediate at higher temperatures. The implications of results for understanding acylation reactions on zeolites are discussed.
The global-average production rate of10Be

Precipitation collected in continuously open containers for about a year at seven sites around the United States was analyzed for10Be,90Sr,210Pb and238U. Based on these data and long-term precipitation,90Sr and210Pb delivery patterns, the stratospheric, tropospheric and recycled10Be components in the collections were estimated and the global10Be production rate was assessed. Single station production rate estimates range from 0.52 × 106 atoms cm−2 yr−1 to 2.64 × 106 atoms cm−2 yr−1. The mean value is 1.21 × 106 atoms cm−2 yr−1 with a standard error of 0.26 × 106 atoms cm−2 yr−1.
Characterizing polarization controllers with Mueller matrix polarimetry

A system for characterizing polarization controllers and other fiber components with Mueller matrices is presented. Most polarization controllers, such as lithium niobate modulators or PLZT electro-optical modulators, exhibit a wide range of polarization behaviors at constant drive voltage including elliptical retardance, polarization dependant loss (PDL), and depolarization. Specifying the half wave voltage for such devices describes their desired characteristic, an electrically addressable retardance, but not the undesired characteristics. Devices with complex polarization behaviors require a similarly comprehensive description of their polarization effects. We present example measurements that demonstrate how the Mueller matrix as a function of voltage provides a complete description of the desired retardance and the undesired PDL. Such polarization controller Mueller matrices can be multiplied with Mueller matrices for other photonic components to quantify how component polarizations interact.
Relative stability of tension band versus two-cortex screw fixation for treating fifth metatarsal base avulsion fractures.

This study assesses the strength of fixating avulsion fractures of the fifth metatarsal base with a 4.0-mm partially threaded cancellous screw crossing two cortices as compared to tension banding. Our data showed statistically significant fixation strength improvement over tension banding for avulsion fractures (p
The horseradish peroxidase catalysed oxidation of deoxyribose sugars.

The ability of horseradish peroxidase (E.C. 1.11.1.7. Donor: H2O2 oxidoreductase) to catalytically oxidize 2-deoxyribose sugars to a free radical species was investigated. The ESR spin-trapping technique was used to denionstrate that free radical species were formed. Results with the spin trap 3.5-dibronio-4-nitrosoben-zene sulphonic acid showed that horseradish peroxidase can catalyse the oxidation of 2-deoxyribose to produce an ESR spectrum characteristic of a nitroxide radical spectrum. This spectrum was shown to be a composite of spin adducts resulting from two carbon-centered species, one spin adduct being characterized by the hyperfine coupling constants aN = 13.6GandaHβ = 11.0G, and the other by aN = 13.4G and aH = 5.8 G. When 2-deoxyribose-5-phosphate was used as the substrate, the spectrum produced was found to be primarily one species characterized by the hyperfine coupling constants aN = 13.4G and aH= 5.2. All the radical species produced were carbon-centered spin adducts with a β hydrogen, sug...
Team management of collection development from a team member's perspective

Team management in libraries is not a new model, yet most articles discussing the implementation and use of this model are from the administrative point of view. This article will review the literature and also provide the perspective of a team member from working on a team to managing collection development on a day-to-day basis. Issues such as communication and personalities are addressed. Given all of the challenges of managing collections today, those who share a common goal working with a team may be the solution to meet those challenges.
Hybrid low power technology for mobile multimedia systems

Power consumption is a critical problem for very large scale integration (VLSI) systems, especially in deep-sub micro systems. Due to the systems are more and more complex, the power issue is a challenge for IC (integrated circuits) design. Hence, this paper develops a hybrid low power technology (HLPT) to deal with the different complexity applications. Additionally, the proposed HLPT is from system-level algorithm to physical level. The experimental results are implemented on the embedded system, PAC (parallel architecture core) Duo+, to show the good performance for achieving 90% power saving.
Tunable micromachined vertical cavity surface emitting laser

A tunable vertical cavity surface emitting laser with a record 15 nm wavelength tuning for an applied voltage of only 5.7 V is reported. Both red and blue shift are obtained. The device uses a micromachined cantilever to freely suspend a portion of the upper mirror reflector. The cantilever may be electrostatically deflected towards the substrate, to tune the resonant wavelength of the laser microcavity.
The Red Flag and the Ring: The Dances Surrounding Sino-Vatican Ties

This article examines the possibilities of re-established diplomatic relations between the People's Republic of China and the Vatican, or the Holy See. It presents this diplomatic dance in historical context and discusses the potential benefits and trade-offs as seen from both sides. The complex relations between multiple Catholic communities within China, especially the “registered” and the “unregistered” church communities, as well as the contentious positions of clerical leadership in China, Hong Kong, and Taiwan, are discussed. Special attention is given to recent events during the pontificate of Benedict XVI, including the Papal Letter to Chinese Catholics of 2007. Both major actors, the Roman Catholic Church and the People's Republic of China, are treated as dominantly political players attempting to strengthen their hand in a rapidly changing political, social, and economic climate.
Stochastic characterization of gridblock permeabilities

Permeability is generally measured at the core scale and only at a few sites. By using geostatistical techniques, one can generate alternative high-resolution images of the reservoir at the measurement scale. These images will honor both the data values at the data sites and some prior structural information as modeled, for example, by a covariance function. However, these images must be averaged to the scale of the flow-simulation gridblocks. Two questions arise: (1) how should averaging be carried out and (2) could the gridblock values be generated directly from the core or log without the intermediary step of small-scale imaging This paper proposes avenues to answer both questions. First, the authors propose an averaging technique from point to block permeabilities, accounting for the tensorial character of permeability. Second, they propose a method to infer the covariances and cross-covariances among the different components of the block permeability tensor, and the cross-covariances between these block values and the point measurements. This set of covariances and cross-covariances is then used to generate directly multiple, equally likely spatial realizations of gridblock permeability tensors conditioned to the point measurements. The method is not constrained by small variability of the underlying point permeability distribution, nor doesmore » it require a multi-Gaussian-related hypothesis.« less
Library instruction and information literacy 2009

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to provide a selected bibliography of recent resources on library instruction and information literacy.Design/methodology/approach – The paper introduces and annotates periodical articles, monographs, and audiovisual material examining library instruction and information literacy.Findings – The paper provides information about each source, discusses the characteristics of current scholarship, and describes sources that contain unique scholarly contributions and quality reproductions.Originality/value – The information may be used by librarians and interested parties as a quick reference to literature on library instruction and information literacy.
Gravity anomalies and the nature of the Earth's crust

Gravity anomalies appear to constitute a reliable method of studying crustal structure and composition in any one area. However, because of uncertainties in base-station values of gravity, the inaccuracies of early gravity observations, and the magnitude of the Browne Correction on early marine surveys, the extent to which the present anomalies can be used for inter-continental and inter-oceanic comparisons as to the nature of the crust is questionable. Taken as a whole, the continental areas appear to be in isostatic equilibrium. Notable exceptions, however, occur in connection with some of the major sedimentary basins and with mountains and valleys developed as horsts or grabens. Part of the anomalous gravitational field in these areas can frequently be accounted for by the local geology, but the major portion of the anomaly usually appears to be related to deep-seated crustal effects. In the oceanic areas, existing isostatic gravity anomaly values indicate extensive regions which are characterized by anomaly values of one sign. This suggests either a marked variation in the shape of the Earth from that assumed, or variations in crustal composition and structure. The occurrence of extensive areas having isostatic anomalies of one sign (positive) in the smaller marine areas as the Gulf of Mexico and the Mediterranean Sea favor the latter explanation. The occurence of lenticular belts of positive and negative anomaly values in association with island arcs is believed to reflect a local thinning and thickening of the crust. Variations in Bouguer gravity anomalies in general agree very well with seismic evidence for variations in crustal thickness above the Mohorovicia Discontinuity. In connection with the major Tertiary mountain ranges the magnitude of the Bouguer anomalies approximates very closely the computed isostatic correction. Most major geologic structures not involving mountain ranges or piedmont sedimentary basins are only imperfectly reflected in the gravity values. Major regional gravity anomalies having no obvious correlation with surface geologic features are quite common and probably are related to changes in intra-crustal lithology and crustal structure. Gravitational data have been used to support both the thesis of a plastic yielding crust and a rigid, competent crust. Taken alone they offer no unique solution to this problem. Accessory seismic data in key areas may resolve these apparently ambiguous indications.
Retinyl Methyl Ether: Binding to Transport Proteins and Effect on Transcriptional Regulation

Abstract Retinyl methyl ether (RME), which prevents cancers of the rat mammary gland, binds to cellular retinol-binding protein and serum retinol-binding protein but not to cellular retinoic acid-binding protein or to the nuclear retinoid receptors, RARs/RXRs. Since the biochemical effects of retinoids likely involve activation or suppression of RAR/RXR-mediated gene transcription, we evaluated such activity of RME by performing cotransfection assays involving CV-1 cells, expression vectors containing RAR and/or RXR cDNA, and an appropriate reporter vector. In the concentration range of 10 −9 –10 −6 M, RME did not activate transcription by either of the heterodimers (RARα , β , or γ/RXRα) or the homodimer (RARα/RARα). The retinoid, however, exhibited concentration-dependent inhibitory effects on the basal level of transcriptional activity (no other retinoid added) of both the RARβ- and RARγ/RXRα heterodimers and of the retinoic acid-induced transcriptional activation of the RARγ/RXRα receptors. Thus, RME acted as a retinoic acid antagonist, a role possibly involved in its cancer preventive activity.
Relapse of depression during pregnancy following antidepressant discontinuation: a preliminary prospective study.

Objective: Pregnancy has frequently been referred to as a time of emotional well-being for patients. However, systematic data about the risk for relapse of depression during pregnancy are sparse. Method: We completed a longitudinal cohort study of thirty-two (N = 32) women with histories of depression who were euthymic at conception and who either discontinued or attempted to discontinue antidepressant therapy proximate to conception. Subjects were prospectively followed across pregnancy once per trimester using structured clinical interviews. Rates of relapse and time to relapse were examined. Factors distinguishing the population with respect to risk for relapse including demographic characteristics and illness history were also examined. Results: Seventy-five percent (N = 24) of patients relapsed during pregnancy. The majority of relapses (79%, N = 19) occurred in the first trimester, and relapse was more prevalent in women with histories of more chronic depression. Conclusions: Pregnancy is not “protective” with respect to risk for relapse of depression. Careful treatment planning is necessary for those women on antidepressants who plan to conceive or who become pregnant.
Pilot study of the safety and efficacy of Myobloc (botulinum toxin type B) for treatment of axillary hyperhidrosis.

Background Botulinum toxin type B (BTX-B, Myobloc™, San Francisco, CA, USA) was FDA-approved for the treatment of cervical dystonia in December 2000. It has since been used off-label for the treatment of axillary hyperhidrosis. However, there are sparse data in the medical literature evaluating the safety and efficacy of Myobloc™ (botulinum toxin type B) for this indication. Objective To assess the safety, efficacy and duration of action of Myobloc™ (botulinum toxin type B) in the treatment of bilateral axillary hyperhidrosis. Methods This study was a double-blinded, randomized, pilot study conducted in an outpatient office setting at a private academic medical center beginning in November 2001. Twenty-three male and female volunteers between the ages of 18 and 80 were screened for participation; 20 participants with primary axillary hyperhidrosis were enrolled. Participants were injected subcutaneously with either Myobloc™ (botulinum toxin type B) (2500 U, or 0.5 ml, per axilla) or 0.5 ml vehicle (100 mM NaCl, 10 mM succinate, and 0.5 mg/ml human albumin) into bilateral axillae. Participants who received placebo were rolled over and received Myobloc™ (botulinum toxin type B) at subsequent visits. All participants were followed until sweating returned to baseline levels. This trial was initially conceived as a placebo-controlled study; however, owing to the insufficient size of the placebo group, the placebo arm of this trial was dropped during data analysis. The main outcome measures were safety, efficacy, and duration of effect. Results According to participant assessment of axillary hyperhidrosis improvement (A-HI) and quality of life (A-HQOL) scores and the physician assessment scores, a significant difference was observed in treatment response at Day 30 in the participants receiving Myobloc™ (botulinum toxin type B) injections. Duration of action ranged from 2.2 to 8.1 months (mean 5.0 months). The adverse event profile included bruising, flu-like symptoms, and dry eyes. Conclusion Myobloc™ (botulinum toxin type B) proved to be safe and efficacious for the treatment of bilateral axillary hyperhidrosis. More studies are needed to assess the duration of response using different doses of Myobloc™ (botulinum toxin type B).
Surface electrochemistry of CO on Pt(110)-(1 × 2) and Pt(110)-(1 × 1) surfaces

Abstract A new type of flame-annealing method has been developed for the preparation of surfaces having either fcc(110)-(1 × 1) or fcc(110)-(1 × 2) symmetry. In situ X-ray scattering studies show that both the Pt(110)-(1 × 2) and Pt(110)-(1 × 1) surfaces are stable in the potential region between 0 and 1.0 V. Adsorption of CO on the (1 × 2) surface in solution does not induce the (1 × 2)→(1 × 1) transition that is observed in UHV upon adsorption of CO. Nominally identical saturation coverages of hydrogen (Hupd) and COad are observed on the two surfaces, implying that two Hupd atoms or two COad molecules are adsorbed per unit cell of the reconstructed (1 × 2) surface. A significant increase in the interatomic spacing between the first and second layer of the reconstructed (1 × 2) surface occurs upon hydrogen adsorption to full coverage. Occupation of subsurface sites for Hupd are inferred from this result. The (1 × 2) surface is found to have a much higher catalytic activity for the electro-oxidation of CO; the anodic oxidation of either COad or dissolved COgas occurs at ≈ 0.3 V lower potential on the (1 × 2) than the (1 × 1) surface.
Alterations in food intake elicited by GABA and opioid agonists and antagonists administered into the ventral tegmental area region of rats

Food intake is significantly increased following administration of mu-selective opioid agonists into the ventral tegmental area (VTA) region acting through multiple local opioid receptor subtypes. Since GABA receptor agonists in the VTA region are capable of eliciting feeding, the present study investigated whether feeding elicited by the mu-selective opioid agonist [D-Ala(2), NMe(4), Gly-ol(5)]-enkephalin (DAMGO) in the VTA region was altered by pretreatment into the same site with equimolar doses of either GABA(A) (bicuculline) or GABA(B) (saclofen) antagonists, and further, whether pretreatment with either general opioid or selective GABA receptor antagonists decreased feeding elicited by GABA(A) (muscimol) or GABA(B) (baclofen) agonists in the VTA region. DAMGO-induced feeding in the VTA region was dose-dependently decreased following pretreatment with either GABA(A) or GABA(B) antagonists in the absence of significant alterations in food intake by the antagonists per se. However, the presence of short-lived seizures following bicuculline in the VTA region suggests that this ingestive effect was caused by nonspecific actions. In contrast, GABA(B) receptors are involved in the full expression of mu-opioid agonist-induced feeding in this region since saclofen failed to elicit either seizure activity or a conditioned taste aversion. Pretreatment with naltrexone in the VTA region reduced intake elicited by baclofen, but not muscimol. Finally, baclofen-induced feeding was significantly reduced by saclofen, but not bicuculline, pretreatment in the VTA region. Therefore, possible coregulation between GABA(B) and opioid receptors in the VTA region, as suggested by immunocytochemical evidence, is supported by these behavioral effects upon ingestion.
Opportunities for materials characterization using high-energy positron beams

This review will summarize current positron research at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory(LLNL) using high-energy positron beams. We are combining positron lifetime and orbital electron momentum spectroscopic methods with theoretical simulations to provide a better understanding of positron annihilation behavior in materials. Topics covered include correlation of positron annihilation characteristics with structural and mechanical properties of bulk metallic glass and compositional studies of embrittling features in reactor pressure vessel steels.
Molecular dynamics simulations of shocked benzene

The behavior of benzene at high temperatures and pressures is studied using nonequilibrium molecular dynamics. The interatomic forces were generated using linear-scaling tight-binding electronic structure theory on systems containing 128 and 576 molecules. The shock Hugoniot, calculated directly from the simulations without predetermining the equation of state, is compared with experiment. Piston velocities of 4 km/s or greater result in a pressure-induced polymerization. This transition is consistent with the bend in the experimental measurements of shock versus piston velocity.
A nonsmooth Newton method for variational inequalities, I: theory

This paper presents a modified damped Newton algorithm for solving variational inequality problems based on formulating this problem as a system of equations using the Minty map. The proposed modified damped-Newton method insures convergence and locally quadratic convergence under the assumption of regularity. Under the assumption ofweak regularity and some mild conditions, the modified algorithm is shown to always create a descent direction and converge to the solution. Hence, this new algorithm is often suitable for many applications where regularity does not hold. Part II of this paper presents the results of extensive computational testing of this new method.
Multielectron processes in 10-keV/u Ar q + (5≤ q ≤17) on Ar collisions

We have used time-of-flight coincidence techniques to study multielectron reactions in 10-keV/u ([ital v]=0.632 a.u.) Ar[sup [ital q]+] (5[le][ital q][le]17) on Ar collisions. Absolute cross sections for total charge-transfer ([sigma][sub [ital q]]), projectile charge-change ([sigma][sub [ital q],][ital q][sub [minus][ital k]]), recoil production ([sigma][sub [ital q]][sup [ital i]]), and phenomenological cross sections ([sigma][sub [ital q],][ital q][sub [minus][ital k]][sup [ital i]]) have been obtained by normalizing to cross sections reported in the literature [H. Klinger, A. Mueller, and E. Salzborn, J. Phys. B 8, 230 (1975)]. The data have been used to critically test the predictions of the molecular classical overbarrier model (MCBM) [A. Niehaus, J. Phys. B 19, 2925 (1986)] and rather impressive agreements have been obtained. In particular, the predictions of target outer-shell excitation seem to have supporting evidence in this set of data. A stabilization scheme for the multiply excited projectile following charge transfer is proposed to complement the MCBM predictions and the gross features of the final reaction products are fairly accounted for. In addition, enhanced electron loss from the projectile-target system is observed in hard collisions for low-charged projectiles ([ital q][le]8) and is attributed to inner-shell excitation via molecular-orbital promotion.
Mutations of pma-1, the gene encoding the plasma membrane H+-ATPase of Neurospora crassa, suppress inhibition of growth by concanamycin A, a specific inhibitor of vacuolar ATPases.

Abstract Concanamycin A (CCA), a specific inhibitor of vacuolar ATPases, inhibited growth of Neurospora crassa in medium adjusted to pH 7 or above. Mutant strains were selected for growth on medium containing 1.0 μm CCA. Sixty-four (of 66) mutations mapped in the region of the pma1 locus, which encodes the plasma membrane H+-ATPase. Analysis of V-ATPase activity in isolated vacuolar membranes from the mutant strains showed wild-type activity and sensitivity to CCA. In contrast, plasma membrane H+-ATPase activity in isolated plasma membranes from the mutants was reduced as compared with wild-type, and in four strains the activity showed increased resistance to vanadate. The most interesting change in the plasma membrane H+-ATPase was in kinetic behavior. The wild-type enzyme showed sigmoid dependence on MgATP concentration with a Hill number of 2.0, while the seven mutants tested exhibited hyperbolic kinetics with a Hill number of 1.0. One interpretation of these data was that the enzyme had changed from a functional dimer to a functional monomer. Mutation of the plasma membrane H+-ATPase did not confer resistance by preventing uptake of CCA. In the presence of CCA both wild-type and mutant strains were unable to accumulate arginine, failed to concentrate chloroquine in acidic vesicles, and exhibited gross alterations in hyphal morphology, indicating that the CCA had entered the cells and inactivated the V-ATPase. Instead, we hypothesize that the mutations conferred resistance because the altered plasma membrane H+-ATPase could more efficiently rid the cell of toxic levels of Ca2+ or protons or other ions accumulated in the cytoplasm following inactivation of the V-ATPase by CCA.
Does International Investment Help Poverty Reduction in China

This study analyzes effects of international investment on poverty reduction in China by testing a growth model with provincial data. Economic growth is the single most important factor influencing...
Infectious human papillomavirus type 31b: purification and infection of an immortalized human keratinocyte cell line.

Human papillomaviruses (HPVs) are aetiological agents of human malignancies, most notably cervical cancers. The life-cycles of HPVs are dependent on epithelial differentiation, and this has impeded many basic studies of HPV biology. The organotypic (raft) culture system supports epithelial differentiation such that infectious virions are synthesized in raft tissues from epithelial cells that replicate extrachromosomal HPV genomes. The CIN-612 9E cell line maintains episomal copies of HPV type 31b (HPV31b), an HPV type associated with cervical cancers. Many previous studies, including our own, have focused on characterizing the later stages of the HPV31b life-cycle in CIN-612 9E raft tissues. In this study, we have used the raft system to generate large numbers of HPV31b viral DNA (vDNA)-containing particles. We found a biologically contained homogenization system to be efficient at virion extraction from raft epithelial tissues. We also determined that vDNA-containing particles could be directly quantified from density-gradient fractions. Using an RT–PCR assay, the presence of newly synthesized, spliced HPV31b transcripts was detected following HPV31b infection of the immortalized HaCaT epithelial cell line. Spliced E6 and E1∧E4 RNAs were detected using a single round of RT–PCR from cells infected with a dose as low as 1·0 vDNA-containing particle per cell. Spliced E1*I,E2 transcripts were found in cells infected with an HPV31b dose as low as 10 vDNA-containing particles per cell. Infectivity was blocked by HPV31 antiserum, but was not affected by DNase I. This work lays a foundation for a detailed analysis of the early events in HPV infection.
Humanitarian Space and the Social Imaginary: Médecins Sans Frontières/Doctors Without Borders and the Rhetoric of Global Community

Contemporary processes of globalization beckon consideration of the discursive forces that shape our perceptions of community, group identity, solidarity, and belongingness. The freedoms and limits...
Adrenergic urticaria: Review of the literature and proposed mechanism

Adrenergic urticaria is a rare type of stress-induced physical urticaria characterized by transient outbreaks of red papules surrounded by halos of hypopigmented, vasoconstricted skin. First described in 1985, there are 10 reported cases of adrenergic urticaria in the English-language medical literature. Episodes are caused by various triggers, including emotional upset, coffee, and chocolate, during which serum catecholamines and IgE are elevated, whereas histamine and serotonin levels remain within normal limits. The precise mechanisms leading to the pathogenesis of adrenergic urticaria have yet to be elucidated. Diagnosis can be made by intradermal injection of epinephrine or norepinephrine, which reproduces the characteristic rash, or by clinical observation. Trigger avoidance and oral propranolol are currently the best known treatments for adrenergic urticaria. Nonspecific therapies, including tranquilizers and antihistamines, may also ease symptoms. This article explores the pathophysiology of adrenergic urticaria and proposes a mechanism by which propranolol treats the condition.
Modeling and querying vague spatial objects using shapelets

Research in modeling and querying spatial data has primarily focused on traditional "crisp" spatial objects with exact location and spatial extent. More recent work, however, has begun to address the need for spatial data types describing spatial phenomena that cannot be modeled by objects having sharp boundaries. Other work has focused on point objects whose location is not precisely known and is typically described using a probability distribution. In this paper, we present a new technique for modeling and querying vague spatial objects. Using shapelets, an image decomposition technique developed in astronomy, as base data type, we introduce a comprehensive set of low-level operations that provide building blocks for versatile high-level operations on vague spatial objects. In addition, we describe an implementation of this data model as an extension to PostgreSQL, including an indexing technique for shapelet objects. Unlike existing techniques for modeling and querying vague or fuzzy data, our approach is optimized for localized, smoothly varying spatial objects, and as such is more suitable for many real-world datasets.
New Occurrences of the Pennsylvanian Index Ammonoid Dunbarites from the North American Midcontinent

Abstract Ten newly recovered Dunbarites specimens significantly extend the known stratigraphic range of Dunbarites. These include the first documented Midcontinent Basin records of the Missourian type species Dunbarites rectilateralis (Miller, 1930) from north-central Oklahoma. Additional species of Dunbarites from south-central Oklahoma and north-central and West Texas are described as Dunbarites wewokensis n. sp. and Dunbarites boardmani n. sp. Although Dunbarites is an extremely rare component (∼0.025 percent) of Middle and Upper Pennsylvanian ammonoid assemblages, Ruzhencev and Bogoslovskaya (1971, 1978) suggested that Dunbarites and Parashumardites Ruzhencev, 1939 be used as genozone markers for the Kasimovian [Zhigulevian] Stage (Missourian in North America). As demonstrated by this report, the range of Dunbarites is not confined to the Kasimovian, thereby precluding its use as a Kasimovian Stage indicator.
Mechanisms of Autoimmune Thyroid Diseases: From Genetics to Epigenetics

Recent advances in our understanding of genetic-epigenetic interactions have unraveled new mechanisms underlying the etiology of complex autoimmune diseases. Autoimmune thyroid diseases (AITDs) are highly prevalent, affecting 1% to 5% of the population. The major AITDs include Graves disease (GD) and Hashimoto's thyroiditis (HT); although these diseases contrast clinically, their pathogenesis involves shared immunogenetic mechanisms. Genetic data point to the involvement of both shared and unique genes. Among the shared susceptibility genes, HLA-DRβ1-Arg74 (human leukocyte antigen DR containing an arginine at position β74) confers the strongest risk. Recent genome-wide analyses have revealed new putative candidate genes. Epigenetic modulation is emerging as a major mechanism by which environmental factors interact with AITD susceptibility genes. Dissecting the genetic-epigenetic interactions underlying the pathogenesis of AITD is essential to uncover new therapeutic targets.
Local field equation for $A^{4}$-coupling in renormalized perturbation theory

For the model ofA 4-coupling a finite form of the local field equation is proposed and checked in renormalized perturbation theory.
Two counterexamples to Aizerman's conjecture

In the last few years, several sufficient conditions have been found for establishing the asymptotic stability in the large of the null solution of feedback systems containing a single non-linearity. The experiments reported in this paper show that, if these sufficient conditions are violated, in certain cases instability occurs in the form of oscillations. These experiments not only establish a new class of oscillators but they also constitute counterexamples to Aizerman's conjecture. An explanation of the oscillations is proposed which uses harmonic linearization.
Kinetics of CO oxidation over Co3O4/γ-Al2O3. Part I: Steady state

Steady state experiments and their interpretation were performed to explore the kinetics of CO oxidation over a supported Co/sub 3/O/sub 4/ catalyst. The rate of reaction was found to depend on temperature and the partial pressure of oxygen but not on the partial pressure of carbon monoxide. It is shown that catalyst dynamics must be accounted for to achieve real understanding.
Exploring vasomotor mechanisms using PKG specific inhibitors

The regulation of vascular tone is fundamentally linked to the activity of cGMP-dependent protein kinase (PKG). cGMP-induced activation of PKG presents a key step in the nitric oxide (NO) mediated reduction of intracellular Ca2+ and ultimately in vascular smooth muscle (VSM) relaxation. 'Acute' PKG inhibition in the vasculature by the use of our recently developed potent and membranepermeable PKG inhibitors, point to a novel, cGMP-independent role for PKG in smooth muscle. First, work done using DT-2 and the proteolytically stable analog (D)DT-2 suggests that constitutive PKG activity may play a functional role in the control of vascular tone. A second key discovery implies that the expression of PKG in small resistance arteries is dependent on intraluminal pressure. Virtually nothing is known about the role of basal PKG activity as well as the mechano-sensitive expression of PKG in the control of VSM relaxation. Both findings suggest a new concept, whereby PKG may play a role in modulating vascular tone autonomous of cGMP. from 2nd International Conference of cGMP Generators, Effectors and Therapeutic Implications Potsdam, Germany, 10–12 June, 2005
Pretreatment Nomogram for Predicting the Outcome of Three-Dimensional Conformal Radiotherapy in Prostate Cancer

PURPOSE: Several studies have defined risk groups for predicting the outcome after external-beam radiotherapy of localized prostate cancer. However, most models formed patient risk groups, and none of these models considers radiation dose as a predictor variable. The purpose of this study was to develop a nomogram to improve the accuracy of predicting outcome after three-dimensional conformal radiotherapy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study was a retrospective, nonrandomized analysis of patients treated at the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center between 1988 and 1998. Clinical parameters of the 1,042 patients included stage, biopsy Gleason score, pretreatment serum prostate-specific antigen (PSA) level, whether neoadjuvant androgen deprivation therapy was administered, and the radiation dose delivered. Biochemical (PSA) treatment failure was scored when three consecutive rises of serum PSA occurred. A nomogram, which predicts the probability of remaining free from biochemical recurrence for 5 years, was...
Event threading within news topics

With the overwhelming volume of online news available today, there is an increasing need for automatic techniques to analyze and present news to the user in a meaningful and efficient manner. Previous research focused only on organizing news stories by their topics into a flat hierarchy. We believe viewing a news topic as a flat collection of stories is too restrictive and inefficient for a user to understand the topic quickly. In this work, we attempt to capture the rich structure of events and their dependencies in a news topic through our event models. We call the process of recognizing events and their dependencies event threading. We believe our perspective of modeling the structure of a topic is more effective in capturing its semantics than a flat list of on-topic stories.We formally define the novel problem, suggest evaluation metrics and present a few techniques for solving the problem. Besides the standard word based features, our approaches take into account novel features such as temporal locality of stories for event recognition and time-ordering for capturing dependencies. Our experiments on a manually labeled data sets show that our models effectively identify the events and capture dependencies among them.