cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Lead-induced crop dysfunction in the pigeon

Abstract Pigeons treated with lead acetate (12, 36, or 72 mg Pb/kg/day by gavage or 1000 or 3000 ppm lead acetate in drinking water) displayed crop dilatation and stasis and motor incoordination, regurgitated crop fluid, and suffered severe wasting of breast muscle. Ball bearings inserted in the crop failed to pass to the stomach. Such retardation of motility reliably preceded signs of overt toxicity. The etiology of the crop stasis could not be determined by histopathologic examination, suggesting a subcellular mechanism. The results suggest that behavioral changes induced by lead in pigeons cannot be attributed to CNS dysfunction alone, but may arise from starvation, or from combined CNS damage and starvation and that GI impaction in aves resulting from lead exposure appears to be a systemic, rather than a local effect.
Evaluation of a new face fly and stable fly (Diptera: Muscidae) trap which segregates the catch of the two species.

A single, newly designed, white, octahedron-shaped trap caught as many face flies, Musca autumnalis De Geer, and stable flies, Stomoxys calcitrans L., as did a white tetrahedron and a Williams-type trap individually. A new product, Olson Stiky Stuff™ was as effective as tack trap in capturing flies and was easier to apply. Clear alsynite panels painted white (TiO2.) were cheaper, easier to use, and sometimes more attractive to face flies than were plywood panels painted white. Total hemispherical reflectance of wavelengths between 330 and 430 nm is related to face fly catch.
Communication mapping: understanding anyone's social network in 60 minutes

To design successful user experiences for Google's communication products, it is important for us to understand their users' communication behaviours beyond what they do with the product itself. To make informed design decisions, product development teams often require us to build this understanding in a matter of weeks. This paper describes a research technique for building an understanding of people's social networks and communication tools by only spending 60 minutes each with a small number of research participants. It also describes examples of the type of insights this technique can yield.
Optimization of Large Gas Pipeline Network--A Case Study in China

In China, annual natural gas consumption is over 67 billion cubic metres with an expected growth rate of 10% per year. Most of the gas is transported from well heads to markets over cross-country gas networks, which requires construction of the West to East Gas Network - one of the largest gas networks in the world. Presently, the network is comprised of four large-diameter pipelines and will include most major gas pipelines in China in the future. The network distributes approximately 30 x 10 9 m 3 gas per year, of which 3% to 5% is burned to power the gas transportation. At current gas prices, gas transportation costs are roughly USD 350 million per year, which is a considerable cost that could be reduced by improvements in network design and operation. This paper reports on a study aimed at optimizing the network to minimize its energy consumption and cost. The large size and complex geometry of the network required breaking the study down into simple components, optimizing operation of the components locally, re-combining the optimized components into the network and optimizing the network globally. This four-step approach employed four different optimization methods, penalty function method, pattern search, enumeration and non-sequential dynamic programming, to solve the problem. The results show that cost savings, because of global optimization, are reduced with increased throughput. For example, increasing the gas rate from 67 - 90 million m 3 /d would reduce operational cost savings because of optimization from 23% -1.15%. Moreover, the study shows that if the compressors were fully loaded at their maximum rating, the optimized operation would approach the one being presently practiced. Thus, the optimization is effective and much needed when the system does not work at its maximum capacity, a typical case in the present operations of Chinese gas networks.
Consumption of atmospheric methane by desert soils

ATMOSPHERIC concentrations of methane, a greenhouse gas, are increasing at a rate of about 1% yr-1 (refs 1–4). Oxidation by methylotrophic bacteria in soil is the largest terrestrial sink for atmospheric CH4, and is estimated to consume about 30 x 1012 g CH4 yr-1 (refs 4–6). Spatial and temporal variability in the rate of soil CH4 consumption are incompletely understood6–19, as are the apparent inhibitory12,13,18or enhancing20 effects of changes in land use. Dry deserts, which constitute 20% of total land surface, are not currently included in global soil uptake estimates. Here we describe measurements of the rate of uptake of atmospheric CH4 by undisturbed desert soils. We observed rates as great as 4.38 mg CH4 m-2 day-1; 50% of the measured rates were between 0.24 and 0.92 mg CH4m-2d-1. Uptake of CH4 by desert soil is enhanced by rainfall after an initial soil-drainage period—opposite to the response of temperate forest soils12. Methane is consumed to a depth of about 2 m, allowing for deep removal of atmospheric CH4if near-surface conditions are unfavourable for consumption. On the basis of an annual average CH4 consumption rate of 0.66 mg CH4 m-2 d-1, we estimate that the global CH4 sink term needs to be increased by about 7 x 1012 g yr-1 to account for the contribution of desert soils.
Tribological behavior and surface analysis of tribodeformed AI Alloy-50 Pet graphite particle composites

A low-pressure infiltration-casting technique was used to produce Al alloy (2014)-50 vol pct graphite particle composites. The tribological behavior of the worn surfaces of the above composites was investigated. It was found that the coefficient of friction was of the order of 0.2 as compared to over 0.4 for the matrix alloy and stabilized after a running distance of the order of 5 m. In addition, the wear rate for the composite alloys is lower and decreases after sliding distances of the order of 2 m under conditions of 10 N and 0.1 m/s. The reduced friction and wear rate of the composites as compared to the base alloy are presumably due to the formation of a solid lubricating film at the surface. Detailed X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and Auger electron spectroscopy (AES) analyses show that this lubricating film is approximately 10 to 20-nm thick and is composed of a carbonaceous mixture of primarily graphitic carbon plus some carbon oxides and air-deposited hydrocarbons in the film. In addition, some aluminum-containing particles also are present in the film.
Prolactin response to anesthetic stress and beta-endorphin is altered in female rats treated neonatally with monosodium glutamate

Abstract MSG (4 mg/g, sc) or saline was administered to neonatal female rats on day 1, 3, 5, 7 and 9. Study 1) Prl levels were assessed at 30, 60 and 75 days after birth to monitor possible development of hyperprolactinemia. No hyperprolactinemia was observed at any time studied. Study 2) MSG and control rats were administered pentobarbital anesthesia at 2 months of age. At 20, 60 and 90 min following anesthesia, plasma was collected for assay of Prl. 20 min prior to the 90 min bleeding, BE ( 5 μg 5 ul ) was stereotaxically administered, into the third ventricle. MSG-treated rats had an attenuated Prl response to the stress of anesthesia (bleeding 1). Prl levels in control and MSG-treated rats were similar at 60 min post-anesthesia (bleeding 2) which represented a return of Prl levels to baseline after stress-induced elevation of Prl. Control and MSG-treated rats exhibited an increase in plasma Prl following intracerebroventricular BE; however, the amplitude of this response was markedly attenuated in the MSG-treated animals (bleeding 3). Thus, an observed loss of TH-positive neurons in the arcuate nucleus of the hypothalamus following MSG treatment and the attenuated response of Prl to anesthesia-stress and BE administration suggests that Prl secretion in response to these agents is operative through inhibition of the TIDA system. Furthermore, these studies show that the Prl response to these agents (anesthetic and BE) is intact but sub-operational in MSG-treated rats.
Multilocus Adaptation Associated with Heat Resistance in Reef-Building Corals

Summary The evolution of tolerance to future climate change depends on the standing stock of genetic variation for resistance to climate-related impacts [1, 2], but genes contributing to climate tolerance in wild populations are poorly described in number and effect. Physiology and gene expression patterns have shown that corals living in naturally high-temperature microclimates are more resistant to bleaching because of both acclimation and fixed effects, including adaptation [3]. To search for potential genetic correlates of these fixed effects, we genotyped 15,399 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in 23 individual tabletop corals, Acropora hyacinthus, within a natural temperature mosaic in backreef lagoons on Ofu Island, American Samoa. Despite overall lack of population substructure, we identified 114 highly divergent SNPs as candidates for environmental selection, via multiple stringent outlier tests, and correlations with temperature. Corals from the warmest reef location had higher minor allele frequencies across these candidate SNPs,a pattern notseenfor noncandidateloci. Furthermore, within backreef pools, colonies in the warmest microclimates had a higher number and frequency of alternative alleles at candidate loci. These data suggest mild selection for alternate alleles at many loci in these corals during high heat episodes and possible maintenance of extensive polymorphism through multilocus balancing selection in a heterogeneous environment. In this case, a natural population harbors a reservoir of alleles preadapted to high temperatures, suggesting potential for future evolutionary response to climate change.
Carrying too Heavy a Load? The Communication and Miscommunication of Emotion by Email

Despite advice to avoid doing so, email senders intentionally and unintentionally communicate emotion. Email characteristics make miscommunication likely, and I argue that receivers often misinterpret work emails as more emotionally negative or neutral than intended. Drawing on the computer-mediated and nonverbal communication, emotion, and perception literature, I introduce a theoretical framework describing what factors make miscommunication most likely, how emotional miscommunication affects organizations, and how employees can improve the accuracy of emotional communication in emails.
The isolation and specificity of alfalfa lipoxygenase.

Partial purification of the lipoxygenase from alfalfa seed was accomplished by fractionation of the protein with (NH4)2SO4, phosphate, heavy metal salts and ultracentrifugation. About 24% of the original activity was recovered. The partially-purified alfalfa lipoxygenase enzyme was free of hydroperoxide-decomposing activity and was used to determine the positional specificity of linoleic acid oxidation by alfalfa lipoxygenase. Combined gas liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry was used to analyze known mixtures of 10- and 12-hydroxystearic acid derivatives and was satisfactory for the quantitative determination of the ratio of each component. This combination was used to analyze mixtures containing position isomers of hydroxy fatty acids without separation of each individual compound by other methods. Hydroperoxides produced from linoleic acid oxidation catalyzed by alfalfa lipoxygenase were converted by sodium borohydride reduction, catalytic hydrogenation and bis(trimethylsilyl)acetamide silylation to their corresponding trimethylsilyl either esters and the positional distribution was studied. The 9- and 13-linoleate hydroperoxides produced by alfalfa lipoxygenase were in equal concentrations (50∶50) whereas the distribution for soybean lipoxygenase was 70% 13- and 30% 9-hydroperoxides.
Aggregation of Ig G globulin in vivo III. Study of Ig G globulin aggregation by unimolecular layer method

Abstract The molecular weight of an Ig G globulin of pathologic origin has been studied by the unimolecular layer method. This globulin had been found to occur in vivo as pentamer. It dissociates upon dilution or at acid pH, or with increasing salt concentration. The unimolecular technique, which had hitherto been applied only in the range of medium-sized protein molecules, was shown to be valid for molecular weights of 800,000. The values obtained by the spreading method are in good agreement with the results of ultracentrifugation. Comparison of the monomer (molecular weight 160,000) with a normal globulin of the same molecular weight indicated a much higher compressibility of the polymerizable protein. The behavior of the monomer and the pentamer on spreading upon hypophases of various pH fully accords with our conceptions of the spreading process by Trurnit's method as well as with our ideas on the mechanism of polymerization of this protein.
Patch selection by juvenile black surfperch (Embiotocidae) under variable risk: interactive influence of food quality and structural complexity

Abstract The influence of risk on the selection of foraging patches by young-of-year black surfperch, Embiotoca jacksoni Agassiz, was investigated by laboratory and field experiments. These foragers harvest crustacean prey from a variety of benthic algal substrata. In field environments, patch types vary in two ways. First, substrata differ in structural complexity and probably afford different degrees of protection from predators. Second, substratum types vary in prey richness. There was no correlation between structural complexity and prey richness, and either or both factors could be a component of foraging patch value. Each patch is small and individual foragers are simultaneously confronted with arrays of patches encompassing the full range of variation in structure and prey richness. Furthermore, a major predator of young-of-year black surfperch, the kelp bass, Paralabrax clathratus (Girard), is patchily distributed in space and time. Thus similar arrays of patch types can be characterized by different levels of overall risk. Risk to foragers is dependent on light level as well as the presence and density of predators. The interplay between food quality and shelter potential in influencing patch choice was examined under different regimes of risk. Both laboratory and field experiments indicated patch preference was based primarily on food quality. However, the physical structure of a patch did become a component of patch choice as risk increased. The relative value of physical structure under high risk was dependent on the prey richness of a patch; food-poor substrata with high shelter potential remained unfavored even in situations of high risk.
Birth of a new maternity process

Miami Valley Hospital, the largest hospital in the Dayton, Ohio area, experienced a steady increase in deliveries and births between 1990 and 1996. Maternity length of stay increased by 15 percent in 1997 due to maternity minimum length of stay legislation and physician practices. The combination of more patients and longer stays resulted in an acute capacity problem. A computer model was developed to represent the patient flow and census. This model also analyzed the effect of differing patient types, increasing volumes, maternity unit configurations and policy changes. The model showed that minor construction enabled a 15-28% increase in volume and more balanced overall utilization without changing the licensed capacity. Additional parent transition rooms, a larger triage area, and a larger Perinatal intensive care unit were constructed in 1997.
Effects of camptothecin, a topoisomerase I inhibitor, on Plasmodium falciparum☆

Currently, the treatment of falciparum malaria is seriously compromised by spreading drug resistance. We studied the effects of camptothecin, a potent and specific topoisomerase I inhibitor, on erythrocytic malaria parasites in vitro. In Plasmodium falciparum, camptothecin trapped protein-DNA complexes, inhibited nucleic acid biosynthesis, and was cytotoxic. These results provide proof for the concept that topoisomerase I is a vulnerable target for new antimalarial drug development.
Associations between reasons to attend and late-high school dropout

This study addressed (1) whether there were unique profiles of student self-reported reasons for attending school among 10(th) graders, (2) whether these profiles were differentially associated with late high-school dropout, and (3) whether parent characteristics differed across profiles. Using data from the Educational Longitudinal Study of 2002 (N = 15,362), five latent classes were found. The first class (49%) reported intrinsic, identified/introjected, and external motivations for attending school. The second class (32%) attended for identified/introjected and external reasons, while the third class (11%) reported intrinsic and identified/introjected reasons. The final two classes reported only identified/introjected (5%) or external (4%) motivations. Individuals in the identified/introjected and external classes were at greatest risk of dropping out between 10(th) and 12(th) grade. A host of parenting characteristics differed across class, with students in the intrinsic-identified/introjected-external class displaying the most favorable pattern of results. Implications for dropout prevention and academic promotion programs are discussed.
Mechanisms of the copper-dependent turnover of the copper chaperone for superoxide dismutase

The copper chaperone for superoxide dismutase (CCS) is an intracellular metallochaperone required for incorporation of copper into the essential antioxidant enzyme copper/zinc superoxide dismutase (SOD1). Nutritional studies have revealed that the abundance of CCS is inversely proportional to the dietary and tissue copper content. To determine the mechanisms of copper-dependent regulation of CCS, copper incorporation into SOD1 and SOD1 enzymatic activity as well as CCS abundance and half-life were determined after metabolic labeling of CCS-/- fibroblasts transfected with wild-type or mutant CCS. Wild-type CCS restored SOD1 activity in CCS-/- fibroblasts, and the abundance of this chaperone in these cells was inversely proportional to the copper content of the media, indicating that copper-dependent regulation of CCS is entirely post-translational. Although mutational studies demonstrated no role for CCS Domain I in this copper-dependent regulation, similar analysis of the CXC motif in Domain III revealed a critical role for these cysteine residues in mediating copper-dependent turnover of CCS. Further mutational studies revealed that this CXC-dependent copper-mediated turnover of CCS is independent of the mechanisms of delivery of copper to SOD1 including CCS-SOD1 interaction. Taken together these data demonstrate a mechanism determining the abundance of CCS that is competitive with the process of copper delivery to SOD1, revealing a unique post-translational component of intracellular copper homeostasis.
Abstract 1082: Silymarin, a phytochemical from milk thistle, inhibits UVB-induced immune suppression through DNA repair-dependent activation of dendritic cells and stimulation of effector T cells .

Proceedings: AACR 104th Annual Meeting 2013; Apr 6-10, 2013; Washington, DC Ultraviolet (UV) radiation-induced immunosuppression has been implicated in the risk of skin cancers, including melanoma and non-melanoma. Topical treatment of mouse skin with silymarin, a bioactive phytochemical from milk thistle (Silybum marianum L. Gaertn.), inhibits UVB radiation-induced skin tumor development and immunosuppression in mice. To identify the molecular mechanisms underlying its effect on immune system, we used an adoptive transfer approach in which dendritic cells (DCs) from the draining lymph nodes of donor mice that had been UVB-exposed and sensitized to 2,4,-dinitrofluorobenzene (DNFB) were transferred into naive recipient mice. The contact hypersensitivity (CHS) response of the recipient mice to DNFB was then measured. When DCs were obtained from UVB-exposed donor mice that were not treated with silymarin, the CHS response was suppressed confirming the role of DCs in the UVB-induced immunosuppression. CHS response is considered as a prototypic T-cell mediated immune response. Silymarin treatment of UVB-exposed donor mice relieved this suppression of the CHS response in the recipients. Silymarin treatment was associated with rapid repair of UVB-induced cyclobutane pyrimidine dimers (CPDs) in DCs and silymarin treatment did not prevent UV-induced immunosuppression in xeroderma pigmentosum complementation Group A (XPA)-deficient mice which are unable to repair UV-induced DNA damage. The CHS response in mice receiving DCs from silymarin-treated UV-exposed donor mice also was associated with enhanced secretion of Th1-type cytokines and stimulation of T cells. Adoptive transfer of T cells revealed that transfer of either CD8+ or CD4+ cells from silymarin-treated, UVB-exposed donors resulted in enhancement of the CHS response. Cell culture study showed enhanced secretion of IL-2 and IFNγ by CD8+ T cells, and reduced secretion of Th2 cytokines by CD4+ cells, obtained from silymarin-treated UVB-exposed mice. These data suggest that DNA repair-dependent functional activation of DCs, a reduction in CD4+ regulatory T-cell activity, and stimulation of CD8+ effector T cells contribute to silymarin-mediated inhibition of UVB-induced immunosuppression in mice. This property of silymarin can be used as an alternative strategy to augment immune system and that may help to prevent or delay the risk of skin cancers in high-risk human population. Citation Format: Mudit Vaid, Ram Prasad, Tripti Singh, Craig A. Elmets, Hui Xu, Santosh K. Katiyar. Silymarin, a phytochemical from milk thistle, inhibits UVB-induced immune suppression through DNA repair-dependent activation of dendritic cells and stimulation of effector T cells . [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 104th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2013 Apr 6-10; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2013;73(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 1082. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2013-1082
Thermo-elastic response of monolithic and composite plates to a thermal shock

Abstract The thermo-mechanical behavior of thin plates subjected to a step-shaped heat flux is studied analytically and experimentally. First, closed-form solutions for temperature and curvature as a function of time are derived for orthotropic monolithic plates. Second, composite plates are modeled by using equivalent properties and by taking into account a non-uniform fiber distribution, which leads to a bilayer effect. Finally, experimental temperature and curvature measurements on unreinforced Ti–6Al–4V plates and Ti–6Al–4V plates reinforced with unidirectional SiC fibers are compared to these analytical predictions.
Stimulation of breast cancer cells in vitro by the environmental estrogen enterolactone and the phytoestrogen equol

The phenolic lignans enterolactone and enterodiol appear periodically in women's urine, dependent upon synthesis from plant-derived lignans by the intestinal microflora. The phytoestrogen equol is also present in women's urine, and is also derived from a vegetarian diet. Antiestrogenic or antiproliferative actions of these compounds have been postulated and related to the observation that there is a reduced incidence of breast cancer associated with diet. We evaluated the estrogenic and antiestrogenic activity of these compounds using four sensitive assays in tissue culture, including the use of human breast cancer cell lines T47D and MCF-7. Unexpectedly, we found that enterolactone and enterodiol, as well as equol, are weak estrogens, and that enterolactone and equol could stimulate the growth of estrogen-dependent breast cancer cell lines. We suggest that these environmental agents can promote the growth of breast cancer, particularly hormone-dependent metastases that may be located near the gut or in the mesenteries or liver, where the concentration of these intestinally produced compounds would be highest. Treatment with an antiestrogen such as tamoxifen blocks the estrogenic activity of these compounds. In the absence of treatment with an antiestrogen such as tamoxifen, hormonal therapy to block steroidal estrogen synthesis in a patient with breast cancer could conceivably be circumvented by a vegeterian diet rich in the precursors to estrogenic compounds such as enterolactone and equol.
Sources of Pleistocene and Holocene Sand for Northeast Gulf of Mexico Shelf and Mississippi Fan: ABSTRACT

Grain shape, surface texture, and mineralogic analyses were conducted on the Pleistocene and Holocene sands of the northeast Gulf of Mexico shelf and the Mississippi fan to determine their sources. Two distinct petrologic provinces of sand are present in this area: the Mississippi province, characterized by spherical quartz grains derived from older strata in the drainage basin of the Mississippi River, and the eastern Gulf province, characterized by a mixture of spherical and elongate quartz grains. The former is derived from Cretaceous and Tertiary coastal plain strata; the latter is derived from sedimentary and crystalline rocks of the southern Appalachian Mountains. Sand distribution patterns of these two provinces on the northeast shelf are distinct; Mississippi province sands are found in the western part of the shelf near the Mississippi delta, while Eastern Gulf province sands are found throughout the remaining parts of the shelf. However, sands of the Mississippi fan are a mixture of Mississippi and Eastern Gulf province sand. Glacial sand is uncommon in both the Holocene and Pleistocene deposits of the Mississippi province. End_of_Article - Last_Page 1427------------
Electron transfer between bases in double helical DNA.

Fluorescent analogs of adenine that selectively oxidize guanine were used to investigate photoinduced electron transfer through the DNA π-stack as a function of reactant stacking and energetics. Small variations in these factors led to profound changes in the kinetics and distance dependences of DNA-mediated electron-transfer reactions. Values of β, a parameter reflecting the dependence of electron transfer on distance, ranged from 0.1 to 1.0 per angstrom. Strong stacking interactions result in the fastest electron-transfer kinetics. Electrons are thus transported preferentially through an intrastrand rather than interstrand pathway. Reactant energetics also modulate the distance dependence of DNA-mediated charge transport. These studies may resolve the range of disparate results previously reported, and paradigms must now be developed to describe these properties of the DNA π-stack, which can range from insulator- to “wire”-like.
Effect of ammonium perchlorate particle size on its detonation characteristics when sensitized with small amounts of nitroguanidine

Abstract Sympathetic detonation has already been achieved in ammonium perchlorate by adding small amounts of nitroguanidine. Although it appeared that the ammonium perchlorate was detonating at the ideal detonation velocity of the nitroguanidine additive, the effects of confinement, charge diameter, and ammonium perchlorate particle size were not assessed. The effects of confinement and charge diameter were subsequently investigated. In all these studies, however, the particle size of the ammonium perchlorate remained unchanged--nominally 200 micron Class C mil spec ammonium perchlorate. The present effort investigated the effect of variable ammonium perchlorate particle size upon the detonation characteristics of a typical ammonium perchlorate composite system: one sensitized with 5 percent nitroguanidine. Three particle size ranges--designated coarse (149 to 500 micron), medium (44 to 149 micron), and fine (0 to 44 micron)--were investigated. Screen-sieve separation was used. Although the results did confirm a general increase of detonation velocity with a decrease in ammonium perchlorate particle size, some anomalous behavior was also identified. A more comprehensive study will be needed to elucidate the effects of particle size or, more generally, the particle size distribution.
Mercury induces an unopposed inflammatory response in human peripheral blood mononuclear cells in vitro.

Background The human immune response to mercury is not well characterized despite the body of evidence that suggests that Hg can modulate immune responses, including the induction of autoimmune disease in some mouse models. Dysregulation of cytokine signaling appears to play an important role in the etiology of Hg-induced autoimmunity in animal models. Objectives In this study, we systematically investigated the human immune response to Hg in vitro in terms of cytokine release. Methods Human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were isolated from 20 volunteers who donated blood six separate times. PBMCs were cultured with lipopolysaccharide and concentrations of mercuric chloride (HgCl(2)) up to 200 nM. Seven cytokines representing important pathways in physiologic and pathologic immune responses were measured in supernatants. We used multilevel models to account for the intrinsic clustering in the cytokine data due to experimental design. Results We found a consistent increase in the release of the proinflammatory cytokines interleukin-1beta (IL-1beta) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha, and concurrent decrease in release of the antiinflammatory cytokines interleukin 1-receptor antagonist (IL-1Ra) and IL-10 in human PBMCs treated with subcytotoxic concentrations of HgCl(2). IL-4, IL-17, and interferon-gamma increased in a concentration-response manner. These results were replicated in a second, independently recruited population of 20 different volunteers. Conclusions Low concentrations of HgCl(2) affect immune function in human cells by dysregulation of cytokine signaling pathways, with the potential to influence diverse health outcomes such as susceptibility to infectious disease or risk of autoimmunity.
Phenotype and genotype expression in pseudohomozygous R2 factor V.

Factor Va is the important cofactor for prothrombinase. Factor Va is inactivated by activated protein C (APC) following 3 cleavages of the heavy chain at Arg306, Arg506, and Arg679.[1][1]Cleavage of normal factor Va by APC at these sites results in the production of Mr 45 000, Mr 30 000, Mr 22
Glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide regulates dipeptide absorption in mouse jejunum.

Glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) secreted from jejunal mucosal K cells augments insulin secretion and plays a critical role in the pathogenesis of obesity and Type 2 diabetes mellitus. In recent studies, we have shown GIP directly activates Na-glucose cotransporter-1 (SGLT1) and enhances glucose absorption in mouse jejunum. It is not known whether GIP would also regulate other intestinal nutrient absorptive processes. The present study investigated the effect of GIP on proton-peptide cotransporter-1 (PepT1) that mediates di- and tripeptide absorption as well as peptidomimetic drugs. Immunohistochemistry studies localized both GIP receptor (GIPR) and PepT1 proteins on the basolateral and apical membranes of normal mouse jejunum, respectively. Anti-GIPR antibody detected 50-, 55-, 65-, and 70-kDa proteins, whereas anti-PepT1 detected a 70-kDa proteins in mucosal homogenates of mouse jejunum. RT-PCR analyses established the expression of GIPR- and PepT1-specific mRNA in mucosal cells of mou...
Nitrogen Oxide Decomposition by Barrier Discharge

Experiments were conducted in a benchtop apparatus and a process development unit. The parameters investigated included applied voltage, frequency, packing, the chemical composition of the gas stream, and flow conditions in the barrier discharge reactor. Experimental results showed that conversion of nitric oxide increased to greater than 85% as the peak voltage was increased from 7 to 15 kV. Similarly, conversion increased to greater than 95% as frequency was increased from 60 to 1000 Hz. Products of the reactions leading to nitric oxide destruction were nonpolluting nitrogen and oxygen when a dry mixture of NO and N2 was used as inlet gas. Addition of oxygen and carbon dioxide lowered the NOx conversion. Nitric acid was produced when the gas stream contained water vapor. Results of this work have the potential to establish the foundation for a nitrogen oxides control technology that may be technically and economically feasible.
Using bronchoalveolar lavage to distinguish nosocomial pneumonia from systemic inflammatory response syndrome: a prospective analysis.

Objective : Ventilator-associated pneumonia (PN) is difficult to distinguish from trauma-induced systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS), especially in patients with multiple injuries. Previous work using bronchoscopy and quantitative cultures demonstrated significant bacterial growth in about one-third of patients with clinical evidence of PN. In this prospective study, antibiotic therapy for PN was based solely on quantitative bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) cultures. Methods : Mechanically ventilated trauma patients underwent bronchoscopy with BAL when they developed clinical evidence of PN : fever (temperature > 100.5°F), white blood cells > 10,000 or >10% immature forms, purulent sputum, and new or changing infiltrate on chest roentgenogram. Patients with other infections or those receiving antibiotics for any other reason were excluded. Empiric antibiotic therapy for PN was started at the time of BAL. If the quantitative cultures revealed ≥10 5 colony-forming units (CFU)/mL, that patient was defined as having PN and was treated. If the cultures revealed <10 5 CFU/mL, that patient was defined as having SIRS, and empiric therapy was stopped. Results : Forty-three patients (88% blunt, 12% penetrating) underwent bronchoscopy with BAL 55 times. Mean age was 40 and Injury Severity Score was 25. Twenty patients had ≥10 5 CFU/mL (47%) and 23 had <10 5 CFU/mL (53%). There were no differences in age, Injury Severity Score, temperature, white blood cell count, or ventilator days before BAL between groups. Sixty-five percent of those with SIRS improved after empiric therapy was stopped (average 3.3 days), and 35% underwent repeat BAL. Three patients with the initial diagnosis of SIRS developed PN (13% of SIRS). Mortality for PN was 15%, compared with 17% for SIRS ; no deaths were related to antibiotic therapy. Conclusions : SIRS, which can mimic PN, is common in trauma patients. These entities can be distinguished by bronchoscopy with BAL. Basing antibiotic therapy solely on quantitative BAL cultures is efficacious in trauma patients.
Cutaneous infections presenting with granulomatous infiltrates: a review of histopathological patterns

Abstract Cutaneous infections can present with a great variety of histological findings. Granulomatous infiltrates represent a reaction pattern commonly seen in this setting. However, it cannot be forgotten that granulomatous infiltrates do not equate an infective process. In the present article, we present a review of current concepts regarding the definition, pathogenesis, classification and diagnosis of cutaneous granulomatous infiltrates. The main types of granulomas associated with infectious processes are reviewed, including suppurative, tuberculoid and the so-called "histiocytic granulomas" (diffuse infiltrates composed of histiocytes frequently containing intracellular organisms). The most representative infections in immunocompetent patients associated with each group are discussed. In suppurative granulomas, the discussion includes deep fungal infections and atypical mycobacterioses. In tuberculoid granulomas, the main entities discussed include tuberculosis, tuberculoid leprosy and syphilis. With respect to histiocytic granulomas, emphasis will be put on cutaneous leishmaniasis, with a brief mention of other entities. The main non-infectious entities included in the differential diagnosis of each of these granulomatous infiltrates will also be discussed.
Determination of breakdown rates and defect densities in SiO2

Abstract Breakdowns in SiO 2 have been classified as defect related, due to wear-out and intrinsic. However, techniques to ascertain defect densities and breakdown rates at defects have not been available, nor has the distinction between wear-out and defect- related or intrinsic breakdowns been clearly demonstrated. A particular problem has been the inability to distinguish defect types, i.e. defects having different breakdown rates. Another source of confusion has been the tacit assumption that breakdown field histograms obtained from ramp breakdown tests are independent of the ramp rate, which cannot be valid for finite breakdown rates. We obtained relationships specifying the statistics of breakdown, including the effect of defects. These actually derive from results describing a Markov death process and depend on the time integrals of breakdown rates in defect-free regions and at defects and on parameters describing the defect distributions. For Poisson distributions of the defect, these parameters are the mean number of defects per device for each defect type. Any breakdown test is described by the same relations since the nature of the test enters only through the time integral of the breakdown rates. If a wear-out mechanism is operative, then the breakdown rates will depend on the time explicitly, i.e. not only via the time dependences of the applied field and temperature. procedures for obtaining defect densities and breakdown rates follow from the derived dependence on these quantities of the expectation value of the fraction of devices broken down. Ramp tests at various ramp rates are advantageous for this purpose. The field dependence of the breakdown rates can be extracted directly from the experimental data and no a priori form for this dependence need be assumed. Experimental results obtained from multiple ramp breakdown tests will be presented. The field dependence of the breakdown rates is found to vary significantly from a simple exponential dependence. Following Klein, the effect of fluctuations on the breakdown rates will be considered qualitatively to rationalize their observed field dependence. No explicit time dependence of the breakdown rates is indicated over the range of field covered by the data, implying the absence of wear-out.
Chiral N -phosphonyl imine chemistry: asymmetric additions of glycine enolate to diphenyl diamine-based phosphonyl imines

Diphenyl diamine-based phosphonyl imines attached by the N-isopropyl group in the auxiliary have been synthesized in good yields under convenient reaction conditions. These new chiral N-phosphonyl imines can react with glycine enolate smoothly to give chiral α-β diamino esters in good yields (72%–90%) and up to excellent diastereoselectivity (>99:1 dr). By treatment with HBr, the chiral auxiliary can be readily removed. The absolute structure has been unambiguously determined by converting a product to a known sample.
HALF DOSE DPT VACCINE INADEQUATE FOR PRETERM INFANTS

The Am. Acad. of Peds. currently recommends primary immunization in preterm infants with full dose FD (0.5ml) DPT vaccine at at 2, 4 & 6 mos. after birth. Pediatricians, in an attempt to lessen side effects in preterm infants, often administer this vaccine in reduced dosage. No data exist to support this practice. This study was designed to quantitate the immune response of preterm infants immunized with half dose HD (0.25ml) vaccine and to determine the nature and extent of side effects. 10 study infants (mean ± SD BW 1.4±.3 kg, GA 31 ±2 weeks) were immunized with HD vaccine IM at 2, 4, & 6 mos. after birth. 22 preterm infants of similar BW & GA immunized with FD vaccine at the same time intervals served as controls. Prior to each immunization & 2 mos. after the 3rd, DPT specific antibodies were quantitated. Side effects were determined by parental report. The table demonstrates the % of preterm infants receiving HD & (in parenthesis those receiving FD) who had D & T protective antibodies, and % conversion for P at each time interval. D & T antibody titers were protective after DPT #2 in both groups, but the immune response to P antigen was inadequate in the HD group even after DPT#3. There were no significant differences in incidence or severity of side effects between treatment groups. Therefore, we strongly recommend that preterm infants receive full dose vaccine at the routine time intervals to insure adequate protection.
The Radial Distribution Function of Amorphous IronPhosphorus Alloys

The density and radial distribution function of amorphous ironphosphorus have been measured at four different compositions ranging from 14.5 to 21.6 atomic percent phosphorus. These alloys were produced by electrodeposition, and the density and radial distribution function are quite similar to other amorphous electrodeposited alloys. On a mesure la densite et la fonction de distribution radiale des alliages amorphes de fer et de phosphore, avec des teneurs en phosphore variant de 14,5 a 21,6 at %. Ces alliages ont ete prepares par electrodeposition. Les resultats sur la densite et la fonction de distribution radiale est tres semblable a celle observee precedemment dans d'autres alliages amorphes obtenus par electrodeposition.
Brain area nicotine levels in male and female rats with different levels of spontaneous activity.

The present investigation was designed to study brain area nicotine distribution in an attempt to determine why, in previous research, rats of different activity levels were differentially affected by this drug, at least insofar as it's effects on behavior and 5-hydroxytryptamine turnover were concerned. Brain area nicotine levels were evaluated in male and female rats grouped according to different levels of activity; drug levels were studied 15 and 30 min following the s.c. administration of 400 μgkg of nicotine. The results obtained indicated that there were few significant differences between experimental groups, but whether high or low active rats were analyzed, brain area nicotine levels were higher in the female rat. However, these differences also appeared to be related to other factors such as whether each rat received single or 5 nicotine doses, or the time studied after nicotine administration.
Risk management of strategic alliances and acquisitions between western MNCs and companies in central Europe

This article intends to evaluate risks associated with strategic alliances and acquisitions between Western MNCs and central European companies and to suggest appropriate means of control to deal with two different types of risks: relational and performance. While postsocialistic governments in central Europe have increasingly welcomed foreign direct investments, a relatively high degree of uncertainty still exists for companies contemplating entry into this region due to a lack of cultural knowledge and insufficient business experiences. Based on in-depth interviews with U.S. and European MNCs, hypotheses are developed in explaining relationship between risks, control, and trust in forming strategic alliances and exercising acquisitions, along with managerial implications. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Nonlinear Coupled Vibration Response of Serpentine Belt Drive Systems

This theoretical and experimental study identifies a key nonlinear mechanism that promotes strongly coupled dynamics of serpentine belt drive systems. Attention is focused on a prototypical three-pulley system that contains the essential features of automotive serpentine drives having automatic (spring-loaded) tensioners. A theoretical model is presented that describes pulley and tensioner arm rotations, and longitudinal and transverse belt vibration response. A recent investigation demonstrates that infinitesimal belt stretching creates a linear mechanism that couples transverse belt vibration to tensioner arm rotation. Here, it is further demonstrated that finite belt stretching creates a nonlinear mechanism that may lead to strong coupling between pulley/tensioner arm rotation and transverse belt vibration, in the presence of an internal resonance. Theoretical and experimental results confirm the existence of this nonlinear coupling mechanism. In particular, it is shown that very large transverse belt vibrations can result from small resonant torque pulses applied to the crankshaft or accessory pulleys. These large amplitude transverse vibrations are particularly sensitive to seemingly small changes in the rotational mode characteristics.
Hyperalimentation in Pulmonary Surgery

A group of 14 patients with severe septic pulmonary complications were treated with Dudrick's intravenous hyperalimentation regimen. All were chosen by natural selection because of severe weight loss, emaciation, refusal and inability to eat, and appearance of impending death. In this group were nine patients with empyema, five with pulmonary abscesses (multiple) and four with bronchopleurocutaneous fistulae. All were severely septic. Five developed these complications after radiation of 3,000 rads plus surgery. Five had lobectomies in lungs that were previously infected, two were secondary to gun shot wounds (GSW) of the esophagus and two occurred secondary to pneumonia. Serum albumin values were 3.0 or lower and weight loss was from 10 to 20 pounds. Therapy consisted of at least 18 grams of nitrogen plus 3,000 calories per 24 hours and the usual surgical techniques. Meticulous monitoring of intakes, outputs, and central venous pressure was done. The length of intravenous therapy was from one to five months. Twelve of 14 patients survived. Nitrogen balance studies showed nitrogen losses up to 15 gm/24 hours and sometimes it took two weeks before it became positive. This regimen appears to be a significant advancement in the adjunctive treatment of severe pulmonary sepsis and its complications.
Closed-Form Solutions to Bundling Problems

This paper investigates the case of a monopolist selling two distinct goods to a group of m traders who are characterized by their reservation prices, which are drawn independently from uniform distributions over the intervals [ 0, R1] and [ 0, R2]. Closed-form solutions are derived for optimal prices, quantities, profits, and consumers' surplus under situations of separate sales, pure bundling, and mixed bundling. This allows a clear comparison of the price, output, and welfare effects of various forms of bundling. We further investigate situations of positive marginal cost, positive and negative correlation of reservation values, and substitutes and complements.
A Statistical Comparison of the Properties of Flash Flooding and Nonflooding Precipitation Events in Portions of New York and Pennsylvania

Abstract Flash floods reported for the forecast area of the National Weather Service Forecast Office at Binghamton, New York (BGM), are compared with similar significant precipitation and flash flood watch events not corresponding to flash flood reports. These event types are characterized by measures of surface hydrological conditions, surface and upper-air variables, thermodynamic properties, and proxies for synoptic-scale features. Flash flood and nonflood events are compared quantitatively via discriminant analysis and cross validation, and qualitatively via scatterplots and composite soundings. Results are presented in the context of a flash flood checklist used at BGM prior to this study. Flash floods and nonfloods are found to differ most significantly in antecedent soil moisture. The wind direction at 850 hPa shows differences between flood and nonflood events, with flooding more common for an easterly to southeasterly direction and nonflooding more common for a northwesterly direction. Southweste...