cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The application of quantitative fluorescent dye tracing to evaluate karst hydrogeologic response to varying recharge conditions in an urban area

Quantitative dye-tracing methods were utilized in a portion of the greater Springfield, Missouri metropolitan area. These methods were used to evaluate factors influencing groundwater movement through the shallow karst system in the area. Fortuitous timing of these studies with a summer drought allowed for very low-flow conditions to be tested, and the results of these tests suggest that shallow groundwater in the study area occurs in fractures and along bedding planes, with a significant input component from flow along bedding planes or other sub-horizontal features. Based on one unique trace, it appears that recent dye traces may be affected by groundwater elevations, where crossover from one conduit system to another occurs under most water level conditions, but ceases under the lowest flow conditions.
Nuclear magnetic resonance and oxygen affinity study of cesium binding in human erythrocytes

We investigated the interaction of the cesium ion (Cs(+)) with the anionic intracellular components of human red blood cells (RBCs); the components studied included 2,3-bisphosphoglycerate (BPG), ADP, ATP, inorganic phosphate (P(i)), carbonmonoxy hemoglobin (COHb), and RBC membranes. We used spin-lattice (T(1)) and spin-spin (T(2)) (133)Cs NMR relaxation measurements to probe Cs(+) binding, and we found that Cs(+) bound more strongly to binding sites in BPG and in RBC membranes than in any other intracellular component in RBCs at physiologic concentrations. By using James-Noggle plots, we obtained Cs(+) binding constants per binding site in BPG (66 +/- 8 M(-1)), ADP (19 +/- 1 M(-1)), ATP (25 +/- 3 M(-1)), and RBC membranes (55 +/- 2 M(-1)) from the observed T(1) values. We also studied the effect of Cs(+) on the oxygen (O(2)) affinity of purified Hb and of Hb in intact RBCs in the absence and in the presence of BPG. In the absence of BPG, the O(2) affinity of Hb decreased upon addition of Cs(+). However, in the presence of BPG, the O(2) affinity of Hb increased upon addition of Cs(+). The O(2) affinity of Cs(+)-loaded human RBCs was larger than that of Cs(+)-free cells at the same BPG level. (31)P NMR studies on the pH dependence of the interaction between BPG and Hb indicated that the presence of Cs(+) resulted in a smaller fraction of BPG available to bind to the cleft of deoxyHb. Our NMR and O(2) affinity data indicate that a strong binding site for Cs(+) in human RBCs is BPG. A partial mechanism for Cs(+) toxicity might arise from competition between Cs(+) and deoxyHb for BPG, thereby increasing oxygenation of Hb in RBCs, and thus decreasing the ability of RBCs to give up oxygen in tissues. The presence of Cs(+) at 12.5 mM in intact human RBCs containing BPG at normal concentrations did not, however, alter significantly the O(2) affinity of Hb, thus ruling out the possibility of Cs(+)-BPG interactions accounting for Cs(+) toxicity in this cell type.
Egg Size Evolution and Energetic Constraints on Population Dynamics

We use population models that are based on dynamic energy budget models for individuals in order to study the evolution of offspring size and its relationship to the evolution of population dynamics. We show the existence of alternative evolutionarily stable strategies for offspring investment strategy resulting from a trade off between offspring number and time-to-maturity. The model predicts egg energy in Daphnia magna well, and suggests that the observed egg energy in D. magna is the result of selection for minimal egg investment constrained by minimum viable egg energy, combined with selection for a juvenile energy reserve. The selection for minimal egg size pushes populations toward chaotic dynamics. However, the minimum viable egg size combined with low efficiency of conversion of energy to new biomass is sufficient to keep population dynamics out of chaos.
Peripheral hemodynamics in anephric patients with hypertension.

Abstract Peripheral hemodynamics were examined in a group of four anephric patients with hypertension and the results were compared with a group of 10 normal subjects. Measurements of systemic hemodynamics in these anephric patients showed increased arterial blood pressure and a modest increase in cardiac index. Renin blood levels were negligible. Mean forearm blood flow was significantly higher in the anephric patients. This was probably a reflection of the increased arterial blood pressure since mean forearm vascular resistance was within normal limits. Mean forearm venous capacitance was also within normal limits. Oscillometric examination showed markedly increased pulsation amplitudes proximally in the limbs of anephric patients, while at the wrist, elbow, fingers, and toes pulsation amplitudes were either normal or diminished. Skin blood flow, as reflected in both fingers and toes, was significantly diminished in anephric patients while skin temperature was normal. While this may indicate normal capillary blood flow in anephric hypertension, constriction at the precapillary network level, as seen by the increased resistance occurring in the skin, is present. Changes in the 1 and 10 minute reactive hyperemia and 30 pound/30 second active hyperemia reactions showed that in anephric patients a greater time period of increased levels of flow was obtained in all three reactions. These data suggest that the difference seen between anephric and normal subjects in their peripheral vasculature in part result from the hypertension, severe anemia, and other factors which may be present.
Synthesis and anticonvulsant activity of 1-aryl-3-methylene-2-pyrrolidinone adducts

Reaction of 1-aryl-3-methylene-2-pyrrolidinones with several active hydrogen compounds resulted in a Michael addition to give the title compounds. The compounds were screened in the maximal electroshock seizure and subcutaneous pentylenetetrazol seizure threshold tests for anticonvulsant activity and in the rotorod test for neurotoxicity in mice. Several compounds displayed anticonvulsant activity, but only at the high dose levels of 300 or 600 mg/kg.
Brief Multiple Behavior Interventions in a College Student Health Care Clinic

Purpose This study examined the effects of brief image-based interventions, including a multiple behavior health contract, a one-on-one tailored consultation, and a combined consultation plus contract intervention, for impacting multiple health behaviors of students in a university health clinic.
Isolation and Sequence of a Novel Human Chondrocyte Protein Related to Mammalian Members of the Chitinase Protein Family

We describe the isolation of a novel protein from the conditioned medium of human articular cartilage chondrocytes in primary culture. This 39-kDa protein has the N-terminal sequence YKL, which we have termed YKL-39. The 1434-nucleotide sequence of the YKL-39 cDNA predicts a 385-residue initial translation product and a 364-residue mature YKL-39. The amino acid sequence of YKL-39 is most closely related to YKL-40, followed by macrophage chitotriosidase, oviductal glycoprotein, and macrophage YM-1. All five proteins share significant sequence identity with bacterial chitinases and have the probable structure of an (αβ)8 barrel. YKL-39 lacks the active site glutamate, which is essential for the activity of chitinases, and as expected has no chitinase activity. The highest level of YKL-39 mRNA expression is seen in chondrocytes, followed by synoviocytes, lung, and heart. YKL-39 accounts for 4% of the protein in chondrocyte-conditioned medium, prostromelysin accounts for 17%, and YKL-40 accounts for 33%. In contrast to YKL-40, YKL-39 is not a glycoprotein and does not bind to heparin.
A MAXIMUM CONTRACTION AND SUBSTANTIAL QUANTITIES OF TRITIUM CAN BE OBTAINED FROM TETRAETHYLAMMONIUMTREATED [3H]-NORADRENALINE PRELOADED, RAT VAS DEFERENS IN RESPONSE TO A SINGLE ELECTRICAL SHOCK

Abstract 1 In the normal and phenoxybenzamine-treated vasa deferentia of the rat the overflow of tritium after preloading with [3H]-noradrenaline increased with the increase in frequency of transmural stimulation. Phenozybenzamine enhanced overflow by 5 to 7 fold. 2 After tetraethylammonium (TEA, 10 mM), fractional tritium overflow at 5 Hz increased from a control value of 2.8 to 53 X 10(-4), and at 0.5 Hz it reached 154 X 10(-4). Enhancement of overflow was inversely related to the frequency of stimulation. 3 Contractor responses of the vas deferens induced by transmural stimulation were markedly potentiated, both in amplitude and duration, by 10 mM TEA. The contraction developed in the presence of 10 mM TEA at 0.5 Hz was comparable to that obtained at 10 Hz in normal Krebs solution. 4 In the presence of 5 mM TEA, contractions of the vas deferens caused by exogenous noradrenaline were potentiated about 5 fold. 5 The overflow and contractor response induced by 45 mM K were enhanced about 5 fold in 10 mM TEA-Krebs solution. Facilitation of K-induced overflow by TEA was reduced over 50% by tetrodotoxin (TTX, 1 microM). 6 Delivery of a single shock (1.0 ms duration) to 10 mM TEA-treated vas deferens resulted in a 63% increase in tritium overflow over background overflow. The fractional overflow amounted to almost 720 X 10(-4) after a single shock, as compared to 154 X 10(-4) obtained at 0.5 Hz. 7 The vas deferens treated with 10 mM TEA and stimulated by a single shock developed a contraction which was greater in amplitude and duration than that seen in normal tissue at 10 Hz. 8 Five second serial samples collected from superfused 10 mM TEA-treated vas deferens contained maximum quantities of radioactivity in the first 5 s after a single shock. In subsequent samples, radioactivity gradually declined, and reached prestimulation level after about 25 s. 9 The fractional overflow caused by stimulation at 0.1 Hz in 10 mM TEA-treated tissue progressively increased as external Ca was gradually raised from 0.83 to 10 mM. 10 The mechanism of action of TEA in enhancing the overflow of sympathetic transmitter, particularly in response to a single shock, is discussed in relation to Ca.
Radar cross-section of a meteorological model of a coherent-dot radar angel

Abstract The origin of coherent-dot radar angels has long been debated. Some researchers feel that the angels are predominantly particulate matter carried aloft by the winds. Others are of the opinion that many of the echoes are meteorologically induced. To aid in the analysis of possible meteorological sources of dot angel echoes, relations for the general bi-static radar cross-section of the foremost meteorological model are developed. The beam width of the radiation reflected by the model is then shown to be extremely small.
Effect of Pedestrian-Related Factors on Intersection Performance

The Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) contains the national standard for installing and maintaining traffic control devices on all streets and highways. The 2003 MUTCD contains numerous corrections, revisions, and updates to the millennium edition (2000). One update is related to the definition of crossing distance at signalized intersections, where the crossing distance is extended to the far-side curb rather than the center of the farthest traffic lane. This study investigated the sensitivity of intersection performance to crossing distance and walking speed, critical constraints in the determination of the minimum green time. Three crossing distance standards and four walking speeds are considered. With Highway Capacity Manual (HCM) procedures, the impacts of the given crossing distance definitions and walking speeds on intersection operations were tested on two intersection configurations over a range of cycle lengths and traffic volumes. The effect on intersection performance was foun...
SUBSTRATE AND SITE SPECIFICITY OF HYDROGEN PEROXIDE GENERATION IN MOUSE MITOCHONDRIA

The objective of this study was to elucidate the mechanisms of mitochondrial H2O2generation in mouse organs by determining the nature of their differences in substrate utilization, inhibitor sensitivity, and the site specificity affecting H2O2production. Mitochondria were isolated from heart, brain, and kidney and the rate of H2O2generation was measured using the FADH-linked substrates succinate and α-glycerophosphate as well as the NADH-linked substrates pyruvate/malate, β-hydroxybutyrate, and glutamate. Respiratory inhibitors, antimycin and rotenone, were added singly and sequentially to each substrate-supported H2O2generation reaction mixture to determine the mitochondrial site(s) of generation and the optimal condition(s) for maximal rates of generation. Succinate supported the highest rate of mitochondrial H2O2generation. Moreover, it was the preferred substrate for the heart mitochondria. α-Glycerophosphate is a poor substrate for H2O2generation in heart mitochondria. Inhibitor studies showed that heart mitochondria were the most sensitive and responsive to antimycin, while brain was the most sensitive to rotenone. A surprising finding was that NADH-linked substrate-supported H2O2generation in kidney mitochondria was not responsive to rotenone. The contribution from each of the three sites (ubiquinone, NADH dehydrogenase, and α-glycerophosphate dehydrogenase) of mitochondrial H2O2generation to the total was both substrate and organ dependent. Results indicate that assay conditions must be considered before comparisons of sites and rates of mitochondrial H2O2generation among different organs can be made.
Deconstructing repression: evolving models of co-repressor action

A crucial aspect of development, homeostasis and prevention of disease is the strict maintenance of patterns of gene repression. Gene repression is largely achieved by the combinatorial action of various enzymatic complexes - known as co-repressor complexes - that are recruited to DNA by transcription factors and often act through enzymatic modification of histone protein tails. Our understanding of how co-repressors act has begun to change over recent years owing to the increased availability of genome-scale data. Here, we consider specific strategies that underlie repression events - for example, those mediated by the nuclear receptor co-repressor (NCoR, also known as NCOR1) and silencing mediator of retinoic acid and thyroid hormone receptor (SMRT, also known as NCOR2) co-repressor complexes - and discuss emerging themes in gene repression.
RGD-modified liposomes targeted to activated platelets as a potential vascular drug delivery system.

Local drug delivery has become an important treatment modality for the prevention of thrombotic events following coronary angioplasty. In this study, we investigate the ability of liposomes bearing surface conjugated linear Arg-Gly-Asp (RGD) peptide (GSSSGRGD SPA) moieties to target and bind activated platelets, and the effect of such RGD-modified liposomes on platelet activation and aggregation. The binding of RGD-liposomes to human platelets was assessed by fluorescence microscopy,phase contrast microscopy and flow cytometry. The effect of RGDmodified liposomes on platelet activation and aggregation was investigated in vitro, with and without platelet agonists. RGD-liposomes were found to bind activated platelets at levels significantly greater than the control RGE-liposomes.The RGD-liposomes did not exhibit any statistically significant effect on platelet activation or aggregation.The results demonstrate the ability of the RGD-modified liposomes to target and bind activated platelets without causing significant platelet aggregation and suggests a feasible way for the development of a platelet-targeted anti-thrombogenic drug delivery system. Furthermore, the approach can be extended to the development of liposomes for other vascular targets, for application in drug delivery or gene therapy.
Water transport in plants obeys Murray's law

The optimal water transport system in plants should maximize hydraulic conductance (which is proportional to photosynthesis) for a given investment in transport tissue. To investigate how this optimum may be achieved, we have performed computer simulations of the hydraulic conductance of a branched transport system. Here we show that the optimum network is not achieved by the commonly assumed pipe model of plant form, or its antecedent, da Vinci's rule. In these representations, the number and area of xylem conduits is constant at every branch rank. Instead, the optimum network has a minimum number of wide conduits at the base that feed an increasing number of narrower conduits distally. This follows from the application of Murray's law, which predicts the optimal taper of blood vessels in the cardiovascular system. Our measurements of plant xylem indicate that these conduits conform to the Murray's law optimum as long as they do not function additionally as supports for the plant body.
Jet Engine Oil Analysis by Atomic Absorption Spectrometry with Graphite Filament

Aqueous standards of Ag, Cu, Fe, Mg, Ni, Pb, and Sn were used for the measurement of these elements in jet engine and reciprocating engine oils by the graphite rod atomizer atomic absorption spectrometric method. The graphite rod atomizer method resulted in speed and ease of measurement, in excellent precision, and in good correlation between aqueous and organometallic standards. Excellent agreement between results obtained on Air Force SOAP correlation samples using aqueous and organometallic standards resulted for all of the elements determined.
Normative Theory in Intergroup Relations: Explaining Bo th Harmony an d Conflict:

This paper outlines the normative approach to intergroup harmony and intergroup conflict. It illustrates the power of racial norms in research conducted in the United States. It also indicates pote...
Non-linear interaction of water waves with submerged obstacles

The interaction of two-dimensional water waves with a fixed submerged cylinder is studied using a finite difference scheme with boundary-fitted co-ordinates. A mixed Eulerian-Lagrangian (MEL) formulation is used to satisfy the fully non-linear free surface conditions. The diffraction of small-amplitude water waves by a cylinder is examined for various wavelengths and amplitudes of the incident wave. Fourier analyses of the incident and diffracted waves are performed to determine their spectra. An example of a large-amplitude wave breaking over a cylinder is also studied. The non-linear numerical solutions are compared with those of experiments and linear theory where appropriate.
IMPACTS OF RELATIVE SIZE AND INDUSTRIAL RELATEDNESS ON RETURNS TO SHAREHOLDERS OF ACQUIRING FIRMS

The premise of this paper is that in mergers the manageability of acquisitions significantly affects the wealth of shareholders of acquiring firms. Specifically, the relative size of partners as well as the industrial relatedness of the two firms are examined. The test period allows for the determination of announcement, interim, and consummation effects of the mergers on shareholder wealth. It is found that acquisitions of relatively large firms from unrelated industries lead to significant declines in the wealth of shareholders of acquiring firms, and that this result is most pronounced when the period is extended beyond the announcement through the effective dates.
Batman and Robin or Superman: How CEO/COO Duos Impact Firm Performance

The chief operating officer (COO) often represents the second in command of an organization to the CEO. Past research on the impact of CEO/COO duos on firm performance offers conflicting results bo...
DesCaRTeS: a run-time system with SR-like functionality for programming a network of embedded systems

This paper describes a run-time system (DesCaRTeS) that has been used for developing applications that run on a network of embedded system controllers. DesCaRTeS is written in Dynamic C and provides Dynamic C programs with easy-to-use functionality to run on such networks, send and receive messages, perform remote procedure calls, and dynamically create processes. This paper reports on some of the applications for which DesCaRTeS has been used, the experience in developing them using DesCaRTeS, and the experience gained in developing DesCaRTeS. It also presents performance comparisons between these applications written using DesCaRTeS and equivalent applications written using native Dynamic C.
Orthopaedic research in the 21st century: The new renaissance scientist

Abstract Orthopedic research in the 21st century will require a new breed of scientist — the new Renaissance Scientist. Medical researchers in the new century — now less than five years away — will have to be specialists, yet will need a broad background to understand and appreciate the contributions of scientists from many disciplines; will need to be aware of scientific breakthroughs and accomplishments around the globe and even beyond planetary limits, regardless of the place or language of publication; and will have to be able to communicate their own findings rapidly, effectively, and efficiently to a truly transnational research community. To achieve this, these 21st-century orthopedic researchers will need new approaches to communication, collaboration, and funding.
Cell division in the pennate diatom Diatoma vulgare.

Mitosis and cytokinesis in the pennateDiatoma is described. Prior to division, a doubled “Persistent Polar Complex” (PPC), the focus of numerous cytoplasmic microtubules, migrates from near the nucleus to one side of the cell near the girdle bands, followed by the nucleus. The central dense core of the doubled PPC breaks down as a central spindle grows between the two PPCs, which now each become characteristically associated with a small vacuole and other features of unknown significance. The tubules of the central spindle terminate in a layer, the “Spindle Insertion” (SI), close to the PPCs; other, “polar” tubules radiate from each SI, mostly toward the nucleus, which becomes increasingly deformed by them until the nuclear envelope is ruptured. The elongating spindle enters one side of the nucleus laterally; as shown previously, the central spindle consists of two interdigitated half spindles, but the polar tubules which diverge laterally from the SI, by metaphase form a complex, cone-shaped array emanating from each pole. Some polar tubules penetrate the chromatin and may represent true kinetochore tubules; others, which persist conspicuously throughout mitosis, extend tangentially past the chromatin, out into the cytoplasm, intersecting with those from the other pole. The core structure of the PPCs alters from being plate-shaped at prophase, to being rod-like by metaphase. The chromosomes form a donut-shaped mass of chromatin penetrated by the central spindle throughout meta-and anaphase. Chromosomal separation is accomplished in two stages: the chromatin splits and moves up to the SI, and then the central spindle elongates, concurrent with its overlap region decreasing markedly in extent. Thus, this latter part of anaphase movement could be generated by microtubule sliding past microtubule. Then each PPC distinctly separates from its SI, and moves away from the daughter nucleus during cytokinesis; it again becomes the focus of numerous tubules and often ends up in one corner of the daughter cell. Meanwhile, the central spindle and the SIs, now surmounted by the reforming telophase nuclei, slowly disintegrate during cleavage. Cytokinesis proceeds in two stages. The cleavage furrow is very broad around the cell periphery; this broadened profile is maintained thereafter, and may later serve to mould the edge of the newly secreted valve. From the broad furrow grows a much narrower cleavage furrow, whose ingrowing edge is lined with dense (contractile -?) filaments; some larger cell organelles are drawn in to line the surface of this furrow. Secretion of the new valve is briefly described.
Attributional style as a predictor of success in a first computer science course

Abstract The purpose of this study was to examine the relationships between attributions and performance in a computer science course. It was found that students with an optimistic attributional style performed better in a computer programming course than those students with a pessimistic attributional style. A second purpose was to examine the specific causal attributions stated by the students and to determine their relationship to course performance. It was found that course performance was related to specific causal attributions regarding ability.
The Compressibility of Foamy Sands

Abstract The compressibility of a two-dimensional dispersion of solids, liquid and bubbles, stabilized by surfactant and of size comparable with the solids, is calculated. For sufficiently small solids and bubbles, the capillarity significantly alters the compressibility from that for the same volume of ideal gas and for a dispersion of bubbles of the same size without solid present. There is a second-order phase transition at the point where the bubbles touch each other between the solid particles.
Serum cholesterol of adults supplemented with brewer's yeast or chromium chloride

Abstract Serum glucose, insulin, total cholesterol, high density lipoprotein-cholesterol, triglycerides, urinary chromium and creatinine concentrations were assessed in 30 adults (Mean age=52 yrs) with a mean total cholesterol concentration of 236 mg/dL. Three groups of 10 participants were supplemented with 9 g (15 ug chromium) brewer's yeast (BY), with 50 ug chromium as chromium chloride (CrCl 3 ) or with placebo (control) for twelve weeks. Fasting blood samples were obtained at 0, 6, and 12 weeks. Serum total cholesterol declined significantly in the CrCl 3 group (p
Female prairie voles do not choose males based on their frequency of scent marking.

We conducted an experiment to test three alternative hypotheses for the function of frequency of scent marking in male prairie voles, Microtus ochrogaster: (1) sexual attraction (to advertise male quality for mating); (2) reproductive competition; and (3) self-advertisement or individual identity. In laboratory experiments, males deposited scent on all areas of a bare substrate, and more in an area next to a stimulus animal than other areas, regardless of the stimulus animal’s sex. Females did not choose mates based on their frequency of scent marking and scent marking did not antagonize or stimulate aggression between males. The frequency of scent marking by males supports the individual identity hypothesis, and is less consistent with the sexual attraction or reproductive competition hypotheses. Mate choice is likely based on a complex suite of characters, but at least in prairie voles, the frequency of scent marking by males does not appear to be one of them. © 2002 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.
Intracavity acetyl transfer

Abstract Synthesis of water soluble cyclophane 1 , designed as an esterase mimic is described. Cyclophane 1 is an effective acetyl acceptor, from water soluble acetylating agents capable of intracavity complexation.
Transient acantholytic dermatosis with involvement of oral mucosa.

Histologic, immunologic and electron microscopic studies were performed in a patient with transient acantholytic dermatosis which involved oral mucosa. Histologic and electron microscopic findings were almost identical in both cutaneous and mucous membrane lesions, and these were similar to pemphigus vulgaris; suprabasilar separation with acantolytic cells. Desmosome-desmosome complexes were separated without disruption of cell membranes and cytoplasmic structures were well-preserved without dyskeratosis. Lamina lucidia, however, was often separated in mucous membrane lesions, in contrast to the normal lamina lucida in cutaneous lesions of such cases or in pemphigus vulgaris. Direct and indirect immunofluorescence studies for pemphigus were repeatedly negative. This study shows that transient acantholytic dermatosis may involve mucous membrane and may resemble pemphigus vulgaris histologically and ultrastructurally except for the widened lamina lucida of the mucous membrane.
High-Resolution Measurement of the Time Course of Calcium-Concentration Microdomains at Squid Presynaptic Terminals

Transmitter release is considered to be a secretory event triggered by localized calcium influx which, by binding to a low-affinity Ca2+ site at the presynaptic active zone, initiates vesicular exocytosis (1-7). In previous experiments with aequorin-loaded presynaptic terminals we visualized, upon tetanic presynaptic stimulation, small points of light produced by calcium concentration microdomains of about 300 microM (5). These microdomains had a diameter of about 0.5 microns (5) and covered 5-10% of the total presynaptic membrane with an average density of 8.4 microns2 per 100 microns2, corresponding closely to the size and distribution of the active zones in that junction (6, 7). To understand in more detail the nature of these concentration microdomains, we obtained rapid video images (400/s) after injecting the photoprotein n-aequorin-J into the presynaptic terminals of squid giant synapses. Using that experimental approach, we determined that microdomains evoked by presynaptic spike activation had a duration of about 800 microseconds. Spontaneous quantum emission domains (QEDs) observed at about the same locations as the microdomains were smaller in amplitude, shorter in duration, and less frequent. These results illustrate the time course of the calcium concentration profiles responsible for transmitter release. Their extremely short duration compares closely with that of calcium current flow during a presynaptic action potential and indicates that, as theorized in the past (6-8), intracellular calcium concentration at the active zone remains high only for the duration of transmembrane calcium flow.
Tropical thromboangiitis of the splenic vessels and its relationship to primary splenic abscess.

Abstract 1. 1. A case of thromboangiitis of the splenic vein and artery is described in a young African. 2. 2. There was a colliquative necrosis of the splenic tissue which was replaced by a large quantity of bloody fluid. 3. 3. It is suggested that one of the varieties of splenic abscess seen in subtropical Africa belongs to that group of conditions now described as primary tropical phlebitis.
The value of the nose width as an esthetic guide in prosthodontics

A radiographic method was used to measure the interalar and interalar-fold widths of the nose on 80 men and women. These distances were compared to the subjects' intercanine distances as measure on artificial stone casts. In 56 of the subjects, the width of the skeletal nasal aperture was measured and compared to the intercanine distance. From the results of this study, the following conclusions can be drawn. 1. There was no significant relationship between the intercanine distance and the interalar width of the nose in the 80 men and women who served as subjects in this study. 2. There was no significant relationship between the intercanine distance and the interalar-fold width of the nose in the 80 men and women in this study. 3. The presence or absence of a significant relationship between the intercanine distance and the width of the skeletal nasal aperture was not demonstrated conclusively in this study. 4. The results of this study show that the width of the nose would not be a reliable guide for selecting or arranging artificial anterior teeth, provided one concurs that they should be the same size and shape and occupy the same position as their natural predecessors.
Transfer of residents to hospital prior to cardiac death: the influence of nursing home quality and ownership type.

Objectives We hypothesised that among nursing home decedents, nursing home for-profit status and poor quality-of-care ratings, as well as patient characteristics, would lower the likelihood of transfer to hospital prior to heart disease death. Methods Using death certificates from a large metropolitan area (Tampa Florida Metropolitan Statistical Area) for 1998–2002, we geocoded residential street addresses of heart disease decedents to identify 2172 persons who resided in nursing homes (n=131) at the time of death. We analysed decedent place of death as an indicator of transfer prior to death. Multilevel logistic regression modelling was used for analysis. Cause of death and decedent characteristics were obtained from death certificates. Nursing home characteristics, including state inspector ratings for multiple time points, were obtained from Florida9s Agency for Healthcare Administration. Results Nursing home for-profit status, level of nursing care and quality-of-care ratings were not associated with the likelihood of transfer to hospital prior to heart disease death. Nursing homes >5 miles from a hospital were more likely to transfer decedents, compared with facilities located close to a hospital. Significant predictors of no transfer for nursing home residents were being white, female, older, less educated and widowed/unmarried. Conclusions In this study population, contrary to our hypotheses, sociodemographic characteristics of nursing home decedents were more important predictors of no transfer prior to cardiac death than quality rankings or for-profit status of nursing homes.
Electrodeposition of Copper / Cuprous Oxide Nanocomposites

Nanocomposite films of copper metal and cuprous oxide were electrodeposited at room temperature from an alkaline copper(11) lactate solution. The electrode potential oscillated spontaneously during constant-current deposition of the composites. The oscillations were periodic in a stirred solution, but became chaotic in unstirred solution. For a given current density the phase composition was a strong function of solution pH. As the pH was increased, the cuprous oxide content increased. At pH 12, no oscillations were observed, and pure cuprous oxide was deposited. At pH 9, the phase composition varied from pure cuprous oxide at current densities below 0.1 mA/cm2 to 96 mole percent copper at 2.5 mA/cm2.
BCR-ABL PCR testing in chronic myelogenous leukemia: molecular diagnosis for targeted cancer therapy and monitoring.

The use of tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) to treat chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) represents the paradigm for modern targeted cancer therapy. Importantly, molecular monitoring using BCR–ABL real-time quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RQ-PCR) for assessing treatment efficacy and quantitating minimal residual disease is a major determinate of practical therapeutic decision-making in the long-term management of this now chronic disease. Herein, we present an overview of CML and the use of TKIs for targeted CML therapy, with an emphasis on the role, application and future aspects of PCR-based molecular monitoring.
Valproic Acid Antagonizes the Capacity of Other Histone Deacetylase Inhibitors To Activate the Epstein-Barr Virus Lytic Cycle

Diverse stimuli reactivate the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) lytic cycle in Burkitt lymphoma (BL) cells. In HH514-16 BL cells, two histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitors, sodium butyrate (NaB) and trichostatin A (TSA), and the DNA methyltransferase inhibitor azacytidine (AzaCdR) promote lytic reactivation. Valproic acid (VPA), which, like NaB, belongs to the short-chain fatty acid class of HDAC inhibitors, fails to induce the EBV lytic cycle in these cells. Nonetheless, VPA behaves as an HDAC inhibitor; it causes hyperacetylation of histone H3 (J. K. Countryman, L. Gradoville, and G. Miller, J. Virol. 82:4706-4719, 2008). Here we show that VPA blocked the induction of EBV early lytic proteins ZEBRA and EA-D in response to NaB, TSA, or AzaCdR. The block in lytic activation occurred prior to the accumulation of BZLF1 transcripts. Reactivation of EBV in Akata cells, in response to anti-IgG, and in Raji cells, in response to tetradecanoyl phorbol acetate (TPA), was also inhibited by VPA. MS-275 and apicidin, representing two additional classes of HDAC inhibitors, and suberoylanilide hydroxamic acid (SAHA) reactivated EBV in HH514-16 cells; this activity was also inhibited by VPA. Although VPA potently blocked the expression of viral lytic-cycle transcripts, it did not generally block the transcription of cellular genes and was not toxic. The levels and kinetics of specific cellular transcripts, such as Stat3, Frmd6, Mad1, Sepp1, c-fos, c-jun, and egr1, which were activated by NaB and TSA, were similar in HH514-16 cells treated with VPA. When combined with NaB or TSA, VPA did not inhibit the activation of these cellular genes. Changes in cellular gene expression in response to VPA, NaB, or TSA were globally similar as assessed by human genome arrays; however, VPA selectively stimulated the expression of some cellular genes, such as MEF2D, YY1, and ZEB1, that could repress the EBV lytic cycle. We describe a novel example of functional antagonism between HDAC inhibitors.
Male Red-winged Blackbirds with experimentally dulled epaulets experience no disadvantage in sexual selection

The epaulets of male Red-winged Blackbirds (Agelaius phoeniceus) are frequently cited as a sexually selected plumage ornament, but a number of laboratory and field studies provide little evidence that they are currently experiencing sexual selection. We used hair dye to dull epaulets of free-living territorial males prior to pair formation to determine if manipulated males experienced disadvantages in comparison with control males. We found no differences between control males and males with dulled epaulets in territorial behavior (territory size, song rate, trespass rate, and loss of territory), paternal care (time spent on territory and in antipredator sentinel behavior, and response to a model crow to simulate the threat of predation), pairing success (number of social mates), apparent reproductive success (numbers of nesting attempts, eggs/nest, nestlings/egg, and fledglings/nestling), or realized reproductive success (numbers of within-pair, extra-pair, and total fledglings as determined by DNA fingerprinting). We then used a meta-analysis of 11 published studies of Red-winged Blackbirds to determine if there is an overall effect of epaulet color or size on male-male competition, female choice, or reproductive success. Our results show that epaulet size has a small positive effect on male reproductive success, but epaulet color has no effect on male-male competition, female choice, and male reproductive success. One explanation for the seeming contradiction between studies that show that epaulets are necessary for territory defense and those that conclude that epaulets are not currently under selection is that epaulets serve as one of several cues of species recognition, especially among males at close range. An alternative explanation proposes counter-balancing intersexual advantages and intrasexual disadvantages of epaulet expression. Additional studies are needed to test these alternatives. RESUMEN. Machos de Agelaius phoeniceus con charreteras apagadas experimentalmente no tienen ninguna desventaja en la selecci´
Variation in Bluetongue virus real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction assay results in blood samples of sheep, cattle, and alpaca.

Bluetongue is a vector-borne viral disease that affects domestic and wild ruminants. The epidemiology of this disease has recently changed, with occurrence in new geographic areas. Various real-tim...
IMPLICATIONS OF CROSSTALK BETWEEN LEPTIN AND INSULIN SIGNALING DURING THE DEVELOPMENT OF DIET INDUCED OBESITY

Insulin and leptin play complementary roles in regulating the consumption, uptake, oxidation and storage of nutrients. Chronic consumption of diets that contain a high proportion of calories from saturated fat induces a progressive deterioration in function of both hormones. Certain rat lines and strains of mice are particularly sensitive to the obesogenic and diabetogenic effects of high fat diets, and have been used extensively to study the developmental progression of insulin and leptin resistance in relation to the increasing adiposity that is characteristic of their response to these diets. Some aspects of the diminished efficacy of each hormone are secondary to increased adiposity but a consensus is emerging to support the view that direct effects of dietary components or their metabolites, independent of the resulting obesity, play important roles in development of insulin and leptin resistance. In this minireview, we will examine the implications of crosstalk between leptin and insulin signaling during the development of diet-induced obesity, emphasizing potential interactions between pathways that occur among target sites, and exploring how these interactions may influence the progression of obesity and diabetes.
Design considerations for potential environmental implications driving selection of semiconductor starting material

When selecting a material for power device design, the parameters of cost, performance and reliability are critical to the selection process. Another equally important parameter is the potential environmental implication of the material. This paper compares a conventional power switch transistor, called an insulated gate bipolar transistor, with a simplified structure, called a nonepi IGBT, that uses fewer processing steps. >
ATP sensitive tryptophans of hsp90

Abstract The nature of the interaction between the nucleotide ATP and hsp90 was investigated by observing fluorescence quenching of the four tryptophan residues in hsp90 as a function of quencher type and temperature. ATP and acrylamide quench the fluorescence from tryptophan free in solution principally by static and collisional mechanisms, respectively. Acrylamide quenching of tryptophan fluorescence in hsp90 is also principally collisional and identifies two classes of residues, one readily accessible to quenching the other less accessible. ATP quenching of tryptophan fluorescence in hsp90 is more complex exhibiting no overall preferred mechanism. However, ATP competitively inhibits acrylamide quenching of the readily accessible class of tryptophan residues by static quenching with the quenching constant providing an upper limit for the ATP dissociation constant. The ATP-free tryptophan dissociation constant is more than a factor of three larger than that for ATP–hsp90 suggesting that the ATP–hsp90 interaction is specific. The static quenching of tryptophan fluorescence in hsp90 by ATP implies that the nucleotide binds in close proximity to one or more of the tryptophan residues.
The leucine-responsive regulatory protein (lrp) gene for characterization of the relationship among Xanthomonas species.

Characterization of strains of Xanthomonas axonopodis pv. citri by using DNA fingerprints that were generated from primers for enterobacterial repetitive intergenic consensus (ERIC) elements led to the discovery of differential sequences for a leucine-responsive regulatory protein (lrp) gene in two subgroups of strains with different host ranges on Citrus spp. DNA hybridization and PCR-based assays that used different sets of primers were designed to detect the core sequence, as well as to obtain the entire sequence of the lrp gene for several Xanthomonas species and pathovars. Higher variability was observed at the nucleotide level than at the amino acid level among the different species and pathovars, revealing selection pressure on the lrp gene, which is presumably due to an essential role of the gene in bacterial metabolism. Moderate variability in the 3′ and 5′ domains was used to study relationships among different species within the genus Xanthomonas. Species of this genus that were isolated from citrus, as well as other pathovars of X. axonopodis, showed highly similar lrp gene sequences, whereas other Xanthomonas species, especially Xanthomonas campestris, had sequences that were more dissimilar to that of X. axonopodis. Thus, the lrp gene sequence is useful to distinguish X. axonopodis pv. citri groups and promising for polyphasic taxonomic analysis of the genus Xanthomonas. Data from analysis of lrp gene sequences support the current concepts for classification of xanthomonads, which are based on other approaches.
Selenium Levels Affect the IL-4–Induced Expression of Alternative Activation Markers in Murine Macrophages

Selenium (Se), in the form of selenoproteins, imparts many health benefits with antiinflammatory properties. Previous studies have shown that Se supplementation of macrophages negatively regulates the LPS-dependent production of inducible NO synthase (iNOS), a proinflammatory gene. Therefore, we hypothesized that l-arginine, a substrate for iNOS, is acted upon by arginase-I (Arg-I), contributing to the resolution of inflammation. We investigated the antiinflammatory activity of Se using LPS and IL-4-treated C57BL/6 murine bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMDM) from mice fed Se-deficient and Se-adequate diets. Supplementation with Se (100 nmol/L) of IL-4-treated macrophages significantly increased the expression of alternatively activated macrophage (M2) markers, Arg-I, Fizz1, and Mrc-1. Se treatment also increased the enzymatic activity of Arg-I and surface expression of Mrc-1. Conversely, expression of classically activated macrophage (M1) markers, TNFα, and IL-1β, was significantly decreased in LPS-treated macrophages that were cultured in Se and IL-4, suggesting a synergistic effect between Se and IL-4. Additionally, Arg-I activity was decreased in BMDM harvested from glutathione peroxidase (GPX) knockout mice compared to GPX wild-type mice, further establishing an important role for selenoproteins. Furthermore, BMDM treated with inhibitors of PPARγ and STAT6, pivotal transcription factors that mediate the activity of Se and IL-4, respectively, showed complete ablation of Se-dependent expression of M2 markers. In summary, these studies suggest that Se supplementation of macrophages produces endogenous activators to mediate the PPARγ-dependent switch from M1 to M2 phenotype in the presence of IL-4, possibly affecting pathways of wound healing and inflammation resolution.
Evaluation of electrostatic descriptors for predicting crystalline density.

This study evaluates the importance of electrostatic corrections to earlier quantum-mechanically based methods to predict crystal densities of neutral and ionic molecular energetic materials. Our previous methods (B. M. Rice et al., J. Phys. Chem. A 2007, 111, 10874) use the molecular volumes of the isolated molecule or formula unit to estimate the crystal density; this volume is defined to be that inside the quantum-mechanically determined 0.001 a.u. isosurface of electron density surrounding the isolated molecule. The electrostatic corrections to these volumetric estimates are based on features of the electrostatic potential mapped onto this isosurface of electron density, and have been parameterized using information from 180 neutral and 23 ionic CHNO molecular systems. The quality of the electrostatically corrected methods was assessed through application to 38 neutral and 48 ionic compounds not used in the parameterization. The root mean square (rms) percent deviation and average absolute error of predictions for the 38 neutral species relative to experiment are 2.7% and 0.035 g/cm3, respectively, decreases of 0.9% and 0.015 g/cm3 from the earlier predictions (3.6% and 0.050 g/cm3, respectively). The rms percent deviation and average absolute error of predictions for the 48 ionic compounds relative to experiment are 3.7% and 0.045 g/cm3, respectively, decreases of 2.6% and 0.043 g/cm3 from the earlier predictions that used the formula unit volumes only. The results clearly show a significant improvement to the earlier method upon inclusion of electrostatic corrections. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
P3G-4 Signal to Noise Gains for Evaluating Beamforming Strategies

This paper defines the echo signal-to-noise ratio (eSNR) for pulse-echo systems that adapts to the effects of shift-varying impulse responses, spatiotemporal coding and various beamformers. Measurement techniques using point targets or random scattering media can be interrelated for a broad range of experimental conditions through eSNR. The eSNR definitions are also illustrated by comparing a spatial matched filter (SMF) beamformer to conventional dynamic receive focusing methods (DRF) to evaluate performance based on resolution and sensitivity. Closed-form expressions are presented that predict eSNR gains from SMF approaches relative to other beamformers