cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Abstract 18699: Negative Predictive Value of Transthoracic Echocardiography for Infective Endocarditis in the Modern Era

BACKGROUND: Transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) is often recommended to exclude infective endocarditis (IE) in patients presenting with bacteremia despite a negative transthoracic echocardiogram (TTE). Previous studies showing inadequate sensitivity of TTE for native valve endocarditis are dated, and do not reflect modern advances in ultrasound image optimization technology. We hypothesized that with current generation echocardiography technology, a TTE absent mobile echo targets and without significant valvular abnormalities would have sufficient negative predictive value to exclude IE. METHODS: The Duke Echocardiographic Database was queried from 1/1/2007 [[Unable to Display Character: –]] 2/28/2014 for TTEs performed within 7 days prior to a TEE ordered for bacteremia/endocarditis. The dominant imaging platform used for both TTE and TEE during this era was the Philips IE33, with frequent use of fundamental frequencies to enhance spatial resolution beyond that of harmonic imaging alone. TTE studies identified as having poor sound transmission were excluded. A normal TTE was defined by the demonstration of normal cardiac anatomy, at most trivial valvular regurgitation, and absence of valvular stenosis, mobile/oscillating echo targets on valves, and hardware including catheters. The demonstration of an oscillating target on TEE along with clinical criteria based on chart review defined IE. RESULTS: A total of 974 unique patients had a TTE followed by a TEE within a week. IE was suggested in 209 of these patients by TEE. Among 107 patients meeting the a priori normal criteria on TTE, 3 patients had an abnormal TEE consistent with IE. These results correspond to a negative predictive value (NPV) of 97.2% (95% C.I. 91.4% - 99.3%) for a normal TTE to exclude IE. CONCLUSIONS: In this retrospective analysis from an academic medical center echocardiography laboratory, we demonstrated that an adequate quality TTE alone in a patient with a structurally normal heart without indwelling hardware has a high NPV for IE. Current TTE image optimization approaches may obviate the need to pursue TEE in patients after a recent preceding normal TTE.
Excess dietary lysine increases skeletal muscle and plasma trimethyllysine in rats

Trimethyllysine, a carnitine precursor, is a cation. This study was designed to determine whether dietary potassium and lysine concentration or oral lysine supplementation affects tissue carnitine and trimethyllysine concentration in rats. In Experiment 1, rats were fed a control diet, a low or high potassium diet, or a high lysine diet. In Experiment 2, rats were given by gavage a solution containing either L-proline (control) or L-lysine. In Experiment 1, rats fed the high lysine diet had significantly lower plasma total carnitine concentration than controls. Rats fed the high lysine diets had significantly higher concentrations of free trimethyllysine in skeletal muscle and plasma relative to control rats and rats fed the high potassium diet. Rats fed the low potassium diet had a similar increase in skeletal muscle free trimethyllysine. In Experiment 2, rats given lysine had significantly lower plasma total carnitine concentration, and significantly greater skeletal muscle and plasma trimethyllysine concentration relative to controls. We conclude that dietary potassium and lysine, and oral lysine, have a significant effect upon the distribution of carnitine and trimethyllysine in rats. The distributional changes caused by lysine, however, seem to be due to effects other than exchange of lysine for carnitine or trimethyllysine in tissues.
PCR detection of Haemophilus ducreyi, Treponema pallidum, and Mycoplasma genitalium.

This chapter outlines the need for, and application of, molecular tests for Haemophilus ducreyi, Treponema pallidum, and Mycoplasma genitalium, three sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) pathogens for which commercial molecular tests are not currently available. H. ducreyi and T. pallidum are the causative agents of chancroid and syphilis, respectively, which along with herpes simplex virus (HSV) are responsible for the majority of genital ulcer disease (GUD) cases worldwide. The first PCR assays specific for M. genitalium were simultaneously developed in two laboratories and provided a means of detecting M. genitalium in patient specimens. The authors await further application of these quantitative PCR assays to assess other aspects of M. genitalium infection such as the association of M. genitalium burden in cervical, urine, and vaginal specimens and their association with signs and symptoms of infection at these sites. Unlike most PCRs, TMA assays target rRNA, which is present in multiple copies per cell, thus potentially increasing both the analytical and the clinical sensitivity of M. genitalium detection. Similarly, PCR and TMA assays for M. genitalium have allowed studies defining the association of this emerging pathogen with reproductive tract disease in both men and women. Undoubtedly other, previously uncultivated organisms colonizing the reproductive tract will be detected in the future. Their identification and the subsequent development of specific PCR assays and treatment regimens will expand one's knowledge of reproductive tract pathogens.
Progressive activation of paratrigeminal nucleus during entrance to hibernation

The paratrigeminal nucleus (Pa5) undergoes a progressive increase in its uptake of 2-[14C]deoxyglucose (2DG) relative to other brain structures during entrance to hibernation in the ground squirrel. This highly significant increase results in the Pa5 becoming the most highly labeled brain region during hibernation, even though it exhibits one of the lowest levels of 2DG uptake in the brain during the nonhibernating state. The progressive activation of the Pa5 observed during entrance is reversed during arousal from hibernation. These observations and the neuroanatomical projections of the Pa5 implicate this nucleus as playing a role in the entrance and maintenance of the hibernating state.
Intelligent Control of the Thermoplastic Composite Tow-Placement Process:

Model-based control in the manufacturing of advanced composite materials is one approach to improve the overall quality and performance of the final part. Frequently, quantitative nondestructive me...
Far-infrared observations of the night sky.

Night sky far IR observation by rocket-borne telescope, discussing minimum signal detection and origin
Size selective sampling using mobile, 3D nanoporous membranes

We describe the fabrication of 3D membranes with precisely patterned surface nanoporosity and their utilization in size selective sampling. The membranes were self-assembled as porous cubes from lithographically fabricated 2D templates (Leong et al., Langmuir 23:8747–8751, 2007) with face dimensions of 200 μm, volumes of 8 nL, and monodisperse pores ranging in size from approximately 10 μm to 100 nm. As opposed to conventional sampling and filtration schemes where fluid is moved across a static membrane, we demonstrate sampling by instead moving the 3D nanoporous membrane through the fluid. This new scheme allows for straightforward sampling in small volumes, with little to no loss. Membranes with five porous faces and one open face were moved through fluids to sample and retain nanoscale beads and cells based on pore size. Additionally, cells retained within the membranes were subsequently cultured and multiplied using standard cell culture protocols upon retrieval.
Agents, trust, and information access on the semantic web

Information systems are becoming increasingly important and ubiquitous in our lives -- for organizations, professionals, individuals and families. The process began with large centralized computers and greatly accelerated with the development of inexpensive personal computers and user friendly software systems. The slope increased with the rapid deployment of the Internet and corporate databases in the 80's and 90's and exploded with the unfolding of the Web in the past ten years. While it's hard to make predictions, many expect the trend to quicken with continued advances in mobile computing, ad hoc wireless networking, microelectronics, and nanotechnology. Imagine a world with billions of people and agents who interact daily with billions of computational devices, each of which is consuming and producing information and communicating with scores of other devices on a constant and largely autonomous basis. This evolution provides many new challenges to our ability to design and deliver information systems. This paper describes our work in transforming the web from a “universal database” model to an active ecology of agents that produce, consume, and act on information (semi) autonomously. In particular, we focus on an immediate and critical problem which must be addressed to make progress -- our ability to maximize security, privacy, and trusted behavior in an environment which is fundamentally dynamic, open and devoid of many of the clues human societies have relied on for trust assessment. The approach is to explore the role that 'semantic web' languages can play in addressing these problems.
Photochemistry of an unusual exsudatinite in Permian Basin shales

Abstract An unusual variety of exsudatinite is found in four Middle Paleozoic shales of the Permian Basin. Its strong blue to blue-green (λmax = 450–470 nm) fluorescence highlights it prominently along sedimentary bedding partings and microfractures. Unlike most primary liptinites, fluorescence spectra of this microfracture exsudatinite are characterized by additional structure in the form of competitive peaks in the green wavelengths (480–500 nm) and a broad secondary structure in the yellow wavelengths. Subtle flow structures are common along the extent of the maceral which may reach maximum widths of approximately 10 μm and lengths of 100 μm. Time-resolved fluorescence data indicate a complex fluorescence of several nanosecond and sub-nanosecond lifetimes. Unperturbed fluorescence lifetimes (3.0–7.4 ns) are significant in Woodford and Wolfcamp shales, but are minor or absent in Atoka and Canyon Group shales. These lifetimes are interpreted to represent aromatics and heteroaromatics (3–5 rings) in relatively unperturbed fluorescence microenvironments where the radiative rates are high. In contrast, two other groups of shorter lifetimes suggest that the natural decays of molecules are influenced by photochemical interactions that are shorter than natural fluorescence decay. We speculate that intermediate lifetimes (1.3–2.6 ns) indicate charge transfer perturbations to various degrees by peripheral electron-donating functionals. These exciplexes represent the inter- and intramolecular transfer of non-bonded electrons from ground state donors to proximal and coplanar excited acceptors. The shortest lifetimes (〈0.30 ns) may be ascribed to several processes that severely perturb the fluorescence.
Historical Changes in U.S. and Japanese Foreign Aid to the Asia–Pacific Region

This study examines responses of the world's two largest foreign-aid donors, the U.S. and Japan, to the end of the Cold War. Using the Asia-Pacific region to assess changes in U.S. and Japanese aid policies, the analysis compares the rhetoric and discourses evident in policy documents with actual aid disbursements to the region before and after the Cold War. In the early days of the post-Cold War, the U.S. refocused aid discourse from geopolitics toward “sustainable development” and “democratization,” but these goals are now challenged by an aid-fatigued and Republican-dominated Congress. By contrast, Japanese support for aid remains strong. The declared purpose of Japanese aid has been broadened beyond their Cold War commercial orientation toward global goals. In terms of disbursements to the region, the U.S. and Japan have responded in opposite ways. While the Japanese are increasing their presence in the region, the U.S. is disengaging, and the gap between the two is increasing over time. The Japanese ...
Adrenocortical influences on dipeptidase activity of surviving rat diaphragm.

THE attractive and oft-quoted hypothesis that hormonal influences in the organism are mediated through direct action on specific enzyme activities has been difficult to substantiate on any broad base (Dorfman and Goldsmith, 1951). The failure to establish such a relationship between adrenocortical function and intracellular peptidase activity provides a pertinent example. Though an over-all protein catabolic effect of corticosteroids is well documented, previous studies revealed that peptidase activity of rat (Schwartz and Engel, 1949) and human (Schwartz and Engel, 1950) serum as well as aqueous extracts and cell-free suspensions of rat tissue (Engel and Schwartz, 1951) is essentially uninfluenced by the administration of corticotropin or adrenal steroids. Despite these unencouraging results, the same line of inquiry has been pursued using intact surviving rat diaphragm (Schwartz, et al., 1952) as a source of enzyme.
The self‐diffusivity of substances in the gaseous and liquid states

Relationships applicable for the prediction of self-diffusivities of gases and liquids have been developed from available experimental values and an application of dimensional analysis. Separate relationships were found to apply for gases at normal pressures and for gases at elevated pressures. For the liquid state a different dependence on the conditions of temperature and pressure was observed and was taken into account to develop the relationship for this state of aggregation.
Physics-model-based unexploded ordnance discrimination using wideband EMI data

Unexploded ordnance (UXO) discrimination is investigated using the wide band electromagnetic induction (EMI) data. The main focus of this paper is on the practical phenomenological modeling for the induced wideband EMI sensor response from different targets. Modeling for the sensor response provides feature vectors to UXO classification algorithms, and it has been proven to be very important for the improvement of the overall remediation performance. A parametric model is discussed with the emphsis on multiple offset dipole centers. The measured data from several actual targets are utilized to validate the model and to demonstrate the advantage of multiple offset dipole centers vs. single dipole center. We further illustrate the application of the model with multiple dipoles in target classifications by numerical examples. We show that the classification performance might be improved substantially. Finally, we state that the nonlinear EMI dipole model can be decomposed into a linear model. Thus it benefits from the rich literature of linear algebra and signal processing. To report one of our efforts, two methods are proposed to detect the number of dipoles blindly by the information theoretic criteria, namely the Akaike information criterion (AIC) and the minimum description length (MDL). The methods are testified using measured EMI data.
Cellular distribution of the RNA transcripts of a newly discovered gene in the brain of normal, weaver, Purkinje cell degeneration and reeler mutant mice as evidenced by in situ hybridization histochemistry

Abstract After we identified several novel cDNAs by screening a neonatal (P1) heterozygous weaver ( wv /+) cerebellar cDNA expression library with a rabbit anti-mouse granule cell antiserum, we characterized and sequenced one cDNA, GCAP-8 (standing for granule cell antiserum positive, clone number 8). In this study we examined its expression and cellular distribution in adult cerebellar mutant mice as evidenced by in situ hybridization histochemistry. In wild-type (+/+) brain, strong hybridization signal is seen in cerebellum, hippocampus, substantia nigra (SN), and cerebral cortex; in the cerebellum, hybridization signal is seen in granule cells, Purkinje cells, and in cells of the deep cerebellar nuclei. In the granuloprival weaver ( wv / wv ) cerebellum, hybridization signal is seen mainly in Purkinje cells. GCAP-8 expression is reduced in wv / wv SN pars compacta, which is known to lose dopamine (DA) neurons. In Purkinje cell degeneration ( pcd / pcd ) mutants, granule cells show hybridization signal, but overall expression is decreased owing to the absence of Purkinje cells. In reeler ( rl / rl ) cerebellum, the strongest hybridization signal is found in a thin granule cell layer without the typical foliation pattern, while grain clusters representing ectopic Purkinje cells are observed in the subcortical white matter and the area of the deep cerebellar nuclei. GCAP-8 expression in the reeler hippocampus and cerebral cortex shows a mixing of layers, which is known to be an aspect of the histological phenotype of this mutant. These results indicate that (i) GCAP-8 is expressed by multiple neuronal populations, both synaptically connected and anatomically unrelated to each other, (ii) expression of GCAP-8 mRNA appears to be intrinsically regulated and not to depend on trans-acting (including transsynaptic) elements produced by other neuronal cell types, and (iii) the mutations studied do not affect the general expression of GCAP-8 in non-affected brain areas. The correlation of the cellular expression of GCAP-8 with the known anatomical deficits in mutants may be useful in studying the intrinsic components of selective neuronal populations, their ontogenetic properties, and pathophysiological mechanisms operating in hereditary ataxias.
The metabolism in vivo of 1,1,1-trichloro-2,2-bis (p-chlorophenyl)ethane (DDT), 1,1-dichloro-2, 2-BIS(p-chlorophenyl)ethane (DDD) and 1,1-dichloro-2,2-bis (p-chlorophenyl)ethylene (DDT) in the chick by embryonic injection and dietary ingestion

Abstract 1,1,1 -Trichloro-2,2- bis ( p -chlorophenyl)ethane, ( p , p ′-DDT) ; 1,1 -dichloro-2,2- bis ( p -chlorophenyl)ethane, ( p , p ′-DDD); and 1,1-dichloro-2,2- bis ( p -chlorophenyl)-ethylene, (DDE) were separately injected in peanut oil into fertile eggs prior to incubation to study their metabolism and effect on the embryo and chicks. No teratogenic effect was detected either in chicks or in dead embryos. Typical DDT poisoning neurological symptoms were observed. In other experiments, 100 ppm of p , p ′-DDT, p , p ′-DDD and DDE in the diet were fed to chicks hatched from untreated eggs. Tissues of chicks in both the injection and feeding experiments were analyzed for metabolites by electron capture gas-liquid and thin-layer chromatography (TLC). Infrared spectroscopy was used in connection with TLC for confirmation of the identity of some polar metabolites. No significant differences in the pattern of metabolites between the two treatments were observed. The following metabolites were detected from p , p ′-DDT: 2-( o -chlorophenyl)-2-( p -chlorophenyl)-1,1,1-trichloroethane, ( o , p ′-DDT); DDE; p , p ′-DDD; 2-( o -chlorophenyl)-2-( p -chlorophenyl)-1,1-dichloro-ethane, ( o , p ′-DDD); 1-chloro-2,2- bis -( p -chlorophenyl)ethylene, (DDMU); 1-chloro-2,2- bis ( p -crilorophenyl)ethane, (DDMS); unsym-bis( p -chlorophenyl)ethylene, (DDNU); 2,2- bis ( p -chlorophenyl)-ethanol, (DDOH); bis ( p -chlorophenyl)acetic acid, (DDA); bis ( p -chloropheny)-methane, (DDM) and 4,4'-dichlorobenzophenone, (DBP). The following metabolites were detected from p , p '-DDD: o , p -DDD; DDMU; DDMS; DDNU; DDOH; DDA; DDM and DBP. DBP was detected as a metabolite of DDE.
Diabetes Pharmacotherapy in 2012: Considerations in Medication Selection

Diabetes is one of the most costly and burdensome chronic diseases, and its therapy and management have become increasingly complex. The incidence of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), a multiorgan disorder, is increasing at an epidemic rate in the United States and worldwide. Despite numerous scientific and medical advances, less than half of the population with T2DM has achieved the American Diabetes Association-recommended glycated hemoglobin level goal of < 7%, which is necessary to optimally manage the disease to prevent and minimize complications. There are many patient- and clinician-determined barriers that hinder patients from achieving target blood glucose levels. Therefore, it is imperative for health care professionals who treat patients with T2DM (and those at risk for developing T2DM) to have an enhanced knowledge base of the current pathophysiology, treatment options, and clinical guidelines for T2DM and its related conditions.
Excited ozone is a possible source of atmospheric N2O

Consideration is given to the possibility that internally excited ozone formed in the three-body recombination reaction between oxygen atoms and molecules may be a potential source of atmospheric N2O through a gas-phase reaction with nitrogen molecules. Determinations of the wavelength dependence of the quantum yield for N2O formation from the photolysis of dilute solutions of O3 in liquid N2 and of the O(1D) quantum yield in the gas-phase photolysis of O3 are interpreted as suggesting the possibility of the excited ozone reaction, and a new expression for N2O quantum yield is derived. An expression for the production rate of N2O through the proposed reaction is then obtained and used to calculate atmospheric concentrations and fluxes of N2O. The theoretical profile obtained is found to agree better with experimental data than that obtained without the excited ozone reaction taken into account and to demonstrate a wide variability in N2O mixing ratios. In addition, the existence of the new N2O source is noted to imply a significantly smaller flux of N2O from surface microbiological activities, and provide a possible physical basis for latitudinal and temporal N2O variations and an additional stability for the ozone layer.
Determination of Maleic Hydrazide in Potatoes and Onions by Capillary Electrophoresis

A micellar electrokinetic chromatographic method (MEKC) was developed to separate and quantify maleic hydrazide (MH) in potatoes and onions. Methanol was used as the extraction solvent. A 3-mL aliquot of the extract was dried under nitrogen, and the residue was reconstituted in 3-mL of water by sonication. The water fraction was passed through a tC18 solid-phase extraction tube to remove interferences. The last milliliter of the water sample was collected and injected into the capillary electrophoresis (CE) system. Within-day and between-day reproducibility studies run at 2.5, 5.0, 10.0, 15.0, and 20.0 ppm indicated the procedure was reproducible. Potato samples treated with MH were obtained from Aroostock Experimental Farm in Presque Isle, Maine and local supermarkets, while onion samples were purchased from local stores. A comparison was made between CE and a high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) method. The linear regression for maleic hydrazide was y = 0.816x + 1.071 with a correlation coeffic...
Reduction of nitroglycerin with elemental iron: pathway, kinetics, and mechanisms.

Nitroglycerin (NG) is a nitrate ester used in dynamites, propellants, and medicines and is therefore a common constituent in propellant-manufacturing and pharmaceutical wastewaters. In this study w...
First trimester ultrasound screening for fetal aneuploidy and middle cerebral artery Doppler assessment for fetal alloimmunization.

Purpose of review Traditional methods of fetal evaluation require invasive procedures (e.g. amniocentesis) with an inherent, albeit low, risk of complications and pregnancy loss. As medical knowledge and ultrasound technology have advanced, noninvasive modes of fetal evaluation have become increasingly used. Two disorders in which this has been most applied are fetal aneuploidy and alloimmunization to red blood cell antigens. Recent findings First-trimester screening protocols for fetal aneuploidy combine ultrasound measurement of the fetal nuchal translucency with the measurement of two maternal serum hormones, free beta-human chorionic gonadotropin and pregnancy-associated plasma protein-A. This combination detects approximately 85% of women pregnant with fetuses with trisomy 21. An increase in the velocity of fetal middle cerebral artery blood flow occurs in the setting of moderate to severe fetal anemia and can be measured with Doppler ultrasound. Middle cerebral artery evaluation is equally sensitive in the prediction of anemia as amniocentesis for bilirubin breakdown products and has less associated risk. It has an additional benefit because it can also be applied to causes of anemia other than hemolysis. Summary Noninvasive methods of fetal assessment are becoming increasingly commonplace. There has been a dramatic decrease in the use of prenatal diagnostic services as screening strategies have become available. Doppler assessment of the velocity of blood flow through the fetal middle cerebral artery will allow for more judicious application of invasive procedures to pregnancies at significant risk for anemia.
Neomycin inhibits angiogenin-induced angiogenesis

A class of angiogenesis inhibitor has emerged from our mechanistic study of the action of angiogenin, a potent angiogenic factor. Neomycin, an aminoglycoside antibiotic, inhibits nuclear translocation of human angiogenin in human endothelial cells, an essential step for angiogenin-induced angiogenesis. The phospholipase C-inhibiting activity of neomycin appears to be involved, because U-73122, another phospholipase C inhibitor, has a similar effect. In contrast, genistein, oxophenylarsine, and staurosporine, inhibitors of tyrosine kinase, phosphotyrosine phosphatase, and protein kinase C, respectively, do not inhibit nuclear translocation of angiogenin. Neomycin inhibits angiogenin-induced proliferation of human endothelial cells in a dose-dependent manner. At 50 μM, neomycin abolishes angiogenin-induced proliferation but does not affect the basal level of proliferation and cell viability. Other aminoglycoside antibiotics, including gentamicin, streptomycin, kanamycin, amikacin, and paromomycin, have no effect on angiogenin-induced cell proliferation. Most importantly, neomycin completely inhibits angiogenin-induced angiogenesis in the chicken chorioallantoic membrane at a dose as low as 20 ng per egg. These results suggest that neomycin and its analogs are a class of agents that may be developed for anti-angiogenin therapy.
Herpesvirus hominis infection in newborn mice. I. An experimental model and therapy with iododeoxyuridine.

Although treatment of disseminated Herpesvirus hominis (HVH) infections of the newborn human infant has resulted in both success and failure, there have been no controlled studies to evaluate the effect of therapy on either the outcome or the pathogenesis of the disease. Infection of the newborn mouse with the genital type 2 strain of HVH by the intranasal route provides an experimental model of the disease in man. After inoculation of a mouse, the virus multiplies in the lung and is disseminated through the blood to the liver and spleen, and to the brain by both viremia and nerve-route transmission. Therapy with iododeoxyuridine (IUDR) did not affect mortality, although a significant effect on pathogenesis was observed. Viral replication in the lung was reduced, and viremia, as well as subsequent involvement of liver and spleen, was completely eliminated. In contrast, nerve-route transmission to and replication of virus in the central nervous system (CNS) was not affected by therapy. Lack of inhibition of viral replication in the CNS appeared to be due to inadequate levels of IUDR in brain tissue and is the likely explanation for the therapeutic failure of IUDR in this model infection. These observations suggest possible reasons for the variable results reported in the treatment with IUDR of disseminated herpesvirus infections of newborn human infants.
Comprehensive evaluation of information/education programs to reduce recreation impacts on the Lower Salmon River.

This paper reports a study evaluating an information/education program to reduce human waste and campfire impacts along a portion of the Lower Salmon River in Idaho. A field experiment and cost-effectiveness analysis were conducted to evaluate the effectiveness and efficiency of this impact-reduction program. Significant statistical and managerial reductions in the numbers of impacts between control and treatment periods were not found. Use of the education program was slightly more cost-effective than maintenance in meeting management's overall objectives. Implications of the study results for future management and research efforts are discussed.
Toward a theory of legal reform

Abstract This paper describes some characteristics of a dysfunctional legal system, and then proposes some reforms of the legal rules that would encourage private agents to rely on the legal system rather than mafia to structure their transactions. We argue — using both theory and the example of Russia — that legal rules should accommodate rather than interfere with the existing business practice. Moreover, in the transition stage, good legal rules should enable highly imperfect courts to verify violations of law and tell courts what to do when such violations occur.
Electron microscopic and microprobe analysis of calciuminduced differentiation of the white mutant (LU887 × LU897) strain of Physarum polycephalum

Abstract Differentiation of the white mutant (LU887 × LU897) strain of Physarum polycephalum leading to spherule formation can be induced by CaCl2 if the concentration in the nutrient medium is increased by 5mM prior to the transfer to a non-nutrient salts medium. All stages previously reported for the typical (M3cVII) strain of Physarum polycephalum from microplasmodia to spherules are seen but the mutant lacks the synchrony that the replacement technique induces in the typical strain. X-ray microanalyses locate calcium and phosphorus in granules in mitochondria and in the cytoplasm of specimens fixed without osmium. Mitochondria accumulate calcium-containing granules during early differentiation and appear to be essentially without granules in mature spherules. Mobilization of mitochondrial calcium is implicated in the initiation of differentiation. A longitudinally striated cytoplasmic inclusion is abundant in microplasmodia grown in media that have not been supplemented with additional calcium and is seen more rarely during calcium-induced spherulation. Whether or not this inclusion represents cytoplasmic contractile elements is unknown. The calcium-treated mutant strain, previously considered non-differentiating, may prove to be a good alternate model for the study of factors influencing differentiation. It was employed earlier as a control in studies of strains that readily spherulate in response to routine procedures.
Facies, stratigraphy, and evolution of a middle Ediacaran carbonate ramp: Khufai Formation, Sultanate of Oman

The Khufai Formation is the oldest carbonate platform of the Cryogenian to lowermost Cambrian Huqf Supergroup. A stratigraphic characterization of this unit includes detailed facies descriptions, a sequence-stratigraphic interpretation, and evaluation of lateral heterogeneity and overall ramp evolution. The Khufai Formation comprises one and one-half depositional sequences with a maximum flooding interval near the base of the formation and a sequence boundary within the upper peritidal facies. Most of the deposition occurred during highstand progradation of a carbonate ramp. Facies tracts include outer-ramp and midramp mudstones and wackestones, ramp-crest grainstone shoal deposits, and extensive inner-ramp, microbially dominated peritidal deposits. Outcrops in the Oman Mountains are deep-water deposits, including turbiditic grainstone and wackestone interbedded with siliciclastic-rich siltstone and crinkly laminite. Facies patterns and parasequence composition are variable both laterally across the outcrop area and vertically through time because of a combination of ramp morphology, siliciclastic supply, and possible syndepositional faulting. The lithostratigraphic boundary between the Khufai Formation and the overlying Shuram Formation is gradational and represents significant flooding of the carbonate platform. The stratigraphic characterization presented here along with the identification of key facies and diagenetic features will help further future exploration and production of hydrocarbons from the Khufai Formation.
Adsorption of a Rake-Type Siloxane Surfactant onto Carbon Black Nanoparticles Dispersed in Aqueous Media

The adsorption properties of a rake-type siloxane surfactant (consisting of a poly(dimethylsiloxane) backbone with grafted polyether) on carbon black (CB) nanoparticles have been investigated. The CB particles have fractal structure according to transmission electron microscopy and small-angle neutron scattering (SANS) data. Surface compositions, determined by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, indicate that the CB surface is partly oxidized, prove the adsorption of the siloxane surfactant onto the CB particles, and suggest that the surface coverage is incomplete. The adsorption obeys the Langmuir isotherm at low filtrate concentrations (below the critical micelle concentration, cmc). At higher filtrate concentrations, a sharp increase in the adsorbed amount is observed. The adsorbed layer thickness was determined by viscometry and dynamic light scattering. These two methods give good agreement on the adsorbed layer thickness (∼30 nm) at surfactant concentrations above the cmc. This thickness is comparable...
Growth of uniformly aligned ZnO nanowire heterojunction arrays on GaN, AlN, and Al0.5Ga0.5N substrates.

Vertically aligned single-crystal ZnO nanorods have been successfully fabricated on semiconducting GaN, Al0.5Ga0.5N, and AlN substrates through a vapor−liquid−solid process. Near-perfect alignment was observed for all substrates without lateral growth. Room-temperature photoluminescence measurements revealed a strong luminescence peak at ∼378 nm. This work demonstrates the possibility of growing heterojunction arrays of ZnO nanorods on AlxGa1-xN, which has a tunable band gap from 3.44 to 6.20 eV by changing the Al composition from 0 to 1, and opens a new channel for building vertically aligned heterojunction device arrays with tunable optical properties and the realization of a new class of nanoheterojunction devices.
Effects of poultry manure amendment on phosphorus uptake by ryegrass, soil phosphorus fractions and phosphatase activity

Poultry manure (PM) contains a large proportion of phosphorus (P) in mineral-associated forms that may not be readily available for plant uptake. In addition, PM application influences both chemical and biotic processes, and can affect the lability of native soil P. To investigate the effects of PM on soil P availability, we grew ryegrass (Lolium perenne) in greenhouse pots amended with poultry manure. Biomass was harvested at 4, 8, and 16 weeks following PM application, with soil separated into rhizosphere and bulk fractions. Soil was sequentially extracted by H2O, 0.5 M NaHCO3, 0.1 M NaOH, and 1 M HCl, and inorganic P (Pi) and enzymatically hydrolyzable organic P (Poe) were quantitated. Root P concentrations were 37% higher and total P uptake 59% higher with PM application than Control. At week 16, there was 30% more labile-Pi (H2O- plus NaHCO3-Pi) in the rhizosphere with PM than in Control. Phosphodiesterase activity increased with PM application. Furthermore, acid phosphomonoesterase, alkaline phosphomonoesterase, and phosphodiesterase activities were all higher in the rhizosphere than in bulk soil at week 16 with PM, indicating that increased labile-Pi was due primarily to stimulation of soil phosphatases to mineralize NaOH-Poe. Soil pH increased with PM application and plant growth, and may have promoted P availability by decreasing sorption of Al- and Fe-associated inorganic and organic phosphates. These results demonstrate that whereas PM application may initially increase NaOH and HCl-Pi, these fractions can be readily changed into labile-P and do not necessarily accumulate as stable or recalcitrant P in soil.
Rare gas record in the largest Apollo 15 rock.

The results obtained from mass-spectrometry analyses of the noble gases He, Ne, Ar, Kr, and Xe in a 182-mg chip of the largest Apollo 15 rock 15555 are presented. The spallation krypton data indicate a well-shielded location through most of the time during which the rock was exposed to cosmic rays. Gas retention ages are estimated. No evidence for the presence of products from plutonium-244 or iodine-129 was found.
Reductions in steroid hormone biotransformation/elimination as a biomarker of pentachlorophenol chronic toxicity

Abstract Alterations in steroid hormone metabolism by environmental endocrine disrupters can significantly affect steroid hormone-dependent processes such as growth and reproduction. The identification of biomarkers of endocrine-disrupting effects would facilitate targeting chemicals that would warrant reproductive toxicity assessment. The present study was undertaken to determine whether perturbations in steroid hormone biotransformation capabilities following short-term exposure to the endocrine-disrupting biocide pentachlorophenol (PCP) would serve as a biomarker of concentrations of this chemical that would adversely affect the reproductive capacity of Daphnia magna. Reproduction of daphnids was significantly compromised from continuous exposure to PCP concentrations as low as 0.25 mg/l. Following chronic exposure to PCP, daphnids were incubated with [14C]testosterone and the elimination rate of several testosterone metabolites was quantified. The rate of testosterone hydroxylmetabolite elimination was not significantly altered by PCP exposure. However, elimination of several of the glucose-conjugated metabolites of testosterone decreased in a PCP concentration-dependent manner. Adult daphnids were then exposed to these concentrations of PCP for 48 h and effects on steroid metabolism assessed. As observed following chronic exposure, PCP had no effect on the elimination of hydroxyl-metabolites of testosterone. However, PCP concentrations as low as 0.062 mg/l significantly inhibited the elimination of glucose conjugates of testosterone; and, sulfate conjugated metabolites decreased in a PCP concentration-dependent manner. These results demonstrate that: (1) PCP alters steroid hormone biotransformation/elimination capacities at concentrations that adversely affect reproduction and (2) effects on steroid hormone biotransformation can be detected following short-term exposure to PCP. Thus, this biochemical parameter may serve as a biomarker of chronic toxicity associated with PCP and perhaps other endocrine-disrupting chemicals.
Models of liquid metal corrosion

Abstract In the present study, models for liquid metal corrosion are reviewed and their applications in nuclear reactor engineering are discussed. The paper presents mathematical analysis of liquid metal corrosion, including species transport in solid steels, in flowing liquid metals, and mass exchange at liquid/solid interface. The survey illustrates the mechanisms of the liquid metal corrosion and sets up a system to calculate the corrosion rate and to study the corrosion species distributions in the solid and liquid metal/alloys. Both light liquid metal/alloy (sodium and sodium–potassium) and heavy liquid metal/alloy (liquid lead and lead–bismuth) are considered. Oxygen effects on liquid metal corrosion are also discussed. For liquid sodium and sodium–potassium the corrosion rate increases with increasing oxygen concentration, while for liquid lead and lead–bismuth it is reasonable to produce a protective oxide layer using an oxygen control technique which can mitigate the corrosion rate significantly. Finally, the corrosion–oxidation interaction in liquid lead and lead–bismuth are discussed.
Open-field behavior in mice, genetic analysis of repeated measures.

Open-field activity and defecation scores on each of two successive days were obtained on 637 F2 and S41 F3 Ss and subjected to genetic analysis, Heritabilities of second-day activity and defecation scores were found to be lower than those of first day scores. Genetic and phenotypic correlations among the single-day behaviors were also estimated. From these results it was concluded that activity on Days 1 and 2 and defecation on Day 2 are influenced by many of the same genes and that high open-field activity on Days 1 and 2 are both indices of low emotional reactivity.
Tidal movements of female leopard sharks ( Triakis semifasciata ) in Elkhorn Slough, California

The leopard shark (Triakis semifasciata) is one of the most common species of elasmobranch in California, and uses the shallow bays and estuaries of California extensively throughout its life history. To examine the role that tides and time of day play on the distribution and movements of leopard sharks in an estuarine environment, a total of 22 female leopard sharks (78–140 cm TL) were tagged with acoustic transmitters in Elkhorn Slough, California, USA. Eight sharks were manually tracked for 20–71.5 h, and 13 sharks were monitored for 4–280 days using an array of acoustic receivers. Overall, the distribution and movements of sharks were strongly influenced by the tides and to a lesser extent by period of day, although general patterns of movement differed depending on what region of Elkhorn Slough the sharks were using. In the main channel of Elkhorn Slough, sharks generally moved with the tide, maximizing the area over which they could forage on a more dispersed prey field. Conversely, leopard sharks within the Elkhorn Slough National Estuarine Research Reserve regularly swam against strong currents to remain in proximity to the intertidal mudflats. This high degree of fidelity to a specific region was probably due to an abundance of important prey in the area. These results indicate that movements, and thus the foraging ecology, of leopard sharks show a high degree of plasticity and are influenced by tidal stage, tidal current, availability of suitable habitat, and availability and distribution of important prey items.
Transport treatment of DCC dynamics

Abstract The field dynamics given by the linear σ model is recast in terms of medium-dependent quasi-particles moving consistently with the evolving local order parameter, yielding a transport framework that is more suitable for simulations of realistic collision scenarios.
Effects of the EGFR Inhibitor Erlotinib on Tumor Microenvironment: Implications for Therapy

Purpose/Objective(s): A recently published randomized study showed that combining an EGFR inhibitor with radiation increases survival and local control in patients with locally advanced head and neck cancer. We were interested in understanding the effects of EGFR inhibition on the tumor microenvironment in a head and neck cancer xenograft model, as this could provide insight into its effectiveness in combination with radiation and chemotherapy. Materials/Methods: We used SQ20B head and neck squamous cell carcinoma cells either in vitro or grown as subcutaneous xenografts in nude mice. Both in vitro (Western blotting, radiation cell survival assays) and in vivo studies (tumor regrowth assay, EF5 staining) were conducted. Results: We saw a minimal effect of erlotinib oninvitro radiosensitization. However, mice with SQ20B xenografts treated with the drug had prolonged time to tumor regrowth after 6 Gy of radiation compared to mice given radiation only. Because the in vivo effects appeared greater than the in vitro effects, we investigated the effects of erlotinib on the tumor microenvironment. Erlotinib decreased both vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF)-1a expression in vitro and in tumor xenografts grown in vivo. We measured vascular permeability within the xenografts using Evan’s blue dye and found a 75% reduction in permeability in the tumors of mice treated with the drug. Consistent with these results, tomato lectin staining of the tumor vasculature showed that erlotinib treatment led to a dramatic change in vessel morphology. Using Power Doppler we found that there was a greater than 3-fold increase in tumor perfusion within 48 hours of starting erlotinib treatment. This increased vascular perfusion was evident even at 96 hours, in spite of the fact that the tumors showed a 50% decrease in size by this time. Using the hypoxia marker EF5 we found that the pattern of hypoxia was heterogeneous in these tumors but that erlotinib treatment led to improved oxygenation. Conclusions: Erlotinib decreases HIF-1a/VEGF expression in SQ20B xenografts but paradoxically increases vascular perfusion. A potential explanation for this is the idea of ‘‘vascular normalization’’ as proposed by Jain (Science 2005;307:58). This could lead to increased delivery of chemotherapy to tumors in patients responding to erlotinib. Improved vascular perfusion may also lead to increased oxygenation that could play a role in increased in vivo radiosensitization.
The MUC1-C Oncoprotein Binds to the BH3 Domain of the Pro-apoptotic BAX Protein and Blocks BAX Function

The pro-apoptotic BAX protein contains a BH3 domain that is necessary for its dimerization and for activation of the intrinsic apoptotic pathway. The MUC1 (mucin 1) heterodimeric protein is overexpressed in diverse human carcinomas and blocks apoptosis in the response to stress. In this study, we demonstrate that the oncogenic MUC1-C subunit associates with BAX in human cancer cells. MUC1-C·BAX complexes are detectable in the cytoplasm and mitochondria and are induced by genotoxic and oxidative stress. The association between MUC1-C and BAX is supported by the demonstration that the MUC1-C cytoplasmic domain is sufficient for the interaction with BAX. The results further show that the MUC1-C cytoplasmic domain CQC motif binds directly to the BAX BH3 domain at Cys-62. Consistent with binding to the BAX BH3 domain, MUC1-C blocked BAX dimerization in response to (i) truncated BID in vitro and (ii) treatment of cancer cells with DNA-damaging agents. In concert with these results, MUC1-C attenuated localization of BAX to mitochondria and the release of cytochrome c. These findings indicate that the MUC1-C oncoprotein binds directly to the BAX BH3 domain and thereby blocks BAX function in activating the mitochondrial death pathway.
Effects of intermaxillary elastic traction on orthodontic tooth movement.

Summary Intermaxillary elastics are commonly used in orthodontic treatment, yet the exact mechanism by which they effect tooth movement has been unclear. A photoelastic model was produced to simulate this type of therapy in examples of Class II and III malocclusions. In the open situation, inter-arch activity precipitated occlusal plane rotation; counter clockwise in Class II malocclusion and clockwise in Class III. Comment is made on the force vectors involved when using intermaxillary elastics.
Technology and input demand: The case of Mexican steel scrap imports

Abstract The proposed North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) will very likely have profound effects on the organization of industries in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. In the case of Mexico, its impacts will be accompanied by a rationalization of production that can be expected to follow the privatization of many industries that were, in large part, government-owned. Perhaps one of the most interesting questions is how freer trade and the rationalization of production will affect the sourcing of inputs for key industries. The Mexican steel industry presents an interesting case, because many changes that are consistent with cost-minimizing behavior have already been implemented. Nonetheless, the demand for inputs such as scrap will depend significantly on the technological choices that take place as the NAFTA partners expand production and achieve dynamic gains from freer trade.