cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The contribution of intestinal and hepatic CYP3A to the interaction between midazolam and clarithromycin.

Objective To assess the relative contribution of intestinal and hepatic CYP3A inhibition to the interaction between the prototypic CYP3A substrates midazolam and clarithromycin. Methods On day 1, 16 volunteers (eight men and eight women; age range, 20 to 40 years; weight range, 45 to 100 kg) received simultaneous doses of midazolam intravenously (0.05 mg/kg over 30 minutes) and orally (4 mg of a stable isotope, 15N3-midazolam). Starting on day 2, 500 mg clarithromycin was administered orally twice daily for 7 days. On day 8, intravenous and oral doses of midazolam were administered 2 hours after the final clarithromycin dose. Blood and urine samples were assayed for midazolam, 15N3-midazolam, and metabolites by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Results There was no significant (p > 0.05) difference in the urinary excretion of 1′-hydroxymidazolam after intravenous and oral dosing on day 1 or day 8, indicating that the oral dose was completely absorbed into the gut wall. The oral clearance of midazolam was found to be significantly greater in female subjects (1.9 ± 1.0 versus 1.0 ± 0.3 L/hr/kg; p < 0.05) than in male subjects but not systemic clearance (0.35 ± 0.1 versus 0.44 ± 0.1 L/hr/kg). For women not receiving oral contraceptives (n = 6) a significant gender-related difference was observed for systemic and oral clearance and for area under the curve and elimination half-life after oral administration. A significant (p < 0.05) reduction in the systemic clearance of midazolam from 28 ± 9 L/hr to 10 ± 3 L/hr occurred after clarithromycin administration. Oral midazolam availability was significantly increased from 0.31 ± 0.1 to 0.75 +- 0.2 after clarithromycin dosing. Likewise, intestinal and oral availability were significantly increased from 0.42 ± 0.2 to 0.83 ± 0.2 and from 0.74 ± 0.1 to 0.90 ± 0.04, respectively. A significant correlation was observed between intestinal and oral availability (n = 32, r = 0.98, p < 0.05). After clarithromycin administration, a significant correlation was observed between the initial hepatic or intestinal availability and the relative increase in hepatic or intestinal availability, respectively. Female subjects exhibited a greater extent of interaction after oral and intravenous dosing than male subjects (p < 0.05). Conclusion These data indicate that in addition to the liver, the intestine is a major site of the interaction between oral midazolam and clarithromycin. Interindividual variability in first-pass extraction of high-affinity CYP3A substrates such as midazolam is primarily a function of intestinal enzyme activity. Clinical Pharmacology & Therapeutics (1998) 64, 133–143; doi:
Endoscopic laser fragmentation of ureteral calculi using the holmium:YAG

We used the holmium:YAG (Ho:YAG) laser successfully to fragment human urinary calculi of various sizes and compositions. At an energy level of 0.5 J/pulse and a frequency of 5 Hz, lithotripsy resulted in minimal ureteral-wall injury that was limited to superficial coagulative necrosis of the submucosa. Increasing the amount of energy or the frequency level, however, often resulted in significant damage to deeper ureteral tissue. When performed at low power settings with care to avoid direct ureteral-wall contact, Ho:YAG laser lithotripsy is safe and effective.© (1993) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Postprocedural Problems in an Overdenture Population: A Longitudinal Study

This study reports on endodontic and other post-procedural problems experienced by overdenture patients from 1973 to 1996. There were 395 subjects enrolled in the study; 273 fulfilled the recall criteria. At recall, all subjects were examined by a single examiner, and appropriate maintenance care was performed. The 273 subjects had 666 abutments and 626 endodontically treated teeth; of these, 51 subjects had postprocedural problems in 81 teeth. Thus, 87.1% of the endodontically treated teeth had no postprocedural problems, and 12.9% had postprocedural problems. Of the subpopulation with postprocedural problems, the most common problem was endodontically treated teeth developing periradicular lesions (37.0%) because of recurrent caries causing loss of the restoration sealing the root canal. Twenty of the 30 teeth were successfully retreated. The next most common problem was vertical root fractures (30.9%), followed by vital teeth developing periradicular lesions (19.8%). Most of the failures could have been prevented by better oral hygiene. Vertical root fractures were statistically associated with abutments in the maxilla and opposed by natural teeth; protection of these abutments with thimble crowns could prevent fractures.
Plasminogen Activator Inhibitor-1 in Cigarette Smoke Exposure and Influenza A Virus Infection-Induced Lung Injury

Parenchymal lung inflammation and airway and alveolar epithelial cell apoptosis are associated with cigarette smoke exposure (CSE), which contributes to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Epidemiological studies indicate that people exposed to chronic cigarette smoke with or without COPD are more susceptible to influenza A virus (IAV) infection. We found increased p53, PAI-1 and apoptosis in AECs, with accumulation of macrophages and neutrophils in the lungs of patients with COPD. In Wild-type (WT) mice with passive CSE (PCSE), p53 and PAI-1 expression and apoptosis were increased in AECs as was lung inflammation, while those lacking p53 or PAI-1 resisted AEC apoptosis and lung inflammation. Further, inhibition of p53-mediated induction of PAI-1 by treatment of WT mice with caveolin-1 scaffolding domain peptide (CSP) reduced PCSE-induced lung inflammation and reversed PCSE-induced suppression of eosinophil-associated RNase1 (EAR1). Competitive inhibition of the p53-PAI-1 mRNA interaction by expressing p53-binding 3’UTR sequences of PAI-1 mRNA likewise suppressed CS-induced PAI-1 and AEC apoptosis and restored EAR1 expression. Consistent with PCSE-induced lung injury, IAV infection increased p53, PAI-1 and apoptosis in AECs in association with pulmonary inflammation. Lung inflammation induced by PCSE was worsened by subsequent exposure to IAV. Mice lacking PAI-1 that were exposed to IAV showed minimal viral burden based on M2 antigen and hemagglutination analyses, whereas transgenic mice that overexpress PAI-1 without PCSE showed increased M2 antigen and inflammation after IAV infection. These observations indicate that increased PAI-1 expression promotes AEC apoptosis and exacerbates lung inflammation induced by IAV following PCSE.
The inhibition of GLUT1 glucose transport and cytochalasin B binding activity by tricyclic antidepressants

Under normal metabolic conditions glucose is an important energy source for the mammalian brain. Positron Emission Tomography studies of the central nervous system have demonstrated that tricyclic antidepressant medications alter cerebral metabolic function. The mode by which these drugs perturb metabolism is unknown. In the present study the interactions of tricyclic antidepressants with the GLUT1 glucose transport protein is examined. Amitriptyline, nortriptyline, desipramine, and imipramine all inhibit the influx of 3-O-methyl glucose into resealed erythrocytes. This inhibition is observed with drug concentrations in the millimolar range. All four antidepressants also noncompetitively displace cytochalasin B binding to GLUT1. The K(I) for this displacement ranges from 0.56 to 1.43 millimolar. This value is in a range greater than that associated with clinical doses and this effect may not be directly applicable to side effects observed with normal use. The observed interaction of these drugs with GLUT1 may reflect an affinity for other glucose-transport or glucose-binding proteins, and may possibly contribute to tricyclic antidepressant toxicity.
Well-posedness of dynamical system models

Abstract The problem of well-posedness has been discussed by several authors, G. Zanies and J. C. Willems in particular. Wo propose a new conceptual framework for the well-posedness of system models. In this framework well-posedness is viewed as the continuity of a specific property of a family of dynamical systems with'respect to a parameter change. This parameter change mny represent either errors due to modelling procedures, manufacturing tolerance, or tolerances involved in measuring the input data of the system. Several examples from different subfields of system theory are exhibited to illustrate the generality and flexibility of this new conceptual framework.
MARSH PLANTS AS VECTORS IN TRACE METAL TRANSPORT IN OREGON TIDAL MARSHES

The role of Pacific coast marsh plants as vectors in the flux of trace metals was studied in natural and perturbated situations. The flux of Cr, Cu, Fe, Mg, Sr, and Zn were studied in natural stands of Carex lyngbyei, Distichlis spicata, Potentilla pacifica, and Salicornia virginica. Seasonal fluxes of trace metals into the shoots of the living plants were measured as was their transfer to the dead plant community through mortality. Disappearance from the latter community (through fragmentation, leaching and excretion) was calculated. Seasonal data were summed to produce annual input-output budgets. The flux varied from 3 mg/n2 for Cr in a stand of Potentilla pacifica to 15,000 mg/M2 for Fe in Carex lyngbyei. The uptake of trace metals from contaminated dredged material was compared with that from natural soils using modified buckets placed in the marsh. Four plants (Carex lyngbyei, Distichlis spicata, Deschampsia cespitosa, and Salicornia virginica) were tested for Cd, Cr, Cu, Pb and Zn. Copper was the only metal accumulated from contaminated soils in the situations tested.
Optical communication systems for short-haul applications

This report describes an availability model for short-haul optical communication links operating through the atmosphere. To check this model, to assess equipment reliability, and to determine problems associated with fog, rain, snow, and atmospheric turbulence, a commercial link was operated for six months on a 3000-ft path near Boulder, Colorado.
Patterns of nursing intervention use across 6 days of acute care hospitalization for three older patient populations.

PURPOSE. The purpose was to (a) identify frequently used nursing interventions, and (b) describe patterns of interventions used for each of the three patient groups. METHODS. This secondary data analysis used data from an academic medical center where the Nursing Interventions Classification (NIC) was used to electronically document nursing care. Descriptive statistics describe the types, frequencies, and patterns of NIC interventions delivered to three older acute care populations. FINDINGS. Four NIC treatments were frequently used in all patient groups. There were also NIC treatments and patterns of treatments that were unique to each group. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS. Using standardized nursing language in electronic medical records (EMRs) enables data extraction and analysis. Data extracted from EMRs provides nurse administrators with a tool to guide decisions regarding nurse staffing, education, evaluation, and resource allocation.
Optical floating zone crystal growth and magnetic properties of MgCr2O4

Abstract Large, high-quality single crystals of the magnesium chromate spinel, MgCr2O4, have been grown by the optical floating zone technique. The impact of experimental parameters including the feed rod density, growth atmosphere, temperature gradient, and the growth rate on eventual crystal quality have been studied. The best single crystals were obtained by growing in purified argon, at high growth rates of 8–24 mm/h and using a slow cooling procedure. The crystals were characterized using Laue and powder X-ray diffraction, energy dispersive X-ray analysis, and magnetization measurements. Lattice parameter measurements taken from the crystals prepared at various growth conditions combined with the magnetic data show that off-stoichiometric crystals have larger lattice constants and a higher magnetic susceptibility at TN. Our results demonstrate the importance of correlating growth conditions with structural and physical properties to produce high quality single crystals that have physical properties commensurate with stoichiometric powder samples.
A Minimum Delay Routing Algorithm Using Distributed Computation

An algorithm is defined for establishing routing tables in the individual nodes of a data network. The routing table at a node i specifies, for each other node j , what fraction of the traffic destined for node j should leave node i on each of the links emanating from node i . The algorithm is applied independently at each node and successively updates the routing table at that node based on information communicated between adjacent nodes about the marginal delay to each destination. For stationary input traffic statistics, the average delay per message through the network converges, with successive updates of the routing tables, to the minimum average delay over all routing assignments. The algorithm has the additional property that the traffic to each destination is guaranteed to be loop free at each iteration of the algorithm. In addition, a new global convergence theorem for noncontinuous iteration algorithms is developed.
Stubble Management Effects on Three Creeping Red Fescue Cultivars Grown for Seed Production

Nonthermal management to mechanically remove residue in creeping red fescue (Festuca rubra L.) seed crops has been associated with yield loss when compared with field burning. This 2-yr field study was conducted to investigate the underlying causes for reduced seed yield potential under mechanical residue removal management compared with traditional burning. The effects of two stubble heights, 2.5 and 5.0 cm, complete mechanical stubble removal, and burning were measured on three cultivars of creeping red fescue stands during the first, second, and third year after establishment. Plant reserves for regrowth were reduced by an average of 47% over all cultivars when stubble was completely removed by burning or mechanically below 5.0 cm. Fall regrowth in stubble >2.5 cm in height ranged from 0.6 to 1.9 cm taller compared with treatments where stubble was completely removed. Fall tiller height showed a consistent negative relationship with fertile tiller production in the following spring. Rhizome development in 'Shademaster' and 'Hector', which produce many rhizomes, was reduced >30% when stubble was removed below 2.5 cm. Fertile tiller production, a major component of creeping red fescue yield potential, increased by >25% when stubble was removed by burning or mechanically to ground level in both Shademaster and Hector but was unaffected in 'Seabreeze', which produces few rhizomes. In seed production of creeping red fescue, stubble removal to the plant crown, particularly in cultivars producing many rhizomes, is crucial for maximizing seed yield potential.
Histamine modification of spontaneous rate and rhythm in infarcted canine ventricle.

1. Histamine (10−3M) increased the spontaneous rate similarly in isolated preparations of normal left ventricular tissue from control, i.e. normal and sham-operated, dogs (control preparations) and in preparations consisting of normaland contiguous infarcted left ventricular tissue from dogs with subacute, i.e. 24 hours after left coronary artery ligation, myocardial infarction (infarcted preparations). 2. Histamine (10−3M) markedly enhanced the irregular rhythm of infarcted preparations. 3. The H1-receptor antagonist, chlorpheniramine (10−4M), and the H2-receptor antagonist, cimetidine (10−3M), antagonized the effects of histamine (10−3M) on the spontaneous rate of both control and infarcted preparations. 4. The H1-receptor agonist, 2-pyridyl ethylamine (PEA, 10−4M), increased the spontaneous rate of control and infarcted preparations; these effects were antagonized by chlorpheniramine (10−4M). The H2-receptor agonist, dimaprit, had no effect. 5. Similar to histamine (10−3M), PEA (10−4M) enhanced the irregular rhythm of infarcted preparations; dimaprit had no effect. 6. High local concentrations of histamine may occur in poorly perfused ischemic tissue. The enhancement of irregular rhythm produced by histamine, and the specific H1-receptor agonist, PEA, leads us to suggest its involvement in arrhythmias associated with subacute myocardial infarction.
The Fate and Transport of Phosphorus in Turfgrass Ecosystems

Phosphorus losses from turfgrass areas are perceived to contribute to water quality prob- lems, yet a comprehensive review of P fate in turfgrass ecosystems is lacking. According to available data in the literature, phosphorus fer- tilizer inputs (2-10 kg ha -1 ) slightly exceed the estimated outputs of phosphorus in clippings (0.4-7.5 kg ha -1 ). Sediment losses from turf areas are negligible, generally limited to estab- lishment, but runoff and leaching losses of P vary from inconsequential to severe depending on rate, source, and timing of fertilizer applica- tion. Soil properties were found to have a larger effect on runoff volume than vegetative prop- erties. Highest runoff and leaching losses of P occurred when rainfall occurred or was simu- lated shortly after P fertilizer application. Leach- ing losses of P have historically been considered relatively minor; however, the limited research results available indicate that annual P leach- ing losses from mineral soils (0.2-0.7 kg ha -1 ) are similar in magnitude to runoff-P losses from turfgrass systems. One major gap in the knowl- edge is how P sources other than fertilizer (i.e., soil and plant tissue) and irrigation affect runoff and leaching losses of P.
Feynman-Kac formula in phase space with application to coherent-state transitions

A Feynman-Kac formula for transitions between initial and final states which are linear superpositions of momentum and position states is given by Eq. (10) (phase-space version) or equivalently by Eq. (73) (configuration-space version). The integrators are given explicity in terms of the Jacobi fields of the system (67).
Phosphorylation-related modification at the dimer interface of 14-3-3ω dramatically alters monomer interaction dynamics.

Abstract 14-3-3 proteins are generally believed to function as dimers in a broad range of eukaryotic signaling pathways. The consequences of altering dimer stability are not fully understood. Phosphorylation at Ser58 in the dimer interface of mammalian 14-3-3 isoforms has been reported to destabilise dimers. An equivalent residue, Ser62, is present across most Arabidopsis isoforms but the effects of phosphorylation have not been studied in plants. Here, we assessed the effects of phosphorylation at the dimer interface of Arabidopsis 14-3-3ω. Protein kinase A phosphorylated 14-3-3ω at Ser62 and also at a previously unreported residue, Ser67, resulting in a monomer-sized band on native-PAGE. Phosphorylation at Ser62 alone, or with additional Ser67 phosphorylation, was investigated using phosphomimetic versions of 14-3-3ω. In electrophoretic and chromatographic analyses, these mutants showed mobilities intermediate between dimers and monomers. Mobility was increased by detergents, by reducing protein concentration, or by increasing pH or temperature. Urea gradient gels showed complex structural transitions associated with alterations of dimer stability, including a previously unreported 14-3-3 aggregation phenomenon. Overall, our analyses showed that dimer interface modifications such as phosphorylation reduce dimer stability, dramatically affecting the monomer–dimer equilibrium and denaturation trajectory. These findings may have dramatic implications for 14-3-3 structure and function in vivo.
Can sympathomimetic agents be classified by their action on the force-interval relationship?

Abstract The use of the force-interval relationship, the dependence of cardiac contractility on the rate and pattern of stimulation, has been suggested as an index of cardiac contractility, e g. it differentiates among normal, hypertrophied and failing myocardium. In this paper, we describe the effects of sympathomimetic agents on the force-interval relationship and show that this relationship is useful in differentiating the actions of these drugs on the myocardium. Rabbit right ventricular papillary muscles were exposed to isoproterenol, norepinephrine, methoxamine and phenylephrine during a standard two-stage pacing experiment. The force-interval relationship is characterized by force-interval curves which describe how contractility, i.e. the maximum rate of rise of force (Ḟmax), changes between contractions. In the control solution the curves were monotonic and the force-interval ratio (FIR), a measure of post-extrasystolic potentiation, was always greater than unity. Isoproterenol and norepinephrine had similar actions on the force-interval relationship: Fmax was potentiated, FIR reduced and the curves became biphasic. Methoxamine had the same effect on FIR and the curves. Practolol or propranolol competitively inhibited these changes whereas phentolamine did not inhibit but accentuated them. Phenylephrine increased Fmax, but unlike the other agonists it increased FIR and the curves remained monophasic. These effects were inhibited competitively by phentolamine. Based upon the action of the competitive inhibitors, these patterns are separable into those produced by α- and β-agonists. The results suggest that the force-interval relationship may be used as a new basis for distinguishing the actions of sympathomimetic agents.
Distribution and origin of clay minerals in the lower jurassic McCoy brook formation, Minas Basin, Nova Scotia

Abstract The distribution of clay minerals in the depositional facies of the McCoy Brook Formation is controlled by the clay-mineral origin (extrabasinal versus intrabasinal). The McCoy Brook Formation was deposited during Early Jurassic (Hettangian-Sinemurian) time in the Minas basin as alluvial-fan, sandflat, playa, lacustrine, fluvial, eolian, debris-flow and talus facies during a period of semiarid to arid climate. The predominant minerals in the clay fraction of the formation are illite, smectite, chlorite, and palygorskite. These minerals are partitioned in the depositional environments in three assemblages. Assemblage one comprises dominantly illite with lesser concentrations of smectite, chlorite and palygorskite. This assemblage characterizes alluvial-fan, sandflat and playa facies. Assemblage two consists predominantly of smectite, with trace concentrations of illite and chlorite. This assemblage is characteristic of fluvial-channel, eolian, debris-flow and talus facies. Assemblage three comprises mainly illite, trace amounts of chlorite, and trace concentrations or no smectite. This assemblage is found in fluvial floodplain and lacustrine facies. Illite and chlorite are mainly of extrabasinal origin, having formed from weathering in the source area. Smectite and palygorskite are of intrabasinal origin. The smectite, identified as Fe-rich saponite, formed from alteration of basalt clasts within eolian, debris-flow and talus facies and of basalt outcrops adjacent to fluvial-channel facies. Palygorskite formed during pedogenesis in facies exposed at the surface for long intervals during deposition under semiarid to arid conditions.
B3LYP investigation of HPO2, trans-HOPO, cis-HOPO, and their radical anions

The B3LYP density functional method was used to determine the optimized geometries, harmonic vibrational frequencies, and anharmonic vibrational frequencies of HPO 2 and the trans- and cis-isomers of HOPO. Additionally, the isotropic hyperfine splitting (hfs) constants and the vibrationally averaged hfs were determined for the radical anions of each species. cis-HOPO is predicted to be the lowest energy isomer of the neutral systems, with trans-HOPO lying 3.0 kcal mol - 1 higher and HPO 2 lying 11.9 kcal mol - 1 higher than that. The pyramidal HPO 2 - radical is the lowest energy anion, and the cis- and trans-isomers lie ∼5 and ∼8 kcal mol - 1 , respectively, above HPO 2 - . Higher lying σ radicals of HOPO - resemble PO 2 - and free H. The B3LYP/ 6-311+G(2d,2p) values of A i s o ( 1 H) = 1211.98 MHz (trans) and 1199.90 MHz (cis) confirm that the 2 A' HOPO anion dissociates to PO 2 - + H. H 2 PO was also investigated because of its similarity to HPO 2 - . The computed hfs constant for 1 H (109.64 MHz) is fortuitously in excellent agreement with the experimental value, while that for 3 1 P (950.29 MHz) differs significantly from experiment, and this deviation is attributed to the lack of a basis set for P that provides a good description of the P Is s core. Vibrational averaging affects the computed hfs in HYPO by 5-6 MHz for A i s o ( 3 1 P) but only by ∼2 MHz in HPO 2 - . The effect of vibrational averaging is small (1-2 MHz) for A i s o ( 1 H) but more significant (8-20 MHz) in HPO 2 - . A i s o ( 1 7 O) is relatively unaffected by vibrational averaging in both H 2 PO and HPO 2 - . Solvent effects were evaluated using the conductor-like polarizable continuum model (CPCM), and these hfs values for HPO 2 - [A i s o ( 3 1 P) = 1123.42 MHz, A i s o ( 1 H) = 243.51 MHz] and HYPO [A i s o ( 3 1 P) = 1003.54 MHz, A i s o ( 1 H) = 109.27 MHz] are in closer agreement with experiment. Convergence of the Fermi contact terms for 3 1 P computed using B3LYP with the aug-cc-pCVXZ and aug-cc-pV(X+d)Z families of basis sets is erratic and slow. On the other hand, with the same basis sets, CCSD(T) produces hfs constants for the P atom that are in close agreement with experiment.
A Prospective Study Measuring Penile Length in Men Treated With Radical Prostatectomy for Prostate Cancer

ABSTRACTPurpose: Some patients report that the penis is smaller after radical retropubic prostatectomy for prostate cancer. We performed a prospective study which measured penile length before and after radical retropubic prostatectomy.Materials and Methods: A total of 124 men consented to penile measurements before radical prostatectomy performed by the same surgeon. Repeat measurements were performed at 3-month intervals following surgery. Penile measurements (cm.) consisted of flaccid length, stretched length, depth of prepubic fat pad and circumference. Statistical analysis of penile measurements was performed using the paired samples and independent Student’s t test, Pearson’s correlation and analysis of variance.Results: Mean patient age was 59.1 (range 42 to 76). No patient had a penile abnormality, for example Peyronie’s disease, or history of penile or urethral surgery. The size of the penis was significantly smaller after prostatectomy, and there was a significant difference for flaccid (p <0.00...
Species and sex-dependent toxicokinetics of 1-bromopropane: the role of hepatic cytochrome P450 oxidation and glutathione (GSH).

Abstract1. The objectives of the current studies were to evaluate the factors influencing the toxicokinetics of 1-bromopropane (1-BP) in rodents after intravenous (IV) and inhalation exposure.2. F-344 rats were administered 1-BP via IV bolus injection at 5 and 20 mg/kg and blood concentration determined versus time. F-344 rats and B6C3F1 mice were also exposed to starting inhalation concentrations 70, 240, 800 and 2700 ppm 1-BP in a closed gas uptake system and chamber 1-BP levels were monitored for 6 h. Plasma bromide concentrations were determined to estimate total metabolized dose. Rats were pretreated with chemical inhibitors of cytochrome P450 and glutathione (GSH) synthesis, prior to exposure to 1-BP at 800 ppm within inhalation chambers.3. Systemic clearance of 1-BP in rat was rapid and decreased with increasing dose. As inhalation chamber concentration of 1-BP increased, the terminal elimination rates decreased. Half-life of 1-BP in rats following inhibition of P450 (9.6 h) or depletion of GSH (4....
Life after Pseudodeath: William Beckford's Vathek

(2009). Life after Pseudodeath: William Beckford's Vathek. The Explicator: Vol. 67, No. 3, pp. 170-173.
Adhesion to and invasion of cultured tick (Acarina: Ixodidae) cells by Borrelia burgdorferi (Spirochaetales: Spirochaetaceae) and maintenance of infectivity.

Lyme disease spirochetes, Borrelia burgdorferi, interact with cultured tick cells in ways similar to those reported to occur in the vector Ixodes dammini Spielman, Clifford, Piesman & Corwin. Spirochete adhesion and penetration were examined using a cell line from embryos of Rhipicephalus appendiculatus Neumann that morphologically resembles tick gut cells, RAE25. Cocultivation of B. burgdorferi with these cells permitted prolonged maintenance of infectivity for hamsters. Borrelial adherence to RAE25 cells was time- and density-dependent and increased by 10—15% per h during the first 5.5 h of cocultivation when we used a concentration of 4 × 107 spirochetes/ml. After 6 h, >90% of the cells bound an average of 3*.xml5 spirochetes per cell. Low passage, hamster-infective strains of B. burgdorferi (JMNT and CD16) showed a 2-3-fold higher rate of adhesion to RAE25 cells than the highly passaged, noninfectious strain B31. Inactivation of CD16 or JMNT by heat, starvation, or treatment with puromycin reduced adherence by 40*.xml60%, whereas preheatment with monoclonal antibodies to the outer surface proteins had no effect. Spirochetes adhered to young I. dammini cell lines to a similar degree as they did to RAE25, whereas lines from the ticks Dermacentor variabilis (Say) (RML15) and Boophilus microplus (Canestrini) (BME26) bound 30—60% fewer spirochetes. Electron microscopy revealed epicellular borreliae associated with coated pits and vesicles before endocytosis, and intracellular spirochetes were surrounded by a host cell-derived membrane.
SU(1,1) quasi-spin formalism of the many-boson system in a spherical field

Abstract A new approach is developed to treat the many boson system in a spherical field, such as, for example, the nuclear many surface phonon state. This approach is a generalization of the SU(2) quasi-spin formalism for fermion systems to the noncompact SU(1, 1) group for boson systems. It is shown that the pair creation, pasr destruction, and number operators form a Lie algebra of the SU(1, 1) group and that the wave-function |lnvLM> of n bosons with seniority v constitutes a two-valued projective representation of the SU(1, 1) group. The transformation properties of tensor operators in the SU(1, 1) quasi-spin space are examined in detail; the Wigner-Eckart theorem is established for the matrix elements of a tensor operator the unitary representations of the SU(1, 1) group. A new kind of Wigner coefficient of the SU(1, 1) group is obtained which couples unitary and nonunitary representations to get a unitary representation. Algebraic formulas of this Wigner coefficient are derived; this coefficient is proved to be an analytic continuation of the Clebsch-Gordan coefficient of the SU(2) group. Since the particle number, n, appears only in the projective quantum numbers of this formalism, the n-dependence of any matrix element can be separated entirely into that of the Wigner coefficient alone; thus, n-boson problem reduces directly to a ν-boson problem.
Computational fluid dynamics modeling of hydrogen ignition in a rapid compression machine

Abstract In modeling a rapid compression machine (RCM) experiment, a zero-dimensional code is commonly used along with an associated heat loss model. However, the applicability of such a zero-dimensional modeling needs to be assessed over a range of accessible experimental conditions. It is expected that when there exists significant influence of the multidimensional effects, including boundary layer, vortex roll-up, and nonuniform heat release, the zero-dimensional modeling may not be adequate. In this work, we simulate ignition of hydrogen in an RCM by employing computational fluid dynamics (CFD) studies with detailed chemistry. Through the comparison of CFD simulations with zero-dimensional results, the validity of a zero-dimensional modeling for simulating RCM experiments is assessed. Results show that the zero-dimensional modeling based on the approach of “adiabatic volume expansion” generally performs very well in adequately predicting the ignition delay of hydrogen, especially when a well-defined homogeneous core is retained within an RCM. As expected, the performance of this zero-dimensional modeling deteriorates with increasing temperature nonuniformity within the reaction chamber. Implications for the species sampling experiments in an RCM are further discussed. Proper interpretation of the measured species concentrations is emphasized and the validity of simulating RCM species sampling results with a zero-dimensional model is assessed.
Does Evidential Variety Depend on How the Evidence Is Described

The Variety of Evidence Thesis (VET) says that (ceteris paribus) the more diverse (or varied) of two bodies of evidence is the more confirmatory of a hypothesis H. Two recent types of Bayesian explication of VET account for the intuitive force of VET by defining variety as some function of the probabilities of the propositions which collectively constitute a body of evidence. I show that these two accounts of VET are not tracking a meaningful property of bodies of evidence, but rather are tracking artifacts of how those bodies of evidence are described. According to each account, whether a body of evidence is more varied than another depends on how the bodies are split into parts. Furthermore, for each type of account there exists a way to redescribe the total evidence such that any two totalities are equally varied.
Identifying post-translational modifications of NEMO by tandem mass spectrometry after high affinity purification.

An integral component of NF-κB signalling is NEMO, NF-κB essential modulator, a regulatory protein of the IκB kinase (IKK) complex. Post-translational modifications of NEMO, including phosphorylation, SUMOylation, and ubiquitination are critical events during stimuli induced NF-κB activation. Here we demonstrate a method to detect post-translational modifications of NEMO using cells stably expressing polyhistidine tagged NEMO which allows for high-affinity purification of NEMO following rapid denaturing lysis and characterization by MS/MS. We identified a previously uncharacterized basal phosphorylation of NEMO at Serine 387 and tested the biological significance of this phosphorylation through a somatic genetic complementation analysis using the NEMO mutants S387A, S388D, and P388I in 1.3E2 NEMO-deficient murine pre-B cells. NF-κB signalling induced by bacterial lipopolysaccharide, Interleukin-1s or the DNA damaging agent etoposide was not perturbed by these mutations of NEMO. Thus, S387 phosphorylation of NEMO is not a general requirement to mediate efficient NF-κB signalling and therefore may have cell type and/or stimulus-specific activity in vivo.
Distribution and biochemical effects of DDT, DDD and DDE in penned double-crested cormorants

Abstract Concentrations, distribution and chronic effects of DDT, DDD and DDE were determined in penned cormorants (Phalacrocorax a. auritus) treated with 2, 5 and 10 mg of a combination of these compounds daily in their diet. Birds stressed by a one-half decrease in food after the cessation of 9 weeks of treatment and birds that died of DDT toxicity showed a marked increase in brain and liver residues and a decrease in carcass residues. Higher brain residue levels were significantly correlated with decreased body weight (p
Shape anisotropy and ordered phases in reversibly assembling lyotropic systems.

When a fluid composed of sufficiently asymmetric hard particles is compressed, purely entropic effects give rise to phases possessing long-range orientational and, in some cases, translational order. The various ordered phases observed in conventional lyotropic liquid-crystal systems are commonly described in terms of such a hard-particle model. Here we study the liquid-crystal phases observed in reversibly assembling lyotropics (i.e., systems in which amphiphilic monomers form asymmetric aggregates) within the framework of a hard-particle model. These self-assembling systems are complicated by a variable and polydisperse aggregate size distribution, which is both concentration and temperature dependent, and is coupled to the orientational and translational ordering of the system. Our approach employs a phenomenological description of aggregate assembly, in conjunction with a scaled particle treatment of fluid configurational entropy and a cell description of periodic columnar and smectic density modulations. Cases of rodlike and disklike aggregates are considered. The calculated phase diagram for the rodlike (disklike) system displays a low-temperature nematic phase intervening between a low-concentration isotropic phase and a high-concentration columnar (smectic) phase. With increasing temperature the region of nematic stability narrows and finally terminates at an isotropic-nematic-columnar (smectic) triple point above which there is a direct isotropic to columnar (smectic) transition. This general phase diagram is characteristic of a number of experimental systems in which the aggregates are restricted to either rod- or disklike geometries. The calculated concentration dependence of the aggregate size distribution, orientational order parameter, and periodic columnar and smectic spacings are also reported and compared with specific experimental results.
Raman scattering study of crystal dynamics and order-disorder transitions in alkali hydrosulfides

Abstract Raman spectra have been measured for NaSH, CsSH and RbSH over a range of temperatures from 85 to 400°K. The results show that the order-disorder phase transitions in these solids are associated with significant changes in the details of their crystal dynamics. In addition the Raman spectra provide clear evidence for the existence of previously unobserved low-temperature phases in each compound, which apparently involve total ordering of the SH− ions.
Relative persistence of avoidance and positively reinforced behavior

Abstract In one experiment with rats, and a second with pigeons, subjects were trained on a schedule in which identical response dependencies applied to intermittent receipt of positive reinforcement (PR) for one group and avoidance (AV) of shock for a second group. After obtaining comparable stable training performance for groups PR and AV, persistence tests were conducted with a traditional extinction (EXT) procedure vs. response-independent (FREE) delivery of positive reinforcers or shocks. In both experiments, response elimination was rapid in EXT for groups PR and AV, and responding tended to be maintained in groups PR and AV in the FREE persistence test. These results contradict the widely held assumption that avoidance behavior is unusually resistant to extinction, and they call for a re-examination of elimination of avoidance responding.
NEAR-INFRARED BAND STRENGTHS OF MOLECULES DILUTED IN N2 AND H2O ICE MIXTURES RELEVANT TO INTERSTELLAR AND PLANETARY ICES

The relative abundances of ices in astrophysical environments rely on accurate laboratory measurements of physical parameters, such as band strengths (or absorption intensities), determined for the molecules of interest in relevant mixtures. In an extension of our previous study on pure-ice samples, here we focus on the near-infrared absorption features of molecules in mixtures with the dominant components of interstellar and planetary ices, H2O and N2. We present experimentally measured near-infrared spectral information (peak positions, widths, and band strengths) for both H2O- and N2-dominated mixtures of CO (carbon monoxide), CO2 (carbon dioxide), CH4 (methane), and NH3 (ammonia). Band strengths were determined during sample deposition by correlating the growth of near-infrared features (10,000-4000 per centimeter, 1-2.5 micrometers) with better-known mid-infrared features (4000-400 per centimeter, 2.5-25 micrometers) at longer wavelengths.
Association of endogenous hormones with C-reactive protein, fibrinogen, and white blood count in post-menopausal women

Oral exogenous estrogen raises C-reactive protein (CRP) concentrations, but the impact of endogenous hormones is unknown. We examined the cross-sectional relation of several serum hormones with CRP, fibrinogen, and white blood cell count – three inflammatory markers linked prospectively to coronary artery disease. Serum hormones were measured on a sample (n=317) of postmenopausal female participants, with or without carotid intima-media thickening, in the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) Study. Fibrinogen and white blood cell count were available on all and CRP in a subset (n=57). Adjusted for age, race, and case-control status, mean CRP was 2-fold greater in the highest vs. lowest quartiles of estrone and androstenedione, and CRP was 2-fold less across quartiles of sex hormone binding globulin. These associations were not all statistically significant with this sample size. Fibrinogen and white blood cell count also were associated positively with estrone, androstenedione, and testosterone (and fibrinogen also with dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate). Adjustment for other risk factors and especially body mass index, a known determinant of endogenous hormone levels, attenuated most associations. In conclusion, several endogenous sex hormones may influence basal levels of inflammatory markers. Obesity appears to play a modulating role.
Coordination and control of bimanual prehension: effects of perturbing object location

The purpose of the present study was to investigate the coordination of the two effectors when one or both targets were displaced in a bimanual prehension task. Sixteen right-handed volunteers were asked to reach 20 cm to grasp and lift two cubic objects with the right and left hands. Upon initiation of the reach: (1) both objects could remain at the initial position (NN); (2) the right object could be displaced toward the subject (NJ); (3) the left object could be displaced (JN); or (4) both objects could be displaced (JJ). Generally, the results indicated that the hand moving to the perturbed object was reorganized to reach the target efficiently, but hovered to somewhat couple object lift for the two hands. In contrast, adjustments were seen in the velocity profiles of the hand moving to the non-perturbed target, including a premature deceleration phase and corrective movements to reach the target location. Together, these results indicate that when the perturbation of one object occurs during the performance of a bimanual prehension task, visual information is used to independently update the control process for the limb moving to the perturbed object. Additionally, interference causes the limb moving to the non-perturbed target to be inappropriately adjusted in response to the perturbation. Our results also indicated that perceptual and motor factors such as time allotted for the use of feedback and the direction of movement may play a role in the independence/dependence relationship between the hands during bimanual tasks. Furthermore, subjects’ expectations about the performance and goal of the task could have a further influence on the level of interference seen during bimanual movements. Finally, despite interference effects which caused multiple accelerations and decelerations, the hand moving to the non-perturbed target still achieved the target location in the same movement time as during control conditions. This final result indicates the efficiency with which subjects can reorganize both limbs in the face of altered task requirements.
Platelets in host resistance: in vitro interaction of platelets, bacteria and polymorphonuclear leukocytes.

When blood platelets are activated by bacteria or latex particles in vitro they adhere to the side of the glass tube. Polymorphonuclear leukocytes attach to the activated platelets and ingest the bacteria which are also attached to the platelets. It is suggested that these observations may have an in vivo counterpart in disseminated intravascular clotting.
AN EMPIRICAL NOTE ON CRITICAL COMMENTARY IN AUSTRALIAN ECONOMICS JOURNALS

A substantial empirical literature exists on ranking the published research output of individual academic economists and individual university Economics departments, including Australian work in Economics. However, very little corresponding effort has been directed at examining trends in the nature of published articles, and this embryonic literature is exclusively focused on a handful of top-ranked journals to the exclusion of Australian Economics journals. This note seeks to fill this gap by adopting the methodology developed by Coelho et al. (2005) in their analysis of the decline in critical commentary and applying it to Australian Economics journals for the period 1962 to 2005.
Challenges to the standard model of Big Bang nucleosynthesis

Abstract Big Bang nucleosynthesis provides a unique probe of the early evolution of the Universe and a crucial test of the consistency of the standard hot Big Bang cosmological model. Although the primordial abundances of 2H, 3He, 4He, and 7Li inferred from current observational data are in agreement with those predicted by Big Bang nucleosynthesis, recent analysis has severely restricted the consistent range for the nucleon-to-photon ratio: 3.7 </= eta10 </= 4.0. Increased accuracy in the estimate of primordial 4He and observations of Be and B in Pop II stars are offering new challenges to the standard model and suggest that no new light particles may be allowed (N(BBN)nu </= 3.0, where Nnu is the number of equivalent light neutrinos).
DNA of mammalian and avian heterochromatin.

Abstract The buoyant density, satellite composition, and in some cases renaturation kinetics of the DNA of whole nuclei, euchromatin, heterochromatin + nucleoli and pure nucleoli, were determined in the mouse, guinea pig, horse, dog, Chinese hamster, Microtus agrestis, chicken and Japanese quail. These and other studies suggest there are several different types of DNA which may be localized to the constitutive heterochromatin. These include the following: 1. I. Repetitious satellite DNA: (a) AT-rich, (b) GC-rich, (c) same density as main band DNA. 2. II. Repetitious main band DNA. 3. III. Non-repetitious DNA: (a) GC-rich heavy shoulder DNA, (b) AT-rich main band DNA.
Touching Consumers, engaging the Senses in Consumption

ABSTRACTFor years, the Campbell's Soup Company advertised their brand of soup through a message of “Mmm, Mmm, Good.” This slogan reached mass audiences primarily through visual and auditory media messages of television and print. Campbell's recently switched to a new form of advertising to consumers through an IAd application. The format works through Apple iPhones by first showing an interactive ad teaser, “You're getting warmer,” then when clicked through asks consumers to download cooking applications individually to their iPhones. This shift represents a change in appealing to consumers' senses and social sensibilities. The former media approach appealed to a rational social sensibility and mass audiences of eating soup at home as an enjoyment shared with others. The latter iAd slogan and iPhones media approach appeals to a more tactile sense and individualistic sensibility. This article explores the particular confluence of social, sensory, and media factors that intersect with a marketed food brand,...
An integrated therapy for anxiety disorders

Anxiety disorders are best viewed from the biopsychological model in terms of etiology as well as treatment. Leading psychological theories and treatments are reviewed, as well as biological theories and current pharmacotherapies of these disorders. Treatment using these modalities is discussed from several perspectives: the psychotherapist as primary therapist, consulting a pharmacotherapist for medication treatment; the pharmacotherapist as primary therapist, consulting a psychotherapist for addition of psychotherapy; and the solo practitioner, providing both psychotherapy and pharmacotherapy. Case illustrations of each approach are given, and advantages, disadvantages, and pitfalls of each method are explored, concluding that in many cases, whether one or two therapists are involved, the best treatment is likely to be an integration of psychotherapy and pharmacotherapy. © 1997 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.