cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Relationship of neurologic status in macaques infected with the simian immunodeficiency virus to cerebrospinal fluid quinolinic acid and kynurenic acid.

Increased concentrations of the excitotoxin quinolinic acid (QUIN) have been implicated in the neurologic deficits and brain atrophy that may accompany infection with the human immunodeficiency virus type-1. Key neuropathologic features of the AIDS encephalitis are replicated in some macaques following infection with the simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV). In the present studies, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) QUIN concentrations increased within 2 weeks following infection of 11 rhesus macaques (Macaca mulatta) with a neurotropic sooty mangabey isolate of the simian immunodeficiency virus (SIVsm) and were sustained to > 2 standard deviations above uninfected control macaques. Highest CSF QUIN concentrations (up to 400-fold above pre-inoculation levels) were observed in 6 SIVsm-infected macaques with motor and behavioral abnormalities during life, brain atrophy on MRI scan and inflammatory lesions within the brain and meninges. Four of the 6 neurologic macaques deteriorated rapidly within 12 weeks after inoculation and had substantially larger increases in CSF QUIN levels than 2 other neurologic macaques and 5 macaques without neurologic signs which survived for longer than 37 weeks. Increases in serum QUIN and CSF kynurenic acid also occurred but generally to a lesser degree than the increases in CSF QUIN. In some animals, increases in seruml-kynurenine concentrations and reductions in CSF and seruml-tryptophan occurred and were consistent with activation of indoleamine-2, 3-dioxygenase, the first enzyme of the kynurenine pathway in extrahepatic tissues. CSF QUIN exceeded serum QUIN in 8.8% of samples from macaques with neurologic signs, supporting increased QUIN synthesis within the central nervous system. Production of [13C6]QUIN was demonstrated in one SIVsm-infected macaque and one uninfected control macaque following an intracisternal injection of [13C6]l-tryptophan and suggests thatl-tryptophan is a substrate for QUIN synthesis within the nervous system or meninges, although the cellular localization of QUIN synthesis remain to be determined. We conclude that increases in kynurenine pathway metabolism occur in SIV-infected macaques and are most prominent in macaques with neurologic signs. Macaques infected with SIV offer a model to investigate the relationship between the metabolism of neuroactive kynurenines and neurologic disturbances associated with retroviral infection.
Excretion of tryptophan metabolites by patients with rheumatoid arthritis

The urinary excretion of tryptophan metabolites was measured in control subjects, in patients with active rheumatoid arthritis, and in patients with related disorders. After tryptophan loading, 12/15 female patients and 4/5 male patients with active rheumatoid arthritis and a positive latex test had significantly elevated levels of one or more of the tryptophan metabolites measured. Hydroxykynurenine and kynurenine were the metabolites most frequently elevated. Although excretion of 4-pyridoxic acid was in the normal range in these subjects, administration of supplements of pyridoxine restored tryptophan metabolism toward normal in a group of 11 female patients in which this was studied. The data suggests that a high percentage of these patients have a functional pyridoxine deficiency demonstrable in tryptophan metabolism only by means of a tryptophan loading test. Le excretion urinari de metabolitos de tryptophano esseva mesurate in sub-jectos de controlo, in patientes con active arthritis rheumatoidee, e in patientes con relationate disordines. Post cargation con tryptophano, 12 inter 15 patientes feminin e 4 inter 5 patientes mascule con active arthritis rheumatoidee e posi-tivitate del test a latex monstrava significative elevationes de un o plures del metabolitos de tryptophano mesurate. Hydroxycynurenina e cynurenina esseva le metabolitos elevate le plus frequente-mente. Ben que le excretion de acido 4-pyridoxic esseva in iste subjectos intra le limites del norma, le administration de supplementos de pyridoxina restaurava le metabolismo de tryptophano in le direction de valores normal in un gruppo de 11 patientes feminin in qui iste aspecto del question esseva studiate. Le datos suggere que un alte procentage de iste patientes ha un carentia functional de pyridoxina que es demonstrabile in le metabolismo de tryptophano solmente per medio de un test a cargation de tryptophano.
Racial and Social Class Isolation in Magnet Schools

Abstract Magnet schools are part of reform desegregation efforts in many school districts. Despite recent and continuing interest in attracting students away from their neighborhood schools and into generally minority neighborhoods, in order to increase students' academic performance and to enhance racial and social diversity, little research has been conducted evaluating the effects of such school choice programs on students, parents, or teachers. The purpose of this study was to describe the perceptions of isolation of parents of students of different races in upper elementary and middle school magnet programs, and to characterize the sensitivity of teachers and administrators to isolation in their schools. Qualitative interviews were conducted and results summarized as illustration of participants' perceptions of isolation in these magnet programs. Isolation existed in these magnet schools; boundaries created by race and socioeconomic class were not reduced by integrating these schools with magnet scho...
Degranulation influences heparin-associated inhibition of RT-PCR in human lung mast cells.

Background The study of gene expression from human lung mast cells (HLMC) has been limited by the ability to reliably detect mRNA transcripts from scant quantities of mast cell RNA contaminated with heparin. Objective As heparin is granule-associated within the mast cell, we examined the role of degranulation in altering the intrinsic ability of this proteoglycan to inhibit reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) from HLMC RNA. We also explored alternative means of RNA isolation to eliminate primary heparin contamination. Methods Purified HLMC (> 90% pure) were challenged for 2 h with buffer, anti-IgE (3 µg/mL) and/or ionophore A23187 (100 ng/mL) or phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (50 ng/mL). Histamine release was measured using a spectroflourometric assay. Following challenge, RNA was isolated by either phenol-chloroform extraction or by nitrocellulose spin column. Parallel samples were either treated with heparinase or placed on ice for 2 h prior to reverse transcription. PCR was performed using primers specific for the housekeeping gene, glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH). Results In each of five studies, GAPDH bands were detected at greater intensity in total cellular RNA (tcRNA) derived from degranulated than from non-degranulated mast cells. However, when examining heparinase-treated tcRNA from the same mast cell samples, the intensity of GAPDH bands normalized between degranulated and non-degranulated cells. When comparing parallel samples of column-purified tcRNA, subsequent treatment of samples with heparinase had no effect on the detection of GAPDH, indicating that endogenous heparin was effectively removed by the technique. Moreover, no variability was noted in GAPDH signal detected from resting vs. degranulated mast cells (n = 3). Conclusions Degranulation influences the degree of heparin-associated inhibition of RT-PCR in HLMC, and that spin column purification of tcRNA is a time-saving, effective alternative to heparinase pre-treatment.
A statistical study of midlatitude spread F at Wallops Island, Virginia

[1] An ionosonde study using data from Wallops Island, Virginia (37.95°N, 284.53°E, 67.5° dip angle), over a full solar cycle from 1996 to 2006 has been conducted. A pattern recognition algorithm is used to analyze these ionograms in order to determine the statistics of midlatitude spread F. An ionogram displays spread F both horizontally and vertically, which are defined as range and frequency spread F, respectively. Range and frequency spreading can occur either simultaneously or separately. Seasonal and solar cycle variations have been studied using the data set; both are significant and are somewhat different for range and frequency spread F. Correlations of spread F duration with F 10.7, Kp, and AE are investigated. The results provide insights into causative sources for both types of midlatitude spread F.
Heat transfer of a generalized stretching/shrinking wall problem with convective boundary conditions

Abstract In this paper, we investigate the heat transfer of a viscous fluid flow over a stretching/shrinking sheet with a convective boundary condition. Based on the exact solutions of the momentum equations, which are valid for the whole Navier–Stokes equations, the energy equation ignoring viscous dissipation is solved exactly and the effects of the mass transfer parameter, the Prandtl number, and the wall stretching/shrinking parameter on the temperature profiles and wall heat flux are presented and discussed. The solution is given as an incomplete Gamma function. It is found the convective boundary conditions results in temperature slip at the wall and this temperature slip is greatly affected by the mass transfer parameter, the Prandtl number, and the wall stretching/shrinking parameters. The temperature profiles in the fluid are also quite different from the prescribed wall temperature cases.
Sterol and Diacylglycerol Acyltransferase Deficiency Triggers Fatty Acid-mediated Cell Death

Deletion of the acyltransferases responsible for triglyceride and steryl ester synthesis in Saccharomyces cerevisiae serves as a genetic model of diseases where lipid overload is a component. The yeast mutants lack detectable neutral lipids and cytoplasmic lipid droplets and are strikingly sensitive to unsaturated fatty acids. Expression of human diacylglycerol acyltransferase 2 in the yeast mutants was sufficient to reverse these phenotypes. Similar to mammalian cells, fatty acid-mediated death in yeast is apoptotic and presaged by transcriptional induction of stress-response pathways, elevated oxidative stress, and activation of the unfolded protein response. To identify pathways that protect cells from lipid excess, we performed genetic interaction and transcriptional profiling screens with the yeast acyltransferase mutants. We thus identified diacylglycerol kinase-mediated phosphatidic acid biosynthesis and production of phosphatidylcholine via methylation of phosphatidylethanolamine as modifiers of lipotoxicity. Accordingly, the combined ablation of phospholipid and triglyceride biosynthesis increased sensitivity to saturated fatty acids. Similarly, normal sphingolipid biosynthesis and vesicular transport were required for optimal growth upon denudation of triglyceride biosynthesis and also mediated resistance to exogenous fatty acids. In metazoans, many of these processes are implicated in insulin secretion thus linking lipotoxicity with early aspects of pancreatic β-cell dysfunction, diabetes, and the metabolic syndrome.
Endoscopic technique for coronal synostosis.

This paper aims to present a 15-year experience treating coronal craniosynostosis with endoscopic-assisted techniques and postoperative cranial orthotic therapy. A total of 100 patients with coronal craniosynostosis were treated between 1996 and 2010. There were 36 males and 64 females. A single 2-cm incision was made halfway between anterior fontanelle and the squamosal on the affected side. Using endoscopic-assisted visualization, a strip of bone was removed between the aforementioned points. Following surgery, all patients were placed in cranial orthoses to assist in the correction of the craniofacial deformity. Mean estimated blood loss was 20 cm3; only one patient required a transfusion. Mean length of stay was 1 day. Mean surgery time was 54 min. There were no mortalities. There was significant correction of vertical dystopia (66 % from baseline) and midsagittal plane deviation (80 % from baseline). Endoscopic-assisted craniectomy for treatment of coronal craniosynostosis in very young infants followed by cranial molding is associated with excellent long-lasting results and minimal morbidity and no mortality.
The Elimination of DDT‐C14, Dieldrin‐C14, and Lindane‐C14 from Fish following a Single Sublethal Exposure in Aquaria

Abstract Groups of 60 to 70 small bluegills, Lepomis macrochirus, and goldfish, Carassius auratus, were exposed in polyethylene tanks to 0.03 ppm of DDT-C14, dieldrin-C14, or lindane-C14 for periods ranging from 5 to 19 hours. Following the exposure, these fish were rinsed with uncontaminated water and placed in 145-liter recovery aquaria. The water in these aquaria was continuously renewed at the rate of 2.5 complete changes daily. An equivalent number of unexposed fish were also placed in the recovery aquaria to serve as controls. During a recovery period of 32 days, 10 samples, each consisting of five exposed and five control fish, were removed from each aquarium for determinations of whole-body insecticide content. The results indicated that the initial lindane-C14 was eliminated by both species of exposed fish within two days. More than 90% of the initial dieldrin-C14 was eliminated in the first two weeks of recovery, however, less than 50% of the DDT-C14 was eliminated after 32 days of recovery. The...
Environmental Politics After Nature: Conflicting Socioecological Futures

This article is about the logic and dynamics of environmental politics when the environment at stake is profoundly socioecological. We investigate the socioecological forests of the coalfields of Appalachian Ohio, where once decimated forests are again widespread. Conceptualizing forests as power-laden relationships among various people, trees, and other nonhumans, we identify multiple distinct forest types that currently exist as both material reality and future vision. Each forest is characterized by antagonistic ideas about ideal species composition, structure, and function and about specific actions and actors deemed necessary and threatening for the forest's persistence. Each forest represents a very different vision for how socioecological relationships should be fostered. We argue, first, that broad acceptance that the environment is fundamentally socioecological does not mark the end of environmentalism. Rather, urges to environmentalism proliferate as people aim to foster the social natures they ...
Properties of Porous Silicon with Photoluminescence Enhanced by a Remote-Plasma Treatment

We have developed remote-plasma and argon-ion laser-illumination treatments that enhance and stabilize the photoluminescent emission from porous Si (PS) that was electrochemically etched and thermally annealed. Infrared absorption spectroscopy revealed that the bonded oxygen content in the film was increased and the density of surface silicon dihydride bonds was reduced by these processing steps. The photoluminescence (PL) intensity of the treated films was initially about 15 times higher than that of the as—etched films, and increased further with the time of laser irradiation in air until a steady—state intensity was reached. The emission from the treated samples increases with decreasing temperature to a maximum intensity at about 100 K. Below 100 K, the photoluminescence intensity of the treated PS samples remains constant with decreasing temperature down to 7.7 K, whereas the as—etched samples, as well as siloxene, show a rapid decrease in photoluminescence intensity with decreasing temperature in this temperature range. Electron spin resonance data show that dangling bond densities in annealed PS films are reduced by the remote-plasma treatment.
Controlled-Carrier Transmission of AM/VSB Television From Space

Television broadcasting from space, using AM/vestigal sideband (VSB) modulation, requires high satellite power. A method of reducing the necessary prime power, while maintaining signal quality, is described. The method, termed controlled-carrier transmission, is a form of automatic level control at the transmitter that permits the power supply (e.g., solar array plus power conditioner) to be designed for the average long-term power demand rather than for the maximum average power demand, for which ground transmitters are conventionally designed. By this means, power reductions on the order of 30 percent, depending on the type of power amplifier used, may be obtained resulting in significant cost and weight savings for AM broadcasting satellites. A laboratory simulation of the proposed method was set up and the resulting pictures were subjectively evaluated. These tests indicate that, for practical purposes, the average viewer found no difference between conventional and controlled-carrier transmission.
Modulus Dependence on Large Scale Porosity of Powder Metallurgy Steel

This article compares the existing theoretical expressions for the porosity dependence on elastic constants to experimental data for a commercially available material, FC-0205 powder metallurgy (PM) steel. The modulus of compression, tension, effective torsion, and ultrasound-based data at varying porosity levels are plotted graphically against the theoretical expressions. An equation by McAdam (J. Iron Steel Inst. Lond., 1950, 168, p 346) was able to most accurately predict the experimental data with the adjustment of only one material constant.
Robust Motion Control of Flexible Systems Using Feedforward Forcing Functions

Forcing functions are developed to produce vibration-free motions in flexible systems. These forcing functions are constructed from ramped simusoid basis functions so as to minimize excitation in a range of frequencies surrounding the system natural frequency. A closed-loop control system is developed which utilizes these forcing functions to generate a reference profile, and also feeds them forward directly to the system to enhance closed-loop bandwidth. Simulation results indicate superior vibration attenuation compared to the minimum-energy forcing function, especially when some error in natural frequency exists.
Simultaneous quantitation of the 5'-triphosphate metabolites of zidovudine, lamivudine, and stavudine in peripheral mononuclear blood cells of HIV infected patients by high-performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry.

A high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) method utilizing triple quadrupole mass spectrometry (MS) detection was developed and validated for the simultaneous measurement of the intracellular nucleoside 5′-triphosphate anabolites of zidovudine (ZDV-TP), lamivudine (3TC-TP), and stavudine (d4T-TP). These compounds were extracted from patient peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) which are the sites of HIV replication and drug action. Ion-exchange solid phase extraction (SPE) followed by enzymatic digestion with alkaline phosphatase was utilized to yield the measurable nucleoside forms of the nucleotides. Reversed phase C-18 SPE with addition of a nucleoside internal standard, 3′-azido-2′,3′-dideoxyuridine (AzdU) allowed for the indirect measurement of the original 5′-triphosphate concentration by HPLC/MS/MS. Quantitation was performed from calibration curves generated from authentic 5′-triphosphate standards spiked in PBMCs from healthy volunteers. Analytical range for the three 5′-triphosphates was equivalent to 50–45,000 pg. Mean interassay accuracies for 3TC-TP, d4T-TP, and ZDV-TP (n > 90) were 99.4%, 100.1%, and 108.0%, respectively. Mean interassay precisions (%C.V.) for 3TC-TP, d4T-TP, and ZDV-TP (n > 90) were 8.8%, 10.4%, and 8.2%, respectively. Recovery of the extraction method was 79.2%, 83.1%, and 98.3% for 3TC-TP, d4T-TP, and ZDV-TP, respectively. This method can be utilized to measure the intracellular 5′-triphosphate levels in HIV infected patients receiving antiretroviral therapy containing the nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors 3TC, d4T, or ZDV.
Renal artery mycotic pseudoaneurysm: diagnosis with multi-detector computed tomographic angiography

Renal artery mycotic pseudoaneurysms are uncommon complications of bacterial endocarditis and bacteremia. Complications include hemorrhage and refractory bacteremia, and prompt diagnosis can lead to appropriate treatment. Reported is a case where multi-detector computed tomography angiography led to the correct diagnosis.
Association of Weight Change With Subsequent Outcomes in Patients Hospitalized With Acute Decompensated Heart Failure

The association of weight loss achieved through various decongestive strategies with clinical outcomes in patients with acute decompensated heart failure (HF) is not well described. The aim of this study was to determine the relation between weight change during hospitalization and subsequent clinical events in patients with decompensated HF. Data from 433 patients hospitalized with advanced HF enrolled in the Evaluation Study of Congestive Heart Failure and Pulmonary Artery Catheterization Effectiveness (ESCAPE) trial were evaluated. The influence of change in weight during hospitalization to clinical outcomes (days alive out of the hospital in the first 6 months; death; death or rehospitalization; and death, rehospitalization, or cardiac transplantation) was evaluated. On average, patients lost approximately 3.6 kg during hospitalization. When categorized into 3 weight loss tertiles, those in the highest tertile were more likely to be older, women, and smokers, with higher body weights, previous percutaneous coronary interventions, baseline heart rates, and brain natriuretic peptide and blood urea nitrogen values but lower ejection fractions and peak oxygen consumption. No significant differences were observed between weight change and any in-hospital or follow-up events (days well: hazard ratio 0.995, 95% confidence interval 0.975 to 1.016; 180-day death: hazard ratio 1.012, 95% confidence interval 0.969 to 1.057; death or rehospitalization at 180 days: hazard ratio 1.014, 95% confidence interval 0.990 to 1.038). In conclusion, weight loss in patients with acute decompensated HF during hospitalization was not related to clinical end points. These data challenge the merit of using weight as a surrogate end point for more important clinical events (i.e., death and/or rehospitalization) in patients with HF in the design of treatment strategies for novel therapeutic agents in randomized controlled clinical trials.
Nonparametric Pharmacokinetic Calculations: One-Compartment Open Model

A nonparametric method suitable for estimation of parameters in nonlinear problems was developed for one-compartment pharmacokinetic data. The method was tested by running 500 simulations with various types of error and comparing the results with a standard nonlinear regression computation. The nonparametric method was superior to nonlinear regression techniques if the assumptions for the error structure of the regression were not true.
Equilibration of isoCyanates and isoThiocyanates

isoTHIOCYANATES have been prepared by several methods1–4; I have recently found that they can also be prepared conveniently by the equilibration of isocyanate and isothiocyanate groups. This equilibration occurs slowly at elevated temperatures and appears to be generally applicable to the preparation of isothiocyanates and mixed isocyanates-isothiocyanates.
Nitrogen conservation strategies of cranberry plants and ericoid mycorrhizal fungi in an agroecosystem

Abstract Ericoid mycorrhizal fungi (ERM) are ubiquitous in cultivated cranberry beds, but no prior studies have used 15N natural abundance measurements to track ERM influence on nitrogen (N) cycling in these agroecosystems. Cranberries (Vaccinium macrocarpon) evolved in low-nutrient peat bogs, and ERM symbioses often occur in nutrient-poor environments where N is limiting. We investigated ERM symbiosis, resorption rates, as well as leaf litter quality and decomposition to infer N conservation strategies in cultivated cranberry plants. We expected moderate to high resorption rates and low leaf litter decomposition rates. We also expected to find evidence of ERM fungi mediating N uptake. Resorption rates (35.7 ± 3.5% [s.e.]) were moderate, and the resulting cranberry leaf litter had high C:N ratios (56.9 ± 0.02). Decomposition was slow with 57 ± 2% of initial leaf litter mass remaining at the end of 2.5 years. The negative δ15N values of cranberry leaves (−2.61 ± 0.27‰) and positive δ15N values of cranberry roots (1.04 ± 0.35‰) suggest that N uptake was mediated by ERM fungi as 14N is preferred over 15N during transfer from mycorrhizal fungi to host plant. We demonstrated that even in this intensively managed and fertilized agroecosystem, cranberry plants retain N conservation strategies observed in wildland cranberry ecosystems, namely high resorption efficiencies, low-quality leaf litter, and active ERM symbiosis. This study has management implications, since current nutrient plans mainly focus on inorganic N fertilizer regulation and do not recognize the role of ERM fungi in mediating N uptake.
Multiple motion and occlusion segmentation with a multiphase level set method

In this paper, we propose a new variational formulation for simultaneous multiple motion segmentation and occlusion detection in an image sequence. For the representation of segmented regions, we use the multiphase level set method proposed by Vese and Chan. This method allows an efficient representation of up to 2^L regions with L level-set functions. Moreover, by construction, it enforces a domain partition with no gaps and overlaps. This is unlike previous variational approaches to multiple motion segmentation, where additional constraints were needed. The variational framework we propose can incorporate an arbitrary number of motion transformations as well as occlusion areas. In order to minimize the resulting energy, we developed a two-step algorithm. In the first step, we use a feature-based method to estimate the motions present in the image sequence. In the second step, based on the extracted motion information, we iteratively evolve all level set functions in the gradient descent direction to find the final segmentation. We have tested the above algorithm on both synthetic- and natural-motion data with very promising results. We show here segmentation results for two real video sequences.
Neurones in a discrete region of the nucleus tractus solitarius are required for the Breuer-Hering reflex in rat

1. The Breuer-Hering reflex consists of a shortening of inspiration and lengthening of expiration in response to afferent input from slowly adapting pulmonary stretch receptors (SAR). We hypothesized that neurones in a discrete region of the nucleus tractus solitarius (NTS) are required for producing the reflex. Accordingly, the present studies were undertaken to: (1) identify sites in the NTS in which chemical excitation of neurones inhibited phrenic nerve discharge in a manner consistent with SAR activation, (2) determine whether localized interruption of synaptic transmission prevented the Breuer-Hering reflex, and (3) determine whether these regions contained pump cells and SAR terminal afferents. Studies were carried out in urethane-anaesthetized rats. 2. Injection of picomoles of an excitatory amino acid, DL-homocysteic acid (DLH), in the NTS, at the rostrocaudal level of the area postrema and immediately medial to the tractus solitarius, silenced phrenic nerve activity similarly to that expected from SAR activation. These apnoeas lasted from 3 to 43 s and were produced with little or no change in arterial pressure or heart rate. 3. The Breuer-Hering reflex, physiologically activated by maintaining lung inflation, was transiently impaired by interruption of synaptic transmission following injections of cobalt chloride in the DLH-responsive region. 4. Pump cell (SAR interneurone) and SAR afferent activity were recorded at the site in which DLH produced apnoea. 5. Taken together, the results of chemical excitation, interruption of synaptic transmission and extracellular recording, suggest that cells within a discrete region of the NTS, probably pump cells, are necessary for the production of the Breuer-Hering reflex.
Echinacea purpurea extracts modulate murine dendritic cell fate and function.

Echinacea is a top-selling herbal remedy that purportedly acts as an immunostimulant. However, the specific immunomodulatory effects of Echinacea remain to be elucidated. We focused on defining the effects of Echinacea purpurea extracts in dendritic cells (DCs), which generate innate and adaptive immune responses. We hypothesized that E. purpurea extracts would enhance murine bone marrow-derived DC (BMDC) activation leading to increased immune responses. The fate and function of DCs from C57Bl/6 mice was evaluated following 48h exposure to E. purpurea root and leaf extracts. Flow cytometry revealed that the polysaccharide-rich root extract increased the expression of MHC class II, CD86, and CD54 surface biomarkers whereas the alkylamide-rich leaf extract inhibited expression of these molecules. Production of IL-6 and TNF-alpha increased in a concentration-dependent manner with exposure to the root, but not leaf, extract. In contrast, the leaf but not root extract inhibited the enzymatic activity of cyclooxygenase-2. While both extracts decreased the uptake of ovalbumin by BMDCs, the leaf but not root extract inhibited the antigen-specific activation of naive CD4(+) T cells from OT II/Thy1.1 mice. Collectively, these results suggest that E. purpurea can be immunostimulatory, immunosuppressive, and/or anti-inflammatory depending on the portion of the plant and extraction method.
Extracranial Cerebrovascular Occlusive Disease

This chapter covers extracranial atherosclerotic disease and other causes of occlusive disease, such as arterial dissection and external compression due to spondylosis. Risk factors, pathophysiology, epidemiology, and management options are discussed.
Clinical classification of canine aggression

Abstract Complete case histories from 120 dogs referred because of aggression were reviewed to determine what trends, if any, were present. Sixty percent of the animals were male, with the remaining 40% divided almost equally between females, neutered males, and neutered females. The mean age for dogs presented was 3.0 years, although females tended to be younger and neutered males somewhat older. Mixed-breed dogs (18.3%) were the most common, while Cocker Spaniels and German Shepherds (10% each) were the most commonly seen purebreds. Attacks or threats were directed to adults by 54.2% of the dogs, toward children by 21.7% of the dogs, and toward other dogs by 41.7% of the patients. Twenty animals (16.7%) threatened more than one category. Competitive (dominance) aggression, the most frequent type diagnosed, was expressed by 59.2% of the dogs and was generally responsive to treatment.
Radiation-induced paramagnetic defects in heavy metal fluoride glasses

Abstract Ionizing radiation-induced defects in heavy metal fluoride glass have been studied by electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) and electron spin echo (ESE) modulation techniques. Both pristine as well as water-contaminated glass samples were investigated. EPR measurements indicate that the radiation-induced defect observed after annealing at 393 K is not an oxide-related center introduced by water corrosion. ESE modulation data was used to probe the structure of the hole trap responsible for the so-called “central line”. From the observed aluminum modulation it is concluded that the defect site is located near an aluminum cation in the glass structure.
An Attitude Control System for the Advanced Orbiting Solar Observatory

Attitude control system for advanced orbiting solar observatory /aoso/, with attention to means of obtaining increased reliability
A23187 causes release of inositol phosphates from cultured rat Kupffer cells.

Abstract The Ca 2+ ionophore A23187 is routinely used to illustrate the extracellular Ca 2+ -dependence of a variety of cellular reactions. We found that A23187-induced hydrolysis of phosphoinositides to various inositol phosphates in rat Kupffer cells was accompanied by their release from the cells. The synthesis and release of inositol phosphates was A23187 concentration-dependent (0.5–10 μM), and was apparent at the lowest concentration tested. A23187-induced release of inositol phosphates increased time-dependently, was apparent at 5 s of stimulation and maximal at 20 min. The effects of A23187 were reversed by EGTA. The integrity of the cells was not affected by A23187 treatment as indicated by their exclusion of trypan blue and the lack of release of lactate dehydrogenase. We propose that such effects should be considered while evaluating the Ca 2+ -dependence of biological processes based on the actions of A23187.
Total Anthocyanins and Total Phenolics of Fresh and Processed Cherries and Their Antioxidant Properties

ABSTRACT: Total anthocyanins, total phenolics, and the antioxidant activities of 1 sour cherry cultivar (Prunus cerasusL.) and 3 sweet cherry cultivars (P. aviumL.) were determined. Bing cherries were highest in anthocyanins, whereas Montmorency cherries were highest in total phenolics and antioxidant activities (oxygen radical absor-bance capacity and ferric reducing antioxidant power). Total phenolics and anthocyanins for all cultivars were concentrated in the skin. More than 75% of anthocyanins in frozen Bing cherries were destroyed after 6 mo of storage at -23°C. During canning, about half the anthocyanins and polyphenolics leached from the fruits into the syrup with little total loss. Spent cherry brine contained substantial anthocyanins and polyphenolics.
Characterization of the p33 Subunit of Eukaryotic Translation Initiation Factor-3 from Saccharomyces cerevisiae

Abstract Eukaryotic translation initiation factor-3 (eIF3) is a large multisubunit complex that binds to the 40 S ribosomal subunit and promotes the binding of methionyl-tRNAiand mRNA. The molecular mechanism by which eIF3 exerts these functions is incompletely understood. We report here the cloning and characterization of TIF35, the Saccharomyces cerevisiae gene encoding the p33 subunit of eIF3. p33 is an essential protein of 30,501 Da that is required in vivo for initiation of protein synthesis. Glucose repression ofTIF35 expressed from a GAL1 promoter results in depletion of both the p33 and p39 subunits. Expression of histidine-tagged p33 in yeast in combination with Ni2+affinity chromatography allows the isolation of a complex containing the p135, p110, p90, p39, and p33 subunits of eIF3. The p33 subunit binds both mRNA and rRNA fragments due to an RNA recognition motif near its C terminus. Deletion of the C-terminal 71 amino acid residues causes loss of RNA binding, but expression of the truncated form as the sole source of p33 nevertheless supports the slow growth of yeast. These results indicate that the p33 subunit of eIF3 plays an important role in the initiation phase of protein synthesis and that its RNA-binding domain is required for optimal activity.
Experimental Evaluation of Techniques Designed to Reduce Vibration Simulation Test Time

Performing accurate vehicle vibration simulations is imperative to understanding the adequacy of a packaged product’s ability to withstand the rigors of transportation. Over the past several years, various vehicle vibration analysis techniques have been proposed in order to provide better correlation to actual field shipments. Some of these new techniques allow for the vibration data collected to be analyzed in a manner that reduces the duration of the laboratory vibration simulation. This paper discusses the discoveries made when an independent laboratory utilized these techniques to reduce test durations for vertical vibration simulation. A field data recorder was employed to collect and record over-the-road vibration of a fully loaded steel spring truck traveling over interstates and highways. The collected data was analyzed independently for each of the different simulation techniques and the resulting simulations were conducted using a servo-hydraulic vibration table. This paper is unique in it evaluates the simulation techniques using actual packaged products, and by use of a damage assessment tool, determines how well the techniques correlated with actual field study results. The three packaged products used for these evaluations were as follows: top-mount refrigerator, electric hedge trimmer, and gas powered pressure washer. Results indicate it is possible to reduce the vibration test durations during vertical vibration simulation, while still correlating with results collected from field studies.
Reactive intermediates relevant to the carbonylation of CH(3)Mn(CO)(5). Activation parameters for key dynamic processes.

Reported is a time-resolved infrared and optical kinetics investigation of the transient species CH3C(O)Mn(CO)4 (IMn) generated by flash photolysis of the acetyl manganese pentacarbonyl complex CH3C(O)Mn(CO)5 (AMn) in cyclohexane and in tetrahydrofuran. Activation parameters were determined for CO trapping of IMn to regenerate AMn (rate = kCO [CO][IMn]) as well as the methyl migration pathway to form methylmanganese pentacarbonyl CH3Mn(CO)5 (MMn) (rate = kM[IMn]). These values were ΔH‡CO = 31 ± 1 kJ mol-1, ΔS‡CO = −64 ± 3 J mol-1 K-1, ΔH‡M = 35 ± 1 kJ mol-1, and ΔS‡M = −111 ± 3 J mol-1 K-1. Substantially different activation parameters were found for the methyl migration kinetics of IMn in THF solutions where ΔH‡M = 68 ± 4 kJ mol-1 and ΔS‡M = 10 ± 10 J mol-1 K-1, consistent with the earlier conclusion (Boese, W. T.; Ford, P. C. J. Am. Chem. Soc. 1995, 117, 8381−8391) that the composition of IMn is different in these two media. The possible isotope effect on kM was also evaluated by studying the intermedia...
Experimental and theoretical studies of the reaction of the OH radical with alkyl sulfides: 2. Kinetics and mechanism of the OH initiated oxidation of methylethyl and diethyl sulfides; observations of a two channel oxidation mechanism.

A pulsed laser photolysis–pulsed laser induced fluorescence technique has been employed to measure rate coefficients for the OH initiated oxidation of methylethyl sulfide (MES) and diethylsulfide (DES). In the absence of oxygen and at low sulfide concentrations we measure rate coefficients that are independent of pressure and temperature. At high sulfide concentrations and a temperature of 245 K, we observed the equilibration of MESOH and DESOH adducts over the pressure range 100–600 Torr. In the presence of O2 the observed rate coefficients show a dependence on the O2 partial pressure. We measured the dependence of the overall rates of oxidation on the partial pressure of O2 over the temperature range 240–295 K and at 200 and 600 Torr total pressures. All observations are consistent with oxidation proceeding via a two channel oxidation mechanism involving abstraction and addition channels, analogous to that observed in the OH initiated oxidation of dimethylsulfide (DMS). Structures and thermochemistry of the MESOH and DESOH adducts were calculated and all results compared to those for DMS. Calculated bond strengths of adducts increase with alkyl substitution but are comparable to that of the DMSOH adduct and are consistent with experimental observations.
Boron PLA for oxygen sensing & hypoxia imaging

Oxygen is essential for many forms of life and its depletion in the body and the environment can lead to deleterious effects. Low oxygen conditions, even anoxia, are associated with eutrophication of lakes and rivers, wherein an over abundance of nutrients often caused by pollution result in excessive plant growth and decay, threatening water quality, ecosystem balance, and aquatic life. In the body, low oxygen conditions or hypoxia may be generalized, as can occur at high altitude or during strenuous exercise, or localized in particular tissues, when there is a mismatch between oxygen supply and demand. Hypoxia is present in many important diseases as well. Low oxygen levels in tumors are often associated with biochemical changes, increased invasiveness, cancer progression, and resistance to radiation and chemotherapies. Vascular blockage in strokes, heart attacks, and peripheral artery disease, which is common in diabetes, are other situations where oxygen levels can drop precipitously and cause great damage to affected tissues. Clearly, innovative sensing technologies that provide new insight into these many oxygen dependent processes can impact global society in significant ways.
Pleasant Surprises: Consumer Response to Unexpected In-Store Coupons

Abstract This article studies the impact of in-store “surprise” coupons (e.g., electronic shelf coupons, peel-off coupons) on consumers’ total basket of purchases. A conceptual model is developed that (1) predicts that the use of a surprise coupon will increase the size of the shopping basket and the number of unplanned purchases made on the shopping trip and (2) predicts the type of these unplanned purchases. The authors present the results of an in-store experiment and analysis of the Stanford Market Basket Data to test these predictions.
Paedomorphosis in relation to rates of morphological and molecular evolution in the salamander Aneides flavipunctatus (Amphibia, Plethodontidae)

Elucidation of the mechanisms by which adaptive morphological changes are produced in natural populations is fundamental to an understanding of the evolutionary process. The origin of morphological diversity among populations has traditionally been explained as the gradual transformation, over time, of many morphological features, each of which presumably has a separate genetic basis. An alternative hypothesis is that the transformation of many morphological features can be achieved simultaneously by a genetic change that alters the growth rate of an organism such that extensive changes in shape result. The predictions of the latter hypothesis concerning the nature of morphological evolution differ somewhat from those of the first; extensive morphological change can proceed more rapidly with fewer genetic changes, and parallelism among populations with respect to many morphological features is more likely to occur. The second hypothesis predicts that if alteration of developmental rates is the most efficient way to respond to a selective force, many morphological attributes that are not directly selected will be simultaneously changed. Heterochrony, the selective modulation of patterns of development, is known to be a major factor in the evolutionary diversification of the caudate amphibia (Wake, 1966) and may be a widespread mechanism of morphological change in other groups as well (Gould, 1977). The particular kind of heterochrony invoked by Wake (1966) to explain the rapid diversification of the plethodontid salamanders is the process of paedomorphosis, by which the juvenile morphological features of an ancestor are retained in the adult morphology of a descendent. The plethodontid salamanders are an ideal group for analysis of the mechanisms and rates of morphological diversification because their populations are characterized by high levels of local isolation that may be accompanied by morphological, ecological and/or genetical differentiation. A direct evaluation of the role of heterochrony in morphological diversification requires analysis of organisms that are morphologically diverse and yet sufficiently closely related that direct comparisons of morphology and ontogeny can be made. The populations of the salamander Aneides flavipunctatus (Strauch), a terrestrial sal-
Hybrid systems for furnace waste heat recovery: II. Convection recuperators and a Rankine cycle

Abstract A hybrid system consisting of convection recuperators and a waste heat boiler is simulated under conditions corresponding to heat recovery from the exhaust gas of an aluminum melting furnace. Overall system performance is shown to be weakly affected by whether a ceramic convection recuperator is operated in series or in parallel with the waste heat boiler. Relative loading of the two heat recovery components in the parallel mode is strongly influenced by the gas inlet temperature, while in the series mode, it is strongly influenced by the choice of upstream component, as well as by component size and gas inlet temperature.
Theory of transport phenomena in an electron-phonon gas

Abstract In this paper a quantal transport theory is developed for a model electron-phonon gas, as described by the Frohlich Hamiltonian. The treatment is focused specifically on the determination of the electrical conductivity, σ(q, ω), in the presence of an external field of arbitrary wave vector, q, and frequency, ω. The starting point is a generalized Kubo-relationship between σ(q, ω) and an appropriately defined velocity-correlation function. The perturbation expansion of this function in powers of the electron-phonon interaction is analyzed with the aid of the so-called “temperature” diagram technique. The problem of computing the correlation function (and hence σ(q, ω)) is shown to be equivalent to that of solving two coupled linear integral equations. In the limit of zero external frequency (ω = 0) these equations reduce to the standard linearized coupled Boltzmann equations for an electron-phonon gas. In the limit of high frequencies ( h ω ⪢ Debye energy) the explicit solution for σ(q, ω) coincides with the quantal version of the Drude-Lorentz formula (which had been obtained earlier by standard time-dependent perturbation theory). Estimates of various higher-order corrections indicate that the theory is valid to lowest order in the parameter h τE F ∼ c s υ F (where E F = Fermi energy, υ F = Fermi velocity, c s = velocity of sound, and τ is the lifetime of an electron whose energy exceeds the Fermi energy by an amount of the order of the Debye energy).
Hematopoietic stem cell quiescence maintained by p21cip1/waf1.

Relative quiescence is a defining characteristic of hematopoietic stem cells, while their progeny have dramatic proliferative ability and inexorably move toward terminal differentiation. The quiescence of stem cells has been conjectured to be of critical biologic importance in protecting the stem cell compartment, which we directly assessed using mice engineered to be deficient in the G1 checkpoint regulator, cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor, p21cip1/waf1 (p21). In the absence of p21, hematopoietic stem cell proliferation and absolute number were increased under normal homeostatic conditions. Exposing the animals to cell cycle–specific myelotoxic injury resulted in premature death due to hematopoietic cell depletion. Further, self-renewal of primitive cells was impaired in serially transplanted bone marrow from p21−/− mice, leading to hematopoietic failure. Therefore, p21 is the molecular switch governing the entry of stem cells into the cell cycle, and in its absence, increased cell cycling leads to stem cell exhaustion. Under conditions of stress, restricted cell cycling is crucial to prevent premature stem cell depletion and hematopoietic death.
Techniques and equipment for delivery of stereotactic radiotherapy

Over recent years, the use of stereotactic equipment to assist in the provision of localised intracranial radiotherapy has grown rapidly in its application. Use of techniques originally developed for neurosurgery, in radiotherapy departments, has now become a speciality in its own right. This presentation examines the development of stereotactic radiotherapy from the initial development of stereotactic frames through to the current, sophisticated linear accelerator based approaches. The presence of neurosurgical equipment in radiotherapy departments has lead to change in radiotherapy practice for intracranial treatments. Radiotherapy treatments are designed to be delivered as accurately as possible. Using stereotactic equipment, however, the degree of accuracy attainable has improved. This in turn has resulted in an increased level of confidence in the clinical prescription of radiation dose and a subsequent trend to miniaturise treated volumes. Current practice now extends to linear accelerator treatments of volumes as small as 5 mm in diameter, a concept not dreamt of 10 years ago.