cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Diltiazem Induces Severe Photodistributed Hyperpigmentation: Case Series, Histoimmunopathology, Management, and Review of the Literature

Background Diltiazem hydrochloride is a commonly prescribed benzothiazepine calcium channel blocker for the treatment of cardiovascular disease. Recently, 8 cases of diltiazem-induced photodistributed hyperpigmentation occurring predominantly in elderly African American women were reported. Here, we report occurrence for the first time in a light-skinned African American woman and a Hispanic woman. We also report this finding in an African American man. Biopsy specimens of hyperpigmented areas were obtained for histopathologic evaluation and marker studies. Photospectrometry analysis for diltiazem was performed to analyze the photoabsorption properties of this drug. Observations Routine laboratory examination results were normal in all patients. Serologic test results for antinuclear antibodies, including Sjogren antibodies anti-Ro (SS-A) and anti-La (SS-B), were negative. Histopathologic analysis of the skin biopsy specimens revealed a sparse lichenoid infiltrate, prominent pigmentary incontinence, and numerous melanophages in the dermis. There was no increase in dermal mucin suggestive of lupus. The mononuclear cells in the specimens were strongly positive for CD3, weakly positive for CD68, and either weakly positive or negative for CD79a. All specimens were negative for Alcian blue staining. Photospectrometry analysis of diltiazem showed an absorption range within the UV-B spectrum. Conclusions Photospectrometry analysis revealed diltiazem could demonstrate a photosensitizing effect within the UV-B range. Discontinuation of therapy with diltiazem is the most effective modality in resolving hyperpigmentation. Avoidance of sun exposure and consistent use of sunscreens and sun-protective clothing are indicated for patients undergoing diltiazem therapy.
On the H s Theory of Hydrostatic Euler Equations

In this paper we study the two-dimensional hydrostatic Euler equations in a periodic channel. We prove the local existence and uniqueness of Hs solutions under the local Rayleigh condition. This extends Brenier’s (Nonlinearity 12(3):495–512, 1999) existence result by removing an artificial condition and proving uniqueness. In addition, we prove weak–strong uniqueness, mathematical justification of the formal derivation and stability of the hydrostatic Euler equations. These results are based on weighted Hs a priori estimates, which come from a new type of nonlinear cancellation between velocity and vorticity.
Effect of Composted Manure on Soil Chemical Properties and Nitrogen Use by Grain Sorghum

Compared to fresh manure, composting reduces material quantity, hauling and spreading costs, odor, and weed seed viability, while improving physical properties. The availability of nutrients for plant growth, however, may be less from manure compost. Objectives of this field study were to evaluate beef cattle manure compost as a nutrient source for irrigated grain sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench] and to determine the effects of annual compost and N fertilizer applications on soil chemical properties (...)
New trends in hyperosmolar therapy

Purpose of reviewTo discuss trends in the use of osmotic therapy.Recent findingsUse of osmotic therapy has evolved from bolus administration of mannitol to routine use of hypertonic saline as a bolus as well as in continuous infusions to creating a sustained hyperosmolar state.In a survey of neuroin
Still writing in passive voice

Recently a friend gave me a copy of “GeoCurmudgeon,” an essay by John P. Bachner in Geo-Strata (American Society of Civil Engineers Geo-Institute, May/Jun 2005, reprinted in TLE with permission). Ironically, the person who gave me this clever instantiation (look it up; it's a good word) didn't get it. If you don't understand it either, I'll clarify at the end. So start reading:
Dynamic viscous resuspension

Abstract The resuspension of a settled layer of particles under viscous flow conditions has been attributed to shear-induced dispersion processes arising from the interaction between particles as a suspension is sheared. Previous studies were confined to steady-state measurements of the height of a resuspending layer as a function of applied shear stress. In this paper we present dynamic measurements of the response of a suspension of negatively buoyant non-colloidal spheres to a step change in the applied shear rate. The time-dependent variation in observed viscosity is used to estimate the shear-induced effective diffusivity within the plane of shear and the hindered settling factor in sheared suspensions at concentrations between 20 and 50% by volume.
Enantioselective formal total synthesis of (-)-dysidiolide.

An enantioselective formal total synthesis of the sesterterpene (−)-dysidiolide 1 beginning with an intermolecular Diels−Alder reaction of the allene ester 3 and the silyloxydiene 10 is reported.
Measuring the scope of social problems: Apparent inconsistencies across estimates of family abductions

Statistics—estimates, official statistics, and statistical research—play a central role in constructing social problems. Claimsmakers' estimates typically exaggerate the extent of these problems; research statistics are considered more accurate. Yet the National Incidence Studies of Missing, Abducted, Runaway, and Thrownaway Children (NISMART) produced an estimate for family abductions far higher than the figure offered by missing-children activists. Extrapolations for family abductions based on official statistics from eight statewide missing-children clearinghouses are much lower than the NISMART estimate. This paper seeks to explain this anomaly. NISMART's methods defined family abductions broadly, thereby producing a large figure, while police probably underreport cases to the state clearinghouses.
Knocking out xenograft rejection.

Two reports on the knockout of one allele of the α1,3-galactosyltransferase gene in pigs bring us one step closer to the transplantation of pig organs into people.
Nerve growth factor receptor in neural lobe of rat pituitary gland: immunohistochemical localization, biochemical characterization and regulation

Nerve growth factor-receptor immunoreactivity was detected in the neural lobe of the pituitary gland in developing and adult rats of both sexes. The presence of nerve growth factor receptor in the neural lobe was further verified by a quantitative 125I-nerve growth factor/crosslink/immunoprecipitation assay and subsequent visualization by SDS-PAGE autoradiography. Nerve growth factor-receptor immunoreactivity was detected in the neural lobe of postnatal 5-day-old rats, had increased by 2 months and was much higher in 1-year-old rats. In 2-month-old rats, no immunoreactivity was observed in anterior or intermediate lobes. Pituitary stalk transection in young adult rats greatly increased the expression of nerve growth factor-receptor immunoreactivity in the neural lobe, although the staining pattern remained the same. This increase began 3 days after surgery, and reached peak levels at approximately 15 days. Other physiological or non-physiological changes did not alter the nerve growth factor-receptor immunoreactivity in the neural lobe; these changes included dehydration, pregnancy and lactation, castration of male rats, bilateral superior cervical ganglionectomy and intraventricular injection of colchicine. Intravenously injected 125I-nerve growth factor was specifically accumulated in both normal and denervated neural lobe. Nerve growth factor-receptor immunohistochemical electron microscopy showed that the receptor-positive cells are fusiform and found both inside and outside the basal lamina that delimits the neural lobe parenchyma. Based upon the anatomical localization, morphology and response to axotomy, we identify, at least the perivascular component, as microglia. These data suggest a role for nerve growth factor and/or nerve growth factor receptor in microglial function.
Regulation of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha-induced transactivation by the nuclear orphan receptor TAK1/TR4.

Recently, we reported the cloning of the nuclear orphan receptor TAK1. In this study, we characterized the sequence requirements for optimal TAK1 binding and analyzed the repression of the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor α (PPARα) signaling pathway by TAK1. Site selection analysis showed that TAK1 has the greatest affinity for direct repeat-1 response elements (RE) containing AGGTCAAAGGTCA (TAK1-RE) to which it binds as a homodimer. TAK1 is a very weak inducer of TAK1-RE-dependent transcriptional activation. We observed that TAK1, as PPARα, is expressed within rat hepatocytes and is able to bind the peroxisome proliferator response elements (PPREs) present in the promoter of the PPARα target genes rat enoyl-CoA hydratase (HD) and peroxisomal fatty acyl-CoA oxidase (ACOX). TAK1 is unable to induce PPRE-dependent transcriptional activation and represses PPARα-mediated transactivation through these elements in a dose-dependent manner. Two-hybrid analysis showed that TAK1 does not form heterodimers with either PPARα or retinoid X receptor (RXRα), indicating that this repression does not involve a mechanism by which TAK1 titrates out PPARα or RXRα from PPAR·RXR complexes. Further studies demonstrated that the PPARα ligand 8(S)-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid strongly promotes the interaction of PPARα with the co-activator RIP-140 but decreases the interaction of PPARα with the co-repressor SMRT. In contrast, TAK1 interacts with RIP-140 but not with SMRT and competes with PPARα for RIP-140 binding. These observations indicated that the antagonistic effects of TAK1 on PPARα·RXRα transactivation act at least at two levels in the PPARα signaling pathway: competition of TAK1 with PPARα·RXR for binding to PPREs as well as to common co-activators, such as RIP-140. Our results suggest an important role for TAK1 in modulating PPARα-controlled gene expression in hepatocytes.
Pricing an industrial service

Abstract Industrial services differ from products in a number of fundamental ways. These differences hold important implications for the development of pricing programs, and raise questions about the conventional pricing practices used by industrial marketers. In this article, the authors identify pricing opportunities available to the marketer of industrial services, and attempt to determine the extent to which these opportunities are being realized. Results are reported of a survey of managing partners in CPA firms regarding their pricing practices in selling to commercial accounts. The findings suggest a preoccupation with formula-based, cost-centered pricing approaches. Few firms appear to recognize the strategic potential of the price variable.
Different considerations in analytical X-ray photogrammetry

Abstract The economy of X-ray photogrammetry systems is analyzed first as a geometrical economy where a maximum accuracy should be achieved with a minimum radiation through proper geometry. Experiments for the various geometry are discussed and illustrated. Second, the system is analyzed for data processing. Possible automation and computer programs are discussed. A desirable data flow is presented with proper hardware configuration.
Enhancement of the host immune responses in cutaneous T-cell lymphoma by CpG oligodeoxynucleotides and IL-15

Patients with advanced cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL) exhibit profound defects in cell-mediated immunity. Host immune functions appear to play an integral role in mediating disease-controlling responses in CTCL, therefore we investigated the effects of synthetic oligode-oxynucleotides with CpG motifs (CpG ODN), which have been recognized as immune stimulatory by virtue of activation of dendritic cells (DCs) following binding to Toll-like receptor (TLR) 9. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from patients with advanced CTCL (erythroderma with circulating malignant T cells) and healthy volunteers were cultured with either CpG-A or CpG-B ODN. Patients' PBMCs exhibited marked induction of interferon-alpha (IFN-alpha) release following culture with CpG-A. Similarly significant activation of NK cells and CD8 T cells occurred as assessed by up-modulation of CD69 expression and by natural killer lytic activity. Nevertheless, the PBMCs of patients exhibited blunted responses to CpG-A compared to healthy volunteers. In such cases, IL-15 was capable of producing levels of NK activation that were superior to CpG-A, while the combined effects of CpG-A plus IL-15 induced maximal activation of NK cells and further enhanced activation of CD8 T cells. These findings have important implications for the potential enhancement of antitumor immunity among patients with advanced CTCL.
Chemoprevention of Cancer of the Upper Respiratory Tract of the Syrian Golden Hamster by Aerosol Administration of Difluoromethylornithine and 5-Fluorouracil

Research aimed at identifying effective chemopreventive compounds active against carcinogenesis of the upper respiratory tract (URT) has been largely unsuccessful. We are addressing this problem by efforts at agent identification and by using aerosol delivery. Two compounds, difluoromethylornithine (DFMO) and 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) were investigated. DFMO is an irreversible inhibitor of ornithine decarboxylase, an enzyme important in cell proliferation. It has been used widely by oral administration for chemoprevention. 5-FU is a pyrimidine analog used extensively as a chemotherapeutic agent. It is generally administered i.v. and can cause considerable toxicity. However, aerosol administration for therapy of lung cancer in humans has been reported to be without adverse effects (Tatsumura et al., Br J Cancer 1993;68:1146-9). The experimental model used herein entailed six intratracheal administrations of methylnitrosourea (MNU) to hamsters. Each of the test agents was started about 1 week after MNU and was continued for 29 weeks with DFMO. Infiltrating squamous cell carcinomas of the URT occurred in 92% of the controls and were reduced by 50% in animals receiving DFMO (P = 0.0001). The experiment with 5-FU was of shorter duration being terminated 20 weeks after MNU. Thirty percent of the controls had infiltrating carcinomas and were reduced by 60% in animals receiving 5-FU (P = 0.0274). Both compounds resulted in a significant increase in the percent of cancer-free animals. These two agents may have selected use in subjects at high risk of cancer of the URT.
SMS: The Short Message Service

Although it is a widely used communication mechanism for cell phone users, SMS is far more than just a technology for teenage chat. SMS technology evolved out of the global system for mobile communications standard, an internationally accepted cell phone network specification the European Telecommunications Standards Institute created. The 3rd Generation Partnership Project maintains the SMS standard. SMS messages are handled via a short message service center that the cellular provider maintains for the end devices. The SMSC can send SMS messages to the end device using a maximum payload of 140 octets. This defines the upper bound of an SMS message to be 160 characters using 7-bit encoding. It is possible to specify other schemes such as 8-bit or 16-bit encoding, which decreases the maximum message length to 140 and 70 characters, respectively.
A role for CD8+ T lymphocytes in osteoclast differentiation in vitro

Bone loss associated with chronic inflammatory diseases has been attributed to the release of cytokines from T lymphocytes. However, the role of T lymphocyte subsets in the mediation of osteoclast activity has not been extensively studied. Cocultures of murine bone marrow and BALC cells (murine calvarial-derived cell line) were used to study osteoclast differentiation. Murine marrow was left intact or depleted of cells expressing the CD8 or CD4 antigen by immunomagnetic separation and then cocultured with BALC cells in the presence or absence of 1,25-(OH)2D3. Depleting bone marrow of CD4-positive (CD4+) cells did not affect osteoclast differentiation (formation of tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase positive cells with three or more nuclei). However, depletion of CD8-positive (CD8+) cells resulted in a 40% increase in the number of osteoclasts formed. Addition of CD8+ cells to CD8+ cell depleted cocultures via Transwells abolished the stimulatory effects on osteoclast differentiation resulting from CD8+ c...
Micronutrients status of Florida soils under citrus production

Abstract Micronutrient nutrition plays an important role in citrus production. Soil extraction techniques to measure the status of bio‐available micronutrients are extremely valuable in the diagnosis of deficient or toxic levels of micronutrients. Mehlich 3 (M3), Mehlich 1 (M1), ammonium bicarbonate‐DTPA (ABDTPA), and ammonium acetate, pH 7.0 (AA), extractants were evaluated for their ability to extract Cu, Fe, Mn, and Zn using 45 citrus grove soils, representing 20 soil series with widely varying physical and chemical characteristics and production practices. The mean concentrations of M3 extractable Fe, Mn, Cu, and Zn were 5.5‐, 2.2‐, 1.6‐, and 1.2‐fold greater, respectively, than those extracted by M1. ABDTPA was more efficient in the extraction of Fe, Cu, and Zn, as compared to the M1 extradant, by 3.3‐, 3.0‐, and 1.4‐fold, respectively. Among the four extractants, AA was extremely inefficient in extraction of all the four micronutrients. Evaluation of the data from all 45 citrus grove soils revealed ...
Market Structure and Innovation

Abstract Corporate innovation is often argued to result from, and be encouraged by, market competition. The tradition is to test such arguments with market concentration data; firms with stronger control over their market can afford the long-run investment of R&D. Network theory has broadened our understanding of how competition is a function of structure within and beyond a market. Producers earn high profit margins to the extent they are few and their customers and suppliers are many and disorganized. The first condition is measured by the traditional concentration ratio for a market. The second condition is measured by the network constraint of suppliers and customers. My purpose in this paper is to describe how our understanding of the market competition effect on innovation is enriched when the concentration measure of market competition tradition in economics is replaced with the network model of market competition now prevalent in sociology. Results indicate that markets facing competitive environments, in high constraint market positions, show greater R&D intensity and faster rates of innovation than do industries facing less competitive pressure. These effects persist even with controls for technological opportunity and appropriability, in contrast to traditional models using only concentration data to measure competition.
Linking and Manipulation of Gold Multinanoparticle Structures Using Dithiols and Scanning Force Microscopy

Rigid nanoscale 2D structures of up to four individual gold nanoparticles were formed by using bifunctional organic molecules (dithiols) in combination with scanning force microscopy manipulation. These structures can be either precisely translated by mechanical pushing across the surface or rotated about a specific axis. Experimental results are presented that show how simple geometric shapes can be manipulated and assembled to form more complicated structures. The nanoparticles were linked either by (i) forming a multiparticle structure and subsequent treatment with dithiols or by (ii) pushing together individual particles, which were treated with dithiols prior to manipulation.
The discriminative stimulus properties and detection thresholds of intracranial self-stimulation: effects of d-amphetamine, morphine, and haloperidol.

A two-choice discrimination task was used to evaluate the effects of psychoactive drugs on the discriminative stimulus properties of brain self-stimulation in rats. In these experiments, brain stimulation served both as a discriminative stimulus and as a reinforcing stimulus, but the two effects were manipulated separately. Animals were trained to a criterion of 95% correct in choosing between two levers, and when this levels of accuracy was reached, the ability to choose correctly remained stable over an 8-month period. Increasing the current strength of the discriminative stimulus from zero to 100% of the training current produced a graded increase in the number of trials completed on the appropriate lever. The discriminative effects produced by brain stimulation were evaluated pharmacologically by using three prototypical psychoactive drugs in an attempt to change the detection threshold for the discriminative stimulus. Morphine, d-amphetamine, and haloperidol, drugs that reliably alter reinforcement thresholds for brain stimulation, failed to change detection thresholds. These results demonstrated that: (1) brain stimulation produces potent and reliable discriminative effects and (2) the effects of psychoactive drugs on detection thresholds can be dissociated from their effects on reinforcement thresholds for brain stimulation.
The welfare state: What is left?

With the demise of socialism in Eastern Europe, the Western welfare state is treated as the unquestionable alternative by most intellectuals. They have yet to come to terms with what Claus Offe, the German sociologist, describes as the contradictions of the welfare state and the persistent crises of crisis management. This paper critically assesses Offe's contribution in light of the recent reforms in “really existing socialism.”; The author contends that although Offe's neo‐Schumpeterian argument goes a long way toward explaining the present instability of the welfare state and the contradictions of state intervention in general, including that of the socialist‐interventionist state, Offe does not realize that his analysis casts into serious doubt the claim that the welfare state is a viable corrective to either unbridled markets or state socialism.
Guidelines have their limits.

In this issue, Gifford and colleagues report on an intervention designed to improve adherence to practice guidelines. Despite the study's many strengths, the intervention's effects on physician beh...
On isotropic constraints

The relationship between isotropic constraints on finite deformation and the associated constraint manifolds is explored.
Traits, States, and encoding speed: support for a top-down view of neuroticism/state relations.

Recent theories suggest that trait neuroticism gains its pernicious power particularly among individuals less capable of making distinctions concerning present reality. Four studies, involving 272 undergraduates, sought to provide some basic, assessment-related support for such theories in the context of individual differences in choice reaction time, which reflect abilities to make distinctions at encoding. Studies 1–3 focused on somatic symptoms, whereas Study 4 focused on neurotic behaviors and negative affect. As predicted, neuroticism consistently interacted with categorization speed in predicting these dependent measures. Specifically, neuroticism/outcome relations were robust among individuals slow to make distinctions at encoding; by contrast, neuroticism did not predict the dependent measures among individuals fast to make distinctions. Such data reinforce suggestions that neuroticism is particularly pernicious among individuals less capable of making distinctions at encoding.
Some Historical Perspectives on the Instructional Technology Field.

I have been asked to give a brief historical overview of developments in the field of educational technology. I assume I was chosen for this task in part because of my long involvement in the field. My work in education and media technology spans nearly 50 years. During those 50 years I have been involved with projects in a wide variety of public school, university, and military settings. I suppose this qualifies me to provide a personal perspective on the history of the field. Some have even referred to me as "history personified."
When is a Problem Solved

Open problems are defined differently in document image analysis than in the physical sciences, theoretical computer science, or mathematics. Instead of a formal definition, problems in DIA are stated in terms of automation of an application area (e.g., postal address reading) or a scientific sub field (e.g., image compression). The notion of a successful solution may be based on (1) the relative accuracy of automated vs. expert solutions (given specific data and degree of manual tuning), (2) the distinguish ability of automated output from human output (a Turing Test), (3) the degree of current community interest (via conferences and journals), and/or (4) economic considerations. Because of the lack of formal definition for DIA problems, heuristics predominate over provably correct algorithms, and full disclosure of implementation details as well as populations and samples is essential. Results on available test sets are often only tangentially related to motivating applications. In addition, interest in automating certain tasks has been evolving rapidly as a result of advances in technology. Further community discussion of these issues may accelerate progress and symbiosis with allied disciplines.
Wireless Monitoring of Liver Hemodynamics In Vivo

Liver transplants have their highest technical failure rate in the first two weeks following surgery. Currently, there are limited devices for continuous, real-time monitoring of the graft. In this work, a three wavelengths system is presented that combines near-infrared spectroscopy and photoplethysmography with a processing method that can uniquely measure and separate the venous and arterial oxygen contributions. This strategy allows for the quantification of tissue oxygen consumption used to study hepatic metabolic activity and to relate it to tissue stress. The sensor is battery operated and communicates wirelessly with a data acquisition computer which provides the possibility of implantation provided sufficient miniaturization. In two in vivo porcine studies, the sensor tracked perfusion changes in hepatic tissue during vascular occlusions with a root mean square error (RMSE) of 0.135 mL/min/g of tissue. We show the possibility of using the pulsatile wave to measure the arterial oxygen saturation similar to pulse oximetry. The signal is also used to extract the venous oxygen saturation from the direct current (DC) levels. Arterial and venous oxygen saturation changes were measured with an RMSE of 2.19% and 1.39% respectively when no vascular occlusions were induced. This error increased to 2.82% and 3.83% when vascular occlusions were induced during hypoxia. These errors are similar to the resolution of a commercial oximetry catheter used as a reference. This work is the first realization of a wireless optical sensor for continuous monitoring of hepatic hemodynamics.
Differences in the properties of FSH and LH binding sites in the avian gonad revealed by homologous radioligands

Abstract Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) from the turkey, Meleagris gallopavo, were used as radioligands to study the characteristics of gonadotropin binding sites in avian and reptilian gonads. Scatchard analysis indicated the presence of multiple binding sites for each radioligand in the turkey and chicken gonad; the association constants (Ka) for the high affinity, low capacity sites (109 to 1010 M−1) were similar to those observed in gonads of other species. Phylogenetic differences were evident in the ability of gonads to bind turkey and mammalian radioligands; e.g., radioiodinated turkey hormones showed little binding to the pig ovary and radioiodinated human FSH showed little binding to the turkey gonad. Radioreceptor assays (RRAs) revealed the presence of separate binding sites with differential specificity for the two types of gonadotropins in the avian gonad. In particular, when turkey hormones were studied in the homologous RRA with 125I-labeled turkey LH as radioligand, gonadotropin binding sites appeared to be highly specific for LH. With 125I-labeled turkey FSH as radioligand, binding sites showed a relatively high affinity for FSH; but gonadotropin specificity of these sites was incomplete since turkey LH continued to show considerable activity in this FSH-RRA. Comparative studies with heterologous hormones (from chicken, sea turtle, and sheep) and heterologous receptor preparations (from chicken, sea turtle, lizard, and pig) gave variable results, depending on the source of both the hormone and receptor. For example, the specificity of FSH binding sites in the chicken testis was less pronounced than in the homologous turkey system; in fact, turkey LH was more potent than FSH in the chicken FSH-RRA. Binding in the turtle ovary did not show a clear specificity for either gonadotropin with either radioligand. The implications of these results for physiological actions of gonadotropins and evolution in gonadotropin structure are discussed.
The challenge of subgroup analyses--reporting without distorting.

Subgroup analyses are an important part of the analysis of a comparative clinical trial. However, as Stephen Lagakos explains, they are commonly overinterpreted and can lead to further research that is misguided or, worse, to suboptimal patient care.
Modeling the removal of VOC mixtures in biotrickling filters

A mathematical model was derived for describing removal of mixed VOC vapors in biotrickling filters (BTFs). The model accounts for potential process rate limitation by the availability of oxygen as well as for potential kinetic interactions among pollutants during their biodegradation. Without using any fitted parameter, the model was found capable of predicting experimentally obtained removal rates of mono-chlorobenzene (m-CB) and ortho-dichlorobenzene (o-DCB) vapors. Experimental results reported here show that m-CB removal is better than that of o-DCB. The two compounds were known to be involved in a kinetic cross-inhibition interaction when degraded in suspended culture. However, model sensitivity studies showed that cross-inhibition does not affect BTF performance due to the low pollutant concentrations involved. For the same reason, the influence of oxygen on BTF performance was found to be minimal under the conditions tested. The model was found to predict experimentally obtained values with less than 10% error in the majority of cases. Computations with an earlier model describing VOC removal in conventional biofilters showed that, for the model mixture used in this study (m-CB/o-DCB), removal rates obtained with BTFs are one to more than two orders of magnitude higher than those obtained with conventional biofilters. This is attributed to the larger active specific biofilm surface area in BTFs, obtained through the creation of favorable growth conditions for the biomass, and better moisture control.
In vitro and in vivo effects of oxidative damage to deoxyguanosine

Biochemical, biophysical and biological studies of oligonucleotides containing lesions at defined sites provide a molecular basis for the effects of DNA lesions. dG (deoxyguanosine) is the most easily oxidized of the four native nucleotides. The chemical reactivity of dG correlates with compilations of mutations, which reveal that a significant fraction of transitions or transversions involve dG. OxodG (7,8-dihydro-8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine) is widely recognized as an important lesion derived from the oxidation of dG, and significant effort has been expended in studies of its effects on DNA structure and function. Recently, the properties of other lesions derived from dG and/or the oxidation of OxodG have been uncovered. Studies on these lesions reveal that they too are biologically significant.
Analogs of tetrahydrofolic acid. XXIII. 1-(ω-phenylalkyl)-4,6-diamino-1,2-dihydro-s-triazines as inhibitors of dihydrofolic reductase†‡

A series of 1-(ω-phenylalkyl)-4,6-diamino-1, 2-dihydro-s-triazines was synthesized by acid catalyzed condensation of 1-(ω-phenylalkyl)biguanides with acetone, aromatic aldehydes and ω-phenylalkyl aldehydes; the intermediate biguanides were prepared by fusion of ω-phenylalkylamines with cyanoguanidine at 150°. 4, 6-Diamino-1, 2-dihydro-2,2-dimethyl-1-(4-phenylbutyl)- and 1-(3-phenylpropyl)-s-triazines (Xe and Xd) were potent inhibitors of dihydrofolic reductase, being complexed with the enzyme about two hundred times better than the substrate, dihydrofolic acid; further Xd and Xe were about 15-fold better inhibitors of dihydrofolic reductase than the earlier investigated 1-(p-chlorophenyl)-4, 6-diamino-1,2-dihydro-2,2-dimethyl-s-triazine, the antimalarial drug. When the 2,2-dimethyl group was replaced by p-acetamidophenyl (IX) or phenyl (VIII), in inhibitors such as Xd and Xe, activity was reduced only 5-30 fold; the corresponding change in 1-(m-chlorophenyl)-4, 6-diamino-1,2-dihydro-2, 2-dimethyl-s-triazine (V) gave a 19,000-fold reduction in activity with the 2-(p-acetamidophenyl) analog (VII) and a 550-fold decrease in activity with the 2-phenyl analog. These decreases in activity are attributed to a combination of intramolecular steric effects, intermolecular (enzymeinhibitor) steric inhibition of binding, and inductive effects. By evaluation of suitable candidate compounds, these effects were partially separated for individual study.
Functional characterization of the promoter of the X-linked ectodermal dysplasia gene.

Abstract Anhidrotic ectodermal dysplasia (EDA) is a disorder characterized by poor development of hair, teeth, and sweat glands, and results from lesions in the X-linked EDA gene. We have cloned a 1.6-kilobase 5′-flanking region of the human EDA gene and used it to analyze features of transcriptional regulation. Primer extension analysis located a single transcription initiation site 264 base pairs (bp) upstream of the translation start site. When the intact cloned fragment or truncated derivatives were placed upstream of a reporter luciferase gene and transfected into a series of cultured cells, expression comparable with that conferred by an SV40 promoter-enhancer was observed. The region lacks a TATA box sequence, and basal transcription from the unique start site is dependent on two binding sites for the Sp1 transcription factor. One site lies 38 bp 5′ to the transcription start site, in a 71-bp sequence that is sufficient to support up to 35% of maximal transcription. The functional importance of the Sp1 sites was demonstrated when cotransfection of an Sp1 expression vector transactivated the EDA promoter in the SL2Drosophila cell line that otherwise lacks endogenous Sp1. Also, both Sp1 binding sites were active in footprinting and gel shift assays in the presence of either crude HeLa cell nuclear extract or purified Sp1 and lost activity when the binding sites were mutated. A second region involved in positive control was localized to a 40-bp sequence between −673 and −633 bp. This region activated an SV40 minimal promoter 4- to 5-fold in an orientation-independent manner and is thus inferred to contain an enhancer region.
An application of the general theory of exact relations to fiber-reinforced conducting composites with Hall effect

In this paper we present the exhaustive and non-redundant list of all microstructure-independent relations for effective conductivity of fiber-reinforced composites with Hall effect. Our results are independent of the number of constituents and the degree of their anisotropy. We use this to apply our results to both polycrystals and two-phase composites. Our tool is the general theory of exact relations for composite materials developed in collaboration with Graeme Milton and Daniel Sage.
The Boss: J. Edgar Hoover and the Great American Inquisition

In 1925 J. Edgar Hoover secretly began to maintain in his own office the "Obscene File"and two other files which were kept separate from the FBI's central records system and which recorded accounts of sexual activities and damaging personal information on dissident activists, prominent leaders and personalities, even Presidents and First Ladies. In addition, Hoover had his aides keep "summary memoranda" on members of Congress reporting on their "subversive activities" and "immoral conduct." He also had aides create office files in which memoranda labeled "Do Not File" itemized illegal break-ins by agents authorized by Hoover; these "files" were also kept apart from the Bureau's central records and were regularly destroyed. Having cracked Hoover's secret filing systems, Athan G. Theoharis and John Stuart Cox present with unprecedented accuracy and comprehensive primary evidence the definitive biography of J. Edgar Hoover, the man who was the FBI for 48 years." The Boss" draws on previously unknown and extremely sensitive Bureau files as well as interviews with Hoover family members, agents, politicians, and "targets" of FBI investigations to reveal the man, the administrator, and the power-monger who manipulated American politics for half a century. Although many relevant records were destroyed, the authors obtained access to office files maintained by Hoover and two of his key aides, Clyde Tolson and Louis Nichols, in addition to other sensitive records, such as the break-in file, index for authorized wire-taps and bugs, Hoover's directives to heads of FBI field offices and agents, and files pertaining to prominent personalities including Eleanor Roosevelt, John and Robert Kennedy, Attorneys General Harlan Stone and Homer Cummings.Throughout his tenure in office, Hoover promoted a positive image of G-men as efficient, professional, and apolitical. His own public persona is so well-known as to be a staple of the nation's mythology, It was, however, his personal zealotry against radical dissent (broadly defined) that motivated the Bureau's operations. His files reveal that more than Senator Joseph McCarthy, Hoover was instrumental in creating the anti-Communist paranoia that was called McCarthyism, but, the authors suggest, would have been more accurately named Hooverism. Under the direction of J. Edgar Hoover, the FBI kept 25 million personal files that is, approximately one for every ten Americans. Author note: Athan G. Theoharis, Professor of History at Marquette University, is the author and editor of many books, including "Beyond the Hiss Case" and "Spying on Americans" (both published by Temple). John Stuart Cox is a freelance writer.
Passive sensor based dynamic object association with particle filtering

This paper develops and evaluates the threshold based algorithm proposed in [S.H. Cho, J. Lee, and S. Hong, "Passive Sensor Based Dynamic Object Association Method in Wireless Sensor Network," Proceedings of MWSCAS07 and NEWCAS07, Aug. 2007. ] for dynamic data association in wireless sensor networks. The sensor node incorporates RFID reader and acoustic sensor where the signals are fused for tracking and associating multiple objects. The RFID tag is used for object identification and acoustic sensor is used for estimating object movement. For the better data association, we apply the particle filtering for the prediction of an object. The algorithm with the particle filtering has an effect on increasing the association case where even objects overlap. The simulation result is compared to that using only the original algorithm. The association performance under single node coverage and multiple node coverage is evaluated as a function of sampling time.
Processing of viral envelope glycoprotein by the endomannosidase pathway: evaluation of host cell specificity

Endo-alpha-D-mannosidase is an enzyme involved in N-linked oligosaccharide processing which through its capacity to cleave the internal linkage between the glucose-substituted mannose and the remainder of the polymannose carbohydrate unit can provide an alternate pathway for achieving deglucosylation and thereby make possible the continued formation of complex oligosaccharides during a glucosidase blockade. In view of the important role which has been attributed to glucose on nascent glycoproteins as a regulator of a number of biological events, we chose to further define the in vivo action of endomannosidase by focusing on the well characterized VSV envelope glycoprotein (G protein) which can be formed by the large array of cell lines susceptible to infection by this pathogen. Through an assessment of the extent to which the G protein was converted to an endo-beta-N-acetylglucosaminidase (endo H)-resistant form during a castanospermine imposed glucosidase blockade, we found that utilization of the endomannosidase-mediated deglucosylation route was clearly host cell specific, ranging from greater than 90% in HepG2 and PtK1 cells to complete absence in CHO, MDCK, and MDBK cells, with intermediate values in BHK, BW5147.3, LLC-PK1, BRL, and NRK cell lines. In some of the latter group the electrophoretic pattern after endo H treatment suggested that only one of the two N-linked oligosaccharides of the G protein was processed by endomannosidase. In the presence of the specific endomannosidase inhibitor, Glcalpha1-->3(1-deoxy)mannojirimycin, the conversion of the G protein into an endo H-resistant form was completely arrested. While the lack of G protein processing by CHO cells was consistent with the absence of in vitro measured endomannosidase activity in this cell line, the failure of MDBK and MDCK cells to convert the G protein into an endo H-resistant form was surprising since these cell lines have substantial levels of the enzyme. Similarly, we observed that influenza virus hemagglutinin was not processed in castanospermine-treated MDCK cells. Our findings suggest that studies which rely on glucosidase inhibition to explore the function of glucose in controlling such critical biological phenomena as intracellular movement or quality control should be carried out in cell lines in which the glycoprotein under study is not a substrate for endomannosidase action.
Overview of LARP Magnet R&D

This paper presents the main areas of magnet R&D for a LHC Luminosity Upgrade carried on through the LHC Accelerator Research Program (LARP). Development of Nb3Sn high gradient, large aperture quadrupoles is taking place at Berkeley, Fermilab, and Brookhaven.
Benzodiazepines and hip fracture: the New York State experience

We assessed rates of hip fracture before and after the institution of the triplicate prescription policy for benzodiazepines in New York State. All patients 55 years of age or older who had a diagnosis of hip fracture between January 1, 1986, and June 30, 1991, were considered for the study. Patients with severe trauma, neoplasm, arthritis, or second admission were excluded. Rates of hip fracture were calculated for each quarter by age and gender. Benzodiazepine prescribing began to decline immediately after the triplicate prescription regulation went into effect on January 1, 1989. However, yearly rates of hip fracture for women (men) > or = 75 years of age per 1000 people adjusted for New York population changes remained stable at 13.8 (6.5), 12.6 (5.7), 14.7 (6.7), 14.8 (6.4), 14.4 (6.3), and 14.4 (6.7), from 1986 through the first two quarters of 1991. Regression analyses showed no before or after regulation trend in the rate of hip fracture. We conclude that no dramatic declines in the rate of hip fractures among people older than 55 years of age have been observed in association with the benzodiazepine regulations and decreased benzodiazepine prescribing.
Basolateral Membrane-associated 27-kDa Heat Shock Protein and Microfilament Polymerization

The in vivo activity of the 27-kDa heat shock protein, a barbed-end microfilament capping protein, may be localized to the plasma membrane. To investigate this putative association, bovine endothelial cells expressing the human wild type or a mutant nonphosphorylatable 27-kDa heat shock protein were subjected to subcellular fractionation and immunoblot analysis. The 25-kDa endogenous bovine homolog and both exogenous gene products partitioned with cytosolic or plasma membrane components, indicating that phosphorylation is not required for membrane association. Phorbol ester treatment resulted in phosphorylation of only membrane-associated 25-kDa and wild type 27-kDa heat shock protein and did not induce redistribution. In a second fractionation protocol, streptavidin-agarose precipitation of extracts prepared from cells biotinylated at either the apical or basal surface localized membrane 25- and 27-kDa heat shock protein exclusively to the basolateral surface. Stimulation of transfectants expressing the wild type 27-kDa heat shock protein resulted in its phosphorylation and a doubling in the amount of membrane-associated F-actin precipitated, whereas the mutant protein decreased the amount of F-actin precipitated. These data suggest that membrane-associated 25- and 27-kDa heat shock proteins inhibit the generation of basolateral microfilaments and that phosphorylation releases this inhibition.
Efficient checker processor design

The design and implementation of a modern microprocessor creates many reliability challenges. Designers must verify the correctness of large complex systems and construct implementations that work reliably in varied (and occasionally adverse) operating conditions. In our previous work, we proposed a solution to these problems by adding a simple, easily verifiable checker processor at pipeline retirement. Performance analyses of our initial design were promising, overall slowdowns due to checker processor hazards were less than 3%. However slowdowns for some outlier programs were larger. The authors closely examine the operation of the checker processor. We identify the specific reasons why the initial design works well for some programs, but slows others. Our analyses suggest a variety of improvements to the checker processor storage system. Through the addition of a 4 k checker cache and eight entry store queue, our optimized design eliminates virtually all core processor slowdowns. Moreover, we develop insights into why the optimized checker processor performs well, insights that suggest it should perform well for any program.
A modified 10 kD zein protein produces two morphologically distinct protein bodies in transgenic tobacco

Abstract The 10 kD zein protein contains an N-terminal signal peptide that directs the protein into the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) of developing corn seeds. Subsequent to signal peptide removal, the mature protein is folded into its tertiary conformation and deposited into protein bodies. In transgenic tobacco leaves, the 10 kD zein protein accumulates and forms novel ER derived protein bodies (S. Bagga, H. Adams, F. Rodriquez, J.D. Kemp, C. Sengupta-Gopalan, Coexpression of the maize δ-zein and β-zein genes results in stable accumulation of δ-zein in endoplasmic reticulum-derived protein bodies formed by β-zein, The Plant Cell 9 (1997) 1683–1696). In this study, the amino acid sequence of the 10 kD zein signal peptide was modified to determine the effect on cleavage and accumulation patterns. The modified zein gene was constitutively expressed in tobacco where its protein accumulates in novel protein bodies in leaves. Amino acid sequencing of the accumulated protein indicates that the cleavage site for the signal peptide was altered so that the mature protein includes three additional amino acids on the N-terminus. Electron microscopy (EM) analysis of leaves from transgenic plants containing the modified gene indicates the presence of two morphologically distinct protein bodies. Furthermore, immunolocalization analysis shows that the modified protein is localized in both types of protein bodies, which are described as spherical and aggregate in this report. This is in contrast to the accumulation of unmodified 10 kD zein protein in transgenic leaves where only spherical protein bodies are observed.