cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Infectivity and RNA patterns as functions of high- and low-dilution passage of murine sarcoma-leukemia virus: evidence for autointerference within an oncornavirus population.

Abstract Heterogeneity of buoyant density and RNA content of virions of Moloney murine leukemia-sarcoma complex [MSV (MLV)] was the result of passage at low dilution. Heterogeneous stocks revealed two major RNA components in the population, with the smaller component, apparent mol wt 4 × 106 to 5 × 106, becoming predominant upon serial passage at low dilution. Concomitantly, infectivity titers of both MLV and MSV decreased upon serial passage at low dilution. MSV (MLV) passaged at high dilution retained high titers and a rather homogeneous high-molecular-weight RNA population characteristic of high-buoyant-density virions. Interference of both MLV and MSV replication was demonstrated by employing mixed inocula containing both low- and high-dilution passage stocks of MSV (MLV). In contrast to results with MSV (MLV), MLV freed of MSV by limit dilution did not show heterogeneity of buoyant density or of RNA when propagated at low dilution.
Non-native plant invader renders suitable habitat unsuitable

Coevolution between insect herbivores and their target plants often prompts an evolutionary arms race so that insects develop methods to overcome plant defenses. In doing so, some insects become specialized on host plants so that suitable habitat for these herbivorous insects may be demarcated by coevolved plant species. Non-native plant species may render suitable habitat unsuitable by replacing palatable native species with novel defenses that deter native herbivores. We investigated these dynamics in an urban forest heavily invaded by a non-native shrub (Rhamnus cathartica). We experimentally introduced native trees into a non-native dominated urban forest and found significantly higher Lepidoptera larvae abundance and diversity, and overall herbivory, on the native than non-native species. Hence, we rendered unsuitable habitat suitable by providing a key biotic niche requirement: palatable plants. These results suggest that non-native plants may simplify ecological systems by eliminating critical niche requirements for native species.
Effects of geometry and composition on charge-induced plasmonic shifts in gold nanoparticles

In this work the influence of geometry and composition on the charge-induced plasmonic shifts (CIPS) of gold nanoparticles are systematically studied using Mie scattering theory and the discrete dipole approximation. The sensitivity of nanorods and nanodisks with different aspect ratio and nanoshells with different volume fractions and compositions are studied using different charging levels. The electrodynamics calculations were performed by changing the internal electron density in the Drude model for the dielectric constant of gold. We show that, for a constant volume, nanodisks and nanorods exhibit CIPS with a linear dependence on aspect ratio. Geometries having higher aspect ratio show larger CIPS. In nanoshells, increasing the volume fraction of the core causes a slow increase of CIPS at first followed by a rapid increase for larger volume fractions. In addition, we find that nanoshells with the same volume fractions exhibit larger shifts when the refractive index of the cores is larger. Furthermore, the electrodynamics results are interpreted using analytical approximations based on quasistatic theory. The qualitative understanding of geometric and composition effects on the CIPS of gold nanoparticles obtained in this work can hopefully be used to realize highly tunable charge-based active plasmonic devices.
Current and future developments of synthetic methods in organofluorine chemistry

Abstract Although fluorine chemistry is rapidly approaching its 100th anniversary, organofluorine chemistry, as most of us know it, is only 40–50 years old. Interest and enthusiasm in this area of chemistry essentially traces its origins to the discovery and industrial applications of the Freons and polytetrafluoroethylene (Teflon). The unique properties of these materials attracted attention to this neglected area of organic chemistry—particularly industrially—and stimulated work on methods for the introduction of fluorine into organic molecules.
Large-Scale Protein-Protein Interaction Analysis in Arabidopsis Mesophyll Protoplasts by Split Firefly Luciferase Complementation

Protein-protein interactions (PPIs) constitute the regulatory network that coordinates diverse cellular functions. There are growing needs in plant research for creating protein interaction maps behind complex cellular processes and at a systems biology level. However, only a few approaches have been successfully used for large-scale surveys of PPIs in plants, each having advantages and disadvantages. Here we present split firefly luciferase complementation (SFLC) as a highly sensitive and noninvasive technique for in planta PPI investigation. In this assay, the separate halves of a firefly luciferase can come into close proximity and transiently restore its catalytic activity only when their fusion partners, namely the two proteins of interest, interact with each other. This assay was conferred with quantitativeness and high throughput potential when the Arabidopsis mesophyll protoplast system and a microplate luminometer were employed for protein expression and luciferase measurement, respectively. Using the SFLC assay, we could monitor the dynamics of rapamycin-induced and ascomycin-disrupted interaction between Arabidopsis FRB and human FKBP proteins in a near real-time manner. As a proof of concept for large-scale PPI survey, we further applied the SFLC assay to testing 132 binary PPIs among 8 auxin response factors (ARFs) and 12 Aux/IAA proteins from Arabidopsis. Our results demonstrated that the SFLC assay is ideal for in vivo quantitative PPI analysis in plant cells and is particularly powerful for large-scale binary PPI screens.
Developmental cognition before piaget: Alfred Binet's pioneering experiments

Abstract This article describes Binet's pioneering work in developmental cognition and more specifically his experiments on cognitive style, conservation, and numeration. It is pointed out that Binet's experiments have provided a basis for Piaget and post-Piagetian cognition and that most texts on developmental psychology and cognition do not mention any of Binet's original work. Certain social variables are advanced which may be responsible for this omission.
Pathways of nucleotide metabolism in Schistosoma mansoni—V Adenosine cleavage enzyme and effects of purine analogues on adenosine metabolism in vitro

Abstract Schistosoma mansoni extracts have been found to possess an active anabolic pathway for nucleotide biosynthesis in which adenosine is cleaved to adenine followed by conversion of adenine to AMP via adenine phosphoribosyltransferase. A significant fraction of labeled adenosine was found to enter the nucleotide pool by this pathway; howeverm, most of the nucleoside was converted to nucleotides by a pathway which employs adenosine deaminase, purine nucleoside phosphorylase and hypoxanthine phosphoribosyltransferase enzymes. Formycin A has been found to be a potent blocker of adenosine cleavage when tested in worm extracts. Arabinosyl-6-mercaptopurine and 6-thioguanosine are inhibitors of worm adenosine deaminase, and formycin B and 6-thioguanosine were found to inhibit the purine nucleoside phosphorylase of this parasite. Combinations of arabinosyl-6-mercaptopurine with either formycin A or formycin B result in substantial blockage of adenosine utilization for nucleotide synthesis. These studies thus suggest that adenosine analogues in combination might be useful in vivo for the chemotherapy of schistosomiasis.
The regulation of the immune system.

Fundamental questions about the processes of immune recognition are now being asked with the powerful techniques of molecular biology and biochemistry. The extent to which these disciplines have converged with cellular immunology was particularly striking at a recent meeting on the regulation of the immune response.
Leaf Transpiration Efficiency of Sweet Corn Varieties from Three Eras of Breeding

When measured under midday fi eld conditions, modern varieties of maize (Zea mays L.) often have substomatal carbon dioxide concentration (C i ) values in excess of those required to saturate the photosynthetic carbon dioxide assimilation rate (A). This results in lower leaf transpiration effi ciency (TE), the ratio of photosynthesis to transpiration, than potentially achievable for a given rate of photosynthesis. In some other crops, breeding has indirectly resulted in a large increase in stomatal conductance (g s ), which would decrease TE. I tested whether this occurred in sweet corn by comparing fi ve open-pollinated varieties released before 1903 with four standard hybrid varieties released in the mid-1900s and four varieties released after 1990. Leaf gas exchange of each variety was measured under ambient midday fi eld conditions on eight sunny days over two seasons in Beltsville, MD. Although there were signifi cant differences among varieties in g s , A, C i , and TE, no effect of era was signifi cant for any variable except A. Of the four modern varieties tested, two had the highest g s and two had the lowest g s of any of the varieties compared, with high g s associated with low TE. These four varieties were further compared in a third year and were found to differ consistently in leaf TE but not in A. It is concluded that breeding over the last century has not increased g s or decreased leaf TE in sweet corn but that there is signifi cant variation in TE among modern sweet corn varieties.
Localization of functional receptor epitopes on the structure of ciliary neurotrophic factor indicates a conserved, function-related epitope topography among helical cytokines.

By rational mutagenesis, receptor-specific functional analysis, and visualization of complex formation in solution, we identified individual amino acid side chains involved specifically in the interaction of ciliary neurotrophic factor (CNTF) with CNTFRα and not with the β-components, gp130 and LIFR. In the crystal structure, the side chains of these residues, which are located in helix A, the AB loop, helix B, and helix D, are surface accessible and are clustered in space, thus constituting an epitope for CNTFRα. By the same analysis, a partial epitope for gp130 was also identified on the surface of helix A that faces away from the α-epitope. Superposition of the CNTF and growth hormone structures showed that the location of these epitopes on CNTF is analogous to the location of the first and second receptor epitopes on the surface of growth hormone. Further comparison with proposed binding sites for α- and β-receptors on interleukin-6 and leukemia inhibitory factor indicated that this epitope topology is conserved among helical cytokines. In each case, epitope I is utilized by the specificity-conferring component, whereas epitopes II and III are used by accessory components. Thus, in addition to a common fold, helical cytokines share a conserved order of receptor epitopes that is function related.
Effect of the menstrual cycle on subjective ratings of sweetness.

Changes in sweetness perception in 74 nonobese 18-36 year old women in various phases of their menstrual cycles were assessed. Of these 39 were using an oral contraceptive. Subjects were tested with each of 3 sugar solutions of .5 1 and 2 molar strengths. Solutions were held in their mouths for 15 seconds and then spit out. Between taking the solutions a piece of cheese was given to neutralize the taste of the previous solution. Immediately subjective sensation of degrees of pleasant or unpleasantness were expressed. Differences in phases of the menstrual cycle were related to sweetness preferences (p less than .05). Those in the menstrual phase preceding the premenstrual period found the sugar solutions less pleasant than did those in earlier phases. Some variations were observed but they were not correlated with use of oral contraceptives. Variations of hormone level were thought to be significant.
Dendro-dendritic synapses in substantia nigra: descriptions based on analysis of serial sections

Dendro-dendritic synapses were studied in serial sections of rat substantia nigra in subjects pretreated with intraventricularly administered 5-hydroxydopamine, a monoaminergic synaptic label. These synapses had symmetrical membrane thickenings and small clusters of heavily labeled pleomorphic vesicles in the presynaptic dendrites, which were assumed to extend from the dopaminergic cells of pars compacta. Dendro-dendritic synapses were seen in the pars compacta of the substantia nigra, but were not found in blocks trimmed to include only the nondopaminergic pars reticulata. The presynaptic dendrites did not receive other synapses near the sites of dendro-dendritic synapses. These dendrites were frequently apposed to other dendrites for long distances with no intervening glial processes. In many cases, several adjacent dendro-dendritic contacts were made by a single presynaptic dendrite onto several different postsynaptic dendrites. Presynaptic dendrites did not participate in reciprocal synapses, serial synapses, or dendro-axonic synapses. Presynaptic and postsynaptic dendrites engaged in dendro-dendritic synaptic contact were of similar appearance and both had cross-sectional diameters of 0.23-1.9 microns. In several cases, label could also be detected in the postsynaptic dendrite in cisternae of smooth endoplasmic reticulum, providing evidence for dendro-dendritic synapses between dopaminergic neurons. Release of dopamine from dopaminergic dendrites and their role in the control of neuronal activity in substantial nigra are discussed.
Behavioral and Neurophysiological Correlates of Striatal Dopamine Depletion: A Rodent Model of Parkinson's Disease.

Abstract Both limb and cranial motor functions are adversely impacted by Parkinson's disease (PD). While current pharmacological and surgical interventions are effective in alleviating general limb motor symptoms of PD, they have failed to provide significant benefit for cranial motor functions. This suggests that the neuropathologies mediating limb and cranial motor impairments in PD may differ. Animal models provide a mechanism by which the potential neural dysfunctions underlying these different motor impairments may be characterized. Central goals to our laboratory have been to (a) determine the differential responses of cranial motor and limb motor function to striatal dopamine depletion and (b) determine the differential effects of striatal dopamine depletion on the integrity of cranial motor and limb motor neural circuits. This paper details the use of a comprehensive battery of limb and cranial motor behavioral tasks and the application of intracortical microstimulation to assess corticospinal and corticobulbar circuits in a rodent model of PD. Our work suggests that striatal dopamine depletion does differentially affect cranial and limb motor function and corticospinal and corticobulbar circuits. Further, we propose that cranial motor impairments in PD may be mediated by pathology both within and outside nigrostriatal dopamine system. Learning outcomes: Readers will be able to (a) describe a set of motor tests used to assess limb motor and cranial motor function in an animal model of Parkinson's disease, (b) understand the application of intracortical microstimulation to assess corticospinal and corticobulbar circuits, (c) describe the differential effects of dopamine depletion on limb motor and cranial motor function in a rodent model of PD, and (d) understand the potential role of dysfunction outside the nigrostriatal system mediating cranial motor impairments in Parkinson's disease.
The Matuyama-Brunhes transition recorded from Lake Tecopa sediments (California)

Abstract The paleomagnetic record of the Matuyama-Brunhes reversal in the sediment of ancient lake Tecopa provided the first evidence that the geomagnetic field during transition is not dipolar. We resampled the section to increase the time resolution of the record. Our new data show that the characteristic direction could not be completely isolated by AF demagnetization. The transitional directions obtained from thermal demagnetization are thus quite different from those of the previous study but the primary conclusion that the field was non-dipolar remains. The VGP paths lying close to the site longitude is consistent with an axisymmetric transition field.
Antibacterial Action of Egg Albumen in Embryonic Immunity

Abstract SELECTION among survivors following either natural or artificially induced disease outbreaks has been demonstrated as an effective method of establishing relatively resistant strains of chickens (Lambert and Knox, 1928; Roberts and Card, 1935; Hutt and Cole, 1947). The necessity for disease exposure in identifying resistant individuals has retarded the practical application of these findings. If the primary physiological defense mechanism for a specific disease were known, selection for genetic disease resistance might be made without the hazards of maintaining the disease. Natural resistance in domestic animals has been well reviewed by Perla and Marmorston (1941) and later by Gowen (1948). Inherited physiological mechanisms which have been reported to be related to natural resistance in the chick include normal bactericidins (Schnetzler and Hartsell, 1940), number of lymphocytes (Severens et al., 1944), body temperature (Scholes and Hutt, 1942) and intracellular lytic enzymes (Bell, 1949). In the case of the chick embryo, prenatal . . .
Surgical Treatment of Superior Mesenteric Artery Dissecting Aneurysm and Simultaneous Celiac Artery Compression

Spontaneous dissections of visceral arteries are rare, but when they do occur, they most commonly involve the superior mesenteric artery (SMA). We present a case of intestinal ischemia caused by a spontaneous dissection of the SMA in a patient with simultaneous celiac artery occlusion. The patient was a 45-year-old woman who presented with intestinal angina of sudden onset. Arteriography revealed the classic findings of SMA dissection and occlusion of the celiac artery. The patient underwent repair of both visceral vessels and made a full recovery. The 18 previously reported cases of isolated, spontaneous dissection of the SMA are reviewed. No previous case has been associated with celiac compression syndrome. The reported experience with symptomatic dissections of the SMA would suggest that prompt surgical repair is indicated and yields excellent results.
Ion Implantation in Compound Semiconductor Research

Ion implantation is widely used in the fabrication of III-V compound semiconductor devices for microwave and optoelectronic applications and in high-speed integrated circuits. Other applications employ implantation as a tool for basic semiconductor research. This paper provides an overview of these applications, along with problems in the implantation and annealing of compounds and recent solutions to these problems.
Model-based hospital productivity information management

Abstract The effective management of information in hospital should be driven by the same factors affecting today's reimbursement systems and diagnosis related groups (DRGs). Such an information management system should support the goals of productivity, and should be based on total productivity management concepts. Inadequate definitions of productivity provide a false sense of success for health care organizations and should never be substitutes for formal measurement approaches. This paper presents a framework for integrating costs into the hospital-wide information system for the purpose of productivity management. An analytical model that is based on the concept of total resource consumption is developed and presented along with an actual case example. As a result of the increasing volume and complexity of resource consumption information, it is not only vital to use computers, it is necessary in today's health care environment.
Predictive value of rest magnetocardiography in patients with stable angina

Abstract. Magnetocardiographic mapping (MCG) is increasingly used for non-invasive early detection of ischemia in patients with acute chest pain. This study was aimed to evaluate the predictive value of MCG, for the diagnosis of ischemia in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) and stable angina (StA). 51 pts (age 63 ± 10.7 years) with CAD (all chest pain free at the time of MCG) and 52 healthy volunteers were studied at rest with an unshielded 36-channel MCG system (sensitivity: 20 fT/√Hz, above 1 Hz). 42 pts underwent coronary angiography (CAng) (21 after MCG scan). 39 pts had stress SPECT; 32 had both CAng and SPECT. Analysis of ventricular repolarization (VR) was performed utilizing different methods for interactive and automated analysis of T-wave dynamics and of the effective magnetic vector (EMV) parameters. For all pts, best sensitivity, specificity, PPV, NPV and predictive accuracy of the MCG for the detection of ischemia were 56%, 96%, 94%, 69% and 78%, respectively (with EMV). If pts with previous myocardial infarction (MI) were excluded, best sensitivity, specificity, PPV, NPV and predictive accuracy of the MCG for the detection of ischemia were 83%, 96%, 94%, 89% and 91%, respectively (detected with EMV). Comparative values calculated from ECG were 38%, 100%, 100%, 80% and 82%, respectively. As compared with previous results in pts with ACS, the T-wave analysis seems to be less sensitive in pts with chronic CAD and previous MI. Further work is needed to better define MCG parameters to be used for the diagnosis of myocardial ischemia in pts with CAD and to differentiate VR abnormalities due to coexistent ventricular hypertrophy, previous MI, or other cardiomyopathy.
Critical analysis of the signal-averaged electrocardiogram. Improved identification of late potentials.

BACKGROUNDThis study performed a critical analysis of signal-averaging methods. The objective was to optimize detection of late potentials.METHODS AND RESULTSWe studied two patient populations: a low-arrhythmia-risk group with no evidence of heart disease and a group with clinically documented ventricular tachycardia (VT). Filtered QRS duration (QRSD) and terminal QRS amplitude (RMS40) were measured from the vector magnitude. A QRS duration based on the latest detectable ventricular activity in any of the three individual XYZ leads was also measured. Because of improved signal-to-noise ratio, both individual lead analysis and extended (600-versus 200-beat) averaging yielded significant changes in signal-averaged ECG parameters. Both approaches gave an increased sensitivity for VT identification. Sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy were evaluated as functions of critical values of QRSD and RMS40. RMS measurements in the terminal QRS, ranging from 20 to 100 msec and including RMS40, did not contribute to...
Laser communication system with acousto-optic tracking and modulation: experimental study

Laser communication systems are highly preferred for broadband applications. This technology uses higher regions of the spectrum, and offers unsurpassed throughput, information security, reduced weight and size of the components, and power savings. Unfortunately, small beam divergence requires precise positioning, which becomes very critical at high data rates. Complex motion patterns of the communicating platforms, vibrations, and atmospheric effects cause significant signal losses due to the pointing errors, beam wander, and other higher order effects. Mitigation of those effects is achieved by fast tracking, which can be successfully combined with signal modulation. In this work, we focus on the application of acousto-optic technology and its effect on communication performance. We present experimental results for a laser communication link affected by pointing distortions. These distortions are generated to emulate specific operation environments with particular spectral characteristics. The acousto-optic technology is used to build an agile tracking system combined with signal modulation in the same device to assure maximum signal reception, in spite of the harsh operational conditions. The received communication signal is recorded and statistically analyzed to calculate the bit error rates. This work presents synthesis of a tracking system and experimental results characterizing the communication performance under uncompensated pointing disturbance and with tracking.
Fast ion transport in the NASICON analog Na3Sc2(PO4)3: Structure and conductivity☆

The room temperature modification of stoichiometric NASICON(Sc) is monoclinic Cc. At 64°C there is a first order transition to a normal-conducting rhombohedral form R3c. Na(1) sites are fully occupied whereas Na(2) sites are partially occupied. At 167°C there is a transition to asuperionic phase, but the structure remains rhombohedral R3c. Vacancies are now shared equally by Na(1) and Na(2) sites. Fast Na-ion motion in stoichiometric Na3Sc2(PO4)3 arises from vacancy motion in a “dogleg” path between Na(1) and Na(2) sites.
Clinical experience in enteral nutrition support for premature infants with bronchopulmonary dysplasia.

OBJECTIVE: The comprehensive management of infants with bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) may include the need for fluid restriction. Modular nutrient components added to preterm formulas increase energy and protein contents but may compromise the nutrient integrity of the formula. The purpose of this pilot study was to compare the nutritional status and feeding tolerance of infants fed either a 30 kcal/oz ready-to-feed formula or a preterm formula containing nutrient supplements. METHODS: Feeding tolerance, growth, and biochemical indicators of nutritional status were compared in 27 premature infants with BPD who were fluid-restricted. These infants were fed either a 30 kcal/oz ready-to-feed formula or a preterm formula with additives concentrated to 30 kcal/oz. RESULTS: Growth and feeding tolerance were similar between groups. Serum albumin and blood urea nitrogen concentrations, however, were improved in the ready-to-feed formula group. CONCLUSION: A 30 kcal/oz ready-to-feed formula provides similar nutrient composition but improved protein nutritional status; this formula is a safe alternative to preterm formula containing multiple nutrient additives in premature infants with BPD.
Disequilibrium Syndrome Prevention in Nonhemodialysis Patients

Disequilibrium syndrome (DS) is a central nervous system disorder described in hemodialysis (HD) patients. The authors present 4 cases of elevated blood urea nitrogen (BUN); the first patient passed away from suspected DS, whereas the other 3 patients were identified as having a high risk of developing DS on the basis of their BUN. The authors tried to lower their BUN slowly and prevent rapid correction by different methods. This is the first study in which DS has been studied in patients who are not on HD, and methods are described to identify and prevent DS in such patients. They also review the existing literature on the pathogenesis of DS and highlight the importance of recognizing this syndrome in non-HD patients, while suggesting some innovative ways to prevent it.
Specific protein responses in the calanoid copepod Eurytemora affinis (Poppe, 1880) to salinity and temperature variation

Abstract The distribution of the calanoid copepod Eurytemora affinis (Poppe, 1880) in the Chesapeake Bay seems to be limited by salinity and temperature. Results in the laboratory suggest it should be able to accommodate to the entire range of salinity–temperature combinations encountered. Yet, at high temperatures and salinities, in particular, E. affinis is not found. In this study, we examined changes in protein expression in E. affinis exposed to extreme temperature–salinity combinations as well as to salinity–temperature combinations where they are found in the Chesapeake Bay. The protein changes observed were specific to treatment. The number of proteins present or absent compared to intermediate conditions tended to increase with the degree of stress. Some of these proteins may be involved in regulation of free nonessential amino acids or have direct interaction with inorganic ions.
1,3-bis (2-chloroethyl)-1-nitrosourea (BCNU) chemoembolization (TACE) for treatment of bulky uveal melanoma (UM) hepatic metastases

Purpose To determine if BCNU TACE is effective and safe for patients who present with bulky UM liver metastases. Materials and Methods Fifty treatment naive patients (mean age 59.1 years [range 30-88]; 19 women and 31 men) presenting with ≥50% tumor burden (TB), ECOG 0-2 performance status and adequate liver/renal function were treated over a 6-year period. Lobar TACE was performed using BCNU (200mg) dissolved in ethiodized oil followed by gelfoam embolization. Best radiologic response (RECIST) was determined using CT/MRI every 3-5 weeks after treatment of all hepatic tumors. Overall (OS) and progression-free survivals (PFS) were compared to TB and LDH levels using Kaplan-Meier analysis. TB was classified as 50-59%, 60-75% and >75%. LDH levels were divided into ≤500 and >500. CTCAE v4.0 was used to assess treatment toxicity. Results Fifty patients had 271 procedures. Best radiologic response included PR in 3 patients, SD in 33 patients, and PD in 12 patients. Two patients had no follow-up imaging. Median OS was 7.1 months (range 1.2 - 32.3) and PFS was 5.0 months (range 1.1 - 32.3) for all 50 patients. Eleven patients (22%) survived >12 months (range 12.2-32.3) post TACE with 1 patient alive at follow-up. Forty patients died from liver metastases, 8 from extrahepatic disease and 1from an unrelated cause. TB and LDH levels had no statistically significant effect on OS (p=0.4755 and p=0.1358, respectively) or PFS (p=0.2015 and p=0.3391, respectively) ( Table 1 ). Grade 3 thrombocytopenia occurred in 2 patients. Grade 3 hyperbilirubinemia (n=2) was due to PD. Conclusion BCNU TACE is a safe and effective treatment for patients presenting with bulky UM liver metastases. 22% of our patients survived >1-year following initial treatment. This is an encouraging result for patients with ≥50%TB given the aggressive nature of this disease. 1,3-bis(2-chloroethyl)-1-nitrosourea (BCNU) Chemoembolization (TACE) for Treatment of Bulky Uveal Melanoma (UM) Hepatic Metastases
Prefrontal cortex dysfunction in borna disease virus (BDV)-infected rats

Viruses have been proposed to play a role in the pathogenesis of schizophrenia; however, the mechanisms by which infection could cause the affective, cognitive, and movement disorders of schizophrenia are not understood. The neurotropic RNA virus, Borna disease (BD) virus, linked to schizophrenia by serologic studies, causes movement and behavior disorders in a wide variety of mammalian and bird hosts. BD rats have hyperactivity and stereotyped behaviors similar to those that follow neurotoxic or electrolytic lesions in frontal cortex or its catecholamine afferents in rats. BD rats have high levels of viral nucleic acid in the prefrontal cortex (PFC), abnormal mesocortical dopamine activity (elevated levels of DOPAC in PFC), yet no alteration in specific binding of D1 or D2 receptor radioligands in PFC. Since frontal lobe dysfunction is frequently reported in schizophrenia, the BD rat model may provide insights into pathogenesis and management of this debilitating psychiatric disease.
The study of metal-insulator-semiconductor structures with Langmuir-Blodgett insulators

Abstract Metal-insulator-semiconductor structures were fabricated using a polymerizable diacetylene film on silicon substrates using the Langmuir-Blodgett technique. A mercury probe was used to measure the high frequency capacitance-voltage (C-V) characteristics of the structure. The C-V curves indicate accumulation, depletion and deep depletion of the silicon surface. The dielectric constant of the 10,12-nonacosadiynoic acid (16-8 polydiacetylene) film was calculated to be 2.13. The effective fixed charge density at the insulator-silicon interface ranged from 1010 to 1011 cm−2. Hysteresis was observed in the C-V curves and appears to be consistent with charge trapping at the silicon-insulator interface. Using the C-V technique as a criterion, the polydiacetylene was thermally stable up to 120 °C.
Intracranial aneurysms: Characteristics of aneurysms by site, with special reference to anterior communicating artery aneurysms

Abstract Data are presented from an unselected series of 212 aneurysm patients for aneurysms at three major sites: the internal carotid-posterior communicating artery junction, the anterior communicating artery, and the middle cerebral artery. More than 70% of the anterior communicating artery aneurysms occurred as single aneurysms; less than 30% of the middle cerebral artery aneurysms were single. Anterior communicating artery aneurysms showed a right-side predominance in males but not in females. Both males and females had significantly higher mean systolic and diastolic blood pressures for left-side anterior communicating artery aneurysms than for right-side aneurysms. A brief review of factors relevant to anterior communicating artery aneurysms is presented.
Propagation in channels

We describe how one can obtain the phase space differential equation for joint position-wavenumber distributions for pulse propagation with dispersion and attenuation. We show that there are many advantages to the phase space equation both from the point of view of insight and practical calculation. We use the method to obtain new approximations for pulse propagation. The phase space distributions we use are the Wigner distribution and spectrogram.
Sesquiterpene lactones from Artemisia: Arbusculin-C, rothin-A and rothin-B

Abstract Three new santanolides, arbusculin-C (III), rothin-A (VIII), and rothin-B (XII), were isolated from species of the section Tridentatae Rydb. of the genus Artemisia. Their structural details were revealed by means of NMR spectroscopy, and diagnostically useful examples of intramolecular proximity deshielding by oxygen were observed. Biosyntheses of these and other eudesmanolides from A. arbuscula Nutt. ssp. arbuscula and A. rothrockii Gray were rationalized in two analogous pathways from assumed germacranolide precursors.
Some Characteristics Of Diagnostic Scatter Radiation

The Monte Carlo method with three input parameters, photon energy, scatter material, and material thickness, is used to calculate the scatter fraction and the point spread function of the scatter (PSF). Four scatter materials, C, Ca, H2O, and Al are tested using 50, 70, 90, and 110 keV monoenergetic sources. From this simulation, two conclusions can be made: (1) the PSF of scatter can be approximated as an exponential function, and (2) the scatter fraction shows energy dependence when expressed as a function of the product of linear attenuation coefficient and material thickness.
Multiple molecular forms of the gibberellin-induced α-amylase from the aleurone layers of barley seeds

A class of plant growth regulators, gibberellins, induce the synthesis of alpha-amylase (1,4-alpha-D-glucan glucanohydrolase, EC 3.2.1.1) in the aleurone layers of barley (Hordeum vulgare L. var. Himalaya) seeds. The purified alpha-amylase is composed of multiple isozymic forms with indistinguishable molecular weights, but different net charges. These alpha-amylase isozymes separate on isoelectric focusing gels into two groups, each containing multiple species. One group has an apparent isoelectric point (pI) of approximately 5.8 (the high pI group). The other group's pI values are around 4.5 (the low pI group). On some gels a small amount of protein focuses between the high and low pI isozymes. These proteins comigrate with the low pI isozymes upon reelectrophoresis. The synthesis of these two groups is temporally regulated. The high pI group is the dominant set of isozymes secreted from embryoless half seeds during the first two days of gibberellin administration. After four days, however, the major isozymes are those of the low pI group. This shift in isozyme pattern is due to a shift in their relative rates of synthesis. Peptide analysis of these two groups of isozymes with Staphylococcus aureus V8 protease and cyanogen bromide shows amino acid sequence differences. However, members within the same group have similar peptide patterns. Both groups of isozymes are synthesized in vitro in a wheat germ extract primed with poly(A)+ RNA isolated from gibberellin-treated aleurone layers. This indicates that the synthesis of the two groups of alpha-amylase isozymes is probably directed by two or more different populations of mature mRNA. A model that explains these observations and the available genetic information is that barley aleurone alpha-amylase isozymes are encoded by at least two sets of structural genes.
Initializing RAM-based logarithmic processors

A logarithmic processor is proposed that uses external RAM for holding the table required for logarithmic subtraction. The proposed processor requires that the RAM be initialized before any computations occur. We give an algorithm to initialize the RAM using the limited arithmetic unit of the processor. The algorithm is ten times faster than a bit by bit computation of the logarithm and antilogarithm. Bounds are developed for comparing the error of this algorithm against the error of earlier algorithms. Simulation results show that this algorithm avoids catastrophic cancellation, and is as accurate as any previously known single precision algorith.
Pulsed-plasma-polymerized aniline thin films

An inductively coupled pulsed-plasma reactor was used to synthesize polyaniline thin films on several substrates positioned at various distances from the center of the radio frequency (RF) coil. The samples were characterized with Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), cyclic voltammetry, and microscopic techniques. Impedance spectroscopy was used to determine the electrical characteristics of three-layer structures with polyaniline as the middle layer between top and bottom metal electrodes. FTIR results indicated that the chemical composition and structure of the films were very dependent on the substrate's position with respect to the RF coil, there being considerably less aromatic character closer to the coil. The electrochemical behavior of the films in acidic electrolytes was similar to that of small-molecule aniline oxidation products; the number of peaks in the cyclic voltammograms varied with the substrate. Scanning electron microscopy indicated that as the films became thicker, they developed nodules atop a somewhat smoother underlayer. Results from transmission electron microscopy and optical birefringence suggested that the films were not completely homogeneous. The impedance measurements were consistent with relatively rough films possibly containing pinholes. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 93:1317–1325, 2004
Splanchnic buffering of metabolic acid during early endotoxemia.

Abstract Purpose: We sought to determine the sites of metabolic acid production and clearance during acute endotoxemia. Materials and Methods: In 10 pentobarbital-anesthetized dogs, flow was measured (ultrasonic probes) for the portal vein, hepatic artery, and renal artery. Catheters were inserted into the hepatic vein, pulmonary artery, renal vein, and portal vein. Measurements of blood gases and strong ions were obtained from each site during control conditions and after 30 minutes of intravenous infusion of 1 mg/kg of Escherichia coli endotoxin. The total metabolic acid flux across each organ was calculated using the standard base excess formula and the effective strong ion difference method. Pa CO 2 was maintained by controlled ventilation. Results: Mean arterial pH decreased from 7.34 to 7.22 with acute endotoxemia. Although transvisceral pH gradients revealed net acid release, the source of this was purely respiratory (carbon dioxide). During early endotoxemia, the gut significantly increased metabolic acid uptake (36.60 ± 6.60 mmol/h, P Conclusions: We conclude that during early endotoxemia in the dog, the gut is a major site of metabolic acid removal.
Generation of a Catalytic Antibody by Site-Directed Mutagenesis

A hybrid Fv fragment of the dinitrophenyl-binding immunoglobulin A (IgA), MPOC315, has been generated by reconstituting a recombinant variable light chain (VL) produced in Escherichia coli with a variable heavy chain (VH) derived from the antibody. The Tyr34 residue of VL was substituted by His in order to introduce a catalytic imidazole into the combining site for the ester hydrolysis. The His mutant Fv accelerated the hydrolysis of the 7-hydroxycoumarin ester of 5-(2,4-dinitrophenyl)-aminopentanoic acid 90,000-fold compared to the reaction with 4-methyl imidazole at pH 6.8 and had an initial rate that was 45 times as great as that for the wild-type Fv. The hydrolyses of aminopropanoic and aminohexanoic homologs were not significantly accelerated. Thus a single deliberate amino acid change can introduce significant catalytic activity into an antibody-combining site, and chemical modification data can be used to locate potential sites for the introduction of catalytic residues.
Reliability of Vertical-Cavity Surface-Emitting Lasers

Vertical-cavity surface-emitting lasers (VCSELs) are among the least expensive lasers available, and have been widely deployed for data communications and illumination applications. They have also proved to be one of the most reliable types of lasers, due to the lack of exposed facets, and the relatively small area of the chip that is vulnerable to defects. We discuss measures that have proven necessary to obtain good reliability, focusing especially on reliability qualification and analysis. We also briefly discuss failure analysis techniques and future VCSEL reliability challenges.
Unequal synthesis and differential degradation of alpha and beta spectrin during murine erythroid differentiation

Murine erythroleukemia (MEL) cells represent a valuable system to study the biogenesis of the cytoskeleton during erythroid differentiation. When attached to fibronectin-coated dishes MEL cells induce, upon addition of DMSO, a 7-d differentiation process during which they enucleate and reach the reticulocyte stage (Patel, V. P., and H. F. Lodish. 1987. J. Cell Biol. 105:3105-3118); they accumulate band 3, spectrin, and ankyrin in amounts equivalent to those found in mature red blood cells. To follow the biosynthesis of spectrin during differentiation, membranes and cytoskeletal proteins of cells metabolically labeled with [35S]methionine were solubilized by SDS and alpha and beta spectrins were recovered by specific immunoadsorption. In both uninduced and 3-d induced cells, the relative synthesis of alpha/beta spectrin is approximately 1:3. In uninduced MEL cells newly synthesized alpha and beta spectrins are degraded with a similar half-life of approximately 10 h. In contrast, in 3-d differentiated MEL cells newly made beta spectrin is much more unstable than alpha spectrin; the half-lives of alpha and beta spectrin chains are approximately 22 and 8 h, respectively. Thus, accumulation of equal amounts of alpha and beta spectrin is caused by unequal synthesis and unequal degradation. As judged by Northern blot analyses, the level of actin mRNA is relatively constant throughout the 7-d differentiation period. alpha and beta spectrin mRNAs are barely detectable in uninduced cells, increase during the first 4 d of induction, and remain constant thereafter. In contrast, band 3 mRNA is first detectable on day 4 of differentiation. Thus, most of the spectrin that accumulates in enucleating reticulocytes is synthesized during the last few days of erythropoiesis, concomitant with the onset of band 3 synthesis. To determine whether this was occurring in normal mouse erythropoiesis, we analyzed the rate of appearance of labeled membrane proteins in mature erythrocytes after a single injection of [35S]methionine. Our results show that most of the spectrin and band 3 in mature erythrocytes is synthesized during the last days of bone marrow erythropoiesis, and that, in the marrow, band 3 and protein 4.1 are synthesized at a somewhat later stage of development than are alpha and beta spectrin, ankyrin, and actin.
Epidermal allergen sensitization primes for aeroallergen induced eosinophilic esophagitis (EE)

Abstract Rationale Aeroallergen induced experimental asthma is accompanied by esophageal eosinophilia, which mimics the pathophysiological changes observed in individuals with eosinophilic esophagitis (EE). Since epidermal allergen sensitization has been recently implicated in the pathogenesis of experimental asthma, we examined the ability of epidermal sensitization to also result in esophageal eosinophilia. Methods We developed a novel model for skin sensitization in which 100μg of Aspergilus fumigatus antigen (Asp) or Saline was topically applied to the shaved upper backs of mice on six occasions over the course of two weeks. One week following sensitization, mice from both groups were given a single intranasal challenge with Asp or Saline (n=4 mice per treatment). Results Epidermal sensitization to Asp caused a 4 to 5-fold increase in serum IgE levels compared to Saline. Additionally, following a single intranasal Asp challenge, epidermal sensitization to Asp resulted in pulmonary inflammation and significantly elevated eosinophils in both bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) (57.6 ± 8.4×104 vs. 0.2 ± 0.17×104 per lung) and in the esophagus (24.3 ± 7 vs. 4.4 ± 3 per mm2) compared to Saline-challenged mice (p=0.001). Conclusion Epidermal sensitization can prime for aeroallergen induced eosinophilic esophagitis providing a novel link between cutaneous and mucosal allergic responses.
The global precipitation climatology project

Modeling and observational research requirements have led the World Climate Research Programme to initiate the Global Precipitation Climatology Project (GPCP) with the goal of the production of a 10-year set of monthly analyses of area-averaged precipitation on a 2.5¼ global grid using satellite estimates based on IR and microwave data, together with station observations. Its several principal centers each presently uses existing observations and techniques, including an IR-based tropical rainfall estimate and oceanic estimates derived from SSM/I observations as well as gauge observations, to produce rainfall analyses. A Calibration/Validation component ensures that the satellite estimates used in the project are of high quality by providing validation data sets and by encouraging the development of new observing technology. Examples of the satellite-based estimates are presented.
Predaceous gastropods regulate new-shell supply to salt marsh hermit crabs

Marsh hermit crabsPagurus longicarpus Say directly acquire new shells as the predatory gastropodMelongena corona Gmelin consumes marsh periwinkles,Littorina irrorata Say. The influx rate of new shells into a salt marsh hermit crab population was measured by marking live periwinkles and daily recovering the shells from hermit crabs over periods of 3 to 6 d. Average rates of new shell acquisition ranged from 4.0 to 23.3 new shells per day from salt marsh areas of 4×10 m. Such consistently high rates contrast with the negligible rates generally assumed for new shell entry into hermit crab populations. The number of new shells acquired each day varied directly with the number of the predatory gastropod,M. corona, present in each study area at both natural and manipulated predator densities. Empty shells on the substrate are usually considered as the primary source of new shells to hermit crabs. However, over 500 empty shells had to be placed on the substrate in a 4×10 m area to provide a daily rate of 20 new shells to the hermit crab population.