cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Economic History and Philology

Mistakes of economic history and of philology when dealing with origins, 240. — Philology cannot be dissociated from economic history, 241. — Evidences of early importation of steel from China, 242. — Weighing machines probably introduced from China, 245. — The origin of the tartan manufacture in Central Asia. The evidence thereof in the languages of Europe, 246. — The fallacy of the Garbo wool and cloth theory of the economists, 252. — Garbo applied to another textile than woolens, 255. — Garbo parchment, 256. — Garbo identified with the goat, 258. — Garbo an expression for A 1, 259. — Fallacy of the economic theory as to the origin of the grocer, 261. — What constituted "retail" in the early Middle Ages, 262. — The relation of "retail" to "wholesale," 264. — Analysis of the Ordinance of the Fishmongers of Amiens for this relation, 266. — The grossier more nearly a commission merchant, 267. — Genesis of the English grocer. Ordinances for weighing "goods of weight," 271. — The grocer so called from selling "grosses," 273. — The grocer not so called from engrossing commodities, 274. — The spicerers and grocers of Byzantium, the prototypes of the Italian and, hence, of the English spicerers and grocers, 275. — Origin of the word "spices," 276. — Origin and meaning of the word "avoir du pois," 277.
The Hepcidin-Ferroportin System as a Therapeutic Target in Anemias and Iron Overload Disorders

The review summarizes the current understanding of the role of hepcidin and ferroportin in normal iron homeostasis and its disorders. The various approaches to therapeutic targeting of hepcidin and ferroportin in iron-overload disorders (mainly hereditary hemochromatosis and β-thalassemia) and iron-restrictive anemias (anemias associated with infections, inflammatory disorders, and certain malignancies, anemia of chronic kidney diseases, and iron-refractory iron-deficiency anemia) are also discussed.
An α-approximation theorem for Q∞-manifolds

Abstract Given a Q ∞ -manifold M and an open cover α of M , there is an open cover β of M such that every β -equivalence from a Q ∞ -manifold N to M is α-close to a homeomorphism. Consequently, every Q ∞ -deficient subset in a C ∞ -manifold M is strongly negligible in M .
How do men and women differ in research collaborations? An analysis of the collaborative motives and strategies of academic researchers☆

Abstract Do men and women academic faculty vary in their research collaboration patterns and strategies? This straightforward question does not lend itself to a straightforward answer. A great many sex-correlated variables could possibly mitigate the relationship of sex and collaboration. If one finds sex-correlated differences in the number of collaborators, can one infer that there is something intrinsic to men's and women's work strategies and preferences? Or would such differences owe instead to women's and men's different positions in work structures and hierarchies? The focus here is on two sets of research collaboration variables, numbers of collaborators and the collaboration strategies employed. The study uses questionnaire data from the U.S. National Survey of Academic Scientists ( n = 1714) and tests several hypotheses about collaboration numbers and strategies. Regression results indicate, counter to the core hypotheses and almost all published literature, that in a properly specified model, one taking into account such factors as tenure, discipline, family status and doctoral cohort, women actually have somewhat more collaborators on average than do men. For both men and women, those with more industrial interactions and those affiliated with university research centers have more collaborators. Men and women differ in their collaborator choice strategies. Men are more likely to be oriented to “instrumental,” and “experience” strategies, while both men and women are motivated by “mentoring” strategies. Regression analyses show that for both men and women, having a coherent collaborator choice strategy predicts the number of collaborators.
Molecular Characterization of Mutant Arabidopsis Plants with Reduced Plasma Membrane Proton Pump Activity

Arabidopsis mutants containing gene disruptions in AHA1 and AHA2, the two most highly expressed isoforms of the Arabidopsis plasma membrane H+-ATPase family, have been isolated and characterized. Plants containing homozygous loss-of-function mutations in either gene grew normally under laboratory conditions. Transcriptome and mass spectrometric measurements demonstrate that lack of lethality in the single gene mutations is not associated with compensation by increases in RNA or protein levels. Selected reaction monitoring using synthetic heavy isotope-labeled C-terminal tryptic peptides as spiked standards with a triple quadrupole mass spectrometer revealed increased levels of phosphorylation of a regulatory threonine residue in both isoforms in the mutants. Using an extracellular pH assay as a measure of in vivo ATPase activity in roots, less proton secreting activity was found in the aha2 mutant. Among 100 different growth conditions, those that decrease the membrane potential (high external potassium) or pH gradient (high external pH) caused a reduction in growth of the aha2 mutant compared with wild type. Despite the normal appearance of single mutants under ideal laboratory growth conditions, embryos containing homozygous double mutations are lethal, demonstrating that, as expected, this protein is absolutely essential for plant cell function. In conclusion, our results demonstrate that the two genes together perform an essential function and that the effects of their single mutations are mostly masked by overlapping patterns of expression and redundant function as well as by compensation at the post-translational level.
Tetrapolipus lundi new species (Acari: Podapolipidae)

Abstract Tetrapolipus lundi new species (Acari: Podapolipidae) is described from a curculionid beetle, Rhinoscapha leguilloui (Guer.) from Guadacanal Island. The current status of five species of mites considered to be Tetrapolipus is discussed.
Extended T2 tests for longitudinal family data in whole genome sequencing studies

Family data and rare variants are two key features of whole genome sequencing analysis for hunting the missing heritability of common human diseases. Recently, Zhu and Xiong proposed the generalized T2 tests that combine rare variant analysis and family data analysis. In similar fashion, we developed the extended T2 tests for longitudinal whole genome sequencing data for family-based association studies. The new methods simultaneously incorporate three correlation sources: from linkage disequilibrium, from pedigree structure, and from the repeated measures of covariates. We assess and compare these methods using the simulated data from Genetic Analysis Workshop 18. We show that, in general, the extended T2 tests incorporating longitudinal repeated measures have higher power than the single-time-point T2 tests in detecting hypertension-associated genome segments.
783-5 Intravascular Stents in Systemic Venous and Systemic Venous Baffle Obstructions

Background Balloon-expandable intravascular stents are well accepted in the management of arterial obstructions. This study was undertaken to detail the immediate and short-term results of intravascular stent implantation in systemic venous and systemic venous baffle obstructions in children. Methods and Results Between September 1991 and June 1994, 12 patients had 21 stents implanted in 13 systemic venous obstructions, 1 patient having stents placed in 2 separate obstructions. In the baffle group, 4 of 13 obstructions were at the superior vena cava/right atrial junction after atrial baffling for transposition of the great arteries. One of 4 patients had complete obstruction requiring transseptal needle perforation before stent implantation. There was an immediate gradient reduction from 12±8.4 mm Hg (range, 4 to 20 mm Hg) to 1.3±1.9 mm Hg (range, 0 to 4 mm Hg, P=.05). The obstructed segment diameter increased from 3.5±3.9 mm (range, 0 to 8.5 mm) to 16±2.7 mm (range, 14 to 20 mm, P=.002). In the central v...
Achieving conservation objectives through production forestry: The case of Acacia koa on Hawaii Island

Abstract The future of Earth's natural capital, and the ecosystem service benefits it supplies humanity, hinges on whether conservation and restoration become economically attractive and commonplace on lands managed for profit. Sustainable forestry is a potential means of making restoration profitable; in most of the world, it remains the only way to reforest large areas while maintaining economic viability for the landowner. Here we explore the potential benefits and limitations of native tree forestry as an economically viable conservation tool in the context of a case study—koa forestry on Hawaii Island. We conducted interviews with practitioners and scientists to evaluate koa forestry as means of restoring natural capital in Hawaii. Our interviews demonstrated strong interest in the ecological and economic potential of koa, but the respondents also cited a litany of concerns. Koa's attractiveness to private landowners is hampered by a lack of silvicultural information (particularly on native trees such as koa), the challenge of balancing profit and biodiversity, wariness of government involvement, and perhaps most importantly, large upfront costs and having to wait several decades for revenue from timber harvest. Establishing new revenue streams for non-timber ecosystem services of koa forests – through government or private sector payments – could greatly enhance the attractiveness of this land use to a diverse set of landowners.
4464 Can the asa grade predict the risk of endoscopic complications

Background:The American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) grade has been used for over 50 years as a predictor of risk for perioperative morbidity and mortality. This measure has been incorporated into the CORI endoscopic database as a potential stratification tool for adverse outcomes related to endoscopy. There are 5 designated levels, ranging from Class Ihealthy patient without comorbidities, to Class V-moribund paient with little chance of survival. Purpose: To utilize a national endoscopic database (CORI) to asses the predicitve ability of the ASA grade for endoscopic complications. Methods:A physician network of 116 endoscopists at 32 sites entered data from 6/30/97-9/30/99. 141,572 endoscopic exams were performed on 104,311 unique patients. EGD, colonoscopy, ERCP and FS exams were used for this study. The ASA grade was entered in 81% of cases. Multivariate analysis, controlling for age and gender was performed to assess the association of ASA grade and risk for complications. This analysis was performed separately for total complications and bleeding and/or perforation. ASA grade V was not analyzed due to the low number of cases (50). Conclusions: The ASA grade strongly predicts the risk of overall complications and the subset with bleeding and/or perforation secondary to endoscopy. The risk of complications for grade IV patients appears 4-8X greater than grade I patients. The ASA grade may be used to stratify the risk of endoscopic complications and as an adjustment tool for patient case-mix.
Strategic Investment in Switching Cost: An Integrated Customer Acquisition and Retention Perspective

This paper considers the interaction between investment to increase Web site stickiness (consumer switching costs) and competition. A duopoly model is used to examine investment by a superior firm to increase consumer switching costs and competition for customer acquisition and customer retention between the investing firm and a noninvesting firm. Gaining a competitive advantage in customer retention is the purpose of strategic technology investment, but the model shows that where consumers are myopic about the benefits they will derive from the technology investment, aggressive price competition by a non-investing firm can prevent the investing firm from acquiring a larger market share and consequently reduce its incentive to invest. However, an investing firm that can persuade consumers of the benefits of the technology investment will have an advantage in customer acquisition and thus may have an incentive to invest.
Two New “Protected” Oxyphors for Biological Oximetry: Properties and Application in Tumor Imaging

We report the synthesis, calibration, and examples of application of two new phosphorescent probes, Oxyphor R4 and Oxyphor G4, optimized specifically for in vivo oxygen imaging by phosphorescence quenching. These “protected” dendritic probes can operate in either albumin-rich (blood plasma) or albumin-free (interstitial space) environments at all physiological oxygen concentrations, from normoxic to deep hypoxic conditions. Oxyphors R4 and G4 are derived from phosphorescent Pd-meso-tetra-(3,5-dicarboxyphenyl)-porphyrin (PdP) or Pd-meso-tetra-(3,5-dicarboxyphenyl)-tetrabenzoporphyrin (PdTBP), respectively, and possess features common for protected dendritic probes, i.e., hydrophobic dendritic encapsulation of phosphorescent metalloporphyrins and hydrophilic PEGylated periphery. The new Oxyphors are highly soluble in aqueous environments and do not permeate biological membranes. The probes were calibrated under physiological conditions (pH 6.4–7.8) and temperatures (22–38 °C), showing high stability, reprod...
Interactions of 200-GeV pions in nuclei

Results on multiparticle production in 200-GeV pion interactions in W and Cr are presented. Data were obtained from nuclear-emulsion plates containing embedded microgranules. The multiplicity distributions of fast charged particles have the following parameters (means and dispersions): for 53 $\ensuremath{\pi}$-W events, $〈{n}_{s}〉=14.58\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}1.01$, $D=7.53\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.91$; for 57 $\ensuremath{\pi}$-Cr events, $〈{n}_{s}〉=12.53\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.64$, $D=4.83\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.57$. Data on angular distributions and two-particle pseudorapidity correlations are presented and compared with the predictions of several current models.
“Smad”eningly Erratic: Target Gene Methylation Determines Whether TGFβ Promotes or Suppresses Malignant Glioma

TGFβ functions as a tumor suppressor in some contexts and a tumor promoter in others. In a recent issue of Cancer Cell , Bruna et al. (2007) shed light on an epigenetic mechanism that underlies this schizophrenic behavior in malignant glioma. Their findings highlight a stem cell/cancer link…and a potential blind spot in large-scale cancer genome sequencing projects.
A new therapeutic approach to type II leprosy reaction.

Background An increase in tumor necrosis factor (TNF) has been implicated in type II leprosy reaction. Thalidomide, which inhibits TNF, is an effective drug, but has severe side-effects in pregnant women. Other therapeutic drugs are required. Methods Clofazimine and pentoxifylline were evaluated for their efficacy against severe type II leprosy reaction in four patients (three men and one woman). Results All four patients showed a similar fast response to treatment. Conclusions The results obtained in this study are promising; however, clofazimine and pentoxifylline must be evaluated in a larger group of patients in order to determine their value in controlling type II leprosy reaction.
Childhood Maltreatment and Psychopathology: Prospective Tests of Attachment, Cognitive Vulnerability, and Stress as Mediating Processes.

A childhood history of maltreatment is a distal risk factor for depression, although less research has examined the proximal mechanisms for this relation. To address this question, three theoretically derived mechanisms were tested as mediators: an insecure attachment style, a negative cognitive style, and negative life events. These mediating processes were examined in two prospective studies. In the first, young adults (n = 652) completed a detailed self-report measure assessing a childhood history (before age 14) of physical, sexual, and emotional abuse. In the second, an independent sample of young adults (n = 75) were interviewed with a well-validated, objective, contextual threat interview that assesses a childhood history (before age 14) of physical, sexual, and psychological abuse as well as the surrounding familial context of emotional neglect, antipathy, discipline, and discord. In both studies, participants completed measures of the proposed mediators as well as anxiety and depressive symptoms at 2 time points (10-week interval in Study 1 and 2-year interval in Study 2). Across both studies, a childhood history of emotional maltreatment and adversity specifically predicted prospective elevations of depressive symptoms, whereas no specific form of childhood maltreatment predicted anxiety symptoms after controlling for initial symptoms and overlap among forms of maltreatment. Further, support was found for the proposed mediating processes. An insecure attachment style, a negative cognitive style, and negative events helped to account for the link between childhood maltreatment and later depressive symptoms in young adulthood.
Effect of cation doping on the physical properties and electrochemical performance of Nd0.6Sr0.4Co0.8M0.2O3−δ (M = Ti, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, and Cu) cathodes

Abstract The effect of M n+ cation doping on the crystal chemistry, thermal expansion coefficient (TEC), electrical conductivity, and electrochemical performance in solid oxide fuel cells (SOFC) of the Nd 0.6 Sr 0.4 Co 0.8 M 0.2 O 3− δ (M = Ti, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, and Cu) cathodes has been investigated. The samples form single-phase solid solutions with an orthorhombic perovskite structure. The degree of oxygen loss at high temperatures, TEC, and electrical conductivity decrease with the substitution of M n+ ions for Co 3+/4+ due to an increase in the thermal stability and bond strength and a decrease in the metal–oxygen covalency. The electrocatalytic activity measured with single cell SOFC decreases with M n+ doping due to a decrease in the oxygen exchange, oxygen mobility, and charge transfer reaction, resulting from a decrease in the electronic conductivity and the oxide ion vacancy concentration.
Mollusc shell structures: novel design strategies for synthetic materials

Abstract Mollusc shells are layered organic—inorganic composites bioengineered at the nanoscale. The structural features of these composites result in toughened shells and can provide a useful paradigm to consider in the design of biomaterials. Recent studies in vitro illustrate the function of proteins in controlling the nucleation and growth of the inorganic phases in these structures. Characterization of the morphology of the organic matrix provides new insights into the registry between layers of inorganic material. Biomimetic methods are being used to duplicate these biomineralization processes to achieve comparable structural features in ceramic composites.
Building a Framework of Metadata Change to Support Knowledge Management

Evolving user needs and relevance require continuous change and reform. A good digital collection has mechanisms to accommodate the differing uses being made of the digital library system. In a metadata management context, change could mean to transform, substitute, or make the content of a metadata record different from what it is or from what it would be if left alone. In light of the evolving compliance requirements, this paper analyses the three most common types of change within metadata records as well as their subcategories and discusses the possible implications of such changes within and beyond the metadata records.
Testimony from the Bedside: From Coley's Toxins to Targeted Immunotherapy

A new clinical study reported in the New England Journal of Medicine unveils the long-awaited outcome of anti-CTLA-4 therapy for melanoma. It provides grounds for continued enthusiasm for cancer immunotherapy, deepens our thoughts on underlying mechanisms, and suggests exciting next steps.
Adiponectin differentially regulates cytokines in porcine macrophages

Adiponectin, an adipocyte-derived hormone, attenuates the production of TNFalpha by activated human macrophages. In the present study, we used porcine blood-derived macrophages to test the hypothesis that the anti-inflammatory action of adiponectin includes suppression of IL6 and an induction of IL10. Adiponectin suppressed both TNFalpha and IL6 production in macrophages activated with lipopolysaccharide (P<0.01). In contrast, adiponectin increased IL10 expression (P<0.05) and augmented (P<0.05) the induction of this cytokine by lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Mechanistically, the attenuation of proinflammatory cytokine production by adiponectin was associated with an attenuation of the translocation of NFkappaB to the nucleus. Either adiponectin or inhibition of ERK1/2 with U0126 diminished the induction of IL6 by LPS (P<0.05), but the combination of adiponectin and the inhibitor did not further reduce IL6 production. In contrast, the inhibitory actions of adiponectin and a p38 MAPK inhibitor (SB203580) were additive (P<0.05). These data indicate that the anti-inflammatory actions of adiponectin include suppression of IL6 and induction of IL10. In addition, we provide evidence that some of the anti-inflammatory actions of adiponectin are mediated in part by suppression of NFkappaB signaling and ERK1/2 activity.
Thomas Heywood's Panegyric to London's ‘University’ in Londini Artium & Scientiarum Scaturigo: or, Londons Fountaine of Arts and Sciences (1632)

Thomas Heywood's Londini Artium & Scientiarum Scaturigo or Londons Fountaine of Arts and Sciences (1632) provides a distinctive approach to the conventions of the genre of the Lord Mayor's Show, presenting the audience not with a typical panegyric to the merchant class's trade or the mayor's virtues and accomplishments but to London as an ideal city and as the site of a vital social institution—education. In this Show, Heywood reinvigorates the genre to escape from the time-worn themes and abstractions of Honour, Truth, and Peace, and, by embedding the performance material in a focused prose commentary on the theme of education, asserts more immediately relevant values, those of the ideal city and civil society. This study also explores the central conceptual influence of John Stow's Survey of London and The Annales of England on Heywood's 1632 Lord Mayor's Show and its theme of London as an ‘Open University’.
New perspectives on the cranking model

Abstract Based on a common motivation, two new applications of the self-consistent cranking technique are discussed. The first allows the calculation of anharmonic effects for collective vibrational modes that carry angular momentum about an equilibrium symmetry axis. The second is the description of tilted rotation. Illustrations are given for the QQ-force model, the interacting boson model and the constant-volume harmonic oscillator shell model.
Aggressive behavior and extinction-induced response-rate increase

Discontinuing positive reinforcement has been shown to elicit fighting in hooded rats, and to be associated with a transitory increase in the vigor and rate of the previously reinforced operant. The present study shows that the tendency for response frequency to increase and the tendency to attack covary following extinction-onset. It is also shown that, as the augmented response rate decreases, the tendency to attack diminishes and that the former change precedes the latter change.
The effects of ozone on the root dynamics of seedlings and mature red oak (Quercus rubra L.)

Abstract Red oak seedlings and mature trees were exposed to three ozone treatments (subambient, ambient, 2 × ambient) in open-top chambers. Net fine-root production and turnover were measured using the compartment-flow model. Mature tree fine-root respiration was measured in summer 1994 in order to calculate gross fine-root production and belowground carbon use efficiency (BUE). After two seasons of exposure, 2 × ozone (0.082 ppm 7 h-mean cone.) reduced mature tree cumulative net fine-root production and turnover by 33% and 42%, respectively, relative to ambient ozone (0.042 ppm 7 h-mean cone.). For the same time period, ozone had no effect on seedling cumulative fine-root turnover; fine-root production was 25% higher under ambient ozone, relative to subambient and 2 × ambient ozone. During summer 1994, mature tree BUE was reduced by 2 × ozone; we hypothesized that this response was due to increased root respiration for active nutrient uptake in order to meet increased foliar demand for nutrients. Decreased fine-root production, turnover, and BUE under 2 × ozone for the mature trees indicates that ozone can alter the dynamics of belowground carbon allocation in mature red oak. The lack of seedling sensitivity to ozone suggests that use of seedling results for modelling purposes may underestimate mature tree responses to ozone.
The relationship between financial factors and firm performance: empirical evidence from U.S. Restaurant firms.

ABSTRACT This study empirically investigates the relationship between firm-wise financial factors and firm performance in the restaurant industry from 2000 to 2004 using panel data regression. A fixed effects model was determined to be the appropriate approach for the investigation. The model identifies debt leverage and activity as significant financial factors affecting restaurant firm performance. On the other hand, the intercept of the model was found to play an equally important role in a restaurant firm's market performance, implying that firm-wise nonfinancial factors should be examined in future research.
The proteins synthesized in tobacco leaves infected with tobacco necrosis virus and satellite tobacco necrosis virus

Abstract The synthesis of radioactively labeled proteins in extracts of infected leaves was studied by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis in sodium dodecyl sulfate containing buffers. A double labeling technique and treatment of leaves with actinomycin D aided in distinguishing the synthesis of virus-induced or virus-stimulated proteins from the synthesis of host proteins. Six virus-induced or virus-stimulated proteins were detected in leaves infected with tobacco necrosis virus (TNV). In addition to the viral coat protein, proteins of molecular weights 64,000, 42,000, 23,000, 15,000 and 12,000 were resolved. The synthesis of the viral coat protein greatly exceeded that of the nonstructural proteins. The TNV genome is sufficiently large to code for all six proteins detected. Studies of extracts of leaves coinfected with satellite tobacco necrosis virus (STNV) and TNV revealed the synthesis of only one STNV-induced protein, the viral coat protein. When large amounts of STNV coat protein were synthesized, the production of the TNV coat protein of both strains A and B was selectively suppressed. The selective reduction of TNV coat protein synthesis suggested that STNV interference with TNV multiplication is effected at least in part at the translational level.
Effects of chronic arsenic exposure on hematopoietic function in adult mammalian liver.

In these studies the effects of ingested arsenic (As+5) on hepatic heme biosynthetic capability and hemoprotein function in adult male rats were investigated. Animals exposed for 6 weeks to 0, 20, ...
Toxicological Consequences of Extracellular Hemoglobin: Biochemical and Physiological Perspectives

Under normal physiology, human red blood cells (RBCs) demonstrate a circulating lifespan of approximately 100-120 days with efficient removal of senescent RBCs taking place via the reticuloendothelial system, spleen, and bone marrow phagocytosis. Within this time frame, hemoglobin (Hb) is effectively protected by efficient RBC enzymatic systems designed to allow for interaction between Hb and diffusible ligands while preventing direct contact between Hb and the external environment. Under normal resting conditions, the concentration of extracellular Hb in circulation is therefore minimal and controlled by specific plasma and cellular (monocyte/macrophage) binding proteins (haptoglobin) and receptors (CD163), respectively. However, during pathological conditions leading to hemolysis, extracellular Hb concentrations exceed normal plasma and cellular binding capacities, allowing Hb to become a biologically relevant vasoactive and redox active protein within the circulation and at extravascular sites. Under conditions of genetic, drug-induced, and autoimmune hemolytic anemias, large quantities of Hb are introduced into the circulation and often lead to acute renal failure and vascular dysfunction. Interestingly, the study of chemically modified Hb for use as oxygen therapeutics has allowed for some basic understanding of extracellular Hb toxicity, particularly in the absence of functional clearance mechanisms and in circulatory antioxidant depleted states.
Formiminoglutamase from Trypanosoma cruzi is an arginase-like manganese metalloenzyme.

The crystal structure of formiminoglutamase from Trypanosoma cruzi (TcFIGase) is reported at 1.85 A resolution. Although the structure of this enzyme was previously determined by the Structural Genomics of Pathogenic Protozoa Consortium (PDB accession code 2A0M), this structure was determined at low pH and lacked bound metal ions; accordingly, the protein was simply annotated as “arginase superfamily protein” with undetermined function. We show that reconstitution of this protein with Mn2+ confers maximal catalytic activity in the hydrolysis of formiminoglutamate to yield glutamate and formamide, thereby demonstrating that this protein is a metal-dependent formiminoglutamase. Equilibration of TcFIGase crystals with MnCl2 at higher pH yields a binuclear manganese cluster similar to that observed in arginase, except that the histidine ligand to the Mn2+A ion of arginase is an asparagine ligand (N114) to the Mn2+A ion of TcFIGase. The crystal structure of N114H TcFIGase reveals a binuclear manganese cluster essentially identical to that of arginase, but the mutant exhibits a modest 35% loss of catalytic efficiency (kcat/KM). Interestingly, when TcFIGase is prepared and crystallized in the absence of reducing agents at low pH, a disulfide linkage forms between C35 and C242 in the active site. When reconstituted with Mn2+ at higher pH, this oxidized enzyme exhibits a modest 33% loss of catalytic efficiency. Structure determinations of the metal-free and metal-bound forms of oxidized TcFIGase reveal that although disulfide formation constricts the main entrance to the active site, other structural changes open alternative channels to the active site that may help sustain catalytic activity.
The Igusa local zeta functions of elliptic curves

We determine the explicit form of the Igusa local zeta function associated to an elliptic curve. The denominator is known to be trivial. Here we determine the possible numerators and classify them according to the Kodaira-Neron classification of the special fibers of elliptic curves as determined by Tate's algorithm.
Epigenetic regulation of immune cell functions during post-septic immunosuppression

Studies in humans and animal models indicate that profound immunosuppression is one of the chronic consequences of severe sepsis. This immune dysfunction encompasses deficiencies in activation of cells in both the myeloid and lymphoid cell lineages. As a result, survivors of severe sepsis are at risk of succumbing to infections perpetrated by opportunistic pathogens that are normally controlled by a fully functioning immune system. Recent studies have indicated that epigenetic mechanisms may be one driving force behind this immunosuppression, through suppression of proinflammatory gene production and subsequent immune cell activation, proliferation and effector function. A better understanding of epigenetics and post-septic immunosuppression can improve our diagnostic tools and may be an important potential source of novel molecular targets for new therapies. This review will discuss important pathways of immune cell activation affected by severe sepsis, and highlight pathways of epigenetic regulation that may be involved in post-septic immunosuppression.
A solvable model with an extreme AGP ground state: Relationships among fermion pairs, pairons, and natural spin geminals

A model many-fermion Hamiltonian is presented for which the ground state is asymptotically an Antisymmetrized Geminal Powers (AGP) wave function with largest possible greatest eigenvalue for its two-particle reduced density matrix. Closed analytical expressions and plane-wave expansions are presented for the generating geminal of the AGP ground state and for its one-particle reduced density matrix. The natural orbitals for this generating geminal are plane waves. The generating geminal shows intensely local character in its intracule and corresponds to the formation of a quasi-boson from two fermions. One may appropriately modify this generating geminal to introduce zero occupation numbers of its one-particle reduced density matrix and to make all the nonzero occupation numbers of its one-particle reduced density matrix equal, thus making this geminal a generator of an extreme AGP wave function, with an extreme large eigenvalue for its two-particle reduced density matrix. Closed analytical expressions are also given for this modified geminal and for its one-particle reduced density matrix. The modified generating geminal develops anomolously long “tails” in the intracule function. Nevertheless, both generating geminals introduced here reduce to a renormalized Dirac δ-function of the intracule coordinate, in the appropriate limit. In this limit, both of these generating geminals produce an absolute extreme AGP wave function with the absolute extreme value, N/2, for the Lowdin-normalized occupation number of the generating geminal, and vanishing occupation numbers for all other natural geminals, in the two-particle reduced density matrix of this wavefunction. A demonstration is given showing the formation of quasi-bosons in this ground state and showing their relationship to the generating geminal and to the other natural geminals of the two-particle reduced density matrix of the extreme AGP wave function. The similarities and differences of the features of this model and the accepted models of the superconducting ground state of electrons in metals, and the superfluid ground state of liquid He4 are mentioned.
Transport and Recovery of Bacteriophage PRD1 in a Sand and Gravel Aquifer: Effect of Sewage-Derived Organic Matter

To test the effects of sewage-derived organic matter on virus attachment, 32P-labeled bacteriophage PRD1, linear alkylbenzene sulfonates (LAS), and tracers were injected into sewage-contaminated (suboxic, elevated organic matter) and uncontaminated (oxic, low organic matter) zones of an iron oxide-coated quartz sand and gravel aquifer on Cape Cod, MA. In the uncontaminated zone, 83% of the PRD1 were attenuated over the first meter of transport by attachment to aquifer grains. In the contaminated zone, 42% of the PRD1 were attenuated over the first meter of transport. Sewage-derived organic matter contributed to the difference in PRD1 attenuation by blocking attachment sites in the contaminated zone. At greater distances down-gradient (to a total transport distance of 3.6 m), a near-constant amount of PRD1 continued to break through, suggesting that aquifer grain heterogeneities allowed a small amount of reversible attachment. Injection of an LAS mixture (25 mg L-1), a common sewage constituent, remobilize...
Otto Wernicke on developmental dyslexia.

The First paper on developmental dyslexia to come from outside Europe was published in 1903 by Otto Wernicke, an Argentinean ophthalmologist. In addition to adding some details to previous descriptions of the disorder, his thoughtful contribution challenged the assumptions of early British authors.
Characterization and Crystal Structure of Nickel Complexes of Imine Oximes Containing Tautomerized Enolate Ligands

The nickel (II) complexes 3-hydroxy-3-penten-2-one oximato-N,O(3-methylimino-2-pentanone oximato-N,N‘)nickel(II), Ni(pen)(mei); 3-hydroxy-3-penten-2-one oximato-N,O(3-ethylimino-2-pentanone oximato-N,N‘)nickel(II), Ni(pen)(eti); 4-hydroxy-4-hexen-3-one oximato-N,O(4-methylimino-3-hexanone oximato-N,N‘)nickel(II), Ni(hex)(mei); and 4-hydroxy-4-hexen-3-one oximato-N,O(4-ethylimino-3-hexanone oximato-N,N‘)nickel(II), Ni(hex)(eti) have been synthesized from the corresponding alkyldione monoximes and amines and characterized by NMR, IR, MS, and elemental analysis. The latter three complexes have not been previously reported, and the characterization shows their structure to be contrary to that reported for Ni(pen)(mei) in earlier literature. Their formation suggests two separate courses of the alkyldione monoxime: reaction with amine to form the imine and keto/enol tautomerization. The crystal structure of Ni(hex)(eti) has been determined: monoclinic, P2(1)/n, a = 8.2350(1) A, b = 14.0895(2) A, c = 13.7965(1...
Current Laparoscopic Inguinal Hernia Repair

The inguinal hernia repair developed through advances in anatomy and technique, as did many other surgical procedures. Operations with high mortality and recurrence were the standard until the Bassini repair was popularized in 1889. The Bassini repair, a tissue repair that approximates the inguinal floor, served as the gold standard for herniorrhaphy until modified to the Shouldice repair. Both of these repairs are primary tissue repairs that may result in tension. The development of prosthetics, such as Marlex 50 and improved polypropylene, and the anatomic understanding of the weakness associated with the myopectineal orifice of Fruchaud allowed for the development of a tension-free repair of inguinal hernia defects. The most commonly used is the Lichtenstein repair that involves the use of polypropylene to rebuild the inguinal floor after high ligation of the hernia sac with indirect hernias and replacement into the abdominal cavity with direct hernias. The Lichtenstein repair is a simple operation that can be done with local anesthetic as an outpatient procedure. In fact, it was developed for the office setting. It has a recurrence rate of 1% or less, and it is not associated with the postoperative pain of a primary tissue repair and return to full activity is very rapid, often quoted at less than 5 days. It is difficult for some to imagine how a better repair could be done in the aftermath of the success of the Lichtenstein repair. However, laparoscopic techniques have brought a whole new dimension to many aspects of surgery.
INTERACTIONS OF LARGE‐SCALE DISTURBANCES: PRIOR FIRE REGIMES AND HURRICANE MORTALITY OF SAVANNA PINES

Differences in initial large-scale disturbances might change effects of sub- sequent large-scale disturbances. We explored possible effects of prior fire regimes on subsequent hurricane-related mortality of south Florida slash pine ( Pinus elliottii var. densa) in remnant Everglades pine savannas that were unburned, burned during the wet (lightning fire) season, or burned during the dry (anthropogenic fire) season in the decade before Hurricane Andrew (1992). We measured direct mortality during Andrew (snapped trees) and extended mortality over the subsequent 24-30 mo (mainly insect attacks on damaged trees). We used Bayesian model averaging to obtain probabilities of different models of survival based on fire regime and site characteristics (remnant area, distance to the Atlantic Ocean, depth to water table in the dry season, sustained wind speeds, tree sizes). Most likely models for direct and extended mortality included large negative effects of tree size and dry-season fire regime, and positive effects of stand area (direct mortality) and wet- season fire regime (extended mortality). Depth to water table and distance to the ocean had less certain effects. Our results, not predicted from fires or hurricanes alone, suggest that anthropogenic changes to dry-season fires strongly influence the effects of subsequent hurricanes on the mortality of pines in subtropical savannas.
epsilon-sarcoglycan replaces alpha-sarcoglycan in smooth muscle to form a unique dystrophin-glycoprotein complex.

The sarcoglycan complex has been well characterized in striated muscle, and defects in its components are associated with muscular dystrophy and cardiomyopathy. Here, we have characterized the smooth muscle sarcoglycan complex. By examination of embryonic muscle lineages and biochemical fractionation studies, we demonstrated that e-sarcoglycan is an integral component of the smooth muscle sarcoglycan complex along with β- and δ-sarcoglycan. Analysis of genetically defined animal models for muscular dystrophy supported this conclusion. The δ-sarcoglycan-deficient cardiomyopathic hamster and mice deficient in both dystrophin and utrophin showed loss of the smooth muscle sarcoglycan complex, whereas the complex was unaffected in α-sarcoglycan null mice in agreement with the finding that α-sarcoglycan is not expressed in smooth muscle cells. In the cardiomyopathic hamster, the smooth muscle sarcoglycan complex, containing e-sarcoglycan, was fully restored following intramuscular injection of recombinant δ-sarcoglycan adenovirus. Together, these results demonstrate a tissue-dependent variation in the sarcoglycan complex and show that e-sarcoglycan replaces α-sarcoglycan as an integral component of the smooth muscle dystrophin-glycoprotein complex. Our results also suggest a molecular basis for possible differential smooth muscle dysfunction in sarcoglycan-deficient patients.
The Wave Function of a Relativistic System

Three methods of handling problems in relativistic quantum mechanics are discussed. One is the Tamm-Dancoff method, one is the Bethe-Salpeter method, and the third is a new method intermediate between the other two. The connections between the three methods are investigated. It is shown that the new method provides a kind of bridge between the 3- and 4-dimensional points of view. The new method is illustrated with applications to simple examples.
THE DEPENDENCE ON MEMBRANE FLUIDITY OF CALCIUM OXALATE CRYSTAL ATTACHMENT TO IMCD MEMBRANES

The development of urolithiasis is a multifaceted process, starting with urine supersaturation and ending with the formation of mature renal calculi. The retention of microcrystals by kidney tubule epithelium cell membranes has been proposed as a critical event in the process. To date, attachment of kidney stone constituent crystals to urothelial cells has been demonstrated both in vitro and in vivo yet the mechanism of crystal attachment remains unknown. We hypothesize that for effective stone crystal attachment to the epithelium there must be cell membrane rearrangement that would allow for long-range bonding between the stone crystal and the cell membrane. This rearrangement may be influenced by the physical state of the membrane. The current study examines calcium oxalate monohydrate (COM) crystal attachment to inner medullary collecting duct (IMCD) cells following changes in cell membrane fluidity. Radioactively labeled COM crystals were used to quantitate crystal attachment. Membrane fluidity was altered by changing temperature, cell membrane cholesterol content, or extended length of cell culture. Crystal attachment to IMCD cells was directly correlated to changes in membrane fluidity. This finding was consistently observed regardless of the method used to alter membrane fluidity. The results are consistent with the theory that the ability to form a crystal attachment region on the cell surface may be related to the ease of rearrangement of membrane components at the cell surface. Variations in the urothelial cell environment during certain pathological conditions in the kidney could induce these physical perturbations and prime kidney epithelial cells at or near the papillary tip to bind COM crystals.
Icy craters on the Galilean satellites

The high degree of echo depolarization observed for linearly polarized incident waves in the case of radar observations of Europa, Ganymede, and Callisto is consistent with a rough, icy surface. Measurements with circularly polarized waves, however, conducted in 1976 suggest that the types of surface irregularities found on the Galilean satellites must be very different from those on the moon and the inner planets. A description is presented of an investigation in which geometrical optics and the Stokes-vector formalism are employed to examine several possible configurations which could cause the circular polarization transmitted to exceed unity. On the basis of the obtained results it appears that a model which postulates that significant parts of the surfaces of the three satellites are covered with an icy layer at least several kilometers thick and saturated with hemispherical craters can explain nearly all the observed radar behavior.
Can simulation measurements be used to predict the irradiated lung volume in the tangential fields in patients treated for breast cancer

Abstract A simple method of estimating the amount of lung irradiated in patients with breast cancer would be of use in minimizing lung complications. To determine whether simple measurements taken at the time of simulation can be used to predict the lung volume in the radiation field, we performed CT scans as part of treatment planning in 40 cases undergoing radiotherapy for breast cancer. Parameters measured from simulator films included: (a) the perpendicular distance from the posterior tangential field edge to the posterior part of the anterior chest wall at the center of the field (CLD); (b) the maximum perpendicular distance from the posterior tangential field edge to the posterior part of the anterior chest wall (MLD); and (c) the length of lung (L) as measured at the posterior tangential field edge on the simulator film. CT scans of the chest were performed with the patient in the treatment position with 1 cm slice intervals, covering lung apex to base. The ipsilateral total lung area and the lung area included within the treatment port were calculated for each CT scan slice, multiplied by the slice thickness, and then integrated over all CT scan slices to give the volumes. The best predictor of the percent of ipsilateral lung volume treated by the tangential fields was the CLD. Employing linear regression analysis, a coefficient of determination r 2 = 0.799 was calculated between CLD and percent treated ipsilateral lung volume on CT scan. In comparison, the coefficients for the other parameters were r 2 = 0.784 for the MLD, r 2 = 0.071 for L, and r 2 = 0.690 for CLD × L. A CLD of 1.5 cm predicted that about 6% of the ipsilateral lung would be included in the tangential field, a CLD of 2.5 cm about 16%, and a CLD of 3.5 cm about 26% of the ipsilateral lung, with a mean 90% prediction interval of ±7.1% of ipsilateral lung volume. We conclude that the CLD measured at the time of simulation provides a reasonable estimate of the percent of the ipsilateral lung treated by the tangential fields. This information may be of value in evaluating the likelihood of pulmonary complications from such treatment and in minimizing toxicity.
Norplant failure: an adolescent case study and review of the literature.

Abstract Study Objective To alert clinicians to risk factors associated with levonorgestrel implant (Norplant; Wyeth-Ayerst Laboratories, Philadelphia, PA) failures in the adolescent population and discuss alternatives. Data Sources Medline search of articles pertaining to the use of levonorgestrel implants in the adolescent population. Study Selection All articles pertaining to the use of levonorgestrel implants in adolescents. Conclusions Levonorgestrel subdermal implants, Norplant, have been successfully used worldwide as contraceptives. Clinical trials suggest that pregnancy rates while using levonorgestrel implants are positively correlated with increased body weight. In addition, pregnancy rates may be higher in women below age 25 years. Finally, patients who report regular menstrual cycles on levonorgestrel implants may be at greater risk for method failure. Consequently, despite its apparent success, levonorgestrel implants have some significant but little-known limitations that should be considered in initial adolescent patient selection, education, and postinsertion medical supervision.