cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Feline immunodeficiency virus infection phenotypically and functionally activates immunosuppressive CD4+CD25+ T regulatory cells.

Disease progression of feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) infection is characterized by up-regulation of B7.1 and B7.2 costimulatory molecules and their ligand CTLA4 on CD4+ and CD8+ T cells. The CD4+CTLA4+B7+ phenotype described in FIV+ cats is reminiscent of CD4+CD25+CTLA4+ cells, a phenotype described for immunosuppressive T regulatory (Treg) cells. In the present study, we describe the phenotypic and functional characteristics of CD4+CD25+ T cells in PBMC and lymph nodes (LN) of FIV+ and control cats. Similar to Treg cells, feline CD4+CD25+ but not CD4+CD25− T cells directly isolated from LN of FIV+ cats do not produce IL-2 and fail to proliferate in response to mitogen stimulation. Unstimulated CD4+CD25+ T cells from FIV+ cats significantly suppress the proliferative response and the IL-2 production of Con A-stimulated autologous CD4+CD25− T cells compared with unstimulated CD4+CD25+ T cells from FIV− cats. Flow-cytometric analysis confirmed the apparent activation phenotype of the CD4+CD25+ cells in LN of chronically FIV+ cats, because these cells showed significant up-regulation of expression of costimulatory molecules B7.1, B7.2, and CTLA4. These FIV-activated, anergic, immunosuppressive CD25+CTLA4+B7+CD4+ Treg-like cells may contribute to the progressive loss of T cell immune function that is characteristic of FIV infection.
RFID in Animal-Tracking Applications

From the first patents covering radio-frequency identification (RFID) (#3,914,762 in 1975), the application of RFID for tracking animals has seen millions of tags applied on, or in, a variety of animals. A number of countries have implemented mandatory tagging of domestic animals, such as New Zealand requiring all licensed dogs, with the exception of farm dogs, be tagged. Similarly, Northern Ireland and Israel have requirements for all dogs to be tagged. Australia and the United States have established national livestock or animal identification systems, with the emphasis on farm animal identification. Japan requires all dogs and cats imported into the country to be chipped. The International Standards Organization (ISO) has developed two standards, ISO-11784 Radio Frequency Identification for Animals- Code Structure and ISO- 11785 Radio Frequency Identification for Animals-Technical Concept, as standards for RFID use in animal tracking.
Cross-Ethnicity Effect (Face Recognition)

The cross-ethnicity effect or own-ethnicity effect, also commonly referred to as the cross-race effect or own-race effect, generally refers to a tendency for people to recognize/identify more accurately faces of their ethnic group than members of other ethnic groups. It has been established across various ethnic and racial groups and appears to be very robust. For example, this effect has been found in European Americans, African Americans, Asian Americans, White Europeans, Black Africans, Asians, and individuals of Middle Eastern, Israeli Jewish, Hispanic, and Canadian First Nation origins. Most of the research has been conducted with individuals of African (Black) and European (White) descent. This phenomenon has been well established in experimental settings as well as in field studies, and documented across various age groups, including children as young as three- to five-year olds. Developmental research has suggested that even infants as young as nine-month olds are capable of discriminating between own-race faces, but not between other-race faces. Keywords: ethnicity; memory; race
Profiles of State Technological Transfer Structure and Its Impact on Small Manufacturers

This paper presents the results of an empirical examination of the methods 10 state agencies use in coordinating technology assistance to small manufacturers. The strategies that agencies use to transfer technology are evaluated in light of 15 economic variables. Where appropriate, regression analysis was used to measure the impact of these variables on the growth rate of small manufacturers. State assistance strategies were determined by mailing a questionnaire to the chief technology transfer officer in each of the states. Survey participants were asked to discuss the mission, goals, degree of goal accomplishment, and size of budget/staff. The study compares their responses and discusses how these agencies might improve the transfer process. Five economic variables were found to be significantly related to the number of small manufacturers in a state. However when growth rates of the significant variables and small manufacturers were compared the results were not as clear. The states with the fastest growth rates of small manufacturers did focus their technical assistance on small firms. These states tended to place a priority on providing technical assistance to small manufacturers.
Analysis of pain and satisfaction with office-based hysteroscopic sterilization.

Objective To assess pain and patient satisfaction with office-based hysteroscopic sterilization. Design This prospective, observational study was designed to assess patient pain perception and satisfaction with office-based hysteroscopic sterilization using the Essure device (Conceptus, Mountain View, CA). Setting Faculty practice office at an inner-city urban medical center. Patient(s) Women seeking hysteroscopic sterilization. Intervention(s) Office hysteroscopic sterilization under local anesthesia. Main Outcome Measure(s) Pain assessed at the time of the procedure by a 0–10 visual scale and satisfaction by a 1–5 scale. Result(s) From June 2003 to June 2006, 209 patients were recruited. The mean scores for average procedural pain, most procedural pain, and average menstrual pain were 2.6 ± 2.1, 3.3 ± 2.5, and 3.6 ± 2.6, respectively. Standardized pain scores revealed that 149 subjects (70%) experienced average pain that was less than or equal to the pain experienced with their menses. Mean satisfaction rating for the procedure was 4.7 ± 0.71. Conclusion(s) Office-based hysteroscopic sterilization performed with local anesthesia alone is well tolerated, and patients are satisfied with this method for permanent sterilization.
Generalized Leibniz functional matrices and factorizations of some well-known matrices

In this paper, we introduce the generalized Leibniz functional matrices and study some algebraic properties of such matrices. To demonstrate applications of these properties, we derive several novel factorization forms of some well-known matrices, such as the complete symmetric polynomial matrix and the elementary symmetric polynomial matrix. In addition, by applying factorizations of the generalized Leibniz functional matrices, we redevelop the known results of factorizations of Stirling matrices of the first and second kind and the generalized Pascal matrix.
Contextual role for angiopoietins and TGFbeta1 in blood vessel stabilization.

We used a 3D in-vitro model of angiogenesis to investigate the effects of different growth factors on vessel formation and stabilization in vitro. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) was the only factor that induced the formation, elongation and sprouting of capillary-like structures (CLS) by bovine retinal capillary endothelial cells (BREC), an effect that was dose-dependent and saturable. Basic fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF2) enhanced capillary formation in the presence of VEGF, leading to a more complex network of CLS and a higher rate of BrdU incorporation than VEGF alone, indicating that whereas VEGF acts as a morphogen, FGF2 is primarily a mitogen. Addition of transforming growth factor β1 (TGFβ1) to the 3D assay along with VEGF and FGF2, reduced tube formation in a dose-dependent manner. When added at the time of cell plating TGFβ1 completely suppressed formation of VEGF/FGF2-stimulated CLS. Angiopoietin 1 (Ang1) prevented regression of the TGFβ1-induced CLS, an effect that was blocked by angiopoietin 2 (Ang2), but required the continuous presence of VEGF.
Visual Constraint Rules

Abstract Visual rule-based languages have been used quite successfully to program graphical simulations. They all use rewrite rules, which have the often-mentioned advantage that a program can supposedly be extended simply by adding a few more rules. In practice, however, the rules tend to depend on each other, and instead of just adding rules, existing rules need to be changed. Visual constraint rules combine ideas from rule-based programming and constraint programming to create declarative forward-chaining-like rules that can be used in a more modular way to support iterative programming. Libraries of visual descriptions can be built and reused to compose complex behavior, which makes exploring the space of possible descriptions of simulations easier. This is valuable for the intended educational use of Cartoonist, a visual programming environment to build simulations. Furthermore, constraint rules also provide a way to describe a variety of parallel behaviors that are important in simulations, yet are not supported by similar systems.
Effect of sludge treatment, heavy metals, phosphate rate, and ph on soil phosphorus

Abstract A greenhouse study was conducted to evaluate the effect of sludge treatment, heavy metals, phosphate rate, and pH on soil phosphorus (P) with soybean [Glycine max (L) ‘Lee 741'] as a test crop. Hartsell fine sandy loam soil (previously sludge amended and unamended) was treated with 100 Mg/ha sewage sludge and/or inorganic sulfate salts of cadmiun (Cd), copper (Cu), nickel (Ni), and zinc (Zn) equivalent to the concentration of these metals in the sludge. The soils were adjusted to three different pH levels (5.8, 6.4, and 7.0) and four rates of P were applied. Water‐soluble P, aluminum (AI)‐P, calcium (Ca)‐P, iron (Fe)‐P, and total P were measured for all soil treatments. Decreased Al‐P and Fe‐P were found when inorganic metals of Cd, Cu, Ni, and Zn were added to previously amended and unamended soils. Most of the sludge P shifted into Ca‐P and Fe‐P fractions while that of the inorganic P went into soluble and Al‐P fractions. Higher soluble P was observed at soil pH 7.0, Al‐P and Fe‐P at pH 5.8, an...
On the feasibility of crack propagation tracking and full field strain imaging via a strain compatibility functional and the Direct Strain Imaging method

Abstract The simultaneous tracking of the trajectory of a moving crack along with the measurement of the corresponding full field strain fields associated with this motion due to quasi-static or dynamic impact loading, is a problem of high interest from both the perspectives of the engineering practice and engineering science alike. However, full field optical methodologies have not yet been able to address the issues arising in experiments with moving boundaries such as dynamically evolving cracks. Such a problem requires solving simultaneously the problem of identifying the dynamically evolving geometry of the cracks as well as the problem of introducing these cracks into the full-field representation of a relevant full field method. In the present work we are introducing a methodology that can solve this problem. Specifically, we describe an optical method that can be used to detect dynamically evolving discontinuities on the surface of a body even if they are invisible to the eye, by using a strain compatibility functional that makes no continuity assumptions about the underlying medium. The relevant data from this process are then introduced in a full field representation that leads to an acceptable estimation of the discontinuous strain field. The proposed method is based on the recently introduced Direct Strain Imaging method that can be used to visualize and quantify the full fields of the strain tensor components. Synthetic numerical experiments were performed to generate synthetic crack propagation data along with the associated strain fields in order to assess the feasibility of the proposed method. The approach employed for this purpose was that of applying the extended finite element method to solve the problem of a propagating crack in an elastic medium with inclusions and holes under quasi-static tension. Finally, we present the results of detecting the synthetically produced crack trajectory as well as the relevant strain fields.
Suspended Students: An Analysis of Suspension Length and Returning Semester GPA

The purpose of the study is to determine if length of suspension is related to academic success upon a student's return to college. This research stems from opposing views of members of a university academic appeals committee concerned about whether a suspended student should serve a suspension term of one semester, one year, or be granted immediate reentry. Academic records of 765 students who were suspended between the fall 1991 and the summer 1993 semesters and then were allowed to reenter the university within one year were examined. The results reveal that suspension length is unrelated to subsequent academic success.
THE FINE STRUCTURE OF THE HAMSTER SEMINAL VESICLE WITH SPECIAL REFERENCE TO PIGMENT FORMATION.

This study describes the fine structure of the hamster seminal vesicle. Intact, sexually mature young and aged animals were used to obtain the results presented. The epithelium of the hamster seminal vesicle contains numerous large electron-dense structures, with a single limiting membrane, with many internal granules and, in the aged animals, myelin-like figures. Based on histochemical results presented in this study, and those of others, it is suggested that this material is a lipofuscin pigment. This substance is of special interest inasmuch as in the hamster seminal vesicle epithelium, pigment is a more sensitive indicator of circulating androgen than is, as in the case of the rat seminal vesicle, regression of cell height. It is possible that this pigment takes origin as breakdown products of mitochondria, the endoplasmic reticulum and the Golgi apparatus. The relation of “pro-pigment granules” and lysosomes is discussed. Results indicate that pigment is formed at sites of increased catabolism in response to a biological insult to the cell.
Running a tightrope: regulatory challenges in the development of antiretrovirals.

Abstract Since the approval of Retrovir, (zidovudine, AZT) in 1987 by the Food and Drug Administration, a number of regulatory initiatives were codified into regulation which contributed to the rapid development of new treatments for HIV-1 infection. These initiatives are a testament to the efforts of AIDS activists and regulators to improve access to drugs for serious and life-threatening diseases. Currently, 28 antiretroviral drugs and combinations of antiretrovirals are available to treat HIV-1 infection. The broadening armamentarium of approved antiretroviral drugs provides new options and more choices for physicians and HIV patients. Importantly, the introduction of these newly approved HIV drugs has shown that the majority of HIV-1-infected treatment-naive and treatment-experienced patients can achieve maximal virologic suppression (less than 50 copies/mL HIV-1 RNA). This article describes the past and current regulatory challenges in the development of new HIV treatments and provides an overview of the drug regulations that were required for the approval of HIV drugs. This article forms part of a special issue of Antiviral Research marking the 25th anniversary of antiretroviral drug discovery and development, Vol 85, issue 1, 2010.
The Mirror of the Infinite: Gregory of Nyssa on the Vestigia Trinitatis

This essay attempts to demonstrate something of the subtlety and complexity of Gregory of Nyssa’s Trinitarian theology by paying close attention to the way in which, for Gregory, the Triune God is reflected in the “mirror” of the soul—both in its creaturely constitution and in the process of its sanctification by the Holy Spirit. The article is intended chiefly as an argument against the fashionable scholarly opposition between “Eastern” and “Western”—or “Cappadocian” and “Augustinian”—Trinitarianisms; it also is intended as an argument against “social” and “psychological” models of the Trinity alike (neither of which enjoys patristic warrant).
Sensitivity of the Performance of a 3-Dimensional Hypersonic Inlet to Shape Deformations

Supersonic combustion ramjets, or scramjets, have the potential to facilitate more efficient transatmospheric flight and airplane-like operations of vehicles for space access. A scramjet is an airbreathing engine which uses the compression of air over the forebody and inlet to achieve the conditions necessary for supersonic combustion, using no mechanical compressor. Understanding the effects of shape deformations due to vehicle compliance is important for the robust performance of scramjets at on-design conditions where deformations may be large and have a significant effect, for multi-point operation where the shape of the vehicle changes with the varying pressure and temperature distributions, and for ensuring a lack of sensitivity to manufacturing tolerances. This paper will focus on the effects of shape deformations on the performance of the vehicle inlet under design conditions using high-fidelity simulations as well as response surface methodology.
Covariant time-frequency representations through unitary equivalence

We propose a straightforward characterization of all quadratic time-frequency representations covariant to an important class of unitary signal transforms (namely, those having two continuous-valued parameters and an underlying group structure). Thanks to a fundamental theorem from the theory of Lie groups, we can describe these representations simply in terms of unitary transformations of the well-known Cohen's and affine classes.
Christ, Bible and Church in Karl Barth

published ten parts (ca. 69000 pages) of an intended fifteen or sixteen part series. This is indeed an imposing beginning, which is supplemented further by a large number of monographs, pamphlets, and articles. Since Barth has done so much writing and since his views are generally regarded as basic to an understanding of contemporary theology, one is led to expect that Barth's mature thought-at least in its essentials-would be well understood by all responsible circles of Protestant theology. But, even though he has published in English translation excellent introductions to the theological views being developed in the Dogmatik, (e.g., Dogmatics in Outline, Credo, Knowledge of God and the Service of God, The Holy Ghost and the Christian Life), Barth continues to remain an enigma to most Americans. True, he is remembered for the thirty year old views expressed in the Epistle to the Romans, for his dialectical theology, his totaliter aliter, and his doctrine of the qualitative difference between time and eternity. It will even be granted generally hat he is the impetus for certain of the tr nds in contemporary Protestant theology, but that he has changed or developed, and what this means, would surprise many. In the popular American theological mind as I perceive it, he seems some time ago to have served his purpose. Dr. Stanley Hopper expressed this attitude when he wrote: "It appears that Barth's appeal was courageous and prophetic, but. . ..."1 Whatever the reason be, his theology is regarded not merely as an enigma, but actually as a conundrum. He is the villain and the straw man, who, as he is caricatured, can be eliminated readily from erious consideration. For example, it is written that "Karl Barth's devaluation of
IMPROVED METHOD FOR ESTIMATING THE ZFS PARAMETER D FOR DELOCALIZED BIRADICALS

An ‘average’ approximation for calculating the zero-field splitting parameter, D, gives reasonable results when used to calculate D values for non-disjoint delocalized organic biradicals. When used to calculate disjoint localized organic biradicals the D values are approximately half the experimental values. © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Transpression, orogenic float, and lithospheric balance

In contractional orogens, a throughgoing basal-detachment system at middle to lower crustal levels or conceivably in the upper mantle detaches the entire crustal section from the underlying lithosphere. The decollement system connects transcurrent faults and coeval thrust belts and allows their motions to be viewed as the resolved components of a regional displacement field largely driven by relative plate motions. The formation of the regional decollement system during contraction may result in subdecollement volume problems and the formation of a lithospheric root in regions where crustal volume is conserved. In regions characterized by large-scale terrane accretion, addition of mass above the basal decollement may result in an essentially balanced system and may not require formation of a lithospheric root.
Studies of the Human Testis. VII. Conversion of Pregnenolone to Progesterone

Delta5-3beta-Hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (EC.1.1.1.145) and steroid delta-isomerase (EC.5.3.3.1) were extracted from frozen human testicular tissue and co-precipitated by addition of ammonium sulfate. The activities of both enzymes were localized in the 0-40% (NH4)2SO4 fraction. The enzyme preparation catalyzed conversion of pregnenolone, 17alpha-hydroxypregnenolone, dehydroepiandrosterone, and androstenediol to the corresponding delta4-3-oxosteroid. Since isomerization appeared not to be the rate-limiting step of the overall reaction, measurement of activity of delta5-3beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase was related to the amount of delta4-3-oxosteroid produced from the corresponding delta5-3beta-hydroxysteroid. Delta5-3beta-Hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase required NAD for maximal activity. The Michaelis constants (Km) for NAD were 50 muM, 33 muM and 14 muM, respectively for the dehydrogenation of pregnenolone, 17alpha-hydroxypregnenolone, androstenediol and dehydroepiandrosterone. Km values for each substrate were: pregnenolone 10 muM, 17alpha-hydroxypregnenolone and dehydroepiandrosterone 2.5 muM and androstenediol 3.0 muM. Human testicular delta5-3beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase was inhibited by most of the steroids procued by the testis. The following steroids acted as competitive inhibitors with pregnenolone: 17alpha-hydroxypregenolone (Ki = 1.3 muM), androstenediol (Ki = 2.4 muM), dehydroepiandrosterone (Ki = 0.74 muM), 20alpha-dihydroprogesterone (Ki = 1.1 muM) estrone (Ki = 0.33 muM) and estradiol-17beta (Ki = 0.87 muM). 17alpha-Hydroxyprogesterone, testosterone and androstenedione showed mixed-type inhibition of the enzyme for pregnenolone. Progesterone and NADH were noncompetitive inhibitors of the enzyme for pregnenolone. Ki values, with respect to prenenolone, were 7.4 muM for progesterone and 150 muM for NADH. NADH, however, acted competitively with NAD and Ki value was 30 muM.
Place-Naming, Environment, and Perception among the Canyon de Chelly Navajo of Arizona

Place-names may provide insights into cultures' linguistics, histories, habitats, and spatial and environmental perceptions. To yield such insights, I analyze a comprehensive inventory of 245 Navajo place-names of the Canyon de Chelly system, Arizona. The analysis first identifies positional and directional linguistic elements in place-names. Frequencies of references to natural features such as canyons, prominent rocks, water features, and so forth, as well as cultural features such as trails and prehistoric Anasazi ruins and petrographs, are then tallied. These names reflect interaction between the character of the environment and what the Navajo residents perceive as important within it. Rocks of various kinds constitute the largest category of named natural features, with canyons a close second; plant and animal referents are quite common. Preexisting non-Navajo place-names were not borrowed when Navajos took over the area in the 1600s. The great majority of Navajo place-names are translatable and lit...
The therapeutic potential of neurotrophic factors in the treatment of Parkinson's disease.

Partial symptomatic relief from Parkinson's disease with levodopa has proven to be one of the rare success stories in the development of drugs to combat neurodegenerative diseases. However, no therapeutic agent has yet conclusively been shown to slow, halt, or reverse the underlying progression of neuronal loss in Parkinson's disease or any other human neurodegenerative disorder. This article reviews recent developments in the biology of neurotrophic growth factors, especially members of the nerve growth factor-related neurotrophin family, which may point to their potential as therapeutic agents for the treatment of Parkinson's disease. Parkinson's disease, characterized by the progressive loss of dopaminergic neurons of the substantia nigra, is one of the most well-characterized neurodegenerative disorders from both an anatomical and biochemical standpoint, but as yet the etiology of this disease remains poorly understood. Epidemiological, neurochemical, and pathological studies have provided a wealth of data that have spawned many theories of the underlying cause of Parkinson's disease, including environmental and genetic origins. Future elucidation of the disease process in Parkinson's disease may yield obvious therapeutic strategies, but even in the absence of such knowledge there are several general approaches that can be taken as strategies for the treatment of a "focal" neurodegenerative disease. These include: (a) mimetics, activation of the postsynaptic target(s) of the missing neurons through mimetics of the missing neurotransmitter, e.g., use of a dopamine precursor or dopamine receptor agonist in Parkinson's disease; (b) transplants, replenishment of the missing neurons via transplantation of neurons or nonneuronal cells secreting the appropriate neurotransmitter, e.g., fetal nigral grafts in Parkinson's disease; (c) neurotrophic factors or neuroprotectants, intervention with neurotrophic factors/neuroprotective agents which slow, halt, or reverse the progression of neuronal degeneration, e.g., a dopamine neurotrophic factor in Parkinson's disease. The scope of the present article is limited to a review of recent progress in the biology of neurotrophic factors that relates to their potential clinical use in treating the loss of dopamine neurons in Parkinson's disease.
Munc18b/STXBP2 is required for platelet secretion

Platelets are vital for hemostasis because they release their granule contents in response to vascular damage. Platelet exocytosis is mediated by soluble N-ethylmaleimide-sensitive factor attachment protein receptors (SNAREs), whose interactions are governed by regulators, eg, Sec/Munc18 proteins. These proteins chaperone syntaxin t-SNAREs and are required for exocytosis. Platelets contain 3 Munc18 isoforms: Munc18a, Munc18b, and Munc18c. We report that Munc18b is the major isoform and is required for platelet secretion. Familial hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis type 5 (FHL5) is caused by defects in the Munc18b/STXBP2 gene. We confirm a previous report showing that platelets from FHL5 patients have defective secretion. Serotonin, ADP/ATP, and platelet factor 4 release was profoundly affected in the 2 biallelic patients and partially in a heterozygous patient. Release of lysosomal contents was only affected in the biallelic platelets. Platelets from the FHL5 biallelic patients showed decreased Munc18b and syntaxin-11 levels were significantly reduced; other syntaxins were unaffected. Munc18b formed complexes with syntaxin-11, SNAP-23, and vesicle-associated membrane protein-8 in human platelets. Other potential secretion regulators, Munc13-4 and Rab27, were also found associated. These data demonstrate a key role for Munc18b, perhaps as a limiting factor, in platelet exocytosis and suggest that it regulates syntaxin-11.
Regulation of Mechanosensation in C. elegans through Ubiquitination of the MEC-4 Mechanotransduction Channel

In Caenorhabditis elegans, gentle touch is sensed by the anterior (ALM and AVM) and posterior (PLM) touch receptor neurons. Anterior, but not posterior, touch is affected by several stress conditions via the action of AKT kinases and the DAF-16/FOXO transcription factor. Here we show that a ubiquitination-dependent mechanism mediates such effects. AKT-1/AKT kinase and DAF-16 alter the transcription of mfb-1, which encodes an E3 ubiquitin ligase needed for the ubiquitination of the mechanosensory channel subunit MEC-4. Ubiquitination of MEC-4 reduces the amount of MEC-4 protein in the processes of ALM neurons and, consequently, the mechanoreceptor current. Even under nonstress conditions, differences in the amount of MFB-1 appear to cause the PLM neurons to be less sensitive to touch than the ALM neurons. These studies demonstrate that modulation of surface mechanoreceptors can regulate the sensitivity to mechanical signals.
Liquid Chromatographic Analysis of Some N-Alkyl-3,4-methylenedioxyamphetamines

Abstract The liquid chromatographic separation of a series of low molecular weight N-alkyl derivatives of 3,4-methylenedioxyamphetamine (MDA) is reported. The N-methyl-, N-ethyl- and N,N-dimethyl-derivatives of MDA have appeared as street drugs in recent years. These compounds are becoming significant forensic problems due to their unique pharmacological properties and relative ease of chemical synthesis. These amines were synthesized via reductive amination of the corresponding ketone with alkylamines. The UV absorption spectra for these compounds produced almost equally intense absorbance at 234 and 285 nm. The compounds were separated by reversed-phase (C18) HPLC procedures using a mobile phase of aqueous methanol at low pH.
Characterization of glass corrosion and durability

Abstract New methods for obtaining a quantitative description of surface structural changes in glass are described. Application of the new methods is established through a systematic analysis of a series of glass compositions and environments. Based upon these investigations it is now possible to describe in quantitative detail the surface and bulk structural state of a glass object independent of its processing or environmental history. It is likewise possible to establish changes in bulk or surface structure of a glass due to processing or environmental conditions. Characterization of glass objects, e.g. relating composition, structure and surface to properties, is now possible since extrinsic processing and environmental variables can be described in terms of intrinsic structural features.
Underwater detection using coherent imaging techniques

This paper describes a novel method for detection of object characteristics using coherent imaging methods. Experimental results are presented. The technique is particularly useful for identifying known or desired features of the object being illuminated and is suited for detection under adverse conditions. A system was demonstrated that generates real-time surface contours with zoom capability using a spatial modulation approach. The system is unique in that it uses video technology to generate patterns from a single variable spacing projection grating. In the demonstrated projection system, the distorted target grating is processed with a spatially matched filter. This is a binary optical filter that passes information selectively. By using a special video processor, this situation may be duplicated electronically. The output of the video processor circuit can be an image showing equal depth contours superimposed on the target or may be designed to produce different electronic signature information such as texture information. In addition, noise reduction techniques have been used to reduce or remove the regular and distorted grating features, while retaining object contours. The adaptation of this method to turbid or scattering media is an object of current research. The approach relies upon coherent signal processing techniques to recover generated patterns broadcast from the illumination device against the background.
Site-selective nitration of tyrosine in human serum albumin by peroxynitrite.

Abstract Peroxynitrite, which is formed in biological systems by the reaction of nitric oxide with superoxide anion, is a highly reactive molecule that can lead to cell injury or cell death. Reactions of peroxynitrite under physiological conditions include nitration of tyrosine-containing proteins or peptides, and we have been investigating the behavior of human serum albumin following exposure to peroxynitrite. Peroxynitrite, at relative concentrations ranging from 0.2 to 50 with respect to protein, was added to human serum albumin in buffer at pH 7.2. The resulting mixtures were dialyzed to remove small molecules, dried under vacuum, and then digested with trypsin. The digests were analyzed by high performance liquid chromatography with UV detection at 230 and 354 nm, the latter wavelength being selective for nitrotyrosine. At the higher relative concentrations of peroxynitrite, the 354-nm chromatograms contained a large number of peaks, including at least nine with molecular weights corresponding to nitration of nominal tryptic peptides. Following treatment with the lower relative concentrations of peroxynitrite, however, the 354-nm chromatograms were dominated by only two nitrated peptides; these were identified by comparison of LC retention times and collision-induced decomposition mass spectra as nitro-Y411TK413 and nitro-Y138LYEIAR144. Each of these tyrosines resides in a known reactive site within the protein, i.e., subdomains IIIA and IB, respectively.
Modern calibration of phytolith carbon isotope signatures for C3/C4 paleograssland reconstruction

Abstract The carbon isotope signature of fossil phytoliths (silica bodies produced in abundance in the tissue of grasses) presents a promising tool for reconstructing the biogeography of C3 and C4 grasses during the Neogene. Previously applied isotopic techniques, such as the carbon isotope signatures of soil carbonate, herbivore tooth enamel, and leaf-waxes, are limited in that they cannot distinguish between C3 grasses and C3 shrubs/trees. As a result, these records do not provide any information on the relative dominance of C3 vs. C4 grasses. Phytolith carbon isotope ratios, on the other hand, have the potential to provide a direct record of the photosynthetic pathway (C3 or C4) of grasses specifically. Because this technique is still in its infancy, several modern calibration issues remain and are examined here through the presentation of some new data and the synthesis of existing published data on the δ13C values of phytoliths from modern grasses and soils. First, fresh phytoliths extracted directly from grasses exhibit depleted isotopic values relative to the source plant and phytoliths from C4 grasses are more depleted than phytoliths from C3 grasses. This difference in depletion is most likely the result of lipids present within phytoliths, which are also generally more depleted in C4 plants than C3 plants relative to whole plant values. Second, phytolith assemblages from modern soils do not share the same degree of isotopic depletion or compression as fresh phytoliths. This suggests that soil phytolith assemblage δ13C is affected by pedogenic or taphonomic processes. The weight of current evidence suggests that pedogenic alteration is less of a concern, while selective preservation (taphonomic bias) may play an important role. Even so, comparison of the δ13C values of phytolith assemblages with δ13C values of soil organic matter (SOM) from modern soils indicates that phytoliths can record the C3/C4 contribution to the soil. It appears that phytoliths retain a longer-term, smoothed record in contrast to the more rapid turnover of SOM pools that can be influenced by even recent land-use changes. Third, the interpretation of fossil phytolith δ13C in terms of proportion of C3 and C4 grasses requires isotopic end-member values. End-members from fresh phytoliths cannot be used because they fail to capture the range of soil phytolith assemblage data. Comparison of soil phytolith δ13C values with SOM δ13C yields empirically derived end-member values that take into account any taphonomic effects. These end-members (C3=−26.8‰, C4=−15.3‰) capture the range of observed values for soil and paleosol phytolith δ13C values spanning the last 650,000 years. The modern calibration work presented here provides the necessary groundwork for applying this technique to paleoecological reconstructions of Neogene grasslands.
Cytokines regulate expression of the type 1 interleukin-1 receptor in rat hippocampal neurons and glia

Interleukin-1 beta is a key mediator of inflammation and stress in the central nervous system (CNS). This cytokine induces CNS glial cells to produce numerous additional cytokines and growth factors under inflammatory conditions. We have investigated regulation of the signal transducing type 1 interleukin-1 receptor (IL-1R1) in the CNS. In vivo, IL-1R1 was not detected in glial cells under basal conditions but was strongly induced after a stab lesion. Cultured astrocytes were used to identify specific signals that regulate expression of the receptor. IL-1R1 mRNA and protein were induced by inflammatory stimuli including tumor necrosis factor (TNF alpha) and IL-1 beta itself. Although expression of the receptor was not detected in glia under basal conditions in vivo, pyramidal neurons in the hippocampus expressed the IL-1 receptor in the normal, unlesioned brain. Cultured embryonic hippocampal neurons were used to investigate specific stimuli that regulate IL-1R1 in neurons. As in astrocytes, IL-1 and TNF alpha induced expression of IL-1R1. The expression of IL-1R1 in hippocampal neurons suggests a possible role for IL-1 in regulating neuronal function, and indicates that these neurons may be directly influenced by cytokines.
Maltose-binding protein: a versatile platform for prototyping biosensing

The bacterial periplasmic-binding protein (PBP) superfamily members, in particular the maltose-binding protein, have been used extensively to prototype a variety of biosensing platforms. Although quite diverse at the primary sequence level, this protein superfamily retains the same basic two-domain structure, and upon binding a recognized ligand almost all PBPs undergo a conformational change to a closed structure. This process forms the basis for most, but not all, PBP-based biosensor signal transduction. Many direct detection or reagentless sensing modalities have been utilized with maltose-binding protein for both in vitro and in vivo detection of target compounds. Signal transduction modalities developed to date include direct fluorescence, electrochemical detection, fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET)-based detection, surface-tethered FRET sensing, hybrid quantum dot FRET sensing, and enzymatic detection, each of which have different benefits, potential applications and limitations.
Return delays and evacuation order compliance: the case of Hurricane Georges and the Florida Keys

Using interview data, we examine the effects of the heavily publicized delays in reentering the Florida Keys after Hurricane Georges on future evacuation intent. Of particular interest is the finding that the delays will have less influence on the future evacuation decisions of those who experienced them than on those who learned of them from secondary sources. Fear of return delays is only one factor in evacuation decision-making, albeit an understudied one. For this sample of evacuees, perceived risk is the most salient factor, and this risk assessment is not sufficiently diminished by the inconveniences, such as delays, associated with evacuation. For non-evacuees, however, the delay factor appeared to only increase their reluctance to evacuate the next time, despite their level of perceived risk.
Hitting probabilities of random walks on Zd

Abstract Let S 0 , S 1 , … be a simple (nearest neighbor) symmetric random walk on Z d and H B ( x , y ) = P { S . visits B for the first time at y | S 0 = x }. If d = 2 we show that for any connected set B of diameter r , and any y ϵ B , one has lim sup H B (x, y) ⩽ C(2) r −1 2 · |x| → ∞ If d ⩾ 3 one has for any connected set B of cardinality n , lim sup H B (x, y) ⩽ C(d)n −1+2 d · |x| → ∞ These estimates can be used to give bounds on the maximal growth rate of diffusion limited aggregation, a fashionable growth model for various physical phenomena.
Experimental demonstration of the optical multi-mesh hypercube: scaleable interconnection network for multiprocessors and multicomputers.

A prototype of a novel topology for scaleable optical interconnection networks called the optical multi-mesh hypercube (OMMH) is experimentally demonstrated to as high as a 150-Mbit/s data rate (27 − 1 nonreturn-to-zero pseudo-random data pattern) at a bit error rate of 10−13/link by the use of commercially available devices. OMMH is a scaleable network [Appl. Opt. 33, 7558 (1994); J. Lightwave Technol. 12, 704 (1994)] architecture that combines the positive features of the hypercube (small diameter, connectivity, symmetry, simple routing, and fault tolerance) and the mesh (constant node degree and size scaleability). The optical implementation method is divided into two levels: high-density local connections for the hypercube modules, and high-bit-rate, low-density, long connections for the mesh links connecting the hypercube modules. Free-space imaging systems utilizing vertical-cavity surface-emitting laser (VCSEL) arrays, lenslet arrays, space-invariant holographic techniques, and photodiode arrays are demonstrated for the local connections. Optobus fiber interconnects from Motorola are used for the long-distance connections. The OMMH was optimized to operate at the data rate of Motorola’s Optobus (10-bit-wide, VCSEL-based bidirectional data interconnects at 150 Mbits/s). Difficulties encountered included the varying fan-out efficiencies of the different orders of the hologram, misalignment sensitivity of the free-space links, low power (1 mW) of the individual VCSEL’s, and noise.
Block pivot methods for solving the complementarity problem

Abstract A family of algorithms which solve the complementarity problem (and certain generalized complementarity problems) is introduced. In these algorithms block pivots (multiple exchanges of basic and nonbasic variables) are permitted. The geometry of complementarity points is studied. The proof that these algorithms converge in a finite number of steps is based on certain elementary results from group theory, and does not rely on monotonicity arguments.
Anterior Wall Viability and Low Ejection Fraction Predict Functional Improvement After CABG

Background Absence of myocardial hyperenhancement on cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (CMR) predicts functional improvement after coronary artery bypass graft surgery (CABG). However, not all patients with absence of hyperenhancement improve their left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) after CABG. We sought to identify other characteristics associated with improvement in LVEF after CABG. Methods Preoperative CMR was obtained in 95 patients who underwent CABG from 2003 to 2007 at The Ohio State University Medical Center. Follow-up LVEF was assessed by echocardiogram between 3 wk and 2 y postoperatively (mean: 7 ± 0.5 mo). Improvement in LVEF was defined as a postoperative increase in LVEF ≥ 10%. CMR and clinical factors were analyzed for predictors of functional improvement. Results Mean age was 61 ± 1 y with 79 males. LVEF improved from 28% ± 2% preoperatively, to 38% ± 2% postoperatively ( P P = 0.0001) and higher anterior wall viability ( P = 0.03). Preoperative LVEF (odds ratio 0.89, 95% CI 0.83–0.95, P = 0.001) and left ventricular end systolic volume index (odds ratio 0.97, 95% CI 0.95–0.99, P = 0.015) were predictors of improvement in LVEF by multivariable logistic regression analysis. Conclusions Recruitment of viable non functioning myocardium of the anterior wall is responsible for the improvement in ejection fraction. Low LVEF, non-remodeled left ventricle, and anterior wall viability predict improvement in ejection fraction after CABG. These criteria may help clinicians select patients who would benefit from surgical revascularization.
High Rate of Hospital Admissions Among Patients with Cirrhosis Seeking Care in US Emergency Departments.

Background and Aims Emergency Departments (ED) can serve as a gateway to specialty care for patients with cirrhosis with limited care access. We described the rates and characteristics of patients with cirrhosis who access United States (US) EDs, and identified factors associated with subsequent hospitalization.
Long-term follow-up of auxiliary orthotopic liver transplantation for the treatment of fulminant hepatic failure.

Abstract Background. Auxiliary orthotopic liver transplantation (AOLT) was investigated as a bridge to native liver recovery in patients with fulminant hepatic failure (FHF). Methods. In the last 5 years seven patients with FHF were treated with AOLT at our institution. Five patients underwent resection of the native left lobe and orthotopic replacement with a donor left lobe (n = 3) or left lateral segment (n = 2). Two patients underwent left trisegmentectomy and whole liver auxiliary grafting. Conventional immunosuppression was used in all patients. Results. One patient had poor initial graft function and required retransplantation. Native liver function returned to normal in the six other patients. Immunosuppression was gradually tapered and completely discontinued in three patients, allowing for atrophy of the allograft. The allograft was removed in the other four patients. Despite evidence of native liver regeneration, two patients with aplastic anemia died after allograft removal. Four patients are alive at a mean follow-up of 3.5 years. Conclusions. AOLT is technically feasible, rapidly restores liver function, and should be considered an important alternative to standard orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) in the treatment of FHF. AOLT has the advantage that patients transplanted for FHF are not committed to lifelong immunosuppression with its attendant risks.
Antibodies to βIΣ2 spectrin identify in-homogeneities in the erythrocyte membrane skeleton

Abstract The cortical cytoskeleton of the mammalian red cell, composed of spectrin, actin, protein 4.1, adducin, and protein 4.9, is generally regarded as a homogeneous structure that maintains the integrity of the membrane and the lateral disposition of integral membrane proteins. The major component of this structure is a hetero-oligomer of αI and βIΣ1 spectrin. In other tissues, most notably muscle and brain, a transcript of the βI spectrin gene is generated by alternative exon utilization, yielding a protein that has the COOH-terminal 19 residues of βIΣ1 spectrin replaced by 210 novel residues to generate βIΣ2 spectrin. This new transcript contains a pleckstrin homology (PH) domain and may even exist under some conditions in a homopolymeric form. Using antibodies specific for the COOH-terminal domains of either βIΣ1 or βIΣ2 spectrin, we find that contrary to previous understandings, mature human erythrocytes contain a subpopulation of spectrin that is immunoreactive with antibodies to the βIΣ2 isoform, and that this spectrin is distributed into distinct plasma membrane patches. These results suggest that the native mammalian erythrocyte membrane skeleton, rather than being homogeneous, contains discrete submicron-scale microdomains that differ in both their composition and dispersion across the cell surface. The precise nature and role of these putative microdomains is under active investigation.