cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Are Trade-Offs Among Species’ Ecological Interactions Scale Dependent? A Test Using Pitcher-Plant Inquiline Species

Trade-offs among species’ ecological interactions is a pervasive explanation for species coexistence. The traits associated with trade-offs are typically measured to mechanistically explain species coexistence at a single spatial scale. However, species potentially interact at multiple scales and this may be reflected in the traits among coexisting species. I quantified species’ ecological traits associated with the trade-offs expected at both local (competitive ability and predator tolerance) and regional (competitive ability and colonization rate) community scales. The most common species (four protozoa and a rotifer) from the middle trophic level of a pitcher plant (Sarracenia purpurea) inquiline community were used to link species traits to previously observed patterns of species diversity and abundance. Traits associated with trade-offs (competitive ability, predator tolerance, and colonization rate) and other ecological traits (size, growth rate, and carrying capacity) were measured for each of the focal species. Traits were correlated with one another with a negative relationship indicative of a trade-off. Protozoan and rotifer species exhibited a negative relationship between competitive ability and predator tolerance, indicative of coexistence at the local community scale. There was no relationship between competitive ability and colonization rate. Size, growth rate, and carrying capacity were correlated with each other and the trade-off traits: Size was related to both competitive ability and predator tolerance, but growth rate and carrying capacity were correlated with predator tolerance. When partial correlations were conducted controlling for size, growth rate and carrying capacity, the trade-offs largely disappeared. These results imply that body size is the trait that provides the basis for ecological interactions and trade-offs. Altogether, this study showed that the examination of species’ traits in the context of coexistence at different scales can contribute to our understanding of the mechanisms underlying community structure.
The evolving characteristics and care of necrotizing soft-tissue infections

Abstract Background: Necrotizing soft-tissue infections such as necrotizing fasciitis and Fournier's gangrene are a source of high morbidity and mortality. These difficult cases are increasingly being referred to burn centers for specialized wound and critical care issues. In this study, we examine our institution's recent experience with a large series of necrotizing soft-tissue infections. Study design: A retrospective chart review was performed of 65 consecutive patients over a 5-year period with necrotizing soft-tissue infections that required radical surgical debridement. Results: Overall survival was 83%, with an average length of stay of 32.4 ± 3.32 days for survivors and for the entire group of 29.5 ± 3 days. Time from onset of symptoms to initial presentation to our institution averaged 6.9 ± 1.19 days. Patients averaged 2.9 ± 0.22 surgical procedures, and 46% of patients required skin grafting with an average graft area of 1554 ± 248 cm 2 . Of the survivors, only 54% were able to return home, with 46% needing further hospitalization or transfer to an inpatient rehabilitation facility. Conclusions: There were frequent delays in diagnosis and referrals to and from within our institution, and progress can be made in educating the medical community to identify these patients. Advancements in wound care and critical care have made inroads into the treatment of patients with necrotizing soft-tissue infections. However, these infections continue to be a source of high morbidity and mortality and significant healthcare resource consumption. These challenging patients are best served with prompt diagnosis, immediate radical surgical debridement, and aggressive critical care management. Referral to a major burn center may help provide optimal surgical intervention, wound care, and critical care management.
Regulation of synthesis and release of hypothalamic hypophysiotropic neurohormones

Abstract There are now numerous indications that stimuli from the external and internal environment operate mainly through the hypothalamus to alter secretion of pituitary hormones. These stimuli appear to modify the secretion of hypophysiotropic neurohormones in the hypothalamus. Thus cold temperature results in increased hypothalamic TRF content and elevated TSH levels in the plasma; suckling depresses hypothalamic PIF content and increases prolactin secretion; constant light results in enhanced hypothalamic content of FSH-RF and enhanced FSH release; etc. Hormones secreted by the gonads, thyroid, or adrenals may act through the hypothalamus, directly on the pituitary or on both to alter secretion of pituitary hormones. Thus estradiol can directly stimulate the pituitary to increase release of prolactin and LH, but can also influence the hypothalamus to depress secretion of PIF and LRF. Thyroxine appears to depress pituitary secretion of TSH only by a direct action on the pituitary and has no effect on hypothalamic TRF levels. Testosterone appears to decrease FSH secretion only through the hypothalamus, by depressing FSH-RF, and has no direct action on the pituitary. In addition, pituitary hormones appear to be able to inhibit their own secretion by acting on the hypothalamic neurohormones. Thus hypothalamic implants of ACTH, FSH, or LH probably depress secretion of their respective neurohormones by the hypothalamus, whereas hypophysectomy results in increased secretion of these neurohormones. Prolactin implants increase hypothalamic content of PIF but depress secretion of prolactin by the pituitary. The hypothalamic hypophysiotropic neurohormones represent a sensitive mechanism by which environmental agents can influence secretion of pituitary hormones to meet the body's needs. The specific sites in the hypothalamus where these neuro-hormones are secreted, or the mechanisms of their synthesis and release by neuro-secretory cells, are not yet completely understood. The pathways by which environmental agents reach the hypothalamus also remain to be delineated. We know very little as yet about the mechanisms by which hypothalamic neurohormones act on the pituitary to stimulate or depress secretion of hormones. Although the hypophysiotropic neurohormones appear to be separate from each other, we do not yet know their definitive chemical structures. Also much more remains to be learned about their control by enteroceptive and exteroceptive stimuli. Despite these deficiencies in our present knowledge, further rapid progress can be expected toward elucidating the role of these newly discovered brain hormones.
Living-related donors' quest for information before donation

Context—Providing potential living-related liver donors with all the necessary information before donation can be challenging. What information donors need and are not getting during the evaluation phase has not been defined.Objective—To increase understanding of the everyday life of living-related liver donors and to suggest educational strategies that could be used by transplant centers during the evaluation process.Design—An interpretive ethnographic study based on a symbolic interactionism approach. All participants were interviewed; some were reinterviewed in order to better understand their experience as a donor.Setting—Interviews took place in the clinic, the donor's home, the donor's workplace, and in coffee shops depending on each donor's preference.Participants—A total of 13 parents who had donated the left lower lobe of their liver to their son or daughter at least 1 year ago.Main Outcome Measures—Interviews were analyzed by using qualitative research methods of coding, summarizing, and discuss...
The effect of minimally invasive and open radical prostatectomy surgeon volume.

Abstract Objective To determine the effect of minimally invasive radical prostatectomy (MIRP) surgeon volume on outcomes, and correlate with those of open radical prostatectomy retropubic (ORP). Methods and materials Observational population-based study of 8,831 men undergoing MIRP and ORP by 1,457 low, medium, and high volume surgeons from SEER-Medicare linked data from 2003 to 2007. After stratifying by surgeon ORP and MIRP volume, the following outcomes were studied: length of stay, transfusions, post-operative 30-day and anastomotic stricture complications, and use of additional cancer therapies. Results Men undergoing MIRP with high and medium vs. low volume surgeons were less likely to require additional cancer therapies (4.5% and 4.7% vs. 7%, P = 0.020). Similarly, men undergoing ORP with high vs. medium and low volume surgeons were less likely to require additional cancer therapies (5.7% vs. 6.8% and 7.1%, P = 0.044). Men undergoing ORP with high vs. medium and low volume surgeons experienced shorter lengths of stay (2.9 vs. 3.3 and 3.6 days, P P = 0.017), 30-day complications (18.4% vs. 25.6% and 25.7%, P P = 0.003). However, MIRP surgeon volume did not affect these outcomes. Conclusions Men undergoing MIRP or ORP with high volume surgeons were less likely to require additional cancer therapies. Additionally, patients of high volume ORP surgeons were more likely to experience shorter hospital stays, fewer transfusions, 30-day complications, and anastomotic strictures, while MIRP surgeon volume did not affect these peri-operative outcomes.
On the visual constitution of society: The contributions of Georg Simmel and Jean-Paul Sartre to a sociology of the senses

(1984). On the visual constitution of society: The contributions of Georg Simmel and Jean-Paul Sartre to a sociology of the senses. History of European Ideas: Vol. 5, No. 4, pp. 349-362.
Lattice dynamics and anomalous bonding in rhombohedral As: First-principles supercell method

The pending understanding of lattice dynamics in rhombohedral $(A7)$ arsenic has been resolved by the first-principles supercell method. An anomalous bonding with considerable stretching force constant is found between atoms spanning the alternately first and second nearest neighbors, which stabilizes the layered $A7$ structure by suppressing the appearance of imaginary phonon modes. This anomalous bonding, as a result of Peierls distortion, is traceable from the undistorted simple cubic lattice exhibiting giant Kohn anomaly at the R point due to Fermi-surface nesting along the $\ensuremath{\Gamma}\text{\ensuremath{-}}\mathrm{R}$ direction.
Multiplexed, waveguide approach to magnetically assisted transport evanescent field fluoroassays.

This paper, expanding upon the recently developed magnetically assisted transport evanescent field fluoroassays (MATEFFs), takes advantage of several innovations in order to successfully integrate a microfluidic platform and planar waveguide technology for exploitation of multiplexing advantages. In the current adaptation of MATEFFs, a multiple internal reflection element (waveguide) is created using a simple microscope slide and PDMS microfluidic architecture, allowing simultaneous detection of multiple samples. Furthermore, the magnetic beads are manipulated using a passive pumping technique and a simple external permanent magnet, therby circumventing the need for electromagnetic fabrication or complicated architectures and equipment. Initial testing, optimization, and calibration were performed using a model sandwich immunoassay system for the detection of rabbit IgG, with which we demonstrate a linear dynamic range of 3 orders of magnitude and physiologically relevant detection limits of nanograms per...
Single-Molecule Protein Unfolding and Translocation by an ATP-Fueled Proteolytic Machine

All cells employ ATP-powered proteases for protein-quality control and regulation. In the ClpXP protease, ClpX is a AAA+ machine that recognizes specific protein substrates, unfolds these molecules, and then translocates the denatured polypeptide through a central pore and into ClpP for degradation. Here, we use optical-trapping nanometry to probe the mechanics of enzymatic unfolding and translocation of single molecules of a multidomain substrate. Our experiments demonstrate the capacity of ClpXP and ClpX to perform mechanical work under load, reveal very fast and highly cooperative unfolding of individual substrate domains, suggest a translocation step size of 5–8 amino acids, and support a power-stroke model of denaturation in which successful enzyme-mediated unfolding of stable domains requires coincidence between mechanical pulling by the enzyme and a transient stochastic reduction in protein stability. We anticipate that single-molecule studies of the mechanical properties of other AAA+ proteolytic machines will reveal many shared features with ClpXP.
Laser based in-situ and standoff detection of chemical warfare agents and explosives

Laser based detection of gaseous, liquid and solid residues and trace amounts has been developed ever since lasers were invented. However, the lack of availability of reasonably high power tunable lasers in the spectral regions where the relevant targets can be interrogated as well as appropriate techniques for high sensitivity, high selectivity detection has hampered the practical exploitation of techniques for the detection of targets important for homeland security and defense applications. Furthermore, emphasis has been on selectivity without particular attention being paid to the impact of interfering species on the quality of detection. Having high sensitivity is necessary but not a sufficient condition. High sensitivity assures a high probability of detection of the target species. However, it is only recently that the sensor community has come to recognize that any measure of probability of detection must be associated with a probability of false alarm, if it is to have any value as a measure of performance. This is especially true when one attempts to compare performance characteristics of different sensors based on different physical principles. In this paper, I will provide a methodology for characterizing the performance of sensors utilizing optical absorption measurement techniques. However, the underlying principles are equally application to all other sensors. While most of the current progress in high sensitivity, high selectivity detection of CWAs, TICs and explosives involve identifying and quantifying the target species in-situ, there is an urgent need for standoff detection of explosives from safe distances. I will describe our results on CO2 and quantum cascade laser (QCL) based photoacoustic sensors for the detection of CWAs, TICs and explosives as well the very new results on stand-off detection of explosives at distances up to 150 meters. The latter results are critically important for assuring safety of military personnel in battlefield environment, especially from improvised explosive devices (IEDs), and of civilian personnel from terrorist attacks in metropolitan areas.
Inhibition of HIV-1 progeny virion release by cell-surface CD4 is relieved by expression of the viral Nef protein.

Abstract Background: The human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) Nef protein is required for efficient virus replication in vivo and displays a number of distinct and apparently unrelated biological activities in vitro . Of these, one of the most readily demonstrated is the efficient internalization and degradation of cell-surface CD4, the receptor for the HIV-1 envelope protein. The biological purpose of this internalization has, however, remained unclear. Results: Using human 293T cells expressing high levels of cell-surface CD4 or CD8, we demonstrate that CD4, but not CD8, can dramatically reduce the release of infectious virions bearing the HIV-1 envelope protein and induce a concomitant increase in the accumulation of cell-associated HIV-1 structural proteins. In contrast, CD4 had no effect on the release of HIV-1 bearing a heterologous envelope protein unable to bind CD4. Nef expression totally reversed CD4-mediated inhibition but only if the CD4 used remained susceptible to Nef-induced internalization. Conclusions: These results support the hypothesis that cell-surface CD4 can interact with the envelope protein present on budding HIV-1 virions to inhibit their release. The internalization and degradation of cell-surface CD4 induced by the viral Nef protein can fully reverse this inhibition and is, therefore, likely to facilitate the spread of virus in vivo .
IMMUNODEFICIENCY IN LYMPHOHISTIOCYTOSIS: DEFECTIVE CELLULAR IMMUNITY IN ASSOCIATION WITH HYPERLIPIDEMIA

Lymphohistiocytosis (LH) is a familial syndrome characterized by abnormal accumulation of non-malignant histiocytes in lymph nodes, liver, and spleen, erythrophagocytosis, hepatoaplenomegaly, recurrent fever, wasting, coagulopathy, and early death. We evaluated four patients and all had evidence of defective cellular immunity. Those patients tested were anergic to recall skin test antigens. In vitro evidence of abnormal cellular immune function included depressed lymphocyte proliferative responses to specific antigens (performed in normal plasma) and impaired monocyte-mediated cytotoxic function. Plasma from LH patients suppressed the responses of normal lymphocytes. Investigation of the suppreaslve plasma revealed hyperlipidemia, with triglyceride levels between 180–960 mg% (nl range = 25–150 mg%). Moreover, the degree of in vitro immuno-suppression by these plasmas correlated with the degree of hyperlipidemia. An association between hyperlipidemia and suppression of in vitro lymphocyte responsiveness has recently been reported (Waddell,J.C.I.) and may be in part responsible for the immune defect in our patients. However, the depressed lymphocyte and monocyte function seen in LH cells tested in normal plasma suggests that the immunodeficiency in lymphohistiocytosis may be the result of both an intrinsic mononuclear cell defect and a circulating immunosuppressive factor.
Aristotle on Thises, Suches and the Third Man A rgument

According to Aristotle, questions concerning the basic framework within which a science proceeds are radically different from questions concerning the nature, existence and attributes of various kinds within a science. The former are pre-scientific and can only be dealt with dialectically. Dialectic is not itself a science, yet it provides the "path to the principles of all inquiries" (Top. 10lb4). These principles cannot be discussed within the sciences on pain of regress or petitio principii, since they are the protai, the "firsts," of everything within them (Top. 101 a36101 b4). Thus, it could only be the business of dialectic and not of any science to consider whether we should speak of "thises" (tode ti) and "suches" (toionde) and whether there are substances and qualities and quantities (Phys. 185a27-8). In a science, on the other hand, we ask such questions as: "Does the sun suffer eclipse?" "What causes an earthquake?" "Are there centaurs?" and "What is man?" (,4n. Post. B.l). Quine has pointed out that a radical distinction between framework questions and questions within the sciences is "of little concern ... apart from the adoption of something like the (Russellian) theory of types."' Without some such theory, there will be no distinction in principle between such questions as "Are there properties?" and "Are there substances" on the one hand, and "Are there centaurs?" on the other. With the adoption of some such type theory, however, although we can't know in advance, for example, what particular species there are, we can know that whatever we come across in the world will be assignable to one of an antecedently determined number of categories, so the division will make sense. There will be fundamental segregations of expression and entities, and attempts to violate type distinctions will lead to absurdity and paradox. In light of Quine's insight, it is perhaps not surprising to discover that a type distinction emerges early and remains fundamental throughout Aristotle's work. I owe notice of it to Terry Penner.2 It is the distinction between a this (tode ti) and a such (toionde or sometimespoion), as Aristotle sometimes puts it. I shall assume that it is the same distinction he has in mind in charging Plato with trying to turn universals (katholou) into particulars (e.g. Met. 1038b34-1039a2, 1040b23-31, 1041a4, 1053b9-24,
Earthquakes associated with the Clark Hill reservoir, South Carolina — A case of induced seismicity

Abstract Following the McCormick County, South Carolina, local magnitude 4.3 earthquake on August 2, 1974, continuous seismic activity has been observed in the area. The epicenters are located within 3 km from the Clark Hill reservoir. The shallow seismic activity appears to be related to water level fluctuations in the reservoir, and follows them by about two days. The frequency of earthquakes is related to the rate of change of water level, while the energy release is seen to depend on the water level itself. Pore pressure fluctuations at focal depths in a regime of high tectonic stresses is the suggested cause for the triggering of earthquakes.
The tissue and subcellular distribution of [3H]dolichol in the rat

Abstract Following the intravenous injection of nanomolar amounts of [ 3 H]dolichol into rats, the radioactivity rapidly appeared in the high-density lipoprotein fraction of the plasma and circulated with a half-life of about 9 h. A fraction of the injected activity was excreted in the feces, presumably through the bile, but evidence was obtained that little oxidative breakdown of dolichol occurred. All tissues assayed acquired radioactivity, but the liver attained the highest specific activity and the largest percentage of the total radioactive dolichol. Subcellular fractionation of the liver revealed that mitochondrial preparations contained the bulk of the labeled dolichol at all times tested up to 40 h after injection. Disruption of the mitochondrial structure by two different techniques permitted the isolation of inner and outer membrane fractions and it was found that the [ 3 H]dolichol was concentrated in the outer membrane fraction. The significance of these findings is discussed.
Rationale for earlier and less frequent prostate cancer screening.

T prostate-specific antigen (PSA) era began approximately one decade ago with the introduction of widespread PSA testing for the early detection of prostate cancer. The validity of PSA for the early detection of prostate cancer and the rapid acceptance of this test by patients and physicians led to unprecedented changes in population statistics.1 The incidence of advanced disease declined by 18% annually beginning in 1991,2 and the prostate cancer mortality rate in 1997 fell below the rate for 1986, which was before the onset of PSA testing.3 These data suggest that PSA testing and early intervention may prevent prostate cancer deaths. However, the most effective method for prostate cancer screening is a matter of debate. The American Cancer Society4 and the American Urological Association5 recommend annual screening beginning at age 50 years for those at normal risk. But is this the most effective approach? There are three reasons why I believe that earlier and less frequent prostate cancer screening would be a more effective screening strategy for prostate cancer. First, prostate cancer develops at an early age. Second, younger men are more likely to have curable disease. Third, the window of opportunity for the detection of curable disease is long; therefore, frequent screening is not necessary.
North American Geographers and the Pacific Rim: Leaders or Laggards

The ascendance of the Pacific Rim is an indisputable global happening. North American geography, a logical leader in the study of this high profile phenomenon, has lagged behind other disciplines in Rim-focused research. This article argues in favor of a heightened Rim awareness, surveys recent publications, suggests promising Pacific Rim research directions, and proposes how the Association of American Geographers can help promote Rim studies.
Serous papillary carcinoma of the cervix

Two cases of serous papillary carcinoma of the cervix are reported. Both patients had clinical stage IB disease. One patient underwent radical hysterectomy and bilateral pelvic lymphadenectomy. The second patient was treated with pelvic radiation therapy after exploration demonstrated uterosacral ligament metastasis. Both patients are alive at 35 months after treatment with local therapy alone. In contrast to ovarian, tubal, and endometrial serous carcinomas, local therapy appears to be effective treatment for serous carcinomas of the cervix.
Chemisorption Effects on Colloidal Lead Nanoparticles

A stable aqueous lead sol (10 nm particles) is formed upon the γ-irradiation of Pb(ClO4)2 in the presence of (poly)ethyleneimine. Lead nanoparticles have an absorption band at 218 nm with e = 3.2 × 104 M-1 cm-1; the band appears at the wavelength that is expected for a surface plasmon oscillation. The changes in the shape of the absorption band, which occur upon the interaction of the nanoparticles with various solutes, are described and interpreted. Oxygen, nitrous oxide, carbon tetrachloride, and chloroform oxidize colloidal lead particles to Pb2+. Carbon disulfide oxidizes only surface lead atoms to yield a layer of PbS precursor. The oxidation of lead particles by the ions of noble metals is investigated for Ag+ and Cu2+. Silver ions oxidize lead nanoparticles incompletely, which is explained by the formation of mixed Ag−Pb structures. Cu2+ ions also do not completely oxidize lead particles, although Cu particles with a low Pb content can be obtained.
Intensities in the nine-coordinate mer-complexes of holmium(III) in aqueous solution☆

Abstract Judd-Ofelt parameters for a series of tris-terdentate, mer-isomer, holmium(III) complexes are experimentally determined. The effect of the different atoms and groups of atoms in each of the ligands upon the intensity parameters is examined. It is found that ligand effects are greatest for the Ω 2 and Ω 6 parameters. The greatest changes arise when aromatic rings are present in the ligand. Other minor perturbations are also discussed.
State of the Art Survey of Reference Sources for Children and Young Adults

In surveying the state of the art of reference materials for children and young adults in both school and public libraries, it is necessary to reaffirm certain “givens” about such a broad field. As in any other library, selection depends so much upon the clientele. A K — 3 grade school would have simple encyclopedias (of which there are few), e.g. Childcraft (Field), the Golden Encyclopedias, picture dictionaries and similar materials. The K — 6 or the K — 8 would include these and increasingly sophisticated types of reference, depending upon budget and the reading or research interests of the children. For example, some elementary school age children seriously want to know “all there is” about solar energy, computers, transistors, comic books and beasts of the tar pits. Others want only “facts” about sports heroes, stamps, or other collectibles. High school students are interested in the same pursuits, many of them at a highly sophisticated level. Young patrons of public libraries, quite often, are either the most proficient in reading and research skills, or the most lacking in any kind of conceptual application. Therefore, reference collections for this widely spaced age group are diverse in definition, scope, and numbers of volumes. Indeed, some books at an elementary age level are designated reference for three major reasons: 1) to direct children to a book which they might want but cannot find unless it is limited in the place or time allowed for use (e.g. some books on codes); 2) books that are comprehensive and include a quick fact presentation (these are often found in the 500's, 600's, etc., as a general categorical statement, but such a location is not always understood by the very small child who wants information; or 3) the dictionaries, encyclopedias and other books of encyclopedia information as understood by adults but written on a very beginning level. Too often, a college or general public librarian does not understand the microscopic pieces of information that are reference in nature to the growing child. Ideally, this type of reference should be available in kindergarten or even in pre‐school with instruction in its use (which is “fun” oriented, for learning is fun to the small child) at the same school or pre‐school levels.
Vascular compliance in hypertension

Pulse contour analysis was used to determine systemic arterial vascular compliance in hypertensive (HT) and normotensive (NT) subjects. In seven hypertensives aged 43-58 yrs (mean age 52.1+or-5.5 yrs) and seven normotensives aged 33-59 yrs (mean age 43.7+or-9.9 yrs) both large artery (C1) and distal arterial (C2) compliance were determined from a peripheral arterial pressure waveform and cardiac output. Age differences were not statistically significant. Mean arterial pressure was 29% higher in HT (p >
Short-term Exposure to Triclosan Decreases Thyroxine In Vivo via Upregulation of Hepatic Catabolism in Young Long-Evans Rats

Triclosan (5-chloro-2-(2,4-dichlorophenoxy)-phenol) is a chlorinated phenolic antibacterial compound found in consumer products. In vitro human pregnane X receptor activation, hepatic phase I enzyme induction, and decreased in vivo total thyroxine (T4) suggest adverse effects on thyroid hormone homeostasis. Current research tested the hypothesis that triclosan decreases circulating T4 via upregulation of hepatic catabolism and transport. Weanling female Long-Evans rats received triclosan (0-1000 mg/kg/day) by gavage for 4 days. Whole blood and liver were collected 24 h later. Total serum T4, triiodothyronine (T3), and thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) were measured by radioimmunoassay. Hepatic microsomal assays measured ethoxyresorufin-O-deethylase, pentoxyresorufin-O-deethylase (PROD), and uridine diphosphate glucuronyltransferase enzyme activities. The messenger RNA (mRNA) expression of cytochrome P450s 1a1, 2b1/2, and 3a1/23; UGTs 1a1, 1a6, and 2b5; sulfotransferases 1c1 and 1b1; and hepatic transporters Oatp1a1, Oatp1a4, Mrp2, and Mdr1b was measured by quantitative reverse transcriptase PCR. Total T4 decreased dose responsively, down to 43% of control at 1000 mg/kg/day. Total T3 was decreased to 89 and 75% of control at 300 and 1000 mg/kg/day. TSH did not change. Triclosan dose dependently increased PROD activity up to 900% of control at 1000 mg/kg/day. T4 glucuronidation increased nearly twofold at 1000 mg/kg/day. Cyp2b1/2 and Cyp3a1/23 mRNA expression levels were induced twofold and fourfold at 300 mg/kg/day. Ugt1a1 and Sult1c1 mRNA expression levels increased 2.2-fold and 2.6-fold at 300 mg/kg/day. Transporter mRNA expression levels were unchanged. These data denote important key events in the mode of action for triclosan-induced hypothyroxinemia in rats and suggest that this effect may be partially due to upregulation of hepatic catabolism but not due to mRNA expression changes in the tested hepatic transporters.
Nuclear Energy and Nuclear Weapons: Are They Inevitably Linked?

For forty years politically active nuclear scientists have been trying to invent and to promote policies and schemes which would on the one hand make the benefits of nuclear energy available to all mankind, and on the other hand inhibit or prevent the manufacture and use of nuclear weapons. So far, the record of these attempts is poor; it now threatens to get worse fast.
IONIC DISORDER IN X-IRRADIATED KBr CRYSTALS

The production by x-rays of anion vacancies in KBr crystals was studied quantitatively in the liquid helium temperature range. The thermal stability of the vacancies was investigated in detail. A series of recombination steps was observed in the 10\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}K to 30\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}K region associated with activation energies of the order of 0.03 to 0.09 ev. A green luminescence was observed during the irradiation by x-rays and during the annealing of the crystals. This luminescence is attributed to electronic recombinations rather than to vacancy recombination. A semiquantitative electrostatic model is proposed to explain the very limited thermal stability of single vacancies. This analysis predicts remarkably high local concentrations of vacancies.
Design and implementation of a low-cost embedded Linux gateway for smart home health monitoring

Many wireless sensor network applications require a gateway device to interface with services running on the Internet. Because of the software complexity involved in this device, it is often realized using a real-time operating system running on an application processor. Most systems burden the user with developing the protocol handling and device configuration and management inside the application. In this paper, we present the Angelos Gateway - a turnkey, low-cost, Linux-powered WSN gateway that provides a socket-based environment for rapid network-enabled application development. Experimental results demonstrate that the proposed device is capable of high-throughput packet I/O confirming the efficacy of the proposed implementation.
Brown fat norepinephrine contents and turnover during cold acclimation and hibernation in the golden hamster (Mesocricetus auratus).

Abstract 1. 1. Norepinephrine (NE) levels were measured fluorometrically in brown fat and certain other tissues of normal, cold acclimated, hibernating, and newly aroused hamsters. 2. 2. During cold acclimation the absolute quantity of NE in brown fat increased along with the tissue mass. 3. 3. Brown fat NE decreased significantly in hibernating hamsters. A primed system for accelerated NE turnover, which could be important for arousal thermogenesis, is suggested. 4. 4. NE turnover was estimated in brown fat, heart, and spleen by measuring the NE decline after blockade of NE synthesis with α-methyl-p-tyrosine. 5. 5. Brown fat NE turnover was greater in cold acclimated hamsters (4° C.) than in normal controls (23° C.). This could be important for efficient brown fat thermogenesis during cold exposure. 6. 6. Brown fat NE turnover was increased in both normal controls and cold acclimated hamsters exposed acutely to 4° C. Steady-state NE declined in normal brown fat but not in cold acclimated brown fat during acute cold exposure. This could indicate an increased capacity for NE synthesis as well as turnover in cold acclimated brown fat.
Hormone-refractory prostate cancer responding to capecitabine.

Abstract A 66-year-old male patient with advanced prostate cancer presented with bony metastases, including pathologic fractures and hepatosplenomegaly. The patient responded to luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone agonists for more than 1 year. A clear progression while taking luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone agonists manifested as a progressive rise in prostate-specific antigen, alkaline phosphatase, hepatosplenomegaly, and myelophthisic pancytopenia. We administered capecitabine for 5 months with a complete clinical response. At last follow-up, the patient’s liver function tests and prostate-specific antigen level have normalized. Liver size by computed tomography and blood counts both improved. To our knowledge, no previous case reports of capecitabine in the treatment of prostate cancer have been published.
Reflection Polarization by a Transparent-Film–Absorbing-Substrate System

A system consisting of a thin, transparent film on an absorbing metallic substrate can function as a reflection polarizer. For given optical constants, analysis yields the angles of incidence at which reflection of either component of polarization is extinguished. For each such polarizing angle, any one of a set of discrete film thicknesses can be employed to obtain polarized light. The polarizing characteristics of several illustrative film–substrate systems have been calculated. Criteria for evaluating the performance of a reflection polarizer included the magnitude of the reflectance of the unextinguished component, and the sensitivity of the extinguished component to departures from the polarizing angle and from the optimum film thicknesses. These criteria responded in a systematic manner to variation of the reflectance of the substrate and the refractive index of the film. High reflectance of the unextinguished component and low sensitivity of the extinguished component can be attained.
Angiogenesis of Breast Cancer

Angiogenesis, the process of new blood vessel formation, plays a central role in both local tumor growth and distant metastasis in breast cancer. Extensive laboratory data suggest that angiogenesis plays an essential role in breast cancer development, invasion, and metastasis. Hyperplastic murine breast papillomas and histologically normal lobules adjacent to cancerous breast tissue support angiogenesis in preclinical models, suggesting that angiogenesis precedes transformation of mammary hyperplasia to malignancy. Transfection of tumor cells with angiogenic stimulatory peptides has been shown to increase tumor growth, invasiveness, and metastasis. Conversely, transfection of tumor cells with inhibitors of angiogenesis decreases growth and metastasis. The matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) family of enzymes degrades the basement membrane and extracellular matrix and is associated with a family of endogenous inhibitors, tissue inhibitors ofmetalloproteinases (TIMPs). Under normal physiologic conditions, the MMPs and TIMPs exist in anexquisitebalance.Thisbalance isdisrupted during active angiogenesis. Expression of MMPs increases with the progression from benign to preinvasive, invasive, and metastatic breast cancer and is associated with increasing histologic tumor grade. Microscopic metastases are growth restricted and remain dormant until they undergo an angiogenic switch, presumably a result of further mutation. This angiogenic switch often results in increased expression of MMPs. Hypoxia is a key signal for the induction of angiogenesis. Hypoxia-inducible factors (HIF-1 and HIF-2) are heterodimeric transcription factors consisting of and subunits. The subunit is constitutively expressed while the subunit is protected from degradation only under hypoxic condition. HIF-1 expression progressively increases from normal breast tissue to usual ductal hyperplasia to ductal carcinoma-insitu to invasive ductal carcinoma. HIF-1 expression is higher in poorly differentiated than in well-differentiated lesions and is associated with increased proliferation and expression of the estrogen receptor and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). Similarly, expression of carbonic anhydrase IX, an HIF-1 -dependant enzyme important in pH regulation, is associated with worse relapse-free and overall survival in patients with invasive breast cancer.
Inhibition of germination and sporulation of Claviceps africana from honeydew encrusted sorghum with seed treatment fungicides.

The inhibitory e!ects of six fungicides on macrospore germination and production of secondary conidia of Claviceps africana were studied. E!ects of these fungicides on germination of sorghum seed also were determined. Panicles from male-sterile sorghums with honeydew exudate were harvested from the USDA-ARS Research Farm, Isabela, Puerto Rico in the Spring of 1997. Honeydew exudate-infested panicles were used as inoculum to infest ergot-free sorghum seed. Seeds were placed on 1 and 2% water agar containing 100 mg/l each of streptomycin sulfate and ampicillin and were also plated on soil. They were incubated at 21}223C, 16 h of light. At 24 and 48 h, samples were examined under a microscope, equipped with 50] and 100] objectives, for germination of macroconidia and the formation of conidiophores and secondary conidia on both seed, soil, and agar surfaces. Samples also were evaluated for seed germination. Abundant conidiophores with conidia were observed over the entire seed surface of (control) honeydew-infested seed while none were observed on untreated control seed. Fungicidal e!ects and seed germination results showed that captan (Captan 400 ’ ) and thiram (42-S Thiram ’ )e !ectively inhibited conidiophore production and secondary conidia formation without severely reducing viability of the sorghum seed. ( 1999 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.
Market segmentation and information development costs in a two-tiered fee-based and sponsored-based web site

We develop an analytical model of a separating equilibrium for a two-tier fee-based and sponsored-based information Web site. We examine the monopolists choice of content quality and price for a fee-based site targeted at high type consumers and the content quality level for a sponsored site offered free to all consumers. We show how a reduction in the potential for advertising revenues results in lower content quality on the free site, but permits the seller to raise the fee charged to high type consumers. We also show how differences in consumer tolerances to ads impacts content quality, banner ad volume, and usage fees. In particular, the seller can increase profits by making ads more attractive to either high type consumers or low type consumers, but never both at the same time. We show the conditions that determine which consumer segment the seller should seek to improve ad relevancy.
Party Realignment and Voter Transition in Italy, 1987-1996

Between 1987 and 1996, the Italian party system experienced a major realignment. The political alternatives that dominated the postwar period dissolved, and new party and voter alignments emerged. This analysis employs a recently compiled data archive and a new ecological inference technique to examine voter transitions during the period. The disintegration of the ruling party coalition and the appearance of new party alternatives from the center of the analysis. The research highlights the importance of nonvoters, a relatively recent phenomenon in Italian elections, as a precursor of pending party change as well as holding the key to a resolution of the current flux. The new ecological analysis technique generates more robust results than previous techniques and also avoids the pitfalls of survey research.
Sukuk in the Sultanate of Oman

This article provides an introduction to the discussion of sukuk as framed by the Draft Sukuk Regulations of the Capital Markets Authority of the Sultanate of Oman and the Islamic Banking Framework issued by the Central Bank of Oman. Sukuk are asset securitizations and whole business securitizations (and are commonly referred to as "Islamic bonds", although they are not bonds). Topics considered include: capital adequacy considerations under the Islamic Banking Framework; Shari'ah board requirements; issuer and obligor requirements and permissible activities; mandatory and permissible structural elements of sukuk, financial trusts and related considerations; and general assembly, sukuk agent and other corporate governance considerations.
Differential A1 Adenosine Receptor Reserve for Two Actions of Adenosine on Guinea Pig Atrial Myocytes

Adenosine activates adenosine-induced inwardly rectifying K+ current (IKAdo) and inhibits isoproterenol (100 nM)-stimulated L-type Ca2+ current (beta-ICa,L) of guinea pig atrial myocytes with EC50 values of 2.17 and 0.20 microM, respectively. We determined whether this 11-fold difference in potency of adenosine is due to the existence of a greater A1 adenosine receptor reserve for the inhibition of beta-ICa,L than for the activation of IKAdo. Atrial myocytes were pretreated with vehicle (control) or the irreversible A1 adenosine receptor antagonist 8-cyclopentyl-3-[3-[[4-(fluorosulfonyl)benzoyl]oxy]propyl]-1-propylxa nthine (FSCPX) (10 and 50 nM) for 30 min, and after a 60-min washout period, concentration-response curves were determined for the adenosine-induced activation of IKAdo and inhibition of beta-ICa,L. Pretreatment of atrial myocytes with 10 nM FSCPX reduced the maximal activation of IKAdo by 60% (7.9 +/- 0.2 to 3.2 +/- 0.1 pA/pF). In contrast, a higher concentration of FSCPX (50 nM) was required to reduce the maximal inhibition of beta-ICa,L by 39% (95 +/- 4% to 58. 7 +/- 5.6%) and caused a 15-fold increase in the EC50 value of adenosine. Values of the equilibrium dissociation constant (KA) for adenosine to activate IKAdo and inhibit beta-ICa,L, estimated according to the method of Furchgott, were 2.7 and 5.6 microM, respectively. These values were used to determine the relationship between adenosine receptor occupancy and response. Half-maximal and maximal activations of IKAdo required occupancies of 40% and 98% of A1 adenosine receptors, respectively. In contrast, occupancies of only 4% and 70%, respectively, of A1 adenosine receptors were sufficient to cause half-maximal and maximal inhibitions of beta-ICa, L. Consistent with this result, a partial agonist of the A1 adenosine receptor SHA040 inhibited beta-ICa,L by 60 +/- 3.5% but activated IKAdo by only 18.1 +/- 2.5%. The results indicate that the A1 adenosine receptor is coupled more efficiently to an inhibition of beta-ICa,L than to an activation of IKAdo.
Heavy solar cosmic rays in the January 25, 1971 solar flare

A detailed study of the charge composition of heavy solar cosmic rays measured in the January 25, 1971 solar flare including differential fluxes for the even charged nuclei from carbon through argon is presented. The measurements are obtained for varying energy intervals for each nuclear species in the energy range from 10 to 35 MeV/nucleon. In addition, abundances relative to oxygen are computed for all the above nuclei in the single energy interval from 15 to 25 MeV/nucleon. This interval contains measurements for all of the species and as a result requires no spectral extrapolations. An upper limit for the abundance of calcium nuclei is also presented. These measurements, when combined with other experimental results, enable the energy dependence of abundance measurements as a function of nuclear charge to be discussed. It is seen that at energies above about 10 MeV/nucleon, the variations of abundance ratios are limited to about a factor of 3 from flare to flare, in spite of large variations in other characteristics of these solar events.
Tungsten oxide films by reactive and conventional evaporation techniques

Tungsten oxide films (WO3) are deposited by thermal evaporation techniques using the starting materials of tungsten (W) and tungsten oxide (WO3). By varying deposition parameters, three main types of WO3 film exhibiting different optical properties form. These are blue, gray, and colorless films. The samples are characterized optically and morphologically. Blue-colored samples exhibit a broad selective absorption peak around 1000 nm. Absorption of gray-colored samples spreads out in the visible region in an exponential form. The refractive indices of samples are between 1.9 and 2.1. The energy gap of blue and colorless samples is 3.32 eV, but that of the gray-colored samples is 3.18 eV and smaller. X-ray diffraction studies reveal that evaporated WO3 films are amorphous. Fourier transform infrared spectra of samples were studied to evaluate bond properties. Colorless near-stoichiometric tungsten oxide films exhibit three absorption peaks in the 1000–600-cm−1 window. These peak locations, in terms of cm−1 window. These peak locations, in terms of cm−1, are 669,737, and 813. In the colored samples, these three absorption peaks split into two peaks ~20 cm−1 apart.