cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
LOSS OF PLASMA MEMBRANE LIPID ASYMMETRY CAN INDUCE ORDERED DOMAIN (RAFT) FORMATION

Abstract In some cases, lipids in one leaflet of an asymmetric artificial lipid vesicle suppress formation of ordered lipid domains (rafts) in the opposing leaflet. Whether this occurs in natural membranes is unknown. Here we investigated this issue using plasma membrane vesicles (PMVs) from rat leukemia RBL-2H3 cells. Membrane domain formation and order was assessed by FRET and fluorescence anisotropy. We found that ordered domains in PMVs prepared from cells by N-ethyl maleimide (NEM) treatment formed up to ∼37° C, while ordered domains in symmetric vesicles formed from extracted PMV lipids were stable up to 55° C, indicating stability of ordered domains was substantially decreased in intact PMVs. This behavior paralleled lesser ordered domain stability in artificial asymmetric lipid vesicles relative to the corresponding symmetric vesicles, suggesting intact PMVs exhibit some degree of lipid asymmetry. This was supported by phosphatidylserine mislocalization on PMV outer leaflets as judged by annexin binding, which indicated NEM-induced PMVs are much more asymmetric than PMVs formed by dithiothreitol/paraformaldehyde treatment. Destroying asymmetry by reconstitution of PMVs using detergent dilution also showed stabilization of domain formation, even though membrane proteins remained associated with reconstituted vesicles. Similar domain stabilization was observed in artificial asymmetric lipid vesicles after destroying asymmetry via detergent reconstitution. Proteinase K digestion of proteins had little effect on domain stability in NEM PMVs. We conclude loss of PMV lipid asymmetry can induce ordered domain formation. Dynamic control of lipid asymmetry in cells may regulate domain formation in plasma membranes.
Decreasing galectin-1 expression in human experimental glioblastomas impairs the endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS) response and increases temozolomide anti-tumor effects.

AACR Annual Meeting-- Apr 14-18, 2007; Los Angeles, CA 1967 Malignant gliomas, and especially glioblastomas (GBMs) are characterized by the diffuse invasion of distant brain tissue by a myriad of single migrating cells with reduced levels of apoptosis (Type I programmed cell death (PCD)), and consequent resistance to the cytotoxic insults of pro-apoptotic drugs (Lefranc et al., J Clin Oncol 2005). In contrast, GBM cells display sensitivity to autophagy, i.e. Type II PCD (Kanzawa et al., Cell Death Differ 2004), a fact that can at least partly explain the therapeutic benefits of the pro-autophagic drug temozolomide in the treatment of GBM patients. Galectin-1 plays a number of vital roles in Ras signaling, which in turn is pivotal to GBM development and resistance to apoptosis (see Camby et al., Glycobiology, 2006, for review). The stable inhibition of galectin-1 expression in human U87 GBM cells alters the expression of a number of genes that either directly or indirectly influences the adhesion, the motility and the invasive ability of human glioblastoma cells, and additionally, immunocompromized mice intracranially grafted with human GBM cells constitutively expressing low levels of galectin-1 had longer survival periods than mice grafted with GBM cells expressing normal levels of galectin-1 (see Camby et al., Glycobiology, 2006, for review). The data in the present study reveal that treating Hs683 human GBM cells with temozolomide increases galectin-1 expression, suggesting therefore a cytoprotective role for galectin-1. Reducing galectin-1 expression in human Hs683 GBM cells using a specifically designed anti-galectin-1 siRNA does not induce apoptotic or autophagic features. In contrast, this galectin-1 depletion decreases the levels of expression of several genes involved in the response to endoplasmic reticulum stress; including DUSP5, HERP, DNAJB9/MDG1/ERdj4 and HYOU1/ORP150, the latter of which modulates angiogenesis via the processing of VEGF. Reduced galectin-1 expression in Hs683 tumor cells also leads to sustained decreases in VEGF expression, with severe in vivo impairment of angiogenesis in Hs683 orthotopic xenografts. Furthermore, the in vivo delivery of a non-viral infusion of anti-galectin-1 siRNA into the ventricular system of the brains of adult mice orthotopically grafted with Hs683 GBM cells increases the anti-tumor effects of temozolomide. This novel facet of galectin-1 involvement in glioblastoma biology may be amenable to therapeutic manipulation.
The Colonization of Significance and the Future of the Nation: Fanon, Derrida, and Democracy-to-Come

Frantz Fanon’s theoretical and practical challenge is to identify how self-determination is possible for a subject whose agency and significance have, through colonization, been appropriated and shaped by others, a challenge to which he responds with the invocation of “national consciousness.” In this paper I describe this national consciousness and show how its exclusivity paradoxically establishes the ground for a kind of international or universal inclusiveness. I differentiate this inclusiveness from the universality of Western political ideals, which Fanon challenges, and conclude by discussing how the tension between nation and internationalism in Fanon is illuminated by Jacques Derrida’s discussion of the idea of democracy and particular democracies in Rogues .
Human-Machine Collaboration in Robotics: Integrating Virtual Tools with a Collision Avoidance Concept using Conglomerates of Spheres

This paper describes how virtual tools that represent real robot end-effectors are used in conjunction with a generalized conglomerate-of-spheres approach to collision avoidance in such a way that telerobotic trajectory planning can be accomplished using simple gesture phrases such as ‘put that there while avoiding that’. In this concept, an operator (or set of collaborators) need not train for cumbersome telemanipulation on several multiple-link robots, nor do robots need a priori knowledge of operator intent and exhaustive algorithms for evaluating every aspect of a detailed environment model. The human does what humans do best during task specification, while the robot does what machines do best during trajectory planning and execution. Four telerobotic stages were implemented to demonstrate this strategic supervision concept that will facilitate collaborative control between humans and machines. In the first stage, virtual reality tools are selected from a ‘toolbox’ by the operator(s) and then these virtual tools are computationally interwoven into the live video scene with depth correlation. Each virtual tool is a graphic representation of a robot end-effector (gripper, cutter, or other robot tool) that carries tool-use attributes on how to perform a task. An operator uses an instrumented glove to virtually retrieve the disembodied tool, in the shared scene, and place it near objects and obstacles while giving key-point gesture directives, such as ‘cut there while avoiding that’. Collaborators on a network may alter the plan by changing tools or tool positioning to achieve preferred results from their own perspectives. When parties agree, from wherever they reside geographically, the robot(s) create and execute appropriate trajectories suitable to their own particular links and joints. Stage two generates standard joint-interpolated trajectories, and later creates potential field trajectories if necessary. Stage three tests for collisions with obstacles identified by the operator and modeled as conglomerates of spheres. Stage four involves automatic grasping (or cutting etc.) once the robot camera acquires a close-up view of the object during approach. In this paper particular emphasis is placed on the conglomerate-of-spheres approach to collision detection as integrated with the virtual tools concept for a Puma 560 robot by the Virtual Tools and Robotics Group in the Computer Integrated Manufacturing Laboratory at The Pennsylvania State University (Penn State).
On the continuation-path uniqueness of homotopy enhanced power flow method for general distribution networks with distributed generators

The integration of renewable energies requests smart power grids to be capable of supporting various power flow patterns, and thus urgently needs the development of smart and robust power flow solvers. However, there are several great challenges, as the problem of power flow divergence and the issue of multi-solution. Homotopy methodology is commonly utilized to deal with these issues. This paper proposes a set of sufficiently conditions for the uniqueness of power flow solution, by showing the uniqueness of continuation path in a homotopy method, which can serve as the condition for controlling when to apply the costly global-searching techniques for finding multiple power flow solutions. Theoretical results are illustrated by simulations on the IEEE 1123-bus distribution network with distributed generation.
Guided-wave electrooptic modulators

In the development of fiber-optic rotation sensors, a variety of optical modulators are needed. It would be desirable to monolithically integrate such modulators on a chip to provide reliable, compact and low-drive power operation. In this paper, progress in guided-wave electrooptic modulators is reviewed. Devices in both LiNbO3 and GaAs are described for use in phase, intensity, and frequency modulation. In addition, progress in waveguide bends, essential for monolithically interconnecting the modulators, and in fiber-to-chip coupling is summarized. In each instance, representative examples of the state of the art are given rather than a complete literature review.
Visibility-Based Pursuit-Evasion in a Polygonal Environment

This paper addresses the problem of planning the motion of one or more pursuers in a polygonal environment to eventually “see” an evader that is unpredictable, has unknown initial position, and is capable of moving arbitrarily fast. This problem was first introduced by Suzuki and Yamashita. Our study of this problem is motivated in part by robotics applications, such as surveillance with a mobile robot equipped with a camera that must find a moving target in a cluttered workspace. A few bounds are introduced, and a complete algorithm is presented for computing a successful motion strategy for a single pursuer. For simply-connected free spaces, it is shown that the minimum number of pursuers required is θ(lg n). For multiply-connected free spaces, the bound is θ(√h+lg n) pursuers for a polygon that has n edges and h holes. A set of problems that are solvable by a single pursuer and require a linear number of recontaminations is shown. The complete algorithm searches a finite cell complex that is constructed on the basis of critical information changes. It has been implemented and computed examples are shown.
The local convexity of solving systems of quadratic equations

This paper considers the recovery of a rank $r$ positive semidefinite matrix $X X^T\in\mathbb{R}^{n\times n}$ from $m$ scalar measurements of the form $y_i := a_i^T X X^T a_i$ (i.e., quadratic measurements of $X$). Such problems arise in a variety of applications, including covariance sketching of high-dimensional data streams, quadratic regression, quantum state tomography, among others. A natural approach to this problem is to minimize the loss function $f(U) = \sum_i (y_i - a_i^TUU^Ta_i)^2$ which has an entire manifold of solutions given by $\{XO\}_{O\in\mathcal{O}_r}$ where $\mathcal{O}_r$ is the orthogonal group of $r\times r$ orthogonal matrices; this is {\it non-convex} in the $n\times r$ matrix $U$, but methods like gradient descent are simple and easy to implement (as compared to semidefinite relaxation approaches). In this paper we show that once we have $m \geq C nr \log^2(n)$ samples from isotropic gaussian $a_i$, with high probability {\em (a)} this function admits a dimension-independent region of {\em local strong convexity} on lines perpendicular to the solution manifold, and {\em (b)} with an additional polynomial factor of $r$ samples, a simple spectral initialization will land within the region of convexity with high probability. Together, this implies that gradient descent with initialization (but no re-sampling) will converge linearly to the correct $X$, up to an orthogonal transformation. We believe that this general technique (local convexity reachable by spectral initialization) should prove applicable to a broader class of nonconvex optimization problems.
The influence of riparian vegetation on near-bank turbulence: a flume experiment

Measurements from a fixed-bed, Froude-scaled hydraulic model of a stream in northeastern Vermont demonstrate the importance of forested riparian vegetation effects on near-bank turbulence during overbank flows. Sections of the prototype stream, a tributary to Sleepers River, have increased in channel width within the last 40 years in response to passive reforestation of its riparian zone. Previous research found that reaches of small streams with forested riparian zones are commonly wider than adjacent reaches with non-forested, or grassy, vegetation; however, driving mechanisms for this morphologic difference are not fully explained. Flume experiments were performed with a 1:5 scale, simplified model of half a channel and its floodplain, mimicking the typical non-forested channel size. Two types of riparian vegetation were placed on the constructed floodplain: non-forested, with synthetic grass carpeting; and forested, where rigid, randomly distributed, wooden dowels were added. Three-dimensional velocities were measured with an acoustic Doppler velocimeter at 41 locations within the channel and floodplain at near-bed and 0·6-depth elevations. Observations of velocity components and calculations of turbulent kinetic energy (TKE), Reynolds shear stress and boundary shear stress showed significant differences between forested and non-forested runs. Generally, forested runs exhibited a narrow band of high turbulence between the floodplain and main channel, where TKE was roughly two times greater than TKE in non-forested runs. Compared to non-forested runs, the hydraulic characteristics of forested runs appear to create an environment with higher erosion potential. Given that sediment entrainment and transport can be amplified in flows with high turbulence intensity and given that mature forested stream reaches are wider than comparable non-forested reaches, our results demonstrated a possible driving mechanism for channel widening during overbank flow events in stream reaches with recently reforested riparian zones. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The effects of CO2 pneumoperitoneum on the survival of women with persistent metastatic ovarian cancer.

Abstract Objectives The effects of CO 2 pneumoperitoneum on the survival of women with metastatic ovarian cancer have not been documented. We sought to describe the survival of women with persistent stage III–IV ovarian cancer as documented by positive second-look laparoscopy or laparotomy and to see whether the laparoscopic approach with CO 2 pneumoperitoneum has a negative effect on overall survival. Methods We conducted a retrospective review of all patients with FIGO stage III–IV invasive epithelial ovarian cancer who were found to have persistent disease at second-look surgery. All patients underwent primary surgery followed by intravenous chemotherapy and were clinically without evidence of disease prior to second-look surgery. Second-look laparoscopy began to be utilized regularly in 1994. The selection of the second-look surgical approach depended on the surgeon's discretion. CO 2 pneumoperitoneum was utilized for all laparoscopic cases with the maximum intra-abdominal pressure maintained at 15 mm Hg. Patients received a variety of additional intravenous, intraperitoneal, or oral chemotherapy following positive second-look surgery. Results Between 6/1/91 and 6/30/02, 289 patients were found to have persistent ovarian/peritoneal cancer at second look. Second-look operations included 131 (45%) transperitoneal laparoscopies and 139 (48%) laparotomies. Nineteen (7%) patients underwent laparoscopy followed immediately by laparotomy. The mean age, stage distribution, histology, grade, and size of residual disease at second look did not differ between the two groups. The median overall survival for patients who underwent laparoscopy, 41.1 months (95% CI, 33.2–58.1), did not significantly differ from that of the laparotomy group, 38.8 months (95% CI, 31.9–44.2) ( P = 0.742). Conclusions Transperitoneal laparoscopy with CO 2 pneumoperitoneum does not appear to reduce the overall survival of women with persistent metastatic intra-abdominal carcinoma of ovarian/peritoneal origin. The overall survival appears to be independent of the second-look surgical approach.
Cues on apparel web sites that trigger impulse purchases

Purpose – The purpose of this study is to investigate the external cues on apparel web sites that encourage impulse buying.Design/methodology/approach – Focus group interviews were first conducted to identify potential external cues on apparel web sites. The findings from the focus group interviews were then used to create an appropriate coding guide. A content analysis of 60 apparel web sites was then conducted to assess the extent to which external trigger cues of impulse buying are available on apparel web sites.Findings – From the focus group interviews, four mutually exclusive thematic categories, consisting of 20 external trigger cues of impulse buying, were identified; sales, promotions, ideas, and suggestions. A content analysis of these external impulse buying cues was presented. A correlation analysis indicated a positive relationship between retailers' web sales and the amount of external cues present on their web sites.Research limitations/implications – The findings from the study suggest tha...
Application of Modified Shell Vial Culture Procedure for Arbovirus Detection

The isolation of arboviruses from patient's low titer sera can be difficult. Here we compared the detection efficiency of Dengue (DEN), Yellow Fever (YF), Saint Louis Encephalitis (SLE), West Nile (WN), Ilheus (ILH), Group C (GC), Oropouche (ORO), Mayaro (MAY) and Venezuela Encephalitis Equine (VEE) viruses using a Modified Shell Vial Culture (MSVC) protocol to a Standard Cell Culture (SCC) protocol. First the MSVC and SCC protocols were compared using five dilutions for each of the following stock viruses: DEN-1, DEN-2, DEN-3, DEN-4, YF, SLE, WN, ILH, GC, ORO, MAY and VEE. Next, patients' original sera from which viruses (DEN-1, DEN-2, DEN-3, YF, GC, ORO, MAY and VEE) had been previously isolated were compare by the two methods using five sera dilutions. In addition, seven sera that were positive for DEN-3 by RT-PCR and negative by SCC were processed by MSVC. The MSVC protocol was consistently 1-2 logs higher virus dilution more sensitive for virus detection than the SCC protocol for all stock Flaviviruses tested (DEN-1, DEN-2, DEN-3, DEN-4, YF, SLE, WN and ILH). MSVC was equal to or one log more sensitive for virus detection than SCC for the stock Bunyaviruses (GC and ORO). For the stock Alphavirus MAY, MSVC was equally or one log more sensitive for virus detection than SCC, while for VEE SCC was equally or one log more sensitive for virus detection than MSVC. MSVC was consistently one to two sera dilutions more sensitive than SCC for the detection of Flaviviruses from patients' sera. Both methods were approximately equally sensitive for the detection of Bunyaviruses from patients' sera and equal or one dilution less sensitive for the detection of Alphaviruses from patients' sera. Additionally, MSVC detected DEN virus in five of seven DEN-3 RT-PCR positive, SCC negative patients' sera.
Serotonin stimulates mitochondrial transport in hippocampal neurons

Axonal transport of mitochondria is critical for proper neuronal function. However, little is known about the extracellular signals that regulate this process. In the present study, we show that the neuromodulator serotonin (5-HT) greatly enhances mitochondrial movement in the axons of rat hippocampal neurons in vitro. Administration of a 5-HT1A receptor antagonist inhibited mitochondrial movement, whereas addition of fluoxetine, a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor, promoted mitochondrial movement. 5-HT receptors are known to activate the Akt/Protein kinase B pathway. Consistent with this, directional mitochondrial movement was almost completely blocked by a specific Akt inhibitor. Moreover, an inhibitor of glycogen synthase kinase-3β (GSK3β), a kinase whose activity is blocked by Akt-mediated phosphorylation, promoted mitochondrial movement. These findings show that 5-HT1A receptor activation stimulates mitochondrial movement in hippocampal neurons by inhibiting GSK3β activity via Akt. Our findings suggest that 5-HT may mediate the redistribution of energy sources within responsive neurons, a possibility that has significant implications for understanding the global biological effects of this important neuromodulator.
Quantum mechanical study of a generic quadratically coupled optomechanical system

Typical optomechanical systems involving optical cavities and mechanical oscillators rely on a coupling that varies linearly with the oscillator displacement. However, recently a coupling varying instead as the square of the mechanical displacement has been realized, presenting new possibilities for non-demolition measurements and mechanical squeezing. In this article we present a quantum mechanical study of a generic quadratic-coupling optomechanical Hamiltonian. First, neglecting dissipation, we provide analytical results for the dressed states, spectrum, phonon statistics and entanglement. Subsequently, accounting for dissipation, we supply a numerical treatment using a master equation approach. We expect our results to be of use to optomechanical spectroscopy, state transfer, wavefunction engineering, and entanglement generation.
A Study of the Effects of Culture on Refrigerator Design: Towards Design for Culture

In designing products, the needs and values of customers in foreign countries differ as influenced by their respective cultures. The authors present a new aspect to be considered in designing: Design for Culture. A case study is presented of the effects culture has on the design of refrigerators in regions of the world including United States, Europe, Japan, and Developing Countries such as Brazil.Copyright © 2002 by ASME
Plasma Iron in Pyridoxine-Deficient Swine.

SummaryThe hypersideremia which developed in swine deficient in pyridoxine was found to be due to the presence in plasma of non-transferrin-bound iron as well as to an increase in transferrin-bound iron. The non-transferrin-bound iron fraction was adsorbed on magnesium carbonate, not precipitated by exposure to 65°C for 5 minutes, not transferable to apotransferrin, and excluded by Sephadex gel G-200 (mol. wt. greater than 200,000). It is suggested that the non-transferrin-bound iron was present as ferritin.
The Rotation of a Crystal of Tourmaline by Plane Polarised Light

(Preliminary Note.) WHEN a beam of plane-polarised light is incident normally on a plate of tourmaline cut parallel to the optic axis, it will be absorbed or transmitted depending upon whether the axis of the tourmaline is parallel or perpendicular to the plane of polarisation of the incident light. If the arrangement is such that the light is absorbed, then in a given time a definite amount of heat energy will have passed from the source of light into the plate of tourmaline, and if, as is necessarily true, the former is at a high temperature while the latter is at a low temperature, it is plain that the entropy of the system will have been increased. The same increase in entropy would not have taken place if the orientation of the tourmaline had been such that the light had been transmitted.
The effect of deuterium ion concentration on the properties of sarcoplasmic reticulum

99.8% Deuterium oxide, as obtained commerically, has been shown to contain a contaminant which strongly inhibits calcium transport and binding by sarcoplasmic reticulum (S.R.) and the associated ATPase activity. The contaminant is removed by distillation of deuterium oxide. Calcium binding by S.R. is maximal at pH 6.5 whereas calcium transport (in the presence of oxalate) is maximal at a pH of 7.2 to 7.5. In the presence of deuterium oxide, these maxima are shifted to a pD of 7.2 and a pD of 7.5 to 8.0, respectively. The maximum binding and transport rates are not affected by the change from aqueous to deuterium oxide medium. The same phenomena are observed with the ATPase activity. In the presence of oxalate, calcium;magnesium ATPase is maximal at pH 7.2 and pD 8.0. The maximum rate is unchanged, however, At pH 7.2 or higher, the amount of calcium which may be bound by S.R. remains constant with time. At lower pH, calcium initially bound is slowly displaced from the membrane with time. It has been reported that deuterium oxide inhibits excitation-contraction coupling. The results presented here indicate that S.R. is probably not the site of deuterium oxide inhibition, and raise the possibility that the measured inhibition is due to an impurity in the deuterium oxide.
Additive effects of atrial natriuretic peptide and angiotensin II on luteinizing hormone and prolactin release in female rats.

The present experiments were designed to assess the effects of central administration of atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP), alone or in conjunction with angiotensin II (All), on luteinizing hormone (LH) and prolactin release in ovarian steroid-primed female rats. Intracerebroventricular injection of ANP (200 ng/2 µl over 1 min) induced an increase in plasma LH levels without significantly affecting prolactin release. Injection of All (50 ng/2 µl over 1 min) also resulted in an increase in LH levels and, in addition, reduced plasma prolactin titers. Coinjection of ANP and All did not elevate LH levels beyond that achieved by either peptide alone, but produced a further suppression in prolactin levels than that seen with All alone. Water intake induced by All was attenuated by coadministration of ANP. In a second protocol utilizing lower doses of the peptides delivered by infusion, either ANP (800 ng/h; 13.3 ng/min) or All (200 ng/h; 3.3 ng/min) alone produced 100% increases in LH levels. Coinfusion of the peptides induced an additive (250%) increase in plasma LH titers. In this protocol, the release of prolactin was unaffected by infusion of the peptides, either alone or as a comixture. Water intake induced by All infusion was attenuated by coadministration of ANP. Taken together, these experiments demonstrate that, in contrast to the antagonistic interaction of ANP and All on water intake, the peptides affect reproductive hormone secretion in the same direction and, under particular experimental conditions, display additive effects in stimulating LH and inhibiting prolactin release.
Magnetic Structures of Chromium-Modified Mn 2 Sb

The magnetic structures of tetragonal chromium-modified ${\mathrm{Mn}}_{2}$Sb have been determined by neutron-diffraction studies of single crystals. Compositions of ${\mathrm{Mn}}_{2\ensuremath{-}x}{\mathrm{Cr}}_{x}\mathrm{Sb}$ for $x$ from 0.023 to 0.10 were examined. Three magnetic structures have been observed, depending upon composition and temperature. These all have antiferromagnetic coupling between manganese atoms Mn(I) in (a) sites of (0,0,0), (\textonehalf{},\textonehalf{},0), and Mn(II) in (c) sites of (0,\textonehalf{}, $z$), (\textonehalf{},0, $\overline{z}$). The high-temperature structure is that of ferrimagnetic ${\mathrm{Mn}}_{2}$Sb where there is ferromagnetic coupling between successive layers of Mn(I) plus adjacent Mn(II) atoms. With decreasing temperature there is an exchange inversion to an antiferromagnetic coupling between successive layers giving a magnetic unit cell with a tetragonal axis twice that of the x-ray cell. For $x=0.03$ a new weakly ferrimagnetic state exists between the ferrimagnetic and antiferromagnetic states. The magnetic unit cell of this structure has a tetragonal axis three times that of the x-ray cell. The spins are perpendicular to the $c$ axis in this intermediate ferrimagnetic structure and in the antiferromagnetic state of the compositions studied.
Pyrogallol-associated dermal toxicity and carcinogenicity in F344/N rats and B6C3F1/N mice.

AbstractPyrogallol (CAS No. 87-66-1), a benzenetriol used historically as a hair dye and currently in a number of industrial applications, was nominated to the National Toxicology Program (NTP) for testing based on the lack of toxicity and carcinogenicity data. Three-month and two-year toxicity studies to determine the toxicity and carcinogenicity of pyrogallol when applied to naive skin (i.e. dermal administration) were conducted in both sexes of F344/N rats and B6C3F1/N mice. In the three-month studies, adult rodents were administered pyrogallol in 95% ethanol five days per week for 3 months at doses of up to 150 mg/kg body weight (rats) or 600 mg/kg (mice). Based on the subchronic studies, the doses for the two-year studies in rats and mice were 5, 20 and 75 mg/kg of pyrogallol. All mice and most rats survived until the end of the three-month study and body weights were comparable to controls. During the two-year study, survival of dosed rats and male mice was comparable to controls; however survival o...
Development of chloramphenicol-resistant and chloramphenicol-dependent variants of a strain of Klebsiella pneumoniae.

Summary and conclusionsThe resistance of a strain of Klebsiella pneumoniae to chloramphenicol was enhanced 128-fold by serial subculture on the surface of agar plates containing graded concentrations of this antibiotic.A chloramphenicol-dependent variant also emerged during the course of these subcultures. This variant grew best in the presence of a critical concentration of chloramphenicol; as the concentration of antibiotic was either increased progressively beyond this critical level or decreased below it there was a steady decline in growth until complete inhibition of growth occurred.The chloramphenicol-dependent variant was first recognized soon after the resistance of the strain had been enhanced to a point where it was completely inhibited by this critical concentration.Evidence was also obtained of possible “back-mutation” to variants which were as sensitive as the parent strain.
Neuromuscular blocking and antimuscarinic activity of a series of bis-atropinium and N-n-alkyl atropinium compounds.

Measurements of neuromuscular blocking and antimuscarinic activity have been made in a series of bis-atropinium (BA) and N-n-alkyl atropinium (N-AA) compounds. That the second atropinium group contributed to the neuromuscular blocking activity of BA compounds was shown by the relative lack of such activity in the N-AA series of compounds. Peak neuromuscular blocking activity occurred when two atropinium groups were separated by a chain of either 10 or 11 methylene groups. Members of both series of compounds displayed antimuscarinic properties but estimates of activity differed according to whether they were obtained by determination of affinity constants on guinea-pig isolated ileum or production of mydriasis in mice. From measurements of affinity constant on the guinea-pig ileum it is concluded that BA compounds interact with only one muscarinic receptor. However, the high activity of the deca- and undecamethylene BA compounds in producing mydriasis suggest that these compounds possibly interact with two receptors at once.
Stokes shift emission spectroscopy of key biomolecules in human tissues

The Stokes-shifted emission spectra were measured for various photoactive biomolecules such as tryptophan, collagen, NADH and flavin in aqueous solution and tissue. Information is obtained on the molecular activity in the tissue. This new approach allows for the extraction of information not obtained from excitation and/or fluorescence spectroscopy for a single spectral scan.
Interleukin-6 and ciliary neurotrophic factor trigger janus kinase activation and early gene response in rat hepatocytes

Interleukin-6 (IL-6) and ciliary neurotrophic factor (CNTF) share a signal-transducing molecule called gp130. Previous studies showed that CNTF regulates fibrinogen gene expression in rat hepatocytes by competitive binding to the IL-6 receptor. This report explores the post ligand-binding events in the control of fibrinogen and early response gene production stimulated by IL-6 and CNTF in primary rat hepatocytes. Metabolic labeling, using [32P]orthophosphate or anti-phosphotyrosine antibody (Ab) blot experiments revealed that both IL-6 and CNTF induced tyrosine phosphorylation of gp130, and the Jak1 and Jak2 kinases in a dose- and time-dependent manner. Additional experiments revealed that only one of the early response genes, junb, but not c-myc or c-fos, was stimulated by the addition of either IL-6 or CNTF. These data suggest that activation of Jak kinases and stimulation of junb reflect a divergence of the IL-6/CNTF signaling pathway and further suggest that junb may participate in cytokine control of acute-phase protein production in the inflammatory response.
Chromosomes of Elaphe subocularis (Reptilia: Serpentes), with the description of an in vivo technique for preparation of snake chromosomes

34 von 35 Schlangenarten, die bei uns gepruft wurden, haben eine doppelte Nummer 36. Nur eine Art,Elaphe subocularis, hat eine doppelte Nummer 40. Die Chromosomen vonE. subocularis, E. obsoleta, E. guttata, undCrotalus molossus sind beschrieben, und mogliche Evolutionsveranderungen sind angenommen. Alle vier Arten haben einZZ/ZW-Geschlechtschromosomensystem. Karyotypische Glasplattchen wurden durch eine in vivo Technik hergestellt, die in allen Einzelheiten beschrieben ist.
Adapting word prediction to subject matter without topic-labeled data

Word prediction helps to increase communication rate when using Augmentative and Alternative Communication devices. Basic prediction systems offer topically inappropriate predictions for the context, thus we adapt the predictions to the topic of discourse. However, previous work has relied on texts that are grouped into topics by humans. In contrast, we avoid this restriction by treating each document as a topic. The results are comparable to human-labeled topics and also the method is applicable to unlabeled text.
Two New Species of Pagurus From Deep Water Off Peru and Chile (Decapoda, Anomura, Paguridae) 1)

[Deux nouvelles especes de Pagurides (famille des Paguridae) des eaux profondes sont decrites: Pagurus imarpe du Perou et P. delsolari du Perou et du Chili. Ces especes sont rapprochees, et constituent probablement un groupe semblabe aux quatre groupes deja etablis par Forest & de Saint Laurent (1967) pour les Pagurus sud-americains. Une cle est presentee pour les huit especes de pagurus actuellement signalees du Perou et du Chili., Deux nouvelles especes de Pagurides (famille des Paguridae) des eaux profondes sont decrites: Pagurus imarpe du Perou et P. delsolari du Perou et du Chili. Ces especes sont rapprochees, et constituent probablement un groupe semblabe aux quatre groupes deja etablis par Forest & de Saint Laurent (1967) pour les Pagurus sud-americains. Une cle est presentee pour les huit especes de pagurus actuellement signalees du Perou et du Chili.]
The Viterbi algorithm as an approach for incorporating spatial information into air/ground interface inference in GPR data

Rough surfaces present an impediment to the detection of buried threats with ground penetrating radar (GPR). Besides introducing artifacts in the sub-surface due to rough scattering, very rough or uneven surfaces can make inference of the location of the ground response from GPR data difficult. Since many algorithms rely on the accurate localization of the air/ground interface, mistakes in ground location inference can cause significant increases in false alarm rates. Many different approaches to localizing the ground in a particular A-scan have been proposed, but sharing information across multiple A-scans to form a realistic, smoothly varying ground response over many spatial locations is a difficult problem that often requires computationally expensive approaches for adequate solutions. In this work we present an application of the well-known Viterbi algorithm for accurate localization of the air/ground interface based on hypothesized locations from multiple nearby A-scans. Our implementation of the Viterbi algorithm enables principled incorporation of prior information into the ground tracking framework, and provides a solution capable of adapting computational complexity to the severity of the ground localization problem. Furthermore, the Viterbi algorithm can act as a meta-algorithm, allowing the use of different A-scan based ground detectors as input, for example. This work illustrates how the Viterbi algorithm can be incorporated into pre-screening algorithms to provide improved target detection rates at lower false alarm rates.
Formation of malonaldehyde and focal brain edema induced by subpial injection of FeCl2 into rat isocortex

Abstract Subpial injection of iron salts or iron-containing blood products into rat isocortex induces recurrent epileptiform discharges coupled with cavitary necrosis and gliosis. Since aqueous iron or heme compounds cause formation of superoxide radicals and peroxidation of membrane lipids, we studied the rat of formation of malonaldehyde (MDA) after subpial injection of 5 μl of various concentrations of FeCl 2 and CoCl 2 . Injection of CoCl 2 failed to alter isocortical MDA levels. However, significant formation of MDA occurred after injection of 25, 50 and 100 mM FeCl 2 into rat isocortex. Formation of peak MDA levels of13.4 ± 1.0nmol·mg protein −1 occurred at 15 min to 1 h after 100 mM FeCl 2 injection; levels returned to equal control by 12 h. Tissue fluid accumulation occurred by 2 h after FeCl 2 injection and persisted for 48 h. Histopathologic assessment using Nissl staining of tissue from the injection site showed loss of cellular staining, coagulation necrosis, and accumulation of macrophages and glial cells. Although these experiments showed the initiation of lipid peroxidation and formation of focal isocortical edema by injection of aqueous solutions of iron salts, we speculate that decompartmentalization of iron from red blood cells after trauma, cerebral hemorrhage or infarction may be important in the propagation of tissue damage from such injuries.
Substrate alters forelimb to hindlimb peak force ratios in primates

It is often claimed that the walking gaits of primates are unusual because, unlike most other mammals, primates appear to have higher vertical peak ground reaction forces on their hindlimbs than on their forelimbs. Many researchers have argued that this pattern of ground reaction force distribution is part of a general adaptation to arboreal locomotion. This argument is frequently used to support models of primate locomotor evolution. Unfortunately, little is known about the force distribution patterns of primates walking on arboreal supports, nor do we completely understand the mechanisms that regulate weight distribution in primates. We collected vertical peak force data for seven species of primates walking quadrupedally on instrumented terrestrial and arboreal supports. Our results show that, when walking on arboreal vs. terrestrial substrates, primates generally have lower vertical peak forces on both limbs but the difference is most extreme for the forelimb. We found that force reduction occurs primarily by decreasing forelimb and, to a lesser extent, hindlimb stiffness. As a result, on arboreal supports, primates experience significantly greater functional differentiation of the forelimb and hindlimb than on the ground. These data support long-standing theories that arboreal locomotion was a critical factor in the differentiation of the forelimbs and hindlimbs in primates. This change in functional role of the forelimb may have played a critical role in the origin of primates and facilitated the evolution of more specialized locomotor behaviors.
Generation of Simulated Mass Spectra of Small Organic Molecules by Computerized Pattern Recognition Techniques

An empirical method employing computerized pattern recognition techniques has been applied to the generation of simulated mass spectra of small organic molecules. Molecular structures are represented in computer-compatible form through the use of a fragmentation code which assigns code designations to specific groups of atoms and/or bonds within the molecules. Using such descriptions of molecules, pattern classifiers have been developed to predict the presence or absence of mass spectral peaks in each of 60 nominal m/e positions and to give a measure of the intensity of peaks in 11 of these. Information in the molecular descriptor lists which correlates with the appearance of specific peaks is shown to be present in relatively few of the descriptors developed. To test the complete system, a number of entire mass spectra were developed; in this test, 93% of the classifications were made correctly.
Words into action II: A task-oriented system: Harpy is an experimental, continuous-speech recognition system that exploits a low-cost minicomputer

Discusses the Harpy experimental system using a low-cost minicomputer which is capable of automatic speech recognition with up to 98% accuracy when the vocabulary is restricted to 1011 words, and sentence structure limited to that used in the retrieval of abstracts of documents relating to computer technology. The recognition process of the system is described.
Surface electrochemistry and molecular orientation: Studies of pyridyl hydroquinones adsorbed at Pt(111) by cyclic voltammetry, Auger electron spectroscopy and electron energy loss spectroscopy

Abstract Reported here are surface electrochemical studies of three newly synthesized compounds: (4-pyridyl) hydroquinone (4PHQ), (3-pyridyl) hydroquinone (3PHQ) and (2-pyridyl) hydroquinone (2PHQ). These compounds possess essentially the same electrochemical reactivity in the dissolved form, but exhibit different electron transfer behavior in the adsorbed state. Each chemisorbs at Pt(111) electrode surfaces from aqueous solutions to form a close-packed and highly oriented monolayer which is stable in vacuum and in solution. Molecular packing density (in nanomoles per square centimeter) was measured by means of Auger electron spectroscopy and coulometry. Surface molecular vibrations were determined by use of high resolution electron energy loss spectroscopy (EELS). Electrochemical reactivity was investigated by use of cyclic voltammetry. Long range surface structure was monitored by low energy electron diffraction. The results indicate that 3PHQ and 4PHQ are attached to the platinum surface exclusively through the nitrogen atom with the pyridine ring in a tilted vertical orientation. Such a surface molecular orientation keeps the hydroquinone moiety pendant and thus reversibly electroactive. Since none of the molecular conformations of adsorbed 4PHQ permits direct contact between the hydroquinone moiety and the Pt(111) surface, electron transfer between the hydroquinone moiety and the surface evidently proceeds by electron hopping and/or tunneling through the chemisorbed pyridine ring. In contrast with the behavior of 3PHQ and 4PHQ, the HQ moiety of 2PHQ is directly attached to the Pt(111) surface in addition to the PtN surface bond of the pyridine ring, as required by the 2PHQ molecular structure. Accordingly, adsorbed 2PHQ possesses virtually no reversible electroactivity and only one adsorbed state in the electrode potential range from −0.1 to 0.4 V, based upon EELS spectra.
High-Order Triangular Finite Elements for Electromagnetic Waves in Anisotropic Media

Specialized functional are introduced for traveling and circulating electromagnetic waves in planar and axisymmetric two-dimensional geometries, without recourse to complex arithmetic. The singularities in the functional for axisymmetric geometries are eliminated by a transformation of the field components. The transformed fields are approximated by high-order interpolation polynomials over triangular regions in the x-y and r-z coordinate planes. A matrix expression assembled from constant element matrices and geometric factors relating to triangle shape, size, and position is obtained which is the discretized equivalent of the original functional. The necessary element matrices have been computed to sixth-order polynomial approximation. The procedure for assembling a global problem is stated. Finally, a matrix equation is generated by minimizing the discretized functional.
An Appraisal of the Circulation and Temperature Pattern for Winter 1978–79 and a Comparison with the Previous Two Winters

Abstract The mean Northern Hemispheric circulation and United States temperature pattern of the winter 1978–79 are discussed and compared with those of the previous two winters. It is found that, although the Arctic and North Atlantic mean circulation for the three winters had some similarities, the North Pacific mean circulation was quite dissimilar in the winter 1978–79 compared with the previous two winters. With regard to the United States temperature anomaly pattern, the winter 1978–79 had below-normal temperatures coast to coast, which implies a westward expansion of the below-normal temperature regime when considering the last three winters in chronological order. A westward displacement of the core of the below-normal regime was also seen. Possible large-scale air-sea interaction in the North Pacific is also reviewed for each of the three winters. It is proposed that major changes in the sea surface temperature pattern in the North Pacific, which occurred between the winters of 1977–78 and 1978–79...
Segregation, Isolation, and Quarantine: Protecting Hong Kong from Diseases in the Pre-war Period

The paper examines the public health strategies of segregation, isolation, and quarantine as measures to protect Hong Kong from imported diseases, as well as from the spread of diseases within the colony in the pre-war period, through case studies of cholera, smallpox, and plague. The purpose is to contextualize the discussion of these case studies in order to analyse the assumptions and rationale underlying the control measures, the way they were implemented, and their effectiveness in disease protection. The case studies illuminate some of the political, economic, social and cultural issues involved in the adoption of specific measures which the colonists deemed necessary for their physical survival and the economic well-being of the colony. That fundamental concern was reinforced by the view that since the indigenes were incapable of actively participating in disease prevention, the government had to act even without the indigenes' cooperation or involvement. The study also examines how the colonial go...
Serotonin receptors: Clinical implications

Over the past decade, a variety of serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine, 5-HT) receptor/binding sites have been identified. These include 5-HT1, 5-HT2, and 5-HT3 sites. The 5-HT1 sites have been further divided into 5-HT1A, 5-HT1B, 5-HT1C, 5-HT1D and 5-HT1E sites. It would be of interest to identify those pharmacological effects that are specifically mediated by a particular population of 5-HT sites and, indeed, attempts have been made to do this almost since the initial discovery of multiple populations of sites. Unfortunately, much of the early work made use of serotonergic agents that are now known to be somewhat less selective than originally suspected. Nevertheless, there is ample information in the literature suggesting that site-selective serotonergic agents may ultimately lead (and, in some cases, has already led) to the development of therapeutically-useful agents. The present review examines the pharmacological effects that are thought to be related to the individual types of 5-HT sites and provides some clinical implications for agents that act at these sites.