cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Intracellular alkalinization leads to Ca2+ mobilization from agonist-sensitive pools in bovine aortic endothelial cells.

Abstract Receptor-stimulated phosphoinositide turnover leads to activation of Na+/H+ exchange and subsequent intracellular alkalinization. To probe the effect of increased intracellular pH (pHi) on Ca2+ homeostasis in cultured bovine aortic endothelial cells (BAEC), we studied the effect of weak bases, ammonium chloride (NH4Cl) and methylamine (agents which increase pHi by direct passive diffusion), on resting and ATP (purinergic receptor agonist)-induced Ca2+ fluxes. Changes in cytosolic free Ca2+ ([Ca2+]i) or pHi were monitored in BAEC monolayers using the fluorescent dyes, fura-2 or 2',7'-bis(carboxyethyl)-5(6)-carboxyfluorescein, respectively. NH4Cl-induced, dose-dependent (5-20 mM) increases in [Ca2+]i (maximum change = 195 +/- 26 nM) which were temporally similar to the NH4Cl-induced pHi increases. Methylamine (20 mM) induced a more sustained pHi increase and also stimulated a prolonged [Ca2+]i increase. When BAEC were bathed in HCO3- buffer, removal of extracellular CO2/bicarbonate caused pHi to increase and also induced [Ca2+]i to increase transiently. Extracellular Ca2+ removal did not abolish the rapid NH4Cl-induced rise in [Ca2+]i, although the response was blunted and more transient. NH4Cl addition to BAEC cultures resulted in an increase in 45Ca efflux and decrease in total cell 45Ca content. BAEC treatment with ATP (100 microM) to deplete inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (IP3)-sensitive Ca2+ pools completely blocked the NH4Cl (20 mM)-induced rise in [Ca2+]i. Likewise, prior NH4Cl addition partially inhibited ATP-induced increases in [Ca2+]i, as well as slowed the frequency of repetitive [Ca2+]i spikes in single endothelial cells due to agonist. NH4Cl augmented the rate of [Ca2+]i increase that occurs in response to the depletion of agonist-sensitive intracellular Ca2+ pools. However, the internal Ca2+ store remained depleted during the continued presence of NH4Cl, as indicated by a decreased [Ca2+]i response to ATP in Ca2(+)-free medium. Finally, NH4Cl exerted these actions without affecting basal or ATP-stimulated IP3 formation. These observations provide direct evidence that increased pHi leads to Ca2+ mobilization from an agonist-sensitive pool and impairs Ca2+ pool(s) refilling mechanisms without altering cellular IP3 levels.
Uncertain, Incomplete, and Inconsistent Data in Scientific and Statistical Databases

This chapter is a survey of several issues and applications in uncertain, inconsistent, and incomplete data in scientific and statistical databases (SSDBs).
Enhanced octadecane dispersion and biodegradation by a Pseudomonas rhamnolipid surfactant (biosurfactant)

A microbial surfactant (biosurfactant) was investigated for its potential to enhance bioavailability and, hence, the biodegradation of octadecane. The rhamnolipid biosurfactant used in this study was extracted from culture supernatants after growth of Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 9027 in phosphate-limited proteose peptone-glucose-ammonium salts medium. Dispersion of octadecane in aqueous solutions was dramatically enhanced by 300 mg of the rhamnolipid biosurfactant per liter, increasing by a factor of more than 4 orders of magnitude, from 0.009 to > 250 mg/liter. The relative enhancement of octadecane dispersion was much greater at low rhamnolipid concentrations than at high concentrations. Rhamnolipid-enhanced octadecane dispersion was found to be dependent on pH and shaking speed. Biodegradation experiments done with an initial octadecane concentration of 1,500 mg/liter showed that 20% of the octadecane was mineralized in 84 h in the presence of 300 mg of rhamnolipid per liter, compared with only 5% octadecane mineralization when no surfactant was present. These results indicate that rhamnolipids may have potential for facilitating the bioremediation of sites contaminated with hydrocarbons having limited water solubility.
Catalytic and transport cycles of ABC exporters

ABC (ATP-binding cassette) transporters are arguably the most important family of ATP-driven transporters in biology. Despite considerable effort and advances in determining the structures and physiology of these transporters, their fundamental molecular mechanisms remain elusive and highly controversial. How does ATP hydrolysis by ABC transporters drive their transport function? Part of the problem in answering this question appears to be a perceived need to formulate a universal mechanism. Although it has been generally hoped and assumed that the whole superfamily of ABC transporters would exhibit similar conserved mechanisms, this is proving not to be the case. Structural considerations alone suggest that there are three overall types of coupling mechanisms related to ABC exporters, small ABC importers and large ABC importers. Biochemical and biophysical characterization leads us to the conclusion that, even within these three classes, the catalytic and transport mechanisms are not fully conserved, but continue to evolve. ABC transporters also exhibit unusual characteristics not observed in other primary transporters, such as uncoupled basal ATPase activity, that severely complicate mechanistic studies by established methods. In this chapter, I review these issues as related to ABC exporters in particular. A consensus view has emerged that ABC exporters follow alternating-access switch transport mechanisms. However, some biochemical data suggest that alternating catalytic site transport mechanisms are more appropriate for fully symmetrical ABC exporters. Heterodimeric and asymmetrical ABC exporters appear to conform to simple alternating-access-type mechanisms.
ESTIMANDO O VALOR DE UMA MARCA (BRAND EQUITY) NO CONTEXTO GLOBAL DA INDÚSTRIA AUTOMOBILÍSTICA

Este artigo analisa em que medida o valor da marca contribui para o preco de um automovel. O objetivo desta pesquisa e averiguar se automoveis de preco mais elevado fornecem ao consumidor produtos superiores de modo consistente e se, deste modo, o aumento dos precos e justificado. O presente estudo utiliza uma variacao do modelo SDR de Brand Equity para investigar o valor de uma marca. Sera feita uma comparacao entre os atributos dos produtos e os precos de diversos veiculos de fabricantes de automoveis dos EUA, Japao e Alemanha. Os atributos do produto e o preco de cada modelo serao categorizados, comparados e, por fim, serao calculados os pontos do preco por produto. Ao calcular a percentagem de variacao dos precos para cada veiculo em cada classe de automoveis e possivel formular um mapa de valores para todos os modelos. Nossos dados revelam que precos mais elevados nao so indicam mais atributos no produto, mas tambem um preco mais elevado para cada atributo do produto. Deste modo, tanto o preco quanto os atributos do produto aumentam a taxas semelhantes ao longo da linha de valor justo, mas aquelas empresas com produtos de preco mais alto tambem possuem um valor de marca mais elevado, resultando em um preco maior por ponto do produto. Mostramos que os automoveis alemaes tem apresentado um valor de marca consistentemente maior do que os construtores de automoveis japoneses e norte-americanos.
Detection of tumor cells in body cavity fluids by flow cytometric and immunocytochemical analysis.

Measurement of electronic volume versus DNA content of nuclei can be used to discriminate between normal and malignant cells. Epithelial membrane antigen immunocytochemistry (EMA-ICC), a helpful ancillary test in body cavity fluids, is not universally accurate for detecting malignancy in effusions. The current study was undertaken to determine if multiparametric flow cytometry (based on simultaneous analysis of light scatter, nuclear volume, DNA, and nuclear protein content) in combination with (EMA-ICC) could be used for the detection of malignant cells in peritoneal and pleural fluids. We studied 130 body cavity fluids (68 peritoneal and 62 pleural fluids) by conventional cytology and multiparametric laser flow cytometry. EMA-ICC was performed using EMA antibodies and L-SAB detection system (DakoCytomation, Carpinteria, CA). EMA-ICC had significantly higher sensitivity than conventional cytology (79% versus 59%, P = 0.016) and ploidy (79% versus 38%, P = 0.001). Cytology had significantly higher specificity than ploidy (97% versus 82%, P = 0.012). The differences in specificity between EMA-ICC and ploidy (87% versus 82%, P= 0.607) or EMA-ICC and cytology (87% versus 97%, P = 0.109) were not statistically significant. However, assuming serial testing, sensitivity increased significantly for the combinations of cytology and EMA-ICC (79.4%, P = 0.016) and cytology and ploidy (73.5%, P = 0.004) as compared to cytology alone (58.8%). Also, the combination of cytology and ploidy had a higher sensitivity than ploidy alone (73% versus 38%, P < 0.0001). However, the sensitivity associated with the three tests used in serial (85.3%) was not significantly different from the sensitivities corresponding to the combination of cytology and EMA-ICC (79%) or cytology and ploidy (73%). Multiparametric flow cytometry utilizing high resolution DNA, nuclear volume, protein measurement, and ICC, in combination with cytomorphology, may be a valuable tool for rapid identification of malignant cells in body cavity fluids. Diagn. Cytopathol. 2006;34:528–541. © 2006 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Elastic scattering in resonant tunneling devices with one degree of freedom

Abstract The effect of elastic scattering centers on the current-voltage (I–V) characteristics of double barrier resonant tunneling diodes with transverse confinement is examined. It is shown that elastic scattering centers break the separation of variables condition, and allow transitions between states of different transverse confinement. The changes to the transmission coefficients through the structure due to elastic scattering in the well of a resonant tunneling device are modeled by using perturbation theory. It is shown that additional structure in the I–V characteristics may result.
Natural history of patients with single-vessel disease suitable for percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty

To permit comparison of percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA) with conventional therapy, the clinical outcome was established in patients who would have been suitable candidates for PTCA but who presented before the technique was available. Coronary angiograms were reviewed of patients who met the following criteria: single-vessel disease with proximal subtotal coronary stenosis, chest pain of at least class II, and cardiac catheterization before 1981. Angiograms were evaluated according to established criteria for PTCA by an experienced angiographer. One hundred ten patients (2.1% of the patient population) were judged suitable for PTCA. Clinical and catheterization findings closely resembled those of patients in the national PTCA registry. Five years after catheterization, 97% of PTCA candidates treated medically were alive and 85% had not had myocardial infarction. Forty-six patients had coronary artery bypass surgery within 6 months of catheterization and 10 other patients had subsequent surgery. Five years after surgery, 91% were alive and 87% had not had myocardial infarction. At 6 months of follow-up, 78% of all patients had improved at least 1 functional class, and 86% of all patients working before catheterization were still employed. Functional capacity was well maintained during long-term follow-up (median 6.5 years, range 1.4 to 12.2). These data indicate that PTCA candidates have an excellent prognosis for survival, a low risk of infarction, and well-maintained functional capacity when revascularization is reserved for those with inadequate control of symptoms by medical therapy.
Ambiguity in spatial models of policy formation

This paper summarizes some old results and proves some new results on the effects of ambiguous strategies in multidimensional models of policy formation. The effect of lotteries on social choice has been studied in the general social choice framework by Fishburn (1973: 251) and specifically in the context of the spatial model by Shepsle (1970a, 1970b, 1972), Zeckhauser (1969) and McKelvey and Richelson (1974). Here we continue the later approach and consider ambiguity in the context of the spatial model. Thus, the alternative space is R n, as in the usual spatial model, but instead of assuming candidates adopt fixed positions in Rn, it is assumed they may adopt a lottery, or probability density over the space. After introduction of basic notation, Section 2 defines reasonable classes of probability measures from which candidates can select their ambiguous platforms, defines individual utility functions over these ambiguous strategies, and summarizes some known results about ambiguous strategies. The classes of allowable probability measures are generated by assuming that if two measures are in the class, then certain mixtures of these measures are also in the class. Two types of mixtures are defined: probability mixtures and spatial mixtures. By looking at individual preferences for these mixtures, it is seen that there are important differences between the two. If two candidates initially adopt two distinct ambiguous strategies, it is never advantageous for one candidate to converge towards his opponent using a strategy which is probabilistic mixture of their initial position. It may frequently be advantageous to converge towards an opponent using a spatial mixture, however. Completeness of families of distributions under probability mixtures leads to the results of Zeckhauser and Fishburn that nondegenerate lotteries can never be in equilibrium. Completeness under spatial mixtures leads to the theorems on convergence of McKelvey and Richelson. Section 3 studies, in greater detail, the nature of individual preferences over ambiguous strategies. Assuming that individuals evaluate lotteries in
Differential anti-atherosclerotic effects in the innominate artery and aortic sinus by the liver X receptor agonist T0901317

Activation of liver X receptors (LXRs) has been reported to reduce atherosclerosis in mouse models. However, this can be associated with enhanced liver de novo lipogenesis and elevation of plasma triglyceride-rich VLDL, which may limit its clinical use. In this study, we administered orally the LXR agonist T0901317 to male LDLR-/- mice fed a Western diet. This induced a persistent enhanced hypertriglyceridemia by largely increasing plasma triglyceride-rich VLDL. T0901317 treatment decreased atherosclerosis with a much more pronounced response and dose dependence in the innominate artery than in the aortic sinus. Lesions in the innominate artery were less complex containing mostly macrophage foam cells in T0901317-treated mice. However, in the aortic root, a significant reduction of atherosclerosis was seen only in the right coronary-related aortic sinus (RC) of T0901317-treated mice. Increasing the dose of T0901317 did not extend atheroprotection to the other sinuses of the aortic root. Lesions in the RC were less complex both in T0901317 and vehicle-treated mice with macrophage foam cells predominating. On the other hand, in T0901317-treated mice, the left coronary-related sinus (LC) lesions while not reduced in size, were more complex with a large fibrous cap and necrotic core, more collagen-positive areas, and variable macrophage foam cell content compared to vehicle-treated mice. These data suggest that activation of LXR by T0901317 had differential anti-atherosclerotic effects in two arterial regions in mice with hypertriglyceridemia.
Weak measurements applied to process monitoring using focused beam scatterometry

The capacity to measure nanoscale features rapidly and accurately is of central importance for the monitoring of manufacturing processes in the production of computer integrated circuits. Parameters of interest include, for example, trench depth, duty cycle, wall angle and oxide layer thickness. The measurement method proposed here uses focused beam scatterometry, in which the illumination consists of a focused field with a suitably tailored spatially-varying polarization distribution. In an analysis that is analogous to classical off-null measurements as well as weak measurements in quantum mechanics, we predict that four or more parameters can be measured and distinguished with an accuracy consistent with the needs laid out in the semiconductor roadmap.
The effect of low intensity aerobic exercise on muscle strength, flexibility, and balance among sedentary elderly persons.

An experimental group of 20 elderly subjects participated in 8 weeks of low-intensity aerobic exercise while 27 subjects in a comparison group maintained their usual level of activity. The program consisted of stretching and strengthening chair exercises. A significant difference between the groups was found for flexibility of the ankles and the right knee. No significant difference was found between the groups for muscle strength or balance, although the experimental group improved their balance by 22%.
An evaluation of sealing ability of calcium hydroxide sealers

Abstract Solid core filling material such as gutta-percha has been used to fill the root canal in conjunction with a sealer to prevent apical leakage. The purpose of this study was to compare apical seal of five different root canal sealers. Sixty roots of maxillary central incisors were cleansed and shaped and randomly assigned to one of six groups of ten roots each. The root canals were obturated with gutta-percha and one of the sealers by the lateral-vertical condensation technique. Groups I, II, III, IV, and V consisted of roots in which the canal was filled with gutta-percha along with either Roth's sealer, AH26, Sealapex, CRCS, or Nogenol sealer, respectively. Group VI was filled with gutta-percha and without sealer to serve as a control. The access opening was filled with amalgam. Each tooth was then placed in a capped vial containing 2 × 2 inch gauze pads saturated with distilled water, and the sealer was allowed to set at 37° C in the humidor for 48 hours. The roots, except for the apical 2 mm, were coated with two layers of nail polish. The roots were stained with india ink, decalcified, dehydrated, and then placed in methylsalicylate to make them transparent. The leakage was measured with a filar micrometer eyepiece under a dissecting microscope. The mean apical leakage of six groups was as follows: I = 0.45 mm, II = 0.277 mm, III = 0.343 mm, IV = 0.263 mm, V = 0.336 mm, and VI = 2.310 mm. Results showed no significant difference in the apical seal produced by gutta-percha and the tested root canal sealers. Canals that were obturated with gutta-percha and without sealer showed significantly greater apical leakage ( P
Potential Compost Benefits for Restoration Of Soils Disturbed by Urban Development

Compost amendment of soils degraded by urban development is seen as a way to improve soil and landscape quality, reduce runoff, and create a high-value market for locally produced compost. This review evaluates literature on organic soil amendments used in agriculture and horticulture, and extends results to disturbed soils in urban landscapes. Research on agricultural use of organic amendments consistently shows soil bulk density and penetration resistance decreasing with increasing amendment rate, and aggregate stability, porosity, and infiltration rate increasing with amendment rate. The effect of organic amendments on plant available water is less clear. Although organic amendments increase soil water holding capacity, much of the increase may not be available to plants. The nutrient benefits of compost amendments are often overlooked. Composts with a C:N ratio of 20:1 or less can provide significant amounts of nitrogen and other nutrients, improving the establishment of turf and landscape plants, and...
The πNN vertex function

Abstract The πNN vertex function is calculated with a dispersion theoretic approach which reduces to standard field theoretic results in the limit of zero-width σ- and ρ-mesons. Results are shown to be sensitive to the choice of various on-shell-equivalent couplings of the J = 1 ππ system to the NN system.
Antiangiogenic Domains Shared by Thrombospondins and Metallospondins, a New Family of Angiogenic Inhibitors

: The growth of solid tumors has been shown to depend on neovascularization. By understanding the mechanisms that control the neovascular response, it may be possible to design therapeutic strategies to selectively prevent or halt pathologic vascular growth and restrain cancer progression. Thrombospondin-1 is an extracellular matrix protein that among several functions suppresses capillary growth in angiogenesis assays. We have demonstrated that within the context of the mammary gland TSP1 can modulate normal development of blood vessels. Expression of TSP1 in transgenic animals under the control of the MMTV promoter was associated with a 50–72% reduction in capillary growth. In addition, TSP1 reduced tumor size in transgenic overexpressors. The data suggest an important role for TSP1 in modulating vascular growth in both normal and pathologic tissues. The antiangiogenic region of TSP1 has been mapped to the type I (properdin) repeats. To identify novel proteins with such a domain, we have cloned two cDNAs (METH-1 and METH-2) which also have antiangiogenic properties. In addition to carboxyterminal thrombospondin-like domains they also contain metalloproteinase and disintegrin sequences. Expression of both proteins is broad but nonoverlapping. Recombinant fragments from these sequences have strong antiangiogenic potential in the CAM and cornea pocket assays. At the same molar ratio, METH-1 and METH-2 are about 20-fold more potent than TSP1. We predict that these proteins are likely endogenous modulators of vascular growth with relevant therapeutic potential in cancer and other disease states.
Design and manufacturing considerations for ply drops in composite structures

Thickness variations are required to optimize the design of modern laminated composite structures. These thickness variations are accomplished by dropping plies along the length to match varying in-plane and bending loads. This results in a structure which is matched to stiffness and loading requirements. Unfortunately, these ply drops produce internal and local stress concentrations as a consequence of geometric discontinuities and shear lag. In this study, we explore various factors for design of composite structures with ply drops. These factors include: thicknesses, ply stacking sequences, ply drop geometries and manufacturing considerations. In addition, fatigue loading is considered with respect to delamination initiation and growth. A strong sensitivity to the position and the manufacturing details of ply drops is shown for fatigue damage initiation and growth. All studies were conducted on a low-cost E-glass/polyester composite system. The results indicate that it will be difficult to completely suppress damage and delamination initiation in service. However, it was found that, in many cases, there is a threshold loading under which there is little growth after initiation is noted. Factors affecting this threshold are analyzed via the virtual crack closure method in Finite Element Analysis and verified experimentally. Design rules for ply dropping are presented on the basis of these results.
Studies of lysosomal function: I. Metabolism of some complex lipids by isolated hepatocytes and Kupffer cells

Abstract The enzymatic hydrolysis of four complex lipids was measured in extracts of rat hepatocytes and Kupffer cells. Sphingomyelin, glucocerebroside, ceramide trihexoside, and G Ml -ganglioside were hydrolyzed by extracts of both cell types. Hepatocytes contain 90% or more of the complex lipid hydrolases present in liver. The activities of ten additional acid hydrolases are located predominately in hepatocytes with only a small fraction of the total activity present in Kupffer cells.
Carcinoma of rectum: results following surgical resection 1971-1979.

Comparison of 122 patients who have had an abdominoperineal excision of the rectum with 118 patients treated by conventional anterior resection showed no significant difference in patient survival. The grounds were comparable in respect of age, sex, tumour level and pathology. This suggests that conventional restorative resection for rectal cancer may be undertaken without adversely affecting survival.
Heroin: Analgesia, toxicity and disposition in the mouse☆☆☆

Abstract The acute toxicity of heroin (3,6-diacetylmorphine, DAM) and its metabolites 6-acetylmorphine (AM) and morphine (M) following intravenous (i.v.) and intracerebroventricular (i.c.v.) administration and their tailflick-test analgesic activity following i.c.v. administration were studied in mice. After i.c.v. administration, M was 2.5–3 times more potent as a naloxone-reversible analgesic than either DAM or AM. DAM and AM provoked a naloxone-sensitive respiratory depressant lethality (i.c.v.) while M (i.c.v.), and all three drugs given i.v., caused convulsions prior to death. The dose-response and naloxone antagonism studies suggest that the receptor mechanisms which may subserve opiate convulsions differ from those mediating either analgesia or depressant lethality. Studies of DAM's disposition in vivo and in vitro suggest that unhydrolyzed DAM may contribute to its own pharmacodynamic profile after i.v., but not subcutaneous (s.c.) administration to mice.
The case for gastrin-releasing peptide acting as a morphogen when it and its receptor are aberrantly expressed in cancer

Gastrin-releasing peptide (GRP) and its receptor (GRP-R) are frequently expressed by cancers of the gastrointestinal tract, breast, lung, and prostate. Most studies have found that GRP and its amphibian homologue bombesin act to increase tumor cell proliferation, leading to the hypothesis that this peptide hormone is a mitogen important for the growth of various cancers. Yet GRP/GRP-R co-expression in cancer promotes the development of a well-differentiated phenotype; while multiple studies suggest that the presence of these 2 proteins confer a survival advantage. Along with recent reports showing that GRP and its receptor critically regulate aspects of colon and lung organogenesis, we argue that these proteins do not function primarily as mitogens when aberrantly expressed in cancer. Rather, we postulate that GRP/GRP-R are onco-fetal antigens that function as morphogens, with their effect on tumor cell proliferation being a component property of their ability to regulate differentiation. Thus aberrant GRP/GRP-R expression in cancer recapitulates, albeit in a dysfunctional manner, their normal role in development.
Reflections on computer-related risks

Tracing the history of exposing and elucidating the wide variety of system problems and associated social implications of uses and misuses of computing technology.
Neural network algorithm for particle loading

An artificial neural network algorithm for continuous minimization is developed and applied to the case of numerical particle loading. It is shown that higher-order moments of the probability distribution function can be efficiently renormalized using this technique. A general neural network for the renormalization of an arbitrary number of moments is given.
Esophageal atresia: Historical evolution of management and results in 371 patients

Abstract Background . It has been more than 50 years since the first successful surgical reconstruction of esophageal atresia was performed in The Netherlands. We reviewed the historical changes in management and treatment results of patients born with esophageal atresia. Methods . We developed and analyzed a database of 371 consecutive patients treated for esophageal atresia in our center between 1947 and 2000. Results . The mean birthweight decreased from 2,723 g (1947 to 1968) to 2,494 g (1994 to 2000), the mean gestational age decreased from 39 weeks (1947 to 1968) to 37 weeks (1994 to 2000). The number of patients with associated congenital malformations increased from 34% (1947 to 1968) to 66% (1994 to 2000). Most patients underwent primary repair of their atresia. Clinically significant tracheomalacia was present in 34 of 269 patients (13%). Gastroesophageal reflux was present in 90 of 277 patients (33%). Mortality decreased from 61% (1947 to 1968) to 11% (1994 to 2000). Conclusions . The patients who are treated nowadays for esophageal atresia in a pediatric surgical center are born earlier, weigh less, and have more associated anomalies than those treated 50 years ago. Still, the mortality rate is much lower thanks to earlier diagnosis, better supportive care and improved surgical techniques. Therefore, further significant reduction will be difficult to achieve.
Stoichiometric aspects of the uncoupling of oxidative phosphorylation by carbonyl cyanide phenylhydrazones

Abstract Heavy beef heart mitochondria (HBHM) were titrated with carbonyl cyanide m-chlorophenylhydrazone and with carbonyl cyanide p-trifluoromethoxyphenylhydrazone (pF3 CO-CCP) under a variety of conditions. For 100% uncoupling as little as one molecule of uncoupler sufficed for as many as 27 potential coupling sites. From a determination of the maximal experimental respiratory rate of the HBHM it was possible to calculate the “concentration of active chains” in each experiment. Significantly, an almost exact stoichiometry was found between the uncoupler and the number of “active phosphorylation sites” (“active chains” × control P O ). The possible constancy of this stoichiometric relationship was further tested by studying the degree of uncoupling resulting from the addition of varying levels of uncouplers to mitochondria exhibiting varying initial P O ratios and respiring at rates that were varied by use of the respiratory inhibitors rotenone, malonate, and cyanide. All the data were consistent with the concept that the uncouplers act preferentially on “active phosphorylation sites,” and that this affinity relates to the existence of a high-energy intermediate rather than to the state of reduction of these sites. The “stoichiometric efficiency” (i.e., the degree of uncoupling per molecule of uncoupler per active phosphorylation site) was determined over a wide range of respiratory rates (maximal obtainable respiratory rate/observed rate in the range between 3 and 40 or more). Over this entire range there was only a marginal overall decline in the former parameter; over 80% of the observed points fell between 0.7 and 1.4. The maintenance of a constant stoichiometry supports the concept that uncouplers such as pF3 CO-CCP are highly mobile within the mitochondrial membrane and have a very high affinity only for actively functioning coupling sites. The amount of uncoupler required to produce a given degree of uncoupling is usually dependent only upon the rate of generation of high-energy intermediates.
Bifurcations of travelling wave solutions in a non-linear dispersive equation

Abstract By using the theory of bifurcations of dynamical systems to a class of the generalized Benjamin–Bona–Mahony (GBBM) equation, the existence of solitary wave solutions and uncountably infinite many smooth and non-smooth periodic wave solutions is obtained. Under different parametric conditions, various sufficient conditions to guarantee the existence of the above solutions are given.
Prognostic significance of nonfatal myocardial reinfarction

In most risk stratification and intervention postinfarction trials, cardiac mortality is used as the major outcome end point either alone or in combination with nonfatal reinfarction. However, the independent risk carried by nonfatal reinfarction for subsequent cardiac death has not been quantified. The prognostic significance of nonfatal reinfarction was determined from the multicenter diltiazem trial data base of 1,234 patients treated with placebo followed up for 1 to 4 years after acute myocardial infarction. One hundred sixteen patients had at least one nonfatal reinfarction, 14 (12%) of whom subsequently experienced cardiac death. Of the remaining 1,118 patients without nonfatal reinfarction, 110 (9.8%) experienced cardiac death. Compared with event-free patients, patients with nonfatal reinfarction were more likely (p Cox survivorship analyses, using pertinent baseline clinical variables along with nonfatal reinfarction as a time-dependent predictor variable, revealed that nonfatal reinfarction carried a significant and independent risk for subsequent cardiac mortality (hazard ratio 3.0, p = 0.002), which was greater than that carried by other significant predictor variables (New York Heart Association functional class, pulmonary congestion on chest radiograph, blood urea nitrogen level, predischarge Holter-recorded ventricular premature complexes and radionuclide ejection fraction). The cardiac mortality risk associated with nonfatal reinfarction was further increased in patients whose index event was their first infarction (hazard ratio 5.4, p = 0.0006). Thus, nonfatal reinfarction carries a strong, significant and independent risk for subsequent cardiac death in patients surviving an acute myocardial infarction.
Presentation of an ethanol-paired stimulus complex alters response patterns during extinction

Abstract It has been hypothesized that environmental stimuli previously paired with ethanol consumption play a role in excessive ethanol intake. This study examined the ability of orally self-administered ethanol to establish a tone-light stimulus complex as a conditioned reinforcer (CSR). Male Long–Evans rats were trained to orally self-administer 10% ethanol (10E) using the sucrose-substitution procedure. During training, a tone–light stimulus complex was paired with ethanol presentation in a stimulus complex paired (SC-paired) group but not in a control group. Responding during extinction in the presence and absence of the stimulus complex was then examined. Following the initiation of ethanol self-administration, 10E maintained greater responding in the SC-paired group compared to the control group. When the stimulus complex was presented contingent on responding during extinction, the rate of extinction was slightly attenuated in the SC-paired group but not in the control group. The altered rate of extinction in the SC-paired group was characterized by: 1) a slight decrease in total session responding over successive days of extinction and 2) a transient attenuation of extinction burst response rate during the first extinction session. These data suggest the stimulus complex could function as a weak CSR, but overall its ability to maintain lever pressing was minimal.
Level structure in 152Gd studied in the decay of 17.5 h 152Tb

Abstract The decay of 152 Tb(17.5 h) has been studied using Ge(Li) detectors to obtain singles spectra and to perform γ-γ coincidence experiments. More than 290 transitions are observed, of which about 100 were not previously reported. A revised decay scheme is proposed in which most of the observed transitions are attributed to the decay of 67 proposed states in 152 Gd. Experimental internal-conversion coefficients are calculated using previously reported conversion-electron intensities and the γ-ray intensities obtained in this investigation. Branching ratios are compared to those obtained for analogous levels in other transitional nuclei, and an attempt is made to interpret the known level structure of 152 Gd in terms of quasirotational bands. Quasi β, γ, βγ and 2β bands, as well as K = 0 and K = 1 octupole bands, are proposed. A level at 1862.0 keV is interpreted as the 2 + member of a possible quasi 3β band while a 2 + state at 1941.2 keV is interpreted as the bandhead of a possible quasi (γ-2β) band.
Would a Titanium Dioxide Air Cleaner Reduce Colony-Forming Units in Standard Air Ventilation ORs?

Abstract INTRODUCTION: Operating room air ventilation standards have been established to reduce the likelihood of contracting a surgical site infection (SSI) related to OR air ventilation. A question remains, however, regarding whether newer technology can further reduce the number of circulating airborne contaminants. From September through December 2002, air sampling was performed that compared standard air ventilation and titanium dioxide air filters during cardiovascular surgery at a 360-bed medical center in northwestern Pennsylvania. METHODS: On four separate days in one operating room, microbiological air tests were conducted to determine viable airborne bacterial counts, expressed as colony-forming units per cubic meter of air (CFU/m3). This was accomplished using an N-6 single stage air sampler with an Andersen high-volume air pump calibrated at 28.3 liters per minute. Air was sampled during 3-minute cycles at eight specific locations with the samples deposited on Remel Sheep Blood Agar (SBA) culture plates. Samples were taken at baseline (standard ventilation) and with the titanium filters turned on. RESULTS: For the eight sites in the operating room, an overall ANOVA revealed a significant difference in mean counts for the four sampling times (p=0.0014). Multiple comparison tests revealed that baseline standard air ventilation CFU/m3 values were consistently greater than the titanium dioxide filtered operational tests (p CONCLUSION: The use of titanium filters significantly reduced airborne contamination in the operating room. The fact that the baseline values were nearly identical with the filters off, indicated that good control existed and conditions were similar for each test.
Variability of bacterial vaginosis over 6- to 12-month intervals.

Objectives: To examine variability in bacterial vaginosis (BV) over 6- to 12-month intervals. Study Design: One thousand one hundred ninety-three women were followed for a median of 3 years with serial vaginal swab Gram stains for BV. Discrete time hazard models were fit to identify independent risk factors for BV. Results: Women with BV at study entry were categorized as having normal flora at the next visit 20% of the time, and women with normal flora at study entry were categorized as having BV at the next visit 20% of the time. Among women with initially normal flora, factors associated with BV were black race, lower education, a history of BV, a history of chlamydial/gonococcal cervicitis, and lack of monogamy. Conclusion: About one fifth of women with normal flora develop BV over a given 6- to 12-month interval, and the modifiable risk factors of cervicitis and lack of monogamy contribute to the development of BV.
Atomic stability and electron size

Since point electrons in atomic environments should be unstable, classical electrodynamics has been proclaimed inadequate. An electron size estimate is made from which it is concluded that earlier estimates were too small, and that stable atomic electrons are commensurate with classical electrodynamics.
Zircon UPb and hornblende 40Ar39Ar ages for the Dufek layered mafic intrusion, Antarctica: Implications for the age of the Ferrar large igneous province

Abstract New high-precision zircon UPb ages for the Dufek intrusion establish the crystallization age for the only layered mafic intrusion (sensu stricto) known in the Ferrar igneous province, Antarctica, one of the largest igneous provinces in the world. Three concordant zircon fractions from the capping Lexington Granophyre yield an age of 183.9 ± 0.3 Ma (2σ), which we interpret as the crystallization age for the Dufek intrusion. Concordant zircon fractions from a silicic dike crosscutting the upper layered gabbroic sequence yield a slightly younger crystallization age of 182.7 ± 0.4 Ma (2σ) . For both samples, agreement within errors between the two UPb and 207 pb∗/ 206 Pb∗ ages for three fractions each with a unique set of physical and chemical characteristics demonstrates that inheritance of older zircon components from the country rocks was imperceptible. It also suggests that assimilation or anatexis of the lower Paleozoic country rocks was not the dominant mechanism in the formation of the granophyre. These new UPb dates agree, within analytical errors, with recent zircon and baddeleyite UPb ages for dolerite sills in both the Ferrar and Karoo igneous provinces, which demonstrates the vastness of the rift axis along which simultaneous magmatic activity occurred. Contemporaneity between the Dufek intrusion and other Ferrar Group rocks supports the possibility that this pluton acted as a conduit for magmas of the widely distributed Ferrar sills and flows. Hornblende 40 Ar 39 Ar ages for the Lexington Granophyre (175 ± 2 Ma) barely overlap with those for a silicic dike (179 ± 2 Ma) in the layered gabbro section just below the granophyre. The younger of the two hornblende ages may be explained by degassing of inclusions or by protracted hydrothermal alteration preventing the ArAr geochronometer form becoming a closed-system in the higher level granophyre until after it had done so in the more deeply positioned silicic dike. The 179 ± 2 Ma age of the Dufek silicic dike is interpreted to represent cooling through the Ar retention temperature for hornblende of about 500°C. Combining this cooling age with the UPb crystallization age of 182.7 ± 0.4 Ma yields a cooling rate for the dike of approximately 100°C/m.y. Inasmuch as this rate is not rapid, it can be inferred that the bulk of the Dufek intrusion was still fairly hot when the dated silicic dike was emplaced.
Evolutionary relationship between carboxyterminal region of a human alpha chain and other immunoglobulin heavy chain constant regions.

FROM an evolutionary point of view the earliest immunoglobulins to appear are widely considered to be members of the IgM class, primarily because of their presence in many lower phylogenetic forms1. The IgG class is believed to be of more recent origin. In spite of their biological importance, comparatively little is known of the evolutionary history of IgA molecules as alpha chain amino acid sequence determinations have been limited to small portions of the hinge region2,3, certain cystine peptides4 and the carboxyterminal octapeptide5. Most authors have assumed that IgA diverged from the other classes more recently than did IgG because IgA was difficult to identify in birds, and has not been found in reptiles, amphibians or lower vertebrates. We report here amino acid sequence data on a human alpha chain which imply a close evolutionary relationship between alpha and mu chains.
Impact of inhibition of erythropoietin treatment-mediated neurogenesis in the dentate gyrus of the hippocampus on restoration of spatial learning after traumatic brain injury☆

Our previous study demonstrates that delayed (initiated 24h post injury) erythropoietin (EPO) therapy for traumatic brain injury (TBI) significantly improves spatial learning. In this study, we investigated the impact of inhibition of EPO treatment-mediated neurogenesis on spatial learning after experimental TBI. Young male Wistar rats (318+/-7 g) were subjected to unilateral controlled cortical impact injury. TBI rats received delayed EPO treatment (5000 U/kg in saline) administered intraperitoneally once daily at 1, 2, and 3 days post injury and intracerebroventricular (icv) infusion of either a mitotic inhibitor cytosine-b-D-arabinofuranoside or vehicle (saline) for 14 days. Another 2 groups of TBI rats were treated intraperitoneally with saline and infused icv with either a mitotic inhibitor Ara-C or saline for 14 days. Animals receiving sham operation were infused icv with either Ara-C infusion or saline. Bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU) was administered to label dividing cells. Spatial learning was assessed using a modified Morris water maze test. Animals were sacrificed at 35 days after injury and brain sections stained for immunohistochemical analyses. As compared to the saline treatment, immunohistochemical analysis revealed that delayed EPO treatment significantly increased the number of BrdU-positive cells and new neurons co-stained with BrdU and NeuN (mature neuron marker) in the dentate gyrus in TBI rats. EPO treatment improved spatial learning after TBI. Ara-C infusion significantly abolished neurogenesis and spatial learning recovery after TBI and EPO treatment. Both EPO and Ara-C reduced the number of astrocytes and microglia/macrophages in the dentate gyrus after TBI. Our findings are highly suggestive for an important role of EPO-amplified dentate gyrus neurogenesis as one of the mechanisms underlying EPO therapeutic treatments after TBI, strongly indicating that strategies promoting endogenous neurogenesis may hold an important therapeutic potential for treatment of TBI.
Mechanism for thermal generation of transient rhenium(0) radicals. Reaction of a (triphenylmethyl)rhenium complex with two-electron ligands

Reaction of (η 3 -CPh 3 )Re(CO) 4 with 2 equiv of the cage phosphite 1-methyl-4-phospha-3,5,8-trioxabicyclo [2.2.2] octane (MPTB) results in formation of mer-trans-Re(CO) 3 (MPTB) 2 (4-(diphenylmethylene) cyclohexa-2,5-diene)
Myoclonus in childhood

The term "myoclonus" sounds esoteric, yet it is part of our normal physiology, occurring as a muscle jerk on drowsiness or falling asleep, during rapid eye movement (REM) sleep, and as hiccoughs. Myoclonus is also a developmental feature of the human nervous system, comprising some of the earliest fetal movements. In pathologic settings, myoclonus may be the only neurologic abnormality, as in essential myoclonus, but more often it is one symptom of a larger neurologic problem. The vast etiologic spectrum of symptomatic myoclonus can be bewildering, but defining the underlying problem may provide the opportunity to develop specific therapies. Otherwise, treatment is merely symptomatic. The approach to the patient should be to verify the nature of the movement disorder and establish a specific etiologic diagnosis. A battery of neurophysiologic, neuroradiologic, and other laboratory studies is needed to localize the origin of the myoclonus and identify causative lesions. Drug treatment is largely empiric but must be systematic and aimed at restoring activities of everyday living. Unlike in epilepsies, in myoclonus multiple drugs usually must be combined to attain functional improvement.
Protein Extraction from Heat-stabilized Defatted Rice Bran: II. The Role of Amylase, Celluclast, and Viscozyme

: The effectiveness of 3 carbohydrases for protein extraction from heat-stabilized defatted rice bran (HDRB) was evaluated. Amylase, viscozyme and celluclast extracted a maximum of 45.4, 12.1, and 28.5% protein, respectively. Further study showed that extracted protein ranged from 9.5 to 58.4% under conditions of water to bran ratio (5:1 to 20:1), α-amylase (0 to 110000 units/10 g rice bran), temperature (35 to 55 °C), and time (1 to 8 h). The maximum protein extracted was 58.4% with a water to bran ratio of 17:1, 87637 units amylase, and 50.9 °C. These results suggest that impure food-grade amylase containing protease is more effective than celluclast and viscozyme in protein extraction from HDRB.