cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Delayed Light Studies on Photosynthetic Energy Conversion. V. Millisecond Emission from Digitonin Subchloroplast Fractions

There is general agreement that photoreaction II (the oxygen-evolving photoreaction as defined by DUYSENS et al. (1961) is responsible for nearly all delayed light emission from the photosynthetic apparatus of the oxygen-evolving plants (BERTSCH et al 1967, GOODHEER 1963). RUBY & BROWN (1970) however, utilizing Bishop’s Scenedesmus mutants and a French press method for separating the two photoreactions, have suggested that photoreaction I might contribute to the millisecond delayed emission. It is therefore pertinent to utilize a different method for separating the two photoreactions, and to examine the resulting fractions for delayed light emission. We have prepared subchloroplast fractions according to the method of ANDERSON & BOARDMAN (1966) with the non-ionic detergent digitonin. These detergent-solubi1ized lamellar fractions are enriched in either photoreaction I (D-144) or in photoreaction II (D-10). We report delayed light measurements in the msec time range, as well as photochemical studies, on the two fractions as compared to chloroplasts.
The Historical Origins of Tanzania's Ruling Class

RESUMELes conditions historiques de l'emergence de la classe dominante en Tanzanie sont examinees. La “bourgeoisie bureaucratique”, par oposition a une classe capitaliste productive au Kenya, a retarde le developpement du capitalisme tanzanien. Dans la premiere partie, les antecedants (avant 1967) de la classe actuellement au pouvoir en Tanzanie sont analyses. Dans la deuxieme partie, le mouvement d'independance et la specificite de classe de l'Etat post-colonial sont etudies. En conclusion, l'auteur observe une classe et un Etat qui suivent des politiques qui ont tendance a institutionnaliser une petite bourgeoisie et un petit capitalisme
On the impact of network latency on distributed systems design

Research in distributed database systems to date has assumed a “variable cost” model of network response time. However, network response time has two components: transmission time (variable with message size) and latency (fixed). This research improves on existing models by incorporating a “fixed plus variable cost” model of the network response time. In this research, we: l(3)r l(1)r develop a distributed database design approach that incorporates a “fixed plus variable cost”, network response time functions l(2)r run a set of experiments to create designs using this model, and l(3)r evaluate the impact the new model had on the design in various types of networks.
Abstract 1942: Lgl1 loss promotes stemness and invasion in EGFRvIII-driven gliomas

Stem and progenitor cells may divide asymmetrically to self-renew and produce differentiating progeny in a single division. Usually, during an asymmetric cell division (ACD), determinants of self-renewal and differentiation segregate to opposite daughter cells during mitosis and thereby specify distinct cell fates. Disruption of ACD is seen in many cancers with a stem or progenitor cell component, including malignant gliomas (Sugiarto et al., 2011, Cancer Cell 20:328-40). Yet, it is not clear whether this is a contributing factor or a consequence of neoplastic transformation. Lethal giant larvae 1 (Lgl1), a gene that was initially identified as a tumor suppressor in Drosophila, has been implicated in the asymmetric localization of cell fate determinants in neural progenitor cells (Klezovitch et al., 2004, Genes Dev 18:559-571). Here, we investigated the effects of Lgl1 depletion on distinct hallmarks of glioma. In murine neural progenitor cells carrying conditional null alleles of Lgl1 (Klezovitch et al., 2004, Genes Dev 18:559-571), depletion of Lgl1 resulted in reduced rates of ACD, increased expression of progenitor markers and impaired differentiation. In an orthotopic model of glioma, driven by expression of EGFRvIII, a frequent and constitutively active mutant form of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), Lgl1 inactivation led to increased tumor invasiveness. Our data suggest that disruption of ACD in glioma precursor cells promotes maintenance of progenitor features and hampers differentiation. At later stages of gliomagenesis, loss of ACD and cell polarity controls may contribute to tumor invasiveness. Citation Format: Sandra Gomez-Lopez, Robin G. Lerner, Claudia Petritsch. Lgl1 loss promotes stemness and invasion in EGFRvIII-driven gliomas. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 105th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2014 Apr 5-9; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2014;74(19 Suppl):Abstract nr 1942. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2014-1942
Ureidoglycolate Synthetase of Streptococcus allantoicus I. Measurement of Glyoxylate and Enzyme Purification

Gaudy, Elizabeth T. (University of Illinois, Urbana), R. Bojanowski, R. C. Valentine, and R. S. Wolfe. Ureidoglycolate synthetase of Streptococcus allantoicus. I. Measurement of glyoxylate and enzyme purification. J. Bacteriol. 90:1525-1530. 1965.-A new spectrophotometric method for the determination of glyoxylate is described. The technique is based on measurement of the initial rate of formation of glyoxylic acid phenylhydrazone in neutral solution. Its advantages include rapidity and convenience, suitability for use with mixtures containing acid-labile substrates, and elimination of possibly inhibitory reagents from the enzyme incubation mixture. Ureidoglycolate synthetase, which cleaves ureidoglycolate to glyoxylate and urea, was purified from crude extracts of Streptococcus allantoicus grown on allantoin-containing medium. The purification procedures include treatment with MnCl(2), fractionation on calcium phosphate gel, fractional precipitation with ammonium sulfate, and column chromatography on diethylaminoethyl cellulose. The final enzyme preparation was purified 77-fold and contained 35% of the total activity of the extract.
Abstract 3663: Immune suppressive myeloid cells expansion in vitro requires a simulated tumor microenvironment

Elevated levels of immune suppressor cells induced by tumor derived factors are associated with inhibition of immune responses. One such group of immune suppressor cells is Myeloid Derived Suppressor Cells (MDSCs). They are phenotypically defined in humans as HLADR low or negative and CD33, CD11b, and CD15 or CD14 positive and functionally by their ability to suppress the activation of other immune cells such as T cells. We hypothesized that MDSCs generated in vitro could be propagated but would lose their suppressive ability on the action of T cells in the absence of a simulated tumor microenvironment. MDSCs were first differentiated in vitro from normal donor peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) using a simulated tumor microenvironment consisting of either cytokines (GMCSF and IL-6) or tumor cell lines (pancreatic adenocarcinoma SW-1990 or head and neck cancer CAL-27). The MDSCs generated in vitro suppressed T cell proliferation of autologous T cells using the carboxyfluorescein succinimidyl ester (CFSE) assay (31%, 46% and 75% suppression for cytokines, CAL-27 and SW-1990, respectively). Given the MDSCs obtained from co-culture of PBMCs with SW-1990 were the most suppressive on the proliferation of T cells, we attempted to proliferate these cells in vitro to expand the number of MDSC available for experimentation rather than having to purify MDSC from clinical samples. In vitro generated MDSC were propagated using a Rho-associated kinase (ROCK) inhibitor. Generated MDSC collected via magnetic bead isolation (CD33) were cultured with irradiated fibroblast feeder cells (± 3000 rad) in F medium [3:1 (v/v) F-12 Nutrient Mixture (Ham)-Dulbecco9s modified Eagle9s medium, 5% fetal bovine serum, 0.4 µg/mL hydrocortisone, 5 µg/mL insulin, 8.4 ng/mL cholera toxin, 10 ng/mL epidermal growth factor (or 10 ng/mL GMCSF), and 24 µg/mL adenine]. The ROCK inhibitor was added at 10 µM and the media was exchanged every 3 days. The generated MDSC did propagate as measured by CFSE staining of the generated MDSC; however, the generated MDSCs completely lost their ability to inhibit T cells by day 11 in culture. In conclusion, generated MDSCs can be propagated in culture but lose their ability to suppress T cells in the absence of a simulated tumor microenvironment and the presence of a Rho kinase inhibitor. Citation Format: Joseph Markowitz, Taylor R. Brooks, William E. Carson. Immune suppressive myeloid cells expansion in vitro requires a simulated tumor microenvironment. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 105th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2014 Apr 5-9; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2014;74(19 Suppl):Abstract nr 3663. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2014-3663
Pharmacologie Treatment of Depression

Serious mood disorders affect at least 17% of the population (lifetime prevalence) exacting a significant toll on human lives. One impact of severe depression is the possibility of brain damage caused by toxic levels of stress hormones. New data suggest a role for antidepressants in preventing such damage to the nervous system. Psychiatric medication treatments represent an important part of comprehensive treatment for clinical depression. This article addresses in detail current treatment guidelines derived largely from large-scaled empirical studies. Also discussed are the limitations of pharmacotherapy and the need for integrated treatment models.
Long-term effects of crude oil on uptake and respiration of glucose and glutamate in arctic and subarctic marine sediments.

The effects of crude oil on uptake and respiration (mineralization) of glucose and glutamate in marine sediments were investigated. After the sediments were treated with crude oil, they were replaced at or near the collection site by scuba divers. These sediments remained in situ until they were retrieved for analysis. Glucose and glutamate uptake rates were found to decrease, and the percent respired was found to increase in Arctic and subarctic marine sediments that had been exposed to fresh crude oil. These same changes were also observed when “weathered” crude oil was used and when untreated sediments were overlaid with oiled sediments. When the kinetics of glutamate uptake were determined, both the maximum potential uptake rate and the turnover time were significantly affected. A comparison between the proportion of glucose taken into the cells and that respired as CO2 indicated that crude oil affected biosynthetic mechanisms. A study of sediments that had been exposed to crude oil for at least 5 months showed that glutamate transport into the cells was affected more extensively than biosynthetic mechanisms. In the initial months of exposure, bacterial concentrations and total adenylate concentrations were found to decrease in the presence of crude oil. Our data suggest that secondary productivity in the marine environment could be adversely affected by the presence of crude oil in marine sediments.
Cross-Sectional Properties of Coronal Loops

Careful examination of 43 soft X-ray loops observed by Yohkoh has revealed a number of interesting properties of the loop cross section. First, the loops tend to be only slightly (≈ 30%) wider at their midpoints than at their footpoints, implying less-than-expected expansion of the magnetic field. Second, the variation of width along each loop tends to be modest, implying that the cross section has an approximately circular shape. And third, cross-axis intensity profiles tend to be singly-peaked and simple, implying that the cross section is approximately uniformly filled on resolvable scales. We conclude that the energy which heats the plasma is either dissipated axially symmetrically on a scale equal to a loop diameter (≈ 11000 km) or else is dissipated with any spatial structure, but on a scale much smaller than a loop diameter, and then transported laterally in an axisymmetric fashion (perhaps via conduction along chaotic field lines). In their present form, none of the theoretical ideas concerning the magnetic structure and heating of loops are obviously capable of explaining all of the observed properties.
Manufacturing Dissent: The New Economy of Power Relations in Multicultural Teacher Education

This article challenges conventional understandings of White preservice teacher resistance by contextualizing it within the historically-situated pedagogical relations of the multicultural teacher education classroom. It describes the power effects of a cultural mismatch-driven, “critical” reflection approach to the preparation of the White preservice teacher and offers as an alternative a practice of Loving Subversion. In this approach, critical reflection is used not to reinscribe White racist identity but to develop a purposeful sense of White anti-racism. A practice of Loving Subversion is necessary, it is argued, if we are to build genuine capacity among White preservice teachers for effective work with culturally and linguistically diverse students.
Purification of brain peroxisomes and localization of 3‐hydroxy‐3‐methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase

At least three different subcellular compartments, including peroxisomes, are involved in cholesterol biosynthesis. Because proper CNS development depends on de novo cholesterol biosynthesis, peroxisomes must play a critical functional role in this process. Surprisingly, no information is available on the peroxisomal isoprenoid/cholesterol biosynthesis pathway in normal brain tissue or on the compartmentalization of isoprene metabolism in the CNS. This has been due mainly to the lack of a well-defined isolation procedure for brain tissue, and also to the presence of myelin in brain tissue, which results in significant contamination of subcellular fractions. As a first step in characterizing the peroxisomal isoprenoid pathway in the CNS, we have established a purification procedure to isolate peroxisomes and other cellular organelles from the brain stem, cerebellum and spinal cord of the mouse brain. We demonstrate by use of marker enzymes and immunoblotting with antibodies against organelle specific proteins that the isolated peroxisomes are highly purified and well separated from the ER and mitochondria, and are free of myelin contamination. The isolated peroxisomal fraction was purified at least 40-fold over the original homogenate. In addition, we show by analytical subcellular fractionation and immunoelectron microscopy that HMG-CoA reductase protein and activity are localized both in the ER and peroxisomes in the CNS.
Cell Separation by Immunoaffinity Partition in Aqueous Polymer Two-Phase Systems

Two methods for immunoaffinity partitioning are described. In the first, poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) was covalently coupled to immunoglobulin G antibody preparations directed toward surface antigens unique to either sheep or human erythrocytes. The modified antibody preparations exhibited a reduction in ability to agglutinate cells and increased affinity for the PEG-rich upper phase in Dextran-PEG aqueous two-phase systems. When either preparation was incubated with a mixture of target and control erythrocytes, the partition of the erythrocyte population bearing the complimentary antigen was selectively increased into the upper phase while the control cells remained unaffected. Effective separation of cell populations was obtained in 2 hours using 30-transfer countercurrent distribution.
Statistical considerations in the interpretation of size-resolved particulate mass data

Random measurement error can account for a substantial fraction of the observed variability in coarse particle mass concentrations. This noise decreases the spatial correlation of coarse particle concentrations, tending to obscure any regional coherence in their variation. It also works to obscure associations between coarse particles and the effects to which they contribute. Multiple regressions can misattribute coarse effects to fine particles if the fine measurement is sufficiently more precise.
Exit, Voice, and the State

The possibility and widespread practice of exit, on the part of dissatisfied citizens, has important, though highly diverse, bearings on the formation, solidity, and “quality” of the state. An association exists between the wide availability of exit and the condition of statelessness in a number of aboriginal societies as well as in Rousseau's state of nature. In the 18th century, the exit option—which became available to the wealthy as movable forms of property increased in importance—was hailed by such observers as Montesquieu and Adam Smith as a restraint on arbitrary rule or taxation. Today, on the other hand, such exit (capital flight) tends to render the introduction of needed reforms more difficult. Emigration-exit was benign in its effect on the sending countries in the 19th century and may have been helpful to the process of democratization in Europe. Lately, however, exit has been considered a threat to the existence of the state and has led to strong, though very different, defensive reactions in Ireland and East Germany. The small modern state can fend off excessive exit by providing a variety of public goods to its citizens; one of these public goods is “understood complexity.”
Linkage and association analysis of chromosome 19q13 in multiple sclerosis

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune neurological disorder with a complex etiology. Sibling risk, twin, and adoption studies have demonstrated that genes play a vital role in susceptibility to MS. Numerous association and linkage studies have implicated the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) as one component of the genetic etiology, but additional loci remain to be identified. Genomic screens have suggested over 50 regions that might harbor these genes, but there has been little agreement between studies. The one region suggested by all four screens resides within chromosome 19q13. Allelic associations with several markers in this region have also been described. This region has now been examined in detail in an expanded dataset of MS families from the United States. Genetic linkage and association were tested with multiple markers in this region using both parametric and non-parametric analyses. Additional support for an MS susceptibility locus was observed, primarily in families with the MS-associated HLA-DR2 allele. While consistent, this effect appears to be modest with a maximum λS=1.47, probably representing no more than 10% of the overall genetic effect in MS.
Nitinol Stent Implantation Versus Balloon Angioplasty for Lesions in the Superficial Femoral Artery and Proximal Popliteal Artery Twelve-Month Results From the RESILIENT Randomized Trial

Background—Controversy still exists regarding the best endovascular treatment strategy for patients with symptomatic disease of the superficial femoral artery. There are conflicting data regarding the benefits of superficial femoral artery stenting and the role of primary stenting compared with balloon angioplasty with provisional stent implantation. Methods and Results—A total of 206 patients from 24 centers in the United States and Europe with obstructive lesions of the superficial femoral artery and proximal popliteal artery and intermittent claudication were randomized to implantation of nitinol stents or percutaneous transluminal angioplasty. The mean total lesion length was 71 mm for the stent group and 64 mm for the angioplasty group. Acute lesion success (<30%residual stenosis) was superior for the stent group compared with the angioplasty group (95.8% versus 83.9%; P<0.01). Twenty-nine (40.3%) patients in the angioplasty group underwent bailout stenting because of a suboptimal angiographic result...
The Visual ERP Predicts Clinical Response to Methylphenidate in Hyperactive Children

Visual ERP measures have been used to discriminate retrospectively between those hyperactive children who responded well to treatment with methylphenidate (MP) and those who were nonresponders. This study was designed to validate these ERP measures in a prospective study. Visual ERP data were obtained in 20 hyperactive children following 0.33 mg/kg methylphenidate (Ritalin) or a matching placebo. Parent, teacher and physician ratings were then obtained on these same doses in a subsequent double-blind clinical trial. At the conclusion of the trials, children were classified as MP responders or nonresponders based on the pediatrician's blind ratings. Using criteria established in a prior study, a conjoint measure of amplitude and variability statistically discriminated nonresponders from responders. The two clinical groups did not differ on placebo. It was suggested that these predictors are sensitive to nonspecific pharmacological factors.
Student preferences regarding teaching methods in a drug-induced diseases and clinical toxicology course

Objectives. To determine which teaching method in a drug-induced diseases and clinical toxicology course was preferred by students and whether their preference correlated with their learning of drug-induced diseases. Design. Three teaching methods incorporating active-learning exercises were implemented. A survey instrument was developed to analyze students’ perceptions of the active-learning methods used and how they compared to the traditional teaching method (lecture). Examination performance was then correlated to students’ perceptions of various teaching methods. Assessment. The majority of the 107 students who responded to the survey found traditional lecture significantly more helpful than active-learning methods (p=0.01 for all comparisons). None of the 3 active-learning methods were preferred over the others. No significant correlations were found between students’ survey responses and examination performance. Conclusions. Students preferred traditional lecture to other instructional methods. Learning was not influenced by the teaching method or by preference for a teaching method.
Growing identity, growing a home: contrasting functions of two nineteenth-century gardens

Abstract Women perceive their gardens as having multiple cultural functions. They may assure survival by providing necessary vitamins and minerals that may not be easily obtained elsewhere. Sale of the produce or flowers improves economic conditions, and the gardens themselves improve aesthetic conditions and bring not only physical but psychological sustenance to the gardener and the rest of her family. Oftentimes, gardens provide meeting places for friends, and social networks develop when plants are shared and traded. With so many functions, the gardens are perceived as living entities that bind the gardeners to their place.1
Observation of a low temperature magnetic phase transition in nonsuperconducting La2−xSrxCuO4+y by macroscopic magnetization and electron spin resonance

Abstract We show that the transition to the low temperature ( T ≲ 12 K) magnetic phase (LTMP) of La 2 − x Sr x CuO 4 + y (LSCO) for 0.02 ≲ x ≲ 0.03 is clearly observed via bulk magnetometry in vacuum-annealed samples. The transition temperature T f depends on the strontium concentration and is insensitive to the vacuum treatment. Measurements of an electron spin resonance (ESR) signal are also described. The temperature dependent amplitude of this signal displays a clear anomaly at T f , suggesting that the observed spins participate in the LTMP. Arguments are presented for the intrinsic nature of the observed ESR signal and the LTMP. We compare temperature dependent effects in both probes to expectations for spin glasses, and relate our results to consideration of the nature of the LTMP, and of the origin of the spin system from which the LTMP is formed.
Gun Availability and Use of Guns for Murder and Suicide in Canada: A Replication:

Following Lester, the rate of accidental death from firearms was associated with the percentage of firearms used in suicides and on homicide victims except for persons aged 55+ yr.
Electric hyperfine interaction studies in hemin

Abstract Electric hyperfine interactions in the 57Fe nucleus of hemin were studied by Mossbauer spectroscopy using transmission geometry. It was established that the discrepancies in literature values of the quadrupole splitting were due to allotropy. Methods of obtaining reproducible quadrupole splitting were also established. The isomer shift, taken with respect to 57Fe metal, was found not to show marked variation as the quadrupole splitting—thus confirming the conclusion with regard to the variation of the latter.
Rule acquisition events in the discovery of problem-solving strategies

Although there are many machine-learning programs that can acquire new problem-solving strategies, it is not known exactly how their processes will manifest themselves in human behavior, if at all. In order to find out, a line-by-line protocol analysis was conducted of a subject discovering problem-solving strategies. A model was developed that could explain 96% of the lines in the protocol. On this analysis, the subject's learning was confined to 11 rule acquisition events, wherein she temporarily abandoned her normal problem solving and focused on improving her strategic knowledge. Further analysis showed that: (1) Not all rule acquisition events are triggered by impasses; (2) Rules are acquired gradually, both because of competition between new and old rules, and because of the subject's apparently deliberate policy of gradual generalization. (3) This subject took a scientific approach to strategy discovery, even planning and conducting small experiments.
Hypothesis of the neuroendocrine cortisol pathway gene role in the comorbidity of depression, type 2 diabetes, and metabolic syndrome

Depression, type 2 diabetes (T2D), and metabolic syndrome (MetS) are often comorbid. Depression per se increases the risk for T2D by 60%. This risk is not accounted for by the use of antidepressant therapy. Stress causes hyperactivation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, by triggering the hypothalamic corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) secretion, which stimulates the anterior pituitary to release the adrenocorticotropin hormone (ACTH), which causes the adrenal secretion of cortisol. Depression is associated with an increased level of cortisol, and CRH and ACTH at inappropriately "normal" levels, that is too high compared to their expected lower levels due to cortisol negative feedback. T2D and MetS are also associated with hypercortisolism. High levels of cortisol can impair mood as well as cause hyperglycemia and insulin resistance and other traits typical of T2D and MetS. We hypothesize that HPA axis hyperactivation may be due to variants in the genes of the CRH receptors (CRHR1, CRHR2), corticotropin receptors (or melanocortin receptors, MC1R-MC5R), glucocorticoid receptor (NR3C1), mineralocorticoid receptor (NR3C2), and of the FK506 binding protein 51 (FKBP5), and that these variants may be partially responsible for the clinical association of depression, T2D and MetS. In this review, we will focus on the correlation of stress, HPA axis hyperactivation, and the possible genetic role of the CRHR1, CRHR2, MCR1-5, NR3C1, and NR3C2 receptors and FKBP5 in the susceptibility to the comorbidity of depression, T2D, and MetS. New studies are needed to confirm the hypothesized role of these genes in the clinical association of depression, T2D, and MetS.
Simulation of shock-generated instabilities

Direct 2‐D numerical simulation of the fluid instability of a shock‐accelerated thin gas layer shows flow patterns in agreement with experimental images. The Eulerian‐based hydrodynamics code features Adaptive Mesh Refinement that allows the code to follow the vorticity generation and the complex flow resulting from the measured initial perturbations. These experiments and simulations are the first to address in quantitative detail the evolution of the Richtmyer–Meshkov instability in a thin fluid layer, and to show how interfluid mixing and vorticity production depend sensitively on initial perturbations in the layer.
Selective Efficacy of Temsirolimus on Bone Metastases in Chromophobe Renal Cell Carcinoma

Evidence on the use of various targeted therapies on treatment of chromophobe renal cell carcinoma (chRCC) is lacking. We report a case of a patient with metastatic chRCC who experienced site-specific disease control in the bone with temsirolimus, but significant progression in the liver. The potential difference in the bioavailability or mechanism of action at the 2 sites by mammalian target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1) inhibitors is hypothesized to cause this differential response. This hypothesis-generating case study supports further research on the mechanism of action of mTORC1 inhibitors to potentially preferentially affect bone metastases.
Study on Clinico -Laboratory Profile of Children with Scrub Typhus

Scrub typhus is an acute, febrile, infectious illness caused by Orientia (formerly Rickettsia) tsutsugamushi,an obligate intracellular gram-negative bacterium. Humans are accidental hosts in this zoonotic disease.The present retrospective study describes clinical profile of the children hospitalized in hospital with Scrub Typhus infection during period 2010-2011. 19 hospitalized children with clinical features suggestive of Rickettsial disease (fever, generalized rash) who tested ELISA positive for IgM against Scrub Typhus were included in the present study between the age of 1 years and 15 years. All children presented with fever (100%). 42.10% had lymphadenopathy, 47.36% had eschar and 57.89% patients had cough. 26.31, 21.05%, 10.52%, had hepatomegaly, pain abdomen, and respiratory distress and gastrointestinal bleed respectively. All of the children were investigated and treated with as per protocol. None of them died. We think that Rickettsial infection is not quite common in this region but study showed that it is not an uncommon entity and thus, high degree of suspicion, knowledge of geographical distribution and clinical features of Rickettsial disease helps in its early diagnosis and treatment. J Nepal Paediatr Soc 2012;32(2):187-192 doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/jnps.v32i2.5683
Releasing Steam: Stressbusters to Market the Library as Place

We all know that college students have a tendency to become stressed from both their schoolwork and their personal lives. As the end of a semester approaches, the stress levels begin to rise for ev...
An animal model for evaluation of topical photoprotection against ultraviolet A (320-380 nm) radiation.

Recent studies reporting UVA (ultraviolet A radiation 320-380 nm) as an integral part of the cumulative sun-induced damage in human skin have prompted an interest in developing effective UVA photoprotective agents. The development of such compounds has been impeded by the absence of a clinically relevant animal model for evaluating their efficacy. This report describes the development and use of such a laboratory animal system. Selected concentrations of oxybenzone (2-hydroxy-4- methoxybenzophenone) in vehicle (0.1% to 6%) or vehicle alone were applied to the depilated dorsal skin of 30 Hartley strain female albino guinea pigs. The skin was irradiated with solar simulated UVA from a xenon light source. Acute radiation-induced damage was assayed by erythema grading and inhibition of [3H]thymidine incorporation into epidermal DNA. Data from erythema grading studies indicated that a significant degree of photoprotection was achieved with 6%, 3%, and 1% solutions of benzophenone compared with the control vehicle; the 6% solution was significantly more photoprotective than the 3% and 1% solutions. A 6% solution afforded significant photoprotection when assayed by [3H]thymidine incorporation.
Charmonium meson and hybrid radiative transitions

We consider the nonrelativistic limit of the QCD Hamiltonian in the Coulomb gauge, to describe radiative transitions between conventional charmonium states and from the lowest multiplet of $c\overline{c}$ hybrids to charmonium mesons. The results are compared to potential-quark models and lattice calculations.
Outcome analysis of 245 CarboMedics and St. Jude valves implanted at the same institution

Abstract Background . Thromboembolism and valve-related death are major complications associated with prosthetic valve implants, but it is difficult to evaluate the relative incidence of these complications based on studies in which the implantation of only one valve is reported from any given institution. We therefore report the outcome of patients implanted at our institution during the same time period with either the recently released CarboMedics (CM) or the St. Jude Medical (SJ) valve prostheses. Methods . Between October 1994 and January 1996, 245 consecutive patients received either SJ (116 patients) or CM (129 patients) valves at our institution. Follow up of these patients was 99.6% complete, for a total of 318.5 cumulative patient-years (median follow-up, 1.4 years). Results . The 30-day mortality rates for SJ and CM implants were 3.4% and 3.1%, respectively. Actuarial survival and freedom from valve related mortality rates at 1.5 years for SJ and CM valves were 94% ± 2% versus 86% ± 3% ( p = 0.03) and 100% versus 94% ± 2% ( p = 0.005), respectively. There was no structural valve failure for either implant, but there were five thrombosed valves in the CM group and none in the SJ group ( p = 0.04). All thrombosed valves were mitral (four mitral valve replacement, one aortic and mitral valve replacement). Two of the thrombosed valves were successfully explanted, whereas the three remaining patients died. Freedom from a thromboembolic event in the mitral position at 1.5 years, including thrombosed valves was 97% ± 3% and 83% ± 5% for SJ and CM valves, respectively ( p = 0.04). Conclusions . The results of this study suggest that further evaluation of thromboembolic outcomes after CM compared with SJ valve implantation is warranted.
Characteristics of cloned cerebrovascular endothelial cells following infection with Theiler's virus. I. Acute infection

Cloned cerebrovascular endothelial cells (CVE) persistently infected with Theiler's virus (PI-CVE) have been established and characterized. The CVE were derived from strains of mice that are susceptible (SJL/J and CBA) and resistant (BALB/c) to Theiler's virus-induced demyelination (TVID). The cells were persistently infected with either the BeAn or GDVII strains of Theiler's virus in vitro and studied at various passage levels for infectious virus, viral antigen and the expression of major histocompatibility complex (MHC) Class I and II antigens. The virus replicated to lower titers than in acutely infected CVE and appeared to be more cell-associated. Flow cytometric analysis revealed that 18-39% of the PI-CVE contained viral antigen. Persistently infected CVE derived from SJL/J and CBA mice expressed high levels of MHC Class I, whereas BALB/c PI-CVE did not. MHC Class II was upregulated by IFN-gamma in SJL/J PI-CVE albeit at a slightly lower level than in uninfected CVE. In addition, the PI-CVE demonstrated increased levels of mRNA for IL-1 beta when compared to uninfected CVE.
Organizational Communication, Performance, and Job Satisfaction as a Function of Ethnicity and Sex.

Abstract Regression analysis was used to examine simultaneously the effects of supervisors' and subordinates' ethnicity and sex on organizational communication, supervisory-rated performance, and job satisfaction. The study indicates that female subordinates differentially perceive organizational communication. It also identifies interactions between the sex of the supervisor and subordinate on communication and between the ethnicity of the superior and subordinate on supervisory-rated performance. There were limited impacts of sex and ethnicity on job satisfaction.
The Fast Breeder Reactor: A source of abundant power for the future

The fast breeder reactor is essential to meet the future energy needs of our society. This capability derives from three fundamental factors: (1) the fast breeder reactor maximizes the utilization of valuable natural resources and as a direct result can supply energy to an expanding industrial society for many generations; (2) the fast breeder reactor can achieve this goal while protecting the environment better than any other currently available economic method of generating power; and (3) the fast breeder is based upon established technology and is therefore ready for commercial introduction.
Solvent dependent tunable energy transfer of d10 metal dicyanide nanoclusters with Eu3+ and Tb3+ rare earth ions

Abstract The luminescence energy and intensity of d10 copper(I), silver(I) and gold(I) dicyanide nanoclusters exhibit high tunability as energy transfer donors in different organic solvents. For Tb3+ acceptor ions, the energy transfer efficiency, which is proportional to the spectral overlap between the donor emission and the acceptor absorption, depends on the solvent tunability of the donor emission energy. For Eu3+ acceptor ions, energy transfer can be ‘tuned off’ or ‘tuned on’ as the solvent dependent donor emission energy becomes in resonance with a charge transfer state or with the 5L6 Eu3+ ion state, respectively.
QoS-enabled Video Streaming in Wireless Sensor Networks

Recent advances in wireless communications technology and low-power, low-cost CMOS imaging sensors enable a new sensing modality employing ubiquitous distributed video sensing. In many video sensing applications multimedia streams are often required by the base station to provide detailed information of the target spot in the sensor field. However, limited bandwidth, unstable network environment, and data transmission interference prevent the large-scale deployment of such applications without new strategies for energy and data capacity management. In this paper we propose a dynamic path formation algorithm based on our data path throughput estimation model. Coupled with a distributed TDMA packet scheduling scheme, this path formation algorithm can establish throughput-aware video delivery path between source and destination. OPNET simulation results indicate that the throughput estimation is accurate and our proposed TDMA scheme is preferred for streaming applications. We also explore the use of distributed mobile base stations as an option to improve the egress of video data streams from the system.
Random paralleling of aircraft alternators

MANY large aircraft in use today have constant-frequency electric power systems. The alternators in several of these systems can be operated in parallel and the procedure of connecting machines together electrically usually involves synchronizing and paralleling. Here synchronizing means bringing the machines into proper frequency and phase position, while paralleling is electrically connecting the machine armature circuits through a switching device. The terminal voltages will be held within satisfactory limits by the automatic voltage regulators.
Attachment and penetration of miracidia observed by scanning electron microscopy

Scanning electron microscopy can be utilized to understand more clearly many aspects of the parasite-host relationship of schistosome miracidia and their molluscan intermediate hosts. Specialized structures on the apical papilla of the miracicium, used for attachment and penetration, become visible in greater detail.
The structural basis of the anomalous kinetics of rabbit liver aryl sulfatase A

Abstract Rabbit liver aryl sulfatase A (aryl sulfate sulfohydrolase, EC 3.1.6.1) is inactivated during the hydrolysis of nitrocatechol sulfate and the rate of formation of turnover-modified aryl sulfatase A depends on the initial velocity of the enzymatic reaction. Organic solvents such as ethanol and dioxane favor the anomalous kinetic behavior. The turnover-modified enzyme can apparently be reactivated by arsenate, phosphate, pyrophosphate, and sulfate in the presence of nitrocatechol sulfate. The apparent dissociation constants of these ions in the reactivation of the enzyme are similar to their K i values. Sulfite, which is a competitive inhibitor, does not reactivate the turnover-modified enzyme. Thus, all known activators are competitive inhibitors but not all competitive inhibitors are effective as activators. Inactivation of aryl sulfatase A during hydrolysis of 35 S-labeled substrate at pH values near the pH optimum (pH 5–6) is accompanied by the incorporation of radioactivity into the protein molecule and the turnover-modified enzyme is thereby covalently labeled. The stoichiometry of the incorporation of radioactivity corresponds to 2 g atom of sulfur per mole of enzyme monomer, or 1 g atom of sulfur per equivalent peptide chain. It is also shown that isolated turnover-modified rabbit liver aryl sulfatase A has lost approximately 76% of its secondary structure as compared to the native enzyme. The specific activity of the inactive enzyme is also decreased by 82%. Turnover-modified rabbit liver aryl sulfatase A is partially reactivated by sulfate ions in the presence of nitrocatechol sulfate. However, circular dichroism measurements and fluorescence spectra of the isolated “reactivated” turnover-modified enzyme indicate only a further loss of secondary structure. The specific activity of this “reactivated” enzyme is in fact decreased. The loss in secondary structure and the enzyme activity of the “reactivated” aryl sulfatase A is prevented in the presence of sulfate ions. Turnover-modified rabbit liver aryl sulfatase A behaves as a very fragile molecule.
Cholesterol limits estrogen uptake by liposomes and erythrocyte membranes

Abstract Multilamellar vesicles (MLV) were prepared from phospholipids with and without cholesterol in equimolar amounts and [4- 14 C]estradiol. Unincorporated estrogen was removed by petroleum ether extraction or by aqueous buffer washes. In either case, cholesterol-containing vesicles incorporated one-half the estradiol as vesicles without sterol. Addition of estradiol to preformed vesicles followed by buffer washes showed that vesicles without cholesterol invariably retained more estradiol than those with the sterol. Reduction of the cholesterol content to one-half increased estradiol incorporation. The pattern of estradiol removal from MLV with successive buffer washes indicated that much of the steroid associated with cholesterol-containing vesicles was superficially bound to the membrane but vesicles without cholesterol incorporated the estrogen into the bilayer structure. To test the role of cholesterol in limiting the uptake of an estrogen by cells, right-side out resealed ghosts of ox erythrocytes were prepared. They were partially depleted of cholesterol by exposure to small unilamellar vesicles of dioleoylphosphatidyl choline. A decrease in cholesterol content correlates with an increase in estradiol uptake by red cell ghosts. The experiments described point to a central role of cholesterol in limiting the uptake of steroids. The loss of cholesterol of steroid producing cells caused by tropic hormones may be key to their mode of action in promoting secretion of steroid hormones. Likewise, the long-term genomic responses of steroid target cells may depend upon their cholesterol content and the case by which the steroid can penetrate the membrane barrier.
The emerging European arms control arena

(1991). The emerging European arms control arena. Arms Control: Vol. 12, European Security without the Soviet Union, pp. 51-59.
The catalytic effect of bound extracellular polymeric substances excreted by anaerobic microorganisms on Ca-Mg carbonate precipitation: Implications for the "dolomite problem"

Because of its rare occurrence in modern sediments, as well as the difficulty in synthesizing it under low-temperature conditions in the laboratory, the origin of sedimentary dolomite has remained a long-standing enigma, often referred to as the “dolomite problem.” Recently, anaerobic microorganisms, such as sulfate-reducing bacteria and methanogens, have been recognized for mediating dolomite precipitation. However, the exact role of microorganisms in dolomite crystallization is still under debate and the possible involvement of anaerobic fermenting bacteria has not been studied. In this study, we characterized the effect of purified non-metabolizing biomass and bound extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) of a natural consortium of anaerobic microorganisms dominated by fermenting bacteria and sulfate-reducing bacteria on Ca-Mg carbonate precipitation. This natural consortium was enriched from sediments of Deep Springs Lake, California, where dolomite is still precipitating. Our data show that disordered dolomite, a precursor of some sedimentary stoichiometric ordered dolomite, can be precipitated in calcite-seeded Ca-Mg carbonate solutions containing purified non-metabolizing consortium biomass. Bound EPS extracted from the consortium culture were shown to be the active component that triggered the crystallization of disordered dolomite. Further experiments show that purified non-metabolizing biomass from pure cultures of both anaerobic fermenting and sulfate-reducing bacteria closely related to those organisms present in the consortium could also catalyze the precipitation of disordered dolomite. This study contributes to the understanding of the “dolomite problem” by revealing (1) the catalytic effect of bound EPS on Ca-Mg carbonate crystallization and (2) the possible involvement of anaerobic fermenting bacteria in sedimentary dolomite formation, which has not been reported previously.
Geodetic measurement of deformation in the central Mojave Desert, California

Data from triangulation and trilateration surveys made during 1934-1982 are used to calculate shear strain rates in the central Mojave Desert of California. For the region between the Helendale and Camp Rock faults the shear strain rate was determined to be 0.16 + or - 0.03 microstrain/yr, with maximum right-lateral shear strain occurring on a plane oriented N41 deg W + or - 5 deg. If this deformation is due to right-lateral motion across the northwest trending local faults, the average shear straining corresponds to a relative displacement of 6.7 + or - 1.3 mm/yr across this portion of the network, accounting for about 12 percent of the predicted 56 mm/yr of relative motion between the North Atlantic and Pacific plates. From the Camp Rock fault eastward across the network there is a transition from significant to very low strain rates. Examination of nine focal mechanisms and their relation to the local geology and the strain data suggests that most of the long-term displacement occurs on the major northwest trending faults oriented nearly along the direction of relative motion between the North American and Pacific plates. Secondary faulting, controlled by a Coulomb-Anderson failure mechanism or by slip on preexisting faults can account for the occurrence of earthquakes on faults of other orientations.
A further characterization of the cinnamon gene in Drosophila melanogaster

The X-linked, xanthine dehydrogenase (XDH) deficient cinnamon (cin, 1-0.0) eye color mutant of Drosophila melanogaster is a female sterile and as a result, cannot be maintained as a homozygous stock. Since the eye color of cin progeny from heterozygous females is maternally affected, genotypically cin flies have a wild type eye color. Supplementation of the culture medium with 0.02% allopurinol (4-hydroxypyrazolo (3,4-d), pyrimidine) (an XDH inhibitor) causes maternally affected cin flies to express a fully mutant eye color while it has no effect on the eye color of wild type flies. Using an allopurinol screening system we successfully induced two new alleles cin3 and cin4 with ethyl methane sulfonate (EMS). cin3 is more severe than cin4 and cin with respect to three cin phenotypes suggesting that cin and cin4 are leaky. cin3 mutants have no greater levels of XDH throughout development than do maternally affected ma-l flies while cin and cin4 have higher XDH levels as late as the 96 h pupa. Using overlapping deficiencies and duplications, an unequivocal order of genes mapping at the tip of the X-chromosome (1-0.0) was obtained: l(1)J1, cin, arth, y, ac, sc and svr. Gynandromorphs marked with cin and y were employed to demonstrate that the action of cin+ is non-autonomous. A selection scheme using a combination of allopurinol and purine which renders cin flies conditionally lethal is described.