cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Mice suppress malaria infection by sampling a "bitter' chemotherapy agent.

Abstract Rodents have evolved a variety of feeding strategies for maintaining physiological homeostasis. We examined the possibility that mice possess behavioural mechanisms for counteracting parasite-related diseases. We used an inbred strain of laboratory mouse (BALB/c), a murine-specific malaria parasite ( Plasmodium berghei berghei ), and a ‘bitter’ chemotherapy agent (chloroquine) as our model system. We asked whether the infected mice would ingest an unpalatable chloroquine solution, and, if so, whether they would benefit from doing so. Seven days after infecting the experimental mice with the parasites, we provided them with a choice between two water bottles; one contained water and the other a 1 mM chloroquine solution. We monitored their daily consumption from both bottles, and progression of the malaria infection by tracking changes in the percentage of parasitemia of red blood cells and mortality. We had two control groups: one had access to chloroquine but were not infected (no-malaria mice), and the other was infected but did not have access to chloroquine (no-chloroquine mice). The experimental mice showed significantly less parasitemia and mortality than the no-chloroquine mice. The ability of the experimental mice to contain the malaria infection was determined by the fact that they took approximately 20% of their fluid from the chloroquine solution. We found, however, that this chloroquine consumption was not caused by the malaria infection because the no-malaria mice ingested statistically similar amounts of the chloroquine solution. Upon examining the literature, we discovered many other examples of apparently healthy mammals sampling a diverse range of ‘bitter’ substances. We conclude that the tendency to sample different ‘bitter’ substances is widespread among mammals, and may constitute a feedforward mechanism for chemoprophylaxis against parasitic infections and other illnesses.
Bronchial perforation after closed-tube endotracheal suction***

Iatrogenic bronchial perforation is an uncommon complication in intubated premature infants. The authors present 2 cases of bronchial perforation caused by closed-tube endotracheal suction catheters. These presented in the first 3 days of life with pneumothorax requiring chest tube placement. Medical management was unsuccessful because of the high-volume air leak present and surgical intervention was required. A bronchial perforation of the right lower bronchus was identified in both cases and was repaired in the second case. This represents the first report in the literature of iatrogenic bronchial perforation in premature infants by closed-tube endotracheal suctioning catheters. Bronchial perforation requires early recognition and prompt repair if successful outcome is to be obtained.
Turning the tables for chemists

Calculated Molecular Properties of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons. By Ronald A. Hites andWilliam J. Simonsick Jr. Elsevier: 1987. Pp. 272. Dfl. 260, $126.75.
Deciphering Deazapurine Biosynthesis: Pathway for Pyrrolopyrimidine Nucleosides Toyocamycin and Sangivamycin

Pyrrolopyrimidine nucleosides analogs, collectively referred to as deazapurines, are an important class of structurally diverse compounds found in a wide variety of biological niches. In this report, a cluster of genes from Streptomyces rimosus (ATCC 14673) involved in production of the deazapurine antibiotics sangivamycin and toyocamycin was identified. The cluster includes toyocamycin nitrile hydratase, an enzyme that catalyzes the conversion of toyocamycin to sangivamycin. In addition to this rare nitrile hydratase, the cluster encodes a GTP cyclohydrolase I, linking the biosynthesis of deazapurines to folate biosynthesis, and a set of purine salvage/biosynthesis genes, which presumably convert the guanine moiety from GTP to the adenine-like deazapurine base found in toyocamycin and sangivamycin. The gene cluster presented here could potentially serve as a model to allow identification of deazapurine biosynthetic pathways in other bacterial species.
Crevasses on glaciers 1

Abstract A review of observations on crevasse orientation relative to principal stress or strain rate shows that in many instances crevasses are not aligned in the optimum direction perpendicular to the direction of principal tensile stress. Moreover, a number of studies report the occurrence of strike‐slip motion, with the crevasse walls moving parallel to each other. These observations cannot be explained by the conventional model for crevasse formation, introduced over a century ago by William Hopkins. Instead, it is proposed that crevasses are the manifestation of mixed‐mode fracturing, combining the opening mode usually associated with crevassing, with the shearing mode, which is equivalent to strike‐slip faulting. In a biaxial stress field, the crevasse will tend to orient itself in the optimum direction, thus minimizing the shearing motion, but this direction is achieved asymptotically. This means that on glaciers subject to tension and lateral shear, the orientation of crevasses may differ by up t...
The Uminschodent skull holder

Abstract The Uminschodent skull holder, designed originally to facilitate extensive use of mounted human skulls in preclinical intraoral roentgenology teaching-training programs, should encourage more extensive new uses as well as enhance and facilitate traditional uses of the human skull. The device permits uncomplicated, easy attachment and removal of skulls of a broad spectrum of sizes and forms, holds skulls tightly with no slipping under moderate working force and pressure, permits 360-degree axial rotation of the mounted skull and locking in any position, permits 180-degree axial inclination in any plane and locking in any position, and permits functional positioning of the mounted skull, regardless of the spatial orientation of the support base to which the base clamp is attached.
Plasmodium berghei: the spleen in sporozoite-induced immunity to mouse malaria.

Abstract A/J mice were splenectomized (Splx) or sham-splenectomized (SSplx) prior to administration of a single injection of irradiated sporozoites. Following challenge 7 days after immunization, it was found that none of the splenectomized mice were protected whereas 50% of the sham-splenectomized and intact animals were resistant to challenge. In another series of experiments similar groups, along with mice splenectomized just prior to challenge, were injected with 1.5 × 105 irradiated sporozoites over a 5 week period. This resulted in protection of (1) 60–100% of the animals splenectomized before immunization, and (2) 90–100% protection of the animals splenectomized prior to challenge, as well as the intact and sham-splenectomized mice. Serum levels of antisporozoite antibodies (CSP and SNA) increased during immunization of the intact animals. Only 15–20% of the animals splenectomized prior to immunization presented positive CSP reactions and little if any sporozoite neutralizing activity (SNA) was detected. Serum from intact animals immunized and found resistant to sporozoite challenge was used for passive transfer studies. Immune serum recipients were challenged with small numbers of sporozoites. Only one out of 18 recipients was protected against sporozoite challenge.
Proto-CIRCUS tilted-coil tokamak–torsatron hybrid: Design and construction

Abstract We present the field-line modeling, design, and construction of a prototype circular-coil tokamak–torsatron hybrid called Proto-CIRCUS. The device has a major radius R = 16 cm and minor radius a
Effects of Added CO2 on the Dynamics of Poly(dimethylsiloxane) Oligomers Dissolved in a ϑ Solvent and a Poor Solvent

We report on the tail−tail cyclization and unfolding kinetics of a poly(dimethylsiloxane) oligomer that is end-labeled with pyrene (Py−PDMS−Py) when it is dissolved at low concentration in liquid e...
Remarks on invariant measures for number theoretic transformations

A sufficient condition for the existence of an invariant measure is given that is useful in number theory. A connection with a problem of Blum is pointed out. Kuzmin's theorem is considered from an operator point of view, and the Chacon-Ornstein theorem is applied to give almost everywhere Cesaro convergence to the density of the invariant measure.
Partial sensing coverage with connectivity in lattice wireless sensor networks

In this work, we investigate the partial sensing coverage with connectivity problem in structured lattice wireless sensor networks WSNs through mathematically modelling, theoretical derivation, computer-based simulations, and performance evaluation. Two popular patterns square and equilateral triangle are considered. We found: 1 a noticeable amount of sensors can be saved in lattice WSNs if a small percentage of application-tolerable sensing coverage is sacrificed; 2 there exists a threshold partial sensing coverage, π/4, belowwhich both square and triangle patterns require the same amount of sensors, above which the triangle pattern is superior; 3 deployment pattern impacts the network detectability and 15.47% more sensors are required to guarantee the worst-case detectability in a triangular lattice WSN; and 4 there exists a critical ratio of communication range to sensing range in employing partial sensing coverage to trade for deployment efficiency. Simulation outcomes are shown to validate the analysis.
Emissions impacts and benefits of plug-in hybrid electric vehicles and vehicle-to-grid services.

Plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) have been promoted as a potential technology to reduce emissions of greenhouse gases and other pollutants by using electricity instead of petroleum, and by ...
Acute and chronic toxicity of potassium acid saccharate.

The acute oral or intraperitoneal toxicity of potassium acid saccharate is extremely low. No toxic effects or fatalities were observed in rats receiving as much as 2 Gm./Kg. in a single dose of a solution of potassium acid saccharate previously neutralized to reduce irritation. Rats fed diets containing 2 per cent or less potassium acid saccharate for approximately two hundred and ten gys showed no untoward effect as judged by general appearance, growth, the amount of food consumed, mortality, organ weights, and microscopical examination of visceral organs.
Coexistence of photosynthetic microorganisms with growth rates depending on the spectral quality of light

A new equation for the growth rate of photosynthetic microorganisms is derived. It is based on a series formulation of the mechanism of photosynthesis and it has the form of a functional of the spectral qualities of light. Using this functional to model their growth it is shown that populations of photosynthetic microorganisms can coexist in the same homogeneous environment even though they compete for the available light.
Working memory in bisphenol-A treated middle-aged ovariectomized rats

Abstract Over 90% of the U.S. population has detectable bisphenol-A (BPA) in their urine according to recent biomonitoring data. BPA is best known for its estrogenic properties, and most rodent research on the nervous system effects of BPA has focused on determining if chronic exposures during pre- and perinatal development have organizational effects on brain development and behavior. Estrogens also have important impacts on brain and behavior during adulthood, particularly in females during aging, but the impact of BPA on the adult brain is less studied. We have published a series of studies documenting that chronic exposure to various estrogens including 17β-estradiol, ERβ selective SERMs and soy phytoestrogens impairs performance of middle-aged female rats on an operant working memory task. The purpose of this study was to determine if chronic oral exposure to BPA would alter working memory on this same task. Ovariectomized (OVX) middle-aged Long Evans rats were tested on an operant delayed spatial alternation (DSA) task. Rats were treated for 8–10 weeks with either a 0 (vehicle control), 5 or 50 μg/kg bw/day oral bolus of BPA. A subset of the vehicle control rats was implanted with a Silastic implant containing 17β-estradiol (low physiological range) to serve as a positive control. All rats were tested for 25 sessions on the DSA task. BPA treatment did not influence performance accuracy on the DSA task, whereas 17β-estradiol significantly impaired performance, as previously reported. The results of this study suggest that chronic oral exposure to BPA does not alter working memory processes of middle-aged OVX rats assessed by this operant DSA task.
Music perception in cochlear implant users and its relationship with psychophysical capabilities.

This article describes issues concerning music perception with cochlear implants, discusses why music perception is usually poor in cochlear implant users, reviews relevant data, and describes approaches for improving music perception with cochlear implants. Pitch discrimination ability ranges from the ability to hear a one-semitone difference to a two-octave difference. The ability to hear rhythm and tone duration is near normal in implantees. Timbre perception is usually poor, but about two-thirds of listeners can identify instruments in a closed set better than chance. Cochlear implant recipients typically have poor melody perception but are aided with rhythm and lyrics. Without rhythm or lyrics, only about one-third of implantees can identify common melodies in a closed set better than chance. Correlations have been found between music perception ability and speech understanding in noisy environments. Thus, improving music perception might also provide broader clinical benefit. A number of approaches have been proposed to improve music perception with implant users, including encoding fundamental frequency with modulation, “current-steering,” MP3-like processing, and nerve “conditioning.” If successful, these approaches could improve the quality of life for implantees by improving communication and musical and environmental awareness.
Altered intestinal microbial flora and impaired epithelial barrier structure and function in CKD: the nature, mechanisms, consequences and potential treatment

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) results in systemic inflammation and oxidative stress which play a central role in CKD progression and its adverse consequences. Although many of the causes and consequences of oxidative stress and inflammation in CKD have been extensively explored, little attention had been paid to the intestine and its microbial flora as a potential source of these problems. Our recent studies have revealed significant disruption of the colonic, ileal, jejunal and gastric epithelial tight junction in different models of CKD in rats. Moreover, the disruption of the epithelial barrier structure and function found in uremic animals was replicated in cultured human colonocytes exposed to uremic human plasma in vitro We have further found significant changes in the composition and function of colonic bacterial flora in humans and animals with advanced CKD. Together, uremia-induced impairment of the intestinal epithelial barrier structure and function and changes in composition of the gut microbiome contribute to the systemic inflammation and uremic toxicity by accommodating the translocation of endotoxin, microbial fragments and other noxious luminal products in the circulation. In addition, colonic bacteria are the main source of several well-known pro-inflammatory uremic toxins such as indoxyl sulfate, p-cresol sulfate, trimethylamine-N-oxide and many as-yet unidentified retained compounds in end-stage renal disease patients. This review is intended to provide an overview of the effects of CKD on the gut microbiome and intestinal epithelial barrier structure and their role in the pathogenesis of systemic inflammation and uremic toxicity. In addition, potential interventions aimed at mitigating these abnormalities are briefly discussed.
Ventricular Wall Stress and Pump Function of Ventricular Septal Defect of Congenital Heart Defects

About 36,000 infants are born each year with a congenital heart defect (CHD) and charges for treatment surpass $2.2 billion for inpatient surgery alone. Of many different types of CHDs, ventricular septal defect (VSD) is the most common class (∼1/3 of CHDs) of heart deformity present at birth. Though many close spontaneously and rarely require treatment, VSD still accounts for ∼15% of defects requiring an invasive procedure within the first year of life [1]. Generally, the ventricular performance is indexed by geometry, shape, diastolic and systolic function, and myocardial contractility [2]. Ejection fraction (EF) and end-systolic (ES) wall stress also used to assess the ventricular function [3–5]. Ratcliffe and Guy suggested that the assessment of LV function focusing on indices of systolic function, such as EF and contractility (EES), is misleading because the shift of end-systolic pressure-volume relationship (ESPVR) and increase/decrease in EES and coincident shift of end-diastolic pressure-volume relationship (EDPVR) may result in pseudo increase/decrease of EF even though there may not be any significant change in true LV function (i.e., Starling relationship) [6]. Though Sagawa and associates proposed the ESPVR as a reliable index of intrinsic systolic function [7], it requires derivation of the pressure-volume relationship at different loading conditions by using a noninotropic vasoconstrictor or vasodilator. This may consequently enforce a significant burden on infants with a failing heart. Moreover, irreversible complication of muscle structure can be generated [8–10]. Thus, rigorous quantification of the pump function associated with mechanics has been hindered especially for infants.Copyright © 2009 by ASME
Contact, Encounter, and Exchange at Esalen: A Window onto Late Twentieth-Century American Spirituality

Approximately 20 percent of Americans today resist traditional religious classification and practice a personalized, eclectic faith. California9s Esalen Institute reflects this development. Since its inception in 1962, this human potential center, which drew on San Francisco9s vibrant East-West scene, has offered a cornucopia of spiritual possibilities. Leaders and participants from around the world shared religious beliefs and scientific theories there. Through these exchanges, Esalen, both a physical and spiritual borderland along the Pacific Rim, served as an experimental hothouse for germinating a variety of religious hybrids and contributed to the changing nature of religion in late twentieth-century America. In the process, it helped revitalize religious notions within a scientific culture. By highlighting this cross-fertilization of ideas and practices, this article adds to our understanding of the dynamic process in which religion is made, remade, and rejuvenated by combining and adding beliefs and practices.
Making place: humans as dedications in Tiwanaku

The character of dedication assemblages is frequently linked to the specific place and social context in which they are deposited. At the site of Tiwanaku, political and ceremonial center of a prehispanic state that influenced much of the South American Andes for several centuries (ad 500–1150), human dedications shaped the significance of built ritual environments. We compare the treatment and deposition of human remains in two ritual contexts at Tiwanaku: Akapana and Akapana East. In Akapana, some human remains took on the significance of human sacrifices and, in Akapana East, they appear to have been carefully curated ancestors. In the one, they represented elite bids for power and the encompassing identity of the emerging Tiwanaku community and, in the other, they embodied the common identity of a local residential group. Through human dedications, architectural constructions came to embody the identity of scaled social communities, ultimately uniting the diverse groups, elite and commoner, who inhabi...
The role of Rab GTPases in the transport of vacuoles containing Legionella pneumophila and Coxiella burnetii

Intracellular pathogens survive in eukaryotic cells by evading a variety of host defences. To avoid degradation through the endocytic pathway, intracellular bacteria must adapt their phagosomes into protective compartments that promote bacterial replication. Legionella pneumophila and Coxiella burnetii are Gram-negative intracellular pathogens that remodel their phagosomes by co-opting components of the host cell, including Rab GTPases. L. pneumophila and C. burnetii are related phylogenetically and share an analogous type IV secretion system for delivering bacterial effectors into the host cell. Some of these effectors mimic eukaryotic biochemical activities to recruit and modify Rabs at the vacuole. In the present review, we cover how these bacterial species, which utilize divergent strategies to establish replicative vacuoles, use translocated proteins to manipulate host Rabs, as well as exploring which Rabs are implicated in vacuolar biogenesis in these two organisms.
Influence of deposit morphology on the kinetics of copper cementation on pure iron

Abstract The kinetics of copper cementation on pure iron substrates were studied using a rotating disc geometry. The effect of rotational speed of the iron disc, copper ion concentration, hydrogen ion concentration, and temperature on the kinetic response was investigated. The range of each parameter studied was selected with some consideration for commercial operations for copper recovery using iron as the precipitant metal. The optimum values of each parameter for maximum cementation rate were determined. At low temperatures (10–30°C), an experimental activation energy of 22.89 kcal mol −1 was calculated indicating that the system is strongly controlled by a surface reaction mechanism or pore diffusion process. At high temperatures (30–60°C), an experimental activation energy of 7.94 kcal mol −1 was obtained which shows that the system may be controlled by both diffusion and surface reaction mechanisms. The deposits obtained were pure copper and not a copper-iron alloy. The total iron consumption, presented as can factor, was around 1.0. The structural characteristics of the resultant deposits were studied with the help of a scanning electron microscope. The structure and morphology of the deposits were analyzed in conjunction with their respective specific rate constants. A change in the surface roughness of the rotating disc and hence in the effective deposition surface area as a result of modification to the deposit morphology obtained for different experimental conditions was found to be the major reason for variations in the reaction rate. For the experimental conditions employed in this study, most of the deposits seen were bulbous or botryoidal crystal masses of different degrees of texture and size.
The simultaneous determination of C, Cl, Br and I in organic compounds by gas chromatography

Abstract Organic halogen compounds were combusted at 800° to CO 2 , H 2 O, Cl 2 , Br 2 and I 2 using a modified Pregl method. H 2 O was removed using anhydrous CaSO 4 , and the remaining gases were trapped at liquid N 2 temperatures. The trapped gases were vaporized and the components separated by gas chromatography. 33% silicone stopcock grease on Chromosorb P, acid-washed (30–60) was used at 68° with He as a carrier gas. O 2 and S do not interfere. The relative standard deviation is less than ±0.3%.
Anion Chain Structure Controlled Behavior of Phase Transition in Quasi-Two-Dimensional Organic Metal (EDT-TTF)4[Hg3I8]1−x

The correlation between the structure of anionic chains in crystals of quasi-two-dimensional organic metal (EDT-TTF)4[Hg3I8]1−x and the type of phase transition (metal−superconductor or metal–insulator) was found. Crystal structures of four single crystals of ethylenedithiotetrathiafulvalene (EDT-TTF) octaiodomercurate, which differed in the resistivity behavior, were determined at 90 K. The crystals 1–3 underwent a superconducting transition: Crystal 1 became a superconductor at ambient pressure, and crystals 2 and 3 became superconductors at 0.3 kbar. Crystal 4 underwent a metal–insulator transition. It was shown that 1–3 have a nonstoichiometric composition, (EDT-TTF)4[Hg3I8]1−x, while 4 has a stoichiometric composition (EDT-TTF)4Hg3I8. In all of the crystals, the structures are formed by conducting β-like layers of EDT-TTF and insulating layers built of {[Hg3I8]2−}∞ chains, in which the [Hg2I6]2− anions alternate with the HgI2 molecules. In 4, the chains are fully ordered. In 1–3, the [Hg3I8]2− units ...
Enhancing the Experience of Community: Creativity in Group Work.

Abstract Dramatic changes in American society pose serious challenges to creating and maintaining a sense of community. The need to span the barriers, accept, and rejoice in both our similarities and differences and the courage to accept our interdependence are critical for the future of our nation. To realize true community requires creativity in thought and action. Creativity helps individuals to become more self-aware and promote a sense of social interest. This process can best occur in a group setting as people work together to create change. The purpose of this article is to present a rationale for how creativity facilitates the development of self and community and how group counseling is an effective modality for realizing these goals.
Periaqueductal gray neurons monosynaptically innervate extranuclear noradrenergic dendrites in the rat pericoerulear region

Previous reports using light microscopy have provided anatomical evidence that neurons in the ventrolateral periaqueductal gray (PAG) innervate the medial pericoerulear dendrites of noradrenergic neurons in the nucleus locus coeruleus (LC). The present study used anterograde tracing and electron microscopic analysis to provide more definitive evidence that neurons in the ventrolateral PAG form synapses with the somata or dendrites of noradrenergic LC neurons. Deposits of either biotinylated dextran amine or Phaseolus vulgaris leucoagglutinin into the rat ventrolateral PAG labeled a moderate to high number of axons in the region of the medial pericoerulear region and Barrington's nucleus, but a relatively low number were labeled in the nuclear core of the LC. Ultrastructural analysis of anterogradely labeled terminals at the levels of the rostral (n = 233) and caudal (n = 272) subdivisions of the LC indicated that approximately 20% of these form synapses with tyrosine hydroxylase-immunoreactive dendrites; most of these were located in the medial pericoerulear region. In rostral sections, about 12% of these were symmetric synapses, 9% were asymmetric synapses, and 79% were membrane appositions without clear synaptic specializations. In caudal sections, about 30% were symmetric synapses, 11% were asymmetric synapses, and 59% were appositions. In both rostral and caudal sections, 60% of the anterogradely labeled terminals formed synapses with noncatecholamine dendrites, and 20% formed axoaxonic synapses. These results provide direct evidence for monosynaptic projections from neurons in the ventrolateral PAG to the extranuclear dendrites of noradrenergic LC neurons. This monosynaptic pathway may mediate in part the analgesia, reduced responsiveness to external stimuli, and decreased excitability of somatic motoneurons produced by stimulation of neurons in the ventrolateral PAG.
Effect of photoperiod on metabolic rate in a subtropical population of Drosophila melanogaster.

1. Descendents of a Florida, U.S.A. population of Drosophila melanogaster were reared under short (8 hr light: 16 hr dark) and long (16 hr light: 8 hr dark) photoperiods. 2. Flies reared under short photoperiods had higher rates of metabolism at 21 degrees C. 3. Because genetic background (iso-female line) affects metabolic rates, statistical control through analysis of covariance was necessary to isolate the effects of photoperiod on metabolic rates. 4. These results on a subtropical population of D. melanogaster are similar to those found on a temperate population of the same species.
Decay of the γ-vibrational band in 250Cf

Abstract Measurements were made of the energies and intensities of the transitions which de-excite the γ-vibrational band in 250Cf following beta decay of 250Bk. The use of a Ge(Li) γ-ray detector with accurately calibrated relative efficiency permitted the determination of branching ratios to good precision. These branching ratios were analysed in terms of the band mixing parameter, Z. It was found that all the B(E2) ratios are consistent with a single Z-value of 0.0175 ± 0.0020.
Probability and certainty: A reexamination of the Lewis-Reichenbach debate

I have shown as promised that Reichenbach did not refute either thesis (I) or thesis (II). I have also shown that an argument of Lewis's may be used to establish a weakened version of (I) that has two interesting consequences: if we are to assign probabilities with any justification at all, we must have either certainties or intrinsic probabilities; and if we are frequentists, we must have certainties.
Intraoperative irradiation in a rat model: Histopathological changes in irradiated segments of duodenum

During intraoperative radiation therapy for carcinoma of the head of the pancreas in humans, a portion of duodenum is often at risk for radiation-induced complications because of its fixed anatomical position within the treatment field. This study was undertaken to determine the feasibility of using the rat as a model to determine the radiotolerance of normal mammalian duodenum. The procedures used to exteriorize and irradiate a selected segment of duodenum are described. Histopathologic changes in 5-cm segments of midduodenum were studied 14 and 28 days after 0, 30, 40, or 50 Gy X-radiation. Complete denudation of the epithelium and thickening of the muscularis and serosal layers occurred in all irradiated segments by day 14. By day 28, even though crypt and villus architectures were atypical, large areas of epithelial regeneration were seen in rats receiving 30 Gy. In contrast, complete denudation of the epithelium were still evident along most of the length of the irradiated segments in rats receiving 40 or 50 Gy. Serosal fibrosis was prominent in all irradiated animals, regardless of dose. These results indicate that radiation doses above 30 Gy carry high risks of complications. The rat is considered a suitable animal model.
Amino‐terminal identity of co‐existent amyloid and non‐amyloid immunoglobulin κ light chain deposits. A human disease to study alterations of protein conformation

Tissue deposition of monoclonal immunoglobulin light chains is a serious complication in some patients with B cell proliferative disorders. The deposits are typically fibrillar and Congophilic in amyloid (AL) and non-fibrillar and Congophobic in light chain deposition disease (LCDD), and rarely coexist in the same patient. From post-mortem tissue of an individual with fibrillar and non-fibrillar κ light chain deposits in different sites, we separately extracted and analysed biochemically and immunochemically the non-amyloid deposits from isolated glomeruli, the amyloid from isolated renal arteries and the amyloid from myocardium in which the only deposits were amyloid restricted to mural arteries. Western blotting analysis of both the extracted amyloid and the non-amyloid deposits demonstrated 25-kD bands immunoreactive with anti-κ antibody, and the identity of the N-terminal amino acid sequences that belong to the variable region κIV light chain subgroup. This is the first human disease in which antigenically similar but morphologically different deposits have been separately biochemically analysed. We propose that combined LCDD and AL is an ideal human disease to study the relationships and the factors that influence the conversion of non-amyloidogenic to amyloidogenic conformations.
Dose selection using a semi-mechanistic integrated glucose-insulin-glucagon model: designing phase 2 trials for a novel oral glucokinase activator.

Selecting dosing regimens for phase 2 studies for a novel glucokinase activator LY2599506 is challenging due to the difficulty in modeling and assessing hypoglycemia risk. A semi-mechanistic integrated glucose-insulin-glucagon (GIG) model was developed in NONMEM based on pharmacokinetic, glucose, insulin, glucagon, and meal data obtained from a multiple ascending dose study in patients with Type 2 diabetes mellitus treated with LY2599506 for up to 26 days. The series of differential equations from the NONMEM model was translated into an R script to prospectively predict 24-h glucose profiles following LY2599506 treatment for 3 months for a variety of doses and dosing regimens. The reduction in hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) at the end of the 3-month treatment was estimated using a transit compartment model based on the simulated fasting glucose values. Two randomized phase 2 studies, one with fixed dosing and the other employing conditional dose titration were conducted. The simulation suggested that (1) Comparable HbA1c lowering with lower hypoglycemia risk occurs with titration compared to fixed-dosing; and (2) A dose range of 50–400 mg BID provides either greater efficacy or lower hypoglycemia incidence or both than glyburide. The predictions were in reasonable agreement with the observed clinical data. The model predicted HbA1c reduction and hypoglycemia risk provided the basis for the decision to focus on the dose-titration trial and for the selection of doses for the demonstration of superiority of LY2599506 to glyburide. The integrated GIG model represented a valuable tool for the evaluation of hypoglycemia incidence.
Magnetic characteristics of R2Fe14B systems prepared with high purity rare earths (R =Y, Nd, Sm or Gd)☆

Commercially procured rare earth metals frequently contain 2–5 atomic per cent oxygen. Rare earth intermetallic compounds prepared from these materials with compositions estimated by synthesis can significantly deviate from the intended composition. Several R2Fe14B systems have been synthesized using rare earth metals obtained from the Ames Laboratory which typically contain <25 ppm oxygen (by weight) and their fun damental magnetic properties determined. Curie temperatures range from 565 (for Y2Fe14B) to 669 K (for Gd2Fe14B). Anisotropy fields (20 C) range from 27 to 71 kOe. Results for Y2Fe14B and Gd2Fe14B suggest that about 40% of the anisotropy in Nd2Fe14B originates with the Fe sublattice. The Fe moment in these systems exceeds by a small margin that of elemental Fe, suggesting that B is acting as an electron donor. The Nd moment in Nd2Fe14B is estimated as 3.0 μB, which is 92% of the free ion moment. The NdFe and GdFe couplings are ferromagnetic and antiferromagnetic, respectively. Coupling for these systems conforms to the systematics observed earlier for simpler rare earth intermetallics.
Structural analysis of wild‐type and mutant yeast calmodulins by limited proteolysis and electrospray ionization mass spectrometry

Calmodulin from Saccharomyces cerevisiae was expressed in Escherichia coli and purified. The purified protein was structurally characterized using limited proteolysis followed by ESI mass spectrometry to identify the fragments. In the presence of Ca2+, yeast calmodulin is sequentially cleaved at arginine 126, then lysine 115, and finally at lysine 77. The rapid cleavage at Arg-126 suggests that the fourth Ca(2+)-binding loop does not bind Ca2+. In the presence of EGTA, yeast calmodulin is more susceptible to proteolysis and is preferentially cleaved at Lys-106. In addition, mutant proteins carrying I100N, E104V or both mutations, which together confer temperature sensitivity to yeast, were characterized. The mutant proteins are more susceptible than wild-type calmodulin to proteolysis, suggesting that each mutation disrupts the structure of calmodulin. Furthermore, whereas wild-type calmodulin is cut at Lys-106 only in the presence of EGTA, this cleavage site is accessible in the mutants in the presence of Ca2+ as well. In these ways, the structural consequence of each mutation mimics the loss of a calcium ion in the third loop. In addition, although wild-type calmodulin binds to four proteins in a yeast crude extract in the presence of Ca2+, the mutants bind only to a subset of these. Thus, the inability to adopt the stable Ca(2+)-bound conformation in the third Ca(2+)-binding loop alters the ability of calmodulin to interact with yeast proteins in a Ca(2+)-dependent manner.
Equipment for the Measurement of Visual Evoked Cortical Potentials

This material on equipment necessary for measuring visual evoked cortical potential responses is not intended to be encyclopedic, but rather attempts to represent the most "optimal" components available from those companies known to the author who responded to requests for information about their products. Additional information on accessories or other options available through each company can be obtained by further inquiry.
Reaction of cyclopropa[b]naphthalene with 3He@C60

The adduct (I) formed by the reaction of the diradical obtained by heating cyclopropa[b]naphthalene with 3He-labeled C60 has been characterized. The corresponding 1h, 13C, and 3He NMR spectra are reported.
Plasticity in morphology, proximate composition, and energy content of Hygrophila polysperma (Roxb.) Anders

Abstract Submerged Hygrophila polysperma (Roxb.) Anders. were collected in September 1987. Apical shoots were planted in prepared soil and grown under controlled conditions either in water (submerged) or air (emerged). Submerged plants grew little. Emerged shoots differed in morphology (more numerous short, broad leaves, shorter internodes, relatively more development of the roots), growth (greater for all plant components), and proximate composition (higher level of structural carbohydrate in the stem, higher level of soluble carbohydrate and lower level of protein in the leaves) from submerged shoots. The response of H. polysperma in terms of the allocation of the energy of production following transfer of the shoots to emerged conditions reflects an increase in availability of light and CO 2 and a decrease in available water in the emerged habitat.
Computing Optimal Trajectories for Medical Treatment Planning and Optimization

In this paper we discuss approximation algorithms for the 2- dimensional weighted regions optimal penetration problem and propose a heuristic for speeding up the computation. The problem asks to find a ray (direction, trajectory) to access a target region in a weighted subdivision, such that some weighted distance function over the regions intersected by the ray is minimized.
Correlative electron-microscope and biochemical studies on the effect of estradiol on the rat ventral prostate

Normal adult albino rats were injected intramuscularly, each second day, with estradiol, and observations were recorded on the first, fourth and on the eighth day after the administration of this hormone. The most evident effect of estradiol on the epithelial cells of the ventral prostate of the rat consists in a gradual collapse of the normal dilated cisternae of the endoplasmic reticulum. This can be judged from the presence of flattened profiles and zones of constriction in the cisternae which have still remained dilated. Most of the granules present in the vicinity of the Golgi region and in the apical pole of the normal cell tend to disappear, and the large vacuoles which are normal constituents of the Golgi complex become less evident. The progressive collapse of the endoplasmic reticulum was accompanied by a progressive decrease in the rate of incorporation of glycine-2-C14 into the proteins.
U.S. Gulf War Veterans : Service periods in theater, differential exposures, and persistent unexplained illness

Approximately 80,000 of the 697,000 American men and women who were stationed in SW Asia during the Gulf War (GW) report unexplained illness consisting of symptoms of persistent fatigue, cognitive difficulties, such as mild memory loss, diffuse muscle and joint pain, gastrointestinal symptoms, skin lesions, and respiratory problems, among others. Associations between major symptom groups and periods of deployment in the theater of operations have been sought in a population-based, clinical case-control study of GW veterans resident in the north-western region of the United States. No statistically significant differences were evident in the proportion of cases with unexplained fatigue, cognitive/psychological or musculoskeletal symptoms among veterans present in SW Asia in 3 specific time periods: (a) 8/1/1990-12/31/1990 (which includes Desert Shield), (b) the period surrounding Desert Storm (1/1/1991-3/31/1991), and (c) the (post-combat) period immediately following hostilities (4/1/1991-7/31/1991). There was a trend for all 3 case symptoms to be more common among GW veterans who served in the post-combat period. As numbers in these deployment groups were small, and power to detect differences low, the apparent absence of significant differences in the frequency of major symptom groups among these veterans requires confirmation in a larger study. Deployment for discrete periods in SW Asia is a method to separate distinct constellations of environmental factors; these are useful for analyses of associations among symptoms and exposures given the near-total absence of objective data on chemical and other possible exposures in the theater of operations.
EHF Fiber Optic-Based Antenna Array

Lightwave circuits have a number of advantages over conventional metallic conductors for both analog and digital signal distributions in a phased array antenna. Potential architectures and system issues involved in implementing a fiber optic based EHF subarray will be discussed.
Assessing the field effectiveness of acceptance and commitment therapy: An example of the manipulated training research method *

Health care reform and managed care have produced a growing emphasis on field effectiveness research. The present paper proposes a simple methodological model for conducting such research that can assimilate all of the setting features of effectiveness questions while not requiring that researchers abandon experimental controls in favor of survey methods. This “manipulated training method” is then applied to an analysis of the field effectiveness of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). Seventeen master's-level therapists and one psychologist (those not receiving training = 10; receiving training = 8) participated in a 1-year project. The training package consisted of a didactic workshop, an intensive clinical training, and monthly supervision groups. Prior to training and following training the clients of all clinicians in the project were assessed. Among other findings, clients of ACT-trained therapists reported significantly better coping than the clients of untrained therapists and were more likely to have completed treatment in the 5 months following initiation of treatment. A structural equation model indicated that ACT training accounted for differential coping outcomes. There was also evidence that training improved clients' self-ratings of psychological acceptance. At 5 months following the initial session, clients of ACT-trained therapists were more likely than clients of untrained therapists to have concluded therapy, and were more likely to agree with their clinician regarding the ongoing status of therapy. Implications for research on clinical effectiveness and technology transfer of behavior therapy are discussed.
The role of low molecular weight organic acids from decomposing rye in inhibiting root-knot nematode populations in soil

Abstract Organic soil amendments have been employed as an alternative to or in combination with, chemical nematicides and cultural practices to control plant-parasitic nematodes. Rye (Secale cereale L.) has been shown to be effective in minimizing the damage caused by root-knot nematodes (Meloidogyne incognita (Kofoid and White) Chitwood) when grown as a cover crop and then incorporated into the soil prior to planting. It has been suggested that the release of low molecular weight organic acids during the decomposition of rye is the cause of the nematicidal effects. This study was conducted to quantify the concentration and persistence of formic, acetic, propionic, butyric, and valeric acids in soil solution following the incorporation of fresh rye foliage. Formic and acetic acids were detected by means of ion exclusion chromatography, primarily in the first 24 h following addition of rye, and at concentrations
Trading agents competing: performance, progress, and market effectiveness

The annual trading agent competition offers agent designers a forum for evaluating programmed trading techniques in a challenging market scenario. TAC aims to spur research by enabling researchers to compare techniques on a common problem and build on each other's ideas. A fixed set of assumptions and environment settings facilitates communication of methods and results. As a multiyear event, TAC lets researchers observe trading agents' progress over time, in effect accelerating the evolution of an adapted population of traders. Given all the participant effort invested, it is incumbent on us to learn as much from the experience as possible. After three years of TAC, we're ready to examine there we stand. To do this, we used data from actual TAC tournaments and some post-competition experimentation. We based our analysis almost entirely on outcomes (profits and allocations), with very little direct accounting for specific agent techniques.
Analysis, simulation, and experiments of rotor eccentricity in closed-loop drive-connected induction motors

This paper focuses on the detection of rotor eccentricity faults in induction motors supplied by a vector-controlled drive. With the vector control, the motor and drive operate in a closed-loop fashion. Their behavior is coupled and their fault harmonics interact, which add significant challenges to fault detection above and beyond those faced by conventional line-connected machines. In this paper, the influence of drive controller and mechanical load on the fault detection is investigated, and a reliable detection scheme is proposed. In addition, a new direct time-stepping finite element model is introduced to incorporate the effects of magnetic nonlinearity into simulation. The simulation and experimental results are presented to validate the feasibility of the new detection method.
Cutting edge: cross-presentation of cell-associated antigens to MHC class I molecule is regulated by a major transcription factor for heat shock proteins.

The ability for the professional APC to cross-present Ag to MHC class I from parenchymal cells is essential for priming as well as tolerance of CD8+ T cells against intracellular Ags. Since cross-presentations of non-cell-associated free Ags are inefficient, the roles of molecular chaperones or heat shock proteins (HSPs) in chaperoning Ags to APCs have been postulated. We herein genetically addressed this hypothesis using mice that were defective of heat shock factor 1 (Hsf1), a major transcription factor for HSPs. Hsf1−/− mice have a decreased expression of several HSPs including HSP90 and HSP70. Using multiple Ag systems, we demonstrated that cross-priming of Ag-specific CD8+ T cells was inefficient when Ag expression was restricted to Hsf1−/− non-APCs. Our study provides the first genetic evidence for the roles of Hsf1 in regulating cross-presentation of MHC class I-associated Ags.