cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
MyD88 Mediates Neutrophil Recruitment Initiated by IL-1R but Not TLR2 Activation in Immunity against Staphylococcus aureus

MyD88 is an important signaling adaptor for both TLR and IL-1R family members. Here, we evaluated the role of TLR2/MyD88 and IL-1R/MyD88 signaling in host defense against S. aureus by using a cutaneous infection model in conjunction with bioluminescent bacteria. We found that lesions of S. aureus-infected MyD88- and IL-1R-deficient mice were substantially larger with higher bacterial counts compared with wild-type mice. In contrast, TLR2-deficient mice had lesions that were only moderately larger with minimally higher bacterial counts. In addition, MyD88- and IL-1R- but not TLR2-deficient mice had severely decreased recruitment of neutrophils to the site of infection. This neutrophil recruitment was not dependent upon IL-1R/MyD88 signaling by recruited bone marrow-derived cells, suggesting that resident skin cells utilize IL-1R/MyD88 signaling to promote neutrophil recruitment.
51.1: Projection Technology and the Emerging Home Theater Market

Projection displays comprise a multibillion-dollar market, served by four distinct technologies. This market is driven by sales of high-volume consumer products and high-value business systems, with different technologies covering various application markets. The consumer market is dominated by rear-CRT technology, especially in the large-screen TV segment, but rear LCD, DLPT, and LCOS projection TVs are now emerging as competitors to rear CRT projectors. Front CRT projectors are mostly confined to the high-end home theater market. While front LCD and the rapidly growing front DLP projectors dominate the business market, front LCOS projectors are obtaining a larger share of the market. Recent developments in projection technology are resulting in improvements in picture quality while enabling a reduction in prices, thus opening up new opportunities in the emerging consumer/home theater market. This paper discusses the trends involving projection technology in the emerging home theater market.
Absorption spectra of solid rare earth complexes obtained from the inner filter effect on luminescence

The inner filter effect is observed in luminescence whenever a second substance is present that has absorptions which overlap the luminescence. This results in a diminution of the luminescence at those wavelengths and is generally observed in solution. In the present communication we show that this effect can be observed when a solid rare earth complex is physically mixed with a solid luminescent organic matrix with which it does not interact. The resulting luminescence is reduced in emission intensity at those wavelengths corresponding to the absorptions of the rare earth ion. This is illustrated with a mixture of Na3[Ho(ODA)3] ·2NaClO4·6H2O and pyrene at 77 K, and it is shown that the absorption spectrum of the holmium complex can be extracted from the luminescence spectrum of pyrene. This absorption spectrum is in good agreement with that obtained by conventional spectroscopy with a single crystal.
A random energy model for size dependence: recurrence vs. transience

We investigate the size dependence of disordered spin models having an infinite number of Gibbs measures in the framework of a simplified 'random energy model for size dependence'. We introduce two versions (involving either independent random walks or branching processes), that can be seen as generalizations of Derrida's random energy model. Our model is shown to exhibit a recurrence/transience transition for Gibbs measures (meaning: a.s. existence/nonexistence of subsequences of volumes converging to a given random infinite volume state), depending on the growthrate of a function MN describing the 'number of extremal Gibbs states that can be observed in a finite volume N'. We investigate the model in detail in the 'critical regime' MN ~ (log N)^p (with critical point p = 1). We obtain the a.s. large volume asymptotics of the relative weights for finding a particular state and we compute the set of a.s. cluster points of the corresponding occupation times (corresponding to the 'empirical metastate'). In the course of the proof we obtain Laws of the Iterated Logarithm for the pair XνN, YνN := supµ=1,2,...,MN;µ≠ν XµN where (XµN)µ=1,...,MN;N=1,2,... is either a branching random walk or a collection of random walks, independent over µ.
Temples Converted into Churches: The Situation in Rome

The intimate connection between religious rites and civic activities in ancient Rome made it imperative that the Christian Church establish early certain tolerant policies. In a society where even granaries and police barracks had altars to guardian deities, where a citizen could not pay taxes, enter a museum, or collect his dole without coming into contact with an official religion, it was impossible to designate certain areas or buildings as “secular” and others as “religious,” to permit entry to some places and forbid it to others. Thus we find Tertullian about 200 A. D. writing in his De Spectaculis : “There is no law forbidding the mere places to us. For not only the places for show-gatherings, but even the temples, may be entered without any peril of his religion by the servant of God, if he has only some honest reason for it. … The places themselves do not contaminate, but what is done in them.” With the adoption of the new religion as that of the State itself, however, the situation changed. Buildings like the Senate chamber, inaugurated as templum and dedicated to the goddess Victoria, had to continue in their civic functioning. But what of the temples proper—those buildings which could not now justify their existence in terms of civil, social, or political activity?
The optimal control of emissions and renewable resource harvesting under uncertainty

A model of a renewable resource is developed where the growth and quality of the resource are reduced by pollution. Ambient pollution concentrations and the renewable resource stock are modeled as stochastic processes. Conditions for the optimal harvest plan and the optimal emissions rate are derived. The effect of stochastic variations on the optimal management of the resource is analyzed. The steady-state joint probability distribution of the resource and pollution stocks is shown to exist under certain conditions.
Ameliorating effects of fluorocarbon emulsion on sickle red blood cell-induced obstruction in an ex vivo vasculature.

In sickle cell (SS) vaso-occlusion, the culminating event is blockage of blood vessels by sickled red blood cells (SS RBCs). As shown in animal models, SS RBC-induced vaso-occlusion is often partial, allowing for a residual flow, hence oxygen delivery to partially occluded vessels could reduce vaso-occlusion. The efficacy of an oxygenated perflubron-based fluorocarbon emulsion (PFE) was tested for its anti–vaso-occlusive effects in the ex vivo mesocecum vasculature of the rat. Microvascular obstruction was induced by the infusion of deoxygenated SS RBCs into ex vivo preparations with or without pretreatment with platelet-activating factor (PAF). PAF induced enhanced SS RBC–endothelium interactions, leading to greater vaso-occlusion. Microvascular blockage resulted in increased peripheral resistance units (PRU). Deoxygenated SS RBCs caused a persistent 1.5-fold PRU increase in untreated preparations and approximately a 2-fold PRU increase in PAF-treated preparations. The greater PRU in PAF-treated preparations was caused by widespread adhesion and postcapillary blockage. Oxygenated PFE, but not deoxygenated PFE, resulted in PRU decreases to baseline values in both groups of experiments (with or without PAF). The PRU decrease caused by oxygenated PFE infusion was caused by unsickling of SS RBCs in partially occluded vessels, with no antiadhesive effect on already adherent SS RBCs as assessed by intravital microscopy. PFE had no effect on vascular tone. The efficacy of PFE appears to result from its greater capacity to dissolve oxygen (10-fold higher than plasma). The dislodgement of trapped SS RBCs and an increase in wall shear rates will help reverse the partial obstruction. Thus, oxygenated PFE is capable of reducing SS RBC-induced vaso-occlusion, and further development of this approach is advisable.
Experimental analysis of perspective elongation effects using a laser guide star in an adaptive-optics system

The use of a laser guidestar (LGS) for the purpose of a beacon in an adaptive-optics (AO) system is prone to perspective elongation effects on the spots of a Shack-Hartmann wavefront sensor. The elongated spots can vary in size over the subapertures and affect the gradient sensitivity of the sensor. The Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) has developed a LGS model that outputs gradient gains which represent the effects of an extended beacon on the spots for a Shack-Hartmann wavefront sensor. This paper investigates the application of these gains in an experimental setup in order to both analyze the effects of the variation in those gains due to spot size elongation and to measure the impact on the performance of an AO system.
Subsurface ionic space charges in silver chloride and silver bromide

Abstract The surfaces of ionic crystals are, in general, electrically charged, with a compensating subsurface ionic space charge. Although a wide variety of phenomena are expected to result from the effects of this double layer, the surface charge has been well-characterized only for the silver halides. This paper reviews the origin of the space charge phenomenon, its effects on near-surface properties of ionic crystals (and especially, the photographic process), and the experimental techniques that have been employed in silver halide studies. In particular, some recent work, in which sub-surface radiotracer distributions are measured, have yielded quantitative data on the individual formation enthalpies and entropies of the cation vacancy and the cation interstitial ion.
Evaluating sucking maturation using two pressure thresholds

Background The Medoff-Cooper Nutritive Sucking Apparatus (M-CNSA) has been used to objectively measure sucking maturation in preterm infants. The M-CNSA is able to accurately detect sucking pressures less than 20 mm Hg, however lower pressure thresholds have not previously been used in research.
Novel Process Techniques to Reduce Voids in Solder Thermal Interface Materials Used for Flip-Chip Package Applications

In the present study, the thermal performance of flip chip electronics packages was evaluated by characterizing the amount of voiding present in the Solder Thermal Interface Material (STIM) which is placed between the die and Integrated Heat Spreader (IHS). The study found that the thermal resistance, Rjc (resistance between the Si die and IHS), is dependent upon the amount of voiding present as well as the location of the voiding in the STIM. The study also described the techniques to reduce the STIM voids in flip chip packages and identified the key process parameters to improve the thermal performance. The process parameters varied in this study consisted of STIM thickness, dwell time and temperature, flux weight, and many others. A detailed DOE and statistical analysis were carried out to determine the impact of the parameters mentioned above toward reducing the quantity of voids in the STIM. The analysis showed that for the packages under consideration, the primary process parameters that affect the STIM voiding are cure time, flux weight and TIM thickness. This paper was also originally published as part of the Proceedings of the ASME 2005 Pacific Rim Technical Conference and Exhibition on Integration and Packaging of MEMS, NEMS, and Electronic Systems.Copyright © 2005 by ASME
DDAVP use in patients undergoing transsphenoidal surgery for pituitary adenomas.

Background. Disorders of fluid and sodium regulation, often termed “diabetes insipidus,” are a frequent occurrence following surgery for pituitary adenomas. The present study was undertaken to identify the incidence of diabetes insipidus after pituitary surgery and its associated factors.
Killing vectors and anisotropy

We consider an action that can generate fluids with three unequal stresses for metrics with a spacelike Killing vector. The parameters in the action are directly related to the stress anisotropies. The field equations following from the action are applied to an anisotropic cosmological expansion and an extension of the Gott-Hiscock cosmic string.
EXPERIMENTAL EXCURSIONS ON ADAPTIVE LANDSCAPES: DENSITY-DEPENDENT SELECTION ON EGG SIZE

Theories of density-dependent natural selection suggest that intraspecific competition will favor juveniles of high competitive ability. Empirical evidence has been provided from laboratory selection experiments, but field studies are lacking due to the logistical difficulties of experimentally manipulating population densities in natural settings. Here, we present data from a decade-long experimental field study of side-blotched lizards, Uta stansburiana that overcomes these difficulties. We tested the hypothesis that density-dependent natural selection causes egg size to increase from early to late clutches in this and many other species. Using a novel combination of environmental manipulations of hatchling density and phenotypic manipulations of egg size, we demonstrate that the nature of selection on egg size changes dramatically in the absence of older competitors. The strength of selection on egg size among later-clutch hatchlings released in areas without competitors from early clutches became almost doubled in magnitude, compared to that among hatchlings released in the presence of older competitors. These experimental findings demonstrate density-dependent natural selection on egg size; however, they contradict the classical idea that egg size increases during the reproductive season because of competition between early and late hatchlings. The results indicate that competitive age or size asymmetries between early and late hatchlings can override within-cohort asymmetries due to egg size. We suggest that competition could be an important mediator of oscillating selection pressures in this and other systems. Finally, we discuss the utility of "double-level," simultaneous experimental manipulation of both phenotypic traits that are targets of selection (e.g., egg size) as well the environmental agents of selection (e.g., population density).
The Regulation Dilemma: Cooperation and Conflict in Environmental Governance

Across the United States and around the world, businesses have joined voluntary governmental and nongovernmental environmental regulations. Such codes often require firms to establish internal environmental management systems to improve their environmental performance and regulatory compliance. Meanwhile, governments have been offering incentives to businesses that self-police their regulatory compliance and promptly report and correct violations. This article examines how governmental regulatory enforcement can influence firms' compliance with mandatory and voluntary regulations. Cooperative regulatory enforcement—in which firms self-police their environmental operations and governments provide regulatory relief for voluntarily disclosed violations—yields optimal win–win outcomes, but only when both sides cooperate. If firms are likely to evade compliance, governments are better off adopting a deterrence approach. If governments insist on rigidly interpreting and enforcing laws, firms may have incentives to evade regulations and not voluntary codes. Cooperation is possible through credible signals between firms and government.
Leveraging "choice" to automate authorization hook placement

When servers manage resources on behalf of multiple, mutually-distrusting clients, they must mediate access to those resources to ensure that each client request complies with an authorization policy. This goal is typically achieved by placing authorization hooks at appropriate locations in server code. The goal of authorization hook placement is to completely mediate all security-sensitive operations on shared resources.To date, authorization hook placement in code bases, such as the X server and postgresql, has largely been a manual procedure, driven by informal analysis of server code and discussions on developer forums. Often, there is a lack of consensus about basic concepts, such as whatconstitutes a security-sensitive operation.In this paper, we propose an automated hook placement approach that is motivated by a novel observation --- that the deliberate choices made by clients for objects from server collections and for processing those objects must all be authorized. We have built a tool that uses this observation to statically analyze the server source. Using real-world examples (the X server and postgresql), we show that the hooks placed by our method are just as effective as hooks that were manually placed over the course of years while greatly reducing the burden on programmers.
The Effectiveness of a Performance-Based Assistant in an Information Retrieval Environment

Assistance systems are beginning to become necessary components in human-computer systems. The present research describes an initial attempt at providing a performance-based assistant for a complicated information retrieval task. The assistant was implemented based upon an expert profile methodology. The resultant expert performance model was used to diagnose inappropriate novice search strategies. A suggestive and forceful assistant were compared against an unassisted novice subject group. The suggestive assistant highlighted appropriate search procedures for novice subjects on a keypad with a touch entry display. The forceful assistant also highlighted appropriate search procedures but eliminated inappropriate search procedures from the touch keypad. The experiment demonstrated a marked improvement in the search strategies and performance of assisted novices. These enhanced search styles were not without a cost. In this implementation, both the suggestive and forceful assistants were very intrusive on t...
A 13 ± 3 ka age determination of a tholeiite, Pinacate volcanic field, Mexico, and improved methods for 40Ar/39Ar dating of young basaltic rocks

Abstract Among the youngest lava flows of the Pinacate volcanic field, Sonora, Mexico, is a large outpouring of tholeiite, the Ives flow. This tube-fed pahoehoe flow contrasts sharply with other Pinacate lavas in its great volume, alkali-poor composition and morphologic features, which include novel small structures named “spatter tubes.” Despite its K-poor character, young age, and the presence of excess 40 Ar, we determined a 40 Ar/ 39 Ar age on samples of this flow at 13 ± 3 ka. Such an age determination is made possible via careful monitoring of the mass discrimination of the mass spectrometer and by stacking results from multiple incremental-heating experiments into a single, composite isochron. This age is among the youngest ever to be determined with such precision by the 40 Ar/ 39 Ar method on a K-poor tholeiite.
From mechanical engineering to re‐engineering: Would Taylor be pleased with modern management

Asks the question “If Taylor and his cohorts were alive today, would they be pleased with what has become of management thought?” Discusses the underlying theme that there might be common concerns of management which are consistent across the ages, adjusting only for cultural differences. Defines modern management thought through four foci of the total quality management movement: focus on customers; continuous improvement; total participation; and social networking. Only on total participation do there seem to be important differences between Taylor and more modern authors. However, workers have changed dramatically since the beginning of the century in their desires and capabilities for participating in meaningful decision making. Taylor permitted some workers participation. If he was alive today, he would likely find the total participation movement to be quite acceptable. If so, he would likely be quite pleased with modern management thought.
Discovery of a Potent, S1P3-Sparing Benzothiazole Agonist of Sphingosine-1-Phosphate Receptor 1 (S1P1)

Optimization of a benzofuranyl S1P1 agonist lead compound (3) led to the discovery of 1-(3-fluoro-4-(5-(2-fluorobenzyl)benzo[d]thiazol-2-yl)benzyl)azetidine-3-carboxylic acid (14), a potent S1P1 agonist with minimal activity at S1P3. Dosed orally at 0.3 mg/kg, 14 significantly reduced blood lymphocyte counts 24 h postdose and attenuated a delayed type hypersensitivity (DTH) response to antigen challenge.
The 13th Annual Intelligent Ground Vehicle Competition: intelligent ground vehicles created by intelligent teams

The Intelligent Ground Vehicle Competition (IGVC) is one of three, unmanned systems, student competitions that were founded by the Association for Unmanned Vehicle Systems International (AUVSI) in the 1990s. The IGVC is a multidisciplinary exercise in product realization that challenges college engineering student teams to integrate advanced control theory, machine vision, vehicular electronics, and mobile platform fundamentals to design and build an unmanned system. Teams from around the world focus on developing a suite of dual-use technologies to equip ground vehicles of the future with intelligent driving capabilities. Over the past 13 years, the competition has challenged undergraduate, graduate and Ph.D. students with real world applications in intelligent transportation systems, the military and manufacturing automation. To date, teams from over 50 universities and colleges have participated. This paper describes some of the applications of the technologies required by this competition and discusses the educational benefits. The primary goal of the IGVC is to advance engineering education in intelligent vehicles and related technologies. The employment and professional networking opportunities created for students and industrial sponsors through a series of technical events over the three-day competition are highlighted. Finally, an assessment of the competition based on participant feedback is presented.
A new approach to the study of sequence-dependent properties of polynucleotides

A sequence-dependent properly of any long polynucleotide can be related to the properties of a limited number of other polynucleotides. The properties of the constituent sequence subunits need not be individually known. Only the properties of a set of linearly independent sequence combinations in polymers need be known. The number of independent sequences depends on the number of neighboring bases (or base pairs) contributing to the property and on the number of different bases (or base pairs) allowed. General formulae are derived. If only nearest neighbors contribute to a property, there are 13 linearly independent single-strand sequences with four different bases and there are 8 linearly independent double-strand sequences with two different base pairs. The study of independent sequences in polymers should be especially useful with double-stranded polynucleotides. It should be possible by this polymer approach to estimate nearest-neighbor frequencies from the circular dichroism of double strands and also to investigate the relation between solution conformation and double-strand sequence.
The effects of irrelevant information and stimulus dominance in an oddity problem

College students solved multidimensional oddity problems with 3, 4 or 5 stimulus dimensions, only one of which was relevant. In one treatment, the differences between the two levels of each stimulus dimension were set to be about equal, perceptually. In the second treatment, one of the dimensions had a more apparent difference between levels than for the other dimensions. The results indicated that Ss tested an increasing number of oddity hypotheses as the number of stimulus dimensions increased, and that trials to criterion were less when the relevant dimension was perceptually dominant than when it was perceptually equal to other dimensions.
Women at Center Stage: A Course About the Women of Psychology

The course described in this article highlights women's contributions to and impact on the field by devoting an entire semester to psychology's women. A social constructionist model provides a framework for understanding women's historical and contemporary position in psychology, as well as the implications of women's growing presence in the discipline. This understanding is then applied to consideration of individual women, with students' work generating biographical sketches of several of psychology's women. Suggestions are offered for using material from this course in modifying more traditional courses to incorporate the work and impact of women.
Financial Consequences of Employment-Change Decisions in Major U.S. Corporations

Using data from companies in the Standard & Poor's 500 between 1980 and 1994, we examined 5,479 occurrences of changes in employment in terms of two dependent variables: profitability (return on as...
cis-6-Nonenal: A flavor component of muskmelon fruit

Abstract cis -6-Nonenal, a compound with melon-like flavor, has been isolated from muskmelon fruit by vacuum steam distillation. The concentration of cis -6-nonenal in fruit exceeds the flavor threshold concentration in aqueous solution.
Crystallization of restriction endonuclease BamHI with nonspecific DNA.

Abstract Restriction endonucleases show extraordinary specificity in distinguishing specific from nonspecific DNA sequences. A single basepair change within the recognition sequence results in over a million-fold loss in activity. To understand the basis of this sequence discrimination, it is just as important to study the nonspecific complex as the specific complex. We describe here the crystallization of restriction endonuclease BamHI with several nonspecific oligonucleotides. The 11-mer, 5′-ATGAATCCATA-3′, yielded cocrystals with BamHI, in the presence of low salt, that diffracted to 1.9 A with synchrotron radiation. The cocrystals belong to the space group P212121 with unit cell dimensions of a = 114.8 A, b = 91.1 A, c = 66.4 A, α = 90°, β = 90°, γ = 90°. This success in the cocrystallization of BamHI with a nonspecific DNA provides insights for future attempts at crystallization of other nonspecific DNA–protein complexes.
Experimental determination of nondipolar angular distribution parameters for photoionization in the Ar K and Kr L shells.

We report the measurement of nondipolar asymmetry parameters for the angular distributions of argon 1s, krypton 2s, and krypton 2p photoemission within 2\char21{}3 keV above their respective thresholds. Pronounced asymmetries with respect to the direction of photon propagation are present even at low electron kinetic energies. The energy dependence of the asymmetry is Z and subshell specific and causes the direction of preferred electron emission to change sign at least once in each of the cases studied. Towards higher energies the asymmetry increases and the photoelectron emission pattern is forward skewed for all three cases. The measured asymmetry parameters are in good agreement with recent predictions from nonrelativistic calculations which include the interference between electric-dipole and electric-quadrupole transition amplitudes in the photoabsorption process. \textcopyright{} 1996 The American Physical Society.
Microsatellite instability is not related to response to cisplatin‐based chemotherapy in cervical cancer

This study investigates whether microsatellite instability (MSI) due to defects of the mismatch repair (MMR) system could be associated with response to cisplatin-based neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT) and if cisplatin exposure could select MSI-positive cell clones in cervical cancer. Microsatellite analysis was performed by polymerase chain reactions using six microsatellite markers, while hMLH1 protein expression was investigated by immunohistochemistry. We found that 1 tumor out of 20 (5%) NACT-responding patients and 1 tumor out of 18 (6%) nonresponding patients showed MSI. The analysis of tumor specimens collected after NACT revealed no change in the banding pattern as compared to each corresponding pre-NACT tumor at each locus tested. hMLH1 staining was observed in at least > or =80% of cells in all tumors examined except the two exhibiting MSI. Our data showed that MSI due to defects of the MMR system seems not to play a crucial role in the biology of human cervical cancer cells and that MSI seems not to be related to response to chemotherapy. Moreover, cisplatin exposure did not seem to select for MMR-deficient tumor clones in cervical cancer.
524--NAD/NADH as a model redox system: Mechanism, mediation, modification by the environment

Abstract The biologically important redox couple, β-nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide/1,4,β-dihydronicotinamide adenine dinucleotide, provides a grossly reversible prototype system for an overall electrode reaction consisting of two successive one-electron (1 e − ) transfer steps coupled with (a) dimerization of an intermediate free radical product, (b) protonation—deprotonation of an intermediate product, (c) other chemical reactions, (d) adsorption of reactant, intermediate and product species, and (e) mediation by electrode surface species. Cathodic reduction of NAD + proceeds through two 1 e − steps well separated in potential; protonation of the free radical produced on the first step occurs prior to the second electron-transfer; a first-order chemical reaction coupled to the latter may involve rearrangement of an initial dihydro product to 1,4-NADH (and some 1,6-NADH). In the apparently single stage 2 e − anodic oxidation of NADH, the initial step is an irreversible heterogeneous electron transfer, which proceeds to at least some extent through mediator redox systems located close to the electrode surface; the resulting cation radical, NADH + − , loses a proton (first order reaction) to form a neutral radical, NAD − , which may participate in a second heterogeneous electron transfer (ECE mechanism) or may react with NAD + − (disproportionation mechanism DISP 1 or half-regeneration mechanism) to yield NAD + .
Parastomal hernia causing anuria; unusual complication of ileal conduit diversion.

Abstract Parastomal hernia is a well-recognized complication of ileal conduit diversion. A case is reported in which a parastomal hernia became strangulated and, in turn, mechanically obstructed the ileal conduit causing total anuria. To our knowledge this unusual complication has not been previously reported.
Portopulmonary hypertension: Diagnostic advances and caveats

Portopulmonary hypertension represents a major risk factor for transplantation; therefore, preoperative detection is crucial. The aims of this study were to determine (1) whether Doppler echocardiography performed at evaluation is a reliable tool for detecting portopulmonary hypertension and (2) the incidence of acquired portopulmonary hypertension profile after evaluation. One hundred sixty-five patients had Doppler echocardiography and right heart catheterization at evaluation over a 9-year period. All patients had a prospective follow-up, and the results of catheterization at evaluation were compared with those obtained at the time of transplantation. Seventeen of 165 patients met the criteria for portopulmonary hypertension on Doppler echocardiography. Portopulmonary hypertension was confirmed by catheterization in 10 patients and ruled out in 7. There were no false negatives for echocardiography. Mean pulmonary artery pressure was significantly higher during the initial phase of transplantation than at evaluation (17.8 ± 4.3 versus 20.3 ± 5.5 mm Hg, respectively, P < .0001), and there was no significant correlation between values obtained at these 2 time points. Three patients showed to have acquired portopulmonary hypertension profile although waiting for a graft within time intervals ranging from 2.5 to 5 months. In conclusion, Doppler echocardiography is a highly sensitive tool for detecting portopulmonary hypertension. However, because this technique has a poor positive predictive value, right heart catheterization is recommended for confirming portopulmonary hypertension. In addition, the absence of portopulmonary hypertension at evaluation does not exclude the occasional occurrence of acquired portopulmonary hypertension profile after listing.
Site-directed Mutagenesis of 2,4-Dichlorophenoxyacetic Acid/α-Ketoglutarate Dioxygenase: IDENTIFICATION OF RESIDUES INVOLVED IN METALLOCENTER FORMATION AND SUBSTRATE BINDING *

2,4-Dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D)/α-ketoglutarate (α-KG) dioxygenase (TfdA) is an Fe(II)-dependent enzyme that catalyzes the first step in degradation of the herbicide 2,4-D. The active site structures of a small number of enzymes within the α-KG-dependent dioxygenase superfamily have been characterized and shown to have a similar HXDX 50–70HX 10RXS arrangement of residues that make up the binding sites for Fe(II) and α-KG. TfdA does not have obvious homology to the dioxygenases containing the above motif but is related in sequence to eight other enzymes in the superfamily that form a distinct consensus sequence (HX(D/E)X 138–207 HX 10R/K). Variants of TfdA were created to examine the roles of putative metal-binding residues and the functions of the other seven histidines in this protein. The H167A, H200A, H213A, H245A, and H262A forms of TfdA formed inclusion bodies when overproduced in Escherichia coli DH5α; however, these proteins were soluble when fused to the maltose-binding protein (MBP). MBP-TfdA exhibited kinetic parameters similar to the native enzyme. The H8A and H235A variants were catalytically similar to wild-type TfdA. MBP-H213A and H216A TfdA have elevated K m values for 2,4-D, and the former showed a decreased k cat, suggesting these residues may affect substrate binding or catalysis. The H113A, D115A, MBP-H167A, MBP-H200A, MBP-H245A and MBP-H262A variants of TfdA were inactive. Gel filtration analysis revealed that the latter two proteins were highly aggregated. The remaining four inactive variants were examined in their Cu(II)-substituted forms by EPR and electron spin-echo envelope modulation (ESEEM) spectroscopic methods. Changes in EPR spectra upon addition of substrates indicated that copper was present at the active site in the H113A and D115A variants. ESEEM analysis revealed that two histidines are bound equatorially to the copper in the D115A and MBP-H167A TfdA variants. The experimental data and sequence analysis lead us to conclude that His-113, Asp-115, and His-262 are likely metal ligands in TfdA and that His-213 may aid in catalysis or binding of 2,4-D.
Some aspects of sodium balance in the freshwater cyprinodontFundulus olivaceus

1. The freshwater cyprinodont,Fundulus olivaceus, tolerates a direct transfer from fresh water to 50% sea water and will live indefinitely in that salinity. 2. Serum sodium levels were regulated somewhat, but this was accomplished largely by expanding the sodium space. The animals remained isosmotic or slightly hyperosmotic to the environment. 3. Water permeability dropped sharply after transfer into saline solutions. 4. The animals drank only trace amounts of sea water, and drank less in 50% sea water than when in 33% sea water. 5. Sodium permeability was relatively high both in fresh water and in dilute sea water.
Predictive Genetic Testing: From Basic Research to Clinical Practice

As increasing numbers of genes are identified and associated with human diseases, researchers are considering how to bring their discoveries from the research bench to the clinic. Holtzman, Murphy, Watson, and Barr, who were part of a Task Force on Genetic Testing sponsored by the National Institutes of Health and U.S. Department of Energy, discuss policies for regulating the development of genetic tests so that the full potential of gene discovery to help the general population can be realized.
Differential patterns in flower feeding by Eulemur fulvus rufus and Eulemur rubriventer in Madagascar.

In this paper, I describe the differential patterns of flower feeding observed in rufous lemurs (Eulemur fulvus rufus) and red-bellied lemurs (E. rubriventer) in the Ranomafana National Park, Madagascar. Red-bellied lemurs licked nectar from flowers while rufous lemurs ate all flower parts from the same flower species. Several hypotheses are examined to explain the significance of flower feeding in these two species. In many primate species, flower feeding functions as a keystone resource and/or primates act as pollinators while feeding on flowers. Although peak flower feeding occurred during a decline in food availability, fruit was always (the preferred food item so that flowers did not function as a keystone resource. Second, red-bellied lemurs appear to be potentially better pollinators compared to the rufous lemurs because 1) they left flower reproductive parts intact while feeding, 2) they visited more than one tree or liana of the same plant species in the same day, 3) pollen was observed on the faces of individuals as they traveled from plant to plant, and 4) they have a feathered, brush-like tip on their tongue which rufous lemurs lack. Finally, the difference in flower feeding styles between the lemur species also affected three aspects of diet: 1) feeding bout duration, 2) the size of feeding subgroups, and 3) return visits to flowering sources. These subtle differences in diet within food categories can allow these two otherwise similar lemur species to coexist. © 1992 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Scaling analysis for the direct reactor auxiliary cooling system for FHRs

Abstract The Direct Reactor Auxiliary Cooling System (DRACS) is a passive residual heat removal system proposed for the Fluoride-salt-cooled High-temperature Reactor (FHR) that combines the coated particle fuel and graphite moderator with a liquid fluoride salt as the coolant. The DRACS features three natural circulation/convection loops that rely on buoyancy as the driving force and are coupled via two heat exchangers, namely, the DRACS heat exchanger and the natural draft heat exchanger. A fluidic diode is employed to minimize the parasitic flow into the DRACS primary loop and correspondingly the heat loss to the DRACS during reactor normal operation, and to activate the DRACS in accidents when the reactor is shut down. While the DRACS concept has been proposed, there are no actual prototypic DRACS systems for FHRs built or tested in the literature. In this paper, a detailed scaling analysis for the DRACS is performed, which will provide guidance for the design of scaled-down DRACS test facilities. Based on the Boussinesq assumption and one-dimensional flow formulation, the governing equations are non-dimensionalized by introducing appropriate dimensionless parameters. The key dimensionless numbers that characterize the DRACS system are obtained from the non-dimensional governing equations. Based on the dimensionless numbers and non-dimensional governing equations, similarity laws are proposed. In addition, a scaling methodology has been developed, which consists of a core scaling and a loop scaling. The consistency between the core and loop scaling is examined via the reference volume ratio, which can be obtained from both the core and loop scaling processes. The scaling methodology and similarity laws have been applied to obtain a scientific design of a scaled-down high-temperature DRACS test facility.
Gas fluidization characteristics of nanoparticle agglomerates

An experimental study is conducted to determine the effect of different types of nanoparticles on the gas fluidization characteristics of nanoparticle agglomerates. Taking advantage of the extremely high porosity of the bed, optical techniques are used to visualize the flow behavior, as well as to measure the sizes of the fluidized nanoparticle agglomerates at the bed surface. Upon fluidizing 11 different nanoparticle materials, two types of nanoparticle fluidization behavior, agglomerate particulate fluidization (APF) and agglomerate bubbling fluidization (ABF), are observed and systematically investigated. A simple analytical model is developed to predict the agglomerate sizes for APF nanoparticles, and the results agree fairly well with the optical measurements. Using the Ergun equation, the experimentally measured pressure drop and bed height, and the average agglomerate size and voidage at minimum fluidization predicted by the model, the minimum fluidization velocities for APF nanoparticles are calculated and also agree well with the experimental values. Other important fluidization features such as bed expansion, bed pressure drop, and hysteresis effects, and the effects of the primary particle size and material properties are also described. © 2005 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 51: 426–439, 2005
Die polare Addition von Halogenwasserstoffen an Olefine [1]

Als Zwischenstufen elektrophiler Additionsreaktionen an Olefinen sind Halonium-Ionen, klassische Carbonium-Ionen, π-Komplexe (oder „nicht-klassische” Carbonium-Ionen) sowie π-Komplexe mit Ruckkoordination vorgeschlagen worden. Es wird gezeigt, das keine dieser Strukturen allein alle elektrophilen Additionen zu erklaren vermag, sondern das es vom Elektrophil abhangt, welcher Zwischenzustand auftritt. Die polare Addition von Halogenwasserstoffen an Olefine verlauft offenbar uber ein klassisches Carbonium-Ion, das jedoch nicht frei vorliegt, sondern in einer Ionenpaarstruktur gebunden bleibt. Andere Moglichkeiten konnten durch Untersuchungen uber die Stereochemie dieser Anlagerung ausgeschlossen werden, uber die berichtet wird.
Interaction of evoked potentials in the anterior thalamus of the cat.

Abstract The present study has shown that conditioning stimuli applied to septum, hippocampus or mamillary body result in an attenuation of the late components of potentials recorded from the anterior nuclei of the thalamus. Hippocampal and septal conditioning stimuli also attenuate responses recorded from the cingulate gyrus but have little effect on the short latency response produced by mamillary body stimulation. Facilitation of either short or long latency responses was not observed. In general these results suggest that the limbic projections to the anterior thalamic nuclei can alter the excitability of this nuclear group and therefore may have an indirect effect upon cortical excitability.
Preparation of DNA and nucleoprotein samples for AFM imaging

Sample preparation techniques allowing reliable and reproducible imaging of DNA with various structures, topologies and complexes with proteins are reviewed. The major emphasis is given to methods utilizing chemical functionalization of mica, enabling preparation of the surfaces with required characteristics. The methods are illustrated by examples of imaging of different DNA structures. Special attention is given to the possibility of AFM to image the dynamics of DNA at the nanoscale. The capabilities of time-lapse AFM in aqueous solutions are illustrated by imaging of dynamic processes as transitions of local alternative structures (transition of DNA between H and B forms). The application of AFM to studies of protein-DNA complexes is illustrated by a few examples of imaging site-specific complexes, as well as such systems as chromatin. The time-lapse AFM studies of protein-DNA complexes including very recent advances with the use of high-speed AFM are reviewed.
Sex differences in the effects of septal lesions.

Abstract Compared to their controls, female septal rats: (1) showed increased food and water consumption; (2) had a higher response output for water on a CRF schedule; and (3) obtained a greater number of rewards during FI responding. In contrast, male septal animals only differed from their controls by showing increased water intake. In comparison to the septal males, the female lesion rats showed significantly increased food consumption, greater per cent increases in CRF responding, and a higher response output on FI schedules. The data were interpreted as indicating that the magnitude of effects following lesions in the septal area is greater in female than in male rats. Clearly, lesion effects are determined in part by the sex of the organism studied.
Schwinger's variational principle for electron-ion scattering

We have formulated Schwinger's variational principle for electron-ion collisions using the Coulomb Green's function. The theory is applied to a screened Coulomb potential to obtain analytic distorted waves, phase shifts, and quantum defects for energies near the ionization threshold of an ion with charge Z=1.
In vitro and in vivo chlorpromazine availability from flocculated polysalt complex systems

An insoluble drug-polysalt complex of chlorpromazine hydrochloride, sodium carboxymethylcellulose, and protamine sulfate was selected as a model to evaluate the effects of these macromolecular constituents on the in vitro and in vivo availability of the interacted drug. The in vitro liberation of drug from the polysalt complex was studied in simulated gastrointestinal fluids as a function of particle size, pH of formation of the complex flocculate, and presence and absence of enzymes in the medium. The in vitro drug-release studies conducted under these varying conditions suggested that the product possessed prolonged-release properties. In contrast, the in vivo studies with rats revealed a promoted bioavailability of the drug in the presence of the polysalt complex. Protamine sulfate, a known pinocytotic inducer, was observed to be specifically implicated in this phenomenon.
An investigation of gas chromatography with atomic emission detection for the determination of empirical formulas

The atomic emission detector (AED) is a valuable tool for the identification of unknowns in complex mixtures. To the extent that elemental response factors are independent of compound structure, gas chromatographic results allow calculation of atomic ratios for unknown compounds. In favorable cases, empirical formulas can be found. An algorithm for automated calculation of empirical formulas for all the peaks in a chromatogram has been developed. When finite accuracy prevents an exact determination of empirical formulas, the algorithm gives a list of all formulas for each compound which are compatible with the user-defined limits. Examples are given of calculations for fatty acid methyl esters, substituted phenols, and pesticides. Analyses of volatile pollutants and polychlorinated biphenyls reveal a nonlinearity for hydrogen response, and an interference of chlorine on hydrogen. A lubricating oil analysis is used to illustrate the identification of unknowns.
Toxicity studies of amphetamine sulfate, ampicillin trihydrate, codeine, 8-methoxypsoralen, α-methyldopa, penicillin VK and propantheline bromide in rats and mice

Thirteen-week toxicity studies in F344/N rats and B6C3F1 mice were conducted to determine general toxicity and target organ toxicity with amphetamine sulfate, ampicillin trihydrate, codeine, 8-methoxypsoralen, alpha-methyldopa sesquihydrate, penicillin VK, and propantheline bromide. This paper discusses the toxicity observed; use of the toxicity data to set dose levels for subsequent 2-year studies; and comparison of dose levels administered to rodents with doses used in the treatment of human disease. Drugs were administered orally in the feed or by gavage. The lowest doses in the 13-week studies were comparable to therapeutic doses in man on a mg/m2 (body surface area) basis or 5-10 times doses used in man on a mg/kg body weight basis. Little toxicity was seen at the low dose level with ampicillin, penicillin VK, 8-methoxypsoralen or propantheline bromide. At higher doses, target organ toxicity seen included the urinary bladder in male rats after propantheline bromide; the glandular stomach in rats and mice after penicillin VK; the liver and adrenals in rats after 8-methoxypsoralen; and the kidney in mice and rats after alpha-methyldopa. After amphetamine, codeine, or ampicillin administration, no target organ toxicity was seen in rats or mice, even at doses which caused body weight gain depression. The high doses chosen for subsequent 2-year studies were within 10 times human dose levels when compared on a mg/m2 body surface area.