cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Delineation of the Caffeine C-8 Oxidation Pathway in Pseudomonas sp. Strain CBB1 via Characterization of a New Trimethyluric Acid Monooxygenase and Genes Involved in Trimethyluric Acid Metabolism

The molecular basis of the ability of bacteria to live on caffeine via the C-8 oxidation pathway is unknown. The first step of this pathway, caffeine to trimethyluric acid (TMU), has been attributed to poorly characterized caffeine oxidases and a novel quinone-dependent caffeine dehydrogenase. Here, we report the detailed characterization of the second enzyme, a novel NADH-dependent trimethyluric acid monooxygenase (TmuM), a flavoprotein that catalyzes the conversion of TMU to 1,3,7-trimethyl-5-hydroxyisourate (TM-HIU). This product spontaneously decomposes to racemic 3,6,8-trimethylallantoin (TMA). TmuM prefers trimethyluric acids and, to a lesser extent, dimethyluric acids as substrates, but it exhibits no activity on uric acid. Homology models of TmuM against uric acid oxidase HpxO (which catalyzes uric acid to 5-hydroxyisourate) reveal a much bigger and hydrophobic cavity to accommodate the larger substrates. Genes involved in the caffeine C-8 oxidation pathway are located in a 25.2-kb genomic DNA fragment of CBB1, including cdhABC (coding for caffeine dehydrogenase) and tmuM (coding for TmuM). Comparison of this gene cluster to the uric acid-metabolizing gene cluster and pathway of Klebsiella pneumoniae revealed two major open reading frames coding for the conversion of TM-HIU to S-(+)-trimethylallantoin [S-(+)-TMA]. The first one, designated tmuH, codes for a putative TM-HIU hydrolase, which catalyzes the conversion of TM-HIU to 3,6,8-trimethyl-2-oxo-4-hydroxy-4-carboxy-5-ureidoimidazoline (TM-OHCU). The second one, designated tmuD, codes for a putative TM-OHCU decarboxylase which catalyzes the conversion of TM-OHCU to S-(+)-TMA. Based on a combination of enzymology and gene-analysis, a new degradative pathway for caffeine has been proposed via TMU, TM-HIU, TM-OHCU to S-(+)-TMA.
Stimulation of Membrane Ruffling and MAP Kinase Activation by Distinct Effectors of RAS

The RAS guanine nucleotide binding proteins activate multiple signaling events that regulate cell growth and differentiation. In quiescent fibroblasts, ectopic expression of activated H-RAS (H-RASV12, where V12 indicates valine-12) induces membrane ruffling, mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase activation, and stimulation of DNA synthesis. A mutant of activated H-RAS, H-RASV12C40 (where C40 indicates cysteine-40), was identified that was defective for MAP kinase activation and stimulation of DNA synthesis, but retained the ability to induce membrane ruffling. Another mutant of activated H-RAS, H-RASV12S35 (where S35 indicates serine-35), which activates MAP kinase, was defective for stimulation of membrane ruffling and induction of DNA synthesis. Expression of both mutants resulted in a stimulation of DNA synthesis that was comparable to that induced by H-RASV12. These results indicate that membrane ruffling and activation of MAP kinase represent distinct RAS effector pathways and that input from both pathways is required for the mitogenic activity of RAS.
Inhibition of lipide peroxidation in mitochondria by vitamin E

Abstract Added tocopherol was effective both in inhibiting lipide peroxidation and stabilizing DPNH-cytochrome c reductase in isolated mitochondria. Vitamin E-deficient rabbits had livers showing in vivo lipide peroxidation and increased lability of their isolated mitochondria. This liver damage may be a primary cause of other vitamin E-deficiency syndromes.
The geometry of ventricular repolarization boundaries.

Abstract The effects of altered recovery time in areas of controlled geometry on the T-wave form were studied. The pericardial sacs of 6 dogs were irrigated with saline at various temperatures in the range of 20 to 45° C. T-wave form was dependent on the geometry of recovery boundaries prior to alteration of recovery times and the geometry of the area of altered recovery. Since the latter was controlled, the findings permitted some conclusions about the former. In all experiments the termini of mean T vectors fell along a straight line and their positions were systematically related to temperature. This indicated that the area of altered recovery times remained constant during the course of each experiment. In addition, the T vectors fell along the same axis during the course of 5 of the 6 experiments. This indicated that the geometry of the area of altered recovery times was the same as repolarization boundary geometry prior to pericardial irrigation. The one exception may represent a normal variant, an abnormality of repolarization, or may be due to loculation of pericardial fluid. The results indicated that recovery boundaries are sufficiently near parallel to the cardiac surface to account for T-wave form.
A generic coordinate transformation uncertainty assessment approach and its application in machine vision metrology

Abstract A measurement result is complete only when accompanied by a quantitative statement of its uncertainty [1] . However, there is no unified approach to the expression and computation of uncertainty, especially when coordinate transformations are involved. A generic approach to the uncertainty analysis of coordinate transformations based on constrained optimization uncertainty analysis is presented in this paper. The nonlinear constrained optimization algorithm used in this paper is a more generic algorithm for coordinate referencing than conventional 3-2-1 nesting method. We performed analysis on two types of uncertainty computation that relate to the final measurement: uncertainty of a single point in a world frame and uncertainty of distance measurement. The proposed method provides a mechanism for on-line assessment of measurement uncertainties on any coordinate measuring machines, mechanical or optical. Results of Monte Carlo simulation from a structured-light optical coordinate measurement machine (CMM) show that under normal machine operation conditions the approximations are valid.
Measurement of O 2 ­ N 2 Effective Diffusivity in Porous Media at High Temperatures Using an Electrochemical Cell

The effective diffusivity of O 2 -N 2 in porous media was measured at high temperatures (650-800°C) using an electrochemical concentration cell. Porous membranes having total porosity between 29 and 48 vol% were fabricated from Sr-doped LaMnO 3 (LSM) with 20 to 30 wt% carbon added as a pore former. The O 2 -N 2 effective binary diffusivity, D eff O2-N2 , at 800°C increased from ∼0.016 to ∼0.12 cm 2 /s with increasing open porosity between 15 and 44 vol%. The D eff O 2 -N 2 exhibited a nonlinear dependence on open porosity and increased dramatically for samples with greater than 35 vol% open porosity. The estimated effective Knudsen diffusivities of O 2 and N 2 , D eff O2K and D eff N2K , at 800°C were an order of magnitude higher than the effective binary diffusivity, D eff O2-N2 . Thus O 2 -N 2 transport through the porous membranes was governed by the effective binary diffusivity, D eff O2-N2 . The effects of O 2 -N 2 effective binary diffusivity, D eff O2-N2 , on concentration polarization of cathodes for solid oxide fuel cells were assessed. The nonlinear behavior of the O 2 -N 2 effective diffusivity as a function of open porosity indicates that a critical amount of porosity in the cathode is necessary to ensure that the overpotential due to concentration polarization is small. The temperature dependence of D eff O2-N2 was investigated between 650 and 800°C, which was found to be in accord with the Chapman-Enskog model.
Selective removal and recovery of phosphate in a novel fixed-bed process

This paper reports salient features of a new fixed-bed sorption process in regard to ultimate removal and recovery of phosphate from municipal and industrial wastewater. The sorbent, referred to as polymeric ligand exchanger(PLE), is essentially a copper(II) loaded specialty chelating polymer. Laboratory experiments have demonstrated that the PLE: can remove phosphate selectively from municipal and synthetic wastewater; is amenable to efficient regeneration; and provides opportunities to recover phosphate and reuse the spent regenerant for multiple numbers of cycles.
Use of the Dithiasuccinoyl (Dts) Amino Protecting Group for Solid-Phase Synthesis of Protected Peptide Nucleic Acid (PNA) Oligomers1-3

“Peptide nucleic acid” (PNA) oligomers replace the oligonucleotide backbone of DNA with an achiral and neutral poly[N-(2-aminoethyl)glycine] backbone, and the four natural nucleobases are attached through methylene carbonyl linkages to the glycine nitrogens. The present work describes the efficient conversion of Nω-Boc/side-chain Z-protected PNA monomers to the corresponding derivatives protected by the thiolyzable Nω-dithiasuccinoyl (Dts) function. After acidolytic removal of Boc, treatment with bis(ethoxythiocarbonyl) sulfide gave the Nω-ethoxythiocarbonyl (Etc) derivatives, which were silylated at the α-carboxyl and converted to the heterocycle by reaction with (chlorocarbonyl)sulfenyl chloride. Net yields of homogeneous monomers were 71−78%. Conditions in the solid-phase mode for thiolytic removal of the Dts group, and for coupling of protected monomers, have been studied extensively and optimized. A protocol featuring (i) Dts removal with dithiothreitol (DTT) (0.5 M) in acetic acid (HOAc) (0.5 M)−CH2...
Characterization of morphine-induced hyperalgesia in male and female rats.

Abstract The pain enhancing (hyperalgesic) effect of morphine was characterized in relation to pain stimulus (thermal, mechanical), dose, mode of administration (acute, chronic), sex and mechanism. We found that a low (subanalgesic) dose of morphine enhanced the sensitivity to thermal and mechanical noxious stimuli in a dose- and sex-related manner. Morphine hyperalgesia was inversely related to dose (0.002–0.2 mg/kg) and was more pronounced in female than male rats. The N -methyl- d -aspartate receptor antagonist, ketamine, antagonized morphine hyperalgesia. Tolerance developed to hyperalgesia following repeated (chronic) dosing with low dose morphine. Several additional findings were noted in rats tolerant to morphine-induced hyperalgesia. The efficacy of an analgesic dose of morphine was increased (female rats). Sex-related differences in morphine's analgesic action (male>female) were attenuated. Development of tolerance to the analgesic effect of morphine was delayed. The present findings may have an implication for the use of mu opioids in the clinical setting.
Ethanol-related changes in liver microsomes and mitochondria from the monkey, Macaca fascicularis.

Four Macaca fascicularis monkeys were maintained 1 year on a liquid diet containing 26% of calories as ethanol. Four control animals were fed a liquid diet of equivalent calories with protein, carbohydrate, and fat being substituted for ethanol calories. In liver mitochondria prepared from ethanol-fed monkeys (ethanol mitochondria), respiratory control was lowered 20% due to a decrease in state 3 respiration (28%). This was also accompanied by a 20% decrease in ADP translocation Into ethanol mitochondria. The major change was a 61% decrease in cytochrome oxidase activity. The respiratory rate in the presence of uncoupler war also lowered 14%, but the decrease was not statistically significant. In contrast with our earlier observations with Macaca nemestrina, no significant ethanol-induced changes were observed in enzyme activities associated with the microsomal electron transport system, and no ethanol-elicited fatty liver was evident. The major changes in fatty acid composition of microsomal and mitochondrial phospholipids were increased amounts of paimitoleic and oleic acids, and decreased amounts of linoleic and arachidonic acids.
Reducing the Level of Undecaprenyl Pyrophosphate Synthase Has Complex Effects on Susceptibility to Cell Wall Antibiotics

ABSTRACT Undecaprenyl pyrophosphate synthase (UppS) catalyzes the formation of the C 55 lipid carrier (UPP) that is essential for bacterial peptidoglycan biosynthesis. We selected here a vancomycin (VAN)-resistant derivative of Bacillus subtilis W168 that contains a single-point mutation in the ribosome-binding site of the uppS gene designated uppS1 . Genetic reconstruction experiments demonstrate that the uppS1 allele is sufficient to confer low-level VAN resistance and causes reduced UppS translation. The decreased level of UppS renders B. subtilis slightly more susceptible to many late-acting cell wall antibiotics, including β-lactams, but significantly more resistant to fosfomycin and d-cycloserine, antibiotics that interfere with the very early steps of cell wall synthesis. We further show that the uppS1 allele leads to slightly elevated expression of the σ M regulon, possibly helping to compensate for the stress caused by a decrease in UPP levels. Notably, the uppS1 mutation increases resistance to VAN, fosfomycin, and d-cycloserine in wild-type cells, but this effect is greatly reduced or eliminated in a sigM mutant background. Our findings suggest that, although UppS is an attractive antibacterial target, incomplete inhibition of UppS function may lead to increased resistance to some cell wall-active antibiotics.
The histochemistry of thiols and disulphides. IV. Protective fixation by organomercurial-formalin mixtures.

Formation of mercaptides as the result of adding organomercuric salts to neutral formalin used for fixation was found to protect protein thiols from autoxidation, provided the tissues were washed in distilled and not tap water. Such bloking, in contrast to that given by HgCl2, could be reversed quantitatively by mercaptoethanol made strongly acid to keep it from reducing disulphides. However, some cleavage of disulphides by the mercurials themselves caused slight arbfactual thiol staining in a limited number of sites. Three of the nine compounds tested are sufficiently soluble to penetrate tissues with reasonable speed, stable enough to preclude more than incidental mercurial deposits and currently available commercially. Of them, the diuretic mercurial Mersalyl is at present the protecting, agent of choice since methyl- and ethylmercuric chlorides are too toxic to recommend for routine use.
Coordination between RAB GTPase and phosphoinositide regulation and functions

Membrane trafficking relies on dynamic changes in membrane identities that are determined by the regulation of distinct RAB GTPases and phosphoinositides. RABs and phosphoinositides both act to spatiotemporally recruit effectors of membrane remodelling, including sequential RAB and phosphoinositide activities. New ideas on coordinated regulation of specific RABs and phosphoinositides, achieved by direct physical and functional interactions between their regulatory enzymes, are emerging as a central mechanism to ensure precision and fidelity of membrane trafficking.
An Automatic Cloud Condensation Nuclei Counter

Abstract A cloud condensation nuclei counter has been developed in which the concentration of water droplets which form on cloud condensation nuclei in a large thermal diffusion chamber is determined electronically by measuring the light scattering coefficient of the cloud. The counter operates completely automatically and may be used to determine the concentration of cloud condensation nuclei in the air (active at a given supersaturation) at any desired interval of time down to a minimum of about 2 min. The counts obtained by this method are in good agreement with direct visual counting of droplets in the thermal diffusion chamber.
Phase-Change Technology and the Future of Main Memory

Phase-change may enable continued scaling of main memories, but PCM has higher access latencies, incurs higher power costs, and wears out more quickly than DRAM. This article discusses how to mitigate these limitations through buffer sizing, row caching, write reduction, and wear leveling, to make PCM a viable dream alternative for scalable main memories.
Simultaneous and Independent Determination of the Refractive Index and the Thickness of Thin Films by Ellipsometry

In ellipsometry, the interesting case of light incident from a dense medium such as an inert liquid onto a film over an absorbing substrate has been considered theoretically for the two cases (i) when the angle of incidence ϕ0 is less than the critical angle ϕc and (ii) when ϕ0 > ϕc. Detailed calculations indicate that the sensitivity with which the thickness of the film can be measured is nearly the same, whatever the first medium, for case (i) but that in case (ii) the sensitivity is very poor. Further, by combining the measurements of the ellipticity parameters with first air and then a liquid as the immersion medium, it is possible to evaluate independently by a self-consistency procedure both the thickness and the refractive index of the film. Measurements of oxide films on a substrate of silicon indicate that the refractive index is 1.484±0.004 in the thickness range 80–300 A for λ 5461 A and not 1.460 as has been assumed by previous workers.
SELECTIVE ADSORPTION OF AMPHIPHILIC BLOCK COPOLYMERS ON WEAK POLYELECTROLYTE MULTILAYERS

In this study, an amphiphilic block copolymer, polystyrene-block-poly(acrylic acid) (PS-PAA), was adsorbed from tetrahydrofuran (THF) solution onto self-assembled weak polyelectrolyte multilayer surfaces of poly(acrylic acid) (PAA) and poly(allylamine hydrochloride) (PAH). The short hydrophilic PAA block adsorbs to the multilayer surface as an anchor block and the long hydrophobic PS block then dangles out from the surface. Several different PAA/PAH multilayer systems generated by controlling the processing pH conditions were investigated in an attempt to find the optimal multilayer platforms for PS-PAA adsorption. We found that PS-PAA adsorption in this system is driven by mostly secondary interactions such as hydrogen-bonding. By regulating the nature of the multilayer surfaces, we were able to manipulate multilayer platform surfaces to be either highly promoting or highly blocking for PS-PAA adsorption. In the former case, contact angle measurements showed that, upon PS-PAA adsorption, a hydrophilic mu...
Visualizing the cardiac cycle: a useful tool to promote student understanding.

The cardiac cycle is an important concept presented in human anatomy and physiology courses. At Kingsborough Community College, all Allied Health majors taking Anatomy & Physiology must understand the cardiac cycle to grasp more advanced concepts. Contemporary textbooks illustrate the cardiac cycle’s concurrent events via linear models with overlapping line segments as physiological readouts. This presentation is appropriate for reference but, in the interactive classroom the promotion of understanding through clear, concise visual cues is essential. Muzio and Pilchman created a diagram to summarize events of the cardiac cycle. After discussions with one of the authors, I modified the diagram to aid visualization of the cycle and emphasize it as a repetitive, continuous process. A flow diagram presenting the portions of the cycle individually and progressively was also constructed. Three labeled phases are made from the diagram, based on grouped events occurring at different points. The simple, compartmentalized, cyclical diagram presented here promotes understanding of the cardiac cycle visually.
Preferential Cu precipitation at extended defects in bcc Fe: An atomistic study

Abstract As a starting point to understand Cu precipitation in RPV alloys, molecular dynamics and Metropolis Monte-Carlo simulations are carried out to study the effect of lattice defects on Cu precipitation by taking Fe–Cu system as a model alloy. Molecular dynamics simulations show that owing to the high heat of mixing and positive size mismatch, Cu is attracted by vacancy type defects such as vacancies and voids, and tensile stress fields. In accordance, preferential precipitation of Cu is observed in Metropolis Monte-Carlo simulations at dislocations, prismatic loops and voids. The interaction of Cu with a stress field, e.g., that associated with a dislocation or a prismatic loop, is dominated by elastic effect and can be well described by the linear-elasticity theory. For prismatic loops, the attraction to Cu is found to be size-dependent with opposite trends displayed by vacancy and interstitial loops. The size-dependences can be explained by considering the stress fields produced by these loops. The current results will be useful for understanding the effect of neutron irradiation on Cu precipitation in reactor-pressure-vessel steels.
Finessing and Hybridizing: Innovative Literacy Practices in Reading First Classrooms

Through the ethnographic methodological tools of formal and informal interviews, observations, participation in coplanning sessions, and analysis of literacy curricula, the researchers of this study found that effective teachers are finding ways to work successfully within the current political climate influenced by No Child Left Behind and the focus on Adequate Yearly Progress. Based on their findings, the authors suggest ways that educators and elementary schools can continue to successfully meet the literacy needs and interests of an increasingly diverse student population despite standardization in the form of basal reading programs and one-size-fits-all conditions outlined in curricula guides and programs such as Reading First.
A comparison of frequency domain methodology and conventional factor screening methods

This paper presents a large sample comparison of two techniques in computer simulation factor screening: frequency domain methodology and the conventional two-level fractional factorial. The comparison is a cost versus power of the test comparison where a fixed budget is established and the resulting power of the test for each approach is analyzed and compared. In addition, we note the similarities and differences of these two approaches. We also show how run length, number of factors, number of runs, run start-up costs, factor variation, and system memory influence this comparison.
Improved methods for the measurement of acetaldehyde concentrations in plasma and red blood cells

Research on the toxic effects of acetaldehyde (Ach) is hampered by analytical difficulties which have been overcome by two new methods suitable for the measurement of Ach in plasma and red blood cells. The first procedure involves rapid separation of plasma, deproteinization, and Ach derivatization with 2,4-dinitrophenylhydrazine (DNP). After extraction with isooctane, the Ach-DNP complex is separated by reverse-phase high performance liquid chromatography. Red blood cell Ach is measured by a modification of the semicarbazide method. The red blood cell hemolysate is mixed with the semicarbazide solution and the extract is injected into the head-space gas chromatograph. The procedure minimizes the artifactual Ach formation which interferes with the direct hemolysis method when human blood is used. After 0.3 g/kg of ethanol, Ach values of 1.5 +/- 0.2 and 9.9 +/- 2.3 microM were detected in plasma and red blood cells of healthy volunteers. These data indicate that an important fraction of Ach circulates in the red blood cells and can be missed or underestimated when only plasma Ach is measured.
ECG body surface potential mapping many years after successful surgery for coarctation of the aorta.

Abstract Patients with coarctation of the aorta (CoA) who previously underwent successful surgery are often diagnosed on standard electrocardiograms as having partial right bundle branch block. After surgery 24 patients with CoA had body surface potential mapping (BSPM) with the Case Western Reserve University 180 electrode system; of these 7 had additional aortic stenosis and none had ever had intracardiac communication. The average age at the initial surgery for CoA was 4.0 ± 3.3 years and at the time of the BSPM it was 12.7 ± 5.9 years. For the 17 patients with CoA without aortic stenosis the average age at the initial surgery was 5.0 ± 3.4 years and at the time of the BSPM it was 14.2 ± 6.0 years. In 11 of the 24 patients, a cardiac catheterization was performed, and each patient demonstrated normal pulmonary artery and right ventricular systolic pressure except for one child with 40 mmHg systolic. In the others all indications were that right ventricular pressure was normal. In 11 of the 24 patients, congestive heart failure had been present in infancy. All 24 cases had evidence for epicardial right ventricular breakthrough on the BSPM, a finding believed to indicate right ventricular activation from endocardium to epicardium via the normal Purkinje system. There were no findings on the BSPM suggesting that right bundle branch block was present. Right ventricular hypertrophy with or without terminal right conduction delay was present on the BSPM in 19 of the 24 patients (9 with additional left ventricular hypertrophy—left ventricular hypertrophy alone in 5). Right ventricular hypertrophy could be considered in 6 of 19 patients in the electrocardiogram, and in 11 of 19 in the vectorcardiogram. The mechanism for the persistent electrocardiographic right ventricular hypertrophy is postulated to involve right ventricular hyperplasia in utero or in early neonatal life, which never disappears.
A biophotonic sensing method for plant drought stress

Abstract Physiologically-based drought stress evaluation is very desirable for sustainable plant production, but effective measures and technologies are lacking. Drought stress limits photons utilized for photosynthetic reactions and delayed fluorescence (DF) generated by photosystem II (PSII). In this research, DF is measured as an output variable of the PSII phototransduction system and its dependence on photon utilization rate as affected by water status is modeled and analyzed. This yields an effective way to define and measure plant water status or deficiency (drought stress) according to PSII photon utilization rate. Water deficiency is determined by the deficit from the maximum photon utilization rate achievable through rehydration. The method was validated experimentally with drought-stressed plant samples. Analysis and experiments show that this drought-dependent deficit in photon utilization rate can be effectively evaluated from measured DF emissions and it varies with drought severity.
Trauma triage: do AAMS transport guidelines do it effectively?

Abstract Purpose: Appropriateness of helicopter transport for trauma patient transfer is under closer scrutiny with the development of regionalized trauma systems and managed care. This study was conducted to determine the effectiveness of the 14 Association of Air Medical Services (AAMS) guidelines in triaging trauma patients. Methods: The application of the trauma transport guidelines for 511 patients flown to our trauma center with hospital stays of fewer than 3 days were analyzed to ensure high sensitivity to overtriage. Injury severity score (ISS), revised trauma score (RTS), Glasgow coma scale (GCS), and mortality rates associated with each of the guidelines were analyzed. Results: Each guideline was associated with mortality greater than or equal to 20%, except motor vehicle, falls, amputation, and degloving. All guidelines had significant ISS (> 14), RTS ( 12). Conclusion: The AAMS transport guidelines for trauma patients accurately predict the potential for serious or life-threatening injury, with the exception of falls and amputations. The rapid access to highly skilled reimplantation teams required by patients with amputations justifies helicopter transport. However, falls greater than 20 feet do not appear to identify potential for life-threatening injury.
Slow and steady wins the race: Life history, mate value, and mate settling

Abstract Life history theory explains how individuals decide to invest their limited resources, which involves several trade-offs. Particularly relevant to the current work, individuals can choose to invest in current or delayed reproduction (a slow life history strategy), which implicates a trade-off between the quantity and the quality of one’s offspring. Choosing to delay reproduction allows for increased self-investment, and previous research has demonstrated that traits requiring self-investment are related to higher mate value. As such, the current study hypothesizes that slow life history strategy will predict high personal mate value and high levels of partner mate-value within heterosexual partnerships. Similarly, those with a slow life history strategy should display fewer tendencies toward mate-settling. The current work employs both subjective and objective measures of mate value within mateships to investigate these hypothesized relationships. As hypothesized, significant positive relationships among life history and mate value were detected, suggesting that a slower life history strategy corresponds to high ratings of mate value for both self and partner. Also, life history strategy is a significant predictor of subjective, objective, and Mate Value Inventory ratings of partner and self. Further implications and potential future works are discussed.
Porphyrin pigments of a Triassie sediment

Abstract Tetrapyrrole pigments of the Triassic oil shale of Serpiano, Switzerland have been investigated by means of thin layer chromatography and mass spectrometry. A large number of pigments related to the previously known deoxophyllerythroetioporphyrin and mesoetioporphyrin, their vanadium complexes and the corresponding chlorins were isolated. The pigments extend over the range C 27 –C 34 , the largest pigment containing two carbon atoms more than deoxophyllerythroetioporphyrin. Mechanisms for the geochemical formation of these pigments are suggested. A sequence of unknown porphyrins is also described.
The Social and Political Vision of Sri Aurobindo

As a prophet of Indian nationalism, Aurobindo occupies an important place in the history of Indian political thought.1 When we recall the early Aurobindo, we think of a fiery, aggressive and uncompromising revolutionary who had cast his lot with the larger destiny of India and her people. His active involvement in the struggle against the British Empire in general was an expression of his staunch conviction that imperialism and colonialism, whether mercantile or political, are manifestations of repressive egoism or hubris on the part of a nation or a group who simply happened to possess an expedient superiority of means over its relatively less favored subjects. The Caesars and Napoleons of history have been guilty of exercising this hubris, of perpetuating slavery, tyranny and injustice in the world, of devising and enforcing negative and immoral political, economic and social systems, and, hence, of denying man his basic freedom and individuality. Man, as Aurobindo believed right from the very beginning of his involvement in politics, is entitled to freedom, equality and basic human dignity.
Reformulation of the papez circuit: Absence of hippocampal influence on cingulate cortex unit activity in the primate

Abstract Cingulate cortex (CC) unit responses to hippocampal volleys and afterdischarges were studied in 4 awake unsedated squirrel monkeys using extracellular microelectrodes. Stimuli were delivered via bipolar electrodes chronically implanted bilaterally in anterior and posterior hippocampus. A total of 412 units in 21 tracks were studied and tested to single and multiple shock stimulation. Spontaneous firing rates were approximately equally distributed among slow (0.25 spikes/s), medium (2.5–10), and fast (10–25). Only 2% of cingulate units (9/412) responded orthodromically to hippocampal stimulation: 5 with initial excitation; 4 with initial inhibition. Eight responses had initial latencies from 100–200 ms; one unit a latency of 25 ms. Three units displayed periodic, almost cyclical, excitation. All unit response thresholds were 1 shock, 0.25 mA or less. Hippocampal afterdischarge activity influenced the firing pattern of 17 units: 16 showed intraictal excitation and 1 inhibition. In comparison with the preceding studies in the same model these results indicate that the influence of hippocampal stimulation on cingulate cortex is not nearly as prominent as either the fornix or non-fornix hippocampal influence on hypothalamic, preoptic, and basal forebrain structures. It is proposed that the cingulate cortex is not a prominent link in the Papez circuit.
PHARMACOLOGICAL MANIPULATION OF 2,3 DIPHOSPHOGLYCERATE (2,3-DPG) LEVELS IN HUMAN ERYTHROCYTES

2, 3-DPG levels in 17 patients with nephrotic syndrome receiving chronic preanisone therapy (5162±213 nmoles/ml rbc, mean±S.E.M.) were significantly higher than in 20 controls (4527±146) with nephrotic syndrome not receiving prednisone (p<.01). There was a significant correlation (r=.8826) between dose and 2, 3-DPG level. The acute effect of prednisone was studied in 10 patients with acute leukemia in remission undergoing prednisone and vincristine reinduction. A 21% increase in 2, 3-DPG (p<.02) was demonstrated 3 weeks after starting prednisone, which returned to pre-treatment levels 2-3 weeks after therapy was discontinued. (See Table) No significant changes occurred in hemoglobin or serum inorganic phosphate levels during prednisone therapy. Three patients treated with vincristine alone demonstrated no change in their 2, 3-DPG levels. Since an elevation in 2, 3-DPG of 430 nmoles/ml rbc results in an increase of P50 of 1 mm. Hg, this study provides evidence that Hb-O2 affinity can be pharmacologically manipulated in the direction of significantly increased oxygen delivery to tissues, and that this effect is time and dose related.
Dissolution of Alkyl Vinyl Ether-Maleic Anhydride Copolymers and Ester Derivatives

The dissolution properties of several alkyl vinyl ethermaleic anhydride copolymers and their ethyl, n-propyl, and n-butyl half-and quarter-ester derivatives were studied. An immersion refractometric method was employed to determine the polymer dissolution properties. Rates of polymer dissolution and lag times prior to the initiation of measurable dissolution rates were shown to be dependent upon several variables. The polymer variables studied included polymer molecular weight, degree of esterification, ester chain length, and ether substituent. Other factors studied were pH of the dissolution medium, type of sample (cast films or compressed disks), and inclusion of a plasticizing agent. Each factor was shown to influence the resulting polymer dissolution properties.
Magnetic field dependence of electromagnetic fields in a semi-infinite metal: General formalism

Abstract There have been several recent measurements of the highfrequency surface impedance of very pure metals at very low temperatures in variously oriented magnetic fields ranging in strength from just a few gauss to many thousands of gauss. In order to understand these we have been led to examine the explicit effect of the surface of the metal on the electronic motion and the resulting electric field distribution. The linearized Boltzmann transport equation has been solved so as to include all discontinuities in the distribution function which arise from diffuse scattering of electrons at the metal-vacuum interface for an arbitrary Fermi surface and static magnetic field orientation. We are led to a partial differential equation which must be satisfied by the parameter characterizing the earliest time that an electron can scatter onto a given trajectory. Expressing the bulk scattering of electrons as a relaxation into the local equilibrium distribution assures us that the equation of continuity connecting the current and the charge density is satisfied. Combining the current calculated from our distribution function with Maxwell's equations, we find a system of singular (or an alternative system of nonsingular) integral equations for the selfconsistent electric field transform. In order to discover the form of the singularities in the electric field transform we examine the singular form of the integral equations and introduce a many dimensional Hilbert problem, the dimensionality being determined by the particular Fermi surface and magnetic field orientation. Even though in general the many dimensional Hilbert problem has not been solved, in the regime where our methods are necessary (nonlocal behavior, anomalous-skin-effect conditions) we can obtain a good approximate factorization into a set of one-dimensional Hilbert problems which can be readily solved. Moreover, the general form of our solution for the Fourier transformed electric field allows us to exhibit explicitly all of its singularities. Besides the infinite-medium inverse dielectric tensor, the singularities are also determined by another factor which is related to the discontinuous transport of current into the bulk of the metal; the
A Model for Wear and Friction in Cylinder Liners and Piston Rings

A one-dimensional elstohydrodynamic mixed lubrication wear and friction model is developed. The model can predict the effects of surface roughness, asperity contact, temperature-pressure-viscosity on wear, lubrication, and friction of the piston rings and cylinder liner. Wear is predicted based on the surface asperity contact pressure. The cylinder bore wear and the ring pack friction during an engine break-in are simulated and compared with the experimental results. The influence of cylinder wall temperature and surface roughness on friction and wear is investigated. The ring pack friction due to oil viscous shearing and asperity contact is found to reach its minimum at a certain oil temperature.
Acoustic modulators for optical fibres

Presentation d'une nouvelle technique pour realiser un deplacement de frequence a bande laterale unique de la lumiere se propageant dans une fibre optique. Cette technique utilise une onde acoustique pour produire le couplage entre les deux polarisations orthogonales d'une fibre birefringente. La lumiere couplee d'une polarisation dans l'autre est decalee en frequence de la frequence de l'onde acoustique
Some considerations for the heating of greenhouses with geothermal energy

Abstract In the past few years, geothermal space heating of greenhouses has been the object of much interest in the United States. The purpose of this paper is to provide those unfamiliar with the subject with a brief introduction to heat loss and heating system design methods. Peak heat loss calculations for the most common construction methods are covered. In addition, a brief method of calculating annual energy requirements is presented. Finally, design approaches for five heating systems are described. The systems include finned pipe, unit heaters, finned coils, radiant floor panel and bare plastic tubes.
Post-socialist democratization: a comparative political economy model of the vote for Hungary and Nicaragua

Abstract For advanced democracies, models of electoral behavior are rather well developed. However, such models may explain only a part of electoral behavior in new democracies. In particular, they seem poorly suited to the emerging, post-socialist democracies, where the vote choice involves fundamental national economic and political variables. While the new democracies of Hungary and Nicaragua are different in certain obvious ways, they share the common experience of profound economic and political system shifts. In this exploratory research, we argue that, in such cases, voters decide largely on the basis of key political and economic system considerations. To support our claim, we formulate a comparative Political Economy model and estimate it by using logistic regression on survey data from the 1990 Nicaraguan election and the 1994 Hungarian election.
A Functional Role for CCR6 on Proallergic T Cells in the Gastrointestinal Tract

Background & Aims CCL20 is a chemokine that regulates the homeostatic and inflammatory trafficking of leukocytes to the small intestine and regulates the development of the gastrointestinal lymphoid architecture. T cells expressing T helper cell (Th) 2 cytokines are critical for experimental food allergy, and we hypothesized that CCL20 is involved in the localization of these cells to the gut. Methods We evaluated the role of CCR6 in allergic diarrhea induced by sensitization and oral challenge with ovalbumin (OVA) using CCR6 +/+ and CCR6 −/− mice. Results CCR6 −/− mice were protected from OVA-induced diarrhea but surprisingly were not impaired in mastocytosis or allergen-specific immunoglobulin E. CCR6 −/− mice were also protected from T cell-mediated diarrhea induced by anti-CD3 antibody. Allergic diarrhea was associated with an increased expression of Th2 cytokines within the intestinal mucosa that was significantly reduced in CCR6 −/− mice. Inhibition of lymphocyte homing by treatment with FTY720 did not impair allergic diarrhea, indicating that reactivation of T cells could occur locally within the small intestine. Finally, T-cell transfer studies demonstrated that CCR6 was required both on the transferred T cells and in the recipient mouse to manifest allergic disease in the gastrointestinal tract. Conclusions These studies highlight a mast cell– and immunoglobulin E–independent role for CCR6-bearing T cells in the pathogenesis of gastrointestinal allergic disease.
Electrophysiology of newt skin: Effects of prolactin

Integumental transepithelial potential (TEP) was measured by both in vivo and in vitro (Ussing chamber) techniques in the same adult terrestrial-phase California newts (Taricha torosa). In both types of preparation, TEP showed a logarithmic relation to external sodium (as Na2SO4) concentrations between 0.1 and 10 meq/liter, with in vivo values exceeding in vitro values at all points. KM was ca. 1 and 5 meq/liter for the in vivo and in vitro preparations, respectively. When terrestrial-phase newts were treated with prolactin (PRL; 50 mIU/g/day), in vivo TEP declined significantly within 3 days. In vivo TEP versus [Na+]ext curves of recently collected aquatic-phase newts were found to be not significantly different from those of PRL-treated terrestrial-phase animals. Current/voltage (I/V) plots likewise showed that skin from aquatic-phase and PRL-treated terrestrial-phase newts was electrophysiologically alike. Estimates and calculations based on the I/V relationship suggest that PRL acts primarily to increase the epithelial electrical resistance in the transcellular pathway, with no effect on the electromotive force of the sodium pump.
Foliar injury responses of ponderosa pine seedlings to ozone, wet and dry acidic deposition, and drought

Abstract A 3-year field study of the potential interactions of ozone (O3), wet and dry acidic deposition, and soil water availability on foliar injury responses of 18 ponderosa pine (Pinus ponderosa Laws.) families was conducted in the Sierra Nevadas of California. Thirty-six 2-year-old seedlings in each of 30 open-top chambers (plus six ambient air plots) were exposed to combinations of three levels of O3 [charcoal-filtered (CF), non-charcoal filtered (NF), and NF plus 1.5 times ambient O3 (NF150)]; three simulated rain pH treatments (pH 3.5, 4.4, 5.3); two levels of dry deposition (60% filtration of ambient dry deposition and 90% filtration), and two irrigation regimes (approximately weekly watering vs irrigation every other week) for three growing seasons. One-third of the trees were harvested at the end of each year. O3, irrigation level, amount of dry deposition, and family (genotype) significantly affected degree of foliar injury responses to O3. The interactions of O3 with irrigation amount and O3 with dry deposition were also statistically significant. Drought-stressed seedlings had significantly less O3 injury than well-watered trees, but seedlings exposed to 60% filtration of dry deposition had significantly greater O3 injury than those in the 90% filtered treatments. Ponderosa pine families differed greatly in susceptibility to O3, ranging from two with an average of > 20% O3 injury to several with nearly no O3 injury. These results reflect the complex patterns ofponderosa pine responses to natural and pollutant stresses and emphasize the importance of long-term, multifactorial experiments to elucidate those patterns.
Transport in Charged Defect-Rich π-Conjugated Polymers

Some models of charge transport in π-conjugated polymers treat these materials as if they were electrical insulators. Although this may be appropriate for a few materials, many polymers are effectively doped p-type by a high density of charged defects. Herein, limits are estimated for the charged defect density above which the resulting electrostatic fluctuations may govern transport and for the corresponding free hole density above which space-charge-limited currents should not occur. These limits are lower than the experimentally observed values in many π-conjugated polymers, suggesting that these materials are more accurately described by models of doped semiconductors. This analysis also provides an explanation for two otherwise puzzling experimental observations, the low-field Poole−Frenkel mobility and the correlated energetic disorder.
When neurologist and patient disagree on reasonable risk: new challenges in prescribing for patients with multiple sclerosis

New more powerful therapies for the treatment of multiple sclerosis may also confer a potential for unprecedented life-endangering side effects. How does a physician respond to a patient's request for a treatment the benefit of which cannot be clearly established as worth its risk? The current challenge with prescription of natalizumab (Tysabri(®), Biogen Idec) is used to illustrate how this conflict creates an opportunity to re-examine our goals as physicians and the nature of the physician-patient relationship. Understanding the physician's role in that partnership, and the ethical and psychological issues impacting on how reasonable risk is determined, can improve the neurologist's capacity to explicate such quandaries. Redefining what is required to mediate disagreement between doctors and patients about reasonable risk is at the heart of why many of us became physicians. However, such nuanced interpersonal dynamics of patient care can be neglected due to the time and resource pressures of our practices. These demands have increased the seductiveness of the efficiencies promoted by the trend toward the pseudo-objectification of evidence-based care, which has arguably monopolized the healing conversation often to the detriment of the shared narrative. We examine and attempt to reframe the fiduciary and biopsychosocial contretemps of the doctor and patient disagreeing on risk, emphasizing its humanistic, relational dimensions.
The Effects of Attachment Styles and Efficacy of Communication on Avoidance Following a Relational Partner's Deception

This investigation examined the effects of attachment styles and efficacy of communication on avoidance following a relational partner's deceptive communication. Efficacy of communication was explored as a mediating variable. Students (n = 123) who reported being deceived by their relational partner were recruited for the study. The data revealed that, compared to individuals with other attachment styles, those with a high anxious/ambivalent attachment tendency were more likely to avoid discussing the deception with their partner. In addition, efficacy of communication was negatively associated with avoidance. The results further revealed, however, that efficacy of communication mediated the link between attachment and avoidance. More specifically, highly anxious/ambivalent individuals were more likely to perceive relatively low efficacy of communication, and such perception, in turn, influenced their avoidance. Findings of the study provide an explanation for the association between attachment and avoidance.