cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Brain stem auditory evoked potentials in patients with hemifacial spasm.

Brain stem auditory evoked potentials (BSEP) were elicited and recorded from the spasm side and from the non-spasm side of 39 patients operated upon to relieve hemifacial spasm. Thirty-seven patients were studied before the microvascular decompression surgery at the root entry zone of the facial nerve was performed. Thirty-one patients were studied 4 to 10 days postoperatively, and 7 were evaluated a second time, 6 weeks to 6 months after surgery. The latencies of peaks III and V of the ipsilaterally recorded BSEP were statistically significantly (p<0.05) larger on the spasm side than were those recorded on the non-spasm side. The I to III interwove latencies did not show any statistically significant difference. This implies that the effects of hemifacial spasm are not limited to the facial nerve but extend to other cranial nerves and other parts of the brain stem than those involved in facial motor function. The pure tone thresholds recorded before and after the operations were essentially the same in the majority of the patients, were 10 to 15 dB lower in 13% of the patients postoperatively, and were 10 to 15 dB higher in 13% of the patients postoperatively. One patient suffered a moderate sensorineural low-frequency hearing loss postoperatively.
A source of heat-energy in crystallization of granodiorite magma, and some related problems of volcanism

Evidence obtained from thin sections, polished sections, and chemical analyses of granodiorite porphyries from the Ouray District of Colorado show that during crystallization of the granodiorite magma a number of shifts occurred in the equilibrium between the oxides of iron. These changes are reflected in processes of mineralization associated with the magma. The geologic setting of the igneous bodies and episodes of fissuring connected with the mineralization indicate that relief of pressure was the primary cause of the shifts in equilibrium. The iron occurring in the crystallized products and in the residual magmatic liquids is changed from its low to its high state of oxidation and thus provides an internal and potential source of heat-energy in crystallizing magmas. The transformation of the potential energy into neat is shown to occur both as an episodic process, interrupting the normal course of igneous metamorphism and mineralization near the magma bodies, and also as a more or less continuous process in the production of primary subalkaline magmas. The energy-transformation is so controlled by crystal fractionation within the magma-hood that it provides a mechanism by which magma bodies are enabled to rise in the Earth's crust by selective fusion of salic material.
Influence of Subsurface Defects on the Surface Reactivity of TiO2: Water on Anatase (101)

The adsorption of water on a reduced TiO2 anatase (101) surface is investigated with scanning tunneling microscopy and density functional theory calculations. The presence of subsurface defects, which are prevalent on reduced anatase (101), leads to a higher desorption temperature of adsorbed water, indicating an enhanced binding due to the defects. Theoretical calculations of water adsorption on anatase (101) surfaces containing subsurface oxygen vacancies or titanium interstitials show a strong selectivity for water binding to sites in the vicinity of the subsurface defects. Moreover, the water adsorption energy at these sites is considerably higher than that on the stoichiometric surface, thus giving an explanation for the experimental observations. The calculations also predict facile water dissociation at these sites, confirming the important role of defects in the surface chemistry of TiO2.
Theoretical assessment of unsteady aerodynamic effects in phonation.

This paper ranks the importance of unsteady aerodynamic mechanisms in glottal flow. Particular emphasis is given to separation point motion, acceleration of glottal airflow by vocal fold motion, and viscous blockage. How nondimensional parameters such as the Reynolds, Strouhal, and Womersley numbers help in this ranking is also addressed. An equation of motion is derived which includes terms explicitly describing the effects of interest, assuming (1) a symmetrical glottis, (2) zero pressure recovery downstream of the vocal folds, and (3) a quasisteady glottal jet. Estimating the order of magnitude of the terms in this equation, it is shown that the flow is characterized by two temporal regimes: (1) a flow initiation/shutoff regime where local unsteady acceleration and wall motion dominate, and (2) a “quasisteady” regime where the flow is dominated by convective acceleration. In the latter case, separation point motion and viscous blockage are shown to be out of phase with motion of the vocal folds, thereb...
Long-term durability and dose escalation patterns in infliximab therapy for psoriasis

Background Infliximab often requires dose escalation to maintain response. Studies regarding long-term durability and dose escalation patterns for psoriasis are few. Objective We sought to evaluate dose escalation patterns in psoriatic patients to identify factors of lack of optimal response to infliximab. Methods A retrospective cohort study included 93 patients (216.3 patient-years) treated with infliximab for psoriasis. Kaplan-Meier analysis assessed drug durability. Results A median infliximab dose of 5.42 mg/kg/mo (range: 2.71-10.83) for a mean of 28 months was administered. Two thirds of patients received a dose escalation. Concurrent methotrexate extended duration of therapy (by a mean ± SD of 19.5 ± 8.1 months, P = .034), including time until first dose escalation (by a mean ± SD of 12.0 ± 6.1 months, P = .037), and failure (by a mean ± SD of 20.7 ± 6.7 months, P = .034). Patients who increased the infusion frequency before increasing the dose remained on infliximab 8.4 months longer than those who first increased the dose ( P = .045). Four patients experienced adverse events; 2 required discontinuation. Limitations Psoriasis Area and Severity Index, infliximab levels, and antibody titers were not measured. Conclusions Dose escalation optimizes durability of infliximab. The probability of maintaining response is enhanced by concomitant methotrexate and increasing the infusion frequency before increasing the dose.
Supratentorial primitive neuroectodermal tumors of infancy: clinical and radiologic findings

Abstract One hundred ninety-eight children were entered on POG 8633, "Prolonged Postoperative Chemotherapy and Delayed Radiation for Children
The beauty of dialog: The disputes between the Greek and Latin theologians in the period of the Komnenoi from the western perspective

On the basis of the chosen Latin primary sources on religious disputes held by the Greek and Latin theologians in the 12th century we assess the intellectual climate in both camps in the eve of the great crisis and the outbreak of mutual hostilities after the government of the Emperor Manuel I. Komnenos, as well as the concrete contribution of these disputes to the Western intellectual culture.
Pathologic Findings in Swine Affected with a Virulent Strain of Aujeszky's Virus

The histopathology of Aujeszky's disease associated with severe clinical signs in mature swine was studied in 46 naturally and experimentally infected pigs, 2 dogs, a sheep, and 5 experimentally infected rabbits. The lesions in swine were characteristically severe, non-suppurative, necrotizing panencephalomyelitis, meningitis, and ganglioneuritis. In naturally infected pigs the anterior regions of the CNS were most severely involved. Swine experimentally inoculated intranasally had a similar distribution of lesions while those inoculated intramuscularly had primarily spinal cord involvement. Lesions in the brains of the dogs and sheep were meager and limited to the brains stems. In rabbits no CNS lesions were found. Necrotizing lesions were also seen in lymph nodes of swine and in livers of experimental rabbits.
Blastomycosis in childhood: treatment with amphotericin B and a review of the literature.

A 3-year-old boy with cutaneous, pulmonary, and skeletal lesions due to infection with Blastomyces dermatitidis was treated with amphotericin B for 9 weeks with clearing of these lesions and without serious toxicity. This is the first reported patient less than 14 years of age treated successfully with amphotericin B. Follow-up examination after one year did not reveal any recurrence of the infection by clinical, radiologic, or laboratory investigation. A table is presented reviewing the 21 cases of blastomycosis recorded in children since 1951.
A method for the detection and quantitation of PCR template in environmental samples by high performance liquid chromatography

This study describes methodology for the detection and quantitation of PCR amplified DNA. Specifically we report the estimation of the prevalence of E. coli in marine waters and other environmental samples from Mamala Bay, Hawaii. High performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) was used to quantitate PCR products containing between 1 and 250 ng DNA. PCR was used to amplify E. coli DNA through the use of lamB primers. A standard curve was generated that related initial cell template concentrations to amplified product DNA concentrations within a template range of 520 to 5.2×107 cells. The standard curve was used to determine initial template concentrations of the lamB gene sequence present within 11 different environmental samples. Quantified PCR analyses were most useful when samples contained only low numbers of target organisms, and when environmental samples contained few PCR inhibitory substances, as for example in marine water samples. Quantitation of amplified DNA and comparison with culture data also suggested the presence of viable but nonculturable organisms in some environmental samples. Overall these data are unique in that they indicate the successful use of HPLC to quantitate PCR amplifications with concomitant estimation of PCR template within environmental samples.
Activation of the lipoxygenase pathway in the methionine enkephalin induced respiratory burst in human polymorphonuclear leukocytes

In comparative studies of f-met-Leu-Phe (FMLP) and methionine enkephalin (ME) induced polymorphonuclear leukocyte (PMNL) stimulation the following results were obtained: (i) both FMLP and ME increased the intracellular killing (IK) capability of human PMNLs probably through NADPH oxidase activation, (ii) the ME-induced respiratory burst (RB) differed from the chemotactic peptide FMLP-triggered superoxide generation because the former was not accompanied by the activation of the glutathione system and the duration of the superoxide production was prolonged. The reaction was dependent on lipoxygenation, was potentiated by indomethacin (IM) and was inhibited by nordihidro-guairetic acid (NDGA), (iii) both 14C-arachidonic acid (14C-AA) release and leukotriene B4 (LTB4) synthesis of ME-treated PMNLs were elevated as compared to those of FMLP triggered cells. Our results suggest that lipoxygenation and even an increased LTB4 synthesis are involved in the ME-induced RB of leukocytes.
Study of functional infrared imaging for early detection of mucositis in locally advanced head and neck cancer treated with chemoradiotherapy

Summary Background and Purpose Chemoradiotherapy (CRT) has led to improved efficacy in treating locally advanced squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (LA-SCCHN) but has led to almost universal in-field mucositis. Patients treated with the same regimen often have differences in mucositis occurrence and severity. Mucositis induced via radiation is known to represent an intense inflammatory response histologically. We hypothesized that patients destined to display severe mucocutaneous toxicity would demonstrate greater alterations in thermal intensity early in therapy than identically treated counterparts. This will allow identification of patients that will require more intensive supportive care using thermal imaging technology. Materials and methods Subjects with LA-SCCHN (oral cavity or oropharynx) being treated with the identical chemoradiotherapy regimen underwent baseline and weekly thermal imaging. Changes in skin temperature caused by mucositis and dermatitis compared with a reference area (Δ T were calculated and correlated to grade of mucositis based on NCI-CTCAE 3.0. Results Thirty-four subjects were enrolled. Grade 3 mucositis and dermatitis was observed in 53% and 21%, respectively. We observed a statistically significant positive association between an early rise in ΔT and mucositis grade ( p value = 0.03). Conclusions Thermal imaging is able to detect small and early changes in skin surface temperature that may be associated with development of mucositis in patients being treated with chemoradiotherapy.
Antiviral cell therapy: is this the future?

In this issue of Blood , Leen and colleagues report the first multicenter trial of third-party viral-specific T cells (VSTs) for the treatment of 50 patients with refractory viral infections (cytomegalovirus, adenovirus, and Epstein-Barr virus) after stem cell transplantation.[1][1] How is this
The role of intensity modulated radiation therapy for favorable stage tumor of the nasal cavity or ethmoid sinus.

Objectives: To compare intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT), 4-field conformal, and the standard 3-field conventional technique of radiotherapy for favorable stage tumors of the nasal cavity or ethmoid sinus. Methods and Materials: We compared the 3 techniques in 3 patients with tumors of the nasal cavity or ethmoid sinus that did not involve the eye or optic pathways. We required that each plan deliver the prescription dose (70.2 Gy at 1.8 Gy per fraction) to 95% of the planning target volume. We compared the maximum point dose to critical normal structures (brainstem, optic chiasm, optic nerves, retina, lens). Results: IMRT and the 4-field conformal technique were clearly better than the 3-field conventional technique. The 4-field conformal plan was as good as IMRT. Conclusions: The conventional 3-field technique is not the best way to treat most patients with tumors between the eyes. A 4-field conformal plan is an excellent alternative to IMRT for some patients with tumors of the nasal cavity or ethmoid sinus. Conformal radiotherapy with a noncoplaner field that exits into the low neck may make it difficult to electively irradiate the neck lymphatics. IMRT may be a better option in this situation.
Determinants of NPC1 expression and action: key promoter regions, posttranscriptional control, and the importance of a "cysteine-rich" loop.

Mutations in the NPC1 gene cause Niemann-Pick type C disease, which is characterized by the accumulation of free cholesterol and other lipids in lysosomes. The NPC1 glycoprotein is located in a late endosomal compartment that transiently interacts with lysosomes. To identify factors regulating NPC1 expression and action, we analyzed the function of the human NPC1 promoter in human-derived ovarian, hepatic, and neuronal cells. A fragment containing the first 208 base pairs upstream from the major transcription initiation site was sufficient to drive near maximal NPC1 promoter activity. Deletion analysis revealed that sequences between base pairs -111 and -37 play an important role in controlling NPC1 transcription. Treatment of proliferating granulosa cells with 30 microM progesterone, which induces a reversible phenocopy of the cholesterol trafficking defect of Niemann-Pick type C disease, increased NPC1 mRNA levels threefold. The protein synthesis inhibitor, cycloheximide, also increased NPC1 mRNA levels, augmenting the progesterone-induced increase in NPC1 mRNA abundance. Progesterone treatment was shown to increase the mRNA half-life, but did not affect NPC1 promoter activity. Cysteine residues in a "cysteine-rich" loop predicted to reside in the intralumenal compartment of vesicles containing NPC1 were mutated, resulting in proteins that were incapable of correcting the cholesterol trafficking defect in CT60 cells, a Chinese hamster cell line in which the endogenous NPC1 gene is inactivated. Converting isoleucine 1061, also predicted to lie within the cysteine-rich loop, to a threonine residue inactivated the protein as well. The I1061T mutation is one of the most common mutations in Niemann-Pick type C disease. All of the cysteine-rich loop mutants were localized to cholesterol-engorged lysosomes in a pattern mimicking the distribution of NPC1 in progesterone-treated cells. A recombinant protein representing the cysteine-rich loop was shown to bind to a zinc-NTA agarose column. We conclude: (1) that cis elements residing in the first 111 base pairs upstream from the transcription start site are critical for transcription of the NPC1 gene; (2) that NPC1 expression is subject to posttranscriptional regulation in response to treatments that disrupt NPC1 function; and (3) that an intralumenal cysteine-rich loop with zinc-binding activity is critical to NPC1's ability to unload lysosomal cargo.
Structured programming using BASIC

With the advent of inexpensive microcomputers, which are mainly programmed in BASIC, and the widespread availability of BASIC on both minicomputers and large scale computers, the advantages of structured programming mandate that the techniques be extended to BASIC. Alternation (IF-THEN-ELSE) as well as repetition (DO WHILE and DO UNTIL) are easily implemented in BASIC. The CASE structure and necessary style conventions to insure readable, easy to write, easy to debug programs are readily implemented in BASIC. Structured pseudocode is used to express algorithms which are then written in structured BASIC.
The surface chemistry of isolated and aggregated silica-bound rhodium complexes

Abstract The chemisorption activity of silica-bound molecular Rh complexes has been studied using Fourier transform infrared, temperature-programmed desorption, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy on samples treated variously with CO, NO, and H2. Beginning with a μ-oxo rhodium carbonyl species, treatment with NO leads to no (bis)nitrosyl rhodium complexes but to a mixture of an oxygen adduct and a nitrite/nitrate complex. Treatment of the latter with CO does not form isocyanate; treatment of it with H2 leads to an aggregated Rh complex and an unidentified complex, probably involving nitrogen and derived from the nitrate/nitrite complex. Treatment of the aggregated complex with NO and CO leads to some isocyanate on the Rh but none on the support. High-temperature treatment under vacuum leads to irreversible sintering after which the Rh behaves like conventional Rh metal particles with respect to formation of isocyanate on both the metal and the support upon exposure to NO and CO. We conclude that isocyanate formation depends strongly on the form of the Rh.
Identification of the neutron-rich isotope174Er

The heaviest known erbium isotope, 3.3(2) min.174Er, has been identified using on- line isotope separation and by s and γ- ray spectroscopy. Twelve γ rays were placed in a preliminary decay scheme. The mass of the new isotope was established by the separator and the Z was deduced from Tm K x ray coincident s and γ rays. In addition, the heaviest known isotope of holmium171Ho was observed with a half-life of 49(5) s.
A search technique for quasi-perfect codes

Using the properties of parity-check matrices of binary linear codes a tree-search program is given which finds quasi-perfect codes. Fixing the number of check digits and the number of errors to be corrected, the program will find one quasi-perfect code for each block length that such a code exists. The efficiency of the search technique is demonstrated by the fact that the program yielded eighteen new quasi-perfect double error-correcting codes.
Late Quaternary sedimentation and paleoecologic history of Chaco Canyon, New Mexico

A stratigraphic and pollen analytical study of a thick sequence of alluvium at Chaco Canyon National Monument has provided a detailed history of late Quaternary alluviation, channel trenching, vegetation, and climate for the eastern Colorado Plateau. The alluvium at Chaco Canyon consists of five informal units, each separated by an erosional unconformity: Fajada (late Pleistocene), Gallo (7000 to 2400 B.P.), Chaco (2200 to 850 B.P.), Post-Bonito (600 B.P. to 1860 A.D.), and Historic (1935 to present). The Fajada paleosol occurs throughout northwestern New Mexico and is radiocarbon dated as older than 6,700 yr. Pollen analysis of the four younger alluvial units provides evidence for a mid-Holocene interval of aridity that occurs later than recognized elsewhere in the Southwest. Around 5,800 yr ago both pinyon and ponderosa forests were rapidly diminished by a decrease in precipitation. Maximum reduction of the pine forests and woodlands and the greatest aridity of climate persisted from 5600 to 2400 B.P. Ponderosa forests in the mountains adjacent to Chaco Canyon had begun to expand their range by 2200 B.P., and the major expansion of pinyon woodlands in the Chaco area began about 850 yr ago. The climate at Chaco Canyon when the Basketmaker and Pueblo peoples lived there about 600 to 1150 A.D. was drier and warmer than it is today. The ponderosa pine logs used in pueblo building were obtained from the mountains east, south, or west of Chaco Canyon. Abandonment of the pueblos coincided with the incision of the valley floor by the post-Bonito channel system.
Immunoelectron microscopic analysis of a novel carbohydrate differentiation antigen (CDA‐3C2) in the developing rat olfactory and otic systems

A carbohydrate differentiation antigen (CDA-3C2) exhibits a highly specific and restricted pattern of expression during rat embryogenesis. In the periphery of the embryo, this antigen is associated transiently with the lateral ectoderm but is retained only in the olfactory and otic epithelium throughout morphogenesis. At the light microscopic level, CDA-3C2 immunoreactivity appears mostly along cell periphery and in the extracellular matrix. The aim of the present study was to determine the specific cellular and subcellular distribution of CDA-3C2 in vivo in order to identify potential sites of cellular and tissue function of the antigen during embryogenesis. There was a strikingly similar subcellular distribution of CDA-3C2 in the developing otic and olfactory systems, found mostly along cell membranes, microvillar projections and acellular secretions of the epithelium. Mature sensory components of the epithelia were not immunoreactive, whereas supportive cells and their secreted structures were densely stained. The highly coincident nature of CDA-3C2 in both sensory epithelia suggests that this carbohydrate epitope, and possibly its carrier macromolecule, participate in a morphogenetic function common to these two sensory epithelia. © Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Displacement of parental RNA strands during in vitro transcription by bacteriophage φ6 nucleocapsids

Abstract We have studied the mode of transcription of the three double-stranded RNA segments found in bacteriophage φ6. Stable transcription intermediates, isolated following in vitro incorporation of nucleoside triphosphates by φ6 nucleocapsids, were examined by electron microscopy. Specimens were either spread and shadowed or deposited on polylysine film and stained. In either case, branched molecules with one or more single-stranded arms were seen. The single-stranded arm, in all molecules observed, has about half the contour length of one double-stranded arm. The branched molecules are stable in high salt or hot phenol, resistant to proteinase K, but sensitive to RNAase A in high salt, yielding fragments of double-stranded RNA. These results are consistent with a transcription mechanism in which each new transcript displaces one of the parental RNA strands. From the rate of movement of the branch point, we found transcription rates in vitro of ∼25 nucleotides per sec at 30°C and 19 nucleotides per sec at 25°C. Based on the spacing between branches in multiply branched molecules, initiation occurs approximately once every 40 sec at 30°C on M or S RNA templates and about 6 times less frequently on L RNA.
Private prisons: Problems within the solution

In this paper we examine the claim that private industry can provide the flexibility and cost efficiency needed to meet current demands for prison space and improved prison conditions. We show reasons to suspect predictions of increased efficiency and flexibility, and warn of the difficulties in regulating a private industry. We conclude by evaluating the consequences of privatization for future criminal justice policy.
Golgin-160 promotes cell surface expression of the beta-1 adrenergic receptor.

Golgin-160 is a ubiquitously expressed peripheral Golgi membrane protein that is important for transduction of certain pro-apoptotic signals at the Golgi complex. However, the role of golgin-160 in normal Golgi structure and function is unknown. Here, we show that depletion of golgin-160 using RNA interference (RNAi) does not affect Golgi morphology or constitutive membrane traffic in HeLa cells. However, depletion of golgin-160 leads to significantly decreased cell surface levels of exogenously expressed β1-adrenergic receptor (β1AR), which can be rescued by expression of RNAi-resistant forms of golgin-160. Furthermore, overexpression of golgin-160 leads to higher surface levels of β1AR. Golgin-160 is localized mostly in the cis and medial regions of the Golgi stack by immunoelectron microscopy, suggesting that it does not directly promote incorporation of β1AR into transport vesicles at the trans Golgi network. Golgin-160 interacts with β1AR in vitro, and we mapped the interaction to a region between residues 140 and 257 in the head of golgin-160 and the third intracellular loop of β1AR. Our results support the idea that golgin-160 may promote efficient surface delivery of a subset of cargo molecules.
Upstream regulatory regions required to stabilize binding to the TATA sequence in an adesovirus early promoter

Of the five early adenovirus promoters, the early region 3 (E3) promoter is one of the most strongly induced by the E1A protein. To identify cellular proteins involved in both the basal and E1A-induced transcriptional regulation of the E3 promoter, DNase I footprinting using partially purified Hela cell extracts was performed. Four regions of the E3 promoter serve as binding domains for cellular proteins. These regions are found between -156 to -179 (site IV), -83 to -103 (site III), -47 to -67 (site II), and -16 to -37 (site I), relative to the start of transcription. Examination of the DNA sequences in each binding domain suggests that site III likely serves as a binding site for activator protein 1 (AP-1), site II for the cyclic AMP regulatory element binding protein (CREB), and site I for a TATA binding factor. The factors binding to either site II or III were sufficient to stabilize binding to the TATA sequence (site I). Mutagenesis studies indicated that both sites II and III, in addition to site I, are needed for complete basal and E1A-induced transcription. These results suggest that multiple cellular factors are involved in both the basal and E1A-induced transcriptional regulation of the E3 promoter, and that either of two upstream regions are capable of stabilizing factor binding to the TATA sequence.
Insights into the origin of low- δ 18 O basaltic magmas in Hawaii revealed from in situ measurements of oxygen isotope compositions of olivines

In situ measurements of oxygen isotope and elemental compositions of olivines from subaerial Mauna Kea lavas reveal that their δ^(18)O values correlate positively with their forsterite contents, consistent with addition of one or more low-δ^(18)O components into magmas from which they grew over the course of their crystallization–differentiation histories. This result supports previous suggestions that low-δ^(18)O components to Mauna Kea lavas are contaminants derived from hydrothermally-altered rocks in the volcanic edifice or lithosphere, rather than components of the underlying mantle sources of these lavas. The slope of the correlation between δ^(18)O values and forsterite contents of olivines is steeper for subaerial Mauna Kea lavas than for submarine Mauna Kea lavas, and olivines from Mauna Loa lavas exhibit negligible changes in δ^(18)O values over a similar range of forsterite contents. Models of assimilation–fractional crystallization (AFC) processes can explain our observations if the δ^(18)O values of crustal contaminants decrease sharply at the submarine–subaerial transition in Mauna Kea volcano, and if Mauna Loa lavas are either uncontaminated or contaminated only by rocks that have δ^(18)O values similar to that of primary Mauna Loa magmas. We suggest that the differences in oxygen isotope systematics among Mauna Loa, submarine Mauna Kea and subaerial Mauna Kea lavas principally reflect the sources and amounts of water available to hydrothermal systems in the volcanic edifice.
Epicardial Coronary Capacitive Blood Flow

Several lumped models have been proposed to characterize the elastic behavior of the epicardial coronary artery, which are based on well-controlled animal experiments. It is still unclear as to which model is most suitable for analyzing the physiological pressure-flow data for the normal catheterization labs. In this research, different perfusion pressure patterns measured from a mongrel dog were used to drive four mathematical models to investigate the influence of the pressure dependence and viscoelastic effect on epicardial capacitive flow. Results show that the nonlinear behavior of the epicardial capacitance can be approximated with a linear model, and the viscoelastic effect only slightly reduces the amplitude of the protosystolic peak. Further analysis in frequency and time domain revealed the underlying mechanism for the above observation. We conclude that a constant capacitance model can be used to analyze the protosystolic data for estimating the epicardial capacitance.
SIMULTANEOUS EXTRACTION AND DERIVATIZATION OF CARBOHYDRATES FROM GREEN PLANT TISSUES FOR ANALYSIS BY GAS-LIQUID CHROMATOGRAPHY

Abstract Simultaneous extraction and derivatization of carbohydrates was performed by mixing dry ground plant tissue with derivatization reagents in pyridine; trimethylsilyl derivatives were analyzed by gas–liquid chromatography. This “direct analysis” was compared to analysis of samples prepared by exhaustive ethanol extraction of the same ground plant tissues. Comparisons included leaf blades from apple, grape, corn, and tomato and leaf blade, petiole, stem, and pod tissues from soybean plants. Direct analysis gave superior quantification of sucrose, glucose, and fructose because of sucrose hydrolysis during ethanol extraction. Sucrose hydrolysis was highly variable among plant species and use of hot ethanol at the first extraction step reduced sucrose hydrolysis but did not always abolish it. Sucrose hydrolysis was probably due to the activity of hydrolytic enzymes in 75% ethanol at room temperature. Direct analysis was inferior for the quantification of cyclitols in the fibrous tissues of soybean but provided acceptable results for cyclitol analysis in leaf blade tissue. When the time for extraction/reaction was extended from 40 to 60 min, some improvement in recovery of cyclitols was observed, but recovery remained 10 to 20% below that obtained with exhaustive ethanol extraction. Mannitol was vacuum infiltrated into the five types of leaf tissue and recovery averaged 100% by the direct method relative to ETOH extraction for apple, grape, corn, and soybean leaves but was only 76% for tomato leaves. Direct analysis provides very large time savings and is clearly the method of choice when the analysis of large numbers of samples of plant tissues for carbohydrate composition is required.
Promotion of fibroblast adhesion by triple-helical peptide models of type I collagen-derived sequences.

The dissection of the activities mediated by type I collagen requires an approach by which the influence of triple-helical conformation can be evaluated. The α1β1 and α2β1 integrin binding sites within type I collagen are dependent upon triple-helical conformation and contained within residues 124-822 from α1(I). Seven α1(I)-derived triple-helical peptides (THPs) were synthesized based on charge clustering (α1(I)256-270, α1(I)385-396, α1(I)406-417, α1(I)415-423, α1(I)448-456, α1(I)496-507, and α1(I)526-537). Three additional THPs were synthesized (α1(I)85-96, α1(I)433-441, and α1(I)772-786) based on previously described or proposed activities (Kleinman, H. K., McGoodwin, E. B., Martin, G. R., Klebe, R. J., Fietzek, P. P., and Wooley, D. E.(1978) J. Biol. Chem. 253, 5642-5646; Staatz, W. D., Fok, K. F., Zutter, M. M., Adams, S. P., Rodriguez, B. A., and Santoro, S. A.(1991) J. Biol. Chem. 266, 7363-7367; San Antonio, J. D., Lander, A. D., Karnovsky, M. J., and Slayter, H. S.(1994) J. Cell Biol. 125, 1179-1188). Of the ten THPs, α1(I)772-786 THP had the greatest activity, with half-maximal normal dermal fibroblast adhesion occurring at a peptide concentration of 1.6 μM. Triple-helicity was essential for activity of this sequence, as the non-triple-helical peptide analog (α1(I)772-786 SSP) exhibited considerably lower levels of cell adhesion promotion even at peptide concentrations as high as 100 μM. Within the sequence itself, residues 784-786 (Gly-Leu-Hyp) were important for cellular recognition, as the α1(I)772-783 THP had greatly reduced cell adhesion activity compared with α1(I)772-786 THP. Preliminary studies indicate that the β1 integrin subunit mediates fibroblast adhesion to α1(I)772-786 THP. The identification of fibroblast integrin binding sites within type I collagen may have important implications for understanding collagen metabolism.
TMT, a predator odor, elevates mesoprefrontal dopamine metabolic activity and disrupts short-term working memory in the rat.

Working memory has been proposed to require the proper functioning of the medial prefrontal cortex and its dopaminergic innervation. The dopaminergic input to the medial prefrontal cortex has been demonstrated to be sensitive to physical and psychological stress. In this report, we demonstrate that a brief exposure to 2,5-dihydro-2,4,5-trimethylthiazoline (TMT), an odor derived from a predator of the rat, the fox, resulted in elevated dopamine metabolism in the medial prefrontal cortex and elevated serum corticosterone. We tested the effects of this olfactory stress on working memory using a spontaneous, delayed, non-matching-to-sample task using object recognition methods. Rats were exposed to one set of objects and, after a delay of 1, 15 or 60 min, later demonstrated a robust working memory of the familiar object compared to a novel object. When rats were exposed to TMT during the 15-min delay, working memory was disrupted without altering exploratory behavior. We conclude from these studies that (1) TMT selectively activates mesoprefrontal dopamine neurons, (2) TMT exposure can disrupt working memory and (3) this disruption in working memory is not due to an overall suppression of exploratory behavior but may involve altered mesoprefrontal dopaminergic activity.
Sequence-specific and length-dependent interaction of C2H2 zinc fingers and (TA)n microsatellites

A possible function for microsatellite elements still remains elusive. Here we demonstrate that (TA)n microsatellites can be recognized in vivo in transient assays by a combination of naturally occurring C2H2 zinc fingers with high affinity that depends on specific protein-DNA contacts. This interaction results in an upregulation of the basal transcription level, when (TA)n elements are placed upstream of a minimal promoter. Upregulation depends on the length of the element. Our results suggest that specific interaction of transcription factors with microsatellite sequences may underlie effects on transcriptional regulation exerted by these sequences. Identification of such interactions would be a first step towards understanding the function and evolution of microsatellite elements.
Global attractivity in a nonlinear second‐order difference equation

In this paper we obtain a global attractivity result for the positive equilibrium of a nonlinear second-order difference equation of the form xn+1 = f(xn, xn+1), n = 0, 1, The result applies to the difference equation xn+1 =A+bxn/A+n−1, n = 0, 1, Where a, b, A ϵ (0, ∞). © 1996 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
3350 The complication rate of duodenal polypectomy.

Endoscopic polypectomy has generally been considered a safe procedure for gastric and colonic polyps. The risk of duodenal polypectomy has not been clearly established. Aim: To evaluate the complication rate subsequent to duodenal polypectomy in comparison to polypectomy of gastric or right colon polyps. Methods: Complications associated with duodenal, right colon or gastric polypectomy were identified by review of the CORI database, morbidity and mortality records, and chart review over the last three years. Right colonic polyps were classified as those identified in the cecum, ascending colon or hepatic flexure. Procedure reports were reviewed to identify polyps at least 10mm that were removed by polypectomy. Demographic data as well polyp characteristics (sessile vs pedunculated) were included in the analysis. Results: Overall, there were 250 right colonic polypectomies performed, 60 gastric polypectomies, and 26 duodenal polypectomies. Of these, 38 right colon polyps, 13 gastric polyps, and 15 duodenal polyps were 10mm or more in size. Complications associated with polypectomy performed in these polyps 10mm or greater in size are shown below. Patients undergoing duodenal polypectomy had a complication rate of 26% vs. 9.8% for gastric and right colon polypectomies combined (P=0.19; CI 0.83-8.7). One patient undergoing duodenal polypectomy had a perforation and underwent surgery. There was no procedure-related mortality. There was no difference in age or morphology of the polyps between groups. All complications occurred with removal of sessile polyps. Conclusion: In patients with polyps 10 mm or greater in size undergoing polypectomy at our institution, those that had duodenal polypectomy had a trend toward a higher complication rate than those having polypectomy in the right colon or stomach.
Update on Molecular Epidemiology of H1, H5, and H7 Influenza Virus Infections in Poultry in North America

Avian influenza is endemic in wild birds in North America, and the virus routinely has been transmitted from this reservoir to poultry. Influenza, once introduced into poultry, can become endemic within the poultry population. It may be successfully eradicated by human intervention, or the virus may fail to successfully spread on its own. In the last 5 yr, influenza virus has been isolated from poultry in the United States on numerous occasions, and, with the use of molecular epidemiology, the relationships of these different viruses can be determined. There are 15 different hemagglutinin subtypes of avian influenza viruses, but infections with virus of H5 and H7 subtypes are of the most concern because of the potential for these viruses to mutate to the highly pathogenic form of the virus. Most of the influenza isolations in the United States have been associated with the live-bird markets (LBMs) in the Northeast. This has included primarily H7N2 influenza viruses, but also H7N3, H5N2, and other subtypes. Most of the H7N2 viruses were part of a single lineage that was first observed in 1994, but new introductions of H7N2 and H7N3 were also observed. The predominant H7N2 LBM lineage of virus spread to large commercial poultry operations on at least three occasions since 1997, with the largest outbreak occurring in Virginia in 2002. The H5N2 viruses in the LBMs included viruses from domestic ducks, gamebirds, and environmental samples. Some H5N2 viruses isolated in different years and in different locations had a high degree of sequence relatedness, although the reservoir source, if it is endemic, has not been identified. Finally, an H1N2 virus, associated with a drop in egg production, was isolated from turkeys in Missouri in 1999. This virus was a complex reassortant with swine, human, and avian influenza genes that was similar to recent swine isolates from the Midwest. Additional serologic evidence suggests that flocks in other states were infected with a H1N2 virus.
Can fire atlas data improve species distribution model projections

Correlative species distribution models (SDMs) are widely used in studies of climate change impacts, yet are often criticized for failing to incorporate disturbance processes that can influence species distributions. Here we use two temporally independent data sets of vascular plant distributions, climate data, and fire atlas data to examine the influence of disturbance history on SDM projection accuracy through time in the mountain ranges of California, USA. We used hierarchical partitioning to examine the influence of fire occurrence on the distribution of 144 vascular plant species and built a suite of SDMs to examine how the inclusion of fire-related predictors (fire occurrence and departure from historical fire return intervals) affects SDM projection accuracy. Fire occurrence provided the least explanatory power among predictor variables for predicting species' distributions, but provided improved explanatory power for species whose regeneration is tied closely to fire. A measure of the departure from historic fire return interval had greater explanatory power for calibrating modern SDMs than fire occurrence. This variable did not improve internal model accuracy for most species, although it did provide marginal improvement to models for species adapted to high-frequency fire regimes. Fire occurrence and fire return interval departure were strongly related to the climatic covariates used in SDM development, suggesting that improvements in model accuracy may not be expected due to limited additional explanatory power. Our results suggest that the inclusion of coarse-scale measures of disturbance in SDMs may not be necessary to predict species distributions under climate change, particularly for disturbance processes that are largely mediated by climate.
Differential Sensitivity to Escherichia coli Infection in Mice Lacking Tumor Necrosis Factor p55 or Interleukin-1 p80 Receptors

Objective: To determine the effect of targeted disruption of the cellular receptors of either tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) or interleukin-1β (IL-1β) during experimental gram-negative bacterial infection and endotoxemia. Design: Transgenic (knockout [KO]) mice deficient in either the p55 TNF receptor (TNF RI) or the p80 IL-1 receptor (IL-1 RI) were challenged with intravenous lipopolysaccharide (endotoxin) or intraperitoneal live Escherichia coli 0111:B4. Mortality was assessed daily for 7 days. Serum endotoxin levels and quantitative blood cultures were monitored at multiple times during infection. Setting: Surgical infectious disease research laboratory. Main Outcome Measures: Mortality, results of quantitative blood cultures, and serum endotoxin levels. Results: Both TNF and IL-1 RI KO mice were resistant to endotoxin challenge (0% mortality for both groups) compared with control mice (100% mortality [ P P Conclusion: The absence of either the TNF or the IL-1 RI receptor prevents cellular activation by each respective cytokine. Absence confers protection against intravenous endotoxin, which stimulates massive rapid release of cytokines into the systemic circulation. However, bacterial infection within the peritoneal cavity is known to cause more delayed cytokine release, and cytokines may act at the site of infection to enhance host defenses. We believe that IL-1 signaling may be more critical in provoking lethal systemic toxic effects than TNF signaling. However, TNF signaling may be an important component of host defense enhancement at the local site of infection. Arch Surg. 1996;131:1216-1221
Activation of EPAC1/2 is essential for osteoclast formation by modulating NFκB nuclear translocation and actin cytoskeleton rearrangements

Bisphosphonates inhibit osteoclast differentiation/function via inhibition of Rap1A isoprenylation. As Rap1 is the effector of exchange protein directly activated by cAMP (EPAC) proteins, we determined the role of EPAC in osteoclast differentiation. We examined osteoclast differentiation as the number of primary murine/human bone-marrow precursors that differentiated into multinucleated TRAP-positive cells in the presence of EPAC-selective stimulus (8-pCTP-2′-O-Me-cAMP, 100 μM; 8-pCTP-2′-O-Me-cAMP-AM, 1 μM) or inhibitor brefeldin A (BFA), ESI-05, and ESI-09 (10 μM each). Rap1 activity was assessed, and signaling events, as well as differentiation in EPAC1/2-knockdown RAW264.7 cells, were studied. Direct EPAC1/2 stimulation significantly increased osteoclast differentiation, whereas EPAC1/2 inhibition diminished differentiation (113±6%, P<0.05, and 42±10%, P<0.001, of basal, respectively). Rap1 activation was maximal 15 min after RANKL stimulation (147±9% of basal, P<0.001), whereas silencing of EPAC1/2 diminished activated Rap1 (43±13 and 20±15% of control, P<0.001) and NFkB nuclear translocation. TRAP-staining revealed no osteoclast differentiation in EPAC1/2-KO cells. Cathepsin K, NFATc1, and osteopontin mRNA expression decreased in EPAC1/2-KO cells when compared to control. RhoA, cdc42, Rac1, and FAK were activated in an EPAC1/2-dependent manner, and there was diminished cytoskeletal assembly in EPAC1/2-KO cells. In summary, EPAC1 and EPAC2 are critical signaling intermediates in osteoclast differentiation that permit RANKL-stimulated NFkB nuclear translocation and actin rearrangements. Targeting this signaling intermediate may diminish bone destruction in inflammatory arthritis.—Mediero, A., Perez-Aso, M., Cronstein, B. N. Activation of EPAC1/2 is essential for osteoclast formation by modulating NFκB nuclear translocation and actin cytoskeleton rearrangements.
Image fusion and subpixel parameter estimation for automated optical inspection of electronic components

The authors present a new approach to automated optical inspection (AOI) of circular features that combines image fusion with subpixel edge detection and parameter estimation. In their method, several digital images are taken of each part as it moves past a camera, creating an image sequence. These images are fused to produce a high-resolution image of the features to be inspected. Subpixel edge detection is performed on the high-resolution image, producing a set of data points that is used for ellipse parameter estimation. The fitted ellipses are then back-projected into 3-space in order to obtain the sizes of the circular features being inspected, assuming that the depth is known. The method is accurate, efficient, and easily implemented. The authors present experimental results for real intensity images of circular features of varying sizes. Their results demonstrate that their algorithm shows greatest improvement over traditional methods in cases where the feature size is small relative to the resolution of the imaging device.