cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Acoustically Excited Jet Flowing Through Flexible Membranes

Large amplitude pressure oscillations are sometimes encountered in the combustion chamber of solid rocket motors. In the case of segmented propellant, a possible cause of excitation of these oscillations is the presence of flexible inhibitors placed between the segments. The interaction between the inhibitors, the acoustic waves and the flow instabilities were studied in a cold air facility. Two different flexible membranes were compared to a solid plate to study the influence of the membrane natural frequency interaction with the acoustic and flow instability resonances. The frequency of oscillations was measured and axisymmetric and non-axisymmetric modes were analyzed. Hot-wire measurements were performed to map the flow field for different membranes and forcing conditions. Phase-lock flow visualizations were compared with quantitative measurements. When the structural, acoustic and flow instability resonances matched, forcing at this frequency induced large axisymmetric membrane oscillation. The preferred mode was not excited due to the formation of a harmonic frequency. When the natural frequency of the membrane was lower than the acoustic and flow instability resonances, higher modes of the membrane were excited, leading to a non symmetric motion and the preferred mode of the jet was excited.
Complement in asthma: sensitivity to activation and generation of C3a and C5a via the different complement pathways.

Studies in rodent models suggested that complement may play a critical role in susceptibility to airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR) and as a mediator of bronchial obstruction and inflammation in asthma. Complement may participate in susceptibility to asthma because of an intrinsic abnormality in complement activation and generation of C3a, C5a, or other products that affect cellular responses, resulting in T H 2 predominance and asthma susceptibility. Alternatively, an intrinsic abnormality in the cellular response to complement activation products could determine susceptibility to asthma. In this study, the authors investigated whether complement in patients with atopic asthma versus nonatopic controls possesses an increased propensity to become activated. Despite reports that total complement plasma levels in unchallenged asthmatics are normal, an abnormal sensitivity of complement to activation may exist if an isoform or a polymorphic variant of a complement protein was present and resulted in gain or loss of function without associated changes in total complement levels. Therefore, complement activation was induced in vitro in plasma of asthmatics and controls using activators of the classical, alternative, and lectin pathways and measured C3a, other C3 fragments, and C5a. For each pathway, similar amounts of generated fragments, as well as C3a/C3 and C5a/C5 ratios, were found in asthmatics and controls. Also, similar basal plasma levels of C3a and C5a were found in both groups; however, mannan-binding lectin (MBL) levels were moderately elevated in asthmatics. In conclusion, the results suggest that, in asthmatic patients, complement activation does not exhibit an abnormal sensitivity to activation by any of the known activation pathways.
Identification of γ-aminobutyric acid-like immunoreactive neurons in the rat cuneate nucleus

Neurons in the cuneate nucleus of the rat were examined for gamma-aminobutyric acid-like immunoreactivity (GABA-LI) using antiserum raised against GABA-glutaraldehyde-keyhole limpet hemocyanin. GABA-LI neurons were analyzed for size, shape, and distribution and compared to Nissl-stained neurons. GABA-LI cell bodies were located at all rostral-caudal levels and were distributed randomly throughout the nucleus except at the level of the obex, where they were limited to the peripheral region of the cuneate nucleus. GABA-LI cell bodies had a significantly smaller mean cross-sectional area than the total cuneate neuronal population and comprised 21.5% of the total neuronal population as assessed with Nissl-staining. These results are consistent with the hypothesis that GABA is involved in processing somatosensory information in the rat dorsal column nuclei.
Discriminating From Within

A relatively recent but already solid tradition in social psychology emphasizes the crucial relevance of cognitive factors for social behavior. Such factors are especially relevant (and disturbing) in situations of intergroup discrimination. Thus a classic article in the field, Tajfel (1970), asks in its subtitle, “Can discrimination be traced to some such origin as social conflict or a history of hostility?” And it answers: “Not necessarily. Apparently the mere fact of division into groups is enough to trigger discriminatory behavior.” Later in the article Tajfel elaborates:
On a class of quasilinear systems with sign-changing nonlinearities

Abstract We prove existence and nonexistence of positive solutions for the quasilinear system − Δ p u = λ a ( x ) f ( u , v ) in Ω , − Δ q v = μ b ( x ) g ( u , v ) in Ω , u = v = 0 on ∂ Ω , where Δ p u = div ( | ∇ u | p − 2 ∇ u ) , Δ q v = div ( | ∇ v | q − 2 ∇ v ) , p , q > 1 , Ω is a bounded domain in R N , and the coefficients a ( x ) and b ( x ) are allowed to change sign.
USING ANIMATED SPOKES-CHARACTERS IN ADVERTISING TO YOUNG CHILDREN: Does Increasing Attention to Advertising Necessarily Lead to Product Preference?

The use of animated spokes-characters in advertising to young children is a strategic communication tactic frequently examined, debated, and criticized by parents, researchers, child advocates, and government officials. Although public opinion suggests that spokes-characters influence young children's product desires, academic research has generally failed to demonstrate this effect. The present study extends previous studies examining spokes-character influence on children, and specifically examines the effects of character action and voice. Results of two studies support previous findings that although character action and voice may influence a young child's attention to an ad, character, and product recognition, and even a positive attitude toward the product, the relation between spokes-characters and a child's preference, intention, and choice of a product is uncertain.
Differences among speakers in lingual articulation for American English /ɹ/

Abstract X-ray microbeam fleshpoint measures of lingual articulation for pre-vocalic /ɹ/ were obtained for five test words spoken by 53 normal, young adult talkers of American English. The data were used to develop quantitative descriptions of cross-speaker variation in tongue shapes at acoustically-defined r-moments in the test words, and to understand whether and how /ɹ/-related tongue shapes might vary across the available sample of phonetic contexts. Key results suggest that tongue shapes for this sound vary widely across speakers within any single phonetic context, and more continuously than categorically across the representational space. Shapes also vary by context in ways that are similar across most speakers, and in some contexts, in ways that can be expected given simple assumptions about lingual movements associated with adjacent sounds. Interestingly, tongue shapes for American English /ɹ/ do not seem to be reliably linked to gender, measures of oral cavity size, or formant frequencies measured for two of the test words. Together, these results provide unique insight about the nature and bases of inter-speaker variation in lingual articulation for this infamously variable sound, and may prove useful to other investigators interested in speech motor control, speech synthesis, and automatic speech recognition.
Intracellularly injected aequorin detects transmembrane calcium flux during action potentials in an identified neuron from the terrestrial slug, Limax maximus

Abstract The abdominal ganglion of the terrestrial slug, Limax maximus, contains several large identifiable neurons. The largest abdominal giant cell (AGC) is a pacemaker neuron. Its rhythmic spontaneous activity is not dependent on synaptic input and can be reset by intracellularly applied current pulses. Action potentials can occur spontaneously or be elicited in the absence of either sodium or calcium in the external medium. Aequorin injected into the AGC luminesces in response to individual, spontaneously produced action potentials. The onset of light output occurs before the peak depolarization of the action potential. These results provide convincing evidence for transmembrane calcium flux during action potentials in this neuron.
An Empirical Evaluation of Normalization Methods for MicroRNA Arrays in a Liposarcoma Study

Background: Methods for array normalization, such as median and quantile normalization, were developed for mRNA expression arrays. These methods assume few or symmetric differential expression of genes on the array. However, these assumptions are not necessarily appropriate for microRNA expression arrays because they consist of only a few hundred genes and a reasonable fraction of them are anticipated to have disease relevance. Methods: We collected microRNA expression profiles for human tissue samples from a liposarcoma study using the Agilent microRNA arrays. For a subset of the samples, we also profiled their microRNA expression using deep sequencing. We empirically evaluated methods for normalization of microRNA arrays using deep sequencing data derived from the same tissue samples as the benchmark. Results: In this study, we demonstrated array effects in microRNA arrays using data from a liposarcoma study. We found moderately high correlation between Agilent data and sequence data on the same tumors, with the Pearson correlation coefficients ranging from 0.6 to 0.9. Array normalization resulted in some improvement in the accuracy of the differential expression analysis. However, even with normalization, there is still a significant number of false positive and false negative microRNAs, many of which are expressed at moderate to high levels. Conclusions: Our study demonstrated the need to develop more efficient normalization methods for microRNA arrays to further improve the detection of genes with disease relevance. Until better methods are developed, an existing normalization method such as quantile normalization should be applied when analyzing microRNA array data.
Overuse Injuries in Children and Adolescents

With the growth of youth sports programs, overuse injuries in young people have become common. Making the diagnosis can be challenging, but often the real hurdles are in identifying the causes of injury. Growth-related factors require special considerations in injury management. A directed history assessing these and other causative factors and a systematic exam help formulate a comprehensive rehabilitation program. Recommendations for a successful return to activity and prevention of reinjury include avoiding heavy training loads and early sport-specific training, taking adequate rest periods, and ensuring proper supervision.
Population dynamics of the Devils Hole pupfish

A model is constructed to simulate fluctuations in monthly population sizes of the Devils Hole pupfish between January 1973 and August 1976. A variety of biological parameters is estimated, and adult mortality is partitioned into natural and environmentally-dependent components. The simulations capture the seasonal fluctuations in population size, and only seven predicted population sizes differ from those observed by 20% or more. The model is used to make testable predictions about the life history of this species and interactions of the parameters are discussed.
Additive composition by normal and retarded children of matched MA

Normals and retardates from 5–10 in MA (with IQ controlled across MA levels in each group) were tested for additive composition of classes using different colored wooden beads. Additive composition was positively related to MA level within both IQ groups. Age placement for additive composition was MA 9 for normals, rather than 7–8 as found by Piaget. Age placement of MA 8 for retardates, however, corresponded to Piaget’s results. No transitional stage between additive and nonadditive composition of classes, reported by Piaget, was found in the present study.
Modified Group Therapy for Substance Abusers: A Psychodynamic Approach to Relapse Prevention

The psychological factors that predispose an individual to substance abuse are the same factors involved in relapse, a major threat to recovery from a reliance on substances. Modified Dynamic Group Therapy (MDGT) is a group therapeutic approach that is sufficiently supportive and structured to provide the safety and comfort that such patients require, but unstructured enough to allow a natural unfolding of their vulnerabilities and characterological defenses that need to be identified and modified. MDGT targets and focuses on four areas of self-regulation vulnerabilities involving difficulties with feeling life (affects), self-esteem, relationships, and self-care, and the defensive, charactemlogical traits that compensate for, while they also reveal, these vulnerabilties.
Trade-offs in seedling survival, growth, and physiology among hardwood species of contrasting successional status along a light-availability gradient

To better understand the regeneration ecology of northern red oak (Quercus rubra L.) in mesic forests, we compared its seedling growth and physiology with those of two other hardwoods, differing in successional status, along a gradient in light availability ranging from forest understories (2.6% of full light) to small clearings (69% of full light). Oak's relative growth rate (RGR) closely resembled that of shade-tolerant sugar maple (Acer saccharum Marsh.), and the positive response of both to increasing light was modest, especially beyond a relative light availability of 15%. Intolerant trembling aspen (Populus tremuloides Michx.) outgrew the others when relative light availability exceeded 5%, and its RGR increased more or less linearly with increasing light. However, there was a rank reversal of RGR in deep shade, where maple and oak had a higher RGR than aspen. This reversal was mirrored by seedling demography, as aspen survival was comparatively high in small clearings but negligible in deep shade. ...
THE EFFECT OF A CHELATOR MEDIATED FENTON SYSTEM ON THE FIBER AND PAPER PROPERTIES OF HARDWOOD KRAFT PULP

ABSTRACT Research was conducted into the effect of a chelator-mediated free radical treatment (CMT) on drainage rate, strength properties, optical properties, and fiber morphology for a fully bleached hardwood kraft pulp. The nature of the pulp furnish, specifically the fines and microfibril content, and its gross fiber characteristics, had a significant effect on the final fiber and paper properties. This was primarily due to an increase in the specific surface area of small fibers and fines in the beaten pulp. Treatments with high concentrations of Fenton reagents displayed severe damage to the cellulose fibers in both the beaten and unbeaten pulp. However, under relatively mild reaction conditions, fiber surface fibrillation of the unbeaten virgin fibers occurred. This observation was confirmed through results showing increased pulp tensile strength after treatment. *This is paper 2582 of the Maine Agricultural and Forest Experiment Station.
The intrinsic light variation in very close eclipsing binary systems with distorted components

Abstract Using the theory of distorted components in very close binaries the semi-axes are computed for several possible models. The coefficients of limb-darkening and gravity effect are found as weighted mean values of the results of several theoretical investigations. A simple linear relation is found between the coefficient of limb-darkening and the logarithm of the effective temperature in the spectral interval A0 to K0. The Fourier series for the intrinsic light variation of such distorted components is given for any polytropic index. The influence of the tidal bulge is described in detail.
Sex hormone-binding globulin: not a surrogate marker for venous thromboembolism in women using oral contraceptives.

Several recent reports have suggested that sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) might be a surrogate marker for venous thromboembolism (VTE) during combined oral contraceptive (COC) use. Uncritical acceptance of invalid surrogate markers threatens patient health and has caused thousands of preventable deaths in recent decades. Hence clinicians have an ethical obligation to validate any proposed surrogate end point. The authors examine the hypothesis that this globulin is a surrogate marker for VTE in oral contraceptive users considering both laboratory medicine and epidemiology. The authors conclude no valid surrogate marker for VTE exists for women using COCs. The best available evidence suggests that all contemporary COCs in Europe are associated with a similar risk of VTE. Hence putative surrogate markers for VTE cannot distinguish between different types of COCs.
TOXICITY OF HIGH LEVELS OF CALCIUM-45, STRONTIUM-90 AND PROMETHIUM-147 TO AVIAN EMBRYOS.

SummaryAs low as 100 μc Ca45 administered either at 4 or 8 days of incubation produced broken or fractured bones in chicken embryos. This same level of Sr90-Y90 was less effective than Ca45 producing these fractures when administered at 8 days of incubation. The changes produced by Ca45 injected at 14 days of incubation, Sr90-Y90 at 4 and 14 days and Pm147 injected at 4, 8 and 14 days were developmental abnormalities frequently produced with external irradiation.
Synthesis of a trans-fused perhydroindan analog of hispidospermidin

Abstract A reductive alkylation–halolactonization–free radical cyclization reaction sequence plays a pivotal role in a synthesis of the hispidospermidin analog 3 from m -toluic acid.
Intestinal Drug Absorption and Metabolism II: Kinetic Aspects of Intestinal Glucuronide Conjugation

Mechanisms of intestinal salicylamide glucuronide formation and transport were studied in the rabbit with in vitro, cannulated everted intestines and in vivo perfused and closed loops with complete mesenteric venous blood collection. Both experimental techniques indicate that glucuronide formation is capacity limited when the lumen concentration exceeds 10−3M. The glucuronide‐to‐free drug ratio appearing in mesenteric blood (in vivo) and serosal fluid (in vitro) decreases with increasing lumen concentrations. Appearance of glucuronide across the basal barrier is limited by the transport step rather than the rate of glucuronide synthesis leading to accumulation of glucuronide in the tissue compartment. Transport of glucuronide appears to be a simple first‐order diffusion process into the lumen contents as well as the mesenteric blood. Some implications of these findings in pharmacokinetic studies and dosage form design are discussed.
Drawing the Line: The American Decision to Divide Germany, 1944-1949

In this fresh and challenging study of the origins of the Cold War, Professor Eisenberg traces the American role in dividing post-war Germany. Drawing upon many original documentary sources, she examines the Allied meeting on the Elbe, follows the Great Powers through their confrontation in Berlin, and culminates with the creation of the West German state in the fall of 1949. In contrast to many works in the field, the book argues that the partition of Germany was fundamentally an American decision. US policy-makers chose partition, mobilized reluctant West Europeans behind that approach, and, by excluding the Soviets from West Germany, contributed to the isolation of East Germany and the emergence of the post-World War II US-Soviet rivalry. The volume casts new light on the Berlin blockade, demonstrating that the United States rejected United Nations mediation and relied on its nuclear monopoly as the means of protecting its German agenda.
Constitutive eNOS-derived nitric oxide is a determinant of endothelial junctional integrity.

Basal vascular endothelial permeability is normally kept low in part by the restrictiveness of interendothelial junctions (IEJs). We investigated the possible role of nitric oxide (NO) in controlli...
Acute sinusoidal obstruction syndrome after 6‐thioguanine therapy for Crohn's disease

6-Thioguanine (6-TG), the active metabolite of 6-mercaptopurine and its prodrug azathioprine, are thought to be responsible for clinical efficacy in the treatment of active Crohn's disease. Its use as a therapeutic agent for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) has been limited to patients who are resistant to or intolerant of other antimetabolites. Short-term experience with this agent has not demonstrated an increased incidence of hematologic or hepatic toxicity; however long-term safety data are scarce. We herein report a patient who developed acute sinusoidal obstruction syndrome after 14 months of successful thioguanine treatment. This is the first report of such a complication in an adult treated with 6-TG for active Crohn's disease.
Ultrastructure of acapsular mutant Cryptococcus neoformans cap 67 and monosaccharide composition of cell extracts.

Acapsular mutant Cryptococcus neoformans cap 67 was grown in Pine's citrate broth medium for 3 days and the cells then transferred to a nitrogen-free medium for 6 days. The cells were subjected to a four stage extraction with buffered Triton-X1OO, cold dilute alkaline borohydride, hot dilute acetic acid, and a second alkaline extraction. Galactoxylomannan antigens were recovered from the culture supernates of both 3 day old and 9 day-old yeast cells. The alkaline extracts contained water-soluble galactoxylomannan and a water-insoluble glucan. Dilute acid treatment released a minor amount of carbohydrate from the cells. The second alkaline extraction yielded increased amounts of glucan and galactoxylomannan from the 9 day-old cells. Soluble non-dialyzable cell extracts were antigenically identical in immunodiffusion with the culture supernate antigens. After the extraction sequence, all of the galactose, xylose, and mannose were removed from the cells. The walls retained their shape after extraction but their layers were loosened. Cells resuspended in nitrogen-free medium for six days developed thickened walls with alternating electron-dense and electronlucent layers. The major constituent of the thickened 9 day-old cell walls was glucose, only 5% glucosamine was detected.
The BK Channel Opener Phloretin Influences Voltage- and Calcium-Dependent Gating

Large-conductance (BK), voltage- and Ca2+-activated potassium channels are considered an attractive therapeutic target. In order to facilitate drug development and the identification of clinically useful compounds, we analyzed the mechanism of action of BK openers in the context of an allosteric gating scheme. The focus of the current study is the BK opener phloretin. Openers may 1) enhance opening of the gate, 2) enhance voltage- and/or Ca2+-sensor activation, or 3) perturb coupling of voltage- and/or Ca2+-sensors to the gate. To distinguish among these possibilities, unitary and macroscopic currents were recorded from heterologously-expressed BK channels composed of human α subunits (hSlo1) in different Ca2+ concentrations over a wide range of voltage and Po. The predominant effect of phloretin (100 μM) was to increase Po with greater efficacy at negative voltages (∼100-fold increase in 0 Ca2+) than at positive voltages, an effect consistent with actions on the gate and/or its coupling to voltage-sensors. When tested on mSlo R210C, a mutant with constitutively activated voltage-sensors, phloretin produced a five-fold increase in nPo. This increase was significantly less than that observed for wild-type channels, further supporting phloretin's effects on coupling. Interestingly, phloretin was more efficacious in 0 Ca2+ than at higher Ca2+ concentrations, suggesting phloretin also affects Ca2+-dependent gating. Mechanisms of action similar to phloretin may prove useful in selectively activating BK channels at hyperpolarized membrane potentials. Thus, compounds that are structurally similar (phloridzin, naringenin, and 2-PT) or dissimilar (NS1619 and niflumic acid) were screened at −80 mV in 0 Ca2+ for phloretin-like activity. Although most openers increased nPo two- to three-fold, only NS1619 (100 μM) was as efficacious as phloretin, suggesting these compounds may share similar mechanisms of action.
Analysis of cable structures

Abstract A numerical procedure has been developed to analyze complex 3-dimensional assemblies of substructures and cables. The procedure is applicable to guyed towers, flexible transmission lines, cable roofs or mooring networks. The computer program, which has been developed to analyze these composite structures, accepts arbitrary loads on the substructures but restricts the loads on the cable elements to gravity, thermal, or fluid drag effects. The algorithm is built around an efficient cable element subprogram. From given loads and given positions of the ends of a cable, the subprogram determines the complete geometry of the cable, its end forces, and its tangent stiffness matrix. The cable elements are connected together or to substructures nodes. The equilibrium configuration of the assembly is approached by successive iterations which decrease the imbalance of forces which still exist at each node at the end of the previous iteration. Special numerical schemes, which insure rapid convergence of the analysis, are presented. The computer algorithm is discussed in detail, and the simplicity and efficiency of the formulation is demonstrated by several examples. Very large displacements of the nodes and associated second order effects on the substructures do not present any difficulty as the imbalances and stiffnesses at each iteration are based on the geometry of the system at the end of the previous iteration.
Decadal changes in Pacific carbon

[1] This paper uses the extended multiple linear regression (eMLR) technique to investigate changes over the last decade in dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC) inventories on a meridional line (P16 along 152°W) up the central Pacific and on a zonal line (P02 along 30°N) across the North Pacific. Maximum changes in the total DIC concentrations along P02 are 15–20 μmol kg−1 over 10 years, somewhat higher than the ∼1 μmol kg−1 a−1 increase in DIC expected based on the rate of atmospheric CO2 increase. The maximum changes of 15–20 μmol kg−1 along the P16 line over the 14/15-year time frame fit with the expected magnitude of the anthropogenic signal, but there is a deeper than expected penetration of the signal in the North Pacific compared to the South Pacific. The effect of varying circulation on the total DIC change, based on decadal alterations of the apparent oxygen utilization rate, is estimated to be greater than 10 μmol kg−1 in the North Pacific, accounting for as much as 80% of the total DIC change in that region. The average anthropogenic CO2 inventory increase along 30°N between 1994 and 2004 was 0.43 mol m−2 a−1, with much higher inventories in the western Pacific. Along P16, the average Northern Hemisphere increase was 0.25 mol m−2 a−1 between 1991/1992 and 2006 compared to an average Southern Hemisphere anthropogenic CO2 inventory increase between 1991 and 2005 of 0.41 mol m−2 a−1.
One-dimensional hydrogen in low-frequency radiation: Frequency-modulated hydrogen.

We investigate the effect of intense, low-frequency fields on the structure of atomic hydrogen (prepared in the presence of an external dc electric field). The em field (of amplitude ${E}_{0}$ and frequency \ensuremath{\omega}) interacts with a low-lying (n in the range of 2--7) two-level system of ``one-dimensional'' hydrogen [transition frequency ${\ensuremath{\omega}}_{0}$=(N+1)\ensuremath{\omega} and transition dipole moment \ensuremath{\mu}]. The field couples strongly to the permanent dipole moments of the two levels (${d}_{1}$ and ${d}_{2}$), creating a large number of equally spaced sidebands (spacing equal to \ensuremath{\omega}) that share \ensuremath{\mu} among themselves. The distribution of the oscillator strength depends on the universal parameter (${d}_{2}$-${d}_{1}$)${E}_{0}$/\ensuremath{\omega}. We determined the transition moment ${\ensuremath{\mu}}_{N}$ of the Nth sideband for a variety of ladder and off-ladder systems. Our results indicate that at sufficiently high intensities that are comparable to the threshold of classical chaos of the many-level hydrogen-atom system, off-ladder sidebands become as strong as ladder sidebands, thus breaking the one dimensionality of the system.
Polyacrylamide gels for invadopodia and traction force assays on cancer cells.

Rigid tumor tissues have been strongly implicated in regulating cancer cell migration and invasion. Invasive migration through cross-linked tissues is facilitated by actin-rich protrusions called invadopodia that proteolytically degrade the extracellular matrix (ECM). Invadopodia activity has been shown to be dependent on ECM rigidity and cancer cell contractile forces suggesting that rigidity signals can regulate these subcellular structures through actomyosin contractility. Invasive and contractile properties of cancer cells can be correlated in vitro using invadopodia and traction force assays based on polyacrylamide gels (PAAs) of different rigidities. Invasive and contractile properties of cancer cells can be correlated in vitro using invadopodia and traction force assays based on polyacrylamide gels (PAAs) of different rigidities. While some variations between the two assays exist, the protocol presented here provides a method for creating PAAs that can be used in both assays and are easily adaptable to the user’s specific biological and technical needs.
Gadolinium-enhanced magnetic resonance angiography in neonates and infants suspected of caval or aortic thrombosis

Background: Gadolinium-enhanced magnetic resonance angiography (MRA)is a well-established technique in older children and adults. No studies have focused on its use in neonates and small infants. Objective: Our objective was to study the use of gadolinium-enhanced MRA in neonates and infants suspected of caval or aortic thrombosis. Materials and Methods: Gadolinium-enhanced MR angiography was performed on seven neonates and small infants for the evaluation of caval or aortic thrombosis. Gadolinium-DTPA at a dose of 0.3 mmol/kg (minimum dose 1 ml) was injected using a power injector (0.2 ml/s). Contrast-enhanced MRA was performed using a 3-D, fast, radiofrequency spoiled gradient-echo sequence (TR/TE: 4.8/1.1, flip angle 45°, matrix 256×128, slice thickness 2.6 mm interpolated to 1.3 mm, FOV variable, NEX=1.0). Results: Diagnostic-quality angiograms were obtained in all seven neonates. Superior vena cava thrombosis was identified in two neonates, and abdominal aortic thrombosis was present in one neonate. Conclusion: It is practical to perform gadolinium-enhanced MRA in neonates weighing as little as 600 g for the detection of caval or aortic thrombosis.
IQ and neuropsychological changes following carotid endarterectomy

Abstract Recently published studies have reported clinically significant increases in cognitive functioning in humans following surgical removal of obstructive atheromatous placque from the carotid artery leading from the heart to the brain. Detailed study by us of test-retest changes in group means in our own setting as well as scrutiny of similar test-retest scores for each individual patient comprizing our group of 17 carotid endarterectomy patients, and comparing them to similar detailed analyses in our one normal sample and two additional patient samples which served as reference groups, failed to confirm these earlier reported findings. Rather, our test-retest results with the full WAIS and 11 measures from the Halstead-Reitan Battery were little different from the test-retest changes found in these three reference groups which underwent no surgery. We concluded that the clinically unremarkable changes found in our endarterectomy and three reference samples are little different from the test-retest ...
Crystal structure of Δ-[Ru(bpy)2dppz]2+ bound to mismatched DNA reveals side-by-side metalloinsertion and intercalation

DNA mismatches represent a novel target in the development of diagnostics and therapeutics for cancer, because deficiencies in DNA mismatch repair are implicated in cancers, and cells that are repair-deficient show a high frequency of mismatches. Metal complexes with bulky intercalating ligands serve as probes for DNA mismatches. Here, we report the high-resolution (0.92 A) crystal structure of the ruthenium ‘light switch’ complex Δ-[Ru(bpy)_(2)dppz]^(2+) (bpy = 2,2′-bipyridine and dppz = dipyridophenazine), which is known to show luminescence on binding to duplex DNA, bound to both mismatched and well-matched sites in the oligonucleotide 5′-(dCGGAAATTACCG)_(2)-3′ (underline denotes AA mismatches). Two crystallographically independent views reveal that the complex binds mismatches through metalloinsertion, ejecting both mispaired adenosines. Additional ruthenium complexes are intercalated at well-matched sites, creating an array of complexes in the minor groove stabilized by stacking interactions between bpy ligands and extruded adenosines. This structure attests to the generality of metalloinsertion and metallointercalation as DNA binding modes.
Reading between the lines: SH3 recognition of an intact protein

Abstract The structure of the Nef–SH3 domain complex reveals how an SH3 domain can more effectively ‘read' its linear proline-rich recognition element when it is presented within the context of a folded protein.
Interferon-γ regulates discordant mechanisms of uveitis versus joint and axial disease in a murine model resembling spondylarthritis.

OBJECTIVE—The spondyloarthropathies (such as ankylosing spondylitis) are multi-system inflammatory diseases that frequently result in uveitis, or intra-ocular eye inflammation. Despite the common co-occurrence of uveitis with arthritis, there has been no explanation for the eye’s susceptibility to inflammation. Using an innovative intravital videomicroscopic approach, we discovered the co-existence of uveitis with axial and peripheral joint inflammation in mice immunized with cartilage proteoglycan (PG). Here, we elucidate the characteristics of uveitis and test the impact of IFNγ deficiency on the eye versus the joint and spine. METHODS—Female, TCR-Tg or IFNγ knock-out crossed to TCR-Tg mice were immunized with PG. Uveitis was assessed by intravital videomicroscopy and histology. The clinical and histopathologic severity of arthritis and spondylitis were evaluated. Bone remodeling process within the spine was assessed by whole-body NIR imaging. Immunoblotting and immunofluorescence staining were used to examine expression of PG and ADAMTS-5 along with examination of the cellular composition of uveitic eyes. RESULTS—PG neo-epitopes along with the aggrecanase, ADAMTS-5, are present in the eye as they are the joint. Anterior uveitis develops in response to PG immunization. The cellular infiltrate consists mainly of neutrophils and eosinophils. Unexpectedly, IFNγ deficiency markedly exacerbates uveitis while ameliorating joint and spine disease, indicating divergent mechanisms that drive diseases in the eye versus joints and spine. CONCLUSIONS—This is the first detailed description of a murine disease model wherein uveitis coincides with arthritis and spondylitis. Our observations provide great opportunity to understand the pathogenesis of a relatively common but poorly understood disease. Many immune-mediated inflammatory diseases including systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), rheumatoid arthritis, Sjogren’s syndrome, Wegener’s granulomatosis,
Two-bar sucrose preference☆

Abstract Prior studies showing that bar pressing (BP) rate is an increasing function of sucrose concentration would predict that in a two-bar situation rats would prefer that bar which resulted in the highest concentration. The present results show that this is the case when both bars are on a FR 5 schedule. The percentage of BP occurring to the higher concentration proved to be a linear function of the log of the ratio of concentrations. These results indicate that preference is independent of consummatory and postingestive consequences and is a function of the sensory properties of the reinforcement.
Site-Specific Functionalization of Anisotropic Nanoparticles: From Colloidal Atoms to Colloidal Molecules

Multipodal nanoparticles (NPs) with controlled tethers are promising principal building blocks, useful for constructing more complex materials, much like atoms are connected into more complex molecules. Here we report colloidal sphere templating as a viable means to create tetrapodal NPs with site-specific tethers. Amorphous sol-gel materials were molded by the template into shaped NPs that mimic tetravalent atoms but on the length scale of colloids. Synthetic methods were developed to modify only the tips of the tetrapods with a range of possible functional groups to generate anisotropic NPs capable of directional bonding to other NPs. We also illustrate that sets of tethered "colloidal atoms" can assemble themselves into "colloidal molecules" with precise placement of the modifying colloids. The templating and tethering approaches to these anisotropic colloidal building blocks and the assembly methods are applicable to many compositions regardless of crystal structure, therefore lending themselves to the fabrication of complex assemblies, analogous to those found in the molecular regime.
Exchange Properties of the Three-Dimensional Coordination Compound 1,3,5-Tris(4-ethynylbenzonitrile)benzene·AgO3SCF3

Properties such as guest removal and exchange within a host crystal are investigated for benzene·1,3,5-tris(4-ethynylbenzonitrile)(1)·silver triflate(AgOTf) (polymorph A). The 15 A × 22 A channels in the crystal structure are retained through both guest exchange and complete guest removal. The apohost (defined to be a host without guests system) exhibits selectivity for new guests by absorbing aromatic molecules (ranging from 1.5−4 guests per molecule of 1) and not aliphatic molecules from the vapor phase. In solution, guests such as toluene, undecane, and benzyl alcohol are shown to be accomodated typically with two to three guest molecules for every molecule of 1. Guest exchange of nonfunctionalized aliphatic and aromatic molecules make no changes in the original benzene·1· AgOTf adduct orthorhombic cell parameters (11.625(3) A × 19.110(7) A × 38.856(15) A) greater than 0.4 A for any axis. However, crystals containing alcoholic aromatic molecules can be indexed to the two-dimensional rectangular analog ...
Suburban congestion: Recommendations for transportation and land use responses

Transportation congestion is reaching intolerable levels in many urban and suburban areas in the US. Reliance upon traditional responses, such as transit and new highway capacity, is not working — especially in suburban areas. Although methods for dealing with suburban congestion are often different, there are a number of common features that must be considered in developing short term as well as more permanent and long lasting solutions. In proposing short term solutions, a “Menu of Actions” is described. It includes transportation actions (the traditional transit and transportation management options) where there are opportunities for getting more out of the existing systems; land use/growth management actions which will result in more rational land use-transportation interactions; financial incentives, to encourage or discourage appropriate actions; more comprehensive and systematic land use and transportation planning; and the organizational and institutional actions required to implement rational solutions. While the “Manu of Actions” provides a broad array of possible actions to provide relief in the short run, over time the growth in traffic is likely to outpace their effectiveness. Consequently, longer term and often more difficult solutions must be considered and implemented as appropriate. They could include changes in land use development and land use management policies; changes in lifestyle and business practices; improvements through technological innovation; changes in the traditional ways of providing transportation services; and greatly expanded research and development.
Interaction of PAR-6 with CDC-42 is required for maintenance but not establishment of PAR asymmetry in C. elegans.

Caenorhabditis elegans embryonic polarity requires the asymmetrically distributed proteins PAR-3, PAR-6 and PKC-3. The rho family GTPase CDC-42 regulates the activities of these proteins in mammals, flies and worms. To clarify its mode of action in C. elegans we disrupted the interaction between PAR-6 and CDC-42 in vivo, and also determined the distribution of GFP-tagged CDC-42 in the early embryo. Mutant PAR-6 proteins unable to interact with CDC-42 accumulated asymmetrically, at a reduced level, but this asymmetry was not maintained during the first division. We also determined that constitutively active GFP∷CDC-42 becomes enriched in the anterior during the first cell cycle in a domain that overlaps with PAR-6. The asymmetry is dependent on PAR-2, PAR-5 and PAR-6. Furthermore, we found that overexpression of constitutively active GFP∷CDC-42 increased the size of the anterior domain. We conclude that the CDC-42 interaction with PAR-6 is not required for the initial establishment of asymmetry but is required for maximal cortical accumulation of PAR-6 and to maintain its asymmetry.
The process of regionalization: An appropriate conceptual and methodological approach

Abstract Socioeconomic planning often necessitates the development of a set of areal units. This spatial component of planning is regionalization, and it must be conceptually and methodologically compatible with its purpose. Many elements common to most traditional procedures (continguity constraints, predetermination of the number or size of regions, and mutual exclusivity of regions) jeopardize the validity of the regionalization. An alternative approach, factorial regionalization, produces intuitively meaningful regional types without imposing unrealistic constraints upon the regional landscape. In addition to being more objective, the procedure yields a greater amount of information than traditional methods. This in turn allows more flexibility in interpreting and employing the results of the regionalization.
Threshold shifts produced by exposure to noise in chinchillas with noise-induced hearing losses.

Monaural chinchillas (N = 4), with permanent hearing losses caused by previous noise exposures, were exposed in a diffuse sound field to an octave-band noise (centered at 4.0 k Hz) at 80 dB SPL. Th...
Conduction in Polydiacetylene Bilayers.

Surface active diacetylene monolayers were polymerized at the gas–water interface and bilayers formed from these layers were deposited onto lock-and-key devices. Samples exhibited intial conductivities on the order of 10−7 Ω−1 cm−1, which decayed at varying rates depending on sample composition to 10−11 Ω−1 cm−1. This initial space charge current was found to be strongly dependent on the presence of small amounts of water. A current increase was observed of over three orders of magnitude in some samples upon doping with iodine. Current flow decreased, however, back to original values after removal of the iodine. Polydiacetylene bilayers were also found to exhibit photo conductive current increases of over an order of magnitude.
Molecular mechanisms of type III hyperlipoproteinemia: The contribution of the carboxy-terminal domain of ApoE can account for the dyslipidemia that is associated with the E2/E2 phenotype

Apolipoprotein E2, which has an R158 for C substitution, has reduced affinity for the LDL receptor and is associated with type III hyperlipoproteinemia in humans. Consistent with these observations, we have found that following adenovirus-mediated gene transfer, full-length apoE2 aggravates the hypercholesterolemia and induces hypertriglyceridemia in E-deficient mice and induces combined hyperlipidemia in C57BL/6 mice. Unexpectedly, the truncated apoE2-202 form that has an R158 for C substitution when expressed at levels similar to those of the full-length apoE2 normalized the cholesterol levels of E-deficient mice without induction of hypertriglyceridemia. The apoE2 truncation increased the affinity of POPC-apoE particles for the LDL receptor, and the full-length apoE2 had a dominant effect in VLDL triglyceride secretion. Hyperlipidemia in normal C57BL/6 mice was prevented by coinfection with equal doses of each, the apoE2 and the apoE2-202-expressing adenoviruses, indicating that truncated apoE forms have a dominant effect in remnant clearance. Hypertriglyceridemia was completely corrected by coinfection of mice with an adenovirus-expressing wild-type lipoprotein lipase, whereas an inactive lipoprotein lipase had a smaller effect. The findings suggest that the apoE2-induced dyslipidemia is not merely the result of substitution of R158 for C but results from increased secretion of a triglyceride-enriched VLDL that cannot undergo lipolysis, inhibition of LpL activity, and impaired clearance of chylomicron remnants. Infection of E(-)(/)(-)xLDLr(-)(/)(-) double-deficient mice with apoE2-202 did not affect the plasma cholesterol levels, and also did not induce hypertriglyceridemia. In contrast, apoE2 exacerbated the hypercholesterolemia and induced hypertriglyceridemia, suggesting that the LDL receptor is the predominant receptor in remnant clearance.
Volumetric properties of ethyl acetate + carbon dioxide binary fluid mixtures at high pressures

Abstract Volumetric properties of carbon dioxide, ethyl acetate and their binary mixtures containing 27.7, 42.6, 52.9 and 67.3% by mass CO2 have been determined over a temperature range from 295 to 380 K for pure components, and from 295 to 340 K for mixtures at pressures up to 32 MPa. A new measurement methodology was employed in which a pressure-generator is used to alter the position of a movable piston while continually monitoring its position, thus the internal volume, with a computer-interfaced linear variable differential transformer (LVDT). The real-time recording of the internal volume permits generation of continuous density–pressure data which are correlated by smooth functions and used to determine the isothermal compressibility, the isobaric expansivity, the thermal pressure coefficient, and the excess volumes. The densities were observed to vary in the range from 0.60 to 0.98 g/cm3 for carbon dioxide; from 0.80 to 0.92 g/cm3 for ethyl acetate, and from 0.75 to 0.98 g/cm3 for the mixtures. Depending upon the temperature and pressure, the compressibility values were in the range 0.002–0.04 MPa−1 for CO2, and 1.0–2.3 × 10−3 MPa−1 for ethyl acetate. The expansivity values were in the range 3.7–11 × 10−3 K−1 for CO2 and 1.0–1.4 × 10−3 K−1 for ethyl acetate. The thermal pressure coefficients were in the range 0.3–1.9 MPa/K for CO2 and 0.55–1.2 MPa/K for ethyl acetate. In the mixtures, the isothermal compressibility and isobaric expansivity were found to increase while the thermal pressure coefficients decreased in going from ethyl acetate to carbon dioxide. The mixtures displayed mostly negative excess volumes. The magnitude of the negative excess volume was observed to decrease with pressure at a given temperature, but increase with increasing temperature at a given pressure. The largest (negative) excess volume, approaching −16 cm3/mol, was observed at the higher experimental temperature (340 K) and the lower pressure (16 MPa).
Detection of 3β,17-dihydroxypregn-5-en-20-one in blood from a human adrenal tumor

The adrenal-venous blood obtained from a woman with a virilizing tumor of the adrenal was found to contain 13 μg of 3β,17-dihydroxypregn-5-en-20-one, 21 μg of 17-hydroxypregn-4-ene-3,20-dione, 28 μg of 3β-hydroxyandrost-5-en-17-one, and 72 μg of androst-4-ene-3,17-dione per 100 ml. No testosterone could be detected.