cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The radiological diagnosis of congenital multicystic kidney 'Radiological Triad'.

Congenital multicystic kidney is the most common cause of an abdominal mass in infancy, and it may persist into adult life and be incidentally discovered. The pre-operative diagnosis is usually not made because the diagnostic features, consisting of a unilateral non-functioning kidney with or without a palpable flank mass, are shared by other more serious renal diseases. As a result, these patients generally have been subjected to surgical exploration to confirm the clinical suspicion of congenital multicystic kidney in order to make sure that one is not dealing with the more serious or malignant renal diseases. Accurate radiological diagnosis of congenital multicystic kidney, however, is entirely possible, provided the intravenous urogram, retrograde pyelogram, and abdominal aortogram are employed in combination. These diagnostic procedures not only make the primary diagnosis of congenital multicystic kidney, but also reveal the nature of the underlying congenital anomaly of the contralateral urinary tract that is reported to be present in approximately 30% of these patients. In this presentation emphasis, is strongly made on the radiological recognition and awareness of the nature and significance of this innocent renal lesion, which when left alone is not known to be harmful to the body. The pathognomonic radiological triad of congenital multicystic kidney consists of: 1. Unilateral non-functioning kidney on the excretory urogram with a flank mass or shell-like calcification on the plain film. 2. Absent or atretic proximal ureter on the retrograde pyelogram. 3. Absent or hypoplastic renal artery, no collateral arterial supply and no nephrogram on the abdominal aortogram.
Comments on the Defect Chemistry of Undoped and Acceptor-Doped BaTiO3

In a recent study of the defect chemistry of undoped polycrystalline and acceptor-doped single crystalline BaTiO3 an attempt was made to obtain defect and thermodynamic parameters without any a priori assumptions, e.g. about the magnitude and temperature dependence of the carrier mobilities. The parameters found for the undoped sample differ significantly from those obtained from the acceptor-doped sample, and even more substantially from those reported from several earlier studies. It is suggested that these discrepancies result from the lack of sufficient data in certain critical regions of temperature and oxygen activity. As a result, the attempt to extract parameters from the equilibrium conductivity by multiparameter curve-fitting has considerable uncertainty. However, the electron and hole mobility products and ratios, μ n μ p and μ n /μp, were determined by linear extrapolation of the well-established log-log slopes of +1/4 and −1/4 for the equilibrium conductivities and oxygen diffusivities to their intersection. Both the products and the ratios were found to be independent of temperature, indicating that both mobilities are also independent of temperature. This important conclusion validates the thermodynamic parameters obtained in earlier studies in which it was assumed that the mobilities are temperature independent or nearly so, and that the carrier concentrations are proportional to the conductivities.
How many assay probes to find one ore-bearing asteroid?

Abstract The number of ore-bearing asteroids could well be small and remote telescopic techniques are inadequate to identify such asteroids confidently. Finding an asteroid that can be profitably mined requires proximate observations from assay probes. Here we use a simple statistical approach to estimate the number of assay probes, Nassay, needed to find at least one ore-bearing asteroid at a high confidence (90%, 95%, and 99%). We present results for a wide range of values of the probability of an asteroid being rich in the resource of interest, Prich. We find that Nassay depends strongly on Prich, for likely values of Prich (
Empirical infection period models for tan spot of wheat

(1998). Empirical infection period models for tan spot of wheat. Canadian Journal of Plant Pathology: Vol. 20, No. 4, pp. 394-395.
The Role of Obstetrician/Gynecologists in the Management of Hepatitis C Virus Infection

Chronic infection with hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a major cause of liver disease-related death and is also the most frequent indication for liver transplantation in USA. Infected individuals can remain asymptomatic for 20 years or more, but they remain at risk for progressive liver disease. They also represent a potential source of infection for others. For reducing the future disease burden due to HCV, obstetrician/gynecologists and primary health care practitioners should be aware of the factors that promote HCV transmission: how to provide counseling and testing, and when specialist referral is needed.
Quantitation of echocardiographic predictors of outcome in infants with isolated ventricular septal defect.

Clinical and morphometric features such as ventricular septal defect (VSD) size and location may determine outcome in infants with an isolated VSD. However, no currently available data allow quantitative estimation of the probability of spontaneous closure or surgery in individual patients. To identify independent predictors of outcome and to quantitate the probability of spontaneous closure and surgery in patients with isolated VSD, we studied 156 consecutive infants who had a diagnosis of an isolated VSD between January 1, 1988, and December 31, 1990, and who were subsequently monitored for 28.5 ± 15 months. Of the 149 patients with membranous (n = 100) and muscular (n = 49) defects who were studied, 46 (31%) patients had spontaneous closure, and an additional 37 (25%) patients underwent surgical repair. Univariate analysis identified defect cross-sectional area indexed to body surface area, location in the muscular septum, presence of Down syndrome, and in membranous defects the presence of aneurysmal tissue as potential predictors of spontaneous closure or surgery. Multiple logistic regression analysis with these candidate variables identified indexed defect cross-sectional area as an independent predictor of spontaneous closure and surgery (p < 0.001). An inverse nonlinear relationship was seen between indexed VSD area and the probability of spontaneous closure (probability = (1 + e[−1.74 + 4.57CSA])−1 and a positive nonlinear relationship between indexed VSD area and the probability of surgery (probability = (1 + e[3.39 − 2.31CSA])−1). Muscular defects were more likely to close spontaneously than membranous defects (odds ratio 2.6, 95% CL = 1.01 − 6.8, p = 0.04). Aneurysmal tissue formation and presence of Down syndrome did not predict outcome after controlling for defect size. Thus echocardiographic measurement of VSD cross-sectional area enables quantitation of probability of spontaneous closure and surgery in individual infants with an isolated VSD.
THE BEHAVIOR OF THE TESTIS IN TRANSPLANTATION, EXPERIMENTAL CRYPTORCHIDISM, VASECTOMY, SCROTAL INSULATION, AND HEAT APPLICATION.

A realization of the remarkable influences of sex hormones on the differentiation of the genital complex in cattle discovered by Professor F. R. Lillie (1) led him to initiate a concerted program of sex research in the laboratories of Zoology at the University of Chicago looking to the development of our knowledge of the fundamental problems in the biology of sex. The work has been in progress now for some seven years and at the present time is being actively carried forward along many divergent lines. It was at Professor Lillie′s suggestion that I took up the study of some phases of the sex biology of mammals and it is a pleasure to be able at this time to present some of the results obtained from work on the mammalian testis.f While not emphasizing directly the aspects of its internal secretions the work deals with many basic problems from which have been built up much of our present-day conceptions of the internal secretions of the testes. I hope the knowledge gained, and the problems discussed, may be...
Nephrotoxic serum nephritis with hypertension: Amelioration by antihypertensive therapy

We have examined the effects of antihypertensive therapy on glomerular dynamics and on the clinical and morphologic features of a model of nephrotoxic serum nephritis (NSN) in which hypertension occurs. NSN was induced in uninephrectomized male Sprague Dawley rats, which drank 0.9% sodium chloride ad libitum. One-half were assigned randomly to a treated group whose blood pressure was normalized on a regimen of reserpine, hydralazine, and hydrochlorothiazide. Hypertension continued throughout the 6 weeks of study in untreated rats (blood pressure 148 +/- 5 vs. 103 +/- 3 mm Hg in treated rats, P less than 0.01). Urinary protein excretion was greater (437 +/- 110 vs. 254 +/- 81 mg/24 hr, P less than 0.005), and serum albumin lower (1.6 +/- 0.4 vs. 2.9 +/- 0.3 g/dl, P less than 0.01) in hypertensive animals. Diffuse glomerular endo- and extracapillary proliferation and arteriolar medial hypertrophy were observed frequently in nephritic rats with untreated hypertension. By contrast, structural abnormalities were limited primarily to focal segmental proliferation involving fewer than one-third of glomeruli in the absence of vascular changes in treated normotensive rats. Micropuncture studies performed 8 to 16 days after induction of nephritis showed a reduction in glomerular capillary pressure (46 +/- 1 vs. 55 +/- 1 mm Hg, P less than 0.001), glomerular plasma flow rate (115 +/- 20 vs. 160 +/- 20 nl/min, P less than 0.01), and single nephron filtration rate (42 +/- 4 vs. 56 +/- 5 nl/min, P less than 0.001) with antihypertensive treatment, suggesting that a hemodynamic mechanism may have been responsible for enhanced glomerular injury in the hypertensive nephritic animals.
Blood pressure targets for patients with diabetes or kidney disease.

The most recent scientific guideline statements from foundations and societies dealing with diabetes and kidney disease argue for blood pressure (BP) goals lower than 130/80 mm Hg, but whether the evidence from properly done clinical trials supports this BP level remains questionable. A review of all the evidence suggests that almost all of the data come from retrospective data analyses of randomized cardiovascular and chronic kidney disease (CKD) trials. Meta-analyses of all clinical trials to date demonstrate that reducing BP reduces risk for stroke and coronary heart disease, but none have achieved a mean BP goal of less than 130/80 mm Hg. In fact, only two prospective trials achieved a BP lower than 130/80 mm Hg in people with type 2 diabetes, as did three trials in advanced proteinuric CKD. Of these, one of the two diabetes trials showed a benefit for overall cardiovascular risk reduction, and two of the three kidney disease trials showed a benefit on slowing of advanced CKD. Of note, however, these two trials in CKD had baseline average proteinuria rates of more than 500 mg/day. No benefit of a lower BP was seen in microalbuminuric CKD. Therefore, the totality of the prospective randomized trial evidence indicates that a BP less than 130/80 mm Hg is not defensible to slow nephropathy progression unless proteinuria levels are at least 500 mg/day, and it does not reduce overall cardiovascular events in diabetes. Stroke benefit was uniformly seen at BP levels less than 130/80 mm Hg, however. Therefore, newer guidelines are emerging that state that the BP goal for most people is lower than 140/90 mm Hg with level IA or IB evidence, and that levels lower than 130/80 mm Hg are defensible only if advanced proteinuric CKD is present or stroke risk is very high (i.e., history of prior stroke or several risk factors for stroke, including hypertension, smoking, diabetes mellitus, dyslipidemia).
Uncertainty experiments support the roles of second-order mechanisms in spatial frequency and orientation discriminations.

Previous studies of spatial frequency and orientation discrimination [ Vision Res.32, 1885 ( 1992)] suggest the existence of two second-order cortical mechanisms: one that mediates spatial frequency discriminations and sums signals across orientations and one that mediates orientation discriminations and sums signals across spatial frequency bands. The existence of each mechanism is tested in an uncertainty experiment in which the observer does not know which of two hypothetically pooled signals deviates from the standard but must judge whether the deviation is an increment or a decrement. No uncertainty effect is expected if the signals are completely pooled. Observed effects are compared with this expectation and with both theoretical and empirical estimates of the effects expected if the signals are processed separately. Results support the existence of the first mechanism, but not its exclusive role in mediating spatial frequency judgments, and support the exclusive role of the second mechanism in mediating orientation judgments.
Mode of C-type virus production by bone cells of C3H/Fg mice.

Electron microscopy of bone from the distal ends of femurs of six 3-month-old male C3H/Fg mice revealed varying modes and quantities of C-type virus production by cells in the preosteoblast to osteocyte developmental gradient. Production occurred by budding from the cell surface, either from very short pedicles or from longer microvillous-like processes. Although apparently absent in preosteoblasts, limited numbers of budding viruses (90–110 nM) were seen in 6 of 53 osteoblasts examined. Examination of 200 osteocytes revealed evidence of virus production in all but eight. In these cells, budding occurred from the cell body and its processes with release of viruses into the pericellular lacunar space. Budding from the longer microvillous-like processes sometimes resulted in binding together of viruses in bead-like fashion by thin strands of limiting membrane. In a few cases budding was also seen on the cell processes within the canaliculi. The quantities of viruses present within the lacunae usually increased with increasing age of the osteocytes, indicating continual virus production. Most of the viruses observed, however, were pre C-types along with lesser numbers of mature C particles. Thus, factors contributing to the production of mature C particles may be diminished in osteocytes of mice at this age.
Using Time-resolved Wave Profile Measurements to Determine Elusive Phase Transitions in Molybdenum

Abstract The purpose of this study was to investigate the dynamic strength of molybdenum (Mo) at high pressures, particularly at the location of a solid-solid phase transition within Mo prior to entering the melt regime. The intent was to build on previous work by conducting both symmetric and non-symmetric impact experiments using a two-stage light gas gun and VISAR diagnostic system to examine molybdenum behavior up to pressures of 305 GPa. The approach required compensating for the wave interaction due to the low impedance LiF window, but provided detailed information regarding the release state. The main effort consisted of a series of Mo symmetric impact experiments having a fixed ratio of impactor thickness (1 mm) to target thickness (4.25 mm) and variation of the impact velocity which resulted in changes in both shock and release wave velocity. Based on the geometry, any structural change resulting in a change in release wave velocity would be noticeable through changes in the amount of time at the Hugoniot state or dwell time . As expected, the shock velocity increased proportionally with increased impact velocity, but a noticeable change in dwell time occurred at approximately 190 GPa. Additional analysis of the strength variation of Mo showed an increase in strength from 1.3 GPa to 3 GPa at approximately 190 GPa the location of phase transition, followed by a dramatic drop in strength for stresses above 190 GPa. Strength increased again for stresses of 300 and 305 GPa. The data acquired in this effort indicate the phase transition occurs at a slightly lower pressure than previously indicated and there appears to be a mixed phase region. This paper describes the strategy, experimental method, and corresponding results which are used to draw conclusions about the dynamic strength of molybdenum at high pressure.
Influence of Embryonic Stage on Survival of Cutthroat Trout Exposed to Temperature Reduction

Abstract We assessed the influence of developmental stage on the survival of embryos of cutthroat trout (Oncorhynchus clarki) fertilized at 7°C and subsequently cooled to 3°C. Survival of embryos cooled to 3°C at or prior to 11 d after fertilization was significantly lower than controls held at 7°C. Survival did not differ from controls when embryos were cooled 13 or 15 d after fertilization. Embryos that had developed through neural tube closure did not show higher mortality than controls when cooled from 7 to 3°C. Cooling embryos to 3°C after 13 or 15 d at 7°C prolonged the time to hatching by about 40 d when compared with embryos maintained at 7°C throughout development.
Alterations in the morphology of rabbit skeletal muscle plasma membrane during membrane isolation

This study describes changes in morphology of plasmalemma from fast skeletal muscle in the course of tissue disruption and isolation. We find that conditions used to solubilize muscle contractile elements, in the isolation of plasmalemma, including the use of 0.6 M KCl or 0.4 M LiBr in the cold (0-4 degrees C), lead to altered plasmalemma morphology. The intramembrane particles, as revealed by freeze-fracture electron microscopy, become aggregated, leaving large domains devoid of particles. The square arrays in the P face and the complementary "pits" in the E face also become aggregated, sometimes forming sizeable aggregates of square arrays. Thin-section electron microscopy using tannic acid enhancement reveals plasma membrane associated components, on both cytoplasmic and extracellular faces, are largely reduced by the salt treatment. Pyrophosphate and magnesium at lower concentrations, sometimes used instead of high salt, also resulted in particle aggregation, although less pronounced than with concentrated salt solutions. The plasma membrane-associated proteins on both plasma membrane surfaces were likewise decreased by this treatment. Pyrophosphate treatment also separated the basal lamina from the plasma membrane. Incubation of muscle in isoosmotic sucrose does not alter the morphology of the plasmalemma with regard to particle aggregation, diminution of membrane associated components, or separation of the basal lamina. Our observations suggest that membrane-associated protein and/or cytoskeleton constrains the mobility of components in the plane of the membrane and that removal of this constraint leads to aggregation of intramembrane particles.
Seasonal variation in some hematological characteristics of Rana pipiens.

Abstract 1. 1. The blood of the northern leopard frog, Rana pipiens, was examined during each of the four seasons of a year for five consecutive seasons (one and one-fourth years). 2. 2. The blood hematocrit, hemoglobin concentration, erythrocyte count, and leukocyte count were measured in male and female frogs. 3. 3. Every hematological parameter measured showed a significant variation over five consecutive seasons. During each season, at least one variable showed a significant difference between the sexes. 4. 4. Based on their hematological characteristics, spring and fall frogs were distinctly different, while summer and winter frogs showed similar blood patterns.
Nanosecond plasma enhanced H2/O2/N2 premixed flat flames

Abstract The effect of nanosecond pulsed plasma discharges on a laminar, lean ( ϕ = 0.5) premixed H 2 /O 2 /N 2 flame is studied at low pressure (25 Torr) using a novel plasma–flame facility, non-intrusive laser diagnostics, and high-fidelity numerical simulations. Spatially-resolved, quantitative OH mole fraction and temperature measurements are performed with and without a burst of 200 discharge pulses using laser-induced fluorescence. Measured temperatures increase by ∼20% in both the pre-heat and post-flame zones with the use of the plasma discharge. In addition, OH mole fractions increase by as much as 500% in the preheat zone and by 40% in the post-flame gases. Simulations are conducted with a one-dimensional, multi-scale, pulsed-discharge model with detailed plasma-combustion kinetics to develop additional insight into the complex plasma and flame interactions. Good agreement between measured and predicted OH and temperature profiles provides confidence in the model framework. The reduced electric field, E / N , varies inversely with number density during each pulse. A significant fraction of the input energy is consumed during electron impact ionization processes in the high E/N (700–1000 Td) regions downstream of the flame. Lower E/N values (100–700 Td) in the lower-temperature preheat zone promote efficient generation of radicals and excited species via electron impact processes, as well as by collisional quenching of excited states. The plasma action results in a significant increase in O and H atom density, with the peak values increasing by a factor of 6 and 4 respectively. In presence of the discharge, species and temperature profiles shift upstream (closer to the burner) by approximately 0.2 cm. Simulations show that electron impact dissociation and excitation processes in the plasma have a major impact on the observed temperature and species profile displacement, such that Joule heating alone does not account for the observed effects of the plasma.
Generation of metal formyl complexes using nickel and platinum hydrides as reducing agents

The five-coordinate nickel hydride complex [Ni(dmpe)[sub 2]H]PF[sub 6] (1) [dmpe = 1,2-bis-(dimethylphosphino)ethane] was synthesized by protonation of Ni(dmpe)[sub 2] with NH[sub 4]PF[sub 6]. The platinum analog, [Pt(dmpe)[sub 2]H]PF[sub 6] (2), and [Pt(depe)[sub 2]H]PF[sub 6] (3) [depe = 1, 2-bis(diethylphosphino)ethane]RB were synthesized by reduction of the corresponding Pt(II) complexes with NaBH[sub 4] on alumina. Complexes 1 and 3 can also be synthesized electrochemically. Reduction of Ni-(dmpe)[sub 2][sup 2+] by two electrons in the presence of ammonium ion generates 1, and reduction of Pt(depe)[sub 2][sup 2+] in methanol or wet acetonitrile produces 3. These hydrides react with a variety of cationic metal carbonyl complexes to produce known metal formyl complexes. The structure of 3 was determined by X-ray diffraction. Complex 3 crystallizes in a monoclinic unit cell with P2[sub 1]/c symmetry with a = 14.258 (4) [angstrom], b = 9.648 (3) [angstrom], c = 21.898 (5) [angstrom], [beta] = 91.17 (2)[degrees], V = 3011.7 (14) [degrees][sup 3], Z = 4, and d[sub calcd] = 1.662 g/cm[sup 3]. Full-matrix least-squares refinement converged with residuals R = 4.52% and R[sub w] = 5.90%. 21 refs., 1 fig., 4 tabs.
Subclassification fo two types of α-adrenergic binding sites in rat liver

Abstract Drug specificity studies with prazosins and yohimbine indicated that the two types of α-adrenergic binding sites identified using [3H]-epinephrine and [3H]-dihydroergocryptine in rat liver plasma membranes both belong to the α1-subclass.
Mycobacterium aviumComplex Activates Nuclear Factor κB via Induction of Inflammatory Cytokines

Abstract A variety of microorganisms has been reported to directly induce NF-κB, a critical step in the regulation of genes involved in the cellular immune response. In this study, we demonstrate that proinflammatory cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα) produced upon activation by the Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC) preceed NF-κB activity in U937, a human monocytoid cell line. MAC induction of TNFα mRNA expression was detected within 15 min after MAC infection, whereas enhanced NF-κB binding activity was not detected until 90 to 120 min postinfection. Supershift analysis revealed increased p50 in the MAC-induced NF-κB binding complexes. Consistent with an autocrine mechanism, anti-TNFα antibody and dexamethasone, a known cytokine inhibitor, both completely suppressed the effect of MAC on the induction of NF-κB. Taken together, these findings suggest that exposure of monocyte cell membranes to MAC induces endogenous TNFα, which in turn enhances NF-κB binding activity. The rapid induction of TNFα may be important in the initial host response to MAC infection.
Statistical physics, mixtures of distributions, and the EM algorithm

We show that there are strong relationships between approaches to optmization and learning based on statistical physics or mixtures of experts. In particular, the EM algorithm can be interpreted as converging either to a local maximum of the mixtures model or to a saddle point solution to the statistical physics system. An advantage of the statistical physics approach is that it naturally gives rise to a heuristic continuation method, deterministic annealing, for finding good solutions.
Elevated compartmental pressures after closure of a forearm burn wound with a skin-stretching device

A case of successful delayed primary closure of an upper extremity electrical blow-out injury is described using an alternative technique. The Sure-Closure skin-stretching device was used for permanent wound closure following serial debridement to protect the radial artery which was exposed over a distance of 21 cm. This method increases the options possible to achieve wound closure. However, the potential risks of this method include potentially high compartment pressures over a prolonged time in the postoperative period which requires close monitoring of limb perfusion.
Perceptions and Manifestations of Autonomy, Transparency and Harm among U.S. Newspaper Journalists

The media ethics literature is filled both with calls to more clearly define the values that govern media practitioners and with claims about which values ought to drive good journalism. Yet virtua...
Diabetogenic action of purified anterior pituitary hormones.

This communication deals with the diabetogenic action of three of the anterior pituitary hormones, namely growth hormone, adrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH) and prolactin. Previous work has indicated that purified growth hormone is diabetogenic (Marx et al., 1943; Houssay, 1945). The growth hormone, which had been prepared by Armour and Co.1(lots #8KR32 and #3PKR3) exhibited a purity, as judged by the electrophoretic diagram, of approximately 84 per cent of a single component which had a mobility comparable to that of purified growth hormone. Assay of the material in a 60–70 gram hypophysectomized rat showed that a 50 gamma dose per day caused a body increment of 1.0 gram per day. The ACTH, which was also supplied by the Armour Laboratories (lot #45-A-4), had been prepared by a modification of the Sayers method. Biological assay on hypophysectomized rats, making use of the ascorbic acid depletion method of Sayers et al. (1948), showed a potency of 96 per cent.
Review of James Cameron's Avatar 1

James Cameron's new film Avatar is, at its core, a visual experience. It engages audiences with swooping shots of luscious vegetation from an imaginary world, its characters confront and are confou...
Calculating α Eigenvalues of One-Dimensional Media with Monte Carlo

This paper presents results from the application of a Monte Carlo Markov Transition Rate Matrix Method to calculate forward and adjoint α eigenvalues and eigenfunctions of one-speed slabs, and perform eigenfunction expansion to approximate the time-dependent flux response to user-defined sources. The formulation of this method relies on the interpretation that the operator in the adjoint α-eigenvalue problem describes a continuous-time Markov process, i.e., elements of this operator are rates defining particles transitioning among the position-energy-direction phase space. A forward Monte Carlo simulation tallies these elements for a discretized phase space, using careful bookkeeping during the random walk. We compare calculated eigenvalues and eigenfunctions to those obtained by the Green's Function Method for multiplying and non-multiplying multi-region slabs.
Distinctive Core Histone Post-Translational Modification Patterns in Arabidopsis thaliana

Post-translational modifications of histones play crucial roles in the genetic and epigenetic regulation of gene expression from chromatin. Studies in mammals and yeast have found conserved modifications at some residues of histones as well as non-conserved modifications at some other sites. Although plants have been excellent systems to study epigenetic regulation, and histone modifications are known to play critical roles, the histone modification sites and patterns in plants are poorly defined. In the present study we have used mass spectrometry in combination with high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) separation and phospho-peptide enrichment to identify histone modification sites in the reference plant, Arabidopsis thaliana. We found not only modifications at many sites that are conserved in mammalian and yeast cells, but also modifications at many sites that are unique to plants. These unique modifications include H4 K20 acetylation (in contrast to H4 K20 methylation in non-plant systems), H2B K6, K11, K27 and K32 acetylation, S15 phosphorylation and K143 ubiquitination, and H2A K144 acetylation and S129, S141 and S145 phosphorylation, and H2A.X S138 phosphorylation. In addition, we found that lysine 79 of H3 which is highly conserved and modified by methylation and plays important roles in telomeric silencing in non-plant systems, is not modified in Arabidopsis. These results suggest distinctive histone modification patterns in plants and provide an invaluable foundation for future studies on histone modifications in plants.
Planktonic Foraminiferan-Radiolarian Ratios and Holocene-Late Pleistocene Deep Sea Stratigraphy off Oregon

The ratio of planktonic forammiferans to radiolarians has proven to be an effective and easily determined parameter for the establishment of deep-sea faunal stratigraphy in the northeastern Pacific off Oregon and Washington. The Pleistocene-Holocenc boundary, dated at 12,500 years B.P., is marked by a change from a dominance of planktonic foramimferans below to a dominance of radiolarians above. Three less-well-defined intervals of increased radiolarian abundance occurred from 16,000 to 18,000, 25,000 to 28,000, and greater than 31,000 or 30,000 years B.P. These suggest slight warming periods during the late Pleistocene.
PDZ domains and their binding partners: structure, specificity, and modification

PDZ domains are abundant protein interaction modules that often recognize short amino acid motifs at the C-termini of target proteins. They regulate multiple biological processes such as transport, ion channel signaling, and other signal transduction systems. This review discusses the structural characterization of PDZ domains and the use of recently emerging technologies such as proteomic arrays and peptide libraries to study the binding properties of PDZ-mediated interactions. Regulatory mechanisms responsible for PDZ-mediated interactions, such as phosphorylation in the PDZ ligands or PDZ domains, are also discussed. A better understanding of PDZ protein-protein interaction networks and regulatory mechanisms will improve our knowledge of many cellular and biological processes.
Terrain aided navigation using maximum a posteriori estimation

The theoretical development of the maximum a posteriori (MAP) estimation technique is presented along with the application of the algorithm to terrain-aided navigation. This technique makes more complete use of the information content of the stored elevation data, the a priori knowledge of the errors in the stored elevation data, and the elevation measurements. Simulation results are presented which show that this technique provides a significant performance improvement relative to both a mean absolute difference batch algorithm and an extended Kalman filter recursive algorithm. In addition, this algorithm has been flight tested in a 1750A embedded processor to demonstrate the throughput compatibility. >
Assembly, Transport, and Function of MHC Class II Molecules

MHC class II molecules assemble in the endoplasmic reticulum in a chaperone-mediated fashion to form a nine-chain structure consisting of three alpha beta dimers associated with an invariant chain trimer. This complex is transported through the Golgi apparatus and into the endosomal system. The signal for endosomal targeting resides in the cytoplasmic tail of the invariant chain. Current evidence argues that the segregation of the class II-invariant chain complex from the constitutive pathway of membrane protein transport occurs in the trans-Golgi network. However, class II-invariant chain complexes that reach the cell surface are also rapidly internalized into endosomes. Within the endosomal system, probably in a late endosome/pre-lysosome, the invariant chain is degraded, releasing alpha beta dimers that bind peptides predominantly derived from endocytosed proteins. Evidence suggests that many of these peptides are actually generated in lysosomes. The precise mechanisms involved in forming class II-pept...
Instantons in QCD with many colors

We study instantons in QCD with many colors. We first discuss a number of qualitative arguments concerning the large ${N}_{c}$ scaling behavior of a random instanton ensemble. We show that most hadronic observables are compatible with standard large ${N}_{c}$ counting rules provided the average instanton size is $O(1)$ and the instanton density is ${O(N}_{c})$ in the large ${N}_{c}$ limit. This is not the case for the topological susceptibility and the mass of the ${\ensuremath{\eta}}^{\ensuremath{'}}.$ For these observables consistency with conventional large ${N}_{c}$ counting requires that fluctuations in the instanton liquid are suppressed compared to Poissonian fluctuations. Using mean field estimates and numerical simulations we show that the required scaling behavior of the instanton density is natural in models in which the instanton density is regularized in terms of a classical repulsive core. We also show that in these models fluctuations of the topological charge are suppressed and that ${m}_{{\ensuremath{\eta}}^{\ensuremath{'}}}^{2}{=O(1/N}_{c}).$ We conclude that the instanton liquid model is not necessarily in conflict with the ${1/N}_{c}$ expansion.
Alteration of leukocyte motility on plasma-conditioned prosthetic biomaterial, ePTFE, via a flow-responsive cell adhesion molecule, CD43.

The physiologic determinants of leukocyte migration on vascular prosthetic biomaterials remain poorly understood, despite their relevance to the control of periprosthetic infection. Using hemodynamic exposure of human polymorphonuclear leukocytes adherent to expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) in vitro, we investigated the role of fluid shear in regulating leukocyte migratory behavior on plasma-adsorbed, prosthetic vascular biomaterial. The presence of flow at a wall shear stress of 25 dyn/cm(2) increased the degree of leukocyte displacement along the flow direction without altering the degree of overall cell attachment. Moreover, plasma-ePTFE elicited a lower overall degree of displacement under flow in comparison with untreated ePTFE. We further probed the molecular level regulation of leukocyte migratory responses under flow through the immunocytochemical quantification of specific leukocyte adhesion molecules and determined that CD43, a cell adhesion molecule, was upregulated via flow exposure for leukocytes adherent to plasma-ePTFE, whereas basal levels of CD43 expression were not significantly altered on untreated ePTFE. When flow-exposed, adherent leukocytes were incubated in the presence of substrate immobilized anti-CD43 immunoglobulin, the degree of cell displacement along flow was found to be significantly enhanced on plasma-ePTFE. Quantification of the cell population redistribution under flow using a modified random motility model, indicated that the incorporation of anti-CD43 on plasma-ePTFE led to a significant increase (243 +/- 60%) in the cell dispersion coefficient, mu(D), whereas only a minimal increase (61 +/- 30%) was detected on non-adsorbed ePTFE. Overall, our results suggest that flow exposure can induce the migration of leukocytes adherent to prosthetic materials in a substrate-dependent manner. An important implication of our study is that, although biomaterials exposed to plasma intrinsically passivate leukocyte migration even under hemodynamic conditions, it may be possible to promote cell motility by targeting a specific, flow-responsive, adhesion molecule.
Volt/Var control using inverter-based distributed energy resources

Inverter-based distributed energy resource (DR) systems have been designed to provide constant, close to unity power factor and thus do not provide voltage support by producing non-active power in the form of reactive power. Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) has been working on control schemes to provide variable reactive power which is summarized here. The Distributed Energy Communications & Controls Laboratory (DECC) at ORNL is a unique facility for studying dynamic voltage, active power/non-active power and power factor control from inverter-based DR. DECC interfaces with the ORNL campus distribution system to provide actual power system testing. Using mathematical software tools and DECC, ORNL is developing and testing local, autonomous and adaptive controls for local voltage control and active/non-active power control for inverter-based DR. These control algorithms are being tested using a real-time software and processor system interface to our computer controls interface at DECC. The control aspects of voltage regulation and active/non-active power control using inverter-based DR are discussed and simulation and experimental results from testing are presented.
Privatization Through Related Corporations Liability Considerations

What are the legal implications for personnel management of governmental privatization through incorporation of a subsidiary or related entity to perform public functions? The manner in which a governmental entity establishes or interacts with a private corporation performing public services can be crucial to answering that question. Entanglement between government and private corporations can lead a court to apply certain personnel laws and rights that would otherwise not apply in the private context. Using various court cases as examples, this legal brief highlights some issues worthy of further consideration.
VLA-4-Mediated Signaling

The VLA (very late antigens) constitute the β1 subfamily of integrin adhesion receptors defined by at least nine α-chains that share a noncovalently linked common β-chain, termed β1 (CD29) (Hynes 1992; Schwartz 1993). The VLA mainly function as cell surface receptors mediating cell-to-cell and cell-to-extracellular matrix (ECM) adhesive interactions. They constitute a major class of adhesive receptors expressed by T cells. On resting CD4+ T cells, the VLA/CD29 antigens are preferentially expressed on the CD45RO+ CD45RA− helper/inducer (memory) subset (Morimoto et al. 1985). VLA molecules are thought to play a major role in the interaction between these helper cells and the surrounding ECM or aid their migration into tissues (Shimizu and Shaw 1991). Apart from a role in cell adhesion, recent studies have clearly shown the VLA receptors to transduce signals in a wide variety of cells, including T lymphocytes (Schwartz et al. 1991; Shattil and Brugge 1991; Sultan et al. 1991). For example, several laboratories, including ours, have shown that the binding of T cells with ECM through VLA- β1-integrins provides costimulatory signals for T cell proliferation (Matsuyama et al. 1989; Nojima et al. 1990; Yamada et al. 1991a, b; Ennis et al. 1993). VLA-β1-integrins are also reported to be involved in T or B cell differentiation through interaction with fibronectin (FN), expressed on stromal cells in thymus or bone marrow, respectively (Salomon et al. 1994; Williams et al. 1991).
Reaction and phase separation mechanisms during synthesis of alloys by thermite type combustion reactions

Combustion of the thermite system is a promising approach for synthesis of alloys (e.g., Co-based) that are widely used in orthopedic applications. This process typically involves formation of two liquids (oxide and metal alloy), followed by their phase separation. The latter is generally believed to be controlled solely by gravity-driven buoyancy. To verify this hypothesis, a fundamental study of phase separation during alloy synthesis was conducted in both normal gravity and microgravity conditions. It was shown that a non-gravity-driven mechanism primarily controls the segregation process. Quenching experiments identified the reaction and phase separation mechanisms in the investigated systems.
Local Times and Quantum Fields

The central point of the paper is an isomorphism theorem which establishes a relation between a Gaussian random field associated with a symmetric Markov process (the free field) and local times for the process. The free field associated with the Brownian motion plays an important role in constructive quantum field theory. The isomorphism theorem allows one to express moments of the cutoff P(ϕ)2 fields in terms of multiple local times for the Brownian motion. On the other hand, techniques of field theory can be applied to investigate local times and self-crossing properties of Markov processes.
Speaking of Globalization Frame Analysis and the World Society

This article introduces the concept of global frames as a means of measuring the degree to which individuals reference transnationalism in their interpretations of various events. Over the past few...
Antisickling property of fetal hemoglobin enhances nitric oxide bioavailability and ameliorates organ oxidative stress in transgenic-knockout sickle mice

In sickle cell disease (SCD), the events originating from hemoglobin S polymerization and intravascular sickling lead to reperfusion injury, hemolysis, decreased nitric oxide (NO) bioavailability, ...
Enhanced locomotor, reinforcing, and neurochemical effects of cocaine in serotonin 5-hydroxytryptamine 2C receptor mutant mice

Brain serotonin [5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT)] systems substantially influence the effects of cocaine; however, the contributions of individual 5-HT receptor subtypes to the regulation of cocaine responses are unclear. A line of mutant mice devoid of 5-HT2C receptors was used to examine the contribution of this receptor subtype to the serotonergic modulation of cocaine responses. Mutants display enhanced exploration of a novel environment and increased sensitivity to the locomotor stimulant effects of cocaine. In an operant intravenous self-administration model under a progressive ratio schedule of reinforcement, mutants display elevated levels of lever pressing for cocaine injections, indicating that the drug is more reinforcing in these mice. Moreover, mutants exhibit enhanced cocaine-induced elevations of dopamine (DA) levels in the nucleus accumbens, a brain region implicated in the stimulant and rewarding properties of cocaine. In contrast, phenotypic differences in dorsal striatal DA levels were not produced by cocaine treatment. These findings strongly implicate 5-HT2C receptors in the serotonergic suppression of DA-mediated behavioral responses to cocaine and as a potential therapeutic target for cocaine abuse.
Cell Wall Architecture in Yeast: New Structure and New Challenges

The chemical composition of many fungal cell walls is known, but we have not understood the interactions of the various macromolecules nor the assembly processes. The biochemistry and molecular genetics of biosynthesis have been comprehensively reviewed ([9][1], [42][2]), but recent results obtained
The Protective Effects of Religiosity on Depression: A 2-Year Prospective Study

Purpose of the Study: Appro ximately 20% of older adults are diagnosed with depression in the United States. Extant research suggests that engagement in religious activity, or religiosity, may serve as a protective factor against depression. This prospective study examines whether religiosity protects against depression and/or aids in recovery. Design and Methods: Study data are drawn from the 20 06 and 2008 waves of the Health and Retirement Study. The sample consists of 1,992 depressed and 5,740 nondepressed older adults (mean age = 68.12 years), at baseline (2006), for an overall sample size of 7,732. Logistic regressions analyzed the relationship between organizational (service attendance), nonorganizational (private prayer), and intrinsic measures of religiosity and depression onset (in the baseline nondepressed group) and depression recovery (in the baseline depressed group) at follow-up (2008), controlling for other baseline factors. Results: R eligiosity was found to both protect against and help individuals recover from depression. Individuals not depressed at baseline remained nondepressed 2 years later if they frequently attended religious services, whereas those depressed at baseline were less likely to be depressed at follow-up if they more frequently engaged in private prayer. Implications: Findings suggest that both org anizational and nonorganizational forms of religiosity affect depression outcomes in different circumstances (i.e., onset and recovery, respectively). Important strategies to prevent and relieve depression among older adults may include improving access and transportation to places of worship among those interested in attending services and facilitating discussions about religious activities and beliefs with clinicians.
Effects of molecular adsorption on optical losses of silver surfaces

Optical losses of organic molecues adsorbed on the Ag(111) surface are studied by first-principles. Substantial modifications of Im(e) in the near infrared and visible spectral regions are predicted, discussed, and compared to experimental results.
Abstract 2869: Misdiagnosis Of Stroke Among IV tPA-treated Patients: A Two-year Experience In A Primary Stroke Center And Satellite Hospitals

Background: In the setting of acute stroke, the decision to treat a patient with IV tPA is typically based on a brief pertinent history, neurological examination, urgent labs and head CT. Because “time is brain,” the evaluation is rushed and the diagnosis is occasionally erroneous. In this study we investigated the characteristics of patients who received IV tPA when the final diagnosis was not ischemic stroke. Methods: We conducted a retrospective study of 113 patients who presented from January 2009 to January 2011with acute stroke symptoms and received IV tPA either in our primary stroke center or one of the three satellite hospitals in our stroke network. Results: Of 113 patients, 23 had post-tPA negative diffusion weighted images (DWI) on MRI and a discharge diagnosis other than ischemic stroke. Other discharge diagnoses included: TIA (10 cases), complicated migraine (4 cases), post-ictal Todd’s paralysis (3 cases), conversion disorder (3 cases), and toxic/metabolic encephalopathy (3 cases). The misdiagnosis rate of stroke was higher in the satellite hospitals compared to our primary stroke center (39% vs. 11%; P Conclusion: This study suggests that ED physicians working outside of the major stroke centers have difficulty distinguishing between stroke and its mimics. In the future, telemedicine may improve stroke diagnosis in satellite and rural hospitals. The results are also consistent with other studies that IV tPA causes relatively little harm in stroke mimics. Further study is warranted.