cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Catalytic Transfer Deuteration and Hydrodeuteration: Emerging Techniques to Selectively Transform Alkenes and Alkynes to Deuterated Alkanes

Increasing demand for deuterium-labeled organic molecules has spurred a renewed interest in selective methods for deuterium installation. Catalytic transfer deuteration and transfer hydrodeuteration are emerging as powerful techniques for the selective incorporation of deuterium into small molecules. These reactions not only obviate the use of D2 gas and pressurized reaction setups but provide new opportunities for selectively installing deuterium into small molecules. Commercial or readily synthesized deuterium donors are typically employed as easy-to-handle reagents for transfer deuteration and hydrodeuteration reactions. In this minireview, recent advances in the catalytic transfer deuteration and hydrodeuteration of alkenes and alkynes for the selective synthesis of deuterated alkanes will be discussed.
Racial disparities in complications and mortality after bariatric surgery: A systematic review.

Abstract Background Studies have shown racial discrepancies in the rates of postoperative adverse events following bariatric surgery (BS). We aim to systematically review the literature examining racial disparities in postoperative adverse events. Methods PubMed, Embase, and SCOPUS databases were searched for studies that reported race, postoperative adverse events and/or length of stay. Results Thirty-five studies were included. Most compared Black and White patients using standardized databases. Racial/ethnic terminology varied. The majority found increased 30-day mortality and morbidity and length of stay in Black relative to White patients. Differences between White and Hipanic patients were mostly non-significant in these outcomes. Conclusions Black patients may experience higher rates of adverse events than White patients within 30 days following bariatric surgery. Given the limitations in the large multicenter databases, explanations for this disparity were limited. Future research would benefit from longer-term studies that include more races and ethnicities and consider socioeconomic factors.
Beyond Life Expectancy

Although the older population as a whole is increas- ing faster than any other age group, the most dramatic growth is in the oldest old. Centenarians, those individuals who have survived 100 or more years, have increased ten times in size over the past forty years. This population trajectory is expected to accelerate even more into the next century. Unfomately, social work with the older population rarely includes practice issues related to work with these older adults who have survived well past the average lie expectancy. This article provides a description of the current cohort of centenari- ans from a biopsychosocial framework and presents an agenda for social work practice, policy and research.
Environmental Assessment of a Phthalate Ester, Di(2-Ethylhexyl) Phthalate (DEHP), Derived from a Marine Microcosm

This study tested the influence of system complexity on the environmental assessment of a chemical. Marine microcosms were perturbed with a phthalate ester, di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP). Concentrations of 1, 10, and 100 ..mu..g of DEHP per litre were added to the water-column subsystem of marine microcosms for 30 days during the summer (18/sup 0/C) and winter (1/sup 0/C) seasons. Significant portions of the DEHP losses from the water-column subsystem during the experiments were due to the complete breakdown of the parent compound to carbon dioxide (CO/sub 2/). In the benthic subsystem, DEHP concentrations in the sediment were increased by more than 50 and 250 times the concentration in the water column during the winter and summer seasons, respectively. Statistically significant (..cap alpha.. = 0.05) reductions in the fluxes of ammonia (NH/sub 3/) from the benthic subsystem were observed in microcosms receiving 100 ..mu..g of DEHP per litre during the summer. Concentrations of DEHP in selected bivalves ranged from 174 to 229 000 ..mu..g of DEHP per wet kilogram, depending upon the water column exposure concentrations and the season of the year.
The strength of the hydrohalic acids

This paper presents an assumption to be used as a basis of the calculation that provides more accurate ionization constants for HCl, HBr, and HI.
Patient health Questionnaire-9 in spinal cord injury: an examination of factor structure as related to gender.

AbstractBackground/Objective: Despite the attention depression after spinal cord injury (SCI) has received, research and clinical practice have been hampered by inadequate emphasis on reliable and valid measurement. Assessment of symptoms in persons with SCI is challenged by the presence of “transdiagnostic” symptoms and unexamined effects of gender. The objective of this study was to examine the factor structure of the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9; the 9-item depression scale of the Patient Health Questionnaire) and determine whether the structure replicates across gender.Methods: A total of 1,168 women and men were matched on level/completeness of SCI, follow-up year, and age to create 584 pairs. Exploratory factor analysis examined 1- and 2-factor models and congruence in 2 randomly split half samples to establish congruence of the factor solution and replication across gender.Results: The 1- and 2-factor solutions fit the structure of the items accounting for 41 % to 51 % of original item var...
Innate and adaptive immune responses to transfused alloantigens

Over 300 different variant alloantigens on red blood cells (RBCs) have been described in humans. Thus, anytime a transfusion of non-autologous RBCs is given, the recipient is exposed to myriad RBC alloantigens. Despite such exposures, on average only 3–6% of transfused humans develop a measurable RBC alloantibody. Once a recipient is alloimmunised to at least one antigen, they are much more likely to become alloimmunised to additional specificities; in contrast, patients who are not alloimmunised tend not to become alloimmunised, despite multiple transfusions. Using murine models, we have reported that exposure of recipients to Toll-like receptor (TLR) agonists, which are known to induce inflammation and activate innate immunity, significantly increase both rates and magnitude of alloimmunisation. Moreover, transfusion of uninflamed mice not only produces no measurable alloimmunisation, but then makes mice non-responsive to a subsequent transfusion in the presence of TLR agonists, which would otherwise result in alloimmunisation. In aggregate, these studies implicate innate immune activation as a regulatory switch of responder/non-responder biology, in a mouse model. Both published and new data will be presented, in both murine models and also limited human studies, exploring the role of innate immune activation in adaptive immunisation to RBC transfusion.
Hepatocellular carcinoma in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease: An emerging menace

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a common cancer worldwide that primarily develops in cirrhosis resulting from chronic infection by hepatitis B virus and hepatitis C virus, alcoholic injury, and to a lesser extent from genetically determined disorders such as hemochromatosis. HCC has recently been linked to non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), the hepatic manifestation of obesity and related metabolic disorders such as diabetes. This association is alarming due to the globally high prevalence of these conditions and may contribute to the rising incidence of HCC witnessed in many industrialized countries. There is also evidence that NAFLD acts synergistically with other risk factors of HCC such as chronic hepatitis C and alcoholic liver injury. Moreover, HCC may complicate non-cirrhotic NAFLD with mild or absent fibrosis, greatly expanding the population potentially at higher risk. Major systemic and liver-specific molecular mechanisms involved include insulin resistance and hyperinsulinemia, increased TNF signaling pathways, and alterations in cellular lipid metabolism. These provide new targets for prevention, early recognition, and effective treatment of HCC associated with NAFLD. Indeed, both metformin and PPAR gamma agonists have been associated with lower risk and improved prognosis of HCC. This review summarizes current evidence as it pertains to the epidemiology, pathogenesis, and prevention of NAFLD-associated HCC.
Microbial source tracking using host specific FAME profiles of fecal coliforms.

Abstract The objective of this study was to investigate the host-specific differences in fatty acid methyl ester (FAME) profiles of fecal coliforms (FC). A known-source library was constructed with 314 FC isolates cultured from 6 possible sources of fecal pollution; 99 isolates from sewage; 29 from bovine; 29 from poultry; 50 from swine; 46 from waterfowl; and 61 from deer. It was found that the hydroxy FAMEs 12:0 2OH, 12:0 3OH, and 14:0 2OH were exclusively associated with isolates of human origin. On the other hand, 3 saturated FAMEs, 10:0, 15:0, and 18:0 were found only in isolates from non-human sources, 15:0 being associated with livestock samples only. In addition to the presence of these signature FAMEs, the mean relative masses of 16:1 ω7c and 16:1 ISO/14:0 3OH were significantly different between the isolates of human and non-human origins. A linear discriminant function differentiated FC isolates of human origin from those of livestock and wildlife origin at 99% accuracy. These results strongly suggest that the FAME profiles of FC show statistically significant host specificity and may have the potential to be used as a phenotypic microbial source tracking tool.
Extremal graphs without three-cycles or four-cycles

We derive bounds for f(v), the maximum number of edges in a graph on v vertices that contains neither three-cycles nor four-cycles. Also, we give the exact value of f(v) for all v up to 24 and constructive lower bounds for all v up to 200. © 1993 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
An electrophoretic study of the heme proteins of some photosynthetic bacteria.

Abstract 1. 1.Acrylamide disc electrophoresis provides a suitable method for the resolution and identification of heme proteins contained in partially purified extracts of lyophilized cells of some photosynthetic bacteria. 2. 2.With Rhodopseudomonas spheroides , the extracting buffer system and preparative method had a pronounced effect on electrophoretic patterns. 3. 3. c -type cytochromes migrated as multiple components during electrophoresis. These multiple forms do not appear to be ‘isozymes’ of c -type cytochromes, but rather artifacts of the preparative procedure. 4. 4.The disc-electrophoresis patterns of light grown Rps. spheroides, Rps. palustris, Rhodospirillum rubrum, Chromatium and oxidatively grown Rps. spheroides have been compared.
Endogenous ROS levels in C. elegans under exogenous stress support revision of oxidative stress theory of life-history tradeoffs

The oxidative stress theory of life-history tradeoffs states that oxidative stress caused by damaging free radicals directly underpins tradeoffs between reproduction and longevity by altering the allocation of energetic resources between these tasks. We test this theory by characterizing the effects of exogenous oxidative insult and its interaction with thermal stress and diet quality on a suite of life-history traits and correlations in Caenorhabditis elegans nematodes. We also quantify demographic aging rates and endogenous reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels in live animals. Our findings indicate a tradeoff between investment in reproduction and antioxidant defense (somatic maintenance) consistent with theoretical predictions, but correlations between standard life-history traits yield little evidence that oxidative stress generates strict tradeoffs. Increasing oxidative insult, however, shows a strong tendency to uncouple positive phenotypic correlations and, in particular, to reduce the correlation between reproduction and lifespan. We also found that mild oxidative insult results in lower levels of endogenous ROS accompanied by hormetic changes in lifespan, demographic aging, and reproduction that disappear in combined-stress treatments--consistent with the oxidative stress theory of aging. Our findings demonstrate that oxidative stress is a direct contributor to life-history trait variation and that traditional tradeoffs are not necessary to invoke oxidative stress as a mediator of relationships between life-history traits, supporting previous calls for revisions to theory.
Untuned cavity resonator for use with pulsed infrared and far-infrared lasers

Abstract Absorption spectra, which are unaffected by sample scattering and reflection, can be obtained by placing the sample in an overmoded, high-Q resonator. As the wavelength of an exciting source is scanned, the changes in cavity Q caused by the corresponding variations in sample absorptivity are measured. When a cw microwave source is employed, a mechanical mode stirrer is often used to obtain the high level of intracavity field uniformity that is required. The advantages of this technique can be extended to higher frequencies if means can be devised to produce sufficient field uniformity when the cavity is excited with sub-microsecond pulses from a continuously tunable infrared or far-infrared laser. We demonstrate theoretically that an appropriately baffled spherical cavity whose surface is a uniform diffuser can satisfy this requirement without the intervention of mechanical mode stirring. Experimentally, we demonstrate that a uniform diffusing surface for these wavelengths can be made by coating the cavity wall with sub-millimeter size metal shavings mixed with metal-filled epoxy. A trade-off exists between the uniformity of the angular diffusion produced by these surfaces and their net reflectivity, which determines the cavity Q. Our results indicate that an adequate compromise is feasible.
Equation of state of dense matter from a density dependent relativistic mean field model

We calculate the equation of state (EOS) of dense matter using a relativistic mean field (RMF) model with a density dependent coupling that is a slightly modified form of the original NL3 interaction. For nonuniform nuclear matter we approximate the unit lattice as a spherical Wigner-Seitz cell, wherein the meson mean fields and nucleon Dirac wave functions are solved fully self-consistently. We also calculate uniform nuclear matter for a wide range of temperatures, densities, and proton fractions, and match them to nonuniform matter as the density decreases. The calculations took over 6000 CPU days in Indiana University's supercomputer clusters. We tabulate the resulting EOS at over 107,000 grid points in the proton fraction range ${Y}_{P}=0$ to 0.56. For the temperature range $T=0.16$ to 15.8 MeV, we cover the density range ${n}_{B}={10}^{\ensuremath{-}4}$ to 1.6 fm${}^{\ensuremath{-}3}$; and for the higher temperature range $T=15.8$ to 80 MeV, we cover the larger density range ${n}_{B}={10}^{\ensuremath{-}8}$ to $1.6$ fm${}^{\ensuremath{-}3}$. In the future we plan to study low density, low temperature ($Tl15.8$ MeV), nuclear matter using a Virial expansion, and we will match the low-density and high-density results to generate a complete EOS table for use in astrophysical simulations of supernova and neutron star mergers.
Increased expression of the pro-apoptotic protein BIM, a mechanism for cAMP/protein kinase A (PKA)-induced apoptosis of immature T cells.

The second messenger cAMP is proapoptotic for numerous cell types, but the mechanism for this proapoptotic action is not defined. Here, we use murine CD4+/CD8+ S49 lymphoma cells and isolated thymocytes to assess this mechanism. In WT S49 cells, cAMP acts via protein kinase A (PKA) to induce G1 phase cell cycle arrest and apoptosis. Treatment of WT and cAMP-Deathless (D-) S49 cells, which lack cAMP-promoted apoptosis, with the PKA agonist 8-(4-chlorophenylthio)-cAMP (CPT-cAMP) differentially regulates transcripts for numerous proapoptotic and antiapoptotic proteins. In contrast, kin-S49 cells (which lack PKA) show no cAMP-promoted changes in transcript expression. In this study, we use knockdown and overexpression approaches to define the role in cAMP/PKA-promoted apoptosis of the proapoptotic factor BIM (Bcl-2 interacting mediator of cell death), whose expression prominently increases in response to CPT-cAMP treatment of WT but not D- or kin- S49 cells. Conditional expression of BimL, one of the three major forms of Bim, increases apoptosis of WT, D-, and kin-S49 cells, whereas inhibition of cAMP-mediated induction of Bim isoforms by shRNAi attenuates CPT-cAMP-mediated apoptosis of WT S49 cells. Bim protein levels increase in subpopulations of CPT-cAMP-treated cells that undergo apoptosis. Thymic CD4+/CD8+ cells isolated from Bim−/− mice corroborated the requirement of Bim expression for cAMP-promoted apoptosis. Thus, up-regulation of Bim appears to be an important determinant of cAMP/PKA-mediated apoptosis in immature T cells and may be a mechanism for such apoptosis in other cell types as well.
Steady-state multiplicity of a packed-bed reactor operating under a fixed pressure drop

Abstract The change in the physical properties of the fluid in a packed-bed reactor operating under a fixed pressure drop may lead to steady-state multiplicity, with each state corresponding to a different inlet velocity. Using a pseudo-homogeneous plug flow model with no axial dispersion we determine the conditions under which multiplicity occurs for a zeroth-order reaction.
The nucleotide sequence at the 3'-termini of three major T5 DNA fragments.

Abstract T5 DNA contains several site-specific nicks in one of the two strands. Since the 5′-nucleotide at the majority of the nicks is dGMP, the 3′-nucleotide can be labeled using Escherichia coli DNA polymerase I and [α- 32 P]dGTP. Terminally labeled single-stranded fragments were separated by agarose-gel electrophoresis of denatured DNA. A 40- to 45-nucleotide sequence at the 3′-termini of three of the major single-stranded fragments was deduced from a combination of two-dimensional homochromatography and the Maxam-Gilbert gel-sequencing technique. The sequence immediately adjacent to the nicks is asymmetric, but two overlapping regions of twofold rotational symmetry occur with axes that are 11–15 nucleotides to the 3′-side of each nick. Other regions of high GC or AT content are conserved among the three sequences. The possible relevance of these sequences with regard to the putative site-specific endonucleases of T5 and temporal regulation of T5 mRNA synthesis is discussed.
Influence of age and sexual status on the development of toxic effects in the male rat fed aflatoxins

Abstract Male Fischer rats, 12 wk old, were fed 12 mg/kg aflatoxins in the diet. Severe reduction in feed intake and rapid weight loss were observed; mortality was 75–100% within 2 wk. Prepubertal males fed the same diet for 5 wk maintained pretreatment feed intake levels and gained considerable weight; survival was 100%. When the aflatoxin diet was fed to 7- and 9-wk-old males, mortality decreased. Castration afforded a 100% sparing effect from mortalities when performed before 10 wk of age, but had no beneficial action after this time. Testosterone administration resulted in 100% mortality in aflatoxin-fed castrates whereas no fatalities occurred in castrates fed aflatoxin only.
Formal verification and empirical analysis of rollback relaxation

Time Warp is the most common mechanism used for implementing optimistically synchronized Parallel Discrete Event Simulation (PDES). Rollback relaxation is an optimization to Time Warp that reduces the space and time requirements of rollback. Rollback relaxation is applicable to simulation systems that contain memoryless components (i.e., components whose output at any instant of time is determined completely by its inputs at that time). For such components, a complete rollback is not necessary for the correct completion of simulation. Instead, on the receipt of a straggler message, a rollback relaxed processes merely aligns the input set to send new, and validate already sent, output messages. This optimization has been implemented and has experimentally proven to enhance the performance of Time Warp simulations. However, no formal proof of the correctness of rollback relaxation exists (although correctness proofs of Time Warp do). In this paper, we formally specify and verify the correctness of rollback relaxation. The problem is specified using the Prototype Verification System (PVS) Specification Language and proved using the PVS Prover.
Toxoplasma gondii effectors are master regulators of the inflammatory response

Toxoplasma is a highly successful parasite that establishes a life-long chronic infection. To do this, it must carefully regulate immune activation and host cell effector mechanisms. Here we review the latest developments in our understanding of how Toxoplasma counteracts the immune response of the host, and in some cases provokes it, through the use of specific parasite effector proteins. An emerging theme from these discoveries is that Toxoplasma effectors are master regulators of the pro-inflammatory response, which elicits many of the toxoplasmacidal mechanisms of the host. We speculate that combinations of these effectors present in certain Toxoplasma strains work to maintain an optimal parasite burden in different hosts to ensure parasite transmission.
Specificity and Binding Properties of a Single-chain T Cell Receptor

The specificity of a T cell is dictated by an alpha beta T cell receptor (TCR) that recognizes a complex of peptide and a product of the major histocompatibility complex (MHC). Recent studies have begun to characterize the affinities and kinetics of these interactions, but details of the alpha beta TCR structure and function are not known. To examine some of these issues we focus in this report on a TCR derived from the T cell clone 2C. This TCR binds to a complex of the nonapeptide QL9 and the class I MHC product Ld with the highest affinity of any known TCR/ligand interaction (KD approximately 10 (-7) M). Circular dichroism showed that a single-chain TCR (scTCR) containing linked V alpha and V beta regions from T cell 2C and refolded from Escherichia coli inclusion bodies exhibited the characteristic beta-sheet structure of immunoglobulins. A sensitive assay that is capable of detecting the interaction of soluble scTCR with peptide /MHC ligand on the surface of target cells was used to demonstrate that the peptide specificity of this scTCR reflects that of the TCR found on the surface of 2C. Analysis of several scTCR V alpha region mutants confirmed that the V alpha domain is critical for the specificity of scTCR binding. Finally, we identified some notable differences in the complementarity determining regions (CDR) of the 2C TCR compared to the CDR of previously characterized, cytochrome- specific TCR. These differences are discussed in the light of what is known about antibody binding sites, the high affinity of the 2C TCR, and the nature of the residues on QL9 that are predicted to interact with the TCR.
Phase Separation in Borosilicate Glasses

Dielectric measurements and direct-transmission electron microscopy were used to analyze the phase separation and alteration in sodium borosilicate glasses. Metal impregnation of the glasses after leaching was particularly useful in observing the topology of separated phases whose characteristic dimensions are about 100 A. The results indicate that borosilicate glasses such as Vycor and Pyrex are fully phase separated when rapidly cooled from the melt and that subsequent heat treatment serves only to alter the structural characteristics of the separated phases. The topological characteristics of the initially segregated phases suggest that phase separation may occur by spinodal decomposition.
Isolation and characterization of the plasma membrane of L-1210 cells. Iodination as a marker for the plasma membrane

Abstract Mouse leukemia L-1210 cells were iodinated with 125I; this permitted the development of a method for the isolation of the plasma membranes. These show a 10- to 16-fold increase in the specific activity of 125I over that of the cell homogenate and a 20-fold increase in the specific activities of 5′-nucleotidase and alkaline phosphate; no mitochondrial or microsomal marker enzyme activities were detected. Sodium dodecyl sulfate gel electrophoresis of the plasma membranes shows approx. 40 peptides with molecular weights ranging from 10 000 to over 200 000; a polypeptide ( M m 50 000) predominates. Of 13 iodinated surface membrane proteins, the major radioactive peptide has a molecular weight of 85 000. The importance of the selection of the appropriate gel sytem for the analysis of membrane proteins is emphasized.
An Online Bayesian Classifier for Object Identification

Many autonomous mobile robots use a camera as a primary sensor for object recognition in the environment. The problem is that classifying an object in a camera image can be difficult for a robot controller. One possible solution is to use a Bayesian classifier with online learning to help the robot identify objects in an unstructured, realistic environment. This paper describes the work that has been done to develop an online Bayesian classifer for use with a low-cost color camera on a mobile robot. The theory behind the classifier is briefly described, followed by the experimental results of a Bayesian classifier using off-line learning of RGB values for identifying the colors of m&m candies by a sorting robot. The extension of this classifier to incorporate on-line learning is then described, followed by a proposed approach to incorporate the classifier on a mobile robot with a larger field of view than the sorting robot.
X(3872), X(3940) as hybrid charmonium states?

We discuss the implications of the fact that the recently observed X(3872) and X(3940) are hybrid charmonium states. We use formalism of operator product expansion and nonrelativistic QCD to estimate their production rates in semiinclusive B decays. We express the decay rates in terms of a few nonperturbative matrix elements which eventually could be fixed by experimental measurements or calculated on the lattice. We use a simple flux tube model to estimate them and predict the branching ratio B → X(3872) + Xs.
Toward Fungicidal Management of Laurel Wilt of Avocado

Ploetz, R. C., Perez-Martinez, J. M., Evans, E. A., and Inch, S. A. 2011. Toward fungicidal management of laurel wilt of avocado. Plant Dis. 95:977-982. Laurel wilt threatens commercial and residential production of avocado (Persea americana) in Florida. Laurel wilt on redbay (P. borbonia) was controlled previously with macroinfusions (injections) of Alamo, an injectable formulation of propiconazole. To determine whether Alamo macroinfusion would be cost effective in commercial avocado production, economic analyses were conducted for various macroinfusion scenarios and a standardized production situation in southern Florida. Under prevailing conditions, macroinfusion was not cost effective. In the interest of identifying alternative means to manage the disease, other fungicides and application measures were evaluated. In all, 20 fungicides in 15 chemical groups and 10 fungicide groups were examined in vitro. In vitro inhibition of the radial growth of the pathogen Raffaelea lauricola was determined on fungicide-amended malt extract agar; demethylation inhibitors (DMIs; fenarimol, myclobutanil, propiconazole, prothioconazole, triadimenol, triadimefon, and triticonazole), quinone outside inhibitors (azoxystrobin, pyraclostrobin, and fluoxastrobin), and a quinone inside inhibitor (fluazinam) had the greatest impact on radial growth (the concentration at which growth was reduced by 50% was ≥0.1 µg ml –1 ). In greenhouse studies, the most inhibitory products in vitro, plus thiabendazole and two products that were not tested in vitro, flutriafol and a potassium salts mixture of phosphorus acid, were tested for disease suppression on artificially inoculated, potted ‘Simmonds,’ a susceptible avocado cultivar. In general, soil drench applications of the above DMIs and thiabendazole but not azoxystrobin, pyraclostrobin, fluazinam, or the phosphorus acid salt provided significant control of disease (P < 0.05). Topical branch or trunk applications of propiconazole, and triadimenol in 2% Pentrabark, a bark-penetrating surfactant, were also effective at lower rates than were used in drench applications. Comparable levels of disease suppression were achieved when propiconazole was applied at 11% of the rates that were used in soil drenches. Although topical fungicide applications in bark-penetrating surfactants would be a less expensive practice than macroinfusion, moving sufficient concentrations of propiconazole or other fungicides into host xylem will be difficult in trees that are larger than the potted plants that were tested in these trials. Ongoing work examines means by which this goal might be met on fruit-bearing trees in the field.
A Flavoprotein Mechanism Appears to Prevent an Oxygen-Dependent Inhibition of cGMP-Associated Nitric Oxide–Elicited Relaxation of Bovine Coronary Arteries

Abstract —The redox state of the heme of soluble guanylate cyclase (sGC) may regulate the sensitivity of vascular tissue to nitric oxide (NO). In this study, diphenyliodonium (DPI) is used as an inhibitor of flavoprotein oxidoreductases to examine their potential role in the expression of NO-elicited cGMP-associated arterial relaxation and sGC stimulation. The relaxation of endothelium-removed bovine coronary arteries (BCAs) precontracted with 30 mmol/L KCl to the NO donor S -nitroso- N -acetyl-penicillamine (SNAP) or to NO is markedly suppressed by 10 μmol/L DPI under an atmosphere of 21% O2 (5% CO2). In contrast, DPI has minimal effects on the relaxation to SNAP under 95% N2 (5% CO2). If BCAs are treated with DPI under 21% O2 and then exposed to the hemoprotein reductant sodium dithionite (1 mmol/L) under N2, there is a partial reversal of the inhibitory effects of DPI compared with BCAs that were not treated with dithionite. DPI did not inhibit relaxation elicited by 8-bromo-cGMP or forskolin. Increases in tissue cGMP levels stimulated by SNAP were eliminated by pretreatment of BCAs with DPI under 21% O2 but not under N2. Activation of sGC by SNAP in BCA homogenate was also eliminated when vessels were pretreated with 10 μmol/L DPI under 21% O2, but DPI did not have an inhibitory effect when directly added to the assay of sGC activity. These observations are consistent with a flavoprotein-dependent oxidoreductase functioning to prevent the expression of a novel O2-dependent process from oxidizing the heme on sGC and inhibiting NO-elicited cGMP-mediated BCA relaxation.
Medieval Daoist Ordination: Origins, Structure, and Practice

Medieval Daoist ordination developed under Buddhist influence in the fifth century, but retained models of ancient Chinese blood covenants. While following the Buddhist model, which was essentially a membership ceremony, in its formalities and overall organisation, in its essence Daoist ordination was an empowerment and transference of allegiance, not from the family to an overlord, but from the world to the celestial realm. Daoists through ordination do not just leave the family but become active members of an otherworldly administration, with all the powers and obligations of this role.
Weighting Regressions by Propensity Scores

Regressions can be weighted by propensity scores in order to reduce bias. However, weighting is likely to increase random error in the estimates, and to bias the estimated standard errors downward, even when selection mechanisms are well understood. Moreover, in some cases, weighting will increase the bias in estimated causal parameters. If investigators have a good causal model, it seems better just to fit the model without weights. If the causal model is improperly specified, there can be significant problems in retrieving the situation by weighting, although weighting may help under some circumstances.
Curved space resolution of the singularity of fractional D3-branes on a conifold

We construct a supergravity dual to the cascading $\mathrm{SU}(N+M)\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}\mathrm{SU}(N)$ supersymmetric gauge theory (related to fractional D3-branes on a conifold according to Klebanov and co-workers) in the case when the three-space is compactified on ${\mathrm{S}}^{3}$ and in the phase with unbroken chiral symmetry. The size of ${\mathrm{S}}^{3}$ serves as an infrared cutoff on the gauge-theory dynamics. For a sufficiently large ${\mathrm{S}}^{3}$ the dual supergravity background is expected to be nonsingular. We demonstrate that this is indeed the case: we find a smooth type IIB supergravity solution using a perturbation theory that is valid when the radius of ${\mathrm{S}}^{3}$ is large. We consider also the case with the Euclidean world volume being ${\mathrm{S}}^{4}$ instead of $\mathrm{R}\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}{\mathrm{S}}^{3},$ where the supergravity solution is again found to be regular. This ``curved space'' resolution of the singularity of the fractional D3-branes on the conifold solution is analogous to the one in the nonextremal (finite temperature) case discussed in our previous work.
Location alters tRNA identity: Trypanosoma brucei's cytosolic elongator tRNAMet is both the initiator and elongator in mitochondria.

As a rule, protein synthesis is initiated with methionine or formyl methionine from the first AUG codon in an ORF and that AUG is recognized by an initiator tRNAMet-i. Internal AUG codons are then translated by a second tRNA, the elongator tRNAMet-e (1). In eubacteria, mitochondria, and chloroplasts, the tRNAMet-i is charged with methionine, and subsequently the methionine is formylated by a methionyl-tRNA transformylase, whereas in the eukaryotic cytosol and archea, the methionine on the tRNAMet-i is not formylated (2). Until now, the one known exception to the tRNAMet-i/tRNAMet-e paradigm occurred in animal mitochondria where a single mtDNA-coded tRNA is thought to serve for both initiation and elongation (3). The work of Tan et al. (4) in this issue of PNAS provides a second exception with several different twists as they show that the function of a tRNA in initiation and/or elongation depends on its location.
Structural Studies of AntD: An N-Acyltransferase Involved in the Biosynthesis of d-Anthrose.

The unusual dideoxy sugar D-anthrose has been identified as an important component in the endospores of infectious agents such as Bacillus anthracis and Bacillus cereus. Specifically, it is the terminal sugar on the bacterium's exosporium, and it provides a point of interaction between the spore and the host. The biosynthesis of D-anthrose involves numerous steps starting from α-D-glucose 1-phosphate. Here we present a combined structural and functional investigation of AntD from B. cereus. This enzyme plays a key role in D-anthrose biosynthesis by catalyzing the acylation of the C-4" amino group of dTDP-4-amino-4,6-dideoxyglucose using 3-hydroxy-3-methyl- butyryl-CoA as the acyl donor. For this investigation, two ternary complexes of AntD were determined to 1.8 A resolution: one in which the protein contained bound β-hydroxybutyryl-CoA and dTDP and the second with CoA and dTDP-4-amino-4,6- dideoxyglucose. On the basis of these high-resolution structures, it was shown that the side chain of Asp 94 lies within hydrogen bonding distance of the sugar C-4" amino group, and the side chain of Ser 84 resides near the carbonyl oxygen of β- hydroxybutyryl-CoA. To test the roles of these residues in the catalytic mechanism of AntD, various site-directed mutant proteins were prepared and subjected to kinetic and structural analyses. The D94A and D94N mutant proteins demonstrated enzymatic activity, albeit with significantly reduced catalytic efficiencies. The S84A mutant protein showed an approximate 10-fold decrease in activity. Interestingly, the S84C and S84T mutant proteins were both active but demonstrated substrate inhibition. The three-dimensional structures of all of the mutant proteins were nearly identical to that of the wild-type enzyme, indicating that the changes in their kinetic parameters were not due to major conformational changes. Taken together, these data suggest that Asp 94 is important for substrate binding, but probably does not function as an enzymatic base, and that Ser 84 most likely plays a role in the formation of an oxyanion hole.
PERFORMANCE OF SHORT JOURNAL BEARINGS: ROLE OF STRESS OVERSHOOTS

In this work the Johnson-Segalman fluid model is employed to investigate the combined effects of elasticity and shear thinning on the load bearing capacity of lubricants under isothermal conditions. A dimensional analysis, using characteristic lubricant properties and realistic bearing operating conditions, yields a simplified set of equations for the stresses and the balance of mass and momentum. A perturbation solution to these equations gives the stresses, velocities and pressure as second order expansions in the powers of Weissenberg number, We. The results of this study show that for characteristic lubricant relaxation times of few microseconds, lubricant elasticity (including stress overshoots) has negligible influence on the load bearing capacity of short journal bearings. Additionally, the Johnson-Segalman solution reveals that when both elasticity and shear-rate dependence of viscosity are present in a lubricant, the latter phenomenon is of overriding importance and leads to a decrease in the loa...
Measurement of cyst(e)amine in physiological samples by high performance liquid chromatography

Abstract Two methods for measurement of cyst(e)amine in physiological samples are described. One method involves reduction of disulfides present in the sample with tributylphosphine, reversed phase chromatography of thiols, and electrochemical detection of cysteamine and other thiols. The other method involves reduction of disulfides with dithiothreitol, derivatization of thiols with 7-diethylamino-3-(4′-maleimidylphenyl)-4-methylcoumarin, separation of these derivatives by reversed phase chromatography, and fluorometric detection of the thiol adducts. The endogenous concentration of cysteamine in rat liver was estimated to be less than 2.5 nmol/g. Cysteamine is produced in tissues postmortem; rapid sampling/freezing of tissues and rapid inactivation of enzymes during tissue preparation are essential for accurate measurement of endogenous cysteamine concentrations.
Beef Retail Cut Composition: 2. Proximate Analysis

The proximate composition of the separable lean of beef retail cuts as influenced by USDA quality grade and external fat trim level was determined. Carcasses (n=20) were selected from two commercial packing plants, one in the Texas Panhandle and the other in Nebraska, by trained Texas AM (2) 0.0 cm external fat trim, cooked; (3) 0.3 cm external fat trim, cooked; and (4) 0.6 cm external fat trim, cooked. Retail cuts assigned to the cooked treatment were braised, broiled or roasted. Proximate analysis on the separable lean was done to determine fat, moisture, protein, and ash content. Trimming cuts of external fat before cooking had few (P<0.05) effects on chemical fat, moisture, protein or ash content within a cut. However, separable lean from the Choice quality grade retail cuts had higher (P<0.05) chemical fat contents than Select cuts. The lipid content for separable lean from most cuts in the present study was lower than that currently reported in Agriculture Handbook 8–13. Lipid retention was not affected by USDA quality grade or trim level. Therefore, health conscious consumers attempting to reduce fat intake by consuming only separable lean should make their selection based on USDA quality grade rather than external trim level.
A Standardized Procedure for Internal Sex Identification in Lepisosteidae

Abstract During population dynamic and reproductive biology research on three species of Lepisosteidae (i.e., alligator gar Lepisosteus spatula (also known as Atractosteus spatula), longnose gar L. osseus, and spotted gar L. oculatus), we determined that misidentification of sex through gross examination of the gonads was probable. During gross examination of the gonads of all three species, postspawning and juvenile ovaries frequently resembled testes due to the envelopment of the ovaries by fatty tissue. We examined the gonads and gamete release pathways of 598 individuals and found that gamete release pathways (i.e., oviduct in females and vasa efferentia in males) were differentiable and can be used reliably in all seasons for all reproductive stages of the three species. Misidentification of sex can lead to inaccurate estimation of sex ratios and sex-dependent mortality and growth rates. Accurate estimates of Lepisosteidae population structure and vital rates are needed for successful conservation an...
Small-volume resuscitation from hemorrhagic shock in dogs: effects on systemic hemodynamics and systemic blood flow.

BACKGROUND AND METHODS This study compared canine systemic hemodynamics and organ blood flow (radioactive microsphere technique) after resuscitation with 0.8% saline (Na+ 137 mEq/L), 7.2% hypertonic saline (Na+ 1233 mEq/L), 20% hydroxyethyl starch in 0.8% saline, or 20% hydroxyethyl starch in 7.2% saline, each in a volume approximating 15% of shed blood volume. Twenty-four endotracheally intubated mongrel dogs (18 to 24 kg) underwent a 30-min period of hemorrhagic shock, from time 0 to 30 min into the shock period, followed by fluid resuscitation. Data were collected at baseline, 15 min into the shock period, immediately after fluid infusion, 5 min after the beginning of resuscitation, and at 60-min intervals for 2 hr, (65 min after the beginning of resuscitation, and 125 min after the beginning of resuscitation). The animals received one of four randomly assigned iv resuscitation fluids: saline (54 mL/kg), hypertonic saline (6.0 mL/kg), hydroxyethel starch (6.0 mL/kg) or hypertonic saline/hydroxyethyl starch (6.0 mL/kg). RESULTS Mean arterial pressure increased in all groups after resuscitation. Cardiac output increased with resuscitation in all groups, exceeding baseline in the saline and hypertonic saline/hydroxyethyl starch groups (p less than .05 compared with hypertonic saline or hydroxyethyl starch). Sixty-five minutes after the beginning of resuscitation, cardiac output was significantly (p less than .05) greater in either of the two colloid-containing groups than in the hypertonic saline group. After resuscitation, hypertonic saline and hydroxyethyl starch produced minimal improvements in hepatic arterial flow, hypertonic saline/hydroxyethyl starch increased hepatic arterial flow to near baseline levels, and saline markedly increased hepatic arterial flow to levels exceeding baseline (p less than .05, saline vs. hydroxyethyl starch). One hundred twenty-five minutes after the beginning of resuscitation, hepatic arterial flow had decreased in all groups; hepatic arterial flow in the hypertonic saline group had decreased to levels comparable with those during shock. Myocardial, renal, and brain blood flow were not significantly different between groups. CONCLUSIONS Small-volume resuscitation with the combination of hypertonic saline/hydroxyethyl starch is comparable with much larger volumes of 0.8% saline, and is equal to hypertonic saline or hydroxyethyl starch in the ability to restore and sustain BP and improve organ blood flow after resuscitation from hemorrhagic shock.
Antigens responsible for bone marrow transplantation immunity.

The antigens responsible for the bone marrow transplantation immunity were determined by sensitizing the mice 2 or 6 weeks prior to the 950 r and rat bone marrow transplantation (950 r-RBM). Indicative of the sensitizing antigens was the increased mortality 15 and 30 days after 950 r-RBM in comparison to the nonsensitized 950 r-RBM mice. Sensitizing antigens were absent in the serum and red blood cells, but present in nucleated cells. They were localized in the nucleus, mitochondria, and microsomes in a reasonable concentration and in the supernatant fraction in a relatively low concentration. The antigens of the mitochondria and microsomes were resistant to nuclease and protease treatment. The nuclear antigens were resistant to ribonuclease and papain treatment, and slightly susceptible to trypsin. The antigenicity of desoxyribonucleasetreated nuclei was variable. (auth)
Ethnic differences in cancer incidence: a marker for inherited susceptibility?

Cancer incidence varies markedly by ethnicity and geographic location. Ethnic variation in cancer occurrence has traditionally been ascribed to differences in social, cultural, economic, and physic...
A property of projection residuals with applications to concave regression

Abstract The residuals of the l- 2 -projection onto a linear subspace, or more generally onto a closed, convex cone, which contains the constant vectors sum to zero, i.e. if y ∗ is the projection of y , then y 1 − y 1 ∗ + ţdot + y 2 − y 2 ∗ + ⋯ + y n ∗ = 0. The analogue of this result for least absolute deviations, as well as for other objective functions, is established. The application of these results in establishing the consistency of the l 1 and l 2 estimates of concave regression functions is discussed.
Monoclonal antibodies to murine hepatitis virus-4 (strain JHM) define the viral glycoprotein responsible for attachment and cell-cell fusion

Hybridoma cell lines producing monoclonal antibodies to the JHM strain of mouse hepatitis virus-4 (MHV-4) were established. By indirect immunofluorescence and immune precipitation, monoclonal antibodies of three viral polypeptide specificities were characterized. Monoclonal antibodies to nucleocapsid reacted in the cytoplasm of infected cells and precipitated the 60,000d nucleocapsid polypeptide (VP-4) of MHV-4. Other monoclonal antibodies reacted both in the cytoplasm and on the surface of infected cells and were found to precipitate the 170,000d viral glycoprotein (GP-1). A third set of monoclonal antibodies reacted both in the cytoplasm and on the surface of infected cells and precipitated the 25,000d viral glycoprotein (GP-5) and its precursor VP-6 (23,000d). AntiGP-1 alone had direct neutralizing activity for MHV-4 virus, while in the presence of complement both anti-GP-1 and anti-GP-5 neutralized virus. Only anti-GP-1 had the ability to inhibit the spread of infection due to fusion in L241 cells. Thus, the viral glycoprotein GP-1 likely contains both the attachment and fusion activities of MHV-4.
Liver Is Able to Activate Naïve CD8+ T Cells with Dysfunctional Anti-Viral Activity in the Murine System

The liver possesses distinct tolerogenic properties because of continuous exposure to bacterial constituents and nonpathogenic food antigen. The central immune mediators required for the generation of effective immune responses in the liver environment have not been fully elucidated. In this report, we demonstrate that the liver can indeed support effector CD8+ T cells during adenovirus infection when the T cells are primed in secondary lymphoid tissues. In contrast, when viral antigen is delivered predominantly to the liver via intravenous (IV) adenovirus infection, intrahepatic CD8+ T cells are significantly impaired in their ability to produce inflammatory cytokines and lyse target cells. Additionally, intrahepatic CD8+ T cells generated during IV adenovirus infection express elevated levels of PD-1. Notably, lower doses of adenovirus infection do not rescue the impaired effector function of intrahepatic CD8+ T cell responses. Instead, intrahepatic antigen recognition limits the generation of potent anti-viral responses at both priming and effector stages of the CD8+ T cell response and accounts for the dysfunctional CD8+ T cell response observed during IV adenovirus infection. These results also implicate that manipulation of antigen delivery will facilitate the design of improved vaccination strategies to persistent viral infection.