cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A model for predicting growth responses in plants to changes in external water potential: Zea mays primary roots.

Abstract In response to osmotic step changes, three distinct phases have been noted in the growth response of Zea mays primary roots. They are cessation or slowing of growth over a period of 15–20 minutes, tissue contraction, and a damped oscillatory return to nearly normal growth rate, all within a period of about one hour. A system model of the tissue response is presented to explain such behavior and to serve in a predictive capacity to govern future experiments. It is supposed that for turgor pressure in excess of a cell wall yield threshold, plastic flow is the major component of wall deformation, and that when turgor falls below yield threshold, elastic deformation is dominant. The equations of the model describe growth rate as a function of time in terms of the following properties; plastic flow, elastic deformation, permeability to water, and solute uptake. They are derived from basic equations of feedback interactions between internal osmotic pressure and growth rate, and between wall softening, turgor and growth rate. The model predicts oscillatory growth rate regulation, and phase and amplitude relationships between turgor pressure and growth rate. The simplest model which accounts for all observations is that of biphasic deformation, two modes of wall softening, and a dual feedback system involving osmotic and yield threshold control of growth rate. It should be noted that to predict the time course of turgor pressure, osmotic pressure, yield pressure, and growth rate, two initial conditions and six system parameter values are sufficient. So far only the initial values of growth rate and its derivative can be obtained for Zea mays primary roots. However, values for wall softening and hardening coefficients (including the strain and turgor independent component), plastic extensibility, water permeability and dilution rate coefficients have not been obtained as yet for Zea roots. Values for some of these parameters have been obtained for other roots, coleoptiles, and giant algal cells. Lest the reader despair, it should be pointed out that experimental observations coupled with simulation studies will help establish restricted ranges of values that the system parameters might assume. These can then be compared with known values in the literature and values experimentally obtained in the future.
Low-energy electron attachment to the dichlorodifluoromethane (CCl2F2) molecule.

Results from a joint experimental study of electron attachment to dichlorodifluoromethane (CCl2F2) molecules in the gas phase are reported. In a high resolution electron beam experiment involving two versions of the laser photoelectron attachment method, the relative cross section for formation of the dominant anion Cl− was measured over the energy range 0.001−1.8 eV at the gas temperature TG = 300 K. It exhibits cusp structure at thresholds for vibrational excitation of the ν3(a1) mode due to interaction with the attachment channels. With reference to the thermal attachment rate coefficient k(T = 300 K) = 2.2(8) × 10−9 cm3 s−1 (fitted average from several data), a new highly resolved absolute attachment cross section for TG = 300 K was determined. Partial cross sections for formation of the anions Cl−, Cl2−, F−, ClF−, and CCl2F− were measured over the range 0−12 eV, using three different electron beam experiments of medium energy resolution. The dependence of the attachment rate coefficient k(Te;TG = 300...
THE POTENTIAL DISTRIBUTION AT THE SEMICONDUCTOR/SOLUTION INTERFACE

In semiconductor electrochemistry there is considerable confusion concerning the potential distribution at the semiconductor/solution interface under weak depletion and accumulation conditions. The...
Technical Solution to Automate Smoke Test Using Rational Functional Tester and Virtualization Technology

GUI test automation is a trend, since (1) regression/sanity/smoke testing is one of the most potential areas to cut cost, which is the ultimate objective from the business perspective; (2) GUIs today constitute as much as 45-60% of total software code (Myers, 1995). GUI test automation, in essence, is to use development method to resolve test problem. It aims to replace manual operations by pre-defined test scripts, so that testing work can be laid more effectively and efficiently, more concentratively and less costly. In practice, automated test script will be written and executed to simulate human behavior such as mouse clicks or keyboard input to verify each function of system under test (SUT)
High-throughput Screening of EMS Mutagenized Maize for Altered Starch Digestibility

Carbohydrate research increasingly is focused on changing the biochemical nature of starch to create more efficient substrates for biofuel production; parallel work is aimed at healthier foods for human consumption. A key factor in both of these efforts is the rate at which starch is digested by amylases. Starch digestibility is influenced heavily by genetically controlled factors including starch granular and molecular structure and composition. Maize mutant varieties with increased starch digestibility would help to make more cost-efficient biofuels. To identify such mutants among segregating families of ethyl methane sulfonate-mutagenized maize, we developed a miniaturized, high-throughput single kernel preparation and starch digestion assay that can process over 500 samples per week. In a preliminary screen of 480 families, we have identified 62 mutants with faster rates of digestion as compared to wild type and, in the same screen, an additional 53 lines with slower rates of digestion, thus tremendous potential health benefits. These mutants can be used for detailed structural analysis of starch and flour physical and chemical properties, factors that interact with starch in the cell and analysis of an apparently large number of genes that can impact rates of starch digestion.
Internal Bremsstrahlung Accompanying the Electron-Capture Decay of Mn 54

The internal-bremsstrahlung spectrum accompanying the decay of ${\mathrm{Mn}}^{54}$ was investigated. The spectrum was compared with the theoretical predictions of Martin and Glauber using a computer fitting routine. The decay energy corresponding to the transition to the first excited state of ${\mathrm{Cr}}^{54}$ was found to be 512\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}25 keV. The intensity of the total internal bremsstrahlung in the energy range 100-420 keV was found to be (0.65\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.15)\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}${10}^{\ensuremath{-}4}$ per $1S$ capture as compared to the theoretical value of 1.01\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}${10}^{\ensuremath{-}4}$.
Suppression of antiphase domains in the growth of GaAs on Ge(100) by molecular beam epitaxy

Abstract We have used reflection high energy electron diffraction (RHEED) to determine the step structure on Ge and GaAs surfaces. The results show the key role that inequivalent steps on Ge substrates play in suppressing antiphase domain formation at the GaAs/Ge(100) interface. For Ge surfaces misoriented toward the [011] direction and exposed to an As flux, a mass migration causing a four-monolayer step periodicity is observed. If a Ga flux is then applied, a single domain of GaAs is formed. The single domain is observed at the start of growth with weak half order streaks appearing in only one azimuth. In contrast, for surfaces misoriented exactly toward the [010]. RHEED measurements show a different distribution of multilayer step heights with no clearly predominant even or odd layer step height. GaAs grown on this surface shows a reconstruction consisting of two domains.
Macrophage recruitment in different models of nerve injury: lysozyme as a marker for active phagocytosis.

Macrophages play critical roles in both degenerative and regenerative processes following peripheral nerve injury. These include phagocytosis of debris, stimulation of Schwann cell dedifferentiation and proliferation, and salvage of myelin lipids for reutilization during regeneration. To better define the role of macrophages, we studied models of primary demyelination (tellurium intoxication) and secondary demyelination (nerve crush and cut). Sections of paraformaldehyde-fixed rat sciatic nerves at various stages of demyelination were stained with monoclonal antibody ED1, a standard macrophage marker, and a polyclonal antiserum specific for lysozyme (LYS). Near the peak of demyelination in all three models, LYS immunoreactivity colocalized with ED1 staining. Macrophages present in nerve after the period of maximal phagocytosis of myelin were much less immunoreactive for LYS. These results suggest LYS is a good marker for macrophages which are active in phagocytosis. Tellurium intoxication, which causes synchronous demyelination and subsequent remyelination of only about 25% of myelin internodes, recruited more macrophages (and induced more lysozyme expression) than either nerve crush or cut, which cause demyelination of all internodes distal to the injury site. This suggests that Schwann cells may recruit macrophages soon after metabolic insult and prior to actual demyelination. The final signal for macrophage recruitment is not directly related to the amount of damaged myelin. In the models listed above, steady state mRNA levels for apolipoprotein E (ApoE; possible mediator of cholesterol salvage), LYS, and Po (major structural protein of PNS myelin), were analyzed by Northern blot analysis. LYS mRNA levels peaked sharply in all models, with a temporal pattern consistent with the expected presence of activated, phagocytic macrophages. The temporal pattern for ApoE mRNA levels differed in the 3 models, but ApoE expression was consistent with its proposed role in salvage of cholesterol during remyelination. © 1995 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Paving new pathways.

The most invasive types of brain tumors can release neurotoxic quantities of glutamate. A new study shows that changing the properties of glutamate receptors can shrink brain tumors in rats ( pages 971–978 ).
A criterion of isothermality and determination of reaction boundary for pore-mouth poisoned catalyst pellet

Abstract A criterion of isothermality is derived for the inner core of a catalyst pellet deactivated by pore-mouth poisoning using the pseudo steady-state shell-progressive model. If the criterion is met, the core of the deactivated catalyst is at least as isothermal as the fresh catalyst. Knowledge of activity factor mass Biot number and the reaction boundary is required for the use of the criterion. Activity factor can be determined from the measurements of external temperature difference. For the determination of the reaction boundary, an alternate expression is derived for the activity factor for the case of reaction dominated by diffusional resistance. Determination of the reaction boundary requires knowledge of an observable, the Biot numbers and measurements of external temperature difference. Results are applied to some literature data.
Germination and establishment of halophytes on brine-affected soils

Summary 1 Contamination of soils with oilfield brines is a significant environmental problem in many oil-production areas. This study tested the feasibility of using different salt-accumulating halophyte species to remediate brine-contaminated soils at a site in south-eastern Ohio, USA, and tested whether planting season affected the germination, yield and sodium uptake of selected species. 2 Atriplex prostrata, Hordeum jubatum, Salicornia europaea, Spergularia marina and Suaeda calceoliformis were sown in October 1992 (autumn sowing) and March 1993 (spring sowing). For A. prostrata and Spergularia marina, spring-sowing produced greater germination and survival, while H. jubatum exhibited greater germination and survival in autumn sowings. Germination and survival of Salicornia europaea and Suaeda calceoliformis were not significantly affected by sowing season, but Salicornia europaea germinated and survived poorly in both seasons. 3 Spring-sown A. prostrata and Suaeda calceoliformis and autumn-sown H. jubatum and Spergularia marina produced the greatest yields. 4 High soil conductivities negatively affected the survival and yield of spring-sown A. prostrata, H. jubatum and Spergularia marina, but did not significantly affect autumn sowings. 5 Root biomass allocation was greater in autumn-sown H. jubatum, Spergularia marina and Suaeda calceoliformis. We hypothesized that autumn-sown seeds of these species have earlier root development that facilitates avoidance of extreme salinity and moisture fluctuations found at the soil surface. 6 All species accumulated higher amounts of Na+ and Cl− than other ions. Autumn-sown A. prostrata and Suaeda calceoliformis accumulated significantly more Na+ than when spring-sown. Ash content (a measure of accumulated inorganic matter) ranged from 15% to 35% in the various plant tissues. Hordeum jubatum had significantly more Na+ in its roots than in its shoots, making it less suitable for site remediation than A. prostrata or Suaeda calceoliformis. 7 With the exception of Salicornia europaea, all species reduced soil salinity significantly compared with paired control plots, ranging from 4% in H. jubatum to 17% in A. prostrata. Leaching following precipitation resulted in a 44% reduction in Na+ from control plots over a 4-year period. However, there was a 59% reduction in Na+ from plots vegetated with halophytes over the same period. 8 The results indicate that establishment of salt-accumulating halophytes on salt-affected sites can sufficiently remediate the soil to the point where it can be returned to agricultural productivity or where native plants can invade and become established. The phytoremediation process can be facilitated by tailoring plant selection to site conditions, using inputs of fertilizer and water to enhance the growth of the halophytes, and by harvesting the plants on a regular basis.
Update on Epidemiology of and Preventive Strategies for Invasive Fungal Infections in Cancer Patients

Changes in antineoplastic treatments and transplant practices are driving shifts in the epidemiology of invasive fungal diseases (IFDs). Patients with acute myelogenous leukemia (AML) and those undergoing bone marrow transplant (BMT) are at greatest risk for contracting IFDs. Unfortunately, there are few large population studies that can be used to track trends and help us to better understand why certain individuals within recognized high-risk groups are at greater risks than others for contracting IFDs. The growing use of antifungals in prophylaxis and treatment influences which species will cause an IFD as well as the resistance patterns of these fungi. On the one hand, antifungal prophylaxis has mitigated, but not eliminated, the threat of candidiasis. Furthermore, prophylaxis trials have shown trends of reduced aspergillosis in BMT patients; however, no survival benefits were seen, and 1 trial indicated a lower rate of aspergillosis and survival benefits in patients with AML. Future prophylaxis trials should reduce the heterogeneity of risk in study participants in order to better assess benefit; these trials should also incorporate fungal biomarkers into their design. The threat of emerging fungal resistance in prophylaxis strategies is real and must be monitored.
Go-protein α-Subunits Activate Mitogen-activated Protein Kinase via a Novel Protein Kinase C-dependent Mechanism (∗)

Mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) is activated in response to both receptor tyrosine kinases and G-protein-coupled receptors. Recently, Gi-coupled receptors, such as the α2A adrenergic receptor, were shown to mediate Ras-dependent MAPK activation via a pathway requiring G-protein βγ subunits (Gβγ) and many of the same intermediates involved in receptor tyrosine kinase signaling. In contrast, Gq-coupled receptors, such as the M1 muscarinic acetylcholine receptor (M1AChR), activate MAPK via a pathway that is Ras-independent but requires the activity of protein kinase C (PKC). Here we show that, in Chinese hamster ovary cells, the M1AChR and platelet-activating factor receptor (PAFR) mediate MAPK activation via the α-subunit of the Go protein. Go-mediated MAPK activation was sensitive to treatment with pertussis toxin but insensitive to inhibition by a Gβγ-sequestering peptide (βARK1ct). M1AChR and PAFR catalyzed Goα-subunit GTP exchange, and MAPK activation could be partially rescued by a pertussis toxin-insensitive mutant of Goα but not by similar mutants of Gi. Go-mediated MAPK activation was insensitive to inhibition by a dominant negative mutant of Ras (N17Ras) but was completely blocked by cellular depletion of PKC. Thus, M1AChR and PAFR, which have previously been shown to couple to Gq, are also coupled to Go to activate a novel PKC-dependent mitogenic signaling pathway.
Simulation study of polycapillary x-ray optics

Polycapillary x-ray optics, arrays of hollow capillary tubes used to guide x-rays by total reflectance, are now being used in increasing numbers of applications, such as materials analysis, microelectronics manufacturing, x-ray astronomy and medical imaging. Because each optic contains hundreds of thousands of precisely shaped and located hollow channels, it is desirable to assess the feasibility of a variety of capillary geometries for a new application without physically constructing the optic. This assessment requires increasingly sophisticated modeling capability as new applications with more stringent requirements are developed. Previous analysis has shown that high-energy applications such as hard x-ray astronomy and medical imaging are particularly sensitive to optic profile errors such as channel waviness. A more physical model for surface waviness has been developed and included in optics simulations. The results are compared to measured data and to the results of other numerical simulation programs.
Initial Provisioning of a Standby System with Deteriorating and Repairable Spares

A technique is developed for finding the time dependent operating probabilities used by reliability systems designers for provisioning a system with N + k identical units, k of which are called spares and N called operating units, and s repair facilities. System failure occurs when less than N units are operational. Units fail with exponential interfailure times and are repaired with exponential service time. Idle spares fail due to deterioration at a rate possibly different from that of the operating units. Graphs are presented which show the minimum numbers of spares needed to achieve system reliabilities of 0.90 and 0.99 as a function of time. The technique is applicable for finding, numerically, the first passage time distribution for any system modeled by birth and death processes.
Genetic Association Between Chronic Ethanol Withdrawal Severity and Acoustic Startle Parameters in WSP and WSR Mice

Background : The present study examined the genetic association between chronic ethanol withdrawal severity and acoustic startle response (ASR) in replicated lines of mice selected for high (Withdrawal Seizure-Prone; WSP) and low (Withdrawal Seizure-Rent; WSR) susccptihility to handling-induced convulsions after withdrawal from chronic exposure to ethanol. Any differences on a nonselected (correlated) trait between the opposite-selected lines is strong evidence for pleiotropic effects of the genes fixed by selection. Methods : Naive WSP and WSR micc of both replicates were placed in startle chambers and exposed to a series of white noise stimuli of different intensities. In Experiment 1, two parameters [the maximal acoustic startle response (Rmax), and the sound intensity ncccssary to produce 50% of the maximal startle response (dB50)] were obtained from a least-squares nonlinear regression by fitting data for each subject to a sigmoidal function that best described the relationship betwcen sound intensity and mean ASR. Response hahituation of WSP and WSR mice to a repeated acoustic stimulus of high intensity was examined in Experiment 2. Results : When ASR amplitude was plotted versus sound intensity, the sigmoid intensity-response curves of both WSP replicates were shifted to the right rclative to the responses of WSR mice, which suggested decreased startle sensitivity in the WSP animals. Statistical analysis showed that naivc WSP mice were less sensitive (higher dB50) to acoustic stimulation than Scizure-Resistant animals whereas Rmax was similar for both lines. The selected lines also diffcred in their responses to repeated acoustic stimulation, with WSP mice demonstrating grcater habituation. Conclusion : Results of the present study suggest some common genetic mechanisms underlying behavioral responsiveness to acoustic stimulation and severity of ethanol withdrawal.
Velocity of Hemocyte Circulation in the Elytron of the Cockroach, Periplaneta americana Linn

SummaryThe average hemocyte velocity in the subcostal cell of the elytron of the cockroach, Periplaneta americana Linn., is 34.3 ± 14.4 mm. per minute. The range of normal average velocities extends from 14.5 to 65.2 mm. per minute. This range approaches the range of 30 to 54 mm. per minute found in the capillaries of man. The highest hemocyte speed observed was 65.5 mm. per minute; the lowest 10.1. No relationship was detected between variations in velocity and sex or the heart rate of the insects used for this study.
The Ah Locus: Genetic Differences in Toxicity, Cancer, Mutation, and Birth Defects

(1989). The Ah Locus: Genetic Differences in Toxicity, Cancer, Mutation, and Birth Defects. Critical Reviews in Toxicology: Vol. 20, No. 3, pp. 153-174.
On alternative optimal solutions in the estimation of returns to scale in DEA

Zhu and Shen [European Journal of Operational Research 81 (1995) 590] show that alternative optimal solutions in the estimation of returns to scale (RTS) are caused by a particular linear dependency among a set of extreme efficient DMUs when one employs the concept of most productive scale size [European Journal of Operational Research 17 (1984) 35] in data envelopment analysis (DEA). This paper demonstrates that the presence of weakly efficient DMUs may also lead to alternative optima and extends the results of Zhu and Shen to the entire frontier. Necessary and sufficient conditions for the presence of multiple optimal solutions for constant returns to scale (CRS) DMUs are established.
Molecular Cloning of a cDNA Encoding Putative Molt-Inhibiting Hormone from the Blue Crab, Callinectes sapidus

A cDNA library was constructed using poly(A+) RNA isolated from eyestalk neural ganglia of the blue crab, Callinectes sapidus. The library was screened using a probe generated by PCR based on the published amino acid sequence of molt-inhibiting hormone from the shore crab, Carcinus maenas. DNA sequence analysis of one positive clone revealed a 339 bp open reading frame encoding a 78-residue putative molt-inhibiting hormone and a 35-residue signal peptide. The deduced amino acid sequence of C. sapidus molt-inhibiting hormone is 79% homologous with that of C. maenas. Northern blot analysis, using a fragment of the cloned molt-inhibiting hormone cDNA as probe, revealed specific hybridization to a single band (∼1.4 kb) in RNA extracted from eyestalk but not control tissues.
Immunogenicity of varying dosages of 7-valent pneumococcal polysaccharide–protein conjugate vaccine in seniors previously vaccinated with 23-valent pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine

In this dose-ranging study 220 seniors who had received the 23-valent pneumococcal polysaccharide (PnPS) vaccine at least 5 years prior to enrollment were assigned to receive one of four volumes (0.1, 0.5, 1 or 2 ml) of 7-valent pneumococcal conjugate (PnC) vaccine or a 0.5 ml dose of 23-valent PnPS vaccine. All participants received a reduced challenge dose of 0.1 ml of PnPS vaccine 1 year after enrollment. There was evidence of a dose response to PnC vaccine and antibody levels in the 1 ml PnC group tended to be significantly higher than in the PnPS group. A booster response to the challenge vaccination was not observed. Administration of a 1 ml dose of PnC vaccine is more immunogenic than 0.5 ml of PnPS vaccine in elderly adults previously vaccinated with PnPS vaccine.
Expression and characterization of an antibody binding specificity joined to insulin-like growth factor 1: potential applications for cellular targeting.

Abstract To create antibody molecules with improved functional properties, a growth factor (insulin-like growth factor 1, IGF1) was used to replace the constant region of a chimeric mouse-human IgG3 anti-dansyl antibody. The chimeric heavy chain was expressed with an anti-dansyl-specific chimeric kappa light chain. The IgG3-IGF1 chimeric protein retained its specificity for the antigen dansyl. The chimeric proteins bound to the IGF1 receptors of the human lymphoblast IM-9, albeit with reduced affinity, and elicited some of the same biologic effects (increased glucose and amino acid uptake) in human KB cells as did human IGF1, but with reduced specific activity. The reduced affinity and biologic activity may result from several things: the presence of the unprocessed IGF1 moiety, the large size of the IgG3-IGF1 chimeric protein (160 kDa) compared with IGF1 (7 kDa), and three amino acid substitutions in rat IGF1 compared with human IGF1, which may lead to decreased affinity for the human IGF1 receptor. The chimeric proteins show that it is feasible to produce a new family of immunotherapeutic molecules targeted to growth factor receptors.
Pleiotrophin regulates serine phosphorylation and the cellular distribution of β-adducin through activation of protein kinase C

Pleiotrophin (PTN) was found to regulate tyrosine phosphorylation of β-adducin through the PTN/receptor protein tyrosine phosphatase (RPTP)β/ζ signaling pathway. We now demonstrate that PTN stimulates the phosphorylation of serines 713 and 726 in the myristoylated alanine-rich protein kinase (PK) C substrate domain of β-adducin through activation of either PKC α or β. We also demonstrate that PTN stimulates translocation of phosphoserine 713 and 726 β-adducin either to nuclei, where it associates with nuclear chromatin and with centrioles of dividing cells, or to a membrane-associated site, depending on the phase of cell growth. Furthermore, we demonstrate that PTN stimulates the degradation of β-adducin in PTN-stimulated cells. Phosphorylation of serines 713 and 726 in β-adducin is known to markedly reduce the affinity of β-adducin for spectrin and actin and to uncouple actin/spectrin/β-adducin multimeric complexes needed for cytoskeletal stability. The data thus suggest that the PTN-stimulated phosphorylation of serines 713 and 726 in β-adducin disrupts cytoskeletal protein complexes and integrity, features demonstrated in both PTN-stimulated cells and of highly malignant cells that constitutively express the endogenous Ptn gene. The data also support the important conclusion that PTN determines the cellular location of β-adducin phosphorylated in serines 713 and 726 and raise the possibility that β-adducin functions in support of structure of heterochromatin and centrioles during mitosis.
JNK-dependent release of mitochondrial protein, Smac, during apoptosis in multiple myeloma (MM) cells.

Smac, second mitochondria-derived activator of caspases, promotes apoptosis via activation of caspases. Previous studies have shown that c-Jun NH2-terminal kinase (JNK) is involved in regulating another mitochondrial protein, cytochrome c during apoptosis; however, the role of JNK in the release of mitochondrial Smac is unknown. Here we show that induction of apoptosis in multiple myeloma (MM) cells is associated with activation of JNK, translocation of JNK from cytosol to mitochondria, and release of Smac from mitochondria to cytosol. Blocking JNK either by dominant-negative mutant (DN-JNK) or cotreatment with a specific JNK inhibitor, SP600125, abrogates both stress-induced release of Smac and induction of apoptosis. These findings demonstrate that activation of JNK is an obligatory event for the release of Smac during stress-induced apoptosis in MM cells.
Clinical Observations on the Use of Isoniazid in Tuberculosis

1) Isoniazid toxicity is observed more frequently at dosages above 6 mgs. per kilo but may occur at any level. 2) Weight loss may be a symptom of isoniazid toxicity. 3) Isoniazid stimulates neural activity and may accentuate autonomic tone or exaggerate the symptoms of neurotoxicity from streptomycin. 4) Isoniazid has no direct effect upon blood sugar levels in normal or diabetic patients. 5) Isoniazid may be given safely in doses of 200 to 236 mgs. intramuscularly without serious toxic or irritative effect. This may be done either alone or in combination with streptomycin. 6) The intramuscular use of isoniazid-streptomycin combined is worthy of further study. This study was made in association with the Cooperative Drug Research Program of the Field Research Branch, Division of Chronic Disease and Tuberculosis, Public Health Service, Department of Health, Education and Welfare.
Testicular Swelling Due to Lymphatic Filariasis After Brief Travel to Haiti

After 6 months of a trip to Haiti, a 25-year-old healthy man presented with a 6-week history of a very slow progressive intermittent bilateral testicular pain and swelling. The biopsies in both testicles revealed the presence of a dead filarial parasite. Polymerase chain reaction products of the DNA from the biopsy were shown to have a 100% identity to Wuchereria bancrofti. Despite being uncommon in travelers, this presentation of W. bancrofti highlights the possibility of acquiring W. bancrofti during short-term trips to highly endemic regions of the world (i.e., Haiti).
Shelf-life of raw and cooked fiber-formulated pork nuggets

. Pork shoulders were ground and restructured into nuggets with 5% dietary-fiber (Avicel) and 1% Nad added. Pork nuggets were battered and breaded with commercial coating ingredients. Half of the nuggets was vacuum packaged and frozen, and the other half was deep-fat fried for 2 min then vacuum packaged and frozen. Microbial analysis showed intermediate counts (103–4) in raw and cooked products for SPC, yeast and mold, VRB, and psychrotrophs. Salmonella counts were negative. Chemical analysis showed raw and cooked nuggets to be similar in composition except for a lower % moisture in the cooked nuggets caused by cooking loss. Oxidative flavor deterioration of raw and cooked, fiber-formulated pork nuggets held at -17.8°C was studied. Thiobarbituric acid values and sensory evaluations showed that oxidation and flavor deterioration occurred faster in the cooked nuggets. Uncooked, fiber-formulated pork nuggets maintained quality flavor characteristics through 4 months of storage at -17.8°C.
Hydrogen absorption in Ti45Zr38-xNi17+x quasicrystals and measurements of the equilibrium vapor pressure

To evaluate their technological usefulness and to probe the local structure of the quasicrystal, p-c-T curves were measured for as-quenched Ti45Zr38Ni17 and Ti45Zr30Ni25 quasicrystal ribbons at 350°C with a computer-controlled apparatus. For both quasicrystals, the p-c-T curves do not exhibit a clear pressure plateau. Instead, the equilibrium vapor pressure remains low (<5 torr) below H/M ≈1; it increases sharply for increasing H/M. Such p-c-T curves may reflect structural features of the quasicrystal. Due to the formation of the crystal hydride phase during the p-c-T measurements, however, the site energy distribution in the quasicrystals could not be obtained. Instead, qualitative conclusions are presented. For Ti45Zr38Ni17 quasicrystals, estimates of the site energy distribution for hydrogen suggest a prominent site located between -0.2 eV and -0.15 eV with a possible broad, weakly binding second peak at higher energy. The site energy locations for hydrogen for Ti45Zr30Ni25 quasicrystals are similar. The Ti45Zr38Ni17 quasicrystals desorb most of the absorbed hydrogen at 650°C in one hour by continuous pumping without phase transformation, and do not become powder after three cycles.
Separation of α‐ from β‐arylalanines by nickel nitrilotriacetate chromatography

A method is described to separate alpha- from beta-arylalanines by ligand exchange chromatography on a nickel nitrilotriacetate agarose column with UV monitoring of the effluent. Separate mixtures containing an alpha- and beta-arylalanine pair (1 mg of each) were individually loaded onto the nickel resin pre-equilibrated with the mobile phase at room temperature, and the amino acids were eluted from the column with a gradient from pH 12.0-8.0. The beta-arylalanines eluted first, followed by the alpha-isomers. The four alpha/beta-amino acid pairs tested were well separated with baseline resolution. An aliquot of each fraction was chemically treated to derivatize the amino acids to their N-acyl methyl ester analogs, and their identities were confirmed by GC/MS analysis. The sample recovery was quantitative (>98%), and the column matrix was very resilient, as demonstrated by consistent separation of the solutes after approximately 100 preparative cycles.
The epoxyallylic radical from homolysis and rearrangement of methyl linoleate hydroperoxide combines with the thiyl radical of N-acetylcysteine

Abstract In the absence of O 2 , ferric chloride catalyzed a reaction between methyl (13-S)-(9Z,11E)-13-hydroperoxy-9, 11-octadecadienoate and N- acetyl - l - cysteine . Anhydrous tetrahydrofuran was utilized as the solvent to trap products that would be potentially unstable to protic solvents. After methyl esterification with CH 2 N 2 , four major products were isolated. The isolates were found to be two pairs of epimers; one pair, ( Z )-(12 R ,13 S )-11-[[(2 R )-2-acetamido-2-carboxyethyl]thio]-12,13-epoxy-9-octadecenoic acid (dimethyl ester), was epimeric at C-11, and the other, ( E )-(12 S , 13 S )-9-[[(2β)-2-acetamido-2-carboxyethyl]thio]-12,13-epoxy-10-octadecenoic acid (dimethyl ester), differed by the stereoconfiguration at C-9. The latter pair of isomers contained an allylic epoxide; thus, protic solvents promoted ready solvolysis of the epoxide provided that a mild catalyst, such as N -acetylcysteine, was present. Because the epoxide was allylic, substitution was predicted on either side of the intermediate allylic cation (C-10 or C-12), but instead, substitution occurred only at C-10, possibly owing to anchimeric assistance by the thio ether located at C-9. Thus, substitution by methanol led to formation of isomeric 9-[(2-acetamido-2-carboxyethyl)thio]-13-hydroxy-10-methoxy-1]-octadecenoic acid, dimethyl ester. This combination reaction of fatty ester hydroperoxide with 7V-acetylcysteine may explain the sensitivity of sulfhydryl proteins to lipid peroxidation.
Certainty, Severity, and Skyjacking

A central issue in the controversy surrounding the death penalty is the question of deterrence. Specifically, does the additional severity of capital punishment over life imprisonment serve to deter potential criminals? I attempt to deal with this question by separating the effects of severity of punishment from those of certainty of punishment by examining various woys in which these factors have been manipulated in the attempt to curb the incidence of skyjacking. I conclude that increasing the certainty of punishment results in a decrease in crime, whereas increasing the severity does not, in effect arguing against the necessity of the death penulty.
THE ASSOCIATION OF RIGHT ATRIAL STRUCTURE AND FUNCTION WITH RIGHT VENTRICULAR EJECTION FRACTION AND INCIDENT DEATH OR TRANSPLANTATION IN CONGESTIVE HEART FAILURE PATIENTS

Depressed right ventricular ejection fraction (RVEF) is associated with adverse outcomes in chronic heart failure (CHF). The relationships between right atrial (RA) structure and function and outcomes in CHF have not been well-described. We hypothesized that cardiac MRI (cMRI)-derived RA end-
Experimental and analytical comparison of flowfields in a 110 N (25 lbf) H2/O2 rocket

A gaseous hydrogen/gaseous oxygen 110 N (25 lbf) rocket was examined through the RPLUS code using the full Navier-Stokes equations with finite rate chemistry. Performance tests were conducted on the rocket in an altitude test facility. Preliminary parametric analyses were performed for a range of mixture ratios and fuel film cooling pcts. It is shown that the computed values of specific impulse and characteristic exhaust velocity follow the trend of the experimental data. Specific impulse computed by the code is lower than the comparable test values by about two to three percent. The computed characteristic exhaust velocity values are lower than the comparable test values by three to four pct. Thrust coefficients computed by the code are found to be within two pct. of the measured values. It is concluded that the discrepancy between computed and experimental performance values could not be attributed to experimental uncertainty.
Telephone counseling to implement best parenting practices to prevent adolescent problem behaviors.

There is considerable suggestive evidence that parents can protect their adolescents from developing problem behaviors if they implement recommended best parenting practices. These include providing appropriate limits on adolescent free time, maintaining a close personal relationship with the adolescent, and negotiating and providing incentives for positive behavior patterns. However, retention of the study samples has limited conclusions that can be drawn from published studies. This randomized controlled trial recruited and randomized a national population sample of 1036 families to an intensive parenting intervention using telephone counseling or to a no-contact control group. At enrollment, eligible families had an eldest child between the ages of 10–13 years. The intervention included an initial training program using a self-help manual with telephone counselor support. Implementation of best parenting practices was encouraged using quarterly telephone contacts and a family management check-up questionnaire. A computer-assisted structured counseling protocol was used to aid parents who needed additional assistance to implement best practices. This, along with a centralized service, enabled implementation of quality control procedures. Assessment of problem behavior is undertaken with repeated telephone interviews of the target adolescents. The study is powered to test whether the intervention encouraging parents to maintain best parenting practices is associated with a reduction of 25% in the incidence of problem behaviors prior to age 18 years and will be tested through a maximum likelihood framework.
Apoptosis induction by arsenic: mechanisms of action and possible clinical applications for treating therapy-resistant cancers

Abstract Arsenic, a known carcinogen, may be useful in cancer treatment. Arsenic may be effective in counteracting drug resistance because it appears to induce apoptosis in tumor cells independently of p53 activation, thereby allowing it to be directed against p53-defective cancers. The role of MAP kinases in arsenic-induced apoptosis in tumor cells is important and may be influenced by reactive oxygen species or glutathione. This review focuses on recent findings from this and other laboratories regarding the mechanism(s) of arsenic-induced apoptosis in tumor cells and considers their relevance in the clinical treatment of therapy-resistant cancers.
Numerical and experimental analysis of guided waves propagation in composite plates

In this paper, we investigate the scattering behavior of defects in composite plates. Scattering coefficients are of great importance for the estimation of wave-damage interaction, for the interpretation of recorded Lamb wave signals, and for the development of novel signal processing strategies. The anisotropy of composite laminates makes modeling of wave propagation and the numerical estimation of scattering coefficients particularly challenging. The paper studies numerical models of wave propagation in composites, and evaluates their predictive ability. These evaluations rely of full wave field measurements on selected composite plate specimens, through which information on dispersion and directionality of propagation are conveniently extracted. In addition, filtering in the frequency-wavenumber domain allows the extraction of scattered wave fields and the estimation of the scattering coefficients. Comparisons between numerical and experimental data highlight modeling challenges, illustrate mesh-driven directional propagation, and suggest an effective strategy for the estimation of the scattering coefficients through tests and FE modeling.
Effect of glucose and insulin on magnesium metabolism in rabbits. A study with Mg28.

SummaryIn rabbits which had received by intravenous injection 1 to 2 meq of magnesium tagged with Mg28, parenteral administration of insulin and dextrose significantly accelerated Mg28 uptake in bone, kidney, heart, liver, appendix, skin and skeletal muscle. Tissue magnesium content was increased in heart and skeletal muscle. Less striking changes were noted when insulin or dextrose alone was given following injection of magnesium. Magnesium metabolism appears intimately related to that of carbohydrate and insulin.
An analysis of symptoms in patients with permanent ventricular pacemakers

Abstract The prevalence and severity of symptoms of the “pacemaker syndrome” were investigated in 64 patients with VVI pacemakers and compared, in the same patients, to a series of control symptoms, unrelated to pacemaker function. Symptoms were also compared in patient groups unlikely to have the “pacemaker syndrome” (atrial fibrillation), most likely to have such symptoms (retrograde atrial activation) and in an intermediate group (competitive paced and sinus rhythms). There was a linear relationship between the frequency and severity of “pacemaker” symptoms and control questions in all groups and no preponderance of “pacemaker” symptoms in any group. The study provides an estimate of the number and severity of symptoms in patients with VVI pacemakers, demonstrates the non-specificity of the “pacemaker syndrome” and shows no evidence of a sub-clinical “pacemaker syndrome” in the patients observed.
Hypercalcemia associated with squamous cell carcinoma of tongue.

OBJECTIVE To present a case and to review the relationship between tumor production of parathyroid hormone-related protein (PTHrP) and hypercalcemia in oral squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), with emphasis on tongue cancer. METHODS We describe a patient with advanced, locally invasive SCC of the tongue in whom hypercalcemia developed as a result of PTHrP production by the tumor. In addition, the medical literature regarding PTHrP and hypercalcemia associated with malignant disease is reviewed. RESULTS A 65-year-old man, who was admitted to the hospital because of one episode of unresponsiveness, was found to have a large, necrotic, ulcerated lesion overlying the left mandibular area. After biopsy of the tumor and total body imaging, he was diagnosed with advanced, locally invasive, poorly differentiated SCC of the tongue, stage T4 N1 M0. On admission, the serum calcium concentration was 12.5 mg/dL (normal range, 8.5 to 10.7), and the serum albumin level was 2.2 g/dL (normal range, 3.5 to 5.5). The serum intact parathyroid hormone level was 26 pg/mL (normal range, 10 to 65); the PTHrP level was 13.1 pmol/L (normal, <1.3). Hypercalcemia attributable to production of PTHrP by the tongue SCC was diagnosed. Initial treatment of the hypercalcemia with vigorous hydration yielded a limited response. Intravenous administration of pamidronate initially decreased the serum calcium level to 5.2 mg/dL, but then it progressively increased to 8.6 mg/dL during the next 4 weeks. The patient refused further treatment and died after 1 month. CONCLUSION To our knowledge, this is the first case of hypercalcemia associated with SCC of the tongue in which the serum PTHrP level was measured and reported to be high. It should be measured in other similar cases.
Proteomic Analysis of Human Bile from Malignant Biliary Stenosis Induced by Pancreatic Cancer

Stenosis of the common bile duct may be either due to benign (chronic pancreatitis) or malignant (cholangiocarcinoma, pancreatic adenocarcinoma) conditions. The benign nature of the stricture should be first confirmed in order to ensure appropriate therapy. Therefore, the identification of markers allowing discrimination between malignant and benign biliary stenosis would be very valuable in clinical practice. To this intent, we performed a proteomic analysis of bile samples from patients having a biliary stenosis caused by pancreatic adenocarcinoma. Bile samples were collected during endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography and purified using different methods. The extracted proteins were then analyzed by SDS-PAGE and LC-MS/MS. A total of 127 proteins were identified, 34 of which have not been previously detected in proteomic studies of bile. Among them, several proteins have been described as potential biomarkers of pancreatic cancer. We extended our investigation by studying the expression of some of these pancreatic cancer markers in bile samples collected from patients with various etiologies of biliary stenosis including pancreatic cancer, cholangiocarcinoma, chronic pancreatitis, as well as gallstone-induced stenosis. Our data showed a conspicuous overexpression of CEACAM6 and MUC1 (CA19-9) in pancreatic cancer and cholangiocarcinoma samples, according to the hypothesis that bile fluid collects cancer-associated protein leaking from the tumor microenvironment. These results underline the interest of using bile as a source of biomarkers for the diagnosis of malignant biliary stenosis.
Cold-acclimation of Hibiscus rosa-sinensis L. and Hibiscus syriacus L. in natural and controlled environments

Abstract Seasonal cold-acclimation patterns and the effects of photoperiod and temperature on cold-hardiness of Hibiscus rosa-sinensis L. and Hibiscus syriacus L. were determined. Field-grown H. rosasinensis consistently failed to survive freezing at - 2°C. Two genotypes of field- and container-grown H. syriacus initiated cold-acclimation in mid September, in response to decreasing daylength, and continued to an ultimate midwinter hardiness level of - 27°C in early February. Controlled environment experiments using combinations of short days (SD) and cool day/night temperatures were unable to induce even minimal cold acclimation of H. rosasinensis. In controlled environments, H. syriacus attained a moderate amount of cold tolerance at warm temperatures and long days (LD). Low night temperature combined with LD, warm day produced the same degree of cold-acclimation as the SD treatments. While not essential, SD enhanced H. syriacus cold-acclimation in controlled environments. A - 5°C frost treatment of intact plants did not enhance cold-hardiness of H. syriacus.
Pacifist to Interventionist: David Lloyd George in 1911 and 1914. was Belgium an Issue?

David Lloyd George's behaviour in the crucial week between 27 July and 3 August 1914 has commanded much scholarship and more speculation. Nearly every member of Prime Minister Herbert Asquith's Liberal cabinet, including the chancellor of the exchequer himself, has told the story of those agonizing days, by memoir, diary or letter. Yet Lloyd George's part in Britain's decision to declare war upon Germany on 4 August remains unclear; indeed it is less clear now than it seemed to be half a century ago. How could the ‘Pro-Boer’ of the days of the South African war, who had been the object of any number of dangerous personal assaults for his treasonable speeches, the enemy of the dreadnoughts, the slasher of naval estimates, indeed the man who most recently declared at the Mansion House and had asserted again in the House of Commons only six days later – the last coming on the day of the Austrian ultimatum to Serbia – that powerful commercial influences in Germany and Britain were drawing the two nations so close that great arms were unnecessary, how could such a man become the supporter of intervention in a continental war on behalf of France?