Proteinaceous bacterial toxins and pathogenesis of sepsis syndrome and septic shock: the unknown connection

1994

Global convergence and rate of convergence of a method of centers

1994

We consider a method of centers for solving constrained optimization problems. We establish its global convergence and that it converges with a linear rate when the starting point of the algorithm is feasible as well as when the starting point is infeasible. We demonstrate the effect of the scaling on the rate of convergence. We extend afterwards, the stability result of [5] to the infeasible case anf finally, we give an application to semi-infinite optimization problems.

On quasi-denting points, denting faces and the geometry of the unit ball ofd(w, 1)

1994

Knee extension strength and walking speed in relation to quadriceps muscle composition and training in elderly women.

1994

Summary. Knee extension strength, walking speed, quadriceps muscle mass and composition of the muscle compartment were studied in 66 to 85-year-old female athletes and controls. Maximal voluntary knee extension force, force/body mass, extension torque, torque/body mass and walking speed were higher for the athletes than the controls. A muscle index indicating intramuscular fat and connective tissue measured using ultrasonography was lower for the athletes than the controls. There were no differences between the study groups in knee extension force related either to cross-sectional area (CSA) or lean tissue area (CSAL) of the quadriceps. Within the subgroups, there was no significant correla…

Ein Axiomensystem f�r partielle affine R�ume

1994

A partial linear space with parallelism is called partial affine space if it is embeddable in an affine space with the same pointset preserving the parallelism. These partial affine spaces will be characterized by a system of three axioms for partial linear spaces with parallelism.

Possible involvement of the IL4 gene in Waldenström's macroglobulinemia

1994

Abstract We report the results of a molecular investigation of 11 patients affected by Waldenstrom's macroglobulinemia, a rare B-cell malignancy characterized by an excessive proliferation of immunoglobulin(Ig)M-secreting plasmacytoid cells. In particular, we studied the interleukin-4 (IL4) gene, which codes for a B-specific growth factor capable of stimulating the proliferation and differentiation of secreting plasma cells. By Southern hybridization, in three patients we found the presence of additional bands in comparison with the expected pattern; moreover, these bands showed a different degree of intensity.

The nature of the chemical bond in (CH3)3N-BCl3 and (CH3)3N-AlCl3

1994

Friedel Oscillations in Relativistic Nuclear Matter

1994

We calculate the low-momentum N-N effective potential obtained in the OBE approximation, inside a nuclear plasma at finite temperature, as described by the relativistic $ \sigma $-$ \omega $ model. We analyze the screening effects on the attractive part of the potential in the intermediate range as density or temperature increase. In the long range the potential shows Friedel-like oscillations instead of the usual exponential damping. These oscillations arise from the sharp edge of the Fermi surface and should be encountered in any realistic model of nuclear matter.

Awareness and partitional information structures

1994

This is the first of two papers where we present a formal model of unawareness. We contrast unawareness with certainty and uncertainty. A subject is certain of something when he knows that thing; he is uncertain when he does not know it, but he knows he does not: he is consciously uncertain. On the other hand, he is unaware of something when he does not know it, and he does not know he does not know, and so on ad infinitum: he does not perceive, does not have in mind, the object of knowledge. The opposite of unawareness is awareness, which includes certainty and uncertainty. This paper has three main purposes. First, we formalize the concept of awareness, and introduce a symmetry axiom whic…

Polyamines and related enzymes in rice seeds differing in germination potential

1994

In ungerminated rice seeds, (Japonica rice variety, CV Tapei 309), the content of free amines (putrescine, spermidine, spermine, tyramine) was higher in seed lots having a low germination frequency compared to those with high germination potential. Conversely, amine conjugates (di-feruloylputrescine, di-feruloylspermidine, diferuloyldiaminopropane and feruloyltyramine) decreased with loss of viability. Thus, these compounds appeared to constitute biochemical markers of seed viability. In seeds with high germination potential, conjugates decreased drastically during germination, with an early and rapid increase in free amines (putrescine, spermidine, tyramine). Arginine decarboxylase (ADC) a…

A nonlinear biomechanical model for evaluation of cerebrospinal fluid shunt systems.

1994

In view of complications arising from physical properties of cerebrospinal fluid shunts, a biomechanical model of hydrocephalus was set up to study in vivo parameters that may influence their function. These include: intracranial pressure, compliance and pulses, intrathoracic, intra-abdominal, and subcutaneous pressures, and the effects of siphonage and repeated valve flushing. Each of these factors was studied separately upon shunt implantation in the model. Results of testing of a sample low-pressure valve with antisiphon device conformed with consumer information in regard to valve opening pressure and pressure flow measurements. No customer information, however, was supplied concerning …

Natural substances (acetogenins) from the family Annonaceae are powerful inhibitors of mitochondrial NADH dehydrogenase (Complex I).

1994

Natural products from the plants of the family Annonaceae, collectively called Annonaceous acetogenins, are very potent inhibitors of the NADH-ubiquinone reductase (Complex I) activity of mammalian mitochondria. The properties of five of such acetogenins are compared with those of rotenone and piericidin, classical potent inhibitors of Complex I. Rolliniastatin-1 and rolliniastatin-2 are more powerful than piericidin in terms of both their inhibitory constant and the protein-dependence of their titre in bovine submitochondrial particles. These acetogenins could be considered therefore the most potent inhibitors of mammalian Complex I. Squamocin and otivarin also have an inhibitory constant …

Study of collisional effects on band shapes of the ν1/2ν2 Fermi dyad in CO2 gas with stimulated Raman spectroscopy. III. Modeling of collisional narr…

1994

High resolution stimulated Raman spectra (SRS) of the ν1/2ν2 Fermi dyad of CO2 have been recorded in the 0.4–22. amagat density range at 700 K and in the 0.6–16 amagat density range at 900 K. The data have been successfully analyzed with a theoretical model taking into account both rotational line mixing through the energy corrected sudden‐polynomial (ECS‐P) law for the relaxation matrix and vibrational line broadening γv and line shifting δv. The two vibrational parameters have been accurately determined from fit to the experimental spectra. These new high temperature data together with previous data obtained at 295 and 500 K [B. Lavorel et al., J. Chem. Phys. 93, 2176 (1990); B. Lavorel e…

Complexus adhaerentes, a new group of desmoplakin-containing junctions in endothelial cells: II. Different types of lymphatic vessels.

1994

Abstract In diverse mammalian species, including (man, cow and rat) the very flat endothelial cells of lymphatic vessels of various organs, including the retothelial meshwork of sinus of lymph nodes, are connected by zonula -like plaque-bearing junctions which differ from the similarly structured junctions of blood vessel endothelia by the presence of desmoplakin or an as yet unknown but closely related plaque protein. These extended junctions, which also contain plakoglobin but none of the presently known desmogleins and desmocollins, are therefore different from the spot-like desmosomes ( maculae adhaerentes ) present in epithelia, myocardium and dendritic reticulum cells of lymphatic fol…

Ultrasonography for evaluation of the carotid artery in head and neck cancer.

1994

The dynamic relationship of lymph node metastases to surrounding vascular structures in the neck is important for preoperative patient assessment. When carotid artery involvement is suspected, this relationship often determines whether or not to operate. In the case of adhesive neck metastases along the internal jugular vein, it becomes possible to predict preoperatively if the integrity of this vein may be preserved. Ultrasonography has the ability to differentiate subtle from gross adherence, or simple compression from vascular invasion. This is done by manually palpating the tumor mass and asking the patient to perform various maneuvers while observing on a monitor the relationship of th…

Hadwenius tursionis (Marchi, 1873) n. comb. (Digenea, Campulidae) from the bottlenose dolphin Tursiops truncatus (Montagu, 1821) in the western Medit…

1994

The taxonomic position of Synthesium tursionis (Marchi, 1873) (Digenea, Campulidae) is revised, based on material from 147 worms from four bottlenose dolphins Tursiops truncatus stranded off the Comunidad Valenciana (Spanish western Mediterranean). The species is transferred to Hadwenius, as H. tursionis n. comb., and characterised by a high length/width ratio of the body, spinose cirrus and unarmed metraterm. Synthesium, a monotypic genus, becomes a synonym of Hadwenius. The intraspecific variation of some morphological traits is briefly discussed.

Cytogenetic study of angiosarcoma of the breast.

1994

Angiosarcoma of the breast is quite rare, and the development of cutaneous angiosarcoma after segmental mastectomy and radiation therapy is even less common. A cytogenetic analysis of a mammary angiosarcoma arising in a breast after previous irradiation and segmental mastectomy for infiltrating ductal carcinoma revealed multiple clonal rearrangements involving chromosomes X, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 15, 17, 20, and 22. No cytogenetically analyzed angiosarcomas of the breast have been reported before. Genes Chromosom Cancer 10:210–212 (1994). © 1994 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

Influence of gamma-aminobutyric acid on baclofen intestinal absorption.

1994

Since previous studies suggested that baclofen absorption in the rat middle intestine was inhibited by beta-alanine and therefore mediated, at least in part, by the beta-aminoacid carrier, we focused our new studies on the analysis of the possible inhibition of the drug by a gamma-aminoacid model compound, gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA). A rat jejunum in situ study was undertaken in order to evaluate the effect of GABA on baclofen absorption and to establish the inhibition model. Assays using isotonic perfusion solutions of 0.5 mM baclofen with starting GABA concentrations ranging from 0 to 100 mM are reported. The results show that the absorption rate pseudoconstants of the drug decrease a…

Dissociation of airway responsiveness and bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) cell composition in sensitized guinea-pigs after daily inhalation of ovalbumin

1994

Summary. The association between inflammatory cell influx, cell activation status and change of airway responsiveness to acelylcholine (ACh) after daily inhalation of ovalbumin (OA) in sensitized guinea–pigs was investigated. Starting 3 weeks after sensitization (OA at 50mg/kg s.c. + i.p.) guinea–pigs were exposed daily to 2% OA (10min: undercover of 0.5Smg/kg mepyramine i.p. 15min before OA) for 2 weeks. Concentration–response curves (CRCs) for inhaled ACh were performed 24 h after the last OA–challenge and 24 h after another single OA–inhalation 1 week later. CRCs for inhaled ACh were neither affected 24 h after the last OA challenge (daily for two weeks) nor 24 h after another OA–inhalat…

Ferroelectric liquid-crystalline elastomers

1994

On Finite Solvable Groups That Behave Like Nilpotent Groups with Respect to the Frattini Group

1994

La lexicografia catalana actual

1994

In this paper a general analysis of the evolution and current State of modem Catalan lexicography is undertaken, which starts with the setting up of a catalogue of lexicographic publications from 1940 onwards. In addition to the quantitative analysis of published dictionaries the paper introduces a typology study in order to sort out the variety and richness of modem Catalan lexicography. In the paper relevant data is presented on the situation of Catalan lexicography with respect to the quantity of existing dictionaries, and also on the factors that have determined their variety. Finally it can serve to establish the bases to build a lexicographic plan that helps to fill the gaps and avoid…

CT after enucleation of renal cell carcinoma.

1994

Computed tomography (CT) was performed in 28 patients 2 weeks to 120 months after enucleation of renal cell carcinoma. The postoperative defect could be exactly localized in all patients. A wedge-shaped (N = 11) or concave (N = 9) morphology was typical. No dependence between morphology of the defect and localization or size of the tumor or the operative technique was observed. The defects were smaller (1.9 cm) than the original prominent tumors (3.6 cm). Defect size was dependent on the operative technique: closure by suture of the renal capsule in smaller defects or by fat flap in larger ones. Postoperative hematomas or delayed perfusion in the adjacent parenchyma were seen in five patien…

Monte carlo studies of phase transitions in polymer blends and block copolymer melts

1994

The unmixing transition of both symmetrical polymer blends AB (i.e. chain lengthsNA=NB=N) and asymmetrical ones (NB/NA=2,3) is studied by large-scale Monte Carlo simulations of the bond fluctuation model. Combination of semi-grand-canonical simulation techniques, «histogram reweighting» and finitesize scaling allows an accurate location of the coexistence curve in the critical region. The variation of the critical temperature with chain length (N) is studied and compared to theoretical predictions. For the symmetrical case, use of chain lengths up toN=512 allows a rough estimation of crossover scaling functions for the crossover from Ising to mean-field exponents. The order-disorder transit…

Insulin synthesis in chick embryo retinas during development.

1994

Retinas of chick embryos contain insulin (1) and further, are capable of synthesizing it, as demonstrated by incubating retinas at different ages (7th–18th day) with [3H]leucine. The synthesized radioactive insulin was isolated and assayed by means of a HPLC procedure. The synthesis of insulin was found to be highest in the youngest retinas studied (day 7), afterwards it declined with age except for an increment found at 14–15 day. Explants of chick embryo retinas, cultured in vitro, rapidly degraded insulin. Nevertheless, the content of immunoreactive insulin in retinal explants diminished slowly with the age of culture, so that, after 8 days of incubation, it was about 60% of the content …

Standardization of reagents and methods used in cytological and histological practice with emphasis on dyes, stains and chromogenic reagents

1994

The need for the standardization of reagents and methods used in the histology laboratory is demonstrated. After definitions of dyes, stains, and chromogenic reagents, existing standards and standards organizations are discussed. This is followed by practical instructions on how to standardize dyes and stains through the preparation of reference materials and the development of chromatographic methods. An overview is presented of the problems concerned with standardization of the Romanowsky-Giemsa stain for cytological and histological application. Finally, the problem of how to convince routine dye and stain users of the need for standardization in their histology laboratories is discussed.

Nitrogen Dioxide-induced Reactive Oxygen Intermediates Production by Human Alveolar Macrophages and Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells

1994

Alveolar macrophages located on the alveolar surface have contact with air pollutants. We evaluated the dose-dependent effect of nitrogen dioxide exposure on the oxidative metabolism of alveolar macrophages and peripheral blood mononuclear cells by measuring the spontaneous and stimulated reactive oxygen intermediates production. Alveolar macrophages or peripheral blood mononuclear cells were placed on a polycarbonate membrane, which was in direct contact with the surface of a nutrient reservoir. The cells were exposed to nitrogen dioxide during different periods of time, varying between 30 and 120 min at concentrations ranging from 0.1 to 0.5 ppm. Exposure of alveolar macrophages to nitrog…

Intestinal absorption pathway of gamma-aminobutyric acid in rat small intestine.

1994

Intestinal absorption of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), as a model compound for gamma-aminoacids, has not been extensively studied from the kinetic viewpoint. Since data from our laboratory suggested that some competition arises between intestinal absorption of beta-alanine and GABA and since our intent was to maintain the aqueous stagnant diffusion layer in order to approach absorption tests to in vivo physiological conditions, a rat jejunum in situ study was undertaken in order to gain an insight into the mechanism of GABA absorption. In the present paper, results from assays using isotonic perfusion solutions with starting GABA concentrations ranging from 1 to 50 mM are reported. They s…

On finite products of nilpotent groups

1994

Color Doppler Hemodynamics of Giant Cell Arteritis

1994

Objectives: To determine quantitative and qualitative hemodynamic alterations within the ophthalmic, central retinal, and short posterior ciliary arteries in patients with giant cell arteritis (GCA) proved by biopsy specimen. Design, Patients, and Setting: A consecutive case series of patients with GCA referred to an urban eye hospital who were evaluated with color Doppler imaging that was used to analyze orbital blood flow velocities and vascular resistance in 22 consecutive patients with GCA compared with age and sex-matched controls. Results: Patients with GCA all demonstrated significantly reduced central retinal and short posterior ciliary arterial mean flow velocities as well as signi…

Erhöhte Schwellen für die Detektion von Phasenunterschieden in musterinduzierten Flimmerfarben bei Patienten mit Glaukom

1994

BACKGROUND: Pattern-induced flicker-colors are subjective colors produced by rotating disks with black-and-white arcs. Changing the direction of rotation results in a different color. Small variations in the temporal sequence (phase differences) of the black-and-white pattern cause the colors to vary and can be perceived as color differences. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We investigated the thresholds for such phase differences in healthy (n = 11) and in glaucomatous (n = 19) eyes. Acuity and color vision were tested and in patients static visual field perimetry (Octopus G1) was carried out. The disks used for producing the pattern-induced flicker-colors were viewed from a distance of 2 m and had …

Intervention of two voltage-dependent calcium-entry pathways in the contractile response to acetylcholine and KCl in rat uterus.

1994

The contractile response of rat uterine smooth muscle was investigated. Verapamil and diltiazem concentration-dependently relax the sustained contractions induced by KCl (56 mmol/l) or acetylcholine (10(-4) mol/l). This inhibitory effect was not not freely reversed by washing the tissue and subsequently no contractile response was obtained in depolarized tissue, but a lower biphasic response (phasic and tonic) to acetylcholine was observed. Addition of cumulative concentrations of CaCl2 (1.2-19.2 mmol/l) induced a partial recovery of the contractile response to acetylcholine or KCl, but addition of MgCl2 (1.2-19.2 mmol/l did not. When the channel was reactivated by a third addition of KCl o…

A comparative study on cell wall antigens and cell surface hydrophobicity in clinical isolates ofCandida albicans

1994

Characterization of common cell surface-bound antigens in Candida albicans strains, particularly those expressed in the walls of mycelial cells might be useful in the diagnosis of systemic candidiasis. Hence, antigenic similarities among wall proteins and mannoproteins from C. albicans clinical serotype A and B isolates, were studied using polyclonal (mPAbs) and monoclonal (MAb 4C12) antibodies raised against wall antigens from the mycelial form of a common C. albicans serotype A laboratory strain (ATCC 26555). Zymolyase digestion of walls isolated from cells of the different strains studied grown at 37 degrees C (germination conditions), released, in all cases, numerous protein and mannopr…

Electrodes for REMPI spectroscopy in static gases and calculation of REMPI intensities: Application to molecular oxygen

1994

Resonance-enhanced multiphoton ionization (REMPI) of 16 O 2 X 3 Σ g − (ν = 0) through (3sσ g ) d'Π g (ν = 0) by using (2 + 1) one-colour photons is reported. This REMPI process, already observed and analysed by other authors at low pressure and low rotational temperature with mass spectrometry detection, is used to test our first detector of ionizations. Experimental difficulties have led to the design of an original arrangement of electrodes to collect electrons at room temperature and 1 Torr pressure of static molecular oxygen. A calculated spectrum is compared with the observed REMPI spectrum. The calculation uses the polarizability tensor and takes into account the competition between i…

Polymorphism of the Complement C8A and -B Genes in Two Families with C8β Deficiency and Neisserial Infections

1994

Serum samples from members of two Italian families with complement C8 beta deficiency were studied by SDS-PAGE under nonreducing conditions and by IEF. The proband of family I had suffered from two episodes of purulent meningitis and two of her uncles had suffered from only one episode, while the proband of family II had suffered from three different episodes. In contrast to previous findings, where C8 beta deficiency was cosegregating with C8A (alpha-gamma) allotype A, the proband of family II had the C8A allotype B. In addition, in one of her sons a novel variant of the C8 beta chain was detected. Studies at the DNA level in family I, using a recently described PCR system, demonstrate the…

Characteristics of lower crustal granulite xenoliths from the east Qinling orogenic belt and their tectonic significance

1994

The Tongbai granulites are present mainly as xenoliths in granodioritic gneisses. The xenoliths with a zircon age of 470Ma are older than the host rocks of granodioritic gneisses which yield a zircon age of 435Ma. It is suggested that the granulites were transported from the lower crust to the upper level along with granodioritic magma. Geothermometrical and geobarometrical studies based on the coexisting minerals (Opx-Cpx and Opx-Gar) show that the granulites were crystallized at 818 –840 °C and 9.5−9.8 × 108 Pa corresponding to the lower crust. Tectonically, the Shangdan suture zone constitutes the boundary between the North China and Yangtze plates. The zone is char acterized by the occu…