cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Design and synthesis of bifunctional isothiocyanate analogs of sulforaphane: Correlation between structure and potency as inducers of anticarcinogenic detoxication enzymes

Thirty-five bifunctional isothiocyanates were synthesized as structural analogs of sulforaphane [(-)-1-isothiocyanato-4(R)-(methylsulfinyl)butane] that was recently isolated from broccoli as the principal and very potent inducer of detoxication (phase 2) enzymes in mouse tissues and murine hepatoma cells (Hepa 1c1c7) in culture (Zhang, Y.; Talalay, P.; Cho, C.-G.; Posner, G.H. Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A. 1992, 89, 2399-2403). Determination of the potency of each analog in inducing NAD(P)H:quinone reductase, a phase 2 detoxication enzyme, has allowed generalizations concerning the relation of structure and activity. The most potent analogs were bifunctional derivatives in which the isothiocyanate group was separated from a methylsulfonyl or an acetyl group by three or four carbon atoms, and in some of which these groups were conformationally restricted. Among these analogs, the bicyclic ketoisothiocyanate (+/-)-exo-2-acetyl-6-isothiocyanatonorbornane (30) was a very potent inducer (comparable to sulforaphane) of quinone reductase in hepatoma cells, and it also induced both quinone reductase and glutathione transferases in several mouse organs in vivo. This and related bicyclic ketoisothiocyanates represent potent phase 2 enzyme inducers that are relatively easily synthesized and that may be more stable metabolically than the natural sulfoxide sulforaphane.
Responsiveness of mouse calvaria to parathyroid hormone after explant cryopreservation: 45Ca release in vitro.

Newborn mouse calvaria prelabeled with /sup 45/Ca and cryopreserved at -196 degrees C in serum-free medium containing dimethylsulfoxide were compared to unpreserved explants for response to parathyroid hormone during subsequent culture. After short-term cryopreservation followed by rapid thawing, the viable explants continued to release /sup 45/Ca to the culture medium but additions of parathyroid hormone to the medium did not cause increased bone resorption. The data suggest that cryopreservation and thawing impairs mechanisms responsible for parathyroid hormone action on bone cells.
Initial experience with an electronic radial array echoendoscope: Randomized comparison with a mechanical sector scanning echoendoscope in humans

Abstract Background: An electronic radial array echoendoscope has been developed that uses the same US processor as the linear array instruments made by the same company, thereby eliminating the need for two processors. The performance of this prototype instrument was compared with that of a mechanical radial echoendoscope in patients. Methods: Fourteen patients underwent sequential examinations with both echoendoscopes in random order. Predefined criteria were used to evaluate the performance of each instrument. Results: The quality of the electronic radial image was rated as "good" or "superior" to that of the mechanical radial echoendoscope in 12 patients. In 2 patients, imaging with the prototype was inferior because of positioning and/or operator inexperience. The forward-viewing optics of the prototype enhanced intubation and instrument advancement. Limitations included excessive stiffness of the tip of the instrument that resulted in occasional slippage from the duodenum. The prototype provided an adequate diagnosis in 12 patients and was superior to the mechanical radial endoscope in terms of diagnosis in 2 cases. Conclusion: The prototype electronic radial echoendoscope provides US images of similar quality and is equivalent in terms of clinical utility to the mechanical radial echoendoscope.
The role of glucolipid in the biosynthesis of glycoprotein in Tetrahymena pyriformis

Abstract Cell-free preparations from Tetrahymena pyriformis catalyze the incorporation of glucose from UDP-glucose into a glucolipid having properties which are identical to those of other dolichyl phosphoryl sugar derivatives. Kinetic and other experiments have provided evidence that this glucolipid serves as glucose donor for two other types of glucosylated substances, one of which has been tentatively identified as an oligosaccharide lipid and the other a glycoprotein or glycoproteins. In addition, the partially purified glucolipid served as a glucosyl donor to these cell components, suggesting that in this protozoan, at least part of the glycoprotein is synthesized by reactions involving lipid-linked sugars in a manner analogous to that which has been observed in glycoprotein synthesis in mammalian cells.
Viscosity measurements of low temperature molten salts

Low temperature molten salts are a new class of electrolytes for battery applications (e.g. [1]). Viscosity measurements of low temperature molten salts based on mixtures of aluminium or copper halide and alkylpyridinium or dialkylimidazolium halide have been reported [1-5]. They have shown strong dependences of viscosity with changes in composition in basic (i.e. organic-rich) melts [1, 2, 4, 5]. Further, 'gaps' in the liquidus lines, i.e. regions where fusion does not occur, only a glass transition at very low temperatures, have been shown for binary melts containing 1-methyl-3-ethylimidazolium chloride (MEIC) [1] and bromide [2] as the organic salt. Finally, measurements of chemical shifts for proton and carbon nuclear magnetic resonance spectra of basic MEICA1C13 melts have been explained in terms of oligomeric structures [6, 7]. All of these measurements used viscometers based on variations of Cannon-Fenske devices [1-3, 5] or the falling ball method [4]. These methods do not provide shear stress-shear rate data, which could be used to determine whether the melts behave like non-Newtonian fluids. This paper reports viscosity measurements of MEIC-A1CI3 binary melts using a plate and cone viscometer (in order to obtain shear stress-shear rate data) and compares the viscosities measured using this technique with those of previous investigators.
Ribozyme-Mediated Repair of Sickle β-Globin mRNAs in Erythrocyte Precursors

Sickle cell anemia is the most common heritable hematological disease, yet no curative treatment exists for this disorder. Moreover, the intricacies of globin gene expression have made the development of treatments for hemoglobinopathies based on gene therapy difficult. An alternative genetic approach to sickle cell therapy is based on RNA repair. A trans-splicing group I ribozyme was used to alter mutant β-globin transcripts in erythrocyte precursors derived from peripheral blood from individuals with sickle cell disease. Sickle β-globin transcripts were converted into messenger RNAs encoding the anti-sickling protein γ-globin. These results suggest that RNA repair may become a useful approach in the treatment of genetic disorders.
Exponential time differencing Crank–Nicolson method with a quartic spline approximation for nonlinear Schrödinger equations

Abstract This paper studies a central difference and quartic spline approximation based exponential time differencing Crank–Nicolson (ETD-CN) method for solving systems of one-dimensional nonlinear Schrodinger equations and two-dimensional nonlinear Schrodinger equations. A local extrapolation is employed to achieve a fourth order accuracy in time. The numerical method is proven to be highly efficient and stable for long-range soliton computations. Numerical examples associated with Dirichlet, Neumann and periodic boundary conditions are provided to illustrate the accuracy, efficiency and stability of the method proposed.
Anomalous aging phenomena in a crosslinked polyolefin cable insulation

Abstract The radiation-thermal degradation of a commercial crosslinked polyolefin (XLPO) cable insulation material was investigated as a function of dose rate and temperature in the range of 22–120°C. Degradative changes in the material were monitored by ultimate elongation, density, gel content, O 2 consumption, infrared spectroscopy, and differential scanning calorimetry. Mechanical aging surprisingly occurred most rapidly at the lowest temperatures. This unusual phenomenon was corroborated by chemical measurements (gel content and density). When samples that had been irradiated at ambient temperature were subsequently annealed at elevated temperatures, recovery of mechanical properties and concurrent changes in gel content and density were observed. The involvement of residual radical species and hydroperoxide intermediates as well as the importance of molecular mobility in the semi-crystalline XLPO as contributors to these anomalous behaviors were evaluated and discussed. The observed inverse temperature effect, where polymer degradation occurs more rapidly at lower temperatures, represents an example in which material aging and life time prediction cannot be handled by conventional approaches, such as the commonly applied Arrhenius methodology.
Active Surveillance for Prostate Cancer Compared With Immediate Treatment: An Economic Analysis

BACKGROUND The costs associated with a contemporary active surveillance strategy compared with immediate treatment for prostate cancer are not well characterized. The purpose of this study is to elucidate the health care costs of an active surveillance paradigm for prostate cancer.
Provocative testing for nonepileptic seizures: Attitudes and practices in the United States among American Epilepsy Society members

We sent a survey to American Epilepsy Society (AES) members about the use of provocative tests (PT) for the diagnosis of nonepileptic seizures (NES). The survey was limited to physicians practicing in the United States. Nearly 40% of the respondents routinely used PT to diagnose NES; the technique most often used was intravenous saline. The techniques most often used to stop NES were hyperventilation and suggestion alone. Respondents who routinely induced NES were more likely to consider these techniques useful than those who did not ( p p
A Hierarchical Graphics Interface for Control System Programming

Abstract There are many control system analysis and design software packages which are currently commercially available. While a large number of these use graphics for the presentation of data, i.e., the results of the simulation and/or computer analysis, to an analyst, the input of the model structure is normally handled through a text definition with strict syntax rules. A graphics interface will be presented for a control system programming language which allows the analyst or designer to input, in an interactive manner, a control system as a graphical block diagram. The interface permits a hierarchical structure to be defined for the control system thereby providing a useful framework for large complex system control problems. Further, the interface provides a standard form to interact with a variety of software analysis systems. The graphics interface is implemented with Pascal as the base language and ACM CORE Standard routines for all graphics interactions on an IBM XT.
Preparation of nanofiber composite proton-exchange membranes from dual fiber electrospun mats

Abstract Nanofiber composite proton-exchange membranes composed of Nafion and polyphenylsulfone (PPSU) were fabricated by simultaneously electrospinning Nafion and PPSU into a dual-fiber mat and then processing the mat into a dense and defect-free membrane. Three post-electrospinning processing steps, i.e., interfiber void-filling, Nafion annealing, and acid/water washing were examined to determine their effect on membrane properties. All the dense composite membranes had excellent water swelling and mechanical performance combined with reasonable proton conductivity. Furthermore, this study demonstrates that composite electrospun membranes can be prepared in as little as 16 min, a >15-fold reduction in processing time relative to previously described electrospun membrane fabrication techniques.
Developing a systems approach to prevent meconium aspiration syndrome: lessons learned from multinational studies

Passage of fetal bowel movement (meconium) is common (in about one out of six births), and in some the staining of the amniotic fluid is a sign of fetal distress. Inhalation of meconium (aspiration syndrome, in upto one out of five to eight such births) just before or at birth may be preventable by a coordinated approach by well-trained and informed birth attendants. Respiratory failure secondary to meconium aspiration syndrome (MAS) remains a major cause of morbidity and mortality in the neonatal population. Infants with hypoxemic respiratory failure because of MAS, persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn and pneumonia/sepsis have an increased survival with extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO). Other treatment options earlier limited to inotropic support, continuous airway pressure (CPAP), conventional ventilatory management, respiratory alkalosis, paralysis and intravenous vasodilators have been replaced by synchronized intermittent mandatory ventilation (SIMV), high-frequency oscillatory ventilation (HFOV), surfactant and inhaled nitric oxide (iNO). HFOV has been advocated for use to improve lung inflation while potentially decreasing lung injury through volutrauma. Other reports describe the enhanced efficacy of HFOV when combined with iNO. Subsequent to studies reporting that surfactant deficiency or inactivation may contribute to neonatal respiratory failure, exogenous surfactant therapy has been implemented with apparent success. Recent studies have shown that iNO therapy in the neonate with hypoxemic respiratory failure can result in improved oxygenation and decreased need for ECMO. However, these innovative interventions are costly, require a sophisticated infrastructure and are not universally accessible. In this paper, a context of systems-approach for prenatal, natal and postnatal management of babies delivered through meconium stained amniotic fluid (MSAF) so that adverse outcomes are minimized and the least number of babies require innovative ventilatory support is described. Previously reported data from a single urban perinatal center (Philadelphia, PA, USA), over a 6-year period (1995-2000), demonstrated that 14.5% (3370/23175 of live births babies were delivered with MSAF. These data also showed that 4.6% of babies (155/3370) with MSAF sustained MAS. Overall, 26% of babies (40/155) with MAS needed ventilatory support (or 0.17% of all live births); of these, only 20% (8/40 or 0.035% of live births) needed innovative ventilatory support. None died or needed ECMO. These data describe the components for a systems approach to prevent and manage adverse outcomes related to MSAF at the regional level II or III perinatal center. Replication of a similar strategy may be more relevant to cost containment and be a safer approach for neonates at risk for MAS-related respiratory failure. This paper assess the evidence for pivotal steps needed to prevent MAS and ensuing neonatal death and disease in the context of diverse perinatal health services.
Viability and Enzymatic Activity of Bifidobacteria in Milk

Abstract Bifdobacterium breve NCFB 2258, Bifidobacterium bifidum NCFB 2715, Bifidobacterium longum ATCC 15707, Bifidobacterium angulatum ATCC 27535, and Lactobacillus acidophilus N2 were evaluated for viability and β -galactosidase and α -galactosidase activities under conditions of refrigerated and frozen storage in reconstituted NDM. β -and α -Galactosidase activities were variable. Bifidobacterium angulatum 27535 exhibited much greater enzymatic activities than those of the other strains. All strains demonstrated culture and enzyme stability upon refrigerated storage in fermented and unfermented reconstituted NDM. Bifidobacteria were significantly less tolerant of low temperature storage than was L. acidophilus N2.
Intensive Agricultural Landscapes of Oceania

Pacific Islanders have adapted over time to a wide range of social and environmental conditions. Subsistence regimes include broad-based fishing and gathering along with horticulture, particularly the cultivation of staple tubers. Agricultural ecosystems on many islands manifest elaborate expressions of greater inputs of labor or the necessity to overcome agronomic constraints to production. Landscapes of intensive agriculture once found throughout Oceania include yam mounds, raised fields, and irrigated terracing. Most of these systems are either abandoned or greatly diminished in scale. Findings from research in the Fiji Islands exemplify some of the forms and functions of these landscapes. Field study at an active system of irrigated terraces for growing taro (Colocasia esculenta) on the remote southern island of Kadavu elucidates the dynamic operations of a gardening strategy that was once much more prevalent throughout the archipelago. Changing political economies across the region may have radically...
Sphingosine-1-phosphate phosphohydrolase-1 regulates ER stress-induced autophagy

The sphingolipid metabolites ceramide and sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) have recently been implicated in autophagy. In this study, we report that depletion of sphingosine-1-phosphate phosphohydrolase-1 (SPP1), an endoplasmic reticulum (ER)-resident enzyme that specifically dephosphorylates S1P, induced autophagy. Although the mammalian target of rapamycin and class III phosphoinositide 3-kinase/Beclin-1 pathways were not involved and this autophagy was p53 independent, C/EBP homologous protein, BiP, and phospho-eucaryotic translation initiation factor-2α, and cleavage of procaspases 2 and 4, downstream targets of ER stress, were increased after SPP1 depletion. Autophagy was suppressed by depletion of protein kinase regulated by RNA-like ER kinase (PERK), inositol-requiring transmembrane kinase/endonuclease-1α, or activating transcription factor 6, three sensors of the unfolded protein response (UPR) to ER stress. Autophagy triggered by downregulation of SPP1 did not lead to apoptosis but rather stimulated, in a PERK dependent manner, the survival signal Akt, whose inhibition then sensitized cells to apoptosis. Although depletion of SPP1 increased intracellular levels of S1P and its secretion, activation of cell surface S1P receptors did not induce autophagy. Nevertheless, increases in intracellular pools of S1P, but not dihydro-S1P, induced autophagy and ER stress. Thus, SPP1, by regulating intracellular S1P homeostasis, can control the UPR and ER stress-induced autophagy.
Selectivity information on desogestrel

Summary Improvement in oral contraceptive formulations was originally achieved through dose reduction of the estrogen and progestogen components. Recently, further improvement was achieved by increasing the selectivity of contraceptive progestins. The ratio between the affinity for the progesterone receptor and the affinity for the androgen receptor is an indicator of progesterone (or androgen) selectivity of a progestin. This ratio (selectivity index) reflects the relative amount of androgenic or progestational effect at a given dose. Relative selectivity can be characterized with in vitro receptor-binding studies and animal pharmacologic experiments. In comparison with levonorgestrel, desogestrel displays markedly lower androgenicity and slightly increased relative progestational activity. In receptor-binding experiments and animal pharmacologic studies, 3-keto-desogestrel, the active metabolite of desogestrel, shows the highest selectivity index. The favorable effect of desogestrel-containing oral contraceptives on lipoprotein metabolism and preexisting androgen-dependent skin disorders and the absence of adverse effects on blood pressure and body weight are attributed to the increased progestin selectivity of desogestrel. (Am J OBSTET GYNECOL 1993;168:1010-6.)
Schizophrenia, Tardive Dyskinesia, and the Abnormal Involuntary Movement Scale (AIMS):

Abstract The incidence of tardive dyskinesia as a side effect of antipsychotic medications is well documented in the literature on the treatment for schizophrenia. Although the new generation of atypical neuroleptics helps diminish the incidence of such side effects, a complete elimination has yet to be fully realized. Nurses continually observe and assess patients. As such, nurses in all settings can effectively contribute to both preventative and palliative care of the patient who is about to receive or is currently receiving antipsychotic medications. Familiarity with the Abnormal Involuntary Movement Scale (AIMS) and expertise in the application of AIMS in patient assessment assist in these important prevention efforts. (J Am Psychiatr Nurses Assoc [2002]. 8, 51-6.)
The Persistent Cold-Air Pool Study

The Persistent Cold-Air Pool Study (PCAPS) was conducted in Utah's Salt Lake valley from 1 December 2010 to 7 February 2011. The field campaign's primary goal was to improve understanding of the physical processes governing the evolution of multiday cold-air pools (CAPs) that are common in mountain basins during the winter. Meteorological instrumentation deployed throughout the Salt Lake valley provided observations of the processes contributing to the formation, maintenance, and destruction of 10 persistent CAP episodes. The close proximity of PCAPS field sites to residences and the University of Utah campus allowed many undergraduate and graduate students to participate in the study. Ongoing research, supported by the National Science Foundation, is using the PCAPS dataset to examine CAP evolution. Preliminary analyses reveal that variations in CAP thermodynamic structure are attributable to a multitude of physical processes affecting local static stability: for example, synoptic-scale processes impact ...
Comparative study of LEDs conformally overgrown on multi-facet GaN NWs vs. conventional c-plane LEDs

Over the last decade, considerable efforts have gone into researching techniques to improve the efficiency of light emitting diodes (LEDs) based on the III-nitride material system. These efforts can be classified into two main approaches: improving the internal quantum efficiency (IQE) and increasing the light extraction efficiency of the LED devices. In the work outlined below, we demonstrate a unique LED structure that has a significantly enhanced light output intensity compared to c-plane LEDs by tackling both approaches simultaneously.
Market efficiency across securities exchanges

Abstract Considerable empirical evidence has been presented in the literature of finance in recent years addressed to the question of the informational efficiency of the American capital market. The present paper adds to that evidence. In particular, securities traded off the NYSE—on the American Stock Exchange, on regional exchanges, and over the counter—are found to exhibit return characteristics that imply rather more frequent price departures from equilibrium than for their NYSE-listed counterparts. The data consist of the actual investment experiences of a large sample of individual investors with securities traded in the various locales.
Hormone-dependent and -independent transcriptional activation by thyroid hormone receptors are mediated by different mechanisms

Transcriptional activation by thyroid hormone (T3) receptor (T3R) generally requires the binding of its high affinity ligand. However, we reported previously that chicken T3R alpha (cTaR alpha) and human T3R beta 1 (hT3R beta 1) could activate transcription from several promoters containing T3R response elements (TREs) in a hormone-independent fashion when expressed in rat anterior pituitary GH4C1 cells. In this study we show that rat T3R alpha 1 also activates transcription without T3 in GH4C1 cells and that the oncoprotein v-erbA that is derived from cT3R alpha but does bind T3 is not a constitutive activator in these cells. Increased expression of T3R results in transcriptional activation of both native and minimal promoters, and this activation does not appear to require a defined TRE in the promoter. Because hormone-independent activity is not observed in several other cell lines, this activity may involve specific factors present in GH4C1 cells. Three mutants with single amino acid changes in a 20-amino acid region of the ligand-binding domain of cT3R alpha do not mediate hormone-independent activity. This region is highly conserved within the nuclear receptor family and has been implicated in interactions with other proteins, suggesting participation of other transcription or accessory factors in the hormone-independent activity of T3R. Two of these mutants mediate hormone-dependent transcriptional activation similar to wild-type cT3R alpha. All three mutants interact in vitro with retinoid X receptor beta similar to wild-type cT3R alpha. Our findings suggest that hormone-dependent and hormone-independent transactivation proceed by distinct mechanisms.
Biological characterization of preclinical Bioluminescent Osteosarcoma Orthotopic Mouse (BOOM) model: A multi-modality approach

Osteosarcoma (OS) is a bone malignancy that affects children and adolescents. It is a highly aggressive tumor and typically metastasizes to lungs. Despite aggressive chemotherapy and surgical treatments, the current 5 year survival rate is 60–70%. Clinically relevant models are needed to understand OS pathobiology, metastatic progression from bones to lungs, and ultimately, to develop more efficacious treatment strategies and improve survival rates in OS patients with metastasis. The main goal of this study was to develop and characterize an in vivo OS model that will allow non-invasive tracking of tumor progression in real time, and aid in studying OS pathobiology, and screening of potential therapeutic agents against OS. In this study, we have used a multi-modality approach using bioluminescent imaging, electron microscopy, micro-computed tomography, and histopathology to develop and characterize a preclinical Bioluminescent Osteosarcoma Orthotopic Mouse (BOOM) model, using 143B human OS cell line. The results of this study clearly demonstrate that the BOOM model represents the clinical disease as evidenced by a spectrum of changes associated with tumor establishment, progression and metastasis, and detection of known OS biomarkers in the primary and metastatic tumor tissue. Key novel findings of this study include: (a) multimodality approach for extensive characterization of the BOOM model using 143B human OS cell line; (b) evidence of renal metastasis in OS orthotopic model using 143B cells; (c) evidence of Runx2 expression in the metastatic lung tissue; and (d) evidence of the presence of extracellular membrane vesicles and myofibroblasts in the BOOM model.
Radar-guided interpolation of climatological precipitation data

A refined approach for interpolating daily precipitation accumulations is presented, which combines radar-based information to characterize the spatial distribution and gross accumulation of precipitation with observed daily rain-gauge data to adjust for spatially varying errors in the radar estimates. Considering the rain gauge observations to be true values at each measurement location, daily radar errors are calculated at these points. These errors are then interpolated back to the radar grid, providing a spatially varying daily adjustment that can be applied across the radar domain. In contrast to similar techniques that are employed at hourly intervals to adjust radar-rainfall estimates operationally, this refined approach is intended to provide high-spatial-resolution precipitation data for climatological purposes, such as drought and environmental monitoring, retrospective impact analyses, and (when time series of sufficient length become available) assessment of temporal precipitation variations at high-spatial-resolution. Compared to the Multisensor Precipitation Estimators (MPEs) used operationally, the refined method yields lower cross-validated interpolation errors regardless of season or daily precipitation amount. Comparisons between cross-validated radar estimates aggregated to monthly totals with operational (non-cross-validated) Parameter-elevation Regressions on Independent Slopes Model (PRISM) precipitation estimates are also favourable. The new method provides a radar-based alternative to similar climatologies based on the spatial interpolation of gauge data alone (e.g. PRISM). Copyright © 2008 Royal Meteorological Society
Comparative metabolism and elimination of acetanilide compounds by rat

1. 14C-labelled propachlor, alachlor, butachlor, metolachlor, methoxypropachlor and some of their mercapturic acid pathway metabolites (MAP) were given to rat either by gavage or by perfusion into a renal artery. MAP metabolites were isolated from bile and urine.2. Rat gavaged with propachlor and methoxypropachlor eliminated 14C mostly in urine, whereas rat gavaged with alachlor, butachlor and metolachlor eliminated 14C about equally divided between urine and faeces. When bile ducts were cannulated, the gavaged rat eliminated most of the 14C in bile for all compounds. The amount of 14C in bile from the propachlor-gavaged rat was less than that for the other acetanilides, with the difference being in the urine.3. The mercapturic acid metabolites 2-methylsulphinyl-N-(1-methylhydroxyethyl)-N-phenylacetamide and 2-methylsulphinyl-N-(1-methylmethoxyethyl)-N-phenylacetamide were isolated from the urine and bile of the methoxypropachlor-gavaged rat.4. Bile was the major route for 14C elimination when MAP metabol...
New concepts in abnormalities of respiratory control in children.

Purpose of review Respiratory control disorders such as apnea of prematurity, apparent life-threatening events, sudden infant death syndrome, and central hypoventilation are relatively frequent conditions in the pediatric age range and are associated with substantial morbidity and mortality. The explosion of technological breakthroughs in biology and medicine has facilitated our understanding of the fundamental mechanisms that govern the development of brain regions underlying respiratory control functions. Recent findings Recent critically important discoveries encompass the identification of neurons that constitute the central respiratory rhythm generator in the brainstem, the conceptual framework allowing for many neurons located in multiple strategic regions within the brain to coordinate central chemosensitivity, the discovery of long-term and short-term plasticity in hypoxic ventilatory regulation, and the recent uncovering of specific gene mutations in children affected with congenital central hypoventilation syndrome. Summary While the developmental aspects of control breathing are only now being actively explored in the context of our current understanding, it is likely that such efforts will yield important novel approaches to the clinical and pharmacologic management of these disorders in the near future.
Early fungal endocarditis in homograft recipients

Retrospective analysis of 200 homograft valve recipients at our institution revealed two cases of fungal endocarditis. Pathogenesis appears to be related to either recipient seeding in one elderly immunocompromised patient or a previously contaminated donor valve implanted in an otherwise healthy recipient. Therefore, our experience underscores the need for both meticulous prevention of fungal infection preoperatively in the recipient and elimination of previously contaminated homograft valves from the donor pool.
Effect of Vascular Stiffness on Pulmonary Flow in Normotensive and Hypertensive States: Numerical Study With Fluid Structure Interaction

Invasive measurement of pulmonary vascular flow and pressure provides the hemodynamic status of the pulmonary circulation for children with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). Clinicians are primarily interested in pulmonary vascular resistance, which is the mean pressure of the circuit divided by the mean flow through it [1], in that it is believed to well-quantify the right ventricular (RV) afterload, the primary determinant of mortality. However, previous and current investigations on the pulmonary vascular stiffness (PVS), input impedance and RV power [2–4] have found PVS to be an important contributor to power, and thus, afterload. These previous and current investigations focus on the analysis of clinical data, which is limited by the clinical equipment and techniques.Copyright © 2008 by ASME
Stimulatory Effect of Exogenous Hyaluronic Acid Distinguishes Cultured Fibroblasts of Marfan's Disease from Controls

Fibroblasts cultured from patients with Marfan's disease show metachromasia with toluidine blue and accumulate increased amounts of glycosaminoglycan (GAG). Compared to fibroblasts from controls, more of the newly synthesized GAG is hyaluronic acid. Cycloheximide has a modest inhibiting effect on GAG accumulation compared to protein inhibition while serum depletion has a greater effect on inhibiting GAG accumulation than on reducing synthesis of new protein. Exogenous hyaluronic acid restores new accumulation of hyaluronic acid in serum depleted Marfan-derived cultures towards baseline while having almost no effect on cultures derived from controls. The effect is specific for hyaluronic acid as chondroitin sulfate or dextran sulfate are not stimulatory and is not due to stimulation of new protein synthesis.
Impact on a simple physical model of the head.

Abstract An experimental study of the dynamic loading of a simple model of the human head is described. Water-filled spherical shells-one aluminum and one acrylic plastic-were loaded by impact with 1 2 , 1 and 2-in. dia. steel spheres. Strain measurements on the shells and pressure measurements in the fluid were obtained. Comparisons between the experimental data and the predictions of an elastic shell-compressible inviscid fluid analytical model were effected. Implications of the results for head injury are discussed.
ALTERATIONS OF CYCLIC NUCLEOTIDE‐RELATED ENZYMES AND ATPase DURING UNILATERAL ISCHEMIA AND RECIRCULATION IN GERBIL CEREBRAL CORTEX

— Several enzyme activities were determined in gerbil cerebral cortex during unilateral ischemia or in the post-ischemic period following 1 h of ischemia. Adenylate cyclase and Na + -K + -activated ATPase showed essentially the same pattern. Neither enzyme changed during ischemia but the activities decreased on recirculation to 40–60% of right side control by 5 h. The ATPase had returned to control level by 20h; the adenylate cyclase by 7 days of recirculation. Particulate cyclic AMP-dependent protein kinase in the ischemic left hemisphere decreased throughout the 6h of ischemia. It remained depressed in the first 5 h of the post-ischemic period but returned to control by 20 h. The soluble protein kinase activity, the soluble cyclic AMP and cyclic GMP phosphodiesterase and the Mg2+ dependent ATPase did not change significantly during the ischemic or post-ischemic periods. The results suggest that ischemia and/or recirculation may affect cellular membranes and membrane-bound enzymes, in particular. Furthermore, the results imply that despite apparent metabolite recovery during the post-ischemic period, enzymatic changes are occurring that may be important for both the quality of recovery and the response to further ischemic insult.
A general-purpose high-speed pumping system suitable for pressurized accelerator operation

Abstract A high-speed pumping system consisting of a rod-type titanium sublimator together with an integral ion pump is described. This system has many attractive features for general laboratory use, but has been found to be particularly well-suited for operation in the high-voltage terminal of a pressurized Van de Graaff accelerator. Pumping speeds of approximately 2200 l/s for hydrogen (H2) at 10−5 torr are attained; additionally, under light gas loads, ultimate vacuums of approximately 10−8 torr are attained. The system is inexpensive to construct in any machine shop and to maintain. Total power consumption of the pump system is
The environments ofTrp‐248 and Trp‐330 in tryptophan indole‐lyase from Escherichia coli

The two tryptophan residues, Trp-248 and Trp-330, in tryptophan indole-lyase (tryptophanase) from E. coli have been separately mutated to phenylalanine using site-directed mutagenesis. Both single tryptophan mutant enzymes have full catalytic activity, but exhibit different fluorescence and near-UV circular dichroism spectra. These results indicate that Trp-330 is more deeply buried than is Trp-248, and is in a more asymmetric environment. Neither residue reacts with N-bromosuccinimide (NBS), although tryptophan indole-lyase is inactivated by NBS. These results demonstrate that the tryptophan residues in tryptophan indole-lyase are not catalytically essential.
Cartography, GIS and the World Wide Web

For this, my initial cartography and GIS report, I have selected a theme external to, but with implications for, both ± the World Wide Web (WWW, or simply `the web'). According to its primary architect, the WWW `was developed to be a pool of human knowledge, which would allow collaborators in remote sites to share their ideas and all aspects of a common project' (Berners-Lee et al., 1994: 76). Conceived in 1989 as an extension of the Internet, five years later the web was responsible for only 3% of Internet traffic. Between spring 1994 and spring 1995, however, the web jumped to first place in web traffic and continues to retain that position. As both a technology and a cultural phenomenon, this new vehicle for information exchange has implications for all facets of science and society, and has attracted attention in many disciplines (see, for example, Batty and Barr, 1994; Berners-Lee et al., 1994; Nielsen, 1995; Pitkow and Kehoe, 1995; Computing Research Association, 1996; Doheny-Farina, 1996; Gunkel and Gunkel, 1997). Web-based cartography and GIS is at an early stage of development. Even so, the nature of maps and of spatial information access is undergoing profound change. Taylor (1997: 2) contends that `the half life of knowledge in the field is probably down to a matter of months'. Web sites featuring mapping and GIS are added daily ± and the sites are being used (some generating hundreds of maps per day). I could fill the space intended for this essay with a list of web addresses (URLs) to sites `serving' maps and spatial data (for two such lists, see Chang, 1997; MacLennan, 1997). The web allows information `objects' of many forms (maps, images, sounds, text, etc.) to be linked to any number of other information objects. A global database of information is evolving in which every information object is related to all other objects. As a consequence, the web has the potential to facilitate change in cartography and GIS through at least three fundamental mechanisms: 1) by dramatically increasing the applications of mapping and GIS ± through greater access to tools and data; 2) through integration of mapping, GIS and nonspatial information technologies (and associated spatial and nonspatial data) to create new forms of representation and new ways to address problems important to society; and 3) by creating new virtual `worlds' to be mapped, analyzed and manipulated (and, like the physical world, exploited).
NEDD4 mediates agonist-dependent ubiquitination, lysosomal targeting and degradation of the β2 adrenergic receptor

Agonist-stimulated β2-adrenergic receptor (β2AR) ubiquitination is a major factor that governs both lysosomal trafficking and degradation of internalized receptors, but the identity of the E3 ubiquitin ligase regulating this process was unknown. Among the various catalytically inactive E3 ubiquitin ligase mutants that we tested, a dominant negative Nedd4 specifically inhibited isoproterenol-induced ubiquitination and degradation of the β2AR in HEK-293 cells. Moreover, siRNA that down-regulates Nedd4 expression inhibited β2AR ubiquitination and lysosomal degradation, whereas siRNA targeting the closely related E3 ligases Nedd4-2 or AIP4 did not. Interestingly, β2AR as well as β-arrestin2, the endocytic and signaling adaptor for the β2AR, interact robustly with Nedd4 upon agonist stimulation. However, β2AR-Nedd4 interaction is ablated when β-arrestin2 expression is knocked down by siRNA transfection, implicating an essential E3 ubiquitin ligase adaptor role for β-arrestin2 in mediating β2AR ubiquitination. Notably, β-arrestin2 interacts with two different E3 ubiquitin ligases, namely, Mdm2 and Nedd4 to regulate distinct steps in β2AR trafficking. Collectively, our findings indicate that the degradative fate of the β2AR in the lysosomal compartments is dependent upon β-arrestin2-mediated recruitment of Nedd4 to the activated receptor and Nedd4-catalyzed ubiquitination.
Cytomegalovirus and legionella species as the cause of liver enzyme elevations in haemodialysis patients

We conclude that reinfection or recurrent infection with CMV or legionella may be responsible for serum glutamic-pyruvic transaminase (SGPT) elevations in up to one fourth of haemodialysis patients. Since NANB infection or asymptomatic coinfection with these agents cannot be discounted with certainty, it seems prudent to maintain haemodialysis patients with abnormal liver-function tests on Body Fluid Precautions, even if they remain asymptomatic.
Anthropogenic ties to late-successional structure and composition in four new England hemlock stands.

The pace and magnitude of long-term change in the forests of eastern North America is poorly understood. The current study examines the developmental history of primary Tsuga canadensis stands in central Massachusetts from before European settlement to the present. Through an integrated reconstructive approach employing stand-level pollen stratigraphies, tree ring chronologies, and long-term archival records, we show how the characteristic structure and composition of old-growth forests in southern New England developed in four stands through a history of anthropogenic and natural disturbance, rather than through the gradual process of autogenic succession. Forest composition during presettlement times was distinct at each site and included a variety of successional stages ranging from late-successional northern hardwood–Tsuga assemblages to assemblages dominated by early successional to mid-successional taxa such as Castanea, Quercus, and Pinus. Anthropogenic disturbance during the 18th and 19th centuries resulted in novel assemblages dominated by Castanea or Betula. Composition at the four sites converged on the current assemblage dominated by large, late-successional Tsuga, in response to altered patterns of disturbance in the 20th century. The age of the dominant trees (100–200 yr) and apparent stability of the current forests masks the extent to which their origin is a product of the cultural landscape and is in no way representative of pre-European forests at these sites.
Formal specification and analysis of DMI-an X-25 based protocol

The digital multiplexed interface (DMI) specifies the interface requirements for multiplexed data communication over digital facilities between a host computer and a PBX. A part of the DMI's packet-mode data-transfer protocol, which is based on the X.25 packet-level protocols, is specified formally using the selection/resolution (S/R) model. A formal verification of the resetting phase of this protocol, using the S/R-model-based software tool SPANNER, is presented. It is shown that the protocol is not fully correct in the sense that some sequence of events may lead it to unsafe states. These states give rise to a livelock situation. A way to rectify this problem is suggested. >
Opioid disposition in human sweat after controlled oral codeine administration.

Background: Characterization of opioid excretion in sweat is important for accurate interpretation of sweat tests in drug treatment, criminal justice, and workplace drug testing programs. Methods: Participants (n = 20) received placebo, 3 low (60 mg/70 kg) or 3 high (120 mg/70 kg) codeine sulfate doses (used as a model for opioid excretion) within 1 week. Codeine and metabolites in sweat were collected with PharmChek® Sweat Patches; hourly patches were applied for 1 to 15 h (n = 775) and weekly patches for 7 days (n = 118). Patches were analyzed by solid-phase extraction and gas chromatography–mass spectrometry for codeine, norcodeine, morphine, normorphine, and 6-acetylmorphine. Limits of quantification were 2.5 ng/patch (codeine and morphine) and 5 ng/patch (other analytes). Results: Codeine was the only analyte identified in 12.6% of hourly patches and 83.3% of weekly sweat patches worn during dosing. Weekly patch concentrations (SD) were 38.6 (59.9) ng/patch [median (range), 15.9 (0–225.1) ng/patch] for low and 34.1 (32.7) ng/patch [24.0 (0–96.2) ng/patch] for high codeine doses. Codeine detected 1 week after dosing was 4.6 (5.3) ng/patch [median (range), 4.0 (0–17.1) ng/patch; n = 11] after low and 7.7 (7.1) ng/patch [6.9 (0–20.5) ng/patch; n = 10] after high doses. In total, 2.6% of hourly, 38.5% of low-dose, and 45.5% of high-dose weekly patches contained codeine at the proposed Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration cutoff. Conclusions: Codeine was the only analyte detected, at highly variable concentrations, up to 2 weeks after dosing. These results are consistent, considering the complex processes of codeine deposition in sweat. Sweat testing is a useful alternative technique for qualitative monitoring of opioid use.
Effectiveness of an intensive, school-based intervention for teen mothers.

Abstract Purpose This study evaluated the effectiveness of a secondary teen pregnancy prevention intervention that includes school-based social work services coordinated with comprehensive health care for teen mothers and their children. Methods A prospective cohort study compared subsequent births to teen mothers followed for at least 24 months or until age 20 years (whichever was longer) compared with matched subjects from state data. Analyses were based on intent to treat and included χ 2 , survival, and cost–benefit analysis. Results Subjects included 63 girls (97% eligible, 99% African-American, mean age 16 years). A propensity-matched comparison group (n = 252) did not differ from subjects. Participation in program components was good: (1) group meetings: 76%; (2) case management: 95%; (3) coordinated medical care: 63%. The majority of subjects used contraception (93%), with greater use of medroxyprogesterone associated with participation in coordinated medical care (80% vs. 50%, p = .0145). Subsequent births were more common in the comparison group (33%) than among subjects (17%) ( p = .001), and survival curves were significantly different ( p = .007) (hazard ratio=2.5). There was a trend toward fewer births with increased participation in medical care ( p = .08) and case management ( p = .08) but not with group meetings. Cost savings were calculated as $19,097 per birth avoided or $5,055 per month. Conclusions The intervention was effective in reducing subsequent births to teens; however selection bias of school enrollment cannot be excluded by this study. The cost savings of delayed births outweigh the expenses of this intensive model
Characterization of sedimentary humic matter by alkaline hydrolysis

Humic matter fractions from modern sediments of Lake Huron and Lake Michigan have been compared. Large yields of saccharinic acids from alkaline hydrolysis suggest that these fractions contain large portions of carbohydrate materials. Evidence for contributions of aquatic lipid (C-16 fatty acids) and of liginin (phenolic acids) to these sediments is also present in the hydrolysis products. Qualitative differences among fulvic acid, humic acid and humin from the same lake are minor, suggesting common (or similar) organic sources for these fractions. The lability of sedimentary humic matter to alkaline hydrolysis is inversely related to its degree of exposure to oxidative weathering. Lability may also be related to diagenetic state as fulvic acids generally yield greater quantities of hydrolysis components than humic acids which in turn yield more than humin.