cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Inactivation of Δ5-3-ketosteroid isomerase(s) from beef adrenal cortex by β,γ-acetylenic ketosteroids

The beta, gamma-acetylenic ketosteroids, 5-10-seco-19-norpregn-5-yne-3,-10,20-trione approximately 1 and 5,10-secoestr-5-yne-3,10,17-trione approximately 2 irreversibly inactivate both the C19-and the C21-delta 5-3-ketosteroid isomerase activities of beef adrenal cortex microsomes. At saturating concentrations of inhibitor half-lives of these enzyme activities vary from 45 to 240 s. It is uncertain whether the enzyme generates its own alkylating agent by isomerizing compounds approximately 3 and approximately 4 to the corresponding allenic ketones, namely (4R)-5,10-seco-19-norpregn-4,5-diene-3,10,20-trione approximately 3 and (4R)-5,10-secoestra-4,5-diene-3,10,17-trione approximately 4 since these are formed spontaneously in the buffer used to stabilize enzyme activity. In the presence of catalytic quantities of adrenal enzyme compound approximately 4 is a powerful competitive inhibitor for both 5-androstene-3,17-dione (Ki 8.0 microM) and 5-pregnene-3,20-dione (Ki 3.5 microM) indicating that the eventual alkylating event is active site-directed. The differences in Ki values and half-lives for inactivation support the view that the C19- and C21-delta 5-3-ketosteroid isomerase activities do not reside at the same catalytic site in beef adrenal cortex microsomes.
Asenapine: A Novel Atypical Antipsychotic Agent for Schizophrenia and Bipolar I Disorder

Objective:To review the literature regarding asenapine, a recently approved atypical antipsychotic, and to evaluate its safety and efficacy profile.Data Sources:Primary literature was identified by conducting a MEDLINE search (1950–June 2010). English-language articles were searched using the key words asenapine, Saphris, schizophrenia, and bipolar disorder. All data were reviewed for clinical trials evaluating the safety and efficacy of asenapine. Data were also obtained directly from the manufacturer.Study Selection and Data Extraction:English-language articles on studies conducted in humans were reviewed.Data Synthesis:Asenapine is a novel atypical antipsychotic agent available as a treatment option for patients with schizophrenia, as monotherapy for the acute treatment of bipolar I manic or mixed episodes, and as adjunctive therapy with either lithium or valproate for the acute treatment of bipolar I manic or mixed episodes. Compared with other atypical antipsychotic agents, asenapine has a favorable ...
Integrated Assessment of Vocational Interests and Self-Rated Skills and Abilities:

The study examined relations among measured vocational interests and self-rated skills and abilities in a sample of 112 college students (58 women and 54 men). Participants were administered the Strong Interest Inventory (Hansen & Campbell, 1985) and a self-ratings questionnaire assessing 14 general abilities and 30 specific skills. Results of principal components, correlational, and regression analyses suggested that (a) interests, abilities, and skills are sufficiently distinct to be considered separate constructs worthy of independent assessment, yet (b) interests, abilities, and skills within the same Holland type (1985a) show predictable relations to one another.
Resolution of the histidine problem for thiol capture--synthesis of a 39-peptide

Abstract Thiol capture synthesis by ligation at the hyphened bond of the 39-peptide C(Acm)LNELDADEQADL-CESLHDHADELYRSC(S- tert Bu)LARFGDDGENL was achieved without side chain protection except as indicated, cleanly and in high yield.
On the Integration of Remote and Virtual Experiments Into a Comprehensive Student Laboratory Experience

Student laboratories have always played a key role in the engineering education at Stevens Institute of Technology (SIT). Recently, SIT has designed and implemented several innovative Web-based tools for engineering laboratory education and evaluated their learning effectiveness in pilot deployments in various engineering courses. These Web-based tools include both remotely operated experiments based on actual experimental devices as well as virtual experiments representing software simulations. These tools facilitate the development of learning environments, which - possibly in conjunction with traditional hands-on experiments - allow the expansion of the scope of the students' laboratory experience well beyond the confines of what would be feasible in the context of traditional laboratories. This becomes possible because of the scalability of resources that are shared through the Web and the flexibility of software simulations in varying the characteristic parameters of the experimental system under investigation. Further educational benefits of the proposed laboratory approach are that asynchronous learning modes are supported and discovery-based self-learning, of the students is promoted. This paper will present the details of the approach taken at SIT in integrating these Web-based tools into a comprehensive student laboratory experience. As an example for the implementation of such Web-based experiments, an Industrial-Emulator/Servo-Trainer System will be described, which is used at SIT in a junior-level course on mechanisms and machine dynamics.Copyright © 2006 by ASME
Ceria in an oxygen environment: Surface phase equilibria and its descriptors

Abstract Ceria offers great promise in catalysis, due to its facile switchable oxidation state manifested from its oxygen buffering capability. This work presents the first equilibrium surface phase diagram of ceria exposed to various oxygen providing reservoirs (e.g., a pure O2 reservoir as well as NO/NO2, H2/H2O, or CO/CO2 redox environments) using first principles thermodynamics. For a pure O2 environment, the stoichiometric ceria (111) surface is favored at ambient conditions. Any appreciable surface reduction is observed only at ultra-low oxygen partial pressures ( 2000 K and ambient pressures. On the other hand, a redox environment promotes surface reduction at temperatures as low as 300 K. Semi-local, Hubbard modified semi-local, and hybrid electronic exchange-correlation functionals are used to capture the energetics and phase transitions. We observe no difference between the three theories in the energetics governing ceria surface reduction in the dilute limit. The predicted phase transitions by all levels of theory are in agreement with each other and in excellent agreement with literature experimental data. Creation of oxygen vacancies in the sub-surface is energetically favored over surface vacancies, and is pivotal in determining the key features of the surface phase diagram. Consequently, we identify the oxygen vacancy formation energy as a descriptor for the surface reactivity of ceria in various oxygen environments. This single governing factor could be used in future studies to probe the surface reactivity of ceria and also to design improved ceria-based materials for redox reactions.
Frequency characterization of blood glucose dynamics.

Examples of the frequency range of blood glucose dynamics of normal subjects and subjects with diabetes are reported here, based on data from the literature. The frequency band edge was determined from suitable, frequently sampled blood glucose recordings using two methods: frequency domain estimation and signal reconstruction. The respective maximum acceptable sampling intervals, or Nyquist sampling periods ~NSP!, required to accurately represent blood glucose dynamics were calculated. Preliminary results based on the limited data available in the literature indicate that although blood glucose NSP values are higher in most diabetic subjects, values in some diabetic subjects are indistinguishable from those of normal subjects. High fidelity monitoring sufficient to follow the in- trinsic blood glucose dynamics of all diabetic subjects requires a NSP of ;10 min, corresponding to a continuous frequency band edge of ;1310 23 Hz. This analysis provides key infor- mation for the design of clinical studies that include blood glucose dynamics and for the design of new glucose monitor- ing systems. © 2003 Biomedical Engineering Society. @DOI: 10.1114/1.1535411#
Detection and quantification of cocaine metabolites in urine samples from horses administered cocaine.

Cocaine is a naturally occurring alkaloid that is commonly abused by human-beings for its psychostimulatory effects. Occasionally, very small concentrations (i.e. <100 ng/mL) of the primary cocaine metabolite, benzoylecgonine (BZE) have been detected in urine collected from horses competing in athletic events. In this study urine samples, collected from four horses following the administration of 2.5 and 20 mg of cocaine sublingually and 50 mg of cocaine intravenously, were analyzed for the presence of cocaine and/or its metabolites by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The results of ELISA analysis of urine samples collected from all four horses suggested the presence of cocaine and/or its metabolites up to 10, 48, and 72 h after administration of 2.5, 20, and 50 mg of cocaine, respectively. The results of GC-MS analysis confirmed the presence of BZE above the limit of quantification (LOQ = 5 ng/mL) in urine samples collected from all four horses for up to 24 h after administration of 2.5 mg of cocaine and for up to 48 h after administration of 20 and 50 mg of cocaine. No obvious behavioral effects or overt alterations of heart rate or rhythm were noted in any of these horses after cocaine administration.
Mixed Signal Detection Based on Second-Order Cyclostationary Features

Cyclostationary analysis has heen widely used in signal detection, RF parameter estimation and modulation detection. However, in most of existing work, the target signal is a single communication signal without overlap with other signals in the frequency domain. Hence, it is feasible to use a filter to first distinguish the target signal out and perform these tasks next to avoid the interferences from the spectrum environment. However, in a spectrally congested environment such as cognitive radio and dynamic spectrum access network, or in a spectrally contested environment such as a hattle field, multiple signals are often mixed together with significant overlap in spectrum. It is highly desired to find effective methods to perform signal detection, RF parameter estimation and modulation detection for mixed signals. In this paper, we employ second-order cycloslationary feature, namely the spectral correlation function (SCF), to detect the components of mixed signal. It is shown that by performing second-order cyclostationary analysis, we can successfully detect the existence of multiple signal components in mixed signal, and estimate their carrier frequencies accurately. Simulations over fading channels at different signal to noise ratios validate the effectiveness of the proposed method. In future works, we will investigate the feasibility and performance of signal classification/modulation detection of mixed signals in complex environment using cyclostationary analysis.
De novo synthesis of glucocorticoid hormone regulated inner ear proteins in rats

Changes of rat inner ear de novo protein synthesis in response to dexamethasone (DEX), a synthetic glucocorticoid, have been analyzed by high resolution two-dimensional sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (2D-SDS-PAGE) and fluorography. Two proteins (M(r) 41,000 and 35,000) were amplified and one protein (M(r) 47,000) was suppressed by DEX in a cochlear culture medium. In the culture medium conditioned by vestibular tissue, three proteins (M(r) 67,000, 57,000 and 50,000) were amplified after DEX administration. In cochlear and vestibular tissues, glucocorticoid-responsive protein synthesis was down-regulated by DEX, including two proteins (M(r) 39,000 and 35,000) in the cochlea and five proteins (M(r) 80,000, 64,000, 59,000, 56,000 and 40,000) in the vestibule. The regulation of these inner ear proteins by DEX suggests that glucocorticoid may play an important role in normal inner ear microhomeostasis, as well as in the treatment of some inner ear disorders.
A RESEARCH UPON ANÆSTHESIA

THE CONCLUSIONS WHICH HAVE BEEN REACHED BY THE SERIES OF EXPERIMENTS RECORDED IN THE PRESENT MEMOIR ARE: First. Lowered arterial pressure has a comparatively feeble effect upon the respiration, but when the pressure falls sufficiently, respiratory depression does occur. Second. Even excessive lowering of blood pressure primarily stimulates the vaso-motor centre, the sensibility of the centre being evidently necessary to the automatic regulation of the circulation. Third. The circulation recovers itself more slowly after profound etherization than after a like chloroform narcosis. Fourth. It is possible for ether as well as chloroform to produce death some hours after the cessation of its administration, at a time when the cerebrum has long freed itself from distinct evidences of the narcotic, so that consciousness and intellectual action have been restored. In applying these conclusions to the subject of practical anaesthesia it is evident that the depression of the circulation produced by chloroform has effect upon the respiratory centres only when the pressure has fallen very low, and whilst it may be a factor in the production of respiratory failure during chloroformization, the failure must be chiefly due to the direct influence exercised by the drug upon the respiratory centres. Clinical experience shows that nausea and general depression are more pronounced after the use of ether than after the use of chloroform, a difference which is strongly insisted upon by the advocates of chloroform as an important agent in favor of that anaesthetic. Our research confirms clinical observation, and experimentally shows that the depression of the circulation produced by ether is more permanent than that caused by chloroform; the reason probably being the large amount of ether which is necessary to produce profound narcosis, with lowering of the arterial pressure; an amount so large that it can neither be burned up in the system nor yet eliminated in the time which would be necessary for the much smaller amount of chloroform to be gotten rid of after chloroformization.
Prediction of ADHD in boys and girls using the D-KEFS

To examine patterns of executive dysfunction associated with ADHD, 123 children (54 ADHD, 69 controls) of ages 8-16 years were administered selected subtests from the Delis-Kaplan Executive Function System (D-KEFS). Children with ADHD performed significantly worse than controls on measures of both basic (less executive demand) skills and those with more executive demand from the Color-Word Interference and Tower subtests; however, no group differences were noted on any of the D-KEFS contrast scores. Most subtype comparisons yielded no differences; however, children with the Combined subtype outperformed children with the Inattentive subtype on measures of both basic and executive skills from the Trail Making Test. Children with ADHD demonstrate executive dysfunction that is identified by D-KEFS summary, but not contrast scores. In this carefully screened sample of children with ADHD, few significant differences were found between groups suggesting limited sensitivity or specificity of the D-KEFS for classifying children with ADHD.
Clinical Diagnosis of Multiple Sclerosis: The Impact of Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Ancillary Testing

Objective: Magnetic resonance imaging, computed tomography, cerebrospinal fluid analysis, and evoked potential testing are used to assist in the diagnosis of patients suspected to have multiple sclerosis (MS). The impact of these tests on a clinician's diagnosis of patients suspected to have MS has not been studied systematically. Design: Clinicians made a diagnosis of each patient following clinical evaluation, again after reviewing the results of magnetic resonance imaging, and finally after reviewing information from other laboratory testing. These diagnoses were compared with the criterion standard of a masked "gold standard" panel reviewing all information after a mean follow-up of 0.9 year. Setting: The General Neurology Clinic and Multiple Sclerosis Clinic of the University of Rochester (NY). Patients: A consecutive sample of 62 patients diagnosed as having either possible or probable MS following clinical evaluation. Main Outcome Measure: Changes in diagnostic certainty of clinicians following incremental presentation of new laboratory data and the accuracy of such diagnoses. Results: Clinicians used magnetic resonance imaging findings to diagnose definite MS or to eliminate MS from diagnostic consideration in 44% of cases. In these cases, further laboratory testing did not alter clinicians' decisions. In the remaining 56% of cases, in which magnetic resonance imaging did not lead to a diagnosis of definite MS or eliminate MS from diagnostic consideration, further laboratory testing led to such diagnoses in an additional 13% of cases. Gold standard diagnoses were in agreement with the clinician's assessments. Conclusions: Magnetic resonance imaging aids in the evaluation of patients suspected to have MS; other subsequent studies (computed tomography, cerebrospinal fluid analysis, and evoked potential testing) have less impact. After all studies are performed, about half of such patients still have a tentative diagnosis.
Biophysics: Transporter in the spotlight.

Membrane transporter proteins switch between conformational states to move substrates across membranes. The transition between these states can now be studied using single-molecule experiments.
ACTINIDE GAS-PHASE CHEMISTRY : REACTIONS OF AN+ AND ANO+ AN = TH, U, NP, PU, AM WITH NITRILES AND BUTYLAMINE

Laser ablation with prompt reaction and detection was applied to study gas-phase reactions of actinide ions, An+ and AnO+ [An = Th, U, Pu, Np, Am], with nitriles and butylamine; Tb and Tm were included for comparison. Particular emphasis was on Np and Am as this is the region of the An series where a transition to Ln-like character is manifested. A goal was to assess the role of the coordinating N: site on actinide ion−molecule interactions. The results for the nitriles were generally reminiscent of those for reactions with alkenes and the inert character of Pu+ and Am+ with regard to dehydrogenation, despite adduct formation, indicated that C−H activation requires two non-5f electrons to produce a C−An+−H complex. With the butyronitriles and valeronitrile, Am+ produced AmC2H4+, possibly via an “ion/dipole” interaction. Most MO+ exhibited only adduct formation with the nitriles although ThO+ was distinctively reactive, consistent with a description of Th as a quasi-d-block element. Both Np+ and Tb+ were ...
Single crystal growth of pyrite solid solutions

Single crystals of FexCo1−xS2 and NixCo1−xS2 solid solutions with the pyrite crystal structure were prepare by chemical transport with bromine. Thermodynamic considerations are discussed which indicate that bromine can functon as a suitable transport reagent, while chlorine cannot, consistent with experimental observation. In addition, observed growth rates were in reasonable agreement with those calculated. Magnetic and electrical properties are included for many of the compositions prepared.
Lack of Spatial Autocorrelation in Fine-Scale Distributions of Ixodes scapularis (Acari: Ixodidae)

Spatial patterns of Ixodes scapularis Say, the vector of the Lyme disease agent, have been examined at various geographic scales, demonstrating that distributions of these ticks are spatially autocorrelated at both national and state scales. We tested the hypothesis that distributions of nymphal I scapularis ticks at the fine scale of an endemic community also are spatially autocorrelated. Nymphal tick densities were determined by collecting ticks from 51 and 47 wooded residential properties in a southern Rhode Island town in 2002 and 2003, respectively. The average tick density at residences during 2002 was 51.17 ( +/- 46.04) nymphs per hour, with a range of 3-297 and median of 40.82. In 2003, the average tick density was 44.48 (+/- 38.31) nymphs per hour, with a range of 3-153 and median of 36. Semivariance analysis revealed no spatial autocorrelation in tick densities between residences, likely due to the high variability of tick distributions at this scale. Further analysis of drag-sampling data at individual residences by using Lloyd's patchiness index (m*/m) demonstrated a patchy distribution of nymphs. High variability of nymphal I. scapularis densities may greatly affect predicting spatial patterns of ticks at a fine scale.
The design of a biochip: a self-assembling molecular-scale memory device

A design for a biochip memory device based on known materials and existing principles is presented. The fabrication of this memory system relies on the self-assembly of the nucleic acid junction system, which acts as the scaffolding for a molecular wire consisting of polyacetylene-like units. A molecular switch to control current is described which is based on the formation of a charge-transfer complex. A molecular-scale bit is presented which is based on oxidation-reduction potentials of metal atoms or clusters. The readable 'bit' which can be made of these components has a volume of 3 x 10(7) A3, and should operate at electronic speeds over short distances.
Model Breaking Points Conceptualized

Current curriculum initiatives (e.g., National Governors Association Center for Best Practices and Council of Chief State School Officers 2010) advocate that models be used in the mathematics classroom. However, despite their apparent promise, there comes a point when models break, a point in the mathematical problem space where the model cannot, or arguable should not, be used. In this work, we explore the breaking point of the chip model for integer subtraction and the area model for fraction addition. Breaking is inevitable—either because no one model is robust enough to be applicable in a very large problem space and/or because the modifications required to keep the model functioning weaken or even eliminate its benefits. While models are often intended to serve as visual illustrations or embodiments of a concept, adaptions at the model breaking point can turn model use into nothing more than executing the graphical analogue to a not-well-understood procedure. The act of identifying model breaking points illuminates the affordances and constraints of the model. This provides students a unique opportunity to discriminate across mathematical models to develop a meta-level understanding of the relationship between models and the mathematics those models are intended to support.
Effects of pH and calcium on soil organic matter dynamics in Alaskan tundra

In Northern Alaska (AK), large variation in biogeochemical cycling exists among landscapes underlain by different aged geologic substrates deposited throughout the Pleistocene. Younger, less weathered landscapes have higher pH (6.5 vs. 4.5), ten-fold higher exchangeable cation concentrations, and slower rates of microbial activity than older, more weathered landscapes. To tease apart the effects of polyvalent cations vs. pH on microbial activity and organic matter solubility and stabilization, we conducted a soil incubation experiment. We collected soils near Toolik Lake, Alaska from replicated sites along a chronosequence of landscape ages ranging from 11,000 to 4.8 million years since glaciation and manipulated soil pH and calcium (Ca, the dominant polyvalent cation across all landscape ages) using a factorial experimental design. As expected, microbial respiration was inhibited by high Ca concentrations at both pH 6.5 and 4.5. In contrast, soils with circumneutral pH (but similar Ca concentrations) exhibited higher rates of microbial respiration than soils with acidic pH, opposite of in situ patterns. Manipulated soils with acidic (4.5) pH (but similar Ca concentrations) exhibited higher cumulative dissolved organic nitrogen (DON) in leachates than soils with circumneutral (6.5) pH, similar to in situ patterns of leaching among landscape ages, but there was no consistent effect of pH on dissolved organic carbon (DOC) in leachates across landscape ages. Increasing Ca concentration inhibited cumulative DOC in leachates at circumneutral pH as expected, but had no effect on DOC or DON in leachates at acidic pH. Our results indicate that both polyvalent cation concentration and pH likely influence microbial activity in tundra soils, suggesting that heterogeneity in geochemical factors associated with landscape age should be considered in models of tundra biogeochemistry.
Effects of neostigmine on the activity of rats

Thirty male albino rats were used as 5s in two experiments designed to determine a possible relationship between neo­ stigmine, an acetylcholinesterase-inhibitor drug, and activity level. In Experiment 1, a dosage level of 0.1 mg/kg was used, while the dosage level was 0.2 mg/kg in Experiment 2. Results suggest that neostigmine produces an indirect effect on the acetylcholine-acetylcholinesterase equilibrium since activity changes occurred which were similar to those found with acetylcholine accumulation in the central nervous system. Neostigmine facilitates the action of acetylcholine (ACh) by inhibition of acetylcholinesterase (AChE). The presence of neostigmine in the system of the organism inhibits, at least temporarily, the break­ down of ACh by its enzyme, AChE (Cutting, 1964, pp. 466-468). This inhibition results from the neostig­ mine serving as an alternate substrate for the AChE, preventing the AChE access to the ACh. It can be assumed that the systemic administra­ tion of neostigmine should produce marked behavioral changes analogous to those present with the build-up of ACh beyond the homeostatic level. Russell (1956, 1958) found that there are progressive behavioral changes which ensue from an accumulation of ACh within the central nervous system. Initially, there is an increased level of activity, followed by a decreased activity level, followed by convulsions and death. Experiments dealing with the effects of neostigmine on behavior include those of Kaplan (1960) who found that neostigmine differentially influences negative after­ images for different colors. De Jongh (1954) found that neostigmine raises the thermal threshold of guinea pigs. Further, Wagner & de Groot (1963) report a differential effect on rats for neostigmine with respect to food intake depending upon past depri­ vation and locale of administration. Behavioral investigations of possible central effects of neostigmine on the ACh-AChE balance have been neglected. Therefore, it was the task in this research to look for behavioral changes in the rat resulting from the administration of neostigmine which might be analogous to those behavioral changes found by Russell (1956,1958).
Impact of Birth Cohort Screening for Hepatitis C

Hepatitis C (HCV) is a leading cause of liver-related complications, and the burden of liver disease is expected to increase. Given the over-representation of HCV-related liver disease in persons born between 1945 and 1965, and the failure of risk-based screening to identify many infected persons, birth cohort screening has been advocated and endorsed by both the Centers for Disease Control and United States Preventive Services Task Force, regardless of the presence of risk factors. Birth cohort testing is more cost-effective than risk-based screening especially when those with more advanced disease are given priority for treatment. Several barriers exist at the patient and provider level that need to be overcome to fully realize the potential benefit of birth cohort screening in reducing HCV-related morbidity and mortality.
Focal adhesion kinase controls pH-dependent epidermal barrier homeostasis by regulating actin-directed Na+/H+ exchanger 1 plasma membrane localization.

Ubiquitously expressed focal adhesion kinase (FAK), linked to multiple intracellular signaling pathways, has previously been shown to control cell motility, invasion, proliferation, and survival. Using mice with a keratinocyte-restricted deletion of fak (FAKK5 KO), we report here a novel role for FAK: maintenance of adult epidermal permeability barrier homeostasis. Abundant lacunae of unprocessed lipids in stratum corneum (SC) of FAKK5 KO mice and delayed barrier recovery pointed to malfunction of pH-dependent enzymes active in extracellular space of SC. Measuring the SC pH gradient showed significantly more neutral pH values in FAKK5 KO mice, suggesting the importance of FAK for acidification. Moreover, normal functions were restored when FAKK5 KO mice were exposed to a surface pH typical of mouse SC (pH = 5.5). Baseline levels and response to barrier disruption of secretory phospholipase A2 isoforms, enzymes that mediate generation of free fatty acids in epidermis, appeared similar in both FAKK5 KO and control littermates. We found that the critical SC acidification regulator Na+/H+ exchanger 1 failed to localize to the plasma membrane in FAK-deficient keratinocytes both in vivo and in vitro. Thus, for plasma membrane localization in terminally differentiated keratinocytes, Na+/H+ exchanger 1 requires an intact actin cytoskeleton, which is impaired in FAK-deficient cells.
Diagnosis and treatment of post-traumatic medial and lateral elbow ligament incompetence

Elbow instability can occur secondary to soft tissue or bony injuries. Predictable patterns of instability do occur. Identification of disrupted osseous or ligamentous constraints allows for an algorithmic and predictable treatment plan. Maintaining a high index of suspicion will allow early recognition and treatment of elbow instability. Treatment based on recognized principles is the key to preventing recurrent instability and late arthrosis while maintaining functional elbow motion.
Feline cytotoxic immune mechanisms against virus-associated leukemia and fibrosarcoma

Humoral and cellular cytotoxic immune mechanisms of cats were compared against feline leukemia virus (FeLV)- and feline sarcoma virus (FeSV)-transformed cells. The groups of animals studied were nonexposed control cats; FeLV-infected immune or viremic tumor-bearing cats; FeSV-inoculated tumor progressor or regressor cats, and cats immunized with FeSV-transformed autochthonous fibroblasts (ATF). Sera containing complement-dependent antibodies (CDA), which lysed FeLV-producer lymphoma lines, had no cytotoxic effects when tested against FeLV-producer FeSV-transformed fibroblasts. Sera with lytic CDA activity were also tested for antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxic (ADCC) effects with peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBL) from nonimmune cats. No ADCC activity was detected against either lymphoid or fibroblast target lines. To demonstrate that cat PBL contained ADCC effector cells, antibody-coated murine target cells were employed and positive results obtained. Natural killer (NK) assays were performed using PBL from normal and tumor-bearing cats. Cytotoxic effects were only detectable to FeLV-producer lymphomas, and comparable levels of NK activity were found in normal and lymphoid tumor-bearing animals. In cats immunized with ATF, a population of effector cells was found in peripheral blood which had functional characteristics of cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTL). The killing of ATF by CTL-like cells was not inhibited by FeLV/FeSV immune sera or by sera from autochthonous immune cats. The comparative importance of humoral and cellular cytotoxic mechanisms against FeLV- and FeSV-induced tumors is discussed.
Acute toxicity of penicillic acid and its interaction with pentobarbital and other compounds.

Abstract Penicillic acid (PA), a carcinogenic mycotoxin, can cause generalized hepatic necrosis in the mouse and cytotoxicity in cultured cells, including hepatocytes. Acute toxicity of PA in the mouse was increased by pentobarbital and 3-methylcholanthrene (3MC) pretreatment but decreased by SKF-525A. Cysteine, when given 5 min before but not 20 min after PA administration, protected the mouse against PA toxicity, while diethyl maleate pretreatment increased PA toxicity in the mouse. PA potentiated pentobarbital-induced narcosis in a dose- and time-dependent manner but had no effect on induction time. PA potentiated hypothermia, depressed body weight gain, decreased the liver/body weight ratio, and prolonged the pentobarbital half-life in blood and brain, but had no effect on the brain pentobarbital level upon awakening. PA competitively inhibited in vitro pentobarbital metabolism. These results suggest that PA may be biotransformed into an active metabolite(s) and that glutathione (GSH) may be involved in the detoxification of PA. Inhibition of drug-metabolizing enzymes by PA may account for the enhancement of pentobarbital-induced narcosis.
Stratospheric Ozone Depletion and Solar Ultraviolet Radiation on Earth

In "Stratospheric ozone depletion and solar ultraviolet radiation on Earth" by P. Cutchis (5 Apr., p. 13), the legend to Fig. 5 was inadvertently omitted by the printer. The legend should read "Fig. 5. Direct solar UV irradiance and scattered UV irradiance on a horizontal surface at sea level for solar zenith angles θ of 0°, 30°, 60°, and 75° and 0.341 atm-cm of total ozone [data from (10)]."
The Controversial Role of BCG in the Treatment of Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Head and Neck

In the last two decades, the technological progress in surgery and anesthesia, and in particular the skills and dedication of several head and neck surgeons, and radiotherapists, have made it possible to achieve local-regional control of disease in the majority of patients with carcinoma of the head and neck. In a series of patients with advanced carcinomas of the pyriform sinus reported in 1979 by Byers et al,1from the M. D. Anderson Hospital in Houston, disease above the clavicles was controlled in as many as 81% of the patients. These results were obtained with the use of surgery and postoperative radiation therapy. Mesic et al,2from the same institution, have recently reported their results in the treatment of lymphoepitheliomas of the nasopharynx with megalovoltage irradiation. The disease was successfully controlled above the clavicles in more than 90% of cases with advanced local (T3-T4) and cervical nodal (N2-N3)
New Insights in the Systematics of the Phyllophoraceae (Gigartinales, Rhodophyta)

The Phyllophoraceae, consisting of about 100 species worldwide, stands out in exhibiting a wide spectrum of unique life history types that makes it unusually interesting for assessing the phylogenetic importance of reproductive traits relative to classification criteria. Type of life history and position of the reproductive structures on the thallus have traditionally formed the basis for separating 11 genera in the Phyllophoraceae; however, phylogenetic analyses inferred from three sets of DNA sequences [chloroplast-encoded rbcL, nuclear large-subunit ribosomal RNA gene (LSU rDNA), and internal transcribed spacer regions (ITS) of nuclear ribosomal DNA], instead indicate a lack of correlation between type of life history and phylogenetic relationships among the established taxa. This lack of correlation dramatically challenges all of the traditional taxonomy, and we will present a revised classification for the family that downplays life-history features. The study will answer the question which morphological features can be used as meaningful indicators of phylogenetic relationships in the Phyllophoraceae. The results will also be addressed in light of global biogeographic hypotheses for the family.
Accuracy of the Modified IOL Power Formulas for Emmetropia

Five modern IOL power formulas for emmetropia were evaluated.They included the Shammas, SRK-T, Holladay, Hoffer-Q and Binkhorst IIformulas. In 230 consecutive extracapsular cataract extractions with in-the-baginsertion of a piano convex posterior chamber lens, the accuracy of allformulas exceeded 95% (within ±1.0 diopter). The difference between allformulas were compared in the short, medium and long eyes, as well as inthe presence of flat and steep corneas.
Autistic-like behaviour and cerebellar dysfunction in Purkinje cell Tsc1 mutant mice

Autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) are highly prevalent neurodevelopmental disorders, but the underlying pathogenesis remains poorly understood. Recent studies have implicated the cerebellum in these disorders, with post-mortem studies in ASD patients showing cerebellar Purkinje cell (PC) loss, and isolated cerebellar injury has been associated with a higher incidence of ASDs. However, the extent of cerebellar contribution to the pathogenesis of ASDs remains unclear. Tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) is a genetic disorder with high rates of comorbid ASDs that result from mutation of either TSC1 or TSC2, whose protein products dimerize and negatively regulate mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signalling. TSC is an intriguing model to investigate the cerebellar contribution to the underlying pathogenesis of ASDs, as recent studies in TSC patients demonstrate cerebellar pathology and correlate cerebellar pathology with increased ASD symptomatology. Functional imaging also shows that TSC patients with ASDs display hypermetabolism in deep cerebellar structures, compared to TSC patients without ASDs. However, the roles of Tsc1 and the sequelae of Tsc1 dysfunction in the cerebellum have not been investigated so far. Here we show that both heterozygous and homozygous loss of Tsc1 in mouse cerebellar PCs results in autistic-like behaviours, including abnormal social interaction, repetitive behaviour and vocalizations, in addition to decreased PC excitability. Treatment of mutant mice with the mTOR inhibitor, rapamycin, prevented the pathological and behavioural deficits. These findings demonstrate new roles for Tsc1 in PC function and define a molecular basis for a cerebellar contribution to cognitive disorders such as autism.
Keynote address: Retroviruses and the genetics of cancer☆

Abstract Retroviruses cause cancer by several different mechanisms including addition of an oncogene, addition of a modified viral glycoprotein, activation of a proto-oncogene, transactivation of a proto-oncogene, immune depression, and stimulation of lymphoid cell proliferation. Both the evolution of oncogenes and tumor induction by most retroviruses is multi-step. Study of the evolution of a particular oncogene, v-rel, indicates that this evolution could not have been selection-driven, but that it resulted from the high rate of mutation in retrovirus replication, that is, it was mutation-driven. Argument is made that much other cancer is also mutation-driven.
Principles underlying chromatophore addition during maturation in the European cuttlefish, Sepia officinalis.

SUMMARY The goal of this work was to identify some of the principles underlying chromatophore growth and development in the European cuttlefish, Sepia officinalis . One set of experiments used a regeneration model to follow the re-growth of black chromatophores for 30 days following excision of a small piece of fin tissue. A separate set of experiments tracked and analyzed the addition of new fin chromatophores during a month of normal, undisturbed growth. We also followed the development of individual chromatophores from their initial appearance to full maturation to determine whether their color type was fixed. Based on the results of these studies, we propose five guiding principles for chromatophore growth and maturation. (1) The three chromatophore cell types – black, reddish-brown and yellow – are present at different spatial frequencies in the cuttlefish fin. (2) During normal growth, new chromatophores are inserted at a higher spatial frequency than existing (control) chromatophores of the same color type. (3) In regenerating tissue, new black chromatophores are initially added at low spatial frequencies. As regeneration continues, new black chromatophores appear at increasing spatial frequencies until they are inserted at a spatial frequency higher than that observed in control tissue, similar to the way in which chromatophores were observed to be added in normally growing tissue. (4) All chromatophores first appear as pale orange cells and slowly darken into their respective color types without passing through intermediate color stages. (5) New black chromatophores undergo a doubling in size as they mature, while reddish-brown and yellow chromatophores do not grow at all after they are inserted in the dermis.
Emancipating the Female Sex: The Struggle for Women’s Rights in Brazil, 1850–1940

June E. Hahner's pioneering work, Emancipating the Female Sex, offers the first comprehensive history of the struggle for women's rights in Brazil. Based on previously undiscovered primary sources and fifteen years of research, Hahner's study provides long-overdue recognition of the place of women in Latin American history. Hahner traces the history of Brazilian women's fight for emancipation from its earliest manifestations in the mid-nineteenth century to the successful conclusion of the suffrage campaign in the 1930s. Drawing on interviews with surviving Brazilian suffragists and contemporary feminists as well as manuscripts and printed documents, Hahner explores the strategies and ideological positions of Brazilian feminists. In focusing on urban upper- and middle-class women, from whose ranks the leadership for change arose, she examines the relationship between feminism and social change in Brazil's complex and highly stratified society.
A multiprogram approach to real-time experimentation

A technique for implementing real-time experiments utilizing several separate and independent programs is discussed. The technique can be employed when the experimental procedure is divided into real-time and nonreal-time program units. These program units are executed in the most appropriate computing environment, and the resulting output is directed to a sequential file. The nonreal-time program issues commands to the real-time program by means of keywords that are inserted in the sequential file output at those points where real-time operations are required. These commands are interpreted by the real-time program which processes the sequential file. While the nonreal-time program is experiment-specific, the real-time program is independent of the particular experiment performed. The applications of this multiprogram approach to real-time experimentation are considered.
Single-base-pair discrimination of terminal mismatches by using oligonucleotide microarrays and neural network analyses.

The effects of single-base-pair near-terminal and terminal mismatches on the dissociation temperature (T(d)) and signal intensity of short DNA duplexes were determined by using oligonucleotide microarrays and neural network (NN) analyses. Two perfect-match probes and 29 probes having a single-base-pair mismatch at positions 1 to 5 from the 5' terminus of the probe were designed to target one of two short sequences representing 16S rRNA. Nonequilibrium dissociation rates (i.e., melting profiles) of all probe-target duplexes were determined simultaneously. Analysis of variance revealed that position of the mismatch, type of mismatch, and formamide concentration significantly affected the T(d) and signal intensity. Increasing the concentration of formamide in the washing buffer decreased the T(d) and signal intensity, and it decreased the variability of the signal. Although T(d)s of probe-target duplexes with mismatches in the first or second position were not significantly different from one another, duplexes with mismatches in the third to fifth positions had significantly lower T(d)s than those with mismatches in the first or second position. The trained NNs predicted the T(d) with high accuracies (R(2) = 0.93). However, the NNs predicted the signal intensity only moderately accurately (R(2) = 0.67), presumably due to increased noise in the signal intensity at low formamide concentrations. Sensitivity analysis revealed that the concentration of formamide explained most (75%) of the variability in T(d)s, followed by position of the mismatch (19%) and type of mismatch (6%). The results suggest that position of the mismatch at or near the 5' terminus plays a greater role in determining the T(d) and signal intensity of duplexes than the type of mismatch.
The Vitamin B6 Requirement of Chicks

Abstract THE vitamin B6 requirement of chicks was estimated to be between 300 and 500 mcg. per 100 grams of feed by Hogan et al. (1941) in experiments involving only these levels of added pyridoxine. Briggs et al. (1942) placed the vitamin B6 requirement of chicks at 275–300 mcg. per 100 grams of feed since higher levels produced no increase in growth rate. Kratzer et al. (1947) concluded that chicks and poults required 200 and 300 mcg. of pyridoxine per 100 grams of feed, respectively, for optimal rate of growth. In view of the marked improvement in growth rate and feed efficiency of chicks since that time it would be logical to assume that the requirement for vitamin B6 per unit of feed would be increased and might even approach borderline deficiency in modern high energy broiler rations. Experiments were therefore conducted to determine whether a practical broiler ration of the …
Cost analysis of DWDM multi-mode switching router

Optical networks with DWDM technology have been considered the most promising solution for the next generation networks. While DWDM is universally used in transmission, different switching technologies can be used to direct input data to the desired output at router nodes. Although electronic packet switching (EPS) can switch at the packet level and provide a rich set of traffic management capacities, the cost to support a large number of DWDM channels is high due to the cost of O/E/O conversion. On the other hand, while optical switching technologies can cost effectively scale to support a large number of DWDM channels, neither of the two practical optical switching technologies, namely, optical circuit switching (OCS), and optical burst switching (OBS), can switch at the packet level. In this paper, we present the cost analysis of a DWDM multi-mode switching router architecture, which is able to accommodate EPS, OCS and OBS on the same router platform. We derive the cost model for the multi-mode switching router with respect to a reference electronic switching router. Our analysis shows that the multi-mode switching architecture provides a cost effective solution for scaling the number of DWDM channels.
Systemic Treatment of Metastatic Breast Cancer

Marked advancements are being made in the treatment of early-stage breast cancer, but many women still develop recurrence and metastasis. In addition, 5–10% of breast cancer patients have metastatic disease at presentation. While treatments for metastatic breast cancer continue to improve, there remains no cure once distant metastases develop, and over 40,000 women die of advanced disease annually in the United States alone. Balancing therapeutic efficacy in relation to side effects is critical. This chapter provides an overview of systemic therapy options for patients with metastatic breast cancer.
Cardiac transplantation in a patient with hereditary hemochromatosis : Role of adjunctive phlebotomy and erythropoietin

We describe the case of a 36-year-old woman with hereditary hemochromatosis (HH) resulting in end-stage cardiomyopathy and treated successfully with orthotopic cardiac transplantation. Before and after transplantation, the patient underwent aggressive treatment with frequent phlebotomy. We used erythropoietin concomitantly to maintain adequate hematocrit to support continued phlebotomy. We believe that aggressive use of phlebotomy provided the patient hemodynamic benefit and hastened the return of endocrine function post-transplantation. We also believe that the patient's history of high-dose vitamin C usage may have accelerated iron deposition in the heart and other vital organs.