cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Junctional transfer in cultured vascular endothelium: II. Dye and nucleotide transfer.

Vascular endothelial cultures, derived from large vessels, retain many of the characteristics of theirin vivo counterparts. However, the observed reduction in size and complexity of intercellular gap and tight junctions in these cultured cells (Larson, D.M., and Sheridan, J.D., 1982,J. Cell Biol.92:183) suggests that important functions, thought to be mediated by these structures, may be alteredin vitro. In our continuing studies on intercellular communication in vessel wall cells, we have quantitated the extent of junctional transfer of small molecular tracers (the fluorescent dye Lucifer Yellow CH and tritiated uridine nucleotides) in confluent cultures of calf aortic (BAEC) and umbilical vein (BVEC) endothelium. Both BAEC and BVEC show extensive (and quantitatively equivalent) dye and nucleotide transfer. As an analogue of intimal endothelium, we have also tested dye transfer in freshly isolated sheets of endothelium. Transfer in BAEC and BVEC sheets was more rapid, extensive and homogeneous than in the cultured cells, implying a reduction in molecular coupling as endothelium adapts to culture conditions. In addition, we have documented heterocellular nucleotide transfer between cultured endothelium and vascular smooth muscle cells, of particular interest considering the prevalence of “myo-endothelial” junctionsin vivo. These data yield further information on junctional transfer in cultured vascular endothelium and have broad implications for the functional integration of the vessel wall in the physiology and pathophysiology of the vasculature.
Multi-pinhole Dynamic SPECT Imaging: Simulation and System Optimization

This work optimized a multi-pinhole collimator for a stationary three-camera Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography (SPECT) system designed for rapid (one-second) dynamic imaging through simulations. Multi-pinhole collimator designs were investigated to increase efficiency and angular sampling while maintaining adequate spatial resolution for small-animal imaging. The study first analytically investigated the tradeoffs between efficiency and spatial resolution as a function of the number of pinholes. An oval arrangement of pinholes was proposed, and the benefits compared to a circular arrangement were quantified through simulations. Finally, collimators with six to nine pinholes were simulated, and the resulting data compared with respect to efficiency, signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), and the angular coverage in Radon space. All simulations used the GATE Monte Carlo toolkit. The results suggest that an oval arrangement of nine pinholes improved the efficiency and SNR by factors of 1.65 and 1.3, respectively, compared to a circular arrangement. A nine-pinhole collimator was found to provide the highest geometric efficiency (~6.35*10 4 cps/mCi) and improved the SNR by a factor of ~1.3 and ~1.1 compared to the six- and eight-pinhole collimators, respectively. Overall, the simulated multi-pinhole system depicted cylindrical objects despite the limited angular sampling and scan time of the one-second, stationary three-camera acquisition.
“People Who Argue Ad Hominem Are Jerks” and Other Self-Fulfilling Fallacies

A self-fulfilling fallacy (SFF) is a fallacious argument whose conclusion is that the very fallacy employed is an invalid or otherwise illegitimate inferential procedure. This paper discusses three different ways in which SFF’s might serve to justify their conclusions. SFF’s might have probative value as honest and straightforward arguments, they might serve to justify the premise of a meta-argument or, following a point made by Roy Sorensen, they might provide a non-inferential basis for accepting their conclusion. The paper concludes with an assessment of the relative merits of these proposals.
Native Experience with a Tone Language Enhances Pitch Discrimination and the Timing of Neural Responses to Pitch Change

Native tone language experience has been linked with alterations in the production and perception of pitch in language, as well as with the brain response to linguistic and non-linguistic tones. Here we use two experiments to address whether these changes apply to the discrimination of simple pitch changes and pitch intervals. Event related potentials (ERPs) were recorded from native Mandarin speakers and a control group during a same/different task with pairs of pure tones differing only in pitch height, and with pure tone pairs differing only in interval distance. Behaviorally, Mandarin speakers were more accurate than controls at detecting both pitch and interval changes, showing a sensitivity to small pitch changes and interval distances that was absent in the control group. Converging evidence from ERPs obtained during the same tasks revealed an earlier response to change relative to no-change trials in Mandarin speakers, as well as earlier differentiation of trials by change direction relative to controls. These findings illustrate the cross-domain influence of language experience on the perception of pitch, suggesting that the native use of tonal pitch contours in language leads to a general enhancement in the acuity of pitch representations.
A computer-based interactive model for industrial land use forecasting

Abstract Forecasting of land suitable for future industrial uses is an activity of major interest to city planners, state and federal agencies. This paper describes the architecture and use of the new Alternative Land Use Forecasting (ALUF) model developed at the Institute for Water Resources, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Physical characteristics of the area of interest, previous growth pattern, diversity of industrial activities, and planners' preferences for new land uses are input requirements to the model. Trail Creek, an area in northern Georgia, is considered to demonstrate the interactive computer mode of the model.
Effect of Normal Sera of Several Related Rodents on 6C3HED Lymphoma in vivo.

SummarySerum from the agouti and paca, rodents closely related to the guinea pig, exerted an inhibitory effect in vivo on the 6C3HED mouse lymphoma equal to that of guinea pig serum. Agouti, paca, and guinea pig sera have a measurable level of L-asparaginase activity; whereas human and nutria sera, which are inactive against the 6C3HED lymphoma, do not. The results support the hypothesis that this enzyme is the active principle responsible for inhibition of this tumor.
P1.14A Dose Escalation Single Arm Phase Ib Combination Study of BEZ235 with Everolimus in Patients with Advanced Solid Malignancies

ABSTRACT Background/Purpose: The dual phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) and mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) inhibitor, BEZ235, was shown to be efficacious as an inhibitor of cancer cell proliferation in combination with the mTOR-allosteric inhibitor, RAD001 or everolimus, in a preclinical model over everolimus alone. We hypothesized that the combinatorial effect on the mTOR and PI3K pathway would result in a synergistic anti-tumor effect in humans. Therefore, we designed a first in human, phase 1b trial, in order to study the safety and pharmacokinetics of the combination of BEZ235 and everolimus in patients with solid tumor malignancies. Methods: Nineteen patients with solid tumor malignancies that had progressed on standard of care treatment were enrolled. The experimental medication, BEZ235, was provided to us by Novartis. BEZ235 was administered orally once a day at escalating doses of 200, 400, and 800mg and everolimus was administered orally once a day at 2.5mg in 28 day cycles. Results: The most common toxicities observed included fatigue (68%), diarrhea (74%), nausea (63%), mucositis (42%) and elevated liver enzymes (63%). The maximum tolerated dose (MTD) was not reached due to toxicity resulting in early discontinuation of the trial. BEZ235 serum levels were inconsistent suggesting poor absorption. Everolimus exposure was increased over what would be expected for administration alone, likely due to the previously postulated drug interaction between BEZ235 and everolimus. Of the twelve patients evaluated for response, one had SD at 5 weeks and no PR or CR was observed. Conclusion: The combination therapy of BEZ235 and everolimus was shown to be poorly tolerated in our patient population likely due to poor absorption, drug interaction, and inter-patient variability leading to inconsistent drug levels. Although, there were no confirmed responses, one patient did respond clinically for a brief period. We expect that the combination of everolimus with new dual inhibitors with improved toxicity profiles and increased absorption will be more promising.
Socio-ecological implications of individual differences in wolf litters: A developmental and evolutionary perspective.

Individual differences in response to a number of animate and inanimate moving and non-moving stimuli were studied in 18 wolf cubs from four litters. Social rank was closely correlated with reactivity, exploratory behavior and prey-killing ability. A wide range of variability in test scores was found in all litters. It is proposed that pack integration and coordination of activities is enhanced by intra-specific socialization, social facilitation, and leader-follower relationships between subordinates and the more exploratory alpha individual. The evolutionary advantages of selection for individual differences or behavioral polymorphism within litters are discussed and inferences drawn for significance in pack formation. This hypothesis is supported by contrasting evidence of greater behavioral homogeneity in less social canids, where intra-specific aggression and mutual proximity intolerance prevents pack formation and leads to dispersal of the litter.
Effect of body temperature on the ventilatory response to exercise

Abstract The mechanisms by which pulmonary ventilation increases during exercise are poorly understood. It has been suggested that increasing body temperature may play an important role in the exercise hyperpnea. Eight subjects were studied at progressively increasing work rates to fatigue on two non-consecutive days. On one day the subjects were normothermic and on the other day the subjects were hypothermic during the control period of the exercise. Hypothermia was induced by a 90 minute cold shower (16 ±1 °C). The average reduction in body (rectal) temperature resulting from the cold shower was 1.1 °C. Metabolic responses to the test were similar whether the subject began the exercise in a normothermic or hypothermic state. Pulmonary ventilation during the tests increased in proportion to the level of CO 2 production and was independent of the level of body temperature. This suggests that body temperature is not an independent stimulus to ventilation during exercise.
Phenotype Analysis of Patients With the Risk Variant LOC387715 (A69S) in Age-related Macular Degeneration

Purpose To examine phenotypes of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) patients with the LOC387715 variant (T allele at rs10490924, A69S). Design Retrospective, observational case series. Methods This clinic-based case series data set contained 775 unrelated cases of AMD. AMD phenotypes of three groups, determined by the number of LOC387715 risk alleles, were compared regarding the presence or absence of 16 phenotypic features. Results The number of AMD cases in each group was 164 cases (two risk alleles), 330 cases (one risk allele), and 281 cases (zero risk allele). The mean age at examination for homozygous carriers of the LOC387715 risk allele was significantly lower (73.9 years) than the age for carriers of one (76.4 years) or no (77.1 years) risk allele ( P = .0003). Of the 16 features analyzed, only AMD grade ( P = .00002) was significantly associated with the LOC387715 variant. As the number of LOC387715 risk alleles increased, the proportion of grade 5 AMD cases increased in a dose-response fashion. Conclusions The LOC387715 variant appears to be an independent risk factor for grade 5 (neovascular) AMD. This variant may also be associated with an earlier onset of AMD. Phenotypes that suggest a high-risk genotype may prove valuable for diagnostic, therapeutic, and research purposes.
Vibrational energy transfer for an impulsive BC + A collision☆

The impulsive collision between a diatomic molecule BC and an atom whose masses satisfy π/3 <tan−1mB mA+mB+mCmamc12 < π/2 is studied classically. An expression for energy transfer between vibrational and translational motions is obtained as a function of the masses over all possible initial collision energies and is applied to KBr + Li.
Subharmonic gap structure in superconducting scanning tunneling microscope junctions

Abstract We observe a subharmonic gap structure (SGS) and the Josephson effect in superconducting scanning tunneling microscope junctions with resistances below 100 kΩ. The magnitude of the n =2 SGS is shown to scale with the square of the junction normal state conductance, in agreement with theory. We show by analyzing the Josephson effect in these junctions that the superconducting phase dynamics are strongly affected by thermal fluctuations. We estimate the linewidth of the Josephson oscillations due to phase fluctuations, a quantity that may be important in modern theories of the subgap structure. While phase fluctuations may smear the SGS current onsets, we conclude that the sharpness of these onsets in our data is not limited by fluctuations.
Identifying genomic regions for fine-mapping using genome scan meta-analysis (GSMA) to identify the minimum regions of maximum significance (MRMS) across populations.

In order to detect linkage of the simulated complex disease Kofendrerd Personality Disorder across studies from multiple populations, we performed a genome scan meta-analysis (GSMA). Using the 7-cM microsatellite map, nonparametric multipoint linkage analyses were performed separately on each of the four simulated populations independently to determine p-values. The genome of each population was divided into 20-cM bin regions, and each bin was rank-ordered based on the most significant linkage p-value for that population in that region. The bin ranks were then averaged across all four studies to determine the most significant 20-cM regions over all studies. Statistical significance of the averaged bin ranks was determined from a normal distribution of randomly assigned rank averages. To narrow the region of interest for fine-mapping, the meta-analysis was repeated two additional times, with each of the 20-cM bins offset by 7 cM and 13 cM, respectively, creating regions of overlap with the original method. The 6–7 cM shared regions, where the highest averaged 20-cM bins from each of the three offsets overlap, designated the minimum region of maximum significance (MRMS). Application of the GSMA-MRMS method revealed genome wide significance (p-values refer to the average rank assigned to the bin) at regions including or adjacent to all of the simulated disease loci: chromosome 1 (p < 0.0001 for 160–167 cM, including D1), chromosome 3 (p-value < 0.0000001 for 287–294 cM, including D2), chromosome 5 (p-value < 0.001 for 0–7 cM, including D3), and chromosome 9 (p-value < 0.05 for 7–14 cM, the region adjacent to D4). This GSMA analysis approach demonstrates the power of linkage meta-analysis to detect multiple genes simultaneously for a complex disorder. The MRMS method enhances this powerful tool to focus on more localized regions of linkage.
The Theory and Practice of Swedish Consumer Policy

Based upon Swedish sources including enacted legislation and personal interviews with experts and key enforcement personnel, the basic structure of Swedish consumer protection efforts is developed. It is shown where the underlying philosophy differs from that in the U.S. and how this has led to a different institutional structure in the consumer policy area. The fundamental philosophy is that the consumer is weak relative to the producer and that therefore government institutions need to shoulder the burden of the consumer's protection, information and general welfare. Similar developments in the two countries are exemplified, and some implications of the Swedish experience for the U.S. are discussed.
A computer simulation model for urban transportation planning process

Abstract The urban transportation planning process (UTPP) attempts to provide a systematic method for solving urban transportation problems. The application of UTPP usually requires base year surveys including transport system, travel pattern, etc., and horizon year forecast — socioeconomic and technological. In this paper a system dynamics simulation model in conjunction with UTPP is used to forecast the required parameters and to estimate the future traffic volume and travel time on transportation facilities of a hypothetical region.
Inhibition of brain stem neuronal activity by electrochemical stimulation of the dorsal hippocampus in the freely moving proestrous rat

Abstract The involvement of the hippocampus with gonadotropin release and ovulation was studied in unanesthetized, freely moving rats. Monopolar stainless-steel or platinum electrodes were implanted bilaterally in the dorsal hippocampus; electrodes for recording multiunit activity were placed in the preoptic area and the mesencephalic reticular formation. After recovery from surgery and the completion of two or more consecutive 4-day estrous cycles, the animals were subjected to electrochemical stimulation of the dorsal hippocampus at 1200 h on the day of vaginal proestrus. Stimulation consisted of the passage of 50 μA anodal direct current through stainless-steel electrodes. Continuous multiunit recordings were obtained both before and as much as 5 or more hours after stimulation. Next day the uterine tubes were examined for ova as evidence of ovulation. Electrochemical stimulation of the dorsal hippocampus led to a decline in the activities of both the preoptic area and the mesencephalic reticular formation. Episodic focal spiking activity was observed in these animals, with a latency of 60 to 80 min after stimulation. Control rats, “stimulated” through platinum electrodes, did not show any consistent changes in their hypothalamic or midbrain electrical activity, nor did they reveal any sign of focal spiking activity. Hippocampal stimulation through stainless-steel electrodes led to the inhibition of spontaneous ovulation in 44% of the rats, whereas all animals bearing platinum electrodes ovulated in spite of the direct current. It is clear that the hippocampus is capable of influencing both neuronal and endocrine events, and our results suggest that the decrease in multiunit activity of the preoptic area and the mesencephalic reticular formation may be related to inhibition of the ovulatory surge of pituitary gonadotropins.
Effects of tolcapone in Parkinson's patients taking L-dihydroxyphenylalanine/carbidopa and selegiline

A double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover trial of tolcapone (RO 40-7592), a potent reversible inhibitor of catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT), was performed in 10 Parkinson's disease (PD) patients to determine single-dose safety and efficacy. All subjects were chronically treated with stable doses of selegiline and L-dihydroxyphenylalanine (L-DOPA)/carbidopa. Tolcapone was administered in four single ascending doses (50-800 mg) randomly paired with placebo. Motor ratings were performed every 30 min for 6 h. At higher doses (400 mg and 800 mg), tolcapone prolonged the antiparkinson response of L-DOPA. Nausea was the most common adverse effect of the tolcapone-L-DOPA/carbidopa-selegiline combination. Adverse cardiovascular effects were not seen. The acute inhibition of amino acid decarboxylase, monoamine oxidase-B, and COMT is well tolerated and prolongs the L-DOPA response in PD patients. Tolcapone may be a safe and useful adjunct to L-DOPA/carbidopa in PD patients taking selegiline.
Acceptance of sexual expression in the mentally retarded

A semantic differential of 25 items was used to assess change in acceptance by MR personnel of sexual expression in the mentally retarded. The instrument was administered to 292 participants in a 3 day workshop format in 5 states of the Southeast. There was a significant change in acceptance from pre to post workshop in all groups except one. Control group and six months follow-up administrations also occurred. An item analysis of high and low acceptance persons pre and post test revealed particular behaviors or medical decisions to be more acceptable to certain personnel. The data suggest that the workshop was effective in increasing the acceptance of mentally retarded individuals expressing themselves sexually.
The social policy of the firm

The “welfare state” concept hides an important aspect of modern industrial societies. In capitalist countries welfare is provided through a mixture of public and private initiatives. The author suggests that the concept “welfare economy” more fully captures the economic interpenetration of public and private sectors. The growth of fringe benefits illustrates the extent to which private enterprise performs the welfare function. Government increasingly intervenes through processes of mandating, stimulating, regulating, and supporting, using private enterprise as the vehicle for delivery of welfare services. Government's traditionally conceived role as welfare service provider is also changed through recognition that it is both an employer and purchaser, significantly impacting society's original income distribution.
Flavor constraints on split fermion models

We examine the contributions to rare processes that arise in models where the Standard Model fermions are localized at distinct points in compact extra dimensions. Tree-level flavor changing neutral current interactions for the Kaluza-Klein (KK) gauge field excitations are induced in such models, and hence strong constraints are thought to exist on the size of the additional dimensions. We find a general parameterization of the model which does not depend on any specific fermion geography and show that typical values of the parameters can reproduce the fermion hierarchy pattern. Using this parameterization, we reexamine the contributions to neutral meson mixing, rare meson decays, and single top-quark production in e{sup +}e{sup -} collisions. We find that is it possible to evade the stringent bounds for natural regions of the parameters, while retaining finite separations between the fermion fields and without introducing a new hierarchy. The resulting limits on the size of the compact dimension can be as low as TeV{sup -1}.
Granular cell myoblastoma.

Eleven cases of granular cell myoblastoma are reported. Eight cases were symptomatic and consist of clinical material. None of these were diagnosed preoperatively. The other three cases are incidental findings from routine autopsies. All tumors are benign clinically and histologically. The treatment of choice is local wide excision. It is worthwhile to indicate that this tumor can occur in combination with other malignant tumors (Table II), but we do not believe that there is any correlation.
Pilot study to evaluate the effects of tetrahydrobiopterin on adult individuals with phenylketonuria with measurable maladaptive behaviors.

Objectives To evaluate the effects of tetrahydrobiopterin (BH4) on maladaptive behavior in patients with phenylketonuria (PKU). Methods In an effort to determine if BH4 has any effects on the central nervous system, we studied 10 individuals with PKU and measurable maladaptive behaviors for 1 year. Behavioral assessments using the Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scales–Second Edition and a PKU Behavior Checklist were obtained at baseline, 6 months, and at the end of the study. Biochemical measures including plasma amino acids were obtained quarterly, and phenylalanine (Phe) and tyrosine (Tyr) were obtained monthly. Results Out of the 10 subjects, 2 were responders to BH4, as determined by a blood Phe reduction >30%. While blood Phe in the 8 nonresponders did not change significantly throughout the study, their Tyr levels were significantly higher at 6 months (p=0.012), but not at 12 months (p=0.23). By the end of the study, 8 subjects exhibited fewer maladaptive behaviors on the components of the Vineland Maladaptive Behavior Index, and all 10 had lower total scores on the PKU Behavior Checklist. Conclusion These findings suggest that there may be direct effects of BH4 on the central nervous system, independent of lowering blood Phe.
Electrocardiographic finding simulating acute myocardial infarction in a compound metabolic aberration

A patient with hypokalemic metabolic alkalosis, hypophosphatemia, and hypomagnesemia/hypocalcemia is described. Electrocardiography demonstrated the pattern of acute anterior myocardial infarction. Further evaluation revealed that the patient had not actually had the acute myocardial infarction and that the electrocardiographic change was a mere simulation. The possible role of hypomagnesemia in the pathogenesis of the electrocardiographic change and the interrelation between the metabolic disturbances noted are discussed.
Validation of the kinematic simulation of surge border irrigation

Two numerical solutions of a Kinematic-Wave model for surge flow in borders are evaluated by comparing numerical results with actual field data. the results of the computer simulations agree with measured results.
Antituberculosis Activity of the Molecular Libraries Screening Center Network Library

There is an urgent need for the discovery and development of new antitubercular agents that target novel biochemical pathways and treat drug-resistant forms of the disease. One approach to addressing this need is through high-throughput screening of drug-like small molecule libraries against the whole bacterium in order to identify a variety of new, active scaffolds that will stimulate additional biological research and drug discovery. Through the Molecular Libraries Screening Center Network, the NIAID Tuberculosis Antimicrobial Acquisition and Coordinating Facility tested a 215,110-compound library against Mycobacterium tuberculosis strain H37Rv. A medicinal chemistry survey of the results from the screening campaign is reported herein.
The Incidence of Sentence Openers in Selected Technical or Scientific Periodicals and Journals

Technical and scientific writing students can approximate professional style by determining the types and incidence of sentence openers in their own manuscripts.This article analyzes a variety of t...
Prevention of Lyme Disease: A Review of the Evidence

The Healthy People 2010 public health goals targeted a 44% decrease in the incidence of Lyme disease, the most commonly reported tick-borne illness in the United States. To review Lyme disease prevention, clinical trials, epidemiological and experimental studies, and predictive models were evaluated. Geographic distribution of ixodid vectors and local landscape predict Lyme disease risk. Density of infected ticks correlates with incidence and prevalence of Lyme disease, but risk quantitation is made uncertain by tick aggregation and inability to predict tick-human interactions. Outdoor activities are inconsistently or weakly associated with risk, and most infections likely occur in residential areas during routine activities. Tick control (burning or removing vegetation, acaricide use, and deer elimination) reduces Ixodes scapularis populations by up to 94%, and acaricide application to wildlife decreases nymphal I scapularis populations by up to 83%. The effect of these strategies on incidence of Lyme disease in humans is unknown. Studies show that only 40% to 50% of adults take precautions against tick bites even when they are aware of Lyme disease. Effective protection afforded by personal precautions (wearing protective clothing, avoiding ticks, and using insect repellant) has not been shown prospectively. Antimicrobial prophylaxis of tick bites is not warranted. Clinical trials showed vaccines containing recombinant OspA of Borrelia burgdorferi to be efficacious and well tolerated. Currently, vaccination is the only empirically demonstrated method to prevent Lyme disease. The best evidence supports prevention efforts focused on practices that encourage immunization, Lyme disease awareness, and possibly treatment of deer.
Demineralization of a wide variety of foods for the renal patient

Objective : To develop the (1) simplest, most efficacious, mineral (phosphorous, potassium, and sodium) reduction procedures applicable to a total dietary selection of foods that will (2) preserve postprocessing food taste and texture expectations. Design : Preprocessing and postprocessing mineral analysis of more than 245 individual samples. Setting : Analysis of mineral content performed at certified food laboratory in Omaha, NE. Participants : Renal and control volunteers participated as postprocessing test consumers. Intervention : Food materials were subjected to aqueous mineral extraction involving variations in (1) pretreatment handling, (2) aqueous temperatures, and time depending on cell type and initial state (raw, canned, dried). Measurements of remaining mineral concentrations of phosphorous, potassium, and sodium were performed on samples drawn at various time points. Main outcome measure : Determination of remaining postprocessing concentrations of target minerals and calculation of the maximum mineral reduction achieved with each food type. Results : The phosphorous reduction range for vegetables, legumes, meats, flours, and cheddar cheese was 51% ± 33%, 48% ± 25%, 38.5% ± 22.5%, 70.5% ± 13.5%, and 19%, respectively; for potassium, the reduction range for vegetables, legumes, meats, flours, cheddar cheese, and fruit was 59% ± 40%, 78.5% ± 20.5%, 57% ± 41%, 94% ± 3%, 99%, and 43% ± 16%, respectively; for sodium, the reduction range for vegetables, meats, and cheddar cheese was 83.5% ± 14.5%, 67.5% ± 27.5%, and 97%, respectively. Conclusion : Consuming a total dietary selection of demineralized foods is expected to have a significant positive impact on the renal patient's problematic hematologic mineral values and nutritional profile. Reducing food mineral load will make restricted foods permissible once again.
A comparison of biological and chemical properties of three North American (Crotalidae) snake venoms.

Abstract Lyophilized northern copperhead, eastern cottonmouth and timber rattlesnake venoms have been compared. All of these commercially available venom preparations have ld 50 values in mice which approximate values reported for fresh venoms. The toxic components of all three appear to have molecular weights of greater than 1500. Both the northern copperhead and the eastern cottonmouth have more than one lethal component as revealed by testing the toxicity of fractions of these venoms obtained by Bio-Gel P-10 column chromatography. All of these venoms contain at least 10 protein components each, with molecular weights varying from 10,000 to 90,000 as determined by sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. All three venom preparations have been assayed for the presence of 12 different enzymatic activities. In addition the procoagulant and bradykinin-releasing activities of these venoms have been determined. All three of these venoms contain proteolytic activities and some autoproteolysis of venom components does occur if venom solutions are incubated for 24 hr at room temperature, but this can be negated by low temperatures.
Template-driven self-assembly of a porphyrin-containing supramolecular complex

Heme-dependent proteins participate in a diverse array of biochemical phenomena including oxygen transport (hemoglobin) and activation (cytochrome P-450 enzymes). The proteinoid appendage of these species serves as a steric impediments that precludes μ-oxo oligomer formation, as a protective barrier that prevents oxidative decomposition of the porphyrin periphery, as a water-soluble carrier of the heme, and as an entity that maintains the hydrophobic nature of the active site, we have synthesized a porphyrin encased within a protective barrier that is circumscribed by a hydrophobic groove. The tetraamino porphyrin (prepared in three steps from p-hydroxybenzaldehyde) forms an inclusion complex upon exposure to 10 equiv of heptakis (2,6-di-O-methyl)-β-cyclodextrin in aqueous solution at pH 6.0
Identification and molecular mapping of PdR1, a primary resistance gene to Pierce's disease in Vitis.

A major quantitative trait locus (QTL) controlling resistance to Pierce’s disease (PD) of grape, caused by the bacterium Xylella fastidiosa (Xf), was identified on a Vitis linkage map and denoted as ‘Pierce’s disease resistance 1’ (PdR1). Placement of the locus was accomplished by evaluating a family of full-sib progeny from a cross of two PD-resistant interspecific hybrids with resistance inherited from Vitis arizonica. Resistance was measured under greenhouse conditions by direct quantification of Xf numbers in stem tissues as well as by evaluation of disease symptoms based on leaf scorch and a cane maturation index (CMI). A large QTL (LOD 17.2) accounting for 72% of the phenotypic variance in bacterial numbers was localized to linkage group 14 of the male parent F8909-17. The approximate 95% confidence interval around the QTL peak extended 5.7 cM when using composite interval mapping. The other disease evaluation methods (leaf scorch and CMI, respectively) placed the resistance QTL to the same region on linkage group 14, although at wider 95% confidence intervals (6.0 and 7.5 cM), lower peak LOD scores (11.9 and 7.7) and accounting for less phenotypic variance (59 and 42%). This is the first report of an Xf resistance QTL mapped in any crop species. The relevance of the markers located in the region spanning the QTL will be discussed, addressing their usefulness for the development of PD-resistant grape cultivars.
Spinal block reveals roles for brain and spinal cord in the mediation of reflexive penile erections in rats

Five experiments were addressed at two questions: (1) is the influence of the brain on spinal control of reflexive erection exclusively inhibitory; and (2) are the effects of copulation on erectile potential mediated by the brain, the spinal cord, or both? After various amounts of antecedent copulation, spinal anesthesia was induced in male rats by tetracaine (TET) injected through chronically implanted cannulae into the thoracic or lumbar spinal subarachnoid space, and the animals were then tested for reflexive penile erections (supine position, penile sheath retracted, no phasic stimulation applied). In sexually rested rats, TET injected at either T4 or T10 reduced reflex latency but also reduced the number and intensity of responses. Penile erection was inhibited by TET injected at L5, the region of the cord receiving sensory and motor projections from the genitalia. In previous studies surgical transection of the thoracic cord facilitated erection latency and production. In the present experiments the divergent effects of intrathecal TET on these variables suggested that they are controlled by separate systems within the spinal cord and that in the sexually rested rat the net influence of the brain is to inhibit the latency system and excite the production system. After rats copulated to sexual satiety, thoracic spinal block did not reverse the complete abolition of reflexive erections, establishing for the first time that copulation has direct inhibitory effects on the spinal cord's intrinsic system. Fewer antecedent ejaculations had less inhibitory effects on reflexive erection, and TET then acted, as in rested males, to reduce the erection latency and the number of erections, indicating that copulation may act on the brain's descending influences on spinal systems. The overall pattern of results suggested that the brain exerts both excitatory and inhibitory influences on separate, interacting spinal mechanisms that regulate the latency to reflexive erection and the number and intensity of erections displayed.
Morphine conditioned place preference is attenuated by perinatal lead exposure.

The purpose of this investigation was to determine if perinatal lead exposure alters the conditioned reinforcing properties of morphine when offspring were tested as adults. Dams were gavaged daily with 0- (sodium acetate) or 16-mg lead (as lead acetate) for 30 days prior to breeding with nonexposed males. Administration continued through gestation and lactation and was discontinued at weaning (postnatal day [PND] 21). At PND 70 animals were tested in a conditioned place preference (CPP) preparation using 0.00, 0.60, 1.25, 2.50, or 5.00 mg/kg ip morphine as the unconditioned stimulus (US). Relative to controls, attenuation of CPP was evident in animals exposed to 16-mg lead at 1.25 and 2.50 mg/kg morphine. Analysis of blood lead concentration revealed that by the end of testing residue levels in metal-exposed animals had returned to control levels. However, data from littermates sacrificed well beyond the current testing period revealed that brain lead residues remained elevated in animals exposed to lead, even though the metal had gained clearance from blood. The present data suggest that early lead exposure may have an enduring impact on the reinforcing properties of morphine.
The Safety of Antithrombotic Therapy During In-office Laryngeal Procedures-A Preliminary Study.

Summary Introduction In-office laryngeal procedures present an alternative to the risks and costs associated with general anesthesia. However, the inherent control afforded by the operative theater is decreased potentially increasing the risk of complications. Many patients undergoing these procedures have traditional surgical risk factors, such as antithrombotic (AT) medical therapy. We sought to quantify complication rates for in-office procedures as a function of AT therapy. Methods A retrospective review of 127 diverse, in-office laryngeal procedures was performed and patients were then stratified based on AT medication status and type of procedure. The primary dependent variables were intraoperative and postoperative complications. Additionally, in those patients undergoing procedures with the goal of voice improvement, Voice Handicap Index (VHI)-10 scores were used to quantify the success of the procedure as a function of AT therapy. Results Of the 127 procedures, 27 procedures (21.2%) involved patients on some form of AT agent that was not ceased for the procedure. Across all patients, no intraoperative complications were encountered, irrespective of therapeutic status. Three postoperative complications were noted; all in patients not on AT therapy. A statistically significant improvement in VHI-10 scores was noted across all patients, irrespective of AT status. Conclusions AT medications do not appear to increase the risk of complications associated with in-office laryngeal procedures. Furthermore, AT therapy seemed to have no negative impact on the voice outcomes of patients undergoing procedures for voice improvement.
IMMUNE RESPONSE TO E. COLI O157:H7 IN TWO CHILDREN WITH HEMOLYTIC UREMIC SYNDROME (HUS) FOLLOWING SALMONELLA ENTERITIS. † 2205

IMMUNE RESPONSE TO E. COLI O157:H7 IN TWO CHILDREN WITH HEMOLYTIC UREMIC SYNDROME (HUS) FOLLOWING SALMONELLA ENTERITIS. † 2205
Are midurethral slings the gold standard surgical treatment for primary genuine stress incontinence

(TVT) procedure has prompted many companies to jump on the bandwagon by making their own version of the midurethral sling. In a timely fashion, Dr. Lee and colleagues present a cost-effective alternative to the TVT procedure and a technique that bypasses the learning curve associated with laparoscopic Burch colposuspension. After performing animal studies, these authors proposed and investigated trocar-assisted sling suspension for stress incontinence. The technique uses a disposable 5-mm trocar to enter the space of Retzius from a small suprapubic incision, with a downward pass into the vaginal incision. Graspers are then passed through the trocars to pull one end of a 2 × 30cm mesh through the space of Retzius. They present a series of 24 patients with 24-month follow-up and a cure rate of 95.8% based on patient satisfaction and negative standing stress test. The authors had a 12.5% complication rate and no long-term voiding dysfunction; 8.4% of patients required anticholinergic therapy for de novo detrusor instability. The TASS procedure (performed under general anesthesia) differs from TVT procedures (which may be performed under local anesthesia) as it uses 2-cm tape without a plastic sheath as opposed to 1-cm tape with a sheath. In addition, it involves more extensive vaginal dissection extending into the space of Retzius as opposed to minimal
Plasmid analysis of 26 staphylococcal species by a rapid microscale technique.

OBJECTIVE Evaluate a plasmid typing technique for a diverse group of staphylococci. DESIGN In vitro testing on known isolates. SETTING University hospital. INTERVENTION The plasmid content of 195 isolates representing 26 staphylococcal species was analyzed by agarose gel electrophoresis following lysostaphin-alkaline-SDS lysis, with and without acetone treatment. RESULTS Isolates yielded plasmid profiles with 0 to 7 extra-chromosomal bands (median, 1; 1.5); 171 (88%) had a profile with at least 1 band. Species with more than one isolate available for testing showed considerable diversity of plasmid profiles, except for Staphylococcus haemolyticus. CONCLUSIONS The ease of the procedure and the diversity of plasmid profiles within each species examined suggests that plasmid profiling is an accessible and useful epidemiologic tool applicable to most staphylococcal species by epidemiologic units or clinical laboratories.
Covalent Immobilization of Recombinant Human αvβ3Integrin on a Solid Support with Retention of Functionality

Abstract αvβ3is the major receptor mediating the attachment of osteoclasts to bone surface and plays a critical role in bone resorption and remodeling. Interfering with αvβ3binding inhibits osteoclast-mediated bone resorption, and thus demonstrates the potential utility of αvβ3antagonists for therapy of osteoporosis. This report describes the generation of an αvβ3affinity column which was created to enable screening of collections of large numbers of ligands, e.g., combinatorial libraries (previously prepared by us), to sort and identify ligands with the highest affinity for αvβ3. We demonstrate that covalent immobilization of the heterodimeric αvβ3receptor can be achieved with retention of characteristic ligand binding properties. Human αvβ3was isolated from human embryonic kidney cells (HEK 293) that stably express high levels of the recombinant receptor and then affinity purified to homogeneity. Purified αvβ3receptor was linked covalently to activated CH-Sepharose 4B beads. Quantification of immobilized functional receptor was determined by Scatchard analysis. The immobilized functional receptor maintains binding properties similar to the membrane-embedded and soluble receptor. The immobilized receptor also can be used to select the highest affinity ligand from among a mixture of peptides which differ in their binding affinity, structure, and hydrophobicity, both when the peptides are loaded in equimolar concentrations in a mixture and when the concentration of the highest affinity ligand is reduced 10-fold. Liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry was utilized to confirm selective ligand binding and to demonstrate that preferential binding was not due to nonspecific hydrophobic interactions with immobilized αvβ3receptor or the affinity column. This approach may be of general use for affinity-based screening of ligands for other integrins and should enable practical screening of combinatorial libraries containing large numbers of potential ligands for the human αvβ3integrin receptor, including linear peptides, cyclic peptides, and peptidomimetics.
Preparation and Structure of Chiral Carbene Complexes of Manganese and Iron from Terminal Alkynes

Chiral-at-the-metal Fischer carbene complexes are prepared by reaction of coordinatively unsaturated Cp(NO)(Ph3P)Mn(+) or Cp(CO)(Ph3P)Fe(+) by intramolecular rearrangement of hydroxyalkynes and the...
Red blood cell fatty acid synthetase. Nonidentity with the enzyme from liver.

1. 1. Fatty acid synthetase has been purified 680-fold from rat erythrocytes. 2. 2. The enzyme obtained gave one major staining band on disc gel electrophoresis. 3. 3. The molecular weight of the enzyme was estimated to be 310,000 and the enzyme is composed of two half-molecular weight subunits. 4. 4. The red blood cell enzyme synthesizes almost equal amounts of C14 and C16 fatty acids (39 and 43%, respectively). 5. 5. The enzyme isolated from rat red blood cells differs from the fatty acid synthetases isolated from the rat adipose tissue, mammary gland, liver and lung in its lack of cross-reactivity with antibody to rat liver fatty acid synthetase. 6. 6. This evidence suggests that the red blood cell fatty acid synthetase is structurally different from that of rat liver.
Finding a needle in the haystack: a technique for ranking matches between components

Searching and subsequently selecting reusable components from component repositories has become a key impediment for not only component-based development but also for achieving the overall usability of component development environments and the ultimate re-usability of the components themselves. Component matching, a fundamental aspect of the component search problem, has been a well-studied problem, resulting in many different matching techniques such as keyword, facet, signature and specification matching techniques. However, each matching technique individually applied for component search often yields a small or large number of (sometimes irrelevant) hits. In this paper, we propose a disciplined combination of the different matching techniques to provide a ranked set of highly qualified components from component repositories. Our work is based on a unique Quality of Match (QoM) metric that measures the overall “goodness” of the match between two given components. In particular, we provide qualitative and quantitative analysis to evaluate the QoM of two given components based on component information. Moreover, we present QoMym, a QoM-based hybrid match algorithm, that combines the strengths of different matching techniques and provides higher accuracy than existing matching techniques.
Photo and cathodoluminescence in vapor-grown AlAs☆

Abstract This note reports the first observation of luminescence in n-type single crystal AlAs grown by vapor-phase epitaxy. Silicon is the dominant donor, and Mg is the dominant acceptor. At 77°K, the emission spectra are dominated by bands at 2.16 and 1.73 eV, while at 7°K, the emission is mostly via a band at ∼ 2.1 eV. It is estimated that the “optical” ionization energy of Si donors in AlAs is ∼ 70 meV.