cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Host thymectomy and cyclosporine lead to unstable skin graft tolerance after class I mismatched allogeneic neonatal thymic transplantation in mice.

Abstract Background Our laboratory has demonstrated that xenogeneic porcine thymus tissue grafted in thymectomized (ATX) and T cell-depleted mice induces donor-specific tolerance. Recipient thymectomy is essential for the success of tolerance induction. In contrast, studies in pigs grafted with non-vascularized allogeneic class I mismatched thymus tissue under the cover of CyA have shown that removal of host thymus is detrimental to thymic graft survival. To determine the requirements for nonvascularized allogeneic class I-mismatched thymic engraftment in mice, we performed thymic allotransplantation under the cover of CyA. Materials and methods Euthymic and ATX B10.MBR mice received class I mismatched B10.AKM neonatal mouse thymus (NMTHY) tissue under the kidney capsule with or without a short course of CyA. The grafts were allowed to engraft for two and a half months before exploratory laparotomy was performed to evaluate them. Three months after the thymic transplant, mice were challenged with donor-specific skin grafts to assess tolerance. One month after donor-specific skin grafting, they received third party B10.BR skin grafts. Cellular anti-donor immune responses were studied at the time of euthanasia. Results CyA-treated ATX and euthymic control mice showed good engraftment of the allogeneic thymic tissue at the time of exploratory laparotomy, whereas non-CyA-treated ATX and euthymic controls had rejected the grafts. The CyA-treated ATX B10.MBR mice accepted donor-specific skin grafts, but rejected them following a challenge with third party B10.BR skin grafts. Untreated ATX and euthymic mice and 6 of 7 CyA-treated euthymic mice rejected donor skin within 15 days. Mixed lymphocyte reactions did not show an increased anti-donor response, but CML clearly showed sensitization and increased killing activity against donor-type targets in these mice. Conclusion Allogeneic thymic transplantation across a class I MHC barrier under the cover of CyA induces a metastable state of tolerance in mice. To achieve this state, ATX of the recipient is required.
Analysis of thin multioctave cavity-backed slot spiral antennas

Thin cavity-backed Archimedean slot spirals are analysed through an efficient implementation of the finite element method. Through numerical analysis, fundamental differences between the free-space and cavity-backed configurations are identified. The bandwidth limitation imposed by the presence of the cavity is remedied by terminating the spiral slot with tapered resistive loading and employing larger apertures. Design improvements are presented based on the interpretation of the numerical simulations. It is shown that a 0.8 cm (0.33 in) thick and 24 cm (9 in) wide antenna can provide circular polarisation over a nearly 4:1 bandwidth.
Attrition mill operating characteristics

Abstract The attrition mill is a device for mechanically reducing solid particle size by intense agitation of a slurry of material being milled and coarse milling media. For example, in 10 hours of milling, specific surfaces of 40 and 25 m 2 /g were obtained for alumina and barite, corresponding to 38 and 56 nm equivalent spherical diameter, respectively. Size reduction rates for relatively coarse particles were first-order and increased linearly with power input to the mill. Optimum milling medium concentration corresponded to medium particles moving a distance of approximately 0.7 of their diameter before collision with another such particle. Power characteristics of the attrition mill were essentially the same as those of a radial flow turbine mixer. Laminar flow became disrupted at N Re ≈ 200, while turbulent flow was established at N Re > 8000. Slurries of fine powders exhibited the same linear power-average density dependence as single-phase liquids. However, a different dependence was observed with large particles.
Texture Modeling for Synthetic Fingerprint Generation

The development of biometric recognition technologies often requires large sets of biometric data for training and evaluation purposes. The use of synthetically generated biometric samples has been explored as a means of avoiding the challenges of large scale data collection. Our paper builds on previous work in synthetic fingerprint generation research through the modeling and synthesis of texture characteristics for synthetic fingerprint generation. The proposed texture characterizing features can be modeled from real fingerprint images to generate synthetic fingerprint texture statistically representative of a particular real fingerprint database. The texture characterizing features include ridge intensity along the ridge center-lines with seven frequency components, ridge width, ridge cross-sectional slope, ridge noise, and valley noise. A comparison of these feature densities from real and synthetic fingerprints is shown, which demonstrates the effectiveness of this method of modeling and generating synthetic fingerprint textures.
Extracorporeal circulation exacerbates microvascular permeability after endotoxemia.

Background. Extracorporeal life support without prior inflammatory stimuli results in a modest increase in microvascular permeability. Initiating ECLS after shock, sepsis, or hypoxia results in marked increases in interstitial fluid and total body water. We sought to determine whether an inflammatory stimulus prior to initiating ECLS increases microvascular permeability to protein. Methods. An anesthetized canine lymphatic fistula model was used to study Starling forces. LPS + ECLS received 1 mg/kg LPS 1 h prior to initiating ECLS, and the group ECLS received saline vehicle. To determine mesenteric microvascular permeability, mesenteric venous pressure was elevated to 32 ± 1 mm Hg to reach a minimal lymph protein concentration (C L ). With simultaneous measurement of plasma protein concentration (Cp), the reflection coefficient, σ, was calculated using the formula σ = 1 - C L /C P . Transvascular protein clearance and filtration coefficient (K f ) were calculated from the measured Starling variables. After a steady state was achieved, normothermic right atrial-to-femoral artery ECLS was initiated and continued for 2 h and then discontinued. Measurements were continued for 30 min after ECLS was discontinued. Measurements were continued for 30 min after ECLS was discontinued. Within-group comparisons were made with ANOVA and Fisher's LSD, and between-group comparisons were made with Student's t tests where appropriate. Results. The reflection coefficient (σ) decreased significantly from 0.77 ± 0.02 to 0.53 ± 0.07 with LPS + ECLS and was lower compared to ECLS alone (0.77 ± 0.02 to 0.65 ± 0.03). Transvascular protein clearance increased to a greater extent in LPS + ECLS from 266 ± 46 to 819 ± 125 μl/min compared to ECLS alone (284 ± 49 to 819 ± 125 μl/min) (P = 0.06). K f increased in both groups after initiation of ECLS, but to a significantly greater extent in LPS + ECLS at 60 min (30.7 ± 2.2 μl/min/mm Hg/g in ECLS and 50.0 ± 8.9 μl/min/mm Hg/g in LPS + ECLS). Ileal tissue water increased in both groups, but there were no differences between groups. Conclusions. Initiation of ECLS after exposure to LPS increases ileal microvascular permeability to protein and water to a greater extent than ECLS alone.
Morphological effects of Pasteurella multocida Type-D dermonecrotoxin on rat osteosarcoma cells in a nude mouse model

Summary Of 15 athymic nude mice that received subcutaneous implants of a rat osteosarcoma cell line, two groups of four subsequently received either a short (group 1) or a more prolonged (group 2) course of subcutaneous injections of the dermonecrotic toxin (DNT) of Pasteurella multocida type D. The remaining seven mice (controls) received no DNT. Both groups of DNT-treated mice lost body weight as compared with controls. Tumour weight, expressed as a percentage of body weight, increased in the four group 1 mice, Tumours in this group 1 were consistently larger than those in appropriate controls, indicating that this percentage was not simply a function of decreased body weight. The immunohistochemical labelling of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) and morphometric analysis of intratumoral necrosis suggested that the DNT had a mitogenic effect and contributed to the neoplastic growth. The presence of foci of neoplastic osteoblasts in the lungs of some DNT-treated mice suggested that the enhanced tumour growth led to an increased incidence of metastasis.
Synthesis and Cytotoxicity of a New Class of Potent Decapeptide Macrocycles

Described are the syntheses of five decapeptides that are C-2-symmetrical derivatives of the natural product pentapeptide sansalvamide A. Derivatives were made using a succinct convergent synthesis. These analogues share no structural homology to current cancer drugs, are cytotoxic at levels on par with existing drugs treating cancers, and demonstrate selectivity for drug-resistant pancreatic cancer cell lines over noncancerous cell lines. These molecules are excellent chemotherapeutic leads in the search for new anticancer agents.
Decreased fibrosis during corticosteroid therapy of autoimmune hepatitis

Abstract Background/Aims Reduction in hepatic fibrosis and reversibility of cirrhosis has been described in chronic liver disease. Our goal was to determine changes in fibrosis and the frequency of histological cirrhosis in corticosteroid-treated autoimmune hepatitis (AIH). Methods Three hundred twenty-five liver specimens from 87 treated patients were reviewed in batch under code by one pathologist and graded by the Ishak method. Results Fibrosis scores improved (3.4±0.2 versus 2.6±0.2, P =0.0002) during 63±6 months, and histological activity indices decreased concurrently (6.8±0.5 versus 2.1±0.2, P P =0.02), and the frequency of histological cirrhosis decreased from 16% (14 patients) to 11% (10 patients). Conclusions Fibrosis commonly improves or does not progress during corticosteroid therapy of AIH, and histological cirrhosis may disappear. Improvements in fibrosis are associated with suppression of inflammatory activity. Improvement or prevention of fibrosis may be a common but unheralded advantage of corticosteroid therapy.
Painful Diabetic Neuropathy: Many Similarly Effective Therapies With Widely Dissimilar Costs

In this issue, Griebeler and colleagues' umbrella systematic review and network meta-analysis evaluates the comparative effectiveness of oral and topical analgesics for diabetic neuropathy. The edi...
Comparative angiotoxic responses of avian and rodent species in vivo: Implications in atherogenesis

As the intrinsic susceptibility to atherosclerosis differs among several taxonomic groups, the present studies were conducted to compare the angiotoxic responses of atherosclerosis‐susceptible (quail) and ‐resistant (rat) animals to allylamine, a selective cardiovascular toxin. Japanese quail (125–150 g) and Sprague‐Dawley rats (175–200 g) were gavaged daily for 1, 7, or 20 d with allylamine HCI (0.7, 7, and 70 mg/kg) or tap water. At the ultrastructural level, subchronic exposure of quail and rats to allylamine was associated with dose‐ and time‐dependent disruption of the structural integrity of aortas. These alterations correlated with fluctuations in the nonprotein thiol content of avian and rodent vessels. Angiotoxicity was not associated with alterations in serum cholesterol content. At all times and doses tested, quail were more susceptible than rats to the angiotoxic effects of allylamine. Although the avian sensitivity to toxic insult was greater than that of rodents, quail aortic homogenates bio...
Noise enhancement of information transfer in crayfish mechanoreceptors by stochastic resonance

IN linear information theory, electrical engineering and neurobiology, random noise has traditionally been viewed as a detriment to information transmission. Stochastic resonance (SR) is a nonlinear, statistical dynamics whereby information flow in a multistate system is enhanced by the presence of optimized, random noise1–4. A major consequence of SR for signal reception is that it makes possible substantial improvements in the detection of weak periodic signals. Although SR has recently been demonstrated in several artificial physical systems5,6, it may also occur naturally, and an intriguing possibility is that biological systems have evolved the capability to exploit SR by optimizing endogenous sources of noise. Sensory systems are an obvious place to look for SR, as they excel at detecting weak signals in a noisy environment. Here we demonstrate SR using external noise applied to crayfish mechanoreceptor cells. Our results show that individual neurons can provide a physiological substrate for SR in sensory systems.
The modified Brown-Peterson task: a tool to directly compare children and adult's working memory.

ABSTRACT The study had 2 major purposes. First, it showed that the same task (Brown-Peterson task) can be used to test the memory abilities of both young children and adults, given an appropriate distracter task. Second, it illustrated that children can perform as accurately as adults on working memory tasks when prompted to use memory techniques such as rehearsal. Specifically, a modified version of the Brown-Peterson task (typically used with adults), tested working memory of adults and children aged 5–6 years. The modification was reciting the pledge of allegiance as the distracter task, as the pledge is at a level where young children are just learning it, and thus they know it, but not exceptionally well. Adults would have previously overlearned it as children but may not have recited it recently. This allows for the use of the same distracter task, thus allowing for a direct comparison of children and adults. Under experimental conditions, both groups showed a typical Brown-Peterson decay curve, wit...
A new lightning-measurement technique

LIGHTNING is very erratic in nature and plans for measurements must be made with extreme care. Two methods of lightning-current measurement were used successfully in a 4-year study on a rural distribution line and the results obtained are described in a recent paper.1
Calpain activation in experimental glaucoma.

Glaucoma is the leading cause of irreversible blindness globally,1 and intraocular pressure (IOP) elevation is the biggest risk factor for glaucomatous visual loss.2 The pathologic hallmark of glaucoma is atrophy of the optic nerve associated with retinal ganglion cell (RGC) death. Research on the mechanisms of RGC death indicates that RGCs die by apoptosis in human and experimental glaucoma.3–6 Current glaucoma therapy is directed at lowering IOP through surgical or pharmacologic approaches. These pressure-lowering approaches do not directly target the causes of RGC death and dysfunction. Recent studies suggest that calcium dyshomeostasis may contribute to glaucomatous damage,7–11 and one calcium-responsive enzyme, calcineurin, appears to be activated in experimental glaucoma.12 We now examine whether another calcium-activated enzyme, calpain, is also activated in the retina in experimental animals with increased IOP. Calpains are ubiquitously expressed calcium-dependent cysteine proteases. The two major forms are μ-calpain and m-calpain, which respond to micromolar and millimolar concentrations of Ca2+, respectively,13 and undergo autocatalytic cleavage on activation.14,15 Calpain activation has been implicated in a number of neurodegenerative processes, including Alzheimer's disease, Parkinsonism, and Huntington's disease.11,16 In the eye, calpain activation has been shown in retinal ischemia-reperfusion injury,17 after axotomy,18 in retinal detachment,19 and after excitotoxic injury.20,21 There are multiple substrates for activated calpain, including cytoskeletal proteins such as spectrin15 and regulatory proteins such as calcineurin, a Ca2+ calmodulin-dependent protein phosphatase.22 Spectrin is an extensively studied 240-kDa cytoskeletal protein whose degradation is an early marker of neurodegeneration. Caspase cleavage yields a 120-kDa spectrin fragment, whereas calpain-mediated proteolysis of spectrin yields a 145-kDa fragment.15 Calcineurin has been demonstrated in several in vivo neuronal injury models to be cleaved by calpain,22,23 and we have previously demonstrated that calcineurin is cleaved in experimental glaucoma.12 However, multiple proteases, including caspases, are also activated during cell death cascades. In some cases, including spectrin and calcineurin, substrates can be cleaved by more than one protease.15,24 The goal of this study was to investigate whether calpain is activated in experimental glaucoma and, if so, to distinguish whether calpain or other proteases such as caspases are responsible for the cleavage of substrates in a rat model of elevated IOP. Based on the data presented in this article, we conclude that calpain is activated in experimental glaucoma and suggest that it is an upstream therapeutic target for neuroprotection of RGCs in glaucoma.
The effects of zinc on the morphology of sickle red blood cell ghosts as observed by scanning electron microscopy

The objective of these studies is to define the role of zinc in RBC ghost morphology specifically in comparison to the echinocytogenic effects of calcium. Erythrocyte ghosts were prepared from patients with sickle cell anemia, treated with zinc and/or calcium and the resulting cell morphology studied by scanning electron microscopy. Our results showed that zinc consistently and significantly antagonized the echinocytogenic effect of calcium. A simple log linear statistical model was used to evaluate the data and supported this conclusion. We discuss the potential significance of these findings to the effect of zinc treatment on patients with sickle cell anemia.
Race Relations on Prime Time Television Reconsidered: Patterns of Continuity and Change

This study was designed to assess the changes that have occurred in the portrayals of black people and cross-racial relationships in prime-time television broadcasting during the past decade. By replicating the content analysis procedures used by Weigel, Loomis, and Soja (1980), this investigation provided a consistent basis for comparing two similar samples of television content drawn, respectively, from 1978 and 1989. Results of this comparison indicated that, although black appearances and cross-racial interactions were no more frequent in the 1989 sample of product commercials, the black presence in prime-time programming had increased substantially. As compared to 1978, the proportion of time that one or more black characters were on the screen more than doubled, while the frequency of cross-racial interactions more than tripled in the 1989 sample. Nevertheless, ratings of qualitative dimensions of these cross-racial interactions suggested that relationships between blacks and whites on television continued to be portrayed as cooperative but emotionally detached, particularly when the relationships occurred outside of the work place.
Antioxidant effect of ethyl pyruvate in respiring neonatal cerebrocortical slices after H2O2 stress

Abstract Administration of ethyl pyruvate, which is formed from pyruvate and ethanol, has been found capable of rescuing cells injured by oxidative stress. In one perspective the rescue has been postulated to be metabolic, with the resulting intracellular delivery of pyruvate seen as providing substrate for the TCA Cycle, making it possible to counteract sequela of poly(ADP-ribose)ribosylation, such as depletion of cytosolic NAD+, glycolytic arrest, and mitochondrial deprivation of pyruvate. The rescue has also been attributed to radical scavenging via the carbonyl groups in ethyl pyruvate and pyruvate. In a previous study we exposed superfused neonatal (P7) brain slices for 60 min to 2 mM H2O2 and found evidence for both rescue mechanisms. To see if ethyl pyruvate's actions stemmed more from being an antioxidant than from being a nutrient we conducted six new experiments using the same H2O2 protocol, but with two new rescue solutions: [10 mM] glucose (glc) plus one of the following: ethyl pyruvate [20 mM], or the nonmetabolizable radical scavenger N-tert-butyl-α-phenylnitrone (PBN, 1 mM). Final ATP values compared to initial, measured in 14.1 T 31P NMR spectra of PCA extracts, were the same: 0.70 ± 0.08 for the former (N = 3), and 0.64 ± 0.08 for the latter (N = 3). Quantifications of this study's 1H NMR metabolites, also measured at 14.1 T, exhibited separate clustering when pooled with data from the previous study and compared in a metabolomic multivariate analyses. Because the addition of ethyl pyruvate provided the same ATP protection as the addition of a nonmetabolizable antioxidant, antioxidant protection was its prominent protective mechanism in the chosen, high glucose protocol. Having distinct clusters in the Scores Plot of a Partial Least Squares-Discriminant Analysis suggests the feasibility of constructing statistical models that are predictive.
IN VIVO ASSESSMENT OF TISSUE LIPID COMPOSITION IN PRETERM AND TERM NEWBORNS USING CARBON-13 MR SPECTROSCOPY (13C MRS) † 1285

Introduction: Fatty acids (FA) play an important role in growth and cellular metabolism. The ratio of unsaturated (mono- and polyunsaturated) to saturated fatty acids influences normal growth, brain development and susceptibility to infections. The fetus is entirely dependent on maternal supply for the essential FA (polyunsaturated). Determination of tissue lipid composition is therefore crucial for optimal nutritional support in premature infants.
Serially recurrent osteoid osteoma

Osteoid osteoma is a relatively common, benign, painful tumor of bone. It is widely believed to run a course culminating in spontaneous regression. The tumor can usually be eliminated by excision or ablation, although it may recur locally. Although management has classically been surgical, thermocoagulation via percutaneously delivered radiofrequency energy has demonstrated excellent results, typically resulting in durable response following a single treatment. Here, we present an unusual case of serially recurrent pathologically proven pediatric osteoid osteoma, treated by radiofrequency ablation five times over the course of 11 years. Limitations of RF ablation of osteoid osteoma and possible factors predisposing to incomplete treatment or recurrence are discussed.
Understanding users' perception of speech recognition errors in mobile communication

Speech recognition errors remain a problem in the design of voice-based user interfaces. Owing to the limited system resources and constrained input methods, error correction is particularly difficult on mobile devices. This research investigated the users' perception of a proposed multimodal interface design that allows a user to send and receive voice-dictated text messages on cell phones. Task-based interviews were performed to examine the participants' understanding, acceptance and overall satisfaction. Findings indicate that an audio readout significantly improves the users' understanding of the misrecognised messages. An in-depth investigation reveals how users' perception is impacted by speech recognition errors in mobile communication.
Sensitivity of mechanical and metabolic functions to changes in coronary perfusion: A metabolic basis of perfusion-contraction coupling.

Experimental evidence indicates a metabolic basis of contraction-perfusion coupling during an increase in cardiac work load. This study aims to characterize adjustment of myocardial energy metabolism in response to acute low flow ischemia (LFI), and to determine its involvement in perfusion-contraction coupling. Intracellular parameters were measured in isolated rat hearts by NMR spectroscopy and biochemical methods during 30 min of graded LFI and reperfusion as compared to continuous perfusion (control). Oxygen pressure was set to reach maximal oxygen extraction at 70% coronary flow rate (CFR), therefore oxygen limitation was proportional to coronary underperfusion. At 69, 38 and 10% CFR left ventricular pressures decreased to 71, 43 and 25% of pre-ischemic values respectively (P<0.005 v 97% in control) without an increase in diastolic tone, and recovered to 92+/-3% after 30 min of reperfusion. Despite hydrolysis of high energy phosphates and cellular acidification, ADP concentrations were stable in underperfused hearts. At 69, 38 and 10% CFR, cytosolic phosphorylation potentials (PP) decreased from 74+/-10 m M(-1)during pre-ischemia to 40+/-6, 25+/-4 and 14+/-4 m M(-1)respectively (P<0.05 v 63+/-9 m M(-1)in control), and lactate efflux increased to 256+/-18, 386+/-22 and 490+/-43 micromol /gdw respectively (P<0.005 v 186+/-22 micromol/gdw in control). Glycogen contents decreased (P<0.005 v control) and accounted for 27-30% of lactate efflux. These results indicate: (a) proportionate depression of contraction force and glycogen contents, and increased glucose uptake and anaerobic energy production in the underperfused myocardium. Coordinated modulation of these parameters attributes cytosolic PP a regulatory function; (b) resetting of cytosolic PP to lower levels mediates perfusion-contraction coupling during graded LFI. The data are consistent with the concept that glycolytic energy production improves myocardial tolerance to ischemia.
Single-crystal erbium chloride silicate nanowires as a novel Si-compatible source at 1.53 µm

We report on synthesis of single crystal erbium chloride silicate nanowires, which exhibit linear power dependence of 1.53 µm band upto high pumping power, providing a new Si-compatible material for realizing 1.53 µm lasers.
Granulocyte‐colony stimulating factor maintains a thermally stable, compact, partially folded structure at pH 2

At acidic pH many proteins exist in a partially unfolded form, called the "A" state. This is defined as a flexible, expanded structure with well-defined, usually native-like secondary structure, but no unique tertiary structure, and showing no cooperativity during thermal-induced denaturation. Granulocyte-colony stimulating factor (G-CSF), a four-helix bundle cytokine, maintains both thermal stability and tertiary structure at pH 2.0. We therefore examined the conformation and thermal unfolding of G-CSF at pH 2.0, 4.0 and 7.0 using circular dichroism (CD) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The secondary structure of the molecule remains highly helical as the pH is lowered from 7.0 to 2.0. The tertiary structure of the protein is slightly different at each pH value, but even at pH 2.0 G-CSF maintains a regular three-dimensional structure. The structure is hydrodynamically compact at these different pH values, with no increase in Stoke's radius even at pH 2.0. The thermal-induced denaturation of G-CSF was determined by monitoring changes in the CD or FTIR spectra. At pH 2.0 the temperature at which thermal-induced denaturation begins is higher than it is at pH 4.0 or 7.0, the thermal unfolding transition remains cooperative and some alpha-helical structure persists even at 86 degrees C. At pH 4.0 and 7.0, secondary and tertiary structures disappear simultaneously during thermal denaturation, whereas at pH 2.0 small changes in the far-UV CD region begin to occur first, followed by the simultaneous cooperative loss of tertiary structure and much of the remaining secondary structure. The structure of G-CSF at pH 2.0 is thus revealed as compact, with a unique, three-dimensional structure, highly helical secondary structure, and most importantly, a cooperative thermal unfolding transition. G-CSF at acid pH thus does not adopt the "A" state.
Sequence complexity of nuclear RNAs in adult rat tissues.

Abstract The sequence complexity of nuclear RNA from adult rat tissues was measured by RNA-driven hybridization to iodinated single-copy DNA. Assuming asymmetric transcription, 31.2 ± 0.9% of the unique sequence DNA was represented in brain nuclear RNA; 21.8 ±1.2% in liver nuclear RNA; 10.6 ± 0.3% in kidney nuclear RNA; 9.6% in spleen nuclear RNA; and 9.2 ± 2.6% in thymus nuclear RNA. These are equivalent to RNA sequence complexities of 5.9 × 10 8 nucleotides for brain RNA; 4.1 × 10 8 nucleotides for liver RNA; 2.0 × 10 8 nucleotides for kidney RNA; 1.8 × 10 8 for spleen RNA; and 1.7 × 10 8 for thymus RNA. To estimate the degree to which nuclear sequences are shared between tissues, mixtures of two RNAs were annealed simultaneously to single-copy DNA. The mixture of brain and liver RNA hybridizes to the same extent as brain RNA alone; the mixture of liver and kidney RNA anneals to the same extent as liver RNA alone. This suggests that the great majority of nuclear RNA sequences homologous to single-copy DNA are held in common between these tissues and form a "nested" set of mutually inclusive sequences. An approximate calculation indicates there are between 1–3 copies per cell of the diverse class of nuclear RNAs in brain, liver and kidney.
An analysis of dynamic fracture in an impact test specimen

Numerical simulations of fast fracture in four cases of dynamic tear test experiments on 4340 steel are performed using a moving singular finite element method. The experimentally measured crack propagation histories are used as input data to the so-called generation phase simulations to determine the dynamic stress intensity factor histories. In most numerical analyses of dynamic fracture specimens, the load and support points have been treated as fixed boundary conditions. In the present paper, more realistic boundary conditions (contact/no-contact), in which the specimen can separate from the tup and the supports are introduced. The results are also discussed in the light of current controversies surrounding the dynamic fracture toughness properties governing crack propagation under impact loading.
CARDIOPULMONARY RESUSCITATION BY MEDICAL AND SURGICAL HOUSE-OFFICERS

Abstract In teaching hospitals the responsibility for cardiopulmonary resuscitation usually rests with the house-staff, yet most house-officers receive no formal training in life support. The life-support skills of 45 medical and surgical house-officers in a university teaching hospital were tested by means of simulated cardiac arrests. House-officers were graded on the basis of a performance checklist derived from the standards of the American Heart Association. No house-officer received a pass score in basic life support (BLS). Only 29% could properly compress and ventilate the mannequin. In advanced cardiac life support (ACLS) only one-third could intubate in 35 s or less; only 31%, 40%, and 33% could manage ventricular fibrillation, asystole, and complete heart block, respectively. Some house-officers were unable to operate the defibrillator or assemble resuscitation equipment. Many house-officers displayed helplessness and anxiety during the simulations; fourteen (40%) were prompted to register for additional advanced life-support courses. The performance of medical and surgical house-officers was equal. House-officers who had received prior life-support training performed better in BLS (p
Environmentally friendly natural materials-based photoacid generators for next-generation photolithography

We describe the development of new triphenylsulfonium photoacid generators (TPS PAGs) with semifluorinated sulfonate anions containing glucose or other natural product groups, and their successful application to patterning sub-100 nm features using 254 nm and e-beam lithography. The TPS PAGs with functionalized octafluoro-3-oxapentanesulfonate were synthesized efficiently in high purity and high yield by utilizing simple and unique chemistries on 5-iodooctafluoro-3-oxapentanesulfonyl fluoride. The PAGs has been fully evaluated in terms of chemical properties, lithographic performance, environmental friendliness or toxicological impact. The PAGs are non-toxic and it is susceptible to chemical degradation and to microbial attack under aerobic/anaerobic conditions. These new PAGs are very attractive materials for high resolution photoresist applications and they are particularly useful in addressing the environmental concerns caused by PFOS and other perfluoroalkyl surfactants.
Pathology of Left Ventricular Outflow Tract Obstruction

Lesions causing obstruction to the outflow of blood from the left ventricle may reside in the ascending aorta, the aortic valve, or the outflow tract of the left ventricle. Conditions involving the ascending aorta are usually congenital, and designated as supravalvular aortic stenosis. A tendency is present for this condition to be associated with mental retardation, stenosis of peripheral pulmonary arteries, stenosis of branches of the aortic arch, and a peculiar facies. Secondary narrowing of coronary arteries may occur. Obstruction at the aortic valve is usually represented by a stenotic lesion. In some instances, the basis for stenosis is congenital; in others, it is acquired either through the direct effects of rheumatic endocarditis or through calcification of an acquired or congenital bicuspid aortic valve. Atresia of the aortic valve causes death in infancy. Subaortic stenosis is a complicated subject. It may be represented by a primary anomaly of the left ventricular outflow tract or may be secon...
May I Get the Door for You? An Ethnographic Take on the Labor of Doormen:

This article reviews Peter Bearman’s ethnographic research on the characteristics of residential doormen. In this occupational case study, Bearman relies on the well-established Chicago school in discussing how doormen enact a variety of professional responsibilities beyond the obvious roles of security and surveillance. Bearman argues that doormen are also keen impression managers who must delicately negotiate the social dynamics that are an inevitable consequence of residential life in large buildings. This includes strategically balancing power and humility as well as handling contentious political and labor issues.
GLASS: Genomic Literature Area Sequence Search

Scientists studying organisms face challenges when identifying related literature that pertains to the organisms under investigation. This is due to the presence of vast biomedical literature and the limitations of existing automated mechanisms to search through the published literature for the pertinent information. This study proposes the use of the Genomic Literature Area Sequence Search (GLASS) tool to search through the existing literature for relevant information and thus to facilitate information reuse as well as to provide quicker access to the information that otherwise often requires manual, time intensive intervention. By indexing the literature content and then distributing the indexed data across a cluster to provide a faster and robust search process, the application searches through the literature for DNA sequences requested by the user.
Room temperature methane detection using palladium loaded single-walled carbon nanotube sensors

Abstract Single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) loaded with palladium (Pd) nanoparticles are used for detection of methane ranging from 6 to 100 ppm in air at room temperature. The Pd-SWNT nanosensors show advantages over conventional catalytic beads and metal oxide sensors for methane detection in terms of reduced size and power consumption by a factor of 100 and sensitivity by a factor of 10. A charge transfer sensing mechanism in which Pd attracts electrons from SWNTs to form a weakly bound complex Pd δ+ (CH 4 ) δ− is discussed. In addition, the elevated temperature and ultraviolet light effects on the sensor characteristics are also studied.
Mapping urban structure and spatial connectivity with VIIRS and OLS night light imagery

Stable night lights imaged by the VIIRS instrument on the NASA/NOAA Suomi NPP satellite provides higher spatial resolution and greater dynamic range than DMSP-OLS night light data. We use coregistered OLS and VIIRS night light composites collected in April 2012 to map night lights from a wide variety of settlements in Brazil, India, China and the USA. Color composites of VIIRS and OLS brightness data with Log10VIIRS filtered brightness clearly show the benefits of VIIRS higher spatial resolution and greater dynamic range. Intra-urban variations in brightness are detected by VIIRS in urban cores saturated in the OLS imagery. VIIRS is also able to distinguish small point sources of light at scales approaching 1 km where OLS registers only low luminance background light often indistinguishable from overglow. Comparison of power spectral density estimates of VIIRS and OLS transects show that VIIRS resolves ~10 dB more signal than OLS at scales finer than 70 km. This difference is apparent in VIIRS ability to resolve roads and small villages interconnecting vast spatial networks of larger settlements observed with OLS.
An asymptotic expression for cumulative sum of probabilities of the hermite distribution

An asymptotic approximation of cumulative sum F(s) of probabilities of the Hermite distribution (Kemp C. D. and Kemp A. W. (1965)) and an asymptotic approximation of individual Hemite Probability Ps are given for large s.
Further case details regarding IV N-acetylcysteine overdoses

To the Editor:We read the case report ‘Massive acetylcysteine overdose associated with cerebral edema and seizures’1 with interest; we believe that readers may benefit from further case details, co...
The worldwide aluminum economy: The current state of the industry

This article provides an overview and characterization of the worldwide aluminum industry and its importance to the world economy. It reviews the current state of the industry, addressing the complete process from primary production through aluminum products to recycling. Global markets for aluminum and the future challenges and directions of the industry are also discussed, and the historical milestones in the aluminum industry are noted.
Chemical defense in the microplankton I: Feeding and growth rates of heterotrophic protists on the DMS-producing phytoplankter Emiliania huxleyi

In this study, the hypothesis that Emiliania huxleyi, a cosmopolitan, bloom-forming coccolithophorid, produces chemical defenses against protist grazers was tested using four axenic strains of the alga. The putative chemical defense involves the cleavage of dimethylsulfoniopropionate (DMSP) by the enzyme DMSP lyase to yield dimethylsulfide (DMS) and acrylate. Out of six tested protist grazer species, five (including ciliates and heterotrophic dinoflagellates) showed lower feeding rates on E. huxleyi strains with high DMPS lyase activity than on low-lyase strains. Reductions in population growth rate were consistent with feeding reductions. These results suggest that high levels of DMSP lyase activity somehow promote reduced palatability, although covariation of E. huxleyi protein and carbohydrate content with DMSP lyase activity meant that prey “nutritional quality” could not be ruled out as a contributing factor. Additional experiments with the heterotrophic dinoflagellate Amphidinium longum demonstrated that (1) individuals need not ingest E. huxleyi cells to receive the “don't eat me” cue and (2) exposure to high-lyase E. huxleyi cells confers no harmful consequences in terms of the ability to feed and grow on alternate phytoplankton prey. Thus, factors promoting reduced grazing on high-lyase E. huxleyi are hypothesized to constitute signals rather than acute toxins. Furthermore, although cell surface carbohydrates (as assayed by lectin binding) showed few differences among strains, results of feeding studies indicate that the deterrent signal resides on the cell surface or in the near-cell dissolved phase. Behavior responses to such cues might play an important role in the outcome of encounters between protist grazers and their prey, with profound consequences for planktonic community structure.
Radioiodinated rat parathyroid hormone‐(1‐34) binds to its receptor on rat osteosarcoma cells in a manner consistent with two classes of binding sites

Binding of 125I-labeled rat (r) PTH-(1-34) to ROS 17/2.8 osteoblastic bone cells and to membranes from these cells was examined. Competitive binding inhibition experiments were performed using unlabeled rPTH-(1-34) with particular emphasis on concentrations of peptide below 1 nM. In intact cells, binding of labeled rPTH-(1-34) was highly specific, and inhibition of binding by unlabeled ligand suggested the presence of two classes of binding sites, one with high affinity and low capacity (KD = 40 pM, approximately 20% of total binding sites) and the other with lower affinity and high capacity (KD = 2 nM, approximately 80% of the sites). Membranes prepared from ROS cells also exhibited a pattern of binding from competitive inhibition curves consistent with two distinct binding sites (KD = 30 pM and 6 nM). In intact ROS cells, cellular cAMP levels increased over the range of 10(-11)-10(-9) M rPTH-(1-34) with an ED50 intermediate between the two KD values (0.25 nM). These data suggest that osteoblastic bone cells possess two distinct classes of membrane receptors for PTH. Since the KD of the higher affinity site more closely approximates circulating concentrations of PTH, binding to this site may have physiologic relevance.
Estimates of direct, maternal and grandmaternal genetic effects for growth traits in Gobra cattle

Estimates of genetic parameters for birth (N = 3909), weaning (N = 3425), yearling (N = 2764) and final (N = 2144) weights were obtained from the records of Gobra cattle collected at the Centre de Recherches Zootechniques de Dahra, Senegal. Three animal models were fitted to obtain estimates by REML using an average information (AI) approach. Model 1 considered random direct, maternal genetic and maternal permanent environmental effects. In model 2, a general grandmaternal effect was added to the random effects considered in model 1, and in model 3, the general grandmaternal effect was divided into grandmaternal genetic and grandmaternal permanent environmental effects. All models allowed covariances among genetic effects. The inclusion of grandmaternal effects in models 2 and 3 did not change the estimates of the genetic parameters compared to model 1. Variances attributable to grandmaternal effects became negative and were set close to zero, except for yearling weight for which grandmaternal heritability was 0.03 ± 0.03. The estimates for direct and maternal heritabilities were, respectively, 0.08 ± 0.03 and 0.03 ± 0.02 for birth, 0.20 ± 0.05 and 0.21 ± 0.05 for weaning, 0.26 ± 0.07 and 0.16 ± 0.07 for yearling and 0.14 ± 0.06 and 0.16 ± 0.06 for final weights. The estimates of the genetic correlation between direct and maternal effects for birth, weaning, yearling and final weights were -0.17 ± 0.40, -0.58 ± 0.32, -0.52 ± 0.34 and -0.34 ± 0.37, respectively. For yearling weight with grandmaternal heritability estimated to be only 0.03, model 3 gave estimates of the genetic correlation between direct and grandmaternal effects and between maternal and grandmaternal effects of 0.28 ± 0.48 and -0.33 ± 0.67, respectively. Estimates of direct and maternal heritabilities were unchanged when grandmaternal effects were not included in the model.
Tribological Investigation of the Polymer-Based Lubrication System Using a Laboratory Reciprocating Bench Test

Flooded oil lubrication systems are commonly utilized for many manufacturing processes. However, there is an increasing concern with the flooded lubrication systems due to their biological and environmental impact as well as their maintenance and disposal cost. Polymer-based material, a sponge-like solid lubricant allowing the oil to weep out while in use, provides a promising alternative environmentally benign lubrication solution to satisfy the lubrication requirements for some manufacturing processes. In addition, it can minimize contamination of the coolant system, reduce waste processing and disposal costs, and alleviate the in-plant safety hazard from oil leakage on floor surfaces. The goal of this study is to develop and improve the current lubrication system by applying a polymer-based near-dry lubrication system in order to replace the oil-flooded transfer line lubrication systems currently in production use. Using a laboratory reciprocating bench test based on the design of experiments, this stu...
Synaptic morphology of substance P terminals on catecholamine neurons in the commissural subnucleus of the nucleus tractus solitarii in the rat

The ultrastructure of substance P-containing nerve terminals synapsing on catecholamine neurons in the rat commissural subnucleus of the nucleus tractus solitarii (NTScom) was studied using a double immunocytochemical labeling technique. Although there were numerous tyrosine hydroxylase-immunoreactive (TH-I) somata present, substance P immunoreactive (SP-I) cell bodies were only occasionally found in the NTScom. At the light microscopic level, many SP-I terminals were seen closely associated with TH-I dendrites and somata. At the electron microscopic level, SP-I terminals synapsing on TH-I structures were also readily encountered. SP-I terminals contained small, clear, and predominantly spherical vesicles (32 ± 4 nm diameter), as well as large dense-cored vesicles approximately 100 nm in diameter. Postsynaptic TH-I dendritic profiles of various calibers and somata were encountered. These postsynaptic TH-I structures often showed postsynaptic densities. The morphological features of the SP-TH synapses in the present study, that is, the size of synaptic vesicles and the presence of postsynaptic densities, are quite different from those of central carotid sinus afferent synapses reported in our previous study [Chen et al. (1992), J. Neurocytol., 21:137–147]. Therefore, most of the SP terminals of the SP-TH synapses in the NTScom appear not to originate from the carotid sinus afferents. SP-I second-order neurons of the carotid sinus afferent pathway [Chen et al. (1991), J. Auton. Nerv. Syst., 33:97–98] may be one of the possible sources of such terminals. © 1994 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Tumor-associated lymphocytes and increased FoxP3+ regulatory T cell frequency correlate with more aggressive papillary thyroid cancer.

Context: Ten to 30% of patients with papillary thyroid cancer (PTC) develop recurrent disease and may benefit from innovative adjuvant therapies. Immune-based therapies are under investigation to treat many types of cancer. The role of the immune system in PTC is poorly understood. Objective: We investigated whether tumor-associated lymphocytes (TAL), in the absence of background thyroiditis (LT), contribute to disease severity. We hypothesized that the type of lymphocytes associated with PTC would correlate with parameters of disease. Design: This retrospective study analyzed archived PTC samples for the presence of TAL and/or LT. A group of patients with TAL was evaluated for lymphocyte subsets by immunohistofluorescence. Patients and Setting: One hundred PTC patients were analyzed for LT and TAL, and 10 PTC patients with TAL were assessed for lymphocyte subsets at University of Colorado Hospital. Main Outcome: We assessed correlations between disease and the presence of TAL, LT, and lymphocyte subset frequency. Results: Patients with TAL exhibited higher disease stage and increased incidence of invasion and lymph node metastasis compared with patients without lymphocytes or with LT. CD4+ T cell frequency correlated with tumor size (r = 0.742; P = 0.017). FoxP3+ regulatory T cell (Treg) frequency correlated with lymph node metastases (r = 0.858; P = 0.002), and CD8 to Treg ratio correlated inversely with tumor size (r = −0.804; P = 0.007). Conclusions: TAL and high Treg frequency in primary thyroid tumors correlates with more aggressive disease. Future prospective studies may identify Treg frequency as a predictive factor in PTC, and the suppressive effects of Treg should be considered in the design of immune-based therapies.