cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Abrogation of Renal Allograft Tolerance in MGH Miniature Swine: The Role of Intra‐Graft and Peripheral Factors in Long‐Term Tolerance

We have previously demonstrated that long-term tolerance (LTT) of an MHC class-I mismatched renal allograft can be achieved with a short course of cyclosporine. In order to examine regulatory mechanisms underlying tolerance in this model, we assessed the contributions of factors within the graft and in the peripheral blood for their relative roles in the maintenance of stable tolerance. Twelve LTT recipients of MHC class-I mismatched primary kidneys were subjected to a treatment consisting of donor-specific transfusion followed by leukapheresis, in order to remove peripheral leukocytes, including putative regulatory T cells (Tregs). Following treatment, 2 controls were followed clinically and 10 animals had the primary graft removed and received a second, donor-MHC-matched kidney. Neither control animal showed evidence of rejection, while 8 of 10 retransplanted animals developed either rejection crisis or full rejection of the second transplant. In vitro assays confirmed that the removed leukocytes were suppressive and that CD4(+) Foxp3(+) Treg reconstitution in blood and kidney grafts correlated with return to normal renal function in animals experiencing transient rejection crises. These data indicate that components of accepted kidney grafts as well as peripheral regulatory components both contribute to the tolerogenic environment required for tolerance of MHC class-I mismatched allotransplants.
Information Visualization Within a Digital Video Library

The Informedia Digital Video Library contains over a thousand hours of video, consuming over a terabyte of disk space. This paper summarizes the multimedia abstractions used to represent this video in prior systems and introduces the visualization techniques employed to browse and navigate multiple video documents at once.
Company Governance Under Florida's New Limited Liability Company Act

This article focuses on the governance provisions of Florida's Limited Liability Company Act and compares them to the governance provisions generally available in other business forms. As will be seen, the statutory language is not always clear, so alternative interpretations are explored. The article concludes that the new Florida statute is a major improvement over its predecessor. It will suit form consumers and form merchants in the vast transactional middle, the world of the "plain vanilla" deal. However, 1) it is likely to serve as a trap for the unwary who form an LLC without professional assistance and 2) it is unlikely to displace its out-of-state competition for high stakes, complex deals in which the parties need (or think they need) unlimited freedom to contract.
Activation of bovine neutrophils by partially purified Pasteurella haemolytica leukotoxin.

In this study we developed a new method for the partial purification of Pasteurella haemolytica leukotoxin by size-exclusion high-performance liquid chromatography. The partially purified leukotoxin had a molecular weight of 104,000, as estimated by using sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, and reacted on an immunoblot with an antileukotoxin monoclonal antibody. As expected, high concentrations of the leukotoxin were inhibitory or lethal to bovine neutrophils. Incubation of bovine neutrophils with diluted leukotoxin, however, resulted in significant neutrophil activation that was comparable in magnitude to that obtained with standard activating agents such as opsonized zymosan or zymosan-activated serum. Dilute leukotoxin (1:128 to 1:8,192 dilutions) stimulated an oxidative burst (luminol-dependent chemiluminescence) by bovine neutrophils that was comparable in magnitude to that obtained with opsonized zymosan. Preincubation with leukotoxin did not significantly prime the neutrophils for an enhanced oxidative burst when they were then exposed to opsonized zymosan as a second stimulus. Dilute leukotoxin (1:100 to 1:1,000 dilutions) also stimulated cytoskeletal alterations in bovine neutrophils, as measured by a significant shape change response. Preferential release of secondary granule constituents (lactoferrin) occurred when neutrophils were incubated with 1:100 to 1:500 dilutions of leukotoxin. Significant release of primary granules, as measured by beta-glucosaminidase activity, was not observed except at low dilutions (1:20) of leukotoxin that resulted in significant release of cytosolic constituents (i.e., lactate dehydrogenase activity). The neutrophil-activating activity of the leukotoxin was heat labile, unaffected by polymyxin B, and abrogated by a leukotoxin-neutralizing monoclonal antibody. These data indicate that P. haemolytica leukotoxin, like the closely related Escherichia coli hemolysin, is a potent neutrophil-activating agent. Leukotoxin-stimulated release of neutrophil oxygen intermediates and granule constituents may contribute to the intense inflammation that characterizes bovine pulmonary pasteurellosis.
1,3‐Dibromoisocyanuric Acid

[15114-43-9] C3HBr2N3O3 (MW 286.87) InChI = 1S/C3HBr2N3O3/c4-7-1(9)6-2(10)8(5)3(7)11/h(H,6,9,10) InChIKey = HHBCEKAWSILOOP-UHFFFAOYSA-N (electrophilic bromination of aromatic compounds, oximes) Alternate Name: DBI. Solubility: sol CH2Cl2, H2SO4. Preparative Method: dibromoisocyanuric acid has been prepared by treatment of isocyanuric acid (0.1 mol) and LiOH (0.2 mol) with Br2 (0.4 mol) in water (1 L) at 20 °C.1 After vigorous stirring to effect dissolution of Br2, the mixture is cooled slowly in a refrigerator for 24 h. The product is collected by filtration, washed with ice-cold bromine water, and then dried in vacuo, first over KOH, then over P2O5 (88% yield). Handling, Storage, and Precautions: dibromoisocyanuric acid should be stored refrigerated and protected from light and moisture to avoid decomposition. DBI is an irritating solid and precautions should be taken to avoid inhalation of the powder or contact with skin.
Effect of Preoperative Knowledge on Weight Loss After Laparoscopic Gastric Bypass

Gastric bypass surgery has been demonstrated to be an effective treatment for morbid obesity. Unfortunately, not all patients have the same weight loss after surgery. It may be that the more informed patients will have more weight loss than less informed patients. No study has investigated the relationship between initial preoperative knowledge and weight loss after laparoscopic gastric bypass surgery. All patients who underwent laparoscopic gastric bypass for a 6-month period were included in this study. Our preoperative education process includes a 21-question true/false test given at the appointment immediately before surgery. Patients repeat the test until all questions are answered correctly. We compared percentage of excess body weight loss (EBWL) between patients who correctly answered all the questions the first time (pass patients) and patients who did not correctly answer all the questions the first time (fail patients). There were 104 patients involved in this study; although complete data were only available on 98 patients. The average preoperative body mass index was 48 kg/m2. Forty-eight percent of patients answered all the questions correctly the first time. Follow-up ranged from 1 to 2 years on all 98 patients. Pass patients had an average of 73% EBWL, whereas fail patients had an average of 76% EBWL (p = NS). Preoperative knowledge, assessed by a test, did not predict success after laparoscopic gastric bypass surgery. Patients who do not, at first, have full knowledge of bariatric surgery should not be discriminated against undergoing surgery if they are eventually properly educated.
Redox activity and π bonding in a tripodal seven-coordinate molybdenum(VI) tris(amidophenolate).

A tris(aminophenol), tris(2-(3′,5′-di-tert-butyl-2′-hydroxyphenyl)amino-4-methylphenyl)amine, MeClampH6, is prepared in three steps from tri-p-tolylamine. The ligand reacts with dioxomolybdenum(VI) bis(acetylacetonate) to form an oxo-free heptadentate complex, (MeClamp)Mo, with a capped octahedral geometry. The molybdenum is formally in the +6 oxidation state, with significant π donation of the amidophenolates, as judged by intraligand bond distances. Two ligand-based oxidations and one metal-centered reduction are observed by cyclic voltammetry. Analysis of the optical spectrum of the compound gives an estimate of the energetic stabilization of the ligand π orbitals by bonding to the molybdenum of approximately 0.9 eV, corresponding to about 40 kcal mol−1 per π bond.
The effects of calcium channel blockers on isoproterenol induced cyclic adenosine 3',5'-monophosphate generation in intact human lymphocytes.

Abstract We have investigated the effects of clinically available calcium channel blockers (nifedipine, verapamil and diltiazem) on isoproterenol stimulated cyclic adenosine 3′, 5′-monophosphate (cyclic AMP) generation in intact human lymphocytes. After preincubation of various calcium antagonists with intact lymphocytes at 37°C for 15 minutes, 10 μM nifedipine or verapamil partially inhibited isoproterenol induced cyclic AMP generation in the presence of cyclic AMP phosphodiesterase inhibitor (3-isobutyl-1-methylxanthine) while they alone had no effect on cyclic AMP level at a concentration of up to 100 μM. In contrast, 10 nM-1.0 μM nifedipine, verapamil or diltiazem potentiated cyclic AMP generation induced by isoproterenol in a dose dependent manner. Similar results were observed in the time course studies of cyclic AMP generation. These effects are somewhat similar to the effect of phenothiazine, a calmodulin inhibitor, which, at 10 μM (close to IC50), also potentiated the effects of isoproterenol. In contrast, lanthanum chloride (LaCl3), an extracellular inorganic calcium antagonist, at 1.0 mM, inhibited isoproterenol induced cyclic AMP generation. The biochemical mechanisms underlying these potentiating effects are unknown. It may be partly related to the effect of calcium channel blockers (at least for nifedipine) on preventing beta2 adrenergic receptor desensitization. This may provide a potential mechanism for the synergistic effect between calcium channel blockers and beta2 adrenoceptor agonists on bronchial dilatation.
Sleep and circadian rhythms in affective patients isolated from external time cues

Sleep electroencephalographic activity, circadian rhythms in motor activity and rectal temperature, and clinical state were monitored longitudinally in four affectively ill patients (two depressed, one manic, and one rapidly cycling between depression and mania) who lived in isolation from external time cues (zeitgebers) for 3 to 4 weeks. In these conditions it was possible to observe the intrinsic or free-running behavior of circadian pacemakers and thereby to test several hypotheses about the role of sleep and circadian rhythms in the pathogenesis of depression. No hypothesis was consistently supported by the results. We found that the intrinsic rhythm of a circadian pacemaker appeared to free-run with an abnormally fast frequency in one patient. No patient remained stably depressed during temporal isolation. Our experience suggests that this type of study can be carried out safely with appropriate precautions. Temporal isolation is a means to test decisively predictions of several chronobiological hypotheses about affective illness and should be applied to additional patients.
Trying without willing

(1992). Trying without willing. Australasian Journal of Philosophy: Vol. 70, No. 3, pp. 324-342.
Calcification simulating infection in congenital brachydactyly

Two cases of idiopathic soft tissue calcification occurring in the vestigial fingers of infants with congenital brachydactyly are reported. Both patients presented with acute local inflammation simulating infection and responded well to simple excision of the calcium deposits.
Effect of basic drive cycle length on the yield of ventricular tachycardia during programmed ventricular stimulation

The yield of sustained, monomorphic ventricular tachycardia (VT) induced by programmed ventricular stimulation was compared, using basic drive trains of 400 ms, 600 ms and sinus rhythm, to identify the most efficient sequence of basic drive trains to use during programmed stimulation. Fifty-five patients with coronary artery disease and inducible sustained monomorphic VT not requiring countershock to terminate underwent 81 electrophysiology tests in which 1 to 3 extrastimuli were introduced during sinus rhythm and after basic drive trains of 600 and 400 ms. In 72 electrophysiology tests, sustained, monomorphic VT was induced at the right ventricular apex. The yield of VT using a drive cycle length of 400 ms was 63 of 72 (88%), compared to 46 of 72 (64%) when the drive cycle length was 600 ms, and 23 of 72 (32%) when the extrastimuli were introduced during sinus rhythm (p less than 0.001 for all pairwise comparisons). In 14 electrophysiology tests in which VT was not induced using a 400 ms basic drive cycle length at the apex, the yield of VT was higher using a 400 ms drive cycle length at a second right ventricular site (12 of 14) than with a 600 ms drive cycle length (3 of 12) or sinus rhythm (4 of 12) at the apex (p less than 0.05). The yield of sustained, monomorphic VT induced by 1 to 3 extrastimuli increases as the basic drive cycle length shortens. Whereas programmed stimulation is conventionally started during sinus rhythm or with a drive cycle length of 600 ms, the present results suggest that starting with a drive cycle length of 400 ms may be more efficient.
Internet Locus: Extending transparency to an Internet environment

Network transparency refers to the ability of a distributed system to hide machine boundaries from people and application programs; i.e. all resources are accessed in the same manner, independent of their locations. It is demonstrated that transparency across a long-haul network is both highly desirable and technically feasible. A case study of the transparent, distributed operating system Locus, extended to operate transparently across an internet system that includes long-haul links, is discussed at length. New protocols, distributed cache management, and process execution site selection are all used to achieve the results reported.
Histidine-rich protein in developing rat epidermis.

Abstract The localization of histidine-rich protein in the epidermis of developing rat was studied histochemically and immunohistochemically. The findings with the Pauly reaction were identical to those with antisera to histidine-rich proteins having two different molecular weights, both purified from newborn rat epidermis. Histidine-rich protein was detected diffusely throughout the epidermis before fetal granules were formed. Both fetal granules and keratohyalin granules showed concentration of histidine-rich protein(s), but the cells with fetal granules remained at the superficial layer of the body, whereas cells with keratohyalin granules differentiated to form cornified cells. The findings suggest that histidine-rich protein may be chemically heterogeneous and its biological function may not be limited to formation of the matrix in cornified cells.
Interfacing biological macromolecules with carbon nanotubes and silicon surfaces: a computer modelling and dynamic simulation study

Proteins are naturally occurring nanosystems, optimized by the process of evolution. Biotechnology of protein based nanostructures offers vast opportunities to re-engineer and combine them with other nanomaterials for technological applications. Our primary interest is to interface proteins like bacteriorhodopsin (bR) with carbon nanotubes and silicon surfaces for application in storage devices and biosensors. We have carried out extensive computer simulations to study the dynamics of carbon nanotubes and their interaction with proteins. The immobilization of the protein on the carbon nanotubes is carried out by either covalent bonding or aromatic π stacking. Our simulation studies reveal the difference between the π stacking and covalent bonding.
Whispering-Gallery Mode Based Biosensing Using Quantum Dot: Embedded Microspheres

Highly sensitive, miniature biosensors are desired for the development of new techniques for biological and environmental analyte sensing. One potential approach uses the detection of optical resonances, known as Whispering Gallery Modes (WGMs), from quantum dot embedded polystyrene microspheres. These modes arise from the total internal reflection of the quantum dot emission light within the high index polystyrene microsphere, to produce narrow spectral peaks, which are sensitive to refractive changes in the immediate vicinity of the microsphere surface. The high refractometric sensitivity of the WGMs in these microspheres offers potential for remote detection of molecules adsorbed onto or bound to the microsphere surface without the need for direct coupling of the light via an optical fiber. The sensitivity of these modes has been shown to exceed the theoretical sensitivity of a homogeneous microsphere, using a Mie theory model. This enhancement is believed to be due to the embedded layer of quantum dots at the surface of the microspheres. A model was developed to demonstrate that the embedded QDs could be modeled as a high index outer layer to explain the observed WGM spectra and explore the sensitivity of the modes. In this work, we extend this idea to multiple layers to model the effects of protein adsorption or binding to the surface. The theoretical results are shown to provide a close fit to our previous experimental results.
Residual fields from extinct dynamos

The generation of magnetic fields in convective zones of declining vigor and/or thickness is considered, the goal being to explain the magnetic fields observed in A-stars. The investigation is restricted to kinematical dynamos in order to show some of the many possibilities, which depend on the assumed conditions of decline of the convection. The examples illustrate the quantitative detail required to describe the convection in order to extract any firm conclusions concerning specific stars. The first example treats the basic problem of diffusion from a layer of declining thickness. The second has a buoyant rise added to the field in the layer. The third deals with plane dynamo waves in a region with declining eddy diffusivity, dynamo coefficient, and large-scale shear. It is noted that the dynamo number may increase or decrease with declining convection, with an increase expected if the large-scale shear does not decline as rapidly as the eddy diffusivity. It is shown that one of the components of the field may increase without bound even when the dynamo number declines to zero.
Adding a Continuous Improvement Design Element to a Sophomore-Level Thermodynamics Course: Using the Drinking Bird as a Heat Engine:

To increase the design experience gained by undergraduate engineering students and to enhance their iterative thinking skills needed in the engineering profession, a new project was developed and a...
Calculation of pseudobinary phase diagrams for the infrared detector materials (Cd,Zn)Te, (Hg,Cd)Te and (Hg,Zn)Te

Abstract An existing method is utilized to provide a new theoretical estimate for certain II–VI pseudobinary phase diagrams. This requires no knowledge of experimental liquidus or solidus data except for the melting temperatures of the pure binary end members. In this method, the liquid is treated as a ternary regular solution and the interaction parameter can be calculated with knowledge of the electronegativities, energy of vaporization and molar volumes of the pure elements. The solid is treated as a binary regular solution where the solid interaction parameter, and therefore the enthalpy of mixing, depend only on the lattice mismatch of the pure II–VI compounds. This method is shown to work well with the Cd 1− x Zn x Te alloy but to fail with Hg 1− x Cd x Te and Hg 1− x Zn x Te. We propose here that the above method fails, in these two cases, because it gives the incorrect value for the Hg–Cd and Hg–Zn interaction parameters. An alternative way to compute these interaction parameters is proposed. With this change, we are able to calculate Hg 1− x Cd x Te and Hg 1− x Zn x Te pseudobinary phase diagrams that show improved agreement with reported experimental data.
Urokinase-type plasminogen activator binding to its receptor stimulates tumor cell migration by enhancing integrin-mediated signal transduction.

Abstract Urokinase-type plasminogen activator (uPA) and its receptor (uPAR) participate in matrix degradation and cell migration by focusing proteolysis and functioning as a signaling ligand/receptor complex. uPAR, anchored by a lipid moiety in the membrane, is thought to require a transmembrane adapter to transduce signals into the cytoplasm. To study uPAR signaling, we transfected the prostate carcinoma cell line LNCaP, which does not express endogenous uPA or uPAR, with a uPAR encoding cDNA, resulting in high-level surface expression. We studied migration of these cells on fibronectin, which is mediated by the integrin α5β1. Ligation of uPAR with uPA or its amino-terminal fragment enhanced haptotactic migration to fibronectin. In cells on fibronectin, but not on poly- l -lysine, ligation of uPAR also resulted in tyrosine phosphorylation of several proteins, including two proteins involved in integrin signaling, focal adhesion kinase and the crk-associated substrate p130Cas. Furthermore, after uPAR ligation, uPAR was co-immunoprecipitated with β1 integrins from the detergent-insoluble fraction of cell lysates. Thus, our data suggest that uPAR occupancy results in an interaction between uPAR and integrins and a potentiation of integrin-mediated signaling, which leads to enhanced cell migration.
SREM of MgO crystal surface structure and in-situ-deposited metallic particles on MgO surface

Abstract Development of an in-situ specimen treatment chamber for a VG-HB5 STEM microscope is reported. Radiative heat cleaning and thermal metal deposition facilitate preparing better crystal surfaces and fresh submonolayer metal films on crystal surfaces. The Scanning Reflection Electron MIcroscopy (SREM) technique is used to study (1) the surface structure of MgO crystals, (2) decoration effects of deposited Cu particles on MgO surfaces, and (3) electron-beam-induced growth of deposited Pd particles on MgO surfaces. The periodic arrays of MgO crystal surface steps show 20–30 A periodicity. The as-deposited Cu particles tend to align along [001], the incident beam direction, and/or decorate the edges of big surface steps of the MgO crystal, but, after exposure to the air, these particles appear randomly decorating the fine steps. Electron-beam-induced surface diffusion leading to the growth of Pd particles on MgO surface steps is observed. The core region of the particle growth is formed by the concentrated electron beam and the growth process extends to the nearby region as the condensed electron beam further irradiates the sample surface. Nanodiffraction patterns are used to characterize these metallic particles, which are 10–20 A in diameter.
Effects of pore size in 3-D fibrous matrix on human trophoblast tissue development.

The effects of pore size in a 3-D polyethylene terephthalate (PET) nonwoven fibrous matrix on long-term tissue development of human trophoblast ED27 cells were studied. Thermal compression was used to modify the porosity and pore size of the PET matrix. The pore size distributions in PET matrices were quantified using a liquid extrusion method. Cell metabolic activities, estradiol production, and cell proliferation and differentiation were studied for ED27 cells cultured in the thermally compressed PET matrices with known pore structure characteristics. In general, metabolic activities and proliferation rate were higher initially for cultures grown in the low-porosity (LP) PET matrix (porosity of 0.849, average pore size of 30 μm in diameter) than those in the high-porosity (HP) matrix (porosity of 0.896, average pore size of 39 μm in diameter). However, 17β-estradiol production and cell differentiation activity in the HP matrix surpassed those in the LP matrix after 12 days. The expression levels of cyclin B1 and p27kip1 in cells revealed progressively decreasing proliferation and increasing differentiation activities for cells grown in PET matrices. Also, difference in pore size controlled the cell spatial organization in the PET matrices and contributed to the tissue development in varying degrees of proliferation and differentiation. It was also found that cells grown on the 2-D surface behaved differently in cell cycle progression and did not show increased differentiation activities after growth had stopped and proliferation activities had lowered to a minimal level. The results from this study suggest that the 3-D cell organization guided by the tissue scaffold is important to tissue formation in vitro. © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Biotechnol Bioeng 70: 606–618, 2000.
Central venous recanalization in patients with short gut syndrome: restoration of candidacy for intestinal and multivisceral transplantation.

PURPOSE To assess feasibility and success of venous recanalization in patients with short gut syndrome who have lost their traditional central venous access and required intestinal or multivisceral transplantation. MATERIALS AND METHODS Twelve patients between the ages of 7 and 55 years with short gut syndrome and long-standing total parenteral nutrition (TPN) dependency and/or hypercoagulability were treated. All had extensive chronic central venous occlusions and survival was dependent on restoration of access and planned transplantation. Central venous recanalizations were obtained via sharp needle recanalization techniques, venous reconstructions with stents, and/or extraanatomic access to the central venous system for placement of central venous tunneled catheters. RESULTS Central venous access was restored in all patients without operative-related mortality. Three major hemodynamic perioperative technical complications were recorded and successfully treated. There were three selflimited early infectious complications. With a mean follow-up of 22 months, eight of the 12 patients were alive with successful small bowel or multivisceral transplantation; six of those became independent of TPN. The remaining four patients died of complications related to TPN ( n = 3) or transplantation ( n = 1). With a mean follow-up of 20 months, all but two of the recanalized venous accesses were maintained, for a success rate of 83%. CONCLUSIONS Recanalizations of extensive chronic vein occlusions are feasible but associated with high risk. The technique is life-saving for TPN-dependent patients and can restore candidacy for intestinal and multivisceral transplantation. This approach is likely to be increasingly requested because of the current clinical availability of the transplant procedure.
Women's health issues with fibromyalgia syndrome.

Background: Fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) involves multiple sensory, somatic, and cognitive symptoms that are bound to affect or be affected by physical and mental health status and behavioral components of daily life. Methods: From a telephone survey of 442 women with and 205 women without FMS as volunteers, data were compared on (1) general health status, (2) reproductive and sleep-related diagnoses, and (3) lifestyle health behaviors. Results: All multiple or logistics regression analyses for group differences were controlled for age, body mass index (BMI), race, employment status, marital status, having a college degree, low household income, and having ever been diagnosed with depression, with a Bonferroni p value correction for multiple indicators. Accordingly, FMS negatively impacted both perceived physical and mental health status, although relatively more so for physical (p < 0.017). Women with FMS were more likely to have had reproductive health or sleep-related diagnoses, including premenstrual s...
Transcription factor IIA: a structure with multiple functions.

The process of transcription, by which RNA is read from DNA, is executed by a large complex of 40 to 50 proteins. The crystal structure of three molecules at the core of this complex is presented by Geiger et al. (p. 830) in this issue of Science . In their Perspective, Jacobson and Tjian explain why the resolution of this structure is an important step on the road to understanding the entire transcription machinery.
Carbohydrate oriented metabolism of Planorbis corneus (mollusca, planorbidae) during starvation

Abstract 1. 1. Of the pre-starved dry weight of soft parts of P. corneus, polysaccharides, proteins, and lipids made up 34.9, 29.9, and 12.9 per cent respectively. 2. 2. These constituents were used most rapidly during the first few days of starvation. After 58 days of starvation, 56 per cent of the snails were dead. At this time, 95 per cent of the original polysaccharides were metabolized; 49 per cent of the proteins; and 22 per cent of the lipids. The loss of these three constituents accounted for 81 per cent of a total dry weight loss of 62.3 per cent. 3. 3. Death appeared due to a depletion of carbohydrate reserves, since there were still substantial amounts of lipids and proteins remaining through 58 days. 4. 4. It was concluded that the metabolism of P. corneus was carbohydrate-oriented.
Formation of highly reactive cyclopentenone isoprostane compounds (A3/J3-isoprostanes) in vivo from eicosapentaenoic acid.

Omega-3 (ω-3) polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) found in marine fish oils are known to suppress inflammation associated with a wide variety of diseases. Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) is one of the most abundant ω-3 fatty acids in fish oil, but the mechanism(s) by which EPA exerts its beneficial effects is unknown. Recent studies, however, have demonstrated that oxidized EPA, rather than native EPA, possesses anti-atherosclerotic, anti-inflammatory, and anti-proliferative effects. Very few studies to date have investigated which EPA oxidation products are responsible for this bioactivity. Our research group has previously reported that anti-inflammatory prostaglandin A2-like and prostaglandin J2-like compounds, termed A2/J2-isoprostanes (IsoPs), are produced in vivo by the free radical-catalyzed peroxidation of arachidonic acid and represent one of the major products resulting from the oxidation of this PUFA. Based on these observations, we questioned whether cyclopentenone-IsoP compounds are formed from the oxidation of EPA in vivo. Herein, we report the formation of cyclopentenone-IsoP molecules, termed A3/J3-IsoPs, formed in abundance in vitro and in vivo from EPA peroxidation. Chemical approaches coupled with gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS) and liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry (LC/MS) were used to structurally characterize these compounds as A3/J3-IsoPs. We found that levels of these molecules increase ∼200-fold with oxidation of EPA in vitro from a basal level of 0.8 ± 0.4 ng/mg EPA to 196 ± 23 ng/mg EPA after 36 h. We also detected these compounds in significant amounts in fresh liver tissue from EPA-fed rats at basal levels of 19 ± 2 ng/g tissue. Amounts increased to 102 ± 15 ng/g tissue in vivo in settings of oxidative stress. These studies have, for the first time, definitively characterized novel, highly reactive A/J-ring IsoP compounds that form in abundance from the oxidation of EPA in vivo.
The effect of methadone addiction on cyclic nucleotide levels in regions of rat brain.

Abstract Studies of tissue culture cells and tissue slices have implicated the nucleotides, cyclic AMP and cyclic GMP, in the mechanism of action of opiates. However, there are little in vivo data to corroborate this hypothesis. We addicted rats to the synthetic opiate, methadone, by providing the drug in their drinking water (dosage 2.1 mg./kg./day). The two cyclic nucleotides were measured in four brain areas which contain a high concentration of opiate receptors: amygdala, neostriatum, periventricular grey, and thalamus. Data were obtained after acute exposure of the rats to the drug (1 day), tolerance (35 days), withdrawal (35 days on drug ten 1 day off Drug), and readjustment (35 days on drug then 21 days off drug). Cyclic GMP levels were low (0.03 pmol./mg. tissue) in the four regions and did not differ significantly during the experiment. Cyclic AMP levels were higher (1–3 pmol./mg.) and fluctuated consistently in the four regions. After acute methadone treatment, there was a reduction in cyclic AMP, which continued at lower levels after tolerance. One day of withdrawal led to increased cAMP. which rose to near control levels. After readjustment, the levels were reduced. These data indicate an involvement of cyclic AMP in the addiction and withdrawal processes in the intact animal.
The role of triethanolamine in zeolite crystallization

Abstract The role of triethanolamine (TEA) in zeolite NaA synthesis systems was investigated. Particle-size analyses on products formed in the presence of the amine revealed that TEA affected the nucleation and crystallization rates to some extent. Crystallization studies carried out in reduced aluminum and aluminum-free systems suggested an aluminum complexing role for TEA. The existence of a complex was confirmed by solution-phase 13C n.m.r. spectroscopy. Synthesis studies using close analogs of TEA revealed that all three hydroxyl groups as well as the amine group in TEA were necessary for successful complexation and nucleation suppression. Differential scanning calorimetry carried out on products crystallized in the presence of the amine showed that TEA did not act as a void filler during zeolite NaA crystallization.
Differential Effects of Candy, Social, and Token Rewards on the IQ Scores of Children of Above Average Intelligence.

The present study investigated the effects of candy, social, and token rewards on the IQ scores of children of above average intelligence. The results showed that IQ scores increased considerably as a function of token rewards. Social rewards produced only minor changes, and candy rewards produced none.
Use of Density Functional Calculations To Predict the Regioselectivity of Drugs and Molecules Metabolized by Aldehyde Oxidase

Aldehyde oxidase is a molybdenum hydroxylase that catalyzes the oxidation of aldehydes and nitrogen-containing heterocycles. The enzyme plays a dual role in the metabolism of physiologically important endogenous compounds and the biotransformation of xenobiotics. Using density functional theory methods, geometry optimization of tetrahedral intermediates of drugs and druglike compounds was examined to predict the likely metabolites of aldehyde oxidase. The calculations suggest that the lowest energy tetrahedral intermediate resulting from the initial substrate corresponds to the observed metabolite ≥90% of the time. Additional calculations were performed on a series of heterocyclic compounds where the products resulting from metabolism by xanthine oxidase and aldehyde oxidase differ in many instances. Again, the lowest energy tetrahedral intermediate corresponded to the observed product of aldehyde oxidase metabolism ≥90% for the compounds examined, while the observed products of xanthine oxidase were not ...
Catalytic reduction of methyl viologen by sulfide ion within MCM-41

Abstract Methyl viologen in the presence of mesoporous MCM-41 and sulfide ions is found to undergo a spontaneous catalytic reduction to methyl viologen radical (MV+ ). Various control conditions, including passivation of the external surface and modification of the internal surface of MCM-41, suggest that the catalytic reduction occurs principally within the pores of MCM-41. The source of the sulfide ions can be either an added sulfide salt or coordinatively unsaturated surface sulfide ions of an occluded sulfide nanoparticle. The present system offers a means for the spontaneous formation of methyl viologen radicals, which might serve as a complementary measurement for electron microscopy probing of the location of sulfide nanoparticles synthesized within the pores of mesoporous materials.
Damaging effect of subzero temperature (−4 °C) on rabbit renal function

The effect of exposing rabbit kidneys to -4 degrees C for 1 hr in the unfrozen state was evaluated by means of measurement of tissue slice K/Na ratio and whole organ creatinine clearance. Freezing was prevented in one series (groups SC1-SC3) by supercooling with temperature monitoring and in a second series by a 2 M mixture of propylene glycol and glycerol. The latter agent was introduced prior to storage and later removed before the viability testing using a perfusion method (groups CPA1-CPA4). The results indicated a significant loss of slice and whole organ function during this short period of supercooling. The injury did not appear to result from either the rapidity of cooling or the formation of ice. There was some loss of function resulting from perfusion itself. Since this injury was evident in the whole organ but not in the tissue slice it may be ascribed to a vascular affect. When this damage was taken into account the data indicated that cryoprotective agents appeared to protect against any additional damage resulting from 1 hr storage at -4 degrees C.
Prior light alters the circadian clock in the chick pineal gland.

N-Acetyltransferase activity (NAT) exhibits a circadian rhythm in the pineal gland and retinas of chickens and is responsible for melatonin circadian rhythms. Chick pineal gland NAT was measured in vivo and/or in vitro after light-dark cycles and after pretreatments with short photoperiod, long photoperiod, and constant light. Prior lighting changed the shape (phase, amplitude, and duration) of the rhythm in vivo. Some of the alterations are “programmed” into the pineal gland because they were observed in vitro in pineal glands from chicks similarly exposed to lighting pretreatments.
Fixed-point orbits in the vicinity of the vr = N/3, N/4, and N/2 resonances

The fixed-point (closed) orbits associated with sector resonances are significant because they substantially define the main features of the radial phase space diagram such as, for example, the stability limits. A fairly detailed and rather general calculation of these orbits is carried out for the v r = N /3, N /4, and N /2 resonances. In each case formulae are given for the fixed-point orbits which are suitable for numerical calculations. Among the general results obtained are the following. (1) The net fourth-order “frequency-shifting” term in the Lagrangian is essentially zero for an isochronous field at all energies. (Thus, the N /4 resonance, and to a lesser extent the N /5 resonance, are unstable.) (2) The cubic terms in the Lagrangian, all by themselves, can produce not only the N /3 resonance, but also the N /4 and higher-order resonances as well. (3) The behavior of the N /2 resonance resembles more closely the N /4 resonance than the N /3 case.
The Tip of the Iceberg: Determining Whether Paraprofessional Support is Needed for Students with Disabilities in General Education Settings:

Paraprofessionals represent an important and growing segment of the personnel support used in American schools to provide inclusive educational opportunities to students with disabilities. When and...
The Shifting Landscape of Amish Agriculture: Balancing Tradition and Innovation in an Organic Farming Cooperative

In the context of the recent proliferation of alternative operations and marketing schemes across the agricultural landscape, this article examines an Amish organic farming cooperative in northeast Ohio. Contrary to popular perception, the large majority of Amish are not full-time farmers, and those who do farm typically use conventional, chemical-intensive methods. The adoption of certified organic among the Amish is a pragmatic decision that stems from concerns over the sociocultural effects of losing their agrarian heritage, but it also raises challenges that require a careful balance between market imperatives and cultural traditions. We investigate these challenges and the Amish response to them, including: how a culture group largely antithetical to bureaucracy and economic regulation has responded to the demands of external certification standards, how the cooperative has found markets for its products given their reluctance to use the Amish name in advertising, and how a people known for adherence...
New preclinical safety evaluation for single-dose clinical pharmacology

Abstract A new preclinical safety evaluation procedure for single-dose studies in humans is described. By integrating pharmacokinetic analyses and cardiovascular assessment with single-dose tolerance and short-term, multiple-dose toxicologic assessments in rodent and nonrodent species, the new protocol is believed to establish rational estimates of human single-dose safety.
Single versus Multiple Prime Contracting

Policies regarding public building construction affect the interests of taxpayers, construction authorities, general contractors, specialty contractors, and other stakeholders. At the state level, the debate as to the optimal form such policies should take has become an ongoing struggle among competing interests. This study presents a systematic analysis of the main issues regarding single versus multiple prime contracting with the purpose of providing objective data to illuminate the debate. A statistical analysis of project bids and final costs from a national sample of state construction projects reveals that public construction projects organized with multiple prime contracts tend to have 5% less direct costs than projects using a single prime contractor. Moreover, approximately 80% of these savings are attributable to lower bid costs for multiple prime projects. The results of this study are in agreement with theoretical bidding models and efficient risk allocation models. Theoretical bidding models suggest that, in the absence of disruptions, multiple prime projects should have lower direct costs than single prime jobs. Efficient cost allocation models suggest that when specialty contractors do not bear the risks associated with the single prime contracting method (e.g., bid shopping and payment delays) they are willing to lower their bids, and forego the premium they would normally charge in response to such risks, as seems to be the case in multiple prime jobs.
Three-dimensional grain fabric measurements using high-resolution X-ray computed tomography

Abstract High-resolution X-ray computed tomography (HRXCT) provides detailed imagery of the interiors of rocks up to hand-sample size, non-destructively and in three dimensions. New tools described here allow these data to be used for analysis of grain fabrics. Two separate sets of measurement techniques have been developed. The first concentrates on quantifying individual crystals (phenocrysts, porphyroblasts) or other discrete objects or void spaces within a sample. Quantifiable properties include location, size, shape, orientation, and contact relationships with adjacent objects. The second set of techniques performs a more general fabric analysis on any distinguishable component in a sample. A fabric tensor can be computed based on a number of metrics, including the star volume distribution (SVD), star length distribution (SLD), and mean intercept length (MIL) methods. The fabric tensors provide principal component directions and magnitudes, which in turn provide a measure of degree of anisotropy and shape indices. Because the SVD and SLD measure only the material of interest, whereas the MIL is also influenced by spatial distribution, results can be divergent for sparse phases. Also introduced is a three-dimensional rose diagram that can be viewed interactively and inspected to reveal further details about non-orthogonal directional components. These techniques are demonstrated through analysis of a garnet–kyanite schist from Mica Dam, British Columbia.
Therapeutic considerations in childhood idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura

Abstract This monograph reviews the literature regarding therapy for childhood idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP). The role and mechanism of action are discussed for corticosteroids, splenectomy, and intravenous gamma globulin. Alternative therapies with potent immunosuppressive agents are also mentioned. Guidelines for the management of children with ITP are presented.
Thiamine dependency in a patient with congenital lacticacidaemia due to pyruvate dehydrogenase deficiency.

A patient with congenital lactic acidosis, muscular hypotonia and severe ataxia is reported. The aetiology of his disease was found to be a deficiency of pyruvate dehydrogenase (E.C. 4.1.1.1.). Thiamine treatment (1.8 g/day) was successful in correcting biochemical and clinical symptoms. The mechanism of its action is probably based on activation of pyruvate dehydrogenase through interference in the physiologic regulation.
Metabolism of C14-Diethylstilbestrol in the Chicken: Retention and Excretion

Cockerels were each implanted with 1 μc diethyl(ethyl-l-C14)stilbestrol at 15 mg per bird. The uptake and the retention of radioactivity by various tissues were determined over periods ranging from 4 hours to 30 days. Thirty per cent of the total dose was absorbed from the injection site (head and neck) in 4 hours. The half-life of the hormone in the chicken was between 2 and 3 days. At terminus, the injection site, liver, bile, blood, ingesta, leg and wings had radioactivity totaling 0.7% of the administered dose. Excreta (feces-urine) were collected daily and assayed for biologic and radioactivity. Of the total radioactivity, 29% was excreted in 24 hours, 70% in 11 days, and 74% after 30 days. The estrogenic activity of the administered hormone recovered in the fecesurine was only 48 % of the radioactivity.
Human VEP contrast modulation sensitivity: separation of magno- and parvocellular components

Human cortical visual evoked potentials (VEPs) were retrieved in real time (without averaging). The stimuli were sinusoidal gratings whose contrast was temporally modulated about some mean value. Electrophysiologically determined contrast modulation thresholds were measured at standing contrast over the range from 2.5% to 50%, defining an increment threshold function. Increment threshold functions were obtained under two different spatio-temporal stimulus conditions identified as "sustained" (4 c/deg grating modulated at 1.5 Hz) and "transient" (1 c/deg grating modulated at 20 Hz). Under each of these conditions, threshold responses were retrieved at both the fundamental and second harmonic of the contrast modulation frequency. Under "sustained" conditions log increment threshold responses and the fundamental the second harmonic of the modulation frequency were similar to those at the fundamental except for a saturation effect (i.e., above a mean contrast of 25% there was little further reduction in modulation sensitivity). There was no contrast gain control under "transient" stimulus conditions. In other words, the same absolute amount of contrast change produced threshold responses for all mean levels up to 25%. This was true at both the fundamental and second harmonic of the modulation frequency. Stimulus differences produce striking differences in the electrophysiologically inferred increment threshold function for grating contrast, but fundamental and second harmonic evoked responses reflect processes with similar increment threshold behavior.