cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Ultrasound-guided cardiac blood sampling of the rabbit fetus

The object of the study was to determine whether cardiac sampling of the rabbit fetus could be successfully accomplished with minimal procedure-related loss. Pregnant rabbit dams were randomized to undergo ultrasound-guided fetal cardiac sampling in either the left or right uterine horn at 27 days of gestation; cesarean delivery was performed the following day. Liveborn pups from unsampled uterine horns underwent cardiac puncture immediately after birth. Fetal hematologic parameters were then compared to neonatal parameters. The acute fetal mortality from the sampled uterine horns was similar to that of the unsampled horns (3.6 vs. 4.5%). Fetal hematologic values were significantly higher than neonatal values with the exception of the reticulocyte count. This rabbit model offers a new approach for the evaluation of novel treatment modalities for hemolytic disease of the human fetus.
A question of epistemology: Reflections on the Harman-Laszlo dialogue

(1996). A question of epistemology: Reflections on the Harman‐Laszlo dialogue. World Futures: Vol. 47, No. 2-3, pp. 115-120.
Factors Influencing Parental Consent in Pediatric Clinical Research

Background. Although previous studies have looked at the motivation behind enrollment in clinical trials of adults and healthy subjects, little is known about the factors influencing parental consent in pediatric clinical studies where the subjects themselves do not provide consent. Objective. This study was conducted to define a group of factors that impact parental consent in the pediatric clinical trial. This may allow investigators to identify a subset of specific appealing aspects of clinical trials that will promote participation while also bringing ethical issues to light that may require further consideration. Methods. Forty-four parents or guardians of children currently participating in clinical asthma research completed questionnaires from July 1999 to September 1999 pertaining to motives for allowing their child to participate in clinical trials. The responses were then rated on a Likert numerical scale. Results. The most important motive for parents is learning more about their child’s illness. Next important was the motive of helping medical knowledge. Availability of free medication was negatively correlated with family income. Conclusions. Although altruistic motives are present in pediatric asthma research, most parents/guardians gave consent for their child to learn more about their child’s asthma. Access to free medication was more important in families with lower incomes than in families with higher incomes.
Predictions, Patterns, and Policymaking: A Regional Study of Devolution

This article examines state welfare policy choices since the passage of the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act (PRWORA) of 1996. It argues that neither prior predictions nor existing explanations of welfare policymaking fully capture the realities of reform. Using data from national studies and comparisons of policymaking in six states, this study demonstrates that diversity, not uniformity, characterizes state responses to devolution. Accounting for these choices requires an understanding of the context of policymaking. Conventional analyses of welfare reform have ignored the institutional structures through which policy is formulated and thus miss an important determinant of choices: the actions of administrative officials. Analyses that ignore institutional settings, and the actions of administrators within such settings, will continue to miss much that is crucial to our efforts to understand policy decisions.
Serial intravaginal prostaglandin E2 gel cervical ripening in preterm pregnancies

Abstract Objective: To determine if prostaglandin (PG) E 2 cervical ripening is safe and effective in high-risk preterm pregnant women who do not have an indication for immediate delivery. Methods: This was a retrospective case-control study of preterm pregnant women treated with sequential PGE2 gel between 3/1/92 and 3/1/95. Study subjects were between 24 and 36 weeks gestation, had intact membranes, and complications requiring inpatient monitoring but not immediate delivery. PGE 2 gel was inserted serially until either maternal or fetal deterioration required intervention, fetal maturity was achieved, a Bishop ≥ 7 was reached, or the patient improved and was discharged. Control subjects were matched for inclusion criteria and diagnoses on admission. Results: A total of 22 study and 22 control patients were evaluated. The gestational age at admission was 32.3 ± 2.8 versus 31.8 ± 2.9 weeks. The mean number of PGE 2 gel applications was 11.6 over a mean of 5.0 days. Intervention during ripening was required in 11 (50%). A Bishop score ≥ 7 without labor was achieved in 11 (50%), and labor during the ripening process occurred in 2 (9%). The mean time from Bishop ≥ 7 to delivery was 2.6 days. The total cesarean delivery rate was 10 (45%) versus 15 (68%), in the control group (P = NS). Neonatal outcomes were similar. Conclusions: Sequential PGE 2 gel cervical ripening when used in preterm pregnant women improves the Bishop score, and has a low incidence of spontaneous preterm labor.
Global manufacturing practices: an empirical evaluation

The global manufacturing research group (GMRG) is a multi‐national group of researchers who are dedicated to the study and improvement of manufacturing practices worldwide. The GMRG developed a survey that has been administered to companies in the machine tools and non‐fashion textile industries. In this study we utilize the GMRG data collected during 1993‐1995 and we focus on improvement programs and their impact on performance outcomes. Specifically, the improvement programs of interest are cellular manufacturing, factory automation, just‐in‐time (JIT) systems, and total quality management (TQM); the performance measures used were the percentage change in manufacturing cost, product quality, delivery speed, and on‐time deliveries. The relationships among the programs and outcomes were modelled and analyzed using the partial least squares (PLS) approach to structural equation modelling (SEM).
Explaining Central Bank Reform in Japan

In 1997, the Japanese government revised the Bank of Japan Law, joining a cross-national trend towards increased central bank independence and transparency. This paper argues that the new law was significantly informed by political incentives created by an impending electoral crisis and policy constraints imposed by international financial market developments. After reviewing several alternative explanations for central bank reform, the paper proposes that the governing parties' strategic efforts to use central bank reform as a means to re-establish their domestic and international credibility best explains both the timing and the content of the new law. Given the domestic political and economic circumstances since revision, however, it is not surprising that, while the new law immediately increased the Bank of Japan's formal independence and transparency, it did not simultaneously increase the central bank's policy effectiveness or credibility.
Defining a ‘living wage’ in America: transformations in union wage theories, 1870–1930

Whereas union leaders in nineteenth-century America often used the phrase ‘a living wage’ to describe appropriate compensation for skilled workers, today that phrase is typically linked to unskilled labor. I argue that the erosion of ties between skilled workers and the living wage occurred in several stages between 1900 and 1930. Having traditionally avoided quantifying the ‘living wage’, unions were forced to do so within arbitration hearings during and after the First World War. Finding their proposed standards rejected by most boards, union officials turned to an alternative justification for boosting the wages of skilled workers: the need to balance productive capacity with an expanded mass consumer market. That justification would later become a central part of left-wing political economy during the New Deal, while the living wage became tied primarily to efforts to boost minimum rates.
Bidder collusion at first-price auctions

We show that in simple environments, a bidding ring operating at a first-price sealed-bid auction cannot achieve any gains relative to non-cooperative bidding if the ring is unable to control the bids that its members submit at the auction. This contrasts with results for the case in which the ring can control its members’ bids or prevent all but one of the ring members from participating in the auction. Numerical examples suggest that this result extends to some more complex environments. The analytic results use linear programming techniques that have potential applications to a number of other economic problems.
Ozone-induced vagal reflex modulates airways reactivity in rabbits

Abstract We examined the effects of ozone (O3) on central and peripheral airway reactivity and tracheal transepithelial potential difference (PD) in New Zealand white rabbits. Rabbits were exposed for 7 h to either room temperature-humidified filtered air (n = 7) or 0.2 ppm O3 in humidified room air (n = 5). Tracheal PD was recorded 3 h after exposure. Whole lung resistance (RL) and reactivity were partitioned into their central (RC) and peripheral (RP) components using a retrograde catheter and forced oscillation. Changes in RL, RC, and RP in response to NaCl (0.9%) and ACh (100 mM) aerosol challenges were measured before and after vagotomy. Exposure to O3 decreased tracheal PD from −29 ± 0.6 mV in air-exposed rabbits to −15 ± 2 mV in O3-exposed rabbits (p ⩽ 0.0001). Exposure to O3 did not alter RL, RC, or RP. However, the ACh-induced increase in RL in O3-exposed rabbits (140%) was twice that recorded in the air-exposed group (p ⩽ 0.01). While changes in RP dominated the whole lung response to ACh in air-exposed rabbits, changes in RC were most prominent in the O3-exposed group. Bilateral vagotomy did not alter airway reactivity in control rabbits but did enhance peripheral lung reactivity in O3-exposed rabbits. We conclude that exposure to 0.2 ppm O3 for 7 h affects tracheal epithelial function in rabbits and increases central airway reactivity via vagal mechanisms without altering baseline RL, RC, or RP.
Missiological Reflections On Celtic Christianity

The cultural context of contemporary western culture suggests that people continue to demonstrate strong religious and superstitious beliefs. Many suggest that pre-Christian religions such as Druidry, Asatru and Wicca (although debatable as a pre-Christian religion) are successfully confronting the west European context. With ideals of egalitarianism and environmental responsibility, Paganism criticizes western Christianity for its oppressive nature. While western culture has benefitted from modernization, however, it does not seem all that dissimilar from the religious climate of the Middle Ages. This article suggests that Celtic Christianity between 400-800 might provide an example of a Christianity that related to the culture in an effective manner. From Patrick to the wandering monks of Ireland, Celtic Christianity sought to evangelize a Pagan culture and re-evangelize a one-time "Christianized" western Europe that had been invaded by religious others.
Expression of AgRP, NPY, POMC and CART in human fetal and adult hippocampus

The Agouti-Related Protein (AgRP), Neuropeptide Y (NPY), Proopiomelanocortin (POMC) and the Cocaine and Amphetamine-Regulated Transcript (CART) are four neuropeptides that play essential roles in the regulation of food intake and energy homeostasis in mammals. CART, POMC and NPY have also been suggested to play a role in the development of the hippocampus. We therefore employed quantitative real-time RT-PCR (qPCR) to analyze the expression levels of these genes in the fetal and adult human hippocampus to examine whether the four neuropeptides are differentially regulated in the hippocampus during development. CART (6.5-fold) and POMC (8.3-fold) mRNAs were significantly higher in the adult hippocampus. NPY on the other hand, was significantly reduced (2.1-fold) in the adult hippocampus, while AgRP mRNA was comparatively unchanged between fetal and adult hippocampus. In relative terms, CART mRNA was the highest and AgRP the lowest in both the fetal and adult hippocampus. CART, POMC and NPY are, therefore, differentially expressed in the human fetal and adult hippocampus and could play a role in its development or could be regulated by various stimuli involved in the development of this brain structure.
Reply to Olson and Perry: H2S physiologically mediates O2 sensing.

Olson and Perry (1) commented on our recent article “H2S mediates O2 sensing in the carotid body” (2), noting that they published a study relevant to hypoxia and H2S (3). To understand the relationship of the two studies, we will summarize work from our laboratories bearing on H2S as a gasotransmitter in blood vessels (4) and the carotid body (2). Because of its chemical reactivity, H2S is known to affect multiple biological systems, including blood vessels. Whether endogenously produced H2S is a physiologic messenger molecule had not been definitively examined. Availability of mice with targeted deletion of cystathionine γ-lyase (CSE) enabled the laboratories of Rui Wang and Solomon H. Snyder to show that CSE deletion depletes peripheral tissue H2S, markedly reduces endothelial-dependent relaxing factor activity, and elicits hypertension (4). This work established that H2S is physiologically generated peripherally by CSE and is a major regulator of blood vessel function.
Laparoscopic-Assisted vs. Open Ileal Pouch-Anal Anastomosis: Functional Outcome in a Case-Matched Series

PURPOSE: Functional outcomes in laparoscopic-assisted ileal pouch-anal anastomosis have been incompletely studied. More than one-year follow-up has rarely been reported in these patients. This study was designed to assess operative, functional, and quality of life outcomes in patients with ulcerative colitis or familial adenomatous polyposis a minimum of one year after. METHODS: Thirty-three laparoscopic-assisted ileal pouch-anal anastomosis and 33 open ileal pouch-anal anastomosis patients, with a median of 13 months and minimum of 12 months follow-up, were identified from a prospective, laparoscopic database. Functional outcome was prospectively assessed by using a standardized survey. These cohorts were matched by individual patient for year of surgery, age, gender, body mass index, and indication. RESULTS: Median age was 27 years (open) and 28 years (laparoscopic). There were 27 females and 6 males in each group. All operations occurred between 1999 and 2001. Median body mass index was 22.3 (open) and 21.7 (laparoscopic) groups. There were no significant differences in diagnosis, use of diversion, and anastomotic technique. Postoperative morbidity occurred in 6 percent of the laparoscopic cases and 12 percent of the open cases. Functional outcome after a minimum of one year revealed equivalent median day and median nocturnal number of stools of six to seven and one to two respectively. Consistency of stool, medication usage, and continence were no different between groups. Daytime and nocturnal incontinence was similar. Quality of life in regard to social, home life, family, travel, sports, recreation, and sex life were equivalent. CONCLUSIONS: The function and quality of life outcomes for patients undergoing laparoscopic-assisted ileal pouch-anal anastomosis seem to be equivalent to our open experience. Laparoscopic-assisted ileal pouch-anal anastomosis offers selected patients a safe, feasible, and durable alternative.
Organic Materials for Solar Photovoltaics

Metalloporphyrins and subphthalocyanines make excellent donor/acceptor materials in OPVs, some with high open circuit voltages (Voc). The properties of these devices and model for understanding the origin of Voc for OPVs will be presented.
165 ARTERIAL THROMBOLYSIS IN THE NEONATE BY RECOMBINANT TISSUE PLASMINOGEN ACTIVATOR (rTPA)

165 ARTERIAL THROMBOLYSIS IN THE NEONATE BY RECOMBINANT TISSUE PLASMINOGEN ACTIVATOR (rTPA)
Xe-133: Ambient air concentrations in upstate New York

Ambient air concentrations of 133Xe have been measured in upstate New York for the years 1975, 1981, 1983 and 1984 at 96, 70, 67 and 81 mBqm−3 (2.6, 1.9, 1.8 and 2.2pCim−3), respectively. A regional and global dispersion model was used to predict the average annual 133Xe concentration in Albany, New York based on reported 133Xe releases from nuclear reactors in eastern North America. Calculated and measured concentrations agreed within a factor of 2. The model calculations indicate that over 60% of the activity in Albany originates from six nearby reactor sites. Ambient air concentrations measured at three locations in Europe are about a factor of 5 less than concentrations measured in Albany. This appears to be due to lower 133Xe release rates, particularly for the reactors located near the sampling points. 133Xe is suggested as a gas that is suitable for studying regional and global dispersion from multiple sources since it is released from known sources at measured and reported rates.
Determination of transient disturbance energy flow in electric power systems via cross time-frequency distribution

In electric power systems, the flow of electric power is an important issue for the control and management of the system. However, under transient-states caused by electrical disturbances, it is not a simple task to determine the flow of transient disturbance energy in an analytic way with high accuracy. The proposed algorithm for the determination of transient disturbance energy flow is based on cross time-frequency analysis that provides time- and frequency- localized phase difference information. Hence, based on the cross time-frequency distribution of the transient voltage and current, the classical parameters in power systems are modified for transient analysis. The transient power factor angle will determine the direction of transient disturbance energy (real and reactive) flows in power distribution system networks. For the verification of the proposed algorithm, a practical model of a power system is simulated by EMTP (Electromagnetic Transient Program). In addition, knowledge of this nature should greatly facilitate automatic identification of transient events and determination of the physical location of the source of various transient disturbances.
Mutuality of commitment in romantic relationships: Exploring a dyadic model

On the basis of the interdependence and interpersonal perception literatures, this article advanced and tested a dyadic model of mutuality of commitment. It is argued that mutuality of commitment is composed of 4 perceptions (i.e., A's self and other perceptions, and B's self and other perceptions) and 4 types of interconnections among the perceptions (i.e., actual, assumed, empathic, and reciprocal mutuality). Evidence for the presence of the 4 types of mutuality of commitment was found in a sample of 121 romantically involved couples. Furthermore, in several situations the perceptions and types of mutuality had significant associations with people's perceptions of relationship quality. Each of these results is discussed, as well as the utility of the new conceptualization of mutuality of commitment.
Trypan blue dye uptake and lactate dehydrogenase in adult rat hepatocytes—Freshly isolated cells, cell suspensions, and primary monolayer cultures

Leakage of lactate dehydrogenase and staining by the vital dye trypan blue were investigated in adult rat hepatocytes at the time of isolation, in suspensions up to 3 h and in primary monolayer cultures up to 3 d. These two parameters of plasma membrane integrity were found to correlate closely in hepatocyte suspensions, but to a lesser degree in monolayer cultures. Functional activity was demonstrated in culture by glucose consumption and lactic acid production. There was a balance of total lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activity over time for both hepatocyte suspensions and cultures. Loss of LDH activity in the cell fraction was accompanied by a corresponding increase in enzyme activity in the media fraction. Lactate dehydrogenase activity per dye-excluding hepatocyte was calculated to be 9.2 +/- 1.5 X 10(-6) IU assayed at 37 degrees C for 25 preparations of isolated hepatocytes. The results suggest that leakage of cytoplasmic enzyme and vital dye staining are of comparable sensitivity in evaluating hepatocyte preparations. Measurement of LDH leakage offers a less subjective alternative to cell counting procedures and is applicable to both attached and suspended cells.
Turbulent heat transfer to non-Newtonian fluids

Abstract Turbulent heat transfer to non-Newtonian liquids is treated by means of a physical model proposed previously by the author for Newtonian liquids. In the model one assumes that the turbulent motion near and along the wall may be decomposed in a succession of short laminar boundary layers. For illustration purposes the cases of power law and visco-elastic liquids are treated. As an important by-product a tentative explanation of the drag reduction in turbulent pipe flow is given.
Somatic cell mapping of bovine EC-SOD and SOD1L loci.

Abstract cDNA probes of human extracellular superoxide dismutase (EC-SOD) and bovine superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1) genes were hybridized to Southern blots containing genomic DNAs from cow-rodent somatic cell lines segregating bovine chromosomes. The SOD1 probe identified two loci: the coding locus (SOD1)), which mapped to U11. EC-SOD mapped to bovine U15. The mapping of EC-SOD to human chromosome 4, and our mapping of EC-SOD to U15, further defines a region of extensive syntenic conservation between humans and domestic cows.
Polymer-fiber-based photomechanical stabilization, discrete positioning, and continuous positioning all-optical circuit

We report on a new class of devices in which laser light is used to control the length of a material. To demonstrate these devices we have designed an all-optical circuit that, using feedback, allows us to control the length of a polymer optical fiber in three ways: stabilization, discrete positioning and continuous positioning. We also report the dependence of response time on fiber length. Many mechanisms long known to result in a refractive index change also result in a length change. For our circuit we have utilized the heating mechanism to control length. While this heating mechanism is relatively slow it is also relatively large in magnitude.
The Optimal Control of Partially Observable Markov Processes over the Infinite Horizon: Discounted Costs

This paper treats the discounted cost, optimal control problem for Markov processes with incomplete state information. The optimization approach for these partially observable Markov processes is a generalization of the well-known policy iteration technique for finding optimal stationary policies for completely observable Markov processes. The state space for the problem is the space of state occupancy probability distributions the unit simplex. The development of the algorithm introduces several new ideas, including the class of finitely transient policies, which are shown to possess piecewise linear cost functions. The paper develops easily implemented approximations to stationary policies based on these finitely transient policies and shows that the concave hull of an approximation can be included in the well-known Howard policy improvement algorithm with subsequent convergence. The paper closes with a detailed example illustrating the application of the algorithm to the two-state partially observable Markov process.
A CONSTITUTIVELY ACTIVE HOLOENZYME FORM OF THE CAMP-DEPENDENT PROTEIN KINASE

Abstract The major function of the regulatory (R) subunit of the cAMP-dependent protein kinase is to bind tightly to the catalytic (C) subunit to form an inactive holoenzyme in the absence of cAMP. The hinge region of the R subunit resembles the substrate recognition site for the C subunit and is known to be involved in the R.C subunit interaction. Two arginine residues in this region, Arg-92 and Arg-93, are suggested to be essential for holoenzyme formation. In this study, a mutant in which Arg-92 and Arg-93 of type II regulatory subunit (RII) were replaced with alanine was constructed. Formation of the holoenzyme from mutant RII and C subunits was analyzed by gel-filtration and cation-exchange chromatography. Mutant RII in its cAMP-free form formed a stable holoenzyme with the C subunit, which dissociated in the presence of cAMP. Interestingly, the holoenzyme formed from mutant RII and C subunits retained full enzymatic activity even in the absence of cAMP. Although mutant RII could no longer be phosphorylated by the C subunit, the rate of [3H]cAMP release from mutant RII.cAMP was increased by addition of the C subunit, indicating that C-induced cAMP release is not the result of the interaction of the C subunit with the hinge region. These results demonstrate that Arg-92 and Arg-93 are not essential for holoenzyme formation but are critical for inhibiting kinase activity in the holoenzyme probably by occupying the substrate binding site. The results suggest that, in addition to the hinge region, a second site on the RII subunit may interact with the C subunit in a cAMP-dependent manner.
Growth mode of ultrathin copper overlayers on TiO2(110).

Copper overlayers with thicknesses up to several tens of angstroms have been vapor deposited at various substrate temperatures onto rutile ${\mathrm{TiO}}_{2}$(110) surfaces that have different defect concentrations. The metal films have been studied by means of ${\mathrm{He}}^{+}$ low-energy ion scattering, x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and LEED (low-energy electron diffraction). Our measurements clearly show that Volmer-Weber growth (formation of three-dimensional crystallites) occurs even at sample temperatures as low as 160 K. Defects created by sputtering the substrate prior to Cu deposition do not influence the subsequent growth of the Cu films. The clusters are oriented with their (111) orientation parallel to the surface as confirmed by LEED. During low-temperature annealing, a coarsening of the crystallites takes place. The size of the clusters and the coverage have been modeled using simple assumptions about their shape. An average thickness of approximately 10 \AA{} is needed to cover half of the sample with Cu. The growth mode can be attributed to a very weak interaction between Cu and the substrate.
Information metrics and user studies

Three questions – what can be studied; how can studies be done; and what can be measured – drive research methods and help to identify information metrics for user studies. User studies can investigate user needs, search strategies, or preferences. Observing and asking, the two main methods for conducting user studies, yield quantitative and qualitative data through studying patterns of behavior and insights into motivation. ciber (Centre for Information Behaviour and the Evaluation of Research, City University, London) is in a good position to continue supporting information user behavior studies that use a variety of methods to gather both qualitative and quantitative data and help establish consistent metrics.
Balancing Accuracy of Promised Ship Data and IT Costs

In an ideal e-business environment, when a customer order is scheduled and a ship date is computed, the availability should immediately be reserved and not be available for future orders. However, in reality the availability data that are used for the scheduling the orders are not real time availability (physical availability), but they are availability information stored in an IT system (system availability). The availability data in the IT system (static view of availability) is typically refreshed (synchronized with real time availability) only periodically since it is very expensive to update the database in real time. Due to this potentially inaccurate view of the availability, some orders cannot be shipped on the promised ship date. Therefore, for certain customer orders, products are shipped later than the promised ship date resulting in customer dissatisfaction. Therefore, one of key decisions in order fulfillment process is to properly balance IT system (e.g., IT expense) and accuracy of promised ship date. In this work, we study how availability fresh rate (IT system) impacts customer service level. The simulation model we develop helps making critical business decision on refresh rate of availability, and avoiding expensive IT investment.
Nanometer-Sized Amino Acids for the Synthesis of Nanometer-Scale Water-Soluble Molecular Rods of Precise Length

This paper introduces the unnatural amino acid Abc2K as a nanometer-length building block for the creation of water-soluble molecular rods of exceptional size. Abc2K is a water-soluble variant of the unnatural amino acid 4’-amino-[1,1’-biphenyl]-4-carboxylic acid (Abc) with lysinelike propyloxyammonium side chains at the 2- and 5-positions. The protected building block Fmoc-Abc2K(Boc)-OH (1) can be used in standard Fmoc-based solid-phase peptide synthesis to create water-soluble rodlike peptides in nanometer unit lengths up to at least ten nanometers. Oligomers up to and including the decamer were easily prepared on a Rink amide resin. These peptides are easy to purify and characterize by standard reverse-phase HPLC, 1H NMR, and ESI-MS techniques. The Abc2K amino acid can be combined with various standard amino acids to provide well behaved hybrid and biologically relevant peptides. Building block 1 is efficiently prepared on a multigram scale from commercially available starting materials by way of the Suzuki cross-coupling reaction. Molecular modeling studies of Abc2K oligomers show only minor effects from torsional and bending motions and support a model in which the oligomers are relatively straight and rigid. Fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) studies are consistent with a model in which the Abc2K oligomers behave as rigid rods with a length of 1.0 nm per monomer unit.
Implementation of a flash-photolysis system for time-resolved cryo-electron microscopy

Abstract We describe here the implementation of a flash-photolysis system for time-resolved cryo-electron microscopy. A previously designed computer-controlled cryo-plunging apparatus [White, H.D., Thirumurugan, K., Walker, M.L., Trinick, J., 2003. A second generation apparatus for time-resolved electron cryo-microscopy using stepper motors and electrospray. J. Struct. Biol. 144, 246–252] was used as a hardware platform, onto which a xenon flash lamp and liquid light pipe were mounted. The irradiation initiates a reaction through cleavage of the photolabile blocking group from a biologically active compound. The timespan between flashing and freezing in cryogen is on the order of milliseconds, and defines the fastest observable reaction. Blotting of excess fluid, which takes on the order of 1 s, is done before irradiation and thus does not represent a rate-limiting step. A specimen-heating problem, identified by measurements with a thermocouple, was alleviated with the use of thick, aluminum-coated grids.
Effects of Hydrocortisone and Growth Hormone on Tyrosine Aminotransferase and Tryptophan Oxygenase Levels in Hypophysectomized Rats

The inhibitory effects of highly purified bovine growth hormone (BGH) on the induction of tyrosine aminotransferase (TA) and tryptophan oxygenase (TO) by hydrocortisone in hypophysectomized rats have been studied. A single injection of 25 μg of BGH inhibits the response of TA to HC 44%. The induction of TO by HC is diminished 53% by the administration of only 12.5 μg of BGH. These data indicate that the modifying effects of somatotropin 1) are probably due to BGH alone because of its high chemical and biologic purity, and 2) may be operational at the physiologic level since minute quantities of BGH cause maximal responses. (Endocrinology 86: 1448, 1970)
Synthesis of the α, ω-Dicarboxylic Acid Precursor of Biotin by the Canonical Fatty Acid Biosynthetic Pathway

Biotin synthesis requires the C7 α,ω-dicarboxylic acid, pimelic acid. Although pimelic acid was known to be primarily synthesized by a head to tail incorporation of acetate units, the synthetic mechanism was unknown. It has recently been demonstrated that in most bacteria the biotin pimelate moiety is synthesized by a modified fatty acid synthetic pathway in which the biotin synthetic intermediates are O-methyl esters disguised to resemble the canonical intermediates of the fatty acid synthetic pathway. Upon completion of the pimelate moiety, the methyl ester is cleaved. A very restricted set of bacteria have a different pathway in which the pimelate moiety is formed by cleavage of fatty acid synthetic intermediates by BioI, a member of the cytochrome P450 family.
On the Mechanics of Magnetic Amplifier Operation

In this paper certain magnetic amplifier circuits will be illustrated and their circuit equations presented subject to certain assumptions. The equations will be interpreted in as clear a manner as the author thinks possible and some conclusions will be drawn. Since the mathematics of analysis of magnetic amplifiers is quite complex as viewed from continuous theory a clearer period by period interpretation will be pursued during which periods the equations may be considered as a continuous, elementary and reasonably accurate representation of the phenomena. The two periods which will be used are those during which the amplifier output current is large (conducting period); and during which the amplifier output current is of the order of the magnetizing current (nonconducting period). Equivalent circuits for each period will be set up. The final conditions of one period will represent the initial conditions of the following period. The two assumptions utilized in this analysis are ``ideal'' magnetization curves for the core materials, Figure 1, and ``ideal'' rectifiers. The best core materials and rectifiers manufactured today rather closely approximate these assumed conditions. A resistive load impedance will be used for simplification of the mathematics. The conclusions drawn from these elementary considerations will form a basis for predicting the performance of examples of certain novel circuits which shall have properties of an unusual nature. Practical discussion of these circuits is beyond the scope of this paper and will be presented elsewhere.
Silk Film Topography Directs Collective Epithelial Cell Migration

The following study provides new insight into how surface topography dictates directed collective epithelial cell sheet growth through the guidance of individual cell movement. Collective cell behavior of migrating human corneal limbal-epithelial cell sheets were studied on highly biocompatible flat and micro-patterned silk film surfaces. The silk film edge topography guided the migratory direction of individual cells making up the collective epithelial sheet, which resulted in a 75% increase in total culture elongation. This was due to a 3-fold decrease in cell sheet migration rate efficiency for movement perpendicular to the topography edge. Individual cell migration direction is preferred in the parallel approach to the edge topography where localization of cytoskeletal proteins to the topography’s edge region is reduced, which results in the directed growth of the collective epithelial sheet. Findings indicate customized biomaterial surfaces may be created to direct both the migration rate and direction of tissue epithelialization.
Temporal variation in the catch rate, length, color and sex of the necrophagous amphipod, Eurythenes gryllus, from the central and eastern North Pacific

Abstract The necrophagous lysianassid amphipod, Eurythenes gryllus, was captured at altitudes up to 1800 m at 4 stations across the central North Pacific, from an oligotrophic station north of Hawaii to a eutrophic station off the California coast. This study was conducted from June 1982 to April 1984 using 54 vertical set lines, each 1800 m in length with 19 traps attached between 2 and 1800 m altitude. Catch rates were variable both within sampling periods (time on station) and within seasions. Size frequency histograms of amphipod length showed distinct instar stages, coincident for all stations and sampling periods, and with no temporal size class progression, indicating that E. gryllus had continuous recruitment. Temporal variability in body length of E. gryllus occured only at altitudes ⩽20 m. Sex ratios (females:males) ranged from 1:1 to 1.5:1; females represented a significantly higher proportion of the population onl3 at altitudes ⩽20 m. The percentage of pigmented animals steadily increased during this study period. We suggest that (1) pigment deposition in these animals increased with increasing length of the intermolt period, and (2) lower food supply resulted in a longer intermolt period, therefore allowing increased time to incorporate pigments.
ANTI OXIDATIVE COMBINATION THERAPY AND POST HYPOXIC ISCHEMIC REPERFUSION INJURY OF THE NEWBORN BRAIN • 1761

Post hypoxic-ischemic (HI) reperfusion induces brain injury by excess production of free radicals and is characterized by cerebral hypoperfusion, a decreased O2 consumption (CMRO2) and electrocortical brain activity (ECBA). Reduction of free radicals may attenuate this damage. Severe HI (30 min ventilation with 6-7% O2 and 10% CO2 followed by 5 min hypotension) was produced in 5 groups of 7 newborn lambs each. Post HI changes (%) from pre-HI values at 15, 60, 120 and 180 min were measured in carotid artery flow (Qcar[ml/min]), CMRO2 and ECBA[μV]. Immediately after completion of HI the lambs received respectively a placebo (CONT), 0.3 mg/kg/iv Indomethacine (INDO) to inhibit superoxide production (cyclooxygenase pathway), 20 mg/kg/iv Allopurinol (ALLO) to inhibit superoxide production(xanthine oxidase), 2.5 mg/kg/iv Deferoxamine to chelate free iron (DFO) or a combination of these three drugs (COMB).
Factors Influencing Ellagic Acid Precipitation in Muscadine Grape Juice During Storage

Ellagic acid sedimentation in white muscadine grape juice was monitored following different processing treatments and storage temperatures. High storage temperatures (40°C) greatly accelerated sediment formation, and pasteurization (100°C, 10 min) resulted in a faster sediment formation than sterile filtration. Sediment also increased substantially after juice was hydrolyzed (121°C and pH 2 for 10 min). Ultrafiltration of juice through a 10,000 or 30,000 dalton membrane resulted in significantly less sediment formation in the juice. Treatment of juice with polyvinylpolypyrrolidone (0.1– 0.2 g/L juice), egg albumen (6–10 mg/L juice) or gelatin (0.05 – 0.4 g/L juice) resulted in a significant reduction of juice phenolics and sediment formation. A commercial pectinase added to the grapes increased sediment formation and total phenolics in the juice. Levels of ellagic acid in juice were very low and did not correlate well with amount of sediment formed.
Collision efficiencies of diffusing spherical particles: hydrodynamic, van der Waals and electrostatic forces

A practical limitation of the application of Smoluchowski's classical estimate for the collisions probability of two diffusing spherical particles in Brownian motion is the non-consideration of interparticle forcves. For suspended particles in water such forces can arise from the disturbance the particle causes in the fluid (hydrodynamic forces), from the cloud of ions which surround an electrically charged particle (double layer forces) or they can be of molecular origin (van der Waals forces). In this paper corrections to Smoluckhowski's collision probability are computed when such forces operate Scoluchowski's collision probability are computed when such forces operate between two approaching particles of various sizes. Results for several values of the van der Waals energy of attraction and the ionic strength of the electrolyte are presented in a way convenient for particle collision modeling.
Fabrication of porous, drug-releasing, biodegradable, polymer scaffolds for sustained drug release.

Two different approaches were used to fabricate porous scaffolds, and their in vitro drug releasing characteristics were examined. In the first method, a poly(L-lactic acid) (PLLA) solution and poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) + acetaminophen solution was homogenized. The emulsion was then blended with a PLLA solution in chloroform. The resultant emulsion was freeze-dried to form porous scaffolds. Various combinations were obtained by varying homogenizer speed and blender speed, and by varying the concentration of PVA and acetaminophen solutions. The in vitro drug-release study was performed for 6 days in a phosphate buffer. The influence of structure, porosity, and drug concentration of the scaffolds on drug-release rate was examined using design of experiments. In the second approach, scaffolds were prepared in layered constructs, with either a three-layered or five-layered structure. The PVA + acetaminophen solution was blended with PLLA solution using a blender. The drug-release study was performed for 19 days. The effect of drug concentration, blender speed, and the thickness of the layers on drug-release rate was examined. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater 2008
Abstract 233: Polo-like kinase 1 facilitates loss of Pten-induced prostate cancer formation

Loss of the tumor suppressor Pten (phosphatase and tensin homolog deleted on chromosome 10) is thought to mediate the majority of prostate cancers, but the molecular mechanism remains elusive. In this study, we demonstrate that Pten-depleted cells suffer from mitotic stress, and that nuclear function of Pten, but not its phosphastase activity, is required to reverse this stress phenotype. Further, depletion of Pten results in elevated expression of Polo-like kinase 1 (Plk1), a key regulator of the cell cycle. We found that elevated Plk1 is critical for Pten-depleted cells to adapt to mitotic stress for survival, and that re-introduction of wild-type Pten into Pten-null prostate cancer cells reduces the survival dependence on Plk1. We further show that Plk1 confers the tumorigenic competence of Pten-deleted prostate cancer cells in a mouse xenograft model. In order to evaluate the clinical relevance of our finding, we examined the expression level of Plk1 in human prostate cancer tissue assay which includes normal tissue samples, prostate hyperplasia samples and malignant tumor samples. A correlation between overexpression of Plk1 and genetic inactivation of Pten was observed during prostate neoplasia formation. These findings identify a role of Plk1 in facilitating loss of Pten-induced prostate cancer formation, which suggests that Plk1 might be a promising target for prostate cancer patients with inactivating Pten mutations. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 103rd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2012 Mar 31-Apr 4; Chicago, IL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2012;72(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 233. doi:1538-7445.AM2012-233
Radiofrequency ablation for the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer in marginal surgical candidates.

Objective Treatment options for patients with non–small cell lung cancer who are not surgical candidates or who refuse operation are limited. Radiofrequency ablation represents a potential less invasive option for these patients. Our initial experience with radiofrequency ablation for peripheral, primary non–small cell lung cancer is reported. Methods We treated 21 tumors in 18 patients. Median age was 75 (range 58-86) years. Cancer stages were I (n = 9), II (n = 2), III (n = 3), and IV (n = 4). Patients with stage IV disease included 3 with recurrence after previous lobectomies and 1 with a synchronous liver metastasis also treated with radiofrequency ablation. Median tumor diameter was 2.8 cm (range 1.2-4.5 cm). Radiofrequency ablation was delivered by minithoracotomy in 2 cases and by a computed tomography–guided percutaneous approach in 16 patients. Computed tomographic and positron emission tomographic scans were used to evaluate recurrence and radiographic response in ablated nodules. Results One postoperative death occurred from pneumonia after open radiofrequency ablation. Median hospital stay was 2.5 days. A chest tube or pigtail catheter was required in 7 patients (38.9%) for procedure-related pneumothoraces. At a median follow-up of 14 months, 15 patients (83.3%) were alive. Local progression occurred in 8 nodules (38.1%). Mean and median progression-free intervals were 16.8 and 18 months, respectively. For stage I cancers, mean progression-free interval was 17.6 months. Median progression-free interval was not reached. Conclusion This study demonstrates the feasibility of radiofrequency ablation for small, peripheral non–small cell lung cancer tumors. Local control is comparable to, if not better than, that provided by radiotherapy. Radiofrequency ablation should continue to be evaluated by thoracic surgeons as a noninvasive therapy for the high-risk patient with non–small cell lung cancer.
Higher Frequency of Aberrant Crypt Foci in Rapid Than Slow Acetylator Inbred Rats Administered the Colon Carcinogen 3,2′-Dimethyl-4-aminobiphenyl

Abstract Humans and other mammals such as rats exhibit a genetic polymorphism in acetyltransferase (NAT2) capacity, yielding rapid and slow acetylator phenotypes. The rapid acetylator phenotype has been associated with increased incidence of human colorectal cancer in some, but not all, epidemiological studies. In order to investigate this possible association, a rapid (F-344) and slow (WKY) acetylator inbred rat model was utilized to investigate the role of the acetylator genotype ( NAT2 ) in the formation of aberrant crypt foci (ACF) following administration of colon carcinogens. Age-matched (retired breeder) female rapid and slow acetylator inbred rats received two weekly injections (50 or 100 mg/kg, sc) of 3,2′-dimethyl-4-aminobiphenyl (DMABP) or a single 50 mg/kg, sc, injection of 1,2-dimethyl-hydrazine (DMH). The rats were euthanized at 10 weeks and ACF were evaluated in the cecum, ascending, transverse, and descending colon, and rectum. ACF were observed in the colon and rectum, but not the cecum of rapid and slow acetylator inbred rats administered DMABP or DMH. ACF were more concentrated in the descending colon. ACF frequencies were significantly higher in colons of rapid than slow acetylator inbred rats administered DMABP, a colon carcinogen which is activated via O -acetylation catalyzed by polymorphic acetyltransferase (NAT2). At 50 mg/kg, ACF frequency in the distal colon was 2.29 ± 0.57 in rapid acetylators versus 0.38 ± 0.18 in slow acetylators. At 100 mg/kg, ACF frequency was 4.11 ± 1.06 in rapid versus 1.57 ± 0.48 in slow acetylators. ACF frequency did not differ significantly between rapid and slow acetylator inbred rats administered DMH, a colon carcinogen which is not metabolized by polymorphic acetyltransferase. The two inbred rat strains did not differ in hepatic microsomal phenacetin deethylase activity, which is a marker for CYP1A2 activity important for the activation of aromatic amines. These results support the hypothesis that rapid acetylator ( NAT2 ) genotype is a risk factor in aromatic amine-induced colon carcinogenesis.
ORGANIZATION OF THE HISTONE H3 GENES IN SOYBEAN, BARLEY AND WHEAT

Several variants of the replacement histone H3 genes from soybean, barley and wheat have been cloned and sequenced. Analysis of segregating populations in barley and soybean, as well as analysis of clones isolated from a soybean genomic library, suggested that these genes are dispersed throughout the genome. Several genes contain introns located in similar positions, but of different lengths and sequence. Comparison of mRNA levels in different tissues revealed that the intron-containing and intronless genes have different expression patterns. The distribution of the introns in the histone H3 genes across several plant species suggests that some of the introns might have been lost during the evolution of the gene family. Sequence divergence among introns and gene-flanking sequences in cloned gene variants allowed us to use them as specific probes for localizing individual gene copies and analyzing the genomic distribution of these variants across a range of genotypes.