cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Base-Boronated Dinucleotides: Synthesis and Effect of N7-Cyanoborane Substitution on the Base Protons

Boron-modified nucleic acids comprise a new set of DNA mimics that have potential biological and therapeutic applications. A series of nine dinucleotides containing N7-cyanoborane-2'-deoxyguanosine ((7b)dG) at the 3', 5' or both positions of the phosphodiester linkage have been synthesized using solution phase phosphoramidite chemistry. Fmoc was used as the 5'-protecting group because of incompatibility of the cyanoborane moiety with 5'-DMT cations generated during the deprotection step. The presence of the cyanoborane group was confirmed on the basis of Fab-MS and 1H NMR spectroscopy. The H-8 proton of (7b)dG in the dinucleotides shifted 0.35-0.80 p.p.m. downfield relative to that of unmodified dG. A comparison of the D20 exchange kinetics of the H-8 proton at 60 degrees C showed that H-8 of (7b)dG is very labile relative to unmodified dG, indicating that the N7-cyanoborane modification increases the acidity of the H-8 proton of (7b)dG. These studies illustrate the feasibility of synthesizing boron-containing oligonucleotides which are modified at the N7-guanine to block Hoogsteen pairing in the DNA major groove.
EFFECTS OF HALOTHANE AND SODIUM THIOPENTONE ON SURFACE BRAIN PRESSURE AND BRAIN ELECTRICALIMPEDANCE IN DOGS WITH NORMAL INTRACRANIAL TENSION

The effects of the inhalation of halothane and the i.v. administration of thiopentone on surface brain pressure and brain electrical impedance, at a frequency of 1 kHz, were investigated in 14 chronically implanted dogs. In dogs with normal Paco2, halothane, at inspired concentrations of 0.8, 1.2, 1.5 and 2.0%, produced increases in brain pressure and impedance. Thiopentone i.v. and hyperventilation preceding the administration of halothane lessened, but did not prevent, the increases in brain pressure and impedance. Thiopentone 35 mg kg decreased both pressure and impedance. The dose-related (P
Surface microstructure extraction from multiple aerial images

In this paper we present a system that recovers building facet images from multiple source images and, as a first step towards detailed analysis of microstructures, extracts windows from walls. The system employs a sophisticated multi-image texture mapping technique to eliminate the corrupting effects of shadows and occlusions and to find a 'best piece representation' of each facet. The system is model-driven, providing a context-based environment for microstructure analysis. The window extraction module focuses attention on wall facets, attempting to extract the 2-D window patterns attached to the walls using an oriented region growing technique. High-level knowledge is incorporated to simplify the computation of symbolic window extraction. The algorithms are typically useful in urban sites. Experiments show successful applications of this approach to site model refinement.© (1997) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Cytotoxicity of ionophore A23187 for basophils and other human blood cells

Abstract The calcium ionophore A23187(A23) at concentrations exceeding 1 μg/ml has been shown to he progressively cytotoxic for human blood basophils, neutrophils, lymphocytes, and erythrocytes. Toxicity to basophils was considered to be manifested by the increasing inability of 2-deoxyglucose (2DG) to inhibit histamine release (HR) at increasing concentrations of A23. The toxicity to neutrophils and lymphocytes was demonstrated by decreased lactate production (LP) after incubation with A23 of Ficoll-Hypaque fractions greatly enriched in each respective cell type. Red cells present in dextran-sedimented leukocytes were increasingly susceptible to lysis during washing subsequent to exposure to increasing concentrations of A23. A concentration of 4 μg A23/ml, which is cytotoxic at 37 °C, produced optimal and noncytotoxic HR at 22 °C. It was possible to reduce A23 concentrations required for optimal HR by increasing Ca ++ from 0.6 to 3 mM.
Crossing the Sands, Crossing the Color Line: Non-Black Members of Black Greek Letter Organizations

Although law prohibits de jure race bias in US college fraternities and sororities, racial separation prevails de facto through custom, tradition, and preference. While historically Black Greek Letter Organizations (BGLOs) are typically depicted as racially ‘closed’ and ‘exclusive,’ this article explores the social history and meaning of those instances when non-blacks have crossed that specific racial boundary. If Greek organizations act as a dominating influence upon campus life, the possibility exists that cross-racial Greek membership promotes intimacy, tolerance, and understanding, while also feasibly promoting the continued tokenism of “others” as a theme that earns the host organization multicultural credentials in a politically correct society. Specifically, this study adds nuance to the predominant account of diversity within US college fraternities and sororities by identifying, describing, and constructing a picture of an often-ignored aspect of cross-racial contact. To achieve this goal, qualitative approaches are employed including extant literature review, document gathering, and sociological analysis.
Atrial Natriuretic Factor and Hypertension A Review and Metaanalysis

Atrial natriuretic factor (ANF) is a recently discovered, volume responsive hormone with multiple potent antihypertensive actions. This article reviews data supporting hypothetical associations between ANF and essential hypertension, examines reports of plasma ANF concentrations in hypertension, discusses the efficacy of ANF and its analogs in the treatment of hypertension, and reviews future issues in ANF research. ANF has been shown to elicit vasodilatation, suppress plasma renin activity, inhibit the synthesis and release of aldosterone, antagonize sympathetically-mediated release of norepinephrine, and promote diuresis and natriuresis. A metaanalysis of plasma ANF concentrations reported in normal and hypertensive subjects reveals a 5 +/- 19 pg/mL (pooled, weighted mean and standard deviation) higher ANF level in age-matched, untreated hypertensives without evidence of end-organ damage. This difference may be inappropriately low given the increase in atrial filling pressures found in hypertension. Low doses of ANF elicit greater reductions in blood pressure in hypertensive subjects than in normals. Recently, inhibitors of the ANF-degrading enzyme, neutral endopeptidase, and of the ANF "clearance" receptor have enhanced the antihypertensive actions of endogenous or exogenously administered ANF. Human studies are currently in progress testing the antihypertensive efficacy of orally administered neutral endopeptidase inhibitors. The discovery of ANF has led to the elucidation of a family of natriuretic peptides from brain, heart, and kidney, and promises to enlarge our understanding of volume regulation in normal and pathophysiological states. The possibility that essential hypertension is associated with inappropriately low plasma ANF levels or altered responsiveness to ANF may offer new insights into the pathogenesis and treatment of hypertension.
D4-1: Economic Impact of an Evidence-based Standardized Perinatal Care and Practice Measurement Process: Evidence from a U.S. Integrated Healthcare Delivery System

Background/Aims Recent estimates indicate 10–15% of all babies born in the U.S. are admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) which along with evidence that coordinated prenatal care is positively correlated with better birth outcomes (fewer low birth weight and premature babies, and fewer infants transferred to NICU’s) suggest the potential for improvement in perinatal care quality and cost. The aim of this analysis is to examine the economic impact of an evidence- and guideline-based standardized coordinated perinatal care and electronic health record measurement process (Geisinger Health System (GHS) Perinatal ProvenCare® (PPC)) for both the mother and infant implemented in a large integrated U.S. healthcare delivery system to test whether it reduces the total cost of care.
Imaging Enabled Platforms for Development of Therapeutics

Advances in imaging and spectroscopic technologies have enabled the optimization of many therapeutic modalities in cancer and noncancer pathologies either by earlier disease detection or by allowing therapy monitoring. Amongst the therapeutic options benefiting from developments in imaging technologies, photodynamic therapy (PDT) is exceptional. PDT is a photochemistry-based therapeutic approach where a light-sensitive molecule (photosensitizer) is activated with light of appropriate energy (wavelength) to produce reactive molecular species such as free radicals and singlet oxygen. These molecular entities then react with biological targets such as DNA, membranes and other cellular components to impair their function and lead to eventual cell and tissue death. Development of PDT-based imaging also provides a platform for rapid screening of new therapeutics in novel in vitro models prior to expensive and labor-intensive animal studies. In this study we demonstrate how an imaging platform can be used for strategizing a novel combination treatment strategy for multifocal ovarian cancer. Using an in vitro 3D model for micrometastatic ovarian cancer in conjunction with quantitative imaging we examine dose and scheduling strategies for PDT in combination with carboplatin, a chemotherapeutic agent presently in clinical use for management of this deadly form of cancer.
Dynamics of the down-going lithosphere

Abstract The widely-accepted model of island-arc structure and dynamics in which one plate of lithosphere underthrusts another appears to be correct in essence. But observational data on such structures clearly have not been exhausted, and refinements of the model can be and have been made. Such refinements enhance our knowledge of deep structure and, in turn, of the interaction of the descending plate and the mantle; and this information may be the key to understanding major geodynamical processes. Observational studies have so far produced a number of important clues such as: 1. (1) In the Fiji-Tonga arc, and perhaps some others, a zone of exceptionally high attenuation and low velocity exists in the mantle beneath the inter-arc zone of secondary spreading proposed by Karig, and it extends to depths of 300–350 km. 2. (2) Worldwide patterns of stress orientation, determined from focal mechanisms of intermediate and deep earthquakes, demonstrate the tendency of down-going slabs to sink under their own weight. 3. (3) Locations of earthquake foci, the configuration of the seismic zones, and patterns of wave propagation indicate that portions of the leading edge of the down-going slab may become detached and sink to depths of at least 700 km. The data suggest, inconclusively, that the detached slabs are deposited at about this level and do not sink further. Hence this may be the lower limit of the asthenosphere.
Conjugates of horseradish peroxidase (HRP) with cholera toxin and wheat germ agglutinin are superior to free HRP as orthogradely transported markers

Abstract The relative sensitivity of horseradish peroxidase (HRP) conjugates of cholera toxin (CTHRP) and wheat germ agglutinin (WGHRP) as orthogradely transported markers was compared with that of free HRP (FHRP) following unilateral, intravitreal injections of each probe in the rat. Both CTHRP and WGHRP labeled all of the recognized retinal efferents of the rat and were 30–50 times more sensitive than FHRP. In additional experiments the ‘receptor’ specificity of CTHRP and WGHRP was also demonstrated.
Earliest and first Northern Hemispheric hoatzin fossils substantiate Old World origin of a “Neotropic endemic”

The recent identification of hoatzins (Opisthocomiformes) in the Miocene of Africa showed part of the evolution of these birds, which are now only found in South America, to have taken place outside the Neotropic region. Here, we describe a new fossil species from the late Eocene of France, which constitutes the earliest fossil record of hoatzins and the first one from the Northern Hemisphere. Protoazin parisiensis gen. et sp. nov. is more closely related to South American Opisthocomiformes than the African taxon Namibiavis and substantiates an Old World origin of hoatzins, as well as a relictual distribution of the single extant species. Although recognition of hoatzins in Europe may challenge their presumed transatlantic dispersal, there are still no North American fossils in support of an alternative, Northern Hemispheric, dispersal route. In addition to Opisthocomiformes, other avian taxa are known from the Cenozoic of Europe, the extant representatives of which are only found in South America. Recognition of hoatzins in the early Cenozoic of Europe is of particular significance because Opisthocomiformes have a fossil record in sub-Saharan Africa, which supports the hypothesis that extinction of at least some of these “South American” groups outside the Neotropic region was not primarily due to climatic factors.
Assessment of bracket placement and bond strength when comparing direct bonding to indirect bonding techniques

A clinical evaluation was made to determine the advantages and disadvantages of two currently used techniques for bonding brackets to teeth of orthodontic patients. The two techniques were compared with respect to (1) bracket placement, (2) bond strength, (3) rate of failure, and (4) clinical and laboratory time involved in the two procedures. Vertical bracket placement showed no statistically significant differences. The only exceptions were the maxillary canines, where the indirect technique yielded better results (P less than 0.05), and the mandibular second premolars where the direct-bonded brackets were placed closer to ideal (P less than 0.01). Angular bracket placement showed statistically significant differences on the maxillary (P less than 0.01) and mandibular (P less than 0.05) canines, with the indirect bonds being more accurate. The bond strength results indicated great variability from one patient to another. The bracket failures, recorded 3 months after appliance placement, were 4.5 percent for the indirect technique and 5.3 percent for the direct technique. Average time needed for completion of the direct bonding technique was 42.18 minutes. The indirect technique and laboratory procedures required 53.73 minutes, of which 23.91 minutes represented actual clinical time.
Trophic Links in the Plankton in the Low Salinity Zone of a Large Temperate Estuary: Top-down Effects of Introduced Copepods

We investigated trophic relationships involving microzooplankton in the low salinity zone of the San Francisco Estuary (SFE) as part of a larger effort aimed at understanding the dynamics of the food web supporting the endangered delta smelt, Hypomesus transpacificus. We performed 14 cascade experiments in which we manipulated the biomass of a copepod (Limnoithona tetraspina, Pseudodiaptomus forbesi, or Acartiella sinensis) and quantified responses of lower trophic levels including bacterioplankton, phytoplankton, and microzooplankton. Microzooplankton comprised a major food source for copepods; 9 out of 14 experiments showed removal of at least one group of microzooplankton by copepods. In contrast, the impact of copepods on phytoplankton was indirect; increased copepod biomass led to greater growth of phytoplankton in 3 of 14 experiments. Estimated clearance rates on microzooplankton were 4 mL day−1 for L. tetraspina and 2–6 mL day−1 for P. forbesi, whereas A. sinensis consumed mainly copepod nauplii. Complex trophic interactions, including omnivory, among copepods, microzooplankton, and different components of the phytoplankton likely obscured clear trends. The food web of the SFE is probably less efficient than previously thought, providing poor support to higher trophic levels; this inefficient food web is almost certainly implicated in the continuing low abundance of fishes, including the delta smelt that use the low salinity zone of the San Francisco Estuary.
Ozone Absorption during Long Arctic Night

I HAVE been trying for the past ten years to interest the astronomers in having photographs of stellar spectra made during the long arctic or antarctic night, on the chance that the ultra-violet cut off due to ozone may be less powerful, and I mentioned it to Prof. Russell last spring. I have always emphasised the importance of choosing a station so situated that there will be a minimum chance that ozone formed in the illuminated regions will be carried over into the dark region by atmospheric circulation. Information regarding the direction and velocity of the upper atmospheric current will be necessary in choosing the site. It should certainly be nearer the pole than the station occupied by Prof. Bosseland (NATURE, Feb. 9, p. 207), for the sun at noon was only three or four degrees below the horizon, and the air five miles above the surface was in full sunlight, as Prof. Russell pointed out to me. His negative result I do not regard as decisive, though I am not very hopeful that much or any extension of the spectrum will be found, as ozone is fairly stable. An objective prism pointed at the pole star seems the simplest device.
Probing the depths of cellular senescence

Cellular senescence is a state of irreversible cell cycle arrest that has been documented to both suppress cancer and promote aging. Although not well understood, extensive nuclear changes, including the remodeling of chromatin, take place as cells become senescent. In this issue, Ivanov et al. (2013. J. Cell Biol. http://dx.doi.org/jcb.201212110) report that chromatin fragments are released from the nuclei of senescent cells and are subsequently targeted for processing through the autophagy/lysosomal pathway.
Low-Temperature Electron Transport Properties of La2-xSrxNiO4 with 0.5 ≤ x ≤ 1.3

Electrical resistivity (ρ) measurements have been carried out on the quasi-two-dimensional oxide La2-xSrxNiO4 (0.5 ≤ x ≤ 1.3) in the temperature (T) range 4.3-300 K. A progressive decrease in resistivity and a change from semiconducting- to metallic-type behavior is observed with increasing Sr content. The ρ(T) data of samples in the composition range 0.5 ≤ x ≤ 0.9 closely follow the Mott variable-range-hopping-type model, whereas samples with x > 1.0 show correlated metallic-type conduction, with a weak upturn in ρ(T) at low temperatures. This resistivity upturn follows a T1/2 dependence below ∼25 K, indicative of electron-electron interaction in a disordered, poorly conducting metallic phase. In the overdoped (x > 1.0) samples a progressive decrease in this upturn indicates a reduction in the electron-electron interaction strength with increasing Sr (hole) content.
SU-E-T-186: Feasibility Study of Glass Cherenkov Detector for Prompt Gamma Detection in Proton Therapy.

Purpose: To simulate a Cherenkov glass detector system utilizing prompt gamma (PG) technique to quantify range uncertainties in proton radiation therapy. Methods: A simulation of high energy photons typically produced in proton interactions with materials incident onto a block of Cherenkov glass was performed with the Geant4 toolkit. The standard electromagnetic package was used along with several decay modules (G4Decay, G4DecayPhysics, and G4RadioactiveDecayPhysics) and the optical photon components (G4OpticalPhysics). Our setup included a pencil beam consisting of a hundred thousand 6 MeV photons (approximately the deexcitation energy released from 16O) incident onto a 2.5 ⊗ 2.5 ⊗ 1.5 cm3 of a Cherenkov glass (7.2 g of In2O3 + 90 g cladding, density of 2.82 g/cm3, Zeff = 33.7, index of refraction 1.56). The energy deposited from incident 6 MeV photons as well as secondary electrons and resulting optical photons were recorded. Results: The energy deposited by 6 MeV photons in glass material showed several peaks that included the photoelectric, the single and double escape peaks. About 11% of incident photons interacted with glass material to deposit energy. Most of the photons collected were in the region of double escape peak (approximately 4.98 MeV). The secondary electron spectrum produced from incidentmore » photons showed a high energy peak located near 6 MeV and a sharp peak located ∼120 keV with a continuous distribution between these two points. The resulting Cherenkov photons produced showed a continuous energy distribution between 2 and 5 eV with a slight increase in yield beginning about 3 eV. The amount of Cherenkov photons produced per interacting incident 6 MeV photon was ∼240.7. Conclusion: This study suggests the viability of utilizing the Cherenkov glass material as a possible prompt gamma photon detection device. Future work will include optimization of the detector system to maximize photon detection efficiency.« less
Impact of Hospital Volume and Specialization on the Cost of Orbital Trauma Care

Purpose To examine the impact of hospital volume and specialization on the cost of orbital trauma care. Design Comparative case series and database study. Participants Four hundred ninety-nine patients who underwent orbital reconstruction at either a high-volume regional eye trauma center, its academic parent institution, or all other hospitals in Maryland between 2004 and 2009. Methods We used a publicly available database of hospital discharge data to identify the study population's clinical and cost characteristics. Multivariate models were developed to determine the impact of care setting on hospital costs while controlling for patient demographic and clinical variables. Main Outcome Measures Mean hospital costs accrued during hospital admission for orbital reconstruction in 3 separate care settings. Results Almost half (n = 248) of all patients received surgical care at the regional eye trauma center and had significantly lower adjusted mean hospital costs ($6194; 95% confidence interval [CI], $5709–$6719) compared with its parent institution ($8642; 95% CI, $7850–$9514) and all other hospitals ($12 692; 95% CI, $11 467–$14 047). A subpopulation analysis selecting patients with low comorbidity scores also was performed. The eye trauma center continued to have lower adjusted costs ($4277; 95% CI, $4112–$4449) relative to its parent institution ($6595; 95% CI, $5838–$7451) and other hospitals ($7150; 95% CI, $5969–$8565). Conclusions Higher volume and specialization seen at a regional eye trauma center are associated with lower costs in the surgical management of orbital trauma. Financial Disclosure(s) The author(s) have no proprietary or commercial interest in any materials discussed in this article.
Phase I Study of H5.020CMV.PDGF-β to Treat Venous Leg Ulcer Disease

Venous leg ulcers are a prevalent nonhealing wound of the lower extremity. Although topically applied growth factors successfully improve wound repair in animal studies, similar studies on humans with venous leg ulcers have not been successful. This study was designed to evaluate the acute safety and biologic feasibility of peri-ulcer injection of a replication-incompetent adenoviral construct expressing platelet-derived growth factor-β (PDGF-β). In this phase I study, we demonstrate the initial safety, feasibility, and biologic plausibility of using H5.020CMV.PDGF-β to treat venous leg ulcer disease.
Multispectral NIR Diffuse Optical Tomography System Development

A broadband 650-950nm transmission acquisition is implemented in conjunction with a frequency-domain imaging system. For breast tissues and phantoms, most spectra can be obtained at all source-detection positions with an exposure time less than 40min.
The hypercalcemia of cancer. Clinical implications and pathogenic mechanisms.

HYPERCALCEMIA is one of the most common metabolic complications of cancer. It has fascinated clinicians since it was first recognized 60 years ago by Zondek et al.1 It is now being recognized more ...
Improved gravimetric determination of cobalt as K3Co(NO2)6

The gravimetric determination of cobalt based on the precipitation of K3Co(NO2)6 becomes highly accurate when the precipitation is begun in a boiling hot solution. Under this condition the precipitate is pure K3Co(NO2)6, and, correspondingly, quantities of cobalt from a few milligrams up to 175 mg are easily determinable with an error of less than 0.1 mg.
Overview: The next step

If we are going to reform our healthcare system, we will have to start by providing access to basic care for everyone. This can be done through embracing a strategy that is built around integrated healthcare delivery systems. Payment should be via a universal tax for the basic plan, and there should be ways in which to pursue options beyond the basic plan, to be paid for by individuals. What is provided by way of care will need to be evaluated through a central technology assessment institute. The system will have to slow the rate of growth of spending in an intelligent way, not using price controls, caps, or repressive methodologies. The trick will be to still preserve a certain amount of freedom and flexibility, and include the capacity for change. There will have to be a significant reorientation of what has been our traditional approach to malpractice. Through the course of this symposium there has not been a great deal to be positive about. There are many physicians today who are well described by the English poet A. E. Housman's line, "A stranger and afraid in a world I never made." Change is inevitable; it is here and more is coming. The great medical historian Henry Sigerist noted that: "The physician's position in society, the task assigned to him, and the rules of conduct imposed on him changed in every period. They were determined primarily by the social and economic structure of society and by the technical and scientific means available to medicine at the time."(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Influenza Virus Vaccine Based on the Conserved Hemagglutinin Stalk Domain

Although highly effective in the general population when well matched to circulating influenza virus strains, current influenza vaccines are limited in their utility due to the narrow breadth of protection they provide. The strain specificity of vaccines presently in use mirrors the exquisite specificity of the neutralizing antibodies that they induce, that is, antibodies which bind to the highly variable globular head domain of hemagglutinin (HA). Herein, we describe the construction of a novel immunogen comprising the conserved influenza HA stalk domain and lacking the globular head. Vaccination of mice with this headless HA construct elicited immune sera with broader reactivity than those obtained from mice immunized with a full-length HA. Furthermore, the headless HA vaccine provided full protection against death and partial protection against disease following lethal viral challenge. Our results suggest that the response induced by headless HA vaccines is sufficiently potent to warrant their further development toward a universal influenza virus vaccine.
Does the consequence argument beg the question

The Consequence Argument has elicited various responses, ranging from acceptance as obviously right to rejection as obviously problematic in one way or another. Here we wish to focus on one specific response, according to which the Consequence Argument begs the question. This is a serious accusation that has not yet been adequately rebutted, and we aim to remedy that in what follows. We begin by giving a formulation of the Consequence Argument. We also offer some tentative proposals about the nature of begging the question. Although the charge of begging the question is frequently made in philosophy, it is surprisingly difficult to pin down the precise nature of this dialectical infelicity (or family of such infelicities). Thus we offer some new proposals about the nature of begging the question with an eye to understanding what is going on in central cases in which the charge is legitimately made. We then defend the Consequence Argument against the charge that it begs the question, so construed. We contend that, whatever the other liabilities of the argument may be, it does not beg the question against the compatibilist.
Development of chromatic and luminance detection contours using the sweep VEP.

This study measured the development of contrast-sweep VEP thresholds to a range of chromatic and luminance stimuli. Subjects were 14–32 week-old infants (n=21) and three adults. Stimuli were 1 c/d sine gratings reversed at 5.6 Hz. Chromaticity was varied from the L–M axis to an achromatic axis. VEP thresholds when plotted in L- and M-cone contrasts showed that: (1) VEP thresholds did not consistently locate the psychophysical isoluminance match under the same stimulus conditions; (2) About 50% of the data were described by independent chromatic and luminance mechanism, however, thresholds were limited by the cone contrast of the stimulus, phase cancellation between visual mechanisms, and the proper sampling of thresholds in L- and M-cone contrast space and; (3) No significant changes occurred in VEP detection contours across ages but suprathreshold VEP amplitudes suggested complex developmental changes. Data from previous studies showed similar results.
Time- and wavelength-resolved emission line profiles for pulsed Cu and Ag hollow cathode lamps

Abstract Time-resolved, line emission wavelength profiles were obtained for a copper and a silver pulsed hollow cathode lamp with the use of a piezoelectrically driven interferometer. A computer was used to control the timing of the sweep of the interferometer, the pulsing of the source, and the acquisition, averaging, sorting and display of data. Minor manipulation of the data stored in core facilitated the presentation of intensity vs wavelength emission profiles in a time-resolved form. Ten sequential line profiles spaced at 21 μsec time intervals were obtained. The copper hollow cathode lamp was driven at 100 Hz with pulse currents of up to 400 mA. Pulses lasted for up to 300 μsec. Line profiles changed dramatically during a pulse and showed extreme self-reversal of the resonance emission lines after 100 μsec. Variations of line profile with dc background current level and spatial position within the discharge were also investigated. Uncorrected line widths of each of the doublets of the Cu(I) 324.7 nm resonance line measured during the first 21 μsec of the discharge, where they were narrowest, ranged from 0.0012 to 0.0022 nm, including an instrumental broadening contribution estimated to be less than 0.0004 nm. The silver lamp showed extreme self-reversal even during the first 21 μsec.
Clinical optical coherence tomography of early articular cartilage degeneration in patients with degenerative meniscal tears.

Objective Quantitative and nondestructive methods for clinical diagnosis and staging of articular cartilage degeneration are important to the evaluation of potential disease-modifying treatments in osteoarthritis (OA). Optical coherence tomography (OCT) is a novel imaging technology that can generate microscopic-resolution cross-sectional images of articular cartilage in near real-time. This study tested the hypotheses that OCT can be used clinically to identify early cartilage degeneration and that OCT findings correlate with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) T2 values and arthroscopy results. Methods Patients undergoing arthroscopy for degenerative meniscal tears were recruited under Institutional Review Board–approved protocols. Thirty consecutive subjects completing preoperative 3.0T MRI, arthroscopy, and intraoperative OCT comprised the study group. Qualitative and quantitative OCT results and MRI T2 values were compared with modified Outerbridge cartilage degeneration scores (0–4 scale) assigned at arthroscopy. Results Arthroscopic grades showed cartilage abnormality in 23 of the 30 patients. OCT grades were abnormal in 28 of the 30 patients. Both qualitative and quantitative OCT strongly correlated with the arthroscopy results (P = 0.004 and P = 0.0002, respectively, by Kruskal-Wallis test). Neither the superficial nor the deep cartilage T2 values correlated with the arthroscopy results. The quantitative OCT results correlated with the T2 values in the superficial cartilage (Pearson's r = 0.39, P = 0.03). Conclusion These data show that OCT can be used clinically to provide qualitative and quantitative assessments of early articular cartilage degeneration that strongly correlate with arthroscopy results. The correlation between the quantitative OCT values and T2 values for the superficial cartilage further supports the utility of OCT as a clinical research tool, providing quantifiable microscopic resolution data on the articular cartilage structure. New technologies for nondestructive quantitative assessment of human articular cartilage degeneration may facilitate the development of strategies to delay or prevent the onset of OA.
Herpes simplex virus type 1 shows multiple interactions with sulfonated compounds at binding, penetration, and cell-to-cell passage

Herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) uses multicomponent mechanisms for binding, penetration, and cell-to-cell passage. These processes are affected by polysulfonated compounds. In this paper we have addressed the question of whether the same or different interactions of HSV-1 with polysulfonated compounds are involved in binding, penetration, and passage. For this, we have compared the inhibitory dose–response for a series of polysulfonated and cationic compounds known to block HSV-1 infections. These comparisons were done at the level of binding, penetration, and cell-to-cell passage. Variations in the parameters of the dose–response curves––IC50 and Hill coefficients (nH)––are consistent with HSV-1 having multiple interactions with sulfonated cellular components in all these processes. Some of the interactions seem to be common to the three processes, while others are particular for each one.
α-Chlorohydrin induced changes in sperm fertilizing ability in the rat : association with diminished sperm ATP levels and motility

Abstract In the present study, α-chlorohydrin (ACH) (5, 10, 25, 50 and 75 mg/kg, po) was administered to rats and the effects on sperm ATP levels, sperm motility, and the ability of sperm to bind and penetrate rat oocytes were determined. Groups of rats were killed 5 days and 3 h following treatment. At both time points, sperm from ACH-treated rats (≥10 mg/kg) had significantly lower levels of ATP when diluted in media containing glucose. No diminution of ATP was seen in sperm diluted in phosphate-buffered saline (PBS). Computer analysis of sperm motility indicated that straight-line velocity (VSL) was the most sensitive parameter to ACH treatment and was significantly decreased in rat sperm three hours after ACH exposure (25 mg/kg). A clear drop in percent penetration (35% vs. 85% in control) of zona-free rat oocytes by rat sperm of both ACH groups was observed at 10 mg/kg. Higher dose levels produced no significant further decrease in percent penetration. Overall, the fertilizing ability of sperm was highly sensitive to ACH doses that caused minor but significant changes in sperm ATP levels and no significant changes in motility. These data are consistent with the spermatozoan’s need for an uncompromised energy supply to maintain its ability to bind and penetrate the oocyte.
Gas-phase chemistry of benzyl alcohol: Reaction rate constants and products with OH radical and ozone

Abstract A bimolecular rate constant, k OH+Benzyl alcohol , of (28 ± 7) × 10 −12 cm 3 molecule −1 s −1 was measured using the relative rate technique for the reaction of the hydroxyl radical (OH) with benzyl alcohol, at (297 ± 3) K and 1 atm total pressure. Additionally, an upper limit of the bimolecular rate constant, k O3+Benzyl alcohol , of approximately 6 × 10 −19 cm 3 molecule −1 s −1 was determined by monitoring the decrease in benzyl alcohol concentration over time in an excess of ozone (O 3 ). To more clearly define part of benzyl alcohol's indoor environment degradation mechanism, the products of the benzyl alcohol + OH were also investigated. The derivatizing agents O -(2,3,4,5,6-pentafluorobenzyl)hydroxylamine (PFBHA) and N , O -bis(trimethylsilyl) trifluoroacetamide (BSTFA) were used to positively identify benzaldehyde, glyoxal and 4-oxopentanal as benzyl alcohol/OH reaction products. The elucidation of other reaction products was facilitated by mass spectrometry of the derivatized reaction products coupled with plausible benzyl alcohol/OH reaction mechanisms based on previously published volatile organic compound/OH gas-phase reaction mechanisms.
Technique to help verify the accuracy of a stone cast for fabrication of a multiple-unit fixed prosthesis.

1. Make the master impression, and fabricate the stone cast (Resin Rock; Whip Mix Corp, Louisville, Ky.). 2. Apply a light coating of a separating medium (Vaseline; Cheesebrough-Ponds Co, Greenwich, Conn.) to the abutment teeth. 3. Fabricate acrylic resin (GC Pattern Resin; GC America, Alsip, Ill.) copings on the teeth. 4. Evaluate the copings to ensure that they are stable and can be reproducibly replaced on the tooth. 5. Cut heavy gauge wire (from a straight bur shank Technique to help verify the accuracy of a stone cast for fabrication of a multiple-unit fixed prosthesis
Quantitative estimation of a primate-specific esterase in normal and malignant tissue.

SummaryA relative quantitative estimation of cathodal esterase in normal and malignant tissues has been performed. The highest concentration of esterase was found in the kidney. A comparison shows that human hepatomas have a distinctly increased level of the esterase over normal liver.
The search for “common sense”: An electrophysiological study of the comprehension of words and pictures in reading

Event-related brain potentials (ERPs) from 26 scalp sites were used to investigate whether or not and, if so, the extent to which the brain processes subserving the understanding of imageable written words and line drawings are identical. Sentences were presented one word at a time to 28 undergraduates for comprehension. Each sentence ended with either a written word (regular sentences) or with a line drawing (rebus sentences) that rendered it semantically congruous or semantically incongruous. For half of the subjects regular and rebus sentences were randomly intermixed whereas for the remaining half the regular and rebus sentences were presented in separate blocks (affording within-subject comparisons in both cases). In both presentation formats, words and line drawings generated greater negativity between 325 and 475 msec post-stimulus in ERPs to incongruous relative to congruous sentence endings (i.e., an N400-like effect). While the time course of this negativity was remarkably similar for words and pictures, there were notable differences in their scalp distributions; specifically, the classic N400 effect for words was larger posteriorly than it was for pictures. The congruity effect for pictures but not for words was also associated with a longer duration (lower frequency) negativity over frontal sites. In addition, under the mixed presentation mode, the N400 effect peaked about 30 msec earlier for pictures than for words. All in all, the data suggest that written words and pictures when they terminate sentences are processed similarly, but by at least partially nonoverlapping brain areas.
Increased expression of anti-apoptosis genes in peripheral blood cells from patients with paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria

Resistance to apoptosis has been described in neutrophils from patients with PNH and related hematologic disorders (aplastic anemia, myelodysplastic syndrome), but its molecular basis is not understood. Using gene expression analysis, PNH granulocytes had relative overexpression of four anti-apoptosis genes (human A1, hHR23B, Mcl-1, and RhoA) compared to normal controls. These findings were confirmed by RT-PCR analysis and observed in both peripheral blood granulocytes and mononuclear cells of patients with PNH. Anti-apoptosis gene upregulation may confer resistance to apoptosis in PNH and related disorders, and provide a common compensatory mechanism after bone marrow injury that allows survival and growth of remaining hematopoietic stem cells.
Predictors of short postoperative prostate-specific antigen doubling time for patients diagnosed during PSA era.

Abstract Objectives To determine the preoperative and postoperative predictors of a short prostate-specific antigen (PSA) doubling time (PSADT) after radical prostatectomy for patients diagnosed during the PSA era. Methods Between 1989 and 2003, 1785 men underwent radical prostatectomy for 2002 American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) Stage T1c or T2 prostate cancer. Of these men, 205 had documented PSA failure. The PSADT was calculated by assuming first-order kinetics and using a minimum of two detectable postoperative PSA measurements after a previous undetectable level. Multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed to determine the significant preoperative and postoperative predictors of a PSADT of less than 6 months. Results Patients with a greater biopsy Gleason score ( P = 0.006), greater preoperative risk group ( P = 0.002), greater prostatectomy Gleason score ( P = 0.0006), greater 2002 AJCC pathologic stage ( P = 0.01), or shorter time to postoperative PSA failure ( P = 0.04) were more likely to have a shorter PSADT. Using multivariable analysis, high-risk disease ( P = 0.0001) was the only preoperative factor that remained an independent significant predictor of a PSADT of less than 6 months. Of the postoperative factors, a prostatectomy Gleason score of 8 to 10 ( P = 0.002), 2002 AJCC pathologic Stage T3b ( P = 0.03), and time to PSA failure of less than 2 years ( P = 0.05) remained significant independent predictors of a PSADT of less than 6 months. Conclusions High-risk disease preoperatively and a prostatectomy Gleason score of 8 to 10, seminal vesicle invasion, or a time to PSA failure of less than 2 years postoperatively were significant independent indicators of developing a postoperative PSADT of less than 6 months. For these men, trials studying systemic therapy in addition to radical prostatectomy are needed.
Is the enterprise software sector still in transition? A research note

Abstract Advances in information technology have not only promoted competition since the 1980s, but they also advanced globalization in the 1990s. The information technology group has lost its momentum since 2000. One of its vital segments was the enterprise software software sector. The sector’s products—such as ERP, CRM—have spurred the speed and efficiency of scores of U.S. companies and service firms in the past fifty months. In 2000, the majority of enterprise software firms incurred losses. Were one to assume that these innovative firms have a real contribution to augment client firms’ efficiency, the question of how to analyze their performance in the absence of positive net income becomes a Gordian knot. To unravel, we have employed selected non-income based measures as proxy criteria. We classify twenty-two firms into three subsets: Pre-1990 and post-1990 firms, full-line and partial-line firms, and large-capitalized and small-capitalized firms, and perform a comparative analysis on the basis of the proxy measures. While pointing to significant differences in productivity and perceived risks among these subsets, our findings allow us to speculate that, one, cottage-industry status of the sector has ended, and, two, new beginnings, in the post-September era of anxiety, will crystallize in the form of a consolidated industry comprising a few firms that possess the intrinsic value of leveraging their innovative capabilities.
Status of Space-based Gravitational-wave Observatories (SGOs)

Abstract The direct observation of gravitational waves in the 0.1 mHz to 1 Hz band is possible only from space. This band is expected to be rich with astrophysical sources that will yield a wealth of information measured with an accuracy and precision that can be obtained no other way. The Laser Interferometric Space Antenna (LISA) mission concept remains the reference design for this type of mission, but budget and programmatic constraints have forced reformulation of the original concept. This paper will briefly summarize recent activity in the US and Europe toward realizing a gravitational wave mission in space.
Life span: getting the signal from the nervous system

Life span is determined by both environmental and genetic influences. The importance of genes is illustrated by the fact that single gene mutations extend life span in nematodes, fruit flies and mice. Recent reports reveal that the life span of Caenorhabditis elegans is controlled by insulin-like signals from the nervous system. Hormones that control life span have recently been identified in fruit flies and mice. These findings suggest that neuroendocrine pathways could constitute an important determinant of life span across phylogeny. This review examines the evidence for nervous system control of longevity and discusses the implications for popular models for aging.
Predictors of the Use of Assistive Devices that Address Physical Impairments Among Community-Based Frail Elders:

Use of assistive devices is a type of health behavior utilized to maintain independence and enable living at home. The purpose of this study is to identify predictors of the use of assistive devices that address physical impairments among community-based frail elders. A convenience sample of 694 cognitively intact, physically frail elders older than 60, living at home, was used. Interviewers who visited their homes identified devices in use (M = 9.5). Predictors were determined by hierarchical multiple regression analyses. Among 15 independent variables, physical disability level (higher severity) was the strongest overall predictor. Medication intake (more) was the only predictor among health indicators. Race (White) was the strongest predictor among demographic variables, followed by region (south) and living arrangements (living alone). Among the psychosocial variables, depression was an important predictor to hinder assistive-device use. Further studies are encouraged to create a model of maintaining ...
Frames of reference in preschoolers' perception of motion.

Experiments 1 and 2 established children’s (mean age 3 years, 7 months) subject-relative and object-relative motion thresholds at 1°31.37′/sec and 1°9.33′/sec, respectively, speeds well above those found for adults. Experiment 3 established that preschoolers, like adults, attribute object-relative motion to the smaller of two objects, with the inducing properties of the larger stimulus greatest when it is surrounding rather than adjacent to a smaller stimulus. The inducing advantage of surroundedness was equivalent for a single-element square frame and a multielement six-dot frame.
Coordinate stretching and interface location III. A general relaxation method with application to composite polytropes

Abstract A general method is developed for the numerical solution of two-point boundary value problems with interfaces. The conventional method of perturbation, discretization and iteration, is rendered uniformly valid throughout the configuration by the application of a generalized Poincare-Lighthill theory of strained coordinates. Conditions of applicability are discussed. The method is illustrated through application to the problem of a spherical composite polytrope both with and without a density discontinuity. The numerical solutions show good agreement with an analytical solution which has been derived for a particular composite polytrope.