cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Effects of atrial natriuretic peptide on rat ovarian granulosa cell steroidogenesis in vitro.

PROBLEM The localization and biological effects of atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) are not limited to cardiac tissue but extend to a number of extra-atrial tissues and organs, including the ovary. The objective of the present study was to determine the effects of ANP on granulosa cell steroidogenesis. Hence, the direct effects of ANP on the production of progesterone, 20 alpha-hydroxpregn-4-en-3-one (20 alpha-OH-P), and estrogen by undifferentiated and differentiated rat ovarian granulosa cells were examined in vitro. METHOD Undifferentiated granulosa cells obtained from the ovaries of diethylstilbestrol-primed, immature rats were treated with increasing doses (10(-12) to 10(-6) M) of rANP for 48 h. RESULTS ANP evoked a two- and threefold increase in progesterone and 20 alpha-OH-P production relative to untreated controls, respectively. Increasing doses of ANP in combination with porcine FSH (125 ng/well) resulted in a biphasic response in progesterone production above FSH-treated controls. Specifically, a maximal inhibition of 35% in progesterone production was achieved at 10(-9) M ANP, followed by a stimulation to levels comparable with FSH-stimulated controls at higher doses examined. Increasing doses of ANP evoked a twofold increase in FSH-stimulated 20 alpha-OH-P production over respective controls. Following pretreatment of granulosa cells with FSH for 48 h to evoke differentiation, ANP caused a significant dose-dependent inhibition in basal progesterone production that resulted in a 76% suppression at the highest dose examined. In contrast, ANP evoked a 2.8-fold increase in 20 alpha-OH-P production when compared with controls. Finally, in FSH-stimulated differentiated granulosa cells, ANP evoked a threefold increase in progesterone production and a 65% inhibition in 20 alpha-OH-P production. ANP exerted no significant effects on estrogen production by either undifferentiated or differentiated granulosa cells in the presence or absence of FSH. CONCLUSIONS These data demonstrate that ANP can modulate directly progestin steroidogenesis in both undifferentiated and differentiated rat ovarian granulosa cells in vitro and, therefore, may play an important role in granulosa cell differentiation and follicular maturation.
POTENTIAL COST SAVINGS OF FREQUENT FLYER MILES FOR BUSINESS TRAVEL

Abstract The mileage redemption strategy is a procedure used by many business firms to reduce air travel costs, in which the frequent flyer miles of traveling employees accumulated during business trips are applied to their future business trips to obtain “free” air tickets. This paper presents a framework that investigates how the frequent flyer miles can be used in the most effective way to reduce air travel costs by those firms that are either using the mileage redemption strategy or considering the use of the strategy. The framework can be implemented quite easily by a spreadsheet software such as Microsoft Excel.
Egg Formation in Lepidoptera

Reproductive biology in the Twentieth Century produced comprehensive descriptions of the mechanisms of egg formation in most of the major orders of insects. While many general principles of ovarian development and physiology emerged, every order turned out to have a set of its own special motifs. Discovery of the lepidopteran motifs is summarized in this essay. The emphasis is on developmental mechanisms, beginning with the early growth and differentiation of female germ cells and ending, after many turns in morphogenesis, physiology and biosynthesis, with eggs that are filled with yolk and encased in chorions. Examples of uniquely lepidopteran traits include the cellular composition of ovarian follicles, the number of tubular ovarioles in which they mature, the functions of cell-to-cell junctional complexes in their maturation, their use of glycosaminoglycans to maintain intercellular patency during vitellogenesis, the role of proton and calcium pumps in their ion physiology, a separate postvitellogenic period of water and inorganic ion uptake, and the fine structure and protein composition of their chorions. Discovery of this combination of idiosyncracies was based on advances in the general concepts and techniques of cell and molecular biology and on insights borrowed from studies on other insects. The lepidopteran ovary in turn has contributed much to the understanding of egg formation in insects generally.
Gene transfer and gene mapping in mammalian cells in culture

The ability to transfer mammalian genes parasexually has opened new possibilities for gene mapping and fine structure mapping and offers great potential for contributing to several aspects of mammalian biology, including gene expression and genetic engineering. The DNA transferred has ranged from whole genomes to single genes and smaller segments of DNA. The transfer of whole genomes by cell fusion forms cell hybrids, which has promoted the extensive mapping of human and mouse genes. Transfer, by cell fusion, of rearranged chromosomes has contributed significantly to determining close linkage and the assignment of genes to specific chromosomal regions. Transfer of single chromosomes has been achieved utilizing microcells fused to recipient cells. Metaphase chromosomes have been isolated and used to transfer single-to-multigenic DNA segments. DNA-mediated gene transfer, simulating bacterial transformation, has achieved transfer of single-copy genes. By utilizing DNA cleaved with restriction endonucleases, gene transfer is being employed as a bioassay for the purification of genes. Gene mapping and the fate of transferred genes can be examined now at the molecular level using sequence-specific probes. Recently, single genes have been clones into eucaryotic and procaryotic vectors for transfer into mammalian cells. Moreover, recombinant libraries in which entire mammalian genomes are represented collectively are a rich new source of transferable genes. Methodology for transferring mammalian genetic information and applications for mapping mammalian genes is presented and prospects for the future discussed.
The rank transform in the two-sample location problem

In the two-sample location problem, if the t-statistic is computed as a function of the ranks of the observations rather than the observations themselves, the resulting statistic, Tr, is a function of the Wilcoxon statistic. It is shown here that Tr, has approximately a t-distribution. The ARE of the T-test is identical to that of the Wilcoxon test. A Monte Carlo study reveals that the T-test is more robust, with regard to the significance level, than the t-test.
Roentgenographic indicators of skeletal maturity in marine mammals (Cetacea)

A new roentgenographic classification (grading) scheme is presented for utilization in studies of skeletal development and maturation in marine mammals, particularly cetaceans. This is based on adequate description of the extent of development and maturation of the various secondary ossification centers, their eventual patterns of fusion, and subsequent remodeling with the metaphysis. The six stages are illustrated schematically and roentgenographically. This scheme may be applied to any cetacean longitudinal bone developing proximal and distal epiphyseal ossification centers.
Controls on long-term low explosivity at andesitic arc volcanoes: Insights from Mount Hood, Oregon

Abstract The factors that control the explosivity of silicic volcanoes are critical for hazard assessment, but are often poorly constrained for specific volcanic systems. Mount Hood, Oregon, is a somewhat atypical arc volcano in that it is characterized by a lack of large explosive eruptions over the entire lifetime of the current edifice (~ 500,000 years). Erupted Mount Hood lavas are also compositionally homogeneous, with ~ 95% having SiO2 contents between 58 and 66 wt.%. The last three eruptive periods in particular have produced compositionally homogeneous andesite–dacite lava domes and flows. In this paper we report major element and volatile (H2O, CO2, Cl, S, F) contents of melt inclusions and selected phenocrysts from these three most recent eruptive phases, and use these and other data to consider possible origins for the low explosivity of Mount Hood. Measured volatile concentrations of melt inclusions in plagioclase, pyroxene, and amphibole from pumice indicate that the volatile contents of Mount Hood magmas are comparable to those in more explosive silicic arc volcanoes, including Mount St. Helens, Mount Mazama, and others, suggesting that the lack of explosive activity is unlikely to result solely from low intrinsic volatile concentrations or from substantial degassing prior to magma ascent and eruption. We instead argue that an important control over explosivity is the increased temperature and decreased magma viscosity that results from mafic recharge and magma mixing prior to eruption, similar to a model recently proposed by Ruprecht and Bachmann (2010) . Erupted Mount Hood magmas show extensive evidence for mixing between magmas of broadly basaltic and dacitic–rhyolitic compositions, and mineral zoning studies show that mixing occurred immediately prior to eruption. Amphibole chemistry and thermobarometry also reveal the presence of multiple amphibole populations and indicate that the mixed andesites and dacites are at least 100 °C hotter than the high-SiO2 resident magma prior to mixing. Viscosity models suggest that recharge by hot, mafic magma prior to eruption can lower magmatic viscosity by at least a factor of four. Lower viscosity during ascent delays fragmentation and allows volatile escape through degassing, thus lowering the potential for explosive eruptions. These results suggest that low explosivity should be more common in volcanoes where intermediate magmas are produced through mixing of mafic and silicic magmas shortly before eruption.
Impact of Molecular Architecture on the High-Pressure Rheology of Hydrocarbon Fluids

Molecular dynamics simulations are conducted on three C18 poly-α-olefin isomers under extreme conditions typical of traction fluids or lubricants under elastohydrodynamic lubrication conditions. The viscosity, self-diffusivity, and rotational relaxation times of the molecules are computed at pressures ranging from atmospheric to as high as 1 GPa. The dynamics of all three isomers are slowed as pressure increases, but a highly branched isomer shows a more dramatic reduction in mobility with pressure than does a linear or singly branched isomer. In particular, the viscosity of the highly branched molecule exhibits a much larger increase with pressure than does the viscosity of the other isomers, indicating that the highly branched molecule should exhibit more favorable traction properties than the other isomers. An explanation for the differences in dynamic properties between the isomers is given in terms of a reduction in liquid void volume coupled with the greater backbone stiffness of the highly branched...
An electrophoretic analysis of the histones of the house cricket

Abstract The histone complement of the house cricket, an insect, was analyzed by electrophoresis on polyacrylamide gels. Five fractions separated from each other on gels containing 6.25 m urea; their subfractions were resolved in long runs on gels 25 cm long. On comparison with the corresponding fractions in vertebrates, only the F1 fraction of the cricket seems notably different. Its mobility is much lower than that of vertebrate F1's. Further, in contrast to vertebrate F1, which consistently shows some electrophoretic heterogeneity, the F1 from nondividing tissue of cricket appears homogeneous. F1 subfractions were found in testis histone, however, and presumably reflect phosphorylation of F1, as expected of a dividing tissue. The other fractions all display as much heterogeneity as seen in vertebrates, or more. Four subfractions were visible in the F3 fraction, three in F2a1, two in F2a2, and two in F2b. The heterogenity of F2b observed in cricket is of particular interest since F2b subfractions have not been detected in studies of any other organisms. F2b's electrophoretic heterogeneity implies that it, like the other histones, is subject to modification which entails neutralization of basic groups.
Third (fourth and fifth) nonocular tumors in survivors of retinoblastoma.

Abstract Objective This study aimed to investigate the incidence, timing, pattern, and distribution of, as well as survival as a result of, third, fourth, and fifth primary tumors in survivors of retinoblastoma. Design This study was a retrospective case series of patients diagnosed with retinoblastoma and a second malignant neoplasm. Records were examined for demographic, prior treatment, and second tumor information, as well as any evidence of the development of a third, fourth, or fifth nonocular tumor. When possible, telephone inquiries were conducted for follow-up. Participants The study included 1506 patients followed in the Ophthalmic Oncology Center at New York-Presbyterian Hospital, New York Weill Cornell Medical Center, 211 of whom developed a second tumor and had sufficient treatment data to be useful for analysis. Main Outcome Measures The development of third and additional nonocular tumors and survival from these tumors were the primary outcome measures. Results Of 211 second-tumor patients, 142 died before an additional malignancy developed (median survival time, 1.8 ± 0.3 years) and in 28, third tumors developed (5-year incidence rate, 11%; 10-year incidence rate, 22%; median time to third tumor development, 5.8 ± 8.3 years). The 5- and 10-year survival rates for this group were 41% and 30%, respectively (median survival time, 4.1 ± 1.0 years). Of 28 patients in whom third tumors developed, 27 (96%) had received radiation therapy for their retinoblastoma. The most common sites for third tumors were soft tissues of the head (36% of all third tumors) and skin (36% of all third tumors). In six patients, a fourth tumor developed, and in two patients a fifth tumor developed. All fourth and fifth tumors were found in the soft tissues of the head, the skin, or the bones. Conclusions Survivors of retinoblastoma in whom second malignant neoplasms develop are at a higher risk for the development of additional tumors than they were for the development of a second tumor. The locations and expected ages at which additional tumors develop are consistent with the patterns we have seen in second tumors.
Using simultaneous photodetection and nasometry to monitor velopharyngeal behavior during speech

The purposes of this investigation were (a) to study the temporal relationships among velopharyngeal closing and opening maneuvers monitored by phototransduction and the onset and offset of Nasomet...
Detection of Scattering Layers in the Upper Atmosphere (60–140 km) by Optical Radar

Detection of the optical echoes from atmospheric constituents in the upper regions by optical radar
Electron spin resonance absorption spectrum of divalent manganese in single crystal calcite

The electron spin resonance absorption spectrum of divalent manganese in single crystal calcite is reinvestigated at X-band wavelength. Electron-nucleus double resonance absorption spectroscopy is used to assist in the analysis of the hyperfine structure spectrum. Best fit spectral parameters obtained at T = 4.2 K are listed. Das EPR-Absorptions-Spektrum von zweiwertigem Mangan in Calcit-Einkristallen wird erneut im X-Band untersucht. Elektron-Kern-Doppelresonanz wird bei der Analyse des Hyperfeinspektrums herangezogen. Die bei bester Anpassung bei T = 4,2 K erhaltenen Spektralparameter werden angegeben.
Partnering and Programming for Undergraduate Honors Students

Purpose – This paper sets out to describe successful partnerships between Purdue University Libraries' faculty and directors of undergraduate honors programs. By reporting the results and implications of these collaborations and sharing effective approaches for building new partnerships, the author hopes to provide ideas and suggestions for others considering similar collaborations and services.Design/methodology/approach – During the 2006/2007 academic year, the Instructional Outreach Librarian at Purdue University, West Lafayette, began partnering with directors of honors programs and consequently implemented new services for undergraduate honors students. The paper cites examples, including one pilot program in particular – a research workshop for freshmen honors students in the College of Liberal Arts. Also included are recommendations and effective approaches for partnership building, survey results, and plans for future programming and services.Findings – These partnerships have strengthened the Lib...
Applying genetic algorithm to a new location and routing model of hazardous materials

Nowadays – particularly in systems dealing with hazardous materials (HAZMAT) – in addition to minimising the cost of operations in facility location and routing problems, the risk of these operations is considered an important objective. In this paper, a new mathematical model for the location and routing in facilities and disposal sites is proposed. Also, the risk and cost of transporting goods from facilities to customers is considered. The model minimises weighted sum of the cost and risk by answering these questions: (1) where to open the facilities which produce HAZMAT; (2) where to open disposal sites; (3) to which facilities every customer should be assigned; (4) to which disposal site each facility should be assigned; (5) which route a facility should choose to serve the customers; and (6) which route a facility should choose to reach a disposal site. A novel GA is applied to solve the mathematical model. The results show the robustness of GA in terms of finding high-quality non-dominated solution...
DIPYRIDAMOLE, A cGMP PHOSPHODIESTERASE INHIBITOR, ATTENUATES REBOUND PULMONARY HYPERTENSION AFTER WITHDRAWAL OF INHALED NITRIC OXIDE IN POSTOPERATIVE CONGENITAL HEART DISEASE. • 163

DIPYRIDAMOLE, A cGMP PHOSPHODIESTERASE INHIBITOR, ATTENUATES REBOUND PULMONARY HYPERTENSION AFTER WITHDRAWAL OF INHALED NITRIC OXIDE IN POSTOPERATIVE CONGENITAL HEART DISEASE. • 163
HERMES: Mobile system for instability analysis and balance assessment

We introduce Hermes, a lightweight smart shoe and its supporting infrastructure aimed at extending gait and instability analysis and human instability/balance monitoring outside of a laboratory environment. We aimed to create a scientific tool capable of high-level measures, by combining embedded sensing, signal processing and modeling techniques. Hermes monitors walking behavior and uses an instability assessment model to generate quantitative value with episodes of activity identified by physician, researchers or investigators as important. The underlying instability assessment model incorporates variability and correlation of features extracted during ambulation that have been identified by geriatric motion study experts as precursor to instability, balance abnormality and possible fall risk. Hermes provides a mobile, affordable and long-term instability analysis and detection system that is customizable to individual users, and is context-aware, with the capability of being guided by experts. Our experiments demonstrate the feasibility of our model and the complimentary role our system can play by providing long-term monitoring of patients outside a hospital or clinical setting at a reduced cost, with greater user convenience, compliance and inference capabilities that meet the physician's or investigator's needs.
AutoNav Mark3: Engineering the Next Generation of Autonomous Onboard Navigation and Guidance

The success of JPL's AutoNav system at comet Tempel-1 on July 4, 2005, demonstrated the power of autonomous navigation technology for the Deep Impact Mission. This software is being planned for use as the onboard navigation, tracking and rendezvous system for a Mars Sample Return Mission technology demonstration, and several mission proposals are evaluating its use for rendezvous with, and landing on asteroids. Before this however, extensive re-engineering of AutoNav will take place. This paper describes the AutoNav systems-engineering effort in several areas: extending the capabilities, improving operability, utilizing new hardware elements, and demonstrating the new possibilities of AutoNav in simulations.
Heavy ion physics with the CMS experiment at the LHC

The LHC will collide protons at s = 14.0 TeV and lead beams at s N N = 5.5 TeV TeV as well as other AA and pA combinations. The physics program of the Compact Muon Solenoid (CMS) includes the study of heavy ion collisions. The collision energy, much higher than is available at RHIC, will allow the study the dense partonic system with very hard probes: heavy quarks and quarkonia with emphasis on the b and ϒ, W ± and Z 0 bosons, high p T jets, photons. The production of these particles is likely to be modified, relative to pp collisions, by the presence of the hot hadronic medium. The CMS detector consists of a 13 m long, 6 m diameter superconducting solenoid which provides a uniform 4T magnetic field. The silicon tracker and electromagnetic and hadronic calorimeters are located inside the magnet while the muon detector is outside. The high granularity, high resolution calorimeters will provide hermetic coverage for |η| ≤ 5.5, making CMS an ideal detector to study high p T nuclear phenomena.
Perceived trait-co-occurrences according to managerial role: A structural representation

Abstract Fifty-eight middle managers were presented with three check lists containing effective and ineffective managerial traits previously obtained as free responses from another sample of middle managers. Each manager in the present study was asked to describe a superior, a peer, and a subordinate. Multidimensional scaling solutions were then calculated from these check list data. Ratings, obtained on five properties, were used to interpret the solutions. The findings demonstrated that managers in a highly competitive organization having frequent, formalized evaluative procedures (1) ascribe highly negative attributes to those peers perceived as effective, (2) have relatively undifferentiated views of their ineffective peers and ineffective subordinates, but (3) not their superiors who are viewed critically whether effective or ineffective.
Actin and the elongation of plant cells

We have investigated in parallel the effects of different types of inhibitors on elongation of oat coleoptile cells in IAA and on the integrity of the longitudinally oriented actin-containing microfilaments present in control cells as detected by rhodamine phalloidin (RP) staining. Where growth was 50% inhibited by cytochalasin D (CD), we observed extensive to complete breakdown of the microfilaments (MFs) with the appearance of new RP staining in a few nuclei and markedly along the cross walls. When the CD-treated coleoptiles were held at 4°C the nuclei were uniformly strongly stained and cross wall staining was not seen, suggesting that translocation to the nuclei may be an intermediate step in final disposition of the actin. The divalent ions calcium and magnesium both inhibited growth in a dose dependent way, with calcium giving 50% inhibition at 65 mM and magnesium at 25 mM. KCl was not inhibitory and did not reverse the inhibition by divalent ions even at 250 mM. At 50% inhibition by either ion, the long MFs in many cells were replaced either by short fragmented MFs and small brightly staining granules (calcium) or by short usually twisted MFs and large, less intensely staining masses (magnesium). Iodoacetate at 2mM inhibited growth almost completely and resulted in short, fragmented, twisted or curled MFs in most of the cells. Abscisic acid also caused replacement of some MFs with faintly fluorescent bodies somewhat larger than those in CaCl2; occasionally granules similar to those in CaCl2 were also seen. Only mannitol and galactose, which inhibit growth by their osmotic effect, did not cause breakup of the MFs; indeed the MFs in mannitol appeared if anything wider and thicker. The results show that under the influence of three types of growth inhibitors the actin-containing MFs in the cells are broken down to different extents resulting in new structures. The results support the idea that the integrity of the MF bundles is linked, perhaps causally, to the elongation of theAvena cells.
Photodisintegration of the Deuteron with 94-Mev Bremsstrahlung Radiation

Differential cross sections for the reaction $\ensuremath{\gamma}+d\ensuremath{\rightarrow}p+n$ have been determined at laboratory angles of 45\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}, 75\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}, 90\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}, and 135\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{} for laboratory photon energies from approximately 50 to 90 Mev. At each of the above angles the energy spectrum of the recoil protons was determined with a counter telescope and a pulse-height analysis system. The low cross section for this reaction necessitates the reduction of background to a minimum. This was accomplished by the use of a gaseous target and a particle selection technique. The differential cross sections and the estimates of the parameters describing angular distributions are in reasonable agreement with recent calculations by de Swart and Marshak and by Zernik, Rustgi, and Breit.
Intracavity sensing via compliance voltage measurement in an external cavity quantum cascade laser

We present experimental demonstration of a new technique for trace gas sensing by measuring changes in the compliance voltage spectrum of an external cavity quantum cascade laser due to intracavity absorbing species.
Thermal effects in multiple-pass p-i-n photodiodes

Photonic links operating in the 1.55 micrometers erbium gain band are finding their way into an increasing variety of microwave applications. At present, the performance of high power photonic links is limited by the characteristics of the photodetector. For microwave links at 1.55 micrometers , the most successful photodetector architectures have been implementations of surface-illuminated, InGaAs p-i-n photodiodes. One photodetector design issue has been the tradeoff between microwave bandwidth, responsivity, and maximum average DC current. Low bandwidth photodiodes, for example, can be operated at a few GHz with average currents on the order of 50 mA, but are typically constructed with illuminated diameters on the order of 50 micrometers or more. By contrast, high-responsivity photodetectors with bandwidths on the order of 20 GHz are restricted to diameters of around 25 micrometers , and limited to 20 mA average current. It would be beneficial to extend the current capability of 20 GHz photodetectors to the 100-mA range.© (2000) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Characterization of mass transfer of lower chlorinated benzenes from contaminated sediment into water.

Abstract Mass transport of chlorinated benzenes as found at the Petro-Processors of Louisiana, Inc. (PPI) Superfund site was characterized for a range of flow rates in small streams. At this site hazardous waste was historically disposed of in unengineered pits. Hexachlorobenzene and lesser chlorinated degradation products were found among other compounds. As waste was being disposed into unengineered pits, it seeped to lagoons and sediments of Baton Rouge Bayou (BRB), which flows through and nearby the former disposal areas. Characterization of the transport and fate of chlorobenzenes at PPI is an integral part of the Monitored Natural Attenuation (MNA) remedy currently underway. Laboratory experimental results and mathematical model predictions of the flux of 1,3-dichlorobenzene (1,3-DCB) from sediments into water are presented. 1,3-DCB was studied as individually and as part of a mixture of four contaminants with 1,2-DCB, chlorobenzene (MCB) and trichlorobenzene (TCB). Surficial sediments were collected, spiked with contaminants and leached to determine flux over time. Two advection–dispersion models were tested and the effect of low, cycling and fast stream flow on the contaminant flux was assessed. Model results suggest that tortuosity and effective diffusivity are related effective system predictors and descriptors. Statistical analysis supports the models’ predictive capabilities.
Korean American Parental Control: Acceptance or Rejection?

The purpose of this cross-sectional descriptive study was to examine relations between parental acceptance-rejection and behavioral control among 106 Korean American families in the Midwest. Independent self-report data were gathered from adolescents, mothers, and fathers, and analyzed with descriptive statistics, analyses of variance, analyses of covariance, and Pearson correlations. Both Korean American adolescents and their parents (mothers and fathers) reported the parents as warm and loving, as well as moderate to firm in their behavioral control. Nonetheless, within these ranges, results indicated that both adolescents' and mothers' reports of maternal behavioral control were positively correlated with less overall acceptance. Correlational results for fathers, however, showed that the more behaviorally controlling they reported themselves to be (within the moderate to firm range), the warmer and more affectionate they reported themselves to be—but also the more hostile and aggressive they reported themselves to be. This apparent contradiction seems to be explainable in the context of Korean American adaptation to mainstream American cultural ideology.
Effectiveness of activated charcoal and equilibrium dialysis in removing Asian, American, Siberian and Indian ginseng from human serum.

Abstract Background Ginsengs are used by the general population worldwide and toxicity of various ginsengs has been reported. We studied the effectiveness of activated charcoal and in vitro equilibrium dialysis for removal of Asian, American, Siberian and Indian ginseng from human serum by measuring digoxin-like immunoreactivity using the fluorescence polarization immunoassay. Methods 1× PBS (phosphate buffered saline) or drug free serum pool was supplemented with Asian, American, Siberian or Indian ginseng extract in amount expected in overdose. The aliquots of supplemented buffer or serum pool were treated with activated charcoal (15 or 50 mg of activated charcoal/ml of buffer/serum) for 5, 10, 20 and 30 min and digoxin-like immunoreactivities were compared with the original specimens. Other drug free serum pools were also supplemented with various ginsengs and then passed through a small column packed with activated charcoal or subjected to in vitro equilibrium dialysis against phosphate buffer at pH 7.4. Results Complete removal of digoxin-like immunoreactivity from buffer solution or serum pool supplemented with various ginsengs can be achieved by treatment with activated charcoal. Moreover, when serum pools supplemented with various ginsengs were passed through columns packed with activated charcoal, we observed complete removal of digoxin-like immunoreactivity. In addition, significant removal of digoxin-like immunoreactivity was observed when serum pools supplemented with ginsengs were subjected to equilibrium dialysis for 24 h. Conclusions Removal of digoxin-like immunoreactivity from buffer solution or serum due to the presence of ginsengs can be achieved by treatment with activated charcoal in vitro but complete removal of digoxin-like activity from serum is not possible even after 24 h of equilibrium dialysis.
Electrophysiology and anatomy of the large neuron pairs in the subesophageal ganglion of the leech

Abstract 1. 1. The functional and structural characteristics of the large neuron pairs located within each of the four subganglia which comprise the subesophageal ganglion of the horse leech, Haemopis marmorata (Say), were investigated by intracellular recording and iontophoretic injection of the fluorescent dye, Procion Yellow. 2. 2. The large paired neurons of the three posterior subganglia are very similar to Retzius cell pairs in segmental ganglia: they are coupled by a bidirectional electrotonic junction and send their axons into their ipsilateral roots. 3. 3. The pair of large neurons in the anterior subganglion have decussating axons which enter their contralateral neuropiles, but lack both electrotonic interconnections and peripheral axons. 4. 4. The four large neuron pairs are probably serial homologues to Retzius cells and the anterior pair appears to have lost the peripheral function of Retzius cells—the control of mucus release by the skin.
The Process Development of a Scaleable Route to the PDE5 Inhibitor UK-357,903

A case history is outlined for the development of a scaleable route to the drug candidate UK-357,903. Despite the partial structural similarities to those of sildenafil (Viagra), the introduction of the central pyridine moiety within UK-357,903 had a significant impact on the commercial process. In particular, the triply activated 2-alkoxypyridyl moiety of UK-357,903 is much more susceptible to nucleophilic attack than the 2-ethoxyphenyl moiety of sildenafil, necessitating the development of new chemistry. Particular items of note are (i) the new six-step route to the advanced 2-ethoxy-5-(4-ethylpiperazinylsulfonyl)nicotinic acid intermediate and the subsequent telescoping to a two-pot process, (ii) the telescoping of the two steps from N-[3-carbamoyl-5-ethyl-1-(2-pyridylmethyl)-1H-pyrazol-4-yl]-2-ethoxy-5-(4-ethyl-1-piperazinylsulfonyl)nicotinamide to UK-357,903 to a single step, with the additional use of a hydroxide trapping agent to give an ambient pressure process yielding clinical quality product, a...
The nature of sexuality in Chlamydomonas.

IN 1933 MOEWUS published the first of an extensive series of articles on the nature of sexuality in, and the genetics of, freshwater algae. The algae he has studied include Chlamydomonas, Polytoma, Stephanosphaera, Protosiphon, Monostroma, and Botrydium. There has been widespread interest in the work of Moewus, especially that on Chlamydomonas, and the results he has reported have evoked considerable d^ebate. This discussion will be limited to the series of Moewus' investigations centering around the nature of the substances that induce motility and fusion of gametes in Chlamydomonas. A brief preliminary report will also be given on sexuality in some species of Chlamydomonas collected in California. Moewus isolated Chlamydomonas in unialgal and pure culture by means of the well-known agar plate method. As is familiar to all who have grown this alga it forms an immobile green jelly-like mass or Palmella stage when growing on the surface of agar, but the cells soon become motile if the culture is flooded with water. The species studied by Moewus were of the type in which every motile cell is a potential gamete and capable of fusing with any cell of opposite sex swimming in its immediate vicinity. In heterothallic (heteroecious) species one must have two cultures of opposite sex and mix swarmers of the two before there is gametic union. In homothallic (synoecious) species, gametic union is between cells of the same culture, but does not take place until after the cells have become motile. When studying heterothallic species Moewus uses the method devised by Hartmann (1929) for observing gametic union. Two drops of water, one containing male gametes and the other containing female gametes, are placed side by side on a slide without a cover glass. After focusing under the microscope the two drops are mixed together. Within five seconds there is a very marked aggregation of the gametes in clumps. Up to a certain concentration of gametes the size of clumps after mixing the two kinds is correlated with the concentration, but with an increase beyond ten million gametes per cubic centimeter there is no further increase in number of gametes in a clump. The gametes in each clump soon begin to fuse in pairs and when two begin to fuse there is a reversal of phototaxis and a migration of the fusing pair to the shaded side of the drop. This reversal of phototaxis, first noted by Carter (1926) in Monostroma, makes it easy to find fusing pairs of gametes when those of opposite sex are mixed.
How to unconfound the directional and orientational information in visual neuron's response

When drifting bars or gratings are used as visual stimuli, information about orientation specificity (which has a period of 180°) and direction specificity (which has a period of 360°) is inherently confounded in the response of visual cortical neurons, which have long been known to be selective for both the orientation of the stimulus and the direction of its movement. It is essential to "unconfound" or separate these two components of the response as they may respectively contribute to form and motion perception, two of the main streams of information processing in the mammalian brain. Worgotter and Eysel (1987) recently proposed the Fourier transform technique as a method of unconfounding the two components, but their analysis was incomplete. Here we formally develop the mathematical tools for this method to calculate the peak angles, bandwidths, and relative strengths, the three most important elements of a tuning curve, of both the orientational and the directional components, based on the experimentally-recorded neuron's response polar-plot. It will be shown that, in the 1-D Fourier decomposition of the polar-plot along its angular dimension, (1) the odd harmonics contain only the directional component, while the even harmonics are contributed to by both the orientational and the directional components; (2) the phases and the amplitudes of all the harmonics are related, respectively, to the peak angle and the bandwidth of the individual component. The basic assumption used here is that the two components are linearly additive; this in turn is immediately testable by the method itself.
Polymerization of aromatic nuclei. XXVI. Poly(p‐phenylene): Friedel–crafts alkylation, molecular weight, and propagation mechanism

Poly(p-phenylene) was alkylated with n-propyl bromide, n-propyl chloride, and isopropyl bromide in the presence of aluminum chloride. Apparently, the reactions involve dialkylation with n-propyl halides and alternating mono- and dialkylation with isopropyl bromide. Alkylation with ethyl or n-butyl bromide was unsuccessful. The dialkylated polymer was sufficiently soluble to allow molecular weight determination. Mechanistic aspects of alkylation and propagation are treated.
Double targeted gene replacement for creating null mutants.

Abstract We have used double gene targeting to create homozygous gene replacements in the protozoan parasite Leishmania major, an asexual diploid. This method uses two independent selectable markers in successive rounds of gene targeting to replace both alleles of an endogenous gene. We developed an improved hygromycin B-resistance cassette encoding hygromycin phosphotransferase (HYG) for use as a selectable marker for Leishmania. HYG-containing vectors functioned equivalently to those containing the neomycin phosphotransferase (NEO) cassette previously used for extrachromosomal transformation or gene targeting. Drug resistances conferred by the NEO and HYG markers were independent, allowing simultaneous selection for both markers. A HYG targeting vector was utilized to replace the single dihydrofolate reductase-thymidylate synthase (DHFR-TS) gene remaining in a line heterozygous for a NEO replacement at the dhfr-ts locus (+/neo), with a targeting efficiency comparable to that seen with wild-type recipients. The resultant dhfr-ts- line (hyg/neo) was auxotrophic for thymidine. The double targeted replacement method will enable functional genetic testing in a variety of asexual diploids, including cultured mammalian cells and fungi such as Candida albicans. Additionally, it may be possible to use Leishmania bearing conditionally auxotrophic gene replacements as safe, improved live vaccines for leishmaniasis.
T-cell P/E-selectin ligand α(1,3)fucosylation is not required for graft-vs-host disease induction

Objective Recognition of E- and P-selectins on vascular endothelium by their leukocyte glycoprotein counterreceptor P-selectin glycoprotein ligand-1 (PSGL-1) initiates and sustains leukocyte rolling, culminating in extravasation of lymphocytes from blood into organs. PSGL-1 is rendered functional by terminal glycosylation steps, which occur mainly in activated Th1 but not Th2 cells. α(1,3)Fucosyltransferases IV and VII control this glycosylation pathway. Mice lacking these transferases (Fuc-TIV −/− /Fuc-TVII −/− ) lack functional E- and P-selectin ligands. We hypothesized that Fuc-TIV −/− /Fuc-TVII −/− donor T cells might have reduced capacity to roll on vessels of inflamed target tissues and mediate graft-vs-host disease (GVHD). Materials and Methods We compared the ability of Fuc-TIV −/− /Fuc-TVII −/− and wild-type (WT) C57BL/6 (B6) spleen cells (SPCs) to produce GVHD in lethally irradiated major histocompatibility complex (MHC) haplotype-mismatched B6D2F1 recipients. Clinical GVHD, GVHD pathology in target organs, memory phenotype conversion, proliferation of donor T cells, and tissue and serum cytokine expression were examined. Results Surprisingly, clinical GVHD was not reduced in lethally irradiated mice receiving full haplotype MHC mismatched or matched Fuc-TIV −/− /Fuc-TVII −/− SPCs compared to those receiving WT SPCs. GVHD pathology in target organs, memory phenotype conversion, and proliferation of donor T cells were similar in both groups. However, reduced interferon-γ was detected in liver and lung, and serum levels of tumor necrosis factor-α were higher in mice receiving Fuc-TIV −/− /Fuc-TVII −/− SPCs compared with WT SPCs. Conclusions These results suggest that donor T cells, including Th1, are capable of trafficking to GVHD target tissues independently of P- and E- selectin ligand in conditioned hosts.
Advances in atom-probe field ion microscopy†

SUMMARY The ToF atom-probe FIM is a microanalytical tool of ultimate sensitivity. Design and performance of the three presently operating instruments are described, including applications to metallurgical problems and contributions to basic effects in field ion microscopy. Up to four-fold ionic charges of metals, field adsorption of noble gases, and the occurrence of metal-helide ions have been surprising results. The mass resolution of present atom-probes is marginal due to random ion energy deficits. A new energy deficit compensated atom-probe offers a very satisfactory mass resolution of 1/1000.
Influence of Zinc Deficiency on Zinc and Dry Matter Content of Ruminant Tissues and on Excretion of Zinc

Abstract In experiments involving 24 animals, zinc and dry matter contents of various tissues were studied in zinc-deficient and control goats and calves at various time intervals after control animals were fed the zinc-deficient diet. All samples were obtained before any symptoms of a deficiency occurred in the controls. Length of time, from 9 to 35 days, which controls were fed the deficient diet did not affect zinc content of tissues. Zinc content of hair, blood, liver, lung, kidney, femur, skin, and testicles was reduced in zinc-deficient animals. Zinc level was unaffected in brain and muscle tissues. In most tissues there was considerable overlapping between zinc content of controls and deficient animals, so that differences due to the deficiency are a statistical phenomenon rather than one of important value for diagnostic purposes with individual animals. Zinc content of hair may have some potential as a diagnostic aid. Dry matter content of tissues was affected relatively little by zinc deficiency or by species. Zinc excretion via feces was decidedly lower in zinc-deficient animals, but urinary excretion tended to be higher than for controls. Thus, fecal excretion is an important route of homeostatic conservation of zinc in deficient animals, but urinary excretion does not contribute to this conservation.
Race/Ethnicity and Socioeconomic Status: Measurement and Methodological Issues

This article considers the ways in which race/ethnicity and socioeconomic status (SES) relate to each other and combine to affect racial variations in health status. The author reviews a number of methodological issues concerning the assessment of race in the United States that importantly affect the quality of the available data on racial differences in health. These issues include the discrepancy between self-identification and observer-reported race, changing racial classification categories and racial identification, the difficulties in categorizing persons of mixed racial parentage, and census undercount. In discussing the complex interactions between race and SES, the author first describes the relationship between race and SES and assesses the role of SES in accounting for racial differences in health, then shows how the failure of SES to completely account for racial variations in health status emphasizes the need for health researchers to give more systematic attention to the unique factors linked to race that affect health. These factors include racism, migration, acculturation, and the comprehensive assessment of SES.
One- and two-photon laser photochemistry in organic solids

The criteria for site-selective low-temperature laser photochemistry in organic solids are discussed within a general framework that includes both one- and two-photon photochemical reaction schemes. We identify requirements for the use of this photochemistry in photochemical hole burning applications such as high-resolution spectroscopy and the study of low-temperature reaction mechanisms. The one- and two-photon reaction schemes are quite different from one another with respect to excited state geometries and short-lived photoreactive intermediates. The reversible tautomerism of quinizarin in hydrogen-bonded host materials is studied as a one-photon example. The photochemistry involves both intra- and intermolecular hydrogen bonds. The photodissociations of s-tetrazine (ST) and dimethyl-s-tetrazine (DMST) are studied as examples of the two-photon reaction and a kinetic scheme is proposed for the tetrazine case. The intensity dependence of the photochemistry in solids is modeled mathematically.
Significance of biparietal diameter differences between twins.

Ultrasound scanning provides a safe and accurate diagnostic technique for identifying twin pregnancies as well as measuring the biparietal diameters (BPD) of individual twin fetuses. The ability to evaluate each twin separately is of paramount importance, as twins of dissimilar size have both increased risks at delivery and in the neonatal period. Dissimilar twin growth, when severe, should be reflected in differences in birth weight and diameter. A 25% difference in fetal weight has been found to significantly alter height, weight, head circumference, and IQ score in grade school when compared to the larger twin. Paradoxically, the small-for-dates infant gains weight faster, has fewer respiratory problems, and is discharged sooner than prematures of similar weight. This study was undertaken to determine if the difference in BPD could be useful as an estimate of relative fetal growth between individual fetuses.