cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The intracellular chloride activity of glomus cells in the isolated rabbit carotid body.

The resting membrane potential (E M ) and intracellular chloride activity (a i (Cl)) of glomus cells were measured in isolated rabbit carotid bodies using conventional and chloride-selective microelectrodes. E M and a i (Cl) were −25.9 ± 1.4 mV (mean ± S.E.M., n = 13) and 20.9 ± 1.9 mV (mean ± S.E.M., n = 13), respectively. When the chloride equilibrium potential (E Cl ) was shifted in a positive direction, E M depolarized. It is concluded that chloride ions are not passively distributed across the glomus cell membrane and that they play an important role in determining E M .
Inflammatory cytokines stimulate the chemokines CCL2/MCP-1 and CCL7/MCP-7 through NFκB and MAPK dependent pathways in rat astrocytes

The chemokines CCL2 and CCL7 are upregulated in the brain during several neurodegenerative and acute diseases associated with infiltration of peripheral leukocytes. Astrocytes can respond to inflammatory cytokines like IL-1beta and TNF-alpha by producing chemokines. This study aims to test the ability of IL-1beta and TNF-alpha to stimulate CCL2 and CCL7 protein production in rat astrocyte cultures, and to elucidate signaling pathways involved in the cytokine-stimulated chemokine upregulation. Astrocytes were stimulated with IL-1beta or TNF-alpha, and CCL2 and CCL7 levels determined by ELISA. Our results show that IL-1beta and TNF-alpha each stimulate production of the chemokines CCL2 and CCL7 in astrocytes in a concentration- and time-dependent manner, with CCL2 showing a more rapid and robust response to the cytokine treatment than CCL7. As a first step to determine the signaling pathways involved in CCL2 and CCL7 upregulation, we stimulated astrocytes with IL-1beta or TNF-alpha in the presence of selective inhibitors of MAPK pathways (SB203580 and SB202190 for p38, SP600125 for JNK, and U0126 for ERK) or NFkappaB pathways (MG-132 and SC-514). We found that NFkappaB pathways are important for the cytokine-stimulated CCL2 and CCL7 production, whereas MAPK pathways involving p38 and JNK, but not ERK, may also contribute but to a lesser extent. These data document for the first time that CCL7 protein production can be stimulated in astrocytes by cytokines, and that the upregulation may involve NFkappaB- and p38/JNK-regulated pathways. In addition, our results suggest that CCL2 and CCL7 share similarities in the signaling pathways necessary for their upregulation.
Lengthening a tetrahedron

We give rigorous, computer assisted proofs of a number of statements about the effect on the volume of lengthening various edges of a tetrahedron. Our results give new and sharp polynomial inequalities concerning the Cayley–Menger determinant and its partial derivatives.
Contrasting Strategies of Photosynthetic Energy Utilization Drive Lifestyle Strategies in Ecologically Important Picoeukaryotes

The efficiency with which absorbed light is converted to net growth is a key property for estimating global carbon production. We previously showed that, despite considerable evolutionary distance, Dunaliella tertiolecta (Chlorophyceae) and Thalassiosira weissflogii (Bacillariophyceae) share a common strategy of photosynthetic energy utilization and nearly identical light energy conversion efficiencies. These findings suggested that a single model might be appropriate for describing relationships between measures of phytoplankton production. This conclusion was further evaluated for Ostreococcus tauri RCC1558 and Micromonas pusilla RCC299 (Chlorophyta, Prasinophyceae), two picoeukaryotes with contrasting geographic distributions and swimming abilities. Nutrient-dependent photosynthetic efficiencies in O. tauri were similar to the previously studied larger algae. Specifically, absorption-normalized gross oxygen and carbon production and net carbon production were independent of nutrient limited growth rate. In contrast, all measures of photosynthetic efficiency were strongly dependent on nutrient availability in M. pusilla. This marked difference was accompanied by a diminished relationship between Chla:C and nutrient limited growth rate and a remarkably greater efficiency of gross-to-net energy conversion than the other organisms studied. These results suggest that the cost-benefit of decoupling pigment concentration from nutrient availability enables motile organisms to rapidly exploit more frequent encounters with micro-scale nutrient patches in open ocean environments.
Comparative study of proteins, peroxidase activity and N-acetyl-β-D-glucosaminidase activity in llama milk

Abstract Increased rearing of llamas in the USA has been associated with a need to supplement milk to orphaned or undernourished llama neonates. Ruminant milks and milk replacers are used, but there are few data comparing the nutrient composition and protective factors of llama milk to those of ruminant milks. We compared proteins in llama milk with those in cow, sheep, and human milks. Proteins were separated by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and visualized by Coomassie blue. Caseins were the predominant proteins in llama milk, as in cow and sheep milks. A considerably lower proportion of casein was identified in human milk. α-Lactalbumin was present in similar amounts in llama, sheep, and cow milks, with proportionately more α-lactalbumin in human milk. β-Lactoglobulin, the major whey protein of cows and sheep, was not detectable by this method in either llama or human milk. Gel profiles of llama milk contained a relatively higher proportion of a protein band co-migrating with lactoferrin compared with cow or sheep milk, but not as much as in human milk. We also compared the activities of peroxidase and N-acetyl-β-D-glucosaminidase in milks of the four species. Peroxidase activity in llama milk was more than ten times less than in cow or sheep milk. Activity of N-acetyl-β-D-glucosaminidase was more than 20-fold higher in llama milk than in milks of the ruminants. Activities of both enzymes in llama milk more closely resembled activities in human milk. Results of this study suggest that llama milk differs from cow and sheep milk in protein composition, and that the relative importance of protective factors, such as lactoferrin, peroxidase, and N-acetyl-β-D-glucosaminidase, in milk may be different for llamas compared with ruminants.
Significance of Chlamydia pneumoniae (TWAR) in Atherosclerotic Lesions

The discovery by the group of investigators in the epidemiology and pathobiology departments at the University of Washington’s School of Public Health in Seattle that specific antigenic components of Chlamydia pneumoniae are present in atherosclerotic lesions presents intriguing possibilities concerning the multifactorial nature of the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. Starting in 1986, this group, headed by Professor Grayston, has been studying this relatively recently identified member of the Chlamydia genus. They quite recently found evidence that the specific antibodies to this pathogen can be identified serologically in the blood of many victims of coronary heart disease and/or myocardial infarction. This supports the results of Saikku et al reported in Lancet in 1988, which were confirmed by the University of Washington group led by Professor Grayston in 1991 and extended in a larger group of patients by Saikku and coworkers in 1992. Now they report very strong evidence that the organism is lurking in the lesions …
Radiative transport in finite homogenous cylinders by the Monte Carlo technique

Abstract The transfer of resonance line radiation in homogeneous cylinders of various shapes and optical thicknesses is studied by means of the Monte Carlo method in order to investigate the effects of geometry on (non-LTE) source functions and emergent line intensity profiles. It is found that increasing the larger cylinder dimension (radius or length) produces no change in the source function except to extend it at a constant level. For cylinders with the same axial optical thickness as a slab, we find that the axial source function is effectively the same as that of a slab whenever the radius of the cylinder exceeds its length. Further, when the length exceeds the radius, the radial source function approximates the source function for a slab of optical thickness equal to that of the cylinder radius, provided this is less than a thermalization length. Emergent line shapes are calculated and are found to be strongly dependent upon the position and aspect. Scaling laws are given which permit estimation of the source function at an arbitrary point in a cylinder without a detailed solution of the transfer problem.
Effects of medroxyprogesterone acetate on socio-sexual behavior of stumptail macaques

Abstract Two studies assessed (1) the effect of medroxyprogesterone acetate (MPA), Depo-Provera, on socio-sexual behaviors, and (2) the interaction between socio-environmental conditions and MPA treatment effects. Study One utilized two males and eight female members of a semi-free-ranging island colony. Females received 30 or 100 mg MPA IM or were untreated. Study Two used three laboratory-housed pairs of tubal-ligated females, observed during 30 min behavior tests with one of three males. Sexually preferred females received 30 mg MPA IM. Semi-free-ranging treated females received fewer ejaculations than untreated females and did not copulate for up to 68 days post-treatment. Rates of grooming were not affected. In the laboratory tests, mean rates of ejaculations per test were reduced for treated females but increased for untreated females, and untreated females groomed males more than did treated females. Contrary to previous studies, these results suggest that stumptail macaque sexual behavior can be influenced by hormones but this influence is modulated by socio-environmental factors.
ELECTROPHYSIOLOGICAL REMODELING OF THE HEART OWING TO RATE

Although damage to the heart from inflammation and infarction are well-established stimuli that trigger major cardiac remodeling, it has been known since 1954 that a persistent supraventricular tachycardia also can alter cardiac structure and function.1 This clinical observation was exploited 8 years later when it was demonstrated that rapid stimulation of the normal heart could produce reversible congestive heart failure.2 Since then, rapid pacing has been used frequently to create an investigational animal model of heart failure. The effects of prolonged pacing-induced tachycardia, in the range of 250 bpm for 3 or 4 weeks, has been studied in depth in several animal species and has been shown to cause extensive myocardial remodeling. Biventricular enlargement with reduced wall thickness and no increase in muscle mass, reduced cross-sectional myocyte area and increased length, disarray of myofibril alignment and cytoarchitecture, increases in contractile protein degradation, and destruction of the supporting myocardial collagen matrix represent some of the structural changes contributing to reduced ventricular function.3 Diminished responsiveness to β-adrenoceptor stimulation caused by a reduction in β-receptor density and a variety of alterations in the adrenergic signaling processes also occur.4 Replacement fibrosis, loss of cells, and reactive hypertrophy of the remaining cells have been noted recently.5 mRNA levels for specific cytoskeletal proteins increase, along with alterations in cytoskeletal architecture6 and abnormalities in phospholamban.7 In pigs subjected to 3 weeks of a tachycardia-induced cardiomyopathy, myocyte action potential showed reduced membrane resting potential, reduced amplitude and upstroke velocity, and prolonged duration at 90% repolarization. Peak L-type Ca2+ current density was reduced because of an absolute reduction in L-type Ca2+ current flow into the myocyte possibly caused by reduced open probability of the channel.8 However, in dogs that had rapid ventricular pacing for 3 to 4 weeks, action …
Electro‐copolymerization of acrylonitrile and methyl acrylate onto graphite fibers

Electro-copolymerization of methyl acrylate, acrylic acid, methacrylic acid, acrylamide, and methyl methacrylate with acrylonitrile onto graphite fibers has been successfully done in our laboratory. The coatings are relatively uniform and their properties, especially their modulus, can be systematically varied by controlling the monomer ratio in the eletrolyte solution. This technique is being used to introduce a ductile interlayer of contrlled composition and thickness between the composite fibers and matrix. Copolymers of methyl acrylate and acrylonitrile formed by this technique are random copolymers, with Tg′s varying from 10 to 90°C. These copolymers have fairly high molecular weight, in the range of 100,000 g/mol. Monomer reactivity ratios were determined, based upon free radical polymerization kinetics, from cyclic voltammetry. An indirect initiation mechanism is suggested. Bonding between interlayer and matrix can be improved by introducing vinyl monomers with proper functional groups, capable of reacting with the epoxy resin, at the last stage of the electropolymerization process.
Age-related decrease in vulnerability to excitatory amino acids in the nucleus basalis

Abstract The present study investigated the effects of nucleus basalis magnocellularis (NBM) lesions in young (3 months), adult (9 months), and aged (24 months) rats by injections of either NMDA or AMPA upon performance of a delayed alternation task on a T maze. During phase 1 of testing, the interchoice interval (ICI) was 5 s and each rat was given 10 trials per day during phase 2, the ICI was 30 s across 10 trials per day; during phase 3, the ICI was 5 s across 20 trials per day. Analyses of variance revealed (a) a significant effect of age during phase 1 (i.e., 24-month-old rats performed worse than 3-month-old rats); (b) a significant effect of age and lesion in phase 2 (i.e., the lesions impaired choice accuracy equally in all age groups when the ICIs were 30 s); (c) a significant effect of age and lesion, and a significant interaction in phase 3 (i.e., young rats were more impaired by the lesions than were aged rats.
Women with Serious Mental Illness in Therapy: Intersectional Perspectives

The definition and treatment of serious mental illness in women have been crucial issues for feminist therapy. Women with serious mental illness experience elevated rates of abuse, trauma, poverty,...
Kernel-weighted GMM estimators for linear time series models

Abstract This paper analyzes the higher-order asymptotic properties of generalized method of moments (GMM) estimators for linear time series models using many lags as instruments. A data-dependent moment selection method based on minimizing the approximate mean squared error is developed. In addition, a new version of the GMM estimator based on kernel-weighted moment conditions is proposed. It is shown that kernel-weighted GMM estimators can reduce the asymptotic bias compared to standard GMM estimators. Kernel weighting also helps to simplify the problem of selecting the optimal number of instruments. A feasible procedure similar to optimal bandwidth selection is proposed for the kernel-weighted GMM estimator.
Measurements of Enhanced Stopping of 1-MeV Deuterons in Target-Ablation Plasmas

Enhancement of the energy loss of 1-MeV deuterons in target-ablation plasmas over that in cold targets has been observed when signficant ionization is present in the plasma. Scaling of enhanced stopping with target ionization is consistent with stopping by free electrons and the remaining bound electrons. Measured energy losses for Mylar and aluminum targets are also in agreement with hydrocode calculations.
High-speed systolic architectures for finite field inversion

Using a new reformulation of the extended Euclidean algorithm, we propose new two-dimensional systolic architectures for inversion in GF ( 2 m ) . Our new architectures require considerably less hardware in comparison to the architectures we proposed recently, while achieving the same critical path delays, latencies, and throughputs. Our new architectures compare even more favorably to the inversion architectures proposed previously by others. In common with much previous work in this area, one of our new architectures uses a centralized control mechanism. The other new architecture proposed in this paper uses a distributed control mechanism which results in all the cells in our architecture having the same circuitry regardless of the value of m. Hence the latter new architecture has excellent scalability properties.
High Dietary Fat Increases Toxicity of Diacetoxyscirpenol in Chickens

The influence of high dietary fat on the toxicity of diacetoxyscirpenol (DAS) was investigated in a 2 x 5 factorial arrangement of treatments (6 and 12% fat, and 0, 1, 2, 4, and 8 micrograms DAS/g diet). The 3-wk body weight was decreased (P less than .0001) by DAS, but fat had no significant (P less than .05) effect. There was a highly significant (P less than .0059) interaction manifested at the higher levels of DAS by a greater decrease in body weight in the high-fat diet than in the low-fat diet. Neither feed conversion nor percentage of fat in fecal material were affected significantly (P less than .05) by DAS. These data were consistent with the high-fat diet promoting lipid micellar absorption of DAS and with DAS, once absorbed, inhibiting protein synthesis at the ribosomal level, a well established mechanism of action for trichothecene toxins such as DAS.
Synthesis and characterization of imidazole–triphenylsilane complexes

Three imidazole-based triphenylsilane complexes were synthesized as preliminary model complexes to those that have been proposed as intermediates during the enzymatic biomineralization of silica by certain sponges. The active site of the enzyme includes histidine-serine moieties that appear to be vital to functionality. The model compounds include ligands that are bound to the silicon via a Si–O–C linkage and have a potentially chelating imidazole ring. Synthesis of these compounds was achieved by reaction of triphenylchlorosilane with two equivalents of ligand, one equivalent acting as a base for the HCl generated during the reaction. The compounds are highly reactive toward hydrolysis and were characterized by NMR, MS, elemental analysis, and X-ray crystallography.
The determination of the nuclear pair correlation function and momentum distribution

Abstract This paper presents a critical discussion of some of the suggestions which have been put forward for measuring the nuclear momentum distribution F(p) and pair correlation function C(r1r2). On the basis of qualitative arguments we conclude that a majority of the measurements of F and C are based on dubious analysis of the experimental data. In particular, the use of the impulse approximation in these analyses is brought into question. Although we do not question the conclusion that F(p) has many high momentum components, we argue that we have no reliable quantitative knowledge regarding F(p) at this time. We discuss various experiments related to the measurement of C, in particular inelastic electron scattering, and the (γ, pn) reaction. Here too we conclude that our present knowledge is virtually nil. Some rigorous formulae for the cross sections measured in pursuit of F and C are also given.
Global models of Ne and Te at solar maximum based on DE-2 measurements

Newly developed global models of the electron density of (Ne) and (Te) in the F-region at solar maximum, based on Langmuir probe measurements from the Dynamics Explorer-2 satellite, are compared with solar minimum models that were developed earlier from Atmosphere Explorer data. Spherical harmonics are used in both models to describe the variations with geomagnetic latitude and local time, but the solar maximum model also includes longitudinal variations. The solar minimum models were for the fixed altitudes of 300 km and 400 km, while the solar maximum model covers all altitudes between 300 and 1000 km. In this paper, the global patterns of Ne and Te at 400 km at solar maximum and minimum are compared with the IRI model for the corresponding parts of the solar cycle. In most respects, the IRI model describes the empirical models quite well at both solar maximum and solar minimum.
The effects of task comprehension on preschoolers' and adults' categorization choices

Abstract In experimental tasks in which subjects sort sets of objects with conflicting appearances and taxonomic relations, preschoolers often have been found to categorize according to appearance. The procedures used in past studies, however, may have biased preschoolers to attend to appearance instead of taxonomic relations. This possibility was examined in two experiments. In Experiment 1, children′s preference for taxonomic- or appearance-based sorting was affected by both the training and the instructions they received. Adults in Experiment 1 were affected by instructions, but not by training. In Experiment 2 preschoolers sorted above chance according to the criterion for which they received training and instruction (taxonomic relations or appearance). Consistency data, children′s justifications, and spontaneous labeling support the conclusions that training and instructions have a significant effect on children′s preference to sort according to taxonomic relations or appearance, and that both criteria can be used systematically by children as young as four. Implications for task comprehension, flexibility, methodology, and education are discussed.
Is the density-fertility relation a statistical artifact?: A reply to eric Jensen

Is the density-fertility relation a statistical artifact? The answer, I conclude, is no. Like all empirical findings, the observed coefficients might misstate the true effects, so the density coefficient could be “wrong.” Moreover, the density coefficient does not identify the mechanism(s)—inheritance, child labor value, or migration—through which density affects fertility. But the density coefficient is not artifactual. Jensen’s claims are specious. His principal claim, that the use of ratio variables with common components creates bias, is based on a statistical myth. Two other claims, that pooling the village data creates a spurious correlation between density and the CBR and that the density coefficient has been inflated by simultaneity bias are shown to be false. His final claim, that omitted-variable bias must inflate the density coefficient, is also wrong. I see no reason, then, to modify the conclusions of the Punjab study.
Kinetics of the termolecular reaction of gas phase Pd(a1S0) atoms with methane

Abstract The gas-phase removal rate constants for the reaction of ground state palladium (a1S0) with methane in argon buffer are reported as a function of total pressure and temperature. The pressure dependence indicates a termolecular mechanism. The limiting low-pressure third-order rate constant, k0, in argon buffer at room temperature is (2.0±0.7)×10 −30 molecule −2 cm 6 s −1 . Second-order rate constants were measured at 20.0 Torr from 348 to 523 K. Derived third-order rate constants can be expressed as logk0(T)=−201.5+141(logT)−29(logT)2 over the temperature range 294–523 K.
Changes in 13C/12C Ratio of CO2 Evolved from CAM Plants with Light Intensities in Relation to Malic Acid Decarboxylation

Summary Carbon dioxide evolved by CAM plants (Aloe vera, Neoregelia sp. Sansevieria guineensis) in light (δ13C = 0.8 ± 1.8%) was significantly enriched in 13 C relative to that in dark (δ13C = -13.0 ± 1.4%). The changes in S 13C values of CO2 with light intensity revealed curves similar to those of photosynthetic rate versus light. The ratio of the amount of collected CO 2 C c over the amount of malic acid consumed (C m ) declined sharply from low light to about 95 µmol m −2 s −1 . Thereafter, this decline tended to be slow. The δ 13 C values of CO 2 evolved versus the corresponding C c /C m were linearly correlated, showing different slopes for each species, which is consistent with the expectations of the model established in this study. The yields of carbon dioxide for each malic acid decarboxylated evaluated from the model equation, termed N, were 3.0, 1.5, and 1.3 for S. guineensis, A. vera, Neoregelia sp., respectively.
The benzene metabolite, hydroquinone, induces dose-dependent hypoploidy in a human cell line.

The benzene metabolite, hydroquinone, induces dose-dependent hypoploidy in a human cell line
Effect of porosity on the interface behavior of an Al2O3–aluminum composite: A molecular dynamics study

Abstract Molecular dynamics simulations are carried out to study the effect of porosity and temperature on a ductile–brittle interface under tensile and shear loadings. Traditionally the interface is characterized by a cohesive zone model (CZM) with the traction–separation law assumed or parameterized through experiments, where the experimental determination of the shape of the CZM has proven to be difficult. In this study a traction–separation law is thus obtained for an alumina–aluminum composite system by conducting molecular dynamics simulations. A statistical approach is suggested to characterize the cohesive strength in the parameterized traction–separation law via the Weibull distribution, which consequently governs the interface behavior of the composite.
ON THE USE OF A VISUAL CORTICAL SUB-BAND MODEL FOR INTERACTIVE HEURISTIC EDGE DETECTION

We present a novel interactive edge detection algorithm that combines A* search with low-level adaptive image processing. The algorithm models the semantically driven interpretation that we hypothesize to occur between the mind and visual cortex in the human brain. The basic idea is that oriented Gabor sub-bands are used to model grating cells in the mammalian visual system. These sub-bands are used during the search for a path to a marker in an image. A domain expert uses image markers to select edges of interest. We demonstrate the system in several image domains. Examples are shown in the areas of photo-interpretation, medical imaging, path planning and general edge nding. The A* search nds a suboptimal result, but executes in a time that is typically 10 to 1,000 times faster than the dynamic programming approach currently used for this type of edge detection.
The lipid whisker model of the structure of oxidized cell membranes

An essential feature of the innate immune system is maintaining cellular homeostasis by identifying and removing senescent and apoptotic cells and modified lipoproteins. Identification is achieved through the recognition of molecular patterns, including structurally distinct oxidized phospholipids, on target cells by macrophage receptors. Both the structural nature of the molecular patterns recognized and their orientation within membranes has remained elusive. We recently described the membrane conformation of an endogenous oxidized phospholipid ligand for macrophage scavenger receptor CD36, where the truncated oxidized sn-2 fatty acid moiety protrudes into the aqueous phase, rendering it accessible for recognition. Herein we examine the generality of this conformational motif for peroxidized glycerophospholipids within membranes. Our data reveal that the addition of a polar oxygen atom on numerous peroxidized fatty acids reorients the acyl chain, whereby it no longer remains buried within the membrane interior but rather protrudes into the aqueous compartment. Moreover, we show that neither a conformational change in the head group relative to the membrane surface nor the presence of a polar head group is essential for CD36 recognition of free oxidized phospholipid ligands within membranes. Rather, our results suggest the following global phenomenon. As cellular membranes undergo lipid peroxidation, such as during senescence or apoptosis, previously hydrophobic portions of fatty acids will move from the interior of the lipid bilayer to the aqueous exterior. This enables physical contact between pattern recognition receptor and molecular pattern ligand. Cell membranes thus "grow whiskers" as phospholipids undergo peroxidation, and many of their oxidized fatty acids protrude at the surface.
Altimetry and drifter data assimilations of loop current and eddies

and direction (absolute) errors are 0.4–5 cm s � 1 (1� 10% errors) and 10� 20, respectively. The correlations of the two dominant empirical orthogonal function (EOF) modes with the corresponding observation modes at a yearlong mooring over the northern slope are: mode-1 � 0.88� 0.93 and mode-2 � 0.5� 0.63. Both show vertically coherent but strongly sheared modes 1 and 2 representing propagation eddies and reversing mode-3 that intensifies for z < � 300 m.
On superexchange electron-transfer coupling for a three-component system

Abstract The Zusman equation is applied to derive the effective matrix elements for superexchange and sequential electron transfer for a three-component system consisting of a donor, a distant acceptor, and a bridging intermediate. Analytical expressions can be derived for the special “degenerate” case of triple crossing where all three Marcus free-energy parabolas cross at the same point. For the nondegenerate case, where the direct vertical energy gap between the donor and the intermediate is large, one expects the same result as for second-order perturbation theory.
Evidence for an essential role of tissue factor dependent blood coagulation in the pathogenesis of the local Shwartzman reaction.

Abstract ABSTRACT Adherence and aggregation of leukocytes within the vessels of a prepared skin site has been shown to be essential for the pathogenesis of the local Shwartzmanreaction (LSR)(Argenbright and Barton: J Clin Invest 89: 259, 1992). We have now performed experiments in rabbits to evaluate whether coagulation within the vessels of a prepared site is a second requirement for the reaction. Skin sites were prepared by an intradermal injection of endotoxin 24 hours before a provoking intravenous injection of endotoxin. Thirteen control rabbits all developed the LSR. Seven of 12 rabbits given warfarin to achieve anticoagulation approximating that used therapeutically in humans before the provoking injection were protected against the LSR (p=0.003). Five of ninerabbits given anti-rabbit factor X IgG before the provoking injection to yield mean values in individual rabbits of between 7% and 18% plasma factor X activity wereprotected against the LSR (p=0.009). Six of 11 rabbits given anti-rabbit factor VII IgG before the provoking injection to yield mean values in individual rabbits of between
P153 Interleukin-6 levels as indicator of macrophage activation syndrome/relaps in systemic juvenile arthritis during anakinra or tocilizumab treatment

Introduction Systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis (sJIA) without arthritis is a subtype of chronic childhood arthritis of presumed autoinflammatory etiology. It is characterized by prolonged period of spiking fever, skin rash, lymphadenopathy, hepatosplenomegaly, and serositis. Macrophage activation syndrome (MAS), a potentially fatal complication is seen most frequently in this juvenile rheumatic disease. MAS is diagnosed based on the combination of clinical symptoms, cytopenia or sudden decrease of white blood cells and/or platelet count, coagulopathy, and liver dysfunction in the absence of infection. Ample evidence supports the hypothesis that MAS is one of many presentations of cytokine storm scenarios in human diseases. Some of these cytokines are target molecules of biologic therapy in sJIA such as interleukin (IL)-1 and IL-6. In addition to anakinra, recombinant IL-1RA, a tocilizumab (TCZ), a humanized anti-IL-6 receptor monoclonal antibody, is approved for treatment of sJIA also. Methods Here we present a comparison of laboratory findings of two separate acute non-infectious exacerbations in a 6 years old girl with multiple-drug resistant sJIA that developed during treatment with anakinra or TCZ. Results Although both treatments resulted in rapid resolution of systemic symptoms initially, anakinra treatment was superior in the length of disease remission. Treatment with anakinra did not interfere with findings of laboratory evaluation recommended for diagnosis of the acute phase of sJIA and/or MAS. In contrast to anakinra, TCZ blocked the production of C-reactive protein while other soluble markers such as serum IL-6, procalcitonin, and ferritin were unaffected. Conclusion These findings indicate that laboratory monitoring of exacerbations in sJIA patients should be tailored based on the type of the blockade of a single cytokine pathway (IL-1 or IL-6).
Quantum tunneling through a fluctuating barrier: Enhancement of cold-fusion rate

Abstract Using the method of functional integration we calculate the rate of tunneling of a quantum particle weakly coupled to a single mode of the heat reservoir. The extremal paths of the steepest descent method are obtained in the adiabatic limit, valid when the reservoir mode frequency is well below the attempt frequency of the tunneling particle. In this limit, the tunneling rate is shown to exhibit a considerable enhancement due to the barrier fluctuation induced by the thermally excited reservoir mode. The results suggest that the rate of cold fusion in deuterated metals can be enhanced by fluctuations of the deuterium-pair distance, induced by thermal phonons of the host metal.
PERCEPTUAL COMPLETION BEHAVIOR IN JUVENILE DELINQUENTS

As part of a larger study concerned with the perceptual and cognitive correlates of delinquent behavior (3), differential ability on a test requiring perceptual completion was investigated. The specsc instrument employed was a version of the Street Gestalt Completion Test (4) in which familiar objects are represented by only partially complete drawings. Several considerations recommended the selection of this procedure. First, however, we would like to outline the rationale underlying the initial decision to study this form of behavior in delinquents. Why did we seek to discover a perceptual function which would dserentiate the delinquent boy from his "more socialized" peers? Speaking very generally, we suggest that the class of delinquent behavior which is loosely designated "psychopathic" (e.g., impulsive, unpremeditated, repetitive) has its origin in part in a retardation of perceptualcognitive de~elopment.~ Our aim, then, was to obtain measures of a relatively broad range of perceptual functions which we might expect to show developmental change, particularly within the age range during which delinquent behavior emerges. Specifically with reference to the Street Gestalt task, we fmd that Thurstone (5) reports that it earns signihcant loadings on two perceptual factors (A and F) which, roughly, can be regarded as "closure" and "speed of perception," respectively. Also, there is some evidence to suggest that performance on this task is age-linked. Thurstone himself reports a positive correlation between age and Street accuracy score in his young adult sample. Verville and Cameron (6), using another version of the Street, find a young adult group to be strikingly superior to an older group in their ability to "complete" and identify the pictures. Livson, in an unpublished study, notes that our own version of the Street shows that the performance of pre-school children is significantly inferior to that of an adolescent sample and, furthermore, that there is an improvement with age even within his three to five year age range. Finally, indirect evidence is furnished by Street's own report (4) in which he observes that performance
Control of the shape of a thrombus-neointima-like structure by blood shear stress.

Fluid mechanical factors are thought to influence vascular morphogenesis. Here we show how blood shear stress regulates the shape of a thrombus-neointima-like tissue on a polymer micro-cylinder implanted in the center of the rat vena cava with the micro-cylinder perpendicular to blood flow. In this model, the micro-cylinder is exposed to a laminar flow with a known shear stress field in the leading region and a vortex flow in the trailing region. At 1, 5, 10, 20, and 30 days after implantation, it was found that the micro-cylinder was encapsulated by a thrombus-neointima-like tissue with a streamlined body profile. The highest growth rate of the thrombus-neointima-like tissue was found along the trailing and leading stagnation edges of the micro-cylinder Blood shear stress in the laminar flow region was inversely correlated with the rate of thrombus formation and cell proliferation, and the percentage of smooth muscle a actin-positive cells. These biological changes were also found in the trailing vortex flow region, which was associated with lowered shear stress. These results suggest that blood shear stress regulates the rate of thrombus and neointimal formation and, thus, influences the shape of the thrombus-neointima-like structure in the present model.
Flexural activation and de-activation responses of orthodontic wires in single-tooth, occlusogingival corrections.

Abstract An experimental design was developed to simulate the processes of the activation in flexure of a wire segment to engage an occlusogingivally-malposed tooth and the correction of that malalignment. Independent, controlled parameters, clinically referred, were wire material, mesiodistal bracket width, and inter-bracket distance. Full-cycle, activation/de-activation diagrams were generated for 96 specimens. Each load-deflection diagram was in five segments. Slope discontinuities occurred at the states of disappearance and re-appearance of “second-order” clearances at the support sites. Ratios of the slopes of the diagrams above these discontinuities to their counterparts beneath the discontinuities were typically between 2:1 and 4:1. A segment of the diagram was distinct at the initiation of de-activation, and was related to the reversal of frictional forces at the supports. Generalizing, in some cases activation may not eliminate the cited clearances; in others, clearances may be negligibly small in the passive states. Apparently, analyses should ordinarily recognize the segmented formats of the activation and de-activation plots. In comparisons of activation with de-activation plots within the individual diagrams, differences in quantified properties for the cobalt-chromium- and nickel-titanium-alloy wires were sufficient to suggest further study toward an objective of predicting de-activation behavior from outcomes of an activation analysis.
A New Actinide Bis(Ketimide) Platform for the Construction of Multimetallic Complexes: Synthesis and Crystal Structure of (C5Me5)2Th[-N=C(C6H5)(2,2′:6′,2″-terpyridine)]2

The title compound (C5Me5)2Th[-N=C(Ph)(tpy)]2 (1) (Ph=C6H5, tpy=2,2′:6′,2″-terpyridine) was synthesized and characterized by NMR spectroscopy, elemental analysis, and X-ray crystallography. This system represents the first example of an actinide complex featuring ketimide ligands with both a phenyl group and a terpyridyl group. The complex crystallizes in the monoclinic space group P21/c with unit cell parameters a = 10.7037(6) A, b = 32.0735(16) A, c = 34.6506(18) A, β = 90.127(3)°, V = 11895.7(11) A3, Z = 8, D calc = 1.406 Mg/m3. The thorium(IV) complex adopts a pseudo-tetrahedral geometry, with the two ketimide ligands occupying the plane bisecting the metallocene unit. Structural comparisons of the title complex are made with related metallocene thorium(IV) bis(ketimide) derivatives. This report describes the synthesis of (C5Me5)2Th[-N=C(Ph)(tpy)]2 (Ph=C6H5, tpy=2,2′:6′,2″-terpyridine) and its characterization by NMR spectroscopy, elemental analysis, and X-ray crystallography.
Neuro-oncology: late neurocognitive decline after radiotherapy for low-grade glioma.

Radiotherapy is administered to most patients with low-grade glioma. A well-designed, retrospective study assessed neurocognitive function in patients who had received radiotherapy for low-grade gliomas versus those who had not. Cognitive function did not differ markedly between groups after 6 years, but by 12 years this feature was worse in the group that received radiotherapy.
Functional equivalence of autistic leading and communicative pointing: analysis and treatment.

Several studies have demonstrated that behavior problems can be reduced by teaching new, socially desirable responses that serve the same function as the undesirable behaviors being replaced. The present study was under-taken to extend this strategy systematically to a different area of child development, specifically, language disorder. A less desirable form of requesting, autistic leading, was treated by strengthening a more desirable form of requesting, pointing. The study was conducted using a multiple baseline design across four children with autism. Intervention included verbal and physical prompting of the pointing response as well as tangible reinforcement for child-initiated instances of that response. In a later phase, verbal requesting was also taught to accompany the pointing. Following intervention, response generalization was observed; that is, as pointing became frequent, leading became rare. In addition, stimulus generalization was observed; that is, pointing was exhibited in the presence of new adults, new settings, and new tangible objects. Results are discussed with respect to the principle that functional equivalence and response efficiency can be combined procedurally to treat a variety of undesirable behaviors in an educationally constructive manner.
Protease inhibition by Heterodera glycines cyst content: evidence for effects on the Meloidogyne incognita proteasome

Proteases from Heterodera glycines and Meloidogyne incognita juveniles were inhibited by heat-stable content from H. glycines cysts (hHglCE), and by a polyphenol (EGCG) similar to a compound previously identified in Globodera cysts. General protease activities detected using the nematode peptide KSAYMRFa were inhibited by EGCG (IC50 1.19 mM, H. glycines; 0.34 mM, M. incognita) but not by hHglCE. However, hHglCE and EGCG each inhibited proteasome-associated chymotrypsin-like (CT-L) activity. EGCG IC50 values were 0.47 mM (H. glycines) and 0.15 mM (M. incognita). hHglCE IC50 values were 0.16 and 0.005 mM hHglCEeq μl−1 for H. glycines and M. incognita, respectively. Across all substrate-inhibitor combinations, M. incognita proteases were inhibited more robustly than those from H. glycines, particularly by hHglCE. In addition to CT-L protease, post-glutamate peptide hydrolysing (PGPH) and trypsin-like (T-L) proteasome proteases were detected in M. incognita, and each of these was also strongly inhibited by hHglCE. hHglCE inhibited CT-L, PGPH and T-L proteases within catalytic subunits from yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) and human proteasomes. Proteasome inhibitors MG-132 and aclacinomycin A each inhibited M. incognita CT-L and PGPH activities by more than 80% at 20-100 μM, and hHglCE inhibited the same proteases by 70-80% at 0.04 hHglCEeq μl−1. hHglCE completely inhibited M. incognita T-L activity, but CT-L activity in native content from H. glycines cysts was not inhibited. Evidence that H. glycines cysts contain inhibitors of all proteases associated with the proteasome establishes the cyst as an important new target to explore for potential nematode control compounds. In addition, characterisation of protease activities from a core cellular metabolic component using M. incognita is novel for plant-parasitic nematodes.
1360 THE APGAR SCORE REVISITED: DEVELOPMENTAL PATTERNS IN “OPTIMAL” NEWBORNS

The five objective criteria used in the Apgar score to assess the newborn include four signs (tone, reflex irritability, color, respiratory drive) that depend upon developmental maturity. The immature infant, with typically flaccid muscle tone is penalized by the Apgar method for developmental immaturity. We hypothesized that in nonasphyxiated fetuses, Apgar scores should correlate directly with gestational age (lower scores with decreasing maturity). 62 parturients (gestation: 23-42 weeks) were prospectively enrolled. By objective documentation of pregnancy history, labor complications, fetal heart rate tracings, cord blood pH & BE, their fetuses were judged as normal at the time of delivery. Direct relationship between Apgar scores and gestational age following a linear regression (y=.34x-4.8 at 1′, r=0.82; y=.28x-1.6 at 5′, r=0.77) was observed. Analysis of the total score into components reveals heart rate to be least influenced by maturity. Respiratory effort and muscle tone increase with increasing maturity. Skin color improves with development at the 5′ score. Reflex irritability trends upward but with more variability at 1′ than 5′. These data suggest that 1) the standard Apgar score may not be appropriate for the assessment of fetal well-being in premature infants, 2) scores thought representative of asphyxia in more mature newborns may not represent asphyxia in immature infants, and 3) these normative data are useful in the assessment of fetal status at various levels of maturity.
Mechanism of pigeon liver malic enzyme subunit structure

Malic enzyme from pigeon liver (l-malate:NADP+ oxidoreductase (decaroxylating) EC 1.1.1.40) has a molecular weight of 259 900 ± 6000 from equilibrium sedimentation analysis. Its frictional ratio (f/f0) and Stokes' radius (α) are calculated to be 1.39 and 5.87 nm, respectively. The subunit molecular weight obtained by equilibrium sedimentation in 6 M guanidine hydrochloride is 64 800 and by disc gel electrophoresis in sodium dodecylsulfate is 65 800, suggesting a tetrameric structure. Electron micrographs of both uranyl acetate- and phosphotungstate-stained molecules show “square” structures with four subunits located at the corners of the square. The uranyl acetate-stained enzyme has dimensions of 10.2 nm × 10.8nm × 7 nm, and the subunit has dimensions of 4.8 nm × 5.4 nm × 7 nm. Phosphotungstate causes dissociation of the enzyme, and dimers and monomers are observed in the electron micrographs. Amino acid composition of this enzyme was determined and found to be significantly higher in tyrosine, tryptophan and half-cystine content than the malic enzyme from Escherichia coli.