cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Qualitative and Quantitative Detection of Chlamydophila pneumoniae DNA in Cerebrospinal Fluid from Multiple Sclerosis Patients and Controls

A standardized molecular test for the detection of Chlamydophila pneumoniae DNA in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) would assist the further assessment of the association of C. pneumoniae with multiple sclerosis (MS). We developed and validated a qualitative colorimetric microtiter plate-based PCR assay (PCR-EIA) and a real-time quantitative PCR assay (TaqMan) for detection of C. pneumoniae DNA in CSF specimens from MS patients and controls. Compared to a touchdown nested-PCR assay, the sensitivity, specificity, and concordance of the PCR-EIA assay were 88.5%, 93.2%, and 90.5%, respectively, on a total of 137 CSF specimens. PCR-EIA presented a significantly higher sensitivity in MS patients (p = 0.008) and a higher specificity in other neurological diseases (p = 0.018). Test reproducibility of the PCR-EIA assay was statistically related to the volumes of extract DNA included in the test (p = 0.033); a high volume, which was equivalent to 100 microl of CSF per reaction, yielded a concordance of 96.8% between two medical technologists running the test at different times. The TaqMan quantitative PCR assay detected 26 of 63 (41.3%) of positive CSF specimens that tested positive by both PCR-EIA and nested-PCR qualitative assays. None of the CSF specimens that were negative by the two qualitative PCR methods were detected by the TaqMan quantitative PCR. The PCR-EIA assay detected a minimum of 25 copies/ml C. pneumoniae DNA in plasmid-spiked CSF, which was at least 10 times more sensitive than TaqMan. These data indicated that the PCR-EIA assay possessed a sensitivity that was equal to the nested-PCR procedures for the detection of C. pneumoniae DNA in CSF. The TaqMan system may not be sensitive enough for diagnostic purposes due to the low C. pneumoniae copies existing in the majority of CSF specimens from MS patients.
Folic acid and human malformations: a summary and evaluation.

A large body of evidence gathered over the past 30 or more years has led to the firmly established belief that deficiency of the vitamin folic acid is a cause of congenital malformations of neural tube closure. Beginning with studies showing folic acid levels of mothers of children with such defects to be low, this belief has been solidified by epidemiologic studies revealing that this consequence is prevented by maternal supplements of the vitamin from early pregnancy. The present article reviews this evidence for the purpose of examining the claims of the efficacy of folic acid in this respect. This seems to be an advantageous moment to do so, because no clear impact of folic acid supplementation and fortification on the prevalence of neural tube defects has as yet been documented; and furthermore a pause seems to have been reached in such studies. It is felt that a historical, i.e. a chronologic approach will best describe the findings, and therefore they will be considered as they unfolded.
Archean geotherms and supracrustal assemblages

Abstract Metamorphic mineral assemblages suggest the existence of variable geotherms and lithospheric thicknesses beneath late Archean continental crust. Archean granite-greenstone terranes reflect steep geotherms (50–70°C/km) while high-grade terranes reflect moderate geotherms similar to present continental crust with high heat flow (25–40°C/km). Corresponding lithosphere thicknesses for each terrane during the late Archean are 35–50 km and 50–75 km, respectively. Early Archean (⩾ 3.0 b.y.) greenstones differ from late Archean (∼ 2.7 b.y.) greenstones by the rarity or absence of andesite and graywacke and the relative abundance of pelite, quartzite, and komatiite. Mature clastic sediments in early greenstones reflect shallow-water, stable-basin deposition. Such rocks, together with granite-bearing conglomerate and felsic volcanics imply the existence of still older granitic source terranes. The absence or rarity of andesite in early greenstones reflects the absence of tectonic conditions in which basaltic and tonalitic magmas are modified to produce andesite. A model is presented in which early Archean greenstones form at the interface between tonalite islands and oceanic lithosphere, over convective downcurrents; high-grade supracrustals form on stable continental edges or interiors; and late Archean greenstones form in intracontinental rifts over mantle plumes.
Family functioning following adolescent substance abuse treatment

Reciprocal influences of substance abuse and family functioning have been hypothesized from diverse theoretical perspectives. The longitudinal study presented here investigated the relationship between adolescent alcohol and drug use outcome and family functioning following adolescent substance abuse treatment. Consistent with predictions, long-term improving teens (n = 17) experienced better family relations, and less conflict-related behavior within the family, than did teens who returned to an abuse pattern of drug use (n = 37). Two years following treatment, families of improvers demonstrated greater cohesion and expressiveness, and less conflict, than did families of relapsers. Findings highlight a gradual process of adaptation in relations among families of teens treated for alcohol and drug abuse.
Infections associated with Hickman catheters in patients with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome.

Abstract purpose: Hickman catheters are frequently used as convenient long-term venous access in patients with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). These patients seem to be at increased risk for bacterial infections of intravenous devices. The aim of our study was to determine the frequency of Hickman catheter infection in patients with AIDS as compared with that in other patients. patients and methods: We analyzed the records of 69 patients who underwent 71 consecutive Hickman catheter placements during a one-year study period. results: Forty-six Hickman catheters were inserted in 44 patients with AIDS, and 25 Hickman catheters were placed in 25 other patients. There were 18 infections: 16 occurred in patients with AIDS, and two developed in the control group (p Staphylococcus aureus was responsible for 14 cases (87%); Staphylococcus epidermidis was responsible for four cases (25%). Mean onset of infection was 32 days, but seven patients were diagnosed in the first eight days after Hickman catheter insertion. Fever occurred in all patients with early infection, leukopenia was present only in three; infusion of parenteral nutrition did not increase the risk. Two early infections were fatal. The rate of Hickman catheter infection in patients with AIDS was 0.47 per 100 catheter days, as compared with 0.09 in the control group. conclusion: Our findings underscore the need for using Hickman catheters only when absolutely indicated in patients with AIDS, since the risk of serious infectious complications appears to be high.
Absent nasal bone in the prenatal detection of fetuses with trisomy 21 in a high-risk population.

Abstract Objective To estimate the usefulness of absent nasal bone by ultrasound in the prenatal detection of second-trimester fetuses with trisomy 21. Methods This was a matched case–control study of sonograms from January 1, 1997 to April 30, 2002. Genetic sonograms and facial profile pictures of all fetuses that were subsequently proven to have trisomy 21 were reviewed (study group). A control group was identified during the same study period by using a 4-to-1 ratio matching for gestational age at the time of the ultrasound examination. The sensitivity and specificity of absent fetal nasal bone for trisomy 21 were determined, and overlap with other ultrasound aneuploidy markers was assessed. Results Forty fetuses were identified with trisomy 21; in 29 (72.5%) a facial profile had been obtained. Of the 160 controls, 102 (64%) had facial profiles documented. Of the 29 fetuses with trisomy 21 with facial profile available, 12 had absent nasal bone (sensitivity 41%). None of the 102 control fetuses with facial profiles available had absent nasal bone (specificity 100%). The sensitivity of genetic ultrasound was increased from 83% (24 of 29) to 90% (26 of 29) by adding absent nasal bone to the other ultrasound aneuploidy markers. Conclusion In the second trimester of pregnancy, absent nasal bone has a sensitivity of 41% and a specificity of 100% in detecting fetal trisomy 21. Absent fetal nasal bone may be added to the list of ultrasound aneuploidy markers evaluated during a genetic sonogram.
Quantifying the contribution of neighborhood parks to physical activity.

OBJECTIVE: To quantify the contribution of U.S. neighborhood parks to the time spent in moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) by the local population. METHODS: Observational data on the use of 10 parks in five US cities collected during summer and fall 2008 were analyzed by a model-averaging approach. Estimated MVPA time accrued in parks was compared to estimated total MVPA time accrued by the local population, based upon national estimates. RESULTS: On average, parks provided roughly 4,000 hours of use and 1,500 MVPA hours per week. Park use accounted for approximately 50% of the vigorous physical activity (VPA) time of those living within 0.5 miles of the park and 16% of those living within 1.0 miles of the park. Parks accounted for a modest proportion of moderate physical activity (MPA) time, about 14% and 4% for those living within 0.5 miles and 1.0 miles of the park, respectively. CONCLUSION: Parks have significant roles in supporting vigorous physical activity of the local population. Because they are underutilized and vigorous activity is critical to child development and adult physical fitness, efforts should be made to promote vigorous activity within local parks. Language: en
Profile-likelihood inference for highly accurate diagnostic tests.

Nous envisageons une inference sur la vraisemblance de profil basee sur la distribution multinomiale pour evaluer la precision d'un test diagnostic. La methode s'applique a des donnees ordinales quand la precision est evaluee au moyen de l'aire sous la courbe caracteristique du receveur (courbe ROC). Des resultats de simulation suggerent que les intervalles de confiance derives ont vies probabilites de couverture acceptables, meme lorsque les tailles d'echantillons sont petites et que le test diagnostic a une haute precision. Les methodes s'etendent a des contextes stratifies, et a des situations ou les evaluations sont correlees. Nous illustrons les methodes sur des donnees provenant d'un essai clinique sur la detection du cancer de l'ovaire.
Recurrent life-threatening hyperkalemia without typical electrocardiographic changes

Abstract Hyperkalemia is generally associated with electrocardiographic (ECG) changes and these changes have been used to follow the effects of high serum potassium (K +) levels on the heart. It is known that chronic renal impairment may diminish the toxic effects of hyperkalemia on ECG abnormality formation. 1. , 2. , 3. Here, we report a case of recurrent severe hyperkalemia without any significant ECG changes in a patient with normal baseline renal function.
COMPARISON OF TWO VERSIONS OF A MINIMAL SOCIAL BEHAVIOR SCALE

16 geriatric patients, distinguished by different degrees of social behavior, were randomly selected from 2 floors. The Minimal Social Behavior Scale (MSBS) in its original form and in a modified form employing a time factor were administered. Results demonstrate the usefulness of the MSBS in discriminating levels of social behavior and the increased sensitivity by adding a time factor weighting.
Differential effects of protein synthesis inhibitors on porcine oocyte activation

This study was designed to evaluate the effects of cycloheximide and puromycin on activation and protein synthesis of porcine oocytes. When matured oocytes were electrostimulated, then cultured in the presence of cycloheximide (5 micrograms/ml) for 6 or 24 hr, 92% of oocytes were activated as indicated by pronuclear formation, vs. 2.8% for untreated oocytes, 5.3% for oocytes not electrostimulated but cultured with cycloheximide, and 60.0% for those only electrostimulated. When cultured with L-[35S]methionine in the presence of cycloheximide, puromycin (100 micrograms/ml), or no protein synthesis inhibitor for 24 hr, oocytes had mean radiolabeled incorporation rates of 36.5, 2.21, and 32.0 fmol/4 hr/oocyte, respectively. Thus, cycloheximide had little effect on protein synthesis after 24 hr of culture. A 1D-SDS PAGE showed that oocytes cultured with puromycin or cycloheximide are not activated, while electrostimulated oocytes are activated, as characterized by the conversion of a 25-kDa polypeptide to a 22-kDa polypeptide. The radiolabeling experiment was repeated, except that oocytes were cultured for 4 or 24 hr. At 4 hr, mean incorporation rates were lower in the cycloheximide group (2.34 fmol/4 hr/oocyte), but similar in the puromycin (15.7 fmol/4 hr/oocyte) and control groups (18.9 fmol/4 hr/oocyte). At 24 hr, the puromycin group 5.73 fmol/4 hr/oocyte) had a lower rate of incorporation, while the cycloheximide (22.6 fmol/4 hr/oocyte) and control (26.0 fmol/4 hr/oocyte) groups were similar. Cycloheximide was more effective earlier during culture, while puromycin was more effective later. When combined with ES, puromycin did have a higher rate (P = 0.10) of activation (87.8%) than with electrostimulation alone (73.0%).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Diagnostic fluorescence spectroscopy of oral mucosa

Autofluorescence characteristics of normal, dysplastic, and malignant squamous tissues from the oral cavity were measured with a spectrofluorometer in the excitation range of 250 - 500 nm and emission range of 350 - 750 nm. Fluorescence excitation-emission matrices (EEM) were obtained from samples collected from patients in the clinic and in the operating room. The same samples were submitted for histopathological examination following spectroscopic measurements. The contour plots obtained from the EEMs of the samples showed consistent differences between normal and abnormal tissues. All the abnormal samples showed enhanced red region (> 600 nm) fluorescence with a prominent peak at 635 nm, when excited by 410 nm light. A ratio contour plot (abnormal/normal) enhanced spectral differences in the red region. A fiber-optic based spectrofluorometer for EEM measurements is being developed for further investigations.
Dual falling sphere determination of density and transition flow parameter

A new approach to the analysis of falling sphere drag data is described in which the data from two trajectories through the same region of the atmosphere are analyzed simultaneously. The analysis provides important aerodynamic information which is used to obtain an improved value of atmospheric density. The technique is applied to a set of falling sphere data in which a sphere transition-flow parameter and atmospheric density results are obtained in the 80-120 km region from published data for falling spheres over Kwajalein. Another set of data for a falling sphere test over Wallops Island is also analyzed with comparable results.
Aortic arch advancement: the optimal one-stage approach for surgical management of neonatal coarctation with arch hypoplasia

Abstract Background . The optimal surgical treatment for neonatal coarctation with aortic arch hypoplasia (NCoAo/AAH) is controversial. Important long-term concerns include arch growth. We report our results obtained with a one-stage radical approach of coarctectomy and aortic arch advancement for NCoAo/AAH. Methods . From June 1995 to December 2000, 65 newborns with NcoAo/AAH underwent coarctectomy and aortic arch advancement via a median sternotomy under deep hypothermic circulatory arrest. Patients were classified by diagnosis: group 1, isolated NCoAo/AAH (n = 13); group 2, NCoAo/AAH with ventricular septal defect (n = 20); and group 3, NCoAo/AAH with complex cardiac lesions (n = 32). Results . The study population included 36 boys and 29 girls. Mean age was 13 ± 1.7 days (range 1 to 43 days). Mild to moderate left ventricular outflow tract obstruction was present in 15 patients. Mean body weight was 3.4 ± 0.1 kg (range 1.6 to 5 kg). Eight babies were premature. The mean Z value for the aortic arch was −4 ± 0.3 (range −2 to −4.5) and for the isthmus −4.5 ± 0.2 (range −3 to −7). Mean deep hypothermic circulatory arrest time was 28 ± 2 minutes (range 14 to 60 minutes). Mean intensive care unit stay was 6 ± 1 days (range 2 to 30 days). There were three early deaths (all in groups 2 and 3) and two late deaths (in group 3) (5-year actuarial survival, 91% ± 7.9%). There was one recurrence (5-year actuarial freedom from recurrence, 98% ± 4%). Peak Doppler velocity across the arch in the remaining patients was 1 ± 0.1 m/s (range 0 to 2.2 m/s). Conclusions . Coarctectomy and aortic arch advancement is the optimal surgical method for management of NCoAo/AAH. It has low operative morbidity and mortality and a very low incidence of recoarctation or arch obstruction.
Respite care for HIV-affected families.

Anonymous testing of all newborn infants in 1988 revealed that one of every 61 babies born in New York City was HIV positive (New York City Department of Health, 1988). With the availability of new treatment, HIV positive children are living longer, often into their school years, and most are able to live at home. The majority of children acquire HIV through maternal transmission. Frequently, multiple family members are HIV positive. Parents, or other caregivers, are overwhelmed by depression, anxiety, and grief, and urgently need childcare assistance. Finding childcare is difficult since families are often reluctant to disclose the AIDS diagnosis to potential childcare workers. This article describes an innovative in-home respite care program for parents and caretakers of children who are HIV positive. The service is coordinated through a hospital's social work and volunteer departments. This article describes strategies to recruit, train and supervise volunteers to provide respite care for families with...
The oxidation of cobalt(II) adsorbed on manganese dioxide

X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) measurements of cobalt adsorbed on MnO2 reveal strong evidence that Co(II) has been oxidized to Co(III). The manganese spectra are characteristic of Mn(IV). Model calculations suggest that Co(II) cannot be oxidized by O2 to Co(III) in bulk solution at seawater concentrations but that the oxidation can proceed in the presence of the strong electric field at the MnO2-solution interface. Ni(II), however, cannot be oxidized at the interface except at very high concentrations. These calculations suggest that the oxidation of Co(II) can explain the geochemical separation of cobalt from nickel.
Complications following treatment of supination external rotation ankle fractures through the posterolateral approach.

Background:The posterolateral approach to the ankle is a valuable approach for the treatment of ankle fractures (SER) ankle fractures. The purpose of this study was to determine the complication ra...
Immunology: A helping hand against autoimmunity

The TH17 helper cells of the immune system have a dark side: they mediate autoimmune disorders. Two drugs that prevent the differentiation and activity of these cells might be of therapeutic value. See Letters p.486 & p.491 The nuclear receptors RORα and RORγt (retinoic acid receptor-related orphan receptors α and γt) are essential for the development of TH17 cells, the T-helper cells that produce interleukin-17. Two groups report the identification of RORγt inhibitors, compounds that could have potential in the treatment of autoimmune diseases. Huh et al. used a chemical screen in an insect-cell-based reporter system to identify the cardiac glycoside digoxin and various derivatives as inhibitors of the transcriptional activity of RORγt. Through this mechanism, these compounds block the differentiation of TH17 cells in mice, and inhibit interleukin-17 production in vitro in human T cells. Solt et al. describe a synthetic ligand, named SR1001, that functions as an inverse agonist for RORα and RORγt, and show that it blocks TH17 development in vitro and inhibits experimental encephalomyelitis in mice.
A convenient synthesis of carbon-13 labeled 1-keto-7-methoxyoctahydrophenanthrene

Carbon-13 labeled 1-keto-7-methoxy-1,2,3,4,9,10,11,12-octahydrophenathrene (III) and 1-keto-7-methoxy-2-methyl-1,2,3,4,9,10,11,12-octahydrophenanthrene (IV) were prepared in good yields via the cyanidation of an organoborane.
The pH of gastric vacuoles

1. Actinosphaerium Eichhornii may incorporate in its gastric vacuoles, ciliates (usually hypotrichs) rotifers and nematodes, which remain alive after incorporation. 2. The pH of the vacuolar fluid in a newly formed vacuole containing live food is, for a period of five or ten minutes, neutral or slightly acid, i.e. 6·6 to 7·0. 3. With the increase in hydrogen-ion concentration, the activity of live prey decreases, until it becomes motionless. The length of time elapsing before this occurs is variable. In the case of ciliates this occupies but a few minutes, while rotifers may live for several hours. It is possible, therefore, that the acid functions as a killing fluid within the vacuole. 4. The pH of all gastric vacuoles containing food in the process of active digestion is 4·3 ± 0·1. 5. Old vacuoles, containing indigestible residuum usually have a pH value of 5·4 to 5·6. More rarely these may register 6·8 to 7·0.
On the XeF+/H2O system: synthesis and characterization of the xenon(II) oxide fluoride cation, FXeOXeFXeF+.

The reported synthesis of the H2OF+ cation as a product of the oxidative fluorination of H2O by [XeF][PnF6] (Pn = As, Sb) in HF solution has been reinvestigated. The system exhibits complex equilibria, producing two new Xe(II) compounds, [Xe3OF3][PnF6] and [H3O][PnF6]·2XeF2, refuting the original claim for the synthesis of the H2OF+ cation. Both compounds have been isolated and characterized by vibrational spectroscopy and single-crystal X-ray diffraction. The X-ray crystal structures of the [Xe3OF3][PnF6] salts contain the Z-shaped FXeOXeFXeF+ cation, which represents the first example of an isolated Xe(II) oxide fluoride. The crystal structure of the [H3O][AsF6]·2XeF2 adduct contains XeF2 molecules that interact with the H3O+ cations. The vibrational assignments for the Xe3OF3+ cation have been made with the aid of quantum-chemical calculations and were confirmed by 18O-enrichment, and the assignments for [H3O][AsF6]·2XeF2 were confirmed by 2D- and 18O-enrichment. Quantum-chemical calculations have also...
Porcine thyroid cytosolic, latent, alkaline, ribonuclease: Does an acidification step during purification alter the enzyme's properties?

The effect of an acidic step in the purification of porcine thyroid, latent, alkaline ribonuclease was studied using highly purified acid-treated and non-acid-treated enzymes. The enzymes differed by affinity and CM-cellulose chromatography, specific activity, in distribution among multiple forms, in response to some mono- and divalent salts, in degree of inhibition by p-chloromercuriphenylsulfonate and ribonuclease inhibitor, in activity toward poly (U). The acid-treated enzyme was very heterogeneous as shown by chromatography on affinity and ion-exchange columns and electrophoresis. The enzymes had similar molecular weights, pH optima, ionic strength effects, general specificity and products.
Intrapleurally injected colloidal Au198 and growth and implantation of free tumor cells in pleural exudate.

Summary and Conclusions(1) Mice inoculated intrapleurally with suspensions of free tumor cells of various strains (S-37, S-180 in CFW mice, carcinoma in C3H mice, Melanoma in dba) were treated 4 or 5 days later, by intrapleural injections of colloidal Au198 (0.2 mc). After 3 or 4 days, specimens of pleural exudate were withdrawn, stained and compared, as for cellular composition, with those of untreated controls. (2) It was found that in all controls the pleural exudate contained numerous growing (mitoses) tumor cells. Their transfer (intrapleural or intraperitoneal) into normal mice resulted in renewed vigorous growth. However, in treated mice tumor cells were scanty, abnormally shaped, with fewand abnormal mitoses. They were non-viable as demonstrated by their failure to grow after transfer into new mice. Moreover, the exudate of treated mice contained numerous macrophages loaded with clumps of colloidal gold(3). In untreated controls the growth of free tumor cells in the exudate resulted, as a rule, in...
An Ultrastructural Study of the Renal Juxtaglomerular Apparatus and Extraglomerular Mesangium in Patients With Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

Experimental studies have indicated that the glomerular mesangium may function by phagocytosis of various circulating substances which are then processed and flow to the juxtaglomerular apparatus (JGA) region and into the intercellular spaces of the macula densa. An electron-micrographic study of the juxtaglomerular apparatus and extramesangial region in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) was undertaken. In only five of 39 cases (13%) of SLE were discrete electron-dense "immune-type" deposits noted in the JGA region. In four of those patients, there were also a large number of variously-sized electron-dense deposits in the glomerular mesangial and capillary wall regions, Bowman's capsule, tubular basement membranes, renal interstitium, or in the nearby periglomerular arterioles. The paucity of demonstrable discrete electron-dense deposits in the JGA regions in this study suggests that the deposits noted in SLE in humans may not be commonly processed in this fashion, or alternatively, that the discrete electron-dense deposits are processed and undergo lysis within the glomerular mesangial regions before they are transported to the extraglomerular mesangial regions of the JGA.
Debris/Ice/Tps Assessment and Integrated Photographic Analysis of Shuttle Mission Sts-103

Summary of Significant Events 2. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT EVENTS2.1 DEBRIS FROM SSME IGNITION THROUGH LIFTOFFMultiple pieces of ice debris and vapors were seen falling from the ET/Orbiter umbilicalsalong the body flap during SSME ignition. No damage to the launch vehicle was noted.(Cameras El, E4, E5, E31, E34, E36, E52)Typical of previous missions, a small amount of ice debris was seen falling aft along theExternal Tank during the retraction of the GH2 vent arm at 00:50:00.029 UTC. (CamerasE33, E34)Figure 2.1 Debris Seen Falling Along Orbiter FuselageTwo small pieces of white-colored debris were seen falling aft of the ET/Orbiter forwardattach and along the Orbiter fuselage tiles during liftoff (00:50:02.840 UTC). This debriswas not seen to contact the launch vehicle. (Camera OTV161) See Figure 2.1.A single piece of SRB throat plug material and a single piece of water baffle material (debris) were seen beneath the Orbiter's right wing during liftoff (00:50:02.149 UTC) on the Camera E1 film. This debris was first seen on the north side of the RSRB andappeared to be traveling in a south-eastward direction. Additional pieces of SRB throatplug debris were seen near the base of the LSRB at liftoff on the Camera E4 view.
The impact of external beam radiation therapy prior to autologous bone marrow transplantation in patients with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma.

Abstract External beam radiation therapy (XRT) is frequently used to treat refractory disease sites or consolidate remission in patients with relapsed non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL) prior to autologous bone marrow transplantation (ABMT). We report the long-term outcome and toxicities associated with this therapy. We uniformly treated 552 patients with NHL with total body irradiation, high-dose chemotherapy, and anti-B-cell monoclonal antibody-purged ABMT. Of these patients, 152 received XRT to the mediastinum, abdomen, or pelvis (n=102) or other sites (n=50) prior to ABMT. In this nonrandomized series, there was no difference in progression-free survival between patients treated with XRT and those not treated with XRT. For patients with indolent histology, there was no difference in overall survival between patients treated with XRT and those not treated with XRT. For patients with aggressive histology, the median overall survival time was 64 months in the XRT patients and 79 months in the patients not treated with XRT (P=.09). The risk of acute transplantation-related deaths was not influenced by prior XRT (P=.68). Of patients who received XRT, 12.5% developed secondary myelodysplasia compared with 5.8% of patients not receiving XRT (P=.01). Patients receiving XRT to the mediastinum or axilla had a significantly higher risk of late respiratory death (P=.002). In conclusion, XRT allows refractory patients to become eligible for transplantation and experience a disease-free survival interval equivalent to that of patients who do not receive XRT. However, a higher incidence of non-relapse-associated deaths was observed in patients who received XRT. Future work should explore alternative conditioning strategies and altered timing of XRT, in an attempt to limit these late toxicities.
Glycans from streptococcal cell walls: Glycosyl-phosphoryl moieties as immunodominant groups in heteroglycans from group D and group L Streptococci

Summary A heteroglycan of rhamnose, N-acetyl-glucosamine, N-acetyl-galactosamine and galactose from a hemolytic group L Streptococcus contains a novel type of immunodominant group, an N-acetyl-glucosaminyl-phosphoryl moiety. A heteroglycan of rhamnose, glucose, N-acetyl-galactosamine and galactose from group D Streptococcus contains a glucosyl-phosphoryl unit as the immunodominant group.
Systems Analysis of Ran Transport

The separate components of nucleocytoplasmic transport have been well characterized, including the key regulatory role of Ran, a guanine nucleotide triphosphatase. However, the overall system behavior in intact cells is difficult to analyze because the dynamics of these components are interdependent. We used a combined experimental and computational approach to study Ran transport in vivo. The resulting model provides the first quantitative picture of Ran flux between the nuclear and cytoplasmic compartments in eukaryotic cells. The model predicts that the Ran exchange factor RCC1, and not the flux capacity of the nuclear pore complex (NPC), is the crucial regulator of steady-state flux across the NPC. Moreover, it provides the first estimate of the total in vivo flux (520 molecules per NPC per second and predicts that the transport system is robust.
On the smoothness of conjugation of circle diffeomorphisms with rigid rotations

We prove that any C3+β-smooth diffeomorphism preserving the orientation of a circle with rotation number from the Diophantine class Dδ, 0 < β < δ < 1, is C2+β−δ-smoothly conjugate to a rigid rotation of the circle by a certain angle.
Survival and function of intrastriatally grafted primary fibroblasts genetically modified to produce L-dopa.

Abstract A combination of gene transfer and intracerebral grafting may provide a powerful technique for examining the role of discrete substances in the development or functioning of the brain. In the present study, primary fibroblasts obtained from a skin biopsy from inbred Fischer rats were used as donor cells for genetic modification and grafting. When grafted to the striatum of Fischer rats with a prior 6-hydroxydopamine lesion, primary fibroblasts containing a transgene for either tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) or β-galactosidase survived for 10 weeks and continued to express the transgene. TH synthesized by the implanted fibroblasts appeared to convert tyrosine to l -dopa actively, as observed in vitro, and to affect the host brain, as assessed through a behavioral measurement. These results suggest that primary fibroblasts genetically altered to express TH have the capacity to deliver l -dopa locally to the striatum in quantities sufficient to compensate partially for the loss of intrinsic striatal dopaminergic input.
An extension of digital PIV-processing to double-exposed images

In this paper digital processing techniques for PIV (Partical Image Velocimetry) using double-exposed particle images have been studied. It has been found that a pattern matching technique is significantly superior to the traditional autocorrelation method in the case that a large particle displacement between the double exposures is present on the image. In PIV using double-exposed images, the image shifting technique is usually used to solve the directional ambiguity problem. The performance of PIV using autocorrelation technique is dependent on the flow speed and the amount of image shift applied. This dependence, for example, causes a difficulty of autocorrelation in flows close to a solid boundary. The present study shows that a pattern matching technique eliminates such a difficulty. At the same signal-to-noise ratio, the pattern matching techndique has a better spatial resolution than that of autocorrelation. In concert with the pattern matching technique, PID (Particle Image Distortion) can be applied to double-exposed images, further improving the reliability and accuracy of velocity estimates of PIV in the presence of large velocity gradients. Generally speaking, PIP-matching and PID extend the validity of PIV using double-exposed images. The total processing time required by the PIV using the pattern matching technique and one PID iteration is of the same order as that required by the PIV using autocorrelation.
Late results of coronary bypass in patients presenting with lower extremity ischemia: the Cleveland Clinic Study.

Cardiac catheterization was performed in a prospective series of 1000 patients under consideration for elective peripheral vascular reconstruction from 1978–1982. Of these, 381 (mean age 62) presented primarily because of lower extremity ischemia. Severa, surgically correctable coronary artery disease (CAD) was documented in 79 (21 %) of the leg group, and 68 (18 %) received myocardial revascularization, with three fatal complications (4.4 %). In this subset, 39 patients have had uneventful aortoiliac, femoropopliteal or distal extremity procedures, compared to an operative mortality of 23 % for 13 others with uncorrected or inoperable CAD (p=0.015). A total of 286 patients have undergone 407 peripheral vascular operations with eight early daths (2.8 %). An additional 114 patients (30 %) died during the late follow-up interval, including 48 (13 %) with cardiac events. Both the cumulative 5-year survival (72 %) and cardiac mortality (16 %) after coronary bypass are superior to comparable figures (21 % and 56 %, respectively) among 36 other patients with severe, uncorrected or inoperable CAD (p=0.0001). Five-year survival appears to be improved by myocardical revascularization in men (p=0.0027), hypertensives (p=0.0001), nondiabetics (p=0.0002) and those over 60 years of age (p=0.0072).
Simulation of the transport of sputtered atoms and effects of processing conditions

Sputter deposition is a complex process; it is obvious that the energy and direction of the particles arriving at the substrate is in close relation with the transport process from the target to the substrate, it is desirable to model this transport of atoms through the background gas. The transport of sputtered Ag atoms during sputter deposition through the gas phase in the facing targets sputtering system studied by Monte Carlo simulation is presented. The model calculates the flux of the atoms arriving at the substrate, their energy, direction and number of collisions they underwent. The dependence of the deposition rates of Ag atoms on the gas pressure and the distance between the targets and substrate were investigated.
Prolactin and β-endorphin responses to hypoglycemia are reduced in well-controlled insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus

Several pituitary hormones, including corticotropin (ACTH), growth hormone (GH), prolactin, and β-endorphin (but not thyrotropin, follicle-stimulating hormone, or luteinizing hormone), are released in response to hypoglycemia in normal subjects. In patients with insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM), the degree of glycemic control is known to alter ACTH and GH responses to hypoglycemia. The current study was performed to examine the effect of glycemic control on prolactin and β-endorphin responses to hypoglycemia in subjects with IDDM. We performed 3-hour stepped hypoglycemic-hyperinsulinemic clamp studies (12 pmol/kg/min) during which plasma glucose was decreased from 5.0 mmol/L to 2.2 mmol/L in steps of 0.6 mmol/L every 30 minutes in 20 subjects with uncomplicated IDDM (12 males and eight females; age, 26 ± 2 years; IDDM duration, 10 ± 1 years; body mass index, 23.6 ± 0.6 kg/m2) and 10 healthy subjects (five males and five females aged 30 ± 1 years). The 10 diabetic subjects in good glycemic control (mean hemoglobin A1 [HbA1], 7.5% ± 0.3%; normal range, 5.4% to 7.4%) were compared with the 10 poorly controlled patients (mean HbA1, 12.6% ± 0.5%; P < 0.001 v well-controlled diabetic group). During hypoglycemia, prolactin levels in the well-controlled diabetic group did not change (7 ± 1 μg/L at plasma glucose 5.0 mmol/L to 9 ± 2 μg/L at plasma glucose 2.2 mmol/L), whereas prolactin levels increased markedly in the poorly controlled diabetic group (7 ± 2 μg/L to 44 ± 17 μg/L) and healthy volunteers (12 ± 2 μg/L to 60 ± 19 μg/L, P < .05 between IDDM groups). The plasma glucose threshold required for stimulation of prolactin secretion was 2.2 ± 0.1 mmol/L in well-controlled IDDM, 3.0 ± 0.4 mmol/L in poorly controlled IDDM, and 2.4 ± 0.1 mmol/L in healthy subjects (P < .05 between IDDM groups). Responses in males and females were similar. The increase in β-endorphin levels was also attenuated in well-controlled IDDM patients (4 ± 1 pmol/L at plasma glucose 5.0 mmol/L to 11 ± 4 pmol/L at plasma glucose 2.2 mmol/L) versus poorly controlled IDDM patients (5 ± 1 pmol/L to 26 ± 7 pmol/L) and healthy subjects (8 ± 1 pmol/L to 56 ± 13 pmol/L). The plasma glucose threshold required for stimulation of β-endorphin release was again lower in well-controlled IDDM versus poorly controlled IDDM patients (2.2 ± 0.1 v 3.0 ± 0.3 mmol/L) and healthy subjects (2.5 ± 0.4 mmol/L, P < .05 between IDDM groups). In conclusion, prolactin and β-endorphin responses to a standardized hypoglycemic stimulus (plasma glucose, 2.2 mmol/L) are reduced and plasma glucose levels required to stimulate release of prolactin and β-endorphin are lower in well-controlled IDDM compared with poorly controlled IDDM and healthy subjects. Thus, stress hormones not previously considered to have a primary role in plasma glucose recovery from hypoglycemia are affected by glycemic control, suggesting a more generalized alteration of hypothalamic-pituitary responses to hypoglycemia in IDDM patients with strict glycemic control.
A first-order non-degenerate adiabatic theory for calculating near-threshold cross sections for rovibrational excitation of molecules by electron impact

An approximate expression is derived for the inelastic K-matrix elements for rotational excitation of molecules by electron impact. This expression incorporates a Born-Oppenheimer separation of the projectile and nuclear coordinates in the continuum wavefunction but allows for different energies in the entrance and exit channels. Hence it is particularly suited to near-threshold collisions. The method is applied to pure rotational excitation of H2 by comparing approximate cross sections with those from laboratory frame close-coupling calculations.
Investigation of power connectors for use outdoors with aluminum conductors

The work that has been done on power connectors for outdoor use with aluminum conductors is described and conclusions presented pertinent to the design and use of tin-plated copper alloy or aluminum power connectors.
Replication of R6K gamma origin in vitro: discrete start sites for DNA synthesis dependent on pi and its copy-up variants.

Abstract The regulation of the plasmid R6K γ origin (γ ori ) is accomplished through the ability of the π protein to act as an initiator and inhibitor of replication. Hyperactive variants of this protein, called copy-up π, allow four to tenfold increases of γ ori plasmid DNA in vivo . The higher activity of copy-up π variants could be explained by an increase in the initiator function, a decrease in the inhibitor activity, or a derepression of a more efficient mechanism of replication that can be used by wt π (π 35.0 ) only under certain conditions. We have compared the replication activities of wt π 35.0 and copy-up π mutants in vitro , and analyzed the replication products. It is shown that copy-up variants are several-fold more active than wt π 35.0 in replication. This appears to be due to enhanced specific replication activity of copy-up mutants rather than elevated fractions of protein proficient in DNA binding. Furthermore, biochemical complementation revealed that π200 (copy-up) is dominant over wt π 35.0 . The elevated activity of copy-up π is not caused by an increased rate of replisome assembly as inferred from in vitro replication assays in which the lag periods observed were similar to that of wt π 35.0 . Moreover, only one round of semiconservative, unidirectional replication occurred in all the samples analyzed indicating that copy-up π proteins do not initiate multiple rounds of DNA synthesis. Rather, a larger fraction of DNA template replicates in the presence of copy-up π as determined by electron microscopy. Two clusters of discrete DNA synthesis start sites are mapped by primer extension near the stability ( stb ) locus of the γ ori . We show that the start sites are the same in the presence of wt π 35.0 or copy-up proteins. This comparative analysis suggests that wt π 35.0 and copy-up variants utilize fundamentally similar mechanism(s) of replication priming.
A macromutation in Tripsacum dactyloides (Poaceae): consequences for seed size, germination, and seedling establishment

A recessive allele of a gene in Tripsacum dactyloides L. (eastern gamagrass) changes staminate florets to pistillate or hermaphrodite, and restores fertility to suppressed florets. There were ten to 25 times more seeds in the mutant pistillate form, and these were 0.32 to 0.59 times smaller than seeds from the normal form. Seeds from pistillate plants had significantly lower germination rates (22% vs. 50%), and seedlings grew 20% slower than those of normal plants in a greenhouse experiment. Pistillate seedling survival rates were lower in both high- (18.8% vs. 62.6%) and low- (52.8% vs. 72.6%) competition environments in a field experiment, and surviving seedlings were smaller. The maternal parent of volunteer seedlings next to a plantation of normal and pistillate plants was determined by dissecting the attached fruitcases of 1,313 seedlings. Pistillate plants in the plantation produced 90% of all seeds falling on the site but only 29% of the volunteer seedlings. The pistillate macromutation is not likely to spread in the wild due to morphological constraints on seed size and packaging.
An evaluation of the quality of fall-fingerling Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar L.) released to natural lacustrine nursery areas in Newfoundland, Canada

Results of experiments on controlled releases of fall-fingerling Atlantic salmon to lacustrine habitats in Newfoundland are reviewed in terms of survival during freshwater residence and smolt yield per unit of standing water habitat. Average survival from parr to smolt in three consecutive annual releases was 12.9% and we conclude that the quality of fall-fingerling salmon, produced from our semi-natural rearing techniques, was satisfactory. Year-class survival decreased progressively with consecutive releases. Rate of increase in juvenile salmon biomass remained stable over the duration of the study, suggesting that the average annual biomass of 1.6 kg ha -1 of juvenile salmon released did not exceed habitat carrying capacity. Precocity did not appear to represent a significant deterrent to fall-fingerling survival. Annual smolt yield (by year-class) from stocking ranged from 53 to 130 ha -1 (mean = 77 smolts ha -1).
Some Consequences of Prompting Novice Physics Students to Construct Force Diagrams

We conducted a series of experiments to investigate the extent to which prompting the construction of a force diagram affects student solutions to simple mechanics problems. A total of 891 university introductory physics students were given typical force and motion problems under one of the two conditions: when a force diagram was or was not prompted as part of the solution. Results indicated that students who were prompted to draw the force diagram were less likely to obtain a correct solution than those who were not prompted to solve the problem in any particular way. Analysis of the solution methods revealed that those students prompted to use a diagram tended to use the formally taught problem‐solving method, and those students not prompted to draw a force diagram tended to use more intuitive methods. Students who were prompted to draw diagrams were also more likely to depict incorrect forces. These results may be explained by two factors. First, novice students may simply be more effective using intu...
The effects of several weeks of ethanol consumption on ethanol kinetics in normal men and women

We examined in normal men and women the effects of chronic ethanol consumption and the coadministration of cimetidine and ranitidine on the kinetics of ethanol. We found that the consumption of 45 gm ethanol per day for 3 weeks increased the apparent volume of distribution of ethanol in men from 732 to 884 ml/kg (P < 0.01) but had no such effect in women (697 ml/kg before ethanol and 746 ml/kg after chronic ethanol consumption). This combined therapy had no effect on the rate of ethanol disappearance in either sex. In men the rate of disappearance was 165 mg/L/hr before and 168 mg/L/hr after chronic consumption, while in women the respective values were 209 and 203 mg/L/hr. The addition of either cimetidine or ranitidine had no effect on either parameter compared with values observed on day 22 of the study. In view of the known inhibitory effects of cimetidine on cytochrome P-450–dependent enzymes, our data suggest that this enzyme system does not metabolize a significant fraction of ingested ethanol in subjects who have consumed moderate doses of alcohol for several weeks. Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics (1985) 38, 157–163; doi:10.1038/clpt.1985.152
Image Converters and Image Intensifiers for Military and Scientific Use

Since World War II, the infrared image converter tube used by the Armed Forces for night observation has been greatly improved. Recent developments in electronics have led to a number of improved image converter tubes sensitive to infrared or ultraviolet radiation, as well as image intensifier devices which will permit observation under starlight illumination with no projected radiation whatsoever. The devices described are of interest to astronomers, radiologists, and nuclear physicists, as well as to the military. Some of the devices have already been constructed while others face serious technological problems. The Corps of Engineers is supporting a program of research in this field to provide image intensifier systems for the Armed Forces.
Determination of codeine in human plasma by high-performance liquid chromatography with fluorescence detection.

A rapid, reliable and rugged assay for determining codeine in human plasma using reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography with fluorescence detection was developed. This analytical method utilized an ion-exchange/mixed-mode solid-phase extraction procedure. The chromatographic separation was achieved using a 150 x 4.6 mm I.D., 3-microns reversed-phase C8 (deactivated for basic analytes) column at ambient temperature. Fluorescence detection (excitation at 214 nm and emission above 345 nm) for codeine and nalorphine allowed for a detectable limit of 5 ng/ml. The results showed that the method was linear from 10 to 300 ng/ml. The method had good reproducibility, precision, accuracy and recoveries of 91 and 90% for codeine and nalorphine, respectively. This method has been applied to study the pharmacokinetics of codeine in normal human subjects.