cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Utilization of Neutral Glycerides and Phosphatidylethanolamine by the Phospholipase A1 of the Plasma Membranes of Rat Liver

Abstract The phospholipase A1 solubilized by heparin from the plasma membranes of rat liver can catalyze the hydrolysis of monoglyceride, diglyceride, and monoacylglycerophosphorylethanolamine in addition to phosphatidylethanolamine. Furthermore, the enzyme catalyzes the transacylation of the acyl group from position 1 of these glycerides to an acceptor monoglyceride to form diglyceride. Triton X-100 which disperses the lipids reduces transacylation and favors the utilization of water as the acyl acceptor (hydrolysis). Since free fatty acid is not incorporated, the transacylation appears to be direct rather than the combination of hydrolysis and reacylation. The influence of Ca2+ on transacylation and hydrolysis was dependent upon the mixtures of lipids used as substrates. Co-elution of the hydrolytic and transacylation activities from a column of Sephadex G-200 and heat inactivation of all activities indicate that a single enzyme catalyzes both reactions. It is tentatively suggested this enzyme be more appropriately named monoglyceride acyltransferase since monoglyceride is the preferred substrate and transacylation is the predominating reaction.
Passive mixing in microchannels: Fabrication and flow experiments

Abstract Obtaining rapid mixing in microfluidic systems is a problem that must continue to be addressed if microelectromechanical systems are to attain their full potential in commercial markets. We present the paradigm of “designing for chaos” as a general framework for enhancing mixing in microfluidic applications. Designing for chaos is based on a fundamental understanding of the kinematics underlying the mixing process, freeing the MEMS researcher to work with design guidelines instead of empirically determined physical configurations. We have applied this strategy in designing a passive in-line micromixer that relies on three degrees of freedom to create chaos. The mixer design was fabricated using a compression micromolding process to create three-dimensional flow channels in polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS). Computational and experimental analyses demonstrate the effectiveness of the resulting design in generating chaos in the flow and hence enhancing mixing.
A collagenase gel/physical defect model for controlled induction of superficial digital flexor tendonitis.

Summary Reasons for performing study: A consistent and clinically relevant model for the induction of core lesions confined to the mid-metacarpal superficial digital flexor tendon (SDFT) has not been previously reported. Injection of bacterial collagenase is commonly used but often results in large, irregular and inconsistent lesions that disrupt the superficial tendon layers and epitenon. Objective: To develop and evaluate a new injection technique for collagenase induction of SDFT injury. Methods: Collagenase gel was injected into a physical columnar defect created by longitudinally placing a curved 16 gauge 8.89 cm needle in the mid-metacarpal SDFT in a randomly selected forelimb of 10 horses. A placebo treatment injection was performed 1 week later. Serial ultrasound examinations were performed. Horses were subjected to euthanasia at 2 (n = 2), 4 (n = 2), 8 (n = 4) and 16 (n = 2) weeks post treatment injection. Post mortem magnetic resonance imaging and histological analysis were performed. Gene expression (18S, SCX, TNC, TNMD, COL1A1, COL3A1, COMP, DCN, MMP1, MMP3 and MMP13), total DNA, glycosaminoglycan and collagen content were determined for experimental tendons (n = 10) and unaffected tendons (n = 9). Results: Mid-metacarpal SDFT core lesion induction was successful in all tendons with consistent lesion cross-sectional area and minimal epitenon disruption. Histology confirmed loss of normal tendon architecture after tendonitis induction and subsequent healing of the tendon core lesion. Compared with gene expression in unaffected tendons, several tested genes were significantly upregulated (COL1A1, COL3A1, TNMD, SCX, TNC, MMP13), while others showed significant downregulation (COMP, DCN, and MMP3). Conclusion: Compared with the previously used direct injection of collagenase, this injection technique was easily performed and induced more consistent lesions that were mid-metacarpal and did not disrupt the epitenon. Potential relevance: This model will allow for objective assessment of therapies for tendon regeneration in the mid-metacarpal SDFT prior to clinical trials and routine clinical application.
Nonlinear optics: Shocking superfluids

How shock waves travel through a superfluid provides clues to understanding the deeper nature of Bose–Einstein condensation. An optical analogue that behaves as a pure superfluid could tell us what these clues mean.
Surgical management of bladder urothelial carcinoma with squamous differentiation

Abstract Background Urothelial carcinoma (UC) with squamous differentiation (UC w/SD) is the most common variant bladder cancer histology. Main Findings Accurate identification at the time of transurethral resection is critical although current barriers exist, which include tumor heterogeneity, sampling limitation during resection, and pathologic interpretation of specimens. Although many cases of UC w/SD present with muscle-invasive bladder cancer, those cancers that are confirmed to be truly non−muscle invasive can be managed with endoscopic resection, adjuvant intravesical therapies (i.e., Bacillus Calmitte Guerin), and close surveillance. Radical cystectomy series suggest that UC w/SD tends to present at a more advanced stage than pure UC does although survival outcomes are similar when controlling for standard clinicopathologic factors. Principal Conclusions Future basic science and clinical studies are requisite to better investigate the biology of urothelial carcinoma with squamous differentiation and response to multimodal therapies.
A Comparison of Sequential and Spatial Displays in a Complex Monitoring Task

A sequential or rapid communication (RAP COM) display was compared with a more conventional spatial display as participants monitored dynamically changing sets of three-digit numbers and responded to occasional target stimuli. In an effort to equate the stimulus-response compatibility of the two displays, the authors had participants respond to the targets with a chord keyboard in Experiment 1 and vocally in Experiment 2. The authors studied the influence of display duration on performance with the RAP COM and spatial formats by presenting stimuli at three different durations. The influence of practice on performance with the RAP COM and spatial displays was also studied. Participants responded to targets more quickly in the RAP COM than in the spatial displays at each of the three presentation durations and across more than 2,000 trials of practice. Accuracy was influenced by the display presentation duration. Accuracy was higher for the RAP COM than for the spatial display at the 800-ms stimulus presentation duration in Experiment 1 and at the 800- and 1200-ms presentation durations in Experiment 2. The results are discussed in terms of the potential utility of RAP COM displays for complex, real-world systems.
Growth factors sculpt the synapse

The brain's ability to learn and remember is at least partly due to the changing strength of its cell-to-cell connections, the synapses. Growth factors, previously thought to confine their action on synapses to the developing organism, can also change synaptic strength in the adult; an example in the invertebrate Aplysia is reported by Zhang et al. on p. 1318 of this issue. In her Perspective, Schuman discusses how these new results add to what is known about the actions of growth factors in the adult and developing brain.
Survival of early preimplantation porcine embryos after co-culture with cells producing an avian retrovirus

To determine the relative survival of porcine embryos after co-culture with cells producing an avian retrovirus, four-cell stage embryos were obtained from sows following synchronization with altrenogest and superovulation with gonadotropins. These embryos were randomly assigned to the following treatments: no manipulation (zona-intact); zona removed with acidified Tyrode's solution (zona-free); and zona removed followed by co-culture with D-17 canine cells producing an avian retrovirus vector derived from spleen necrosis virus (zona-free + co-culture). The survival rates of four-cell stage embryos to morulae or early blastocysts during a 48-h culture period were 93.3, 80.0 and 57.7% in zona-intact, zona-free and zona-free + co-culture groups, respectively. Following embryo transfer, the development of embryos to fetuses at six weeks of gestation was 37.5, 30.0 and 11.7% in zona-intact, zona-free and zona-free + co-culture groups. These results indicate that early preimplantation porcine embryos can develop to apparently normal fetuses following co-culture with cells producing a retrovirus, and the feasibility of this method for retrovirus-mediated gene transfer in pigs was demonstrated.
Dynamics of Step Bunching in Heteroepitaxial Growth on Vicinal Substrates

When a heteroepitaxial film is grown on a vicinal substrate, the terrace steps at the growth front may bunch together to relieve strain, resulting in a rough surface. On the other hand, proper manipulation of the growth kinetics may suppress the inherent bunching instability, thus preserving step-flow growth. Here we show that the step dynamics in the early stages of growth can already determine whether the bunching instability is truly suppressed, prior to bunching actually taking place in the unstable regime. We determine the critical film thickness above which steps will bunch and exploit its scaling properties and usefulness for extracting intrinsic energy parameters. Experimental studies of ${\mathrm{SrRuO}}_{3}$ films grown on vicinal ${\mathrm{SrTiO}}_{3}$ substrates clearly establish the existence of the critical film thickness in step bunching.
Current Safety Sterilization and Tissue Banking Issues for Soft Tissue Allografts

Allografts used in orthopedic surgery have steadily increased. With concerns regarding tissue safety and processing, governing entities have increased their regulation. This review articles discusses current testing and processing of allografts as well as the rules of their handling.
Revascularization methods in chronic intestinal ischemia-case studies

Chronic intestinal ischemia is an uncommon disease clinically, usually due to advanced atherosclerotic stenosis or occlusion of the intestinal arteries without adequate collateral blood flow to the intestine.Standard aortography with lateral views remains the definitive diagnostic procedure. Revascularization by bypass to the celiac artery for one of its branches and the superior mesenteric artery with dacron graft is recommended to avoid infarction of the bowel and its catastrophic consequences.Six patients with chronic intestinal ischemia underwent successful revascu larization. All six intestinal artery bypasses were performed by use of knitted dacron grafts and/or autogenous vein grafts. There were no postoperative com plications or deaths. One patient has subsequently died, fourteen months after discharge, from a massive hemorrhage due to an aortoduodenal fistula. The 5 patients who were still alive are gaining weight, and none has required reopera tion for an occluded graft or has developed bowel ne...
Linking performance data into scientific visualization tools

Understanding the performance of program execution is essential when optimizing simulations run on high-performance supercomputers. Instrumenting and profiling codes is itself a difficult task and interpreting the resulting complex data is often facilitated through visualization of the gathered measures. However, these measures typically ignore spatial information specific to a simulation, which may contain useful knowledge on program behavior. Linking the instrumentation data to the visualization of performance within a spatial context is not straightforward as information needed to create the visualizations is not, by default, included in data collection, and the typical visualization approaches do not address spatial concerns. In this work, we present an approach that links the collection of spatially-aware performance data to a visualization paradigm through both analysis and visualization abstractions to facilitate better understanding of performance in the spatial context of the simulation. Because the potential costs for such a system are quite high, we leverage existing performance profiling and visualization systems and demonstrate their combined potential on climate simulation.
Mapping Reservoir Turbidity Patterns Using SPOT‐HRV Data

Abstract Although most orbital remote sensing systems are optimized for viewing terrestrial targets, data from these sensors has frequently been used for detecting and mapping the distribution of suspended sediments in water. In this paper, a linear regression‐based model for mapping turbidity is evaluated in a midwestern U.S. reservoir using October, 1994 SPOT‐HRV data. Results indicate that the red band (SPOT2) is the best predictor of turbidity (r=0.924, R2 = 84.5). Despite relatively low turbidity levels in the water, the radiometric resolution of the SPOT‐HRV sensor was found to be adequate for this application. The high spatial resolution of the sensor permitted observation of very detailed patterns of turbidity.
Ion beam mixing characteristics of MOCVD grown InGaAs/GaAs superlattices

The ion beam mixing behavior of InGaAs/GaAs strained layer superlattice structures grown by metalorganic chemical vapor deposition was studied using secondary ion mass spectroscopy and Rutherford backscattering channeling. The fluence dependence of intermixing by MeV Kr+ irradiation has been investigated. Significant intermixing occurs for fluences much lower than for similar intermixing in other superlattice systems (i.e. ALAs/GaAs). The intermixing exhibits no temperature dependence for fluences of 2 x 1015 to 5 x 1015 cm−2 which sharply contrasts with the behavior of the AlAs/GaAs superlattice system which shows a strong temperature dependence, including a miscibility gap, in the temperature range 523 to 973K. Samples irradiated at 573K retain a high degree of crystallinity when compared to lower temperature irradiations indicating that the InGaAs/GaAs superlattice can be disordered and still retain crystallinity.
Molecular weight determinations on the α-globin and β-globin mRNAs

Abstract The globin mRNAs containing between 30 and 40 polyadenylate residues can be separated from those mRNAs containing longer poly(A) regions by Millipore filter binding. The molecular weights of the α- and β-globin mRNAs containing this size class of poly(A) have been determined by electrophoresis on 3.7% polyacrylamide gels in the presence of 99% formamide. Because the number of adenylic acid residues in these mRNAs is known, the number of non-poly(A) nucleotides can be accurately calculated. The molecular weight of the β-globin mRNA is 235 000 ± 28 000 ( 736 ± 88 nucleotides ) and that of the α-globin mRNA is 208 900 ± 43 870 ( 653 ± 78 nucleotides ). By subtracting the number of nucleotides in the coding and poly(A) regions, the number of noncoding nucleotides in the β-globin mRNA were calculated to be 261, 68 more than the 193 present in the α-globin mRNA. Comparison of size estimates of newly synthesized globin mRNAs containing longer average lengths of poly(A) showed that there is no comparable processing of the 5′ termini of the α- and β-globin mRNAs concomitant with the stepwise degradation of the poly(A) regions which occur as the mRNAs mature.
Growth rate and changes of the somatotropic axis in beef cattle administered exogenous bovine somatotropin beginning at two hundred, two hundred fifty, and three hundred days of age.

To determine the effects of bovine so- matotropin (bST) treatment beginning at 3 ages on the growth rate and components of the somatotropic axis, 40 beef cattle (200 ± 21 d of age) were randomly assigned to 1 of 4 treatments (10 animals/treatment). Three of the treatment groups received bST (33 g/kg of BW) daily beginning at 200, 250, or 300 d of age until all animals reached 400 d of age; the fourth group served as controls (0 bST). Animals were housed in pens (5 animals per pen; 2 pens per treatment) and fed a diet formulated for an ADG of 1.2 kg/d. Feed intake (per pen) was measured daily, and BW was determined weekly. Blood samples (10 mL) and ultrasound measurements were collected at 200, 250, 300, 350, and 400 d of age. Serum concentrations of ST and IGF-I were determined by RIA and IGFBP-2 and -3 by ligand blot procedures. Overall, cattle gained 284.0 ± 14.7 kg of BW with a treatment × week interaction (P < 0.01), such that dur- ing the treatment period ADG was 11.6, 8.7, and 15.8% greater (P < 0.05) in cattle treated with bST beginning at 200, 250, and 300 d, respectively, relative to controls during the same time frame. Average DMI was 13.6%
What is standard of care in the evaluation of elastosis perforans serpiginosa? A survey of pediatric dermatologists.

: Elastosis perforans serpiginosa is a rare chronic dermatosis characterized by extrusion of altered elastic fibers through the epidermis. It often occurs in association with a variety of connective tissue disorders, and may develop following penicillamine therapy; however, it may also present without comorbidities. There are currently no well-established protocols for the investigation of possible associated disorders in patients who present with elastosis perforans serpiginosa. We describe three patients with idiopathic elastosis perforans serpiginosa seen at our clinic and review the standard of care among 31 pediatric dermatologists surveyed who have cared for such a patient within the last 2 years. Based upon the results of our survey, we conclude that most pediatric dermatologists limit their evaluation of such patients to a thorough patient history and physical examination. This limited approach may be a sufficient evaluation in affected patients who are otherwise healthy.
Tunnel junction current fluctuations

Abstract The dc current flowing across a biased Josephson tunnel junction consists of quasi-particle and pair currents. A simple relationship between the quasi-particle part of the junction I(V) characteristic and the quasi-particle current fluctuation power spectrum P(ω) is known to exist. Here a similar relationship between the dc pair transfer part of the I(V) characteristic and the pair transfer part of P(ω) is constructed.
Utilization of the Intramolecular Cycloaddition-Cationic pi-Cyclization of an Isomünchnone Derivative for the Synthesis of (+/-)-Lycopodine

A new annulation sequence leading to the tetracyclic skeleton of the Lycopodium family of alkaloids is effected by using the tandem cycloaddition-cationic pi-cyclization reaction of an isomunchnone dipole as the key strategic element. Synthesis of the required alpha-diazo imide precursor involved treating 5-methylcyclohex-2-en-1-one with the organocopper reagent derived from 3-methoxybenzyl chloride in the presence of chlorotrimethylsilane. Ozonolysis of the resulting silyl enol ether followed by a Wittig reaction and conversion to the desired alpha-diazo imide was carried out using standard malonylacylation and diazotization procedures. Treatment of the alpha-diazo imide with rhodium(II) perfluorobutyrate afforded a transient 1,3-dipole which subsequently cycloadded across the tethered pi-bond. The resulting cycloadduct was treated with BF(3).2AcOH to give a rearranged tetracyclic compound derived from a Pictet-Spengler-type cyclization of an N-acyliminium ion. The rearranged product was subsequently converted into a key intermediate previously used for the synthesis of (+/-)-lycopodine.
Molecular remodeling mechanisms of the neural somatodendritic compartment

Neuronal cells use the process of vesicle trafficking to manipulate the populations of neurotransmitter receptors and other membrane proteins. Long term potentiation (LTP) is a long-lived increase in synaptic strength between neurons and increases postsynaptic dendritic spine size and the concentration of the α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazole propionate-type glutamate receptor (AMPAR) located in the postsynaptic density. AMPAR is removed from the cell surface via clathrin-mediated endocytosis. While the adaptor protein 2 (AP2) complex of endocytosis seems to have the components needed to allow temporal and spatial regulations of internalization, many accessory proteins are involved, such as epidermal growth factor receptor phosphorylation substrate 15 (Eps15). A sequence of repeats in the Eps15 protein is known as the Eps15 homology (EH) domain. It has affinity for asparagine-proline-phenylalanine (NPF) sequences that are contained within vesicle trafficking proteins such as epsin, Rab11 family interacting protein 2 (Rab11-FIP2), and Numb. After endocytosis, a pool of AMPAR is stored in the endosomal recycling compartment that can be transported to the dendritic spine surface upon stimulation during LTP for lateral diffusion into the postsynaptic density. Rab11 and the Eps15 homologue EHD1 are involved in receptor recycling. EHD family members are also involved in transcytosis of the neuronal cell adhesion molecule neuron-glia cell adhesion molecule (NgCAM) from the somatodendritic compartment to the axon. Neurons have a unique morphology comprising many projections of membrane that is constructed in part by the effects of the Eps15 homologue, intersectin. Morphogenesis in the somatodendritic compartment is becoming better understood, but there is still much exciting territory to explore, especially regarding the roles of various EH domain-NPF interactions in endocytic and recycling processes.
Breaking away: matrix remodeling from the leading edge

Substantial progress has been made in recent years toward understanding the molecular mechanisms by which tumor cells, and the supporting stroma, degrade confining matrix during migration. Significant attention has been focused on understanding the biology of several dynamic and distinct, but remarkably related, cell structures that include lamellipodia, focal adhesions (FAs), filopodia, podosomes, and invadopodia. How these invasive organelles assemble and function is a topic of intense study. Most exciting has been the recent progress made by combining advanced microscope technologies with a wide variety of different 3D matrices, tissue explants, or even living model organisms. From these approaches, it has become increasingly evident that the conventional definitions of these invasive structures may be less clear than was previously thought.
Enriched rearing and chronic electroshock: effects on brain and behavior in mice.

Abstract The effects of 8 weeks of enriched and impoverished rearing and of chronic electroshock stimulation (ECS) on learning performance and selected biological measures were examined in DBA/2J mice. No significant biological differences were found between mice reared in groups in a complex environment (EC) and their littermates reared in isolation (IC). Littermates which received electroshock during the same period had heavier brains and higher whole brain acetylcholinesterase activity. Behaviorally, the EC mice outperformed the ICs on two learning tasks, and the ECS mice were substantially inferior to both groups.
Incidental Learning During Rapid Information Processing on the Symbol-Digit Modalities Test

The Symbol--Digit Modalities Test (SDMT) is widely used to assess processing speed in MS patients. We developed a computerized version of the SDMT (c-SDMT) that scored participants' performance during subintervals over the course of the usual 90-s time period and also added an incidental learning test (c-ILT) to assess how well participants learned the symbol-digit associations while completing the c-SDMT. Patients with MS (n = 65) achieved lower scores than healthy controls (n = 38) on both the c-SDMT and c-ILT, and the scores on the two tests were correlated. However, no increase in the rate of item completion occurred for either group over the course of the c-SDMT, and the difference between groups was the same during each subinterval. Therefore, it seems implausible that controls completed more items on the c-SDMT because they were more adept at learning the symbol-digit associations as the test ensued. Instead, MS patients' poorer incidental learning performance appears to reflect the greater attentional burden that tasks requiring rapid serial processing of information impose upon them.
Selective and non-selective bioleaching of manganese from a manganese-containing silver ore

Batch culture experiments showed that manganese could be leached from a manganese-containing silver ore by bacterial strain SSW22, by a mixed culture derived from unsterilized ore, and by a Penicillium strain isolated from the mixed culture. The extent of leaching was influenced by the kinds of electrolytes and their concentration in the culture medium. The Penicillium strain was the most active. It leached manganese by a nonenzymatic mechanism. Leaching studies with Penicillium in a stirred reactor showed that at low chloride concentration (equivalent to 0.06% NaCl) manganese was leached selectively from the ore, whereas at high chloride concentration (equivalent to 3% NaCl or synthetic seawater) both manganese and silver were readily leached from the ore. Reactor leaching of ore showed the greatest promise for possible commercial exploitation.
Multi-market trading and the informativeness of stock trades: An empirical intraday analysis

Abstract The trading of stocks on multiple exchanges and in the over-the-counter (OTC) market is an issue of interest to both regulators and academics. Using a sample of 1258 NYSE/AMEX stocks and intraday transactions data, we investigated the informativeness of trades on the NYSE and AMEX vis-a-vis the secondary exchanges. We present evidence that for a significant proportion of stocks, trading on regional exchanges and in the OTC market is less informative than trade on the established exchanges. The results provide qualified support for the hypothesis that secondary exchanges draw away the smaller, less informative orders from the primary exchange.
Vasopressin does not hydrolyze polyphosphoinositides in rabbit papillary collecting tubule cells

Abstract Changes in phosphatidylinositol metabolism are suggested to be involved in the mechanism of action of many membrane active hormones. We studied the effect of vasopressin on polyphosphoinositide metabolism in rabbit papillary collecting tubule cells to assess if the hydrolysis of these phospholipids is involved in transmembrane signaling. Rabbit papillary collecting tubule cells grown in monolayers for 5 days were labeled to constant specific activity with [ 3 H]inositol. The temporal changes in [ 3 H]inositol-labeled phospholipids were assessed in response to vasopressin. Similarly, water-soluble inositides were monitored after separation by ion exchange chromatography. Intracellular Ca 2+ was monitored by use of the fluorescent indicator dye, quin2. Vasopressin (10 −7 M) did not increase the hydrolysis of phosphoinositides over a 5 min period when compared with controls. Similarly, there was no increase in water-soluble phosphoinositols during the same interval. Pretreating the cells with LiCl (10 mM) did not produce any increase in inositol 1-phosphate when stimulated with vasopressin but did in response to bradykinin. Finally, vasopressin did not increase cytosolic Ca 2+ and did not increase the release of prostaglandin E 2 into the media under our experimental conditions. We conclude that vasopressin does not stimulate prostaglandin E 2 in rabbit papillary collecting tubule cells, does not initiate hydrolysis of polyphosphoinositides and does not increase cytosolic Ca 2+ . Thus these cells lack V 1 receptor coupling mechanisms.
The incorporation of 14C-amino acids into the contractile protein of intact mitochondria: A correction

Abstract The results presented indicate that mitochondria do not appear to contain a “contractile” protein as previously reported from this laboratory but rather a specific acid nucleoside triphosphatase and that this enzyme does not appear to be synthesized by the mitochondrion in vitro.
Organizational Change Tactics: The Evidence Base in the Literature

Planned organizational change processes can be used to address the many challenges facing human service organizations (HSOs) and improve organizational outcomes. There is massive literature on organizational change, ranging from popular management books to academic research on specific aspects of change. Regarding HSOs, there is a growing literature, including increasing attention to implementation science and evidence-based practices. However, research which offers generalizable, evidence-based guidelines for implementing change is not common. The purpose of the authors was to assess the evidence base in this organizational change literature to lay the groundwork for more systematic knowledge development in this important field.
Intra-articular distribution and residence time of Hylan A and B: a study in the goat knee

Summary Objective This study evaluates the viscosupplementation material Hylan A and B in relation to its: (1) joint distribution, residence time and mechanism of removal and/or degradation, and (2) associated synovial fluid leukocyte response, in a goat model. Method One green fluorophore was covalently bound to the Hylan A low molecular weight (MW) molecule (viscous fluid fraction) and a second red fluorophore was covalently bound to Hylan B high MW molecule (globule gel-like fraction). Goats were anesthetized and the right knee received 0.5ml of test material or unbound fluorophore dyes. Gross and histological serial evaluations were performed over an 8-week period. Results By 24h, the non-covalently linked control labels were not present in the tissues. For the covalently linked labels, the green fluorophore Hylan A diminished rapidly in intensity grossly but persisted to 28 days within the superficial synovial and articular cartilage layers in histologic sections. The red fluorophore linked Hylan B was seen only as globules in the synovial fluid. Mononuclear cells remained attached to these globules for 28 days and showed phagocytosis of the globules as well as the green fluorophore Hylan A. The globules were absent at 56 days after injection. The synovial fluid leukocyte count peaked at 24h (mean 9767cells/mm 3 ±8574 S.D.) and declined by 7 days. Conclusions The smaller MW Hylan was removed more rapidly than the higher MW Hylan. The globules were degraded by a different mechanism involving monocytes/macrophages on the surface of the higher MW globules.
Gaze-orchestrated dynamic windows

Consider a large-format display before the user, bearing a multiplicity of “windows,” like little movies, the majority dynamic and in color. There are upwards of 20 windows, say, more than a person can ordinarily absorb at once. Some of the windows come and go, reflecting their nature as direct TV linkages into real-time, real-world events. Others are non-real-time, some dynamic, others static but capable of jumping into motion.Such an ensemble of information inputs reflects the managerial world of the top-level executive of the not too distant electronic future: a world of brevity, fragmentation, variety, above all one of an overwhelming onslaught of events.The multiplicity and simultaneity of such a display situation ordinarily would make coping with it untenable. The intent of the reported research is to introduce order and control, through the creation of a dynamic, gaze-interactive interface.Making the behavior and reactivity of the “windows” contingent upon measured eyemovements - the point-of-regard of the observer - aims both to help the observer to cope with the onslaught of events on the one hand, yet enable on the other hand continuing close contact with that everchanging ensemble.A simulation of such a world is described and demonstrated in the composite medium of computer, videodisc, and video special effects. Eye-tracking technology, integrated with speech and manual inputs, controls the display's visual dynamics, and orchestrates its sound accompaniments. All elements are combined to form a testbed for the conception generally, and to explore the associated human factors and stagecraft.
Dental fracture risk of metal vs plastic laryngoscope blades in dental models.

Abstract Background Dental fracture is a complication of laryngoscopy and endotracheal intubation. Purpose The purpose of this study is to compare the potential fracture rates in dental models using metal laryngoscope blades with those using plastic laryngoscope blades. Methods Size 3 Macintosh plastic and metal laryngoscope blades were applied against 4 different dental model materials at varying torques to determine when the dental model material would fracture. Results The plastic blade did not fracture any of the dental model materials. The metal blade fractured the glass dental model material even at the lowest torque setting. At a moderate torque setting, the plastic blade showed evidence of structural failure, whereas the metal blade did not fail at any torque setting. Fracture of wooden dowel and ceramic teeth model materials occurred with the metal blade but only at torque settings higher than what the plastic blade could achieve. Conclusion Based on the dental fracture models studied, plastic laryngoscope blades have a lower potential for dental fracture compared with metal blades. Plastic laryngoscope blades would be best suited for trainees performing routine intubations under direct supervision. Metal blades would be more advantageous in difficult intubations preferably done by experienced intubators.
A new mouse anti-mouse complement receptor type 2 and 1 (CR2/CR1) monoclonal antibody as a tool to study receptor involvement in chronic models of immune responses and disease

Although reagents are available to block mouse complement receptor type 2 and/or type 1 (CR2/CR1, CD21/CD35) function in acute or short term models of human disease, a mouse anti-rat antibody response limits their use in chronic models. We have addressed this problem by generating in Cr2−/− mice a mouse monoclonal antibody (mAb 4B2) to mouse CR2/CR1. The binding of murine mAb 4B2 to CR2/CR1 directly blocked C3dg (C3d) ligand binding. In vivo injection of mAb 4B2 induced substantial down regulation of CR2 and CR1 from the B cell surface, an effect that lasted six weeks after a single injection of 2 mg of mAb. The 4B2 mAb was studied in vivo for the capability to affect immunological responses to model antigens. Pre-injection of mAb 4B2 before immunization of C57BL/6 mice reduced the IgG1 antibody response to the T-dependent antigen sheep red blood cells (SRBC) to a level comparable to that found in Cr2−/− mice. We also used the collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) model, a CR2/CR1-dependent autoimmune disease model, and found that mice pre-injected with mAb 4B2 demonstrated substantially reduced levels of pathogenic IgG2a antibodies to both the bovine type II collagen (CII) used to induce arthritis and to endogenous mouse CII. Consistent with this result, mice pre-injected with mAb 4B2 demonstrated only very mild arthritis. This reduction in disease, together with published data in CII-immunized Cr2−/− mice, confirm both that the arthritis development depends on CR2/CR1 receptors and that mAb 4B2 can be used to induce biologically relevant receptor blockade. Thus mAb 4B2 is an excellent candidate for use in chronic murine models to determine how receptor blockage at different points modifies disease activity and autoantibody responses.
The role of VEGF in oncology: effects on hemostasis and thrombosis.

Department of Medical Oncology, VUMC P.O. Box 7057 Amsterdam (The Netherlands) Tel. 31 20 4444303, Fax 31 20 4444081, E-Mail hm.pinedo@azvu.nl Angiogenesis is essential for tumor growth and metastasis [1]. One of the key players in the angiogenic process is vascular endothelial cell growth factor (VEGF), which exerts its effects through in particular VEGFR-1 (Flt-1 murine homologue) and VEGFR-2 (KDR human homologue; Flk-1 murine homologue) located on endothelial cells (ECs) [2]. These well known effects include increased permeability, proliferation and migration of ECs. However, VEGF also affects hemostatic properties of ECs by inducing the rapid release of von Willebrand factor (vWF), by increasing the expression of tissue factor (TF) and thrombomodulin (TM), and by modifying fibrinolysis due to the stimulation of the expression levels of tissue-plasminogen activator (t-PA), urokinase-plasminogen activator (u-PA), plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) and the receptor for u-PA (u-PAR) [3–13]. VEGF stimulated ECs furthermore promote adhesion and activation of platelets [9]. On the other hand, platelets are transporters of among other factors VEGF and have most likely a role in tumor induced angiogenesis [14, 15]. This hypothesis has been confirmed by the finding of very high concentrations of both VEGF and coagulation factors in tumor fluid of soft tissue sarcomas [16]. There is growing evidence that coagulation, platelets and angiogenesis are indistinguishable involved in tumor growth. The Role of VEGF in Oncology: Effects on Hemostasis and Thrombosis
A SIMPLE AND INEXPENSIVE VOLTAGE REGULATOR FOR LABORATORY USE.

Variations in voltage are frequently a source of trouble in experimental work resulting in unreliable data, injury to equipment, or shortened life of electrical devices. Considerable effort has been expended in attempts to solve this fundamental problem but no wholly successful regulator for all purposes has yet been developed due to the diversity of voltage requirements. Some devices require essentially instantaneous correction whereas others can tolerate appreciable lag, but must have no distortion of wave form. There are in general three types of voltage controls. Perhaps the best known and most commonly used of these is the electromagnetic type (no moving parts) in which a change in the flux of the field or some similar system is used so that the output voltage remains constant for great differences of input. This type has the definite advantage of being very rapid, usually correcting within one cycle, but has the disadvantage that it distorts the wave form. For this reason motors and other equipment affected by wave form and power factor function poorly or not at all. In addition, in order to get sufficient amperage supplying power, a relatively small (10 amp.) model must weigh about 75 lbs. For larger sizes, the weight is proportional. In some devices, such as photolometers, even these controls cause "flares'' in the bulbs used and hence drifts of null. A second general type of voltage regulator is that obtained with a complicated circuit of radio tubes. They have voltage control in the general range of hundredths of a volt for outputs of 110 volts and are highly desirable for certain specific uses. They are very limited in application, however, and will not be described further. A third type of regulator is the fundamental one that has been used in the electrical industry since its inception. It consists essentially of a transformer with exposed windings so that a movable contact can pass across them and thus pick up any voltage desired. This general form is broadly used on rural power lines. They are automatically operated and are set to hold the voltage within certain limits. This type of control can be built with any capacity and almost any tolerance. It has the very great advantage of giving no wave distortions and of having a high efficiency. It has the very distinct disadvantage of time lag, for it takes from one to several seconds to correct line variations. Recently, in working with a recording potentiometer, voltage variations from 90 to 120 were encountered. An electromagnetic regulator of the sola type was available but the recorder would not function when this was used as voltage supply. The potentiometer has a small induction motor and several radio tubes. Thus it was im-
Study on Embedding and Integration of Microsensors Into Metal Structures for Manufacturing Applications

Real time monitoring, diagnosis, and control of numerous manufacturing processes is of critical importance in reducing operation costs, improving product quality, and shortening response time. Current sensors used in manufacturing are normally unable to provide measurements with desired spatial and temporal resolution at critical locations in metal tooling structures that operate in hostile environments (e.g., elevated temperatures and severe strains). Microsensors are expected to offer tremendous benefits for real time sensing in manufacturing processes. Rapid tooling, a layered manufacturing process, could allow microsensors to be placed at any critical location in metal tooling structures. However, a viable approach is needed to effectively integrate microsensors into metal structures during the process. In this study, a novel batch production of metal embedded microsensor units was realized by transferring thin-film sensors from silicon wafers directly into nickel substrates through standard microfabrication and electroplating techniques. Ultrasonic metal welding (USMW) was studied to obtain optimized process parameters and then used to integrate nickel embedded thin-film thermocouple (TFTC) units into copper workpieces. The embedded TFTCs successfully survived the welding tests, validating that USMW is a viable method to integrate microsensors to metallic tool materials. Moreover, the embedded microsensors were also able to measure the transient temperature in situ at 50μm directly beneath the welding interface during welding. The transient temperatures measured by the metal embedded TFTCs provide strong evidence that the heat generation is not critical for weld formation during USMW. Metal embedded microsensors yield great potential to improve fundamental understanding of numerous manufacturing processes by providing in situ sensing data with high spatial and temporal resolution at critical locations.
Endometrial-type cells in cervico-vaginal smears: clinical significance and cytopathologic correlates.

This study assessed the significance of endometrial-type cells (ETC) in cervico-vaginal (CV) smears in patients 45 yr and older by evaluating quantitatively and qualitatively the relationship of ETC to subsequent endometrial pathology. In a 3-yr period (1997-1999) at the Johns Hopkins Cytopathology Laboratory, 1,162 CV smears with ETC were found in patients 45 yr and older. In all cases with positive follow-up by tissue biopsy/resection, i.e., endometrial hyperplasia (EHP) and endometrial adenocarcinoma (EACA), the CV smears were reevaluated and compared to the control group (i.e., patients with normal endometrial biopsies). The following cytologic characteristics were recorded: quantity of ETC, type of ETC (epithelial, stromal/histiocyte-type, or mixed), cellular atypism, presence of inflammation, smear background, and associated estrogen effect. Of the 1,162 patients with ETC, 432 cases (37%) had tissue follow-up as follows: EACA, 18 (4.2%); EHP, 20 (4.6%); leiomyomata, 17 (3.9%); endometrial polyp, 21 (4.9%); benign/within normal limits (WNL), 339 (78.5%); nondiagnostic, 17 (3.9%). Cytologic characteristics of ETC showed subtle but definite quantitative and qualitative differences in the major pathologic groups examined. All instances of cancers and hyperplasia occurred in postmenopausal (PM) women. Abnormal vaginal bleeding was the presenting complaint in 66.7% of EACA, 45% of EHP, and 28.6% of benign endometrium. ETC in PM CV smears are associated with significant endometrial lesions (carcinoma, hyperplasia) in less than 9% of the patients. It is concluded that the distinction between EACA and EHP can be difficult. The presence of a large number of ETC, predominantly of epithelial or a mixed (epithelial and stromal) type, is more often associated with EACA or EHP than with benign endometrium. The presence of cytologic atypia and/or diathesis is additionally helpful for the diagnosis of EACA.
Benefits of mentoring African‐American men

Purpose – The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between mentoring, job satisfaction and organizational commitment among African‐American males.Design/methodology/approach – An online questionnaire was completed by 359 African‐American males in a business setting.Findings – Job satisfaction and organizational commitment were higher for those who were being mentored versus those who were not. The multiple regression results suggested mentoring was a statistically significant predictor of job satisfaction and organizational commitment. Further, the relation between mentoring and organizational commitment was mediated by job satisfaction.Research limitations/implications – Current organizational research is limited, in that it tends to focus on majority culture where findings can be inappropriately generalized to minority groups. Future mentoring research should include more minorities that can provide a new window for interpreting the contributions of minorities to organizational competit...
Resonance raman spectra and excitation profiles of soret-excited metalloporphyrins

Abstract Resonance Raman spectra of nickel, chromium, and copper porphyrins, excited at their Soret maxima, show decreasing scattering intensity due to depolarized modes. This order correlates with diminished 1 Q(0-0) absorption in the porphyrins. The data are interpreted in terms of Jahn-Teller distortions in both Q and B states. General agreement between predicted and observed excitation profiles of nickel etioporphyrin I support a vibronic treatment of the excited states. The effect of tight focusing of the incident beam is to quench most Raman scattering intensity, except the 1384 cm −1 line of the nickel complex.
“Pachyostosis” in aquatic amniotes: a review

During the course of amniote evolution, numerous taxa secondarily adapted to an aquatic life. It appears that many of these taxa primitively display “pachyostosis,” an osseous specialization characterized by an increase in bone compactness and/or volume. The term “pachyostosis” is used in morphological and histological descriptions to describe what in fact corresponds to different patterns. The aim of this paper is to present the current state of knowledge relative to this adaptation among aquatic amniotes. All the taxa that have returned to an aquatic environment are listed. Moreover, their degree of adaptation to the marine environment, their life environment, and the nature of their “pachyostotic” pattern, when present, are described. This inventory enables the evaluation of the current quality of the data relative to this specialization and provides an indication of the work that remains to be done. The functional consequences of “pachyostosis,” and notably its importance for buoyancy control in the context of hydrostatic regulation of the body trim, are discussed and opposed to the requirement of improved swimming abilities in the case of a hydrodynamic mode of trim regulation. Questions are posed about the signification of the polymorphism displayed by this specialization between different taxa, different specimens of the same taxon and different bones of the same specimen, and the problem of quantification of pachyostosis is discussed.