cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Poly(dimethylsiloxane) coatings for controlled drug release. III. Drug release profiles and swelling properties of the free-standing films

Previous reports in this series have described the preparation of stable poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS) latices suitable for spray-coating of drug tablets, as well as the mechanism of associated crosslinking reactions in PDMS emulsions. In the present investigation, in vitro evaluations were performed to study the effects of the amount of channeling agents, the addition of colloidal silica, and the pH of the dissolution media used. The study involved hydrochlorothiazide (as a marker drug) released from compressed tablets, which had been spray coated using PDMS latices with various polyethylene glycol (PEG) loadings as channeling agents. The dissolution results showed that coated tablets containing up to 25% (w/w dps) PEG could have constant release rates. Higher amounts of PEG resulted in nonlinear release patterns. The addition of colloidal silica decreased the rates of drug release. The pH of dissolution media affected the structures of the exposed PDMS films. Swelling tests were carried out to determine water uptake. Scanning electron microscopy and density measurements showed that the films obtained after soaking in higher-pH media were more condensed, with corresponding changes in drug-release rates. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 96: 494–501, 2005
IS NONDEFECTIVELY JUSTIFIED TRUE BELIEF KNOWLEDGE

The traditional conception of knowledge as justified true belief is refuted in two famous counterexamples by Edmund L. Gettier. Roderick M. Chisholm has attempted to rescue a version of the traditional conception by distinguishing between defective and nondefective kinds of justification, and redefining knowledge more specifically as nondefectively justified true belief. Chisholm's revised definition avoids Gettier's counterexamples, but goes too far in the opposite direction, imposing conditions that are too narrow and not jointly necessary for knowledge. Chisholm's definition excludes some claims that intuitively constitute genuine knowledge1 by entailing that if a true belief is invalidated as knowledge when defectively justified by a total body of evidence that also makes evident at least one false proposition, then no knowledge whatsoever can be supported by the same evidence. An alternative analysis of knowledge is proposed, according to which the potential loophole between the state of affairs that justifies belief in a proposition, and the state of affairs that makes the proposition true, permitted by the traditional concept of knowledge and discovered by Gettier's counterexamples, is closed by redefining knowledge as semantically-epistemically evidentially relevant justified true belief.
Improving Predictive Accuracy with a Combination of Human Intuition and Mechanical Decision Aids

This study examines the intuitive combination of human judgment and mechanical prediction under varied information conditions. As expected, mechanical prediction outperformed human intuition when based on the same information, but a combined approach was best when judges had access to relevant information not captured by the model (information asymmetry). The model was useful for differentiating between the event outcomes (improved slope), while eliminating the bias caused by base-rate neglect. Human intuition was useful for incorporating relevant information outside the scope of the model, resulting in improved slope and reduced judgment scatter. The addition of irrelevant information was detrimental to judgment accuracy, causing an increase in bias and a reduction in slope. These results provide insight intohowandwhencombining mechanical prediction and human intuition is likely to result in improved accuracy.
Matrix isolation study of the photochemical reaction of cyclohexane, cyclohexene, and cyclopropane with ozone

Abstract The matrix isolation technique, combined with infrared spectroscopy, has been used to characterize the products of the photochemical reactions of cyclohexane, cyclohexene, and cyclopropane with ozone. While initial twin jet deposition of the reagents led to no visible changes in the recorded spectra, strong product bands were noted following irradiation with light of λ > 200 nm. Irradiation of matrices containing ozone and cyclohexane led to O atom reactions with insertion into a C H bond and a C C bond to form cyclohexanol and oxacycloheptane, respectively. Irradiation of matrices containing ozone and cyclohexene led to a mixture of products formed through oxidation of the double bond, including cyclohexanone and cyclohexene oxide. Cyclopropane and ozone were codeposited into argon matrices followed by irradiation, leading to the formation of both cyclopropanal through insertion into a C H bond and aldehydes through ring-opening and oxidation. These conclusions were supported by isotopic labeling ( 18 O), by comparison to authentic infrared spectra, and by B3LYP/6-311G++(d,2p) density functional calculations.
An ischemia-guided approach for risk stratification in patients with acute coronary syndromes

The optimal management approach for patients with non-ST-segment elevation acute coronary syndromes continues to be an issue of debate. An ischemia-guided strategy appears to be effective as an alternative to either a very conservative "wait-and-see" approach or a very aggressive routine revascularization approach. The need for another approach is supported by the lack of conclusive evidence-based results favoring an early routine invasive treatment strategy. In the Thrombolysis in Myocardial Infarction (TIMI) IIIB trial, there were no differences in the incidence of death or myocardial infarction (MI) between patients treated with an early invasive approach and those treated with a conservative approach to treatment. Significantly worse outcomes were shown in patients assigned to an early invasive strategy in the Veterans Affairs Non-Q-Wave Infarction Strategies in Hospital (VANQWISH) trial at 1-year follow-up (111 clinical events in the invasive group vs 85 in the conservative group; p = 0.05). Registry information, including that from the Organization to Assess Strategies for Ischemic Syndromes (OASIS), which included approximately 8,000 patients with unstable angina or suspected MI, has even suggested an excess hazard with a routine invasive approach. Patients with non-ST-segment elevation MI observed in the Global Use of Strategies to Open Occluded Coronary Arteries in Acute Coronary Syndromes (GUSTO)-IIB and Platelet IIb/IIIa in Unstable Angina: Receptor Suppression Using Integrilin Therapy (PURSUIT) trials also fared better with an ischemia-guided strategy. Even the recent FRagmin and Fast Revascularization during InStability in Coronary artery disease (FRISC II) trial investigators had to be very selective relative to eliminating high-risk patients in the first week and treating with intense anti-ischemic therapy and 5-7 days of low-molecular-weight heparin therapy to show an advantage for assigned revascularization. A careful clinical evaluation with attention to early risk stratification is essential in the ischemia-guided approach. The Braunwald classification for unstable angina helps identify independent clinical predictors of a poor outcome; high risk is clearly associated with Braunwald class III and type C. Electrocardiographic and biochemical markers for myocardial necrosis (cardiac troponin T or I) are important tools for assessing the presence and degree of ischemia and associated risk for adverse outcome. Noninvasive evaluation of left ventricular ejection fraction is essential for identifying those at high risk due to impaired contractile function. When these conventional markers do not provide conclusive information, noninvasive stress testing is most helpful to further identify those at highest risk for revascularization.
A comment on induced gravity

Abstract Because of the non-perturbative ambiguity of the stress-energy tensor in theories with dynamical breaking of conformal invariance, there is no unique self-consistent way to compute the Newton's and cosmological constants of the corresponding induced gravitation theories, when leading quadratic or quartic divergences are present.
Improvement of PVC wearability by addition of additives

Abstract The wear of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) filled with a variety of inorganic and organic additives in different proportions and combinations have been investigated. Wear of pure PVC was tested for comparison. Grade 600 silicon carbide abrasive paper was used as abrading counterface. Results showed that the additives (fillers) have different effects on the wear resistance of PVC composites according to the properties of the additives and the amount added. SiC and Al2O3 as filler improved the wear resistance of PVC significantly. Si and wollastonite also enhanced the wear resistance. Fly ash and B4C reduced wear of PVC only when over 10% of fly ash or 7% of B4C was added. Surprisingly, PVC filled with CaCO3 or SiO2, the most commonly used fillers in industrial PVC materials, gave rise to a very low wear resistance. Based on experimental observations, characteristics of wear of PVC composites can be classified into four categories: (a) worn material in the form of fragmented thin and coherent transfer film; (b) fairly thick transfer film loosely bonded on to the sliding track; (c) poorly adhering debris and particles left around the sliding track; (d) little worn material was observed.
Pulmonary artery balloon counterpulsation: Safe after peripheral placement

Abstract Pulmonary artery balloon counterpulsation is a promising experimental technique for treatment of right ventricular failure. However, clinical application has been limited in that the only device presently available (the large-volume intraaortic balloon) must be placed within a synthetic graft. Because a balloon with a smaller volume (which could be placed through a peripheral vein and be contained entirely within the pulmonary artery) would make the technique feasible on a wider scale, we tested an 8-mL pulmonary artery balloon placed through the femoral vein in 12 dogs. Two groups of animals were compared. One group had the pulmonary artery balloon in place but not counterpulsating; the other had the pulmonary artery balloon in place and counterpulsating. Each group was studied for 12 hours. A variety of hemodynamic parameters were measured. Effective diastolic augmentation and systolic unloading were noted in all 6 dogs that underwent counterpulsation (5.0 ± 1.1 mm Hg of diastolic augmentation and 9.5 ± 1.6 mm Hg of systolic unloading). Pulmonary function, as measured by arterial blood gas sampling and pulmonary vascular resistance, was not impaired. Examination of the heart and lungs showed no detrimental pathologic effects of pulmonary artery balloon counterpulsation. Placement of the balloon through a peripheral vein with a guidewire was easy and uncomplicated. We conclude that pulmonary artery balloon counterpulsation is safe over an extended period of 12 hours in the canine model and that diastolic augmentation and systolic unloading can be produced.
Isolation and sequence determination of a peptide located in or near the active site of bovine muscle pyruvate kinase.

Abstract Bovine muscle pyruvate kinase was inactivated by treatment with trinitrobenzenesulfonic acid; approximately one trinitrophenyl group was incorporated per subunit. ADP or Mg-ADP decreased the rate of inactivation but Mg++ alone or phosphoenolpyruvate had no effect. The inactivated protein was treated with trypsin and the trinitrophenylated peptide isolated by gel filtration. Homogeneity of the isolated peptide was shown by high voltage electrophoresis and high pressure liquid chromatography. Amino acid analysis and sequence determination revealed the presence of an acidic peptide 34 amino acids long and containing ϵ-trinitrophenylated lysine.
Effect of early breast milk expression on milk volume and timing of lactogenesis stage II among mothers of very low birth weight infants: a pilot study

Effect of early breast milk expression on milk volume and timing of lactogenesis stage II among mothers of very low birth weight infants: a pilot study
First Impressions After Various Types of Deception: Less Favorable Following Expectancy Violation

This experiment involving 96 undergraduates tested whether the expectancy-violation model could explain how different types of discovered verbal deception influence first impressions. A female confederate responded to a participant's question about her weight with a lie, true, secretive, or technically true (i.e., equivocal) statement. The confederate who lied or kept her weight a secret was less well liked, was seen as less moral, was less likely to be recommended as a dating partner, and made a worse overall impression than one who told the truth or equivocated. Violation of expectations for an honest answer mediated the relation between type of deception and both liking and recommendation as a dating partner. Thus, violating people's expectations for an honest answer can cause one to be seen in a less favorable light.
Triangular Systolic Arrays And Related Fault Tolerance

The Luk QR decomposition (QRD) and singular value decom-position (SVD) systolic architectures are synthesized into one Gentleman-Kung triangular architecture. Two of these arrays are connected point-to-point, forming a three dimensional architecture suitable for matrix transposition. Overlapping the diagonal processors results in a square array for matrix multiplication using the engagement algorithm. An augmented architecture is described that implements all of the above algorithms with increased throughput for the QRD. Fault tolerance methods for the Luk QRD and SVD algorithms implemented on these new architectures will be presented. The fault tolerance methods to be examined will either detect a transient error and recover the correct solution, or locate the processor where the error occurred, allowing for reconfiguration.
Implementation and Revision of the Wildlife Protection Guidelines for Alaska's Federal On-Scene Coordinators

ABSTRACT The Alaska Regional Response Team (RRT) established the Wildlife Protection Working Group in September 1987 to develop and maintain guidelines to assist Alaska's federal on-scene coordinators (OSC) in dealing with potential wildlife impacts resulting from oil spills. The working group is composed of representatives of four federal and state agencies and three special-interest groups. The guidelines, which were adopted by the Alaska RRT on December 14, 1988, address three response strategies: controlling the release and spread of oil to protect wildlife, keeping wildlife away from spills through the use of deterrent techniques, and attempting to capture and rehabilitate oiled wildlife. Since adoption by the Alaska RRT, the guidelines have been used in conjunction with response activities associated with the following spills: the Swallow diesel fuel and fuel oil spill near Dutch Harbor on February 27, 1989, the Exxon Valdez crude oil spill in Prince William Sound on March 24, 1989, and the Milos Re...
Neutral ceramidase gene: role in regulating ceramide-induced apoptosis

The sphingolipid, ceramide, is a natural dietary constituent and a potent mediator of apoptosis. If left undegraded, it may induce apoptosis and cause disruption of cellular integrity. A potential mechanism to prevent ceramide-induced apoptosis in various organs may involve ceramidases that facilitate the degradation of ceramide. In this study, we first isolated and characterized the murine neutral ceramidase (N-CDase) gene, mapped its chromosomal location and determined its developmental and organ-specific expression. Then we used cultured mesangial cells as our in vitro model and mouse gastrointestinal (GI) tract as the in vivo model to determine the effects of an inhibitor of N-CDase, D-erythro-MAPP, to delineate whether N-CDase plays a role in preventing ceramide-induced apoptosis. Our results show that: (i) the structure of the murine neutral ceramidase gene is virtually identical to that of the human gene; (ii) it is localized on chromosome 19 at bands C2-C3 that is syntenic to human chromosome 10q24-26; (iii) N-CDase expression is developmentally regulated and it is expressed at high levels in cultured mesangial cells and in specific regions of the mouse small intestine; (iv) inhibition of N-CDase by D-erythro-MAPP leads to increased ceramide levels and consequent apoptosis in cultured mesangial cells; (v) mice treated with D-erythro-MAPP alone also caused apoptosis in the small intestine; and (vi) mice treated with D-erythro-MAPP prior to feeding C2 ceramide manifest markedly elevated levels of apoptosis in the GI tract raising the possibility that neutral ceramidase plays a detoxifying role against inadvertent stimulation of ceramide-induced apoptosis in organs that come in contact with this sphingolipid. We propose that N-CDase is an essential component of an innate detoxifying mechanism to prevent ceramide-induced apoptosis.
Recommended footcandle levels for prolonged critical seeing.

Seeing is a complex human activity involving more than the visual sense and its ability to convert the stimulus, radiant energy, into sensations of brightness and color. Seeing is accomplished by the human being operating as a human seeing-machine. Therefore, efficient, certain, comfortable, and easy seeing involves psychophysiological factors and effects of seeing as well as the psychophysical characteristics of the visual task and its environment. There is some confusion and some difference of opinion in regard to levels of illumination that are now being recommended. This is not surprising inasmuch as recommended footcandle levels are very generally compromises involving many aspects of economics, practicability, and conservation. Adequate specifications of light, lighting, brightness, and color do not arise from a single study or even a limited group of studies. Pertinent data are yielded by researches along various major avenues involving achievement, conservation of human resources, subnormal as well as normal vision, supra-threshold as well as threshold visibility, and proper considerations of footcandle level as a means to the ends which are brightness level and visibility level. The author presents data and analyses which reply specifically to certain criticisms and which, he believes, support the conclusion that footcandle levels recommended by the Illuminating Engineering Society, as well as by himself and colleagues, are conservative in relation to the indicated ideal levels for various tasks of prolonged critical seeing.
Mechanically increased right ventricular afterload alters left ventricular configuration, not contractility, in neonatal lambs

ABSTRACT: Left ventricular dysfunction has been observed in human infants with pulmonary hypertension. The purpose of this study was to establish whether mechanically increased right ventricular afterload alters left ventricular performance by altering its contractility, configuration, or both. Six neonatal 3- to 7-d-old lambs were acutely instrumented with micromanometer-tipped catheters and two pairs of ultrasonic crystals to measure left ventricular pressure and anterior-posterior and septal-free wall dimensions. The product of these two dimensions, denoted left ventricular area, was used as an index of left ventricular volume. Two levels of mechanically increased right ventricular afterload were induced with a closed pericardium under three levels of left ventricular preload produced by whole-blood transfusions. Four brief increases in left ventricular afterload were induced by constricting the aorta under each right ventricular afterload and preload condition. Using multiple linear regression, we found that the slope of the end-systolic pressure-area relationship, an index of contractility, was unchanged [0.90 ± 0.11 mm Hg/mm2 (SEM)], and stroke area (65.8 ± 7 mm2) and cardiac output (the product of stroke area and heart rate) (13 400 ± 1 660 mm2/min) were maintained. However, the area intercept of the pressure-area line at zero pressure (499 ± 13 mm2) shifted significantly to the left in the presence of both levels of increased right ventricular afterload (by −39.2 ± 13 and −76.2 ±15 mm2, respectively). Mechanically increased right ventricular afterload alters left ventricular configuration and causes a shift in the operating volume (area) range of the ventricle with no change in contractility in 3- to 7-d-old lambs.
An X-ray study of the condensed and separated states of sciatic nerve myelin

Low-angle X-ray diffraction patterns of peripheral nerve myelin after modification by either rehydration in various solutions or by chemical treatment have been recorded. These X-ray patterns and the previously reported modified nerve myelin patterns demonstrate that nerve myelin has at least five different states: the normal state, condensed state I and II and separated state I and II. There are two membranes per unit cell in the normal state and in states II whereas there is one membrane per unit cell in states I. Under certain conditions normal nerve can go reversibly into either of states II. With continued treatment the nerve myelin structure moves irreversibly from state II to state I and, once in state I, the nerve myelin layers cannot return to the normal state. Our results demonstrate that there is a reversible transformation between condensed state I and separated state I. Fourier profiles of nerve myelin in the normal state, condensed state I and separated state I are presented.
Mg2+ removal in the system Mg2+—amorphous SiO2—H2O by adsorption and Mg-hydroxysilicate precipitation

Abstract Two chemical processes can remove Mg2+ from suspensions containing amorphous silica (am-SiO2) at low temperatures: adsorption and precipitation of a Mg-hydroxysilicate resembling sepiolite. Mg2+ removal from am-SiO2 suspensions was investigated, and the relative role of the two removal processes evaluated, as a function of: pH, ionic strength, Mg2+ concentration, and temperature. The extent of Mg2+ adsorption onto am-SiO2 decreases with increasing NaCl concentration due to displacement of Mg2+ by Na+. At NaCl concentrations of 0.05 M and above, adsorption occurs only at pH values above 8.5, where rapid dissolution of am-SiO2 gives rise to high concentrations of dissolved silica, resulting in supersaturation with respect to sepiolite. Removal of Mg2+, at concentrations of 40 to 650 μM, from am-SiO2 suspensions in 0.70 M NaCl at 25 °C occurs at pH 9.0 and above. Experiments show that under these conditions adsorption and Mg-hydroxysilicate precipitation remove Mg2+ at similar rates. For 0.05 M Mg2+, at 0.70 M ionic strength and 25 °C, measurable Mg2+ removal occurs down to ca. pH 7.5 but is primarily due to Mg-hydroxysilicate precipitation. For the same solution conditions at 5°C, Mg2+ removal occurs above pH 8.0 and is primarily due to adsorption. Assuming that increasing pressure does not greatly enhance adsorption, Mg2+ adsorption onto am-SiO2 is an insignificant process in sea water. The surface charge of pristine am-SiO2 in sea water is primarily controlled by interactions with Na+. The principal reaction between Mg2+ and am-SiO2 in marine sediments is sepiolite precipitation. The age distribution of sepiolite in siliceous pelagic sediments is influenced by temperatures of bottom waters and by geothermal gradients.
Cocrystallization of binuclear iron(III) porphyrins with C60: Bending of μ-o{Feiii(octaethylporphyrin)} and the first structure of the iron(III) octaethyloxophlorin dimer

Black crystals of C60·μ-O{FeIII(OEP)}2·C6H6 and 2C60·{FeIII(OEPO)}2·4C6H6 suitable for single-crystal X-ray diffraction studies have been obtained by growth from benzene solutions of the appropriate binuclear metalloporphyrin and the fullerene. C60·μ-O{FeIII(OEP)}2·C6H6 crystallizes with two molecules of μ-O{FeIII(OEP)}2, two fully ordered molecules of C60, and two molecules of benzene in the asymmetric unit. Each independent molecule of μ-O{FeIII(OEP)}2 makes close contact with two fullerene molecules. In C60·μ-O{FeIII(OEP)}2·C6H6 the Fe−O−Fe angles (150.18(11)° and 151.89(11)°) are markedly bent with a benzene molecule wedged into the opening between the two porphyrins, whereas in the triclinic and monoclinic polymorphs of μ-O{FeIII(OEP)}2 the Fe−O−Fe angles are more nearly linear (172.16(17)° and 176.2(2)°, respectively). The structure of 2C60·{FeIII(OEPO)}2·4C6H6 consists of a centrosymmetric {FeIII(OEPO)}2 molecule in which the two macrocycles are connected to one another through axial coordination o...
Every Brick Tells a Story: Study Abroad as an Extraordinary Experience.

Research on study abroad programs (SAPs) has traditionally focused on logistics or the development of attitudes and skills. Less attention has been given to the subjective value of the participants' experience. This study focuses attention on that neglected topic. Drawing insights from an evolving genre of graffiti data and autodriving interviews, the study identifies dimensions of the study abroad experience that cause participants to describe it as life changing and the best experience of their lives. Key dimensions include program-directed and self-directed travel, magic moments, and the experience of communitas. The paper discusses the implications of its findings for SAP management.
ZZW autotriploidy in a Blue-and-Yellow Macaw

We describe genome size (nuclear DNA content), and cellular and nuclear dimensions of erythrocytes in a triploid Blue-and-Yellow Macaw (Ara ararauna) and its diploid parents. The genome size of the triploid (4.23 pg) was 1.5 times greater than the genome size of the mother (2.80 pg) and the father (2.89 pg). The sex chromosome composition was ZZW, and was predicted correctly based on the genome size of the parents. Erythrocytes of the triploid were significantly larger than the erythrocytes of the parents. Because polyploidy has been reported only in one other family of birds (Phasianidae), the parrots and their relatives might prove to be useful in the study of avian triploidy.
Differential regulation of cytokine expression following pilocarpine-induced seizure.

While the pathological changes that occur in the brain following seizure have been well characterized, the molecular mechanisms underlying these events are poorly understood. Cell death, reactive gliosis, and axonal sprouting are among the best studied alterations in the epileptic brain. Previous work in both the peripheral and the central nervous systems suggests that cytokines are capable of affecting each of these processes. To better understand the role of cytokines in seizures and their sequelae, we have characterized cytokine expression in an animal model of epilepsy. Using pilocarpine to chemically induce seizures, and RNase protection assays to assess mRNA levels, we have quantified changes in expression of several members of the neuropoietic cytokine family following a single, prolonged seizure. Levels of oncostatin M (OSM), leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF), cardiotrophin-1, and ciliary neurotrophic factor were all increased in the hippocampus after seizure, though to differing extents and with markedly different time courses. Cells expressing the most dramatically up-regulated cytokines, LIF and OSM, were identified by combined in situ hybridization and immunohistochemistry. The majority of LIF^+ cells in the hippocampus were glial fibrillary acidic protein^+ astrocytes, while the majority of OSM^+ cells had the morphology of interneurons and were occasionally colabeled with neurofilament markers. Both the time course and the localization of cytokine up-regulation following seizure suggest possible roles for these intercellular signaling molecules in epilepsy.
STRUCTURAL STUDIES OF HUMAN γG-MYELOMA PROTEINS OF DIFFERENT ANTIGENIC SUBGROUPS AND GENETIC SPECIFICITIES

1. Peptide maps of Fc fragments or heavy chains of 36 G myeloma proteins and two "heavy chain disease" proteins belonging to the four γ-chain subgroups revealed very striking similarities between them. However differences in a few peptides were noted. This was most pronounced for the Ge(γ2d) subgroup which lacked three peptides characteristic of the other three subgroups. While Fc fragments from different proteins belonging to the same subgroup appeared very similar, minor differences in addition to those based on currently recognized Gm factors were occasionally noted. 2. Fc fragments from Gm(a+) We(γ2b) proteins had a peptide previously shown to be characteristic of normal Gm(a+) γG-globulins. Fc fragments from Gm(a-) molecules belonging to the We(γ2b), Vi(γ2c), or Ne(γ2a) subgroups, whether Gm(b+), Gm(f+), or Gm(-), had the peptide previously identified in Gm(b+f+) normal γG-globulin. This "non-a" peptide was absent in peptide maps from Gm(-) molecules of the Ge(γ2d) subgroup which contained instead another peptide with the same electrophoretic mobility but migrating slightly further on chromatography. 3. Both the "a" and "non-a" peptides were pentapeptides having three amino acids in common, and differing in the other two. The "a" peptide contained one residue of lysine, aspartic acid, threonine, leucine, and glutamic acid. The "non-a" peptides prepared from Gm(b+), Gm(f+), and Gm(-) proteins were identical and contained one residue of lysine, threonine, and methionine sulfone, and two residues of glutamic acid. 4. Several possible mechanisms for the origin of these differences, and their possible role in serologic specificity are discussed.
Recognition of binding sites on Candida albicans by monoclonal antibodies to human leukocyte antigens.

Abstract Candida albicans exhibits examples of human molecular mimicry, including receptors resembling human steroid receptors and human complement receptor (CR)-like receptors that bind the complement fragments C3d and iC3b. To further characterize the epitopes of the Candida human CR-like molecules, a panel of monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) against epitopes within the human CR3 was used. MAbs Mo1, M1/70HL, and 7C3 bound to the germ tube, as assessed by immunofluorescence. MAbs Leu15, 60.1, and 95G8 did not bind. Miscellaneous MAbs against other antigens on human leukocytes (B2, 3D9, and OKT4) did not bind. However, MY9, which recognizes a monocyte antigen, bound extensively to the germ tube. The binding of certain anti-CR3 MAbs suggested limited identity between the Candida CR3-like receptor and the human CR3. The binding of MY9 identified an antigen recognized by a MAb to a human cell antigen not previously known to exist on C. albicans.
Same/Different Discrimination Techniques, Readiness Training, Pattern Treatment, and Sex on Aural Discrimination and Singing of Tonal Patterns by Kindergartners

This study investigated the effect on kindergarten children of same different discrimination techniques, sex, readiness training, and tonal patterns trained with songs or no songs on one aural perception and two singing measures. During an 11-week period, 89 children received training in eight tonal patterns. Dependent variables were (1) Primary Measures of Music Audiation (Part I-Tonal), (2) the Criterion Singing Test 1 (103-tone patterns), and (3) the Criterion Singing Test 2 (song). Results indicated no significant differences between techniques or among readiness groups. Girls scored significantly higher than boys. Results of the analysis of patterns trained with songs or no songs were inconclusive.
Nonparametric Locally Efficient Estimation of the Treatment Specific Survival Distribution with Right Censored Data and Covariates in Observational Studies

In many observational studies one is concerned with comparing treatment specific survival distributions in the presence of confounding factors and censoring. In this paper we develop locally efficient point and interval estimators of these survival distributions which adjust for confounding by using an estimate of the propensity score and concurrently allow for dependent censoring. The proposed methodology is an application of a general methodology for construction of locally efficient estimators as presented in Robins (1993) and Robins and Rotnitzky (1992). The practical performance of the methods are tested with a simulation study.
Transient receptor potential channels and regulation of lung endothelial permeability

AbstractThis review highlights our current knowledge regarding expression of transient receptor potential (TRP) cation channels in lung endothelium and evidence for their involvement in regulation of lung endothelial permeability. Six mammalian TRP families have been identified and organized on the basis of sequence homology: TRPC (canonical), TRPV (vanilloid), TRPM (melastatin), TRPML (mucolipin), TRPP (polycystin), and TRPA (ankyrin). To date, only TRPC1/4, TRPC6, TRPV4, and TRPM2 have been extensively studied in lung endothelium. Calcium influx through each of these channels has been documented to increase lung endothelial permeability, although their channel-gating mechanisms, downstream signaling mechanisms, and impact on endothelial structure and barrier integrity differ. While other members of the TRPC, TRPV, and TRPM families may be expressed in lung endothelium, we have little or no evidence linking these to regulation of lung endothelial permeability. Further, neither the expression nor function...
Modeling Short-run Electricity Demand with Long-term Growth Rates and Consumer Price Elasticity in Commercial and Industrial Sectors ✩

This paper specifies and estimates state-level models of short- and long-term electricity demand in the United States. The short-term model predicts hourly load based on weather and calendar inputs. The long-term model estimates interannual demand, and includes population, prices, and gross state product as predictors. These models are combined to incorporate the short- and long-term trends in electricity consumption when generating forecasts of diurnal patterns into the future. Finally, the authors investigate the effects of short-run price elasticities of demand. The short-term model is shown to be within 95% accuracy of actual levels in out-of-sample tests.
Motion estimation under orthographic projection

Some new results for the problem of motion estimation under orthographic projection are presented. Some basic results obtained by previous researchers are refined and more detailed and precise results are provided. It is shown that, in the two-view problem, when the rotation is around the optical axis, the motion (but not the structure) is uniquely determined. In the three-view problem, only under certain conditions are the motion and structure uniquely determined. For any motion problem, if two-view matching cannot determine the motion, only under certain conditions can three-view or multiview matching help. >
Non-rigid registration of three-dimensional (3D) grayscale and Doppler ultrasound breast images

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the accuracy of image volume based registration (IVBaR) of 3D ultrasound (US) image volumes of the whole breast acquired at different times. Successful IVBaR could aid in detection of tumor changes in response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy and potentially be useful for routine breast cancer screening and diagnosis. IVBaR was successful in 9 of 10 reproducibility studies, 11 of 15 image pairs collected before and after approximately 45 days of chemotherapy. Doppler study yielded volume of blood flow to the region surrounding the lesion and its change when reducing breast compression. The color flow vessels provided independent measures for validation of registration of the grayscale portion of those images.
Scoring vs. Comparative Rating of Sensory Quality of Wines

SUMMARY One hundred and fifty wines of different types and regions were scored by 11 experienced judges by two methods (scoring and comparative rating). It was thought that the second method (which included a reference wine) would give more stable and consistent results than the standard method. For some categories of wines the standard method resulted in more stable and consistent responses, but for other categories the reverse is true. For some judges and for some categories of wines the two methods were practically identical. The reactions of the judges to the two methods varied greatly.
Cleavage of E-cadherin by matrix metalloproteinase-7 promotes cellular proliferation in nontransformed cell lines via activation of RhoA

Perturbations in cell-cell contact machinery occur frequently in epithelial cancers and result in increased cancer cell migration and invasion. Previously, we demonstrated that MMP-7, a protease implicated in mammary and intestinal tumor growth, can process the adherens junction component E-cadherin. This observation leads us to test whether MMP-7 processing of E-cadherin could directly impact cell proliferation in nontransformed epithelial cell lines (MDCK and C57MG). Our goal was to investigate the possibility that MMP-7 produced by cancer cells may have effects on adjacent normal epithelium. Here, we show that MMP-7 processing of E-cadherin mediates, (1) loss of cell-cell contact, (2) increased cell migration, (3) a loss of epithelial cell polarization and (4) increased cell proliferation via RhoA activation. These data demonstrate that MMP-7 promotes epithelial cell proliferation via the processing of E-cadherin and provide insights into the molecular mechanisms that govern epithelial cell growth.
Generation of spectrally confined transmitted radar waveforms: experimental results

Managing the spectrum of radar emissions, particularly from shipboard radar platforms, is critical for minimizing interference to neighboring communication systems on ships, on land and other in-band radars. New radar waveform designs are needed to confine the radar transmitted spectrum to a region separate from other bands that are in use. An out-phasing technique (first developed by H. Chireix) is one approach that was implemented in hardware that provides a means of generating spectrally confined radar waveforms. A series of experiments were conducted in an effort to show the effects of power amplifiers (PA), in the Chireix out-phasing network, on spectrally confined waveforms under certain conditions. Several test results and conclusions are discussed in this paper.
Expert Witness Testimony: Rules of Engagement

Overlooked in most legislative remedies to address the medical malpractice (MMP) crisis is stringent prohibition against the use of “junk science” in the courtroom and defining the qualifications of an expert witness. Expert witnesses should be required to: (1) to disclose information materially related to the reliability of expert testimony. (2) Filing of a “Daubert brief”: a summary of the plaintiff’s expert’s opinion along with a resume outlining his/her knowledge, skill, experience, training and education, reputation in the field relevant to the litigation, and complete details of the methodology employed by the expert. (3) An oath or declaration that acknowledges the duty to disclose to the court all information known to the person to be material to the reliability of the expert witness. Rules of evidence: The “Frye test” or the “general acceptance rule” has been used by judges to exclude expert testimony unless it is “sufficiently established to have gained general acceptance in the particular field...
Antisense Oligonucleotide Inhibition of Apolipoprotein C-III Reduces Plasma Triglycerides in Rodents, Nonhuman Primates, and Humans

Rationale:Elevated plasma triglyceride levels have been recognized as a risk factor for the development of coronary heart disease. Apolipoprotein C-III (apoC-III) represents both an independent risk factor and a key regulatory factor of plasma triglyceride concentrations. Furthermore, elevated apoC-III levels have been associated with metabolic syndrome and type 2 diabetes mellitus. To date, no selective apoC-III therapeutic agent has been evaluated in the clinic. Objective:To test the hypothesis that selective inhibition of apoC-III with antisense drugs in preclinical models and in healthy volunteers would reduce plasma apoC-III and triglyceride levels. Methods and Results:Rodent- and human-specific second-generation antisense oligonucleotides were identified and evaluated in preclinical models, including rats, mice, human apoC-III transgenic mice, and nonhuman primates. We demonstrated the selective reduction of both apoC-III and triglyceride in all preclinical pharmacological evaluations. We also showe...
Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis

Juvenile idiopathic arthrithis (JIA) is the most common rheumatic disease of childhood.JIA is a chronic disease that is associated with periods of disease flares and periods of disease inactivity.Early, aggressive treatment with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, intra-articular corticosteroid injections, or methotrexate, has significantly improved the outcome of most children who have JIA. Biologics have been shown to be both safe and effective for the treatment of more aggressive forms of arthritis and for uveitis. Long-term safety data of biologics is still uncertain. In the near future, it is hoped that genetic testing will allow earlier diagnosis of JIA as well as help predict the disease course of children who have JIA. Genetic analysis also may allow physicians to target therapies more effectively. It is hoped that development of more specific therapies will decrease overall immunosuppression and other associated toxicities.
Nonaseptic Laboratory Rearing of the Sugarcane Borer, Diatraea saccharalis

Environmental control was critical in laboratory rearing of the sugarcane borer, Diatraea saccharalis (F.). The effects of temperature, humidity, light, diet acidity, microorganisms, and size and type of larval rearing containers suitable for sugarcane borer culture were investigated. Temperature and humidity were standardized at 80°F and 75% RH during the first 2 instars, 80°F and 90% RH afterwards. Total darkness during the first instar encouraged earlier onset of feeding, thus limiting desiccation mortality. Diet acidity was compromised at 5.8, permitting gustatory acceptability while limiting bacterial growth. Fungi were controlled with Tegoscpt®. Glass shell vials, 80×25 mm, were most satisfactory for larval rearing and U.S. Public Health Service sputum cups of 150 cc capacity were successful as mating and egg-laying containers for adults. A detailed discussion of methods that permit rearing sugarcane borers in numbers sufficient to conduct basic studies is presented.
Meniscus injuries of the temporomandibular joint.

Injuries to the meniscus of the temporomandibular joint are more common than is ordinarily supposed. The primary treatment of such an injury should be conservative in nature, including careful evaluation of the injury and correction of the patient's bite by a dentist. If a conservative regimen of therapy fails to produce the desired results, then meniscectomy of the temporomandibular joint is indicated. See Images in the PDF file A series of forty-four cases in which operations were performed is presented, with a discussion of the operative technique and postoperative care. Good results may be anticipated from surgical treatment.
Afrikaner Fears and the Politics of Despair: Understanding Change in South Africa

In light of recent changes in South African politics symbolized by the release from prison of Mr. Nelson Mandela, we ask three related questions: (1) Why has the Afrikaner-dominated government of President F. W. de Klerk decided at this time to initiate a process of political reform? (2) Is there any chance at all that a negotiated settlement to the country's problems can be reached? and (3) What theoretical perspective best enables us to answer these questions? In seeking answers we use data collected in a 1988 mail questionnaire from a nationwide sample of elite Afrikaner politicians, civil servants, businessmen, clergy, academics, and journalists. Our theoretical perspective questions both neo-Marxist and neo-liberal versions of “modernization theory” with their excessive focus on capitalist development as the motor of change and, in contrast, stresses how black political practices have affected white attitudes and political transformation. We demonstrate the fundamental role of individual attitudes in the circle of reciprocal influence between the economy and the polity. Our evidence indicates that prominent Afrikaners appear willing to accept a federal system in which power would be shared among participating racial groups, but they are not yet prepared to agree to the nonracial democracy demanded by apartheid's opponents. We thus see negotiations as likely, but whether they will result in a “post-apartheid” South Africa will depend upon continuing black resistance to race-based politics.
Embodiment, abduction, and expressive movement: A new realm of inquiry?:

I argue that there is a much more immediate and unreflective, bodily way of being related to our surroundings than the ways that become conspicuous to us in our more cognitive reflections. Further, I suggest that this way of relating or orienting ourselves toward our surroundings becomes known to us from within the unfolding dynamics of our engaged bodily movements within them, and that we can come to embody the recurrent patterns that we experience within such engaged movements in image schema or corporeal concepts. Below, I explore some of the implications of these claims. Taken all together, they suggest the opening up of a new realm of inquiry in psychological research of a practical kind to do with 1st-person explorations, from the inside, of the felt discriminative awarenesses we make use of, not in solving intellectual problems, but in resolving difficulties of orientation or relationship we face in both our everyday lives and in our professional practices—practical difficulties of a kind that stil...
Replication termini in the rDNA of synchronized pea root cells (Pisum sativum).

Abstract In synchronized root cells of Pisum sativum (cv. Alaska) the joining of nascent replicons is delayed until cells reach the S–G2 boundary or early G2 phase. To determine if the delayed ligation of nascent chains occurs at specific termination sites, we mapped the location of arrested forks in the ribosomal DNA (rDNA) repeats from cells in late S and G2 phases. Two-dimensional (neutral-alkaline) agarose electrophoresis and Southern blot hybridization with specific rDNA sequences show that only cells located at the S–G2 boundary and early G2 phase produce alkali-released rDNA fragments of discrete size. The released fragments are from a particular restriction fragment, demonstrating that the replication forks stop non-randomly within the rDNA repeats. Indirect end-labeling with probes homologous to one or the other end of the fork-containing restriction fragment shows that there are two termination regions, T1 and T2, where forks stop. T1 is located in the non-transcribed spacer and T2 is at the junction between the non-transcribed spacer and the 18S gene. The two termini are separated by ˜1.3 kb. Replication forks stop at identical sites in both the 8.6- and 9.0-kb rDNA repeat size classes indicating that these sites are sequence determined.