cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Life-Threatening Pulmonary Hemorrhage With Pulmonary Arteriovenous Malformations and Hereditary Hemorrhagic Telangiectasia

The occurrence of significant pulmonary hemorrhage associated with pulmonary arteriovenous malformations (PAVMs) and hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia (HHT) and the incidence of PAVMs in family members of patients with PAVMs and HHT are poorly defined. We reviewed our experience in 143 patients with PAVMs and HHT. Eleven (8 percent) of the 143 patients with HHT and PAVMs had a history of either massive hemoptysis or of hemothorax which required hospitalization. One patient died directly related to the pulmonary hemorrhage. There were four men and seven women. Three of the seven women experienced pulmonary hemorrhage during pregnancy. Seven of the 11 families participated in screening for PAVMs. Thirty-six (80 percent) of the 45 screened family members were found to have HHT. Thirteen (36 percent) of the 36 family members with HHT were proven to have PAVMs by pulmonary angiography. Pulmonary hemorrhage due to spontaneous rupture of the PAVM is a potentially life-threatening complication that should be treated aggressively with transcatheter embolotherapy. It occurs more frequently than previously recognized in patients with PAVMs and HHT. In addition, because of the increased incidence of PAVMs in family members of patients with HHT and PAVM, screening of family members with HHT is recommended especially in women of childbearing age.
The van Deemter equation: Assumptions, limits, and adjustment to modern high performance liquid chromatography

The fundamental assumptions of the van Deemter height equivalent to a theoretical plate (HETP) equation were formulated nearly 60 years ago in its rigorous final mathematical derivation in 1956. The limit of applicability of this classical theory of band broadening in chromatographic columns is discussed on the basis of accurate measurements of diffusion coefficients (in the bulk, in particles, and in column beds), of peak moments in both RPLC and HILIC, on the recent numerical solution of the Navier-Stokes equation and on the results of the simulation of the advection-diffusion transport in the bulk region of computer-generated random packed beds. A result of this discussion is that serious errors are made in the interpretations of the mass transfer mechanism in HILIC and RPLC that are based on the use of the original van Deemter expressions of the longitudinal diffusion coefficient through packed bed, of the mass transfer resistance in the mobile phase, and of the mass transfer resistance in the stationary phase. These errors are discussed and quantitatively assessed. Physically acceptable and relevant expressions are proposed to account for the true mass transfer mechanism in packed columns.
Constitutive expression of arginase in microvascular endothelial cells counteracts nitric oxide-mediated vasodilatory function

SPECIFIC AIMSArginase shares a common substrate, L-arginine, with nitric oxide synthase (NOS). It is speculated that arginase, if it is expressed in the endothelium, might play a pivotal role in the regulation of NO-mediated vasodilation by reducing the L-arginine availability to NOS. In the present study, we tried to determine whether arginase is expressed and active in coronary arterioles and to demonstrate whether endothelial arginase can influence NO production and play a functional role in regulating NO-mediated dilation of coronary microvessels. We determined the expression and cellular localization of arginase in porcine coronary microvessels (50–200 μm) by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and immunohistochemistry and studied NO production and vasodilation of isolated coronary arterioles (60–110 μm) with and without arginase inhibition.PRINCIPAL FINDINGS1. Arginase mRNA and protein are constitutively expressed in coronary arteriolesWe determined whether arginase mRNA is pres...
The response of entangled polymer solutions to step changes of shear rate: Signatures of segmental stretch?

Experiments measuring the orientation angle and birefringence in startup and double-step strain rate flows were conducted on a 3.0 wt % 8.42 × 106 molecular weight polystyrene solution in a Couette flow cell. A phase-modulated flow birefringence apparatus was used to noninvasively probe the sample. Upon startup from rest, the orientation angle undershoots its final steady-state value, as seen by earlier investigators. When the shear rate undergoes a step increase from one nonzero value to another, the amplitude of this undershoot is decreased. However, a more significant effect is a shorter time scale overshoot in the orientation angle that is highly counterintuitive in the sense that an increase of shear rate initially produces a rotation of chain segments away from the flow direction. Similarly, a step decrease in shear rate yields an initial transient rotation toward the flow direction. In both cases, the height of the peaks depends upon the magnitude of the shear rate jump, and the width of the peaks is a function of the final shear rate. The longer time transients in the startup and step increase experiments reflect an apparent change in the relaxation time for segment orientation, which we tentatively attribute to a combination of tube dilation and convective constraint release. The shorter time scale over- and undershoots in the orientation angle appear to be qualitatively explained by considering the differences in extension or contraction of segments along the polymer chain. © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Polym Sci B: Polym Phys 36: 265–280, 1998
Characteristics of growth and protein synthesis in skeletal muscles of normal and dystrophic chickens

Several characteristics of cellular growth and protein synthesis were measured in vivo in the breast and leg muscles of normal (line 454) and hereditary muscular dystrophic (line 455) New Hampshire chickens at different ages. Fractional rates of protein synthesis (ks) were calculated from the rate of incorporation of labeled tyrosine administered continuously via a subcutaneous injection of an emulsion of L-[U-14C]tyrosine in sesame oil. Only the breast muscle showed signs of gross hypertrophy. The hypertrophy involved an abnormally rapid accumulation of protein, DNA and RNA. In dystrophic chickens, ks was at least 170% of the normal rates at 2, 5 and 52 weeks. The elevated ks was presumably a reflection of the higher DNA and RNA concentrations relative to those in normal birds. Because the RNA/DNA ratio and the activities of RNA and DNA were similar to values observed in normal birds, there may be no defect in the synthesis machinery per se.
Glucosamine is a normal component of liver glycogen.

There have been several reports of the incorporation of glucosamine into liver glycogen by an intraperitoneal injection of galactosamine, but it has not previously been considered that glucosamine is a normal component of liver glycogen. We now report that glucosamine occurs endogenously in rabbit- and pig-liver glycogens in the amount of about 1 nmol per 10 mg glycogen. Like the glucosamine incorporated by exogenous administration of galactosamine, the endogenous glucosamine takes the place of 1,4-linked α-glucose residues. It is found in both the outer and inner chains of the glycogen molecule.
Investigation of viable approaches to AAPSM intensity imbalance reduction for 65nm lithography

This paper investigates possible solutions to intensity imbalance minimization for 65nm node application through rigorous vector simulations. It provides a strategic plan to select the right technology for AAPSM application. Technologies such as undercut, bias, combination of undercut and bias and use of a Transparent Etch Stop Layer (TESL) are compared. The study looks at the effect of through pitch, defocus, phase error and sidewall profile on space CD bias for the technologies mentioned to determine the set of conditions that would provide the best compromise between performance and manufacturability. Simulations indicate the use of TESL along with undercut would provide best compromise between manufacturability and performance. Simulation results show that performance can be improved considerably by optimizing phase target. The use of vertical side walls is sufficient if the purpose of simulation is to determine trends. For more accurate simulations it is suggested that the profile used in simulation be matched to profiles seen on manufactured AAPSM.
Resonance Raman spectroscopic studies of enzymesubstrate intermediates at 5 K

Abstract A simple and versatile system for resonance Raman (RR) spectroscopic analysis of enzymesubstrate complexes at liquid helium temperatures is described. The system allows us to record high-quality RR spectra for dithioacyl papain intermediates (MeO-Phe-Gly- and MeO-Gly-Gly-Phe-Gly-C ( S)S-papain) in ice matrices at 5 K. Based on established structure-spectra correlations, it is concluded that the active-site conformation of the intermediates about the φ′, ψ′ glycinic linkages and cysteine-25 side chain is B-G + -P H both in ice matrices at 5 K and in solution at room temperature.
Towards a unified description of the hydrogen bond network of liquid water: A dynamics based approach

The definition of a hydrogen bond (H-bond) is intimately related to the topological and dynamic properties of the hydrogen bond network within liquid water. The development of a universal H-bond definition for water is an active area of research as it would remove many ambiguities in the network properties that derive from the fixed definition employed to assign whether a water dimer is hydrogen bonded. This work investigates the impact that an electronic-structure based definition, an energetic, and a geometric definition of the H-bond has upon both topological and dynamic network behavior of simulated water. In each definition, the use of a cutoff (either geometric or energetic) to assign the presence of a H-bond leads to the formation of transiently bonded or broken dimers, which have been quantified within the simulation data. The relative concentration of transient species, and their duration, results in two of the three definitions sharing similarities in either topological or dynamic features (H-bond distribution, H-bond lifetime, etc.), however no two definitions exhibit similar behavior for both classes of network properties. In fact, two networks with similar local network topology (as indicated by similar average H-bonds) can have dramatically different global network topology (as indicated by the defect state distributions) and altered H-bond lifetimes. A dynamics based correction scheme is then used to remove artificially transient H-bonds and to repair artificially broken bonds within the network such that the corrected network exhibits the same structural and dynamic properties for two H-bond definitions (the properties of the third definition being significantly improved). The algorithm described represents a significant step forward in the development of a unified hydrogen bond network whose properties are independent of the original hydrogen bond definition that is employed.
Quantitative changes in myocardial nucleic acids and protein during normothermic and hypothermic pulsatile perfusion with bloodless fluid.

Abstract Pulsatile perfusion of rabbit hearts with bloodless fluid was performed for 2 to 6 h at normothermic and hypothermic temperatures. All perfused hearts became edematous with the maximum gain in weight occurring at 37°C and the minimum at 5 to 15°C perfusion. Concomitantly, the dry weight fraction of hearts decreased, with the minimum decrease noted at 15°C and the maximum at 37°C perfusion temperature. The DNA content of perfused hearts declined, with the sharpest drop registered at 2-h perfusion and the maximum retention of DNA observed at 25°C. Protein content of myocardium in perfused hearts decreased with the minimum loss observed during 15°C perfusion. In contrast to DNA and protein, the RNA levels were essentially unchanged. It is concluded the pulsatile perfusion within a 15 to 25° temperature range insures maximum retention of myocardial dry weight fraction, DNA, protein and RNA.
Nonparametric estimates of standard error: The jackknife, the bootstrap and other methods

SUMMARY We discuss several nonparametric methods for attaching a standard error to a point estimate: the jackknife, the bootstrap, half-sampling, subsampling, balanced repeated replications, the infinitesimal jackknife, influence function techniques and the delta method. The last three methods are shown to be identical. All the methods derive from the same basic idea, which is also the idea underlying the common parametric methods. Extended numerical comparisons are made for the special case of the correlation coefficient.
High modulus high toughness films for long duration balloon applications

A study is currently underway to develop a polyethylene based long duration balloon (LDB) material for NASA use. The material must have a high tensile modulus, at least 700 MPa, while maintaining a high toughness to withstand the rigors of high altitude flight for weeks or months. A polyethylene (PE) based system was chosen to keep the excellent low temperature properties of PE as well as the infrared OR) and ultraviolet (UV) characteristics, and low film density.
3D83 - An easy-to-use software package for three-dimensional display from computed tomograms

3D83 is a software package for three-dimensional display from computed tomograms, which has been designed to put as little demand as possible on the user's time. It produces images which are similar to what would be seen if an organ was removed from the body, possibly cut open and then photographed from different directions.
The Effect of the Elimination of Sales Tax Deductibility on State Fiscal Decisions

This article formulates and estimates a model of state government to assess the effect of the elimination of state sales-tax deductibility on state fiscal decisions. Government is modeled as maximizing a social welfare function defined over public expenditures and taxes. The model yields a plausible characterization of state government behavior. The simulations on the uncompensated and compensated removal of sales-tax deductibility suggest that this change will lead to cutbacks in key areas of state government spending and in state government reliance on its major tax sources. The largest changes will be sizable cutbacks in state government reliance on the sales tax and in spending for income-transfer programs. Sales-tax revenues will fall by the largest proportion in higher-income states and expenditures for income-transfer programs will fall by the largest proportion in lower-income states.
Free-space optical links for board-to-board interconnects

We describe two free-space optical links for multichannel optical interconnects. The targeted aggregate data rate is 240 Gb/s. In one implementation we use a unique implementation of telecentric optics and achieved an optical link that is simple, robust, and modular. We describe a simple, inexpensive telecentric lens that can accommodate all optical channels within a 1-mm-diameter sweet zone. We also describe the performance of an optical link with a 4×4 array of VCSELs and matching detectors. The integrity of the optical link is not significantly degraded with a>±2 mm translational misalignment between the VCSEL and detector arrays. With the telecentric optical link, we need only two low-bandwidth, single-axis active servomechanisms to compensate for static tilt and possibly low-frequency thermally-driven shift between the transmitter and receiver arrays. In the other implementaion we use two matching arrays of 1×12 optical fibers. Data are coupled optically through an air gap of 2 mm by means of a pair of collimating microlens arrays that are aligned to one another via precision mechanical subassemblies. We describe a simple, inexpensive, and robust mechanical coupling for the optical link achieved by using miniature high-flux magnets.
Incorporation, distribution and fate of saturated petroleum hydrocarbons in sediments from a controlled marine ecosystem

Abstract A simulation of a chronic input of petroleum into an estuarine environment was investigated using the facilities at the Marine Ecosystems Research Laboratory at the University of Rhode Island. An oil-water dispersion of No. 2 fuel oil was added to the system (twice weekly for 24 weeks) and the saturated hydrocarbons from this oil were measured in suspended material and sediments. After the initial chronic oil addition, trace amounts of hydrocarbons were detected in the sediments within two weeks, but substantial accumulation was not detected for approximately 135 days. The oil appeared to enter the sediment via the suspended material, with most of the saturated hydrocarbons associated with smaller size sediment particles ( μ m to > 0·3 μ m). With time, the fuel oil saturated hydrocarbons in the sediments were mixed to a depth of 3 to 4 cm. Although only 12% of the total saturated hydrocarbons added to the system were found in the sediments, these hydrocarbons appear to be relatively stable and were still detectable in these sediments for at least six months after the last oil addition.
Visual priming of pharmaceutical advertising disclosures: effects of a motivation factor

Purpose – This study seeks to examine how consumers perceive a pharmaceutical company's advertisement through visual priming of the disclosure featured in the advertisement.Design/methodology/approach – An online study with a convenience sample consisting of college students is used to examine the effects of a visually primed pharmaceutical advertising disclosure on attitude toward responsible advertising practice, trust toward the advertisement and attitude toward the advertisement.Findings – The results reveal that consumers form better attitudes toward responsible advertising practice and higher levels of trust toward the advertisement when the disclosure is visually primed in the advertisement. However, visual priming of the disclosure may not enhance consumers' attitudes toward the advertisement. Further evidence indicates that allergy status, a motivation factor, has the main effect on attitude toward the advertisement. When consumers have allergies, they tend to form better attitudes toward the adv...
Radiographic imaging of bronchioloalveolar carcinoma: screening, patterns of presentation and response assessment.

Abstract:Bronchioloalveolar carcinoma (BAC) is a previously uncommon subset of adenocarcinoma with unique epidemiology, pathology, radiographic presentation, clinical features, and natural history compared with other non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) subtypes. Classically, BAC demonstrates a relati
Communication in Diagnostic Radiology

Summary Communication in the diagnostic radiology department in regard to the current work load has been discussed with certain recommendations being made to increase efficiency. The need for improvement in communication equipment and techniques is necessitated by problems facing diagnostic radiology today.
RELATIONSHIPS BETWEEN SUSPENDED SOLIDS, TURBIDITY, LIGHT ATTENUATION, AND ALGAL PRODUCTIVITY

ABSTRACT The effects on algal productivity of changes in light availability because of suspended materials entering a lake from storm runoff or turbidity generated by wind mixing of sediments are often discussed. The relationships between suspended solids, turbidity, Secchi disk depth, light attenuation, and the resulting photosynthetic response of algae are not well documented. Data from several TVA reservoirs indicate that variations in the available light due to turbidity of the water are large and must be described in more detail before accurate predictions of algal dynamics and macrophyte growth can be achieved. Basic relationships between the various measurements of turbidity, suspended solids, Secchi disk depth, and light attenuation are given. This allows frequent measurements of turbidity or Secchi disk depth to be combined with daily solar radiation and less frequent chlorophyll and C14productivity data to yield a detailed estimate of algal productivity within a reservoir or lake throughout the ...
Bradykinin B2-receptors mediate the pressor and renal hemodynamic effects of intravenous bradykinin in conscious rats

Abstract Bradykinin (BK) is a peptide which evokes remarkably different changes in cardiovascular function. Systemic bolus injection of BK results in a rapid drop in blood pressure via an endothelium-dependent mechanism. On the other hand, local administration of BK can activate a powerful pressor reflex by stimulating afferent nerves located in the abdominal viscera, the heart, and the kidney. In the present study, the cardiovascular and renal hemodynamic effects during sustained (intravenous infusion) and transient (intravenous bolus injection) elevations in circulating BK were characterized and the receptor mechanism eliciting these effects was investigated. Mean arterial pressure (MAP), heart rate (HR), and renal blood flow (RBF) were recorded from conscious unrestrained rats while five-point cumulative dose-response curves were constructed during infusion or bolus injection of BK (5–80 μg kg−1). Infusion of BK produced dose-dependent increases in MAP (maximum response=27±3 mm Hg) accompanied by a significant tachycardia (maximum response=159±20 bpm), a 28±6% increase in RBF, and no changes in renal vascular resistance (RVR). The BK-induced increases in MAP, HR, and RBF were abolished after treatment with a ganglion blocker (maximum responses: MAP=2±3 mm Hg, HR=13±4 bpm, RBF=4±2%) or with an agent which blocks B2-receptors (maximum responses: MAP=1±1 mm Hg, HR=6±5 bpm, RBF=6±2%). In marked contrast, bolus administration of BK resulted in hypotensive responses (maximum decline in MAP=−37±4 mm Hg), reflex tachycardia (maximum increase in HR=45±9 bpm), increases in RBF (maximum response=13±4%), and significant reductions in RVR (maximum response=38±5%). These responses were also prevented when B2-receptors were blocked (maximum responses: MAP=3±2 mm Hg, HR=17±6 bpm, RBF=3±3%, RVR=9±4%). In summary, BK infusions activated a cardiopressor reflex while BK injections caused hypotension. These opposite effects were both mediated via B2-receptors. These findings suggest that BK can have complex effects on the cardiovascular system that may be dependent on the sites, magnitude, and duration of elevated BK concentrations.
Input of excess CO2 to the surface ocean based on 13C/12C ratios in a banded Jamaican sclerosponge

The CO2 content of the atmosphere has increased during the past two centuries as a result of the combustion of fossil fuels for energy1 and the reduction of forest and soil carbon reservoirs on land2. The amount of CO2 added to the atmosphere from fossil-fuel burning is known from historical records1 (±10%), but the contribution from reduction of the terrestrial biosphere is far less certain. Several authors have estimated the relative contributions from the two sources by measuring the change in the 13C/12C ratio in atmospheric CO2 as revealed in tree rings3–8 (CO2 derived from these two sources is depleted in 13C with respect to that in the atmosphere). Using trees in the Northern Hemisphere, recent estimates of the integrated CO2 release from the terrestrial biosphere since AD 1800 ranged from 70% (ref. 5) to 90% (ref. 9) of that released from fossil fuels. Here we present surface ocean δ13C and δ18O records measured in the skeleton of a living sclerosponge (Ceratoporella nicholsoni), which accretes aragonite in isotopic equilibrium with the surrounding sea water/dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC) system. The δ13C record reveals a decrease of 0.50‰ from 1820 to 1972. Using a model of the world carbon cycle and a deconvolution of our δ13C data, we estimate that the amount of excess CO2 derived from the terrestrial biosphere is ∼38% of that from fossil-fuel sources. Our model calculations support a preindustrial CO2 concentration in the atmosphere of 280 p.p.m.v. (parts per million by volume), in agreement with direct measurements of air occluded in Antarctic ice cores10.
The inhibitory effect of human endothelial cell monolayers on platelet reactions and its inhibition by aspirin

Abstract Primary cultures of human endothelial cells released an inhibitor of platelet aggregation when the cell monolayer was incubated with PRP, PPP or buffer. The amount released increased as the incubation time increased. The inhibitor also was released when the endothelial monolayer was incubated with platelets which had been treated with aspirin to block the formation of endoperoxides. The inhibitory effect also increased when PRP samples were exposed to collagen in the presence of endothelial cells. The inhibitory activity resembled that of PGI2 (prostacyclin), and preincubation of the endothelial cells with aspirin inhibited the time-dependent increase observed in the controls. We suggest that the platelet inhibitory activity of endothelial cells is synthesized from an endogenous precursor and released to the surroundings. Synthesis of the inhibitor was increased by cyclic endoperoxides formed during platelet aggregation and was decreased by treatment of the endothelial monolayer with aspirin.
Paradoxical facilitation of object reversal learning after transection of the fornix in monkeys.

Abstract The performance of monkeys with fornix transections was compared on an object discrimination task in the tactual and visual modalities. Operated monkeys obtained normal learning scores in the tactual mode, however, they performed significantly better than normal control animals in the visual mode. While the reasons for this facilitation of performance remain unclear, a learning deficit seems unlikely. The results are discussed in the light of the existing experimental evidence on the effects of damage to the hippocampal formation on visual and tactual reversal learning in monkeys and other species.
Film-Boiling Heat Transfer From a Horizontal Surface

Taylor-Helmholtz Hydrodynamic Instability and its significance with regard to film boiling heat transfer from a horizontal surface is discussed. It is shown that near the minimum film-boiling heat flux, the bubble spacing and growth rate is determined by Taylor Instability neglecting the effect of fluid depth and viscosity. Utilizing a simplified geometrical model, an analytical expression for the heat-transfer coefficient near the minimum in film pool boiling from a honizontal surface was derived. Combining this equation with the available correlation for the minimum heat flux yields an analytical equation for the temperature difference at the minimum, which defines the location of the minimum point. The above equations agree with the available experimental measurements made on n-pentane and carbon tetracliloride within plus or minus 10 per cent. (auth)
Case-Based Reasoning: Taming the Similarity Heuristic:

Case-Based Reasoning (CBR) is a methodology for employing imprecise data and uncertain information in the development of solutions to fuzzy real world problems. It is seen as an alternative to rule-based systems, which may fail under these conditions. Under the sponsorship of DARPA, we have developed a generic CBR shell.The system was evaluated in the domain of NACA airfoils. A subject matter expert was asked to select airfoils (cases) which were similar to target airfoils. He then defined attributes and weights by which he had judged this similarity. These parameters were then used by PROSPER in a retrieval of airfoils similar to the same targets. From a case base of 98 airfoils, PROSPER retrieved 9 out of 17 selected by the expert. After modifying the similarity algorithms, PROSPER retrieved 11 out of 17.
Clinical and molecular studies in full trisomy 22: Further delineation of the phenotype and review of the literature. Reply to Dr. Hirschhorn

This {open_quotes}Letter to the Editor{close_quotes} responds to the criticism that certain trisomy 22 cases in the literature were not included in an earlier review by delineating the phenotype more specifically. 2 refs.
The influence of sex on the phenotype of rheumatoid arthritis.

Objective To explore whether there are different disease patterns of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in women and men. Methods We studied 55 male case patients and 110 female control patients who developed RA between 1970 and 1985 and who resided and received medical care in Olmsted County, Minnesota, for at least 10 years after the diagnosis of RA. Case and control patients were matched for the date of first diagnosis. The pattern and extent of joint involvement, the frequency of joint surgeries, and the presence and type of extraarticular manifestations were determined by retrospective chart review. Results Incidence rates in women were variable and age dependent, whereas the risk in men older than 36 years was constant over their lifetime. Erosive disease was more frequent in men than in women (72% versus 55%, respectively; P < 0.05) and tended to occur earlier (47% versus 31% for erosive disease within the first 4 years of RA). Although male sex was correlated with a higher risk of bony erosions and an accelerated course of RA, structural consequences of joint destruction were more pronounced in women. Joint surgery was performed more frequently in women (50%) than in men (27%) (P = 0.01). In particular, the frequencies of arthroplasties and arthrodeses of hand and foot joints were different (34 procedures in women versus 1 procedure in men; P < 0.001). Sex influenced the risk as well as the pattern of organ involvement in RA. Nodules and rheumatoid lung disease were typical manifestations in men (P = 0.001 and P < 0.001, respectively), whereas women typically developed sicca syndrome (P = 0.05). Despite differences in disease aggressiveness and disease pattern, there was little difference in the medical therapy in the men compared with the women. Conclusion RA is a heterogeneous disease with variations in phenotype. Sex-associated factors influence disease severity as well as disease pattern. Because sex-related effects influence treatment goals, treatment responses, and side effects, they should be considered in clinical study design and analysis as well as in the treatment decisions for individual patients with RA.
Spectroscopic Method for Estimation of Soil Organic Carbon

The amount of soil organic carbon (OC) is a good indicator of a soil's productivity potential. Thus, OC analyses are routinely used to evaluate the soil's potential to supply N during a cropping season, or to assess the potential adsorption of a herbicide. Two methods are currently used to determine OC in soil. Both have some limitations for use in processing large numbers of samples for routine analyses. The dry combustion procedure requires expensive instrumentation, while the wet digestion procedure is rather lengthy and the disposal of Cr can be a problem. This study describes a new method for a relatively inexpensive, accurate, and rapid determination of OC in soil. Finely ground soil samples are equilibrated with an extracting solution of 0.25 M KOH and 0.05 M Na₂-EDTA (ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid) for 2 h at 85 °C. After cooling, absorbance of the extract was measured at 260 nm. An empirical equation is used to obtain an indirect estimate of soil OC. The empirical equation was developed from comparative analysis between the dry combustion and the proposed spectrophotometric method (r² = 0.89) by using a series of soils of different genesis and development. The method was further evaluated by analysis of samples from two soil profiles not used in the development of the equation, and the results were in close agreement with those obtained from dry combustion.
A Comparison of Non-Adjusted and Bootstrapped Methods: Bootstrapped Diagnosis Might Be Worth the Trouble.

This study compared the diagnostic accuracy of non-adjusted (Rorer, Hoffman, LaForge, and Hsieh, 1966) and bootstrapped (Rorer and Dawes, 1982) diagnosis using a sample of 1,455 psychiatric inpatients who had completed the Millon Clinical Multiaxial Inventory. The usefulness of bootstrapping depended on the criteria for accuracy. Bootstrapping showed no benefit with regard to overall accuracy. Sensitivity increased for five scales upon bootstrapping, although specificity decreased on two scales. The strongest support for bootstrapped diagnosis was in terms of positive and negative predictive power. Positive predictive power increased for 10 scales upon bootstrapping, with no loss in negative predictive power. The discussion examines the conditions under which bootstrapping might increase diagnostic accuracy.
INTERMITTENT STIMULATION BY LIGHT : V. THE RELATION BETWEEN INTENSITY AND CRITICAL FREQUENCY FOR DIFFERENT PARTS OF THE SPECTRUM

1. An optical system is described which furnishes large flickering fields whose brightness, even when reduced with monochromatic filters, is capable of covering the complete range of the relation between critical frequency and intensity. 2. For a centrally located test field of 19 degrees diameter, with light from different parts of the spectrum, the data divide into a low intensity section identified with rod function, and a high intensity section identified with cone function. The transition between the two sections is marked by an inflection point which is sharp, except for 450 and 490 mmicro where, though clearly present, it is somewhat rounded. 3. The intensity range covered by the flicker function is smallest in the red, and increases steadily as the wave-length decreases. The increase is due entirely to the extent of the low intensity, rod section which is smallest (non-existent for S. S.) in the red and largest in the violet. The high intensity cone portion for all colors is in the same position on the intensity axis, and the only effect of decreasing wave-length is to shift the rod section to lower intensities without changing its shape. 4. The measurements are faithfully described by two similar equations, one for the rods and one for the cones, both equations being derived from the general stationary state equation already used for various visual functions.
Social Position, Social Desirability and Self-Esteem

Welfare clients occupy a position of low desirability, whereas college students, by reason of familial ties or prospective future contribution, occupy a position of high desirability. Significant differences were obtained between these two groups on self-esteem and length of time on welfare was a significant factor in welfare clients' self-esteem.
Female authorship in major academic gastroenterology journals: a look over 20 years

Background Authorship in peer-reviewed medical journals is a marker for success in academic medicine. Objective To determine the representation of female physicians among authors of original research in U.S. gastroenterology journals. Design Retrospective. Subjects All first and senior U.S. authors of original research published in the years 1992, 1997, 2002, 2007, and 2012 in the following journals: Gastroenterology , Hepatology , American Journal of Gastroenterology , Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology (CGH) , and Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (GIE) . Main Outcome Measurements The percentage of female first and senior authors compared with the percentage of women practicing in academic gastroenterology. Results We evaluated 6490 articles, of which 2275 original research articles and 455 editorials were eligible for inclusion. Author gender was determined for 98.5% of the 3792 authors. Overall, female first authors increased from 9.1 ± 2.9% in 1992 to 29.3 ± 4.9% in 2012 ( P P P for trend CGH , and CGH and GIE , respectively. For each of the years examined with the exception of 1997, the proportion of women in the senior author position was less than expected based on the proportion of women among academic gastroenterologists ( P P = .18 for 1997). Limitations Descriptive study. Conclusions The percentage of U.S. female physician authors of original research in major gastroenterology journals has increased over time, yet the percentage of women in the senior author position remains lower than expected. Further research should explore potential reasons for this gender gap.
Survey research measurement issues in evaluating change: A laboratory investigation

Efforts to operationalize the alpha/beta/gamma change typology have suffered from a notable limita tion. Virtually all have been conducted in field set tings, thereby limiting the degree of experimental con trol over outcome criteria. Recognizing this limitation, the present study employed a laboratory methodology to investigate two research questions related to scale recalibration (beta change) in temporal survey re search. Application of this methodology permitted ran dom respondent assignment, exact replication of stim uli, and systematic time interval variation for the pretest-posttest design. Furthermore, the use of these procedures permitted testing the use of the retrospec tive design in assessing organizational change. Impli cations of the findings for the measurement of change are discussed.
Technique for normalizing intensity histograms of images when the approximate size of the target is known: Detection of feces on apples using fluorescence imaging

A challenge in machine vision is to develop algorithms for detecting a substance with an amorphous shape when measured responses of both the substance and the underlying target have similar characteristics. The challenge is exacerbated when responses for targets are highly variable both across and within discrete target units. An example of this problem is the detection of fecal contamination on apples. Feces on apples can be detected using differential fluorescence responses of contaminated and uncontaminated apple surfaces to UV excitation. However, responses of both feces and apples are due to the presence of chlorophyll-related compounds, and the response of apples varies within and between apples due to natural variation in the distribution of these compounds. We present a technique for normalizing the variability of intensity responses among targets based on a priori knowledge of the image dimensions and the approximate target size. Using this information, a linear equation is derived based on the approximate median intensities of the background and of the target. The median intensities are estimated by calculating a cumulative intensity histogram and using a priori estimates of the percentage of the area in the image occupied by the background and by a generic target. The image is scaled for uniform intensity power using this linear transformation. The benefits of using this technique are demonstrated using hyperspectral fluorescence responses to UV excitation of 48 Golden Delicious and 48 Red Delicious apples artificially contaminated with dilutions of cow feces. Results show that the uniform power transformation normalizes the intensity distributions of apple images and increases the contrast between contaminated and uncontaminated areas on apple surfaces; the coefficients of variation for the average intensities of uncontaminated apple surfaces at 668nm for Golden and Red Delicious apples were reduced from 39 and 55%, respectively, to 5% for both varieties.
Long range base pairing in bacteriophage φ X174 single-stranded DNA☆

Abstract Standard formamide/cytochrome c spreading conditions, modified by the addition of 0·5 m -ammonium acetate, have been used to visualize reproducible structures resulting from long range base pairing in single-stranded DNA from bacteriophage φX174. The most highly folded circular viral DNA molecules appeared as three-lobed structures, and one or two of these lobes were also found in less folded molecules. The lobes defined three structural domains of characteristic size and morphology. The locations of these domains and seven of the stem and loop structures comprising them have been mapped relative to the molecular ends of denatured Pst I-cleaved replicative form DNA. Their orientation relative to the φX174 genetic map and nucleotide sequence was determined using denatured Hpa I-cleaved replicative form DNA. An examination of the nucleotide sequence in regions corresponding to the observed structures revealed potential base pairing with calculated negative free energies from −21 to −46 kcal/mol. The total length of the paired regions averaged 33 base-pairs, but the paired segments include no more than 11 consecutive base-pairs (including G.T pairs) interspersed with unpaired DNA of varying length. The observed structures and proposed base-paired sequences bring the 5′ and 3′ ends of linear φX174 DNA, cleaved at the origin of viral strand replication, close together which may facilitate their rejoining by φX174 gene A protein following DNA replication. In some but not all of the φX174 messenger RNA transcripts the ribosome binding sites for genes C and E may be involved in base pairing which might in part account for the relatively small quantities of their polypeptide products synthesized in vivo .
Anomalous solubility parameter and probe dependency of polymer-polymer interaction parameter in inverse gas chromatography

Abstract Inverse gas chromatography (IGC) has been widely used to measure the Flory–Huggins interaction parameters, χ, between two polymers. For over two decades studies have shown the polymer–polymer interaction parameter to be probe dependent. This study found that the solubility parameters of miscible polymer blends measured by IGC were lower than the volume average values of the components. This led to the conclusion that when specific interactions occur between two polymers the probes have less probability to contact the functional groups of the polymers, leading to a lower apparent solubility parameter. Using the solubility parameter model this deviation was shown to cause the probe dependency. Two methods were proposed to test the miscibility. One was to examine the deviation of the specific retention volume from the weight average rule. The other was to plot ϕ2ϕ3RT(χ23/V2) vs. the solubility parameters of probes. For miscible blends a linear trend with negative slope was observed. The slope was proportional to the deviation of solubility parameter of the polymer mixtures from the volume average, which could be used as a measurement for miscibility.
Wild Type p53 Stimulates Expression from the Human Multidrug Resistance Promoter in a p53-negative Cell Line

The effect of human wild type and mutant p53 proteins on the human multidrug resistance (MDR1) promoter was studied in a p53-negative human cell line. Transient expression of MDR1 promoter-chloramphenicol acetyltransferase reporter gene constructs (MDRCAT) cotransfected with p53 expression vectors was analyzed in H358 lung carcinoma cells. Cotransfection with a wild type p53 expression vector stimulated MDRCAT activity, while cotransfection with mutant p53 expression vectors altered at amino acid positions 181, 252, 258, or 273 failed to stimulate expression. Wild type p53 stimulation of MDRCAT activity was time dependent with maximal expression occurring 24-30 h following transfection and correlating with high p53 protein levels. MDR1 promoter deletion analysis suggested that the sequences involved in wild type p53 stimulation of MDRCAT activity were contained within the region from −39 to +53 relative to the start of transcription at +1. This region contains no TATA or p53 consensus binding sequence but does contain an initiator sequence. Wild type p53 stimulation of MDRCAT expression also occurred in parental and doxorubicin-resistant SW620 colon and parental 2780 ovarian cancer cell lines, indicating that wild type p53-mediated simulation of the MDR1 promoter is not restricted to a single cell line.
Effect of Stress Prior to Slaughter on the Chemical Composition of Raw and Cooked Pork

SUMMARY Data are presented showing that stress from periodic electric sitimulation prior to slaughter significantly affected the chemical composition and cooking losses of certain chemical components of the longissimus dorsi, psoas major, and quadriceps femoris muscles of swine.
Abstract 1780: Potentiating chronic myeloid leukaemia treatment using oligomeric disruption and RNAi

Proceedings: AACR 102nd Annual Meeting 2011‐‐ Apr 2‐6, 2011; Orlando, FL Exploiting multiple pathways to treat Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia (CML) may improve therapeutic efficacy. CML is caused by expression of the tyrosine kinase oncoprotein, Bcr-Abl, in hematopoietic stem cells resulting in an overproliferative granulocyte cell lineage. Increased circulation of granulocytes or granulocyte progenitors floods the circulatory system resulting in organ failure, infection, hemorrhage and eventually death. Imatinib (Gleevec®) therapy is initially effective in about two-thirds of patients; however resistance to this drug may develop over the course of the disease. Recent reports in the literature have combined imatinib therapy with RNA interference (RNAi) technology in vitro resulting in a more effective induction of apoptosis. An engineered peptide which binds the coiled-coil domain of Bcr-Abl prevents oligomerization and transactivation of the oncogene in K562 cells. This disruption of Bcr-Abl reduces proliferation and blocks downstream oncogenic signaling. To enhance therapeutic efficacy we have integrated short hairpin-mediated RNAi against known disease progression or anti-apoptotic proteins. RNAi targets include autophagy promoting factor ATG7, the aberrant oncoprotein MUC-1, and a leukemic stem cell factor Alox5. Experimental constructs were tested in Bcr-Abl containing K562 cells, a CML blast phase model. Colony forming assays, microscopy and flow cytometry were used to asses proliferation, transformative ability, and apoptosis. When combined with a plasmid encoding the peptide which disrupts Bcr-Abl function, an additive or synergistic enhancement of apoptosis is possible. Targeting CML-causing cells simultaneously through disparate cellular pathways promotes a more complete apoptosis in CML than with currently available TKI therapies. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 102nd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2011 Apr 2-6; Orlando, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2011;71(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 1780. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2011-1780
Permeability of in vitro blood-brain barrier models

The blood-brain barrier (BBB) is a major obstacle for drug delivery to the brain for treatment of CNS disorders. To search for more convenient models in studying the transport across the BBB, we compared four in vitro models: endothelial monoculture (bEnd3 cell line), coculture of bEnd3 and astrocytes (coculture), coculture with collagen type I and IV mixture, and coculture with Matrigel. We also quantified the hydraulic conductivity (Lp), trans-electrical resistance (TER) and diffusive permeability (P) of these models to three solutes: TAMRA, Dextran 10K and Dextran70K. Our results showed that Lp and P of the endothelial monolayer and coculture models are not different from each other. Compared with in vivo permeability data from rat pial microvessels [1], P of the endothelial monolayer and coculture models are not significantly different from in vivo data for Dextran 70K while they are 2–4 times higher for TAMRA and Dextran 10K. The results suggested that endothelial monolayer and all the coculture models are fairly good models for studying transport of relatively large solutes across the BBB.
Rapid separation of anionic oligosaccharide species by high performance liquid chromatography

Abstract We have developed a method for the rapid separation of anionic oligosaccharide species by high-performance liquid chromatography utilizing a MicroPak AX-10 ion-exchange column (Varian Associates) with the mobile phase consisting of 25–500 m m KH2PO4, pH4.0. Separation of oligosaccharides bearing zero, one, two, three or four sialic acid residues requires less than 45 min. Oligosaccharides containing mannose-6-PO4 moieties in monoester or diester linkage can also be analyzed in this system. Preparative separations of as much as 20 mg of oligosaccharide can be accomplished in a single chromatographic analysis with quantitative yields of oligosaccharide. This method should prove useful for the rapid isolation and characterization of anionic oligosaccharide species.