cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Rbl2p, a yeast protein that binds to β-tubulin and participates in microtubule function in vivo

Genetic configurations resulting in high ratios of beta-tubulin to alpha-tubulin are toxic in S. cerevisiae, causing microtubule disassembly and cell death. We identified three non-tubulin yeast genes that, when overexpressed, rescue cells from excess beta-tubulin. One, RBL2, rescues beta-tubulin lethality as efficiently as does alpha-tubulin. Rbl2p binds to beta-tubulin in vivo. Deficiencies or excesses of either Rbl2p or alpha-tubulin affect microtubule-dependent functions in a parallel fashion. Rbl2p has functional homology with murine cofactor A, a protein important for in vitro assays of beta-tubulin folding. The results suggest that Rbl2p participates in microtubule morphogenesis but not in the assembled polymer.
Late Quaternary atmospheric and oceanographic variations in the western Pacific inferred from pollen and radiolarian analyses

Abstract Pollen and radiolarian analyses of sediment from four piston cores located along a south-north transect (28–44°N) off the east coast of Japan yield detailed records of variations in terrestrial and marine climate of this region for the last 140 ka. The last interglacial climate of the southern half of Japan was characterized by increased temperature and precipitation (at least across central Japan) compared with today. Off southern Japan, surface were cooler during summer than at present; off central Japan, both summer and winter sea-surface temperatures were cooler than today. Early glacial (115-71 ka BP) climate across central and southern Japan alternated between wet and dry warm temperate, with surface waters offshore warmer in summer and winter than during the penultimate interglacial. Temperatures and precipitation in Japan reached low levels early during the full glacial phase and remained relatively low throughout much of the full glacial (71-14 ka BP). Cold sea-surface temperatures at all our sites coincided with these cold conditions on land. Temperatures across much of Japan began to increase steadily during the deglacial, with surface waters offshore remaining at or near their glacial lows. Holocene vegetation patterns, which continued to reflect an increase in temperature, reached a maximum during early to mid Holocene. Surface waters offshore, however, remained relatively cool during the early Holocene with temperature maxima at most western Pacific sites occurring in mid to late Holocene. We propose specific changes in the seasonal positions of atmospheric pressure cells to explain these climate variations that have occurred across the northeast Asian/northwest Pacific region through the most recent interglacial/glacial cycle. Results of this exercise show that there are no major discrepancies between climate reconstructions for mainland Japan inferred from pollen and those for the western Pacific derived from radiolarians.
Mediators of inflammation in leukocyte lysosomes. IX. Elastinolytic activity in granules of human polymorphonuclear leukocytes.

The present study demonstrates that a granule fraction derived from human polymorphonuclear leukocytes possesses elastinolytic activity, and that the latter can be separated from the collagenase present in these cells. Properties of the human leukocyte elastase differ sufficiently from those of pancreatic elastases of different species as to suggest that the former enzyme is a distinct and separate entity. Thus, soybean trypsin inhibitor and salivary kallikrein inhibitor (Trasylol) fail to inhibit elastolysis by the pancreatic enzyme, but do inhibit the leukocyte elastinolytic agent. Elastolysis by human leukocyte granule extract does not show significant salt inhibition, whereas that catalyzed by pancreatic elastase is markedly reduced when ionic strength is increased to physiological levels. The leukocyte granule extract is at least 10 times more resistant to serum elastase inhibitor than is the purified pancreatic enzyme. Both enzymes show optimal elastolysis above pH 8.5, but the leukocyte factor still retains 50% of its maximal elastolytic activity at pH 6–7; whereas the activity of the pancreatic enzyme falls to 10% or less of its maximal value under the same conditions. The foregoing characteristics of the human leukocyte elastase suggest that it, rather than pancreatic (serum) elastase, may mediate pathological elastolysis during acute arteritis in man. In keeping with this suggestion, the present experiments also show that elastica staining of human arterial vessels is reduced by incubation of tissues with human leukocyte granule extracts in vitro.
Mitochondrial autophagy: Origins, significance, and role of BNIP3 and NIX

Mitochondrial autophagy (mitophagy) is a core cellular activity. In this review, we consider mitophagy and related cellular processes and discuss their significance for human disease. Strong parallels exist between mitophagy and xenophagy employed in host defense. These mechanisms converge on receptors in the innate immune system in clinically relevant scenarios. Mitophagy is part of a cellular quality control mechanism, which is implicated in degenerative disease, especially neurodegenerative disease. Furthermore, mitophagy is an aspect of cellular remodeling, which is employed during development. BNIP3 and NIX are related multi-functional outer mitochondrial membrane proteins. BNIP3 regulates mitophagy during hypoxia, whereas NIX is required for mitophagy during development of the erythroid lineage. Recent advances in the field of BNIP3- and NIX-mediated mitophagy are discussed.
Acute nicotinic blockade produces cognitive impairment in normal humans

Single oral doses of the central and peripheral nicotinic antagonist mecamylamine were administered to healthy young normal males in doses of 5, 10, and 20 mg in a placebo-controlled, double-blind study. The 20 mg dose caused a significant increase in errors in the learning condition of the Repeated Acquisition task, producing a slower acquisition curve. The lower doses produced less errors, but more than in the placebo condition. There was no effect of drug on the performance component (retrieval of previously learned information). On the recognition memory task, dose-related increases in false-alarms during the delay period were seen, with little effect on misses or hits. Reaction time measures suggested a dose-related slowing of RT on several tasks. Behavioral effects were minimal and physiologic measures were consistent with dose-related ganglionic blockade. We interpret these results to indicate that acute blockade of nicotinic receptor function can produce measurable and significant cognitive impairment, even in non-smoking normals.
Hausdorff-type measures of the sample paths of fractional Brownian motion

Abstract Let φ be a Hausdorff measure function and let Λ be an infinite increasing sequence of positive integers. The Hausdorff-type measure φ - m Λ associated to φ and Λ is studied. Let X(t) (t∈ R N ) be fractional Brownian motion of index α in R d . We evaluate the exact φ - m Λ measure of the image and graph set of X ( t ). A necessary and sufficient condition on the sequence Λ is given so that the usual Hausdorff measure functions for X ([0,1] N ) and Gr X([0,1] N ) are still the correct measure functions. If the sequence Λ increases faster, then some smaller measure functions will give positive and finite ( φ , Λ )-Hausdorff measure for X ([0,1] N ) and Gr X([0,1] N )
Effect of Iron Sources and Ascorbic Acid on the Chemical Profile of Iron in a Soy Protein Isolate

The chemical changes in the iron profile of a commercial soy protein isolate resulting from ascorbic acid and iron fortification were examined. An in vitro method was devised to simulate gastrointestinal pH and an “enhancing factor” developed as a potential in vitro indicator of iron bioavailability. Ascorbic acid supplementation of soy protein produced substantial increases in soluble iron at pH 4 and 6. The solubilizing effect of ascorbic acid on iron was concentration and pH-dependent and contingent upon the exogenous iron source present. The exogenous iron entered a different chemical pool than the endogenous iron, thus raising questions about the concept of a nonheme pool at high levels of exogenous iron.
Tolerance for immunosuppression in organ transplantation.

Background Insight into the mechanisms of organ engraftment and acquired tolerance has made it possible to facilitate these mechanisms, by tailoring the timing and dosage of immunosuppression in accordance with two therapeutic principles: recipient pretreatment and minimum use of posttransplant immunosuppression. We aimed to apply these principles in recipients of renal and extrarenal organ transplants. Methods 82 patients awaiting kidney, liver, pancreas, or intestinal transplantation were pretreated with about 5 mg/kg of a broadly reacting rabbit antithymocyte globulin during several hours. Posttransplant immunosuppression was restricted to tacrolimus unless additional drugs were needed to treat breakthrough rejection. After 4 months, patients on tacrolimus monotherapy were considered for dose-spacing to every other day or longer intervals. Findings We frequently saw evidence of immune activation in graft biopsy samples, but unless this was associated with graft dysfunction or serious immune destruction, treatment usually was not intensified. Immunosuppression-related morbidity was virtually eliminated. 78 (95%) of 82 patients survived at 1 year and at 13–18 months. Graft survival was 73 (89%) of 82 at 1 year and 72 (88%) of 82 at 13–18 months. Of the 72 recipients with surviving grafts, 43 are on spaced doses of tacrolimus monotherapy: every other day (n = 6), three times per week (11), twice per week (15), or once per week (11). Interpretation The striking ability to wean immunosuppression in these recipients indicates variable induction of tolerance. The simple therapeutic principles are neither drug-specific nor organ-specific. Systematic application of these principles should allow improvements in quality of life and long-term survival after organ transplantation. (Lancet 2003;361:1502–1510)
General Combining Ability Model for Genomewide Selection in a Biparental Cross

Genomewide selection within an A/B biparental cross is most advantageous if it could be effectively done before the cross is phenotyped. Our objectives were to determine if a general combining ability (GCA) model is useful for genomewide selection in an A/B cross, and to assess the influence of training population size (N GCA ), number of crosses pooled into the training population (N ´ ), linkage disequilibrium (r 2 ), and heritability (h 2 ) on the prediction accuracy with the GCA model. The GCA model involved pooling 4 to 38 maize crosses with A and B as one of the parents into the training population for an A/B cross, whereas the same background (SB) model involved pooling crosses between random inbreds. Across 30 A/B test populations, the mean response to selection (R) with the GCA model was 0.19 Mg ha –1 for testcross grain yield, –6 g kg –1 for moisture, and 0.38 kg hL –1 for test weight. These R values with the GCA model were 68 to 76% of the corresponding R values with phenotypic selection (PS). The R values with the SB model were only 15 to 28% of the R values with PS. Increasing the size of the training population with random crosses from the same heterotic group was less important than including crosses with A and B as one of the parents. Prediction accuracy was most highly correlated with 22 GCA hr N and 22 hr N ´ . Our results indicated that the GCA model is routinely effective for genomewide selection within A/B crosses, before phenotyping the progeny in the cross.
Homolytic alkylation of oxine (8-hydroxyquinoline) with 1,4-dioxane

In the present research we investigated the possibility of the homolytic alkylation of oxine (8-hydroxyqinoline) (I) by 1,4-dioxane. On the one hand, one might have expected that, owing to the ability of oxine (I) to undergo complexing with metal ions with variable valence, the yield of alkylation products would increase substantially due to effective intramolecular oxidation of the intermediately formed cation-radical complex [i]o On the other hand, phenols are effective traps for alkyl radicals, which should have had an unfavorable effect on the course of the alkylation.
Prey responses to the presence of a native and nonnative predator

Abstract Phenotypically plastic responses to different environmental stimuli are very common across taxa and systems. For example, increased predation risk can induce a variety of defenses in gastropods including thicker shells, shells of different shapes, and development of apertural teeth. However, the role of coevolution between species that produce these defense responses and their consumers is not well known. This study examined the responses of an ovoviviparous gastropod (Littorina saxatilis) with low dispersal potential from three different habitats (marsh habitat, rocky/barnacle habitat, and cobble stone habitat) to the presence of chemical cues from a native (Dyspanopeus sayi) and nonnative (Hemigrapsus sanguineus) crab predator. This work tested the potential role of coevolution in shaping phenotypically plastic responses and whether responses to both a native and a nonnative predator differed for snails from different source sites. The morphological responses tested included shell axial growth, width growth, whorl growth, and changes in total mass. Because different traits displayed different responses, many measures of growth were examined. Overall there was a similar response to cues from native predators and the reduced diet treatment for measurements of growth, indicating a behavioral response of reduced feeding in the presence of the native predator. Snails from the marsh and barnacle habitats displayed a reduced response to cues from the nonnative predator, suggesting that they recognized this predator as a risk, but did not show as strong of a response as to the native predator. Although snails from the cobble habitat had reduced growth in the presence of the native predator, they did not have this same reduced response in the presence of the nonnative predator. This result suggests that snails from this source site do not recognize the nonnative predator as a risk. Snails in the rocky/barnacle habitat, which live in barnacle tests, also had a slower growth rate than snails from the other two source sites. These results suggest the possibility of local adaptation and genetic differences among snails from these different source sites.
Appropriate and equitable repayment of social debts

Abstract Subjects read paragraphs describing social interactions in which they or a friend incurred a social debt in each of Foa's 1971 social resource categories. Then they either ranked the six categories in order of appropriateness for repayment of the debt (Expt 1) or rated the worth of the debt and the amount of repayment from each category that would constitute equitable repayment (Expt 2). Results showed (1) that while the circular configuration of categories proposed by Foa appears tenable in general, it does not hold for all of the individual categories, (2) that repayment in money is resisted, (3) that social debts are rated as of greater worth when the subjects are owed the debts than when they owe them, (4) that expected or proposed repayment is almost always less than the rated worth of the debt, and (5) that the relationship between the magnitudes of the debts and the magnitudes of the repayments depends upon the judged appropriateness of the categories for repayment.
Activation of pp60c-src is necessary for human vascular smooth muscle cell migration☆☆☆

Abstract Background . The most widely distributed nonreceptor tyrosine kinase is pp60 c-src (src), yet the role of this intracellular signaling protein in cell migration has not been defined. Given that smooth muscle cell (SMC) migration is essential for the development of intimal hyperplasia, we investigated the importance of src in locomotion of human vascular SMC. Methods . SMC migration was evaluated using a microchemotaxis chamber assay and videomicroscopy. Src kinase activity was determined by measuring phosphorylation of a synthetic derivative of p34 cdc2 , a specific substrate for src. Blocking antibodies to src were introduced using a cytoplasmic microinjection technique. Results . Stimulation of SMC with platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF)-BB and AB resulted in an increase in src activation, whereas PDGF-AA did not consistently enhance src activity. These findings correlated with the ability of the PDGF isotypes to stimulate SMC chemotaxis; PDGF-BB and AB produced 7.4 ± 0.3- and 5.3 ± 0.5-fold increases in SMC chemotaxis, whereas PDGF-AA inhibited chemotaxis. SMC migration in response to PDGF-BB and serum was significantly inhibited by intracellular injection of a blocking antibody. Conclusions . Our findings reveal an association between agonist-induced src activation and chemotaxis. Moreover, an antibody that inhibits src activation dramatically inhibits migration of individual SMC. We conclude that activation of src is necessary for SMC migration. Because of its importance in SMC migration, either molecular or pharmacologic inhibitors of src may be useful in the control of intimal hyperplasia.
Intracellular equilibrium calculations based on small systems thermodynamics

Presentation d'un algorithme general pour le calcul d'equilibres d'interaction intracellulaire dans des populations cellulaires base sur la thermodynamique statistique appropriee au petit nombre de situations intracellulaires pour les molecules. Cet algorithme s'applique a un modele de regulation a 5 composants de la transcription par l'operateur promoteur lac. On compare les resultats avec ceux bases sur l'approche traditionnelle de l'equilibre pour une cellule unique
Changes in preneoplastic response to aflatoxin B1 in rats fed green beans, beets or squash

Abstract Weanling male Fischer rats were fed diets containing 25% freeze-dried green beans, beets or squash either with or without 1 ppm aflatoxin B 1 for 8 wk. Plasma α-foetoprotein concentrations were determined weekly from wk 4 to 7. During wk 8 the animals were killed and hepatic sections were stained for γ-glutamyl transpeptidase. All three vegetable diets, as compared to the basal semi-purified diet, enhanced both aflatoxin-B 1 -induced elevation of plasma α-foetoprotein and aflatoxin-B 1 -induced emergence of hepatic cell foci of γ-glutamyl transpeptidase. The data suggest that these vegetables contain natural factors that enhance aflatoxin B 1 carcinogenicity.
Support for a fluid-continuum model of sexual orientation: a large-scale Internet study.

In a study with 17,785 subjects obtained over the Internet from the United States and 47 other countries, Kinsey's hypothesis that sexual orientation lies on a continuum was supported. Self-identifications of subjects as gay, straight, bisexual, and other corresponded to broad, skewed distributions, suggesting that such terms are misleading for many people. Sexual orientation range—roughly, how much flexibility someone has in expressing sexual orientation—was also measured. The results support a fluid-continuum model of sexual orientation, according to which genetic and environmental factors determine both the size of the sexual orientation range and the point at which an individual's sexual orientation is centered on the continuum.
Evaluations of Sampling Methods for Darkling Beetles (Alphitobius diaperinus) in the Litter of Turkey and Broiler Houses

Materials placed on the litter in turkey and broiler houses were evaluated as sampling devices for the larvae and adults of Alphitobius diaperinus (lesser mealworm or darkling beetle). Insects harbored in, on, and between pieces of the materials were counted after 1-week exposure. Pan traps consisting of two stacked pieces of 1.3-cm thick foil-covered polyisocyanurate insulation (Celotex) placed under a protective metal pan staked to the litter surface was a more effective sampling device than pan traps using thicker (5 cm) Celotex, 3.8 cm thick polystyrene (Styrofoam), or two stacked pieces of wood. A tube trap consisting of rolled fluted corrugated cardboard inserted in a section of polyvinyl chloride pipe was as effective a sampling device as the two pieces of Celotex in a pan trap and was more convenient to use. Six pieces of corrugated cardboard stacked under a pan caught larger numbers of beetle larvae and adults but was awkward to handle and impractical. Placement of sampling devices in the major subhabitats (open center, near walls, near feeders, and near waterers) in turkey and broiler houses affected catches of beetle larvae and adults. The open center area was satisfactory and most convenient.
A SiGe ku-band frequency doubler with 50% bandwidth and high harmonic suppression

A compact ×2 frequency multiplier covering all k u band is implemented in IBM 0.13μm SiGe technology. The transformer coupled circuit uses a common base configuration working in B- class mode and utilizes transmission lines properties to achieve harmonic suppression. The doubler covers a 3dB frequency range between 12.2 GHz to 20.4 GHz with a saturated output power above 9 dBm. The fundamental frequency is suppressed by over 27 dBc and the 4 th harmonic is suppressed by more than 25 dBc across frequency band. The core design occupies only 550 μm × 620 μm and consumes 37 mW from a 2.7 V supply.
High-resolution medical imaging system for 3D imaging of radioactive sources with 1-mm FWHM spatial resolution

This paper describes a modification of a new imaging system developed at Argonne National Laboratory that has the potential of achieving a spatial resolution of 1 mm FWHM. The imaging system uses a crystal diffraction lens to focus gamma rays from the radioactive source. The medical imaging application of this system would be to detect small amounts of radioactivity in the human body that would be associated with cancer. The best spatial resolution obtained with the present lens at the time of the presentation made at the Medical Imaging Symposium 2001, was 6.7 mm FWHM for a 1-mm-diameter source. Since then it has been possible to improve the spacial resolution of the lens system to 3 mm FWHM. Experiments with the original lens system have led to a new design for a lens system that could have a spacial resolution of 1 mm FWHM. This is accomplished by: one, reducing the radial dimension of the crystals, and two, by replacing the small individual crystals with bent strips of single-crystalline material. Experiments are under way to test this approach.
Anti-tumour activity of s-carbamyl-cysteine.

L-ASPARAGINASE has been shown to inhibit the growth of various tumours in the mouse, rat and dog and is currently being used in clinical trials1–5. Unlike normal cells, the cells of tumours that respond to this enzyme have a requirement for the nutritionally non-essential amino-acid, L-asparagine.
The relative efficiency of slave agriculture: a reply

Professors Hofler and Folland have written a very interesting paper, which brings out several interesting ideas and is a contribution to the literature. They argue that their results contradict those of our original paper concerning the relative efficiency of small versus large slave farms. Specifically they find that large slave farms are relatively more efficient. However, they have missed that main point of the original paper which was to compare the relative efficiency of slave and non-slave farms. On this issue, the Holfer and Folland comment provides no additional insight. Thus their paper, while interesting, is not a comment on our original work.
A Monte Carlo comparison of alternative methods of maximum likelihood ranking in racing sports

Applications of maximum likelihood techniques to rank competitors in sports are commonly based on the assumption that each competitor's performance is a function of a deterministic component that represents inherent ability and a stochastic component that the competitor has limited control over. Perhaps based on an appeal to the central limit theorem, the stochastic component of performance has often been assumed to be a normal random variable. However, in the context of a racing sport, this assumption is problematic because the resulting model is the computationally difficult rank-ordered probit. Although a rank-ordered logit is a viable alternative, a Thurstonian paired-comparison model could also be applied. The purpose of this analysis was to compare the performance of the rank-ordered logit and Thurstonian paired-comparison models given the objective of ranking competitors based on ability. Monte Carlo simulations were used to generate race results based on a known ranking of competitors, assign rank...
Cloning of Cardiac, Kidney, and Brain Promoters of the Feline ncx1 Gene

The Na+-Ca2+ exchanger (NCX1) plays a major role in calcium efflux and therefore in the control and regulation of intracellular calcium in the heart. The exchanger has been shown to be regulated at several levels including transcription. NCX1 mRNA levels are up-regulated in both cardiac hypertrophy and failure. In this work, the 5′-end of the ncx1 gene has been cloned to study the mechanisms that mediate hypertrophic stimulation and cardiac expression. The feline ncx1 gene has three exons that encode 5′-untranslated sequences that are under the control of three tissue-specific promoters. The cardiac promoter drives expression in cardiocytes, but not in mouse L cells. Although it contains at least one enhancer (−2000 to −1250 base pairs (bp)) and one or more negative elements (−1250 to −250 bp), a minimum promoter (−250 to +200 bp) is sufficient for cardiac expression and α-adrenergic stimulation.
A Symbol of Our Profession: White Coat Ceremony Address to the Class of 2014

President Callender, Dean Anderson, Dean Thomas, Class of 2014, family members and distinguished guests, welcome to the 15th White Coat Ceremony at the University of Texas Medical Branch. I’d like to thank the School of Medicine Honor Education Council for inviting me to speak today.
Issue Publics, Campaigns, and Political Knowledge

Building on the growing body of research on campaign learning, this paper considers the way that learning about policy issues depends on the nature of the issue and its relevance for the individual citizen. Specifically, the analysis finds that seniors learned much more than non-seniors about candidate positions on an emerging Social Security issue that was heavily emphasized in the 2000 campaign, but not when the same issue was more familiar and largely ignored by the candidates and press in the 2004 campaign. Yet, even without additional learning or campaign emphasis, seniors still knew more than non-seniors in the later contest. These results suggest that once party positions become familiar to them, issue publics will hold their information advantage across future elections without dependence on further campaign emphasis.
The effects of sea water and concentrated salt solutions on the fatigue of nylon 6,6 fibres

Cyclic fatigue and creep rupture tests have been run on high-tenacity nylon 6,6 single fibres, yarns and small ropes in air and sea water environments. Fatigue failure in each case is by a creep rupture mechanism; yarns and small ropes show the same fatigue sensitivity as do single fibres. Sea water reduces the strength by approximately 10% under most conditions. Concentrated metallic salt solutions which cause environmental stress cracking in bulk nylon do not degrade the fibres beyond the effect of plain water. Tests on oriented nylon specimens show that environmental stress crack sensitivity is greatly reduced by orientation.
Depression in Patients with Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease and Chronic Viral Hepatitis B and C

Background Patients with chronic liver disease (CLD) and depression may be at a higher risk for various complications, including impaired quality of life and more advanced liver disease. The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of depression in CLD patients (non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), Hepatitis B (HBV), and Hepatitis C (HCV)) and to identify potential clinical and laboratory correlates of depression in these patients. Methods We used a database of CLD patients that contains extensive clinical (including self-reported depression) and laboratory data for each patient. We compared the prevalence of depression in patients with HBV, HCV, and NAFLD. We also used regression models to find independent predictors of depression in these patients. Results Of 878 CLD patients, 207 (23.6%) had a diagnosis of depression (NAFLD 27.2%, HCV 29.8%, and HBV 3.7%). Examination of predictors of depression differed by the type of chronic liver disease. For NAFLD, independent predictors of depression were the presence of hypertension, smoking, history of lung disease, being female, and non-African-American. For HBV patients, the only independent predictor of depression was excessive alcohol consumption (defined as >10 g/d), while for HCV patients, independent predictors were being female and non-Asian, presence of fatigue, and excessive alcohol intake. Conclusions This study demonstrates that individuals with NAFLD and HCV have a higher prevalence of depression than HBV patients and the rates of depression reported for the general population. The most consistent correlates of depression status in CLD patients are being female and excessive alcohol consumption.
Pulmonary Administration of Prostacyclin (PGI2) during Partial Liquid Ventilation (PLV) in an Animal Model of Pulmonary Hypertension (PHT) † 1662

We hypothesized that instillation of PGI2 in a liquid perfluorochemical during PLV may improve upon the alternative methods of systemic or neubulized deliveries of PGI2, for the treatment of PHT. Piglets (2-3 weeks of age) were randomized to conventional ventilation (IPPV) or PLV (initial perfluorocarbon volume 25-30 ml/kg; Rimar 101 O). A thromboxane (TX) mimetic (U46,619:0.06 μg/kg/min) was intravenouly administered to raise mean pulmonary artery pressure (Ppa) >35 torr. Thereafter, during IPPV, PGI2 (epoprostenol sodium, Flolanâ, GlaxoWellcome, NC) was administered by nebulization (20 μg/ml) (NEB) or intravenously (250 ng/kg/min)(IV) while during PLV, it was delivered through the distal port of a triple lumen endotracheal tube at a rate of 250 or 500 ng/kg/min. Blood gases, pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR), vascular pressures, and cardiac output (QT) were measured after each 30 minutes sequences. Data are presented as% of change from TX. Mean±s.e.m.*:≠ IV,NEB and ξ: ≠ PLV,IV; P <0.05 Table
Experimental Study on Effect of Contamination on Electric Field Distribution of 330kV Composite Insulator

330kV transmission line in the northwest region of China is much complex while pollution flashover is a major threat to the safe operation of the system. In this paper, experimental study on effect of contamination on electric field distribution of 330kV composite insulator is presented. High voltage test system of 330kV composite insulator is established according to the ratio of 1:1. Surface electric field and potential of the insulator is measured using GDC-100 optical fiber voltage electric field measuring instrument. Potential, electric field distribution of the two kinds of 330kV composite insulator are tested in different environment of clean, dry and uniform pollution layer. The test and simulation result is also compared.
Isolation and characterization of chicken aortic endothelial cells

The isolation of endothelial cells from the aortae of chickens and maintenance in culture is described. The uptake of acetylated low-density lipoprotein labeled with 1,1′-dioctadecyl-1,3,3,3′,3′-tetramethyl-indocarbocyanine perchlorate was used to purify the endothelial cells by fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS). The morphology of the purified cells is similar to that of endothelial cells from other species; however, these characteristics change rapidly with continued culture and passage.
Enhancement of benthic macroinvertebrates by minimum flow from a hydroelectric dam

The biological consequences of instituting a summer minimum flow from the Conowingo Hydroelectric Dam were investigated by comparing invertebrate abundance in the Susquehanna River during 1980, when flow shutdowns were frequent, to that in 1982, when the minimum flow (142 m3 s−1) was maintained. The minimum flow was only maintained from April 15 to September 15, and additional investigations compared invertebrate abundance before and after the minimum flow was terminated in the fall of 1982 and 1983. There was a large difference in summer invertebrate density in the between-year comparison, with almost a 100-fold increase in the year when the minimum flow was maintained. Most of this difference was exhibited by two taxa, chironomids and net-spinning trichopterans. These results were consistent with findings from the fall of 1982 and 1983, when cessation of the minimum flow in September led to declines of more than three orders of magnitude in both of these taxa. The rate of decline was faster in the shoal habitat (areas dewatered at low flow, but submerged when the minimum flow is released), suggesting that dewatering was the predominant mechanism of effect. Declines were also evident in the channel habitat (always submerged), suggesting that maintenance of current velocity is also an important beneficial component of the minimum flow.
Effects of prescribed burning on distribution and abundance of birds in a closed-canopy oak-dominated forest, Missouri, USA

Prescribed, biennial burning in forest understory started in Cuivre River State Park, Missouri, USA, in the late 1980s to help restore the forest to conditions that existed prior to European settlement. Bird surveys were started in 1996 on two burned and two unburned sections of the park to determine what effects the burning and subsequent changes in vegetation were having on bird populations. Birds were sampled at 17 60-m radius point counts on each study area; each point was sampled twice per year during the main breeding period from 1996 through 2002. Total abundance and species richness differed among the four areas but no differences could be attributed to burning. Some individual species, however, differed in abundance and frequency of occurrence between burned and unburned areas. For example, Indigo Bunting (Passerina cyanea), Kentucky Warbler (Oporornis formosus), and several species of woodpeckers were more abundant on burned areas; Ovenbird (Seiurus aurocapillus), Worm-eating Warbler (Helmitheros vermivorous), Wood Thrush (Hylocicla mustelina) and Acadian Flycatcher (Empidonax virescens) were among the species more abundant on unburned areas. As a consequence, overall community composition differed significantly between burned and unburned areas of the park, but did not differ between burned areas or between unburned areas. Prescribed burning was instituted to restore vegetation to presettlement conditions and has started to achieve that objective. Restoration also has affected and likely will continue to affect bird populations. Future maintenance of a full complement of bird species, including a number of neotropical migrants, will be dependent on presence of both burned and unburned forest habitat.
Electrospinning and in situ nitrogen doping of TiO2/PAN nanofibers with photocatalytic activation in visible lights

Abstract Titanium dioxide (TiO2)/polyacrylonitrile (PAN) nanofibers were prepared by the electrospinning process from the mixture of titanium isopropoxide (TIIP), PAN, acetone and dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO). PAN was selected as the polymer template and as a nitrogen doping source to TiO2 in the subsequent annealing step. After annealed at 300 °C, the as‐prepared mat of TiO2/PAN nanofibers showed retained nanofiber structures and high photocatalytic efficiency under visible lights in the degradation of methylene blue (MB) in water. This type of material might find wide environmental applications.
Relating plant capacitance to the water relations of Pinus contorta

Abstract Internal water storage of Pinus contorta Dougl. ex. Laud. (lodgepole pine) was estimated by both calculation and measurement. Readily available water from internal storage was calculated to be capable of providing 0.6 h of maximum transpiration. This estimate was substantiated by direct measurement. Needle water content contributed only 4% of total storage, but had an important role in stomatal response through the control of leaf conductance by leaf water potential. Leaf water potential was highly correlated with needle water content when measurements were taken under low transpiration conditions which minimized the flow-related component of water potential. When trees were cut and allowed to dry upright, the needles retained water and a stable leaf water potential for up to 33 days as the stem sapwood was depleted. Sapwood water content of intact trees remained fairly constant at 60–70% of saturation throughout the summer.
On ext-transfer for algebraic groups

This paper builds upon the work of Cline and Donkin to describe explicit equivalences between some categories associated to the category of rational modules for a reductive group G and categories associated to the category of rational modules for a Levi subgroup H. As an application, we establish an Ext-transfer result from rational G-modules to rational H-modules. In case G = GLn, these results can be illustrated in terms of classical Schur algebras. In that case, we establish another category equivalence, this time between the module category for a Schur algebra and the module category for a union of blocks for a natural quotient of a larger Schur algebra. This category equivalence provides a further Ext-transfer theorem from the original Schur algebra to the larger Schur algebra. This result extends to the category level the decomposition number method of Erdmann. Finally, we indicate (largely without proof) some natural variations to situations involving quantum groups and q-Schur algebras.
New methods for computational fluid dynamics modeling of carotid artery from magnetic resonance angiography

Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) models of the carotid artery are constructed from contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) using a deformable model and a surface-merging algorithm. Physiologic flow conditions are obtained from cine phase-contrast MRA at two slice locations below and above the carotid bifurcation. The methodology was tested on image data from a rigid flow-through phantom of a carotid artery with 65% degree stenosis. Predicted flow patterns are in good agreement with MR flow measurements at intermediate slice locations. Our results show that flow in a rigid flow-through phantom of the carotid bifurcation with stenosis can be simulated accurately with CFD. The methodology was then tested on flow and anatomical data from a normal human subject. The sum of the instantaneous flows measured at the internal and external carotids differs from that at the common carotid, indicating that wall compliance must be modeled. Coupled fluid-structure calculations were able to reproduce the significant dampening of the velocity waveform observed between different slices along the common carotid artery. Visualizations of the blood flow in a compliant model of the carotid bifurcation were produced. A comparison between compliant and rigid models shows significant differences in the time-dependent wall shear stress at selected locations. Our results confirm that image-based CFD techniques can be applied to the modeling of hemodynamics in compliant carotid arteries. These capabilities may eventually allow physicians to enhance current image-based diagnosis, and to predict and evaluate the outcome of interventional procedures non- invasively.© (2001) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Advanced Opportunities for Student Education in Emergency Medicine

Many medical students are excited about emergency medicine (EM) following a standard clerkship and seek out additional learning opportunities. An advanced EM elective may accomplish several educational goals, including development of clinical skills in evaluating the undifferentiated patient, broader exploration of the field of EM, and more focused study of one particular aspect of EM. Previously cited examples include pediatric EM, medical toxicology, occupational medicine, sports medicine, and EM research. Numerous other EM specialty courses for senior medical students are emerging, as reflected in the “Undergraduate Rotations” listings on the Society for Academic Emergency Medicine. A few examples drawn from the list include emergency ultrasound, international EM, wilderness medicine, disaster medicine, geriatric EM, and hyperbaric medicine. Educators aspiring to develop, or in the process of developing, an advanced EM elective may benefit from a brief overview of necessary course considerations, including didactic format, the clinical role of the medical student in the emergency department, and involvement with patient procedures. Suggestions are made regarding additional educational opportunities, including follow-up of patients seen in the emergency department and development of an emergency department radiology case file. This article also addresses several related concerns, including suggested prerequisites, administration and cost considerations, appropriate didactic topics, and methods for evaluating students. Several EM subspecialty areas, namely pediatric EM, medical toxicology, and out-of-hospital care, are specifically discussed. Formal advanced cardiac life support training is also often included in an advanced EM elective and is briefly discussed. The overall intent of this article is to provide medical student educators with resources and ideas to assist them in developing a unique advanced EM elective.
Perils of a modern Cassandra: Some personal comments

L'A. repond a l'article precedent intitule «Perils of Modern Cassandra: Rhetorical Aspects of Public Indifference to the Population Explosion», ou C. Waddell met en doute l'impact de son livre «The Population Bomb». L'A. defend donc le succes de son ouvrage aupres des institutions nationales et gouvernementales comme des personnes privees, et souligne l'importance du theme de la population dans le debat ecologique, qui ne semble pas souffrir d'un echec rhetorique particulier
Permeability of Wellbore-Cement Fractures Following Degradation by Carbonated Brine

Fractures in wellbore cement and along wellbore-cement/host-rock interfaces have been identified as potential leakage pathways from long-term carbon sequestration sites. When exposed to carbon-dioxide-rich brines, the alkaline cement undergoes a series of reactions that form distinctive fronts adjacent to the cement surface. However, quantifying the effect of these reactions on fracture permeability is not solely a question of geochemistry, as the reaction zones also change the cement’s mechanical properties, modifying the fracture geometry as a result.This paper describes how these geochemical and geomechanical processes affect fracture permeability in wellbore cement. These competing influences are discussed in light of data from a core-flood experiment conducted under carbon sequestration conditions: reaction chemistry, fracture permeability evolution over time, and comparative analysis of X-ray tomography of unreacted and reacted cement samples. These results are also compared to predictions by a complementary numerical study that couples geochemical, geomechanical and hydrodynamic simulations to model the formation of reaction fronts within the cement and their effect on fracture permeability.
Thermoperiodic induction of larval diapause in the European corn borer, Ostrinia nubilalis

Abstract Thermoperiodic induction of larval diapause was shown to occur in the European corn borer, Ostrinia nubilalis (Hubner). Using continuous darkness and thermoperiods of the format XC:24-XT(15:30°C), incidence of diapause was shown to be dependent on phase durations, with a critical cryophase of about 9.5 hr. A thermoperiodic response threshold was demonstrated; it was found to be very close to 17.5°C. Thermoperiodic amplitude (temperature difference between cryophase and thermophase) was shown to have no influence on the induction of diapause, within a relatively broad range of physiological temperatures. Thermoperiodic induction of diapause was shown to be at least partially independent from the effects of temperature on larval developmental rates.
Emission Spectra Excited in Metal Powder–Oxygen Flames*

A metal powder–oxygen burner has been designed and constructed for continuous operation. The spectra emitted by the aluminum–oxygen flame consist primarily of the electronic bands of the AlO molecule in the visible and a strong continuum extending into the infrared. Magnesium–oxygen flames are characterized by similar spectra. The usefulness of metal–oxygen flames for spectroscopic investigations is discussed.
Calcium oscillations and T-wave lability precede ventricular arrhythmias in acquired long QT type 2

Background Alternans of intracellular Ca 2+ (Ca i ) underlies T-wave alternans, a predictor of cardiac arrhythmias. A related phenomenon, T-wave lability (TWL), precedes torsades de pointes (TdP) in patients and animal models with impaired repolarization. However, the role of Ca i in TWL remains unexplored. Objective This study investigated the role of Ca i dynamics on TWL in a noncryoablated rabbit model of long QT syndrome type 2 (LQT2) using simultaneous measurements of Ca i transient (CaT), action potentials (APs), and electrocardiogram (ECG) during paced rhythms and focused on events that precede ventricular ectopy. Methods APs and CaTs were mapped optically from paced Langendorff female rabbit hearts (n = 8) at 1.2-s cycle length, after atrioventricular node ablation. Hearts were perfused with normal Tyrode solution, then with dofetilide (0.5 μM), and reduced [K + ] (2 mM) and [Mg 2+ ] (0.5 mM) to elicit LQT2. Lability of ECG, voltage, and Ca i signals were evaluated during regular paced rhythm, before and after dofetilide perfusion. Results In LQT2, lability of Ca i , voltage, and ECG signals increased during paced rhythm, before the appearance of early afterdepolarizations (EADs). LQT2 resulted in AP prolongation and multiple (1 to 3) additional Ca i upstrokes, whereas APs remained monophasic. When EADs appeared, Ca i rose before voltage upstrokes at the origins of propagating EADs. Interventions (i.e., ryanodine and thapsigargin, n=3 or low [Ca] o and nifedipine, n=4) that suppressed Ca i oscillations also abolished EADs. Conclusion In LQT2, Ca i oscillations (Ca i O) precede EADs by minutes, indicating that they result from spontaneous sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca 2+ release rather than spontaneous I Ca,L reactivation. Ca i O likely produce oscillations of Na/Ca exchange current, I NCX . Depolarizing I NCX during the AP plateau contributes to the generation of EADs by reactivating Ca 2+ channels that have recovered from inactivation. TWL reflects CaTs and APs lability that occur before EADs and TdP.
Loss of serotonin (5-HT) 2C receptor (5-HT2CR) tone in the ventral tegmental area modulates cocaine-related behaviors

s / Drug and Alcohol Dependence 146 (2015) e34–e117 e113 Conclusions: While findings affirmed the association between caffeine use and alcohol/other drug use and problems, the relationship was strongest in students consuming both coffee and energy drinks. Results should inform future prevention and intervention efforts. Financial support: NIH R37 AA011408* and RO1 DA026091. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2014.09.673 Loss of serotonin (5-HT) 2C receptor (5-HT2CR) tone in the ventral tegmental area modulates cocaine-related behaviors Sarah E. Swinford-Jackson, Noelle C. Anastasio, Robert G. Fox, Sonja J. Stutz, Kathryn Cunningham Center for Addiction Research, UTMB, Galveston, TX,