cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Occurrence and environmental stress responses of two plastid terminal oxidases in Haematococcus pluvialis (Chlorophyceae)

The plastid terminal oxidase (PTOX) is a plastoquinol oxidase involved in carotenoid biosynthesis in higher plants, and may also represent the elusive oxidase in chlororespiration. Haematococcus pluvialis is a green alga that has the ability to synthesize and accumulate large amounts of the red carotenoid astaxanthin (ca. 2% of dry weight) under various stress conditions. However, the occurrence and function of PTOX in astaxanthin synthesis and the stress response in this organism is unknown. In this study, two ptox cDNAs were cloned and sequenced from H. pluvialis and were designated as ptox1 and ptox2. Genome sequence analysis and database searching revealed that duplication of PTOX gene occurred in certain eukaryotic algae, but not in cyanobacteria and higher plants. The physiological and biochemical evidence indicated that PTOX is involved in astaxanthin synthesis and plays a critical protective role against stress. Analysis of the transcriptional expression of the PTOXs and phytoene desaturase gene further suggests that it may be PTOX1 rather than PTOX2 that is co-regulated with astaxanthin synthesis. The fact that the changes in transcripts of ptoxs in response to high light and other stressors and the differential expression of ptox1 and ptox2, suggests that PTOX, coupled with astaxanthin synthesis pathway, exerts broad, yet undefined functions in addition to those identified in higher plants.
A simplified method of estimating renal function with iodohippurate I131

Summary Simultaneous PAH and single injection iodohippurate I 131 clearances were performed 23 times on 14 dogs. Excretion of the radioactive material was evaluated in two ways: (1) the I 131 per ml. of plasma, collected 60 minutes after the injection of iodohippurate I 131 , was related to the dose to give an “index of remaining activity,” and (2) the slope of disappearing plasmatic radioactivity between 40 and 60 minutes after injection was multiplied by the apparent volume of distribution of the dose to yield an iodohippurate disappearance value expressed in millimeters per minute. Results by the former method agreed well with PAH clearances (correlation coefficient 0.89), but results were even better by the latter technique (correlation coefficient 0.94). The disappearance of iodohippurate I 131 agrees well with the effective renal plasma flow in the dog.
Conditionally-Sampled Velocity and Turbulence Measurements in a Spark Ignition Engine

Abstract Laser Doppler velocimeter measurements have been made in a homogeneously-charged spark ignition engine. With ignition at the side wall of the disc-shaped combustion chamber, the fluid motion in the direction of flame propagation was measured at the center of the chamber. A simultaneous ionization probe measurement was used to identify the time of flame arrival at the velocimeter probe volume. Phase-averaged measurements recorded from many engine cycles were conditionally sampled according to flame arrival time. The results presented show an increase in the unburned gas turbulence from compression, and strongly suggest that cyclic variation in burn duration is caused by cyclic variation in the bulk turbulence intensity ahead of the flame.
Locomotor and postural development of wild chimpanzees.

Abstract Chimpanzees are our closest living relatives and their positional repertoire likely includes elements shared with our common ancestor. Currently, limitations exist in our ability to correlate locomotor anatomy with behavioral function in the wild. Here we provide a detailed description of developmental changes in chimpanzee locomotion and posture. Fieldwork was conducted on wild chimpanzees at Ngogo, Kibale National Park, Uganda. The large size of the Ngogo chimpanzee community permitted cross-sectional analysis of locomotor and postural changes across many individuals. Chimpanzee positional behavior proceeds developmentally through a number of distinct stages, each characterized by its own loading regime. Infants principally used their upper limbs while moving; the loading environment changed to more hindlimb dominated locomotion as infants aged. Infants displayed more diversity in their forms of positional behavior than members of any other age-sex class, engaging in behaviors not habitually exhibited by adults. While the most common locomotor mode for infants was torso-orthograde suspensory locomotion, a large shift toward quadrupedal locomotion during infancy occurred at three years of age, when rates of this behavior increased. Overall, the most dramatic transition in positional behavior occurred during juvenility (at approximately five years), with the advent of complete independent locomotion. Juveniles decreased the amount of time they spent clinging and in torso-orthograde suspensory locomotion and increased their time spent sitting and walking and running quadrupedally compared with younger individuals. Juvenility marked the age at which quadrupedal walking became the most frequent locomotor behavior, but quadrupedal walking did not encompass the majority of locomotor time until individuals reached adolescence. Relative to all younger individuals, adolescent chimpanzees (10–13 years) experienced a further increase in the amount of time they walked quadrupedally. Locomotor behavior did not reach adult form until adolescence, closer to the time of epiphyseal fusion than previously thought. These findings provide new data to make predictions about how behavioral transitions influence skeletal change.
Acute tubulointerstitial nephritis attributable to indinavir therapy

Indinavir sulfate has been reported to cause asymptomatic crystalluria and nephrolithiasis in patients with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. Patients taking indinavir may present with asymptomatic crystalluria, nephrolithiasis with frank renal colic and obstruction, flank pain in the absence of nephrolithiasis, and dysuria or urgency. Asymptomatic crystalluria has been described as benign. Discontinuation of the drug has not been recommended in the absence of nephrolithiasis. We report two HIV-positive patients receiving indinavir who developed acute interstitial nephritis with foreign body giant cell reaction on renal biopsies. Both patients had asymptomatic crystalluria, although crystals were associated with clumps of white blood cells (WBCs) on urinalysis in one patient. Both cases show that the inflammatory response was significant enough to lead to tubular injury and acute renal impairment. Our findings suggest that asymptomatic crystalluria attributable to indinavir may illicit an inflammatory response with acute renal insufficiency, warranting monitoring of renal function, especially in patients with crystalluria.
Incremental Genetic Perturbations to MCM2-7 Expression and Subcellular Distribution Reveal Exquisite Sensitivity of Mice to DNA Replication Stress

Mutations causing replication stress can lead to genomic instability (GIN). In vitro studies have shown that drastic depletion of the MCM2-7 DNA replication licensing factors, which form the replicative helicase, can cause GIN and cell proliferation defects that are exacerbated under conditions of replication stress. To explore the effects of incrementally attenuated replication licensing in whole animals, we generated and analyzed the phenotypes of mice that were hemizygous for Mcm2, 3, 4, 6, and 7 null alleles, combinations thereof, and also in conjunction with the hypomorphic Mcm4Chaos3 cancer susceptibility allele. Mcm4Chaos3/Chaos3 embryonic fibroblasts have ∼40% reduction in all MCM proteins, coincident with reduced Mcm2-7 mRNA. Further genetic reductions of Mcm2, 6, or 7 in this background caused various phenotypes including synthetic lethality, growth retardation, decreased cellular proliferation, GIN, and early onset cancer. Remarkably, heterozygosity for Mcm3 rescued many of these defects. Consistent with a role in MCM nuclear export possessed by the yeast Mcm3 ortholog, the phenotypic rescues correlated with increased chromatin-bound MCMs, and also higher levels of nuclear MCM2 during S phase. The genetic, molecular and phenotypic data demonstrate that relatively minor quantitative alterations of MCM expression, homeostasis or subcellular distribution can have diverse and serious consequences upon development and confer cancer susceptibility. The results support the notion that the normally high levels of MCMs in cells are needed not only for activating the basal set of replication origins, but also “backup” origins that are recruited in times of replication stress to ensure complete replication of the genome.
Differences between positive and negative ion stabilities of metal–sulfur cluster proteins: an electrospray ionization fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance study

Abstract The stability of iron–sulfur proteins during electrospray ionization in both positive ion and negative ion modes was investigated using Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry. Positive ion and negative ion mode mass spectra of iron and zinc rubredoxin from Clostridium pasteurianum and ferredoxins from Pyrococcus furiosus containing [3Fe–4S], [4Fe–4S], [3FeNi–4S], and [3FeMn–4S] clusters are compared. The results demonstrate that all clusters are stable as negative ions, whereas only the [4M–4S], (M = Fe, Mn, Ni) clusters are stable as positive ions. This is the first direct evidence of the existence of the [3FeMn–4S]-containing cluster from Pyrococcus furiosus. The formal oxidation state of each metal–sulfur cluster is determined by the mass-to-charge measurement, and is found to be the same for both positive and negative ions.
Spectral sensitivity of human cone photoreceptors

The brain computes visual colour by analysing the relative excitations of three types of retinal cones1. Each cone excitation is governed by a spectral sensitivity function which relates the amplitude of the neural response to wavelength at constant light intensity. The spectral sensitivities of human cones are not well characterized. We report measuring the sensitivities by recording electrical responses of human cones to stimuli of different wavelengths. Spectral sensitivities of 'green' and 'red' cones, determined over the entire visible region, show peaks near 530 and 560 nm respectively, and are remarkably similar to those of the old-world monkey Macaco fascicularis 2,3. They satisfactorily predict the photopic luminosity function, a measure of the sensitivity of cone-mediated human vision to light of different wavelengths. The kinetics of the light responses of human cones also appeared similar to those of macaque cones: the time to peak response to a dim flash was 50–100 ms and there was a characteristic undershoot during recovery.
Antibiotics to prevent infection of simple wounds: A meta-analysis of randomized studies

A meta-analysis was conducted to determine whether prophylactic systemic antibiotics prevent infection in patients with nonbite wounds that are managed in the emergency department (ED). A literature search was performed to identify published, randomized trials of prophylactic antibiotics for nonbite wounds. Blinded review of trial methods was used to select trials that randomly assigned patients to antibiotic or control groups and analyzed results by intention to treat. Of 9 randomized trials, 7 (with 1,734 study subjects) were accepted for analysis. The odds ratio for infection in treated patients compared with controls was used as the measure of effect, and a summary odds ratio was calculated. Patients treated with antibiotics had a slightly greater incidence of infection compared with untreated controls: odds ratio 1.16 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.77 to 1.78). Even among patients treated with a penicillinase-resistant antibiotic (5 trials with 1,204 patients), there was no benefit from treatment; odds ratio 1.00 (95% CI 0.59 to 1.71). In conclusion, there is no evidence in published trials that prophylactic antibiotics offer protection against infection of nonbite wounds in patients treated in EDs.
Highlights of the ALCTS AS Education Committee Program. The acquisitions workstation: resources and innovations

The acquisitions workstation has opened up a whole new world of opportunities for us. Information is at our fingertips as we use the power of the Internet to easily communicate with vendors, publishers, and colleagues. The way we do business has radically changed. This program was designed to highlight some of the practical applications of the electronic resources available at our workstations as they affect daily acquisitions workflow and procedures. Three speakers addressed this subject from very different perspectives.
Effect of Cigarette Smoking on the Critical Flicker Frequency of Heavy and Light Smokers

In order to evaluate the effects of smoking on CFF, heavy and light smoker thresholds were determined 5 min. and 1 min. before, and then 1, 5, 10, and 15 min. after 10 inhalations of a cigarette. Although both groups of smokers showed a significant elevation in CFF immediately after smoking, the light smokers' CFF gradually returned to pre-smoking levels, while the heavy smokers' CFF fell below and then rose above the pre-smoking level.
Spectroscopic properties as a function of fluorine content in Eu3+:PMMA

In this work europium was used as a spectroscopic probe of the local envi- ronment about a lanthanide dopant in a fluorinated copolymer of poly(methyl methac- rylate) (PMMA). Fluorination of PMMA was achieved through copolymerization with heptafluorobutyl methacrylate (HFBMA). Samples were characterized for their refrac- tive index, glass transition temperature (Tg), and optical emissions via prism coupling, differential scanning calorimetry, and fluorescence spectroscopy respectively. The re- fractive index and Tgs were found to decrease linearly with fluorine content. The hypersensitivity ratio, which is defined as the ratio of integrated emission intensity between the 5 D0 ? 7 F2 hypersensitive transition and 5 D0 ? 7 F1 magnetic dipole tran- sition in Eu 3þ , was found to decrease by � 60% when the HFBMA copolymer content exceeded about 75% by weight. This implies a change in the local environment about the rare earth dopant that is dependent on the copolymer concentration and is likely due to changes in solubility between the ligand and host environment. The results show that fluorination of PMMA can be useful to tailor refractive index, glass transi- tion, and the spectroscopic properties of active dopants. V C 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Isotopic method for tyrosine transaminase activity.

Abstract An isotopic method has been developed for the measurement of tyrosine transaminase activity based upon the use of a radioactive amino acid substrate and detection of radioactivity in its keto acid analog separated by ion-exchange chromatography. This method is fifty to several hundred times more sensitive than existing assay procedures and can be applied to the purified enzyme or to its measurement in crude fractions or homogenates. With isotopic tyrosine as substrate in the absence of added carrier, the working lower limit of detectability places this procedure at a theoretical sensitivity of several thousand times that of the Briggs reaction.
Effect of the short-wavelength-sensitive-cone mosaic and rods on the locus of unique green

A primary goal of this study was to establish whether the magnitude of the short-wavelength-sensitive- (S-) cone signal into the yellow/blue (Y/B) mechanism was influenced by the absolute or the relative numbers of S cones. This was assessed by measuring the locus of unique green for various test sizes at four eccentric locations chosen to exploit differences in the underlying mosaic of S cones. In general, the locus of unique green was unaffected by test size, retinal quadrant, or rod input but was influenced by retinal eccentricity. The locus of unique green shifted to shorter wavelengths as retinal eccentricity increased from 1° to 8°. The data do not support a model whereby the S-cone signal is determined by the absolute number of S cones, but a model based on the relative number of S cones cannot be eliminated.
Stimulation of propionyl CoA and beta-methylcrotonyl CoA carboxylase activities in human leukocytes and cultured fibroblasts by biotin.

Stimulation of Propionyl CoA and β-Methylcrotonyl CoA Carboxylase Activities in Human Leukocytes and Cultured Fibroblasts by Biotin
Catalytic Oxidative Carbonylation of Primary and Secondary α,ω-Diamines to Cyclic Ureas

Primary and secondary diamines can be catalytically carbonylated to cyclic ureas using W(CO)6 as the catalyst, I2 as the oxidant, and CO as the carbonyl source. Preparation of five-, six-, and seven-membered cyclic ureas from the diamines RNHCH2(CH2)nCH2NHR (n = 0−2; R = H, Me) and RNHCH2CH2NHR (R = Et, i-Pr, Bz) was achieved in moderate to good yields.
Pharmacological applications of a novel neoepitope antibody to a modified amyloid precursor protein-derived beta-secretase product.

We have previously described a novel artificial NFEV β-secretase (BACE1) cleavage site, which when introduced into the amyloid-β precursor protein (APP), significantly enhances APP cleavage by BACE1 in in vitro and cellular assays. In this study, we describe the identification and characterization of a single chain fragment of variable region (scFv), specific to the EV neo-epitope derived from BACE1 cleavage of the NFEV-containing peptide, and its conversion to IgG1. Both the scFv displayed on phage and EV-IgG1 show exquisite specificity for binding to the EV neoepitope without cross-reactivity to other NFEV containing peptides or WT-APP KMDA cleavage products. EV-IgG1 can detect as little as 0.3 nmol/L of the EV peptide. EV-IgG1 antibody was purified, conjugated with alkaline phosphatase and utilized in various biological assays. In the BACE1 enzymatic assay using NFEV substrate, a BACE1 inhibitor MRK-3 inhibited cleavage with an IC50 of 2.4 nmol/L with excellent reproducibility. In an APP_NFEV stable SH-SY5Y cellular assay, the EC50 for inhibition of EV-Aβ peptide secretion with MRK-3 was 236 nmol/L, consistent with values derived using an EV polyclonal antibody. In an APP_NFEV knock-in mouse model, both Aβ_EV40 and Aβ_EV42 peptides in brain homogenate showed excellent gene dosage dependence. In conclusion, the EV neoepitope specific monoclonal antibody is a novel reagent for BACE1 inhibitor discovery for both in vitro, cellular screening assays and in vivo biochemical studies. The methods described herein are generally applicable to novel synthetic substrates and enzyme targets to enable robust screening platforms for enzyme inhibitors.
The credit crunch and subsidized low-income housing: the UK and US experience compared

This paper examines how the mortgage crisis and subsequent recession have affected subsidized rental housing in the United Kingdom and the United States. These two nations approach the housing needs of low-income households in very different ways and to very different degrees. In the UK, non-profit housing associations are pivotal to the production and management of affordable rental housing; in the US, the affordable housing system revolves mostly around a single program, the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit. Yet the crisis destabilized key parts of both countries’ subsidy systems and raised important questions about their sustainability in the future. The UK responded sooner and arguably more effectively than the US to the crisis. However, over the longer term, the prospects for affordable housing development are likely to be more difficult in the UK than in the US.
Metastatic ocular tumors of the anterior segment.

Abstract Background Breast cancer is a common neoplasm in women and is the most common cause of intraocular metastatic tumors. These tumors can arise weeks to years after the primary tumor of the breast and typically indicate a poor prognosis for the patient because of the disseminated nature of the disease. Case report A 57-year-old woman with a history of breast cancer presented with a red, painful right eye and decreased vision in that eye. A large, amelanotic mass was seen in the anterior chamber. A diagnosis of metastatic intraocular tumor was made. The patient was referred to an ophthalmologist specializing in ocular oncology. Unfortunately, the patient died within 1 week. Conclusion Treatment of anterior-segment metastatic tumors is aimed at decreasing inflammation and intraocular pressure. A timely referral should be made to an onco-ophthalmologist and general oncologist for further treatment and systemic workup. The patient should be counseled on the severity and poor prognosis of his or her condition.
Breathing Resistance in Scuba Regulators

The single-hose two-stage demand regulator is the most common means of supplying divers with gas. As diving conditions become more severe, this regulator sometimes exhibits excessive breathing resistance. This paper discusses breathing resistance and its sources, including: (1) Respiration and breathing resistance (2) Description of regulation system (3) Regulator operation (4) Sources of breathing resistance (a) Hydrostatic differential (b) Valve friction (c) Setup bias (d) Valve spring compression (e) Valve unbalance (f) Pressure drop across mouthpiece (g) Pressure drop across exhaust valve (5) Recommendations for improved operation.
Purification and comparison of nit-1 and wild-type NADPH:nitrate reductases of Neurospora crassa

Abstract Neurospora crassa NADPH:nitrate oxidoreductase (EC 1.6.6.3) wild-type and mutant nit-1 enzymes have been purified by two different procedures, and the apparent molecular weights of the isolated polypeptides in each preparation have been estimated. Initially, a procedure was developed to purify the nit-I enzyme which resulted in a preparation with very low yields, high specific activities of NADPH:cytochrome c reductase (FAD-dependent), and two protein bands on SDS-polyacrylamide gels having apparent molecular weights of 91 000 and 112 000. A shortened procedure, which minimized proteolysis, resulted in improved yields of the nit-I enzyme, high specific activities of NADPH:cytochrome c reductase (FAD-dependent), and an Mr 145 000 polypeptide as the major protein band. Wild-type enzyme prepared similarly also had the Mr 145 000 band, in contrast to the previously reported molecular weight values of 115 000 and 130 000 (Pan, S.S. and Nason, A. (1978) Biochim. Biophys. Acta 523, 297–313). After polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis under non-dissociating conditions, all the enzymatic activity present in that preparation was found associated with a single protein band. When this band was reelectrophoresed in SDS-polyacrylamide gels, a single polypeptide was detected with an apparent molecular weight of 145 000. Evidence is presented that the nit-1 enzyme is the apoenzyme of nitrate reductase and that the wild-type enzyme is a homodimer of 145 000 subunits.
Serum α- and γ-tocopherols, retinol, retinyl palmitate, and carotenoid concentrations in captive and free-ranging bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus)

Concentrations of retinol, retinyl palmitate, β-carotene, α-carotene, cryptoxanthin, lutein, lycopene, α-tocopherol, and γ-tocopherol were measured in blood samples collected from 15 captive and 55 free-ranging bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus). From June 1991 to June 1994, blood samples were collected from captive animals residing at two locations; at Seven Seas (Brookfield Zoo, Brookfield, IL) and Hawk’s Cay (Marathon Key, FL). Blood samples were collected from free-ranging animals from June 1991 to June 1996. Retinol levels were not significantly different between captive dolphin groups. However, Seven Seas animals had higher (P<0.01) serum retinol concentrations compared to free-ranging animals (0.061 vs 0.041 μg/ml). Retinyl palmitate was not detected in the serum of captive or free-ranging dolphins. Alpha-tocopherol levels were significantly (P<0.05) higher for Seven Seas dolphins (16.4 μg/ml) than for Hawk’s Cay (13.0 μg/ml) and free-ranging dolphins (12.5 μg/ml). Gamma-tocopherol concentrations were similar among captive and free-ranging dolphins. Free-ranging dolphins showed levels of circulating carotenoids (lutein and β-carotene) while the captive animals did not. Additional carotenoids (lycopene, α-carotene and cryptoxanthin) were analyzed but not detected in any samples. Serum vitamin differences between captive and free-ranging dolphins may reflect the natural diet or indicate some potential biological or nutritional status significance.
Do companies look for education, certifications or experience: a quantitative analysis

University degrees give a foundation education that can have long reaching application for both personal and professional purposes.However, will a degree lead to an information technology job, in today's competitive market place, for top rated IT company? This study will address education and experience (in years)requirements and whether a professional certification is required for job vacancies in "Information Technology" as advertised by the top eleven firms among the Computerworlds Best 100 Places to Work in IT 2010. The findings suggest that in those job vacancy postings less than one percent of the openings required a Masters. Though, bachelor's degrees are required for only 70 percent of the jobs while the remaining 11 percent required a bachelors or equivalent; 3 percent Associates and the final 15 percent did not specify any degree requirements.
Oxidative stability and consumer acceptance of fish oil fortified nutrition bars

UNLABELLED Oat and soy-based nutrition bars were fortified with 4 levels of fish oil (0, 6, 12, or 18 g per approximately 600 g batch), representing 0%, 20%, 40%, or 60% replacement of canola oil. The commercially available purified fish oil was not emulsified nor encapsulated, and contained tocopherols. Baked nutrition bars were evaluated for proximate composition, water activity, alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), and docosahexaenoic (DHA) content, and consumer acceptance using a 9-point hedonic scale. The bars were sealed in opaque bags and stored in a stability chamber at 25 °C and 50% relative humidity for 10 wk to assess oxidative stability. There were no significant (P > 0.05) differences in proximate composition, water activity, or ALA levels among treatments. EPA and DHA levels were significantly (P < 0.05) different among treatments, averaging 178.1 mg/serving (20-FO), 488.3 mg/serving (40-FO), and 664.6 mg/serving (60-FO), but none changed during storage. Headspace hexanal and propanal levels decreased over time but were not significantly different among treatments until week 10. Peroxide values were not significantly different except between the control and 60-FO bars. Low values obtained for these analyses suggest negligible oxidation in the bars. Consumer acceptance scores did not differ significantly between the control and lowest fortification level (20-FO), ranging from 6.4 to 6.6 for aroma, texture, flavor, and overall acceptability. These results suggest that nonemulsified, nonencapsulated fish oil can successfully replace canola oil in intermediate moisture nutrition bars to provide EPA and DHA levels as high as 178 mg/serving without affecting consumer acceptability or oxidative stability. PRACTICAL APPLICATION Omega-3 fatty acid rich fish oil has been shown to have numerous health benefits, but there are limitations to its use in shelf-stable food products. In this study, nutrition bars were successfully fortified with nonencapsulated, nonemulsified fish oil to deliver 178 mg EPA and DHA per 35 g serving. The fortified bars were oxidatively stable over 10 wk and acceptable to consumers.
High-density amorphous phase of GeS 2 glass under pressure

The pressure-induced phase transition in amorphous germanium disulfide $(a{\text{-GeS}}_{2})$ is studied using an ab initio constant-pressure technique. With the application of hydrostatic pressure, $a{\text{-GeS}}_{2}$ undergoes a gradual phase transition from a semiconducting low-density amorphous state to a metallic high-density amorphous state. The transition is associated with a local coordination change in both the Ge atoms and S atoms. Upon pressure release, the high-density phase transforms back to a low-density amorphous state. The physical origin of the gradual phase transformation is discussed. The pressure-induced changes in the electronic and vibrational properties are studied with details. Additionally the pressure-induced phase transition of the monoclinic ${\text{GeS}}_{2}$ is compared with that of amorphous state.
Recombinant human growth hormone in patients with acute renal failure.

Abstract Objective: The objective of this study is to determine the impact of recombinant human growth hormone (rhGH) on metabolic and nutritional parameters in malnourished patients with acute renal failure. Design: The design is an open-labeled pilot trial examining the effects of rhGH administration in a small group of highly catabolic, malnourished patients with acute renal failure. Each patient served as his or her own control. Setting: An intensive care unit in a tertiary care medical institution. Patients: Five patients with established acute renal failure in a critical care unit. Entry criteria included clinical evidence of malnutrition: a serum albumin level of Intervention: The intervention consisted of administering 100 μg/kg/d of rhGH for 6 days. Results: There were significant changes in TNA, normalized protein catabolic rate, and nitrogen balance during the 3 study phases. TNA decreased from 43.3 ± 24.4 g/d in phase I, to 25.2 ± 16.5 g/d during phase II ( P P v phase I). Nitrogen balance improved from − 31.8 ± 21.4 g/d during phase I, to − 12.9 ± 10.3 g/d during phase II ( P P v phase I). Significant changes were also noted in levels of blood urea nitrogen, phosphorous, serum growth hormone, IGF-1, and serum leptin levels after growth hormone administration. A statistically significant increase in serum albumin was noted in phase III (3.1 g/dL) versus phase I (2.7 ± 0.7 g/dL). Conclusions: Administration of rhGH to critically ill patients with acute renal failure resulted in improvements in negative nitrogen balance and a significant decrease in total nitrogen appearance rate. These changes corresponded to increases in serum growth hormone, IGF-1, IGF-1 binding protein 3, and leptin levels after growth hormone administration. © 2001 by the National Kidney Foundation, Inc.
Interaction of Movement Difficulty due to the Misalignment Effect and Response Latency Connections to Fitts’ Law and Implications for System Latency Requirements

In previous reports we measured and analyzed the Misalignment Effect Function, a function describing the decrement in human performance due to rotation between operators’ display and control axes. This prior work allowed us to determine difficulty-matched sets of rotations for a generalized 3D Fitts-like movement task. We consequently are now able to study the interaction of system latency and movement difficulty in a highly generalized way in a virtual telerobotic environment using wide variety of conditions and targets. Our targets are located on a spherical shell near our participants’ starting point in a high dynamic fidelity virtual environment. Analysis of participants’ ability to make movements to these targets has revealed a purely multiplicative interaction between control latency and task difficulty. Interestingly, we show that this the observed interaction supports work on Fitts’ Law by E.R. Hoffmann and that it depends upon accounting for an internal human processing latency of ~250 ms. Our da...
Illite crystallinity and coal metamorphism for selected central Appalachian coals and shales

Abstract Three Central Appalachian boreholes, each representing a distinct coal rank range (high volatile A bituminous, medium through low volatile bituminous, and semianthracite), were analyzed for vitrinite maximum reflectance and illite crystallinity for the coals and shales, respectively. The results reflect differential perfection of illite along its 001 crystallographic axis and its internal elemental arrangement, resulting from variations in ionic composition and strength of interstitial fluids and/or the type and composition of the dominant illite precursors. Despite the differences in the rate of metamorphic reaction in illite and vitrinite, generally, among the Weaver, Flehmig, and Kubler illite crystallinity indices, the Kubler index shows the best correlation with vitrinite maximum reflectance.
Design of high-speed bipolar flip-flops for reduced clock loading

A new topology for flip-flops is presented. A current amplifier is incorporated into a standard, current mode logic, D-type flip-flop. The gain cell effectively buffers the clock without requiring additional current. Level shifting emitter followers from the clock are reduced in size and current. The frequency response of the gain cell selectively applies a keep-alive current to the circuit at high frequency without distorting low frequency outputs. The flip-flop is configured as a static frequency divider and compared to a standard flip-flop in a bipolar SiGe process. The new circuit is faster and requires less clock power at high frequency, making it suitable for large-scale integration.
Factors Controlling Ocular Angiogenesis

Purpose To provide an overview of the cellular and molecular factors involved in ocular angiogenesis. Methods A literature search and review encompassing a broad range of medical and basic science disciplines was undertaken to survey contemporary insights into the mechanisms of angiogenic stimulation and inhibition. Results Ocular angiogenesis is a complex pathophysiologic process. Factors have been isolated that play key roles in the regulation of angiogenesis. The influence of stimulating growth factors is counterbalanced by a number of antiproliferative agents. The net result of these opposing factors on the vascular endothelial cell determines the outcome of angiogenesis homeostasis. Both endogenous and synthetic molecules can regulate ocular angiogenesis. Conclusions The isolation and synthesis of molecular regulators of angiogenesis has enhanced our understanding of this process. Clinical trials are underway to determine the efficacy of these agents in controlling pathologic angiogenesis, including that in ocular disease.
Effects of rewarded and nonrewarded prereversal training on discrimination reversal learning in rats

Rats given nonrewarded experience with the former S+ after mastery of a visual discrimination learned the reversal of the discrimination with fewer errors than Ss given rewarded prereversal experience with the former S−. This finding was similar to those previously found with monkeys.
Learning Deficits of Offspring after Administration of Tranquillizing Drugs to the Mothers

IN previous reports1–4 from this laboratory, various psychotropic drugs administered to gravid rats resulted in increased neonatal mortality and altered the development and behaviour of the surviving offspring. On the basis of observations1 that learning ability was not altered in offspring after prenatal administration of drugs that affected diencephalic centres, it was suggested that particular drugs may have a specificity of action on developing fœtal brain centres and would alter behavioural processes controlled by these centres. This communication compares three commonly used tranquillizing drugs (reserpine, chlorpromazine and meprobamate) with different pharmacological properties and sites of action, administered to gravid rats for their effect on maze learning ability of the offspring.
Enantioselective Synthesis of Six-Membered Palladacycles Having Metal-Bound Stereogenic Carbons: Isolation and Reactivity of Palladacycles Containing Readily Accessible β-Hydrogens

Five enantiopure palladacycles containing palladium bonded to a stereogenic carbon and an N-coordinated oxindole were synthesized by the reaction of alkenyl aryl triflates 2 and 9 with Pd(0) bisphosphine complexes. Two palladacyclic complexes, 3β and 10α, were characterized by single-crystal X-ray crystallography. The reactivity of neutral palladacycles 3β and 10β was studied in detail. These unusual palladium alkyls, which have three accessible β-hydrogens, are thermally stable at temperatures as high as 120 °C. At higher temperature, or at room temperature in the presence of weak acids, these complexes epimerize at the stereogenic carbon bonded to palladium. The mechanism of the acid-promoted epimerization was studied in detail. During this epimerization, cationic palladium alkyls 13/14 and 33 and cationic palladium hydride alkene complexes 31 and 32 are in rapid equilibrium.
Decreased allergic lung inflammatory cell egression and increased susceptibility to asphyxiation in MMP2-deficiency

Clearance of recruited immune cells is necessary to resolve inflammatory reactions. We show here that matrix metalloproteinase 2 (MMP2), as part of an interleukin 13 (IL-13)–dependent regulatory loop, dampens inflammation by promoting the egress of inflammatory cells into the airway lumen. MMP2−/− mice showed a robust asthma phenotype and increased susceptibility to asphyxiation induced by allergens. However, whereas the lack of MMP2 reduced the influx of cells into bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL), numerous inflammatory cells accumulated in the lung parenchyma. BAL of MMP2−/− mice lacked normal chemotactic activity, whereas lung inflammatory cells from the same mice showed appropriate chemotactic responses. Thus, MMP2 establishes the chemotactic gradient required for egression of lung inflammatory cells and prevention of lethal asphyxiation.
Reconstructing a Different South: The American Missionary Association and Jamaica, 1834–65

After British emancipation, a group of American abolitionists initiated a Christian mission to emancipated people in Jamaica, later to be adopted by the American Missionary Association (AMA). Using books and letters written by Americans in Jamaica, this article traces the evolution of evangelical abolitionists' views of emancipation between the 1830s and the 1850s. I argue that the Jamaica Mission taught its parent organisation, the AMA, to value landownership as the best means of ‘civilizing’ freed people, a belief that explains in part the AMA's support for land rights for American ex-slaves during and after the Civil War.
UV Spectrum of the High Energy Conformer of 1,3-Butadiene in the Gas Phase

based on the van’t Hoff equation constraint, were applied to 1,3-butadiene UV spectra measured in the 5.0 93.0 °C range. The shape of the resolved UV spectrum of the high-energy conformer of 1,3-butadiene is sensitive to broadening of the spectra of the individual conformers with increasing T. A simulated spectral set, in which temperature broadening was purposely included, was used to develop a procedure that allows precise recovery of the pure component spectra. A set of Gaussians is derived that, on convolution with the spectrum for each corresponding T, creates a uniformly broadened spectral set. Exact recovery of the “s-cis spectrum” from the simulated spectral set is accomplished. Treatments of the experimental spectra using this method yields a minor conformer 1,3-butadiene spectrum that is only slightly red-shifted relative to the s-trans1,3-butadiene spectrum and is consistent with the s-gauche structure. Application of PCA-SM to the onsets of the simulated spectral set showed that temperature broadening does not significantly alter the conformer enthalpy difference derived from the best-fit van’t Hoff plot (compare 3.00000 kcal/mol assumed with 2.99992 kcal/mol recovered). The experimental onset spectra give ¢H° ) 2.926 kcal/mol, in excellent agreement with previously reported values.
Moral Philosophy and Rhetoric in the Institutes: Quintilian on Honor and Expediency

This article argues that the Institutio Oratoria is Quintilian's attempt to provide an education in moral philosophy through the teaching of rhetoric as a techne. In contrast to the way Quintilian is typically portrayed, this paper presents him as a political opportunist who hoped to benefit from the Flavian emperors' distrust of philosophy by presenting a curriculum that would tame moral philosophy by teaching it in the context of rhetoric. As a demonstration of how Quintilian envisioned rhetoric's transformation of moral philosophy, the article analyzes the treatment of the relationship between the moral and the expedient in the Institutes, contrasting Quintilian's rhetorical treatment to that in philosophy, particularly in Cicero's De Officiis. This analysis of the Institutes has implication for our understanding of how Quintilian's appropriation of philosophy enabled rhetoric, a practical, skills-oriented discipline, to become also the means for character formation within Roman schools and beyond.
Language learnability and language development

Language learnability and language devlopment revisited the acquisition theory - assumptions and postulates phrase structure rules phrase stucture rules - developmental considerations inflection complementation and control auxiliaries lexical entries and lexical rules.
Does Intermittent Mandatory Ventilation Accelerate Weaning

Intermittent mandatory ventilation (IMV) was introduced to facilitate the weaning of patients from mechanical ventilation. The outcome of ventilator management in 116 patients who were treated in the first three months of 1975 was compared retrospectively with that of 135 patients who were treated in the first three months of 1976. All patients who were treated in 1975 received conventional (assisted or controlled) mechanical ventilation. In 1976, seventy-seven patients (57%) were treated with the use of IMV, and 58 (43%) were treated with the use of conventional mechanical ventilation. Sixty-five patients who were treated in 1976 with the use of IMV were matched with patients who were treated in 1975 with the use of conventional ventilation, on the basis of age, sex, race, history of pulmonary disease, smoking history, diagnosis, service, and location of therapy. The average time spent on a ventilator by the IMV patients was 145 hours, whereas the matched control patients spent 142 hours. The length of hospitalization was 36 days for the IMV patients and 30 days for the control patients. These time periods were not significantly different and indicate that IMV did not reduce the length of ventilator management. ( JAMA 1981;246:1210-1214)
Quantifying the sensitivity of maximum, limiting, and potential tropical cyclone intensity to SST: Observations versus the FSU/COAPS global climate model

Previous research quantified the sensitivity of limiting intensity to SST for observed tropical cyclones (TCs) and for TCs generated by two global climate models (GCMs). On average, a 1° C increase in sea surface temperature (SST) is associated with a 7.9 m s−1 increase in the statistical upper limit of observed intensity. Conversely, a 1°C increase in SST does not significantly affect the limiting intensity of GCM-generated TCs. The study presented here builds on previous research in two ways: (1) A comparison is made between the statistically defined limiting intensity and the physically defined potential intensity, and (2) a test is performed on the ability of a ∼0.94° resolution GCM to reproduce the observed statistical relationship between potential intensity and SST. Data from NASA's Modern Era Reanalysis are used to approximate the observed sensitivity of potential intensity to SST for the 1982–2008 time period. Results indicate that the sensitivity of potential intensity to SST is not statistically different from the sensitivity of observed maximum or limiting intensity to SST. This result links the statistically defined sensitivity to the physically based theory of hurricanes. Potential intensity is also estimated from the FSU/COAPS GCM. Although the FSU/COAPS model does not capture the observed sensitivity of TC maximum or limiting intensity to SST, the model reproduces the observed sensitivity of potential intensity to SST. The model generates suitable atmospheric conditions for the development of strong TCs, however strong TCs do not develop, possibly as a result of insufficient resolution.
Neural activity predicts attitude change in cognitive dissonance

When our actions conflict with our prior attitudes, we often change our attitudes to be more consistent with our actions. This phenomenon, known as cognitive dissonance, is considered to be one of the most influential theories in psychology. However, the neural basis of this phenomenon is unknown. Using a Solomon four-group design, we scanned participants with functional MRI while they argued that the uncomfortable scanner environment was nevertheless a pleasant experience. We found that cognitive dissonance engaged the dorsal anterior cingulate cortex and anterior insula; furthermore, we found that the activation of these regions tightly predicted participants' subsequent attitude change. These effects were not observed in a control group. Our findings elucidate the neural representation of cognitive dissonance, and support the role of the anterior cingulate cortex in detecting cognitive conflict and the neural prediction of attitude change.
Genotyping of Mycobacterium tuberculosis: application in epidemiologic studies

Genotyping is used to track specific isolates of Mycobacterium tuberculosis in a community. It has been successfully used in epidemiologic research (termed ‘molecular epidemiology’) to study the transmission dynamics of TB. In this article, we review the genetic markers used in molecular epidemiologic studies including the use of whole-genome sequencing technology. We also review the public health application of molecular epidemiologic tools.
A 220GHz wafer probe tip with reduced stray fields

A 220 GHz ground-signal-ground wafer probe is described with significantly reduced stray fields near the tip. The upper frequency limit in mm-wave wafer probes is constrained by the size of the probe tip area and stray fields. Measurements of the near-field tip area using a modulated scatterer instrument are presented. A new reduced dimension self-shielding tip design is shown with measured 140 GHz to 220 GHz S-parameter data. Measurements of 0 to 40 GHz crosstalk between pair of tips shows a 10 dB improvement over the present state-of-the-art.
SUPERNUMERARY CHROMOSOMES IN ERIOPHYLLUM LANATUM AND E. CONFERTIFLORUM VAR. CONFERTIFLORUM (ASTERACEAE)

ABSTRACT Chromosomes in excess of the basic complement have been known for 100 years. Nevertheless, in most species the role of supernumerary or B chromosomes remains unknown or speculative. Here, I describe the frequency, distribution, and transmission to progeny of supernumerary chromosomes in two widely distributed western North American polyploid complexes. Meiotic analyses of microsporocytes found one to four supernumerary chromosomes in 14% of the 293 populations examined in Eriophyllum lanatum, and one, two, or six supernumeraries in 15% of the 133 populations examined in E. confertiflorum var. confertiflorum. Most supernumerary chromosomes were in the size range of A chromosomes, indistinguishable from As, and did not pair with them. Artificial hybridizations showed that the supernumerary chromosomes were transmitted by either parent. Populations with supernumerary chromosomes were nonrandomly distributed in both species. Intervarietal or interspecific hybridization may be responsible for some of ...
Recent progress and applications in group FFTs

The Cooley-Tukey FFT can be interpreted as an algorithm for the efficient computation of the Fourier transform for the finite cyclic groups, a compact group, or the non-compact group of the real line. All of which are commutative instances of a "Group FFT". A brief survey of some recent progress made in the direction of noncommutative generalizations and applications is given.