cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The effect of residential location on vehicle miles of travel, energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions: Chicago case study

Abstract A Chicago-based case study explores the relationship between residential location on household patterns of vehicle miles of travel, and by extension, energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. Generally, vehicle miles, energy use and greenhouse gas emissions increase with residential distance from the city center, and thus, with decreasing residential density. Travel alone, however, does not account for the energy/greenhouse gas emissions profiles in the region’s fringe where the use of low-efficiency vehicles dominates. Higher fringe energy values are a function of both increased vehicle miles of traveled and low-efficiency vehicle use. Various scenario show that with increases in privately vehicle fuel efficiency, the overall reduction in fuel use creates a more uniform spatial profile of energy/greenhouse gas emissions across the region. The most significant example is a scenario involving the shift of the survey fleet to 2012 European fuel economy standards resulting in an energy/greenhouse gas emissions reduction of 48%.
Effect of mitomycin C on interactions between temperate phages and bacteria.

Abstract DNA synthesis is selectively inhibited in Salmonella typhimurium by treatment with the antibiotic mitomycin C. These inhibited cells will, however, produce active particles on infection with phage P22. Genetic recombination between marked phages is not affected, but the frequency of lysogenization is drastically reduced under these conditions. The transducing activity of phage P22 lysates formed in the presence of the antibiotic is also lowered. Mitomycin C mimics the activity of ultraviolet in causing the induction of phage production in some lysogenic strains but not in others.
Small correction required when applying the Hertzian contact model to instrumented indentation data

Instrumented indentation testing (IIT) is a relatively new form of mechanical testing which significantly expands on the capabilities of traditional hardness testing. In an IIT experiment, an indenter of known mechanical properties is pressed into contact and then withdrawn from a test material. The fundamental measurements during an IIT experiment are the applied load and the resulting penetration of the indenter into the test surface. The Hertzian contact model, or a derivative thereof, is often employed to relate these measurements to interesting mechanical properties of the test material. This article argues for a small correction to the Hertzian contact model when applied to instrumented indentation data. The magnitude of the correction primarily depends on Poisson's ratio of the test material and the contact radius normalized by the radius of the indenter tip. Neglecting this correction can cause significant errors in the calculation of elastic modulus and hardness from instrumented indentation data.
Dynamin Undergoes a GTP-Dependent Conformational Change Causing Vesiculation

The dynamin family of GTPases is essential for receptor-mediated endocytosis and synaptic vesicle recycling, and it has recently been shown to play a role in vesicle formation from the trans-Golgi network. Dynamin is believed to assemble around the necks of clathrin-coated pits and assist in pinching vesicles from the plasma membrane. This role would make dynamin unique among GTPases in its ability to act as a mechanochemical enzyme. Data presented here demonstrate that purified recombinant dynamin binds to a lipid bilayer in a regular pattern to form helical tubes that constrict and vesiculate upon GTP addition. This suggests that dynamin alone is sufficient for the formation of constricted necks of coated pits and supports the hypothesis that dynamin is the force-generating molecule responsible for membrane fission.
Schistosoma mansoni: The basis for the antischistosomal effect of cyclosporine A

A potent antiparasitic effect against a broad range of microorganisms is now known to follow the administration of cyclosporine A (CSA) to a variety of mammalian species and birds. Even though in the case of Schistosoma mansoni a direct antischistosomal effect by CSA has been in principle ruled out, this possible mechanism of action has not been previously explored in depth. In this paper we show that (a) concentrations of CSA of as low as 1 microgram/ml are schistosomulicidal in vitro as determined by morphological criteria, (b) mice receiving antischistosomal regimens in vivo exhibit serum concentrations of CSA that are within the range of toxic doses in vitro, (c) schistosomulicidal concentrations of CSA are maintained in vivo for sufficiently long periods of time to secure parasite death, (d) the antischistosomal activity of heat-inactivated mouse sera closely correlates with their levels of CSA, and (e) independent of the site of administration, CSA offers protection against a schistosomal infection in vivo only when present in the serum. The data strongly support the contention that CSA has a direct effect on the early forms of Schistosoma mansoni, and suggest that interference with a survival mechanism, perhaps common to several parasites, represents one likely mode of action.
LDPC coded OFDM over the atmospheric turbulence channel.

Low-density parity-check (LDPC) coded optical orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) is shown to significantly outperform LDPC coded on-off keying (OOK) over the atmospheric turbulence channel in terms of both coding gain and spectral efficiency. In the regime of strong turbulence at a bit-error rate of 10-5, the coding gain improvement of the LDPC coded single-side band unclipped-OFDM system with 64 sub-carriers is larger than the coding gain of the LDPC coded OOK system by 20.2dB for quadrature-phase-shift keying (QPSK) and by 23.4dB for binary-phase-shift keying (BPSK).
Trigger Mechanism for the Catalytic Hydrogen Activation by Monoiron (Iron-Sulfur Cluster-Free) Hydrogenase

A fully optimized model for the resting state of the active site of the third type of phylogenetically unrelated (monoiron) hydrogenase, iron-sulfur cluster-free hydrogenase (Hmd), was constructed based on density functional calculations. This resting state structure shows good agreement with the experimental IR spectra. The calculations predict that the barrier for H2 cleavage in the presence of MPT+ is 18 kcal/mol lower than that in the absence of MPT+, a result that explains why the isotopic H2/D2O exchange catalyzed by Hmd is strictly dependent on the presence of MPT+. This difference is a result of the MPT+ triggering the pyridone to provide electron density to allow the Fe to take a proton while transferring a hydride to the MPT+. These active site models and catalytic mechanism are useful in understanding this hydrogen activation for the design of novel hydrogenation catalysts and for low cost, high efficiency hydrogen generation.
Dynamic modeling of a methanol reformer—PEMFC stack system for analysis and design

Abstract Considerable effort has been devoted to the modeling of proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) as well as fuel processing units (FPUs). Many of these models consider only steady state analysis; the available dynamic models typically operate only in simple open loop configurations. However, a liquid fuel processor/PEMFC stack power unit for vehicular application will require tight integration and regulation of multiple units in order to function economically and reliably. Moreover, vehicular operation is inherently dynamic in nature, so traditional steady state process design approaches will be of limited value. This work addresses a minimum set of subcomponents necessary for modeling an overall vehicular power system. Additionally, the integration and control of these sub-units is addressed so that the unit can be operated as needed in a vehicular application by following a reference power trajectory. A number of design and operational parameters can be adjusted and the impact on system performance studied. Based on this preliminary analysis, heuristics are developed for optimal operation and design.
The performance evaluation context: Social, emotional, cognitive, political, and relationship components

Abstract There is perhaps no more central human resources practice than performance evaluation. Scholars have engaged in active research in this area for decades, initially focusing almost exclusively on instrumentation, and, only within the past 25 years or so, considering ‘process issues.’ In this paper, we suggest that performance evaluation is a formal accountability mechanism nested within a complex social, emotional, cognitive, political, and relationship context, which needs careful consideration and comprehension in order to fully sort out performance evaluation challenges and leverage possibilities. Performance evaluation research is critically reviewed, emphasizing this accountability mechanism against the backdrop of the social, emotional, cognitive, political, and relationship contextual components. The status of prior theory development in this area also is considered, and we propose a framework for this area of scientific inquiry, which is grounded in Affective Events Theory and Emotion Cycle Theory. Implications of this conceptualization for future theory and research regarding the social, emotional, cognitive, political, and relationship context of performance evaluation are discussed.
Distance estimation from cognitive maps

Abstract Four experiments investigated map clutter as a source of distortion in subjects' estimates of distance. In Experiments 1 (incidental learning) and 2 (intentional learning), subjects estimated distances between pairs of points on a memorized map. In both experiments, estimates increased as a linear function of the number of intervening points along the route. In Experiment 3, subjects estimated distances while viewing the map. The effect of clutter was reduced but not eliminated. In Experiment 4, the clutter effect was demonstrated using subjects' preexperimental knowledge of United States geography. Psychophysical power functions relating true to estimated distance provided a good fit to both memory and perception data. These results suggest an analogy between perceptual and memorial processes of distance estimation. A model proposed to account for the data assumes that subjects perceptually scan a route (or image of a route) from start to destination and use scan duration to determine path distance.
Energy gaps in bismuth trioxide

Abstract A unique method of preparing polycrystalline films of Bi 2 O 3 having thicknesses in the range 10 to 100μ is presented. Using these films temperature vs. resistance measurements give a thermal energy gap of 2.07± 0.07 eV in the temperature range 400 to 550°K. Optical transmission studies at room temperature and liquid nitrogen temperature give optical energy gaps of 3.1 eV at 77°K and 2.85 eV at 300°K. This gives an apparent temperature dependence of — 1.1 × 10 −3 eV/°K in this temperature range assuming a linear variation.
The Lanthanum Hydroxide Fluoride Carbonate System: The Preparation of Synthetic Bastnaesite

Hydrothermal phase equilibria in the lanthanum + hydroxide + fluoride + carbonate system have been investigated along an isobaric and isothermal section of variable metal to fluoride ratio, x. Quantitative substitution of fluoride into LaOHCO3 proceeds with the formation of a continuous solid solution, La(OH)1−xFxCO3, for 0 0 ⩽ x ⩽ 1 and a two-phase region, LaFCO3 + LaF3, for 1 < x < 3. Single crystal X-ray diffraction data show that untwinned LaOHCO3 is an orthorhombic phase (a = 21.891(5), b = 12.639(3) and c = 10.047(2) A) which is not isostructural with LaFCO3. Hydrolysis of the La(OH)1−xFxCO3 phase to the corresponding UCl3-type La(OH)3−xFx compositions has been observed. Thermal decomposition reactions of the hydroxide fluoride carbonates are described, and a geochemical process for the formation of bastnaesite and tysonite is proposed.
T-Tubules in Myocytes of Intact Dog Left and Right Atria

The cardiac ventricular T-tubule (TT) system has a major role in normal and abnormal E-C coupling. TT allow for balanced calcium cycling and synchronous contraction throughout the myocyte. However, there is some evidence that T-tubules are absent from atrial myocytes of large animals. The goal of this project was to analyze TT organization in normal intact dog atria. Whole left (LA) and right (RA) atria from dog hearts were perfused and maintained in a chamber on the stage of a confocal microscope. After loading with di-4-ANEPPS, we imaged endocardial myocytes from different atrial regions which were then analyzed using computerized analysis software. Many but not all myocytes had some TT although they tended to be arranged in clusters along one or both sides of the cell at very low density. In cells with TT, there was no difference in TT density between any regions of either atria. However, we did find RA had twice as many myocytes without TT than LA (25.1% of cells compared to 12.5%). These features of TT density and organization in dog atrium are dramatically different from ventricle (rat) where every cell has a highly dense and organized TT system. We also found that TT spacing was greater in LA than RA. Finally RA myocytes are wider than in LA so there is no correlation between cell width and TT density. We conclude that there are many cells in both dog atria with TT although many cells do not (more in RA than LA) and there are regional differences in TT spacing but not density in TT-containing cells within the atria. Thus, even though there is an organized TT system in dog atria, it is far less organized and dense compared to ventricle.
Cyclosporine has a direct effect on the differentiation of a mucin-secreting cell line.

Cyclosporine is a potent immunosuppressant used in the treatment of ulcerative colitis and keratoconjunctivitis sicca. Neither the etiologies of these diseases nor the mechanism by which cyclosporine exerts its therapeutic effect is well understood. Since both diseases are linked by a common decrease in mucin-filled goblet cells, this study tests a hypothesis that cyclosporine acts directly on goblet cells to promote their differentiation and production of secretory mucins. The HT29-18N2 human colon adenocarcinoma cell line, which is capable of forming monolayers of well-differentiated goblet cells, was used as a model system. Cyclosporine induced a dose-dependent increase in intracellular mucin stores. A 2-week exposure to 1 μM cyclosporine resulted in an average increase in mucin volume of 94%. This increase resulted from both a higher percentage of cells with mucin stores and an increased volume of mucin per cell. PSC-833, a nonimmunosuppressive analog of cyclosporine, also increased mucin production. The intracellular accumulation of mucin was not a result of reduced secretion, since the time required for the release of pulse-radiolabeled glycoproteins was similar for both control and cyclosporine-treated monolayers. The effect of cyclosporine was not mediated by the drug's previously documented abilities to decrease cellular proliferation rates, inhibit calmodulin, antagonize prolactin receptor binding, or modulate prostaglandin production. J. Cell. Physiol. 184:400–408, 2000. © 2000 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Effect of cardiac surgery on ventricular septal motion: Assessment by intraoperative echocardiography and cross-sectional two-dimensional echocardiography

Echocardiographic evidence of paradoxical septal motion frequently occurs after cardiac surgery. To assess possible etiologic factors 17 patients were studied preoperatively, intraoperatively, and 7 days after surgery. Preoperative septal motion was normal in 14 and paradoxical in three (two with previous cardiac surgery, one with atrial septal defect [ASD]). Intraoperative septal motion prior to surgical procedure was normal in 16 and paradoxical in one (ASD). Septal motion (excursion and thickening fraction) was normal in all patients prior to chest closure. Echocardiograms of adequate quality were obtained at 7 days post surgery in 15 patients; septal motion was paradoxical in nine (group A) and normal in six (group B). No significant differences were seen between the two groups in ischemic time or in the preoperative to postoperative change in left ventricular (LV) and right ventricular diastolic dimension, shortening fraction, or septal and posterior wall thickening fraction. A significant postoperative decrease in septal excursion was seen in group A but not in group B; significant postoperative increases in posterior wall excursion were seen in both groups. Cross-sectional two-dimensional echocardiograms performed in 20 patients (8 normal, 12 postoperative paradoxical septal motion) were analyzed. In normal controls no significant change was detected in the LV centroid position during systole. In contrast, the 12 postoperative patients showed significant anterior displacement of the LV centroid and right septum during systole. Thus, paradoxical septal motion after cardiac surgery appears to relate to excessive anterior cardiac mobility due to pericardiotomy rather than to myocardial ischemia resulting from cardiopulmonary bypass.
Motoneuron depolarizations, paroxysmal activity, and reflex changes induced by rapid cooling of toad spinal cord

Sucrose gap recordings from the ventral roots of isolated, hemisected South American toad spinal cords were used to investigate the effects on motoneurons of rapid cooling from 21-22°C to 643°C. Such cooling produced large ventral root depolarizations that slowly decayed to baseline. During the repolarization, a series of large, slow, paroxysmal, motoneuron depolarizations were seen. Upon rewarming, large, long-lasting hyperpolarizations (unaffected by dihydro-ouabain) were observed. Cold markedly increased the duration of reflexes evoked by dorsal root stimulation. Mg’+ or tetrodotoxin reduced cold-induced motoneuron depolarizations by about 50%. Kynurenate or 1-2-amino-7-phosphono-heptanoic acid reduced cold-induced depolarizations by approximately the same amount and eliminated paroxysmal activity suggesting that synaptic effects caused by the release of excitatory amino acid transmitters and the subsequent activation of NMDA receptors are necessary for the generation of about one half of the cold-induced motoneuron depolarization, and for the production of paroxysmal motoneuron activity. Nonsynaptic mechanisms and cold-induced alteration of the resting membrane potential appear partly responsible for the remainder of the cold-induced depolarizations.
On-line identification methods

Abstract This paper surveys the on-line identification techniques of process dynamics. Emphasis has been placed on recent developments related to the numerical behavior of algorithms.
XRD evidence of preferential orientation of platinum crystallites on graphite

It was found using X-ray diffraction that graphite-supported platinum particles (catalysts) preferentially oriented with their (111) planes parallel to the basal graphite planes after heat treatments in vacuum or oxygen. The degree of alignment was a function of time, temperature and gas atmosphere. It was found that preferential orientation first increased with time but then declined after lengthy treatment. Particle size analysis also indicated that the (average) particle size at which maximum {111} alignment occurred, increased with temperature, and is larger following vacuum treatments than oxygen treatments. The results can best be explained by assuming (i) weak Pt/graphite interaction, (ii) the platinum particles assume their normal equilibrium shape, and (iii) the particles lie on the basal graphite planes with their major surface planes.
Accuracy of Singly and Quadruply Cast Gold and Non-Noble Crowns

Through use of detailed statistical analyses in this controlled study, a Type III dental gold and anon-noble Type III gold substitute were compared as was the acceptability of fit of crowns sprued, invested, and cast singly and quadruply.
Beta-Adrenergic Blockade of the Lung: Dose-Dependent Cardioselectivity of Tolamolol in Asthma

Beta-adrenergic blocking agents are widely used to treat disorders of cardiac rhythm and rate, angina, and hypertension. Propranolol is the most widely used β-adrenergic blocking agent in this country. Because of its nonselective β-adrenergic blocking effect, propranolol may be associated with significant bronchoconstriction in asthmatic subjects and in some patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Since tolamolol, a new β-adrenergic blocking agent, has cardioselectivity in animals, we studied asthmatic subjects for six hours on three separate days in a double-blind crossover comparison of oral therapy with 40 mg of propranolol, its β-adrenergic blocking equivalent dose of tolamolol (50 mg), and a high dose of tolamolol (100 mg). AD three dosages had equipotent effects on heart rate and systolic pressure. The 50-mg dose of tolamolol had no effect on pulmonary function over six hours; however, both propranolol (40 mg) and the 100-mg dose of tolamolol had equivalent deleterious effects on airway resistance and on rates of expiratory flow. We conclude that the cardioselectivity of tolamolol is dose-limited but is present at the dosage of 50 mg, which is equivalent to the usual antiarrhythmic β-adrenergic blocking dose of propranolol (40 mg).
Membrane localization of the pertussis toxin-sensitive G-protein subunits alpha i-2 and alpha i-3 and expression of a metallothionein-alpha i-2 fusion gene in LLC-PK1 cells.

Abstract The renal epithelial cell line LLC-PK1 has topographically distinct regulatory roles for the alpha subunits of pertussis toxin-sensitive guanine nucleotide regulatory proteins (alpha i subunit); these include the inhibition of adenylyl cyclase at the basolateral membrane and the stimulation of Na+ channel activity at the apical membrane. We now report that LLC-PK1 cells contain two members of the alpha i protein family, alpha i-2 and alpha i-3, which have distinct cellular locations consistent with their diverse functional roles. By using specific alpha i antibodies and immunofluorescence, the alpha i-2 subunit was found to be localized to the basolateral membrane, whereas the alpha i-3 subunit was concentrated in the Golgi and was also detectable at low levels on apical membranes in some cells. Induction of a chimeric mouse metallothionein 1-rat or canine alpha i-2 gene stably transfected into the LLC-PK1 cells produced an increase in the content of the alpha i-2 subunit, which was targeted only to the basolateral membrane. These findings suggest that alpha i subunit specificity for effectors may be achieved in polarized renal epithelial cells by their geographic segregation to different cellular membranes. The LLC-PK1 cell stably transfected with the metallothionein-alpha i-2 fusion gene will provide a model for the study of guanine nucleotide regulatory protein function in epithelia.
Internal ring buckle arrestors for pipe-in-pipe systems

Abstract A new buckle arrestor concept for pipe-in-pipe systems is introduced and the results of a systematic study of its performance is presented. The concept involves either one single ring or a number of closely packed narrow rings placed in the annulus between the two pipes. Its effectiveness has been studied through a combination of experiments and analyses. The experiments involved two inch carrier tubes of three different D/t values and internal rings of various dimensions. A number of experiments were first conducted using pipe-in-pipe systems. It was found that the inner tube had only a small effect on the crossover pressure of this arrestor and, as a result, in many of the following experiments inner tubes were not included. The crossover pressure of the ring arrestors was studied by varying their length, wall thickness and yield stress. Other parameters varied were the dimensions and properties of the two tubes and the gap between the arrestor and the carrier tube. The process resulted in an empirical design formula for the arresting efficiency expressed as a function of the key nondimensional variables of the problem. Large-scale finite element models which simulate the buckle crossover process have also been developed. They have been shown capable of reproducing experiments accurately. Such models can be used to prove an arrestor design developed through the empirical process described in the report.
A needs assessment investigation of continuing medical education in risk management

Training of physicians in risk management has become an important task for continuing medical education (CME) directors, particularly in states where risk management education is required for licensure. Physicians in Florida who completed an introductory program in risk management were surveyed to determine future topics for risk management education. Physicians identified desired topics using a five-point Likert-type scaling (5 = high priority; 1 = low priority) and rated 55 topics within 10 major subject areas. The means, standard deviations, and rank order of topics within the subject areas are reported. Multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) revealed no significant differences between surgeons and non-surgeons with respect to the subject areas. A significant difference, however, was shown, between academic physicians and non-academic (private practice) physicians; non-academic physicians gave significantly higher scores to six subject areas: malpractice, medical records, acts or omissions constituting negligence, negligence/malpractice actions, defenses, and risk management programs. The results suggest that it is not necessary to plan separate risk management education programs for physicians according to their specialty; one should note, however, the higher priorities given by non-academic physicians and consider these differences when planning advanced risk management programs.
Cellular regulation of the structure and function of aortic valves

Abstract The aortic valve was long considered a passive structure that opens and closes in response to changes in transvalvular pressure. Recent evidence suggests that the aortic valve performs highly sophisticated functions as a result of its unique microscopic structure. These functions allow it to adapt to its hemodynamic and mechanical environment. Understanding the cellular and molecular mechanisms involved in normal valve physiology is essential to elucidate the mechanisms behind valve disease. We here review the structure and developmental biology of aortic valves; we examine the role of its cellular parts in regulating its function and describe potential pathophysiological and clinical implications.
Effect of thermal anomalies and dimensional instability on building envelopes performance

Abstract Thermal anomalies and dimensional instability are among the most influencing factors affecting thermal and moisture performance of building envelopes. However, little attention has been given to both factors. The use of new building materials and products on one hand, and the application of fast efficient construction methods on the other hand, have made construction more economical yet lacking workable details suitable for the newly applied materials, products, and design and structural concepts. As a result, additional thermal anomalities and dimensional instability were created. In general, as the cost and complexity of construction increase, there is always an increased demand to eliminate or avoid any potential sources for performance failure.
Effect of Dietary Carotenoid Supplementation on Food Intake and Immune Function in a Songbird with no Carotenoid Coloration

Studies of ornamental carotenoid coloration suggest that animals may have evolved specialized mechanisms for maximizing color expression and advertising their potential worth as a mate. For example, when given a choice of foods, many carotenoid-pigmented fishes and birds select the more colorful, presumably carotenoid-rich foods, and then accumulate these pigments at high levels in both the integument and systemically, in order to boost their immune system and hence directly advertise their health state with their colors. The majority of animals, however, do not exhibit sexually selected carotenoid coloration, which raises the question of whether they still optimize pigment intake and allocation in ways that boost endogenous accumulation and health. We tested the effect of carotenoid supplementation on food intake, carotenoid accumulation in blood, and both innate and adaptive immunity in male society finches (Lonchura domestica) ‐ a non-carotenoid-colored estrildid finch relative of the zebra finch (Taeniopygia guttata; a species in which males do display sexually attractive and health-revealing carotenoid color). Males fed a carotenoid-rich diet for 2 wk did not consume more food than control males. Still, consumption of the carotenoid-rich diet for 2 wk significantly elevated circulating levels of carotenoids in blood in male society finches, yielding the potential for immune enhancement. In fact, carotenoid-enriched finches performed significantly better than control birds in our assay of constitutive innate immunity (bacterial-killing activity of whole blood), although not in our test of inducible adaptive immunity (response to a mitogenic challenge with phytohemagglutinin). These results suggest that affinities for carotenoid-rich foods may be particular to species with sexually selected carotenoid pigmentation, but that, as in humans and other mammals (e.g. mice, rats) without carotenoid color, the immune-boosting action of carotenoids is conserved regardless of the strength of sexual selection on pigment use.
Mitochondrial development during myogenesis.

Abstract The enzymatic and ultrastructural pattern of mitochondrial differentiation was investigated during myogenesis. Succinate cytochrome C reductase (SCR), a mitochondrial enzyme complex, increased in activity in developing chick thigh muscle in vivo and in vitro. SCR increase in vitro occurred subsequent to myoblast fusion and correlated with the period of increasing creatine phosphokinase (CPK) activity. Fusion-arrest and Ca2+-reversal experiments indicated an apparent coordination between CPK and SCR enzymatic increases and fusion. Analysis of SCR activity in fibroblast cultures suggested that the enzymatic increases observed in differentiating muscle cultures reflected myocyte differentiation, rather than fibroblast contamination or a unique property of the tissue culture environment. Morphological transitions in the myogenic mitochondria were temporally correlated with increased SCR activity. During myogenesis, the mitochondria enlarged in length and volume, exhibited an increase in matrix density, oriented in parallel to the long axis of the myofibrils, and contained increased numbers of parallel cristae. Many mitochondria in fusion-inhibited muscle cultures resembled those found in prefusion myoblasts, although mature mitochondria were observed in some fusion-blocked cells. Quantitative stereological analyses of these mitochondrial changes parallel the biochemical data and suggest that ultrastructural and enzymatic changes in the mitochondria are an integral part of myodifferentiation.
Finding interesting things

Model- and simulation-designers are often interested not in the optimum output of their system, but in understanding how the output is sensitive to different parameters. This can require an inefficient sweep of a multidimensional parameter space, with many samples tested in regions of the space where the output is essentially all the same, or a sparse sweep which misses crucial "interesting" regions where the output is strongly sensitive. In this paper we introduce a novel population-oriented approach to adaptive parameter sweeping which focuses its samples on these sensitive areas. The method is easy to implement and model-free, and does not require any previous knowledge about the space. In a weakened form the method can operate in non-metric spaces such as the space of genetic program trees. We demonstrate the method on three test problems, showing that it identifies regions of the space where the slope of the output is highest, and concentrates samples on those regions.
Respiratory tract flora in CRD and effect of antibiotics in the feed

Abstract INTRODUCTION THE limited knowledge concerning the mode of action of antibiotics in chronic respiratory disease (CRD) has prompted experiments to compare the aerobic and facultative aerobic flora, other than pleuropneumonia-like organisms, present in the respiratory tract of normal and CRD-infected chickens. Both field and laboratory studies have indicated that some antibiotics fed at levels of 100 gm. per ton of feed, or higher, are beneficial in outbreaks of CRD. These benefits are manifested by decreased mortality, continued feed consumption and gain in weight. Reports by Lecce and Sperling (1955) and Fahey and Crawley (1955), as well as unpublished work of our own, indicate that, although a decrease in ease of isolation of PPLO is noted early in the course of antibiotic treatments, it appears that these organisms have not been eliminated by oral administration. It has been suggested by Lecce and Sperling (1954) that secondary invaders may play an important …
INDEPENDENT SYNTHESIS AND STRUCTURAL CHARACTERIZATION OF A MONONUCLEAR COPPER-HYDROXIDE COMPLEX PREVIOUSLY ASSIGNED AS A COPPER-SUPEROXIDE SPECIES

A compound previously reported (Harata et al. J. Am. Chem. Soc. 1994, 116, 10817) as the first structurally characterized example of a monocopper−superoxo complex is shown instead to be [(tppa)Cu(OH)]ClO4, a novel mononuclear hydroxide complex of copper stabilized by intramolecular hydrogen-bonding interactions. An X-ray crystal structure of the compound independently prepared from tppa, Cu(ClO4)2·6H2O, and aqueous NaOH is identical to that mistakenly attributed to the superoxo complex.
Current role of contrast echocardiography in the diagnosis of cardiovascular diseases

The use of contrast echocardiography (CE) in cardiovascular medicine has grown significantly over the last 15 years. Depending on the site of injection, contrast enhancement of the right- or left-sided cardiac chambers or myocardium now can be achieved. Contrast echocardiography can improve the evaluation of patients with valvular heart disease by enhancing the Doppler signal; CE also improves detection of intracardiac or intrapulmonary shunts. In patients with coronary artery disease, enhancement of the endocardial blood-tissue boundary allows for improved visualization of endocardial wall motion, assessment of wall thickening, and calculation of ejection fraction. Contrast echocardiography promises to delineate myocardial perfusion and has the potential for quantitating coronary flow and assessing myocardial viability. These applications may add important physiologic information to the anatomic information readily available from noncontrast echocardiography. Because it can be rapidly performed at the bedside, CE may be a valuable tool for use with inpatients with acute myocardial ischemia. When CE has been used after recanalization of occluded coronary arteries, the assessment of myocardial salvage conveys information concerning reflow, stunning, and prognosis, and in the case of an angioplasty it provides immediate information regarding the success of the procedure. Contrast echocardiography can also assess myocardial areas at risk of irreversible damage and the presence or absence of collateral flow. When performed with transesophageal or epicardial echocardiography in the operating room, CE is emerging as a valuable tool in the assessment of cardioplegia distribution and graft patency as well as in the delineation of the regional supply of each graft. With the continued development of newer contrast agents and refinement of ultrasound imaging equipment, the applications of CE will continue to grow.
THE NEUROGENIC ACTIVITY OF HIGH POTENCY SUBSTANCE P.

Gereinigte Praparate von Substanz P mit Aktivitaten von 10, 1000 und 10 000 E/mg verstarken das vierte Potential der dorsalen Nervenwurzel im Ruckenmark der Katze (Verabreichung nach LSD). Unsere Befunde bestatigen fruhere Beobachtungen und legen die Vermutung nahe, dass bei fortschreitender Reinigung ein Teil der neurotropen Aktivitat zusammen mit der leiotropen angereichert wird.
Optical recording of the electrical activity of synaptically interacting Aplysia neurons in culture using potentiometric probes

We used multiple-site optical recording methods, in conjunction with impermeant molecular probes of the cell membrane potential, to record the electrical activity of model neural circuits in vitro. Our system consisted of co-cultured pairs of left upper quadrant neurons from the abdominal ganglion of the marine gastropod Aplysia. These neurons interact via inhibitory synapses in vitro. Photodynamic damage to the neurons was essentially eliminated over the time course of the measurements, approximately less than 30 s, by removing oxygen from the recording solution and replacing it with argon. This procedure did not affect the synaptic interactions. We observed repetitive spiking activity in single-trace optical recordings with a maximum signal-to-noise ratio per detector of approximately 50. Individual optical signals that corresponded to either the activity of the presynaptic neuron or that of the postsynaptic neuron were clearly identified. This allowed us to monitor the activity of synaptically interacting neurons, observed as a reduction of the firing rate of the postsynaptic cell after activity of the presynaptic cell. Our results demonstrate that optical methods are appropriate for recording prolonged, asynchronous activity from synaptically interacting neurons in culture.
STRUCTURE-SPECIFIC SCALAR INTENSITY MEASURES FOR NEAR SOURCE AND ORDINARY EARTHQUAKE GROUND MOTIONS

Abstract Introduced in this paper are several alternative ground-motion intensity measures (IMs) that are intended for use in assessing the seismic performance of a structure at a site susceptible to near-source and/or ordinary ground motions. A comparison of such IMs is facilitated by defining the “efficiency” and “sufficiency” of an IM, both of which are criteria necessary for ensuring the accuracy of the structural performance assessment. The efficiency and sufficiency of each alternative IM, which are quantified via (i) nonlinear dynamic analyses of the structure under a suite of earthquake records and (ii) linear regression analysis, are demonstrated for the drift response of three different moderate- to long-period buildings subjected to suites of ordinary and of near-source earthquake records. One of the alternative IMs in particular is found to be relatively efficient and sufficient for the range of buildings considered and for both the near-source and ordinary ground motions.
Chronic HIV-2 infection protects against total CD4+ cell depletion and rapid disease progression induced by SHIV89.6p challenge.

Objective: To better understand HIV-1 sexual transmission risk, we have studied the susceptibility of HIV-2-exposed, uninfected (EU) female pig-tailed macaques to intravaginal (IVAG) re-challenge with the homologous HIV-2 strain, followed by heterologous SHIV 89.6p . Methods: Nine female macaques, previously protected by a post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) regimen, along with one mock-treated EU animal, were re-exposed to HIV-2 by the IVAG route approximately 1.5 years later. A single follow-up challenge was performed approximately 1 year later with sHIV 89.6p to assess susceptibility of chronic HIV-2-infected animals to further re-infection and pathogenic effects with a heterologous virus, somewhat mimicking HIV-1. Results: Eight of ten macaques (80%) became infected systemically with HIV-2, and plasma or cervicovaginal vRNA levels did not appreciably differ from prior historic non-PEP control macaques. Interestingly, all eight HIV-2-infected females were susceptible to SHIV 89.6p infection by either intravenous (n = 4) or IVAG exposure (n = 4) after one inoculation. Plasma vRNA levels in these groups were controlled by week 8 and there were no decrease in CD4+ T cells > 50%. The remaining two HIV-2 EU macaques, inoculated intrarectally with SHIV 89.6p were unable to control virus replication and succumbed to disease by week 25 or week 61. Conclusions: Our findings demonstrate that successful PEP regimens to prevent an initial infection do not have any lasting protective effects. The observed lack of cross-protection against SHIV 89.6p transmission among chronic HIV-2-infected macaques provides modeling support for limited epidemiologic data indicating that human HIV-2 infection does not protect against HIV-1 infection, but may serve to alter overt clinical outcome.
Perinatal hexachlorobenzene toxicity in the mink.

Abstract Adult female standard dark mink were exposed to hexachlorobenzene (HCB) at concentrations of 0, 1, and 5 ppm in the feed and bred with males on the same treatments. Female offspring were allowed to mature to 16–17 weeks and killed. At 16–17 weeks of age, HCB had no effect on body weights or liver weights. Hepatic cytochrome P-450 and ethoxyresorufin-O-deethylase were significantly increased 2.0- and 1.5-fold, respectively, in the 5-ppm treatment group. Electron microscopy failed to reveal proliferation of the smooth endoplasmic reticulum. No hepatic damage was observed. No changes in in vitro renal function, measured as accumulation of para-aminohippurate and tetraethylammonium by renal cortical slices, were detected in any treatment group. Histological examination of renal slices did not reveal any alterations in morphology. Fat was the predominate site of HCB disposition; samples from the 5-ppm treatment group contained 626.10 ± 12.01 ng HCB/g tissue. Whereas perinatal HCB administration has profound effects on the survival of off-spring born to exposed mink, only induction of hepatic mixed-function oxidases was observed in the surviving kits without any observable frank hepatotoxicity.
fMRI characterization of the language formulation area

Participants read sentences presented one word at a time, half of which ended with a semantically incongruent ending. 1.5T functional magnetic resonance imaging data were collected from 11 participants, showing that the left posterior inferior temporal region, which has previously been termed the Language Formulation Area (LFA), responded to cloze probability. It is suggested, based on anatomical positioning and a literature review, that the responsiveness of the LFA to cloze probabilities may reflect a role in coordinating the lexical and non-lexical reading pathways. Finally, it is noted that previous studies have implicated this region in dyslexia and some speculations are made in this regard.
Diffusion in Gels and Polymeric Solutions

IN a recent communication, Metzner1 directed attention to some experiments in which abnormally high rates of diffusion were found for the transfer of solutes of low molecular weight in certain polymer solutions and colloidal suspensions. On the basis of these results he speculated on a molecular explanation of how the rate of ordinary diffusion in a liquid may be increased appreciably by using macromolecules or colloidal particles.
Regulation of Carotenoid Metabolism in Tomato

Carotenoids serve diverse functions in vastly different organisms that both produce and consume them. Enhanced carotenoid accumulation is of great importance in the visual and functional properties of fruits and vegetables. Significant progress has been achieved in recent years in our understanding of carotenoid biosynthesis in tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) using biochemical and genetics approaches. The carotenoid metabolic network is temporally and spatially controlled, and plants have evolved strategic tactics to regulate carotenoid metabolism in response to various developmental and environmental factors. In this review, we summarize the current status of studies on transcription factors and phytohormones that regulate carotenoid biosynthesis, catabolism, and storage capacity in plastids, as well as the responses of carotenoid metabolism to environmental cues in tomato fruits. Transcription factors function either in cooperation with or independently of phytohormone signaling to regulate carotenoid metabolism, providing novel approaches for metabolic engineering of carotenoid composition and content in tomato.
Further tests of the coupling model of ionic motions in glassy fast ionic conductors : conductivity relaxation and 7Li and 11B NMR in xLi2S-(1 - x)B2S3

Abstract The pronounced difference of the conductivity relaxation time and the nuclear spin lattice relaxation time of the diffusing ion in an ionic conductor has been established as a general property observed in various glassy ionic conductors. Not so well known is the near coincidence of the conductivity relaxation time and the nuclear spin lattice relaxation time of an immobile ion bound to the glassy matrix. These two effects combined have been explained by the Coupling model and the Coulomb lattice gas model. In this work, recent published experimental results obtained on lithium thioborate glasses which exhibit two separate lithium ion motions are discussed. There is the presence of long-range diffusion of Li ions among the BS 3 units as well as a localized ionic hopping motion around a BS 4 unit. For the long-range diffusion motion of Li ions in the lithium thioborate glasses both effects mentioned above were observed experimentally by 7 Li and 11 B spin lattice relaxation, reaffirming that these effects are general and the details are again explainable by the Coupling model. On the other hand, for the hopping of a localized Li ion around a BS 4 unit which is a new feature occurring only in the lithium thioborate glasses, the absence of interaction and correlation with other Li ions has the immediate consequence that the Coupling model will expect exactly the same 7 Li and 11 B spin lattice relaxation rate from this localized motion. This prediction for a localized Li ion around a BS 4 unit, constituting a further test of the Coupling model, was indeed found experimentally and is pointed out for the first time in this work.
Optimising Antimicrobial Therapy in Diabetic Foot Infections

Foot infections are common and the most serious lower extremity complication contributing to amputations, particularly in patients with diabetes mellitus. Infection is most often a consequence of foot ulcerations, which typically follows trauma to a neuropathic foot. Foot infections may be classified as mild, moderate and severe; this largely determines the approach to therapy. Gram-positive bacteria are the sole causative pathogens for most mild and moderate infections. These infections can usually be treated with culture-based narrow-spectrum antibacterials along with appropriate surgical debridement in an outpatient setting. In contrast, severe infections are often polymicrobial, requiring hospitalisation and treatment with broad-spectrum antibacterials along with appropriate medical and surgical interventions. The initial empirical antibacterial regimen may be tailored based on the results of culture and sensitivity tests from properly obtained specimens. Several antibacterial regimens have demonstrated effectiveness in randomised controlled trials, but no single regimen has shown superiority. Managing diabetic foot osteomyelitis is particularly controversial and requires reliable cultures to select an appropriate antibacterial regimen. Surgical resection of the infected and necrotic bone favours a good outcome in chronic osteomyelitis. The recommended duration of antibacterial therapy ranges from 1 to 4 weeks for soft tissue infection, to >6 weeks for unresected osteomyelitis. The incidence of meticillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus infection is increasing in both the healthcare setting and the community. This should be considered when selecting an antibacterial, especially if the patient does not improve with initial antibacterial therapy. Certain other organisms, such as Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Enterococcus spp., while potentially pathogenic, are often colonisers that do not require targeted therapy.