cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Periovulatory Follicular Fluid Hormone Levels in Spontaneous Human Cycles

We measured follicular fluid hormone levels in 48 normally cycling infertile women who underwent follicle puncture and oocyte retrieval during diagnostic laparoscopy at time-bracketed intervals after an endogenous LH surge. Follicular fluid LH, FSH, PRL, estrone (E1), estradiol (E2), progesterone (P), androstenedione (A), and testosterone (T) concentrations and P/E2 and A/E2 ratios were determined. Oocytes were classified as germinal vesicle (gv), metaphase I (mI), metaphase II (mII), or degenerating (dg). Follicular fluid (ff) hormone levels then were correlated with the stage of oocyte maturation. There were no differences in ff E1 or E2 levels at any stage of oocyte maturation, except that the mean ff E2 concentration was significantly (P less than 0.05) lower in ff containing dg oocytes [2,474 +/- 1,435 (+/- SE) nmol/L] than in those containing the other oocyte stages. The mean P levels were significantly (P less than 0.0001) higher in ff containing mI (48,781 +/- 10,240 nmol/L) and mII (41,801 +/- 11,098 nmol/L) oocytes than in ff containing gv oocytes (1371 +/- 696 nmol/L). The mean A level was highest (P less than 0.01) in dg-associated ff. Similarly, T was highest (P less than 0.05) in ff containing dg (52 +/- 14 nmol/L) oocytes than in ff containing mI (10.7 +/- 10.1 nmol/L) or mII (10.1 +/- 4 nmol/L) oocytes, and it was also elevated (P less than 0.05) in gv ff (72 +/- 33 nmol/L) compared to mII ff. The above differences also were reflected in the P/E2 ratio, which was significantly higher (P less than 0.05) in mI and mII ff, as well as in the A/E2 ratio, which was higher (P less than 0.05) in ff containing mI and mII oocytes compared to ff containing gv or dg oocytes. These data define the evolving changes in the microenvironment of the follicular fluid of preovulatory follicles of normally cycling women. They also provide reference points for analysis of ff obtained from women during stimulated cycles intended for in vitro fertilization.
Kleptocracy and revolutions

This paper develops an economic theory of revolutions as manifestations of kleptocratic rivalry. The theory implies that whether or not a revolution occurs and, if a revolution occurs, the probability that it will be successful depends on the current realizations of the stochastic factors, such as the current potential revolutionary leader's skill in organizing a revolution, that determine the expected effectiveness of insurgents relative to the ruler's soldiers. But, the theory also implies that, given the current realization of the expected effectiveness of insurgents, more is spent on deterring revolutions that do not occur, and revolutions when they occur consume more resources, the larger is the value of being the kleptocratic ruler. Unsurprisingly, some of those who suffered for the cause, in exile or underground, now feel they deserve their just rewards: good salaries, nice cars, patronage, and perks. Copyright 1999 by Royal Economic Society.
Accumulation of plasmacytoid DC: Roles in disease pathogenesis and targets for immunotherapy

Plasmacytoid DC (pDC) secrete type I IFN in response to viruses and RNA/DNA/immunocomplexes. Type I IFN confer resistance to viral infections and promote innate and adaptive immune responses. pDC also produce cytokines and chemokines that influence recruitment and function of T cells and differentiation of B cells. Thus, pDC have been implicated both in protective immune responses and in induction of tolerance. In this Viewpoint, we discuss how the recruitment and accumulation of pDC may impact pathogenesis of several diseases and how pDC can be targeted for therapeutic interventions.
Analysis of a living polymer mixture by use of small‐molecule gel permeation chromatography

A procedure is presented for determining the concentration of polymer lithium, alkyllithium, and monomer by use of small-molecule GPC. The system poly(styryllithium), butyllithium, styrene, and benzene are used to illustrate the method. The method as presented has a lower limit on the direct measurement of butyllithium concentration of 0.00005 molar. If the total carbon-bound lithium is to be determined, the limit can be appreciably lowered. The styrenebenzene separation was obtained for concentration ratios of 1:5 or greater. Several suggestions are presented for improving these analyses.
Beneficial effect of long-term beta blockade after acute myocardial infarction in patients without anterograde flow in the infarct artery

Abstract Previous studies have shown that long-term survival after acute myocardial infarction (AMI) is improved by β-adrenergic blockade and anterograde flow in the infarct artery. This study was done to assess the influence of β blockade on mortality in survivors of AMI without anterograde flow. Over 9.5 years, 113 subjects (87 men and 26 women, aged 26 to 66 years) with AMI and no anterograde flow in the infarct artery and no disease of the other arteries were medically treated for 48 ± 28 (mean ± standard deviation) months. Forty-six patients received long-term β blockade (group I), whereas 67 did not (group II). The groups were similar in age, sex, cardioactive medications, left ventricular performance and infarct artery. Of the 46 group I subjects, 1 (2%) died of cardiac causes; in contrast, 20 (30%) of the group II patients died of cardiac causes (p = 0.007 compared with group I). Thus, in survivors of AMI without anterograde flow in the infarct artery, mortality is markedly reduced by long-term β blockade.
Ovulation induction and in vitro fertilization in systemic lupus erythematosus and antiphospholipid syndrome.

Objective During ovulation induction (OI), ovarian stimulation is accomplished by hormonal manipulation, which includes administration of gonadotropins, gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonists, follicle-stimulating hormone, and luteinizing hormone. In in vitro fertilization (IVF), progesterone is often added. Because of the possibility of hormone-associated flare or thrombosis, patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and primary antiphospholipid syndrome (primary APS) undergoing OI/IVF are potentially at increased risk. The present study was conducted in order to assess this risk. Methods Nineteen women who underwent 68 cycles of OI/IVF were studied by interview and retrospective chart review. Results Four OI/IVF cycles (25%) in SLE patients resulted in increased lupus activity and 2 (13%) in ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome. One patient with primary APS who was given heparin during multiple cycles developed osteopenia. No thrombosis occurred. Pregnancy complications included toxemia, lupus flare, gastrointestinal hemorrhage due to Mallory-Weiss tear, polygestation, and diabetes. Postpartum complications included nephritis flare, costochondritis, and suicidal depression. Lupus flares occurred at expected rates. Five of 16 cycles (31%) in 7 SLE patients, 5 of 48 cycles (10%) in 10 primary APS patients, and 0 of 5 cycles in 2 women with antiphospholipid antibody (without SLE or primary APS) resulted in liveborn children, including multiple gestations (3 twin sets with 4 surviving infants and 2 triplet sets with 3 surviving infants). Seven of 14 living children (50%) were premature, 3 had neonatal lupus, and 1 had pulmonic stenosis. Five surviving infants (38%) had complications unrelated to prematurity. Conclusion Although OI/IVF can be successful in SLE and primary APS patients, rates of fetal and maternal complications are high.
Successful Treatment of Sulfonylurea-Induced Prolonged Hypoglycemia with use of Octreotide

ABSTRACT Objective To report the successful use of octreotide in the management of prolonged hypoglycemia attributable to therapeutic doses of sulfonylureas. Methods We present a case series of 6 patients with sulfonylurea-induced hypoglycemia, along with pertinent serial laboratory data and review of the course of management. Results Most of our 6 study patients had diabetes mellitus, which had been managed with sulfonylurea therapy. In the context of renal failure or heart failure (or both), severe, prolonged hypoglycemia developed. Intermittent intravenous administration of 50% dextrose did not result in a sustained and adequate response. Continuous intravenous administration of dextrose-containing solutions was contraindicated because of fluid overload as a result of congestive heart failure or renal failure. Administration of octreotide, 50 μg subcutaneously every 8 hours, resulted in a prompt and sustained resolution of the hypoglycemia. In 3 of the 6 study subjects, measurements of insulin and C-peptide levels both before and after treatment confirmed the efficacy of the octreotide therapy. Conclusion Our cases demonstrate that octreotide proves to be an effective treatment intervention for prolonged hypoglycemia caused by therapeutic doses of sul-fonylureas. This is the first major report of the safe and effective use of octreotide in the management of sulfonylurea-induced hypoglycemia outside the emergency department setting. (Endocr Pract. 2006;12:635-640)
Building a strategic data base

Abstract The strategic data base design process was originally proposed as a non-computerized group-based technique for determining information relevant to strategic management. This paper explores approaches to computerizing the strategic data base design process, and considers the advantages and disadvantages of using computer support in accomplishing the objectives of the process.
Role of cytokines in the pathogenesis of cardiopulmonary-induced multisystem organ failure☆

The clinical presentation of patients with multiorgan failure caused by septic conditions is very similar to that seen in patients with multiorgan failure after cardiopulmonary bypass. It has been hypothesized that the same mechanisms are at work in both instances. This commonality of presentation and mechanisms is denoted by the new term systemic inflammatory response syndrome. The systemic inflammation resulting from cardiopulmonary bypass is manifested by the development of adult respiratory distress syndrome. Overall mortality for this condition is high, and the absence of a specific therapy reflects the lack of understanding of the mechanisms involved. The risk factors associated with multiorgan failure include the age of the patient, the number of failed organs, and whether these organ failures persist or resolve. The release of a variety of inflammatory mediators has been implicated in the pathogenesis of sepsis. These include the cytokines (tumor necrosis factor, interleukin-1, interleukin-6), lipid and arachidonate metabolites, platelet-activating factor, and activation of the coagulation cascade. There seems to be marked synergy between these different mediators, suggesting that a combination of small amounts of them all may be more toxic than a large release of one by itself. During cardiopulmonary bypass, increased levels of circulating endotoxin have been associated with the activation of the complement system and increased levels of tumor necrosis factor. Interleukin-6 level has been shown to be elevated during bypass. The action of the inflammatory mediators to induce injury may be related to the activation of leukocytes and endothelial cells.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Medical Coverage for Multievent Sports Competition: A Comprehensive Analysis of Injuries in the 1994 Star of the North Summer Games

Objective To determine the incidence and type of requests for medical assistance and the treatment required in 21 sports at the 1994 Star of the North Summer Games and to develop a plan, based on these findings, for efficient allocation of medical supplies and staff. Design We reviewed our experience with a large multisport amateur athletic event and analyzed the pattern of injuries for participants in the various sports. Material and Methods Injury evaluation forms and medical supply kits were given to the health-care volunteers, who received preliminary instructions on classifications and definitions of injuries and on appropriate completion of the forms. When a medical contact occurred, an evaluation form was completed. The data from these forms were subsequently compiled and analyzed. Results Of 6,243 athletes who participated in the 1994 Star of the North Summer Games, 55 (0.88%) received medical attention (2 officials also required medical assistance). The sports with the greatest number of medical contacts were soccer and track and field—31 and 16 contacts for medical assistance, respectively. The lower extremities were the anatomic site most frequently involved in injury (62% of the medical contacts). The most common types of injury were contusions, strains, and sprains. Conclusion Because few injuries were sustained and most were of minor severity, basic medical supplies (such as ice bags and compression wraps) were sufficient. For locations with a scarcity of medical personnel, a triage system can be established in which athletic trainers or registered nurses manage the initial assessments and refer cases, as needed, to physicians for specialized care. An effective communication system can also considerably reduce volunteer hours.
Frequency Factors in the Thermally Activated Process

Discussions of the rate $\ensuremath{\nu}{e}^{\ensuremath{-}\frac{U}{\mathrm{kT}}}$ for thermally activated processes are usually based on the phase-space distribution function for thermal equilibrium. Kramers has gone beyond this and for the particle in a bistable one-dimensional well has treated the relaxation to equilibrium as a Brownian motion problem in which the one-dimensional motion is coupled to a reservoir through a viscosity. Kramers' arguments are readily extendable to many dimensions. In the overdamped case the reaction rate is reduced below the value derived from thermal equilibrium theory by the factor $\frac{{\ensuremath{\omega}}_{s}}{\ensuremath{\eta}}$, where ${\ensuremath{\omega}}_{s}$ is the angular frequency associated with the direction of steepest descent at the saddle point and $\ensuremath{\eta}$ the viscosity. In the underdamped case equilibrium theory is valid for many-dimensional systems, except for extreme degrees of underdamping.
Antitermination and termination functions of the cloned nutL, N and tL1 modules of coliphage lambda

Abstract A plasmid containing a p p - galK operon was constructed to assay galK expression as a measure of transcriptional regulation by the cloned nut L, N and t L1 modules in a Rho + , Nus + Escherichia coli host. Insertion of t L1 and rut , both carried on a λ fragment located between the Bam HI site and gene N , between the promoter and galK reduced expression of galK by 80–90%. Gene N alone, when controlled by p p , stimulated gal K expression by about two-fold. Cloning of both gene N and nut L in the proper orientation resulted in about a 60% decrease in the t L1 termination. Additional tandem nut L sites increased efficiency of antitermination. A shortened nut L segment, containing only 25 bp of the original genomic nut L sequence, was found to have nearly equal ability to bring about antitermination. If the orientation of the nut L fragment is reversed, antitermination is abolished and the insert now displays a termination function. Termination efficiency is 60 to 73% for one to four tandem nut L modules in reverse orientation. Similarly, the inverted N module acts as a terminator, with 67% efficiency for one and 90% for two tandem inserts. Termination by inverted nut L or N fragments is probably unrelated to their normal functions, but indicates a fortuitous presence of a terminator sequence in the inverted orientation.
R-92L and R-92W Mutations in Cardiac Troponin T Lead to Distinct Energetic Phenotypes in Intact Mouse Hearts

It is now known that the flexibility of the troponin T (TnT) tail determines thin filament conformation and hence cross-bridge cycling properties, expanding the classic structural role of TnT to a dynamic role regulating sarcomere function. Here, using transgenic mice bearing R-92W and R-92L missense mutations in cardiac TnT known to alter the flexibility of the TnT tropomyosin-binding domain, we found mutation-specific differences in the cost of contraction at the whole heart level. Compared to age- and gender-matched sibling hearts, mutant hearts demonstrate greater ATP utilization measured using 31P NMR spectroscopy as decreases in [ATP] and [PCr] and |ΔG∼ATP| at all workloads and profound systolic and diastolic dysfunction at all energetic states. R-92W hearts showed more severe energetic abnormalities and greater contractile dysfunction than R-92L hearts. The cost of increasing contraction was abnormally high when [Ca2+] was used to increase work in mutant hearts but was normalized with supply of the β-adrenergic agonist dobutamine. These results show that R-92L and R-92W mutations in the TM-binding domain of cardiac TnT alter thin filament structure and flexibility sufficiently to cause severe defects in both whole heart energetics and contractile performance, and that the magnitude of these changes is mutation specific.
Comparison of frequency discrimination thresholds for complex and single tones in chinchillas

Frequency discrimination thresholds were measured from five chinchillas for harmonic tone complexes having a fundamental frequency of 250 Hz. Stimuli consisted of the fundamental frequency and the second through 10th harmonics with individual components added in either cosine phase or random phase. In general, thresholds were independent of overall level for sound levels between 47 and 77 dB SPL, and there was no difference in thresholds observed between cosine-phase tone complexes and random-phase tone complexes. Discrimination thresholds were also obtained for a single 250-Hz tone for comparison with complex tone thresholds. Similar to data reported in human subjects, thresholds in chinchillas for tone complexes were lower than thresholds obtained using a single tone, although chinchillas required a larger frequency difference than human listeners. The results suggest that the mechanisms of frequency discrimination of complex tones are similar between chinchillas and human listeners.
Perforation of the interventricular septum in a case of subacute bacterial endocarditis

Abstract Perforation of the interventricular septum due to subacute bacterial endocarditis is a rare condition. 1,2 Wilson 3 reported three cases of mycotic aneurysm with perforation of the interventricular septum complicating subacute bacterial endocarditis. The purpose of this paper is to present a case of subacute bacterial endocarditis complicated by perforation of the interventricular septum diagnosed during life and confirmed at post-mortem examination.
Type extension through polymorphism

A record data type can be extended by addition of more fields. The extended type is a subtype of the original, in that any value of the extended type can be regarded as a value of the original type by ignoring the additional fields. This results in a type hierarchy.Milner [3] has proposed a polymorphic type system. With the Milner approach, the type of a function may contain type variables. This also results in a type hierarchy.In a language with a polymorphic type system, if it is anticipated that a record type will need to be extended, then the record type can be defined to have a dummy extension field. In the parent type, the extension field will have null contents of type void. The type of the extension field can differ with different subtypes.The approach can be extended to allow a type to be subtype of two or more parent types.To a limited extent, this approach can be used in Ada and other languages with generic program units.
Operational characteristic of a compact microwave ion source

A small microwave ion source has been fabricated from a quartz tube with one end enclosed by a two grid accelerator. The source is also enclosed by a cavity operated at a frequency of 2.45 GHz. Microwave power as high as 500 W can be coupled to the source plasma. The source has been operated with different geometries and for various gases in a cw mode. For hydrogen, ion current density of 200 mA/cm/sup 2/ with atomic ion species concentration as high as 80% has been extracted from the source. It has also been demonstrated that low energy oxygen ion beams (5 to 10 eV) can also be extracted from the source.
Kinetic characterization of enzyme inhibitors using electrospray-ionization mass spectrometry coupled with multiple reaction monitoring.

Electrospray ionization mass spectrometry coupled to multiple reaction monitoring (ESI-MS/MRM) has been applied for the first time to analyze enzyme inhibitor kinetics. Specifically, a known competitive inhibitor, guanosine 5‘-monophosphate (GMP), and a synthetic, transition-state analogue inhibitor, guanosine 5‘-[1d-(1,3,4/2)-5-methyl-5-cyclohexene-1,2,3,4-tetrol 1-diphosphate] (1) have been characterized against recombinant fucosyltransferase (Fuc-T) V using ESI-MS/MRM. Dixon analysis with GMP yielded a signature plot for competitive inhibition. Nonlinear regression analysis gave a Ki of 211.8 ± 24.7 μM. The conventional analysis using GDP-[U-14C]Fuc yielded a similar Ki value of 235.6 ± 59.4 μM, confirming the validity of the MS-based method. The synthetic inhibitor 1 showed potent competitive inhibition with a Ki of 25.6 ± 2.8 μM. Although 1 possesses a chemically reactive allyl phosphate group, ESI-MS/MRM showed that there was no reduction in the concentration of 1 and no production of a predicted me...
A Contemporary Conceptual Model of Hypochondriasis

Hypochondriasis (HC), which involves preoccupation with the fear of having a serious illness despite appropriate medical examination, is often encountered in medical settings. The most conspicuous feature of this disorder is seeking excessive reassurance from physicians, medical references, or self-inspection; however, many patients also fear they will receive upsetting information if evaluated and thus avoid consultations and remain preoccupied with physiologic events, believing they are physically ill. Thus, HC causes personal suffering for the patient and practical and cost management problems for professionals across fields of clinical practice. The past 2 decades have seen considerable improvement in the understanding and treatment of HC. In this article, we review a contemporary conceptual model of HC and an effective form of treatment called cognitive-behavioral therapy that is derived from this model. Recommendations for presenting this conceptualization to patients and encouraging proper treatment are also discussed.
Economic Pathology and Comparative Economics: Why Economies Fail to Succeed

Understanding why economies do not succeed is at least as important as understanding success. The study of failure is focused on the stability of institutions that inhibit good performance, the Northian Conundrum. Policies that seem perverse may fit into a larger institutional environment. This explains the persistence of dysfunctional institutions. The key to effective reform is to understand the underlying logic of the system. I use the phenomenon of Russian viability insurance as an example.
SYNTHETIC GLYCODIVERSIFICATION. FROM AMINOSUGARS TO AMINOGLYCOSIDE ANTIBIOTICS. A REVIEW

(2005). SYNTHETIC GLYCODIVERSIFICATION. FROM AMINOSUGARS TO AMINOGLYCOSIDE ANTIBIOTICS. A REVIEW. Organic Preparations and Procedures International: Vol. 37, No. 4, pp. 337-375.
On achievable rates for classes of non-linear deterministic interference channels

This paper extends the literature on interference alignment to more certain classes of deterministic channels which incorporate non-linear input-output relationships. It is found that the concept of alignment extends naturally to these deterministic interference channels, and in many cases, the achieved degrees of freedom (DoF) can be shown to be optimal. A key contribution of the paper is the connection it builds between interference alignment and number theory.
Empty Houses: Thackeray's Theater of Interiority

in Victorian studies has addressed the struggles and uncertainties attendant on the novel's quest for cultural hegemony. I'm thinking in particular of books like Emily Allen's Theater Figures: The Production of the Nineteenth-Century British Novel and J. Jeffrey Franklin's Serious Play: The Cultural Form of the Nineteenth-Century Realist Novel. Despite the differing emphases and arguments of these works, they share an acute awareness of the theater's central role in nineteenth-century English culture. Allen and Franklin both argue that the novel consolidated its cultural centrality by means of a strenuous competition with its theatrical other. Allen demonstrates, for example, that novelists conjured the image of theater to create distinctions between novels: the figure of theater drew off energies of embodiment, femininity, and mass entertainment that the serious novel needed to render abject in order to establish itself as a private, disembodied, respectable artistic object. Franklin's account similarly emphasizes a model of generic competition, whereby novelists like William Makepeace Thackeray and George Eliot discipline theatrical characters in order to supplant what Franklin calls "the subject of performance" with "the subject of reading" (126). Allen and Franklin are both drawing on and contributing to the important work of historians who have traced the transformations in dramatic
Stepping Off Stage: Towards a More Reflexive Blackness

In order to sincerely pursue an inclusive African American humanity, we must recognize and respond to the complex intersections of subordination and privilege within the broad social, cultural, and physiological domain that is Blackness—the physical marker of African American existence within the United States. This paper represents an attempt to reflexively consider my own Blackness and the privileges contained therein. Sexuality, class and gender are among the subject positions that I consider in this effort.
Operation and performance of biogas-fueled cogeneration systems

Abstract This paper presents some of the technical and logistical problems associated with two cogeneration systems testes in an energy-integrated farm system. Two spark ignition industrial engines coupled to induction generators were used to produce electricity. Heat was also recovered from the engine coolant and from the engine exhaust. The heat recovered was used for heating an anaerobic digestion system and for domestic space and water heating. Annual electricity production for 1983 and 1984 was 61129 and 110480 kWh, respectively. There where two major engine problems encountered with the first cogeneration system. The first problem was the failure of wrist pins caused by oil acidity. The second problem was the build-up of carbon residue around the pistons and valves. The first problem was corrected with the use of a high TBN oil and better oil management. The build-up of carbon residue continued to be a problem with the first engine despite several engine modification. However, this was not a problem with the second engine tested. From an economic assessment it was determined that the economics of farm scale cogeneration was marginal. Depending on the system reliability, payback period for the systems studied was from 9.7 to 21.6 years.
Design decisions to optimize reliability of daytime cortisol slopes in an older population

Objective The daytime log-cortisol slope appears to be of growing importance in studying the relationship between stress and health. How best to estimate that slope with minimal burden to the participants and the cost of the study is a decision often made without empiric foundation. Methods In 50 older participants, the authors examined cortisol assay comparability across laboratories, assay reliability, test–retest reliability of slopes, and comparability of slope estimates for two, three, and four samples per day. Results The authors demonstrate in an older sample that 1) assay reliability is a relatively minor issue, that one assay per saliva sample suffices; 2) the use of a sample obtained at wake time for each participant appears to be a preferred anchor for the slope estimate in comparison to a sample 30 minutes postwake time; 3) self-reported times appear preferable to automatic time recording; and 4) test–retest reliability of slopes, however, is not sufficiently high to base a slope estimate on one day; minimally two days and preferably three should be required. Conclusions Whether these conclusions apply to other populations, or using other protocols, is not assured, but the study itself provides a model that can be used to check research decisions. Unnecessarily imposing a burdensome protocol has both ethical and scientific ramifications and should be carefully avoided.
Localization of neuron-specific (gamma gamma) enolase in proliferating (supportive and neoplastic) Schwann cells. An immunohisto- and electron-immunocyto-chemical study of ganglioneuroblastoma and schwannomas.

Neuron-specific (γγ) enolase, a glycolytic enzyme used as a relatively specific marker for normal neurons and neuroendocrine cells, has recently been found in a variety of neoplastic cells and in reactive astrocytes. Its localization was investigated by immunohisto- and electron-immunocyto-chemistry, in the proliferating supportive Schwann cells of a peripheral ganglioneuroblastoma and in the neoplastic Schwann cells of four acoustic tumours. By light microscopy, the neoplastic Schwann cells showed moderate uneven diffuse immunopositivity for enolase. By electron-immunocy-tochemistry, both types of Schwann cells demonstrated immunopositivity discretely limited to their cell surface membranes. The neoplastic ganglion cells and axons of the ganglioneuroblastoma and the normal neurons and axons included in the schwannomas were, as expected, intensely immunopositive. The visualization of γγ enolase on the cell surface membranes of both neoplastic and non-neoplastic proliferating Schwann cells suggests that increased glycolytic activity may occur on the surface of these proliferating cells irrespective of the nature of the proliferation.
The Dark Side of Iapetus: Additional Evidence for an Exogenous Origin

The Saturnian satellite Iapetus presents one of the most unusual appearances of any object in the.
Adsorptive and catalytic properties of supported metal oxides: III. Water-gas shift over supported iron and zinc oxides

Abstract Supported iron oxide and zinc oxide samples were studied as water-gas shift catalysts at temperatures from 620 to 720 K. The supports studied were SiO 2 , Al 2 O 3 , TiO 2 , MgO, ZnO and Na-mordenite. The catalytic activity of all supported iron samples was significantly lower than that of magnetite (Fe 3 O 4 ). It is suggested that whereas magnetite functions as a catalyst via an oxidation-reduction pathway, all supported iron and zinc oxide samples operate via an associative mechanism for the water-gas shift. The catalytic activities of the supported samples decreased as the acidity of the support or the electronegativity of the support cations increased. It is proposed that carbon monoxide does not readily adsorb or react with acidic catalysts, thereby leading to low water-gas shift activities. On basic oxides, the rate of water-gas shift is inhibited by the adsorption of carbon dioxide.
Infrared- And Millimeter-Wavelength Absorption In The Atmospheric Windows By Water Vapor And Nitrogen: Measurements And Models

Attenuation of electromagnetic waves by atmospheric gases is an im-portant consideration in a variety of radar and electro-optical applica-tions. Molecular absorption by strong bands of H 2 O and CO 2 defines the atmospheric window regions. The window regions are not totally transparent and feature weak line absorption and continuum absorption. The experimental character of continuum absorption by water vapor in atmospheric window regions at millimeter wavelengths and 10, 4, and 2.2 Am and nitrogen at 4 μm is surveyed. This includes recent measurements at The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory on H 2 O at 2.2 μm and the nitrogen collisioninduced band at 4.3 μm. Also, some of the concepts and models used to characterize these phenomena will be reviewed. The search for a unified theory on the water vapor continuum has been elusive, yet the frequency and pressure dependence is consistent with current far-wing theories. The temperature dependence is not totally understood. A model describing the temperature dependence of the nitrogen continuum is emphasized.
Health monitoring of IT industry people

In IT industry, almost all employees use desktop/Laptop at their workplace. The average working hours per day on computer in call center and software development were more than 9 hrs and 8.3 hrs respectively. Some of the present study [1] shows that the magnitude of computer related problems were around 93 percentage. It can be concluded seeing the responses that there is a need for constant monitoring and sporadic appraisal of health problems in IT professional to acquire appropriate remedial measures at the primal stage. This paper deals with the proposed solution for continuously monitoring, the gestures of IT people at their workstation by capturing it through web camera. The captured gestures are processed by flowing through a series of techniques such as Frame analysis, Foreground Segmentation and Feature Extraction. The processed gestures are compared with ideal gesture and alerts will be notified immediately to the users in case of any discrepancies. These alerts consequences the gesture change of the user to the classic position and paves way in preventing and reducing health hazards.
The glutathione peroxidase activity of glutathione S-transferases

Glutatione transferases (RX:glutathione R-transferases, EC 2.5.1.18) B and AA were purified from rat liver to investigate the mechanism for their apparent GSH peroxidase activity (GSSG formation). Both transferases catalyze an overall reaction in which loss of cumene hydroperoxide is accompanied by a stoichiometric increase in GSSG. Inclusion of cysteamine, a thiol, results in a reduction of GSSG formation but has no effect on hydroperoxide loss. Cysteamine does not inhibit the transferase-catalyzed conjugation of GSH and 1-chloro-2,4-dinitrobenzene. Peroxidase reactions carried out in the presence of cyanide, another nucleophile, also result in a reduction of GSSG formation without altering the rate of cumene hydroperoxide loss; cyanide does not inhibit transferase activity with 1-chloro-2,4-dinitrobenzene. Both cysteamine and cyanide are capable of blocking GSSG formation in the non-enzymic oxidation of GSH by hydrogen peroxide without blocking H2O2 loss. These results are consistent with a mechanism for GSH transferases in which nucleophilic attack by GS- on hydroperoxide results in a reactive intermediate, presumably the sulfenic acid of glutathione, GSOH. GSH + ROOH in equilibrium GSHO + ROH (1) This sulfenic acid then reacts non-enzymically with GSH to produce GSSG. GSOH + GSH in equilibrium GSSG + H2O (2) The summing of Reactions 1 and 2 explains the observed stoichiometry. Cysteamine and cyanide can compete with GSH for the sulfenic acid in Reaction 2, thus reducing GSSG formation. Thios.
Nonlocal currents as Noether currents

The first two nonlocal currents in the general two-dimensional chiral models are derived as Noether currents. The associated infinitesimal field transformations are shown to obey a group integrability condition. A subset of the structure constants of the symmetry group responsible for these conserved currents is calculated.
Story Recall and Narrative Coherence of High-Functioning Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders

Previous research has found few quantitative differences between children with high-functioning autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) and well-matched controls in the length, complexity, and structure of their narratives. Researchers have noted, however, that narratives of children with ASDs have an unusual and idiosyncratic nature. This study provides an analysis of narratives in 17 children with high-functioning ASDs and 17 typically developing children matched on age, gender, language abilities, and cognitive abilities. We examined story recall and narrative coherence. The study revealed no group differences in story length or syntactic complexity. Children with ASDs also did not differ from controls in their use of the gist of a story to aid recall, or in their sensitivity to the importance of story events. Children with ASDs did, however, produce narratives that were significantly less coherent than the narratives of controls. Children with ASDs appeared less likely to use the gist of the story to organize their narratives coherently. These findings are discussed with regard to their relationship to other cognitive and linguistic difficulties of children with ASDs.
Polyoma virus middle T is essential for virus replication and persistence as well as for tumor induction in mice.

Abstract A mutant strain of polyoma virus encoding a truncated middle T protein has been studied for its ability to replicate and induce tumors following inoculation into newborn mice. Virus replication in the acute period prior to expected onset of tumors as well as persistence of virus in older animals were followed. The mutant virus proved to be defective in replication and persistence and failed to induce tumors. These results demonstrate that middle T plays an essential role in productive viral infection in the animal. Since the mutant virus encodes normal large and small T proteins, the results also indicate that functions associated with these T antigens, including large T binding of the retinoblastoma tumor suppressor gene product and the ability to immortalize, are insufficient to cause development of tumors in this system.
Spatial analysis of two-species interactions

In this paper, I present and discuss some methods for the analysis of univariate and bivariate spatial point pattern data. Examples of such data in ecology include x-y coordinates of organisms in mapped field plots. I illustrate the methods with analyses of data from mapped field plots on Mount St. Helens, Washington state, USA. The statistical methods I emphasize are graphical methods that rely on analysis of distances between organisms. Hypothesis testing for methods like these is easily done using Monte Carlo methods, which I also discuss. For both univariate and bivariate analyses, I find that second-order methods such as K-function plots are often preferable to first-order methods (i.e., QQ-plots). However, for multivariate analyses, these second-order methods are more sensitive to small sample sizes than first-order analyses.
Stabilization of solutions for a class of parabolic integro-differential equations

Abstract : Integro-differential equations arise in the description of feed-back control systems, where the control variables are derived from filtered observations of the state or where the control mechanism possesses inertia. The author studies a model equation for a distributed control system (e.g., the state varies over some space-like domain) which contains also some diffusion effects and give conditions under which the state will tend to some limit, as time goes to infinity, regardless of the initial situation. The limit is shown to satisfy an elliptic differential equation. Convergence rates are also given; these show the slowing-down effect of a slow control mechanism on the convergence of the state variable. The problem under study can also be viewed as a natural extension of a type of reaction-diffusion equation that has received wide attention in the literature. (Author)
Some Like It Hot, Some Like It Cold

Students combine liquids and solids in a calorimeter and use a thermometer to determine if the reaction mixture gets hotter or colder. The goal is to find a combination of a liquid and a solid that could serve as the basis for a cold pack of the type used for athletic injuries. The Activity is done on a small scale but can be modified for a larger scale.
Plasma carbonyls do not correlate with lung function or computed tomography measures of lung density in older smokers

Oxidative stress and inflammation are hallmarks of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). A critical byproduct of oxidative damage is the introduction of carbonyl groups into amino acid residues. We hypothesize that plasma carbonyl content is inversely correlated with lung function and computed tomography (CT) measures of lung density among smokers and is elevated in COPD. Carbonyl was measured in plasma of participants aged 60 years and older by ELISA. Generalized linear and additive models were used to adjust for potential confounders. Among 541 participants (52% male, mean age 67 years, 41% current smokers), mean plasma carbonyl content was 17.9+/-2.9 nmol ml(-1) and mean forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV(1)) was 80.7+/-20.9% of predicted. Plasma carbonyl content was inversely associated with FEV(1), but this relationship was largely explained by age. Multivariate analyses ruled out clinically meaningful associations of plasma carbonyl content with FEV(1), FEV(1)/FVC (forced vital capacity) ratio, severity of airflow obstruction, and CT lung density. Plasma carbonyl content is a poor biomarker of oxidative stress in COPD and emphysema.
Biocatalytic analysis of biomarkers for forensic identification of gender

A new biocatalytic assay analyzing the simultaneous presence of creatine kinase (CK) and alanine transaminase (ALT) was developed aiming at the recognition of biofluids of different gender for forensic applications. Knowing the difference in the concentrations of CK and ALT enzymes in the blood of healthy adults of male and female groups we mimicked the samples of different gender with various CK–ALT concentrations. The analysis was performed using a multi-enzyme/multi-step biocatalytic cascade where the differences in both included enzymes resulted in an amplified difference in the final analytical response. The analysis performed in human serum solutions allowed discrimination of samples corresponding to male/female groups. The robustness of the developed analysis allowed determination of the gender for serum solutions after their drying and ageing at least for 1 hour. Importantly for forensic applications, reaction with a chromogenic reactant nitroblue tetrazolium allowed qualitative discrimination of the “male” and “female” samples by the naked eye.
Stimulating red blood cell production with immunomodulating agents.

In man, approximately 1% of the total red cell blood mass is produced each day in the bone marrow. This production rate is best reflected by emergence of reticulocytes in the bloodstream. An equal number of senescent red blood cells are removed from the circulation each day. This steady-state process maintains the hematocrit at an even level. When red blood cell production ceases entirely, the reticulocyte count drops to zero, and life-threatening anemia develops in approximately two months. Red blood cell transfusions provide short-term relief for this problem. However, due to the risks of hepatitis and iron overload, long-term red blood cell transfusion therapy is an unsatisfactory approach for the long-term treatment of patients with severe hypoproliferative anemias. See also p 723. During the last two decades, intensive research has provided a deeper understanding of the regulation of red blood cell production. Erythropoietin (EPO), a glycoprotein hormone produced by the
Effects of test anxiety on performance, worry, and emotionality in naturally occurring exams

Test performance and reported anxiety levels of high and low test-anxious subjects taking either a regular exam or an exam containing brief, written relaxation instructions were compared. A consistent main effect for test anxiety was found; high test-anxious subjects performed more poorly and reported greater worry and emotionality than did low test-anxious subjects. Effects for the relaxation manipulation were found only on the second of three exams where the high anxious subjects receiving the relaxation exam format reported less worry than the high anxiety-regular exam group. Results provide greater external validity for the Test Anxiety Scale (TAS).
Stabilization of bzip peptides through incorporation of fluorinated aliphatic residues.

Two fluorinated amino acids, 5,5,5-trifluoroisoleucine (5TFI) and (2S,3R)-4,4,4-trifluorovaline (4TFV), which have been shown to serve as isoleucine surrogates in protein synthesis in Escherichia coli, have been incorporated in vivo into basic leucine zipper (bzip) peptides derived from GCN4. The extents of residue-specific incorporation of 5TFI and 4TFV were 90 and 88 %, respectively, of the encoded isoleucine residues, as evidenced by MALDI mass spectrometry and amino acid analysis. Both circular dichroism and equilibrium sedimentation studies of the fluorinated bzip peptides indicated preservation of secondary and higher-order protein structure. Thermal-denaturation experiments showed an increase of 27 °C in melting temperature when isoleucine was replaced by 5TFI. However, the T_m of the peptide containing 4TFV was increased by only 4 °C over that of the peptide containing valine. Similar trends were observed in chemical denaturation studies in which ΔΔG_(unfold) in water was determined to be 2.1 or 0.3 kcal mol^(−1) upon incorporation of 5TFI or 4TFV, respectively. When the fluorinated peptides were tested for DNA binding, both their affinity and specificity were similar to those of the respective hydrogenated peptides. These results suggest that fluorinated amino acids, even when introduced into the same positions, can have markedly different effects on the physical properties of proteins, while having little impact on secondary and higher-order structure.
Ghetto economic development: Content and character of the literature

E c o n o m i s t s have generally shown little interest in the enclaves concentrated mainly in urban areas where most nonwhites of America live and carry on the "ordinary business of life." It is not surprising, then, that "ghetto economic development" is neither clearly defined nor f o r m a l l y recognized in the literature of economics. Nevertheless :, at least the technical dimensions of the subject can be studied from the perspectives of urban and regional economics. However, this review of the literature attempts to identify the broader interdisciplinary, as well as the social and political character of the process of ghetto economic development.
Mapping and gene expression profile of the minimally overrepresented 8q24 region in prostate cancer.

We have recently reported that overrepresentation of 8q24 (c- myc ) is associated with clinical progression in prostate cancer. In this study, we map the boundaries of the overrepresented region within 8q23-q24 using interphase fluorescent in situ hybridization analysis of paraffin-embedded prostate cancer specimens. One hundred primary prostate cancers and three prostate cancer cell lines were evaluated, and the minimally overrepresented region could be narrowed to the ∼8.2-Mb region between D8S514 and H47317. This region includes c- myc and is wholly within 8q24. Eukaryotic translation initiation factor 3 subunit 3 does not seem to be overrepresented independent of c- myc in prostate cancer. The cell lines PC3 and DU145 have and do not have 8q24 overrepresentation, respectively. We then selected 39 expressed sequence tags (ESTs) within and surrounding the minimally overrepresented region and performed expression analysis using Northern blot hybridization. Five ESTs/genes including c- myc were overexpressed in both the PC3 cell line and DU145, but the PC3 to DU145 expression ratios were myc are candidate target genes within the overrepresented 8q24 region and their overexpression may be associated with prostate cancer progression.