cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The effects of oral nifedipine on hepatic blood flow in humans.

Duplex ultrasonography was used to measure changes in hepatic blood flow in 13 healthy volunteers after they received single doses of 10 mg oral nifedipine and placebo. Blood flow was measured in the hepatic artery and branches of the portal and hepatic veins at baseline and 0.3, 0.6, 1, 1.5, 2, 3, 4, and 5 hours after drug administration. Cardiac output was also measured at baseline and 1, 2, and 3 hours after dosing. Blood flow initially increased in all three vessels 0.6 hour after administration of nifedipine (29%, 56%, and 31% in the hepatic artery, hepatic vein, and portal vein, respectively) compared with placebo. Flow rapidly returned to baseline in the hepatic artery and hepatic vein, whereas it appeared to remain elevated through 3 hours in the portal vein. Nifedipine administration resulted in an increase in cardiac output of 26%, 22%, and 14% above placebo at 1, 2, and 3 hours, respectively. No significant differences were detected in the systolic, diastolic, or mean arterial blood pressures after nifedipine or placebo. This study demonstrates that nifedipine increases hepatic blood flow in a transient nature and systemic hemodynamic parameters do not necessarily reflect specific organ responses. The nifedipine-induced change in blood flow should be considered when nifedipine is coadministered with high-clearance drugs, because systemic availability may be increased. Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics (1991) 50, 379–384; doi:10.1038/clpt.1991.154
Gelatinized pleistocene collagen.

Abstract 1. 1. Treatment of Pleistocene bones from Rancho La Brea with hot water has solubilized most of their collagenous protein. 2. 2. The resulting mixture of polypeptides when hydrolyzed with strong HCl has yielded amino acids in the relative proportions characteristic of pure gelatin and collagen. 3. 3. This accords with the conclusion that the proteinaceous material in these fossils is collagen which time has but little changed.
Impaired acetylcholine-induced cutaneous vasodilation in young smokers: roles of nitric oxide and prostanoids

Cigarette smoking attenuates acetylcholine (ACh)-induced cutaneous vasodilation in humans, but the underlying mechanisms are unknown. We tested the hypothesis that smokers have impaired nitric oxide (NO)- and cyclooxygenase (COX)-dependent cutaneous vasodilation to ACh infusion. Twelve young smokers, who have smoked more than 5.2 ± 0.7 yr with an average daily consumption of 11.4 ± 1.2 cigarettes, and 12 nonsmokers were tested. Age, body mass index, and resting mean arterial pressure were similar between the groups. Cutaneous vascular conductance (CVC) was evaluated as laser-Doppler flux divided by mean arterial pressure, normalized to maximal CVC (local heating to 43.0°C plus sodium nitroprusside administration). We evaluated the increase in CVC from baseline to peak (CVCΔpeak) and area under the curve of CVC (CVCAUC) during a bolus infusion (1 min) of 137.5 μM ACh at four intradermal microdialysis sites: 1) Ringer (control), 2) 10 mM N(G)-nitro-l-arginine methyl ester (l-NAME; NO synthase inhibitor), 3) 10 mM ketorolac (COX inhibitor), and 4) combination of l-NAME + ketorolac. CVCΔpeak and CVCAUC at the Ringer site in nonsmokers were greater than in smokers (CVCΔpeak, 42.9 ± 5.1 vs. 22.3 ± 3.5%max, P < 0.05; and CVCAUC, 8,085 ± 1,055 vs. 3,145 ± 539%max·s, P < 0.05). In nonsmokers, CVCΔpeak and CVCAUC at the l-NAME site were lower than the Ringer site (CVCΔpeak, 29.5 ± 6.2%max, P < 0.05; and CVCAUC, 5,377 ± 1,109%max·s, P < 0.05), but in smokers, there were no differences between the Ringer and l-NAME sites (CVCΔpeak, 16.8 ± 4.3%max, P = 0.11; and CVCAUC, 2,679 ± 785%max·s, P = 0.30). CVCΔpeak and CVCAUC were reduced with ketorolac in nonsmokers (CVCΔpeak, 13.3 ± 3.6%max, P < 0.05; and CVCAUC, 1,967 ± 527%max·s, P < 0.05) and smokers (CVCΔpeak, 7.8 ± 1.8%max, P < 0.05; and CVCAUC, 1,246 ± 305%max·s, P < 0.05) and at the combination site in nonsmokers (CVCΔpeak, 15.9 ± 3.1%max, P < 0.05; and CVCAUC, 2,660 ± 512%max·s, P < 0.05) and smokers (CVCΔpeak, 11.5 ± 2.6%max, P < 0.05; and CVCAUC, 1,693 ± 409%max·s, P < 0.05), but the magnitudes were greater in nonsmokers (P < 0.05). These results suggest that impaired ACh-induced skin vasodilation in young smokers is related to diminished NO- and COX-dependent vasodilation.
Pervaporation Using Hollow-Fiber Membranes for Dehydrating Acetic Acid and Water Mixtures

Matrimid hollow fibers, originally developed for standard gas separation, were adapted to dehydrate acetic acid (HAc) and water mixtures in this work. These fibers, with an integrally defect-free skin layer supported on an open porous substrate, exhibit intrinsic selectivity for gases such as N2, O2, and He. When applied to separate HAc and water mixtures, the separation factor and water flux of ∼15 and 2.5 kg/m2h, respectively, were obtained for a regular 250 μm outer diameter and 20 cm long defect-free hollow fiber in a pervaporation process at 101.5 °C. A large bore pressure change along the axial direction of hollow fibers was shown to be negatively impacting separator performance. The separation factor and water flux were, therefore, increased by ∼150% using a similar fiber with a diameter twice as large as that of the regular gas separation fiber.
Simplified method for fabrication of a claspless removable partial denture using extracoronal resilient attachment.

VOLUME 82 NUMBER 1 A claspless removable partial denture (RPD) with extracoronal resilient attachments (Stern ERA Attachment System, APM-Sterngold, Attleboro, Mass.) can fulfill the esthetic requirement of a partially edentulous patient. Clinically, the difficulties and discrepancies that occur during framework try-in and jaw registration increase because the claspless frameworks often lack of sufficient retention, support, and stability.1,2 This article describes a simple method of fabricating an ERA-included claspless RPD in accordance with conventional RPD design principles and clinical procedures and without complicated operatory and laboratory works.
Ectopical expression of human MUC18 increases metastasis of human prostate cancer cells

MUC18, a cell adhesion molecule (CAM), has been reported to be a diagnostic marker for the early detection of the metastatic potential of prostate cancers as well as implicated to be an important determinant for mediating the tumorigenesis and metastasis of prostate cancer. To test the hypothesis, we further investigated the possible role of MUC18 in the malignant progression of human prostate cancer. The human MUC18-minus, non-metastatic human prostate cancer LNCaP cells were transfected with the human cytomegalovirus immediate-early gene (HCMV-IE) promoter-driven human MUC18 (huMUC18) cDNA. The G418-resistant (G418R)-LNCaP clones that expressed a high level of huMUC18 were selected and used for testing the effect of huMUC18 expression on the in vitro growth, motility, and invasiveness as well as on the in vivo metastasis (via orthotopical injection) in a xenograft nude mouse model. HuMUC18 expression increased by four- to fivefold of in vitro motility and invasiveness of LNCaP cells. Anti-huMUC18 antibody significantly inhibited the in vitro motility and invasiveness of huMUC18-expressing LNCaP clones, but not the control clones. We suggest that huMUC18 expression is responsible for increasing these behaviors of LNCaP cells. HuMUC18 expression also directly increased the in vivo metastatic abilities of the LNCaP cells from the prostate gland to multiple distant organs. Western blot and immunohistochemistry analyses showed that the prostatic tumors as well as metastatic lesions expressed high levels of MUC18, indicating that they originated from the injected huMUC18-expressing LNCaP cells. We therefore conclude that HuMUC18 is an important determinant in increasing metastasis of human prostate cancer LNCaP cells to distant organs in a nude mouse model.
Parametric modeling of water quality and sampling strategy in a high-altitude appalachian stream

Multiple linear regression models were developed using log-transformed water quality data from a high-altitude stream in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The independent variables of cumulative Julian days, seasonality terms, stream pH, conductivity, and flow rate were used in the regression models to predict concentrations and loads for acid neutralizing capacity (ANC), chloride, hydrogen ion, nitrate, potassium, sodium, and sulfate. The regression analyses showed statistically significant declines in nitrate and ANC loads and concentrations with time, but did not show declines in hydrogen ion or sulfate concentrations. The water quality database and regression models were used to test weekly, bi-weekly, tri-weekly, monthly, bi-monthly, and quarterly sampling frequencies. The results showed overall that the weekly, bi-weekly, tri-weekly, and monthly sampling strategies should produce distributions that are statistically similar in mean and variance for stream water quality and loads.
Marine Adhesive Containing Nanocomposite Hydrogel with Enhanced Materials and Bioadhesive Properties

4-arm poly(ethylene glycol) end-capped with mimics of adhesive moiety found in mussel adhesive protein, dopamine, was combined with a biocompatible nano-silicate, Laponite, in creating a nanocomposite hydrogel with improved materials and adhesive properties. Dopamine’s ability to form both irreversible covalent (cohesive and interfacial) and reversible physical (with Laponite) crosslinks was exploited in creating an injectable tissue adhesive. Incorporation of Laponite did not interfere with the curing of the adhesive. In some instances, increasing Laponite content reduced gelation time as dopamine-Laponite bond reduced the required number of covalent bonds needed for network formation. Incorporation of Laponite also increased compressive materials properties (e.g., max strength, energy to failure, etc.) of the nanocomposite without compromising its compliance as strain at failure was also increased. From lap shear adhesion test using wetted pericardium as the substrate, incorporating Laponite increased work of adhesion by 5 fold over that of control. Strong, physical bonds formed between dopamine and Laponite increased bulk materials properties, which contributed to the enhanced adhesive properties.
Microbiological considerations in pediatric and adolescent gynecology.

Summary The biota of the female reproductive tract reflects the cytologic and physiologic condition of this organ system. The neonate may acquire some of the vaginal infections of its mother during its passage down the birth canal. Lactobacilli, Trichomonas vaginalis, and Candida albicans may be acquired during this period. After the first two or three weeks and for next 8–10 years, a variety of organisms may be found in the vagina, depending upon the degree of maternal care, familial infections, intravaginal foreign objects, and various other factors. With the onset of pubescence and later sexual activity, a greater variety of organisms may be recovered from the vagina, including the classical venereal pathogens, e.g., Neisseria gonorrhea and Trichomonas vaginalis, which may occur in greater prevalence. Gonorrhea and syphilis have shown an increasing prevalence in urban teenagers in recent years.
Multiple overwintering mechanisms inChymomyza amoena larvae (Diptera: Drosophilidae) and laboratory induction of freeze tolerance

Chymomyza amoena larvae in apples in summer were found to be either potentially freeze tolerant or to supercool. By late September only potentially freeze tolerant larvae were recovered from apples. Larvae from walnut husks in winter supercooled to avoid freezing. However, freeze tolerance could be induced in laboratory grown larvae by placing them in apples around the seed area and maintaining them at chilling temperatures for several weeks. Overwintering mechanisms employed byC. amoena larvae in Michigan appear to depend upon larval feeding site.
Restoring and maintaining bone in osteopenic female rat skeleton: I. Changes in bone mass and structure

This experiment contains the crucial data for the lose, restore, and maintain (LRM) concept, a practical approach for reversing existing osteoporosis. The LRM concept uses anabolic agents to restore bone mass and architecture (+ phase) and then switches to an agent with the established ability to maintain bone mass, to keep the new bone (+/- phase). The purpose of this study was to learn whether switching to an agent known chiefly for its ability to maintain existing bone mass preserves new bone induced by PGE2 in osteopenic, estrogen-depleted rats. The current study had three phases, the bone loss (-), restore (+), and maintain (+/-) phases. We ovariectomized (OX) or sham ovariectomized (sham-OX) 5.5-month-old female rats (- phase). The OX rats were treated 5 months postovariectomy with 1-6 mg PGE2 per kg/day for 75 days to restore lost cancellous bone mass (+ phase), and then PGE2 treatment was stopped and treatment began with 1 or 5 micrograms/kg of risedronate, a bisphosphonate, twice a week for 60 days (+/- phase). During the loss (-) phase, the cancellous bone volume of the proximal tibial metaphysis in the OX rat fell to 19% of initial and 30% of age-matched control levels. During the restore (+) phase, the cancellous bone volume in OX rats doubled. When PGE2 treatment was stopped, however, and no special maintenance efforts were made during the maintain (+/-) phase, the PGE2-induced cancellous bone disappeared. In contrast, the PGE2-induced cancellous bone persisted when the PGE2 treatment was followed by either a 1 or 5 micrograms treatment of risedronate per kg given twice a week for 60 days during the maintain (+/-) phase. The tibial shaft demonstrated very little cortical bone loss during the loss (-) phase in OX rats. The tibial shaft cortical bone fell some 8%. During the restore (+) phase, new cortical bone in OX rats increased by 22%. When PGE2 treatment was stopped and nothing was given during the maintain (+/-) phase, however, all but the PGE2-induced subperiosteal bone disappeared. In contrast, when PGE2 treatment was stopped and 1 micron risedronate per kg twice a week for 60 days was administered during the maintenance (+/-) phase, the PGE2-induced subperiosteal bone and some of the subendocortical bone and marrow trabeculae persisted.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS).
Tissue microarray immunohistochemical expression of estrogen, progesterone, and androgen receptors in uterine leiomyomata and leiomyosarcoma.

BACKGROUND Benign uterine leiomyomata (LMA) are hormonally responsive neoplasms. To the authors' knowledge, little is known regarding the hormonal expression patterns of leiomyosarcomas (LMSs) of the uterus. The objective of the current study was to assess the immunohistochemical (IHC) patterns of estrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PR), and androgen receptor (AR) expression in LMA and LMS of the uterus using a tissue microarray. The authors also sought to assess the prognostic value of ER, PR, and AR expression in LMS. METHODS Between January 1991 and March 2001, 25 patients were identified with primary uterine LMS for whom tissue was available. A tissue microarray was created with 3 representative cores from each of the LMS cases, as well as from 19 cases with benign uterine LMA. IHC staining was scored as follows: negative (0–1) and positive (2–3). Outcome analyses were performed for LMS only. First recurrence was determined from the time of the initial diagnosis. Survival was determined from the time of the initial diagnosis to last follow-up. RESULTS ER, PR, and AR positivity in LMA compared with LMS was as follows: ER, 78% versus 40% (P = 0.03); PR, 88% versus 38% (P = 0.001); and AR, 32% versus 40% (P = 0.75). There was no difference noted with regard to IHC expression based on stage of LMS. The median overall survival for patients with LMS was 23.5 months (95% confidence interval, 19.5, NR). When adjusted for stage, PR and AR were found to be predictive of a lower risk of recurrence (P = 0.01 and P = 0.035, respectively). ER, PR, and AR were not found to be associated with overall survival after adjustment for stage. Tumor stage was found to be associated with survival (P = 0.005). CONCLUSIONS The rate of ER and PR expression was found to be significantly less in uterine LMS compared with LMA. ER, PR, and AR expression was observed in approximately 30–40% of uterine LMS cases. In the current series, PR and AR expression appeared to be associated with disease-free survival but were not found to correlate with overall survival. Cancer 2004. © 2004 American Cancer Society.
SCF/c-kit signaling is required for cyclic regeneration of the hair pigmentation unit

Hair graying, an age-associated process of unknown etiology, is characterized by a reduced number and activity of hair follicle (HF) melanocytes. Stem cell factor (SCF) and its receptor c-kit are important for melanocyte survival during development, and mutations in these genes result in unpigmented hairs. Here we show that during cyclic HF regeneration in C57BL/6 mice, proliferating, differentiating, and melanin-producing melanocytes express c-kit, whereas presumptive melanocyte precursors do not. SCF overexpression in HF epithelium significantly increases the number and proliferative activity of melanocytes. During the induced hair cycle in C57BL/6 mice, administration of anti-c-kit antibody dose-dependently decreases hair pigmentation and leads to partially depigmented (gray) or fully depigmented (white) hairs, associated with significant decreases in melanocyte proliferation and differentiation, as determined by immunostaining and confocal microscopy. However, in the next hair cycle, the previously treated animals grow fully pigmented hairs with the normal number and distribution of melanocytes. This suggests that melanocyte stem cells are not dependent on SCF/c-kit and when appropriately stimulated can generate melanogenically active melanocytes. Therefore, the blockade of c-kit signaling offers a fully reversible model for hair depigmentation, which might be used for the studies of hair pigmentation disorders.
Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia: Molecular Genetics and Alternative Approaches to Treatment

Several autosomal recessive disorders affecting the adrenal cortex and its development and leading to defective cortisol biosynthesis are known under the collective term "congenital adrenal hyperplasia" (CAH). Over the last two decades, the genes causing most of these disorders have been identified and molecular genetics may supplement their clinical and biochemical diagnosis. In addition, new treatments have emerged; although gene therapy has yet to be applied in humans, studies are ongoing in gene transfer in adrenocortical cell lines and animal models. In this review, after a brief introduction on the developmental biology and biochemistry of the adrenal cortex and its enzymes, we will list the new developments in the genetics and treatment of diseases causing CAH, starting with the most recent findings. This order happens to follow adrenal steroidogenesis from the mitochondrial entry of cholesterol to cortisol synthesis; it is unlike other presentations of CAH syndromes that start with the most frequently seen syndromes, because the latter were also the first to be investigated at the genetic level and have been extensively reviewed elsewhere. We will start with the latest syndrome to be molecularly investigated, congenital lipoid adrenal hyperplasia (CLAH), which is caused by mutations in the gene coding for the steroidogenic acute regulatory (StAR) protein. We will then present new developments in the genetics of 3-beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (3 beta HSD), 17 hydroxylase and 17,20-lyase (P450c17), 11 hydroxylase (P450c11 beta), and 21 hydroxylase (P450c21) deficiencies. Alternative treatment approaches and gene therapy experiments are reviewed collectively in the last section, because they are still in their infantile stages.
Revascularization in Stable Coronary Artery Disease

[95% CI, 0.48-0.72]) (P < .001) and repeat revascularization (I 2 = 75.6%; RR, 0.29 [95% CI, 0.21-0.41]) (P < .001) with CABG. There was a trend toward excess strokes with CABG (I 2 = 24.9%; RR, 1.36 [95% CI, 0.99-1.86]), but this was not statistically significant (P = .06). For reduction in total mortality, there was no heterogeneity between trials that were limited to and not limited to patients with diabetes or whether stents were drug eluting or not. Owing to lack of individual patient-level data, additional subgroup analyses could not be performed.
An Extended Beam Theory for Smart Materials Applications Part I: Extended Beam Models, Duality Theory, and Finite Element Simulations ⁄

An extended theory for elastic and plastic beam problems is studied. By introducing new dependent and independent variables, the standard Timoshenko beam model is extended to take account of shear variation in the lateral direction. The dynamic governing equations are established via Hamilton's principle, and existence and uniqueness results for the solution of the static problem are proved. Using the theory of convex analysis, the duality theory for the extended beam model is developed. Moreover, the extended theory for rigid-perfectly plastic beams is also established. Based on the extended model, a finite-element method is proposed and numerical results are obtained indicating the usefulness of the extended theory in applications.
Response of multi-span beams to spatially incoherent seismic ground motions

The response of continuous two- and three-span beams of various lengths subjected to spatially varying seismic ground motions is evaluated. Stochastic representations of the seismic ground motions are used as input at the supports of the structures, and sensitivity analyses of the response with respect to the degree of correlation between the support motions are performed. The results indicate that fully correlated motions may produce higher or lower response than partially correlated motions
Abstract 3891: Reduced tumor formation by forced expression of cyclin-dependent kinase 6 in mouse epidermis

Proceedings: AACR 101st Annual Meeting 2010‐‐ Apr 17‐21, 2010; Washington, DC The Cyclin-Dependent kinases (CDKs) are a family of essential serine-threonine kinases that are cell cycle regulated by association with cyclins at specific time-points during the cell cycle. Specifically, D-type cyclins form complexes and activate CDK4 and CDK6. We have previously determined that overexpression of CDK4 in mouse epidermis increases malignant progression in chemically induced skin tumors. In order to study the role of CDK6 in squamous epithelial tissues, we generated transgenic mice overexpressing CDK6, driven by the regulatory sequence of the keratin 5 promoter (K5CDK6). Keratinocytes from K5CDK6 mice have similar levels of proliferation compared to wild type mice, however, contrary to the role of CDK4 in mouse skin tumorigenesis, forced expression of CDK6 results in strong reduction of the multiplicity (papillomas per mouse) and incidence of skin tumors. Tumors derived from K5CDK6 or the wild type sibling show no histological differences nor changes in the rate of malignant progression, suggesting that CDK6 expression affects early stages of skin carcinogenesis. Our previous results have also shown that CDK6 preferentially binds to cyclin D3, which overexpression also decreases tumor development in mouse epidermis. Interestingly, lack of Cyclin D1 produces similar phenotype upon chemical carcinogenesis treatment. Thus, we hypothesize that overexpression of Cyclin D3 or CDK6 in a Cyclin D1-null background should synergize with the reduced tumor development previously observed in cyclin D1-null mice. As expected, a lower number of tumors were found in K5-cyclin D3/cyclin D1−/− compound mice compared to cyclin D1−/− siblings. Thus, we hypothesized that the reduced tumor development observed in these mice is a result of the CDK6/Cyclin D3 complex activity. Consequently, K5-CDK6/cyclin D3−/− compound mice are being generated to investigate whether CDK6-associated tumor inhibition depends on cyclin D3 expression. Only in few cases, CDK6 has been associated with tumorigenesis as compared to CDK4 and CDK2, in particular, no association of CDK6 with epidermal tumors has been reported so far. We propose that CDK6/cyclin D3 complexes play an important role in maintaining normal epidermal homeostasis. Therefore we speculate that upregulation of one or both of its components will block tumor development which could be use as a therapeutic approach. Supported by NIH grant CA116328. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 101st Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2010 Apr 17-21; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2010;70(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 3891.
Burst discharge in mammalian neuroendocrine cells involves an intrinsic regenerative mechanism

Intracellular recordings from mammalian neuroendocrine cells showed that steady, injected currents can modify and block periodic spike bursts previously associated with increased neurohormone release. Spike afterpotentials could sum to form plateau potentials, which generated bursts and did not depend on axonal conduction or chemical synapses. Therefore, bursting involves a spike-dependent, positive-feedback mechanism endogenous to single neuroendocrine cells.
Surface disintegration of liquid in longitudinally excited containers.

The results of an experimental and analytical study of liquid surface responses in a container excited longitudinally at high frequency are presented. A theory developed to predict surface disintegration, when compared with experimental results, is shown to give conservative estimates. The theory appears valid for arbitrary gravity conditions and a dimensionless plot, valid for Bond numbers less than 100, is presented to aid predictions of disintegration. Results of several experiments performed on spray-excited low-frequency waves are considered conclusive proof of the validity of Yarmovych's hypothesis, and testing to determine the conditions necessary for the existence of these waves was insufficient to allow a general prediction method. Nomenclature an - amplitude of the nth axisymmetric component of <£ as = effective acceleration at liquid surface; surface acceleration
Upper limit on B( tau --> eta pi nu ).

Motivated by recent evidence for the decay tau..-->..eta..pi nu.., a search for this decay has been carried out in e/sup +/e/sup -/ annihilation at ..sqrt..s = 3.77 GeV. No evidence for decay is found; an upper limit of 2.5% at the 90% confidence level is set on the branching fraction B(tau..-->..eta..pi nu..).
Long range substituent effects relfected in the 13C NMR spectra of allyl alcohols and their derivatives

Acylation of allyl alcohols induces strong carbon shifts, shielding γ and deshielding δ effects. These shifts are a consequence of through-bond polarization of the olefinic carbons. Allyl ethers show similar, but milder perturbations. The olefinic carbon shifts reveal a strong concentration dependence. This effect, in greatly reduced form, is also observed in non-oxygenated alkenes. Hydrogen bonding by alcohols enhances the chemical shift difference in olefinic carbon pairs by increased polarization.
Determination of Capsaicinoids in Habanero Peppers by Chemometric Analysis of UV Spectral Data

A novel spectrophotometric method for the determination of capsaicinoids in habanero pepper extracts is described that does not require prior analyte separation. The method uses partial-least-squares (PLS-1) multivariate regression modeling techniques in conjunction with ordinary UV absorption spectral data obtained on alcoholic extracts of habanero peppers (Capsicum chinese). The PLS-1 regression models were developed by correlating the known total concentration of the two major capsaicinoids (capsaicin and dihydrocapsaicin) in the extracts as determined by high-performance liquid chromatography with the spectral data. The regression models were subsequently validated with laboratory-prepared test sets. The validation studies revealed that the root-mean-square error of prediction varied from 4 to 8 ppm, based on the results obtained from models prepared from nine test sets. Once a regression model has been developed and validated, analyses of the extracts can be accomplished rapidly by ordinary spectrophotometric procedures without any prior separation steps.
Molecular dynamics simulation with a continuum electrostatic model of the solvent

The accuracy and simplicity of the Poisson-Boltzmann electrostatics model has led to the suggestion that it might offer an efficient solvent model for use in molecular mechanics calculations on biomolecules. We report a successful merger of the Poisson-Boltzmann and molecular dynamics approaches, with illustrative calculations on the small solutes dichloroethane and alanine dipeptide. The algorithm is implemented within the program UHBD. Computational efficiency is achieved by the use of rather coarse finite difference grids to solve the Poisson-Boltzmann equation. Nonetheless, the conformational distributions generated by the new method agree well with reference distributions obtained as Boltzmann distributions from energies computed with fine finite difference grids. The conformational distributions also agree well with the results of experimental measurements and conformational analyses using more detailed solvent models. We project that when multigrid methods are used to solve the finite difference problem and the algorithm is implemented on a vector supercomputer, the computation of solvent electrostatic forces for a protein of modest size will add only about 0.1 s computer time per simulation step relative to a vacuum calculation. © 1995 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Vita Sancti , Vita Regis : The Saintly King in Hákonar saga Hákonarsonar

In this paper I present evidence for the pervasive influence of hagiographic themes, including the miraculous, shrines and relics, and unrelenting mercy, on the biography of Hakon Hakonarson, King of Norway from 1217 to 1263. These elements are extant to a greater degree in Hakon’s biography than in any saga of the Heimskringla save that of St Olaf. Furthermore, I argue that the saga’s portrayal of the king as a saintly figure serves to compare him to the greatest Christian kings of the preceding centuries, even if only within the memorialization of the text itself and not in later memory. Studies of the saga remain largely historical, providing a (sometimes contested) backdrop of factual information over which studies of other literary and historical texts are made. With the current contribution I offer a different view, namely that of a richly textured royal biography that draws on the dominant literary forms of its day.
Hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia: a review of 76 cases.

Objectives/Hypothesis Hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia has long been viewed as a rare condition. Recent evidence indicates that the disorder is more frequent than previously thought. Recalcitrant epistaxis is a salient feature of this disease, and the otolaryngologist is often called on to make the diagnosis and guide the primary management of patients with hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia. Wider recognition of this condition, awareness of the natural history and associated findings, appropriate workup and screening for arteriovenous malformations (lungs, brain, liver), and knowledge of appropriate interventions can help avoid the considerable morbidity associated with hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia. Study Design Retrospectivereview. Methods Records of patients treated by the senior author (s.m.s.) for hereditary hemorrhagic teleangiectasia from 1993 to 2000 were reviewed. Results Seventy-six patients were identified, 98% of whom had epistaxis as their presenting complaint, with 75% having a family history of hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia. The severity of epistaxis varied in the patients: 66% had mild, 21% moderate, and 13% severe epistaxis. Sixty-four percent of patients had no transfusions, 25% had 1 to 10 transfusions, and 11% of patients had more than 10 transfusions. Complications of hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia were documented in 30% of patients. Screening for arteriovenous malformations was performed in only 34% of patients. Eighty-two percent of patients received a variable number of Nd:YAG laser treatments. Conclusions The study presents the largest retrospective review of patients treated for hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia by a single otolaryngologist. The importance of a multidisciplinary approach facilitated by the otolaryngologist for evaluation of concomitant complications and morbidity (arteriovenous malformations) from hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia is demonstrated. An algorithm for controlling the epistaxis is presented.
Dust Collection Efficiency for Power Law Bodies in Hypersonic Flight

A numerical and analytical study predicts 1) the collection efficiency of conical and blunted axisymmetric bodies of the power law family in hypersonic flight through dust clouds and 2) the impact angle and velocity. Collection efficiencies of cones using the exact conical flovvfield solutions are shown for particles obeying a drag law of the form C'D = fn(Re, M, T p/T). Most of the data can be correlated by three dimensionless groups. Results show large variations from collection efficiency based on the less realistic "standard" drag law CD=fn(Re). Collection efficiency of power law bodies has been determined in the hypersonic slender body approximation for the realistic drag law. The data correlate well with the three aforementioned dimensionless parameter groups. Blunting is found to decrease collection efficiency appreciably. An approximate model provides a qualitative description of the collection efficiency and impact angle dependence on the main parameters. The distribution of impact angle for cones and blunt bodies also correlates well with the three dimensionless groups. In all cases, the impact velocity is nearly equal to the flight velocity.
Trends and correlates in meat consumption patterns in the US adult population

Meats are key dietary sources for many important nutrients including protein and many other essential micronutrients such as minerals and vitamins to maintain good health(1). During recent years, the Atkins diet, which consists of high meat consumption (MC), has been advocated for weight loss(2,3). On the other hand, MC has been linked to higher intakes of saturated fat, total energy and reduced consumption of vegetables(4,5), leading some researchers to propose vegetarian diets as a means to prevent many diet-related chronic diseases including obesity, despite the many associated controversies(4,6–10). MC has been related to increased chronic morbidity, while higher intake of vegetables, fruits, cereals, nuts and legumes has been independently associated with a lower risk for several chronic diseases, such as IHD, diabetes, obesity and many cancers(6,7). Earlier studies indicate that diets largely based on plant foods, including well-balanced vegetarian diets, offer a number of nutritional benefits, including lower levels of saturated fat, cholesterol and animal protein, as well as higher levels of fibre, magnesium, potassium, folate and antioxidants. Compared to their non-vegetarian counterparts, vegetarians are found to have lower BMI, blood pressure and blood cholesterol levels; lower rates of hypertension, type 2 diabetes, prostate and colon cancer; and reduced death rates from heart disease(4,6,7). Therefore, it would be of interest to examine MC patterns over time and determine whether they have been affected by the recent related research findings and advocacy campaigns, although many remain controversial(1,7,11,12). Using US nationally representative data collected over the past two decades, we examined the trends in US adults’ MC and compared the differences among gender, ethnic, and socio-economic status (SES) groups. We also tested whether psychosocial–behavioural factors such as nutrition-related knowledge and perceptions, and food label use might affect MC. Our findings will help shed light on the recent shifts in food consumption patterns and the variation in these shifts across population groups in the United States.
4-Aryloxybutenolides As “Chiral Aldehyde” Equivalents: An Efficient Enantioselective Synthesis of (+)-Brefeldin A

4-(2‘-Naphthoxy)-2-butenolide, readily available with high enantiopurity by a dynamic kinetic asymmetric transformation (DYKAT) of racemic 4-acyloxybutenolides (available in two steps from furfural), serves as an excellent chiral building block where the naphthoxy group strongly directs the stereochemistry of cycloadditions to the double bond. Notably, the cycloadditions of trimethylenemethanepalladium intermediates which do not exhibit good diastereoselectivity in additions to acceptors that possess many common and important chiral auxiliaries undergo cycloadditions with excellent regio- and stereocontrol. The utility of this process set the stage for an efficient new synthesis of (+)-brefeldin A, a compound of growing pharmacological significance. This synthesis also highlights the Pd-catalyzed DYKAT of crotyl carbonate to create the remote stereocenter. A new two-step method to convert aldehydes to δ-hydroxy-E-α,β-enoates is also outlined.
Adaptive controller for tracking power profile in a fuel cell powered automobile

Abstract In this paper, a model reference adaptive controller is designed using the Lyapunov method, for tracking a time varying power profile in an automobile powered by a fuel cell. The adaptability of the controller is tested by implementing the controller on different power profiles which simulate actual power requirement of different road conditions. The performance of the adaptive controller is compared with a conventional PID controller and it is observed that the adaptive controller has superior performance.
Effects of calcium ion on sludge conditioning

Investigating the sludge conditioning behavior and improving sludge conditionability were the primary objectives of this study. The effects of calcium ion with and without polyelectrolyte conditioning behavior on two industrially activated sludge systems were studied via Capillary Suction Time (CST) tests. Experimental results indicated that the calcium ion can strongly enhance the conditionability of the industrial biological sludge system. The good conditionability of calcium ion added system could have possibly resulted from the interaction of polysaccaride from activated sludge with calcium ion. Additionally, adding polyelectrolyte solution first would produce more suitable conditioning in a situation in which calcium ion is involved with polyelectrolyte system.
Ecology of coordinated stasis

Abstract Coordinated stasis is indicated by recurrent fossil assemblages that have virtually the same species composition, species-abundance distribution, and skeletal morphology (of at least the dominant species), occurring at different geographic localities and stratigraphic levels within a particular region. Assemblages appear to persist for 105 to 106 yr, through multiple transgressive-regressive cycles, and seem to keep pace with shifting depositional environments. This type of paleoecologic stasis appears to record stable, long-lived regional ecosystems, which are larger and more durable than local ecosystems or “communities”. Although study of such large ecologic systems is just beginning, by both paleoecologists and neoecologists, it is not too early to consider the possible processes controlling their distribution and organization. Regional ecologic stasis may result simply from the prevalence of stable local systems, or it could require different explanations that take into account hierarchical properties of spatiotemporally extensive multispecies systems. Possible allogenic models include: coordinated faunal tracking of preferred environments, constancy of habitat structure and recruitment sources, and intervals of extreme environmental uniformity promoting deployment of large, long-lived benthic ecosystems. Promising autogenic models include: persistent metapopulation structure maintaining regional ecosystem composition and function, some form of large-scale connectance stability, and the incorporation of disturbance and turnover occurring in local systems within more persistent regional systems.
The impact of nodal isolated tumor cells on survival of breast cancer patients.

Abstract Background Isolated tumor cells (ITCs), often detectable only with immunohistochemical techniques, have an unknown significance in the prognosis of breast cancer. The American Joint Committee on Cancer guidelines classify such patients as N0 (immunohistochemistry +), staging them with node-negative patients. We sought to further elucidate the impact of ITCs on survival. Methods We conducted a retrospective review of all women at our institution with breast cancer from 1996 to 2005. Of 514 patients, 16 had isolated tumor cells detected only with immunohistochemical staining. Survival then was compared with historical survival rates for women with node-free disease. Results The 16 women with N0 (i+) disease had stage I or II disease. There was no documented recurrence among these women, with an average follow-up period of 2.5 years. Conclusions Our data suggest that ITCs detected in lymph nodes do not adversely impact survival or disease-free survival compared with women with node-negative disease. Larger studies will be required to confirm these findings.
Acoustic diagnostics of the nonpremixed turbulent jet flame

The feasibility of inferring information regarding turbulence and combustion details in turbulent combustion zones through the acoustic field is explored. The well known theoretical formulation of Strahle is used. The real difficulty in prediction of the acoustic field is seen to be the unavailability of an expression for the local, instantaneous reaction rate in a turbulent field. A simplified expression is used to infer the nature of the acoustic field. Based on earlier photographic observations, a model is used as a working hypothesis to extract information regarding the acoustic field. These are seen to be substantiated by experiments as well. More importantly, it is found that changes in the operating conditions of various burners are almost instantly revealed in the acoustic spectra. Several experiments with a laboratory burner using several different gaseous reactants are reported to support this diagnostic information content of the acoustic fields of turbulent combustion zones.
Elongation studies of the human agouti-related protein (AGRP) core decapeptide (Yc[CRFFNAFC]Y) results in antagonism at the mouse melanocortin-3 receptor

The agouti-related protein (AGRP) is an endogenous antagonist of the brain melanocortin receptors (MC3R and MC4R) and is believed to be involved in feeding behavior and energy homeostasis. Previous results identified that the human AGRP decapeptide Yc[CRFFNAFC]Y binds to the MC3R and MC4R and acts as an antagonist at the MC4R but not at the MC3R. We have synthesized the amidated version of this decapeptide as well as performed elongation studies at both the N-and C-terminus of the monocyclic hAGRP(109-118) peptide. This study was designed to identify monocyclic peptide fragments of the hAGRP(86-132) to determine the minimal active monocyclic sequence necessary for antagonism at the MC3R. For binding studies, radiolabeled 125I-NDP-MSH versus 125I-hAGRP(86-132) were utilized to determine if there were differences in the ability of the AGRP fragments prepared herein to competitively displace the 125I-NDP-MSH versus AGRP(86-132) radiolabel. The binding IC(50) values of radiolabeled hAGRP(86-132) versus NDP-MSH were identical within experimental error, supporting the hypothesis that AGRP and NDP-MSH interact with overlapping binding epitopes at the MC3R and MC4R. The most notable results include identification of the TAYc[CRFFNAFC]YAR-NH(2) (pA(2)=6.1, K(i)=790nM, mMC3R) and the Yc[CRFFNAFC]YARKL-NH(2) (pA(2)=6.2, K(i)=630nM, mMC3R) peptides as the minimal monocyclic AGRP-based fragments possessing antagonist pharmacology at the MC3R. Interestingly, extension of the AGRP(109-118) decapeptide at both the N- and C-terminus by two amino acids conferred detectable mMC3R antagonism, while retaining high nanomolar MC4R antagonist and micromolar MC1R agonist pharmacological properties. These data support the hypothesis that elongation of the hAGRP(109-118) decapeptide results in antagonism at the MC3R while retaining MC1R agonist activity and MC4R antagonist activity.
Maternal Functioning And Children's Physical Functioning In Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis (JRA) 1980

Background: Maternal psychological functioning has been found to be related to psychosocial functioning in children, especially among those whose children have chronic illnesses. Objective: To determine if maternal functioning (operationalized as depression, anxiety and parenting stress) is correlated with children's physical functioning and to assess if this relationship exists when the child's status is assessed independent of maternal report. Methods: Sixty-five mothers of children, ages 1 - 16 years, with JRA completed Ilfeld's Psychiatric Symptom Index (PSI)(assessing maternal depressive symptoms and anxiety) and Abidin's Parenting Stress Index (assessing parenting stress as defined by role restriction and sense of competence). The outcome, children's physical functioning, was measured with two questionnaires; the Childhood Health Assessment Questionnaire (CHAQ), a JRA-specific measure and the Functional Status II (R)(FSII[R]), a general measure of childhood functioning. Mothers were also asked to complete two visual analogue scales (VAS) for pain and global well-being. To determine the child's functioning independent of maternal report, a pediatric rheumatologist examined each child for number of joints with active arthritis and number of joints with limitation of motion, and completed a VAS for disease activity. Results: Associations were found between higher psychiatric symptom scores and several outcomes including larger number of joints with active arthritis (r=.28) and limited joints (r=.25), higher VAS scores for pain (r=.36), poorer functioning on the FSII(R) (r=.37), and high scores on the physician's global assessment (r=.27) (all statistically significant at p<0.05). PSI scores≥30, which suggest a diagnosis of depression, showed a significant association with high VAS scores for pain and poorer functioning on the FSII(R) (p<0.01 for both). The Parenting Stress Index was found to be significantly associated with poorer scores on the CHAQ(r=.28) and the FSII(R) (r=.44) and high scores on the physician's global assessment (r=.38) (p<0.05). Conclusion: Distress in mothers of children with JRA relates to both the child's psychosocial functioning and to their physical functioning. This relationship exists even when the child's physical functioning is assessed independent of maternal report.
A Phagocytic and Protein-forming Mesenchymal Cell in Human Cirrhosis

ALTHOUGH the derivation of serum protein secreting plasma cells and of macrophages from a common immature mesenchymal cell is accepted, it has become customary to differentiate sharply macrophages from lymphoid cells, particularly plasma cells1,2. Electron microscopically, the macrophage is characterized by numerous vacuoles of various sizes or phagosomes containing granular material with differing electron densities3. It also contains occasional profiles of endoplasmic reticulum with ribonucleoprotein particles4. In contrast, the plasma cell is filled with an elaborate system of lamellae of endoplasmic reticulum lined by ribosomes4,5. This is considered a protein secretory mechanism and immunofluorescence studies have shown this to be γ-globulin6.
Comments on"2-D exact model matching"

Two examples are given to indicate that in 2-D coefficient assignment (model matching) some cancellations are unavoidable (in the author's belief) and the "split" condition (not only the zero coprimeness) is necessary.