cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Selective downregulation of neutrophils by a phosphatidic acid generation inhibitor in a porcine sepsis model

Effects of lisofylline (1-(5-R-hydroxyhexyl)-3,7-dimethylxanthine), a functional inhibitor of phosphatidic acid (PA) generation derived from de novo synthesis, on neutrophil function were examined in a porcine sepsis model. Hanford minipigs (18-25 kg) were randomly separated into six groups of six animals each: (1) saline control group; (2) sepsis control group, infused with Pseudomonas aeruginosa (1 x 10(6) colony-forming units/kg/min) for 2 h; (3) lisofylline control group, given a 25 mg/kg bolus of lisofylline 30 min prior to time zero, followed by a continuous infusion of 10 mg/kg/h throughout the study; (4) lisofylline pretreatment sepsis group, given lisofylline 30 min prior to sepsis, (5) lisofylline 1-h post-treatment sepsis group, and (6) lisofylline 2-h post-treatment sepsis group. All animals were studied for 6 h. Neutrophils were isolated at -0.5, 2, and 6 h. In the pretreatment and 1-h post-treatment groups, sepsis-induced neutrophil attachment to fibronectin was significantly attenuated. Sepsis-enhanced phagocytic activity was significantly reduced in the lisofylline pretreatment sepsis group, but not in the post-treatment groups. No treatment affected phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate-induced chemiluminescence and basal filamentous actin content, which increased in sepsis, and cap formation, which declined in sepsis. Sepsis caused neutropenia, pretreatment produced neutrophilia, and 1-h post-treatment caused the neutropenia to recover to control levels. Interestingly, toward the end of the 6-h period, the neutrophil count was higher in the lisofylline control group than in the saline control groups. Thus, the inhibition of PA generation from de novo synthesis during sepsis not only can selectively downregulate some neutrophil functions but can also reverse neutropenia.
Biogenic amine activity in response to fluoxetine and desipramine in differentially reared rhesus monkeys.

Abstract Background: It has been hypothesized that adverse early experience may be a mechanism by which children become vulnerable to later psychopathology via alteration of neurochemical or hormonal systems associated with such disorders. Such effects may in turn affect later responses to pharmacologic agents that act on these systems. Methods: In this study, 18 mother-reared (MR) and 18 peer-reared (PR) rhesus monkeys experienced six 1-week separations from cagemates interspersed with 1-week reunions, while housed in like-reared groups of 3. Within rearing groups, equal numbers of animals received either fluoxetine (2 mg/kg), desipramine (5 mg/kg) or placebo delivered daily beginning 4 weeks before the first separation. Levels of norepinephrine (NE), the NE metabolite MHPG, the dopamine metabolites DOPAC and HVA, and the serotonin metabolite 5HIAA were measured in CSF samples collected approximately every 2 to 3 weeks during these procedures. Results: Following treatment, DMI increased NE and decreased MHPG in the DMI-treated groups, while 5HIAA was decreased in the fluoxetine-treated groups following treatment. The increase in NE was followed by a sharp decline over the course of treatment, which was accompanied by an increase in MHPG. The rearing groups did not show a differential response to the drug treatments, and the separation manipulation itself had few effects. The mother-reared group showed higher levels of NE and DOPAC over all samples and higher levels of HVA in most samples. Conclusions: These rearing effects on biogenic amine activity were observed even in the presence of pharmacologic treatments that effectively altered the activity of these systems, and are consistent with previous findings from the same subject. The higher NE values observed in mother-reared infants over separations and reunions may have been due to higher basal levels of NE than peer-reared monkeys or to greater responsiveness to the stress of repeated social disruption or both. These findings agree with other primate studies showing that rearing differences persist beyond the infancy period and add to growing evidence of the important influence of the early social environment on neurobiologic development in primates.
Eruptive keloids associated with aromatase inhibitor therapy

Eruptive keloids are rarely described in the literature and are typically reported in association with a systemic disease. Because reports of eruptive keloids are sparse, the pathophysiology of eruptive keloids remains to be clearly explained. We report a case of a 77-year-old woman who had extensive eruptive keloids while taking letrozole for hormone receptor–positive infiltrating ductal carcinoma. No further progression of lesions was noted on discontinuation of the medication. Letrozole is an aromatase inhibitor widely used for adjuvant breast cancer treatment, and cutaneous side effects are seldom observed. This case of eruptive keloids in association with letrozole therapy provides support for an endocrine influence.
Anxiolytic Effect of Progesterone is Mediated by the Neurosteroid Allopregnanolone at Brain GABAA Receptors

Previous studies from this laboratory have shown that progesterone (PROG) treatment in ovariectomized rats produces an anti-anxiety response similar to that observed after the administration of prototypical anxiolytic benzodiazepine (BDZ) compounds. The PROG-induced anxiolytic response was highly correlated with an increased level of 3 alpha-hydroxy-5 alpha-pregnan-20-one (allopregnanolone) in the blood and brain, and was also associated with a facilitation of GABA-stimulated chloride ion (Cl-) influx in cortical synaptoneurosomes. This correlative evidence suggested that the anxiolytic effect of PROG was a result of its in vivo reduction to the neuroactive steroid, allopregnanolone. In this report, a series of studies was conducted to determine the mechanism(s) by which PROG alters behavior in animal models of anxiety. In the first experiment, ovariectomized rats were injected with PROG (1 mg/0.2 ml, SC) 4 h prior to a test in the elevated plus-maze. Some animals also received an injection of picrotoxin (0.75 mg/kg, IP), a GABAA receptor-gated Cl- channel antagonist, whereas other animals were pretreated with RU 38486 (5 mg/0.2 ml, SC), a progestin receptor antagonist. PROG elicited anxiolytic behavior in the plus-maze, an effect that was blocked by picrotoxin administration. Pretreatment with RU 38486 was not effective in altering PROG-induced anxiolytic behavior in the plus-maze. In a second experiment, the effect of PROG on behavior in the plus-maze was determined in the presence of N,N-diethyl-4-methyl-3-oxo-4-aza-5 alpha-androstane-17 beta-carboxamide (4-MA; 10 mg/0.2 ml, SC), a 5 alpha-reductase inhibitor.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
ENGINEERING PROBLEMS IN THE DESIGN OF SUPERCONDUCTING SYSTEMS

General Dynamics has been deeply involved since 1977 in several major U.S. superconducting magnet programs. This paper discusses some of the more significant experiences and problems that occurred in these programs.
Observation of metastable autodetaching states of OH

Abstract Autodetachment has been observed in OH − ions that were produced from an H 2 O + beam traversing a Cs vapor target, with lifetimes exceeding 10 −5 s. Subsequent measurements of two types led to the conclusion that the cause is vibrationally induced autodetachment from excited v″ levels of the OH − electronic ground state. Approximate vibrational autodetachment rates for this non-Born-Oppenheimer process were calculated and found to vary from 24 to O.2 μs between v″ = 5 and v″ = 8. The present observations are consistent with a previous, but different observation by Doverspike, Champion, and Lam.
RNA polymerase II structure, and organization of the preinitiation complex

Recent X-ray and cryo-electron microscopy studies have provided information about the basal eukaryotic transcription machinery and about Mediator, the complex involved in transcription regulation during initiation. On the basis of this structural information, a model describing the minimal transcription complex and its interaction with Mediator has been proposed. The model provides insight into the possible mechanisms of transcription initiation and regulation.
That vision thing: Do we need it?

Abstract ‘Vision’ and ‘mission’ are words whose power is overshadowed only by the confusion which surrounds them. And so, while many executives are convinced of the importance of vision and mission statements, they remain frustrated in their attempts to realize the full value of these concepts. This article presents a comprehensive framework for vision and mission statements which places the terms within a broader context of market forces, organizational core competencies, strategies and goals. The framework is supported by an analysis of over a dozen mission or vision statements, a review of the relevant literature, and a detailed example of how the framework has been used successfully.
Investigation of sooting in normal-gravity droplet combustion using light extinction and gravimetric techniques

Normal-gravity soot volume fraction ( f v ) measurements performed for combustion of single toluene droplets under atmospheric and reduced pressures are presented. Because of the transient nature of the flame and the sooting region, a full-field light extinction/tomographic inversion technique was used. The reduction in sooting as a function of pressure was assessed by using the maximum soot volume fraction at various axial positions above the droplet. The maximum soot volume fraction was reduced by 70% when the pressure was reduced from 1 to 0.4 atm. The observed variation in sooting cannot be attributed solely to the changes in the adiabatic flame temperature (caused by reductions in pressure). The variations in residence time in the changing flow configurations caused by reductions in the system Grashof number also contribute to the reduction in sooting. The gravimetrically measured soot yield was also compared to the optical measurements of f v to determine the existence of a correlation between the two techniques. The total soot yield was proportional to the maximum f v and displayed the same linear variation when the pressure was reduced. Therefore, the nonintrusive light extinction measurements can be calibrated (with the gravimetric measurements) to not only provide f v within the flame (which is important for radiation characterization and soot/flame structure analysis) but to simultaneously measure the total particulate emission through the open-tipped flames (which is important in assessing the environmental impact of hazardous droplet combustion).
Models of grid cell spatial firing published 2005-2011.

Since the discovery of grid cells in rat entorhinal cortex, many models of their hexagonally-arrayed spatial firing fields have been suggested. We review the models and organize them according to the mechanisms they use to encode position, update the positional code, read it out in the spatial grid pattern, and learn any patterned synaptic connections needed. We mention biological implementations of the models, but focus on on the models on Marr's algorithmic level, where they are not things to individually prove or disprove, but rather are a valuable collection of metaphors of the grid cell system for guiding research that are all likely true to some degree, with each simply emphasizing different aspects of the system. For the convenience of interested researchers, MATLAB implementations of the discussed grid cell models are provided at ModelDB accession 144006 or http://people.bu.edu/zilli/gridmodels.html.
Soil surface acidity plays a determining role in the atmospheric-terrestrial exchange of nitrous acid

Nitrous acid (HONO) is an important hydroxyl (OH) radical source that is formed on both ground and aerosol surfaces in the well-mixed boundary layer. Recent studies report the release of HONO from nonacidic soils, although it is unclear how soil that is more basic than the pKa of HONO (∼3) is capable of protonating soil nitrite to serve as an atmospheric HONO source. Here, we used a coated-wall flow tube and chemical ionization mass spectrometry (CIMS) to study the pH dependence of HONO uptake onto agricultural soil and model substrates under atmospherically relevant conditions (1 atm and 30% relative humidity). Experiments measuring the evolution of HONO from pH-adjusted surfaces treated with nitrite and potentiometric titrations of the substrates show, to our knowledge for the first time, that surface acidity rather than bulk aqueous pH determines HONO uptake and desorption efficiency on soil, in a process controlled by amphoteric aluminum and iron (hydr)oxides present. The results have important implications for predicting when soil nitrite, whether microbially derived or atmospherically deposited, will act as a net source or sink of atmospheric HONO. This process represents an unrecognized mechanism of HONO release from soil that will contribute to HONO emissions throughout the day.
Spurious fields suppression in domain decomposition algorithms using Lagrange multipliers

Various domain decomposition methods (DDM) have been developed as popular divide-and-conquer strategies to solve numerical electromagnetic problems of unprecedented scale. The DDM techniques invariably divide the original large problem into multiple smaller sub-problems, solve each sub-problem separately, and then, re-couple them into a continuous global solution over the entire domain. Key to all DDM approaches is the proper merging of all subdomain solutions. Bi-directional Robin boundary conditions have been popular in connecting non-overlapping individual solutions with remarkable success. However, similar to traditional absorbing boundary conditions, Robin conditions become inadequate when subdomain boundaries are partitioned in a way that dominant modes run parallel to the boundaries. Under these circumstances, spurious fields can occur along the subdomain boundaries that contaminate the accuracy of the entire solution. In this paper, extra constraints in the form of Lagrange multipliers are incorporated to suppress spurious fields in the fully overlapping DDM setup.
Trapping of Low-Level Internal Gravity Waves

Abstract The characteristics of internal gravity waves propagating on a layer of high stratification near the ground with a deeper, weakly stratified layer above are examined with the aid of a nonhydrostatic numerical model. Simulations are performed of a density current propagating into an environment with a typically observed thermodynamic structure and with no shear. These simulations indicate that the amplitude of the disturbance that forms ahead of the density current is limited considerably by the upward propagation of energy in the upper layer. To explain the large amplitude of observed gravity waves there must exist some additional mechanism, besides the weak stratification in the upper layer, to trap energy at low levels. A thorough examination of several observed gravity wave events suggested three commonly occurring mechanisms. The first mechanism, explored in a previous paper, occurs when winds in the upper layer oppose the wave motion. This reduces the Scorer parameter l2 = N2/(U − c)2 − U″/(...
Support of State and Local Finance under Persistent Federal Deficits

The United States’ federal government subsidizes local public finance through grants. Given projected U.S. deficits, this may prove untenable. Further, a broader range of policy instruments may offer more effective support of local governments. Herein four policies are considered beginning with current policy: federal deficit financed grants, federal placement, federal underwriting, and Federal Reserve System interventions. Options are evaluated in a general framework considering citizen and government objective functions. Policy recommendations are for interventions to specify terms of entry and exit (as with automatic stabilizers), and for initiation of contingency-simulation exercises to determine the potential of options identified herein.
EPR studies of nitric oxide interactions of alkoxyl and peroxyl radicals in in vitro and ex vivo model systems.

A model compound of lipid peroxidation, tert-butyl hydroperoxide (tBOOH), was used in vitro to investigate (i) the generation of tBOOH-derived free radicals by hematin or rat enterocytes and (ii) the modulation of cell-generated free radical production by a nitric oxide (NO) donor, or when these cells were primed to produce NO. In hematin-catalyzed decomposition of tBOOH, NO from nitrosoglutathione, or S-nitroso-N-acetylpenicillamine suppressed the generation of peroxyl radicals (measured by direct electron paramagnetic resonance) and tert-butylalkoxyl, methoxyl, and methyl radicals (measured by electron paramagnetic resonance spin trapping). Similarly, co-incubation of S-nitroso-N-acetylpenicillamine or nitrosoglutathione with tBOOH caused significant decreases in tBOOH-derived free radical generation catalyzed by enterocytes. Epithelial cells are the known source of the inducible form of NO synthase in the intestine of rats challenged with lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Enterocytes isolated from LPS-treated ...
Alternatives to Vancomycin for the Treatment of Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus Infections

Vancomycin remains the reference standard for the treatment of systemic infection caused by methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). However, as a result of limited tissue distribution, as well as the emergence of isolates with reduced susceptibility and in vitro resistance to vancomycin, the need for alternative therapies that target MRSA has become apparent. New treatment options for invasive MRSA infections include linezolid, daptomycin, tigecycline, and quinupristin/dalfopristin. Additionally, a number of new anti-MRSA compounds are in development, including novel glycopeptides (dalbavancin, telavancin, and oritavancin), ceftobiprole, and iclaprim. The present article will review clinical issues surrounding the newly marketed and investigational agents with activity against MRSA.
Phase Transition and Texture Evolution in the Ni-Mn-Ga Ferromagnetic Shape-Memory Alloys Studied by a Neutron Diffraction Technique

The phase transition and influence of the applied stress on the texture evolution in the as-cast Ni-Mn-Ga ferromagnetic shape-memory alloys were studied by the time-of-flight (TOF) neutron diffraction technique. The neutron diffraction experiments were performed on the General Purpose Powder Diffractometer (Argonne National Laboratory). Inverse pole figures were determined from the neutron data for characterizing the orientation distributions and variant selections of polycrystalline Ni-Mn-Ga alloys subjected to different uniaxial compression deformations. Texture analyses reveal that the initial texture for the parent phase in the as-cast specimen was composed of $$ {\left\{ {{\text{001}}} \right\}}{\left\langle {{\text{100}}} \right\rangle } $$ , $$ {\left\{ {{\text{001}}} \right\}}{\left\langle {{\text{110}}} \right\rangle } $$ , $$ {\left\{ {{\text{011}}} \right\}}{\left\langle {{\text{100}}} \right\rangle } $$ , and $$ {\left\{ {{\text{011}}} \right\}}{\left\langle {{\text{110}}} \right\rangle } $$ , which was weakened after the compression deformation. Moreover, a strong preferred selection of martensitic-twin variants ( $$ {\left\{ {{\text{110}}} \right\}}{\left\langle {{\text{001}}} \right\rangle } $$ and $$ {\left\{ {{\text{100}}} \right\}}{\left\langle {{\text{001}}} \right\rangle } $$ ) was observed in the transformed martensite after a compression stress applied on the parent phase along the cyclindrical axis of the specimens. The preferred selection of variants can be well explained by considering the grain/variant-orientation-dependent Bain-distortion energy.
Medial temporal lobe epilepsy without hippocampal atrophy

The incidence and structural basis of nonlesional medial temporal lobe epilepsy (MTLE) without hippocampal atrophy (HA) is not known. Reports suggest that 5–15% of patients with hippocampal sclerosis (HS) do not have HA. We reviewed 57 patients with MTLE who underwent magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) volumetric studies, anteromedial temporal lobectomy (TL), and quantitative cell counts of the resected hippocampus and who had at least 1 year of surgical follow-up. We compared demographic, pathologic, and outcome data among patients with and without HA. Ten of the 57 patients did not have HA. Nine of the 10 patients had depth EEG for localization of seizure onset because of discordance or insufficient localization. Five patients had pathologic evidence of HS. Longer duration of epilepsy correlated inversely with the presence of HA. Outcome was not significantly different between patients with and without HA. We conclude that the incidence of MTLE and HS without HA is 9%. Except for duration of epilepsy, there were no differences in the clinical syndrome or surgical outcome of patients with and without HA.
Treatment of Adolescent Panic Disorder: A Nonrandomized Comparison of Intensive Versus Weekly CBT

This study compared the relative efficacy of intensive versus weekly panic control treatment (PCT) for adolescent panic disorder with agoraphobia (PDA). Twenty-six adolescents participated in weekly sessions and 25 received intensive treatment involving daily sessions. Both groups demonstrated significant and comparable reductions in panic disorder severity and general anxiety symptoms, which maintained over time. Participants receiving weekly treatment showed significant decreases in depressive symptoms, whereas those in the intensive program reported no change. Findings support the efficacy of the intensive approach for adolescent PDA, but suggest that adolescents receiving intensive treatment may benefit from a brief course of additional weekly sessions.
The use of a rectus abdominis myocutaneous flap to reconstruct a groin defect.

Abstract An inferiorly based rectus abdominis myocutaneous skin flap was used carrying a large transversely aligned superior abdominal skin paddle to close successfully an infected and seriously compromised wound in the contralateral groin. The versatility of the rectus abdominis myocutaneous muscle unit, with its dual blood supply, is indicated yet again.
A Mn4 single-molecule magnet with the defective-dicubane structure from the use of pyrenecarboxylic acid

Abstract The reaction between Mn(pc)2·4H2O (pcH is 1-pyrenecarboxylic acid), N-methyldiethanolamine (mdaH2), and NEt3 in a 2:2:3 molar ratio in CH2Cl2 or CHCl3 gives the tetranuclear complex [Mn4(pc)4(mda)2(mdaH)2], isolated as the ·2CH2Cl2 (3) and ·2CHCl3 (4) solvates, respectively. Only crystals of 4 were of sufficient quality for single-crystal X-ray crystallography. Complex 4 possesses a [MnII2MnIII2] core with the Mn ions arranged in a planar rhombus that can be described as two Mn3 triangles fused at one edge. Additional monoatomic bridging by mda2− or mdaH− μ- and μ3-O atoms on each edge and at the center of the Mn3 triangular units gives a defective-dicubane core structure. Ligation is completed by two bridging and two monodentate pc− groups, each of which is involved in π–π stacking interactions with those on neighboring Mn4 molecules to give a 2D network. Variable-temperature solid-state magnetic susceptibility studies of 3 and 4 in the temperature range 5.0–300 K. Various fitting and simulation models were employed in analyzing the data for 3, which shows no evidence of significant intermolecular interactions, and it was concluded that it contains three symmetry-inequivalent exchange interactions, J = +2.34 cm−1, J′ = +7.70 cm−1, J″ = −1.33 cm−1 and g = 1.99, where J′ is the MnIII⋯MnIII interaction, and J and J″ are the MnII⋯MnIII interactions. This indicates an S = 8 ground state with a very low-lying an S = 9 excited state. This conclusion was supported by fits of reduced magnetization data, which gave an S = 8 ground state with axial zero-field splitting parameter D = −0.19(1) cm−1, and g = 1.94(1). Ac susceptibility studies on 3 show that it is a single-molecule magnet (SMM). Complex 4 shows different magnetic behavior from 3 due to the intermolecular interactions.
Computational Methods with Depth and Flair

Stephen Weppner reviews the third edition of An Introduction to Computer Simulation Methods: Applications to Physical Systems.
Early biochemical and clinical responses to cobalamin supplementation in cats with signs of gastrointestinal disease and severe hypocobalaminemia

Domestic cats with small intestinal disease may develop cobalamin deficiency because of reduced small intestinal uptake of this vitamin. This study assessed the impact of cobalamin deficiency on biochemical and clinical findings in cats with intestinal disease. Nineteen pet cats, all with severe hypocobalaminemia (< or =100 ng/L) and histories of gastrointestinal signs, were studied. Cats received cobalamin, 250 microg SC once weekly, for 4 weeks. Biochemical indices of cobalamin availability (e.g., serum methylmalonic acid, homocysteine, and cysteine concentrations), serum feline trypsinlike immunoreactivity (fTLI) and serum folate concentrations, and clinical findings were recorded at the start of the study and after 4 weeks of cobalamin therapy. Serum methylmalonic acid (MMA) concentrations (median; range) decreased after cobalamin supplementation (5373.0; 708.5-29,329.0 versus 423.5; 214.0-7219.0 nmol/L, P < .0001). Serum homocysteine concentrations were not significantly altered (mean +/- SD 8.2 +/- 2.9 versus 10.3 +/- 4.5 micromol/L, P = .1198), whereas cysteine concentrations increased significantly (122.3 +/- 38.8 versus 191.5 +/- 29.4 micromol/L, P < .0001). Mean body weight increased significantly after cobalamin therapy (3.8 +/- 1.1 versus 4.1 +/- 1 kg, P < .01), and the average body weight gain was 8.2%. Significant linear relationships were observed between alterations in serum MMA and fTLI concentrations and the percentage body weight change (P < .05 for both, Pearson r2 = 0.26 and 0.245, respectively). Mean serum folate concentration decreased significantly (mean +/- SD 19 +/- 5 microg/L versus 15.4 +/- 6.2 microg/L, P < .001). Reduced vomiting and diarrhea were observed in 7 of 9 and 5 of 13 cats, respectively. These results suggest that cobalamin supplementation in cats with small intestinal disease and severe hypocobalaminemia is associated with normalization of biochemical test results and improvements in clinical findings in most affected cats.
Practical use of geologic information by planners

A cooperative project to demonstrate the use of earth-science information in land-use planning was started by the U.S. Geological Survey and the Fairfax County, Virginia, Office of Comprehensive Planning in 1976. Environmental conditions related to planned-development housing in the Lehigh tract include unstable slopes, sand and gravel resources, flood-prone areas, vegetation, and artificial fill. Computer-composite mapping was used to analyze these conditions by combining maps of various land characteristics. This system may be used for review of development plans, long-range planning, and the production of “land capability” maps; it is particularly useful in single-site selection.
Behavioral effects of benzodiazepine ligands in non-dependent, diazepam-dependent and diazepam-withdrawn baboons.

Acute i.m. injections of benzodiazepine receptor ligands were administered to baboons before 1-h observational sessions. The agonist midazolam produced sedative effects, the antagonist flumazenil produced no behavioral effects, the inverse agonist FG7142 produced tremor and the inverse agonist 3-carboethoxy-beta-carboline hydrochloride (beta CCE) produced tremor, vomiting, jerks and seizures. Co-administration of these drugs (midazolam + beta CCE, midazolam + flumazenil or flumazenil + beta CCE) produced a mutual antagonism of these effects. Compared to the non-dependent condition, in the diazepam-dependent condition (baboons maintained on 20 mg/kg per day diazepam) and withdrawn condition (dependent baboons tested during withdrawal), midazolam produced decreased sedative effects, flumazenil produced increased effects (i.e., tremor, vomiting and jerks), and beta CCE produced increased frequency of seizures. Taken together, these data suggest that (1) benzodiazepine receptor ligands lie on a continuum of behavioral activity, and (2) chronic diazepam administration alters the behavioral effects of these benzodiazepine ligands, producing a shift in the direction of the inverse agonist.
Purification and characterization of three forms of class III alcohol dehydrogenase.

We have resolved and characterized three forms of human and rat hepatic class III alcohol dehydrogenase. Separations were carried out in narrow immobilized pH gradients. Both in humans and rats the three forms were visualized by enzyme staining with cinnamol, but not with ethanol. They were insensitive to the inhibitory effect of pyrazole. The isoelectric points were approximately from 6.3–6.4, from 5.9–6.0 and 5.6. Each electroeluted enzyme extract, purified further by analytical isoelectric focusing over the pH range from 5–6 or 6–7, revealed a single band by enzyme and silver staining and by Western blotting followed by avidin-biotin staining. Polyacryl-amide gel electrophoresis in the presence of sodium dodecyl sulfate of each extract revealed a single molecular mass species corresponding to class III alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH). All forms of class III alcohol dehydrogenase were recognized by antisera raised against total class III ADH.
Effect on Noise of Intensity-Axis Correction of Spectra Recorded with Charge-Coupled Device Detectors:

We have examined the effect of intensity-axis correction on noise in white light spectra recorded with charge-coupled device (CCD) detectors. Measurements were made with five detectors in Raman spectrometers. Detectors were both liquid-nitrogen and thermoelectrically cooled devices and one room temperature device. Both random and pattern noise have been considered. We used cross-correlation of noise sets to provide an indicator of a fixed pattern in the spectra and an assessment of the efficacy of the correction procedure in removing this pattern. For four of the five detectors intensity-axis correction provided a significant improvement in signal-to-noise ratio. Correction was particularly important for measurements made with lower-cost CCD detectors of the kind proposed for process control instruments.
VITAMIN B12 AND ASCORBIC ACID IN KIMCHI INOCULATED WITH Propionibacterium freudenreichji ss. shermanii

Inoculation of kimchi, a Korean style fermented Chinese cabbage, with Propionibacterium freudenreichii ss. shermanii (ATCC No. 13673) increased vitamin B12 production to a maximum of 102 ng/100g from 47 ng/100g in the control at 1 wk of fermentation at 4°C. Soy flour (0.5%) or beef extract (0.05%), added as protein sources to the inoculated kimchi, further increased the vitamin activity to 197 and 203 ng/100g, respectively, at 1 wk. The fresh, unfermented kimchi contained 16.8 mg of ascorbic acid per 100g and the vitamin decreased at a constant rate during the first 5 wk of fermentation.
Clustering of personality traits in youth and the subsequent development of cancer among physicians.

Using 14 personality measures obtained while the subjects were in medical school, the resulting profiles of 972 physicians were clustered into five groups using a two-stage cluster analysis procedure. Subjects were followed over a 30-year period to determine the cumulative survival rate (proportion of subjects remaining free of cancer) in each group. Statistically significant group differences in survival rate were found, with the group characterized by acting out and emotional expression having the most favorable curve (less than 1% developing cancer). The group characterized as “loners,” who may well have suppressed their emotions, had the most unfavorable survival curve and was 16 times more likely to develop cancer than was the group characterized by acting out and emotional expression.
Proteolytic enzyme control in squash cotyledons.

THE formation of α-amylase in the endosperms of germinating barley seeds is controlled by endogenous gibberellic acid from the axial tissue1. Increases of soluble nitrogen in excised barley endosperms have resulted from the addition of gibberellic acid1–3. This communication shows that the proteolytic activity in seedlings, where the stored protein is in the cotyledons rather than in the endosperm, is influenced by growth regulators.
The Helicobacter pylori restriction endonuclease-replacing gene, hrgA, and clinical outcome: comparison of East Asia and Western countries.

It has been suggested that the putative Helicobacter pylori virulence factor hrgA is the first disease-specific marker for an H. pylori-related disease, (i.e., development of gastric cancer in East Asia). Our aim was to test the hypothesis that the presence of hrgA has disease specificity. We examined 458 H. pyloriisolates including 289 from East Asia and 169 from Western countries whose cagA and vacA genotypes had previously been characterized. hrgA/hpyIIIR status and iceA genotypes were determined by polymerase chain reaction using DNA expanded from a single colony. hrgA was present in 29% of gastric cancers, 29% of ulcers, and 31% of gastritis cases among H. pylori from East Asia (P >0.9). Overall, there was no significant relationship between the presence of the hrgA gene and disease presentation (cancer, ulcer, or neither) or between its presence and the cag pathogenicity island, vacA s1, babA2, and oipA, “on” genotypes. The prevalence of the hrgA gene was significantly lower in H. pylori from East Asia (29%) vs. those from the West (49%) (P <0.001). The prevalence of the hrgA gene was not related to clinical outcome or to other important putative virulence factors.
The Top Silicon Layer of SOI Formed by Oxygen Ion Implantation

High dose oxygen ion implantation has been used to form a buried oxide layer in Czochralski grown silicon. Wafers were implanted with 300 keV O2+ to a total dose of 1.32 × 1018 ions cm-2. A 0.5 m thick SiO2 layer is formed beneath a 0.17 ?m thick top Si layer. Epitaxial films were grown on both annealed and unannealed wafers. Samples were subsequently annealed at 1150°C for times from 10 to 240 minutes in either Ar or N2. The highest quality epitaxial layers were obtained with substrates that were annealed after implantation, but prior to epitaxial growth for 2 hrs at 1150°C followed by 4 hrs at 1150°C after epitaxial growth. RBS channeling shows that the top 300 nm of these films have channel backscattering yields lower than any SOI produced to date. The buried oxide plus epitaxial process is a leading candidate for VLSI applications.
Pancreatitis, Other Inflammatory Lesions, and Pancreatic Pseudotumors

The pancreas is versatile in the diversity of disorders that it can exhibit. In this article, characteristics of disorders such as chronic, autoimmune, eosinophilic, hereditary, and infectious pancreatitis are described. With regard to autoimmune pancreatitis, the role of clinical evaluation, histologic examination, and IgG4 immunohistochemistry is discussed. The role of pancreatitis in the pathogenesis of diabetes is also mentioned. Some implications of pancreatitis are highlighted, including the neoplastic predisposition caused by inflammatory lesions of the pancreas. The goal of this article is to convey an appreciation of these disorders because their recognition can benefit patients tremendously, as inflammatory lesions of the pancreas can be mass-forming, giving rise to pseudotumors, and leading to surgical resection that may otherwise be unnecessary.
Theoretical Versus Applied Ethics: A Look at Cyborgs

Abstract In this brief comment I will focus on Chris Cuomo's (1998) discussions of theoretical versus applied ethics, and apply this discussion to her suggestion that the cyborg myth, as discussed by Donna Haraway, can be a helpful ecological feminist ideal. Although I agree with Cuomo that some aspects of the cyborg myth might be helpful, I will explore some disturbing aspects of cyborgs. Cuomo is certainly aware of the dangers of the cyborg myth, mentioning many some of them herself. My aim is to fill out a discussion of such dangers by arguing that cyborgs are nothing new. In fact, I shall argue that key figures involved in the decision to bomb Hiroshima and Nagasaki, including President Truman, identified with the bomb and bomb-centered technology in a cyborgian manner. Obviously, the kind of cyborg identity that could encourage mass murder of the sort involved in our bombings of Japan, and the cyborg ideal that inspires Cuomo, are very different. However, Cuomo's discussion of theoretical versus applied ethics clearly indicates that before ecological feminists accept the cyborg as a theoretical ideal, we should examine how real cyborgs, if there have in fact been any, have functioned within society. Hence, if the case can be made that those responsible for the devastating bombings of Japan were cyborgs, this fact is crucial for anyone promoting a cyborg ideal of any sort to consider.
Bayesian Analysis and Risk Assessment in Genetic Counseling and Testing

Risk assessment is an essential component of genetic counseling and testing, and Bayesian analysis plays a central role in genetic risk assessment. Bayesian analysis allows calculation of the probability of a particular hypothesis, either disease or carrier status, based on family information and/or genetic test results. Genetic risk should be assessed as accurately as possible for family decision making. Additional information, from the pedigree and/or from genetic testing, can often dramatically improve the accuracy of genetic risk assessment. We illustrate herein the application of Bayes' theorem and describe important basic principles in genetic risk assessment.
Resources management planning in the Pacific Northwest of the National Park system

According to their enabling legislation and under the various policies that direct their preservation, resources management planning is required in managing National Park Service Areas. In the Pacific Northwest Region of the National Park Service, a resources management planning procedure has been implemented to provide definitive resource management for each park. A multidisciplinary team of scientists and park personnel was assembled in the park and, under a team captain, followed a methodology evaluating not only the impacts of all proposed planning and development activities but also those of all present or proposed resources management programs. Each proposed action or ongoing activity was compared ecologically with ecosystem components. The park's legislative mandates and management objectives were simultaneously compared. Inadequacies in a park's biologic and physical resources data bases were overcome through the multidisciplinary team effort. Because each team member had expert knowledge of a specific ecosystem component, a thorough evaluation of the impact could be made. Adverse impacts of proposed planning or ongoing resources management activities could be eliminated and acceptable alternatives presented in the Resources Management Plan. This process has led to preparation of a Resources Management Plan that points out deficiencies in the biologic and physical data base and programs research projects to provide this information for future planning activities. The plan also provides a budgeting program for present or proposed resources management activity needs for preserving and maintaining the park ecosystems.
Coherent structure effects on the optical performance of plane shear layers

Althrought there has been extensive research on the optical properties of shear layers, there have been no reported studies of the optical effects on large scale coherent structures existing in turbulent shear layers. The research reported here investigated the effects of such coherent structures existing and of external perturbation of the shear layer on the optical quality of a propagating laser beam.
Evolutionary performance-oriented development of parallel programs by composition of components

This paper describes a method for evolutionary component-based development of families of parallel programs to attain performance goals on multiple execution environments for multiple family instances and an implementation of the method. It is based upon combining component-oriented development with integration of parallel/distributed execution and parallel/distributed simulation. Each component may have multiple representations at multiple levels of realization from analytical timing models to production code. Each component is encapsulated with an associative interface specifying its properties and behaviors which enables distinguishing among different implementations (or abstractions) of the same functional behavior which may have different performance behavior. Evolutionary development evolves a program from an abstract performance model to a complete program and may continue evolution during runtime. Performance can be estimated at any stage of realization. The implementation is a compiler which composes parallel/distributed programs from components encapsulated with associative interfaces and a runtime system which supports integrated execution/simulation of parallel programs composed from components at different levels of abstraction and program evolution at runtime by component replacement. Case studies in the application of the evolutionary development method including performance results are given.
The Formation and Transformation of Political Identity: Leaders of the Chilean Left, 1968–1990

Based on a study of the 1960s generation of Chilean left-wing leaders, this article offers a three-dimensional model of individual political identity to examine how leaders justify their contributions to society and the political programmes of which they are a part. The central dimension of individual political identity is that of cognitive frameworks, that is, individuals' fundamental approaches to politics, rooted in the values they assign to ideas, political organisation and their relationships to fellow political leaders and activists. The article identifies four cognitive ideal-types: political party loyalists, personal loyalists, political thinkers and political entrepreneurs. The article concludes that the conceptualisation of individual political identity is a powerful explanatory framework for understanding the formulation and reformulation of political thinking and action, particularly in periods in which political institutions are in a state of flux or crisis.
An Industrial Dynamic Approach to the Management of Research and Development

Our intensive search for knowledge, basic and applied, must be accompanied by a corresponding search for the principles underlying the management of research and development. An attempt has been made here to seek out the factors of major importance and to organize them into a meaningful whole. Basic to this analysis have been the views of product value and cost as streams in time, and of managerial capabilities as probabilities of project completion, also varying in time. A simple model based on these concepts has been developed for a business in which the products are characterized by great complexity and by rapid change. The model is simply a tool to understanding?a way of looking at a business. Rational procedures have been derived for making certain the major project decisions.
Hypnotic Treatment of Chronic Pain

This article reviews controlled trials of hypnotic treatment for chronic pain in terms of: (1) analyses comparing the effects of hypnotic treatment to six types of control conditions; (2) component analyses; and (3) predictor analyses. The findings indicate that hypnotic analgesia produces significantly greater decreases in pain relative to no-treatment and to some non-hypnotic interventions such as medication management, physical therapy, and education/advice. However, the effects of self-hypnosis training on chronic pain tend to be similar, on average, to progressive muscle relaxation and autogenic training, both of which often include hypnotic-like suggestions. None of the published studies have compared hypnosis to an equally credible placebo or minimally effective pain treatment, therefore conclusions cannot yet be made about whether hypnotic analgesia treatment is specifically effective over and above its effects on patient expectancy. Component analyses indicate that labeling versus not labeling hypnosis treatment as hypnosis, or including versus not including hand-warming suggestions, have relatively little short-term impact on outcome, although the hypnosis label may have a long-term benefit. Predictor analyses suggest that global hypnotic responsivity and ability to experience vivid images are associated with treatment outcome in hypnosis, progressive relaxation, and autogenic training treatments. The paper concludes with a discussion of the implications of the findings for future hypnosis research and for the clinical applications of hypnotic analgesia.
Performance Appraisal: Testing a Process Model

The objectives of performance appraisal are outlined, and the problems with performance evaluation are examined. Race, age and sex discrimination are discussed in relation to Equal Employment Opportunity Commission guidelines. A performance appraisal model is laid down with step by step guidelines. The model is assessed against the key objectives of performance appraisal.
Firefighter illnesses and injuries at a major fire disaster.

Abstract Introduction. In the summer of 1998, a series of wildfires swept across Florida. Firefighters and support personnel were imported and based in a central camp in Flagler County, Florida. Local residents were evacuated. Disaster medical assistance teams (DMATs) were deployed to provide medical support. Similar large-scale fire disasters occur frequently, but the illnesses and injuries seen have not been described. Objectives. To report the descriptive epidemiology of illnesses and injuries seen in firefighters and support personnel engaged in control and suppression of a series of wildfires. Methods. Review of DMAT treatment records to determine the nature of illnesses and injuries seen during a 19-day deployment. Results. Approximately 1,600 firefighters and support personnel were present in the camp. There were 3,404 patients seen with 3,841 complaints. An average of 179 patients was seen per day (range 47-414). A prominent bimodal pattern of presentations was noted during the course of each day. Reasons for seeking medical care included: preventive/hygiene and environmental, 33%; foot-related, 15%; rashes, 14%; ear, nose, and throat (ENT)/allergies, 9%; headache, 4%; eye irritation, 4%; gastrointestinal/ abdominal complaints, 3%; cuts and penetrating injuries, 3%; strains/sprains, 2%; bites/stings, 2%; others, 1%. Eight patients (0.2%) were transferred to an emergency department for further care; 99.8% were treated on site. Conclusions. In this setting the majority of illnesses and injuries are minor. Visits related to preventive care and hygiene are common. This information can help in planning medical support operations in similar situations. PREHOSPITAL EMERGENCY CARE 2002;6:22-26
The Yb2O3 and Lu2O3BaO(BaCO3)CuO systems: compounds and phase compatibilities in air at 940–980 °C

Abstract Phase compatibilities in air at around 950 °C are presented for the systems Ln 2 O 3 BaCO 3 CuO, LnYb and Lu, as a function of cation molar ratios. The Lu-“123” oxide could not be synthesized. Seven Ln:Ba:Cu phases were preparable in air in the range 940–980 °C: 011, BaCuO 2 ; 202, Ln 2 Cu 2 O 5 ; 220, Ln 2 Ba 2 O 5 ; 240, Ln 2 Ba 4 O 7 ; 211, Ln 2 BaCuO 5 ; 123, only for YbBa 2 Cu 3 O χ ; and 132, ‘LnBa 3 Cu 2 O γ ’. In the BaO-rich region, phase compatibilities change above 950 °C when the ‘220’ phase converts into the ‘240’ phase.