cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Human immunodeficiency virus type 1 Gag proteins are processed in two cellular compartments.

Abstract The structural proteins of the retroviral capsid are translated as a polyprotein (the Gag precursor) that is cleaved by a virally encoded protease. Processing of the human immunodeficiency virus type 1 Gag precursor Pr55 was analyzed through a combination of pulse-chase labeling, cell fractionation, and immunoprecipitation. We observed a membrane-associated processing pathway for the Gag precursor that gives rise to virions. In addition, we found that a significant amount of processing occurs in the cytoplasm of infected cells resulting in the intracellular accumulation of appropriately processed viral proteins. This observation suggests the viral protease is active in the cytoplasmic compartment of the cell. Processing of the Gag protein was blocked in both compartments by the addition of a viral protease inhibitor. A comparison of the amount of cytoplasmic processing seen in lytically infected cells with that seen in chronically infected cells showed that cytoplasmic processing was associated with the lytic infection. These observations raise the possibility that activation of the human immunodeficiency virus type 1 protease in the cytoplasm of lytically infected cells might result in the cleavage of cellular proteins and thus contribute to cytotoxicity.
Spontaneous resolution of vesicoureteral reflux: a 15-year perspective.

ABSTRACTPurpose: The spontaneous resolution rate of vesicoureteral reflux is helpful for determining the need for surgical intervention and the proper followup schedule in patients on antibiotic prophylaxis. We determined the resolution rate by patient rather than by ureter and analyzed the effects of laterality, gender, age and dysfunctional voiding.Materials and Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the records of 179 girls and 35 boys who presented between 1981 and 1984 with urinary tract infection and were diagnosed with primary vesicoureteral reflux. Mean age at presentation was 4.2 years and median followup was 3 years. Of the patients 107 (50%) had bilateral reflux and 60 had dysfunctional voiding. In 146 children (68%) reflux spontaneously resolved during the study. Patients were categorized by the worst grade of reflux, maintained on antibiotic prophylaxis and underwent voiding cystourethrography yearly until reflux resolved. Kaplan-Meier curves were constructed to define the resolution rate.Resul...
Catalytic Hydrogenation of Propylene over Perovskite-Type Oxides La0.8Sr0.2MO3−σ (M = Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, or Y)

In a previous study, Carberry et al. (1,2) have reported that strontium-doped solid oxide solutions of the formula La[sub 1[minus]x]Sr[sub x]CrO[sub 3[minus][delta]] exhibit similar catalytic activity to the Pt/Al[sub 2]O[sub 3] catalyst. The level of strontium doping at about 20 mole% in the perovskites resulted in the maximum catalytic activity for oxidation reactions. In continuation of earlier work, the authors decided to examine the catalytic activity of La[sub 0.8]Sr[sub 0.2]MO[sub 3[minus][delta]] oxides (M = Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, or Y) for hydrogenation reactions. Matthias et al. have shown the A site substituted manganese perovskite of the type La[sub 1[minus]x]A[sub x]MnO[sub 3] (A = Pb, Sr, Ca, or Ba) to exhibit promising catalytic activity for treating the internal combustion engine exhaust gases. They showed that the catalysts were efficient in both oxidation reaction of CO and reduction reaction of NO by H[sub 2]. Many published results on the hydrogenation and hydrogenolysis of hydrocarbons were centered around the ethylene hydrogenation over LaCoO[sub 3]. The propylene hydrogenation activity over La[sub 0.8]Sr[sub 0.2]MO[sub 3[minus][delta]] has not been reported, so far, in the literature. The objective of the present work is to monitor the catalytic efficiency of La[sub 0.8]Sr[sub 0.2]MO[sub 3[minus][delta]] in reducing atmosphere viz.,more » propylene hydrogenation and the choice of propylene as reactant have no bearings on an practical applications. 15 refs., 1 fig., 1 tab.« less
Effects of dairy manure and corn stover co-digestion on anaerobic microbes and corresponding digestion performance

This study investigated the effects of corn stover as a supplemental feed on anaerobic digestion of dairy manure under different hydraulic retention times (HRT). The results elucidated that both HRT and corn stover supplement significantly influenced microbial community and corresponding anaerobic digestion performance. The highest biogas production of 497 mL per gram total solid loading per day was observed at a HRT of 40 days from digestion of manure supplemented with corn stover. Biogas production was closely correlated with the populations of Bacteroidetes, Clostridia and methanogens. Composition of the solid digestate (AD fiber) from the co-digestion of corn stover and dairy manure was similar to the digestion of dairy manure. However, the hydrolysis of AD fiber was significantly (P < 0.05) different among the different digestions. Both HRT and feed composition influenced the hydrolyzability of AD fiber via shifting the composition of microbial community.
Understanding atheism/non-belief as an expected individual-differences variable

Abstract A compelling body of scholarship exists which proposes that religious and spiritual beliefs exist in every human society because they reflect fundamental aspects of evolved human nature. This raises the question: why do atheists exist and are atheism and non-belief unnatural? A diverse and growing literature on irreligion reveals that distinct personality and cognitive styles are associated with atheists and non-believers. They are slightly less social than religious believers, less conformist, and more individualistic. Atheists in particular are over-represented among scientists and academics, and their high intellectual achievement may stem in part from their preference for logic and their enjoyment of rational reasoning. Lacking interest in a reality beyond this world, non-believers focus their moral concerns on social justice and the here-and-now. This suggests that non-believers possess cognitive and personality strengths, in contrast to the negative assessments that have been historically t...
Regime Changes and Interstate Conflict, 1816-1992

Are domestic regime changes catalysts for interstate conflict? How does this relationship vary across different types of regime change? Do regime changes affect the vulnerability and aggressiveness...
Inhibitor of apoptosis proteins are regulated by tumour necrosis factor‐α in malignant pleural mesothelioma

Inhibitor of apoptosis proteins (IAPs) are overexpressed by most neoplasms and promote tumour cell survival after a wide variety of apoptotic stimuli elicited via intrinsic (ie mitochondrial) and extrinsic (ie death receptor) pathways. It has previously been reported that one of these proteins, IAP-1(MIHC/cIAP2), is overexpressed in malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) and is responsible for a large degree of the resistance of cultured MPM cells to cisplatin. Subsequent analysis in a larger number of human tumours revealed that additional IAPs (eg IAP-2/MIHB/cIAP1, livin/ML-IAP/KIAP, survivin, and XIAP/MIHA/hILP) are also overexpressed in MPM and, with the exception of IAP-2, have expression patterns that correlate with prognosis. In the present study, potential regulatory mechanisms of IAP genes in MPM were investigated and it was found that tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) can increase mRNA and protein levels of IAP-1, IAP-2, and XIAP, but not livin or survivin in MPM cell lines (n = 4). It was also found that IAP gene expression levels are increased concomitantly with translocation to the nucleus of the TNF-responsive transcription factor NF-κB. Co-incubation of MPM cells with TNF-α and pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate (PDTC), an NF-κB inhibitor, prevented TNF-mediated up-regulation of IAP gene expression levels. In survival studies, TNF-α was not toxic to MPM cells at any concentration examined. However, MPM cells exposed to TNF-α were twice as resistant to cisplatin in dose response survival assays compared with unstimulated controls and were found to have a significantly greater fraction of surviving cells at multiple cisplatin concentrations (p < 0.0087). Finally, it was found that levels of circulating TNF-α were statistically significantly (p = 0.031) (median 312.5 pg/ml) higher in MPM patients (n = 6) prior to surgical tumour debulking compared with those after surgery (median 0 pg/ml). These results when combined with previous observations by our laboratory and others strongly suggest that IAPs act synergistically with TNF family members to promote survival of MPM tumour cells after exposure to cisplatin and possibly other chemotherapeutic drugs. Copyright © 2007 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Measurements on 4.7 μm CH3D lines broadened by H2 and N2 at temperatures relevant to planetary atmospheres

A tunable diode laser and the sweep integration technique were used to measure the absolute intensities, H2-broadened half-widths, and N2-broadened half-widths of P(5,2), P(5,3), P(7,2), P(7,3), and P(8,3) in the nu2-fundamental band of C-12H3D at several temperatures beteen 94 and 300 K. Results are of interest in connection with N2-broadened lines in the atmospheres of Titan and earth.
Imipramine prevents stress gastric glandular lesions in rats.

Intraperitoneal (i.p.) administration of imipramine dose-dependently inhibited gastric lesions induced by 3 h of cold restraint stress. The high dose of imipramine (5 mg/kg) almost completely abolished gastric lesion formation, and also suppressed acid secretion in rats with pyloric ligation. Intracisternal imipramine (1 microgram) was also protective. These findings suggest that tricyclic antidepressants may play an important role in preventing the deleterious effects of stress on the gut.
Association between cell swelling and glycogen content in cultured astrocytes.

Abstract Treatment of cultured rat astrocytes with hypotonic media or with 1 mM glutamate for 90 min caused cell swelling and a significant increase in glycogen content. Conversely, treatment with hypertonic media caused cell shrinkage with a corresponding decrease in astrocyte glycogen, which was proportional to the increasing osmolality of the hypertonic media. The glutamate receptor antagonist, MK-801, lowered both the glutamate-induced swelling and glycogen increase. These findings demonstrate a correlation between changes in cell volume and astrocyte glycogen content. This may explain the increased astrocytic glycogen observed in many neuropathological conditions where astrocyte swelling occurs. Because glycogen represents the largest energy reserve in the central nervous system, a swelling-induced disturbance in glycogen metabolism may lead to abnormal glial-neuronal interactions resulting in impaired brain bioenergetics.
Teaching medical students about over-the-counter medications.

Objectives Over-the-counter (OTC) medications account for over half of US drug expenses but have received little attention in medical school education. This pilot study evaluated student attitudes and knowledge in connection with a new curriculum in an ambulatory teaching clinic. Design Learning objectives were developed for six categories of OTC medications and students taught each other under the direction of a clinical pharmacist and family physician. Learning was undertaken in small groups and a site visit to a pharmacy was included. A 25-question test of knowledge was administered before and 6 months after the project, and student attitudes were assessed. Setting The sessions were taught as part of a longitudinal family medicine clerkship at an ambulatory care teaching clinic, Rockford, Illinois, USA. Subjects Twenty third-year medical students took the pre-test and attended the educational sessions; 19 completed the post-test and 16 completed the attitudinal survey. Results The mean pre-test score of 49% improved to 67% on the post-test (p < 0.001). On the survey, 94% found the material useful and 88% liked the small group learning, but only 60% felt the pharmacy trip was worthwhile. Conclusion In this study, medical students found teaching about OTC medications to be useful and showed significant improvement on a fund of knowledge test.
Characterization of a glycoprotein fusogen isolated from Sendai virus.

Abstract After isolation from Sendai virus, the glycoproteins HN and F retained their ability to induce hemagglutination and both heterologous and homologous cell-cell fusion. Both methods for demonstrating cell fusion indicated that the isolated HN and F glycoproteins compared favorably with whole Sendai virus as a fusogen. Conditions affecting the degree of fusion were examined and optimized. Whole virus and isolated glycoprotein preparations were characterized by electron microscopy and by SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Lipid analysis of the glycoprotein preparations by thin layer chromatography and gas chromatography/mass spectrometry indicated that they were partially lipid-depleted during the isolation protocol and the ratio of cholesterol to phospholipid was higher than in the whole virus. A complete fatty acid analysis was performed on lipid extracts from whole virus and from glycoprotein preparations. Detergent was removed from the glycoproteinsby dialysis and by incubation with Amberlite XAD-2 resin. The detergent content of the glycoprotein preparations was monitored by gas chromatography and with [ 3 H]Triton X-100. Both methods showed that virtually all (⩾99.8%) of the originally added detergent was removed. Electron microscopy of the negatively-stained HN and F preparations showed primarily spherical particles 120±20 A in diameter (range 80–250 A). Since no organization reminiscent of envelopes could be demonstrated, we conclude that the fusogenic activity of Sendai virus resides in the glycoproteins per se rather than in bilayer integrated lipid-protein complexes.
Low pressure flat flame studies of C2F4/O2

The paper reports the results of low pressure experiments designed to validate the mechanism and comparison of model results with experiment
HIGH-DOSE MULTI-AGENT CHEMOTHERAPY FOLLOWED BY BONE MARROW RESCUE FOR MALIGNANT ASTROCYTOMAS OF CHILDHOOD AND ADOLESCENCE

Between April 1986 and March 1989, ten patients under 21 years of age with histologically confirmed malignant astrocytoma, received marrow-ablative chemotherapy with either thiotepa and Etoposide (five patients) or thiotepa, Etoposide and BCNU (five patients), followed by bone marrow ‘rescue’. Nine patients had glioblastoma multiforme (GBM), and one patient had an intrinsic brain stem anaplastic astrocytoma (AA). Seven patients were treated for recurrent tumor. Two patients who developed GBM as second malignancies were treated directly following surgical resection. One patient had received irradiation only for recently diagnosed cervical spinal cord GBM. Thiotepa was administered at a total dose of 600–900 mg/M2 over three days, Etoposide was administered at a total dose of 1500 mg/M2 over three days, and BCNU was administered at a total dose of 600 mg/M2 over four days. Non-hematopoietic toxicities have been mainly transient, predictable and acceptable, consisting of oropharyngeal mucositis, cutaneous hyperpigmentation, erythema and desquamation. Four patients achieved complete responses (CR), as determined by radiographic evaluation (CT and/or MRI) on day 28 post-marrow infusion. The mean remission duration of those with CR is 290 + days; two patients presently remain in remission. Two patients achieved partial responses (PR, greater than 50% tumor shrinkage) by day 28 post-marrow infusion; both developed disease progression, at day 61 and 94 post-marrow infusion, respectively. One patient, with a brain stem AA, had stable disease maintained for 13 months post-marrow infusion. With a total (CR + PR) response rate of 60%, these regimens merit evaluation in broader categories of recurrent brain tumor patients, as well as in patients with newly-diagnosed GBM.
Tourism's contribution to the economy of Kenya

Abstract Between 1963 and 1980, tourism was one of the top three domestic exports of Kenya, along with coffee and tea. In evaluating an export industry, its linkages with other sectors of the economy, its import content, and its role as a source of domestic income and employment should be considered. This paper attempts such an evaluation of Kenya's tourist industry. Between 1968 and 1976, linkages between the tourism sector and domestic agriculture and food processing were improved. The tourist industry was not particularly import intensive in terms of intermediate goods when compared to the economy as a whole. Employment in and wages paid by the tourist industry were below what is expected when compared to tourism's share of GDP.
Effect of Gibberellic Acid on the Growth, Alkaloid Production, and VLB Content of Catharanthus Roseus

Catharanthus roseus , treated for 7 weeks with weekly doses of 100 mcg. of gibberellic acid (GA) and harvested biweekly, showed a significant increase in height and in stem dry weight. While GA treatment had a favorable effect on growth and did not affect the rate of flowering, it had an unfavorable effect on the concentration of total alkaloids in the plant organs. At final harvest the concentration of total alkaloids in the leaves was 55 percent of controls; that of the roots, 39 percent. Total alkaloid content per plant was greater than controls at the second harvest, but decreased at the fourth harvest. Detectable quantities of vincaleukoblastine (VLB) were not found in the stems or roots of both treated and untreated groups, but an increase of VLB concentration was noted in the leaves of the treated group. Gibberellic acid treatment had no affect on chlorophyll content, but markedly reduced the petroleum ether and ether extracts of plant organs.
The plasminogen activator system modulates sympathetic nerve function.

Sympathetic neurons synthesize and release tissue plasminogen activator (t-PA). We investigated whether t-PA modulates sympathetic activity. t-PA inhibition markedly reduced contraction of the guinea pig vas deferens to electrical field stimulation (EFS) and norepinephrine (NE) exocytosis from cardiac synaptosomes. Recombinant t-PA (rt-PA) induced exocytotic and carrier-mediated NE release from cardiac synaptosomes and cultured neuroblastoma cells; this was a plasmin-independent effect but was potentiated by a fibrinogen cleavage product. Notably, hearts from t-PA–null mice released much less NE upon EFS than their wild-type (WT) controls (i.e., a 76.5% decrease; P < 0.01), whereas hearts from plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1)–null mice released much more NE (i.e., a 275% increase; P < 0.05). Furthermore, vasa deferentia from t-PA–null mice were hyporesponsive to EFS (P < 0.0001) but were normalized by the addition of rt-PA. In contrast, vasa from PAI-1–null mice were much more responsive (P < 0.05). Coronary NE overflow from hearts subjected to ischemia/reperfusion was much smaller in t-PA–null than in WT control mice (P < 0.01). Furthermore, reperfusion arrhythmias were significantly reduced (P < 0.05) in t-PA–null hearts. Thus, t-PA enhances NE release from sympathetic nerves and contributes to cardiac arrhythmias in ischemia/reperfusion. Because the risk of arrhythmias and sudden cardiac death is increased in hyperadrenergic conditions, targeting the NE-releasing effect of t-PA may have valuable therapeutic potential.
Meningiomas: updating basic science, management, and outcome.

BACKGROUND: Meningiomas are biologically complex and clinically and surgically challenging. These features, combined with the rewarding potential for cure, make them of great interest to neurologists, neurosurgeons, and neuroscientists alike. REVIEW SUMMARY: Initially, we review the clinical context of meningiomas, particularly recent changes in histopathological classification, diagnosis, and neuroimaging. Secondly, the underlying basic science as it has evolved over the last decades is summarized. The status of areas recently of intense interest, such as steroid hormone receptors and oncogenic viruses is described. Additionally, emerging areas of great promise, such as cytogenetics and molecular biology are presented. Lastly, we describe recent advances in management. In particular, skull-base surgery, image-guided surgery, and advances in radiotherapy are emphasized. The possible impact of basic research on management and outcome is also outlined. CONCLUSIONS: Although usually benign and amenable to cure, meningiomas still present significant diagnostic and treatment challenges. Advances in basic science, surgery, and adjuvant therapy are widening the potential for safe, effective, evidence-based management leading to even better outcomes
What planetary nebulae tell us about helium and CNO elements in Galactic bulge stars

Thermally pulsing asymptotic giant branch (TP-AGB) models of bulge stars are calculated using a synthetic model. The goal is to infer typical progenitor masses and compositions by reproducing the typical chemical composition and central star masses of planetary nebulae (PNe) in the Galactic bulge. The AGB tip luminosity and the observation that the observed lack of bright carbon stars in the bulge are matched by the models. Five sets of galactic bulge PNe were analyzed to find typical abundances and central star of planetary nebulae (CSPN) masses. These global parameters were matched by the AGB models. These sets are shown to be consistent with the most massive CSPN having the largest abundances of helium and heavy elements. The CSPN masses of the most helium rich (He/H&0.130 or Y & 0.34) PNe are estimated to be between 0.58 and 0.62M⊙. The oxygen abundance in form log(O/H) + 12 of these highest mass CSPN is estimated to be ≈8.85. TP-AGB models with ZAMS masses between 1.2 and 1.8M⊙ with YZAMS ≈ 0.31− 0.33 and ZZAMS ≈ 0.19−0.22 fit the typical global parameters, mass, and abundances of the highest mass CSPN. The inferred ZAMS helium abundance of the most metal enriched stars implies dY/dZ ∼ 4 for the Galactic bulge. These models produce no bright carbon stars in agreement with observations of the bulge. These models produce an AGB tip luminosity for the bulge in agreement with the observations. These models suggest the youngest main sequence stars in the Galactic bulge have enhanced helium abundance (Y ≈ 0.32) on the main sequence and their ages are between 2 and 4 Gyrs. The chemical evolution of nitrogen in the Galactic bulge inferred from the models is consistent with the cosmic evolution inferred from HII regions and unevolved stars. The inferred ZAMS N/O ratio (logN/O ≈ −0.35) of bulge PNe with the largest CSPN masses are shown to be above the solar ratio. The inferred ZAMS N/O ratios of the entire range of PNe metallicities is consistent with both primary and secondary production of nitrogen contributing to the chemical evolution of nitrogen in the Galactic bulge. The inferred ZAMS value of C/O is less than 1. This indicates the mass of the PNe progenitors are low enough (M. 1.8M⊙) to not produce carbon stars via the third dredge-up.
Epidermal hyperplasia induced by ultraviolet radiation; error and uncertainty of measurement.

— Measurements of epidermal hyperplasia induced by UV in albino mice, using an improved method of sampling and counting of cells, show wide variability attributable largely to basic uncertainty rather than experimental error. Factors are analyzed that may contribute to the infeasibility of determining simultaneously the size of cell population and rate of cell duplication, including recovery of cell activity enhanced by photoreactivation. A hyperplasia-inducing factor is isolated from epidermis exposed to UV.
Differential expression of XAP5, a candidate disease gene

We have isolated a full-length cDNA corresponding to the XAP5 gene in Xq28. An unusual feature of the cDNA is that it contains runs of CCG repeats in the 5' untranslated region, typical of genes that exhibit anticipation. It has a striking pattern of differential expression and is greatly enhanced in various fetal tissues. This predicted protein encodes a unique 339-amino-acid polypeptide that contains a large percentage of highly charged residues and a possible nuclear localization signal. A comparison to genomic sequence shows that XAP-5 comprises 13 exons spanning 6.5 kb. An examination of the human population indicates that the longest CCG run is polymorphic and varies in length from 8 to 12 repeats.
Does a “Foot-in-the-Door” Get You in or out?:

Past research indicates that compliance with a small, relatively innocuous “foot-in-the-door” request serves to increase, relative to a control group, subsequent compliance with a larger request directed toward the same goal. The present study suggests such commitment (increasing) effects may be limited to active “feet-in-the-door,” predicting substitution (decreasing) effects for passive (less effortful) “foot-in-the-door” compliance. Results (N = 151) support only the substitution predictions showing none of the commitment effects previously demonstrated in the literature for active “foot-in-the-door” compliance. Attempts to resolve these discrepant findings generate a two-factor model specifying both the degree of initial commitment and the active versus passive nature of the “foot-in-the-door” requests. Specifically, active “foot-in-the-door” compliance and low degrees of initial commitment seem to produce commitment effects; passive compliance and high initial commitment tend toward substitution effe...
Climate science: Raised bar for rain

Controversy has surrounded projections of tropical temperatures aloft in a changing climate. An analysis of sea surface temperatures and rainfall over the past decades suggests amplified warming in the upper atmosphere, consistent with theory and models.
Effects of three crosslinkers on colored pH-responsive core–shell latexes

Environmentally responsive hydrogels have become attractive research subjects for many applications. In this work, a series of pH-sensitive and color-changing nanoparticles (nanogels) with core–shell structures were synthesized. The cores were blue latex particles synthesized by a miniemulsion technique with styrene and methacrylic acid as monomers and Neozapon Blue 807 as a dye. The shell was a pH-sensitive polymer that was precipitation-polymerized onto the core from 2-(diethylamino) ethyl methacrylate with N,N′-methylenebisacrylamide, poly(propylene glycol) diacrylate, and divinylbenzene as crosslinking agents. In the resultant latexes, the color was observed to change from deep blue to pale blue as the pH of the system was changed from a high of 10 to a low of 3. The synthesized latexes and particles (gels) were then characterized with an ultraviolet–visible spectrometer, dynamic light scattering, Fourier transform infrared, and nuclear magnetic resonance. Atomic force microscopy was also used to investigate the different morphologies of the particles after the synthesized latexes were dried at different pH values. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2008
Development of a laser-excited atomic fluorescence spectrometer and a method for the direct determination of lead in Great Lakes waters

Abstract A copper vapor laser-pumped dye laser was used in the development of a laser-excited atomic fluorescence spectrometer, which was optimized to give low-ng 1 −1 sensitivity. Using the spectrometer, a method was developed for direct determination of lead in Great Lakes water samples. This is the first time that direct analyses of such samples have been successfully achieved. Existing methods require these samples to be preconcentrated before they can be analysed. The following performance characteristics were achieved: satisfactory recoveries (within 3%) for two certified reference materials, a relative standard deviation of 4.9% at the 10 ng 1 −1 level, 53 spike recoveries within 100 ± 10% and a working detection limit of 0.4 ng 1 −1 with a 25-μl injection volume (10 fg absolute). the 18-MΩ water used was found to contain less than 0.9 ng 1 −1 of lead.
Plasma and urinary follicle-stimulating hormone levels in oligospermia.

Plasma and urinary FSH levels were measured in adult men with oligospermia or azoospermia. Patients with elevated plasma LH levels were excluded. In 60 oligospermic subjects the mean plasma FSH concentration (415 ± 175 SD ng LER 907/ml) was not significantly higher than that of 42 control subjects with normal spermatogenesis (355 ± 76). Only in the azoospermic patients was the plasma FSH uniformally elevated (865 ± 380). No direct reciprocal relationship between sperm count and plasma FSH was evident in the oligospermic group (r = −0.18, p > 0.10). In 12 additional oligospermic men the quantitative histologic characteristics of testicular biopsy specimens were compared with urinary FSH levels. There was no correlation between the germinal cell populations and FSH titers. These data do not support the thesis of a direct reciprocal relationship between spermato-genic activity and FSH secretion but suggest the presence of an “independent testicular station,” yet undefined which controls FSH.
An Update on Immune-Mediated Thrombocytopenia

Immune mediated thrombocytopenia is caused by autoantibodies or alloantibodies. Auto- antibody-related immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) is the most common cause of immune thrombocytopenia. In the United States, 33,000 new cases of ITP are reported each year. 1 Immune thrombocytopenic purpura can be acute or chronic, idiopathic (primary) or secondary. Acute ITP occurs mostly in children and is commonly associated with viral infections, while adult ITP may be primary or secondary to infections, other diseases, or drugs. Immune thrombocytopenic purpura is a diagnosis of exclusion. Treatment is generally required for chronic ITP or for symptomatic patients with low platelet counts. Initial treatments include corticosteroids, intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG), or anti-D immunoglobulin when indicated. Splenectomy is effective in most patients who are not responding to corticosteroids or IVIG. Immunosuppressive drugs and anti-CD20+ have been used successfully in treating patients with refractory ITP. Thrombopoietic drugs are the new promise in stimulating platelet production.
A theory of the saturable ohmic channel.

Let the passage of type- λ ions through a type- σ channel be determined only by the ionic valence z λ , by the thermal energy kT , by the ion concentrations on the out- and in- sides [ S λ ] o and [ S λ ] i , by the inside with-respect-to outside voltage of the channel E , by a single descriptor of channel saturation [ S σλ ], and by a single descriptor (permeance) the ease of channel transit P σλ . Then, if the channel current i σλ , due to λ -ions is ohmic about the Nernst potential, is a function of the sum {[ S λ ] o + [ S λ ] i } and not of [ S λ ] o or [ S λ ] i independently, and saturates in a Michaelis-Menten fashion, it follows that i σ λ = { 1000 z λ FP λ [ S σ λ ] } { [ S λ ] o + [ S λ ] i } [ S σ λ ] + { [ S λ ] o + [ S λ ] i } × { z λ F E R T − 1n [ S λ ] o [ S λ ] i } where F is the Faraday constant.
Numerical Modeling of the Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell for Thermal Management

A thermal model of the Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell (PEMFC) was developed to investigate the performance of a large active area fuel cell with the water cooling thermal management system. The model includes three sub-models: water transport model, electrochemical reaction model and heat transfer model. The water transport model calculates water distribution and the electric resistance of the membrane electrolyte. The electrochemical reaction model for the agglomerate structure cathode catalyst layer predicts the cathode overpotentials including mass transport limitation effect at high current density region. Two-dimensional heat transfer model incorporated with coolant and gas channels predicts the temperature distribution within the fuel cell. By integrating those sub-models, local electric resistance and overpotentials depending on the water and temperature distribution can be predicted. The model was calibrated with published experimental data and sensitivity studies were performed. The effects of the inlet gas temperature and humidity on the fuel cell performance were explored. In addition, the effect of the temperature distribution, and accordingly the electric resistance distribution within the fuel cell depending on the coolant temperature and flowrate was investigated. The results shows that the change in the local electric resistance due to temperature distribution eventually causes fuel cell power decrease and it is also concluded that the coolant temperature and flowrate should be controlled properly depending on the operating conditions in order to minimize the temperature distribution while maximizing power output of the fuel cell.Copyright © 2006 by ASME
Economic Integration, Rural Hardship, and Conservation on Guatemala's Agricultural Frontier

Despite decades of attention by conservationists, deforestation remains a critical problem in Latin America, particularly in agricultural frontiers like the Amazon and the lowlands of Central America. The limited impact of conservation initiatives in such regions stems partly from a poor understanding of the socioeconomic and land use dynamics that typify frontiers. Moreover, conservation organizations tend to disregard the economic and policy factors at various scales that contribute to deforestation pressures in developing countries. This article describes a study of recent socioeconomic and land use changes associated with the ongoing, rapid economic integration of Peten, Guatemala's main frontier region, and considers their implications from the standpoint of sustainable land use and forest conservation. The research relied on a range of primary and secondary data, including a comparison of survey data gathered by the author in one agriculturally important area of Peten before and after roads to the r...
Trends in the amusement park industry

The aim of this paper is to explore the amusement park industry and its evolution during the 1990s. The primary causes of change in this industry are determined and their impact on the companies operating in this business is investigated. The assumption to be ascertained is how currently operating amusement park firms have been able to effectively respond to the threats and opportunities created by the environmental changes occurring in the 1990s. The analysis is framed into three main sections: first, it offers an overview of the amusement industry; second, it examines the environmental trends affecting it; and third, it attempts to delineate the future development of the amusement business.
Resolution Tests of CsI(Tl) Scintillators Read Out by Pin Diodes

Abstract Cylindrical CsI(Tl) scintillators of 38 mm diameter and 100 mm length read out with PIN diodes of 400 mm2 area were tested with respect to their response to medium energy light particles (p, d, t, α). Resolutions of better than 1% were achieved for 50 MeV protons and 90 MeV α-particles. For many crystals the resolution was found to be limited to 2–3% by local crystal nonuniformities which caused variations of the light output efficiency of several percent. A bench test is described which allows the detection of inhomogeneities to better than 0.5% accuracy. The quality of particle identification obtained with ΔE-E and pulse shape discrimination techniques are investigated as a function of count rate.
The Design of a Gene Chip for Functional Immunological Studies on a High-Quality Control Platform

: We have created an immunology-related microarray chip containing primarily known genes with well-studied functional properties. By looking at known genes rather than expressed sequence tags, we hope to gain a better understanding of immunological pathways and how they work. The immunology gene chip contains genes from the following functional categories: T cell genes; B cell genes; dendritic cell genes; chemokine and cytokine genes; apoptosis genes; cell cycle genes; cell interaction genes; general hematology and immunology genes; and adhesion genes. We have also developed a novel three-color cDNA array platform in which arrays are directly visualized before hybridization, which allows us to select only high-quality chips for our experiments. In an effort to provide quantitative quality control for each array element as well as the entire chip, we have developed Matarray, a software package for image processing and data acquisition. With Matarray, we have built a quantitative data filtering and normalization scheme that has proved to be more efficient than the existing methods. The list of immunology chip genes is available from the authors.
Plasma levels of phenobarbital resulting from sustained release tablets containing theophylline, phenobarbital and ephedrine

Abstract Plasma levels of phenobarbital were measured in 10 individuals with stable mild to moderate bronchial asthma who were receiving repeated oral doses of a commercial sustained release formulation containing phenobarbital (25 mg), theophylline (180 mg) and ephedrine (48 mg). Following the initial dose, the mean plasma level of phenobarbital was 0.72 μg/ml at 5 h and 0.62 μg/ml at 10 h. After 14 days, during which time the formulation was administered twice daily, the mean phenobarbital plasma level had increased to approximately 4 μg/ml. This value was maintained during 10 h following the last dose. The degree of phenobarbital accumulation in plasma was predictable from previously calculated pharmacokinetic constants, and there was no evidence of autoinduction of phenobarbital metabolism. Phenobarbital is efficiently absorbed from this dosage form and plasma levels of phenobarbital accumulate 3–5 times more than those of theophylline during repeated dosing.
In vivo genome-wide profiling of RNA secondary structure reveals novel regulatory features

RNA structure has critical roles in processes ranging from ligand sensing to the regulation of translation, polyadenylation and splicing. However, a lack of genome-wide in vivo RNA structural data has limited our understanding of how RNA structure regulates gene expression in living cells. Here we present a high-throughput, genome-wide in vivo RNA structure probing method, structure-seq, in which dimethyl sulphate methylation of unprotected adenines and cytosines is identified by next-generation sequencing. Application of this method to Arabidopsis thaliana seedlings yielded the first in vivo genome-wide RNA structure map at nucleotide resolution for any organism, with quantitative structural information across more than 10,000 transcripts. Our analysis reveals a three-nucleotide periodic repeat pattern in the structure of coding regions, as well as a less-structured region immediately upstream of the start codon, and shows that these features are strongly correlated with translation efficiency. We also find patterns of strong and weak secondary structure at sites of alternative polyadenylation, as well as strong secondary structure at 5' splice sites that correlates with unspliced events. Notably, in vivo structures of messenger RNAs annotated for stress responses are poorly predicted in silico, whereas mRNA structures of genes related to cell function maintenance are well predicted. Global comparison of several structural features between these two categories shows that the mRNAs associated with stress responses tend to have more single-strandedness, longer maximal loop length and higher free energy per nucleotide, features that may allow these RNAs to undergo conformational changes in response to environmental conditions. Structure-seq allows the RNA structurome and its biological roles to be interrogated on a genome-wide scale and should be applicable to any organism.
Full Navier-Stokes analysis of a three-dimensional scramjet inlet

Three-dimensional full Navier-Stokes (FNS) computations have been made on a sidewall-compression scramjet inlet at a nominal Mach number of 5. A computer code named USA, which solves the FNS equations based on a finite volume approach and a high-accuracy total variation diminishing (TVD) scheme, was used. The objectives were to establish three-dimensional scramjet inlet computational fluid dynamics (CFD) capability, to study the flow structure, and to evaluate the applicability of FNS solutions for inlet performance calculations. Two solutions, one laminar and the other turbulent, were obtained. Inlet performance parameters in terms of air capture ratio, total pressure recovery, and kinetic energy efficiency, were calculated using three different averaging methods. Results are compared with the test data reported in 1966. The turbulent solution agrees well with the test data.
An Academic and Industrial Collaboration on Course Design

This article describes a course design that resulted from an academic and in dustrial collaboration. Unlike most simulation courses, the one described here was developed and taught by university professors and business professionals. One aim of designing the course was to find a way of teaching students that would better prepare them for writing in the workplace. A second aim was for the design-team members, through the experience of planning and teaching, to learn more about writing in the workplace and the teaching of writing. This article gives background on the development of the collaboration and on the decision to design and teach a simulation course, then describes the course and its results.
The Regularized Resolvent Transform for Quantum Dynamics Calculations

A recently introduced numerical expression for spectral estimation, called the regularized resolvent transform (RRT) (J. Magn. Reson. 2000, 147, 129), is shown to be very useful in a number of applications in quantum dynamics calculations. RRT has emerged from the filter diagonalization method (FDM), although it is based on a different linear algebraic algorithm and, therefore, has different numerical properties, such as stability, robustness, speed, etc. Given a time signal c(t), RRT provides a direct estimate of its infinite time Fourier spectrum I(s). Replacement of the argument s in the RRT expression by −iE leads to a very useful formula to estimate the inverse Laplace transform of c(t). Two applications of RRT are discussed in detail: the calculation of all S-matrix elements using a single wave packet propagation and the problem of estimating the microcanonical quantities, such as the density of states, from the canonical cross-correlation functions.
Learning curve, surgical results and operative complications for kidney transplantation in mice.

Murine transplant models of vascularized organs are very useful for immunobiological studies. However, the technique of kidney transplant is complex and very demanding. Here, results of the first successive 50 syngeneic transplantations performed by an experienced microsurgeon are reported. Complications and survival rates were recorded and analyzed over the different training phases. While the operative time and warm ischemia time dramatically reduced after 40 transplants (warm ischemia after 40 transplants 33.1+/-5.0 min vs. 55.2+/-4.6 min for the first 10 transplants, P day 7) was 10% (n=5). Only 8% (n=4) of the animals survived long-term. Despite large experience with microsurgery, there is a relative long learning curve for mouse kidney transplantation.
Dependency Analysis of System-of-Systems Operational and Development Networks

Abstract In this research, a Dependency Network Analysis technique has been adapted to assess operability, reliability, and resilience in both operational and development networks, associated with System of System architectures. The architecture is modeled as a directed network where nodes represent either the component systems or the capabilities to be acquired. Links on the network represent various kinds of dependencies between the constituent systems: functional dependency in an operational network, sequential development dependency in a development network. Each dependency is characterized by strength and criticality. The ultimate goal of the technique seeks to analyze effects of such dependencies -and of their strength and criticality- on operability, and to identify valid operating and developing strategies and architectures. For operational networks, Functional Dependency Network Analysis is used to assess the effect of topology and of possible degraded functioning of one or more systems on the operability of the network. For development networks, Development Dependency Network Analysis is used to assess how development time or capabilities are affected by the network topology and by delays in the development of component systems. Each technique is evaluated with regard to amount and quality of necessary input, completeness and usefulness of results, and applicability to problems of diverse nature.
LPS-inducible responses in severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID) mice

Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) is a potent bacterial product that has been shown to act on many different cell types both in vivo and in vitro. Injection of immunologically competent mice with LPS results in increased serum cytokine levels, followed by an array of pathophysiologic alterations that can ultimately lead to death. In this study, we examined the response of severe combined immunodeficient (SCID) mice to LPS. These mice lack mature T and B cells and have been shown to be an important model for analyzing the contribution of innate immune responses to infectious agents. Injection of SCID mice with LPS resulted in increases in CSF, TNF, and IFN levels in serum that were similar to the responses of immunocompetent controls. In response to LPS, both SCID and control mice exhibited similar levels of hypoglycemia. LPS-induced toxicity was assessed in D(+)-galactosamine-sensitized animals. SCID mice were comparably sensitive to the lethal effects of LPS as control BALB/c mice. To assess the role of natural k...
Changing the Culture of Mouth Care: Mouth Care Without a Battle

Purpose of the study Culture change aims to fundamentally improve care provision in a manner consistent with individual preferences. However, few studies of culture change have focused on the quality of daily care, despite the fact that system-wide efforts are important to assure the effectiveness, adoption, and sustainability of person-centered care to meet daily needs. This paper describes a new culture change practice, Mouth Care Without a Battle. The focus on mouth care is predicated on the important association between person-centered support for oral hygiene and quality of life. Design and methods Mouth Care Without a Battle is a person-centered approach to quality mouth care for persons with cognitive and physical impairment. It was developed by an interdisciplinary team of clinician researchers based on literature review, consultation with experts, environmental scan of existing programs, and testing in nursing homes. Building from the success of Bathing Without a Battle, Mouth Care Without a Battle was evaluated in terms of changed care practices and outcomes, developed into a training program, and packaged for dissemination as a digital video disk (DVD) and website. Results The development and evaluation of Mouth Care Without a Battle demonstrate attention to the areas necessary to establish the evidence-base for culture change, to ultimately empower and support staff to provide care to achieve quality outcomes. Implications As illustrated in this paper, it is beneficial to build the evidence base for culture change by attending to care processes and outcomes benefiting all residents, ability to implement culture change, and costs of implementation.