cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Implantable cardioverter defibrillator: Ventritex Cadence

The Ventritex Cadence Model V-100 Tiered Therapy Defibrillator is a third generation antitachyarrhythmia device currently completing clinical trials in the United States. The implantable pulse generator is capable of high energy defibrillation, low energy cardioversion, as well as antitachycardia and bradycardia pacing. In addition, this microprocessor controlled device can deliver monophasic or biphasic defibrillation/cardioversion shocks, is noncommitted to deliver shock therapy after initiating charging for defibrillation or cardioversion therapy, and can store electrograms of spontaneous tachyarrhythmia episodes. These expanded device capabilities should improve therapy efficacy and patient management, and represent a major advance in the treatment of patients with ventricular tachyarrhythmias.
FEEDING, DRINKING AND TEMPERATURE RESPONSES OF CHICKENS TO INTRACEREBROVENTRICULAR HISTAMINE

Abstract The present study examines the effects of intracerebroventricular injections of histamine (HA) and two HA antagonists, the H 1 receptor antagonist chloropheneramine maleate (CM) and the H 2 receptor antagonist cimetidine (CIM), on food and water consumption and body temperature in chickens. Single-Comb White Leghorns (SCWL) and broiler cockerels were utilized for these experiments. The first pair of experiments consisted of intracerebroventricular injections of HA and its effects on food and water consumption. HA was infused at dosages of 0, 25, 50, and 100 μg/10 μl of artificial cerebrospinal fluid (aCSF). HA significantly decreased food and water intake in a dose-dependent manner. The second pair of experiments examined the effects of HA on water intake while birds had no access to feed. Water intake was not significantly affected by intracerebroventricular injections of HA. The next pair of experiments examined the effects of HA on body temperature. In SCWL, body temperature was not affected by HA until 165 min postinjection when HA decreased temperature in a quadratic dose–response with maximum hypothermia being achieved at a dose of 25 μg. In contrast, HA increased body temperature in broilers beginning at 75 min postinjection. In the final series of experiments, the anorexia induced by HA was attenuated in SCWL and broilers with pretreatment of either CM or CIM. These results suggest that HA has an anorexigenic effect in SCWL and broiler cockerels, and this effect is mediated by both H 1 and H 2 receptors. Water intake is not directly affected by the intracerebroventricular injection of HA. Whereas HA increased body temperature in broilers, the response in SCWL is equivocal.
Motility and fertility of equine spermatozoa in a milk extender after 12 or 24 hours at 20°C

Abstract The effects of extender and storage at 20°C on equine spermatozoa were evaluated in two experiments using embryo recovery as the end point. In both experiments, inseminations were every other day, starting on Day 2 or 3 of estrus or after a 35-mm follicle was detected, with 250 × 10 6 progressively motile cells (based on initial evaluation). In Experiment 1, semen from two stallions was used to compare the motility and fertility of spermatozoa maintained in a) heated skim milk extender at 37°C with insemination in 0.05). In Experiment 2, semen from three stallions was used to compare the motility and fertility of spermatozoa in a) E-Z Mixin extender at 37°C with insemination in 0.05) in the percentage of mares from which an embryo was recovered 6.0 d after ovulation (68 vs 62%) or among stallions. Thus, stallion semen extended in E-Z Mixin was held at 20°C for 24 h without a marked decline in fertility.
Neuromuscular disturbance outlasts other symptoms of exercise-induced muscle damage

This study examined the biochemical, immunological, functional, and neuromuscular responses associated with exercise-induced muscle damage in the quadriceps of untrained men. Muscle damage and soreness was elicited with maximal concentric/eccentric muscle actions at 0.53 rads s(-1). Significant (P<0.05) soreness was evident 1, 2, and 3 days following muscle insult, while plasma creatine kinase, a marker of muscle damage, was elevated 3 and 5 days post-insult. Plasma interleukin-Ibeta was significantly increased within 5 min, and remained elevated 1, 2, 5, and 7 days post-insult. Maximal isometric quadriceps function was impaired (P<0. 05) for 5 days following muscle challenge. Maximal isokinetic performance at 1.09 rads s(-1) was diminished (P<0.05) for 2 days post-insult; no significant decrements at 3.14 rads s(-1) were noted. Average electrical activation (iEMG) of the quadriceps was unaltered, but iEMG activity of the rectus femoris - where soreness was focused - was significantly increased. Neuromuscular efficiency (torque/iEMG) was compromised throughout the 10-day post-insult period investigated. While other symptoms of exercise-induced muscle damage dissipate within 7 days, neuromuscular perturbation persists for at least 10 days.
Policy information or information policy? information types in economics and policy

The economic distinction between technological and market information offers a useful guide to the relationship between information and policy. The two types create different problems for markets and require different emphases in public policy, focusing on either the production or the distribution of information. The interaction of the two types creates familiar policy problems such as underinvestment in information, adverse selection and moral hazard. Indicators and other means of dealing with such problems constitute policies and demonstrate not only the importance of information for policy but the necessity of policy for information.
The dielectric strength and life of impregnated-paper insulation — II: The influence of the thickness of the paper

PAPER as used in the spiral laminated impregnated insulation of high-voltage power cables is available over wide ranges of density and thickness. There result important variations in the ordinary physical properties of the paper such as flexibility, tearing, tensile, and bending strength. Variations in the electrical properties of conductivity, dielectric constant, and breakdown strength also result. The peculiarly severe conditions imposed by the manufacture, transportation, installation, and operation of high-voltage cables have emphasized the importance that full attention be paid to all physical properties of the insulation, especially those relating to permanence of mechanical structure and of high insulating properties. Manufacturers of cables often utilize the several types of variation referred to in designing cable insulation to meet the particular requirements of cables for different types of service.
Comparing the scatter of citing and cited literature

Using the subjects desalination and educational psychology, the scatter of periodical articles over periodical titles was compared at two levels, the second level being a random sample of periodical articles cited by the first level. Several measures were used to compare the extent of scatter at the two levels. Some methods commonly used in bibliometrics produced conflicting evidence on whether the citing literature (first-level) or the cited (second-level) was more scattered. A computer-intensive sampling procedure, known as the Bootstrap method, was then used to estimate the scatter of the total cited population from the scatter of the empirical sample. Cumulative distributions were prepared to show what percentage of periodicals accounted for various percentages of articles at each level of scatter. Only at the 90th percentile of articles did the percentage of periodical titles in the cited literature significantly exceed that of the citing literature. At the tail-end of the Bradford-type distribution, the cited literature appears to be more scattered than the literature citing it.
A unified theory of thermomechanical materials

Abstract The present paper is an attempt to organize and unify the mechanics, thermodynamics and constitutive equations of nonpolar materials subject to thermal effects and mechanical forces. The approach is that of continuum theory. The philosophy is new in that it unifies and extends all known theories under certain common fundamental axioms, some of which are introduced here for the first time. All theories of simple solids and fluids turn out to be special cases of this theory. Several theorems are given on the inexistence of certain classes of non-simple thermo-solids and the restricted forms of the constitutive equations of other thermomechanical materials. A general class of non-simple thermofluids is studied and the specific form of the constitutive equations of second order Stokesian thermo-fluids are obtained.
Progression of β-Cell Dysfunction in Obese Youth

The epidemic of childhood obesity has led to a remarkable increase in the prevalence of type 2 diabetes (T2D) among youth worldwide. The decreasing age at onset of T2D has alarming public health implications. In particular, the longer duration of the disease, as well as the faster onset and progression of T2D related complications, will present a considerable burden for young adults and a strain on public health. Therefore, it is important to understand the pathophysiology of early phases of disruption of glucose tolerance and identify those critical points in which diabetes may be prevented. β-Cell dysfunction has been shown to represent one of the key pathogenetic defects underlying the progression to diabetes in obese youth. In the present review, we describe longitudinal and cross-sectional studies of changes in insulin sensitivity and secretion across the spectrum of glucose tolerance in obese adolescents. Further, the role of ectopic fat accumulation is discussed in relation to its association with both β-cell dysfunction and insulin resistance.
Effects of tephra addition on soil processes in Spodosols in the Cascade Range, Washington, U.S.A.

Abstract A study was conducted in the Cascade Range of Washington State, U.S.A., to examine the effects of tephra additions on soil processes occurring in Spodosols. Unleached tephra from the 18 May 1980 Mt. St. Helens eruption was applied in 5 or 15 cm depths to soils that had escaped airfall tephra deposition in 1980 but had received periodic additions of tephra during the Holocene. Soil solutions were collected from the major genetic horizons of tephra-treated and non-treated profiles. Interpretation of soil solution composition provided an instantaneous record of the response of soil processes to the added tephra. Soluble salts, composed of basic cations (Ca2+ = Na+ > Mg2+ > K+) and SO42−, were initially leached from the tephra. Basic cations in the leachate displaced H+ and Al3+ from the exchange sites in the original upper horizons. The soluble salts and Al3+ migrated through the soil profile where their concentrations were greatly attenuated by interaction with the solid phase. Calcium, K+, Al3+ and SO42− were strongly retained in the B horizons whereas Na+, Mg2+ and Cl− showed little affinity for the solid phase. Biological uptake, anion adsorption, exchange reactions and neoformation of minerals may all be responsible for the differential movement of solutes through the soil profile. No enhancement of elemental leaching was measured from the C horizon during the first four months of monitoring. Podzolization, the prevailing process in these mountains, was relatively unaffected by the addition of tephra.
Generalizations and Extensions of the Probability of Superiority Effect Size Estimator

Researchers are strongly encouraged to accompany the results of statistical tests with appropriate estimates of effect size. For 2-group comparisons, a probability-based effect size estimator (A) has many appealing properties (e.g., it is easy to understand, robust to violations of parametric assumptions, insensitive to outliers). We review generalizations of the A statistic to extend its use to applications with discrete data, with weighted data, with k > 2 groups, and with correlated samples. These generalizations are illustrated through reanalyses of data from published studies on sex differences in the acceptance of hypothetical offers of casual sex and in scores on a measure of economic enlightenment, on age differences in reported levels of Authentic Pride, and in differences between the numbers of promises made and kept in romantic relationships. Drawing from research on the construction of confidence intervals for the A statistic, we recommend a bootstrap method that can be used for each generalization of A. We provide a suite of programs that should make it easy to use the A statistic and accompany it with a confidence interval in a wide variety of research contexts.
Social Buffering by God: Prayer and Measures of Stress

Social buffering is characterized by attenuation of stress in the presence of others, with supportive individuals providing superior buffering. We were interested in learning if the implied presence of a supportive entity, God, would reduce acute stress. Participants were randomly assigned to one of three conditions: prayer, encouraging self-talk, and control. They were subsequently placed in a stressful situation. Self ratings of stress were lower among the prayer and self-talk conditions relative to controls. Systolic and diastolic blood pressures only among those who prayed were lower than controls; however, prayer and self-talk did not differ. Prayer alone did not significantly reduce stress, perhaps because the majority of students in the prayer condition did not consider reading a prayer to constitute praying.
Carbon nanotubes: An explosive thrust for nanotubes

Carbon nanotubes direct chemically produced thermal waves, providing propulsion and thermopower waves that create electrical energy.
Implementation of Radiation, Ablation, and Free Energy Minimization Modules for Coupled Simulations of Hypersonic Flow

A description of models and boundary conditions required for coupling radiation and ablation physics to a hypersonic flow simulation is provided. Chemical equilibrium routines for varying elemental mass fraction are required in the flow solver to integrate with the equilibrium chemistry assumption employed in the ablation models. The capability also enables an equilibrium catalytic wall boundary condition in the non-ablating case. The paper focuses on numerical implementation issues using FIRE II, Mars return, and Apollo 4 applications to provide context for discussion. Variable relaxation factors applied to the Jacobian elements of partial equilibrium relations required for convergence are defined. Challenges of strong radiation coupling in a shock capturing algorithm are addressed. Results are presented to show how the current suite of models responds to a wide variety of conditions involving coupled radiation and ablation.
Some improvements in the technology of string merging and internal sorting

Sort/merge programs for magnetic tape computer systems are of two basic classes:Digital (or Radix) and CollationThe digital sort is useful in only a limited number of cases and is not examined in this paper.
On the stability of non-linear stochastic systems

Abstract The results give stochastic analogues for third-, fourth-, fifth- and sixth-order nonlinear deterministic systems. The construction of a V-function when exponentially stable w. p. 1, satisfies an exponential inequality along the process, ℒ V(x)≤−D V(x). Here we modify Kushner's method to construct a V-function which satisfies such an inequality.
Biological aspects of the interaction between Coelomomyces psorophorae zygotes and the larvae of Culiseta inornata: Host-mediated factors

Abstract Coelomomyces psorophorae zygotes encyst on the cuticular surface of susceptible mosquito larvae as the initial step in the infection process. The high degree of variability in encystment per larva during the course of individual encystment trials could not be reduced by varying larval instar of Culiseta inornata, age of the instar, larval density, or zygote density. Zygote behavior toward molted larval exuviae was found to be comparable to that exhibited toward the corresponding larval instar. Chemical and physical modification of the exuviae tentatively implicates cuticular carbohydrates in the interaction of Co. psorophorae zygotes with the larvae of Cu. inornata. This interpretation is supported by chromatographic analysis of sugars hydrolyzed from the cuticles of larval and pupal exuviae.
Bactericidal capacity of polymorphonuclear leukocytes from patients receiving theophylline therapy

The capacity of polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNs) to kill Staphylococcus aureus strains 502 A was studied in 25 patients receiving theophylline therapy and in normal healthy controls. A significant difference in PMN bactericidal capacity was found between controls and patients with serum theophylline levels higher than 8 micrograms/ml, as determined by high-pressure liquid chromatography. The bactericidal capacity of PMNs from both the patient and control populations was reduced in the presence of theophylline levels above 8 micrograms/ml. In addition, a transient but significant drug-independent reduction was found in the bactericidal capacity of transient but significant drug-independent reduction was found in the bactericidal capacity of PMNs from patients receiving theophylline.
Synthesis of 2-methoxy-2-methyl-3-{6-[2-(5-methyl-2-phenyl-1,3-oxazol-4-yl)ethoxy]pyridin-3-yl}propanoic acid, a dual PPARα/γ agonist

Abstract Large quantities of an enantiomerically pure novel dual PPARα/γ agonist were required. Three routes were successfully developed to achieve this goal, with the chosen route utilized to deliver 40 g of material.
Laser Science And Technology Needs

This paper describes the advances in the state of the art solid-state laser technology made by researchers at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory and their contractors. Analyses and experiments indicate that a good understanding of the design and implementation of the thermal optical control of laser plates required for high power, high brightness operation is in hand. Significant advances in the strengthening of Nd:glass and the growth of large size, good quality Nd:G:GSGG crystal show that there are at least two ways to increase laser power, brightness and efficiency simultaneously without increasing laser size and weight.
Conscientious Perfectionism, Self-Evaluative Perfectionism, and the Five-Factor Model of personality traits

Abstract The psychometric structure of the Perfectionism Inventory was re-examined, and the relationships among perfectionism traits and broad personality traits were examined in a college sample (N = 390). Results supported the psychometric structure reported by Hill et al. (2004) . Additionally, the Self-Evaluative Perfectionism component was moderately correlated with Neuroticism, and the Conscientious Perfectionism component was strongly correlated with Conscientiousness. However, the most accurate picture of perfectionism’s relationship with broad personality traits was found when examining the perfectionism subscales and personality facets. Findings suggest that the instrument’s composite score and component scores are not as meaningful as subscale scores. Implications for future iterations of the DSM and conceptualization of OCPD are discussed.
Problems in the hemodynamic diagnosis of tricuspid insufficiency

Abstract The dependability of RVA in the evaluation of TI was studied in 141 patients with congenital or rheumatic disease. In patients over age 10, angiocardiography revealed TI in 13 and was negative in 27. Eight with positive RVA had cardiac operation and TI was confirmed in seven; three not having been operated upon were probably false positives. Six with negative RVA had an operation and no TI was detected. In 20 per cent of 95 younger patients, RVA revealed TI, often believed catheter induced. RA pressure criteria commonly employed in the hemodynamic diagnosis of TI were tested. RA pressure level and contour were analyzed in 27 cases proved negative for TI by RVA and in seven proved positive by operation. An X descent shallower than Y correlated better with atrial fibrillation than with TI; X deeper than Y correlated better with sinus rhythm than with tricuspid competence. RVA can exclude TI but yields false positive studies. RA pressure contour is believed not to have the usually accepted significance.
Core-reset functions

THE INPUT or control requirements of magnetic amplifiers are influenced to a great extent by the “dynamic” properties of the core, i.e., by the sensitiveness of the ferromagnetic core materials to changing magnetic flux. Attempts to describe analytically the over-all core behavior in terms of the magnetization processes within the material are hindered by the complexity of the mathematics involved and by the lack of an accurate evaluation of the pertinent physical constants of the material. The objective of this article is to determine experimentally an approximate relationship between significant variables which describe the electromagnetic behavior of these cores; this work is limited to cores wound of 50% nickel-iron, grain-oriented tapes.
Game tree searching by min/max approximation

Abstract We present an iterative method for searching min/max game trees based on the idea of approximating the “min” and “max” operators by generalized mean-valued operators. This approximation is used to guide the selection of the next leaf node to expand, since the approximations allow one to select efficiently that leaf node upon whose value the (approximate) value at the root most highly depends. Experimental results from almost 1,000 games of Connect-Four 1 suggest that our scheme is superior to minimax search with alpha-beta pruning, for the same number of calls to the move routine. However, our scheme has higher overhead, so that further work is needed before it becomes competitive when CPU time per turn is the limiting resource.
Modeling Nonprofit Employment Why Do So Many Lesbians and Gay Men Work for Nonprofit Organizations

Why are people with same-sex partners more likely than married people to work for nonprofit organizations (NPOs)? Analysis of 2000 Census data suggests that smaller gay–straight pay disparities for men in the nonprofit sector, occupational choices, and ability to afford nonprofit employment explain some overrepresentation of partnered gay men but not of partnered lesbians. Even after controlling for all these factors, people with same-sex partners remain more likely than married people to work for NPOs, suggesting that a strong desire to serve others is an important factor.
Novel Treatment Targets for Cerebral Edema

Cerebral edema is a common finding in a variety of neurological conditions, including ischemic stroke, traumatic brain injury, ruptured cerebral aneurysm, and neoplasia. With the possible exception of neoplasia, most pathological processes leading to edema seem to share similar molecular mechanisms of edema formation. Challenges to brain-cell volume homeostasis can have dramatic consequences, given the fixed volume of the rigid skull and the effect of swelling on secondary neuronal injury. With even small changes in cellular and extracellular volume, cerebral edema can compromise regional or global cerebral blood flow and metabolism or result in compression of vital brain structures. Osmotherapy has been the mainstay of pharmacologic therapy and is typically administered as part of an escalating medical treatment algorithm that can include corticosteroids, diuretics, and pharmacological cerebral metabolic suppression. Novel treatment targets for cerebral edema include the Na(+)-K(+)-2Cl(−) co-transporter (NKCC1) and the SUR1-regulated NCCa-ATP (SUR1/TRPM4) channel. These two ion channels have been demonstrated to be critical mediators of edema formation in brain-injured states. Their specific inhibitors, bumetanide and glibenclamide, respectively, are well-characterized Food and Drug Administration-approved drugs with excellent safety profiles. Directed inhibition of these ion transporters has the potential to reduce the development of cerebral edema and is currently being investigated in human clinical trials. Another class of treatment agents for cerebral edema is vasopressin receptor antagonists. Euvolemic hyponatremia is present in a myriad of neurological conditions resulting in cerebral edema. A specific antagonist of the vasopressin V1A- and V2-receptor, conivaptan, promotes water excretion while sparing electrolytes through a process known as aquaresis.
Nicotine metabolism in humans

To the Editor: The recent article by Kyerematen et al.1 provides some new and interesting data on the nature of nicotine metabolism in humans. Of particular interest is their observation of a new metabolite, “demethyl-cotinine-2\2'-enamine.
Juan Maldonado and Lazarillo de Tormes

In the last thirty years students of the picaresque novel have put together a picture of the anonymous author of the Lazarillo that seems to us much more solid than it was before Marquez Villanueva addressed the question.1 It may not be too far off the mark to suggest, in fact, that that very anonymity has been a stimulus to analysis of the work itself, and that our understanding of what it is and why it works so well has benefited as a result of the element of mystery and the challenge to researchers that have surrounded it. As late as 1987, Rico, one such dedicated scholar, could enthusiastically state: … no nos contentamos con estar mas proximos de lo que nunca habiamos estado a los origenes del Lazarillo. Los problemas ecdoticos y bibliograficos nos intrigan; los designios y la figura del incognito autor nos apasionan. La hipotesis presentada hasta aqui da cuenta, creo, de bastantes puntos de relieve en relacion con los primeros; en cuanto a los segundos, juzgo que tambien nos permite alguna vislumbre...
Long-term study of an intermittent air sparged MBR for synthetic wastewater treatment

Membrane bioreactors (MBR) combine biological processes with membrane filtration. Advantages of MBR in municipal wastewater treatment include high effluent quality and reduced space requirements. Steady operation of membrane plants requires careful management of membrane fouling. Even though it might be impossible to prevent, fouling can be limited by techniques such as gas sparging. The injection of gas bubbles increases the shear stress and removes fouling material from the membrane surface. Most cited literature on air sparging refers to short-term experiments, often times in bench scale. The aim of this study was therefore long-term investigations in pilot plant scale of a 70 L reactor fed with glucose-based synthetic wastewater. The main focus was on enhancing permeate flux by air sparging. The results showed that using air sparging significantly increased the permeate flux was doubled even over several weeks. The findings were interpreted using the dimensionless fouling and shear stress number. The fouling resistance was found to decrease significantly with air injection ratios between 0.4 and 0.5. When air sparging was applied after a period without air sparging, the shear stress number doubled. This increase in shear led to a reduction of the fouling number by approximately 30%. During several weeks air sparging only a slow fouling number increase was. In contrast to that after air sparging was ceased, an exponential increase of the fouling number was observed.
Drugs, Crime, and the Failure of American Organized Crime Models

ABSTRACT This article reviews the fundamental ideology of syndicate criminal activity in American law enforcement. It makes the argument that this ideology is flawed by both a lack of objective empirical support and biasing socio-political influences. Traditional models of syndicate crime failed to anticipate the current methods associated with drug trafficking. These traditional models, as a consequence, are a poor policy platform for current American anti-narcotics strategies. Historic criticisms of these traditional models are discussed and several alternative paradigms are reviewed as offering more heuristic descriptions of criminal syndication.
Effects of bicarbonate depletion on secondary acceptors of Photosystem II

Abstract In thylakoid membranes incubated in the dark with ferricyanide, an auxiliary acceptor (Q400) associated with Photosystem II becomes oxidized. It has been reported that, based on oxygen flash-yield data, electron flow to Q400 did not occur in ‘bicarbonate-depleted’ (formate-pretreated) samples. Contrary to this earlier report, we find, based on oxygen flash-yield data and chlorophyll a fluorescence-transient measurements, that Q400 is active as an electron acceptor in formate-pretreated samples. It is concluded that the effect of formate pretreatment is on the flow of electrons between Q, B and the plastoquinone pool and not the flow to Q400. We also believe that another auxiliary acceptor of Photosystem II exists under conditions of formate pretreatment and pH larger than 7.0. This belief is based on increased double advancement in the oxygen flash-yield pattern and increased area above the chlorophyll a fluorescence-rise curve. The double advancement in the oxygen pattern shows a second-order dependence on flash intensity. These effects are eliminated by bicarbonate addition or shifts to lower values of pH such as 6.8. This new acceptor is believed to be different from Q400.
Phase II study of aziridinylbenzoquinone (AZQ) in patients with central nervous system malignancies: a Southwest Oncology Group Study.

AZQ, an alkylating agent with lipophilic characteristics allowing CNS penetration was studied in patients with primary CNS malignancies refractory to surgical and radiotherapeutic modalities. Responses were evaluated by three criteria: neurologic examination, performance status and CT scan of the brain. Improvement in all three parameters with stable or decreasing doses of decadron was required for a partial response. Thirty-six poor risk (prior chematherapy) patients with Grades III and IV astrocytomas were treated with 30 mg/m2. Three patients had a partial response (14, 17, 60 weeks duration). Two patients had mixed responses (worsening of one disease parameter with improvement in another), four had stable disease and one patient had improvement in neurologic parameters with a stable CT scan. Twenty-six patients had increasing disease. Fifteen good risk patients (no prior chemotherapy) with recurrent grades III and IV astrocytomas were treated at a dose of 40 mg/m2 intravenously every three weeks. There were no objective responses in this group of patients. Three patients with nonastrocytomas were treated and no responses observed. The drug was well tolerated. Myelosuppression in the form of leukopenia and thrombocytopenia was the major toxicity. Myelosuppression required dose reductions in eight patients and discontinuation of therapy due to repeated treatment delays in two patients. AZQ at doses of 30 and 40 mg/m2 given on an intermittent bolus schedule is inactive in patients with Grades III and IV recurrent astrocytoma.
Resonance Raman spectra of 4a,4b-dihydrophenanthrene, the photocyclization product of cis-stilbene

Abstract Resonance Raman spectra 4a,4b-dihydrophenanthrene have been obtained by irradiating degassed samples of cis-stilbene in cyclohexane and in methanol at 266 nm and subsequently exciting the Raman spectrum within the absorption band of the dihydrophenanthrene product at 436 and 477 nm. We believe that these are the first published vibrational spectra of this species. The Raman spectra at both wavelengths are dominated by a strong band at 1474 cm −1 which is presumably the mostly in-phase stretch of the double bonds in the conjugated polyene chain, shifted down in frequency by about 100 cm −1 from the corresponding all-trans linear polyene. Other weaker vibrations are observed at 769, 1035, 1080, 1147, 1201, 1298, 1534, and 1555 cm −1 , and some assignments are suggested based on comparison with QCFF/PI calculations. The nonresonantly enhanced Raman lines of the other cis-stilbene photoproduct, trans-stilbene, relative to dihydrophenanthrene are much stronger in methanol than in cyclohexane under the same irradiation conditions. This observation, together with the results of simple laser photolysis experiments in which the 436 nm absorbance is used to monitor the rates of dihydrophenanthrene formation and destruction, indicate a large solvent effect on the quantum yield for photocyclization of cis-stilbene and little or no solvent effect on the yield for photochemical ring opening of dihydrophenanthrene. The ground state resonance Raman intensities of cis-stilbene excited at 266 nm indicate slightly faster distortion of the vertically excited state along torsional coordinates in methanol relative to cyclohexane solution.
Thermodynamics and structure of a DNA tetraplex : a spectroscopic and calorimetric study of the tetramolecular complexes of d(TG3T) and d(TG3T2G3T)

Abstract We report a combined thermodynamic and structural characterization of a DNA tetraplex. Using spectroscopic and calorimetric techniques, we demonstrate that d(TG3T) and d(TG3T2G3T), in the presence of K+, form stable tetramolecular complexes. From differential scanning calorimetry measurements, we obtain the following thermodynamic profiles for formation of each tetraplex at 25 degrees C: delta G degrees = -6.9 kcal/mol of tetraplex (or -2.3 kcal/mol of tetrad; 1 cal = 4.184 J), delta H degrees = -62.6 kcal/mol of tetraplex (or -20.9 kcal/mol of tetrad), and delta S degrees = -186.9 cal.K-1.mol-1 of tetraplex (or -62.3 cal.K-1.mol-1 of tetrad) for the d(TG3T) tetraplex; and delta G degrees = -20.2 kcal/mol of tetraplex (or -3.4 kcal/mol of tetrad), delta H degrees = -123.2 kcal/mol of tetraplex (or -20.5 kcal/mol of tetrad), and delta S degrees = -346.0 cal.K-1.mol-1 of tetraplex (or -57.7 cal.K-1.mol-1 of tetrad) for the d(TG3T2G3T) tetraplex. These data demonstrate that at 25 degrees C a G-tetrad can exhibit considerable stability, comparable to or even exceeding that of most Watson-Crick nearest-neighbor interactions, with this stability resulting from a very favorable enthalpy of formation. Temperature-dependent CD measurements reveal that the melting temperatures of both tetraplexes exhibit unusually low salt dependences. This unexpected behavior may reflect a diminished charge density due to bound K+ ions. For each complex, the Na+ and K+ forms exhibit drastically different isothermal and temperature-dependent CD profiles, with the K+ forms of each tetraplex melting more sharply and at a higher temperature than the Na+ forms. Using one- and two-dimensional NMR techniques, we show that the strands in the tetramolecular complex of d(TG3T), K+ are all parallel and that the guanine glycosidic conformations are all anti.
Organ blood flows of fetal and infant baboons

Abstract Baseline values for total and selected regional blood flows are presented for 77 studies of baboons from 92 days of gestation to 61 days of postnatal age. Systemic blood flow rose from 231.3 ± 21.4 ml/min/kg to 330.4 ± 122.4 ml/min/kg in late gestation and from 124.0 ± 29.9 ml/min/kg on day 1 to 162.8 ± 20.5 ml/min/kg at the 8th week. In both fetal and infant periods, blood flow to brain, heart, kidneys, and gastrointestinal tract changed to reflect both anatomic and functional requirements. When compared to late gestation levels, blood flows on day 1 to brain, myocardium and gastrointestinal tract decreased proportionally to systemic blood flow. In contrast, renal blood flow on day 1 was maintained at the predelivery level and represented about twice the proportion of systemic blood flow of late gestation. The data presented provide a developmental profile of systemic and selected organ blood flows from mid-gestation to the 8th week of postnatal life in the baboon. As such, they may form the basis for further investigation and understanding of perinatal maladaptation from preterm delivery and disease.
Effects of Toys or Group Composition for Children with Disabilities: A Synthesis.

This synthesis reviewed the findings of 13 intervention studies, published between 1975 and June 1999, that examined the effects of manipulation of toys or group composition on social behaviors of ...
752-1 Microcirculatory Flow Dynamics During Peripheral Intravenous Injection of EchogenTM: Microscopic Visualization of Mesenteric Microcirculatory Flow with Simultaneous Transthoracic Echo Imaging in Cats

Echogen TM , a phase shift, fluorocarbon gas echo contrast agent, has been shown capable of producing left ventricular and robust myocardial opacification, persisting up to 35 to 40 mm after peripheral venous injection. We investigated the microcirculatory flow dynamics of this agent in the cat mesenteric vascular bed using microscopic visualization of capillary flows. Four cats (weight 2 to 5.2 kg, mean = 3.2 kg) were anesthetized and ventilated. Systemic arterial blood pressure was monitored by cannulation of the carotid artery. Microscopic examination (x 400) with an instrument calibrated for scale was performed by placing a loop of small intestine on awarm water bath stage and transilluminating the mesentery with a xenon light source while videotape recording the images for off-line analysis. Transthoracic echocardiography was performed simultaneously using a TOSHIBA 140A system with a 7 MHz transducer. Doses of 0.4, 06, 0.8 ml/kg (a total of 15 injections) of Echogen were administered intravenously. For all the injections, Visually apparent left ventricular and intense myocardial opacification was achieved lasting up to 20 minutes. A transient drop in arterial blood pressure (25 ± 13.2 mmHg) was observed with the high dose 10.8 ml/kg). which returned to baseline within 5 mins. Capillary flow velocities of the red blood cells before and after Echogen injection were 4.3 ± 1.7 mm/sec dropping to 2.3 ± 0.9 mm/sec, the drop occurred 5 to 20 seconds following injections and recovery was within 40–70 seconds. Transient slowing and periodicity of flow was noted in the venule side of the capillaries. but arteriolar capillary flow changed little during brisk transit of the observed bubbles. There was no significant difference in flow velocity changes associated with different doses (p g 0.05). Also, margination and endothelial adhesion of bubbles observed in larger arteriolar feeding vessels without slowing of central RBC flow suggests a mechanism for the long persistence of echo contrast bubbles in the tissue without vascular blockage or evidence of myocardial tissue damage.
A PTP-PEST-like protein affects α5β1-integrin-dependent matrix assembly, cell adhesion, and migration in Xenopus gastrula

Abstract During amphibian gastrulation, mesodermal cell movements depend on both cell–cell and cell–matrix interactions. Ectodermal cells from the blastocoel roof use α5β1 integrins to assemble a fibronectin-rich extracellular matrix on which mesodermal cells migrate using the same α5β1 integrin. In this report, we show that the tyrosine phosphatase xPTP-PESTr can prevent fibronectin fibril formation when overexpressed in ectodermal cells resulting in delayed gastrulation. In addition, isolated ectodermal cells overexpressing xPTP-PESTr are able to spread on fibronectin using the α5β1 integrin in the absence of activin-A induction and before the onset of gastrulation. We further show that while the inhibition of fibrillogenesis depends on the phosphatase activity of xPTP-PESTr, induction of cell spreading does not. Finally, while cell spreading is usually associated with cell migration, xPTP-PESTr promotes ectodermal cell spreading on fibronectin but also reduces cell migration in response to activin-A, suggesting an adverse effect on cell translocation. We propose that xPTP-PESTr overexpression adversely affect cell migration by preventing de-adhesion of cells from the substrate.
Toll-Like Receptor 2 Mediates Staphylococcus aureus–Induced Myocardial Dysfunction and Cytokine Production in the Heart

Background— Staphylococcus aureus sepsis is associated with significant myocardial dysfunction. Toll-like receptor 2 (TLR2) mediates the inflammatory response to S aureus and may trigger an innate immune response in the heart. We hypothesized that a TLR2 deficiency would attenuate S aureus–induced cardiac proinflammatory mediator production and the development of cardiac dysfunction. Methods and Results— Wild-type and TLR2-deficient (TLR2D) mice were studied. S aureus challenge significantly increased tumor necrosis factor, interleukin-1β, and nitric oxide expression in hearts of wild-type mice. This response was significantly blunted in TLR2D mice. Hearts from TLR2D mice had impaired S aureus–induced activation of interleukin-1 receptor–associated kinase, c-Jun NH2 terminal kinase, nuclear factor-κB, and activator protein-1. Moreover, hearts from TLR2D mice were protected against S aureus–induced contractile dysfunction. Conclusions— These results show for the first time that TLR2 signaling contributes t...
Role of endogenous nicotinic signaling in guiding neuronal development

Spontaneous nicotinic cholinergic activity is widespread in the developing nervous system. One of the major components mediating this activity is the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor with alpha7 subunits (alpha7-nAChR) and high relative calcium permeability. We recently reported that alpha7-nAChRs co-localize in part with GABA(A) receptors during development, and the sites become co-innervated by cholinergic and GABAergic terminals. Patch-clamp recording either from embryonic chick ciliary ganglion neurons or from early postnatal mouse hippocampal interneurons reveals that alpha7-nAChR activation can impose a rapid and reversible decrease in GABA(A) receptor responses. The effect extends to GABAergic synaptic currents, and depends on intracellular calcium, calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II, and MAP kinase in the postsynaptic cell. Over the longer term, nicotinic activity has a more profound effect: it determines the time during development when GABAergic signaling converts from excitation to inhibition. It does this by changing the pattern of chloride transporters to establish the mature chloride gradient required for inhibitory GABAergic responses. The excitatory phase of GABAergic signaling is critical for proper development and integration of neurons into circuits. By driving the conversion of GABAergic signaling, nicotinic activity not only terminates one set of developmental instructions, but also initiates another by collaborating with GABAergic inhibition to impose new instructions. The results reveal a multi-layered pattern of activity-dependent controls in development and indicate the significance of nicotinic signaling in shaping these events.
A heavier gluino from t – b – τ Yukawa-unified SUSY

Abstract Supersymmetric models with t – b – τ Yukawa coupling unification and unified gaugino masses at the GUT scale—with μ > 0 —show a mild preference for light gluino masses m g ˜ ≲ 500 GeV . This range of m g ˜ is now essentially ruled out by LHC searches. We show that a heavier gluino with m g ˜ ∼ 0.5 – 3 TeV can also be compatible with excellent t – b – τ Yukawa coupling unification in supersymmetric models with non-universal Higgs masses (NUHM2). The gluino in such models is the lightest colored sparticle, while the squark sector displays an inverted mass hierarchy with m q ˜ ∼ 5 – 20 TeV . We present some LHC testable benchmark points for which the lightest Higgs boson mass m h ≃ 125 GeV . We also discuss LHC signatures of Yukawa-unified models with heavier gluinos. We expect gluino pair production followed by decay to final states containing four b -jets plus four W -bosons plus missing E T to occur at possibly observable rates at LHC.
B cell lineages: documented at last!

Functional and phenotypic distinctions characterize B-1 cells versus B-2 cells. The identification of adult bone marrow cells that give rise exclusively to B-1 B cells support earlier ideas regarding the existence of dedicated B-1 progenitors.
Cyclic GMP specifically suppresses Type-Iα cGMP-dependent protein kinase expression by ubiquitination

Type I cGMP-dependent protein kinase (PKG-I) mediates nitric oxide (NO) and hormone dependent smooth muscle relaxation and stimulates smooth muscle cell-specific gene expression. Expression of PKG-I in cultured smooth muscle cells depends on culture conditions and is inhibited by inflammatory cytokines such as interleukin-I and tumor necrosis factor-α, which are known to stimulate Type II NO synthase (iNOS) expression. We report here that the suppression of PKG-I protein levels in smooth muscle cells is triggered by the ubiquitin/26S proteasome pathway. Incubation of vascular smooth muscle cells with phosphodiesterase-resistant cyclic GMP analogs (e.g., 8-bromo-cGMP) decreases PKG-I protein level in a time- and concentration-dependent manner. To study this process, we tested the effects of 8-Br-cGMP on PKG-I protein level in Cos7 cells, which do not express endogenous type I PKG mRNA. 8-Br-cGMP induced the ubiquitination and down-regulation of PKG-Iα, but not PKG-Iβ. Treatment of cells with the 26S proteasome inhibitor, MG-132, increased ubiquitination of PKG. Blocking PKG-I catalytic activity using the cell-permeant specific PKG-I inhibitor, DT-2, inhibited cGMP-induced PKG-I ubiquitination and down-regulation, suggesting that PKG catalytic activity and autophosphorylation were required for suppression of PKG-I level. Mutation of the known autophosphorylation sites of PKG-Iα to alanine uncovered a specific role for autophosphorylation of serine-64 in cGMP-dependent ubiquitination and suppression of PKG-I level. The results suggest that chronic elevation of cGMP, as seen in inflammatory conditions, triggers ubiquitination and degradation of PKG-Iα in smooth muscle.
The effect of d-mannose on sucrose storage in the corn scutellum: Evidence for two sucrose transpsort mechanisms

Abstract Evidence is presented that tissue slices of the corn scutellum contain two distinct mechanisms for the storage of sucrose. The first mechanism is responsible for the storage of exogenously supplied sucrose and is strongly inhibited by the presence of d -mannose in the sucrose-containing bathing medium. The second mechanism is responsible for the transport of sucrose (newly synthesized from hexose) from the synthesis compartment of the cell into storage. This mechanism is not inhibited by mannose. Although the intercompartmental storage of newly synthesized sucrose is unaffected by the presence of mannose, the synthesis of the disaccharide from exogenously supplied fructose is strongly inhibited when mannose is present in the bathing medium. In addition, treatment of tissue slices with mannose resulted in a drastic reduction in the ATP level of the tissue. This reduction in ATP was not accompanied by an equivalent increase in ADP or AMP. It is suggested that the effect of mannose in inhibiting the storage of exogenous sucrose and in inhibiting the synthesis of sucrose from exogenous fructose arises from ATP deficiency. This deficiency is presumably the result of mannose and mannose-6-phosphate inhibitions of glycolysis at the level of hexokinase and phosphoglucose isomerase, respectively, and/or the trapping of inorganic phosphate in a pool of non-metabolizable mannose-6-phosphate. Possible mechanisms for sucrose storage are discussed.