cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Relationship between gas separation properties and chemical structure in a series of aromatic polyimides

Abstract Gas permeabilities and permselectivities for various gas pairs [He/CH 4 , CO 2 /CH 4 , N 2 /CH 4 , and O 2 /N 2 ] are reported for a series of aromatic polyimides synthesized in our laboratory. Gas solubility and diffusivity data are also reported for some of the polyimides. Systematic variations in chemical structure were found to lead to significant changes in permeabilities and selectivities. Further analysis shows that the permeability and selectivity changes in these cases are primarily due to the alteration of diffusivity factors. Generally, increases in permeability are attended by losses in permselectivity; however, some of the polyimides in the present series of materials were found to deviate very favorably from this typical behavior. Specifically, materials were discovered having simultaneously higher permeabilities and permselectivities than commercial polymers currently being used as membrane materials. The relationship between gas separation properties and chemical structure is discussed in terms of intrasegmental mobility and intersegmental packing of the constituent polymers. The experimental data and their physical implications suggest the possibility that many new polymers having both high permeability and selectivity can be designed by tailoring the intrasegmental mobility and intersegmental packing of membrane polymers.
Virtue, Rules, and Justice: Kantian Aspirations

Virtue, Rules, and Justice: Kantian Aspirations is a collection of 16 individual essays. The book is organized into four parts, covering a wide range of topics. ‘Basic Themes’ (Part I) presents an ...
Self-administration of CNS stimulants by dog.

Drug-naive dogs were trained to respond for intravenous infusions of either d-amphetamine, phenmetrazine, or methylphenidate until a stable response rate per 4-hr daily session was achieved. The magnitude of reinforcement (i.e., mg/kg/infusion) was then varied systematically across a wide range for each drug. An inverse relationship between unit dose and number of self-administered infusions per session was seen. Thus, total drug intake per session remained relatively constant and was independent of unit dose. Using a parallel line bioassay design, the relative potencies of d-amphetamine, phenmetrazine, and methylphenidate to maintain self-administration were estimated. By comparing the unit doses of d-amphetamine which yielded the same rate of self-administration it was found that 1 mg of phenmetrazine is equivalent to 0.1 mg of d-amphetamine. It was also determined that 1 mg of methylphenidate is equivalent to 0.75 mg of d-amphetamine. These data indicate the dog can be used to assess the reinforcing properties of psychomotor stimulants.
Complexity and organization of DNA-protein interactions in the 5′-regulatory region of an endoderm-specific marker gene in the sea urchin embryo

This study concerns the organization of sites of specific DNA/protein interaction within the regulatory domain of the Endo16 gene of Strongylocentrotus purpuratus. Earlier work had displayed a complex pattern of expression of this gene during embryogenesis. Endo16 transcripts are confined to the definitive vegetal plate in blastula stage embryos; at gastrula stage this gene is expressed throughout the archenteron, but later only in the midgut. In this work we exploited the exceptional experimental accessibility of the sea urchin embryo, with respect to both functional assays of gene regulatory systems and to characterization of transcription factors, in order to approach a complete description of potential Endo16 regulatory interactions. Accurate expression of an Endo16 fusion gene was obtained with a 2200-nucleotide (nt) upstream fragment of the gene. We present a map locating high specificity target sites for DNA-binding proteins within the 2200-nt Endo16 regulatory domain, and an assessment of the complexity of the set of putative Endo16 transcription factors that we have been able to recover from 24-h (blastula stage) nuclear extract. Protein binding sites were initially mapped by gel shift reactions carried out on nested sets of end-labeled restriction fragments, and then to finer resolution by oligonucleotide gel shift competitions. Thirty-eight sites of high specificity DNA-protein interaction were thus identified. Appropriate oligonucleotides were then used for partial purification of the DNA-binding proteins by affinity chromatography. DNA-binding proteins specific for each target site were identified by molecular weight, using southwestern blotting procedures and two-dimensional gel shift separations, and by directly renaturing and reacting with oligonucleotide probes specific proteins that had been resolved by SDS-PAGE from selected affinity column fractions. A complete series of gel shift cross-competitions amongst the target sites was carried out. We conclude that nine different protein factors are bound at unique sites within the Endo16 regulatory domain. Multiple target sites for five other proteins account for the remaining binding site locations. The target sites appear to be organized in a sequence of clusters, focused on the unique factors. The high complexity of the Endo16 gene regulatory system may be characteristic for genes that are spatially regulated in early embryonic development.
Knowledge-based knowledge management in the reengineering domain

Abstract A fundamental problem with knowledge management is the information technology (IT) employed to enable knowledge work appears to target data and information, as opposed to knowledge itself. In contrast, knowledge-based systems (KBS) maintain an explicit and direct focus on knowledge. The research described in this article is focused on innovating knowledge management through KBS technology. We refer to this KBS-enabled transformation of knowledge work as knowledge-based knowledge management. Drawing from the recent literature, we identify a number of key activities associated with knowledge management to establish a set of requirements for knowledge management support. We match these requirements with textbook capabilities of intelligent systems and use this analysis to evaluate KOPeR, a KBS employed to automate and support knowledge management in the reengineering domain. We find KOPeR possesses the capabilities required for knowledge management support. And its field application, as part of a major reengineering engagement, reveals four important knowledge effects enabled by this KBS. From this study, we also find KOPeR to be effective in its automation and support of key knowledge management activities. And through its successful use and knowledge effects in this study, we conclude that KBS can be developed and employed for effective knowledge management support.
Passive ventricular constraint to improve left ventricular function and mechanics in an ovine model of heart failure secondary to acute myocardial infarction.

Abstract Objective This study investigated the effects on global cardiac function and myocardial energetics of limiting progressive dilatation after infarction by means of a woven polyester jacket cardiac support device. We hypothesized that placement of the cardiac support device results in a decrease in myocardial wall stress and improvement in cardiac function and myocardial energetics. Methods To investigate the effect of passive constraint on left ventricular function and mechanics, a total of 10 sheep were studied with pressure-volume analysis and magnetic resonance imaging. A baseline study was followed by the creation of an anterior infarct. After 1 week, the animals underwent a second study. The cardiac support device was then placed over the epicardium in 5 sheep; the remaining animals served as controls. A terminal study was performed at 2 months after the infarct. Results The cardiac support device group at the terminal study exhibited a decrease in end-diastolic volume (control 110.3 ± 19.8 mL vs cardiac support device 67.6 ± 4.7 mL, P = .006) and an improved ejection fraction (control 15.5% ± 5.7% vs cardiac support device 29.46% ± 4.42%, P = .008) relative to the control group. Myocardial energetics were also enhanced in the cardiac support device group, as evidenced by the significant improvements in potential energy (control 2015 ± 503 mL · mm Hg/beat vs cardiac support device 885 ± 220 mL · mm Hg/beat, P = .006), efficiency (control 39.4% ± 13.6% vs cardiac support device 59.8% ± 8.5%, P = .044), and oxygen consumption (control 0.072 ± 0.013 mL O 2 /beat vs cardiac support device 0.052 ± 0.007 mL O 2 /beat, P = .034). Conclusion Passive constraint with the cardiac support device after infarct prevents further remodeling and may stimulate reverse remodeling in heart failure secondary to acute myocardial infarction. These results suggest that in human beings placement of the cardiac support device after a large anterior myocardial infarction may be effective in halting the remodeling process that often leads to end-stage heart failure. If proved effective, placement of a cardiac support device after large heart attacks has the potential to decrease the incidence of heart failure that results after large myocardial infarctions.
Paragangliomas—A decade of clinical experience

Background and Objectives This study is a review of 14 patients with paragangliomas between 1986 and 1996. The purpose was to determine the sites of origin, clinical manifestations and analyze the benefits of different treatment modalities. Methods There were 20 tumors in 14 patients. Three (21.0%) of the patients had familial history. There were 7 (50%) females and 7 (50%) males. Anatomically 14 (70%) tumors were in head and neck, 5 (25%) were in the retroperitoneum, one (5%) was in the heart. Of the head and neck tumors 9 (64.25%) were in the carotid body, 3 (21.42%) were found in the vagus, and 2(14.33%) were found in the middle ear. The tumor found in the heart was in the atrial septum. The clinical behavior of paragangliomas is determined by cellular characteristics, secreting capabilities and tumor location. The symptoms and signs depend on the site of origin and the stage at which it presents. The clinically functioning tumors were 3 (17%) in our experience and they typically present with uncontrolled hypertension. The carotid body and mediastinal tumors usually manifested as asymptomatic masses. The intravagal tumors presented with paresis of the nerve. Malignancy rarely occurs and is defined by the existence of metastasis rather than by histology. In our series 2 (10%) of the patients presented with metastasis to lymph nodes, and the vertebrae. The diagnoses in our patients were established by CT and MRI scanning. Angiography was performed in 5 patients with carotid body tumor, two of whom underwent therapeutic embolization to reduce the tumor size. The mainstay of treatment was surgical removal, though radiation has been advocated for patients who cannot undergo surgery. Results All patients underwent successful surgical resection of the tumor after appropriate preoperative preparation. Late mortality occurred in two (12.5%) patients at 3 and 5 years from unrelated etiology. Four (25%) patients were lost to follow-up. Three (18.7%) patients developed new primaries, two of them at two years and one after 8 years. One (6%) patient developed recurrent paraganglioma after remaining disease free for 20 years. Conclusion In conclusion, paragangliomas are rare with multicentricity being more common in patients with familial history. The malignant potential of the tumor is determined by metastasis as there are no characteristic cellular change. Aggressive surgery is mandatory to obtain disease free survival with low morbidity and mortality. Recurrences can also be successfully operated with low morbidity. J. Surg. Oncol. 2000;74:286–290. © 2000 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Time-dependent distribution of sodium selenite in the female ICR mouse.

There is little information available dealing with the distribution and tissue accumulation of selenium following a single sublethal dosage. Thus, these pilot studies were designed to provide information for future analyses of selenium toxicity by investigating the spatial distribution of sodium selenite in selected tissues of the female ICR mouse as a function of time following a single intraperitoneal injection. By establishing levels of background selenium in these tissues for comparison with the distribution of injected selenium, information was obtained which will be valuable for future studies on this species for toxicity and general biological effects of selenium.
Male mammals respond to a risk of sperm competition conveyed by odours of conspecific males

Sperm competition occurs when a female copulates with two or more males and the sperm of those males compete within the female's reproductive tract to fertilize her eggs1,2. The frequent occurrence of sperm competition has forced males of many species to develop different strategies to overcome the sperm of competing males1,3. A prevalent strategy is for males to increase their sperm investment (total number of sperm allocated by a male to a particular female) after detecting a risk of sperm competition1,3,4. It has been shown that the proportion of sperm that one male contributes to the sperm pool of a female is correlated with the proportion of offspring sired by that male5,6. Therefore, by increasing his sperm investment a male may bias a potential sperm competition in his favour5,7,8. Here we show that male meadow voles, Microtus pennsylvanicus, increase their sperm investment when they mate in the presence of another male's odours. Such an increase in sperm investment does not occur by augmenting the frequency of ejaculations, but by increasing the amount of sperm in a similar number of ejaculations.
Learned flavor preferences based on caloric outcome

Two experiments paired flavors with ethanol, sucrose, or ethanol and polycose solutions to investigate learning of flavor preferences by rats. When one solution offered a caloric advantage over the other, a preference was learned for its associated flavor. When one solution offered no caloric advantage over the other, no preference was learned for the associated flavors. Increasing the caloric value of the ethanol while holding the actual percentage of ethanol in solution constant fostered a preference for a flavor associated with the more dense solution. Recent reports involving ethanol intake are examined in light of this calorie-based learned-preference mechanism.
An assessment of juvenile Pacific Ocean perch (Sebastes alutus) habitat use in a deepwater nursery

It is believed that juvenile habitats are important to determining recruitment to adult fish populations through density dependence that occurs in nursery areas. For deepwater marine fishes, the characteristics of nursery areas are generally unknown. The objectives of this study were to examine a potential nursery area for juvenile Pacific ocean perch (POP, Sebastes alutus), determine the specific microhabitats used by juvenile POP, and compare the distribution of juvenile POP to adults. Juvenile POP habitat use was examined at three sites near Samalga Pass in the Aleutian Islands. Presence or absence and density estimates of juvenile POP were made from underwater video collected at 11 transects and from 6 bottom tows at the study sites. Juvenile POP were found predominantly in mixed sand and boulder substrata to the exclusion of most other habitat types. Juvenile POP were found within one body length of complex structure such as boulders, upright coral or sponges. There were higher densities of juvenile POP at the site south of Samalga Pass than at the other sites, while adult POP were found in highest abundance at the site north of Samalga Pass. An examination of large-scale patterns of juvenile and adult POP distribution indicates that juveniles use shallower depth zones on the continental shelf. Combined with the geographic separation we observed in this study, this suggests juvenile POP use nursery habitats that are different from adult POP. Conservation and management of this species should address the habitat requirements of juveniles to maintain the goal of healthy adult populations.
Stress in a conservation context: A discussion of glucocorticoid actions and how levels change with conservation-relevant variables

Over the past few decades, there has been a steep increase in the number of conservation-related field studies that measure glucocorticoid hormones (corticosterone or cortisol) as a marker for stress. Endocrine tools show great potential for informing conservation, however interpretation of results is often complicated. This paper reviews the role of glucocorticoids for non-physiologists, evaluates select applications of glucocorticoid measures to conservation field studies, and proposes a theoretical model to focus future research. Because levels of glucocorticoids typically increase in response to challenge and sometimes predict mortality or decrease reproduction, it is often assumed that high levels of glucocorticoids indicate stress. However, literature review suggests that glucocorticoid measures fail to change consistently in a predictable manner with adverse conditions and do not always show a linear correlation with survival or reproductive success. Inconsistencies relate in part to methodological problems but also have a physiological basis. We propose that relationships between (1) glucocorticoids and fitness and (2) glucocorticoids and disturbance may be more log quadratic rather than linear. We hope these models will be useful in generating predictions for future studies and resolving the inconsistencies that currently complicate interpretation for conservation endocrinologists.
Functional Co-expression of the β1 and Type IIA α Subunits of Sodium Channels in a Mammalian Cell Line (∗)

Brain sodium channels are a complex of α (260 kDa), β1 (36 kDa), and β2 (33 kDa) subunits. α subunits are functional as voltage-gated sodium channels by themselves. When expressed in Xenopus oocytes, β1 subunits accelerate the time course of sodium channel activation and inactivation by shifting them to a fast gating mode, but α subunits expressed alone in mammalian cells activate and inactivate rapidly without co-expression of β1 subunits. In these experiments, we show that the Chinese hamster cell lines CHO and 1610 do not express endogenous β1 subunits as determined by Northern blotting, immunoblotting, and assay for β1 subunit function by expression of cellular mRNA in Xenopus oocytes. α subunits expressed alone in stable lines of these cells activate and inactivate rapidly. Co-expression of β1 subunits increases the level of sodium channels 2- to 4-fold as determined from saxitoxin binding, but does not affect the Kd for saxitoxin. Co-expression of β1 subunits also shifts the voltage dependence of sodium channel inactivation to more negative membrane potentials by 10 to 12 mV and shifts the voltage dependence of channel activation to more negative membrane potentials by 2 to 11 mV. These effects of β1 subunits on sodium channel function in mammalian cells may be physiologically important determinants of sodium channel function in vivo.
Does authoritarianism predict post-9/11 attitudes?

Abstract Since the September 11, 2001 attacks in the United States, Americans have been faced difficult choices about how to balance concerns over safety and security with issues of human rights and international cooperation during the War on Terror. We hypothesized that two individual difference factors, right-wing authoritarianism (RWA) and social dominance orientation (SDO), would be significantly related to attitudes toward human rights, support for going to war with Iraq, desire for the United States to leave the United Nations, and endorsement of George W. Bush as President. Results of our study largely supported these and other predicted associations. Multiple regression analyses revealed that while RWA significantly predicted each of the aforementioned attitudes, SDO only accounted for additional variance in the prediction of human rights attitudes. Our findings suggest that although RWA and SDO are related psychological phenomena, they represent unique influences on socio-political attitudes. The two factors together may be useful in the study of Americans’ reactions to national tragedy.
Photoinduced electron-transfer along alpha-helical and coiled-coil metallopeptides.

A peptide-based electron-transfer system has been designed in which the specific positions of redox-active metal complexes appended to either an alpha-helix, or an alpha-helical coiled-coil, can be reversed to test the effect of the helix dipole in controlling photoinduced electron-transfer rates. Two 30-residue apopeptides were prepared having the following sequences: (I) Ac-K-(IEALEGK)(ICALEGK)(IEALEHK)(IEALEGK)-G-amide, and (II) Ac-K-(IEALEGK)(IHALEGK)-(IEALECK)(IEALEGK)-G-amide. Each apopeptide was reacted first with [Ru(bpy)2(phen-ClAc)]2+, where bpy = 2,2'-bipyridine and phen-ClAc = 5-chloroacetamido-1,10-phenanthroline, to attach the ruthenium polypyridyl center to the cysteine side-chain of the polypeptide. The isolated products were then reacted with [Ru(NH3)5(H2O)]2+ to yield the binuclear electron-transfer metallopeptides ET-I and ET-II. In these systems, electron-transfer occurred from the photoexcited ruthenium polypyridyl donor to the pentammine ruthenium (III) acceptor such that the electron-transfer occurred toward the negative end of the helix dipole in ET-I, and toward the positive end in ET-II. Circular dichroism spectroscopy showed that both peptides exist as dimeric alpha-helical coiled-coils in 100 mM phosphate buffer at pH 7, and as monomeric alpha-helices in the lower dielectric solvents 2,2,2-trifluoroethanol, and a 1:1 (v/v) mixture of CH2Cl2 and 2,2,2-trifluoroethanol. The peptides were predominately (i.e., 65-72%) alpha-helical in these solvents. The emission lifetime behavior of ET-I was seen to be identical to that of ET-II in each of the three solvents: no evidence for directional electron-transfer rates was observed. Possible reasons for this behavior are discussed.
A Quantitative Description of the Behavior of Rats During Copulation

In the normal sequence of events during copulation in laboratory rats, the distinctive ejaculatory thrust of the male is preceded by a series of mounts with and without vaginal intromission, and is followed by a period of copulatory inactivity prior to the next series of mounts and intromissions. In 1922, after a study of the development of the sexual behavior pattern of the rat, C. P. STONE concluded that in the course of the copulatory encounter, "both males and females devote the greater part of their time to the performance of activities that have no relation to the sexual act". Indeed, if one combines the data of BEACH & JORDAN (I956) as representative of typical copulatory frequency data with those of PIERCE & NUTTALL (I96I) as representative of typical intromission duration data, one finds that less than one per cent of a typical rat sex behavior test is spent in actual intromission. Yet, there has been little systematic study of the behavior which occurs in the remaining 99 per cent of the test session. Most work has been on the frequencies and temporal spacing of those mounts, intromissions, and ejaculations which constitute such a small, albeit most interesting, part of the total pattern of activity. The most complete study is that of STONE (I922) on the behavior of maturing rats. As STONE was primarily interested in changes in behavior as the rats matured, he had little to say about changes in behavior within test sessions. GRANT & MACKINTOSH (I963) gave a brief qualitative description of some mating postures of the rat. Occasional reference has been made to such patterns as ear-wiggling, back-kicking, and hopping in the female rat (cf. BEACH, I942; I943; 1956), yet without systematic study of the complete behavior pattern. Knowledge of the complete behavior
Enthalpic Transitions in Native Starch Granules

ABSTRACT Crystalline properties of native starch granule fractions that varied in apparent density and size were investigated using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). Endotherms obtained at 80% hydration showed significant variations in enthalpy between the six fractions. Typical bi-phasic endotherms exhibiting significant variation in start temperature were obtained for the six fractions at 50% hydration. However, on annealing at 50°C/50% hydration for 48 hr, all fractions showed a single endotherm without any significant variability in endotherm characteristics. At 10% hydration, the six fractions exhibited single high-temperature endotherms with significant differences in their peak temperatures. It was observed that mechanically damaging starch, resulted in the disappearance of any enthalpic transition. These observations could not be satisfactorily explained on the basis of prevailing concepts about DSC enthalpic transitions.
Mast cell counts are not useful in the diagnosis of nonulcerative interstitial cystitis

AbstractPurpose: Mast cell counts have been advocated as useful in the pathological diagnosis of interstitial cystitis. To determine the clinical significance of mucosal and detrusor muscle mast cells we quantified mast cells within the lamina propria and detrusor muscle in nonulcerative interstitial cystitis, and various inflammatory and neoplastic bladder diseases.Materials and Methods: Mast cells from Giemsa stained sections were enumerated from 8 cases of clinically diagnosed nonulcerated interstitial cystitis and 32 control cases having inflammatory or neoplastic bladder disease. Cystectomy specimens from controls also included sections from normal (5) and inflamed transitional mucosa (4) distant from the invasive tumor.Results: There was no significant difference in mast cell counts when considered absolutely or relative to the muscle-to-mucosa ratio in cases of nonulcerative interstitial cystitis and controls.Conclusions: Our findings indicate that mast cell counts are not useful in the evaluation ...
The Indefinable Concept of Terrorism

As the concept of terrorism fulfils multiple functions, the better way to think of terrorism is not as a crime but as a different dimension of crime, a higher, more dangerous version of crime, a kind of super-crime incorporating some of the characteristics of warfare. There are at least eight primary factors that bear on terrorism: the factor of violence; the required intention; the nature of the victims; the connection of the offender to the state; the justice and motive of their cause; the level of organization; the element of theatre; and the absence of guilt. However, one cannot draw from these variables a simple (or indeed even a complex) definition of terrorism. The reason is that not all the factors apply all the time. Any proposed definition produces counterexamples. The way to think about terrorism is, therefore, to become aware of all the relevant factors but not to expect that they will all be fulfilled in any particular case. The specific cases of terrorism are related the way the members of a family are related. Most, but not all, might have the same eye shape. Others might have hair colour or the shape of their nose in common; still others might be tall or short. One should try to picture a series of overlapping sets in which no set intersects with all the others. That is the way our intuitions of terrorism operate.
Interpretation of the complete excitation spectrum for pinned charge-density waves

Recent experiments on ${(\mathrm{T}\mathrm{a}{\mathrm{Se}}_{4})}_{2}$I and ${\mathrm{K}}_{0.3}$Mo${\mathrm{O}}_{3}$ have established the existence of three separate ac conductivity resonances associated with the pinned charge-density waves (CDW's) in these quasi-one-dimensional materials. We propose a detailed interpretation of these modes in terms of the three different length scales which appear in our recent strong-pinning theory of CDW dynamics. Quantitative estimates are obtained for all three characteristic frequencies in good agreement with experiment.
Associations of serum uric acid with markers of inflammation, metabolic syndrome, and subclinical coronary atherosclerosis.

Background We examined the associations of serum uric acid (UA) with indices of coronary heart disease (CHD) risk, including the 10-year probability of CHD (10y-CHDr), metabolic syndrome (MS), inflammation (C-reactive protein [CRP] and fibrinogen), and the presence and quantity of coronary artery calcium (CAC). Methods Subjects (n = 1107, mean age 58 years, 59% women) belonged to sibships with ≥2 individuals with hypertension diagnosed before age 60 years. UA was measured by a colorimetric method, CAC by electron beam computed tomography, and CAC score calculated using the method of Agatston. The correlation of UA with 10y-CHDr, MS components, log CRP, and fibrinogen was assessed after adjustment for age and gender. Multivariable regression was used to assess whether UA was associated with CAC presence and quantity after (1) adjustment for age and gender, and (2) additional adjustment for CHD risk factors. Results Most subjects (71%) had hypertension and 14% had diabetes. Mean (± SD) UA level was 5.97 ± 1.6 mg/dL, and CAC was detectable in 63% of patients. After adjustment for age and gender, UA was significantly correlated with 10y-CHDr, number of MS components, log CRP, and fibrinogen. UA was associated with CAC presence and quantity after adjustment for age and gender but not after further adjustment for systolic blood pressure (BP), diabetes, total and HDL-cholesterol, smoking, and body mass index (BMI). Conclusions Serum UA was significantly correlated with several indices of CHD risk. UA was associated with presence and quantity of CAC, but not independently of conventional risk factors.
Dose-Response Study of Asthmatic Volunteers Exposed to Nitrogen Dioxide during Intermittent Exercise

Abstract Twenty-one mildly asthmatic volunteers were exposed to 0,0.3,1.0, and 3.0 ppm nitrogen dioxide (NO2) in purified background air in an environmental control chamber. Exposures were separated by 1-wk periods and occurred in random order. Each lasted 1 hr and included three 10-min bouts of moderately heavy exercise (mean ventilation rate 41 L/min). Exposure temperature was near 22°C and relative humidity near 50%. Specific airway resistance and maximal forced expiratory performance were measured preexposure, after the initial exercise, and near the end of exposure. Bronchial reactivity was assessed immediately following exposure, by normocapnic hyperventilation with subfreezing air. Symptoms were recorded on questionnaires before, during, and for 1-wk after each exposure. Exercise induced significant bronchoconstriction regardless of NO2 level. No statistically significant untoward response to NO2 was observed at any exposure concentration. This negative finding agrees with our previous results, but...
Immunotherapy with oral BCG and serial immune evaluation in childhood lymphoblastic leukemia following three years of chemotherapy

Thirty-nine children with ALL who had completed three years of chemotherapy were randomized to receive oral BCG for immunotherapy or no treatment as controls. There was not a significant difference between the two groups in the relapse rate. Among the immune parameters, only in vitro blastogenic responses to PHA and PPD rose significantly in the BCG group compared with the controls. Skin testing also revealed evidence of tuberculin sensitization. The group as a whole was studied for the kinetic recovery of immune functions after the cessation of chemotherapy, which revealed a dissociation in both cellular and humoral systems. At three weeks after therapy, only peripheral blood lymphocyte count, non T-cells, and serum IgM showed a significant abnormality. There was a rise in these parameters in the subsequent weeks, and the non-T-cell count reached normal levels sooner than the other two parameters. Children who were less than 5 years of age at the time of diagnosis showed a lesser degree of immunosuppression after long-term chemotherapy compared with those who were greater than or equal to 5 years of age. The analysis of the data indicated a relationship between the low serum immunoglobulins (IgG, IgA) and disease status.
BLOOD CELL FORMATION AND DISTRIBUTION IN RELATION TO THE MECHANISM OF THYROID-ACCELERATED METAMORPHOSIS IN THE LARVAL FROG.

1. Thyroid-accelerated metamorphosis in the larval frog is accompanied by changes in the hemopoietic centers and in the blood cell distribution in the various regions of the body. These changes are interpreted as results of the fundamental change in basal metabolic rate induced by the thyroid treatment. 2. There is initiation of the shift of hemopoietic locus from the kidney, the larval hemopoietic organ, to the spleen, the adult hemopoietic organ. The spleen, being chiefly an erythrocyte producer, becomes of greater importance with the transition from the lower metabolic rate to the higher, since greater erythropoiesis becomes necessary to supply the physical basis for the maintenance of the higher metabolic rate. 3. It is suggested that the appearance of red bone marrow in the later history of the frog is correlated with a still higher metabolic rate. Phylogenetically, in the vertebrate series, red bone marrow is also associated with higher metabolic rate. 4. The new metabolic rate initiated in tadpoles by thyroid administration sets up a demand for ( a ) erythrocytes, ( b ) granulocytes and lymphoid phagocytes for distribution to regions of regressive change, ( c ) lymphocytes, (1) as progenitors of erythrocytes, granulocytes and phagocytes, (2) for promoting growth of cells in regions of progressive change. 5. Upon the hemopoietic reserve, which in the last analysis is the lymphocyte (and its mesenchymal precursor), depends the extent to which metamorphosis will proceed. Inability on the part of the hemopoietic centers, chiefly the spleen, to keep pace with the demand for blood cells during metamorphosis results in metamorphic stasis, a condition of anemia which is usually followed by death. 6. The growth-promoting function of leucocytes, as demonstrated by Carrel, is probably to be ascribed to the lymphocyte component of leucocytes. 7. The granulocytes have probably also a glandular function, and may exert a lytic effect upon adjacent tissues in regions of regressive change.
Effect of tapering on accuracy of forecasts made with stable estimators of vector autoregressive processes

Abstract The effect of tapering in improving forecast accuracy in a vector autoregressive process is studied. The estimators used to produce the forecasts are stable estimators, i.e., the estimated process is stationary. A new correlation-type stable estimator for the first order vector autoregressive process is suggested for a better understanding the effect of tapering on stable estimators and to compare with the performance of the popular Yule–Walker estimator. Empirical investigations indicate that for multidimensional higher order processes tapering can significantly improve the forecasting performance of the Yule–Walker estimates. A feasible procedure for choosing the optimal degree of tapering in practice is suggested.
Head pitch affects muscle activity in the decerebrate cat hindlimb during walking

Our purpose was to quantify the effects of head pitch on muscle activity patterns of the decerebrate cat hindlimb during walking. Five decerebrate cats walked at 0.7 m/s on a treadmill positioned level with the head pitch either parallel to the treadmill, 50% nose down or 50% nose up. We collected electromyography data from six hindlimb muscles. During level walking, after we manipulated head pitch, our results were surprisingly equivalent to the research on slope walking. For instance, muscle activity during level walking with a 50% head pitch nose down mimicked uphill walking. The muscle activity of the iliopsoas and semitendinosus significantly increased. Muscle activity during level walking with a 50% head pitch nose up mimicked downhill walking. Specifically, the biceps femoris and semimembranosus were inactive during the entire step. These alterations in muscle activity occurred within one step of altering head pitch but dissipated as level walking continued. In conclusion, the time course of muscle activity patterns due to modifications in head pitch is immediate and transitory.
Proton excitation of fine-structure transitions in Fe xiv

The interaction potentials of the quasimolecular $\ensuremath{\Sigma}$ and $\ensuremath{\Pi}$ states formed by the approach of a proton and the positive ion ${\mathrm{Fe}}^{13+}$ are calculated in an approximation which reproduces the long-range quadrupole and polarization terms and which accounts properly for short-range penetration effects. The interaction potentials are used in quantal calculations of the cross sections for proton-impact excitation of fine-structure transitions of ${\mathrm{Fe}}^{13+}$. Solutions of the close-coupled scattering equations are obtained and the resulting cross sections are compared with those given by the Coulomb-Born and elastic approximations. The sensitivity of the cross sections to features of the interaction potentials is explored. The Coulomb-Born and elastic approximations do not always reflect faithfully the physical characteristics of the potentials.
Mammalian cell death proteases: A family of highly conserved aspartate specific cysteine proteases

So far nine human aspartate-specific cysteine proteases (ASCPs) have been identified and cloned in our lab and others. Their sequence and structural homology to the nematode Ced-3 implicated them in the cell death pathway of mammalian cells. Recent evidence suggests that ASCPs initiate apoptosis by acting at or near the cell death effector level. However, it is not clear whether the activity of one or several of these enzymes is necessary for execution of apoptosis. In addition, it is not yet clear how the proenzymes of ASCPs are activated or what triggers their activation. Execution of apoptosis in higher eukaryotes is apparently more complicated than in nematodes. It is most likely that in mammalian cells this process involves the coordinated action of multiple ASCPs and multiple redundant proteolytic pathways.
Molecular phylogeny of Acipenserinae and black caviar species identification.

Summary The first phylogenetic tree for the Acipenserinae based on the combined sequence data for fragments of three mitochondrial genes, the cytochrome b (650 bp) gene, 12S (150 bp) and 16S (350 bp) rRNA genes is described. Three general conclusions are inferred from the tree: 1) Scaphirhynchus albus is the sister-species of all Acipenser and Huso species; 2) The two species of Huso are embedded within the genus Acipenser. Therefore, the genus Huso is not a separate taxonomic unit; and 3) There are three main clades within Acipenser: (a) A. sturio-A. oxyrinchus, (b) A. schrenckii-A. transmontanus, and (c) all Ponto-Caspian species plus A. dabryanus and A. brevirostrum. A method based on the identification of diagnostic nucleotide positions in the cytochrome b gene was developed and used to survey the United States and European caviar markets. The survey of 95 lots of caviar obtained at the American market suggests that in December 1995 and April 1996 17% of the designations made by caviar suppliers were mislabeled with respect to species identification. In December of 1996, this figure jumped to 32%. The main commercially harvested species (Huso huso, A. stellatus, A. gueldenstaedtii, A. schrenckii, and H. dauricus), as well as A. nudiventris, A. persicus, and A. baerii are threatened due to the increased demand of the international caviar market.
Characteristic endothelial junctions in different segments of the vascular system.

Abstract Among the structural features potentially important in the control of the integrity and permeability of the endothelial lining are its intercellular junctions. The points of interest in relation to the endothelial junctions are: their permeability to molecules of different sizes, the extent of cell to cell adhesion, and the existence of intercellular communications. Recent data have shown that alterations in endothelial junctions permeability and integrity may play an important role in inflammation, atherosclerosis as well as in the production of both hemorrhage and thrombosis. The present study was carried out to obtain more information on the fine structural organization of the endothelial junctions in different segments of the vascular system. The identification of small vessels in sectioned tissues is sometimes uncertain and since it could be of considerable importance for structural-functional correlations, we have started to study well defined sequential segments of the microvasculature. Small units consisting of an arteriole, its capillaries and the emerging venule (ACV units) were identified in the rat omentum fixed in situ . Such units were processed for thin sectioning and freeze-fracturing either as a whole or as isolated segments. On ACV units we have examined, so far, the organization of the endothelial junctions. The results showed that the intercellular junctions of the endothelium has continuous and elaborate tight junctions with enclosed large gap junctions (communicating junctions or maculae communicantes). The capillary endothelium is provided with tight junctions formed by staggered strands. The pericytic venules and the muscular venules exhibit loosely organized endothelial junctions with low profile ridges and grooves, usually devoid of particles. No gap (communicating) junctions were found in capillaries and pericytic venules, whereas the muscular venules display small, isolated gap (communicating) junctions. By extending the investigation to the large vessels, we found out that the endothelium of arteries and aorta exhibits a variable combination of well organized tight junctions and gap (communicating) junctions, whereas in the venous part of the circulation (veins, vena cava) there are less elaborate tight junctions and the gap (communicating) junctions are in low frequency. The loose venular junctions may explain low local resistance to stress and correlated increased permeability.
Are Robots Ready for Administering Health Status Surveys': First Results from an HRI Study with Subjects with Parkinson's Disease

Facial masking is a symptom of Parkinson’s disease (PD) in which humans lose the ability to quickly create refined facial expressions. This difficulty of people with PD can be mistaken for apathy or dishonesty by their caregivers and lead to a breakdown in social relationships.We envision future ’’robot mediators’’ that could ease tensions in these caregiver-client relationships by intervening when interactions go awry. However, it is currently unknown whether people with PD would even accept a robot as part of their healthcare processes. We thus conducted a first humanrobot interaction study to assess the extent to which people with PD are willing to discuss their health status with a robot. We specifically compared a robot interviewer to a human interviewer in a within-subjects design that allowed us to control for individual differences of the subjects with PD caused by their individual disease progression. We found that participants overall reacted positively to the robot, even though they preferred interactions with the human interviewer. Importantly, the robot performed at a human level at maintaining the participants’ dignity, which is critical for future social mediator robots for people with PD.Categories and Subject DescriptorsH.4m [Information Systems Applications]: Miscellaneous
Effect of interlayer deformation on blister test

The effect of interlayer deformation on blister test for measuring adhesive strength was analyzed by modeling the interlayer as a Winkler foundation. Critical load for the initiation of debonding along the interface between the interlayer and an elastic thin film was obtained as a function of the adhesive strength, interlayer deformation, elastic modulus of Winkler foundation, and blister size. The critical pressure increases with increasing the elastic modulus of Winkler foundation. The propagation of debonding was discussed, and the arrest of debonding was observed for the condition of constant deflection. The results provide a rational for characterizing the effect of interlayer deformation on the measurement of adhesive strength from a blister test.
Aberrant pattern of lectin binding in low and high grade prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia.

Background. High grade prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia (PIN) is considered a precursor lesion for peripheral prostatic adenocarcinoma. The biologic significance of low grade PIN is unknown ; however, the likelihood of progression from low to high grade PIN has been suggested. Methods. A battery of nine lectins was applied to paraffin sections from 20 prostatectomies to identify prostatic carcinoma. The patterns of lectin binding were compared among normal/hyperplastic, dysplastic, and malignant glands. The increase in the Ki-67-defined growth fraction was compared with the lectin binding pattern. Results. An aberrant lectin binding pattern, similar to that observed in adenocarcinoma, was observed in PIN for four of the lectins ; this distinct staining pattern was found in glands with minimal dysplastic changes and in glands with high grade dysplasia. Specifically, staining for soy bean agglutinin and Ulex europaeus agglutinin was negative in benign and hyperplastic glands and positive in dysplastic glands and carcinoma. Staining for wheat germ agglutinin and peanut agglutinin was weakly positive or negative in normal and hyperplastic glands, whereas it was strongly positive in dysplasia and carcinoma. The staining for Concavalin A, Ricinus communis agglutinin, Dolichos biflorus agglutinin, and Lens culinaris agglutinin showed no difference between normal/hyperplastic and dysplastic glands. The aberrant lectin binding already was evident in low grade dysplasia versus the increased Ki-67 defined-growth fraction that was obvious only in high grade dysplasia and carcinoma. Conclusions. These findings suggest that the early dysplastic lesions in the prostate may be part of a continuum in the multistep process leading to invasive carcinoma. Cancer 1995 ;75 :2539-44.
Self-dual SU(5) monopole solutions

Abstract The static spherically symmetric self-dual SU(5) monopole solutions which correspond to stable monopoles outside of the Prasad-Sommerfield limit are constructed. These are the monopole solutions appropriate for perturbative calculations (of monopole masses, stability, proton decay and weak interaction catalysis, fermion-monopole bound states, etc.) about the PS limit. The symmetries of the monopoles as r →0 are also discussed.