cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The binuclear cupric cluster of Cancer magister methemocyanin.

Abstract Cancer magister hemocyanin oxidized by H 2 O 2 (Felsenfeld, G.F. and Printz, M.P. (1959) J. Am. Chem. Soc. 81, 6259–6264) contained 80–95% cupric copper, small amounts of EPR-detectable Cu(II), and native hemocyanin. The small amounts of EPR-detectable Cu(II) showed a signal characteristic of mononuclear Cu(II) in the region of g = 2 between 233°K and 10°K, with normal Curie behavior, and no Δm = 2 signal. Magnetic susceptibility measurements show the methemocyanin to be diamagnetic over the temperature range 1.5–77°K. It had an optical absorption maximum at 680 nm, ϵ = 60 ± 7 M Cu −1 · cm −1 at 25°C, and at 327 nm ( ϵ = 3 · 10 2 M Cu −1 · cm −1 ), 360 nm, 420 nm, and 680 nm at 77°K. CD bands were observed at 340, 400–450, and 650 nm (very broad). Methemocyanin was not reduced to O 2 -binding cuprous hemocyanin by dithionite, hydroxylamine, ascorbate, ferrocyanide, H 2 O 2 , or superoxide. Based upon the normal Curie behavior of the small EPR-detectable signal, the absence of paramagnetism, and some similarities of optical spectra between methemocyanin and oxyhemocyanin, we conclude that the diagmagnetic Cu(II) of this methemocyanin occurs in spin-coupled binuclear Cu(II) clusters having a configuration related to the binuclear Cu(II) cluster in oxyhemocyanin; but that inability of methemocyanin to undergo reductive reactivation, and the low molecular extinction coefficients of the optical absorption bands indicate that some chemical or steric alteration, perhaps peroxidatic in nature, takes place during its formation.
Modulating the tumor immune microenvironment as an ovarian cancer treatment strategy

After more than 30 years of iterations of surgical debulking plus chemotherapy, the need for complementary ovarian cancer treatments has become clear. In the ovarian cancer microenvironment, myeloid immunosuppressive leukocytes, lymphocytes, fibroblasts and endothelial cells, as well as their secreted products, surface molecules and paracrine survival factors, all provide opportunities for novel interventions. The potential of targeting microenvironmental elements in ovarian cancer patients is underscored by recently successful antiangiogenic therapies. The compartmentalized nature of ovarian cancer, its immunogenicity and its accessibility make it an ideal disease for targeting nontumor host cells. This review discusses the ‘state-of-the-art’ of the field, with an emphasis on the potential of modulating the activity of abundant microenvironmental immune cells, which govern both angiogenesis and immunosuppression.
Blood oxygen affinity and hemoglobin type in adult, newborn, and fetal pigs

Abstract The oxygen-binaing properties of whole blood and hemoglobin solutions from adult, newborn and fetal pigs were studied and related to biochemical characteristics of the hemoglobins and the concentrations of 2,3-diphosphoglycerate (2,3-DPG). The P50 at a plasma pH of 7.40 and 38°C was 32.5 mm Hg for adult pig blood and 22.0 mm Hg for fetal pig blood. The P50 of blood from newborn pigs within 24 hr of birth was 25.0 mm Hg at an intracellular pH of 7.20 and 39.5°C. The red cell 2,3-DPG concentration was twice as high in fresh maternal blood as in blood drawn from the newborn within 24 hr after birth. The P50 of hemoglobin solutions from adult, newborn and fetal pigs was the same after dialysis against phosphate or bicarbonate buffers; dialysates stripped of 2,3-DPG responded identically to the addition of excess amounts of 2,3-DPG. The hemoglobin of the miniature pig in late fetal life is indistinguishable from adult pig hemoglobin on the basis of starch gel electrophoresis, visible and ultraviolet absorption spectra, resistance to alkali denaturation, and the peptide patterns after tryptic hydrolysis. Our evidence suggests that the same hemoglobin is synthesized during late fetal and adult life in the pig and that the higher oxygen affinity of fetal pig blood is maintained by a lower concentration of red cell 2,3-DPG.
Euler and Pontrjagin currents of a section of a compactified real bundle

The canonical family of Thom forms τs for 0 < s < ∞ constructed by Harvey and Lawson on an oriented real vector bundle V → X with metric connection Dv is shown to have an extension to the bundle of real projective spaces, P(R ⊕ V) → X, which compactifies V in the fibre directions. The current limit as r → ∞ and s → 0 of the smooth transgression formula τr − τs = dσr,s is the current equation x(Dv) + [P(V)] Res − [X] = dσ∞,0 on P(R ⊕ V). Here σ∞,0 is an Lloc1 current on P(R ⊕ V) and [X] is the current of integration over the zero section of V. If the rank of V is even, x(Dv) is the twisted extension to P(R ⊕ V) of the Chern-Euler form of the connection Dv on V, [P(V)] integrates densities over the nonorientable submanifold P(V) of P(R ⊕ V) and Res is a smooth twisted form on P(V). If the rank of V is odd, x(Dv) ≡ 0, [P(V)] is the current of integration over P(V) and Res is a smooth form on P(V). This construction can be pulled back to X by an atomic section ν:X → P(R ⊕ V) satisfying an appropriate orientability hypothesis to obtain a current equation on X relating the zero and pole sets of ν to the topology of the bundle. Applications to the differential topology of maps into spheres and real projective spaces are discussed.
Differential Antibiotic Susceptibility of Mycobacterium abscessus Variants in Biofilms and Macrophages Compared to That of Planktonic Bacteria

Mycobacterium abscessus causes refractory pulmonary infections requiring surgery for cure. It exists as a smooth biofilm-forming phenotype which is noninvasive and a rough, non-biofilm-forming phenotype which can invade macrophages and cause persistent pulmonary infection in mice. We have postulated that the dissociation of the smooth phenotype to the rough phenotype may lead to invasive lung disease following initial colonization of the airways. Amikacin, cefoxitin, and clarithromycin are standard therapies for this infection. We determined the MICs of these antibiotics against this pathogen in biofilms and macrophages, the niches that it likely occupies in the human host. Our results demonstrate that even though the MICs indicate sensitivity to these antibiotics, the minimal bactericidal concentrations for amikacin and clarithromycin were substantially higher and were out of the range of the concentrations achievable in serum. Cefoxitin demonstrated only bacteriostatic activity. In addition, although amikacin had modest activity against M. abscessus in biofilms, clarithromycin demonstrated only minimal activity at the highest concentrations tested. Our results indicate that M. abscessus in mature biofilms is in a stationary-phase state and that clarithromycin is relatively inactive against stationary-phase M. abscessus. In human macrophages, all three antibiotics were only bacteriostatic for M. abscessus variants at 10 times their MICs. These results suggest why treatment failure with antibiotics alone is common in the clinical setting of M. abscessus pulmonary infection. Determination of the efficacies of new antibiotics should include an assessment of their activities against the smooth and rough M. abscessus morphotypes in biofilms and macrophages.
Stability number in subclasses of P5-free graphs

Two new hereditary classes of P5-free graphs where the stability number can be found in polynomial time are proposed. They generalize several known results.
Comparison of Bulk, Emulsion, Thin Sheet Supported, and Hollo Fiber Supported Liquid Membranes in Macrocycle-Mediated Cation Separations

Abstract The advantages, disadvantages, and possible applications of macrocycle-mediated bulk, emulsion, supported and hollow fiber liquid membranes have been investi-gated. The relative transport rates of the alkali metal cations and of Zn(II), Cd(II) and Hg(II) in sin-gle and competitive cation experiments are studied and compared in the different membrane types. The four membrane types demonstrate similar selectivities but significantly different cation fluxes under comparable conditions using analogous macrocyclic carriers. The degree of distribution of the macrocycle to the organic membrane which is necessary for significant transport varies dramatically among the membrane types, each of which requires unique solvent characteristics. In the experiments, either l8-crown-6, dicyclohexano-l8-crown-6, or 4,1′(5)bis(1-hydroxyheptylcyclohexano)-l8-crown-6 were incorporated into bulk (chloroform, raethylene chloride), emulsion (toluene), supported (phenylhexane) and hollow fiber (phenylhexane or 1-octanol) ...
Anatomical and Physiological Simulation for Respiratory Mechanics

Injuries in trauma affect anatomical structures, indirectly affecting physiological systems through mechanical behavior and physical proximity. This paper describes the theory for and preliminary results from our approach to couple a three-dimensional (3-D) anatomical model of the chest with a physiological model of respiratory mechanics. In particular, we investigated behavior in quiet, normal breathing and in an open, sucking chest wound. We envision that our integrated simulation of respiratory anatomy and respiratory mechanics could assist students in visualizing and predicting relationships between structural-anatomical and functional-physiological changes in an interactive, 3-D environment.
Ultrastructural localization of ATPase activity in cotton fiber during elongation

The ultrastructural distribution of potassium chloride stimulated adenosine triphosphatase activity was investigated in the outer integument of a linted cultivar of cotton and a lintless (naked seed) mutant from one day preanthesis to eight days postanthesis by using a heavy metal simultaneous capture reaction technique. No enzyme activity other than in mitochondria was observed in the lintless mutant. In the linted cultivar no ATP-specific enzyme activity was seen in non-elongating epidermal cells, subepidermal cells of the outer integuments or any controls. As fiber initials started elongating, enzyme activity gradually appeared on the tonoplasts of enlarging vacuoles. Heavier lead phosphate deposits were observed on the membrane of small vacuoles compared to the tonoplast. This activity continued at least to eight days postanthesis. The enzyme inhibitor, N,N-dicyclohexylcarbodiimide inhibited, while KCl stimulated, tonoplast ATPase activity. The gradual increase of ATPase activity on the tonoplast of expanding fibers, but not on the tonoplasts of non-fiber cells, suggests the active transport of osmotically active compounds, presumably potassium and malate, into the vacuoles of expanding fibers. Fusion of smaller vacuoles with the large central vacuole indicates that these structures contribute additional membrane components along with their enzyme activity to the tonoplast of expanding fibers. The occurrence of ATPase activity, of ER-derived vesicular structures, and the organized pattern of deposition of these structures on the tonoplast indicate ER-originated ATPase activity. This study supports the theory of osmoregulation in cotton fiber where ATPase provides the energy for active accumulation of osmotically active compounds, (K+, malate) into the vacuoles, thereby generating and maintaining the turgor pressure required for fiber expansion.
ACUTE HYPOXIA INCREASES PULMONARY ARTERY INDUCIBLE NITRIC OXIDE SYNTHASE IN NEONATAL PIGLETS. † 362

We previously demonstrated that administration of aminoguanidine, a selective inhibitor of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), in neonatal piglets increased pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR) while leaving systemic vascular resistance (SVR) unchanged during acute hypoxia, and had no effect on either PVR or SVR in normoxia. Thus, endogenous nitric oxide (NO) production in the pulmonary bed may be selectively increased via stimulated iNOS activity during hypoxia. In this study, the presence of iNOS in the pulmonary vasculature of piglets (5-7 days old) during hypoxia exposure versus normoxia was assessed. Anesthetized piglets were ventilated with room air (normoxia controls, FiO2=0.21) or exposed to acute hypoxia (FiO2=0.15) for 60 or 120 minutes. At the end of exposure, 3rd-4th generation pulmonary arterial (PA) sections were harvested and cleared of connective tissue. Western Blot analysis with a polyclonal antibody to iNOS was used to detect the presence of this specific isoform of NOS. Results showed the presence of iNOS protein in PA segments at 60 and 120 minutes of acute hypoxic exposure, with no iNOS detected in PA obtained from normoxia controls. Increased iNOS levels in the pulmonary bed and consequent increases in endogenous NO may help counteract the effects of other mediators of hypoxia-induced pulmonary vasoconstriction.
Control of seismic-excited buildings using active variable stiffness systems

Abstract It has been demonstrated that active variable stiffness (AVS) systems may be effective for response control of buildings subjected to earthquake excitations. The applications of active variable stiffness systems involve nonlinear control in which control theories for linear systems are not applicable. Based on the theory of variable structure system (VSS) or sliding mode control (SMC), control methods are presented in this paper for applications of active variable stiffness systems to seismic-excited buildings. In addition to full-state feedback controllers, general static output feedback controllers as well as simple output feedback controllers using only collocated sensors are presented. The principle of active variable stiffness control is interpreted based on the concept of the dissipation of hysteretic energies. Simulation results indicate that the control methods presented are robust and the performance of static output feedback controllers is comparable to that of the fullstate feedback controllers. Simulation results further indicate that the active variable stiffness systems, using locking and unlocking devices, are effective in reducing the interstorey drifts of seismicexcited buildings. However, the floor acceleration of the building may increase significantly, depending on the structure design and earthquake excitation.
Status and plans for ITER

This paper reviews the development of the ITER research program, what progress has been made up to this point, and summarizes what the projected direction for effort will be. The ITER program was initiated in 1987 when the US, Japan, Western Europe, and the Soviet Union combined forces to design, construct and test the world's first power-producing magnetic fusion reactor. The project has three main missions, a physics mission, a technology mission, and a testing mission. The first phase of the program, the conceptual design activity was started in l988 and completed in December l990. The second stage, the Engineering Design Activities, expected to last into 1998 is about to begin. Construction could begin as early as 1998 and be complete by 2005. During the design phase the four parties are expected to spend 1.5 billion dollars on design and technology development. Original estimates have been a capital cost of 4.9 billion, with a 400 million dollar operating budget per year, based on 1989 dollars. ITER plays a major role in the magnetic fusion program of the US.
THE FATTY ACID COMPOSITION OF THE LIPIDS FROM BOVINE AND PORCINE REPRODUCTIVE TISSUES.

Beef and pork testes, graafian follicles and the residual ovaries were extracted and the lipids from each were separated into lipid classes by thin-layer chromatography. The fatty acids from each class were analyzed as their methyl esters by gas-liquid chromatography. The lipids from the reproductive tissues were found to be relatively rich in polyunsaturated acids, many of which did not correspond to the more commonly encountered unsaturated acids. These less familiar acids were identified by comparing their chromatographic characteristics with standards of established composition.
Microengineering of artificial capillaries

Biocompatibility and functionality of implanted inorganic medical devices is limited by the local reaction of the organism, with a recently recognized contribution of nearby microvasculature. We explored the possibility to microengineer pre-embedded microvascular networks in the surface of inorganic devices. The implants would thus function as carriers of pre-assembled microvessels, ready to expand, and contribute to local angiogenesis. Based on our own studies on the role played by local microtopography in angiogenesis (the tunneling concept), we have shown the feasibility of endothelial cells cultivation in grooves created on the surface of the materials to be implanted, either polymeric or silicon. In order to develop this new technology, we devised an in situ approach to the study of the cellular behavior on micropatterned surfaces, by use of Laser Scanning Cytometry (LSC). In this report I will present our results regarding the LSC analysis of endothelial cells cultivated in grooves made on the surface of silicon wafers, and the consequences of this treatment on endothelial physiology. When comparing the growth of endothelial cells on line patterned and non-patterned areas, in terms of several morphological parameters of cell nuclei, our data support the conclusion that lateral confinement of endothelial cells induces a quiescent state, possibly by inhibiting their ability to proliferate.
Serum theophylline levels in young children receiving a sustained-release theophylline tablet.

(1984). Serum Theophylline Levels in Young Children Receiving a Sustained-Release Theophylline Tablet. Journal of Asthma: Vol. 21, No. 5, pp. 299-303.
Of Mice and Genes: Evolution of Vertebrate Brain Development

In this review the current understanding of genetic and molecular evolution of development, in particular the formation of the major axis of bilateral animals, is critically evaluated, and the early pattern formation in the hindbrain is related as much as possible to these processes. On the genetic level it is proposed that the exuberant multiplication of regulatory genes compared to that of structural genes relates to the increased flexibility of early vertebrate development. In comparisons to fruit flies, many conserved genes are found to be expressed very differently, while many others seem to reflect a comparable pattern and thus suggest a conservation of function. Even genes with a largely conserved pattern of expression may change the level at which they are expressed and the mechanisms by which they are regulated in their expression. Evolution and development of hindbrain motoneurons is reviewed, and it is concluded that both comparative data as well as more recent experimental data suggest a limited importance for the rhombomeres. Clearly, many cell fate-specifying processes work below the level of rhombomeres or in the absence of rhombomeres. It is suggested that more comparative developmental data are needed to establish firmly the relationship between homeobox genes and rhombomere specification in vertebrates other than a few model species.
Scalable parallel algorithms for interactive visualization of curved surfaces

We present efficient parallel algorithms for interactive display of higher order surfaces on current graphics systems. At each frame, these algorithms approximate the surface by polygons and rasterize them over the graphics pipeline. The time for polygon generation for each surface primitive varies between successive frames and we address issues in distributing the load across processors for different environments. This includes algorithms to statically distribute the primitives to reduce dynamic load imbalance as well a distributed wait-free algorithm for machines on which re-distribution is efficient, e.g. shared memory machine. These algorithms have been implemented on different graphics systems and applied to interactive display of trimmed spline models. In practice, we are able to obtain almost linear speed-ups (as a function of number of processors). Moreover, the distributed wait-free algorithm is faster by 25-30% as compared to static and dynamic schemes.
Quick Response, Interactive Modeling Of Optoelectronic Systems

The recent availability of high performance, low cost microcomputers with extensive memory and disk storage capacity has made possible the development of sophisticated analysis tools that were previously limited to batch processing on mainframe computers. In this paper, we describe a quick response, interactive wave optics model we have developed for analyzing a wide variety of optoelectronic systems including laser resonators, amplifiers, beam trains, and adaptive optics. The model, as developed for the IBM PC AT, permits interactive or batch system definition, and provides both screen and printed graphical output of the intensity, phase, and power distribution throughout the system. The model provides considerable flexibility to the user in defining the system to be analyzed including initial beam setup, wavelength, system Fresnel number, and component order. The structure of the code is based on the 'lumped equivalent optical train' concept, in which any continuous spatial effect on the optical field, such as mirrors, apertures, and gain medium, is approximated numerically by a finite number of transfer functions on the field. Free space propagation between elements is achieved by using Fast Fourier Transforms. The gain is modeled as a series of gain sheets, where the spatial dependence of the gain is calculated from either a detailed aerokinetic calculation or from a simple threshold gain versus saturated intensity relationship. The model presented here has proven to very useful and accurate for parametric resonator power extraction analysis and design and for determining the effects of various aberrations on system performance. Results from this model are presented and compared with more sophisticated mainframe models along with run time comparisons.
SETAC: Part of the solution or part of the problem?

The Society of Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry (SETAC) is a non-profit, professional society established to provide a forum for individuals and institutions engaged in the study of environmental problems, management and regulation of natural resources, education, research and development, and manufacturing and distribution
Numerical issues affecting vortex asymmetries computed with the conical Navier-Stokes equations

Abstract An implicit upwind symmetric factorization finite volume solver for the conical Navier-Stokes equations was used to compute asymmetric vortices about a 5 ° cone at a 20 ° angle of attack. Asymmetric vortices were computed with no asymmetric disturbances other than computational roundoff errors. Variations in grid resolution, flux limiters and grid symmetry were studied. A brief proof of algorithm symmetry is included as an appendix. The results indicate that numerical dissipation in the form of flux limiters or poor grid resolution can prevent the formation of asymmetric vortices in a manner similar to that shown by Thomas [15] [J. Thomas, Reynolds number effects on supersonic asymmetrical flows over a cone. J. Aircraft 30, 4 (1993)] for viscous dissipation.
MutS-mediated detection of DNA mismatches using atomic force microscopy.

We have developed an atomic force microscopy-based method for detecting DNA base-pair mismatches using MutS protein isolated from E. coli. MutS is a biological sensor and a locator of DNA base-pair mismatches. It binds specifically to a mismatched DNA base pair and initiates a process of DNA repair. To test the possibility of visually detecting mismatched base pairs by atomic force microscopy, we prepared DNA templates ∼500 bp in length consisting of a single or multiple base-pair mismatches. We demonstrate that MutS binding sites on individual DNA molecules were readily detectable by atomic force microscopy and that the observed positions were in good agreement with the predicted sites of base-pair mismatches at a few-nanometer resolution. The technique described here is rapid and sensitive and is expected to be useful in screening mutations and DNA polymorphisms.
The vibrational spectrum and normal coordinate analysis of chlorodifluoromethane, CHClF2

Abstract The vibrational spectrum of chlorodifluoromethane has been reexamined. The i.r. and Raman spectra of the three isotopic species, 12 CHClF 2 , 13 CHClF 2 and 12 CDClF 2 , have been obtained with better accuracy and higher resolution than in previous work. An SCF ab initio geometry optimization and quadratic force field calculation have been performed, and this force field has been further optimized to best fit the observed frequencies. The absorption spectrum of the ν 4 , 2ν 6 region has been recorded at high resolution (0.002 cm −1 ) and an analysis of the Fermi resonance perturbation has been carried out.
Muscle-like actuators? A comparison between three electroactive polymers

ABSTRACT Muscles fulfill several functions within an animals body. During locomotion they propel and control the limbs in unstructured environments. Therefore, the functional workspace of muscle needs to be represented by variables describing energy management (i.e. power output, efficiency) as well as control aspects (i.e. stiffness, damping). Muscles in the animal kingdom vary greatly with respect to those variables. To study if ElectroActive Polymers (EAP) can be considered as artificial muscles we are making a direct comparison between the contractile properties of EAPs and biological muscle. We have measured the functional workspace of EAP actuators using the same setup and techniques that we use to test biological muscle. We evaluated the properties of three different EAP materials; the acrylic and silicone dielectric elastomers developed at SRI International and the high-energy electron-irradiated co-polymers (P(VDF-TrFE)) developed at the MRL laboratory at Penn State University. Initial results indicate that the EAP materials partly capture the functional workspace of natural muscle and sometimes even exceed the capabilities of muscle. Based on the data we have collected it seems that both EAP technologies have characteristics that could qualify them as artificial muscles.
A note on Apter machines

Abstract The paper is an attempt to extend the use of developmental automata designed by M. J. Apter. A description of the Apter machines is given with alternative representations of their behavior and two new models are presented to suggest a manner in which they can model more complex behaviors. The first machine, a zygote machine, extends the use of spatial differentiation machines and shows how the machines can be designed to state certain conceptual problems about biological development in a clearer way. The second machine, which models more complex functional development, provides grounds for using the Apter automata in studying the behavior of organisms, and allows one to raise in simple manner the question of the limits of a mechanistic interpretation of behavior.
Equilibration temperatures of the ordinary chondrites: A new evaluation

The novel calibrations of the Ca-pyroxene thermometer accomplished by Kretz (1982) and Lindsley (1983) are presently applied to 24 analyzed pyroxenes from 24 H6, L6, and LL6 chondrites. Both thermometers indicate that the H group equilibrated to significantly lower temperature (820-830 C) than the L and LL groups, yielding values of 860 C (Lindsley) to 930 C (Kretz).
Effects of temperature, host age, and hormones upon the encapsulation of Cardiochiles nigriceps eggs by Heliothis spp

Abstract The inability of Cardiochiles nigriceps to survive in Heliothis zea is due to host encapsulation of the parasitoid egg. The in vivo encapsulation response to the parasitoid egg is temperature dependent. All instars of H. zea are able to encapsulate the parasitoid egg, although encapsulation is not as frequent in the first instar. The encapsulation response after 4 hr to thorns introduced into the hemocoel of both H. virescens and H. zea reached 90% at 27°C. The encapsulation of thorns appears to be less affected by temperature. The encapsulation of the parasitoid egg at 27°C required 24 hr to reach 63% in H. zea and 24 hr to reach 4% in H. virescens. Exposure of H. zea and H. virescens to ecdysone or a juvenile hormone analog suggests that the egg encapsulation process is not dependent upon metamorphic hormones. H. virescens normally does not encapsulate the parasitoid egg, and the lack of egg encapsulation in H. virescens was not altered by changes in temperature or by the presence of exogenous hormones.
Venous Thromboembolism in Hospitalized Patients With Active Cancer

Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a common complication of cancer and chemotherapy. We evaluated the baseline clinical characteristics, thromboprophylaxis patterns, frequency and timing of VTE, and clinical outcomes in 1000 adult hospitalized patients with active cancer. Overall, symptomatic VTE occurred in 5.4% of hospitalized patients with cancer. The VTE occurred in 2.3% of patients with cancer during hospitalization and in 3.4% between hospital discharge and day 90. Few (13.9%) hospitalized patients with cancer received extended duration pharmacological prophylaxis after hospital discharge. Cancer was the most frequent known cause of death in both the groups. In conclusion, VTE was common in hospitalized patients with cancer, especially after discharge. Inhospital death and death between discharge and day 90 were frequent in hospitalized patients with cancer who developed VTE.
Nonsurgical Closure of Esophago–Respiratory Fistulas: Role for the Somatostatin Analogue Octreotide Acetate?

Esophago-respiratory fistulas (ERF) do not close spontaneously and are uniformly fatal. A somatostatin analogue (octreotide acetate) was used in three consecutive patients to promote the closure of ERF. In 2 patients with esophageal cancer, treatment with octreotide acetate was associated with fistula closure in 30 and 46 days, respectively. In a third patient with virally-induced ERF, treatment was associated with improvement of the inflammation of the fistula before the patient's death from pulmonary aspiration after 40 days of treatment. These preliminary observations suggest that octreotide acetate treatment of ERF should receive further investigative scrutiny.
Absolute absorption cross-sections for Photosystem II and the minimum quantum requirement for photosynthesis in Chlorella vulgaris

Abstract Absolute absorption cross-sections for oxygen production (σO2) were determined from the light-saturation behavior of oxygen flash yields from whole cells of Chlorella vulgaris illuminated with submicrosecond flashes of laser light. Light-saturation curves were well described by simple Poisson statistics with a single average cross-section per photosystem trap (RCII). The maximum variation about the average cross-section permitted by the data was a factor of 3. σO2 at the laser wavelength (596 nm) increased from 38 A2 for cells grown in high light to 115 A2 for cells grown in low light. The 3-fold variation in σO2 was accompanied by a 10-fold variation in total cell chlorophyll content. This behavior results, at least in part, from the partitioning of chlorophyll between Photosystem II (measured) and Photosystem I (unmeasured). The 596 nm in vivo absorption cross-section for chlorophyll in Chlorella (σChl) is 0.29 A2, independent of total cell chlorophyll content. The antenna size of RCII was calculated to range from 130 to 400 molecules of chlorophyll. At low flash energies, the relationship between the quantum requirement for oxygen production (QR), the maximum oxygen-flash yield or Emerson and Arnold number (PSUO2) and our cross-sections is QR =( PSU O 2 )· ( (σ Chl ) (σ O 2 ) . QR, found to be independent of both total cell pigmentation and RCII antenna size, was constant at 10±1 photons absorbed per oxygen molecule evolved.
Making enduring choices: Uncertainty and public policy

Abstract This paper provides an experimental test of the theory of investment under uncertainty and applies the theory to a group of policy decisions. Investment under uncertainty describes a class of problems, characterized by uncertainty that resolves itself over time, sunk costs that cannot be fully recovered, and the ability of the decision maker to wait without loss of strategic advantage. It also implies a “bad news principle,” under which decision makers are motivated by expected costs, but not expected benefits. The theory is illustrated as a two-period model for which the decision maker can either invest in the first period (and receive a known current return plus an uncertain future return) or defer until the second period when uncertainty is resolved. By foregoing current period benefits a “cost” that is sometimes referred to as an option value is incurred. Parameter values are specified and an experimental test, the results of which closely track the predictions of the theory, is described. Three cases, the structuring of contingent valuation questionnaires, the operalization of the precautionary principle in risk analysis, and the development of public policy to stimulate private investments (as for energy-saving products), are used to illustrate potential public policy applications.
Neuronal coding of vowel sounds in the cochlear nuclei

Abstract Response patterns of ventral and dorsal cochlear nucleus neurons of the kangaroo rat to vowel and tonal stimuli were compared. Neurons from the ventral caudal portions of the ventral cochlear nucleus display a high degree of frequency information transfer of the vowel sounds. Their discharge patterns to vowels indicate that they are able to code differentially the subtleties of the vowels which drive them. Neurons located in the central region and the fusiform cell layer of the dorsal cochlear nucleus, on the other hand, rarely show synchronous discharges to any of the major frequency components of a vowel sound. Instead, their responses are most often characterized by long intervals not related to the usual parameters which define these stimuli, with the exception of fundamental frequency.
NUCLEOTIDE SEQUENCE ANALYSIS SHOWS THAT RHOPALOSIPHUM PADI VIRUS IS A MEMBER OF A NOVEL GROUP OF INSECT-INFECTING RNA VIRUSES

Abstract Rhopalosiphum padivirus (RhPV) is an aphid virus that has been considered a member of thePicornaviridaebased on physicochemical properties. The 10,011-nt polyadenylated RNA genome of RhPV was completely sequenced. Analysis of the sequence revealed the presence of two open reading frames (ORFs). The predicted amino acid sequence of ORF1, representing the first 6600 nt of the RhPV genome, showed significant similarity to the nonstructural proteins of several plant and animal RNA viruses. Direct sequence analysis of the RhPV capsid proteins showed that ORF2, which represents the last 2900 nt, encodes the three structural proteins (28, 29, and 30 kDa). The predicted amino acid sequence of ORF2 is very similar to the corresponding regions ofDrosophilaC virus,Plautia staliintestine virus, and to a partial sequence from the 3′ end of the cricket paralysis virus genome. The site of initiation of protein synthesis for ORF2 could not be determined from the amino acid and nucleotide sequences. ORF1 is preceded by 579 nt of noncoding RNA and the two ORFs are separated by more than 500 nt of noncoding RNA. Like picornaviruses, these regions may function to facilitate the cap-independent initiation of translation of the two ORFs. These data suggest that RhPV,DrosophilaC virus,Plautia staliintestine virus, and probably cricket paralysis virus are members of a unique group of small RNA viruses that infect primarily insects.
Accurate filter for removing impulse noise from one- or two-dimensional signals

This paper is concerned with the suppression of noise from one- or two-dimensional signals. Commonly, these will arise as acoustic waveforms or images from a variety of sources. The aim of this work is to ensure that the resulting signals are as distortion free as possible. Preceding work using the median filter has shown that it can result in edges being shifted by noise or (in two dimensions) as a result of the curvature of object boundaries. Here the concern is with the effect of impulses in shifting object boundaries. A filter has been devised with the aim of removing such impulses while maintaining the remainder of the data unchanged. Hence, later application of a median or other filter should produce no specific impulse-induced distortion. Tests confirm that, at least for isolated impulse noise spikes, this is achieved. The results are shown to be of particular value in image interpretation using Hough transforms.< >
Fermi level depinning at metal-organic semiconductor interface for low-resistance Ohmic contacts

This paper presents the direct evidence and successful demonstration of Fermi-level depinning at metal-organic semiconductor (M/O) interfaces by inserting an ultrathin interfacial Si 3 N 4 insulator in between. The contact behavior is tuned from rectifying to quasi-Ohmic and to tunneling by varying the Si 3 N 4 thickness within 0–6 nm. Detailed physical mechanisms of Fermi-level pinning/depinning responsible for the M/O contact behavior are clarified based on a proposed lumped-dipole model. Experimental results are in good agreement with the theory and model. This work represents a significant step toward the fundamental understanding of M/O interface properties and technological advancement of achieving low-resistance Ohmic contacts for organic electronic device (e.g. thin-film transistor) applications.
Genome reversion process of endopolyploidy confers chromosome instability on the descendent diploid cells

Endotetraploidy with 4-chromatid chromosomes divides by a bipolar, 2-step meiotic-like division back to diploidy (subcells), which is chiefly achieved by co-segregation of whole genomes uncoupled from spindle participation. This study shows diploid subcell inheritance of endopolyploid-division traits: perpendicular division relative to the cytoskeleton axis, dysfunctional centromere/kinetochore regions and whole genomic separations from co-segregation. The assimilation of these traits into the innate mitotic machinery of the subcells resulted in diploid mitotic divisions that tolerated mild disturbances in cycling progression and in chromosomal distributions. The data were interpreted as demonstrating a blending together of endopolyploid and mitotic division traits with result of an endo-modified mitosis in subcell propagation. Additionally, chromosomal stickiness caused breakage in anaphase/telophase. The observations are discussed in regard to a potential for slowly developing aneuploidy with increasing genomic complexity, which is widely accepted to be the basic route in tumorigenesis.
Characterization of Chemical and Physical Changes in Camembert Cheese During Ripening

Abstract Camembert cheese was manufactured by the traditional method. Cheeses were sampled before brining, after brining, and thereafter on a weekly basis for analysis for 50 d. Chemical analysis, water activity, water sorption, water mobility, and rheology were examined. During the first 15 d of ripening, the percentages of total solids, fat, protein, and NaCl, wet basis, increased. The pH of the cheese increased from 4.4 at d 1 to 6.4 by d 50. Casein was hydrolyzed to 56% soluble N. Equilibrium moisture content increased for all samples at each water activity up to d 22. Between d 22 and 50, equilibrium moisture content values remained relatively constant. The initial lowering of water activity during ripening was due to surface evaporation of the water; the solids content increased concomitantly. After d 15, further decrease in water activity was attributed to proteolysis of the casein. Spin-spin relaxation rates showed decreased water mobility as total solids increased. Between d 1 and 15, the force required to deform the sample increased, after which the force decreased.
Avidin and streptavidin as insecticidal and growth inhibiting dietary proteins

Avidin was found to be an insecticidal and growth inhibiting dietary protein for five species of Coleoptera (red flour beetle, Tribolium castaneum, confused flour beetle, T. confusum, sawtoothed grain beetle, Oryzaphilus surinamensis, rice weevil, Sitophilus oryzae, and lesser grain borer, Rhyzopertha dominica) and two species of Lepidoptera (European corn borer, Ostrinia nubilalis, and Indianmeal moth, Plodia interpunctella). At levels ranging from 10 to 1000 ppm in the diet depending on the species, avidin retarded the growth and caused mortality of all seven species. Addition of biotin to the avidin-treated diets for T. castaneum, T. confusum, R. dominica, and O. nubilalis prevented the growth inhibition and mortality caused by avidin. Streptavidin exhibited similar insecticidal and growth inhibiting activity towards T. castaneum and O. nubilalis. The results support the hypothesis that feeding avidin or streptavidin to insects causes a biotin deficiency which in turn leads to stunted growth and mortality. Avidin and streptavidin are insect growth inhibiting proteins whose genes potentially could be manipulated into plants and provide host plant resistance to insect pests.
Probabilistic transfer capability assessment in a deregulated environment

A methodology for available (simultaneous) transfer capability (ATC) analysis based on a probabilistic approach is presented. It is postulated that the system is operated by an ISO (independent system operator). The traditional concept of "area" is extended to include a utility, an individual IPP, a large customer, etc. All areas are divided into three groups: (a) study area or area under the ISO control, (b) transfer participating areas, and (c) external areas which have no direct transactions or they have fixed transactions with the study area. A performance index based contingency selection procedure is applied within the study and transfer participating areas to rank those contingencies that will affect simultaneous transfer capability. The contingency ranking order is utilized by a variation of the Wind Chime diagram to selected contingencies that are then evaluated by an optimal power flow algorithm. Subsequently, the probability distribution of simultaneous transfer capability is computed based on the electric load, circuit and unit outage Markov models. The 24/spl times/3 bus IEEE RTS is utilized to evaluate the proposed method. The performance of the proposed method is also demonstrated on an actual large scale system (2182 bus, 8 area system).
The hyperbolic effect of density and strength of inter beta-cell coupling on islet bursting: a theoretical investigation

Background Insulin, the principal regulating hormone of blood glucose, is released through the bursting of the pancreatic islets. Increasing evidence indicates the importance of islet morphostructure in its function, and the need of a quantitative investigation. Recently we have studied this problem from the perspective of islet bursting of insulin, utilizing a new 3D hexagonal closest packing (HCP) model of islet structure that we have developed. Quantitative non-linear dependence of islet function on its structure was found. In this study, we further investigate two key structural measures: the number of neighboring cells that each β-cell is coupled to, nc, and the coupling strength, gc.
COGNITIVE HEURISTICS AND BIASES IN BEHAVIORAL AUDITING: REVIEW, COMMENTS AND OBSERVATIONS

Abstract The purposes of this paper are: (1) to provide background on the heuristics and biases approach to decision-making; (2) to describe some of the issues being debated in psychology concerning this approach; (3) to review relevant studies from the behavior auditing research literature; (4) to provide comments on trends in the auditing literature; (5) to offer comments about the advantages and disadvantages of this approach; and (6) to make some observations about future prospects for this research tradition.
Fast skeletal muscle troponin T increases the cooperativity of transgenic mouse cardiac muscle contraction.

1To investigate the functional significance of different troponin T (TnT) isoforms in the Ca2+ activation of muscle contraction, transgenic mice have been constructed with a chicken fast skeletal muscle TnT transgene driven by a cardiac α-myosin heavy chain gene promoter. 2Cardiac muscle-specific expression of the fast skeletal muscle TnT has been obtained with significant myofibril incorporation. Expression of the endogenous cardiac muscle thin filament regulatory proteins, such as troponin I and tropomyosin, was not altered in the transgenic mouse heart, providing an authentic system for the functional characterization of TnT isoforms. 3Cardiac muscle contractility was analysed for the force vs. Ca2+ relationship in skinned ventricular trabeculae of transgenic mice in comparison with wild-type litter-mates. The results showed unchanged pCa50 values (5.1 ± 0.04 and 5.1 ± 0.1, respectively) but significantly steeper slopes (the Hill coefficient was 2.0 ± 0.2 vs. 1.0 ± 0.2, P < 0.05). 4The results demonstrate that the structural and functional variation of different TnT isoforms may contribute to the difference in responsiveness and overall cooperativity of the thin filament-based Ca2+ regulation between cardiac and skeletal muscles.
Computer generation of Hadamard matrices

We develop a computer code that uses elegant bit-manipulation techniques for matrix multiplication and thus facilitates exhaustive generation of Skew-Hadamard matrices. Hadamard matrices are useful in spectroscopic applications (Hadamard transform spectroscopy) and in balanced chemical designs. Application of our code yields several Skew-Hadamard matrices up to order 100×100, although the combinatorial complexity of exhaustive generation increases exponentially. Our bit-manipulation-based codes took 124 h of CPU time to perform 7.79344×10 11 matrix multiplications on an IBM RS 6000/560 system to generate all 100×100 matrices. This amounts to 5.7×10 -7 s of CPU time per matrix multiplication
Augmentation of chimerism with perioperative donor bone marrow infusion in organ transplant recipients: a 44 month follow-up.

A.S. Rao, P. Fontes, A. Iyengar, R. Shapiro, F. Dodson, R. Corry, S. Pham, M. Jordan, A. Zeevi, C. Rastellini, A. Aitouche, F. Egidi, H.A. Gritsch, J. Reyes, J.J. Fung, and T.E. Starzl Thomas E. Starzl Transplantation Institute and the Departments of Surgery (A.S.R., P.F., A.I., R.S., F.D., R.C., S.P., M.J., C.R., J.R., J.J.F., T.E.S.) and Pathology (A.S.R., A.Z.), University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania