cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
THE USE OF M‐MODE ECHOCARDIOGRAPHY IN DETERMINING CARDIAC OUTPUT IN DOGS WITH NORMAL, LOW, AND HIGH OUTPUT STATES: COMPARISON TO THERMODILUTION METHOD

The utility of M-mode echocardiographic determination of left ventricular volume and cardiac output was evaluated by comparing four commonly used formulae for ventricular volume, derived from end-systolic (ESD) and end-diastolic (EDD) ventricular dimensions. Cardiac index (CI) was calculated by the following formulae, where HR = heart rate and BSA = body surface area (M2): 1. (EDD3- ESD3) * HR/BSA; 2. (0.85 * EDD3 - 1.2 *ESD3) * HR/BSA; 3. (EDD3.16 - ESD3.16) * HR/BSA; and 4. {[7/(2.4 + EDD)] * [EDD3] - [7/(2.4 + ESD)] * [ESD3)}* HR/BSA. Cardiac index, obtained invasively by thermodilution, was compared to values determined echocardiographically in normal dogs (Group 1) and in three states of altered cardiac function: after positive inotropic stimulation with graded doses (0,5,10, and 15 μg/kg/min) of intravenous dobutamine (Group 2); with experimentally induced heartworm disease (Group 3); and with spontaneous dilated cardiomyopathy (Group 4). Cardiac index, determined echocardiographically, was plotted against CI, determined with thermodilution, and regression equations calculated. In Group 1 (n = 15), a significant relationship (P < 0.01) was observed with each of the four formulae (r2= 0.54-0.68), however, individual estimates of CI were often inaccurate. With inotropic stimulation (Group 2;3 normal dogs, n = 12 data points), the relationship was significant (P < 0.05), but the coefficients of determination were less than in the unstimulated normal dogs (r2= 0.41-0.47). No significant relationship was seen between CI, determined echocardiographically and CI, determined by thermodilution, when overt cardiac disease was present (Groups 3 and 4; n = 7 and 13, r2= 0.13-0.21, respectively). Specific formulae were evaluated for accuracy by comparing their coefficients of determination and their ability to predict mean and individual measured CI. Using the paired Student's t-test, CI determined noninvasively were shown to differ significantly (P < 0.05) between methods and between formulae in many instances. No one formula was found to be consistently more accurate than the others. We conclude that, in normal dogs, while echocardiographic estimation of CI is significantly related to CI measured with thermodilution, individual variation diminishes clinical utility. However, this noninvasive technique should prove useful in comparing populations with minimal or no cardiac dysfunction. Secondly, the relationship is diminished, but not lost, after inotropic stimulation. M-mode echocardiographic estimation of CI offers little promise for accurate assessment of cardiac performance in cardiac disease states. Lastly, although none of the four formulae for CI compared herein were found to be consistently superior to the other three, formulae 3 and 4 appear to be most useful in estimating CI in normal dogs.
Evolving treatment options for prevention of cardiovascular events in high-risk hypertensive patients.

The identification and treatment of high-risk patients for cardiovascular disease reduces the risk of morbidity and mortality. Significant risk factors for cardiovascular events in hypertensive patients over and above dyslipidemia, smoking, and obesity include coronary heart disease, peripheral arterial disease, cerebrovascular/carotid artery disease, and diabetes. Treatment options for the reduction of cardiovascular events in hypertensive patients include diuretics, β-blockers, α-blockers, calcium channel blockers, angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs), and aldosterone antagonists. All of these agents, in various combinations, have been found to reduce the risk of cardiovascular events, even in high-risk patients. The use of ACE inhibitors or ARBs (usually in combination with a diuretic) has proven especially effective in reducing cardiovascular events in diabetes and, although both classes of drugs target the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system, each has a different mechanism of action. Some investigators believe that combination therapy with an ACE inhibitor and ARB, usually given with other medications, may be more effective than either agent alone with other drugs. The Ongoing Telmisartan Alone and in Combination With Ramipril Global Endpoint Trial (ONTARGET) is evaluating the cardioprotective effect of an ACE inhibitor (ramipril) plus an ARB (telmisartan) in high-risk patients.
Analysis of High-Dimensional Structure-Activity Screening Datasets Using the Optimal Bit String Tree.

We propose a new classification method called the Optimal Bit String Tree (OBSTree) to identify quantitative structure-activity relationships (QSARs). The method introduces the concept of a chromosome to describe the presence/absence context of a combination of descriptors. A descriptor set and its optimal chromosome form the splitting variable. A new stochastic searching scheme that contains a weighted sampling scheme, simulated annealing, and a trimming procedure optimizes the choice of splitting variable. Simulation studies and an application to screening monoamine oxidase inhibitors show that OBSTree is advantageous in accurately and effectively identifying QSAR rules and finding different classes of active compounds. Details of the algorithm, SAS code, and simulated and real datasets are available online as supplementary materials.
Weather and deaths in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania: a comparison with Birmingham, Alabama.

The relationship between weather and daily mortality was examined over a 4-year period in the temperate climate of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Eight weather parameters were correlated with daily mortality using multiple, simple, and partial correlation techniques. Results from this study were then compared with results obtained from a previous investigation involving an identical analysis of the effects of weather on death in the subtropical climate of Birmingham, Alabama. Although the relationship between weather and total mortality is statistically significant in both areas, weather in the temperate region accounts for a greater portion of the daily variation in number of deaths. In both cities the effect of weather increases with age and is more intense among the white than the nonwhite population but does not appear to vary with sex. In both places weather significantly influences death due to respiratory diseases and circulatory diseases in general, but affects little, mortality from cancer or behaviorally related causes. The cities differ, however, in that Pittsburgh weather is significantly associated with deaths from ischemic heart disease but not with cerebrovascular mortality, while the reverse is observed in Birmingham. The cities also differ in specific meteorological factors and in the seasonal distribution of the intensity of the weather-mortality relationship.
Variations within an in vitro fertilization program might be caused by patient demographics

Abstract Factors other than the embryology laboratory, protocol variations, and physician transfer rates might have significant influences on an IVF center's success rates. Patient demographics might make the difference.
Practitioner's Guide to Assessment of Autism Spectrum Disorders in Infants and Toddlers.

Recent advances in clinical research have made it possible to diagnosis autism spectrum disorders (ASD) as early as the second year of life. The diagnostic process early in development is often complex, and thus, familiarity with the most recent findings in clinical assessment instruments, early symptoms, and developmental trajectories of young children with autism is essential. This paper provides an empirically based practitioner’s guide to issues and concerns related to early diagnosis of ASD in very young children, documentation of the course and patterns of ASD symptomatology in infants and toddlers, and current understanding in the field of diagnostic outcomes of children identified in the first and second year of life.
A Claim for the Case Method in the Teaching of Geography.

Abstract The case method and use of cases offer geographers an exciting and innovative pedagogical approach. The case method is an interactive learning approach that promotes student discussion and shifts the emphasis from a teacher‐centred to a student‐centred classroom. Currently, this method is part of a growing trend in international affairs education, and preliminary evaluation of the approach has been highly positive. By applying the case method, educators can extrapolate connections between research and teaching, these being poorly realised links to date. In this paper the case method is outlined, the sources of cases and how to teach them are detailed, and the relevance of the case method for geography teaching and learning is evaluated.
The Importance And Atteinment Of Accurate Absolute Radiometric Calibration

The importance of accurate absolute radiometric calibration is discussed by reference to the needs of those wishing to validate or use models describing the interaction of electromagnetic radiation with the atmosphere and earth surface features. The in-flight calibration methods used for the Landsat Thematic Mapper (TM) and the Systeme Probatoire d'Observation de la Terre, Haute Resolution visible (SPOT/HRV) systems are described and their limitations discussed. The questionable stability of in-flight absolute calibration methods suggests the use of a radiative transfer program to predict the apparent radiance, at the entrance pupil of the sensor, of a ground site of measured reflectance imaged through a well characterized atmosphere. The uncertainties of such a method are discussed.
Prey-lithium aversions. II: laboratory rats and ferrets.

Lithium-induced prey aversions were studied in the laboratory rat and ferret. Both species acquired aversions, blocking consumption of flavored foods and the flesh of mice. In the rat, attack was also blocked when illness immediately followed mouse-killing, when mice were dipped in a strongly aversive flavor, and when illness followed killing and eating of prey dipped in an artificial flavor with strong olfactory and gustatory properties. Testing context was of some importance. The ferret, on the other hand, continued to attack, killing mice with its feet rather than with a bite to the neck. Strong footshock produced a transient inhibition of attack that was specific to the training situation. These results with laboratory species are in distinct contrast to those with wild predators.
Clodronate inhibits tumor angiogenesis in mouse models of ovarian cancer

Purpose Bisphosphonates have been shown to inhibit and deplete macrophages. The effects of bisphosphonates on other cell types in the tumor microenvironment have been insufficiently studied. Here, we sought to determine the effects of bisphosphonates on ovarian cancer angiogenesis and growth via their effect on the microenvironment, including macrophage, endothelial and tumor cell populations. Experimental Design Using in vitro and in vivo models, we examined the effects of clodronate on angiogenesis and macrophage density, and the overall effect of clodronate on tumor size and metastasis. Results Clodronate inhibited the secretion of pro-angiogenic cytokines by endothelial cells and macrophages, and decreased endothelial migration and capillary tube formation. In treated mice, clodronate significantly decreased tumor size, number of tumor nodules, number of tumor-associated macrophages and tumor capillary density. Conclusions Clodronate is a potent inhibitor of tumor angiogenesis. These results highlight clodronate as a potential therapeutic for cancer.
Effect of allogeneic cell interaction and graft-versus-host reaction on the antibody response to escherichia coli 0127 antigen.

Abstract The influence of allogeneic cell interaction and GVH reaction on the immune response to Escherichia coli antigen was investigated. Addition of CBA/J spleen cells to cultures of nu/nu spleen cells stimulated a significant increase in the nude PFC response to SRBC but had no significant effect on the immune response to E. coli antigen. Similarly, the induction of a GVH reaction in F 1 mice by the injection of parental spleen cells also had no significant effect on the immune response to the bacterial antigen. These results suggest that the immune response to E. coli is not affected by products of thymus-derived cells.
Covalent grafting of phenylphosphonate on calcium niobate platelets.

Abstract Hypothesis This work explores covalent grafting of phenylphosphonate (PPA) onto exfoliated, protonated calcium niobate (HCN), a Dion-Jacobson layered perovskite. The specific hypothesis is that PPA can be readily grafted onto the face surfaces of exfoliated HCN, which has reactive apical oxygen atoms. Experiments Previous research has established the conditions required for full exfoliation of HCN in aqueous solutions of tetrabutylammonium hydroxide (TBAOH), denoted as TBACN. This work first explores the effect of reflux conditions on the dispersion state of TBACN suspensions, and then investigates PPA grafting onto both non-exfoliated HCN and exfoliated TBACN dispersed in deionized (DI) water, TBA solution, and various alcohols. The products are characterized by a variety of techniques including light scattering to assess the TBACN dispersion state, 31P MAS NMR to confirm PPA grafting, and XPS to estimate PPA grafted amounts. Findings The results confirm the grafting of PPA on HCN and TBACN, quantify the extent of PPA grafting, and identify various grafting modes (mono-, bi-, and tridentate). All of these aspects are found to be dependent on the layered materials’ exfoliation state, suspension processing conditions, and solvent composition. The results are rationalized in terms of a plausible mechanism of the grafting process.
Telencephalic origin of pulvinar neurons in the fetal human brain.

Our previous autoradiographic study of fetal human brain fragments exposed supravitally to thymidine-H3 had suggested that the primitive ependyma of the third ventricle ceases neuron production at a time when the pulvinar is only slightly developed. We sought a source of additional pulvinar neurons by examining serial horizontal sections through brains of 5- to 40-week fetuses. In the nearby telencephalon lies the ganglionic eminence, composed of germinal and immature cells coating the fetal corpus striatum and bulging into the lateral ventricle. It contains numerous proliferating cells to the end of gestation. Young cells appear to stream from it, cross beneath the sulcus terminalis to enter the diencephalon, and form a hitherto-undescribed layer, the corpus gangliothalamicus. This structure is found consistently just under the external surface of the developing pulvinar of fetuses from the 18th to the 34th weeks of gestation. A 22-week specimen freshly prepared by the rapid Golgi method shows a progression of cell forms from simple elongate bipolar cells in the part of the corpus gangliothalamicus closest to the telencephalon, through a series of gradations to multipolar young neurons in the most medial and deep parts of the structure, where it merges into the pulvinar proper. We conclude that many of the neurons of the pulvinar, a very large component of the human thalamus, arise in the telencephalon and migrate to the diencephalon during the fifth to eight lunar months of gestation.
The Structure of Stratification Theory

This paper offers a concise statement of the theory of societal hierarchies known as stratification, a theory that, with proper data can describe the stratification system of any society at any given point in time. The theory provides each of the 21 (necessary and sufficient) parameters required for such a description. It begins with a brief review of the evolution of the theory from Ibn Khaldun (1377) to today.
Measuring achievement goal orientations of pharmacy students.

Objectives. To measure the achievement goal orientations of pharmacy students attending a 3-year (accelerated) doctor of pharmacy (PharmD) program.Methods. A 16-item survey based on the Achievement Goal Questionnaire (AGQ) was administered to first-year (P1) and second-year (P2) pharmacy students at the Appalachian College of Pharmacy (ACP). Students were instructed to indicate to what degree each statement was true for them using a 7-point Likert scale (1=not true of me, 7=very true of me).Results. One hundred twenty of the 155 students (77%) completed the survey. Most students had mastery-approach, mastery-avoidance, performance-approach, and/or performance-avoidance goal orientations; few had work-avoidance goal orientations. Second-year students and male students had higher work-avoidance mean scores than did P1 students and female students (p<0.05).Conclusion. Pharmacy students were mastery- and performance-oriented learners, and most did not have work-avoidance goal orientations. Male students and P...
CAROTENOID RETENTION AND SENSORY CHARACTERISTICS OF SELECTED VEGETABLES PREPARED BY INDUCTION STIR-FRYING*

The effects of induction stir-frying on carotenoid retention and sensory characteristics of selected vegetables (carrot, green spring onion, red pepper, snow pea, white spring onion and yellow pepper) were investigated. Cooking times ranged from 4 to 6 min, and cooking yields from 70.9 to 92.0%. The stir-fried vegetables retained (w/w) more than 85% (mean) of each of their carotenoids (β-carotene, lutein, zeaxanthin, α-carotene, β-cryptoxanthin and lycopene). Over three-quarters of the 78 consumer panelists reported liking extremely/liking very much or liking moderately/liking slightly the appearance, color, flavor, texture and overall acceptability of carrot, green spring onion, red pepper, snow pea and yellow pepper; whereas, half to three-quarters reported similarly for white spring onion. Few differences in attribute responses were observed by gender. Induction stir-fried vegetables had excellent carotenoid retention, and the consumer panelists indicated liking them slightly to extremely. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS This study indicates that vegetables that are cooked by induction stir-frying retained (w/w) over 85% of their carotenoid content and had sensory characteristics that the consumer panelists liked. Perhaps individuals, specifically college students, might be inclined to consume more cooked vegetables if they liked the appearance, color, flavor, texture and overall acceptability of the vegetables. Consuming vegetables containing higher amounts of the carotenoids may also be beneficial.
Structural changes in the brain of patients with bipolar affective disorder by MRI: a review of the literature.

Abstract 1. 1. Current literature was searched to evaluate the use of magnetic resonance imaging in patients with bipolar diorder. 2. 2. The presence of white matter hyperintensities, differences in temporal lobe and hippocampal structures, and ventricular enlargement in patients with bipolar disorder was assessed. 3. 3. Further use of MRI in patients with bipolar disorder is reviewed.
Evidence for strained interactions between side-chains and the polypeptide backbone

In most proteins, a small but significant fraction of residues adopt phi,psi angles that generate unfavorable steric interactions between side-chain atoms and the peptide backbone. For the small protein staphylococcal nuclease, the X-ray structure reveals that 18 of 133 residues occupy unusual and, presumably, energetically unfavorable backbone conformations. To quantify the amount of strain energy generated by these local interactions, we have analyzed the changes in stability that accompany replacement of the wild-type side-chain with glycine, a residue that can access a much larger set of phi,psi angles without energy penalty. To correct for the many other sources of stability loss that might accompany this mutation, the glycine mutant was compared to an alanine mutant at the same position and the resulting free energy difference delta delta GG-->A was then compared to the average delta delta GG-->A at all other, unstrained positions in the nuclease occupied by similar amino acid types. In addition, potential steric clashes were introduced by substituting alanine at each of six positions occupied in the wild-type by glycine with phi,psi angles that are unfavorable for all other residue types. The data suggest that residues with phi,psi angles outside the preferred alpha-helical and beta-sheet regions represent sites of local strain energy that lower the stability of the native state by 1 to 2 kcal/mol and, in some cases, as much as 3 to 4 kcal/mol. Given that 10 to 20% of residues in globular proteins adopt phi,psi angles outside the preferred alpha-helical and beta-sheet regions, this implies that there is on the order of 20 kcal/mol of strain energy in a protein of 100 residues that may be relieved by appropriate mutations.
Polymerases and the Replisome: Machines within Machines

We wish to thank Bruce Stillman, Jacqueline Lees, Alan Grossman, Ilana Goldhaber-Gordon, Glenn Sanders, Yong-In Kim, and Oscar Aparicio for comments on the manuscript. Work in S. P. B.'s laboratory is supported by an NIH grant (GM-52339), the Searle Foundation, and the Rita Allen Foundation. Work in T. A. B.'s laboratory is supported by an NIH grant (GM-499224) and by the Howard Hughes Medical Institute. T. A. B. is an employee of the Howard Hughes Medical Institute and a recipient of a National Science Foundation Young Investigator Award.
Markers of periodontal infection and preterm birth

Objective This study was undertaken to explore the relationship between clinical, microbiologic, and serologic markers of periodontitis and preterm birth (PTB). Study design We compared women with a singleton gestation giving birth before the 37th week (cases, n = 83) with term delivery controls (n = 120). Periodontal examination and collection of dental plaque and blood samples were performed within 48 hours after delivery. Microbial levels and maternal immunoglobulin G titers to oral bacteria were analyzed. Multivariate regression models were fitted controlling for common covariates. Results Cases showed greater mean attachment loss (1.7 vs 1.5 mm, P = .003) and higher prevalence of periodontitis (30.1% vs 17.5%, P = .027). No differences in microbial or serum antibody levels were detected between the groups. Logistic regression revealed that PTB was associated with attachment loss (adjusted odds ratio: 2.75, 95% CI: 1.01-7.54). Linear regression indicated a significant (P = .04) association between attachment loss and low birth weight (LBW). Conclusion The data support the notion that periodontitis is independently associated with PTB and LBW.
Growth patterns of surface fatigue cracks under cyclic bending—a quantitative analysis

Abstract Growth patterns of surface cracks in plates subjected to cyclic bending are examined experimentally and theoretically. Different methods of prediction of the aspect ratio variability of these surface cracks are compared with experimental data. The objective is to identify the most accurate method. The comparison is based on a quantitative criterion as well as on statistical examination of the level of agreement with the data. Fifty cracks are analysed. The total number of data points is 523 taken from 15 references. The solutions evaluated include theoretical as well as empirical formulae. The comparison shows that it is possible to predict the aspect ratio variability with standard deviation in the order of 0.090.
Simplified surface impedance expressions of a semi-infinite two-layered metal

Tractable expressions for the surface impedance of bimetallic structures, including limiting forms, are derived along with the conditions for their applicability. These limiting forms can be satisfied provided that the thickness of metal 1 (d) is sufficiently thin and/or thick and that the conductivity of metal 1 (σ1) relative to σ2 is sufficiently low or high. A particular limiting form called the sheet resistance is ubiquitously employed in the literature (i.e. Eq. (13)), but this is the first report quantitatively delineating the conditions for its applicability in bimetallic structures. Similarly, five other limiting forms are presented along with the condition for their applicability. An extension is made to cylindrically symmetric bimetallic wires.
Up-regulation of base excision repair activity for 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine in the mouse brain after forebrain ischemia-reperfusion

The repair enzyme 8-oxoguanine glycosylase/ apyrimidinic/apurinic lyase (OGG) removes 8-hydroxy-2'deoxyguanosine (oh8dG) in human cells. Our goal was to examine oh8dG-removing activity in the cell nuclei of male C57BL/6 mouse brains treated with either forebrain ischemia-reperfusion (FblR) or sham operations. We found that the OGG activity in nuclear extracts, under the condition in which other nucleases did not destroy the oligodeoxynucleotide duplex, excised oh8dG with the greatest efficiency on the oligodeoxynucleotide duplex containing oh8dG/dC and with less efficiency on the heteroduplex containing oh8dG/dT, oh8dG/dG, or oh8dG/dA. This specificity was the same as for the recombinant type 1 OGG (OGG1) of humans. We observed that the OGG1 peptide and its activity in the mouse brain were significantly increased after 90 min of ischemia and 20-30 min of reperfusion. The increase in the protein level and in the activity of brain OGG1 correlated positively with the elevation of FblR-induced DNA lesions in an indicator gene (the c-fos gene) of the brain. The data suggest a possibility that the OGG1 protein may excise oh8dG in the mouse brain and that the activity of OGG1 may have a functional role in reducing oxidative gene damage in the brain after FblR.
Postoperative radiosurgery for malignant spinal tumors.

Objective Although, as a primary therapy, radiosurgery for spinal tumors is becoming more common in clinical practice and is associated with encouraging clinical results, we wanted to evaluate outcomes after radiosurgery in a series of postoperative patients. Methods We examined the medical records of 18 postoperative patients who received radiosurgical treatment to their residual spinal tumors: metastatic carcinoma (10), sarcoma (3), multiple myeloma/plasmacytoma (4), and giant cell tumor (1). Marginal radiosurgical doses ranged from 6 to 16 Gy (mean, 11.4 Gy) prescribed to the 90% isodose line. All regions of the spine received treatment: 2 cervical, 15 thoracic, and 1 lumbosacral. The volume of irradiated spinal elements receiving 30, 50, and 80% of the total dose ranged from 0.51 to 11.05, 0.19 to 6.34, and 0.06 to 1.73 cm, respectively. Treatment sessions (i.e., patient in to patient out of the room) varied between 20 and 40 minutes. Follow-up ranged from 4 to 36 months (median, 7 mo). Results Even though significant doses of radiation were delivered to all regions of the spinal cord and nerve roots coincidentally involved in the treatments, only one patient in this series developed progressive symptoms possibly attributable to a toxic effect of the radiosurgery. Of those patients initially presenting with neurological deficits, 92% either remained neurologically stable or improved. Conclusion Our observations suggest that radiosurgery as prescribed in this series of postoperative patients with residual spinal tumor is well-tolerated and associated with little to no significant morbidity.
Structure Analysis of Coals by Resolution Enhanced Solid State 13C NMR Spectroscopy

Solid state 13C nmr spectroscopy employing the experimental techniques of dipolar decoupling,2,3 magic angle spinning4,5 and 1H-13C cross polarization3 (CP/MAS-13C nmr spectroscopy) yields spectra which approach solution 13C-FT-nmr spectra in resolution and sensitivity. Resonance linewidths of 10–50 Hz in discrete organic substances are typical. Those in amorphous solids and glassy polymers generally are degraded to 50–150 Hz (2–6 ppm at 2.35T) by chemical shift dispersion and/or residual dipolar broadening.5–10 In homogeneous systems, this level of resolution permits the measurement of isotropic chemical shift and relaxation time parameters in solids.
NAD+ and NADH in Neuronal Death

Neuronal death is a key pathological event in multiple neurological diseases. Increasing evidence has suggested that NAD+ and NADH mediate not only energy metabolism and mitochondrial functions, but also calcium homeostasis, aging, and cell death. This article is written to provide an overview about the information suggesting significant roles of NAD+ and NADH in neuronal death in certain neurological diseases. Our latest studies have suggested that intranasal administration with NAD+ can profoundly decrease ischemic brain damage. These observations suggest that NAD+ administration may be a novel therapeutic strategy for some neurological diseases.
Distribution of endothelin-1 in transplanted human lungs.

BACKGROUND: This study was designed to assess which cells in transplanted lungs express endothelin-1 (ET-1) and if expression of the peptide can be used to discriminate between rejection and infection in transplanted lungs. METHODS: Transbronchial biopsies (n=104) from 29 human lung transplant recipients were stained immunohistochemically for ET-1. Cells expressing ET-1 (pneumocytes, endothelial cells, airway epithelial cells, lymphocytes, and macrophages) were quantified and correlated with clinical histopathology findings. RESULTS: ET-1 was expressed in airway epithelial cells (93% of the biopsies), infiltrating macrophages (86%), and lymphocytes (19%) but not in endothelial cells or pneumocytes. ET-1 expression did not vary with rejection, obliterative bronchiolitis, or infection. ET-1 expression did not correlate with age, grade of rejection, pulmonary function, or time after transplantation. CONCLUSION: In transplanted human lungs, ET-1 is expressed in airway epithelial cells and infiltrating macrophages, and expression does not vary with pathological processes. Therefore, immunostaining for ET-1 probably cannot be used to discriminate between rejection and infection in transplanted lungs.
Optical performance of a diffraction-limited molded-glass biaspheric lens

Optical performance results are reported for a molded-glass biaspheric lens. The 6-mm optical diam lens is intended for use in a laser-based optical disk application. The design with fabrication tolerances has an expected on-axis transmitted wave-front performance of 0.06-wave rms optical path difference (OPD) when tested at 0.6328 μm and a numerical aperture of 0.45. Transmitted wave-front aberrations were measured on actual molded lenses using a heterodyne interferometer. Typical performance was 0.05–0.08-wave rms-OPD. Experimental results involving mold rotation indicate that lens performance is primarily limited by a surface figure accuracy of one of the molds.
The effect of nitrogen and boron fertilizer applications on leaf levels, yield and fruit size of the red raspberry

Abstract A factorial fertilizer experiment with four N and two B levels was conducted on red raspberry over a 5 year period to determine the effects on leaf element content, fruit size and fruit yields and to determine standard leaf levels for N and B. Nitrogen application increased leaf N, reduced leaf B, increased fruit size and had no effect on yield. Boron application increased leaf B, reduced yields in 2 of the 5 years but had no effect on fruit size. Nitrogen application increased leaf Mn levels but had no effect on leaf element content of K, P, Ca, Mg, Fe, Cu, B or Zn. Boron application had no effect on leaf element content. Leaf N content of the primocanes was not related to following year yields for any of the years. Yields were linearly reduced by primocane leaf B in 1 year. Definitive optimum leaf levels for N and B for red raspberry could not be determined since all levels measured seemed to be adequate, however, it is believed that the optimum value for N is under 2.4% and for B under 25–35 ppm.
Deposition of Block Copolymer Thin Films onto Polymeric Substrates by Adsorption from Supercritical Carbon Dioxide

A novel method for the deposition of monolayer and submonolayer films of block copolymers onto polymeric substrates is described. We show that poly(styrene-b-dimethylsiloxane) films form spontaneously on polystyrene substrates by simply placing a sample of the block copolymer and the substrate into a pressure vessel that is charged with supercritical carbon dioxide. The modified polystyrene substrates are characterized by water contact angle and angle-dependent X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (ADXPS) measurements performed after depressurization. Water contact angles indicate that a continuous PDMS surface layer forms when the pressure is 15 MPa or greater at 50 °C, illustrating that the block copolymer self-assembles as a bilayer structure at the surface under these conditions. ADXPS measurements confirm that monolayer to submonolayer coverage is produced as the PDMS layer thickness increases from ca. 0.8 nm at 15 MPa to a maximum of ca. 1.5 nm for pressures of 30 MPa and higher. The thickness data indi...
Analysis of slice transverse emittance evolution in a photocathode RF gun

The slice transverse emittance of an electron beam is of critical significance for an x-ray FEL. In a photocathode RF gun, the slice transverse emittance is not only determined by the emission process, but also influenced strongly by the non-linear space charge effect. In this paper, we study the slice transverse emittance evolution in a photocathode RF gun using a simple model that includes effects of RF acceleration, focusing, and space charge force. The results are compared with IMPACT-T space charge simulations and may be used to understand the development of the slice emittance in an RF gun.
Prediction of Functional WXXF-Like Protein Motif from Sequence

Development of reliable techniques to predict functional peptide motifs from their sequences is an important task in bioinformatics. Identification of functional motifs through experiments can be difficult, while searching protein databases often requires substantial computational resources. Finding short motifs is particularly hard. Presented here is a simple and effective way to identify short, functional WXX(F/W) motif from sequence. The method involves a development of a scoring function based on the sequence properties. Clathrin-coated vesicles coordinate selective transport of molecules across the membrane. The AP-2 adaptor complex is essential for the clathrin-coated vesicle formation. Two “ear” domains of the AP-2 complex bind to clathrin and accessory proteins. The accessory proteins interact with the AP-2 via short motifs. One such motif is WXX(F/W). Substitutions of W in the first or F/W in the last position of the motif eliminate the binding with the ear domains. Residues in position 2 of the motif can be mutated to some extent, while position 3 is very flexible to residue substitutions. In this work, three-dimensional computer models of known WXX(F/W) variants bound to the ear domains were constructed. Systematic residue mutations were done to determine sequence properties crucial for the motif's interactions, and thus for its function. The sequence properties were used to construct a scoring function. The function was tested on randomly generated and other known WXX(F/W) sequences. The scoring function successfully captured relationships between sequences' properties and their functionalities. Several false positive results were obtained. However, the scoring function reliably identified nonfunctional sequences. New putative functional motif variants were predicted. This study on functional WXX(F/W) motif should increase our understanding of vesicle transport mechanisms.
Cell Cycle–Regulated Modification of the Ribosome by a Variant Multiubiquitin Chain

Ubiquitin is ligated to L28, a component of the large ribosomal subunit, to form the most abundant ubiquitin-protein conjugate in S. cerevisiae. The human ortholog of L28 is also ubiquitinated, indicating that this modification is highly conserved in evolution. During S phase of the yeast cell cycle, L28 is strongly ubiquitinated, while reduced levels of L28 ubiquitination are observed in G1 cells. L28 ubiquitination is inhibited by a Lys63 to Arg substitution in ubiquitin, indicating that L28 is modified by a variant, Lys63-linked multiubiquitin chain. The K63R mutant of ubiquitin displays defects in ribosomal function in vivo and in vitro, including a dramatic sensitivity to translational inhibitors. L28, like other ribosomal proteins, is metabolically stable. Therefore, these data suggest a regulatory role for multiubiquitin chains that is reversible and does not function to target the acceptor protein for degradation.
Reversible proton transfer dynamics in bacteriorhodopsin

In a previous study of ab initio dynamics, the proton transfer in bacteriorhodopsin from protonated asp96 in the cytoplasmic region toward the deprotonated Schiff base was investigated. A quantum mechanics/molecular mechanics model was constructed from the X-ray structure of bacteriorhodopsin E204Q mutant. In this model, asp96, asp85, and thr89 as well as most of the retinal chromophore and the Schiff base link of lys216 were treated quantum mechanically while the rest of the atoms were treated molecular mechanically. A channel was found in the X-ray structure allowing a water chain to form between the asp96 and Schiff base. In the present study, a chain of four waters from asp96 to the Schiff base N coupled with one branching water supports proton transfer as a concerted event in about 3.5 ps. With both a neutral asp85 and a branched water, the dynamics is now found to be more complicated than observed in the initial study for the transition from the photocycle late M state to the N state. Proton transfer is also observed from the Schiff base back to asp96 demonstrating that there is no effective barrier to proton transfer larger than kT in a strong H-bonded network. The binding of the branched water to the four water chains can dynamically hinder the proton transfer.
Residues of Stauffer R-3828 and Its Oxygen Analogue in the Body Tissues of Cattle Fed R-3828 in the Diet

Extremely high residues of Stauffer R-3828 (S-(p- chloro-a-phenyl benzyl) O,O -diethyl phosphorodithioate) were found stored in the fat of cattle fed 5 or 10 mg/kg a day for 8 weeks. At the end of 8 weeks the residue from the lower dose was 109 ppm and that from the higher dose was 302 ppm. Even 14 weeks after the feeding of the chemical ceased. the residues had not been completely eliminated. The residues of the oxygen analogue (S-(p chloro-∝-phenylbenzyl) O,O -diethyl phosphorothioate) in the fat were about 2% that of R-3828 during the feeding period but rapidly decreased to zero once feeding ceased. The residues of R-3828 were found preponderantly in the fat, low residues found in other tissues could be attributed to the fat present in them. Residues of the oxygen analogue were found only in the fat. High residues of R-3828 were found also in the tissues of a calf given a single dose (100 mg/kg).
Correlative Aspects of the Solar Electron Neutrino Flux and Solar Activity

Between 1970 and 1994, the Homestake Solar Neutrino Detector obtained 108 observations of the solar electron neutrino flux (less than 0.814 MeV). The "best fit" values derived from these observations suggest an average daily production rate of about 0.485 Ar-37 atom per day, a rate equivalent to about 2.6 SNU (solar neutrino units) or about a factor of 3 below the expected rate from the standard solar model. In order to explain, at least, a portion of this discrepancy, some researchers have speculated that the flux of solar neutrinos is variable, possibly being correlated with various markers of the solar cycle (e.g., sunspot number, the Ap index, etc.). In this paper, using the larger "standard data set," the issue of correlative behavior between solar electron neutrino flux and solar activity is re-examined. The results presented here clearly indicate that no statistically significant association exists between any of the usual markers of solar activity and the solar electron neutrino flux.
Adsorption separation of carbon dioxide from flue gas of natural gas-fired boiler by a novel nanoporous “molecular basket” adsorbent

Abstract A novel nanoporous CO 2 “molecular basket” adsorbent has been developed and applied in the separation of CO 2 from the flue gas of a natural gas fired boiler. The nanoporous CO 2 “molecular basket” adsorbent was prepared by uniformly dispersing polyethylenimine (PEI) into the pores of mesoporous molecular sieve MCM-41. The use of MCM-41 and PEI had a synergetic effect on the CO 2 adsorption. The rates of CO 2 adsorption/desorption of PEI were also greatly improved. Adsorption separation results showed that CO 2 was selectively separated from simulated flue gas and flue gas of a natural gas-fired boiler by using this novel adsorbent. The adsorbent adsorbed very little N 2 , O 2 and CO in the flue gas. Moisture had a promoting effect on the adsorption separation of CO 2 from flue gas. The adsorbent simultaneously adsorbed CO 2 and NO x from flue gas. The adsorbed amount of CO 2 was around 3000 times larger than that of NO x . The adsorbent was stable in several cyclic adsorption/desorption operations. However, very little NO x desorbed after adsorption indicating the need for pre-removal of NO x from flue gas before capture of CO 2 by this novel adsorbent.
Specialized ribosomes in Escherichia coli

Specialized ribosomes, developed by de Boer and co-workers at Genentech, carry a mutation in the anti-Shine-Dalgarno region of 16 S ribosomal RNA, the site of messenger RNA binding. A complementary mutation in the ribosome binding site (the Shine-Dalgarno region) of a particular messenger RNA results in specific and efficient translation of that messenger RNA on the specialized ribosomes. With this system, a fraction of the cell's ribosomes can be dedicated to the translation of a single messenger RNA; the remaining wild-type ribosomes carry out the normal cellular translation processes. Specialized ribosomes have been used for the overproduction of proteins, analysis of the feedback regulation of ribosomal RNA synthesis, and mutational analysis of 16 S ribosomal RNA. Experimental results related to each of these topics are summarized and discussed, and other potential applications are described. In particular, we propose a novel technique for mutational analysis of 23 S ribosomal RNA, the primary RNA constituent of the large ribosomal subunit, using the specialized ribosome approach.
Development and application of a synthetic peptide-based osteocalcin assay for the measurement of bone formation in mouse serum.

The mouse is frequently used as an animal model to study skeletal mechanisms relevant to humans. Biochemical markers of bone formation and resorption provide one of the key parameters for assessing skeletal metabolism. One biochemical marker that has proven to be useful in the studies of mouse skeletal metabolism is osteocalcin. Assay for osteocalcin is available in the mouse. The present study describes development of an osteocalcin radioimmunoassay (RIA) using a synthetic peptide. Intact osteocalcin purified from mouse bone extracts shows parallel displacement with synthetic peptide. Sensitivity of the RIA was 19 ng/ml. The average (n = 9) intra- and interassay coefficient of variation for two controls was less than 10%; the averaged recoveries were 106%. The osteocalcin concentration measured by peptide RIA shows a high correlation (r = 0.88, n = 117, P < 0.0001) with an intact osteocalcin assay. In addition, when the intact assay and peptide assays were applied to evaluate skeletal perturbation, similar results were obtained. Accordingly, osteocalcin levels measured by both intact and peptide-based RIA in 8-week C57BL/6J (n = 8) mice treated with PTH 1-34 were twofold higher compared with the vehicle-treated control group. Further studies of the application of the peptide-based RIA for osteocalcin revealed that osteocalcin levels in 4-week postovariectomized (OVX) C57BL/6N mice (n = 10) were 80% higher than the sham-operated (n = 10) mice receiving vehicle. OVX mice receiving weekly injections of estradiol (400 μg/kg body weight) were 38% lower compared with the OVX group treated with vehicle. In conclusion, the peptide-based RIA has analytical and a discriminative power similar to that of the intact osteocalcin assay but has the advantage that the resources for this assay are much easier to accrue.
Maternal separation alters ICSS responding in adult male and female rats, but morphine and naltrexone have little affect on that behavior

Abstract Prior research has provided evidence that the early postnatal environment can have long lasting effects on both the physiology and behavior of offspring. This is modeled in rats by using a maternal separation paradigm in which pups are separated from their mother for a few hours daily during their first two postnatal weeks. While this model has been used extensively to study stress effects and anxiety, less research has been done to examine how these separations affect measures of reward and reinforcement in adulthood. The current study investigated the impact of maternal separation (MS) on intracranial self-stimulation (ICSS) maintained responding in male and female offspring, and the effects of morphine (0.3–3.0 mg/kg) and naltrexone (0.1–10 mg/kg) on that responding. Rearing condition (MS or non-handled, NH) significantly altered response rates during acquisition in both sexes, with NH offspring exhibiting the highest rates. Group differences in baseline responding on a progressive ratio (PR-2) schedule of reinforcement were evident only in females, with MS females having response rates 50% lower than NH females. Neither morphine nor naltrexone differentially affected either rearing group. Sex impacted NH offspring: males acquired responding more readily, but females had higher response rates and breakpoints during all other phases of the experiment. In MS offspring, no sex differences were observed during acquisition, but during all other phases males had higher response rates and breakpoints than females. These results indicate that maternal separation during the first two postnatal weeks can have long-term effects on responding for ICSS, but these effects do not appear tied to endogenous opioid systems in the lateral hypothalamus.
The Effect of Potassium on Cotyledon Expansion Induced by Cytokinins

Potassium has been found to enhance greatly the expansion response of cucumber cotyledons to cytokinins. A reduction of the response to kinetin is obtained with increasing age of the cotyledons. The lesser response is associated with lower levels of potassium remaining in the cotyledon. A high level of KCI in the incubation medium offsets the lower potassium content of the tissue and enables a much larger response to the cytokinins. At 40 mM KCI the response to kinetin is 4.2 times greater than in the absence of KCI. Calcium increases the effect of potassium on the response to kinetin. When incubated in 40 mM KCI and 10 mM CaCI2 with 10 mg/I 6-benzylamino-purine, the final weight of the cotyledons is 6.8 times the initial weight after just 4 days. This KCI-CaCI2 combination is also found to promote chlorophyll synthesis in the usual cucumber cotyledon bioassay.