cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Cloning and expression profiling of testis-expressed microRNAs

Using a new small RNA cloning method, we identified 141 miRNAs from the mouse testis, of which 29 were novel. The 141 miRNAs were mapped onto all chromosomes except the Y chromosome and 2/3 of these miRNA genes exist as clusters. approximately 70% of these miRNA genes were located in intronic or intergenic regions, whereas the remaining miRNAs were derived from exonic sequences. We further validated these cloned miRNAs by examining their expression in multiple mouse organs including developing testes and also in purified spermatogenic cells using semi-quantitative PCR analyses. Our expression profiling assays revealed that 60% of the testis-expressed miRNAs were ubiquitously expressed and the remaining are either preferentially (35%) or exclusively (5%) expressed in the testis. We also observed a lack of strand selection during testicular miRNA biogenesis, characterized by paired expression of both the 5' strands and 3' strands derived from the same precursor miRNAs. The present work identified numerous miRNAs preferentially or exclusively expressed in the testis, which would be interesting targets for further functional studies.
Diamine oxidase: molecular weight and subunit analysis.

Abstract Electrophoretically pure hog kidney diamine oxidase has been isolated by an improved procedure and subjected to molecular weight and subunit analyses. Sedimentation/diffusion and sedimentation equilibrium ultracentrifugation clearly show that the native enzyme has a molecular weight of 172,000. Acrylamide gel electrophoresis indicates that the enzyme consists of two apparently identical subunits of 91,000 daltons each. The native enzyme contains two firmly bound Cu(II) ions. The isolation procedure described provides diamine oxidase in 50–60% yield of activity and of the highest specific activity yet reported (1.2 units/mg).
Cellular mechanism of force development in cat middle cerebral artery by reducedPCO2

These studies were undertaken to determine the effect of reducing aPCO2 below physiological levels on cat middle cerebral artery. Upon reduction ofPCO2 from 37 to 14 torr (pH 7.4) we observed membrane depolarization and force development. ReducingPCO2 decreased the slope of theEm vs. log [K]o curve and increased the slope of the steady-state I/V relationship suggesting that the change inEm was due to reduction of outward K+ conductance (gk). Elevation of pH from 7.37 to 7.6 had a very similar effect on these cerebral arterial muscle cells, depolarizing the muscle membrane (reducing theEm vs. log [K]o curve) and increasing the slope of the I/V relationship to statistically equivalent values as reduction ofPCO2. ReturningPCO2 from 14 to 37 torr rapidly relaxed these preparations, but only transiently. This relaxation was followed by a rebound contraction within 3 min, demonstrating a transient nature for the action of elevatingPCO2 in cerebral arteries. The response to changing pHo followed a slower time course but did not change with time. These studies demonstrate that both elevated pHo and reducedPCO2 activate cerebral arterial muscle by a mechanism which includes reduction ingk. However, it can not be determined if these similar responses and reduction, ofgk are mediated by changing pHi or mediated through different mechanisms. It is possible that pHo andPCO2 can modify cerebral arterial tone by direct mechanisms and not necesarily by their effect on pHi. It is clear, however, that reduction ofPCO2 and elevation of pHo both activate cerebral arterial muscle by a mechanism which includes reduction ofgk.
Adaptive upregulation of FOXD3 and resistance to PLX4032/4720-induced cell death in mutant B-RAF melanoma cells

Melanoma cells driven by mutant v-raf murine sarcoma viral oncogene homolog B1 (B-RAF) are highly resistant to chemotherapeutic treatments. Recent phase 1 results with PLX4032/RG7204/vemurafenib, which selectively inhibits B-RAF/mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase (MEK)/extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK)1/2 signaling in mutant B-RAF cells, has given encouragement to this struggling field. Nearly all patients in the phase 1-3 studies saw at least some response and the overall response rates ranged from 48 and 81%. However, despite initial tumor shrinkage, most responders in the trial experienced tumor relapse over time. These findings indicate that both intrinsic and acquired resistance may affect the clinical efficacy of PLX4032. It is critical to optimize PLX4032 activity to improve response rates and understand why some patients with the B-RAF mutation do not respond. We have previously shown that the stemness factor, Forkhead box D3 (FOXD3), is upregulated following inhibition of B-RAF-MEK signaling in mutant B-RAF melanoma cells. Here, we show that upregulation of FOXD3 following treatment with PLX4032 and PLX4720 (the non-clinical tool compound for PLX4032) confers resistance to cell death. Small interfering RNA-mediated knockdown of FOXD3 significantly enhanced the cell death response after PLX4032/4720 treatment in mutant B-RAF melanoma cell lines. Additionally, upregulation of FOXD3 after PLX4720 treatment was attenuated in non-adherent conditions and correlated with enhanced cell death. Ectopic expression of FOXD3 in non-adherent cells significantly reduced cell death in response to PLX4720 treatment. Together, these data indicate that upregulation of FOXD3 is an adaptive response to RAF inhibitors that promotes a state of drug resistance.
John Allen James: A scholarly remembrance

John entered the MIT graduate program during the early, lofty days of the “new” economic history, and emerged as one of its most deft, sensible and versatile practitioners. His PhD dissertation—directed by Peter Temin—exemplifies the promise of this new approach to historical analysis. It addresses a central issue in American political economic development, the formation of a more integrated (or “perfect”) money market in the late nineteenth-century. Influenced by the earlier contributions of Lance Davis and Richard Sylla, John set out to document systematically the timing and spatial extent of this financial innovation, and then to explain why it occurred where and when it did. He adapted current finance theory (CAPM) to the historical context by incorporating possible market imperfections due to spatial factors such as local market power.(...)
From Baghdad to Paris Al-Jazeera and the Veil

This article analyzes the key ways in which Al-Jazeera brings the veil onto the screen and into its network current affairs, news, and religious programming and how it reported on the story of the veil in France between late 2002 and early 2005. Although much of the extant literature on Al-Jazeera describes it as the “CNN of the Arab world,” it is more like an Islamic version of CBN (Christian Broadcasting Network) than the secular or nonreligious CNN (Cable Network News) because of the time it devotes to the views of Islamic religious leaders and the ways in which it promotes Islamic practices. Al-Jazeera is not a “liberal” or “neutral” channel; it is a religious and news channel that allows other programs that are liberal or neutral to be shown occasionally.If the news broadcast on Al-Jazeera is pluralist,the religious message that it disseminates almost daily is monodenominational.The author argues that Al-Jazeera is using the issue of the veil in France to influence viewers in France and Europe,build ...
Charge Trapping in Photovoltaically Active Perovskites and Related Halogenoplumbate Compounds

Halogenoplumbate perovskites (MeNH3PbX3, where X is I and/or Br) have emerged as promising solar panel materials. Their limiting photovoltaic efficiency depends on charge localization and trapping processes that are presently insufficiently understood. We demonstrate that in halogenoplumbate materials the holes are trapped by organic cations (that deprotonate from their oxidized state) and Pb2+ cations (as Pb3+ centers), whereas the electrons are trapped by several Pb2+ cations, forming diamagnetic lead clusters that also serve as color centers. In some cases, paramagnetic variants of these clusters can be observed. We suggest that charge separation in the halogenoplumbates resembles latent image formation in silver halide photography. Electron and hole trapping by lead clusters in extended dislocations in the bulk may be responsible for accumulation of trapped charge observed in this photovoltaic material.
Practical uncertainty reduction and quantification in shock physics measurements

We report the development of a simple error analysis sampling method for identifying intersections and inflection points to reduce total uncertainty in experimental data. This technique was used to reduce uncertainties in sound speed measurements by 80% over conventional methods. Here, we focused on its impact on a previously published set of Mo sound speed data and possible implications for phase transition and geophysical studies. However, this technique's application can be extended to a wide range of experimental data.
An extension theorem for the space Hdiv

Abstract We prove that an extension property holds for the space H div (Ω) , where Ω is a domain of a certain type. The property is similar to the uniform extension property, which holds for Sobolev spaces of order m (m ≥ 1 is an integer).
Evaluating human factors in augmented reality systems

Augmented reality (AR) has been part of computer graphics methodology for decades. A number of prototype AR systems have shown the possibilities this paradigm creates. Mixing graphical annotations and objects in a user's view of the surrounding environment offers a powerful metaphor for conveying information about that environment. AR systems' potential still exceeds the practice. In fact, most AR systems remain laboratory prototypes. There are several reasons for this; two of the most prominent are that researchers need more advanced hardware than currently available to implement the systems, and (the subject of this article) the AR research community needs to resolve human factors issues. AR systems are usually interactive; thus, we must verify usability to determine if the system is effective.
Melatonin in rat pineal, plasma, and urine: 24-hour rhythmicity and effect of chlorpromazine.

The concentrations of melatonin in rat pineals and in samples of rat plasma and urine were measured by bioassay or radioimmunoassay. Melatonin excretion during the daily dark period (0.98 ± 0.07 ng/12 h, by bioassay; 1.40 ± 0.08 ng/12 h, by radioimmunoassay) was much greater than during the light period (0.18 ± 0.04 ng/12 h, by bioassay; 0.40 ± 0.04 ng/12 h by radioimmunoassay). (The radioimmunoassay is not completely specific when applied to materials extracted from urine.) Pineal glands and plasmas obtained from animals killed during the daily dark period also contained much more melatonin than samples from animals killed during the light period. Pretreatment with chlorpromazine slowed the disappearance of exogenous melatonin from rat plasma and markedly raised the concentrations of endogenous melatonin in both the pineal gland and the plasma. (Endocrinology 98: 1418, 1976)
A Longitudinal Analysis of Electronic Cigarette Use and Smoking Cessation

Although electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) are aggressively promoted as smoking cessation aids,1 studies of their effectiveness for cessation have been unconvincing.2, 3 One randomized trial comparing e-cigarettes with and without nicotine, and nicotine patch found no differences in 6-month quit rates.2 Population-based, longitudinal studies have also not shown associations between e-cigarette use and quitting.4, 5 A longitudinal, international study found that, although 85% of smokers who used e-cigarettes reported using them to quit, e-cigarette users did not quit more frequently than non-users (p=.516).4 Among US quitline callers, e-cigarette users were less likely to have quit at 7 months than non-users.5 We employed a longitudinal analysis of a national sample of current US smokers to determine whether e-cigarette use predicted successful quitting, or reduced cigarette consumption.
Pattern formation of glioma cells: Effects of adhesion

We investigate clustering of malignant glioma cells. In vitro experiments in collagen gels identified a cell line that formed clusters in a region of low cell density, whereas a very similar cell line (which lacks an important mutation) did not cluster significantly. We hypothesize that the mutation affects the strength of cell-cell adhesion. We investigate this effect in a new experiment, which follows the clustering dynamics of glioma cells on a surface. We interpret our results in terms of a stochastic model and identify two mechanisms of clustering. First, there is a critical value of the strength of adhesion; above the threshold, large clusters grow from a homogeneous suspension of cells; below it, the system remains homogeneous, similarly to the ordinary phase separation. Second, when cells form a cluster, we have evidence that they increase their proliferation rate. We have successfully reproduced the experimental findings and found that both mechanisms are crucial for cluster formation and growth.
The Professionalization of Comparative and International Education: Promises and Problems

The purpose of this study is to identify, describe, and analyze historical trends in the professionalization of the field of comparative and international education, as indicated by the founding, expansion, and evolution of the professional associations and graduate programs serving the field. Using historical and university data as well as unique membership data from the Comparative and International Education Society, the authors find that (1) professional associations and university programs in comparative and international education contribute to and secure control over expert knowledge, training and credentials; and (2) the merging of 'comparative' and 'international' education has contributed to the professionalization of the field. In particular, the authors find a simultaneous and complementary process of professionalization and fragmentation occurring within the field of comparative and international education.
Identification and hormonal control of reproductive‐tract‐specific antigens present in rabbit oviductal fluid

Utilizing the intra-abdominal flask technique to collect oviductal fluid, the presence of two or possibly three reproductive-tract-specific antigens have been observed in rabbit oviductal fluid. Two of these antigens may be accounted for by the two forms of uteroglobin. The other antigen has a molecular weight greater than 200,000 daltons and its concentration in oviductal fluid is under hormonal control. During pseudopregnancy (PSP), when progesterone concentrations are high, or upon progesterone administration, the concentration of this high molecular weight antigen doubles in oviductal fluid. This correlates well with the previously observed increase in release of secretory products from the oviductal epithelia.
Cholesterol content of red blood cells and low-density lipoproteins in hypertriglyceridemia

The red blood cells and the low-density lipoproteins in hypertriglyceridemia have a lower ratio of unesterified cholesterol to phospholipid than normal. The low-density lipoproteins are also smaller and more dense in hypertriglyceridemia, and contain only 45% of the normal unesterified cholesterol mass. The phase behavior of the lipids shows that normal red cells and low-density lipoproteins are close to saturation with cholesterol, whereas in hypertriglyceridemia less cholesterol is present. Because newly secreted triacylglycerol-rich lipoproteins are poor in cholesterol, their excess production and transport in hypertriglyceridemia may prevent maintenance of the normal cholesterol content of blood cells and low-density lipoproteins. Partitioning of cholesterol into triacylglycerol-rich lipoproteins is able to account for significant fluxes of unesterified cholesterol in the plasma compartment.
Genetic taste sensitivity to 6-n-propylthiouracil influences food preference and reported intake in preschool children.

Adult tasters of 6-n-propylthiouracil (PROP) are more sensitive to bitter taste and fattiness in foods, and often show lower acceptance of foods that are high in these taste qualities. This study hypothesized that PROP taster children would show lower acceptance of these same foods. Sixty-seven preschool children were classified as PROP tasters (N = 43) or nontasters (N = 24) using a suprathreshold screening solution. Children rated acceptance of 10 bitter and/or fat-containing foods using a 5-pt. facial scale. Parents completed a food frequency questionnaire to estimate their child's intake. Taster children showed lower acceptance of raw broccoli and American cheese (p < or = 0 x 05). Taster-girls showed lower acceptance of full-fat milk than nontaster-girls (p < or = 0 x 05). This effect was not seen in boys. Nontasters reported more daily intake of discretionary fats than tasters (p < or = 0 x 05), an effect largely due to nontaster-girls, in whom reported intake was 2--3 more servings per day than taster-girls, and boys of both groups. These data suggest that PROP taste sensitivity plays a role in acceptance of certain bitter cruciferous vegetables and cheese by young children. In addition, taster group differences in acceptance of full-fat milk and intake of discretionary fats seen in girls, suggest that gender-specific environmental factors might interact with genetics to influence fat preferences.
A clinical evaluation tool for SNP arrays, especially for autosomal recessive conditions in offspring of consanguineous parents

This report describes a fast online tool to accelerate and improve clinical interpretation of single nucleotide polymorphism array results for diagnostic purposes, when consanguinity or inbreeding is identified. We developed a web-based program that permits entry of regions of homozygosity and, using OMIM, UCSC, and NCBI databases, retrieves genes within these regions as well as their associated autosomal recessive disorders. Relevant OMIM Clinical Synopses can be searched, using key clinical terms permitting further filtering for candidate genes and disorders. The tool aids the clinician by arriving at a short list of relevant candidate disorders, guiding the continued diagnostic work-up. Its efficacy is illustrated by presenting seven patients who were diagnosed using this tool. The online single nucleotide polymorphism array evaluation tool rapidly and systematically identifies relevant genes and associated conditions mapping to identified regions of homozygosity. The built-in OMIM clinical feature search allows the user to further filter to reach a short list of candidate conditions relevant for the diagnosis, making it possible to strategize more focused diagnostic testing. The tabulated results can be downloaded and saved to the desktop in an Excel format. Its efficacy is illustrated by providing a few clinical examples. Genet Med 2013:15(5):354–360
An acceleration mechanism for cometary plasma tails

Cometary plasma tail formation by the interaction between the solar wind plasma flow and the plasma at the head of the coma is discussed using the unipolar electric generation theory. The plasma in the 'plasma tail' is almost directly accelerated from the cometary ionopause along the sun-nucleus line where the tail current flows. For steady state solar wind conditions, the cometary 'plasma tail' velocity distribution is obtained self-consistently. The solution of a kinetic equation gives the velocity of the cometary plasma as a function of the cometary tail position. The characteristic length is 3 x 10 to the 6th km when the plasma density near the nucleus of the comet is 10 to the 6th/cu cm and the component of the interplanetary magnetic field perpendicular to the solar wind flow is 3 nT. The tailward cometary plasma is finally accelerated to the speed of the solar wind. The theory is compared with the observational plasma velocities in the tails of comet Bennett (1970II) and Comet Halley (1985).
Mucoid Impaction of the Bronchi

Mucoid impaction of bronchi refers to the progressive accumulation of mucus and inflammatory products within the bronchial lumen eventually leading to progressive dilatation and bronchiectasis. Radiographically, mucoid impaction presents as V or Y-shaped densities directed toward the hilum. Mucoid impaction may occur in a number of obstructive or nonobstructive diseases of the bronchi. Patients whose chest radiograph demonstrates mucoid impaction should be evaluated for underlying bronchogenic carcinoma; if no tumor is found they should be evaluated for allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis. Occasionally, other causes of mucoid impaction will be found.
DNA-dependent RNA polymerase from trophozoites and cysts of Acanthamoeba castellanii.

Abstract DNA-dependent RNA polymerase was solubilized and partially purified from nuclei of Acanthamoeba castallanii trophozoites. Two distinct peaks having enzymatic activity were recovered after DEAE-Sephadex chromatography, and some of the properties of each were examined. Maximal activity for each peak required added DNA, Mg 2+ , Mn 2+ and the nucleoside triphosphates. The pH optima were in the range 8.0–8.4. The products were acid-insoluble and ribonuclease sensitive. Rifampin and α-amanitin inhibited the activity of Peak II, while cycloheximide inhibited the Peak I polymerase. Since A. castellanii encysts, the pattern of RNA polymerase specific activity during encystment was examined. The greatest enzymatic activity was observed from 0–20 h after induction, with an apparent rise in specific activity at 10–12 h. This pattern of polymerase specific activity was consistent with the pattern of RNA turnover in encysting cells.
Isolation and characterization of lipid microdomains from apical and basolateral plasma membranes of rat hepatocytes

Canalicular bile is formed by the osmotic filtration of water in response to osmotic gradients generated by active transport at the apical and basolateral plasma membrane domains of hepatocytes. We recently demonstrated that mixed plasma membrane fractions isolated from rat hepatocyte couplets contain lipid microdomains ("rafts") enriched in cholesterol and sphingolipids and AQP8 and 9. We isolated lipid microdomains from hepatocyte apical and basolateral plasma membrane domains using Triton X-100 as detergent, and characterized their lipid and protein composition. A Triton-insoluble band ("raft fraction") at the 5%/30% sucrose interface in both apical and basolateral fractions was enriched for alkaline phosphatase (apical) and Na/K ATPase (basolateral) and was negative for amino peptidase-N. This detergent-insoluble band was also positive for caveolin-1 (a "raft" associated protein) and negative for clathrin (a "raft" negative protein). Lipid analysis showed that, the Triton-insoluble fraction was highly enriched in cholesterol and sphingolipids. Immunofluorescence staining on hepatocyte couplets for both caveolin-1 and cholera toxin B showed a punctate distribution on both the apical and basolateral plasma membranes, consistent with localized membrane microdomains. Dot blot analysis showed that the "raft" associated ganglioside GM1 was enriched in the detergent-insoluble fraction both domains. Furthermore, exposure of isolated hepatocytes to glucagon, a choleretic agonist, significantly increased the expression of AQP8 associated with the apical microdomain fractions but had no effect on AQP9 expression in the basolateral microdomain fractions. In conclusion, "rafts" represent target microdomains for exocytic insertion and retrieval of "flux proteins", including AQPs, involved in canalicular bile secretion.
Comparison of the DNA's obtained from brain nuclei and mitochondria of mice and from the nuclei and kinetoplasts of Leishmania enriettii.

Abstract DNA has been isolated from mouse-brain-mitochondrial preparations, free of nuclear contamination. After purification, the buoyant density and thermal denaturation profiles of this DNA have been compared with those of mouse nuclear DNA, and with the nuclear and kinetoplast DNA of Leishmania enriettii . The buoyant density of mouse mitochondrial DNA was 1.701 and its T m 82.8°. The C-G content was 42 %, calculated from the density, and 33 %, calculated from its T m . The buoyant density of mouse nuclear DNA was 1.702, and its T m 86.2°, corresponding to a C-G content of 43 % and 41 %, respectively. The buoyant density of the Leishmania kinetoplast DNA was 1.702, and its T m 83.0°, corresponding to a G-C content of 43 % and 33 %, respectively. The buoyant density of the Leishmania nuclear DNA was 1.721 and its T m 92.8°, corresponding to a C-G content of 62 % and 57 %, respectively. On thermal denaturation, the initial hyperchromicity of the two nuclear DNA's was approx. 25 %, that of mitochondrial DNA about 29 %, and that of kinetoplast DNA about 8 %. The degree of renaturation of mitochondrial DNA was 21.5 %, that of kinetoplast DNA 78.6 %. Mouse-nuclear DNA renatured 10.3 %, but Leishmania nuclear DNA 36.4 %. From these and other data it was concluded that the DNA from the protozoal kinetoplast was more homogeneous than protozoal nuclear DNA. Both protozoal DNA's appeared more homogeneous than mouse-mitochondrial DNA, whereas mouse nuclear DNA was the most heterogeneous. The data are consistent with the theory regarding the existence of mitochondrial inheritance.
A geochemical study of the impact of irrigation and aquifer lithology on groundwater in the Upper Yakima River Basin, Washington, USA

The Yakima River, a major tributary of the Columbia River, is currently overallocated in its surface water usage in part because of large agricultural water use. As a result, groundwater availability and surface water/groundwater interactions have become an important issue in this area. In several sub-basins, the Yakima River water is diverted and applied liberally to fields in the summer creating artificial recharge of shallow groundwater. Major ion, trace element, and stable isotope geochemistry of samples from 26 groundwater wells from a transect across the Yakima River and 24 surface waters in the Kittitas sub-basin were used to delineate waters with similar geochemical signatures and to identify surface water influence on groundwater. Major ion chemistry and stable isotope signatures combined with principal component analysis revealed four major hydrochemical groups. One of these groups, collected from shallow wells within the sedimentary basin fill, displays temporal variations in NO3 and SO4 along with high δ18O and δD values, indicating significant contribution from Yakima River and/or irrigation water. Two other major hydrochemical groups reflect interaction with the main aquifer lithologies in the basin: the Columbia River basalts (high-Na groundwaters), and the volcaniclastic rocks of the Ellensburg Formation (Ca–Mg–HCO3 type waters). The fourth major group has interacted with the volcaniclastic rocks and is influenced to a lesser degree by surface waters. The geochemical groupings constrain a conceptual model for groundwater flow that includes movement of water between underlying Columbia River basalt and deeper sedimentary basin fill and seasonal input of irrigation water.
Multiculturalismo Urbano: o Fenômeno Flash Mob

Esse artigo levanta questoes que se abrem a partir do tema da diversidade nos centros urbanos: o multiculturalismo, a tecnologia, as mobilizacoes e conscientizacoes sociais nos centros urbanos atraves dos eventos de flashmob . O advento da tecnologia parece ter contribuido imensamente para o multiculturalismo dos centros urbanos. Praticas contemporâneas de agregacao social estao usando as tecnologias para acoes denominadas de flashmob que reunem muitas pessoas, as vezes multidoes, que realizam um ato em conjunto e rapidamente se dispersam. Essas praticas podem ter finalidades artisticas, como uma performance, ou ter um objetivo mais engajado, de cunho politico-ativista. Flash mob e uma aglomeracao instantânea de pessoas em um local publico para realizar determinada acao inusitada que chame a atencao das outras pessoas. Esta acao se utiliza das midias sociais para despertar o rapido interesse para causas nada convencionais. O que se produz a partir dos flash mobs sao acontecimentos efemeros que se formam e se desfazem em minutos ou, ate mesmo em segundos, no espaco citadino.
Influence of gestational age and body weight on the pharmacokinetics of labetalol in pregnancy.

Labetalol is frequently prescribed for the treatment of hypertension during pregnancy; however, the influence of pregnancy on labetalol pharmacokinetics is uncertain, with inconsistent findings reported by previous studies. This study examined the population pharmacokinetics of oral labetalol during and after pregnancy in women receiving labetalol for hypertension. Data were collected from 57 women receiving the drug for hypertension from the 12th week of pregnancy through 12 weeks postpartum using a prospective, longitudinal design. A sparse sampling strategy guided collection of plasma samples. Samples were assayed for labetalol by high-performance liquid chromatography. Estimation of population pharmacokinetic parameters and covariate effects was performed by nonlinear mixed effects modeling using NONMEM. The final population model was validated by bootstrap analysis and visual predictive check. Simulations were performed with the final model to evaluate the appropriate body weight to guide labetalol dosing. Lean body weight (LBW) and gestational age, i.e. weeks of pregnancy, were identified as significantly influencing oral clearance (CL/F) of labetalol, with CL/F ranging from 1.4-fold greater than postpartum values at 12 weeks’ gestational age to 1.6-fold greater at 40 weeks. Doses adjusted for LBW provide more consistent drug exposure than doses adjusted for total body weight. The apparent volumes of distribution for the central compartment and at steady-state were 1.9-fold higher during pregnancy. Gestational age and LBW impact the pharmacokinetics of labetalol during pregnancy and have clinical implications for adjusting labetalol doses in these women.
Experimental study on clamping pressure distribution in PEM fuel cells

To study the effect of internal pressure distribution on the performance of a PEM fuel cell, a pressurized endplate was designed and fabricated. The endplate had a built-in hydraulically pressurized pocket with a thin wall facing the fuel cell assembly. Pressure sensitive films were used to measure the pressure distribution for both conventional and newly designed end plates. Fuel cell performance tests were conducted under selected conditions. It was found that the pressure distribution for the newly designed endplates was more uniform than for the conventional end plates, and an improved fuel cell performance was obtained with the newly designed end plates as well.
Treatment of intracoronary thrombus with local urokinase infusion using a new, site-specific drug delivery system: the Dispatch catheter.

Background: The presence of intracoronary thrombus significantly increases the risk of conventional balloon angioplasty because of a high incidence of abrupt closure, distal embolization, and no-reflow phenomenon. The purpose of this study was to assess a new technique for treating intracoronary thrombus consisting of the local delivery of urokinase directly to the angioplasty site with a novel, catheter-based, drug delivery system. Methods: The Dispatch catheter is a new local, drug-delivery device that allows for the prolonged infusion of therapeutic agents at an angioplasty site while still maintaining distal coronary perfusion. Six patients with angiographic or clinical evidence of intracoronary thrombus were treated with 150,000 units of urokinase over a 30-min period using this device prior to or following conventional balloon angioplasty and/or directional atherectomy. Results: Successful delivery of urokinase directly to the angioplasty site was achieved in all 6 patients without hemodynamic or electrocardiographic compromise. In all six cases, local urokinase therapy resulted in complete dissolution of angiographic intracoronary thrombus and/or reduction of the coronary stenosis. Limited ischemia due to sidebranch occlusion by the catheter's coils was noted in one patient. Distal embolization or no-reflow phenomenon were not observed in any case. CONCLUSION: The local drug-delivery catheter used in this study was able to successfully and rapidly achieve intracoronary thrombolysis by delivering limited quantities of urokinase directly to the angioplasty site, while still maintaining distal coronary perfusion. This technique of local, thrombolytic drug delivery may be useful in the percutaneous treatment of intracoronary thrombus and thrombus-containing stenoses. © Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Interaction between 52 kDa SSA/Ro and deubiquitinating enzyme UnpEL: a clue to function

The detection of isolated heart block in utero strongly predicts the presence of maternal autoantibodies reactive with 52 kDa SSA/Ro. The mechanisms that underlie this observation may be elucidated by defining the function of the target antigen. The initial approach was to identify proteins interactive with 52Ro using transcriptional activity in the yeast 2-hybrid system. A cDNA library was constructed using RNA isolated from human fetal hearts (12-23 weeks) and cloned into the HybriZAP vector encoding the activation domain of GAL4(AD) as target. Approximately 7 x 10(6) cDNAs were cotransformed with the bait into YRG-2. Plasmids from five interactive colonies were sequenced and three identified as the specific human deubiquitinating enzyme, UnpEL. UnpEL did not interact with bait plasmid encoding 52 beta, an alternative leucine zipper-minus form of 52 kDa SSA/Ro which is maximally expressed in fetal life. The mammalian 2-hybrid assay confirmed the interaction between full-length 52Ro and UnpEL. Further support for a biologic interaction was the marked redistribution in cellular localization of UnpEL following cotransfection of the two proteins into cultured human cardiocytes, human renal carcinoma cells (293 cells), and monkey kidney fibroblasts (COS-1). In conclusion, the interaction of full-length 52Ro and UnpEL implies that the former may also be involved in the ubiquitin pathway, an observation of particular interest since 52Ro contains a RING finger domain, a motif common to several recently reported proteins involved in modulating ubiquitination. The absence of an interaction with 52 beta raises the consideration that regulation of protein ubiquitination might differ in fetal life.
"Tuning in" and "fading out": performance of aphasic patients on ordered PICA subtests.

Abstract Performance of 182 aphasic patients was examined on 11 PICA subtests for which the order of presentation of items is specified in an attempt to determine possible “tuning in” and “fading out” behavior. Results indicate that these phenomena occur as measurable patterns, which are to some degree dependent on the severity of aphasia as measured by each patient's overall PICA percentile.
Mammalian gonadal determination and gametogenesis

Although a relationship between the X and Y chromosomes and mammalian sexual development has long been recognized, a detailed understanding of this relation is still lacking. Recent advances in somatic cell genetics and recombinant DNA technology should provide the tools for solving this fundamental problem in developmental genetics.
Synthesis and Ring-Opening Metathesis Polymerization of Aryl-Substituted 1,1‘-(1,3-Butadienylene)ferrocenes

The unsaturated aryl-substituted ferrocenophanes 1,1‘-(1-phenylbuta-1,3-diene-1,4-diyl)ferrocene and 1,1‘-(1-mesitylbuta-1,3-diene-1,4-diyl)ferrocene were synthesized and used to prepare high molecular weight conjugated polymers by ring-opening metathesis polymerization. X-ray crystal structures of the phenyl- and mesityl-substituted monomers showed substantial bond angle strain in the butadiene bridge. The monomers were readily polymerized upon exposure to a tungsten-based initiator to give high molecular weight polymers that were soluble in common organic solvents. UV/vis spectral analysis indicated that the aryl moieties gave rise to enhanced conjugation when compared to related alkyl-substituted ferrocene-containing polymers. The enhanced conjugation was further supported by electrochemical analysis. The thermal stability of the new ferrocene-containing polymers was similar to that of oligomeric poly(ferrocenylene), and the conductivities upon doping were on the order of 10-5 S cm-1.
The Effect of Foreign Accent and Speaking Rate on Native Speaker Comprehension

This study investigated the effect of foreign accent and speaking rate on native speaker comprehension. The speakers for the study were three native speakers of Chinese, with TSE (Test of Spoken English) comprehensibility scores of 180, 200, and 260, and one native speaker of American English. The speakers each read passages at three different speaking rates. The tape-recorded passages were then presented to native speakers of American English who responded to them by taking a listening comprehension test and rating the speech samples. The results showed that the comprehension scores were significantly higher for the native passages than for the nonnative passages and significantly higher at the regular rate than at the fast rate for all speakers. It was also found that the increase in speaking rate from the regular to the fast rate resulted in a greater decrease in comprehension for the most heavily accented speaker than for the other speakers, indicating that speaking rate is more critical for the comprehension of heavily accented speech. In addition, the results suggested that prosodie deviance may affect comprehension more adversely than does segmentai deviance.
Recurrent ischemia in the canine heart causes recurrent bursts of free radical production that have a cumulative effect on contractile function. A pathophysiological basis for chronic myocardial "stunning".

Open-chest dogs (total number used, 117) underwent 10 5-min coronary occlusions (O) interspersed with 10 min of reperfusion (R). When systolic thickening fraction was measured 9 min after each R, the first O-R cycle was found to cause the largest decrement, with only a slight additional loss during the next four cycles and no further loss during the last five cycles (group IV), suggesting that the first few episodes of ischemia preconditioned the myocardium against the stunning induced by the last five episodes. However, different results were obtained when the total deficit of wall thickening during the final 4-h R interval was measured. The total deficit was similar after one and three 5-min O (groups V and VI, respectively), indicating that the first ischemic episode did precondition against the next two episodes; however, it was approximately 2.5-fold greater after 10 O (group IV) than after 3, indicating that the first 3 episodes failed to precondition against the next 7. Thus, at some point between the 4th and 10th O, the preconditioning effect was lost and recurrent ischemic episodes started to have a cumulative effect. Measurements of free radicals with alpha-phenyl N-tert-butyl nitrone (PBN) demonstrated a burst of free radical generation immediately after the 1st, 5th, and 10th R (group VIII). The total cumulative release of PBN adducts during the initial 5 min of reflow was 58% less after the 5th R than after the 1st (P < 0.05) but did not differ significantly between the 1st and 10th R. When administered throughout the 10 O-R cycles, the .OH scavenger mercaptopropionyl glycine significantly enhanced the recovery of function (group I) and markedly suppressed the formation of free radicals (group VII). However, the beneficial effects of mercaptopropionyl glycine were completely, or largely, lost if the drug was discontinued after the first five (group II) or eight (group III) O-R cycles, respectively, implying that (a) the oxidative stress associated with the last five, or even two, cycles was sufficient to cause severe postischemic dysfunction, and (b) the cumulative injury caused by repetitive ischemic episodes is mediated by recurrent oxidative stress. This study provides direct in vivo evidence that oxygen radicals play an important role in the pathogenesis of myocardial stunning after repetitive ischemia, and implicates .OH as a primary culprit. Taken together, the data indicate that recurrent brief ischemic episodes result in recurrent bouts of oxyradical-mediated injury that have a cumulative effect on contractility, a situation that could lead to protracted or even chronic myocardial stunning.
Pair interactions between f; electrons in the Anderson lattice

Abstract The hybridization produces an interaction between two f ; electrons located at different lattice sites. These interactions are mediated by the conduction band states. We examine these interactions and their implications for heavy fermion superconductors.
Immunochemical distinction between insulins with identical amino-acid sequences

VIRTUALLY all human subjects treated with commercial mixtures of beef-pork insulin develop circulating insulin-binding antibodies that are readily detectable with insulin labelled with iodine-131 by means of paper or starch eleetrophoresis, paper chromatography or ultracentrifugation1. These antibodies react not only with the specific immunizing insulins but also with horse, sheep and human insulins2, and with dog, monkey, rabbit and whale insulins (unpublished work) in greater or lesser degree. Harris, Sanger and Naughton3 have shown that the amino-acid sequences of insulins from four different ungulate species (cattle, pig, horse and sheep) differ only in the 8–10 positions of the A chains. Although some human antisera react quite similarly with these four insulins, certain antisera can distinguish clearly among insulins from the different species, generally reacting much more strongly with beef and sheep insulins than with pork and horse insulins2. These differences in reaction of the ungulate insulins have been related2 to the known differences in the 8–10 sequence of the A-chain or to possible differences in secondary or tertiary structure.
Metric coefficients for CIE color-difference formulas

Metric coefficients, for which formulas are given for the CIELUV and CIELAB color-difference equations, are compared graphically and with published values for one observer, PGN. The corresponding chromaticity differences for any deviation from any point in the CIE x,y chromaticity diagram are easily determined from the metric coefficients.
Effects of 1−Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol, dl-amphetamine and pentobarbital on oxygen consumption by mouse brain and heart homogenates☆

Abstract Using a polarographic method (oxygen electrode), the effects of 1−Δ 9 -tetrahydrocannabinol (an active constituent of marihuana), DL-amphetamine and pentobarbital were compared in regard to their action on oxygen consumption by mouse brain and heart homogenates. This study was unique in that the drugs were injected in vivo , while measurement of oxygen consumption was conducted in vitro for up to 8 hr. This allowed for the true active forms of these drugs—after normal biotransformation, if necessary—to exert the effects later measured. Pentobarbital was found to have no significant effect on cerebral or cardiac oxygen consumption. Both DL-amphetamine and 1−Δ 9 -tetrahydrocannabinol caused significant stimulation of oxygen consumption in the brain and heart for up to at least 2·5 hr after administration. This could indicate that both drugs cause increased synthesis and utilization of high energy compounds (i.e. ATP) via oxidative phosphorylation in the two organs. However, DL-amphetamine and 1−Δ 9 -tetrahydrocannabinol also induced limited depression of oxygen consumption in the brain and heart, respectively, at 8 hr after administration.
Application of Retarding Technology to Electron Beam Recorder

The paper reports the outline of the developed electron beam recorder (EBR) for the purpose of developing future optical disk storage media. A rotation stage is developed and is installed to the EBR. The EBR using the retarding field can vary the beam energy only by adjusting the high voltage for the substrate (10 keV to 50 keV)
Environmental-economic dispatch of power system in the presence of wind generation

The presence of wind generation with intermittent and low inertia features increases the need for modification in power system operation and planning. One of the main problems of wind integration is the effect of wind on system frequency. This paper addresses the environmental-economic generation dispatch of the wind integrated system while considering the frequency stability condition as a constraint in the optimization problem. The proposed frequency stability constraint is represented by the minimum inertia required to keep the frequency deviation within a safe limit. A non-dominated sorting genetic algorithm II is utilized to investigate the multi-objective generation dispatch problem in the presence of stability constraint. Environmental-economic generation dispatch will be examined on the modified IEEE 30-bus system to demonstrate the impact of the proposed idea.
Spatiotemporal analysis of nitrogen cycling in a mixed coniferous forest of the northern United States

Abstract. Nitrogen (N) is the limiting nutrient to primary productivity in a variety of temperate forests, and N cycling is undergoing a variety of anthropogenic changes, notably a doubling of reactive N (Nr) on a global scale. Yet, the magnitude of these changes to N cycling has been difficult to document in terrestrial ecosystems, especially in old-growth forests. To determine the trajectory of N cycling and the potential impacts of anthropogenic influences at local scales, we measured the composition of stable nitrogen isotopes (δ15N) in wood from living red pine trees (Pinus resinosa) at a single site in northern Minnesota, USA. A synchronous decline in wood δ15N values began approximately in the 1920s in 17 individual trees at different topographic positions, indicating a common driver. The decline in wood δ15N values corresponded with declines in sedimentary δ15N recorded in lacustrine sediments of the same catchment. Disturbance regime and species composition began to change at the turn of the 20th century with park establishment, providing a likely mechanism of decline in δ15N values toward present. While other mechanisms of this change are possible, we conclude that while there may be consequences of increased influxes of various forms of anthropogenic Nr into terrestrial ecosystems at the global level, these changes are not being expressed at a local level in this temperate forest ecosystem.
Observation of electric currents in the Alaska oil pipeline resulting from auroral electrojet current sources

Summary. Currents in the 1.28 x 1 O3 km Alaska oil pipeline, induced from the ionospheric, auroral electrojet, were measured at three sites, near Fairbanks, Paxson and Valdez, Alaska, using a gradient configuration of two fluxgate magnetometers. The observed pipeline current magnitudes, which reached 50 A during times of mild geomagnetic activity, displayed a linear relationship with the electric earth potential. Using the induction relationship between the electric and magnetic fields and the typical spectral composition of the geomagnetic field at high latitudes, I obtained a spectral appearance of the current that shows a maximum in the range of 4.5- to 10-min period. Near Fairbanks the pipeline current amplitudes, I (Amperes), could be represented, approximately, by I= 0.65 B,T-0.5, where B,(nT) is the northsouth geomagnetic field variation amplitude and T (min) is its apparent period. There is much less pipelines current at the sites south of Fairbanks. A previously established relationship between the local electric field and the planetary geomagnetic activity index, Ap, permitted a prediction of the pipeline current surge amplitudes in the Fairbanks region as approximately I= 5.0Ap. Current surges larger than 500 A may be expected rather often in . the Alaska pipeline during large geomagnetic storms.