cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
FACILITATED CATECHOLAMINE TRANSPORT THROUGH BULK AND POLYMER-SUPPORTED LIQUID MEMBRANES

A series of crown boronic acids, 1-4, were synthesized and studied as carriers for catecholamine transport through bulk liquid membranes (BLMs) and supported liquid membranes (SLMs). Carrier 1 greatly facilitated the transport of primary catecholamines through BLMs; whereas, the more lipophilic analogues 3 and 4 were less effective. A combination of kinetic, mass spectral, and NMR evidence suggests that the transported species in BLMs is the cyclic, zwitterionic, 1:1 complex 7. The SLM transport studies used a liquid membrane of 2-nitrophenyl octyl ether supported by a thin, flat sheet of porous polypropylene. In the absence of carrier there was neglible dopamine transport ( epinephrine (1.5 × 10-7 mol/m2·s) > norepinephrine (0.8 × 10-7 mol/m2·s). SLMs containing carrier 3 were stable, implying that carrier 3 is a very good candidate for transport mechanism studies. Crown boronic acid 4 was an even better transport carrier of primary catecholamines with a transport order of norepinephrine (4.7 × 10-6 mol/m2·s) > dopamine (3.5 × 10-6 mol/m2·s) epinephrine (3 × 10-8 mol/m2·s). It is 10 times more effective than an equimolar mixture of boronic acid 5 and crown 6, which is one of best examples of ditopic cooperativity yet observed in SLM transport. SLMs containing 4, however, did not exibit long-term stability. Overall, it is possible that a device based on SLMs containing crown boronic acid carriers can be developed to selectively extract catecholamines from clinical samples.
Submarine hot springs as a source of active ridge sediments

Abstract Distribution of: (1) the elements Fe and Mn; (2) Sr-isotopes; and (3) inorganic deep sea carbonates in sediments along active ridges and possibly also deep sea pH support the hypothesis that shallow hydrothermal leaching of basalt is a major source of active ridge sediments. Distribution of U isotopes and abundances of U, As, B, Hg, Cd, Ba, Pb, Ag, Sc and rare earths in sea water, basalts and active ridge sediments suggest additional sources probably associated with the degassing of the earth's mantle in conjunction with the differentiation of pyrolite in areas of mantle upwelling under active ridges.
Yellow Fever Vaccination, Avian Leukosis Virus, and Cancer Risk in Man

Comparison was made between 2659 veterans who died of cancer, during 1950 to 1954 or 1959 to 1963, and matched controls, based on the frequency of yellow fever immunization during World War II. The vaccine was produced from chick embryos that almost certainly contained avian leukosis-sarcoma viruses. Among the veterans, no relation was found between vaccination and leukemia, lymphoma, or other cancer.
Pedogenic carbonate proxies for amount and seasonality of precipitation in paleosols

The depth to carbonate nodular (Bk) horizon in soils ( D in cm) is correlated with mean annual precipitation ( P in mm), so that Bk horizons are deep in subhumid regions, but shallow in semiarid regions. Previous quantifications of this relationship are unchanged by this new compilation of 807 soils: P = 137.24 + 6.45 D + 0.013 D 2 , where R 2 = 0.52, and standard error (S.E.) = ±147 mm. In most North American postglacial soils, the Bk horizon is thin and well defined, whereas in monsoonal tropical soils of Pakistan and Kenya, the Bk horizon is thick and diffuse. Data from 675 modern soils define the relationship between the thickness of soil with nodules ( T in cm) and mean annual range of precipitation ( M in mm difference between monthly means of wettest and driest months): M = 0.79 T + 13.71, where R 2 = 0.58, and S.E. = ±22 mm). The relationship between carbonate nodule size ( S in cm) and soil age ( A in ka) is quantified by 9 radiocarbon-dated soils from Las Cruces, New Mexico: A = 3.92 S 0.34 , where R 2 = 0.57, and S.E. = 1.8 k.y. These transfer functions are applied to reconstructing paleoclimatic change from Paleocene–Eocene paleosols of the North Horn Formation and Flagstaff Limestone of Axhandle Canyon, Utah. The terminal Paleocene spike of warmth recorded by fossil plants in nearby Wyoming was coincident with a brief peak in both mean annual precipitation and mean annual range of precipitation in Utah.
Making a crown to fit accurately under an existing removable partial denture clasp assembly

The most difficult aspect of retrofitting a new crown to an existing removable partial denture clasp assembly is maintaining an accurate relationship of the prepared abutment tooth to the clasp assembly while making an impression. A procedure is presented that helps to ensure that the framework is not displaced during this critical step of the process.
Pinteresce: Exploring Reminiscence as an Incentive to Digital Reciprocity for Older Adults

Sustaining remote communication across generations is a continuing problem, due to the increasing popularity of online communication. Participation in online platforms is advantageous for seniors wishing to connect with younger generations, yet reciprocity on these platforms is a challenge for older adults. Barriers include the cognitive overload of existing mainstream interfaces and a lack of engaging content. In this paper we propose Pinteresce, a tool leveraging family-generated reminiscence prompts to encourage seniors' participation in the online community, Pinterest. The system provides an intuitive interface for communicating across age groups to promote reciprocal engagement with online content.
A comparison of patterns of urban deprivation between Canadian and U.S. cities

Recent research has indicated the existence of aggregate level differences between Canadian and U.S. cities. However, little attention has been given to possible socio-spatial differences between cities in the two nations. This paper attempts to address part of this issue by comparing a sample of paired Canadian and U.S. cities with respect to, (1) deprivation concentration levels within their inner cities, (2) the nature of areas of multiple deprivation, and (3) the proportion of their worst areas of multiple deprivation located within their inner cities. The study found that deprived groups were disproportionately represented in the inner-city areas of both nations. However, areas of multiple deprivation in U.S. cities contained more deprived groups than Canadian cities. Finally, the inner-city areas of both nations contained high proportions of their worst areas of multiple deprivation. In short, the extent of multiple deprivation is less in Canadian cities, but cities in both countries share an inner-city problem.
Inhibition of Werner syndrome helicase activity by benzo[c]phenanthrene diol epoxide dA adducts in DNA is both strand-and stereoisomer-dependent.

Helicases are among the first enzymes to encounter DNA damage during DNA processing within the cell and thus are likely to be targets for the adverse effects of DNA lesions induced by environmental chemicals. Here we examined the effect of cis- and trans-opened 3,4-diol 1,2-epoxide (DE) DNA adducts of benzo[c]phenanthrene (BcPh) at N 6 of adenine on helicase activity. These adducts are derived from the highly tumorigenic (–)-(1R,2S,3S,4R)-DE as well as its less carcinogenic (+)-(1S,2R,3R,4S)-DE enantiomer in both of which the benzylic 4-hydroxyl group and epoxide oxygen are trans. The hydrocarbon portions of these adducts intercalate into DNA on the 3′ or the 5′ side of the adducted deoxyadenosine for the 1S- and 1R-adducts, respectively. These adducts inhibited the human Werner (WRN) syndrome helicase activity in a strand-specific and stereospecific manner. In the strand along which WRN translocates, cis-opened adducts were significantly more effective inhibitors than trans-opened isomers, indicating that WRN unwinding is sensitive to adduct stereochemistry. WRN helicase activity was also inhibited but to a lesser extent by cis-opened BcPh DE adducts in the displaced strand independent of their direction of intercalation, whereas inhibition by the trans-opened stereoisomers in the displaced strand depended on their orientation, such that only adducts oriented toward the advancing helicase inhibited WRN activity. A BcPh DE adduct positioned in the helicase-translocating strand did not sequester WRN, nor affect the rate of ATP hydrolysis relative to an unadducted control. Although the Bloom (BLM) syndrome helicase was also inhibited by a cis-opened adduct in a strand-specific manner, this helicase was not as severely affected as WRN. Because BcPh DEs form substantial amounts of deoxyadenosine adducts at dA, their adverse effects on helicases could contribute to genetic damage and cell transformation induced by these DEs. Thus, the unwinding activity of RecQ helicases is sensitive to the strand, orientation, and stereochemistry of intercalated polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon adducts.
Renal hemodynamic response to atrial natriuretic factor in fetal and newborn sheep.

Abstract We have previously demonstrated that systemic atrial natriuretic factor (ANF) infusion induced a renal vasoconstrictor response in fetal and newborn sheep. The present study was designed to test the hypothesis that the fetal and neonatal renal vasculatures do, in fact, vasodilate in response to ANF but that this effect is negated by vasoconstrictor compensatory mechanisms when ANF is infused systemically. To test this hypothesis, the renal hemodynamic response to intrarenal infusion of ANF was studied in chronically instrumented fetal (125-135 d of gestation; term 145 d) and newborn (8-15 d) sheep. Intrarenal infusion of ANF (0.125 to 4.0 micrograms/kg of body wt in fetuses and 0.25 to 8.0 micrograms/kg in newborns) had no significant effect on mean arterial blood pressure and heart rate. However, ANF produced a concentration-dependent increase in renal blood flow velocity (F = 40.9, p less than 0.001) and a decrease in renal vascular resistance (F = 38.3, p less than 0.001) in both groups. The magnitude of changes in renal blood flow velocity and renal vascular resistance expressed as percentage of changes (% delta) from control values, were similar (p greater than 0.05) in both fetal and newborn sheep during intrarenal infusion of ANF. These results demonstrate that ANF exerts direct vasodilator action on the fetal and neonatal renal vasculature and that the renal vasoconstriction previously observed during systemic infusion of ANF was probably secondary to activation of compensatory mechanisms.
Aging in the free-living nematode Turbatrix aceti. Techniques for synchronization and aging of large-scale axenic cultures

Simple procedures are described for aging large cultures of the free-living nematode, Turbatrix aceti, for use in biochemical studies. After growth in 50 ml of axenic defined medium for 14–16 days in 1 l. Roux bottles, young organisms were separated by “screening” through stainless steel filter cloth. Incubation in fresh medium under conditions which were shown to inhibit reproduction (incubation at 36° or addition of fluorodeoxyuridine [FUDR] plus uridine) permitted the cultures to age without contamination by newborn organisms. Development of a clear medium permitted harvesting by simple filtration on a fritted glass Buchner filter. It was observed that the 50 per cent survival of cultures in the presence of FUDR was approximately 27 days and at 36°C was approx. 16 days. Measurement of length indicated that the growth of the organisms in size was near normal during the aging process.
Fluctuations in mode locked “single-mode” laser oscillation

Abstract In a previous paper the semiclassical theory of single quasi-mode laser operation with the laser cavity weakly coupled to the outside was developed. The coupled multi-mode equations of motion for the radiation field were combined to give a single equation for a quasi-mode or a Fox-Li mode of the cavity. This equation had the same form as that found in the usual (quasi-mode) theory except for an additional term which involved the initial conditions. In the present paper we examine the sense in which these multi-mode equations, which do not include the cavity dissipation as a phenomenological loss mechanism, still lead to and imply a fluctuation-dissapation theorem, and demonstrate that the extra term mentioned above represents the effective noise source associated with the damping of the field in the laser cavity due to the partial transparency of the end mirror. It is also shown that the noise sources associated with the actual dissipation of the radiation field in the medium and this effective noise source are simply additive and do not interfere with each other.
Theory- and Evidence-Based Strategies for Children with Attentional Problems

This article reviews factors that contribute to and improve selective and sustained attention in children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD—the inattentive and combined subtypes). A brief review of interventions for inattention included psychostimulant medication, behavioral consequences, active-learning, practice, and cognitive behavioral (self-monitoring) techniques. Some of these traditional methods must be applied differently to children with ADHD, and some methods were found to be without empirical support. In contrast, educational interventions that involve increasing antecedent (task and setting) stimulus conditions have been demonstrated to normalize attention, and some actually improved the attentional performance of children with ADHD beyond that of their peers. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Psychol Schs 42: 821–836, 2005.
Energetics of Substrate Binding and Catalysis by Class 1 (Glycosylhydrolase Family 47) α-Mannosidases Involved in N-Glycan Processing and Endoplasmic Reticulum Quality Control *

Nascent glycoproteins are subject to quality control in the lumen of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) where they can either be effectively folded with the aid of a collection of ER chaperones or they can be targeted for disposal in a process known as ER-associated degradation. Initiation of the ER disposal process involves selective trimming of N-glycans by ER α-mannosidase I and subsequent recognition by the ER degradation-enhancing α-mannosidase-like protein family of lectins, both members of glycosylhydrolase family 47. The kinetics and energetics of substrate binding and catalysis by members of this family were investigated here by the analysis of wild type and mutant forms of human ER α-mannosidase I. The contributions of several amino acid residues and an enzyme-associated Ca2+ ion to substrate binding and catalysis were demonstrated by a combination of surface plasmon resonance and enzyme kinetic analyses. One mutant, E330Q, shown previously to alter general acid function within the catalytic site, resulted in an enzyme that possessed increased glycan binding affinity but compromised glycan hydrolysis. This mutant protein was used in a series of glycan binding studies with a library of mannose-containing ligands to examine the energetics of Man9GlcNAc2 substrate interactions. These studies provide a framework for understanding the nature of the unusual substrate interactions within the family 47 mannosidases involved in glycan maturation and ER-associated glycoprotein degradation.
Identification of a methylase required for 2-methylhopanoid production and implications for the interpretation of sedimentary hopanes

The rise of atmospheric oxygen has driven environmental change and biological evolution throughout much of Earth’s history and was enabled by the evolution of oxygenic photosynthesis in the cyanobacteria. Dating this metabolic innovation using inorganic proxies from sedimentary rocks has been difficult and one important approach has been to study the distributions of fossil lipids, such as steranes and 2-methylhopanes, as biomarkers for this process. 2-methylhopanes arise from degradation of 2-methylbacteriohopanepolyols (2-MeBHPs), lipids thought to be synthesized primarily by cyanobacteria. The discovery that 2-MeBHPs are produced by an anoxygenic phototroph, however, challenged both their taxonomic link with cyanobacteria and their functional link with oxygenic photosynthesis. Here, we identify a radical SAM methylase encoded by the hpnP gene that is required for methylation at the C-2 position in hopanoids. This gene is found in several, but not all, cyanobacteria and also in α -proteobacteria and acidobacteria. Thus, one cannot extrapolate from the presence of 2-methylhopanes alone, in modern environments or ancient sedimentary rocks, to a particular taxonomic group or metabolism. To understand the origin of this gene, we reconstructed the evolutionary history of HpnP. HpnP proteins from cyanobacteria, Methylobacterium species, and other α-proteobacteria form distinct phylogenetic clusters, but the branching order of these clades could not be confidently resolved. Hence,it is unclear whether HpnP, and 2-methylhopanoids, originated first in the cyanobacteria. In summary, existing evidence does not support the use of 2-methylhopanes as biomarkers for oxygenic photosynthesis.
Waves in the ‘Iron Curtain’: An Introduction to Music and Politics in 1960s Romania

In 1960s Romania, the politics of music composition involved a highly-debated question: should Romanian composers pay tribute to the Soviet-dominated East, the capitalist West, or to their homeland? Compared with other socialist decades in Romania, the 1960s brought a greater degree of political and cultural openness that allowed the issue of music's political allegiance to be debated more publicly and intensely. This issue gained heightened prominence primarily through its association with a renewed, official championing of Romanian nationalism. The major effects of this pairing on composers' lives, and the strategies used by composers to traverse such changes, constitute the main focus of this article. Many Romanian composers who were highly active in the 1960s contributed immensely to the country's school of composition, and my discussion presents an introduction to the various opportunities and challenges they faced as the country's ‘iron curtain’ successively waved open and closed.
Photoluminescence characterization of InGaAs/InP quantum dots

The photo-excited carrier distribution and radiative recombination efficiency in dryetched quantum well dots (QWDs) with diameters down to 80 nm have been investigated by photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy and cathodoluminescence (CL) imaging. The quantum well dots were fabricated from lattice-matched single or multiple quantum well heterostructures with InGaAs well thicknesses ranging from 2 to 15 nm. Low temperature CL imaging indicated dot-to-dot variation of emission intensity. The PL efficiency exhibits no significant reduction for dot sizes larger than 170 nm. But for dot diameters smaller than approximately equals 100 nm, the PL intensity is not detectable. Such diminution of PL intensity is attributed to side wall damage due to reactive ion etching. For dot diameters smaller than 300 nm, PL peak energies shift to higher values, reaching a blue shift of approximately equals 3 meV for 128 nm diameter GSMBE grown dots and approximately equals 10 meV for 130 nm diameter MOCVD grown dots.
Effect of formalin on the survival of systemic fungi in tissue

Stock cultures of Blastomyces dermatitidis, Candida albicans, Cryptococcus neoformans, Histoplasma capsulatum and Sporothrix schenckii were grown in yeast phase on Sabouraud dextrose agar. Standardized suspensions (108 colony forming units/ ml) were made and 1. the organisms treated for various times with 10% formalin/acetate buffer; 2. aliquots injected into the tail veins of Swiss-Webster mice. Minimal fungistatic and fungicidal concentrations of formalin were also determined. Five minutes or more of formalin treatment killed all organisms, in vitro, except C albicans which withstood the 5-minute but not the 30-minute treatment. All fungi, except H. capsulatum which was not recovered, were cultured from mouse heart, kidneys, spleen, lungs and liver prior to but not after 5-minute formalin treatment. All yeasts were susceptible to concentrations of less than 1% formalin. These results emphasize the extreme fungicidal activity of 10% formalin and the uselessness of culturing even very briefly-fixed tissue.
Molecular electronics and spintronics devices produced by the plasma oxidation of photolithographically defined metal electrode

Tunnel junction based molecular devices, which utilize the two metal electrodes of a metal–insulator–metal tunnel junction as the two electrical leads to connect with molecular channels, can overcome the long standing fabrication challenges for developing futuristic molecular devices. However, producing an ultrathin insulator is the most challenging step in this tunnel junction based molecular device fabrication. A simplified molecular device approach was developed by avoiding the need of depositing a new material on the bottom electrode for growing ultrathin insulator. This paper discusses the new approach for insulator growth by one-step oxidation of a tantalum (Ta) bottom electrode, in the pholithographically defined region, i.e., ultrathin tantalum oxide (TaO x ) insulator was grown by oxidizing bottom Ta metal electrode itself. Organometallic molecular clusters (OMCs) were bridged across 1–3 nm TaO x along the perimeter of a tunnel junction to establish the highly efficient molecular conduction channels. OMC transformed the asymmetric transport profile of TaO x based tunnel junction into symmetric one. A TaO x based tunnel junction with the top ferromagnetic (NiFe) electrode exhibited the transient current suppression by several orders. Further studies by independent research groups will be needed to strengthen the current suppression phenomenon, and to realize the full potential of TaO x based molecular devices.
Reproductive cycles in oregon populations of the echinoid, Strongylocentrotus purpvratus (Stimpson). II. Seasonal changes in oocyte growth and in abundance of gametogenic stages in the ovary

Abstract During the annual reproductive cycle in the echinoid, Strongylocentrotus purpuratus (Stimpson) two major seasonal events in oogenesis have been demonstrated by several different quantitative methods. Both seasonal changes in size and frequency distributions of stages of the oocytes indicate that in the intertidal populations studied, there is an abrupt increase in the growth rate of oocytes during October, accompanied by an increase in the rate at which oogonia become primary oocytes. Between March, just after spawning is completed, and October, oocytes increase in volume at a rate of ≈ 2 % per day. In October and November, the growth rate of oocytes approaches 6 % per day, and thereafter declines for oocytes reaching maturity in December. The absolute numbers of oocytes and oogonial clusters/mm 2 of ovary wall were estimated and adjusted for changes produced by volume changes in the gonad. The lowest numbers of oogonial clusters occur from December to March. Renewed proliferation begins soon after spawning. There is a significant increase in number of clusters in March, and the absolute cluster number increases to a maximum in June, reaching approximately four times the initial number. The proliferation rate during this period is ≈ 180 clusters/mm 2 /month; some proliferation continues into September. The number of small oocytes present remains the same from March to August, when it begins to increase. The total number of oocytes produced during the fall period is approximately three times the number initially present at the start of the annual cycle in March. Two populations studied differ in the absolute numbers of oogonial clusters and oocytes produced in the annual cycle; environmental factors must influence the processes involved. In S. purpuratus the large majority of oocytes differentiate from oogonia during the same reproductive cycle in which they reach maturity as ova.
The noninvasive diagnosis and management of a uterine arteriovenous malformation

Background Successful nonsurgical therapy of uterine arteriovenous malformations is rare, with most cases being diagnosed at hysterectomy. Case A uterine ateriovenous malformation was diagnosed by Doppler ultrasound, and its resolution after 1 week of treatment with methylergonovine maleate was observed. Conclusion Although there are case reports regarding treatment of uterine arteriovenous malformations by embolization performed by interventional radiology, to our knowledge, the noninvasive long-term management of a uterine arteriovenous malformation has not been reported.
On the hyperinvariant subspace problem III

Abstract In two recent papers (Foias and Pearcy, J. Funct. Anal., in press, Hamid et al., Indiana Univ. Math. J., to appear), the authors reduced the hyperinvariant subspace problem for operators on Hilbert space to the question whether every C 00 - ( BCP ) -operator that is quasidiagonal and has spectrum the unit disc has a nontrivial hyperinvariant subspace (n.h.s.). In this note, we continue this study by showing, with the help of a new equivalence relation, that every operator whose spectrum is uncountable, as well as every nonalgebraic operator with finite spectrum, has a hyperlattice (i.e., lattice of hyperinvariant subspaces) that is isomorphic to the hyperlattice of a C 00 , quasidiagonal, (BCP)-operator whose spectrum is the closed unit disc.
ISO 5725 and GUM: comparison and comments

We compare the approach to measure uncertainties proposed in ISO 5725 and GUM from a statistician point of view. In particular we give some warnings to the application of the expanded uncertainty introduced in GUM when the input variables are few and we report some considerations on the relevant role of the interactions among the input variables in the measurement equation as well as the role of statistical design of experiments to measure uncertainties.
Decreased cochlear DNA receptor staining in MRL.MpJ-Faslpr autoimmune mice with hearing loss

Objectives: Previous studies of decreased cochlear DNA binding in autoimmune mice suggested that antibodies against a cochlear cell surface DNA receptor cause autoimmune hearing loss. However, the presence of a cochlear DNA receptor has not been determined. Therefore, immunohistochemistry with an anti-DNA receptor antibody was performed on MRL.MpJ-Fas lpr (MRL/lpr) autoimmune mice to determine 1) which inner ear structures contain DNA receptors and 2) whether the receptor staining pattern changes as autoimmune disease progresses and hearing thresholds increase. Study Design: A prospective study of the progression of hearing loss in autoimmune mice and correlated alterations in immunostaining for the inner ear DNA receptor. Methods: One group of MRL/lpr mice (n = 10) was allowed to develop autoimmune disease, and auditory brainstem response (ABR) audiometry was performed at 4, 6, and 9 months of age to measure the progression of hearing loss. A second group (n = 5) was tested for ABR thresholds at 2 months of age and immediately killed to assess receptor staining before the onset of autoimmune disease and hearing loss. The inner ears from all mice were immunohistochemically stained with an anti-DNA receptor antibody, and a qualitative analysis of the staining of cochlear structures was performed. Results: Auditory brainstem response audiometry revealed a significant 20- to 30-dB elevation of thresholds as systemic disease progressed. Anti-DNA receptor staining was heaviest in the spiral ligament and less intense in the spiral ganglion and cochlear nerve. Both groups showed a similar pattern of staining in these structures. The stria vascularis and hair cells also stained in both groups. However, the stria cells of normal-hearing mice showed diffuse intracellular immunoreactivity, whereas older mice displayed less staining that was confined to the cell membranes. Conclusions: The inner ears of MRL/lpr mice contain DNA receptors. Autoimmune hearing loss was correlated with weaker overall intracellular staining in the stria vascularis and hair cells but increased staining of the cell membranes. This suggested DNA receptors have impaired endocytosis and more receptors remain on the cell membrane, possibly as a result of binding by circulating autoantibodies.
Interleukin‐6 Does Not Stimulate Rat Myometrial Contractions in an In Vitro Model

PROBLEM: Interleukin-6 (IL-6) is increased in culture-positive amniotic fluid in women with preterm labor. IL-6 stimulates the production of prostaglandins leading to increased uterine activity. METHODS: We tested the hypothesis that IL-6 increases myometrial activity through release of uterotonic mediators. We studied the effect of IL-6 on uterine contractions in the absence and presence of fetal membranes to determine if the effect was on myometrium alone or was mediated through fetal membranes/decidua. IL-6 in concentrations of 100, 10, 0.1 or 0 ng/ml was added to the maternal side of the dual chamber-fetal membrane-uterine muscle in vitro model. RESULTS: We found that 10 ng/ml of IL-6 alone, without fetal membranes, caused a significant decrease in uterine contractions over time (P≤0.01). This decrease was not observed with the addition of term, nonlabored fetal membranes. CONCLUSIONS: IL-6 in the presence or absence of membranes, over a four log fold dose range, did not stimulate uterine contractions.
Prenatal diagnosis of familial neonatal hyperinsulinemia

A kindred with familial neonatal hyperinsulinemia is described. Infant A was macrosomatic and stillborn. Infant B was macrosomatic at birth following a pregnancy uncomplicated by maternal diabetes. Following diagnosis of hyperinsulinemic hypoglycemia, this patient was treated with oral diazoxide. Therapy continued until hyperinsulinemia resolved by two years of age. Based on this history, the pregnancy with infant C was intensively monitored using ultrasonography and amniocentesis. Insulin and C-peptide concentrations in amniotic fluid were markedly increased compared to control pregnancies. Based on these results, infant C was delivered immediately upon obtaining evidence of lung maturation. Neonatal hyperinsulinemia was confirmed by a markedly increased cord plasma insulin concentration. Based on our experience, we recommend that insulin concentrations in amniotic fluid be used as an indicator of fetal hyperinsulinemia in kindreds with prior newborn hyperinsulinemic hypoglycemia. This information may be used to direct timing of delivery and therapy in the immediate postnatal period.
Large area bismuth absorbers for X-ray microcalorimeters

Abstract Two challenges facing the use of large area (2 mm ×2 mm ) bismuth absorbers for microcalorimetry are uncertainties in the heat capacity of bismuth and the effects of lateral heat conduction and position dependence due to the absorber's large size. We have measured the heat capacity of three Bi samples to be 0.3−0.6 J K −1 m −3 at 100 mK . These absorbers also exhibit response variations as phonons created by an X-ray event at an absorber edge will take longer to propagate to the thermometer attachment point than those at the absorber center. This effect may degrade the detector's energy resolution if the propagation time is not very short compared to the thermometer time constant. We show that the response of the largest absorber varies by ∼4% across its area.
Transgenic mice as probes into complex systems

The transfer of genetic information into mouse embryos to stably alter the genetic constitution of mice is affording new insights into and opportunities in a wide variety of biological problems. Higher eukaryotes are composed of many interacting cells and organs. The properties of individual cell systems are often discernible only by studying natural or induced disruptions in their functions. Transgenic mice represent a new form of perturbation analysis whereby the selective expression of novel or altered genes can be used to perturb complex systems in ways that are informative about their development, their functions, and their malfunctions. The utility of this strategy is illustrated by recent research into immunological self-tolerance, oncogenes and cancer, and development.
Thermodynamics of Membrane Partitioning for a Series of n-Alcohols Determined by Titration Calorimetry: Role of Hydrophobic Effects†

Recent studies have shown that the traditional paradigm relying on hydrophobic effects is not adequate to describe membrane partitioning of amphiphilic solutes. To elucidate the thermodynamics and determine the role of the hydrophobic effect in the partitioning of small amphiphilic molecules into lipid bilayers, we have used titration calorimetry to directly measure the enthalpy, partition coefficients, and heat capacity change for the partitioning of a series of n-alcohols into lipid bilayers of several lipid compositions. The incremental thermodynamic quantities have been compared with model compound data for partitioning into bulk hydrocarbon solvents. We have found that there is a large negative heat capacity change upon partitioning, indicating a major contribution from the dehydration of nonpolar solute moieties; however, these hydrophobic effects also involve changes in lipid interactions with water in the interfacial region of the bilayer. In addition, we have found that the enthalpy effects are l...
Computation and Fundamental Physics

‘What is computation?” is not mere taxonomy, nor simply an aid in our anthropocentric obsession with explaining our thinking process. Instead it is relevant to some of the deepest questions in the nature of the physics of our universe. Understanding what computation is may be more essential to us than we might have imagined. It may well be tied to the very fabric of how nature works!
Thermodynamics of some lanthanide trihalides III. Reinterpretation of LnCl3 Schottky anomalies

Abstract The heat capacities of the anhydrous lanthanide trichlorides from 5 to 350 K of Sommers and Westrum provide an excellent opportunity further to test the volumetric lattice heat-capacity approximation method. Schottky contributions in PrCl 3 , SmCl 3 , and EuCl 3 were calorimetrically derived using the volume-weighted interpolation between the lattice heat capacities of the La and Gd homologs. Previously qualitative agreement had been observed upon comparison of these calorimetrically derived Schottky contributions with those calculated from spectroscopic data obtained for Ln(III)-doped LaCl 3 crystals. Excellent accord between “spectroscopic” and “calorimetric” Schottky contributions is achieved by adjusting the Stark-level energies to represent those of the concentrated salts through extrapolation of the Ln(III)-doped LaCl 3 energies to stronger crystal fields either empirically or by means of estimated crystal-field parameters. These methods are described and the resulting energy levels are compared with the extant spectroscopic results for the concentrated trichlorides. In addition, new electronic-Raman-scattering determinations were made on PrCl 3 and SmCl 3 at 15 K and vibrational Raman lines are reported for SmCl 3 at 300 K. Deduced electronic energy levels for the ground and first excited [SL] J -manifolds are listed for both compounds.
Oxidation processes using ion beams

Abstract Recent work demonstrates that reactive ion beams can be used to grow compound layers on metal and semiconductor surfaces. Ion beams are characterized by easily controlled ion flux and energy, with a narrow energy spread. Also, the ion species are delivered to the sample in a low pressure environment. These advantages allow greater control and simpler analysis of compound formation processes than other techniques do. Ion beam oxidation is reviewed and compared with thermal, plasma and r.f. oxidation and with oxidation by ion implantation. The ion energy range of several electronvolts to hundreds of electronvolts is suitable for depositing the oxidizing species in the metal in an active state, and simultaneous sputtering can produce a self-limiting oxide thickness when the sputtering yield and oxidation rate are in proper balance. The process of ion beam oxidation is also discussed in light of the etching behavior of metals under combined inert gas and oxygen ion bombardment and of the related technique of reactive ion beam sputter deposition using ion bombardment of a growing film. Additional examples are drawn from the use of other reactive ion beam species, including nitrogen and hydrogen.
Wilshire's theory of the authentic self

1. The place of Wilshire's book in the phenomenological-existential tradition This essay aims to develop the theory of the authentic self presented in Bruce Wilshire's Role Playing and Identity: The Limits of Theatre as Metaphor (1982) and to show that in certain respects this theory is an improvement over the theory of the authentic self expounded by Heidegger, Sartre and other existentialists. Wilshire's theory is developed in two ways. First, it is shown that his theory provides a basis for the view that the authentic self is what Sartre calls our "being-for-others" and what Heideg? ger calls our "they-self." Sartre and Heidegger maintain that our being-for others/they-self is our inauthentic self, but the view advanced in this essay is that the reverse is true and that authenticity is achieved in a certain way of being-for-others or existing as a they-self. Second, it is suggested that on the religious level the authentic self is being-for-the-divine Other (God) even if we presume that God does not exist. It is argued that this suggestion is a novel contribution to existentialist thought. Heidegger (in his early period) and Sartre did not presume that God exists, but denied that authen? ticity requires a relation to God. Jaspers and Marcel held that authenticity requires a relation to God, but they presumed that God does exist. This essay defends Wilshire's novel position that allows that there is no God but that "the need for God" nonetheless belongs to the authentic self. This study of Wilshire's theory may be understood in a broader context as combatting a certain trend or attitude in some sectors of current American phenomenological-existential philosophy. A brief word about the
Stocking density effects on aggressive and cannibalistic behaviors in larval hatchery-reared spotted seatrout, Cynoscion nebulosus

Abstract Cannibalism and aggression are major sources of mortality in the larviculture of the spotted seatrout, Cynoscion nebulosus . High stocking density can either increase cannibalism by increasing the likelihood of encounters between aggressors and prey or decrease cannibalism by interfering with normal territorial or aggressive behaviors. The goal of this study was to assess the effect of stocking density on cannibalism and aggressive behaviors in hatchery-reared spotted seatrout. Seven-day-old larvae were stocked randomly into three replicates of three different densities (15 (233 total fish), 30 (465 total fish), and 60 (930 total fish) L − 1 ) in 15.5-L aquaria. Feeding was conducted every 8 h based on residual rotifer or Artemia counts. Growth was determined 6 days poststocking at the conclusion of the experiment. To quantify cannibalism and aggressive behaviors, three cameras filmed three tanks for 9 h each day. Recorded behaviors were quantified for three selected 30-minute segments per tank per day: 1 h, 4 h, and 7 h post-feeding. Aggressive acts were scored as: nip (aggressor strikes prey causing prey to dart), chase (aggressor moves more than one body length toward prey), and capture (predator captures and holds prey but unable to consume). In all stocking densities there was a significant increase in aggression and cannibalism with time since feeding. Growth was significantly higher in the lower density treatment. An observed density threshold existed at a stocking density of 30 fish L − 1 , beyond which the intensity of aggressive behaviors did not increase. Based on the results of this study, aggression in early stage hatchery-reared spotted seatrout might be alleviated with increased feeding frequency. Further, spotted seatrout could possibly be cultured at densities higher than the current protocol allows.
Far-field approximation in electromagnetic scattering

The volume integral equation formalism is used to derive and analyze specific criteria of applicability of the far-field approximation in electromagnetic scattering by a finite three-dimensional object. In the case of wavelength-sized and larger objects, this analysis leads to a natural subdivision of the entire external space into a near-field zone, a transition zone, and a far-field zone. It is demonstrated that the general criteria of far-field scattering are consistent with the theory and practice of T-matrix computations.
Conserved E Boxes Function as Part of the Enhancer in Hypersensitive Site 2 of the β-Globin Locus Control Region ROLE OF BASIC HELIX-LOOP-HELIX PROTEINS

The human beta-globin gene cluster is regulated in part by a distal locus control region that is required for opening a chromatin domain in erythroid cells and enhancing expression of the beta-like globin genes at the correct developmental stages. One part of the locus control region, called hypersensitive site 2 (HS2), functions as a strong enhancer. Matches to the consensus binding sites for basic helix-loop-helix (bHLH) proteins (E boxes) are well conserved within the HS2 core. We show that mutations of the HS2 core that alter an invariant E box cause a 3.5-fold reduction in enhancement of expression of an epsilon-globin reporter gene in transiently transfected K562 cells, both before and after induction. Mutations of the HS2 core that alter a less-highly conserved E box cause a more modest reduction in enhancement. Footprint analysis shows binding of erythroid nuclear proteins in vitro to the invariant E box as well as an adjacent CAC/GTG box. Probes containing the E box regions form sequence-specific complexes with proteins from both K562 and MEL nuclear extracts; these are disrupted by the same mutations that decrease enhancement. Some of these latter complexes contain known bHLH proteins, as revealed by specific loss of individual complexes when treated with antibodies against TAL1 and USF. Interaction between the E boxes and the bHLH proteins, as well as other binding proteins, could account for the role of these sites in enhancement by HS2.
Cross resistance to juvenile hormone analogues in insecticide‐resistant strains of Musca domestica L

Five juvenile hormone analogues (JHAs) were tested by topical application to prepupae of a susceptible (S) and 8 insecticide-resistant (R) strains of the housefly. Activity was measured by the inability to completely emerge from the puparium. Aitosid (isopropyl 11-methoxy-3,7,1l-trimethyldodeca-2,4-dienoate) was the most active compound against the S strain (ED50 0.0033 μg/prepupa) followed by Ro 7-9767 [6,7-epoxy-3,7-diethyl-(3,4-(methylenedioxy)phenoxy)-2-cis/trans-octene], R-20458 [trans l-(4-ethylphenoxy)-6,7-epoxy-3,7-dimethyl-2-octene], sesamex, and NIA 23509 (10,11 -epoxy-N-ethyl-3,7,11-trimethyI-2,6-dodecadienamide). The R strains, designated by the name of the selecting insecticide, have been under pressure for over 10 years and are considered maximally resistant. The dimethoate-R and OMS-15-R (carbamate-resistant) strains exhibited high levels of cross resistance to all JHAs often exceeding 100x at the ED95 The fenthion-R strain showed high cross resistance toward all JHAs except Altosid, toward which it manifested an intermediate level (17.5x). The DDT/lindane-R demonstrated only negligible tolerance to Aitosid but an intermediate response to all the other JHAs. The OMS-12-R strain (phosphoramidothioate-R) exhibited intermediate to high levels of cross resistance toward all JHAs, whereas the parathion-R, Chlorthion-R and a multi-resistant field-collected strain showed only low to intermediate levels of cross resistance. On the basis of known degradative mechanisms of the OMS-15-R strain, mixed function oxidases apparently play an important role in deactivating JHAs.
Anthracycline-based therapy of de novo acute myeloid leukemia in adults: Failure of first-cyde cytoreduction to predict second-cycle outcome

During 1971–1988, 194 adults with de novo acute myeloid leukemia (AML) received initial therapy at the University of Minnesota with an anthracycline-based regimen. Seventy-two of the 194 required further chemotherapy and received a second cycle of the same or similar therapy; 63 of these 72 were evaluable. For each marrow, a tumor burden index (TBI) was calculated, as the product of the marrow cellularity and the proportion of malignant cells. For each patient, the decrement in TBI between the initial and day ≈14 marrows was recorded. Patients who achieved second-cycle CR were comparable to those who did not in general descriptors; there was no difference between second-cycle CR achievers and nonachievers in the cytoreduction efleeted by the Initial cycle of therapy (74.9% ± 4.5% [σ] versus 71.9% = 5.9%). We then stratified patients according to the first-cycle cytoreduction, asking if we could find a level that was reliably predictive of increased or decreased likelihood of achieving CR with cycle 2. We could not, despite testing at many centite cuts. Patients achieving a very “poor” degree of cytoreduction In cycle 1 were as likely to achieve CR with cycle 2 as were patients having a very “good” initial cytoreduction. We conclude that (1) first-cycle response is not a useful predictor of second-cycle outcome in anthracycline-based therapy of de novo adult AML; and (2) a “poor” response to cycle 1 does not therefore a priori indicate a change to a different regimen for cycle 2. © 1994 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Intensity-modulated radiation therapy and volumetric-modulated arc therapy for adult craniospinal irradiation—A comparison with traditional techniques

Craniospinal irradiation (CSI) poses a challenging planning process because of the complex target volume. Traditional 3D conformal CSI does not spare any critical organs, resulting in toxicity in patients. Here the dosimetric advantages of intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) and volumetric-modulated arc therapy (VMAT) are compared with classic conformal planning in adults for both cranial and spine fields to develop a clinically feasible technique that is both effective and efficient. Ten adult patients treated with CSI were retrospectively identified. For the cranial fields, 5-field IMRT and dual 356° VMAT arcs were compared with opposed lateral 3D conformal radiotherapy (3D-CRT) fields. For the spine fields, traditional posterior-anterior (PA) PA fields were compared with isocentric 5-field IMRT plans and single 200° VMAT arcs. Two adult patients have been treated using this IMRT technique to date and extensive quality assurance, especially for the junction regions, was performed. For the cranial fields, the IMRT technique had the highest planned target volume (PTV) maximum and was the least efficient, whereas the VMAT technique provided the greatest parotid sparing with better efficiency. 3D-CRT provided the most efficient delivery but with the highest parotid dose. For the spine fields, VMAT provided the best PTV coverage but had the highest mean dose to all organs at risk (OAR). 3D-CRT had the highest PTV and OAR maximum doses but was the most efficient. IMRT provides the greatest OAR sparing but the longest delivery time. For those patients with unresectable disease that can benefit from a higher, definitive dose, 3D-CRT-opposed laterals are the most clinically feasible technique for cranial fields and for spine fields. Although inefficient, the IMRT technique is the most clinically feasible because of the increased mean OAR dose with the VMAT technique. Quality assurance of the beams, especially the junction regions, is essential.
Accuracy optimized methods for constrained numerical solutions of hyperbolic conservation laws

Abstract A general method for construction of numerical schemes for scalar conservation laws which optimizes accuracy is applied to linear advection problems and Burgers' equation. The schemes, termed accuracy optimized methods (AOMs), define and solve a quadratic programming problem at each discrete time level to minimize perturbations from higher order accurate methods subject to imposed constraints. The constraints are used to impose desired behavior on the numerical approximation of the solution of the conservation law. The resulting schemes compare favorably with other high resolution schemes for scalar conservation laws. Numerical examples are presented for linear advection of discontinuities and development and transport of shocks in Burgers' equation.