cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
High and Low Energy States of Cytochromes I. IN MITOCHONDRIA

Abstract Methods for the observation of reversed electron transfer reactions by a quick freezing, trapped steady state method are described. Adenosine triphosphate-activated cytochrome oxidation in the trapped steady state is comparable to that observed at room temperature. Cytochrome oxidation by ATP activation of reversed electron transfer in terminally inhibited mitochondria containing endogenous substrate shows difference spectra of recognized components of the respiratory chain; no unusual compounds are observed. Supplements of oxalacetate or malonate to terminally inhibited mitochondria show on ATP addition not only oxidation of cytochromes in reversed electron transfer, but the formation of an absorption band between those of cytochromes b and c, here interpreted as the formation of the compound b555. Addition of uncoupling agents to terminally inhibited mitochondria containing endogenous substrate causes the decomposition of a new compound which has been tentatively designated as cytochrome b555, on the basis of (a) the positions of the α and γ bands at 77° K, 555 and 425 mµ, respectively; (b) the high ratio of the intensities of the γ to the α bands characteristic of cytochromes of type b; (c) the positions of the α and γ bands (560 and 428 mµ, respectively) at room temperature; and (d) the shift of the α band to a wave length shorter by 5 mµ on cooling from room temperature to a low temperature. With the assumption that the molecular extinction coefficient and low temperature enhancement factor of cytochrome c are applicable to cytochrome b555, the amount of this b555 compound present in pigeon heart mitochondria can be calculated and approaches 50% of that of cytochrome c. The b555 compound is relatively stable, reaching a maximum concentration less than 30 sec after sulfide is added and being detectable for approximately 15 min thereafter. The compound appears at a very low concentration in the presence of highly active reductants such as succinate. The concentration of Dicumarol required for half-maximal decomposition of the compound is 5 µm at room temperature. Other uncoupling agents are effective, for example, 2,4-dinitrophenol and m-chlorodicyanocarbonylphenylhydrazone.
Propagation and initiation mechanisms of the Madden-Julian oscillation

[1] An observational study of the propagation and onset mechanisms of the Madden-Julian oscillation (MJO) is performed using cyclostationary empirical orthogonal function analysis and a Kelvin-Rossby wave decomposition method for the NOAA outgoing longwave radiation and the NCEP/NCAR Reanalysis data. In these analyses, two different regions of surface convergence are observed ahead of MJO convection by different wind components as previously found in a SST-coupled GCM simulation. At the leading edge of enhanced convection, the friction-induced meridional convergence appears during the developing phase when the enhanced convection is located over the Indian Ocean and the Maritime Continents. Another region of surface convergence is identified just east of an enhanced convection core, and this tends to pull the convective core to the east. The surface convergence is formed by zonal wind convergence, and Kelvin and Rossby waves both play a comparable role in the formation of the convergence zone. Therefore the frictional Kelvin-Rossby wave-CISK (conditional instability of the second kind) is regarded as a primary factor for the eastward propagation of the MJO. Over the western Indian Ocean, moistening in the boundary layer occurs ∼2 weeks earlier than the beginning of a new MJO cycle. This moistening accompanies low-level convergence by encircling Kelvin waves which propagated from the region of enhanced convection during the previous cycle, as well as by Rossby waves generated from the region of reduced convection over the Indian Ocean. This earlier formation of the boundary-layer moisture convergence provides a favorable environment for triggering new convection. This interaction of Kelvin and Rossby waves also accounts for the suppression of convection from the western side of the convection core. For example, over the Indian Ocean, anomalous surface divergence appears at the western edge of the enhanced convection due to both circumnavigating Kelvin waves from the region of reduced convection of the previous cycle and Rossby waves from the region of the enhanced convection itself. Thus the MJO is a self-maintaining and self-generating form of tropical variability through the interaction between convection and large-scale circulation in the presence of boundary-layer dynamics.
Sampling algorithms for pure network topologies: a study on the stability and the separability of metric embeddings

In a time of information glut, observations about complex systems and phenomena of interest are available in several applications areas, such as biology and text. As a consequence, scientists have started searching for patterns that involve interactions among the objects of analysis, to the effect that research on models and algorithms for network analysis has become a central theme for knowledge discovery and data mining (KDD). The intuitions behind the plethora of approaches rely upon few basic types of networks, identified by specific local and global topological properties, which we term "pure" topology types.In this paper, (1) we survey pure topology types along with existing sampling algorithms that generate them, (2) we introduce novel algorithms that enhance the diversity of samples, and address the case of cellular topologies, (3) we perform statistical studies of the stability of the properties of pure types to alternative generative algorithms, and a joint study of the separability of pure types, in terms of their embedding in a space of metrics for network analysis, widely adopted in the social and physical sciences.We conclude with a word of caution to the practitioners, who sample pure topology types to assess the "statistical significance" of their findings, e.g., the p-value of the clustering coefficient is sensitive to the sampling algorithm used. We find that different pure types share similar topological properties. Further, real world networks hardly present the variability profile of a single pure type. We suggest the assumption of "mixtures of types" as an alternative starting point for developing models and algorithms for network analysis.
Thermodynamic evidence for quadruple bond formation in the molecule ThRu and possible maximum bond energy between ligand-free metal atoms

Abstract The dissociation energies, D o o , of the molecules ThRu and RuC have been measured by high temperature Knudsen cell mass spectrometry as 140.5 ± 10 kcal mol −1 or 587.9 ± 42 kJ mol −1 and 154.0 ± 3 kcal mol −1 or 644.3 ± 12 kJ mol −1 , respectively. The high value for the dissociation energy of ThRu indicates formation of a quadruple bond by this molecule. The maximum possible value of the bond energy between ligand-free metal atoms is estimated as 160 ± 20 kcal mol −1 .
Cultural Minority Rights and the Rights of the Majority in the Liberal State

Traditional liberalism's blindness to cultural concerns has often come under fire, while so-called "liberal multiculturalism" (Taylor and Kymlicka) has made it its business to take a good look at the place of culture within liberal law. According to them, cultural minorities should be recognized. In my opinion, however, their pro- posals, in fact, almost entirely preclude the possibility that cultural minorities would receive recognition within liberal society. In what follows, I explain my view of these matters and, above all, argue for a more vital understanding of cultural minorities. This will entail presenting a comprehensive view of minority rights within liberal society.
Cloning of DGAT2, a Second Mammalian Diacylglycerol Acyltransferase, and Related Family Members

Abstract Studies involving the cloning and disruption of the gene for acyl-CoA:diacylglycerol acyltransferase (DGAT) have shown that alternative mechanisms exist for triglyceride synthesis. In this study, we cloned and characterized a second mammalian DGAT, DGAT2, which was identified by its homology to a DGAT in the fungus Mortierella rammaniana. DGAT2 is a member of a gene family that has no homology with DGAT1 and includes several mouse and human homologues that are candidates for additional DGAT genes. The expression of DGAT2 in insect cells stimulated triglyceride synthesis 6-fold in assays with cellular membranes, and DGAT2 activity was dependent on the presence of fatty acyl-CoA and diacylglycerol, indicating that this protein is a DGAT. Activity was not observed for acyl acceptors other than diacylglycerol. DGAT2 activity was inhibited by a high concentration (100 mm) of MgCl2 in anin vitro assay, a characteristic that distinguishes DGAT2 from DGAT1. DGAT2 is expressed in many tissues with high expression levels in the liver and white adipose tissue, suggesting that it may play a significant role in mammalian triglyceride metabolism.
Ataques de nervios: culturally bound and distinct from panic attacks?

Background: The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders [DSM-IV-TR; American Psychiatric Association [APA], 2000) has emphasized the importance of understanding psychopathology within a cultural framework by including culture-bound syndromes within its appendices. These syndromes are proposed to be bound to certain cultures and distinct from other psychological disorders. Included among the syndromes are ataques de nervios (ADN), which are reported to be bound to the Hispanic culture and closely resemble panic attacks. However, the cultural distinctiveness and phenomenology of ADN has not been adequately investigated. Method: The current study employed an ethnically diverse study sample (N=342) of undergraduates. Participants completed a number of measures that assessed acculturation, syndrome and anxiety risk factors. Results: In contrast to the DSM-IV's conceptualization of ADN, the rate of ADN did not significantly vary across the three main groups (African American, Caucasian, and Hispanic participants) nor did it vary based on acculturation. More consistent with the DSM-IV, the symptom comparisons indicated some differentiation between ADN and panic attacks. Conclusions: The present report provides data indicating that ADNs, as described by the DSM-IV, are not unique to the Hispanic culture and are experienced by non-Hispanic individuals at similar rates to Hispanic-endorsement. The findings are consistent with the DSM-IV assertion that ADNs and PAs are distinct syndromes. Depression and Anxiety, 2009. © 2008 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Gene expression detection and expression visualization in in situ hybridized cross-sectional images of the mouse brain

Understanding gene expression in the mouse brain should provide a better understanding of the underlying topology of the mammalian brain, thereby opening previously unexplored avenues in neuroscience and brain informatics. An important step in this direction is to develop robust algorithms to quantify gene expression in in-situ hybridization (ISH) data. ISH methodology involves the use of labeled nucleic acid probes that bind to specific mRNA transcripts in tissue sections. The bound probe is detected using colorimetric methods and the resulting stained tissue sections are imaged at high resolution. The goals of the present study are to first identify a staining method that produces maximum signal to noise ratio (SNR), and second to develop a method for gene expression detection for a wide range of ISH images spanning different intensity and expression patterns. A simple k-means based clustering method is used to separate foreground labeling from background and non-expressing tissues in a variety of images stained with different staining/counter staining techniques. We found NBT/BCIP with no counterstain produces the best signal to background separation. The foreground cluster detected using the k-means algorithm was further modeled using a normal distribution. A novel one sided Mahalanobis distance based metric with majority partial ordered voting method was then developed to generate a fuzzy segmentation of the gene expression in each ISH image. This algorithm is fully automatic and facilitates high throughput analysis of large amount of image data. Using this methodology a cluster of 10 PCs was able to process approximately 10% of the mouse genome (17 TBytes of JPEG2000 lossless compressed images) over a period of 2 weeks. The results may be visualized at the Allen Institute for Brain Science web site www.brain-map.org.
MO-SAMS-332-02: Introduction to Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy of Breast and Prostrate Cancer: Current Applications

Magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) and magnetic resonance spectroscopy imaging(MRSI) is increasing being utilized as adjuncts for differentiating benign from malignant lesions in the clinical setting. MRS has the ability to probe intracellular metabolites, such as, choline (Cho), Creatine (Cr), citrate (Ci) and N‐acetylaspartate (NAA). The observation of a high Choline signal appears to be the spectroscopic hallmark of cancer. This additional information can be very useful in cases of indeterminate findings in suspicious lesions, for example, in breast or prostrate cancer. Indeed, recent advances have moved the use MRS into the clinical realm for detection and classification of these tumors and more importantly, monitoring response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy treatment. This presentation will review the principles of MRS, including, pulse sequences, MRS data collection, data analysis, quantification, and quality assurance. Three major topics are considered. Introduction of relevant intracellular metabolites and their biological and medical significance in cancer, the principles underlying each quantity are given. Second, major pulse sequences used for MRS, e.g., PRESS or STEAM in breast and prostrate cancer. Finally, MRS data analysis and quantification of the results with pathological observations will be also compared with MRS‐derived quantities where appropriate. This presentation is intended as an introduction to the field of MRS for anyone who desires to use the scope of modern MRS techniques, its application and use for monitoring therapy. It will be of interest to medical physicists who are considering undertaking quantitative MRS, as well as those already in the field. Educational Objectives: 1. Identify the clinically important quantities (e.g. metabolites) that can be measured with MRS. 2. Be familiar with the methods and techniques used for MRS acquisition. 3. Basic understanding of the application of MRS to breast and prostrate cancer.
Antibodies to GM1 and GD1b in patients with motor neuron disease without plasma cell dyscrasia

Fifty-nine percent of 49 patients with motor neuron disease and 25% of 91 control subjects had IgM antibodies to ganglioside GM1 but usually not to GD1b at titers less than 1:80. This suggests that antibodies to GM1 may be part of the normal human antibody repertoire. However, given the higher incidence of antibodies to GM1 in patients with motor neuron disease, there may be specific epitopes important in antiganglioside antibodies associated with motor neuron disease.
Coordination of peristalsis in pharynx and esophagus

When a swallowed liquid bolus is followed from mouth to stomach in man by contrast studies or manometry, it traverses its course without hesitation even though the bolus is propelled by striated muscle contraction in the first part of its journey and smooth muscle in the latter part. The striated muscle is innervated by excitatory cholinergic nicotinic cranial nerves whereas the smooth muscle of the esophagus is innervated by the enteric nervous system (ENS) through excitatory and inhibitory nerves. These differences can be demonstrated by observing the inhibitory effects of curare and atropine, the first blocking nicotinic receptors and the second muscarinic receptors. Early students of esophageal motility recognized that peristalsis could be initiated in two ways. The first is initiated by a swallow and is called primary peristalsis and the second called secondary peristalsis is initiated by distension of the esophagus. It was proposed that primary peristalsis was initiated by a single sensory input activated by the bolus entering the pharynx which in turn activated a motor program in the brain stem. Secondary peristalsis was believed to be stimulated by multiple afferent impulses arriving from the esophagus as the bolus passed down the esophagus. More recent studies using manometric techniques have suggested that the only difference between primary and secondary peristalsis is the afferent stimuli and the effector mechanism is the same. Subsequent studies of carefully timed, paired swallows, transection of vagus nerves and esophagus, and single nerve recordings suggest that the answer lies between the two extremes noted above. Primary peristalsis is initiated by afferent stimuli from the oropharyngeal junction that triggers a stereotyped motor output from swallowing center in the brain stem to both striated and smooth muscle segments of the esophagus. If motor nerves to the striated muscle segment are interrupted no peristalsis can be generated. Severing the central nervous system (CNS) input to the smooth muscle segment does not abolish the ability of local distension to elicit a peristaltic response. Thus the CNS provides direct stimulation to the striated muscles involved in swallowing and command signals to the ENS innervating the smooth muscle. The ENS generates the final peristaltic program for the smooth muscle segment. This program may be initiated by commands from the CNS and afferent stimuli from stretch receptors in the smooth muscle segment of the esophagus.
Drexel Burnham Lambert's bankruptcy and the subsequent decline in underwriter fees☆

Abstract In the 1980s, Drexel Burnham Lambert dominated the underwriting of junk bonds with close to a 50% market share. In 1990, Drexel went bankrupt and was liquidated, and the percentage underwriting fees for junk bonds subsequently dropped dramatically. We present strong evidence that the exit of Drexel Burnham Lambert and the resulting increase in competition for market share were major contributing factors to the decline in junk bond underwriter fees.
Culture in Mind: Cognition, Culture, and the Problem of Meaning

Culture in Mind is an ethnographic portrait of the human mind. Using case studies from both western and nonwestern societies. Shore argues that "cultural models" are necessary to the functioning of the human mind. Drawing on recent developments in cognitive science as well as anthropology, Culture in Mind explores the cognitive world of culture in the ongoing production of meaning in everyday thinking and feeling.
The anorectal sphincter after rectal pull-through surgery for anorectal anomalies: MRI evaluation

The puborectalis muscle sling was evaluated with MRI in 10 pediatric patients who had rectal pull-through surgery for anorectal anomalies. MRI (1.5T) demonstrated the puborectalis muscle equally or better than CT in 5 patients who had both CT and MRI. The amount of puborectalis muscle mass and the location of the pulled-through intestine in relation to the puborectalis sling was well shown with MRI. Our study suggests that MRI can be reliably substituted for CT in the majority of these patients, to assist in planning further surgery for relief of persistent postoperative fecal incontinence.
Mechanistic Roughness Model Based on Vehicle-Pavement Interaction:

A mechanistic roughness performance model that takes into account vehicle dynamics was developed for use in flexible pavement design and evaluation. The model was developed in the form of a relation between roughness and number of load repetitions, axle load, and asphalt layer thickness. The model is completely mechanistic and uses vehicle dynamics analysis to estimate the dynamic force profile and finite element structural analysis to estimate the change of pavement surface roughness for each load repetition. The model makes use of the fact that pavement roughness changes the magnitude of the vehicle dynamic forces applied on the pavement and that the dynamic forces change the road roughness. The developed mechanistic roughness performance model can be used to estimate the 80-kN (18-kip) equivalent single-axle load for mixed traffic. The model can also be used to design pavement so that it will last for a certain number of load repetitions before reaching a predetermined roughness level. Performance-base...
Catalase activity as a predictor of amniotic fluid culture results in preterm labor or premature rupture of membranes

Objective: To evaluate catalase activity as a rapid predictor of microbial invasion of amniotic fluid (AF). Methods: The study population consisted of 74 patients before 36 weeks' gestation with preterm labor or premature rupture of membranes (PROM). Subjects were excluded if there was evidence of clinical chorioamnionitis or fetal distress at admission. Amniocentesis was done within 24 hours of admission, and the AF was cultured for aerobic and anaerobic bacteria and for Mycoplasma species. All AF samples were Gram stained, and slides were examined by microbiology technologists. Amniotic fluid catalase activity was measured immediately after amniocentesis using a commercially available kit. The sensitivity of the Gram stain and catalase activity were compared using McNemar exact test. Results: Amniotic fluid cultures were positive in 12 of 37 (32%) patients presenting with preterm labor and in 21 of 37 (56%) patients with PROM. Catalase activity was significantly more sensitive than Gram stain in detecting positive AF cultures in cases of PROM (P Conclusion: Catalase activity is a simple, rapid test that is useful in identifying subclinical intra-amniotic infection in patients with preterm labor or PROM.
MODELING OF INTERFACIAL TRANSPORT PROCESSES IN A DIRECT-CONTACT CONDENSER FOR METAL RECOVERY

A three-dimensional computational fluid dynamic model has been developed to investigate the efficiency of a direct-contact metal recovery condenser as a function of the operating conditions ( droplet diameters, droplet injection rate) and overall condenser dimensions. The Eulerian-Lagrangian approach is used to model the condenser, where liquid zinc droplets are injected into a zinc vapor laden gas stream so that zinc vapor can directly condense on the droplets. The results show that there exists an optimum droplet injection rate that maximizes condenser efficiency
The effect of mass transport on biostimulation of algal growth

Abstract A model is proposed to account for mass transport limitation to the uptake of major nutrients. A thin film diffusion resistance layer is hypothesized. In an example using Cyclotella nana (a diatom), diffusion resistance was calculated to result in a maximum decrease of 40% in phosphorus uptake rate. Transport limitation was demonstrated experimentally. The growth of Chlorella pyrenoidosa (a green alga) was found to be stimulated by shaking the cultures. Using similar mathematical techniques, the internal resistance to the uptake of nutrients in algal cell aggregates was also modeled.
R68-46 Use of Transition Matrices in Compiling

Since BNF (context-free) grammars have been found so useful in describing the syntax of programming languages, a large number of parsing algorithms for context-free grammars have been developed for use in compilers and compiler-writing systems. A significant class of these algorithms have the following properties.
IL-10 fails to abrogate experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis

Mice adoptively-sensitized to develop chronic relapsing experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), a model for the human demyelinating condition, multiple sclerosis (MS), were given injections of recombinant human IL-10 at various timepoints post-sensitization in an attempt to abrogate disease development. IL-10 is a Th2 immunomodulatory cytokine with known down-regulatory effects upon Th1 responses and macrophages. Contrary to a previous report on EAE and the predicted outcome, after repeated experiments, IL-10 was found to elicit a worsening or no effect upon EAE in the mouse. Animals were studied clinically, histopathologically and immunocytochemically. On no occasion was disease ameliorated by IL-10. Pretreatment with IL-10 of lymph node cells used to transfer EAE had no effect upon disease outcome, indicating that the cells were already committed effectors. Administration of anti-IL-10 monoclonal antibody before onset of signs had no effect when given early post-sensitization and caused marked worsening when given immediately before onset of signs. In the context of this autoimmune demyelinating model, these results suggest that IL-10 alone is insufficient to reverse the effector response and indeed may serve to enhance the cascade of events in EAE.
Polymeric-waveguide-based integrated optical signal processing circuits

All-Optical signal processing and routing avoid the optical-to-electrical and electrical-to-optical conversions and thus eliminates the bandwidth constrains set by conventional electronics technologies. It will form key building blocks for the next generation ultra-high speed and dynamic multi-casting optical networks. Polymer waveguide based photonics integrated circuits are promising in achieving high-performance optical signal processing circuits due to their large Electro-optic/thermo-optic coefficients and structure flexibility. In this paper, design examples such as dynamic channel equalizer, optical CDMA encoder and matched filter are analyzed. Simulation results are presented.
Local epicardial chemical ablation of vagal input to sino-atrial and atrioventricular regions of the canine heart

In open-chest, pentobarbitalized dogs, right and left cervical vagi were electrically stimulated (20 Hz, 5.0 ms, 4-6 volts) before and after carefully painting phenol (90%) over each of 6-8 narrow strips (2-3 mm width) and over restricted portions of the superior and inferior right atrium. Successive phenol strips were applied until the sino-atrial nodal (SAN) region had been completely surrounded, and also applied over a triangular fat pad at the junction of the inferior vena cava (IVC) and inferior left atrium (ILA). Electrical excitation of the autonomic trunks following each sequential epicardial phenol blockade resulted in successive deletion of cardio-inhibitory responses, a majority of sympathetic excitatory responses remaining intact. We conclude that most vagal fibers reach the SAN region via the superior-posterior right atrium (SVC and superior pulmonary veins) and these can be ablated leaving most vagal fibers to the atrioventricular nodal AVN region unimpaired. Phenol painting at the junction of IVC and ILA abolished vagal inhibition of conduction across the A-V junction. These studies illustrate distinct vagal distributions to the SAN and AVN regions of the canine heart. After all responses to vagal stimulation have been abolished, sympathetic alterations in heart rate and A-V conduction remain, thus revealing important differentiation in sympathetic fiber distribution to these key regions of automaticity and conduction.
Induction of FLIP expression by androgens protects prostate cancer cells from TRAIL-mediated apoptosis

BACKGROUND Prostate tumors initially regress in response to androgen-ablation therapy. However, most cancers eventually relapse with an androgen-depletion-independent (ADI) phenotype that is often more aggressive than the original androgen-dependent (AD) tumor. Importantly, most relapsed tumors still rely upon androgen receptor (AR) activity for proliferation and survival. The cellular Fas/FasL-associated death domain protein-like inhibitory protein (FLIP) inhibits activation of procaspase-8 by death receptor-mediated signaling at the cell surface. In the current study, we examined the androgenic regulation of FLIP and its contribution to protecting prostate cancer cells from death receptor-mediated apoptosis. METHODS FLIP expression in tissues from intact and castrated rats as well as androgen-treated prostate cancer cell lines (LNCaP, C4-2, LNCaP-Rf, and DU-145) was monitored via Real-Time RT-PCR and immunoblot. Induction of apoptosis by TRAIL, the death receptor ligand, was determined via microscopic observation and cell counting of fragmented nuclei following fixation and staining with Hoechst 33285. RESULTS FLIP mRNA and protein expression was reduced following castration in multiple rat tissues, including dorsolateral prostate and seminal vesicles. Androgenic induction of FLIP mRNA and protein was observed in isogenic AD LNCaP and ADI LNCaP-Rf cells, but not the isogenic ADI C4-2 cell line. Protection from TRAIL-induced apoptosis by androgen was completely blocked when LNCaP-Rf cells were depleted of endogenous FLIP via siRNA transfection. CONCLUSIONS Androgenic protection from TRAIL-induced apoptosis is predominantly via enhanced transcription of FLIP in prostate cancer cells. Loss of androgen-sensitivity in ADI prostate cancer cells highlights this pathway as a potential target for future therapy of prostate cancer. Prostate 68: 1696–1706, 2008. © 2008 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Hemodynamic effects of the antiarrhythmic drug pirmenol

We examined the hemodynamic effects of pirmenol, a new antiarrhythmic drug, for the first time in man. Right and left heart pressures, Fick cardiac output, and radionuclide ejection fraction were measured before and during infusion of pirmenol in 10 patients with coronary artery disease who were undergoing routine diagnostic cardiac catheterization. Pirmenol was given as a 50-mg IV injection over 2 min followed by a constant infusion of 2.5 mg/min for up to 36 min. Plasma pirmenol levels were within or near the previously determined therapeutic range in all patients. There were no significant changes in systolic blood pressure or cardiac output. Diastolic blood pressure rose from a mean (±SD) 78 ± 7 during the control period to 82 ±6 during the infusion, heart rate rose from 66 ± 6 during the control period to 75 ± 7 during infusion and ejection fraction fell from 60 ± 8 during control to 55 ± 12 during infusion. Although the left ventricular end-diastolic pressure rose from 6 ± 2 during control to 8 ± 3 during the infusion, the left ventricular stroke work index fell and the left ventricular work index per minute did not change. The fall in ejection fraction did not correlate with the control ejection fraction, plasma pirmenol levels, or the change in heart rate. The decline in ejection fraction and the failure of the left ventricular work index per minute to rise despite a small rise in left ventricular end-diastolic pressure may indicate a potential myocardial depressant effect of pirmenol. Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics (1982) 32, 235–239; doi:10.1038/clpt.1982.153
Trypanosoma cruzi: Possible stimulatory factor(s) in brown adipose tissue of mice

Abstract Brown adipose tissue (BAT) was the most heavily infected tissue (mean 223 amastigotes/50 microscopic fields) by Trypanosoma cruzi in mice (P > 0.05) out of the 16 tissues examined. The second most infected group of tissues was the heart (mean 83 amastigotes), adrenal cortex (64), skeletal muscle (56), and pancreas (54). BAT and the adrenal cortex were only slightly infected in rats, and not infected at all in hamsters and guinea pigs. It appears that something is present in BAT, and in the adrenal cortex of mice that is physiologically attractive and growth stimulating to T. cruzi. Certain in vitro experiments with T. cruzi may be in order to determine whether certain steroid hormones may be stimulatory.
A High-Voltage Hydrogenated Amorphous Silicon Thin-Film Transistor for Reflective Active-Matrix Cholesteric LCD

A high-voltage hydrogenated amorphous silicon thin film transistor (H-V a-Si:H TFT) with thick double layer gate insulator (~0.95 µm) has been developed for reflective active-matrix cholesteric liquid crystal displays. The double layer gate insulator consists of 0.85 and 0.10 µm thick benzocyclobutene and hydrogenated amorphous silicon nitride, respectively. This HV a-Si:H TFT operates at the gate-tosource and drain-to-source biases up to 100V without any serious leakage current degradation and device breakdown.
Evidence-based Review of the Bioenterics Intragastric Balloon for Weight Loss

We reviewed clinical studies performed with the Bioenterics intragastric balloon (BIB) to promote weight loss. Thirty studies were included [18 prospective (5 randomized), 12 retrospective], totaling 4,877 patients. Only one of three sham-controlled trials found a significantly higher weight loss with the BIB vs the sham procedure plus exhaustive follow-up. In nonrandomized studies, weight loss with the BIB averaged 17.8 kg (range, 4.9–28.5), corresponding to BMI changes of 4.0–9.0 kg/m2. Comorbidities resolved or improved in 52–100% of patients. Best short-term results were observed in patients devoid of binge eating disorder with a BMI in the 30.0–40.0 kg/m2 range; the BIB also helped to prepare superobese patients for bariatric surgery. Severe complications were exceptional (gastric perforation and intestinal obstruction; 0.2% each); digestive intolerance prompted early BIB removal in 2.5% of patients. Long-term (≥2 years) results are awaited, as well as well-designed studies to define the best indications for this therapy.
Ultrastructural Observations on the Development of the Microsporidian Protozoon Plistophora hyphessobryconis Schaperclaus

SYNOPSIS. A sequence of developmental stages of Plistophora hyphessobryconis Schaperclaus, a microsporidian protozoan parasite of the muscular tissue of several species of freshwater fishes, was studied with the electron microscope. The youngest stages observed, ca. 4 × 2 μ, have a single nucleus and their plasm contains only ergastoplasmic lamellae and ribosomes. They are surrounded by a halo of lysed host tissue. They increase in volume to become large sporonts with a great number of nuclei and a thick, 2-layered membrane. Thru schizogony, a corresponding number of sporoblasts is produced within this pansporoblast membrane. Sporoblasts start to develop a thick spore membrane, and a number of smooth-membraned vesicles appear in the plasm. These vesicles fuse to make the outer membrane of the filament. Later, its inner structures originate—the axial electron-dense substance, filling the hollow lumen of the filament, and a middle, electron-transparent layer. The structure of the filament is discussed in relation to its function and with regard to the findings of other authors. The polaroplast is a laminated structure, originating possibly by transformation of endoplasmic reticulum; the polar cap forms its apical part. The cap is also lamellar; its substance reaches into the lumen of the filament for a certain distance. No micropyle was discovered in the shell; the filament is fastened to the polar cap. These observations on microsporidian development and on the structure of their spores are compared with similar data on myxosporidian species. Such a comparison speaks clearly in favor of the complete taxonomic separation of the Microsporidea from the Myxosporidea, the latter being quite different also from other sporozoa sensu lato.
Aggregation in planning

Abstract How planned is the centrally planned economy of the Soviet Union? The answer to this question depends primarily upon the degree to which plans are aggregated. This paper develops a framework for the empirical analysis of planned aggregation and applies it to the Soviet Union. Two sources of data are used to examine plan aggregation, the Soviet national (All-Union) plan and a collection of enterprise assortment plans. The estimates of plan aggregation correspond closely to the stylized facts of Soviet priorities, heavy industry versus light industry and food processing.
A model for vorticity-generated segregation during electron beam surface melting

Abstract An unusual cellular pattern, two orders of magnitude greater than the scale of the solidification structure, arises from centrifugal motion of carbide particles within the melt. The vortices involved are generated from circulatory flow instabilities. The necessary driving force for the circulatory flow is the temperature differential between the plasma cavity and the rear solid-liquid interface. A consequence of the centrifugal motion is enrichment of carbide-forming elements at the peripheral region of the vortices. Chemical analysis of the carbides formed on solidification using the Philips EM420 analytical electron microscope shows them to be unusually rich in molybdenum (45–46 wt.%) and low in iron and chromium (6–12 wt.% Cr, 1.5−1.3 wt.% Fe). This is in striking contrast to an analysis of carbide phases in conventionally treated material.
Capacity and error bounds for a time-continuous Gaussian channel

A model proposed by Fortet for a time-continuous Gaussian channel is analyzed. The model differs from that of Shannon in that a different constraint is imposed on the allowable input signals, and in addition the transmission of a code word in a given time interval is not assumed to interfere with the transmission of a word in any other interval. The capacity of the Fortet channel is established by proving a coding theorem and its weak converse. It is shown that the probability of error of an optimal code approaches zero exponentially with the time duration of the code words, provided the transmission rate is below channel capacity.
Epidemiology of Physically Disabled Offenders

While most of the literature on the experiences of physically disabled offenders in prison is legal or anecdotal, there is next to no epidemiological exploration of this special population in our state and federal correctional facilities. This is particularly troubling because it is estimated that there are over 220,000 inmates who have some degree of physical impairment. The purpose of this article is to set the stage for such future research. This article examines the importance of epidemiological research, problems with existing research, prevalence of the prison population that are physically disabled, characteristics of these offenders (e.g., age, sex, race), the correctional environments in which they are placed, and suggestions for future research.
Diagnostic problem solving by computer: a historical review and the current state of the science

The current scientific interest in medical diagnostic problem solving originates in human judgment research among psychologists, statisticians, computer scientists, and physicians. The present state of this research is described and traced to its beginnings in the 1950s. Although the pivotal importance of the computer is emphasized, its impact on medical information management is recognized as not having been as great as in some other spheres of intelligent reasoning. But its future important role in medical diagnostic problem solving is optimistically anticipated.
Separation of plasma from whole human blood in a continuous cross-flow in a molded microfluidic device.

We designed, fabricated, and tested a microfluidic device for separation of plasma from whole human blood by size exclusion in a cross-flow. The device is made of a single mold of a silicone elastomer poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS) sealed with a cover glass and is essentially disposable. When loaded with blood diluted to 20% hematocrit and driven with pulsatile pressure to prevent clogging of the channels with blood cells, the device can operate for at least 1 h, extracting ∼8% of blood volume as plasma at an average rate of 0.65 μL/min. The flow in the device causes very little hemolysis; the extracted plasma meets the standards for common assays and is delivered to the device outlet ∼30 s after injection of blood to the inlet. Integration of the cross-flow microchannel array with on-chip assay elements would create a microanalysis system for point-of-care diagnostics, reducing costs, turn-around times, and volumes of blood sample and reagents required for the assays.
Individual Tree Diameter, Height, and Volume Functions for Longleaf Pine

Currently, little information is available to estimate individual tree attributes for longleaf pine (Pinus palustris Mill.), an important tree species of the southeastern United States. The majority of available models are local, relying on stem diameter outside bark at breast height (dbh, cm) and not including stand-level parameters. We developed a set of individual tree equations to predict tree height (H, m), stem diameter inside bark at 1.37 m height (dbhIB, cm), stem volume outside bark (VOB, m 3 ), and stem volume inside bark (VIB ,m 3 ), as well as functions to determine merchantable stem volume ratio (both outside and inside bark) from the stump to any top diameter. Local and general models are presented for each tree attribute. General models included stand-level parameters such as age, site index, dominant height, basal area, and tree density. The user should decide which model type to use, depending on data availability and level of accuracy desired. To our knowledge, this is the first comprehensive individual tree-level set of equations reported for longleaf pine trees, including local and general models, which can be applied to longleaf pine trees over a large geographical area and across a wide range of ages and stand characteristics. The system presented here provides important new tools for supporting future longleaf pine management decisions.
State Level Hot Topic Issues Facing Community Colleges: From the Perspective of the State Directors

The survey on hot topics was added in 2007 to the annual survey of state directors of community colleges conducted by the University of Alabama Education Policy Center. The survey data provided an opportunity for examining the personal attitudes toward the hot topics and the associations between these attitudes and state contexts. This study finds five clear interpretable factors of personal attitudes, and it provides support for the sound psychometric properties of the survey questionnaire. As a group, state directors had an optimistic view toward the increased attention to student success, the development of new data systems to track student success, and the enrollment capacity of community colleges. On the other hand, state directors were less optimistic toward state funding policies and the growth of four-year degree programs at community colleges. They recognized that funding for facilities was a priority, and federal support was needed. The findings indicate that the availability of local tax suppor...
Human liver microsomal metabolism of paclitaxel and drug interactions

The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of several anticancer drugs and investigational multidrug resistance (MDR) reversing agents on the hepatic metabolism of paclitaxel (Taxol) to its primary metabolites, 6alpha-hydroxypaclitaxel (metabolite, MA) and 3'-p-hydroxypaclitaxel (metabolite, MB). There is significant inter-individual variability associated with the levels of these two metabolites. In many cases, 6alpha-hydroxypaclitaxel has been observed to be the predominant metabolite, in others, 3'-p-hydroxypaclitaxel has been the principal metabolite. The formation of 6alpha-hydroxypaclitaxel and 3'-p-hydroxypaclitaxel is catalyzed by cytochrome P450 isozymes CYP2C8 and CYP3A4, respectively. A number of factors, including co-administration of drugs and adjuvants, are known to influence the activity of these isozymes. Therefore, the influence of MDR reversing agents, R-verapamil, cyclosporin A (CsA) and tamoxifen and anti-cancer drugs doxorubicin, etoposide (VP-16) and cisplatin on paclitaxel metabolism was assessed employing human liver microsomes in vitro. Paclitaxel (10 microM) was incubated with human liver microsomes (1 mg protein, -0.34 nmol CYP) in the presence of a NADPH generating system at 37 degrees C for 1 h, with and without the presence of interacting drug. Controls included incubations with quercetin and ketoconazole, known inhibitors of 6alpha-hydroxypaclitaxel and 3'-p-hydroxypaclitaxel formation, respectively. At the end of the incubation period, paclitaxel and the metabolites were extracted in ethyl acetate and analyzed employing an HPLC method. Significant inhibition of paclitaxel conversion to 6alpha-hydroxypaclitaxel and 3'-p-hydroxypaclitaxel was observed in the presence of R-verapamil, tamoxifen and VP-16 (P 0.005). Doxorubicin significantly inhibited the formation of 3'-p-hydroxypaclitaxel and CsA inhibited the formation of 6alpha-hydroxypaclitaxel (P 0.005). This study demonstrates that co-administration of several of the above listed compounds could lead to significant changes in the pharmacokinetics of paclitaxel.
A low-power asynchronous ECG acquisition system in CMOS technology

An asynchronous electrocardiogram (ECG) acquisition system is presented for wearable ambulatory monitoring. The proposed system consists of a low noise front-end amplifier (AFE) with tunable bandwidth, an asynchronous analog-to-digital converter (ADC), and digital signal processing (DSP). Data compression is achieved by the inherent signal dependent sampling rate of the asynchronous architecture. This makes the system attractive for compact wearable ECG monitoring applications. The AFE and ADC were fabricated in a 0.18µm CMOS technology and consume a total of 79µW. Measured results demonstrating ECG monitoring are presented.
An information flow security model for home area network of smart grid

Compared to the conventional home area network (HAN), the HAN in a smart grid environment features a higher level of innovative technologies and larger amounts of data, which demands a comprehensive approach to securing its data transmission and communications. In this paper, we analyze the information flow in the HAN and present a security model to secure the information in its transmission. An implementation method for applying the model in the HAN is proposed through embedding a component in every HAN device. Its function is to assign the security labels to the data packages and enforce the information flow policy. Results from the simulation show that it is effective to manage the information flow securely in the HAN.
Models for the relationship between blood lead and air lead.

A “lead exposure” model is proposed for the relationship between blood lead and air lead. Unlike the commonly-used log-log model, this model describes blood lead as a function of both air lead exposure and lead intake from sources other than the air (i.e., food, water, etc.). The blood lead-air lead relationship at low air lead levels is also studied. It is shown that the mathematical characteristics of the log-log model can result in an overestimate of the effect of air lead on blood lead at air lead levels less than 1 to 2 μg/m3. The lead exposure model is shown to give a good description of data collected in studies in which subjects' air lead levels were measured by personal monitor.[/p]
Investigation of electroactive behaviour of polyaniline containing polyelectrolyte nanocomposite membranes

Novel electrically conducting composite hydrogel materials comprising of polyaniline (PANI) nanoparticles dispersed in a poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA)–g–poly(2-acrylamido-2-methyl-1-propanesulfonic acid) matrix were prepared by in situ polymerisation of aniline (AN). The conversion yield of AN into PANI particles was determined gravimetrically while structural confirmation of the synthesised polymer was ascertained by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, UV–Visible analysis and X-ray diffraction techniques. The morphology and dimension of PANI particles embedded into the coloured optically semi-transparent polymer films were evaluated by scanning electron microscopy analysis and transmittance electron microscopy. The electrical conductivity of composite hydrogels containing different composition percentages was determined by LCR metre while the eletroactive behaviour of composite hydrogels swollen in electrolyte solution was investigated by effective bending angle measurements. The prepared ionic hydrogel...