cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Liquid ventilation improves pulmonary function and cardiac output in a neonatal swine model of cardiopulmonary bypass.

Abstract Objective: Neonatal and infant cardiopulmonary bypass results in multiorgan system dysfunction. Organ protective strategies have traditionally been directed at the myocardium and brain while neglecting the sometimes severe injury to the lungs. We hypothesized that liquid ventilation would improve pulmonary function and cardiac output in neonates after cardiopulmonary bypass. Methods: Twenty neonatal swine were randomized to receive cardiopulmonary bypass with or without liquid ventilation. In the liquid-ventilated group, a single dose of perflubron was administered before bypass. The control group was conventionally ventilated. Each animal was placed on nonpulsatile, hypothermic bypass. Low-flow cardiopulmonary bypass was performed for 60 minutes. The flow rate was returned to 125 ml/kg per minute, and after warming to 37° C, the animals were removed from bypass. Hemodynamic and ventilatory data were obtained after bypass to assess the effects of liquid ventilation. Results: Without liquid ventilation, cardiopulmonary bypass resulted in a significant decrease in cardiac output, oxygen delivery, and static pulmonary compliance compared with prebypass values. Input pulmonary resistance and characteristic impedance increased in these control animals. At 30, 60, and 90 minutes after bypass, the animals receiving liquid ventilation showed significantly increased cardiac output and static compliance and significantly decreased input pulmonary resistance and characteristic impedance compared with control animals not receiving liquid ventilation. Conclusions: Liquid ventilation improved pulmonary function after neonatal cardiopulmonary bypass while increasing cardiac output. The morbidity associated with cardiopulmonary bypass may be significantly reduced if the adverse pulmonary sequelae of bypass can be diminished. Liquid ventilation may become an important technique to protect the lungs from the deleterious effects of cardiopulmonary bypass. (J Thorac Cardiovasc Surg 1998:115:528-35)
Structure and evolutionary implications of a "cysteine-rich" Campoletis sonorensis polydnavirus gene family.

Abstract For successful parasitization, the female Campoletis sonorensis endoparasitic wasp injects a polydnavirus into its host, Heliothis virescens, during oviposition. Viral gene expression induces immunosuppression and alters development of the host. We report here that three abundantly expressed genes, VHv1.1, WHv1.0, and WHv1.6, describes a polydnavirus "cysteine-rich" gene family which may be important in inducing these host manifestations. These genes have a similar primary gene structure and their proteins contain cysteine motifs characteristic of snail ion-channel ligands, the omega-conotoxins. Like the omega-conotoxins, the intercysteine amino acid residues are hypervariable with only three identical amino acids in all motifs. The conservation of this domain in the three viral genes may reflect an important functional role for these viral proteins in the parasitization of H. virescens. The three genes also contain introns similar in sequence at comparable positions in their 5' untranslated leaders and coding sequences. VHv1.1 contains two cysteine motifs, and each motif is interrupted by an intron at the same position as in the cysteine motifs of WHv1.0 and WHv1.6. Intron 2 sequences of WHv1.0 and WHv1.6 are 92% identical, while the immediately flanking exon sequences encoding the cysteine motifs are only 76% identical. This provides an example of nuclear pre-mRNA introns which are more conserved than flanking exons among members of a gene family.
The effect of heat shock on RNA synthesis in Drosophila tissues.

Abstract Total RNA from Drosophila imaginal discs, labeled under conditions of heat shock, is analyzed by hybridization in situ to salivary gland polytene chromosomes. Grain densities over the hybridizing bands are compared, showing that the response to heat shock is similar for several disc types and fly stocks. Alteration of the culture medium used for labeling during heat shock results in the specific induction (in discs, salivary glands, or fat body) of one of the heat-shock loci to a level far beyond that normally seen. We discuss the implications of this specific induction regarding the mechanism of response. We also discuss the observed difference between transcription labeling of salivary gland chromosomes and labeling by in situ hybridization.
Comparative analysis of high-resolution chromosome techniques for leukemic bone marrows

High-resolution direct and synchronization culture techniques for chromosome analysis of leukemic bone marrow cells can now be utilized. In this article, three different techniques are quantitatively compared for their consistency in successful cytogenetic analysis, reliability in the detection of clones with chromosomal abnormalities, and usefulness for the precise delineation of break points involved in structural chromosomal rearrangements. Bone marrow samples from 15 consecutive patients with acute nonlymphocytic leukemia (ANLL) were studied using an improved direct technique, amethopterin cell synchronization with thymidine release, and amethopterin cell synchronization with bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU) release. The results obtained with the amethopterin cell synchronization technique and thymidine release suggest that it should be the method of choice in the detection of chromosome defects in bone marrow of patients with ANLL.
Mouse Models for Blistering Skin Disorders

Genetically engineered mice have been essential tools for elucidating the pathological mechanisms underlying human diseases. In the case of diseases caused by impaired desmosome function, mouse models have helped to establish causal links between mutations and disease phenotypes. This review focuses on mice that lack the desmosomal cadherins desmoglein 3 or desmocollin 3 in stratified epithelia. A comparison of the phenotypes observed in these mouse lines is provided and the relationship between the mutant mouse phenotypes and human diseases, in particular pemphigus vulgaris, is discussed. Furthermore, we will discuss the advantages and potential limitations of genetically engineered mouse lines in our ongoing quest to understand blistering skin diseases.
(4-Carboxamido)phenylalanine is a surrogate for tyrosine in opioid receptor peptide ligands.

Abstract ( S )-4-(Carboxamido)phenylalanine (Cpa) is examined as a bioisosteric replacement for the terminal tyrosine (Tyr) residue in a variety of known peptide ligands for the μ , δ , and κ opioid receptors. The Cpa-containing peptides, assayed against cloned human opioid receptors, display comparable binding affinity ( K i ), and agonist potency (EC 50 ) to the parent ligands at the three receptors. Cpa analogs of δ selective peptides show an increase in δ selectivity relative to the μ receptor. Cpa is the first example of an amino acid that acts as a surrogate for Tyr in opioid peptide ligands, challenging the long-standing belief that a phenolic residue is required for high affinity binding.
The Centennial of Vitamin A: A Century of Research in Retinoids and Carotenoids

Although the birth of vitamin A is often dated to 1913, when 2 landmark studies demonstrated the growth-promoting activities of fat-soluble accessory factors (1, 2), earlier studies that are often overlooked provided intriguing glimpses of what was soon to come. For example, a cocktail prepared from minced carrots was offered as a cure for helminth infections by the German pharmacist Heinrich Wackenroder (1798–1854) (reviewed in ref. 3). Later, he was the first to isolate carotene. In apparently unrelated studies, chemists were analyzing the nature of plant and animal pigments (3): William Zeise (1789–1847) showed that the carrot pigment is a hydrocarbon, Jons Berzelius (1779–1848) demonstrated that xanthophyll is an oxygencontaining hydrocarbon, and Adolph Lieben (1836–1914) isolated carotenoid from the bovine corpus luteum. Unaware of the close relationships between these different pigments, Johann Ludwig Wilhelm Thudichum (1829– 1901) (3), using newly developed spectroscopic methods, demonstrated that all shared important structural features. Richard Willstaetter, (1872–1942) (3, 4), who invariably encountered and analyzed these pigments in chlorophyll preparations, assigned the chemical formula C40H56 to carotene and C40H56O2 to xanthophyll, thus capping the issue. Meanwhile, the Polish biochemist Casimir Funk (1884– 1967) and his British rival, Sir Frederick Hopkins (1861– 1947), proposed the concept of “vitamins” in reference to a group of essential but minor components in ordinary food stuffs such as brown rice and milk (5). These substances had no intrinsic caloric value, but were essential for healthy mammalian development. In 1913, the stage was set for Elmer McCollum (1879–1967), Marguerite Davis (1887– 1967), Thomas Osborne (1859–1929), and Lafayette Mendel (1872–1935) to obtain proof of principle by showing that tiny amounts of an accessory factor found in milk and egg yolk, later known as “fat-soluble A” (thereafter, vitamin A), is indispensible for rearing newborn rats. It took another 20 yr for Paul Karrer (1889–1971) to solve the structure of vitamin A (6), establish its chemical kinship with carotenoids, and set the stage for an ever-expanding interest in its functions (Table 1).
Androgyny and the Life Cycle: The Bacchae of Euripides

The concept of androgyny appears in social psychology as an adaptive mixture of masculine and feminine traits unlinked to any age-specific schedule of development. The life cycle developmental view of androgyny is that sex-typed behavior is found early in the life cycle, in response to the “chronic emergency of parenthood,” but that in later life each sex recaptures the prerogatives surrendered earlier in adulthood—women recovering managerial, assertive traits, and men becoming more responsive to their needs for nurturance and dependency. This article proposes a reconciliation of social and developmental models of androgyny based on an analysis of Greek tragedy. The Bacchae, written by Euripides in his old age, suggests that the androgynous individual is advantaged throughout the life cycle, as social psychologists would claim today. However, the fate of Pentheus at the hands of Dionysus suggests that anxieties over the androgynous potential of the self may be heightened in young adulthood and ebb later i...
Protracted benzene exposure causes a proliferation of myeloblasts and/or promyelocytes in CD-1 mice.

The results of a study on the effects of protracted benzene exposure on granulocytic cell types are reported. The exposure regime consisted of exposing mice to 300 ppM benzene for 6 h/day, 5 days/week for 26 weeks. It was concluded that an observed eight-fold increase in promyelocytes in benzene-exposed mice was due to a proliferation of myeloblasts and/or promyelocytes. (RJC)
Analysis of phase mixing in aged polymer networks of poly(ethylene glycol) and poly(trimethylolpropane triacrylate)

Abstract The extent of phase mixing during ageing of semi-interpenetrating polymer networks of poly(ethylene glycol)(PEG) and poly(trimethylolpropane triacrylate)(TMPTA) was determined using differential scanning calorimetry. Twelve-month-old networks containing PEG with molecular weights of 8000–20000 g mol−1 were more phase-separated following ageing than freshly prepared networks, while other PEG molecular weight (4000 or 100 000 g mol−1) systems remained stable. The networks initially formed with fast TMPTA gelation rates remained phase-stable, while those which were initially formed with progressively slower TMPTA polymerization kinetics became more phase-dispersed upon ageing.
Selective decrease in extracellular DOPAC concentrations in rat striatum following in vivo dialysis with low concentrations of MPP

Abstract Using the technique of in vivo dialysis, 1-methyl-4-phenylpyridinium (MPP+), the neurotoxic metabolite of 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP), was applied to the rat striatum and the effects of this treatment on the efflux of striatal dopamine (DA) and metabolites were monitored. The inclusion of low concentrations of MPP+ (1 and 10 μM) in the dialysis solution caused a progressive decrease in the efflux of dihydroxyphenylacetic acid (DOPAC), the major deamination product of DA, while homovanillic acid (HVA) and 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid (5-HIAA) remained unchanged. Unlike the effects of dialysis with millimolar concentrations of MPP+, a large increase in the efflux of striatal DA was not observed. The effect of dialysis with 1 μM MPP+ was blocked if 1 μM GBR 12909, a specific DA reuptake blocker, was included in the dialysis fluid, suggesting uptake of MPP+ into striatal DA terminals mediated this effect.
Manufacture and use of “ethylene” foils for beam-foil spectroscopy

Abstract We report details of manufacturing techniques for producing long-lived carbon foils (thickness range 4–24 μg/cm 2 ) by deposition from dc ethylene discharge. We report observations on the behavior of these foils when they are used for spectral and mean-life measurements by the beam-foil method in beams of heavy ions (Br, Xe) in the 2–5 MeV energy range. We also report results of tests to determine foil life as a function of thickness as well as observations on foil shrinkage and scattering of the ion beam.
A conformational analysis of daunomycin considering D-ring repucker.

We present a complete molecule mechanics optimization of daunomycin. Two different D-ring puckers are found to be of comparable energy, consistent with NMR data, although only one of these low-energy structures has been observed by X-ray crystallography. Our results are more consistent with the previous conformational analysis of daunomycin by Neidle and Taylor (Neidle, S. and Taylor, G.L. (1979) FEBS Lett. 107, 348-354) than that of Nakata and Hopfinger (Nakata, Y. and Hopfinger, A.J. (1980) FEBS Lett. 117, 259-264).
NCA 16α-[18F]fluoroestradiol-17β: The effect of reaction vessel on fluorine-18 resolubilization, product yield, and effective specific activity

Abstract Although the reported synthesis of the title compound resulted in a high radiochemical yield (43% based on resolubilized 18F), the effective specific activity at EOS was low (166 Ci/mmol). Reduction in the amount of carrier fluoride in the target water improved the effective specific activity of the product, but with a concommitant decrease in the resolubilized yield of the fluoroestradiol (12.7%). A re-examination of the labeling parameters was performed to determine the conditions that would increase the yield of the fluoroestrogen and maintain a high effective activity for the product. Since the amount of resolubilized 18F in THF is important in obtaining high specific activity compounds in this type of synthesis, several types of vessels were investigated to determine their effect on the evaporation of the [18O]H2O target water and subsequent resolubilization of 18F into THF. Of these vessels (Pt crucible, borosilicate glass, siliconized borosilicate glass, VacutainerR), the Vacutainer afforded the highest resolubilization of 18F into THF (90%), resulting in an improved resolubilized yield for the fluoroestradiol (28%) and an increased effective specific activity at EOS for the product (1600–3939 Ci/mmol).
1,3-Interactions among three polar bonds. 2-chloromethyl-2-methyl-1,3-dichloropropane

Abstract The 1 H DNMR spectrum for the title compound at 102K complemented by molecular orbital and emperical force field calculations reveal the presence of three preferred equilibrium conformations with slightly different free energies.
Conduction-band-edge charge densities in elemental and compound semiconductors.

The empirical pseudopotential method is used to compute electronic charge densities at the \ensuremath{\Gamma}, L, and X k points of the conduction-band edge in selected group-IV elemental (Si, Ge, \ensuremath{\alpha}-Sn) and III-V compound (GaP, GaAs, GaSb, InP, InAs, InSb) semiconductors. We find that these charge distributions are essentially independent of the system under study and are strongly dependent upon the symmetry of the wave function of a particular state. As a direct consequence of this analysis, we find that the ${\ensuremath{\Gamma}}_{1}^{c}$ conduction-band state for the heteropolar semiconductors contains an abundance of charge density associated with the anion as opposed to the cation in support of a previous observation by Baldereschi and Maschke, and that the symmetry of the wave function of the conduction-band edge at ${X}^{c}$ for GaSb is actually ${X}_{3}^{c}$, and not ${X}_{1}^{c}$ as has been previously assigned in the literature. We therefore predict an increase in both the direct and indirect band gaps of the Nowotny-Juza alloy \ensuremath{\alpha}-LiZnSb upon applying the interstitial insertion rule of Wood, Zunger, and de Groot to GaSb.
Dynamics of SO(3, R)-homogeneous cosmologies

Abstract Cosmologies having spacelike 3-dimensional homogeneity surfaces on which the group of motions is SO(3, R) (Bianchi Type IX) are investigated. These models generalize the ordinary “closed” Robertson-Walker models. Detailed analytical and numerical treatment is given for those models containing pressureless fluid (dust). Included are proofs that infinite density regions and a time of maximum expansion occur in each model. Extensive discussion is devoted to the evolution of anisotropy and the possibility of “mixing,” a phenomenon characterized by the absence of a horizon in any direction. Numerical examples, illustrating the various types of models, are displayed graphically.
EXPERIMENTAL EVIDENCE OF A DIFFUSION PROCESS ASSOCIATED WITH THE MASS ASYMMETRY DEGREE OF FREEDOM IN HEAVY ION REACTIONS

Abstract Dramatic changes of fragment angular distributions over a large range of atomic numbers in the reactions induced by 14 N, 20 Ne, and 40 Ar on natural Ag targets are interpreted as evidence of a diffusion-controlled evolution of an intermediate complex along the mass asymmetry degree of freedom.
Increasing returns to scale and the reverse flexible accelerator

Abstract We show that the flexible accelerator principle characterizes optimal investment behavior only when the firm's technology exhibits decreasing returns to scale throughout. When there are increasing returns we show that there is a range in which investment increases as the capital stock increases towards its long-run equilibrium level.
Smokeless tobacco, cardiovascular risk factors, and nicotine and cotinine levels in professional baseball players.

BACKGROUND. The use of smokeless tobacco (ST), which has increased in popularity over the past 2 decades, results in considerable systemic exposure to nicotine. Nicotine might contribute to atherosclerosis by an effect on cardiovascular risk factors. METHODS. The effects of ST use on cardiovascular risk factors and cotinine and nicotine levels were studied in 1061 professional baseball players during spring training in 1988 and 1989. RESULTS. Of the study participants 477 (45%) were users. ST use was more common among Whites (55%) than among Blacks (29%) or Hispanics (21%), and users reported heavier consumption of alcohol (p less than .001) and had higher mean serum caffeine levels (p less than .001) than nonusers. ST users did not differ from nonusers in adjusted levels of systolic and diastolic blood pressure, pulse, and total or HDL-cholesterol. Among ST users, participants using snuff had higher mean serum cotinine levels than those who used chewing tobacco (p less than .001). There was no associatio...
Male Kin Relationships: Grandfathers, Grandsons, and Generativity

In a qualitative interview study of narratives grandsons told about their grandfathers (n = 14), we found evidence that grandsons perceived the role of grandfathers to be generative on several dimensions. Our analysis centered on the influence grandfathers had on the meanings grandsons made about fatherhood. All seven generative work domains, along with nine concepts describing grandfathers' generative efforts (consciousness of the family's lineage, skill sharing, meaningful emotional bonds, renewing bonds, who we are and what we do, sacred family spaces, culture of good fathering, multigenerational family generativity, and inter- and intragenerational improvement), were present in the data. Findings revealed the complexities of grandfather–grandson relationships and the impact grandsons reported their grandfathers had on them.
Stationarity and stochastic differential equations

Abstract A linear differential equation of order N with stochastic process coefficients and excitation are studied. The objective of this paper is to demonstrate that, by using an expansion method, when the coefficients and excitation are strict sense stationary processes, the response is also a strict sense stationary process. Such problems occur frequently in the engineering sciences and are very important. Applications include parametric random vibrations, turbulent environment rotorcraft dynamics, and dynamics of axially loaded structural members, among others. An example application is provided.
Treatment of solids and petroleum hydrocarbons in storm runoff with an on-site detention basin.

Storm generated runoff pollution in urban areas is a significant problem for water quality planners. Previous studies have characterized the inorganic and organic constituents in urban runoff, and it was shown that many of these pollutants are susceptible to quiescent settling and removal from the water column. Detention basins, either natural or manmade, are comparatively inexpensive management practices for the control of urban runoff pollution. The present study assessed a detention basin for its effectiveness in treating petroleum hydrocarbons, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and suspended solids from runoff at a shopping center parking lot.
Perceptual interpretation of ink annotations on line charts

Asynchronous collaborators often use freeform ink annotations to point to visually salient perceptual features of line charts such as peaks or humps, valleys, rising slopes and declining slopes. We present a set of techniques for interpreting such annotations to algorithmically identify the corresponding perceptual parts. Our approach is to first apply a parts-based segmentation algorithm that identifies the visually salient perceptual parts in the chart. Our system then analyzes the freeform annotations to infer the corresponding peaks, valleys or sloping segments. Once the system has identified the perceptual parts it can highlight them to draw further attention and reduce ambiguity of interpretation in asynchronous collaborative discussions.
CaO: I, Fabrication and Characterization

Two processes for hot-pressing CaO to less than 1% porosity are described and discussed. One process is without additives at about 1200°C, and the other is with additives of NaF or LiF (preferably EiF) at about 1000°C. The dense bodies are characterized in terms of grain size, surface annealing, and the type and content of impurities and residual additives. Iron and silicon are prevalent impurities and undergo changes on subsequent firing, especially above 1650°C. Gaseous impurities, H2O and CO2, which are released from powders during hot-pressing, may cause explosions if proper caution is not used. They are also trapped in varying small quantities in dense bodies as hydroxide and carbonate compounds and are surprisingly tenacious. Lithium is readily eliminated from bodies made with LiF. Fluorine, though more tenacious, can also be reduced with firing, but not as readily as in MgO. Some observations on possible densification mechanisms are presented, including possible effects of impurities.
Overview of the Social Transition in the North project 1995- 1998

Objective. This paper describes the overall aims and design of the Social Transitions in the North study. The objective of the STN study was to assess how epidemiological, demographic and domestic changes have affected Northern communities. Study Design. Sixteen communities in the Russian Far East and Alaska were compared. Survey data were collected in three phases with a response rate of 70%. Methods. The experiences of indigenous peoples with demographic, epidemiological and domestic changes were measured using forced-choice questionnaires, focus groups, oral histories, protocol interviews, interviews with institutional informants, genealogies and analysis of secondary data. Results. The principal researchers died during a boating accident before the analysis phase. Alaska researchers were asked to review the data for utility. Conclusions. The STN data was developed using rigorous cross-cultural research team. It was be used by social science researchers and others to better understand the impact of rapid changes in the Arctic. (Int J Circumpolar Health 2004; 63 suppl 1:5-12) Keywords: Alaska and Russian Indigenous communities., health status, health survey
Electrochemical durability of carbon nanotubes at 80 °C

Abstract Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) have been studied as an alternative catalyst support in polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM) fuel cells. Recent studies showed that CNTs appear to be more resistant to electrochemical corrosion than carbon black (CB). In a previous study, we have demonstrated the room temperature durability of multiwalled CNTs in both non-catalyzed and catalyzed electrochemical oxidations. This paper is to report results conducted at 80 °C—an operational temperature of PEM fuel cells. It was found that multiwalled CNTs are still more resistant than CB at the elevated temperature. However, the electrochemical oxidation rate is more rapid than that at the room temperature. As a result, a decrease in oxidation currents was observed with cyclic voltammetry, attributed to that the initial surface oxides were quickly converted to more stable oxides or carbon dioxide due to the high temperature. For CNTs, extended oxidation could not occur, in contrast to CB, because it requires attacking on the intact graphite planes which are corrosion resistant under the experimental conditions. It was found that the kinetics followed different power laws in time for different carbons.
Regiochemical control in the hemiacetalization of a dihydroxydialdehyde. An application of the use of homochiral 3-methyl-δ-butyrolactones to the construction of homochiral tripropionate units.

Abstract A method for the inversion of lactone homochirality and subsequent chain extension of dipropionate to tripropionate units is discussed. The synthetic sequence leads to (+)-methyl Prelog-Djerassi lactonic acid.
Putrescine-oxidase activity in adult bovine serum and fetal bovine serum.

Putrescine-oxidase activity was found in fetal bovine serum (FBS) with a pH optimum of 8.0 and in adult bovine serum (ABS) with a pH optimum of 9.8. The crude FBS enzyme had a KM for putrescine of 2.58×10−6m and a Vmax of 0.53 nmol per hr per 50 μl serum. Aminoguanidine competitively inhibited the enzyme with a KI of 1.8×10−8m. Spermidine and spermine proved competitive inhibitors of putrescine for both the FBS and the crude ABS putrescine oxidases. The Vmax for the ABS putrescine oxidase was 2.10 nmol per hr per 50 μl serum, and the KM for putrescine, 50.3×10−6m. The K1 of the ABS putrescine oxidase for aminoguanidine was 41×10−6m. On the basis of both the KM and KI values, the adult serum enzyme, at its optimal pH of 9.8, bound spermidine and spermine more avidly than the smaller putrescine and aminoguanidine; whereas the FBS enzyme, at pH 8.0, bound aminoguanidine and putrescine more tightly than the larger polyamines. Each of the enzymes retained over 80% of its activity after heating at 56°C for 30 min. Applications of these data to the study of polyamines in tissue culture and to the purification of diamine oxidases are discussed.
Valine incorporation into elastin-rich fractions from chick aorta.

Abstract A soluble form of elastin which contains no cross-linking amino acids may be obtained from the aortas of copper-deficient chicks after formic acid extraction. The protein contains 148 residues of valine per 1000 and approximately 45 residues of lysine per 1000. Extraction of aortas with formic acid from copper-deficient and copper-supplemented chicks after intraperitoneal injection with 10 μCi of [G- 3 H] valine resulted in labeled protein fractions which appear in part to be incorporated into more mature forms of elastin. After maximal labeling the turnover of radioactive protein in control extracts was twice as fast as that in extracts from copper-deficient aorta. The specific activity of mature elastin (alkali-insoluble) from copper-deficient chicks was to 20 to 30% that from controls. However, the low value appeared to be related to the isolation procedure and not decreased synthesis. The elastin obtained from copper-deficient chicks was more easily solubilized than that from controls. In addition, the protein from copper-deficient aortas was more easily cleaved by elastase.
Geographic differences in use of home oxygen for obstructive lung disease: a national Medicare study.

Rationale: Home oxygen is the most expensive equipment item that Medicare purchases ($1.7 billion/year). Objectives: To assess geographic differences in supplemental oxygen use. Methods: Retrospective cohort analysis of oxygen claims for a 20% random sample of Medicare patients hospitalized for obstructive lung disease in 1999 and alive at the end of 2000. Measurements and Main Results: While 33.7% of the 34,916 hospitalized patients used supplemental oxygen, there was more than a 4-fold difference between states and a greater than 6-fold difference between hospital referral regions with high/low utilization. Rocky Mountain States and Alaska had the highest utilization, while the District of Columbia and Louisiana had the lowest utilization. After adjusting for patient characteristics and elevation, highutilization communities included low-lying areas in California, Florida, Michigan, Missouri, and Washington. Patients who were younger, male, white, and who had more comorbidities, more hospital admissions, and lived at higher altitudes and in areas of greater income also had higher odds of using supplemental oxygen. Residing in rural areas was associated with higher unadjusted oxygen use rates. After adjustment, patients living in large rural areas had higher odds of using oxygen than patients living in urban areas or in small rural areas. Conclusions: There is significant geographic variation in supplemental oxygen use, even after controlling for patient and contextual factors. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services should examine these issues further and enact changes that ensure patient health and fiscal responsibility.
Spindle mechanics and dynamics during mitosis in Drosophila

Drosophila melanogaster is an excellent model for studying mitosis. Syncytial embryos are amenable to time-lapse imaging of hundreds of synchronously dividing spindles, allowing the quantitation of spindle and chromosome dynamics with unprecedented fidelity. Other Drosophila cell types, including neuroblasts, cultured cells, spermatocytes and oocytes, contain spindles that differ in their design, providing cells amenable to different types of experiments and allowing identification of common core mechanisms. The function of mitotic proteins can be studied using mutants, inhibitor microinjection and RNA interference (RNAi) to identify the full inventory of mitotic proteins encoded by the genome. Here, we review recent advances in understanding how ensembles of mitotic proteins coordinate spindle assembly and chromosome motion in this system.
Long-term effects of decreased noradrenergic central nervous system innervation on pain behavior and opioid antinociception.

Here we examine whether a permanent reduction in the noradrenergic (NA) innervation of the spinal cord leads to a chronic decreased nociceptive threshold. NA denervation of rats was achieved by intrathecal injection of dopamine beta-hydroxylase antibodies conjugated to the toxin saporin. A subset of animals also underwent unilateral L5 spinal nerve ligature to induce sustained neuropathic pain behavior. NA fibers and terminals were lost throughout the spinal cord 2 weeks after toxin application and were still absent 12 months later, indicating that regeneration did not occur. There was also a widespread loss of NA terminals in the cerebral cortex, whereas innervation of the hypothalamus and amygdala were close to normal and NA innervation of the brainstem was moderately reduced. There was extensive loss of NA cells in the locus coeruleus and A5 and A7 cell groups. Dopaminergic and serotoninergic innervation was normal. Intracerebroventricular injection of the toxin resulted in additional NA reduction in the hypothalamus, amygdala, and A1 and A2 cell groups. Long-term removal of NA afferents did not affect nociceptive thresholds. Neuropathic animals showed greater mechanical hyperalgesia in the affected hindpaw only during the first 60 days after toxin. Rats lacking NA spinal afferents were less responsive to the antinociceptive effects of morphine, especially in the neuropathic hindpaw, and did not display opioid-dependent stress analgesia. Finally, in the spinal cord of toxin-treated rats, immunoreactivity for substance P was decreased, whereas that of its receptor (NK1) was increased. These animals exhibited antinociception to a low dose of an NK1 receptor antagonist. Our results suggest that NA contributes only modestly to determining the nociceptive threshold and that its antinociceptive effects are closely linked to opioidergic and tachykinergic neurotransmission. J. Comp. Neurol. 460:38–55, 2003. © 2003 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Charm Production Studies at CDF

The upgraded Collider Detector at Fermilab (CDF II) has a high bandwidth available for track based triggers. This capability, in conjunction with an integrated luminosity in excess of 1 fb −1 , enables detailed studies of charm hadron production. CDF is now releasing first measurements of the prompt charm meson pair cross-sections, which give access to QCD mechanisms by which charm quarks are produced in proton anti-proton collisions. Recent results on the spin alignment of J / ψ and ψ ( 2 S ) as well as on the relative production of the χ c 1 ( P 1 ) and χ c 2 ( 1 P ) challenge our understanding of the fragmentation of charm quarks into charmonium states.
The Society Committee on Education

The Society Committee on Education, SOCED, is the group that oversees the governance-related functions of the education Division. At the Orlando National meeting, SOCED addressed current and future...
Influence of multiple categories on the prediction of unknown properties

Knowing an item’s category helps us predict its unknown properties. Previous studies suggest that when asked to evaluate the probability of an unknown property, people tend to consider only an item’s most likely category, ignoring alternative categories. In the present study, property prediction took the form of either a probability rating or a speeded binary-choice judgment. In keeping with past findings, the subjects ignored alternative categories in their probability ratings. However, their binary-choice judgments were influenced by alternative categories. This novel finding suggests that the way in which category knowledge is used in prediction depends critically on the form of the prediction.
Component dependency models in Markov Monte Carlo simulation

The procedures for effective nonanalog Monte Carlo simulation of Markov processes are reviewed. Models for three classes of component dependencies appearing in reliability and availability problems are incorporated into the Markov formulation. They are (1) shared repair crews between components, (2) load sharing between components and (3) standby mode. The models are included in a Markov Monte Carlo simulation code, and results are given for a series of example problems to demonstrate the efficiency of the methods as well as the effects of the dependencies on system unreliability and unavailability.
The Modulus of Polynomials with Zeros at the Roots of Unity

for n = 1, 2, 3, .... Note that the polynomial Pn(z) has all its zeros at the kth roots of unity for k = 1, 2, ... , n. So, as n gets larger, this polynomial has zeros that become denser and denser in the unit circle. Does this denseness of zeros force (1) to be true for all n? After our fruitless attempt to find a quick solution to this elementary and naive looking problem, we started giving it more respect and working on it with all the tools in our toolbox. To our pleasure, our findings revealed interesting interactions and connections among different subjects. It is the purpose of this note to share these with the readers.
Forecasting marginal costs of a multiple‐output production technology

This paper presents the results of fitting a scaled translog restricted profit function to ‘pseudo’-data formed by repeated runs of a large linear programming model of domestic and international refining. The translog approximation is designed to estimate the marginal cost of producing eight petroleum products given the amounts of each product demanded and the price of crude oil. We test the model against out-of-sample data from the refinery model and historical data. The model is used in the US Department of Energy's Annual Energy Outlook forecasting system.
Allocative distortions and the regulatory transition of the U.S. airline industry

Abstract Our paper develops a model of allocative distortions with which we analyze departures of the U.S. airline industry from efficient resource allocation during the period 1970–1981. Airline technology is assumed to transform capital, labor, energy, and materials into passenger and cargo service whose characteristics are endogeneously determined. A generalized-Leontief system of distorted profit, output supply, input demand, and reduced form output characteristics expressions is estimated by FIML using a multivariate error components model with vector autoregressive disturbances. Our results tend to support the common perception that deregulation reduced both the total cost and relative level of allocative distortions.
Inactivation of parvovirus B19 during STIM-4 vapor heat treatment of three coagulation factor concentrates.

BACKGROUND: To enhance the viral safety margins, nanofiltration has been widely integrated into the manufacturing process of plasma-derived medicinal products. Removal of smaller agents such as parvovirus B19 (B19V) by filtration, however, is typically less efficient. Because recent investigations have demonstrated that B19V may be more heat sensitive than animal parvoviruses, the potential B19V inactivation by a proprietary vapor heating procedure (STIM-4) as incorporated into the manufacturing processes of several nanofiltered coagulation factor concentrates was investigated. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: An infectivity assay based on quantitative reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction (TaqMan, Applied Biosystems) detection of B19V mRNA after inoculation of a permissive cell line (UT7 Epo S1 cells) was used to investigate the virus inactivation capacity of the STIM-4 vapor heat treatment as used during the manufacture of nanofiltered second-generation Factor VIII inhibitor-bypassing activity (FEIBA), F IX complex, and FVII products. RESULTS: In contrast to animal parvoviruses, both B19V genotypes investigated, that is, 1 and 2, were shown to be surprisingly effectively inactivated by the STIM-4 vapor heat treatment process, with mean log reduction factors of 3.5 to 4.8, irrespective of the product intermediate tested. CONCLUSION: The newly demonstrated effective inactivation of B19V by vapor heating, in contrast to the earlier used animal parvoviruses, results in significant B19V safety margins for STIM-4–treated coagulation factor concentrates.
PHOTOCHEMICAL PROPERTIES OF ERYTHROCYTE GHOSTS CONTAINING PORPHYRIN

— Rabbit erythrocyte cell ghosts were prepared containing tetrasodium meso-tetra (4-sulfona-to-phenyl) porphine (12-hydrate), a water soluble porphyrin. Laser flash kinetic spectroscopy of the suspension revealed a difference spectrum consistent with the porphyrin T, state. The time profiles of the signal decay were bi-exponential, and oxygen quenched each of the two components differently. Triplet-triplet extinction coefficients and quantum yields were lower for the ghost suspension than for porphyrin in solution. Fluorescence lifetime studies of the suspension also showed the presence of two components. Singlet oxygen luminescence, as measured by germanium diode detection, was observed, with a lifetime of 46 (jls and a 4>A of 0.09.
Corrosion Protection of Al Alloys and Al-Based Metal Matrix Composites by Chemical Passivation

Abstract Chemical passivation by immersion of Al alloys and Al 6061/SiC and Al 6061 /graphite metal matrix composites in a CeCl3 solution produces very corrosion-resistant surfaces. Al 6061 and Al ...
How Financial Managers Deal with Ethical Stress

This article explores the way public-sector financial managers cope with ethical challenges created by undue political pressure and demands for special treatment. A nationwide survey of financial managers revealed that fiscal stress exacerbates ethical pressure for most financial managers, including chief financial officers (CFOs) and those who report to CFOs. Financial managers do not work in an ethical vacuum; they respond to supervisors who encourage ethical action and to coworkers who demonstrate high standards of personal integrity. Supervisors of CFOs who emphasize political responsiveness in employee evaluations can threaten the ethical behavior of CFOs, while timely feedback can mitigate ethical pressure. In turn, CFOs as supervisors can temper the harsh work environment in fiscally stressed times by encouraging ethical action and by giving adequate feedback to those who report to them.
Decorative power generating panels creating angle insensitive transmissive colors

We present ultra-thin (6 to 31 nm) undoped amorphous silicon/organic hybrid solar cell structure, which can transmit desired color of light. The transmitted colors show great angular tolerance due to the negligible optical phase associated with light propagating in ultra-thin amorphous silicon (a-Si) layers. We achieved the power conversion efficiency of the hybrid cells up to 2 %; and demonstrated that most of the absorbed photons in the undoped a-Si layer contributed to the extracted electric charges due to the suppressed electron-hole recombination in the ultra-thin a-Si layer. We also show the resonance is invariant with respect to the angle of incidence up to ±70° regardless of the polarization of the incident light. Our exploration provides a design to realize energy harvesting colored photovoltaic panels for innovative applications.
An investigation of muscle lines of action about the hip: A centroid line approach vs the straight line approach

Abstract A comparison is presented of representing skeletal muscles as centroid lines and as straight lines in force analysis of musculoskeletal systems. Three muscles crossing the hip joint are chosen for examination; the gluteus medius, the rectus femoris, and the sartorius muscles. A procedure for obtaining the centroid line representation is presented. An imbedded coordinate system for each major anatomical segment defined by bony landmarks serves as a local reference frame for geometric data. Centroid line data are displayed graphically for two cadaver specimens. Tabulated data demonstrate numerical differences between representing muscles' lines of action as centroid lines and as straight lines. Results of the comparison are discussed along with the underlying assumptions for the centroid comparison.
Women in male-dominated professions: Contrasts in their personal and vocational histories

Abstract Women in four high-status, male-dominated professions—architecture, law, medicine, and psychology—are described in terms of a variety of historical, social, and career variables. The women share common antecedents of their vocational choices and similar perceptions of their work, but the occupational groups are dissimilar on a number of dimensions. Psychologists stand in particular contrast to the other three groups of professionals, describing experiences and career patterns less in conflict with stereotypic female roles. These contrasts may reflect differences in the sex-typed characterizations of the professions even though all are male-dominated.
Sensitivity analysis of seismic hazard for the northwestern portion of the state of Gujarat, India

We test the sensitivity of seismic hazard to three fault source models for the northwestern portion of Gujarat, India. The models incorporate different characteristic earthquake magnitudes on three faults with individual recurrence intervals of either 800 or 1600 years. These recurrence intervals imply that large earthquakes occur on one of these faults every 266–533 years, similar to the rate of historic large earthquakes in this region during the past two centuries and for earthquakes in intraplate environments like the New Madrid region in the central United States. If one assumes a recurrence interval of 800 years for large earthquakes on each of three local faults, the peak ground accelerations (PGA; horizontal) and 1-Hz spectral acceleration ground motions (5% damping) are greater than 1 g over a broad region for a 2% probability of exceedance in 50 years’ hazard level. These probabilistic PGAs at this hazard level are similar to median deterministic ground motions. The PGAs for 10% in 50 years’ hazard level are considerably lower, generally ranging between 0.2 g and 0.7 g across northwestern Gujarat. Ground motions calculated from our models that consider fault interevent times of 800 years are considerably higher than other published models even though they imply similar recurrence intervals. These higher ground motions are mainly caused by the application of intraplate attenuation relations, which account for less severe attenuation of seismic waves when compared to the crustal interplate relations used in these previous studies. For sites in Bhuj and Ahmedabad, magnitude (M) 7 3/4 earthquakes contribute most to the PGA and the 0.2- and 1-s spectral acceleration ground motion maps at the two considered hazard levels. D 2004 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
Refocusing through single layer building wall using synthetic aperture radar

Through-wall imaging using synthetic aperture array technique is studied by employing ultra-wideband antennas and for wide incidence angles. The effect of the building walls on the target image distortions is investigated by simulations and measurements. It is shown that using the idea of match filtering, the effect of the wall can be compensated for and point target response can be reconstructed. A controlled experiment within the laboratory environment is performed to verify the methods, presented. It is shown that for an ultra-wideband system operating over frequency band of 1-3 GHz highly distorted images of two point targets in close proximity of each other behind a wall can be resolved after refocusing. A dual-frequency synthetic method is also presented that can improve the cross- range resolution of the refocused image.