cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Clinical and physiological responses in sporozoite-induced B strain Plasmodium cynomolgi and Plasmodium vivax infections in normal volunteers

Abstract 1. 1) Five inmate volunteers were experimentally infected by sporozoite inoculation with the B strain of P. cynomolgi . The course of their infection was contrasted with that of two volunteers infected with the Venezuelan strain of P. vivax . 2. 2) The group of patients infected with the B strain of P. cynomolgi demonstrated a prepatent period of 9–15 days, an incubation period of 10–17 days, with the duration of their febrile illness lasting 8–12 days. The maximum parasite density in this group was 1100 parasites/c.mm. 3. 3) The patients infected with P. vivax demonstrated a prepatent period of 14 days, with an incubation period of 15 days. The duration of their febrile illness was 19 days, with the maximum parasite density controlled to 16,770/c.mm. 4. 4) Both groups of patients exhibited tertian fever patterns, but with the fever rising higher and lasting longer in the P. vivax infected patients. Headache, abdominal pain, and hepatosplenomegaly were prominent in the B strain P. cynomolgi infections. Generalized malaise, anorexia, weight loss, and shaking chills were pronounced in the P. vivax infected volunteers. 5. 5) Significant laboratory findings in both groups of patients were anaemia, leucopenia, thrombocytopenia, an elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate, and shortened survival time of labelled red blood cells. The group infected with P. vivax demonstrated a moderately severe anaemia with a depressed reticulocyte response in comparison to the group infected with the B strain of P. cynomolgi . 6. 6) Other positive findings were hypoalbuminaemia and hyperglobulinaemia in both infections and a fall in the excretion of 17-hydroxycorticosteroid excretion in three of the five volunteers infected with the B strain of P. cynomolgi .
Serum autoantibodies in patients with sickle cell anemia.

The prevalence of serum autoantibodies was determined in 50 black adult patients with sickle cell anemia, and in 33 age- and sex-matched healthy black individuals. Twenty-seven of the patients (54%) had at least one type of autoantibody, in contrast to only four (18.2%) of the control subjects (P less than .01). Antismooth muscle, antiskeletal muscle and antinuclear antibodies were the most frequently seen autoantibodies. There was no correlation between the presence of autoantibodies and history of hepatitis, number of blood transfusions or concurrent drug therapy. Sickle cell anemia is associated with the induction of autoimmune phenomena.
PROOXIDANT and ANTIOXIDANT EFFECTS OF ASCORBATE ON PHOTOSENSITIZED PEROXIDATION OF LIPIDS IN ERYTHROCYTE MEMBRANES

— Continuous blue light irradiation of resealed erythrocyte ghosts at 37°C in the presence of uroporphyrin or protoporphyrin results in 1O2-mediated (azide inhibitable) lipid peroxidation and membrane lysis. Lipid peroxidation was assessed by thiobarbituric acid reactivity and by quantitation of total hydroperoxides, while lysis was measured in terms of trappedglucose–6-P release. Low concentrations of ascorbate, AH- (e.g. 0.5 mM). present at the start of irradiation, significantly enhanced the rates of lysis and peroxidation, whereas relatively high concentrations of AH- (e.g. 15 mM) inhibited both processes. By way of contrast. AH- produced only a dose-dependent inhibition of the photoinactivation of lysozyme, added as an extramembranous target. No significant AH-induced lipid peroxidation was observed in dark or light controls, plus porphyrin or minus porphyrin, respectively. Stimulation of peroxidation and lysis by low levels of AH- was enhanced by added Fe(III), abolished by EDTA. but unaffected by catalase or superoxide dismutase. A plausible explanation for these results is as follows. At low concentrations of AH- prooxidant activity is favored. Redox metal-mediated breakdown of photoperoxides occurs, which tends to amplify lipid peroxidation. Neither O2- nor H2O2 appears to be involved. At significantly high concentrations, AH- acts predominantly as an antioxidant by intercepting 1O2 and/or sensitizer triplet, or by scavenging free radical intermediates of lipid peroxidation.
An examination of the stability of regional lumber demand in the contiguous United States, 1950–1985

Public policy limits the quantity of timber which is cut from federal forest land in order to avoid a timber shortage. This policy has led the U.S. Department of Agriculture to employ forecasts of future demand for forest products, including lumber. Lumber demand has been estimated regionally, but demand parameters have been assumed stable so that fixed coefficient methods are employed in official forecasts. In this paper, we test the hypothesis that regional lumber demand parameters are stochastic. We find the demand for lumber in all regions except the Southeast to be fairly stable.
P -amenable locally compact groups

LetG denote a locally compact group andP(G) [P c (G)] the topological semigroup of absolutely continuous [absolutely continuous and compactly supported] probability measures onG. We say thatG isP-amenable [P c -amenable] if the topological semigroupP(G)[P c (G)] is amenable. Some combinatorial properties of this class of groups are studied. The relationship between amenability andP-amenability ofG is investigated. It is shown that for a connected solvableP c -amenable groupG, G has polynomial growth if, and only if,P c (S)={f∈P c (G)‖suppf⊂S} is amenable for any open subsemigroupS ofG.
Reply to letters from Dr. Lipton, and Dr. Greenstein et al.

Dear Sir, I appreciate the letter from Dr. Lipton and her testimonial. If Dr. Lipton will reread the manuscript1 she should perceive the message “viable MAP are not found inside people with Crohn's disease.”2 The question that arises, however, is about the data associated with her recovery. What are the details of the scientific workup in her particular instance? How many cultures were made for …
Adaptation or random change? The evolutionary response of songs to substrate properties in lacewings (Neuroptera: Chrysopidae: Chrysoperla)

Green lacewings of the carnea group of Chrysoperla constitute a large complex of cryptic species that differ principally in their substrate-borne, vibrational mating signals. Sexual selection has very likely contributed to their recent and rapid divergence. Some theoretical models require that evolutionary environmental adaptation assist sexual selection during speciation, whereas others do not. Here, we looked for evidence of adaptation having shaped the song phenotypes of lacewing species that have different habitat preferences. First, we looked for a pattern of convergent song evolution, predicted under a hypothesis of substrate adaptation during speciation. Focusing on species confined to conifers versus those on herbaceous vegetation, we found several examples where song phenotype showed a correlation with substrate that was independent of phylogeny. We also present results of experimental tests of environmental adaptation using C. downesi and C. plorabunda, which are conifer and meadow species, respectively. Experiments addressing purely biomechanical aspects of substrate transmission showed that the songs of C. downesi and C. plorabunda propagated equally well in either grass stems or conifer branches. Behavioural experiments showed, furthermore, that individuals did not discriminate between conspecific songs played through the ‘correct’ versus the ‘incorrect’ substrate. We conclude that the pattern suggestive of environmental adaptation of lacewing songs to their substrates was not supported by experiments that explicitly tested for adaptation. The carnea group of cryptic species may be one of the few examples where sexual selection has acted on arbitrary differences in premating signals, resulting in speciation.
birds, words, and a requiem for the omniscient informant1

Through the use of ethnosemantic elicitation procedures and stratified sampling, features of the variation in bird domain shape of forty-five northern Dene adults are shown tentatively to be modal. An approach to the study of the causes of cognitive sharing is suggested.
Topics for current and future consideration

What lies ahead for nontraditional doctorate programs? What issues should concern administrators, faculty, and scholars? The authors provide some considerations for those interested in the ongoing conversation.
A complete spherical harmonic approach to luni-solar tides

In this work a spherical harmonic theory of ocean tides is presented. The theory is based on Laplace tide equations modified to include turbulence with constant eddy viscosity, linearized bottom friction, and oceanic loading and self-gravitation. Variable bathymetry is also treated in harmonic terms, and no-flow boundary conditions are applied at continental coastlines. The tide and boundary constraint equations are reduced to matrix form and solved by a weighted least-squares procedure. Five zonal luni-solar tides, ranging in period from 14 days to 18.6 yr, are investigated using the theory; such tides have typically been difficult to compute using traditional numerical approaches. The polar motion and changes in the length of day induced by these long-period tides are calculated. Tidal solutions are compared extensively with results from other tidal theories and from recent satellite and sea-level observations. The greatest limitation to accurate prediction of zonal tides - for any theory - appears to be the marginal failure of all tide theories to conserve mass globally; the use of additional mass constraints may be warranted.
Transient photovoltaic behavior of air-stable, inverted organic solar cells with solution-processed electron transport layer

The short-circuit current density of inverted organic solar cells comprising a solution-processed titania electron transport layer increases with continuous illumination in air and saturates after 10 min. On extended exposure (>2 days), the open-circuit voltage of the devices increases also. The improvement in device characteristics over short time scales is attributed to the filling of shallow electron traps in titania. With an increase in photoconductivity of titania, the short-circuit current increases accordingly. The increase in open-circuit voltage on extended exposure to air is attributed to an increase in the electrostatic field across the diodes when polythiophene is doped by oxygen.
Gambling as an emerging health problem on campus

Objective: The authors documented the prevalence of gambling and correlates to health among undergraduates. Methods: The authors analyzed data from a health-habit questionnaire (gambling questions included) given to students enrolled in a university-required course. Results: Gambling and problems with gambling were more frequent among men than women regardless of venue. Athletes more frequently bet on sports and played games of chance, had gambling debt, and sought help for gambling than did nonathletes. More than 50% of fraternity members gambled and had a higher prevalence of gambling debt than did other men. Several gambling practices were correlated with failure to use seatbelts, driving or riding with someone under the influence, and using drugs (including cigarettes). Twice as many students who had gambling problems reported considering or attempting suicide than did those who did not report gambling problems, and gambling was correlated with depression. Conclusion: These results indicate that gambling is correlated with high-risk health behaviors and indicates the need for intervention for college students with gambling problems. Language: en
The Jesness inventory as a predictor of AWOL recidivism.

This study represents an attempt to predict recidivism of U.S. Army AWOL prisoners by means of the Jesness inventory. Total inventory raw score and individual scale raw scores did not predict performance measures (report or fail to report to next duty assignment) after completion of a correctional program.
The human experience [of ubiquitous computing]

To address M. Weiser's (ibid., p. 19-25) human-centered vision of ubiquitous computing, the authors focus on physical interaction, general application features and theories of design and evaluation for this new mode of human-computer interaction.
Distributed Journal Bearing Dynamic Coefficients for Structural Finite Element Models

A physics-based method to circumferentially journal bearing dynamic coefficients is presented. The method is based on the traditional perturbation approach for developing linearized bearing coefficients. The focus of this paper is on the plain and titling pad bearings, but the method is applicable to any bearing model that is developed using the perturbation approach. When used for tilting pad bearings, the method removes the effect of the pad rotational degree of freedom on the computed coefficients, and thus eliminates the need to assume a pad vibration frequency to reduce the coefficients to the usual eight-coefficient representation. A numerical study is performed to show the effect of coefficient distribution for a flexible rotor/stator structure. The results of the study show a significant effect of the distribution method of the bearing coupling characteristics.Copyright © 2003 by ASME
Local Force Measurements on Finite-Span Cylinders in a Cross-Flow

A technique employing a three-axis piezoelectric load cell is developed to measure local unsteady force induced on cylinders placed in a cross flow. Verification of the technique is carried out with a two-dimensional circular cylinder. All measurements are made at a Reynolds number of about 4.8 x 10E4 and a free-stream turbulence of about 1.5 percent. The local two-dimensional unsteady lift measurement is found to be in excellent agreement with spanwise-averaged data reported in the literature, thereby validating the feasibility of the present technique. Steady and unsteady force measurements on finite-span circular cylinders are reported and compared with available data in the literature.
Microbial methods for desulfurization of coal

Abstract As a result of acid rain problems, desulfurization of coal has been given increasing attention in recent years. Microbial methods of coal desulfurization have significant advantages over chemical and physical methods. New methods and organisms have been developed for microbial desulfurization of coal in recent years. This article summarizes microbial processes and properties of the organisms used in coal desulfurization.
An X-ray beam line for the energy range 5-20 keV

Abstract A beam line for the energy range 5–20 keV is described. The beam line features a monochromator containing four crystals arranged in two double crystal stages. These stages rotate in opposite directions resulting in a fixed-input fixed-output device. The second and third crystals are in a dispersive arrangement. A rhodium-coated fused-silica mirror upstream of the monochromator collimates 4 mrad of the synchrotron beam from the NSLS X-ray ring. A second rhodium-coated mirror downstream of the monochromator focuses the beam onto the sample.
Optimizing Operations for Large Scale Charging of Electric Vehicles

The problem of operations for large scale charging of Electric Vehicles (EVs) is considered. Envisioned to be part of the future transportation infrastructure, a large scale charging facility runs on two categories of energy sources: a cheap energy source (e.g., renewable energy such as wind or solar) and an expensive energy source (e.g., grid electricity). The charging facility will be capable of charging hundreds of EVs simultaneously. In the future smart grid, charging facilities require properly designed pricing and scheduling that take into account the intermittency of renewable energy, the grid electricity cost, the arrival-departure characteristics, and customer price sensitivity. The operation of charging facilities is captured as a deadline scheduling system. On top of the scheduling system, simulations are conducted to study the impact induced by different operations of large scale charging. The monopoly pricing as well as the effect of competition in price in the presence of two charging facilities with different spatial locations when different scheduling algorithms are adopted by the charging facilities are also studied via simulations.
α-Phenyl-tert-butyl-nitrone reduces cortical infarct and edema in rats subjected to focal ischemia

The neuroprotective effects of the spin-trapping agent alpha-phenyl-N-tert-butyl nitrone (PBN) were evaluated in rats subjected to focal cerebral ischemia produced by permanent middle cerebral artery (MCA) and ipsilateral common carotid artery (CCA) occlusion. PBN was given i.p. at 100 mg/kg at initial times of administration of 0.5 h prior to ischemia (group 2), 0.5 (group 3), 5 (group 4) and 12 h (group 5) after ischemia. Additional doses of PBN (100 mg/kg) were administered as follows: Group 2, at 24 h; Group 3, at 5, 17, 29 and 41 h; Group 4, at 17, 29 and 41 h; Group 5, at 24 and 36 h. Animals were sacrificed 48 h after MCA occlusion and infarct volumes were calculated from triphenyltetrazolium stained 1.5 mm slices of the forebrain. PBN significantly attenuated cortical infarct volume and cerebral edema in all of the treated rats compared with those in ischemic control (group 1) rats, with no significant differences between the different PBN treated groups. The percentage of infarct volume in ischemic control rats was 22.7 ± 1.0, while those in PBN-treated groups were: 9.6 ± 2.0, P < 0.01 (group 2); 12.2 ± 2.2, P < 0.01 (group 3); 11.1 ± 2.9, P < 0.01 (group 4) and 14.4 ± 2.5, P < 0.01 (group 5). Furthermore, neurological behavior tests showed that PBN decreased the neurological deficit scores in rats initially treated either prior to or for up to 12 h after ischemia. These finding demonstrate that PBN has a strong neuroprotective effect, supporting the hypothesis that the free radicals play an important role in brain injury following cerebral ischemia and suggest that PBN could have potential therapeutic value for the treatment of ischemic stroke.
Comparison of accuracy and sensitivity of neural network parameter‐estimation paradigms for EM subsurface images

The accuracies and sensitivities of several parameter estimation paradigms are compared for electromagnetic ellipticity data. Images of the ellipticity are created for a cylindrical, conductive target located at various depths and offsets from a transmitter. The ellipticity patterns are variously represented by the peak amplitude and location, the peak and adjacent low values, the subsampledimageandtheFourier transform components. Backpropagation, Extended Delta Bar Delta, Directed Random Search, Functional Link and Self Organizing Map to Backpropagation paradigms were trained and tested. The Directed Random Search technique had the lowest average errors for all test data representations. This paradigm also proved relatively insensitive to small fluctuations in the input parameters. While the Directed Random Search is easy to train, for large networks the training times are longer than the other paradigms.
The Japanese Approach to Quality Management – A Human Resource Perspective

Unlike the traditional approach to quality control that is administered by quality inspectors at the end of the production process, the Japanese approach to quality control focuses on building superior quality in the production process through the development of team‐oriented human resource management (HRM) practices. Develops a conceptual model on how HRM functions are integrated into the production system in Japanese firms. The theoretical discussion is supported by empirical reports of how Japanese plants in the USA use team‐oriented HRM policies to control product quality.
Treatment of bulimia with antidepressants.

Bulimia is a syndrome of compulsive binge eating that is often associated with serious morbidity and usually resistant to existing psychological or pharmacological treatments. We report use of tricyclic antidepressants in eight bulimic patients, six of whom obtained moderate or marked reduction of their eating binges within 2–4 weeks. This preliminary observation suggests that antidepressants may be of value in treating bulimia and adds to the evidence linking bulimia with affective disorder.
Simultaneous saccharification and co-fermentation (SSCF) of AFEX(TM) pretreated corn stover for ethanol production using commercial enzymes and Saccharomyces cerevisiae 424A(LNH-ST).

Abstract Xylose consumption by Saccharomyces cerevisiae 424A(LNH-ST) during simultaneous saccharification and co-fermentation (SSCF) of AFEXTM pretreated switchgrass was inhibited by unhydrolyzed solids. Such inhibitory effects were not found in unhydrolyzed solids from AFEXTM pretreated corn stover (AFEXTM-CS). However, the xylose consumption was still unsatisfactory during 6 h pre-hydrolysis SSCF. By extending the pre-hydrolysis time to 24 h or longer, the xylose consumption was improved significantly. In order to better understand the reasons for such improvement, the hydrolysate slurries after 6 h pre-hydrolysis and 24 h pre-hydrolysis were studied and compared. We found that the glucose concentration after pre-hydrolysis was the critical factor that determined cell viability and hence xylose consumption during SSCF. Low temperature (30 °C) and ethanol inhibition were shown to be the factors limiting hydrolysis rate and hence productivity during SSCF.
Characterization of Anti-Heart Mitochondria Autoantibodies Produced in Dogs following Myocardial Infarction

A complement-fixing, heart-reactive serum component that develops in dogs following experimental myocardial infarction was characterized with respect to its immunoglobulin nature and its subcellular membrane and organ specificities. The immunoglobulin nature of the heart-reactive serum factor was established by the following evidence: (1) the factor was not removed from the serum following absorption of up to 90% of the first component of dog complement with bovine serum albumin (BSA)-anti-BSA immune precipitates, (2) the serum factor sedimented in the 19S region of sucrose density gradients, and (3) affinity chromatography using a Sepharose column coupled with rabbit anti-dog µ-chain-specific antibody resulted in the removal of nearly all of the heart-reactive substance. The major subcellular autoantigenic locus of the dog heart was determined to be the outer mitochondrial membrane. Serum containing the autoantibody demonstrated a six-fold greater autoantibody titer when outer mitochondrial membrane was used as the test antigen than it did when inner mitochondrial membrane was used. Absorption experiments suggested that the autoantigenic determinants residing on inner and outer mitochondrial membranes were unique to the individual membranes. Significant cross-reaction of the anti-heart autoantibody between heart and skeletal muscle mitochondria was observed, but no cross-reaction was seen with dog liver mitochondrial membranes.
The structure and complexity of the 11S polypeptides in soybeans

The 11S soybean proteins called glycinin are isolated as a 350,000 dalton complex that consists of six nonidentical subunits. Each subunit consists of an acidic polypeptide component linked to a basic component by a single disulfide bond. Initial translation products of glycinin subunits are single polypeptides of ca. 60,000 daltons that undergo both co- and posttranslational modification. The precursors have a short signal sequence, followed by the acidic component, a short linker polypeptide, the basic component and a short trailer peptide. Five major subunit types have been purified and characterized by amino acid sequence analysis. While all of them are clearly synthesized by a family of homologous genes, they can be separated into two groups based on sequence homologies. Group I subunits (A1aB2, A1bB1b, A12B1a) are uniform in size (Mr = 58,000), relatively rich in methionine, and exhibit ca. 90% sequence homology among members in the group. The group II subunits (A3 B4, A5A4B3) exhibit a similar level of homology among themselves, although they contain less methionine and are larger (Mr ″ 62,000–69,000) than group I subunits. Sequence homology between a member of one group and a member of the other is only 60–70%. Since the sulfur amino acid content of subunits is variable and genetic polymorphism in subunit composition has been documented, alteration of the functional and nutritional properties of these seed proteins by genetic manipulation may be possible.
Effects of Forest Management on Soil Carbon Storage

The literature on soil C change with forest harvesting, cultivation, site preparation, burning, fertilization, N fixation, and species change is reviewed. No general trend toward lower soil C with forest harvesting was apparent, unless harvesting is followed by intense burning or cultivation. Most studies show no significant change (± 10%) with harvesting only, a few studies show large net losses, and a few studies show a net gain following harvesting. Cultivation, on the other hand, results in a large (up to 50%) loss in soil C in most (but not all) cases. Low-intensity rescribed fire usually results in little change in soil C, but intense presribed fire or wildfire can result in a large loss of soil C. Species change can have either no effect or large effects on soil C, depending primarily upon rooting patterns. Fertilization and (especially) nitrogen fixation cause increases in soil C in the majority of cases, and represent an opportunity for sequestering soil C and causing long-term improvements in site fertility.
Differences in the requirement of antigen‐presenting cells for long‐term growth among cytomegalovirus‐specific Th clonotypes

Functional and molecular studies of in vivo-activated T lymphocytes involved in normal and abnormal immune responses, i.e., cells infiltrating tissues affected by autoimmune processes, require their previous in vitro expansion. Problems such as unavailability of specific antigen(s) (Ag) and/or the requirement of large amounts of autologous peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) as feeders have prompted the development of alternative expansion methods that circumvent the use of antigen-presenting cells (APC) and/or Ag. We have previously shown that cytomegalovirus (CMV)-specific T cell lines and clones can be efficiently propagated in long-term cultures by stimulation with agonistic monoclonal antibodies (mAb) coated onto polystyrene particles in the absence of APC. However, this and other stimulation protocols may skew the repertoire of clonotypes that proliferate in response to nominal Ag and APC. Here we show that polyclonal populations of CMV-primed and interleukin-2 (IL-2)-stimulated PBMC undergo the same clonotypic selection when induced to grow both by continuous stimulation with CMV and an anti-CD3 mAb presented by APC. This selection, reproduced in three independent expansion experiments, involved the dominant growth of two CMV-specific, IL-2-secreting CD4+ clonotypes sharing J alpha, J beta, V alpha and V beta genes and highly homologous T cell receptor (TcR) junctional sequences. The dominant growth of these 2 clonotypes required a direct T cell/APC interaction since when coated onto polystyrene particles the same mAb induced the selective expansion of another IL-2-secreting CD4+ CMV-specific clonotype expressing a different, yet homologous, TcR heterodimer (used same V alpha and V beta genes), which was underrepresented before expansion (5 vs. 58%). T cell clones belonging to the subdominant clonotype proliferated significantly faster in response to stimulation with anti-CD3 mAb coated onto beads than in response to stimulation with CMV or anti-CD3 mAb presented by APC, possibly due to long-term expansion without APC or antigen. In contrast, neither the dominant clonotypes nor unprimed T cells were able to undergo CD3-mediated expansion in the absence of APC. We conclude that quantitative differences in growth competency among normal Ag-activated T-helper (Th) clonotypes in response to antigenic stimulation can be reproduced by stimulation through the TcR in the absence of TcR occupancy but only in the presence of APC and that certain clonotypes do not require APC for long-term growth in vitro. These data have practical implications for the isolation and repertoire characterization of in vivo-activated T cells from tissues affected by inflammatory, i.e. autoimmune, phenomena.
Data sonification: do you see what I hear?

The authors assert that, despite great strides in developing the graphical dimension of user interfaces, the auditory dimension has been neglected. They offer a tool for using sound to complement visual cues when working with complex data. The Porsonify toolkit creates sonifications that can be easily integrated with existing visualization systems. Porsonify provides a platform to experimentally map data to sound. To provide portability, Porsonify relies on a network interface to sound devices and descriptions of abstract sound devices. By manipulating abstract sound devices, Porsonify allows access to unique, device-specific features, while hiding their complexities within the higher level concept of a sonification. This structure makes it easy to create sonifications, both in isolation and with accompanying visualizations. >
Diabetes-related changes in the protein composition of rat cerebral microvessels.

To determine the effect of diabetes mellitus on cerebral microvessel protein composition, post translational modification of proteins with glucose and malondialdehyde (MDA) was determined and the abundant protein species found in cerebral microvessels isolated from control and streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats were studied. Two dimensional gel electrophoresis and computer assisted densitometry revealed that only one out of 25 quantitated proteins was significantly altered in diabetic rats after 5 weeks of uncontrolled hyperglycemia. The level of glycosylation of cerebral microvessel protein mixture was significantly increased in diabetic rats compared to control rats (168.8±25 vs 109.5±4.8 nmol/mg) (p<0.05). Western blot analysis of cerebral microvessel proteins from diabetic rats using a specific antibody against MDA-modified proteins revealed three protein spots with molecular weights of approximately 60,000 Kd. These were shown not to be contaminants from cerebral tissue or plasma proteins modified with MDA. It is concluded that short duration of streptozotocin-induced diabetes mellitus in rats is associated with some qualitative changes in protein composition of cerebral microvessels. These changes may contribute to the diabetes-related alterations in the blood-brain barrier.
Binding of starfish and sea cucumber sperm attractants to whole sperm and sperm fragments

Binding of starfish and sea cucumber sperm attractants to whole, living spermatozoa and to separated, purified, sperm heads and tails was measured by assaying for loss of sperm attracting activity from solution. Starfish sperm attractant bound mainly to whole sperm or isolated sperm tails and much less, or not at all, to isolated sperm heads. Binding of starfish attractant to sea cucumber sperm or sperm fragments did not occur, nor did sea cucumber sperm attractant bind to starfish sperm or sperm fragments. However, sea cucumber attractant bound equivalently to separated sea cucumber sperm heads and tails. Starfish sperm attractant remained bound to whole sperm or isolated sperm tails if they were frozen-thawed, but was released if the sperm or sperm fragments were heated. Starfish attractant did not bind to sperm that was previously killed by heat or freezing and thawing but did bind to formalin-fixed, sea water-washed sperm. Removal of the sperm membrane using Triton X-100 eliminated the ability to bind sperm attractant. Although the ratio of the surface areas of tails to heads was approximately 1.5 to 1, up to 10 times more sperm attractant bound to starfish sperm tails than to heads. These results are similar to the binding pattern of the motility-activating, egg jelly-derived peptides speract (SAP-I) and alloresact (SAP-IIB) to sea urchin sperm heads and tails. They suggest that starfish and sea cucumber sperm attractants bind to sperm membranes in a manner similar to the sperm activating peptides of sea urchins. © 1994 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
A novel inhibitor of tumor necrosis factor-α converting enzyme ameliorates polycystic kidney disease

A novel inhibitor of tumor necrosis factor-α converting enzyme ameliorates polycystic kidney disease. Background Transforming growth factor-α (TGF-α) expression is abnormal in polycystic kidney disease. We previously demonstrated that blockade of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), the receptor for TGF-α, significantly slowed disease progression in the bpk murine model of autosomal-recessive kidney disease (ARPKD). In the present study, kidney TGF-α expression in this model is characterized, and the therapeutic potential of inhibiting TGF-α in ARPKD is examined using a novel inhibitor of tumor necrosis factor-α converting enzyme (TACE), the metalloproteinase that cleaves membrane-bound TGF-α to release the secreted ligand. Methods Immunohistochemistry (IH) and Western analysis were performed on kidneys from cystic bpk mice and noncystic littermates at postnatal days 7, 14, and 21. Bpk mice and normal controls were treated with WTACE2, a competitive inhibitor of TACE, from day 7 until day 21, and the effects on kidney histology and renal function were assessed. Results Increased TGF-α expression by IH was demonstrated in the proximal tubules (PT) at postnatal day 7 and collecting tubules (CT) by day 21. A parallel increase in kidney TGF-α expression was demonstrated by Western analysis. Treatment of cystic bpk mice with WTACE2 resulted in a 43% reduction in kidney weight to body weight ratio (11.2 vs. 19.7%), improved cystic index (3.2 vs. 4.8), reduced cystic CT to PT ratio (1.2 vs. 8), and a greater than 30% reduction in BUN and serum creatinine. Conclusions These findings support the pathophysiological role of the TGF-α/EGFR axis in murine ARPKD and demonstrate that inhibition of TGF-α secretion has therapeutic potential in PKD.
Estrogen Induces Expression of BCAS3, a Novel Estrogen Receptor-α Coactivator, through Proline-, Glutamic Acid-, and Leucine-Rich Protein-1 (PELP1)

We recently reported that the breast carcinoma amplified sequence-3 (BCAS3) gene is regulated by estrogen receptor (ER) α. However, the role of ERα coactivators in the regulation of BCAS3 expression remains unknown, and information regarding the function of the BCAS3 protein is lacking. Here, we define the contribution of ERα coactivators to BCAS3 regulation and identify BCAS3 itself as an ERα coactivator in breast cancer cells. We found that PELP1 (proline-, glutamic acid-, and leucine-rich protein-1), a newly described ERα coregulator, is recruited to BCAS3 chromatin and activates its expression. Analysis of the BCAS3 sequence for functional motifs and evidence from biochemical fractionation suggested that BCAS3 acts as a transcriptional coactivator. Results from chromatin immunoprecipitation, reporter assays, and expression studies further validated the coactivator function of BCAS3 for ERα. BCAS3 physically associated with histone H3 and histone acetyltransferase complex protein P/CAF (p300/CBP-associ...
Toxin-associated Gastro-intestinal Disease: A clinical Overview

Publisher Summary Diarrhoea results when the water content of the daily stool volume increases to the point where the character of the faeces is changed from a normal solid or semisolid to a more liquid form. There are a large number of microbial causes of watery diarrhoea, including worms and protozoa, bacteria, and viruses. Clinical manifestations are determined by the pathogenetic potential of the organisms and their ability to alter host physiology. This chapter describes the clinical manifestations of diarrhoeal disease due to bacteria that directly affect the transport of fluid and electrolytes by the production of toxins. Certain microbial pathogens cause diarrhoea by the production of protein toxins. These act to dysregulate normal physiological processes, and the abnormalities that result are highly predictable. The principles of management are straight forward, and depend on reversing the metabolic complications induced. It should be noted that the use of antimicrobial agents is entirely unnecessary in such circumstances, although such drugs may shorten the duration of illness. The first and foremost principle of treatment is to manage and correct hypovolaemia, acidosis, and electrolyte abnormalities.
Pressure based calculation procedure for viscous flows at all speeds in arbitrary configurations

A calculation procedure for viscous flows at all Mach numbers has been described. The scheme has been developed for a nonorthogonal coordinate system. In order to handle both incompressible and compressible flows, pressure has been selected as a primary dependent variable in preference to density. The pressure field is evaluated using the compressible form of the SIMPLER algorithm. The accuracy of the proposed scheme has been assessed by comparing the results with experimental data or other numerical results available in the literature.
Variable Temperature X-Ray Diffraction Study of Bismuth Magnesium Vanadate, BiMg2VO6

The space group for the structure of BiMg2VO6 at room temperature is shown to be Pmcn, rather than Amma as previously reported. However, when BiMg2VO6, is heated, its structure adopts the Amma space group at about 320 K. When the temperature is decreased through this transition, the (VO4)3− tetrahedron tilts, destroying one of the mirror planes in space group Amma. In space group Amma the (BiO2)1− chains have four equal Bi–O distances of 2.204 A at 350 K. However, in the lower space group, there are two sets of Bi–O distances, 2.188 and 2.223 A at 100 K. Unit cell edges in BiMg2VO6 increase with increasing temperature, giving an average linear thermal expansion of 5.2×10−6K−1 over the 100–350 K range.
Automatic parametrization of rational curves and surfaces II: cubics and cubicoids

Algorithms that can obtain rational and special parametric equations for degree three algebraic curves (cubics) and degree three algebraic surfaces (cubicoids), given their implicit equations are described. These algorithms have been implemented on a VAX8600 using VAXIMA.
Hexokinase translocation during neutrophil activation, chemotaxis, and phagocytosis: disruption by cytochalasin D, dexamethasone, and indomethacin

Abstract Neutrophils expend large amounts of energy to perform demanding cell functions. To better understand energy production and flow during cell activation, immunofluorescence microscopy was employed to determine the location of the key metabolic enzyme hexokinase during various conditions. Hexokinase is translocated from the neutrophil’s cytosol to its periphery in response to N-formyl-methionyl-leucyl-phenylalanine (fMLP) and other activating stimuli, but not during exposure to the formyl peptide receptor antagonist N-tert-BOC-phe-leu-phe-leu-phe (Boc-PLPLP). Translocation was observed from 10−6 to 10−9 M fMLP. However, fMLP did not affect the intracellular distribution of lactate dehydrogenase. Hexokinase accumulated at the lamellipodium of cells exposured to an fMLP gradient whereas it localized to the phagosome after latex bead uptake. Thus, hexokinase is differentially translocated within cells depending upon the prevailing physiological conditions. Further studies noted that cytochalasin D, dexamethasone, and indomethacin blocked hexokinase translocation. Parallel regulation of reactive oxygen metabolite (ROM) production was shown. We speculate that hexokinase translocation participates in neutrophil activation.
Holmium laser for treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia: old wine in a new bottle?

Urinary tract symptoms related to benign prostatic hyperplasia affect 70% of men older than 70 years. Complications are common problems and a significant cause of morbidity in this population, placing a considerable burden on health services. In the early 1990s laser treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia became widely used after the introduction of the side-firing neodym: YAG laser. However, because of technical limitations and inferior results compared to classical transurethral resection of the prostate many Urologists became desinterested in this device. With the introduction of the holmium: YAG laser a new laser generation became available for use in Urology. Beside several other applications the holmium: YAG laser can be used for incision, ablation, resection, and more recently enucleation of the prostate. In this paper we reviewed the current literature regarding the holmium: YAG laser resection and enucleation of the prostate compared to transurethral resection of the prostate and open prostatectomy. The holmium: YAG laser technique is an effective and durable surgical alternative to standard transurethral resection of the prostate. Interestingly, enucleation of the prostate with this device seems to be a safe and effective procedure for large prostatic adenomas, it may become an attractive alternative to open prostatectomy.
The Effect of Functional Information in an Avionics Display

Allowing pilots to directly perceive the functional properties of flight may improve piloting performance. This study examines differences in piloting performance between a flight display (OZ) that displays a functional relationship between power and airspeed and a conventional Cessna display. Eight pilots performed flight maneuvers on a fixed base flight simulator over six trials per display. Pilots' performance with the functional display (OZ) showed greater control of power and reduced individual differences. The role of functional information and its implementation in future aviation displays are discussed.
Analysis of the P wave in congenital cardiac malformations associated with splenic anomalies

Abstract The anatomic and ECG features of 23 patients with polysplenia and 17 patients with asplenia were reviewed. Patients with polysplenia tended to have a superiorly oriented P wave axis. In asplenia the P wave axis was inferiorly directed, but not in the normal location. We were unable to correlate the abnormal P wave axis with specific anatomic features of the atria.
Asthma and hyperthyroidism.

Abstract Case histories of five patients with severe, intractable asthma, who were later found to have concomitant hyperthyroidism, are presented. Although the frequency of these two diseases in the same individual appears to be small, diagnosis and therapy of the hyperthyroid state provided dramatic amelioration of the asthma.
Binding of Arabinogalactan Proteins by Yariv Phenylglycoside Triggers Wound-Like Responses in Arabidopsis Cell Cultures

Arabinogalactan-proteins (AGPs) are cell wall proteoglycans and are widely distributed in the plant kingdom. Classical AGPs and some nonclassical AGPs are predicted to have a glycosylphosphatidylinositol lipid anchor and have been suggested to be involved in cell-cell signaling. Yariv phenylglycoside is a synthetic probe that specifically binds to plant AGPs and has been used to study AGP functions. We treated Arabidopsis suspension cell cultures with Yariv phenylglycoside and observed decreased cell viability, increased cell wall apposition and cytoplasmic vesiculation, and induction of callose deposition. The induction of cell wall apposition and callose synthesis led us to hypothesize that Yariv binding of plant surface AGPs triggers wound-like responses. To study the effect of Yariv binding to plant surface AGPs and to further understand AGP functions, an Arabidopsis whole genome array was used to monitor the transcriptional modifications after Yariv treatment. By comparing the genes that are induced by Yariv treatment with genes whose expressions have been previously shown to be induced by other conditions, we conclude that the gene expression profile induced by Yariv phenylglycoside treatment is most similar to that of wound induction. It remains uncertain whether the Yariv phenylglycoside cross-linking of cell surface AGPs induces these genes through a specific AGP-based signaling mechanism or through a general mechanical perturbation of the cell surface.
What do patients with cerebral aneurysms know about their condition

OBJECTIVE During diagnosis and treatment, patients with cerebral aneurysms receive complex medical information. To study what patients know about their condition, we compared patients' knowledge about their aneurysm-related medical history with information in the medical record. METHODS Neurosurgery clinic outpatients with cerebral aneurysms were interviewed about their history of subarachnoid hemorrhage, number of aneurysms, aneurysm treatments, and treatment outcomes. Corresponding data were abstracted from the medical record by study personnel. We used kappa scores to assess the agreement between patient responses and the medical record. RESULTS The 178 study patients were predominantly women (71%), with a mean age of 54.4 years. The medical record showed that 56% of patients currently harbored an unsecured aneurysm, 53% had experienced a subarachnoid hemorrhage, 29% had multiple aneurysms, and 68% had undergone previous surgical or endovascular aneurysm treatment. Patient responses showed that, of the 100 patients with unsecured aneurysms, 33% were not aware that they harbored an unsecured aneurysm. Ninety percent of all patients knew whether they had experienced a subarachnoid hemorrhage (kappa = 0.81, near perfect agreement), 78% knew how many aneurysms they harbored (kappa = 0.57, moderate agreement), and 92% understood whether they had undergone previous aneurysm treatment (kappa = 0.82, near perfect agreement). CONCLUSION Most patients with cerebral aneurysms had an accurate understanding of many aspects of their aneurysm-related medical history. Of concern, patients were most often incorrect about the presence of an unsecured aneurysm, the issue most relevant to treatment decision-making and to their future risk of subarachnoid hemorrhage, stroke, and premature death.
Cyanide‐Induced Apoptosis and Oxidative Stress in Differentiated PC12 Cells

Terminally differentiated PC12 cells are a useful neuron-like model for studying programmed cell death in response to nerve growth factor (NGF) deprivation. This in vitro model was used to investigate the mechanism by which cyanide-induced histotoxic hypoxia produces neuronal degeneration. Treatment of undifferentiated PC12 cells with 0.1 mM KCN for 24 h did not produce cell death. In contrast, treatment of differentiated PC12 cell cultures with 0.1 mM KCN for 24 h increased cell death by 43% when compared with control cultures, as measured by trypan blue dye exclusion and lactate dehydrogenase release assays. The Ca2+/Mg(2+)-dependent endonuclease inhibitor aurintricarboxylic acid and the transcriptional inhibitor actinomycin D partially attenuated hypoxic toxicity, suggesting roles for endonuclease activation and transcription in this model of neuronal death. Extracted DNA from cyanide-treated neurons demonstrated cleavage into oligonucleosomal fragments on gel electrophoresis. Transmission electron microscopic analysis showed morphological changes consistent with apoptotic cell death, including membrane blebbing and convolution, as well as chromatin condensation and margination to the nuclear membrane. Addition of either ascorbate or catalase to the cultures partially attenuated the loss of cell viability induced by cyanide, and decreased the incidence of apoptotic cells after treatment, based on the in situ detection of DNA strand breaks. The ability of cyanide to elevate intracellular oxidant species was determined by microfluorescence in differentiated PC12 cells loaded with the oxidant-sensitive dye 2',7'-dichlorofluorescin. Exposure of cells to 0.1 mM KCN produced a rapid generation of oxidants that was blocked approximately 50% by ascorbate or catalase. These observations indicate that cyanide induces apoptosis in terminally differentiated, and not undifferentiated, PC12 cells, and that antioxidants significantly reduce the incidence of cyanide-induced apoptosis.