cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Biotransformation in Egyptian spiny mouse Acomys cahirinus

Abstract The activities of several representative biotransformation enzymes were determined in male and female spiny mouse tissues. Cytochrome P450 monooxygenase activity toward benzo(a)pyrene was significantly greater in female spiny mouse intestine than in males. Activity toward benzphetamine in both sexes was high in the liver, with little activity in the kidney and intestine. Sulfotransferase activity was high in kidney and intestine of female spiny mice but undetectable in the same tissues in males. Hepatic glutathione s-transferase activity towards 1-chloro-2,4-dinitrobenzene in females was significantly higher than in males. UDP-Glucuronosyltransferase activity toward 1-naphthol in both sexes in the kidney was significantly higher than hepatic and intestinal activity. Intestinal N-acetyltransferase activity towards 2-aminofluorene and β-naphthylamine was significantly greater in females than males. No consistent relation appeared to exist between biotransformation activities in spiny mouse and those in other related rodent species.
Vector diffraction analysis of phase-mask imaging in photoresist films

A vector diffraction analysis is applied to methods of image manipulation like phase masks or off-axis illumination. When such techniques eliminate the dc order altogether, as with alternating phase masks, it becomes possible to print a given intensity pitch with only half as large an NA as with a chrome mask. Some non-scalar imaging effects are therefore reduced. For example, in present lithographic practice the depth of focus with standard masks is often little larger than the thickness of the resist film, so it is no longer accurate to neglect defocus arising during multiple reflections within the resist. The angle dependence of the film stack then becomes significant, and small film perturbations give rise to swing-curve oscillations in pupil apodization and image shape as well as exposure dose. Specific film thicknesses can, for example, have a similar effect to stopping down the lens. Other thicknesses can enhance resolution of certain patterns. We treat these film effects by representing each layer in the process stack with pupil transfer functions. Like defocus, these pupil functions posses a symmetry that eliminates relative dephasing or apodization in the two-beam fringe pattern produced by an alternating phase mask. An alternating phase mask can produce stronger vector diffraction anomalies than a standard mask, despite being able to print a given pitch with half as large a lens NA.
Effect of long-term feeding of DDT to turkeys.

Diets containing 264.6 ppm o,p′- or p,p′-DDT were fed to 6-week-old male and female turkeys for 7 and 15 weeks. Such chronic feeding of DDT did not cause alterations of: Blood pressure; gross structure of body tissues; histology of heart, aorta, liver, testes, oviduct, ovary, thyroid, or kidney; plasma cholesterol or calcium levels; albumin-globulin ratio; or plasma lipoprotein patterns. The residue of DDT in body fat was determined. Trace amounts were found in birds fed the control diet. Minute quantities of o,p′-DDT and large amounts of p,p′-DDT were found in fat of turkeys fed p,p′-DDT, and the converse was true of turkeys fed o,p′-DDT.
Brain norepinephrine and convulsions in the genetically epilepsy-prone rat: sex-dependent responses to Ro 4-1284 treatment.

Abstract Seizure predisposition in the Genetically Epilepsy-Prone Rat (GEPR) is at least partially dependent on central nervous system noradrenergic deficits. We have previously shown that moderate seizure GEPRs (GEPR-3) experience an increase in seizure severity after receiving Ro 4-1284, a monoamine vesicle inactivating drug. We are now reporting the effect of this drug on severe seizure GEPRS (GEPR-9). Motives for this study were: (a) to determine the effects of further depletion of innately deficient monoaminergic stores on seizure latencies and (b) to investigate whether a previously documented seizure severity difference between the sexes is related to the defective monoaminergic system in these subjects. GEPR-9s with known seizure history were tested for latency to onset of running phase and convulsion 45 minutes after Ro 4-1284 or saline administration. Brain norepinephrine levels were also determined. Ro 4-1284 caused severe depletion of monoamines in all brain areas assayed in both sexes of GEPR-9s and also caused a reduction in the latencies for onset of running and convulsion. The drug-induced norepinephrine depletion across the brain areas surveyed was significantly greater in females than in their male littermates. These observations prompt us to postulate that noradrenergic neurons in female GEPR-9s are functionally different from those in males and that this difference is detected in the differential effectiveness of Ro 4-1284 between the two sexes. Also, the influence of gonadal hormones on seizure predisposition and on the neurochemical actions of Ro 4-1284 may be different in GEPR-9 males and females.
Comparison of Energy and Exergy Efficiency for Solar Box and Parabolic Cookers

The present work deals with evaluating the energy end exergy efficiency of box-type (SBC) and parabolic-type solar cookers (SPC). Energy and exergy analyses were applied to solar cookers (SCs). Thermodynamic considerations required to develop rational and meaningful methodologies for the evaluation and comparison of the efficiency of the SCs were defined. It was found that the average daily water temperature from 10:00 to 14:00 solar time was 344.4 and 333 K in the SBC and SPC, respectively. The average daily temperature difference in the SBC and SPC was 42.97 and 31.56 K , respectively. The results of this study show that the difference between the results of energy and exergy analyses is significant. The energy output of the SBC ranged from 8.2 to 60.2 W , whereas it was varied between 20.9 and 73.5 W for the SPC for the same time interval. The exergy output for the SBC ranged from 1.4 to 6.1 W , whereas it was in the range 2.9–6.6 W for the SPC. A linear and polynomial regression of the plotted points ...
Induced reversion of a Chinese hamster ovary triple auxotroph. Validation of the system with several mutagens.

Abstract A Chinese hamster ovary triple auxotroph (CHO AUXB1) requires glycine, adenosine, and thymidine (GAT) for growth and survival due to a defect in the structural gene for folypolyglutamate synthetase (FPGS). This auxotroph and others like it contain 6 cells/100-mm dish into −GAT-deficient medium and incubating 12–13 days. Plating reconstruction experiments show that the cloning efficiencies of revertants in −GAT medium are not influenced by the presence of up to 1 × 10 6 CHO AUXB1 cells. Dose-dependent increases above the spontaneous revertant frequency (average = 5 × 10 7 ) are induced with cis -Pt(NH 3 ) 2 Cl 2 (14-fold) (but not trans -Pt(NH 3 ) 2 Cl 2 ), PtCl 4 (10-fold), Pt(SO 4 ) 2 (14-fold), K 2 CrO 4 (8-fold), EMS (10-fold), 4-NQO (53-fold), ICR-191 (60-fold), and ICR-170 (30-fold). All of the revertants that have been isolated are stable to repeated subculturing in −GAT medium; 40 out of 42 that have been analyzed are characterized by an increased 72-h growth incorporation of labeled folate and their extracts contain 5–94% as much FPGS as the original, parental CHO-S line. Spontaneous and induced reversion to the GAT + phenotype primarily reflects mutations involving the FPGS gene locus. But the re-acquisition by most of the revertants of much less than normal amounts of FPGS activity suggests that they arise from compensatory second-site mutations within this gene. Comparison of the mutagenicity patterns of the foregoing compounds as a function of the applied concentration and the relative percent survival reveals some interesting similarities, as well as differences, between the CHO AUXB1/FPGS and CHO-S/HGPRT loci. In particular, the FPGS locus is rather insensitive to EMS (or other simple alkylating agents). However, it seems to be quite susceptible to reversion by other chemicals that are known to react selectively with guanine bases in DNA. CHO AUXBI is a useful supplemental mammalian assay system for assessing quantitatively the generally weak mutagenic activities of metal compounds.
Neural control of postural muscles in Callianassa californiensis and three other species of decapod crustaceans

Abstract 1. 1. The superficial flexor muscles of Callianassa californiensis are divided into two layers of muscle fibers which differ in contraction speed. 2. 2. The flexor motor system consists of five excitatory neurons and one inhibitory neuron per half segment. 3. 3. The two layers of muscle are served by different subsets of the excitatory neurons whose physiological properties are matched to the contractile properties of the muscle fibers they innervate. 4. 4. Serially homologous neurons in Callianassa differ in size and physiological properties. 5. 5. Flexor neurons in Upogebia pugettensis and Procambarus clarkii differ from their homologs in Callianassa in physiological properties, in central connections and in peripheral connections.
Mechanism of action of cystathionine synthase.

Abstract Cystathionine synthase catalyzes the formation of cystathionine from serine, as well as β-chloroalanine, and homocysteine. The stereochemistry of the replacement of the β-OH group of serine by homocysteine was established by converting cystathionine, derived from 2S, 3R-[3-3H]serine, to cysteine with γ-cystathionase. This conversion does not alter the configuration at the β carbon of cystathionine. With previously used procedures ( H. G. Floss, E. Schleicher, and R. Potts (1976) J. Biol. Chem.251, 5478–5483 ) it was determined that the cysteine so obtained was 2R, 3R-[3-3H]cysteine, hence the displacement of the OH group of serine by homocysteine proceeds with retention of configuration. The kinetics of the replacement reaction show an intersecting line pattern. This result, together with the observation that, in the absence of homocysteine, little, if any catalytic conversion of β-chloroalanine to serine occurs, indicates that the β substituent is not released from the enzyme prior to binding of homocysteine. In the absence of homocysteine, the enzyme catalyzes exchange of tritium from [α-3H]serine and β-[α-3H]chloroalanine with solvent protons. At pH 7.8, the rate of this exchange reaction is nearly equal to V of cystathionine formation. The rate of pyruvate formation from serine or β-chloroalanine in the absence of homocysteine is maximally 2% that of the tritium exchange rates. These results show that, in the absence of homocysteine, cystathionine synthase catalyzes α-proton abstraction more rapidly than elimination of the β-substituent. Several mechanisms are proposed by which elimination of the β substituent from the substrate-derived carbanion is prevented in the absence of homocysteine. Cystathionine synthase is irreversibly inactivated by 30 m m 2-amino-4-chlorobutyric acid with t 1 2 = 31 min.
Evaluation of Preoperative Diflunisal for Postoperative Pain Following Periodontal Surgery

The effectiveness of diflunisal as a preoperative medication to reduce pain following periodontal surgery was evaluated. Fifty patients were divided into two groups in a double-blind random manner: Group one received preoperative difunisal and Group two received preoperative placebo. The preoperative diflunisal group reported significantly less discomfort (P less than 0.05) than the preoperative placebo group and used rescue medication significantly less often (P less than 0.01). Therapeutic doses of diflunisal, given presurgically, are significantly more effective than placebo in limiting postoperative pain associated with periodontal surgery.
Polarization and concentration dependence of two-photon forbidden electronic origins: the 1B2u of benzene in solution

Abstract The electronic band origins of benzene, fluorobenzene, p -difluorobenzene, and toluene in solution are investigated by two-photon excitation The polarization ratio Ω(circular/linear) is 0.6 for benzene at all concentrations, while Ω is concentration dependent for fluorobenzene. The symmetries of contributing two-photon tensors are discussed.
Carbon monoxide as a metabolic energy source for extremely halophilic microbes: implications for microbial activity in Mars regolith.

Carbon monoxide occurs at relatively high concentrations (≥800 parts per million) in Mars’ atmosphere, where it represents a potentially significant energy source that could fuel metabolism by a localized putative surface or near-surface microbiota. However, the plausibility of CO oxidation under conditions relevant for Mars in its past or at present has not been evaluated. Results from diverse terrestrial brines and saline soils provide the first documentation, to our knowledge, of active CO uptake at water potentials (−41 MPa to −117 MPa) that might occur in putative brines at recurrent slope lineae (RSL) on Mars. Results from two extremely halophilic isolates complement the field observations. Halorubrum str. BV1, isolated from the Bonneville Salt Flats, Utah (to our knowledge, the first documented extremely halophilic CO-oxidizing member of the Euryarchaeota), consumed CO in a salt-saturated medium with a water potential of −39.6 MPa; activity was reduced by only 28% relative to activity at its optimum water potential of −11 MPa. A proteobacterial isolate from hypersaline Mono Lake, California, Alkalilimnicola ehrlichii MLHE-1, also oxidized CO at low water potentials (−19 MPa), at temperatures within ranges reported for RSL, and under oxic, suboxic (0.2% oxygen), and anoxic conditions (oxygen-free with nitrate). MLHE-1 was unaffected by magnesium perchlorate or low atmospheric pressure (10 mbar). These results collectively establish the potential for microbial CO oxidation under conditions that might obtain at local scales (e.g., RSL) on contemporary Mars and at larger spatial scales earlier in Mars’ history.
BIMOLECULAR RATE CONSTANTS FOR ORGANOPHOSPHORUS INHIBITORS OF FLY HEAD CHOLINESTERASE

The bimolecuiar rate constant for the reaction of SD 3562 (α-isomer of 3-(dimethoxyphos-phinyloxy)-N,N-dirnethylcrotonamide) with fly head Cholinesterase (ChE) was determined as 2.024 × 104 liters mole−1min.−1; and for TEPP (tetraethylpyrophosphate) as 1.022 × 108 liters mole−1min.−1. Bimolecuiar rate constants for 11 other organophosphorus inhibitors of fly head ChE are cited from the literature. When similar indices are available for a greater variety of inhibitors, it should be possible to assess the relationship between chemical structure and inhibitory potency and to make useful deductions as to the configuration and properties of the enzyme. Zusammenfassung DIE REAKTIONSGESCHWINDIGKEIT ALS MASS DER HEMMUNG DER CHOLINESTERASE DES STUBENFLIEGENKOPFES DURCH ORGANISCHE PHOSPHORV ERBINDUNGEN Die Reaktionsgeschwindigkeitskonstante bietet ein genaues Mass fur die Hemmung der Cholinesterase durch organische Phosphorverbindingen. Fur zwei weitere solcher Stoffe sind hier die Konstanten bestimmt worden: SD-3562 (α-isomer von 3-(dimerhoxyphosphinyloxy)-N, N-dimethylcxotonamid) 2.024 × 104 liter rnol−1min−1; und TEPP (tetraathylpyrophosphat) 1.022 × 108 liter mol−1min−1. Verbindungen, die infolge starker Hemmungsfahigkeit nur in sehr niedriger Konzentration untersucht werden konnen, erleiden dabei durch Nebenreaktionen unverhaltnismassig grosse Verluste. Dies erschwert die Schatzung, doch lasst sieh trotzdem die Konstante ofter annaherungsweise bestimmen. Die obigen Angaben uber TEPP geben ein Beispiel dafur. Bisher ist die Reaktionsgeschwindigkeitskonstante fur nur 13 Hemmstoffe der Insektencholinesterase ermittelt worden, eine Zahl, die noch nicht ausreicht, um etwaige Beziehungen zwischen Bau und Hemmungsfahigkeit der Verbindungen klarzulegen. Zu diesem Ziel, wie auch zur Abschatzung der Eigenschaften des Enzyms selbst, ist eine viel grossere Menge solcher Bestimmungen erwunscht.
TH‐A‐BRB‐01: The Radiobiology of Small Fraction Numbers

There is much interest in reducing fraction numbers in radiotherapy, both in the context of single‐fraction radiosurgery, and also for hypofractionation ‐ for example for prostate, lung and breast. We will discuss what radiobiology can tell us about the use and optimization of these new approaches in radiotherapy.From 1900 to the 1920s radiotherapeutic practice was dominated by the German Erlangen school, which advocated the use of a single large “castrating” dose, as well as pioneering the “crossfire” technique to spare normal tissue ‐ the two keystones of modern stereotactic radiotherapy. By the 1930s, the classic studies of Regaud and Coutard resulted in widespread use of larger fraction numbers, and this has remained the state of the art in most radiotherapeutic settings. We will review the key biological factors that determine radiotherapeutic response, and discuss their application to single‐fraction radiosurgery ‐ for malignant tumors, for benign tumors, and for vascular lesions. We conclude that, unless the target lesion is very large, vascular lesions and benign tumors can be well treated with a single dose fraction. For malignant tumors, however, fractionated radiotherapy should always result in a better outcome than a single fraction, particular from the perspective of inactivating hypoxic tumorcells, present in almost all tumors. Hypofractionation, typically using 5 to 10 rather than 30 to 35 fractions, is becoming increasingly popular for treating some malignant tumors. In the context of the same radiobiology discussed earlier, we will discuss the rationale for hypofractionation for prostate, for breast, and for lung. We conclude that there is a strong biological rationale for hypofractionation of prostate cancer, relating to the paucity of dividing cells in most prostate tumors, which makes them respond to changes in fractionation very much like surrounding normal tissue. In other sites, one might expect hypofractionation to be a possible option for malignancies which are a) low grade, and b) small, and in a parallel‐type organ. Hypofractionation of small, low‐grade lung / breast tumors meet some of these criteria, and may well be at least non‐inferior to more conventional fractionation regimes. Learning Objectives: 1. Understand the radiobiological principles underlying responses to changes in fractionation 2. Understand their application to single‐fraction radiosurgery 3. Understand their application to hypofractionation
Concentration Fluctuations in a Model Colloid-Polymer Suspension : experimental Tests of Depletion Theories

A light scattering turbidity method has been employed to measure the dimensionless colloidal osmotic compressibility of carefully characterized model athermal colloid (silica)−polymer (polystyrene) suspensions. Mixture thermodynamics is controlled by purely repulsive, hard sphere interactions between the particles while the polymer is in a good solvent. Polymer size is varied by nearly 2 orders of magnitude from far below (1.3 nm) to larger than (70 nm) the particle radius (50 nm). Polymer concentrations are systematically increased up to the solubility limit, and a wide range of colloidal volume fractions up to 0.35 are studied. The measured amplitude of long wavelength colloidal concentration fluctuations provides a sensitive probe of polymer-induced entropic depletion attractions and serves as a demanding test of theoretical descriptions. Quantitative, no adjustable parameter comparisons of experiment with both the classic phantom sphere free volume theory and the recently proposed polymer liquid state...
Toll-like receptor-deficient mice reveal how innate immune signaling influences Salmonella virulence strategies.

Summary Pathogens utilize features of the host response as cues to regulate virulence gene expression. Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium (ST) sense Toll-like receptor (TLR)-dependent signals to induce Salmonella Pathogenicity Island 2 (SPI2), a locus required for intracellular replication. To examine pathogenicity in the absence of such cues, we evaluated ST virulence in mice lacking all TLR function ( Tlr2 −/− x Tlr4 −/− x Unc93b1 3d/3d ). When delivered systemically to TLR-deficient mice, ST do not require SPI2 and maintain virulence by replicating extracellularly. In contrast, SPI2 mutant ST are highly attenuated after oral infection of the same mice, revealing a role for SPI2 in the earliest stages of infection, even when intracellular replication is not required. This early requirement for SPI2 is abolished in MyD88 −/− x TRIF −/− mice lacking both TLR- and other MyD88-dependent signaling pathways, a potential consequence of compromised intestinal permeability. These results demonstrate how pathogens use plasticity in virulence strategies to respond to different host immune environments.
A note on the identifiability of distributed parameters in Elliptic equations

For u and f given smooth functions on a bounded domain $\Omega $ we consider solutions of the PDE–$ - {\operatorname{div}}(a\nabla u) = f$ for the parameter a. This problem arises in the identification of the flow of groundwater. We say a is identifiable if, for given u and f, a is unique. Our main result shows that a is identifiable on the points in $\Omega $ which are the closure of the interior of the set of points which stay in $\Omega $ for all positive time (or negative time) under the flow of the gradient field $\nabla u$. We also show a is identifiable on $\Omega $ if the set of critical points of u has nonempty interior and the co-normal derivative of u is specified on $\partial \Omega $.
Intracellular redistribution of protein kinase D2 in response to G-protein-coupled receptor agonists.

Abstract The protein kinase D (PKD) family consists of three serine/threonine protein kinases: PKCμ/PKD, PKD2, and PKCν/PKD3. While PKD has been the focus of most studies to date, no information is available on the intracellular distribution of PKD2. Consequently, we examined the mechanism that regulates its intracellular distribution in human pancreatic carcinoma Panc-1 cells. Analysis of the intracellular steady-state distribution of fluorescent-tagged PKD2 in unstimulated cells indicated that this kinase is predominantly cytoplasmic. Cell stimulation with the G protein-coupled receptor agonist neurotensin induced a rapid and reversible plasma membrane translocation of PKD2 by a mechanism that requires PKC activity. In contrast to the other PKD isoenzymes, PKD2 activation did not induce its redistribution from the cytoplasm to the nucleus. Thus, this study demonstrates that the regulation of the distribution of PKD2 is distinct from other PKD isoenzymes, and suggests that the differential spatio-temporal localization of these signaling molecules regulates their specific signaling properties.
Thermalization of fast nitrogen atoms in elastic and inelastic collisions with molecules of atmospheric gases

Abstract The energy relaxation of fast nitrogen atoms due to elastic and inelastic collisions with molecules in the atmosphere is studied. A new formula for the energy relaxation kernel in the Boltzmann kinetic equation, which applies equally to elastic and inelastic collisions, is derived. Angular and energy dependent differential cross sections are used in calculations of the energy transfer rate. The energy relaxation kernel is evaluated for inelastic N + N2 collisions with numerically determined differential cross sections for rotational and vibrational excitation of the N2 molecules. The mean rate of energy loss, the average energy transfer per collision and mean thermalization times are calculated as functions of the kinetic energy of the nitrogen atoms. The contributions of elastic and inelastic scattering to the thermalization of N atoms in the terrestrial atmosphere are analyzed. The energy distribution functions of the fast nitrogen atoms are evaluated for thermospheric conditions. They depart significantly from a Maxwellian distribution at high energies.
Antigens in lung cancer: clinical radio- immunolocalization in lung cancer

More than 1,000 antibodies which react with human lung cancers have been reported in the literature. The antigens to which these antibodies react have been identified in a minority of instances. Two International Workshops were conducted to group some of these antibodies in clusters [ 1,2]. To date, only 8 such clusters were defined and the majority of antibodies do not cluster [ 1,2]. Although the cumbersome task of classifying antibodies continues, the real value of these monoclonal antibodies is to the pathologist in establishing a pathologic diagnosis and to the clinician for staging or therapy. Only a small number of these antibodies have been evaluated for their staging potential in human lung cancer patients and there are no therapeutic trials reported to date. This manuscript will review the published radio-immunolocalization studies.
Lactantius, Porphyry, and the Debate over Religious Toleration*

Did the events surrounding Diocletian's persecution of 303–311 launch a debate over religious toleration? The first suggestion that they did occurs in Porphyry's Philosophy from Oracles, a defence of traditional religion and theology in three books. Writing before the persecution, the celebrated Neoplatonist philosopher from Tyre, a man whom several Christian emperors and church councils would soon condemn, asked the question that stood at the heart of the persecution:How can these people [i.e., Christians] be thought worthy of forbearance (συϒϒώμη) ? They have not only turned away from those who from earliest time are referred to as divine among all Greeks and barbarians … and by emperors, law-givers and philosophers—all of a common mind. But also, in choosing impieties and atheism, they have preferred their fellow creatures [i.e., to worshipping the divine]. And to what sort of penalties might they not justly be subjected who … are fugitives from the things of their fathers?
Characterization of Neurospora crassa polyadenylated messenger ribonucleic acid: Structure of the 5′-terminus

Abstract Polyadenylated (poly(A) + ) mRNA from Neurospora crassa was isolated by affinity chromatography on poly(U) Sepharose and its structure was examined. Two 5′-terminal ·cap’ structures, m 7 G(5′)ppp(5′)Ap and m 7 G(5′)ppp(5′)Gp, occurring in a relative distribution of 75 and 25% were found. No evidence was obtained for 2′- O -methylation in a nucleotide adjacent to the 5′-terminal cap.
The natural history of partial ejaculatory duct obstruction

Ejaculatory duct obstruction is a rare but treatable cause of male infertility. We report an unusual case of progression from partial to complete ejaculatory duct obstruction after therapeutic left varicocelectomy. CASE REPORT A 34-year-old man with no significant medical or surgical history presented for evaluation of primary infertility. The patient had normal sexual development and no history of trauma or genitourinary infection. Physical examination was only significant for slight testicular asymmetry and a grade 2 of 3 left varicocele. Semen analysis revealed a volume of 1.1 cc (normal greater than 2.0), 65.8 million sperm (normal greater than 40 million/cc), 35% motility (normal greater than 50%) and 10% normal forms (normal greater than 14%, Kruger strict criteria). A repeat semen analysis was similar. Post-ejaculatory urine did not demonstrate any sperm. Endocrine profile was normal. Transrectal ultrasound demonstrated a right seminal vesicle measuring 1.4 cm. anteroposteriorly, which is the upper limit of normal (fig. 1) and a left seminal vesicle that measured 1.1 cm. anteroposteriorly. Figure 2 shows the area of possible obstruction of the ejaculatory ducts. Treatment options included transurethral resection of the ejaculatory ducts, microsurgical varicocelectomy or assisted reproductive techniques. The patient chose to undergo left microsurgical varicocelectomy. The varicocele resolved postoperatively. Postoperative semen analysis demonstrated azoospermia (volume 0.9 cc, fructose barely positive), which was confirmed on repeat analysis. Repeat transrectal ultrasound was similar to the initial study. Transurethral resection of the ejaculatory ducts was performed and pathological
Sensitivity of concentrating photovoltaics to solar tracking error

An asymmetric, three-parameter field-of-view (FOV) is defined and proposed as a more comprehensive alternative to the symmetric acceptance angle currently used to characterize concentrating photovoltaic device sensitivity to non-zero angles of incidence of solar irradiance. Normalized contour maps of module response against two-axis solar tracker errors in degrees were generated from module short-circuit current, maximum power, and current at maximum power measurements over a range of solar incidence angles. For each of these performance parameters, a quadric surface was fit using linear least squares to the upper 10% of the module response data set. The three-parameter FOV is defined as the elliptical area enclosed by the largest level curve of the fit surface that can be inscribed within a convex hull representation of the upper 10% data set. Applying this FOV as a tracking-error data filter for efficiency measurements from NREL's Prototype Concentrator Evaluation Test Bed (OCIV) resulted in an 8% increase in measured efficiency on one of the tested modules.
Catroxobin, a weakly thrombin-like enzyme from the venom of Crotalus atrox. nh2-terminal and active site amino acid sequences

Abstract Two thrombin-like isoenzymes, termed catroxobins,were purified by gel filtration and ion exchange chromatography to electrophoretic homogeneity from the venom of the Western diamondback rattlesnake, Crotalus atrox . By SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis their molecular weights were estimated to be 25,000 and 26,200. A 43-residue NH 2 -terminal sequence, containing the active histidine residue, was the same for the two isoenzymes. In addition, a 33-residue internal peptide from catroxobin I contained a normal active serine sequence. These sequences were highly homologous to other thrombin-like venom enzymes, and to pancreatic kallikrein and trypsin, but less so to the B chain of thrombin. Catroxobin, possessing 89 TAME esterase units/mg of protein, clotted human fibrinogen very slowly, releasing fibrinopeptide A and a small amount of fibrinopeptide B. No other evidence of cleavage of the fibrinogen molecule was revealed by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis or HPLC.
Affective associations mediate the influence of cost–benefit beliefs on fruit and vegetable consumption

Consumption of fruits and vegetables is far lower than recommended. The behavioral affective associations model posits that affective associations influence behavior and mediate the influence of perceived benefits and barriers on behavioral choices. The purpose of this study was to test the model's predictions about the influence of affective associations and benefits/barriers on fruit and vegetable consumption. Community adults (N=446) reported perceived benefits and barriers to fruit and vegetable consumption, affective associations with fruits and vegetables, and current fruit and vegetable intake. Affective associations predicted behavior and mediated the influence of benefits and barriers on behavior, supporting predictions made by the behavioral affective associations model. This highlights the need to incorporate affective factors in decision-making models and intervention strategies.
Singularities, Shocks, and Instabilities in Interface Growth

Two-dimensional interface motion is examined in the setting of geometric crystal growth. We focus on the relationships between local curvature and global shape evolution displaying the dual role of singularities and shocks depending on the parameterization of the curve-the crystal surface. Discontinuities in surface slope accompany regions of asymptotically decreasing curvature during transient growth, whereas an absence of discontinuities preempts such asymptotic curvature evolution. In one parameterization, these discontinuities manifest themselves as a finite-time continuous blowup of curvature, and in another, as a shock and hence a localized divergence of curvature. Previously, it has been conjectured, based on numerical evidence, that the minimum blowup time is preempted by shock formation. We prove this conjecture in the present paper. Additionally we prove that a class of local geometric models preserves the convexity of the surface. These results are connected to experiments on crystal growth.
Development of a liquid-fed water resistojet

A concept for a forced-flow once-through water vaporizer for application to resistojet thrusters was evaluated as an element of a laboratory model thruster and tested to investigate its operating characteristics. The vaporizer design concept employs flow swirling to attach the liquid flow to the boiler chamber wall, providing for separation of the two liquid phases. This vaporizer was modified with a nozzle and a centrally-located heater to facilitate vaporization, superheating, and expansion of the propellant, allowing it to function as a resistojet. Performance was measured at thrust levels ranging from 170 to 360 mN and at power levels ranging from 443 to 192 W. Maximum measured specific impulse was 192 sec.
The NIST automated computer time service

The NIST Automated Computer Time Service (ACTS) is a telephone time service designed to provide computers with telephone access to time generated by the National Institute of Standards and Technology at accuracies approaching 1 ms. Features of the service include automated estimation by the transmitter of the telephone-line delay, advanced alert for changes to and from daylight saving time, and advanced notice of insertion of leap seconds. The ASCII-character time code operates with most standard modems and computer systems. The system can be used to set computer clocks and simple hardware can also be developed to set non-computer clock systems.
A fuzzy-decision theory of optimal social discount rate: collective-choice-theoretic

Abstract In this essay, we present a fuzzy-decision theory of the optimal social discount rate. By combining methods of fuzzy logic, consensus, combination of expert judgments and fuzzy aggregation, algorithms are developed for computing optimal social discount rates from individual and collective time preferences. The results are examined against the computation of social discount rate on individual preferences as measured by utilities. An example is provided to illustrate the applicational mechanism of the theory. The essay is concluded with an appendix which is devoted to examining the properties of the required time set for the construction of the social discount.
Conditioned narcotic withdrawal in humans

Subjective and physiological manifestations of the narcotic withdrawal syndrome were produced as a conditioned response. Withdrawal reactions precipitated by the narcotic antagonist naloxone in methadone-dependent volunteers were the unconditioned response. These data support clinical anecdotes of withdrawal symptoms occurring in former addicts when they return to their drug-related environment.
The impact of smoking on pathologic response to neoadjuvant cisplatin-based chemotherapy in patients with muscle-invasive bladder cancer.

Purpose Smoking is the primary etiologic risk factor for bladder cancer and has been implicated in mechanisms of chemoresistance. We investigated smoking as a potential predictor for pathologic outcomes after neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NC) and radical cystectomy (RC) for muscle-invasive bladder cancer.
Protein Phosphatase 5 Mediates Lipid Metabolism through Reciprocal Control of Glucocorticoid Receptor and Peroxisome Proliferator-activated Receptor-γ (PPARγ)

Glucocorticoid receptor-α (GRα) and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ (PPARγ) regulate adipogenesis by controlling the balance between lipolysis and lipogenesis. Here, we show that protein phosphatase 5 (PP5), a nuclear receptor co-chaperone, reciprocally modulates the lipometabolic activities of GRα and PPARγ. Wild-type and PP5-deficient (KO) mouse embryonic fibroblast cells were used to show binding of PP5 to both GRα and PPARγ. In response to adipogenic stimuli, PP5-KO mouse embryonic fibroblast cells showed almost no lipid accumulation with reduced expression of adipogenic markers (aP2, CD36, and perilipin) and low fatty-acid synthase enzymatic activity. This was completely reversed following reintroduction of PP5. Loss of PP5 increased phosphorylation of GRα at serines 212 and 234 and elevated dexamethasone-induced activity at prolipolytic genes. In contrast, PPARγ in PP5-KO cells was hyperphosphorylated at serine 112 but had reduced rosiglitazone-induced activity at lipogenic genes. Expression of the S112A mutant rescued PPARγ transcriptional activity and lipid accumulation in PP5-KO cells pointing to Ser-112 as an important residue of PP5 action. This work identifies PP5 as a fulcrum point in nuclear receptor control of the lipolysis/lipogenesis equilibrium and as a potential target in the treatment of obesity.
Functional characteristics of retrograde conduction in a pacing model of “endless loop tachycardia”

A pacing model was designed that simulated “endless loop tachycardia,” a complication found in the new generation of DDD (atrioventricular [AV] universal) pacemakers. The functional characteristics of the train of ventricular impulses simulating endless loop tachycardia were studied during both AV sequential pacing and basic ventricular drive. AV sequential pacing, by causing a decrease in ventriculoatrial (VA) conduction time of the first beat of the endless loop tachycardia, was associated with a decrease in the cycle length at which VA block occurred in 9 of 12 patients. The site of block was the His-Purkinje system in 4 of these 12 patients and the AV node in the remaining 8. At a cycle length with 1:1 VA conduction, a steady state VA conduction time was achieved in 2 to 4 beats (VA conduction time accommodation). The pattern of such accommodation depended on the site (His-Purkinje system versus AV node) of the maximal conduction delay. The steady state VA conduction time itself was altered with AV sequential pacing in patients showing His-Purkinje system delay, but not in patients with AV nodal delay. The results suggest that in most patients, the cycle length of VA block and the longest steady state VA conduction time will depend on the retrograde conduction time of the first beat of the tachycardia. In addition, pharmacologic measures to prevent or terminate endless loop tachycardia will have to take into account the fact that both the His-Purkinje system and the AV node can be the site of initial block.
Location and attendance in major league baseball

This study uses a travel-cost model to analyse the attendance impacts on Major League Baseball (MLB) of the closest substitute MLB team. It is found that the closer two teams are, the lower attendance is at each team relative to two teams that are farther apart. In addition, when a new team moves into the area of an existing team, there is an additional initial reduction in attendance for the incumbent team. This has implications for actions aimed at changing the number of teams in MLB either by contraction or by possible antitrust approaches that would increase the number of teams, especially in megalopolis markets. Further, and consistent with past demand studies, pricing is in the inelastic portion of gate demand and fan loyalty is a significant contributor to the estimation of gate attendance.
Mapping Educational Opportunity Zones: A Geospatial Analysis of Neighborhood Block Groups

The author uses geospatial analysis to examine the “educational opportunity spaces” of two adjacent urban neighborhoods in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Organizing insights are gathered from Bronfenbrenner’s (1979) ecological perspectives on human development, which posit that students are significantly impacted by multiple environmental systems—including their immediate family and school surroundings and several other mutually affective layers of systems. The author suggests that while school and district-based reform initiatives targeting “within school factors” clearly have direct and significant relevance on student performance, neighborhood and community factors are also worthy of consideration. Based on analyses of multiple block-level data, several recommendations are made toward the further integration of school and community-based practice.
Clinical effects of high-fat meals and weight gain due to high-fat feeding.

Overfeeding high-fat (HF) meals results in both short-term and long-term effects that vary depending upon adiposity status (obese vs nonobese) and family history of type 2 diabetes. Although more than 4 weeks of overeating produces mild insulin resistance, whether the same is true of a single, HF meal is not clear. We reviewed overfeeding studies of 4–8 weeks duration, studies of single HF meals and our own (unpublished) plasma insulin and glucose concentration data from 59 nonobese and 15 overweight/obese volunteers who consumed either a normal-fat (NF) breakfast or a breakfast matched for carbohydrate and protein, but with an additional 80 g of monounsaturated fat (HF). Four to eight weeks of overfeeding a HF diet causes an ∼10% reduction in insulin sensitivity. Some authors report that a single HF meal is associated with greater postprandial insulin concentrations, whereas other investigators have not confirmed such a response. We found that plasma glucose concentrations peaked later following a HF breakfast than a NF breakfast in both obese and nonobese adults and that daytime plasma insulin concentrations were not uniformly increased following a HF breakfast. We conclude that a single HF meal delays the postprandial peak in glucose concentrations, likely due to delayed gastric emptying. This will confound attempts to use insulinemia as a marker of insulin resistance. After 4–8 weeks of overeating a HF diet accompanied by 2–4 kg of fat gain, insulin sensitivity decreases by ∼10%. Although we could not demonstrate that baseline insulin resistance predicts visceral fat gain with overfeeding, normal-weight relatives of type 2 diabetes mellitus do tend to gain more weight and become more insulin resistant than those without a positive family history of type 2 diabetes mellitus. In summary, short-term weight gain from HF diets induces relatively mild metabolic disorders.
Synthesis of 5,6‐carbonyldioxyindole, a melanogenic cyclic carbonate ester of 5,6‐dihydroxyindole

5,6-Carbonyldioxyindole (4), a melanogenic derivative of 5,6-dihydroxyindole (1), was synthesized by a procedure starting with 3,4-methylenedioxycinnamic acid (5). Compound 4 is a stable crystalline solid which is readily hydrolyzed to 1, a key intermediate on the biosynthetic pathway from tyrosine to melanin.
A magnetic-amplifier commutating and pulse-width encoding circuit

The desirability of replacing the mechanical commutators now used in many telemetering systems by special electric circuits is generally recognized.1 This desirability is enhanced in rocket, missile, and satellite applications by the demand for high reliability and long life in the face of stringent environmental conditions, e.g., high g forces. The present paper describes such a commutating circuit. This circuit offers several advantages: 1. Mechanical commutation is eliminated. 2. The amplitude variations of the signal sources are encoded as rectangular pulses of variable width but constant height. This feature is particularly advantageous when low signal-to-noise ratios are encountered in the communication link. 3. Considerable power gain is afforded. 4. Solid-state devices, i.e., square-loop cores, transistors, and rectifiers, are used exclusively, hence the circuit can be potted and made very rugged.
Does T-cell restriction to Ia limit the need for self-tolerance?

Why did two classes ofMHC molecule evolve as restricting elements in T-cell function? Here Carol Cowing discusses the hypothesis that incomplete self-tolerance may explain the necessity for class II MHC restriction.
INTRANASAL ADMINISTRATION OF HUMAN PANCREATIC TUMOR GH-RELEASING FACTOR-40 STIMULATES GH RELEASE IN NORMAL MEN

Human pancreatic tumor GH releasing factor-40 (hpGRF-40) selectively stimulates GH secretion in normal men and in some adult patients with GH deficiency. As the latter finding suggests that some children with GH deficiency may benefit from therapy with hpGRF-40 or an analogue, we investigated the effect of hpGRF-40 administered intranasally on GH release. Six normal men were given hpGRF-40 (30 ug/kg; test day) or an equivalent volume of vehicle alone (control day) at 0900 h. Immunoreactive GH was measured in serum obtained at intervals between 0800-1200 h. Mean (+/- SEM) integrated serum levels of GH (ng/ml/h) prior to and following administration of vehicle were not different (1.27 +/- 0.57 vs 0.87 +/- 0.28; p = 0.54). However, following hpGRF-40 administration, GH levels increased significantly (0.53 +/- 0.03 vs 2.88 +/- 0.75; p = 0.022). Peak levels of serum GH were detected within 30 min following hpGRF-40. Except for mild burning of the nasal mucosa reported by one subject, no side effects were noted. We conclude that, if hpGRF-40 or an analogue is shown to be useful in the treatment of some children with GH deficiency, the intranasal route of administration may be utilized and will be more acceptable for chronic therapy than intravenous, intramuscular, or subcutaneous injection.
Treatment planning system evaluation for mesothelioma IMRT

Summary Background and purpose: Malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) has been treated with extrapleural pneumonectomy (EPP) followed by IMRT. IMRT improved radiation dose distributions to the complex operative bed, and preliminary results suggested improved local control compared with conventional treatment planning. IMRT was initially developed on the Corvus treatment planning system. Other treatment planning systems are also IMRT-capable. Treatment plans from several systems were compared to determine the feasibility of using IMRT in a multi-institution trial. Patients and methods: Treatment plans were generated on Corvus, Eclipse, and Pinnacle for a right-sided MPM after EPP using 6 MV X-rays. Tissue heterogeneity corrections were used in dose calculation. Plans were optimized such that the clinical target volume received 50 Gy in 25 fractions. Dose distributions to the target and normal structures were evaluated. The treatment time and delivery efficiency were estimated. Results: Treatment plans could be calculated by all three planning systems without system failure. Larger volumes received 60 Gy in Corvus plans (40%, 17% and 8% for Corvus, Pinnacle and Eclipse, respectively). Corvus used the most monitor units (2786 versus 1451 and 1813 for Pinnacle and Eclipse), and treated the most segments (1050 versus 267 and 173 for Pinnacle and Eclipse). Doses to spinal cord, lung, heart, liver, and contralateral kidney were acceptable for all planning systems. Conclusions: IMRT plans can be calculated for MPM targets by at least three commonly available treatment planning systems. Pinnacle- and Eclipse-based plans seem more efficient, and may be delivered in a shorter time than Corvus-based plans.