cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
New telemetric system for daily pulmonary function surveillance of lung transplant recipients.

Abstract Background . Following lung transplantation, prompt diagnosis and therapy of acute pulmonary rejection and infection episodes relies primarily upon changes in pulmonary function and determines long-term outcome. We tested a new system that allows daily monitoring of the patient's pulmonary status even after discharge from the hospital. Methods . Seven lung transplant recipients from our center were equipped with a telemetric monitoring device consisting of a portable flowmeter and a special modem unit. The flowmeter measures forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume per second (FEV 1 ), and mid expiratory flows (MEFs), encodes information like fever, cough, and dyspnea in a binary code form, and stores all values in a 32 kB memory unit. After its use, the patient positions the flowmeter onto the modem unit which automatically connects to a central computer at our center to transfer all saved data. The whole set can be used via any regular phone jack. The patient's file in the computer can be checked every day. Results . All patients learned to use the unit during their postoperative stay or during later follow-up, and were able to apply the system at home. In a mean follow-up period of 10.3 ± 2.2 months, 15 episodes of significant deterioration in home pulmonary function tests (PFTs) (>10%) were registered in 6 patients, which were all confirmed by in-hospital body plethysmography. They resulted in diagnoses of 4 episodes of acute rejection, 6 cases of beginning bacterial pneumonia, and 5 cases of, most likely, viral tracheobronchitis. Only 1 patient had to be admitted to the hospital. All patients PFTs returned to previous values after treatment. Conclusions . Telemetric monitoring of graft function in lung transplant recipients allows reliable early diagnosis and treatment of infection or rejection, which might help to prevent exacerbation of the pathology and reduce quantity of amounting graft dysfunction.
A Synoptic Investigation of Anticyclogenesis Accompanying North American Polar Air Outbreaks

Abstract Results are presented for a synoptic-dynamic investigation of certain polar anticyclones originating in northwestern Canada.. A composite, consisting of three similar high pressure systems, is constructed. This cold anticyclone weakens while it moves southeastward towards the Gulf of Mexico. Along the Gulf Coast it curves northeastward and reintensifies as it becomes a warm, dynamic anticyclone. During a second composite case the high moves rapidly southeastward before dissipating quickly over the warm waters of the Gulf of Mexico. No further intensification or recurvature occurs. In both instances, cold air penetrates deeply into the southern latitudes. An upper tropospheric ridge over northwestern Canada and Alaska appears important in strengthening the polar anticyclone. The center of the high moves southward if uninterrupted northwesterly flow is established aloft. The cold air preceding the high pushes towards the Gulf of Mexico as the trough downstream of the Canadian ridge deepens. The eve...
Largest prime factor

Abstract Two results are obtained about P(n), the largest prime factor of an integer n. The average value of P(n)/n is asymptotically ζ(2)/log n. The asymptotic probability that P(n)>√n is log 2.
Human evolutionary genomics: ethical and interpretive issues

Genome-wide computational studies can now identify targets of natural selection. The unique information about humans these studies reveal, and the media attention they attract, indicate the need for caution and precision in communicating results. This need is exacerbated by ways in which evolutionary and genetic considerations have been misapplied to support discriminatory policies, by persistent misconceptions of these fields and by the social sensitivity surrounding discussions of racial ancestry. We discuss the foundations, accomplishments and future directions of human evolutionary genomics, attending to ways in which the interpretation of good science can go awry, and offer suggestions for researchers to prevent misapplication of their work.
Non-suppressed ion chromatography of inorganic anions, magnesium and calcium ions using a pyromellitate eluent and its application in evaluating environmental water quality

Abstract A simple, sensitive and convenient ion chromatographic (IC) method with UV photometric detection using pyromellitate (l,2,4,5-benzenetetracarboxylate)-methanol-water as the eluent on a silica-based anion-exchange column was established for the simultaneous determination of common inorganic anions including HCO 3 − , Mg 2+ and Ca 2+ in environmental waters. The anions were detected indirectly, whilst Mg 2+ and Ca 2+ were detected directly because complexes having strong UV absorption were formed between pyromellitate and these cations. The proposed method was successfully applied to the simultaneous determination of the common anions, Mg 2+ and Ca 2+ in various river water samples.
A Case of a Beta-Human Chorionic Gonadotropin Secreting Sinonasal Teratocarcinosarcoma

Background and Importance Sinonasal teratocarcinosarcoma (SNTCS) is an unusual and aggressive neoplasm characterized by the combination of teratoma and carcinosarcoma features that is often misdiagnosed based on a biopsy sample. Approximately 60 cases have been reported in the English literature, but none have been associated with serum tumor markers. We report a case of SNTCS with elevation of serum β-human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) level. Clinical Presentation The patient was a 22-year-old pregnant woman at diagnosis, and her β-hCG level was appropriately elevated. Her initial treatment was a surgical resection followed by radiation therapy (RT). Two years later, the patient had a pregnancy work-up after a sexual assault. Her serum β-hCG was elevated, but a nongravid uterus was seen on ultrasound. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the head revealed an intracranial tumor recurrence in the right frontal lobe. During salvage RT, β-hCG decreased rapidly to normal levels, with a complete tumor response on MRI. Retrospective examination of the initial surgical specimen showed expression of β-hCG associated with the anaplastic mesenchymal component. Conclusion This is the first reported case of a β-hCG secreting SNTCS. The source of β-hCG production was traced to a neoplastic smooth muscle component of the tumor.
The ontogeny of excitatory amino acid receptors in rat forebrain—I.N-methyl-d-aspartate and quisqualate receptors

The ontogeny of radioligand binding toN-methyl-d-aspartate and quisqualate receptors in rat forebrain was studied quantitatively usingin vitro receptor autoradiography. Specific binding to both receptors could be detected by postnatal day 1 in hippocampus and striatum. The adult pattern of binding toN-methyl-d-aspartate receptors emerged by postnatal day 14 with high densities of binding in CA1 (stratum oriens and stratum radiatum), dentate gyrus (molecular layer) and striatum (caudate-putarnen). Binding to the outer laminae of frontal cortex was as much as 45% above adult levels during development. Binding of [3H amino-3-hydroxy-5-methylisoxazole-4-proprionic acid to quisqualate receptors showed a similar overshoot during development, but also manifested a unique distribution with CA3 and medial aspects of the amygdala exhibiting transient, intense labeling. Homogenate binding studies with [3H amino-3-hydroxy-5-methylisoxazole-4-proprionic acid demonstrated a 73% increase in quisqualate receptors in whole brain at postnatal day 21 compared with adult levels. The selectivity of excitatory amino acid binding to the quisqualate site in development was similar to the selectivity in adult brain. These data taken with other recent reports, suggest that quisqualate receptors may have a role in development distinct from their function in the adult brain.
Chromosome number, oil and fatty acid content of species in the genus Glycine subgenus Glycine

Accessions of wild perennial species in Glycine subgenus Glycine were analyzed for chromosome number, oil and fatty acid content. The mean oil content appears to be quite similar in seed of those species with 2n=40. The onlys pecies with appreciable variation in oil content was Glycine clandestina. The polyploid accessions (2n=80) of G. tabacina and G. tomentella had about the same amount of oil as their diploid counterparts. The fatty acids detected in all seed of the 7 species in the subgenus Glycine include palmitic, stearic, oleic, linoleic, linolenic, arachidic and behenic. Among the species, the fatty acid content of G. clandestina was the most variable. Within the G. tabacina accessions, there was very little difference in fatty acid content between the diploid (2n=40) and the tetraploid (2n=80) accessions. Within the G. tomentella accessions, there were minor differences in fatty acid content between the aneuploid accessions (2n=38 or 78) and their complete genome counterparts (2n=40 or 80).
Microplate-based screening for small molecule inhibitors of neuropilin-2/vascular endothelial growth factor-C interactions

Vascular endothelial growth factor-C (VEGF-C) is a secreted growth factor essential for lymphangiogenesis. VEGF-C functions in both physiological and pathological lymphangiogenesis, particularly in tumor metastasis, making it an attractive therapeutic target. Members of two families of cell surface receptors transduce VEGF-C signals: neuropilin-2 (Nrp2) and VEGF-receptor (VEGFR)-2/3. Nrp2 is a promising target for inhibition because it is highly expressed in lymphatic vessels. Here we describe a microplate-based assay for discovery of VEGF-C/Nrp2 inhibitors. We optimize this assay for use in screening an inhibitor library and identify three novel Nrp2/VEGF-C binding inhibitors from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) Clinical Collection small molecule library.
Adding further power to the Haseman and Elston method for detecting linkage in larger sibships: weighting sums and differences.

Haseman and Elston (H-E) proposed a robust test to detect linkage between a quantitative trait and a genetic marker. In their method the squared sib-pair trait difference is regressed on the estimated proportion of alleles at a locus shared identical by descent by sib pairs. This method has recently been improved by changing the dependent variable from the squared difference to the mean-corrected product of the sib-pair trait values, a significantly positive regression indicating linkage. Because situations arise in which the original test is more powerful, a further improvement of the H-E method occurs when the dependent variable is changed to a weighted average of the squared sib-pair trait difference and the squared sib-pair mean-corrected trait sum. Here we propose an optimal method of performing this weighting for larger sibships, allowing for the correlation between pairs within a sibship. The optimal weights are inversely proportional to the residual variances obtained from the two different regressions based on the squared sib-pair trait differences and the squared sib-pair mean-corrected trait sums, respectively, allowing for correlations among sib pairs. The proposed method is compared with the existing extension of the H-E approach for larger sibships. Control of the type I error probabilities for sibships of any size can be improved by using a generalized estimating equation approach and the robust sandwich estimate of the variance, or a Monte-Carlo permutation test.
Long-term memory for concepts in a California sea lion ( Zalophus californianus).

An adult California sea lion (Zalophus californianus) with extensive experience in performing discrimination learning tasks was tested to evaluate her long-term memory for two previously learned concepts. An associative concept, that of equivalence classification, was retested after a retention interval of approximately 1 year. The sea lion had originally shown emergent equivalence classification with nonsimilarity-based classes of stimuli in a simple discrimination repeated-reversal procedure as well as in a matching-to-sample procedure. The 1-year memory test revealed no decrement in classification performance in either procedure. A relational concept, that of generalized identity matching, was retested after approximately 10 years. The sea lion had originally received trial-and-error exemplar training with identity matching-to-sample problems prior to transferring the concept to novel stimulus configurations. In the 10-year memory test, the sea lion immediately and reliably applied the previously established identity concept to familiar and novel sets of matching problems. These are the first reports of long-term conceptual memory in a nonprimate species. The experimental findings are consistent with a variety of observations of sea lions in natural settings, which indicate that natal sites, feeding areas, and individuals may be remembered over long periods of time. Electronic Supplementary Material is available if you access this article at http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s10071-002-0153-8. On that page (frame on the left side), a link takes you directly to the supplementary material.
Identification of a peroxisome proliferator-responsive element upstream of the human peroxisomal fatty acyl coenzyme A oxidase gene.

Peroxisome proliferators cause a rapid and coordinated transcriptional activation of genes encoding the enzymes of the peroxisomal β-oxidation pathway in rats and mice. Cis-acting peroxisome proliferator responsive elements (PPREs) have been identified in the 5′-flanking region of H2O2-producing rat acyl-CoA oxidase (ACOX) gene and in other genes inducible by peroxisome proliferators. To gain more insight into the purported nonresponsiveness of human liver cells to peroxisome proliferator-induced increases in peroxisome volume density and in the activity of the β-oxidation enzyme system, we have previously cloned the human ACOX gene, the first and rate-limiting enzyme of the peroxisomal β-oxidation system. We now present information on a regulatory element for the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR)/retinoid X receptor (RXR) heterodimers. The PPRE, consists of AGGTCA C TGGTCA, which is a direct repeat of hexamer half-sites interspaced by a single nucleotide (DR1 motif). It is located at −1918 to −1906 base pairs upstream of the transcription initiation site of this human ACOX gene. This PPRE specifically binds to baculovirus-expressed recombinant rat PPARα/RXRα heterodimers. In transient transfection experiments, the maximum induction of luciferase expression by ciprofibrate and/or 9-cis-retinoic acid is dependent upon cotransfection of expression plasmids for PPARα and RXRα. The functionality of this human ACOX promoter was further demonstrated by linking it to a β-galactosidase reporter gene or to a rat urate oxidase cDNA and establishing stably transfected African green monkey kidney (CV1) cell lines expressing reporter protein. The human ACOX promoter has been found to be responsive to peroxisome proliferators in CV1 cells stably expressing PPARα, whereas only a basal level of promoter activity is detected in stably transfected cells lacking PPARα. The presence of a PPRE in the promoter of this human peroxisomal ACOX gene and its responsiveness to peroxisome proliferators suggests that factors other than the PPRE in the 5′-flanking sequence of the human ACOX gene may account for differences, if any, in the pleiotropic responses of humans to peroxisome proliferators.
The Intranasal Absorption of the Quaternary Ammonium Compounds Neostigmine Bromide and Tubocurarine Chloride in the Rat

AbstractThe systemic absorptions of the quaternary ammonium compounds, neostigmine bromide and (+)-tubocurarine chloride, from the nasal cavity were compared in the adult male rat with those obtained by the oral and intravenous routes. By the oral route, neostigmine bromide was absorbed to a limited extent and tubocurarine chloride demonstrated undetectable plasma levels. In contrast, use of the intranasal route resulted in plasma drug levels that were either significantly higher or readily detectable. Greater systemic absorptions and, thereby, improved bioavailabilities were achieved by coadministering the title drugs with sodium glycocholate, a surfactant, or with amastatin, an aminopeptidase inhibitor. For both drugs, bioavailabilities in the presence of amastatin were greater than in the presence of sodium glycocholate (≥90% vs. ≥70%). Differences in the rate and extent of absorption of the quaternary ammonium compounds across the nasal mucosa appeared to reflect differences in molecular weight.
Pharmacological actions of a new class of neuropeptides, the leucokinins I-IV, on the visceral muscles of Leucophaea maderae.

Abstract 1. Leucokinins I–IV did not activate visceral muscles uniformly as a class but rather showed a selective action on the muscles of the hindgut. This organ showed a contractile response to all of the leucokinins at 3 × 10 −10 M that was 5–10% above the mean level of spontaneous activity. The maximum response for each peptide was recorded at 2.1 × 10 −7 M. 2. Both the foregut and the oviduct were 100–1000 fold less sensitive than the hindgut, and each of the former organs required more than 10 −8 M to elicit a detectable excitation. The heart, by comparison, failed to give consistent responses with any of the peptides. 3. The leucokinins caused a protracted excitation of contractile events in the hindgut that lasted for more than 60 min. Moreover, all four peptides evoked contractions from hindguts after membrane depolarization with 158mM potassium. 4. This result shows that nonsynaptic receptors for the peptides exist in visceral muscle. The leucokinins showed no evidence of facilitating the reentry of calcium into calcium depleted hindgut preparations.
Both Vegetative and Reproductive Actin Isovariants Complement the Stunted Root Hair Phenotype of the Arabidopsis act2-1 Mutation

The ACT2 gene, encoding one of eight actin isovariants in Arabidopsis, is the most strongly expressed actin gene in vegetative tissues. A search was conducted for physical defects in act2-1 mutant plants to account for their reduced fitness compared with wild type in population studies. The act2-1 insertion fully disrupted expression of ACT2 RNA and significantly lowered the level of total actin protein in vegetative organs. The root hairs of the act2-1 mutants were 10% to 70% the length of wild-type root hairs, and they bulged severely at the base. The length of the mutant root hairs and degree of bulging at the base were affected by adjusting the osmolarity and gelling agent of the growth medium. The act2-1 mutant phenotypes were fully rescued by an ACT2 genomic transgene. When the act2-1 mutation was combined with another vegetative actin mutation, act7-1, the resulting double mutant exhibited extensive synergistic phenotypes ranging from developmental lethality to severe dwarfism. Transgenic overexpression of the ACT7 vegetative isovariant and ectopic expression of the ACT1 reproductive actin isovariant also rescued the root hair elongation defects of the act2-1 mutant. These results suggest normal ACT2 gene regulation is essential to proper root hair elongation and that even minor differences may cause root defects. However, differences in the actin protein isovariant are not significant to root hair elongation, in sharp contrast to recent reports on the functional nonequivalency of plant actin isovariants. Impairment of root hair functions such as nutrient mining, water uptake, and physical anchoring are the likely cause of the reduced fitness seen for act2-1 mutants in multigenerational studies.
Clostridial strain degeneration

Abstract Strain degeneration, the loss of the capacity to produce solvents and form spores, typically occurs when Clostridium acetobutylicum and related clostridia are repeatedly subcultured in batch culture or grown in continuous culture, as opposed to being grown from germinated, heat-treated spores. Several mechanisms for degeneration have been identified thus far. (i) Degeneration can be caused by excessive acidification of the culture during exponential growth. We present data interpreted to mean that C. beijerinckii (formerly C. acetobutylicum ) NCIMB 8052 cells ferment glucose to acetic and butyric acids at an uncontrolled rate, so that, during rapid growth, the rate of acid production can exceed the rate of induction of the solventogenic pathway enzymes. As a result, the medium pH drops to bactericical levels, and the cells cannot switch to solventogenesis and sporulation. The clostridia seem to be poised either to produce excess acids, or to initiate solventogenesis, depending on small differences in the rates of growth. (ii) We have isolated transposon-insertion mutants of C. beijerinckii NCIMB 8052 that are resistant to degeneration, suggesting the involvement of a regulatory region of the clostridial chromosome. (iii) Involvement of a global regulatory gene has been inferred in C. beijerinckii NCIMB 8052 which degenerates irreversibly in chemostat culture. (iv) Impairment of butanol formation due to a defect in NADH generation has been reported in an oligosporogenous strain which can revert to the non-degenerate phenotype. (v) In continuous culture, degenerate cells may be selected because they continue to divide, while the non-degenerate cells stop dividing and start differentiating.
Role of the atomic Coulomb center in ionization and periodic orbit selection

The motion of a Rydberg electron in crossed electric and magnetic fields is a widely encountered and poorly understood problem of great complexity. We explain photoabsorption experiments that probe the electron's intricate periodic motions. In particular, we show how the Coulomb center acts as a selector of planar versus three-dimensional motion and investigate the stability and ionization behavior of trajectories that start at the nucleus.
THE FABRICATION OF HIGH-TECHNOLOGY CATALYSTS

To produce reaction products with 100% chemical selectivity, and to attain much higher turnover rates and number of turnovers, the development of new methods of catalyst preparation are necessary. Precise control of particle size, the separation between catalyst particles and their superior chemical and thermal stability must be achieved. To this end, five new methods of preparation of high-technology catalysts are being studied. These are: (A) the method successfully used by W.M.H. Sachtler for metal particle deposition in zeolite cages, (B) the deposition of metal particles by atomic layer epitaxy, (C) controlled nucleation and growth of metal particles by substrate spinning, (D) deposition of metals on oxides by evaporation, (E) preparation of ordered metal arrays by electron-beam lithography using microelectronic techniques. These different methods are described and discussed, and their present states of development are assessed.
Enhanced detection of oligonucleotides in UV MALDI MS using the tetraamine spermine as a matrix additive

Matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry (MALDI MS) has been used to analyze oligonucleotides. However, success has been limited by cation adduction and high detection limits. Both of these problems are due to the high net negative charge that oligonucleotides carry on the phosphodiester backbone. Comatrixes such as ammonium salts with UV absorbers such as 3-hydroxypicolinic acid, 2,4,6-trihydroxyacetophenone, and 6-aza-2-thiothymine have been used to improve the spectral quality for oligonucleotides in MALDI MS. Organic bases have also been used as co-matrixes; however, the most popular matrix, 3-hydroxypicolinic acid, is not compatible with these additives. We have found that the tetraamine spermine as a matrix additive can successfully eliminate cation adduction and lower the detection limits for DNA in the MALDI experiment, without having to resort to desalting steps. The results suggest that multiply protonated spermine molecules function better than ammonium ions in neutralizing oligonucleotides and displacing alkali cations. Protonated spermine is chemically similar to ammonium ions since it binds to the phosphate backbone and releases protons to the phosphate groups. Spermine can be used successfully with the matrixes 6-aza-2-thiothymine and 80% anthranilic acid/20% nicotinic acid but not with 3-hydroxypicolinic acid. The additive also works well for the analysis of metalated DNA.
Model for K-bentonite formation: Evidence from zoned K-bentonites in the disturbed belt, Montana

Thirty-four K-bentonites from the Marias River Formation (Upper Cretaceous) in the Montana disturbed belt have been studied in detail. A 2.5-m-thick K-bentonite is zoned mineralogically and chemically, the upper and lower contacts of the bed being more illitic and K-rich than the middle of the bentonite. K/Ar dates of illite/smectite separated from the bed are also zoned, yielding older ages at the contacts than at the center. A model for the formation of K-bentonites enclosed by K-rich shale is presented in which K-bentonites form from smectite bentonites during a thermal event ( T = 100–200 °C). Potassium is derived from mineralogic breakdown (probably mica and K-feldspar) in the shale, and migrates by diffusion into the bentonite.
Critical Path Selection for Delay Testing Considering Coupling Noise

The objective of delay testing is to detect any defects or variations that manifest into timing failures. In path based delay testing this is done by testing a subset of paths in the circuit that are more likely to fail and hence are critical. Since path delays are vector dependent, the set of critical paths selected depends on the vectors assumed when estimating the path delays. This implies that to find the real critical paths, it is important to consider the effect of dynamic (vector dependent) delay effects such as coupling noise and supply noise during path selection. In this work a methodology to incorporate the effect of coupling noise during path selection is described. For any given path, both logic and timing constraints are extracted and a constrained optimization problem is formulated to estimate the maximum path delay in the presence of coupling noise.
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: a disease of older persons.

Numerous physiological changes in lung function occur with aging. These include a decline in forced expiratory volume (FEV1), an increase in residual volume, ventilation-perfusion mismatch, diminished respiratory muscle strength and less effective ciliary muscle strength. These changes place the older person at increased risk of mortality from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). COPD occurs in approximately 15% of older persons and is the third most common cause of death.1 Older persons with COPD have a number of unique complications including osteoporosis and hip fracture, sarcopenia, cognitive impairment, male hypogonadism, malnutrition, and decreased awareness of hypoxia. Over one-half of older persons with COPD are frail,2e6 and the presence of frailty increases mortality substantially in older persons with COPD.7 COPD is a common cause of disability8 and a major cause of 30 day readmission after discharge from hospital.9,10 A hospital discharge coordinator intervention has been shown to reduce COPD hospitalizations.10 It has been suggested that many hospital admissions could be avoided by direct admissions to subacute (nursing home) care11 or by increasing the acuity of homebased primary care.12,13 Support of family caregivers is also important in this regard.14 Modern diagnosis of COPD is made using the Global Initiative for Obstructive Lung Disease criteria, which are objectively based on spirometry. These require a FEV1 of less than 80% if predicted and a postbronchodilator FEV1/forced vital capacity of less than 70% of predicted.1 Cognitive dysfunction may limit the ability of older persons to meet these criteria. COPD diagnosis is missed in up to 80% of older persons.15 Zarowitz et al16 suggested that in nursing homes persons with a diagnosis of asthma, shortness of breath at rest, or on exertion and smoking 19 or more pack years are highly likely to have COPD. A 6-minute walk distance of approximately less than 350 meters is highly predictive of exacerbation and death in persons with COPD.17 COPD is amajor cause of undernutrition inolder persons.18e20Many persons with COPD have early satiety as the thermic energy of eating results in hypoxia leading to severe dyspnea during the meal. Food intake can be improved by providing multiple small meals (6 or more) during the day or caloric/protein supplements between meals.21,22 All persons with COPD should be screened for anorexia using the Simplified Nutrition Assessment Questionnaire.23,24 Weekes et al25
[3H]epinephrine and [3H]norepinephrine binding to α-noradrenergic receptors in calf brain membranes

Abstract (±)-[ 3 H]Epinephrine and (−)-[ 3 H]norepinephrine bind saturably to calf cerebral cortex membranes under appropriate incubation conditions in a fashion indicating that they label α-noradrenergic receptors. Binding of the two [ 3 H]catecholamines is saturable with dissociation constants of 20–30 nM. Binding is stereoselective with (−)-norepinephrine displaying about twenty times greater affinity than (+)-norepinephrine. The relative potencies of catecholamines in competing for these binding sites parallels their relative pharmacologic effects at α-noradrenergic receptors in numerous tissues. Thus, (−)-epinephrine is 2–3 times more potent than (−)-norepinephrine and 500 times more potent than (−)-isoproterenol. Binding is inhibited by low concentrations of the α-antagonists phentolamine and phenoxybenzamine but not by the β-antagonist propranolol.
Purification of human liver cytochrome P-450 and comparison to the enzyme isolated from rat liver.

Abstract Human liver cytochrome P -450 was isolated from autopsy samples using cholate extraction and chromatography on n -octylamino-Sepharose 4B, hydroxylapatite, and DEAE-cellulose gels. Purified preparations contained as much as 14 nmol cytochrome P -450 mg −1 protein, were free of other hemoproteins, and were active in the mixed-function oxidation of d -benzphetamine and 7-ethoxycoumarin when coupled with either rat or human liver NADPH-cytochrome P -450 reductase. Some of the preparations were apparently homogeneous as judged by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis; apparent subunit M r s estimated for several preparations were 53,000 or 55,500. The amino acid composition of one preparation was determined and found to resemble those of rat liver cytochromes P -450, although some variations were noted. Rabbit antibodies raised to phenobarbital-treated rat liver cytochrome P -450 were more effective in inhibiting d -benzphetamine N -demethylase activity in human liver microsomes than were antibodies raised to 3-methylcholanthrene-treated rat liver cytochrome P -450. These antibodies also inhibited benzo( a )pyrene hydroxylation in human liver microsomes, although the inhibition patterns did not follow a general pattern as in the case of benzphetamine demethylase activity. Microsomes prepared from three different human liver samples were more effective in eliciting complement fixation with antibodies raised to phenobarbitalthan to 3-methylcholanthrene-treated rat liver cytochrome P -450. Complement fixation in such systems appears to result from similarity of certain rat and human liver cytochrome P -450 antigenic determinants, as fixation could be inhibited by removal of cytochrome P -450-directed antibodies from the total immunoglobulin population and purified human cytochrome P -450 was more effective (on a protein basis) than liver microsomes in producing fixation. Human liver microsomes prepared from five different individuals all produced ≥ 90% complement fixation, but variations were observed in the fixation curves plotted either versus microsomal protein or versus spectrally detectable microsomal cytochrome P -450. These results indicate that human liver microsomal cytochromes P -450 can be isolated using modifications of techniques developed for laboratory animals and that human and rat liver cytochromes P -450 share certain features of structural, functional, and immunological similarity. The available data suggest the existence of multiple forms of human liver microsomal cytochrome P -450, but possible artifacts associated with the use of autopsy samples suggest caution in advancing such a conclusion.
Direct genetic demonstration of Gα13 coupling to the orphan G protein-coupled receptor G2A leading to RhoA-dependent actin rearrangement

G2A is an orphan G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR), expressed predominantly in T and B cells and homologous to a small group of GPCRs of unknown function expressed in lymphoid tissues. G2A is transcriptionally induced in response to diverse stimuli, and its ectopic expression suppresses transformation of B lymphoid precursors by BCR-ABL. G2A induces morphological transformation of NIH 3T3 fibroblasts. Microinjection of constructs encoding G2A into Swiss 3T3 fibroblasts induces actin reorganization into stress fibers that depends on RhoA, but not CDC42 or RAC. G2A elicits RhoA-dependent transcriptional activation of serum response factor. Direct evaluation of RhoA activity demonstrates elevated levels of RhoA-GTP in G2A-expressing cells. Microinjection of embryonic fibroblasts derived from various Galpha knockout mice establishes a requirement for Galpha 13 but not Galpha 12 or Galpha q/11 in G2A-induced actin rearrangement. In conclusion, G2A represents a family of GPCRs expressed in lymphocytes that may link diverse stimuli to cytoskeletal reorganization and transcriptional activation through a pathway involving Galpha 13 and RhoA.
High-Voltage Monitor for Measuring Electrical Characteristics of Pulsed Hollow Cathode Discharges:

A high-voltage monitor has been developed for measuring small signal differences between large voltage waveforms. This device reduces the number of channels needed for a differential measurement from two to one while maximizing the performance of an oscilloscope by removing large common-mode signals present in typical discharge applications.
Strategies of emotion management: not just on, but off the job

Intensive care nurses, like professionals in other intense occupations characterized by high degrees of uncertainty, manage the emotions that result from their work both on and off the job. We focus on the job strategies - calling-in, sharing their experiences with others and engaging in a range of activities oriented to emotional recovery - that 37 intensive care nurses use to manage their emotions off the job. These strategies show how the social organization and division of labor in intensive care units influences nurses' emotional management outside of them and how organizational troubles for hospitals becomes personal ones for staff. They further support theoretical approaches that view emotions as dynamic elements belonging to individuals rather than aspects of people that can be fully appropriated by organizations.
Calcium Fluoride Anvil Cell for High-Pressure Infrared Spectroscopy

In many high-pressure vibrational spectroscopic studies the pressure required is below about 10 kbar, Moreover, infrared microanalysis is usually carried out with a diamond anvil cell under a pressure of less than 1 kbar. Therefore, we have recently developed a cheaper and more readily available glass anvil cell for high-pressure Raman and infrared spectroscopies. However, glass strongly absorbs infrared radiation in the frequency region below 2750 cm−1 and thus the glass anvil cell can be used for high-pressure infrared spectroscopy only in the frequency range above 2750 cm−1.
Chemorheology of thermosetting resins. II. Effect of particulates on the chemorheology and curing kinetics of unsaturated polyester resin

The effect of particulates on both the rheological properties during cure and the curing kinetics of unsaturated resin has been investigated. For the investigation, a general-purpose unsaturated polyester resin was used, with calcium carbonate and clay as inorganic particulates and high-density polyethylene powder as organic particulates. It has been found that, as the particulate content increases, the resin/particulate mixture gives rise to shear-thinning behavior and the rate of cure increases. It has also been found that the CaCO3 particles helped control shrinkage during cure when the material was subjected to steady shear deformation and that the gel time tη∞ is shorter for mixtures of resin and particulates than for the neat resin alone. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) is found useful for determining the curing kinetics of resin/particulate mixtures. We have combined rheological and DSC measurements to obtain a correlation between viscosity and the degree of cure during isothermal curing operations.
A method to defuzzify the fuzzy number: transportation problem application

In many problems of transportation engineering and planning, we encounter situations, in which the observed or derived values of the variables are approximate, yet the variables themselves must satisfy a set of rigid relationships dictated by physical principle. When the observed values do not satisfy the relationships, each value is adjusted until they satisfy the relationship. We propose a simple adjustment method that finds the most appropriate set of crisp numbers. The method assumes that each observed value is an approximate number (or a fuzzy number) and the true value is found in the support of the membership function. For each of many possible sets of values that satisfy the relationships, the lowest membership grade is checked and the set whose lowest membership grade is the highest is chosen as the best set of values for the problem. This process is performed using the fuzzy linear programming method. The paper presents the model, the computational process and applications.
PP1 Forms an Active Complex with TLRR (lrrc67), a Putative PP1 Regulatory Subunit, during the Early Stages of Spermiogenesis in Mice

Mammalian spermatogenesis is a highly regulated developmental pathway that demands dramatic rearrangement of the cytoskeleton of the male germ cell. We have described previously a leucine rich repeat protein, TLRR (also known as lrrc67), which is associated with the spermatid cytoskeleton in mouse testis and is a binding partner of protein phosphatase-1 (PP1), an extremely well conserved signaling molecule. The activity of PP1 is modulated by numerous specific regulators of which TLRR is a candidate. In this study we measured the phosphatase activity of the TLRR-PP1 complex in the adult and the developing mouse testis, which contains varying populations of developing germ cell types, in order to determine whether TLRR acts as an activator or an inhibitor of PP1 and whether the phosphatase activity of this complex is developmentally regulated during spermatogenesis. Additionally, we assayed the ability of bacterially expressed TLRR to affect the enzymatic activity of PP1. Furthermore, we examined phosphorylation of TLRR, and elements of the spermatid cytoskeleton during the first wave of spermatogenesis in the developing testis. We demonstrate here that the TLRR complex is associated with a phosphatase activity in adult mouse testis. The relative phosphatase activity of this complex appears to reach a peak at about 21 days after birth, when pachytene spermatocytes and round spermatids are abundant in the seminiferous epithelium of the mouse testis. TLRR, in addition to tubulin and kinesin-1B, is phosphorylated during the first wave of spermatogenesis. These findings indicate that the TLRR-PP1 complex is active prior to translocation of TLRR toward the sperm flagella and that TLRR, and constituents of the spermatid cytoskeleton, may be subject to regulation by reversible phosphorylation during spermatogenesis in murine testis.
Carbaryl effects on growth and development in suspension cultures of wild carrot

Carbaryl has been demonstrated to inhibit growth of carrot suspension cultures at 10 and 20 ppm. The specific activities of RNA and protein increased at 20 ppm. Total RNA was relatively unchanged at any concentration while total protein was reduced considerably at 20 ppm. Embryo development was inhibited by increasing concentrations of carbaryl. Thin layer chromatography indicated considerable degradation of carbaryl to 1-naphthol. When 1-naphthol was tested in this system it was shown to elicit the same inhibitory effects on growth as carbaryl, suggesting that the 1-naphthol residue is itself a potent inhibitor of tissue growth and development.
Was Ibn Kathīr the ‘Spokesperson’ for Ibn Taymiyya? Jonah as a Prophet of Obedience

Current scholarship views the Qur'anic exegesis of Ibn Kathīr as the product of the great Ibn Taymiyya. This paper argues that Ibn Kathīr had a distinct Qur'anic hermeneutic and exegesis to that of Ibn Taymiyya. While Ibn Taymiyya's engagements with the Qur'an were tied to theological refutations, Ibn Kathīr's exegesis is primarily a ḥadīth evaluation (takhrīj) which assessed the tradition-based exegesis that pre-dated him. Ibn Kathīr carefully sorts through the exegeses of al-Ṭabarī and Ibn Abī Ḥātim al-Rāzī to find authentic traditions that fit with his moral and ethical values. His exegesis further takes positions that are contrary to Ibn Taymiyya's. For instance, on the issue of the infallibility (ʿiṣma) of the prophets, Ibn Taymiyya argues that prophets sinned but did not persist in sin. Ibn Kathīr, in contrast, maintained that prophets were constantly aided by God and does not highlight their mistakes. Their different definitions are seen in their contrasting accounts of the Prophet Jonah: Ibn Taymi...
A mobile phone-based retinal camera for portable wide field imaging

Digital fundus imaging is used extensively in the diagnosis, monitoring and management of many retinal diseases. Access to fundus photography is often limited by patient morbidity, high equipment cost and shortage of trained personnel. Advancements in telemedicine methods and the development of portable fundus cameras have increased the accessibility of retinal imaging, but most of these approaches rely on separate computers for viewing and transmission of fundus images. We describe a novel portable handheld smartphone-based retinal camera capable of capturing high-quality, wide field fundus images. The use of the mobile phone platform creates a fully embedded system capable of acquisition, storage and analysis of fundus images that can be directly transmitted from the phone via the wireless telecommunication system for remote evaluation.
Monocrotaline pyrrole targets proteins with and without cysteine residues in the cytosol and membranes of human pulmonary artery endothelial cells

A single injection of monocrotaline produces a pulmonary insult in rats with a phenotype similar to human primary pulmonary hypertension. Although extensively used as a model, the mechanism(s) by which this chemical insult mimics a condition with genetic and environmental links remains an enigma, although formation of protein adducts has been implicated. Monocrotaline (MCT) is non-toxic and must undergo hepatic dehydrogenation to the soft electrophile monocrotaline pyrrole as prerequisite to damaging endothelial cells lining arterioles at remote pulmonary sites. In this report we extend our earlier investigation (J. Biol. Chem. 2000, 275, 29091-29099) by examining protein adducts to lower abundance adducts, a pI range not covered before, and subcellular localization of adduct-forming proteins associated with plasma membranes. Human pulmonary artery endothelial cells were exposed to [(14)C]MCT pyrrole (MCTP) and protein targets were identified using 2-DE with IPG 4-11. Adducted proteins were identified by pI, apparent molecular weight, and PMF using MALDI-TOF MS. Results of this study show that the majority of adducts form on proteins that contain reactive thiols in a CXXC motif, such as protein disulfide isomerase A(3) (ERp57), protein disulfide isomerase (PDI), and endothelial PDI. These same proteins were the major adduct-forming proteins associated with the plasma membrane. Other proteins found to be targets were thioredoxin, galectin-1, reticulocalbin 1 and 3, cytoskeletal tropomyosin, mitochondrial ATP synthase beta-chain, annexin A2 and cofilin-1. For the first time, MCTP adducts were observed on proteins not known to contain cysteine residues. However, known reactive proteins including nucleophosmin did not form detectable adducts, potentially indicating that MCTP did not reach the interior of nucleus to the same extent as other cellular sites. These findings suggest that molecular events underlying MCTP toxicity are initiated at the plasma membrane or readily accessible subcellular regions including the cytosol and membranes of the endoplasmic reticulum and mitochondria.
Do Interacting Coronal Mass Ejections Play a Role in Solar Energetic Particle Events

Gradual solar energetic (E > 10 MeV) particle (SEP) events are produced in shocks driven by fast and wide coronal mass ejections (CMEs). With a set of western hemisphere 20 MeV SEP events, we test the possibility that SEP peak intensities, Ip, are enhanced by interactions of their associated CMEs with preceding CMEs (preCMEs) launched during the previous 12 hr. Among SEP events with no, 1, or 2 or more (2+) preCMEs, we find enhanced Ip for the groups with preCMEs, but no differences in TO+TR, the time from CME launch to SEP onset and the time from onset to SEP half-peak Ip. Neither the timings of the preCMEs relative to their associated CMEs nor the preCME widths W {sub pre}, speeds V {sub pre}, or numbers correlate with the SEP Ip values. The 20 MeV Ip of all the preCME groups correlate with the 2 MeV proton background intensities, consistent with a general correlation with possible seed particle populations. Furthermore, the fraction of CMEs with preCMEs also increases with the 2 MeV proton background intensities. This implies that the higher SEP Ip values with preCMEs may not be due primarily to CME interactions, such as the 'twin-CME' scenario, butmore » are explained by a general increase of both background seed particles and more frequent CMEs during times of higher solar activity. This explanation is not supported by our analysis of 2 MeV proton backgrounds in two earlier preCME studies of SEP events, so the relevance of CME interactions for larger SEP event intensities remains unclear.« less
Automotive Transportation in China: Technology, Policy, Market Dynamics, and Sustainability

Over the past two decades, China has become a global economic force. However, this economic growth has led to significant increases in carbon-intense energy consumption, with potentially disastrous impacts on the global environment. Fueling this energy explosion is an increased demand for automobiles in China, which has been met by an expanding auto production industry. This paper reviews China's current and projected energy and environmental milieu, with particular emphasis on automobile market development. The paper links China's sustainability potential to its technologies, policies, markets, and automobile industry structure. The paper concludes by characterizing the type of research that is needed to help meet China's growing transportation needs in a sustainable fashion.
Exploring the pathways of homologous recombination

There has been significant progress in elucidating the mechanisms by which meiotic and mitotic recombination occur. Double-strand breaks in particular have been the object of attention in studies on meiotic gene conversion, site-specific mitotic recombination, the repair of transposon excision and the transformation of cells with linearized DNA. A combination of genetic analysis and physical studies of molecular recombination intermediates have established that double-strand breaks can occur by two different mechanisms.