cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Neuromuscular histopathology in (new zealand black x new zealand white)f1 and MRL‐lpr/lpr autoimmune mice: Models for skeletal muscle involvement in connective tissue disease

Skeletal muscle from (New Zealand black x New Zealand white)F1 and MRL-lpr/lpr mice was examined for histopathologic abnormalities. Although young animals had no muscle abnormalities, older mice in both strains had the following histopathologic abnormalities: perimysial/endomysial inflammation, acute simple denervation, muscle degeneration/necrosis, and an increase in internal nuclei. MRL-lpr/lpr mice had the following additional histopathologic abnormalities: inflammatory vascular disease (vasculitis), central myofibrillar loss, fascial inflammation, and tubular aggregates. These abnormalities are comparable with those seen in human connective tissue diseases, particularly the association with inflammation. These mouse strains provide good animal models for the study of immunopathologic processes of skeletal muscle associated with connective tissue disease.
The Kombucha consortia of yeasts and bacteria

Kombucha teas produced by fermenting the ‘Manchurian mushroom’ are health beverages. The Manchurian mushroom, however, is not a mushroom but rather a poorly defined consortium of yeasts and bacteria. After keeping a Kombucha culture as a ‘laboratory mascot’ for several years, we have studied it by breaking it up into its component parts and comparing it with two other similarly macerated cultures. Not surprisingly, different Kombucha cultures differ from each other. The number of colony-forming units isolated from macerated Kombucha cultures increased when tea was omitted from the fermentation and decreased when no starter culture was used. Presumed to be beneficial to human health, Kombucha cultures may also make good model systems for the study of biofilms, microbial mats and other complex associations of microorganisms.
Explant Analysis of Total Disc Replacement

Explant analysis of human disc prostheses allow early evaluation of the host response to the prosthesis and the response of the prosthesis from the host. Furthermore, early predictions of failure and wear can be obtained. Thus far, about 2-3% of disc prostheses have been removed. Observed wear patterns are similar to that of appendicular prostheses including abrasions/scratching, burnishing, surface deformation, fatigue, and embedded debris. Chemically the polymeric components have shown little degradation in short-term implantation. In metal on metal prostheses the histologic responses consist of large numbers of metallic particles with occasional macrophages and giant cells. Only rare cases of significant inflammatory response from polymeric debris have been seen.
Gas-phase observation of multiply charged C60 anions.

Gas-phase observation of C 6 0 1 - , C 6 0 3 - , and C 6 0 4 - anions generated at platinum and gold electrodes and detected by electrochemical/electrospray mass spectrometry is reported. The anions were electrochemically generated from solutions of C 6 0 dissolved in toluene/acetonitrile as well as from reduction of C 6 0 films on gold electrode surfaces. The gas-phase observation of C 6 0 3 - and C 6 0 4 - , despite the fact that they have negative electron affinities, is a result of a Coulombic barrier to electron loss. The fact that C 6 0 2 - was not detected in these experiments is ascribed to its limited solubility under the reaction conditions. These studies, which demonstrate the gas-phase kinetic stability of C 6 0 3 - and C 6 0 4 - , illustrate the promise of electrochemical/electrospray mass spectrometry for the study of metastable anions.
ZEROS OF WAVE FUNCTIONS IN GINZBURG–LANDAU MODEL FOR SMALL ∊

In this paper we study zeros of condensate wave functions in Ginzburg–Landau model. The main question we are concerned with is when a condensate wave function appears to have only isolated zeros of degree one. Our main result shows that under some conditions on the energy and the tension field a condensate wave function will appear to possess only the expected number of isolated zeros of degree one. We will also discuss how the heat flow can deform a condensate wave function and make it appear to possess the expected number of isolated zeros of degree one. In the end we will mention a slight improvement of a uniqueness result of Chanillo and Kiessling.
Association of Health Aging and Body Composition (ABC) Heart Failure score with cardiac structural and functional abnormalities in young individuals

Background The Health ABC Heart Failure score has recently been shown to predict 5-year risk of incident heart failure in the elderly. We tested whether this risk score is associated with subclinical phenotypes of heart failure in a younger population. Methods We stratified participants in the Dallas Heart Study aged 30 to 65 years who had a cardiac magnetic resonance imaging and no self-reported history of heart failure or cardiomyopathy into 4 previously defined Health ABC Heart Failure risk groups: low ( 20% risk for heart failure within 5 years). We compared left ventricular (LV) structural and functional parameters and levels of B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) and N-terminal proBNP among the 4 groups. Results In the study cohort (N = 2,540), the percentage of subjects in the low-, average-, high-, and very high risk groups was 78%, 15%, 6%, and 1%, respectively. Indexed LV mass (80 ± 15 vs 90 ± 20 vs 95 ± 25 vs 116 ± 41 g/m2), concentricity (1.6 ± 0.3 vs 1.8 ± 0.4 vs 2.0 ± 0.5 vs 2.2 ± 0.7 g/mL), median BNP (2.8 vs 3.7 vs 4.9 vs 7.5 pg/mL) and N-terminal proBNP (26 vs 30 vs 40 vs 58 pg/mL), and prevalent LV systolic dysfunction and LV hypertrophy progressively increased across risk groups (P Conclusions The Health ABC Heart Failure score was associated with subclinical cardiac structural changes in the general population 30 to 65 years of age, suggesting that it may be a valid tool for identification of young individuals at increased risk for heart failure.
CT evaluation of pediatric abdominal trauma: pitfalls and quandaries

CT of the pediatric abdomen after blunt trauma has become a widely accepted technique for evaluation of hepatic and splenic injury. However, detection of hollow viscus and pancreatic injury remains challenging and controversial. Detection of bowel rupture (extravasated oral contrast, bowel discontinuity), pancreatic injury (laceration, separation of fragments) and bladder rupture may be difficult, particularly with inadequate technique and lack of vigilance. This article reviews findings associated with several injuries which may present diagnostic pitfalls as well as technical factors relating to the administration of enteric contrast and CT cystography.
Estimation of Size for 1−2 nm Nanoparticles Using an HPLC Electrochemical Detector of Double Layer Charging

Reversed-phase HPLC chromatographic separations of Au monolayer protected clusters (MPCs) in the size range 1−2 nm (diameter) are detected electrochemically (ECLC) on the basis of double layer charging of the metal-like nanoparticles by the detector electrode. Discrete double-layer charging peaks are detected for the nanoparticles with resolution similar to that of the photodiode array detector. The ECLC experiment further seeks not solely to detect the nanoparticle peaks, but to estimate the nanoparticle sizes from the electrochemical responses. Hydrodynamic current−potential curves of nanoparticles eluted in different peaks were obtained by repeating chromatographic separations at different working electrode potentials; the E1/2 separations between the voltammetric waves give estimates of cluster capacitance and, thus, size. Other approaches to core size determination are discussed, including determination based upon relative values of optical absorbance and current for each eluted peak. The data show t...
ANALYTICAL USES OF BROMANILIC ACID

Abstract Bromanilic acid (2,5-dibromo-3,6-dihydroxyquinone) precipitates barium, calcium and strontium quantitatively from weakly acid solution, and forms a coloured complex with zirconyl ions in perchloric add solution. The complex exhibits maximum absorbance at a wavelength of 335 mμ. Beer's law is obeyed in the range from 0.0 to 3.5 ppm of zirconium. Optimum results are obtained in solutions 2.8 M in perchloric acid. The effect of various diverse ions has been investigated. Hafnium gives results identical with zirconium. Other interfering ions are Fe III , Th IV , UO 2 II , Ti IV , phosphate, oxalate, fluoride and sulphate. Errors caused by varying amounts of these ions have been determined. A procedure for the determination of zirconium is given. Bromanilic acid is a more sensitive reagent than chloranilic acid for the determination of zirconium, and can be used over a slightly greater range.
Optimal configuration of an irreversible heat engine with fixed compression ratio

The cycle that maximizes the average power output of a class of irreversible heat engines has been obtained using optimal control theory. This class of heat engines is distinguished by being endoreversible, having a fixed compression ratio and being irreversible because of linear heat conduction. The optimal cycle is found to have eight branches including two fixed-volume branches, two isothermal branches, and two maximum-power branches. Maximum-power branches are defined and discussed in detail. It is shown that the maximum-power cycle contains no adiabatic branches. Two special limits are analyzed in detail, the Curzon-Ahlborn limit and the large-compression-ratio limit. The fixed-compression-ratio constraint and the periodicity of the engine require special attention which lends this problem some purely mathematical interest.
Qualitative descriptors for digital contour segments (Invited Paper)

Earlier studies of the human vision system suggest that a complex object may be recognized from the qualitative features associated with its boundary. Since the human vision system uses qualitative features for object recognition, it is extremely robust to deformation caused by noise, obstruction, scale change, or optical distortion. We considered various qualitative descriptors for digital images. The descriptors developed in this research are based on the estimated curvature function from digital boundaries and can discriminate features such as straightness of a contour segment, perpendicularity of two contour segments, parallelness of two straight contour segments, parallelness of two curved contour segments in a global sense, and the direction of convergence if two straight contour segments are not parallel. We demonstrated that the qualitative descriptors developed in this paper can be applied for identification of elementary shapes, such as cylinders, bricks, cones, etc. We also discussed the recognition of more complex shapes after decomposing them into simpler components.
Prior Residence Influences Contest Outcome in Flocks of Non-Breeding Birds

We sought to determine whether early arrival was a determinant of contest outcome in loosely organized, non-breeding flocks of birds. In White-throated Sparrows (Zonotrichia albicollis) arrival date during autumn migration, i.e. within-year prior residence, was a significant determinant of contest outcome for those birds that were not present on the study site in previous years. To determine whether the advantage of early arrival was due to prior residence per se, as opposed to some correlate of arrival date (e.g. condition), we experimentally delayed the arrival of 60 migrants. We found a significant effect of the delay: the outcome of contests between naturally arriving (control) birds and experimentally delayed birds was significantly related to the difference between the control bird's natural arrival date and the experimental bird's delayed arrival date. Thus, prior residence per se, and not some correlate of arrival date, had a significant effect on a naive individual's ability to win contests. Interestingly, arrival date had no effect on contest outcome among birds that had wintered on the site in previous years. Because a prior residence advantage accumulates in a time-dependent manner, our results suggest that fighting ability or perceived resource value increases with site familiarity. Thus, there may be selection on arrival date and site-faithfulness as behavioral strategies to increase access to resources.
How costly are restrictions on size

Abstract We develop a simple framework to address government policies that restrict the size of establishments in a particular sector. The economy we study is a two-sector extension of the span-of-control model of Lucas [Lucas, R.E., 1978. On the size distribution of business firms. Bell Journal 9, 508–523]. In the model, production requires a managerial input, and individuals sort themselves into managers and workers. Since managers are heterogeneous in terms of their ability, establishments of different sizes coexist in equilibrium in each sector. We then study government policies that aim to change the size distribution of establishments in a given sector, such as Japan’s Large Scale Retail Location Law. How costly are these policies? What is their impact on productivity, the number and size distribution of establishments? We find that these effects are potentially large.
Phenomenality and Christianity

Ibegin by considering three propositions, each of which summarizes a complex position: (1) there cannot be a phenomenology of Christianity; (2) there can be a phenomenology of Christianity; and (3)...
Theoretical analysis of multiplexed volume holograms for spectral beam combining

Volume holographic elements can potentially combine many spectrally distinct laser beams using multiplexed Bragg gratings. However, there are theoretical limits imposed by the interactions between these gratings. A method of numerical simulation has been developed to analyze the interactions between many hundreds of multiplexed gratings in a single volume holographic element. We apply this tool to the problem of spectral beam combining of incoherent laser sources. Various system parameters limit the number of beams that can be combined under maximum bandwidth and minimum efficiency constraints. System designs are shown that combine 180-350 lasers ranging over a 60nm bandwidth with theoretical efficiencies in excess of 99%.
ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS MEETINGS FOR TEACHING SOCIOLOGY

During the past 15 years, I have learned to use open meetings of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) to help me teach a wide array of topics including symbolic interaction, norms, rules, roles, belief systems, deviance, resocialization, subcultures, small groups, organizations, stratification, and research techniques in my courses in social psychology, introductory sociology, social problems, deviant behavior, criminology, and organizations. The meetings also provide excellent case studies with which to compare and contrast different theories in sociology and other disciplines. Students become more interested in people outside their own cohorts and in social and personal issues about substance abuse. As a result, most students seem to agree that all they could see at first was "a lot of miserable people" at the meetings, but by the end of the course they could see the meetings as fascinating social dramas and as opportunities to apply many of the sociological concepts and theories from the course.
VIBRATIONAL OVERTONE SPECTROSCOPY OF CH2D2 IN LIQUID ARGON SOLUTIONS

Abstract The spectra of the fundamental and overtones of the CH ( ν = 1–5) and CD ( Δν = 1, 2, 3) stretches of CH 2 D 2 have been measured in liquid argon solutions at temperatures between 94 and 101 K. Absorption in the visible was obtained with a low temperature cell and a resonant continuous wave laser technique with acoustic detection. Absorptions in the IR and near-IR were observed with a Fourier transform spectrophotometer. To interpret the experimental results, overtone transitions are described in terms of the local mode model. The harmonically coupled anharmonic oscillator (HCAO) model was used to determine the overtone energy levels and assign the absorption bands to vibrational transitions. The linewidths of the fundamental and overtone transitions are discussed in terms of rotational relaxation for the fundamental bands and vibrational relaxation in the form of dephasing for the overtones.
Event-Related Potentials to a Change of Pace in a Visual Sequence

Visual event-related potentials (ERPs) were recorded from 11 subjects presented with a sequence of brief flashes occurring at a regular interstimulus interval (ISI) of 1200 msec. Occasionally and unpredictably a flash occurred early - 450, 375, or 300 msec after the previous flash. On one run, subjects responded with a button press to the early flashes; on the other, they listened to a story presented over headphones and the flashes were not task relevant. Two distinct negativities (N1 and N 2) were elicited, and each was affected by a combination of task and stimulus variables. The amplitude of N1 (143 msec), appearing at the vertex and occiput, was affected by event probability as well as the ISI and task relevance of the early flashes. The N2 (230 msec) to the visual pace change was dependent on attention and was relatively unaffected by further shortening of ISI. The P3 was larger to the early than regular flashes and was greatly affected by the task relevance of the early flashes.
Basic Diagnosis and Prediction of Persistent Contrail Occurrence Using High-Resolution Numerical Weather Analyses/Forecasts and Logistic Regression. Part I: Effects of Random Error

Straightforward application of the Schmidt-Appleman contrail formation criteria to diagnose persistent contrail occurrence from numerical weather prediction data is hindered by significant bias errors in the upper tropospheric humidity. Logistic models of contrail occurrence have been proposed to overcome this problem, but basic questions remain about how random measurement error may affect their accuracy. A set of 5000 synthetic contrail observations is created to study the effects of random error in these probabilistic models. The simulated observations are based on distributions of temperature, humidity, and vertical velocity derived from Advanced Regional Prediction System (ARPS) weather analyses. The logistic models created from the simulated observations were evaluated using two common statistical measures of model accuracy, the percent correct (PC) and the Hanssen-Kuipers discriminant (HKD). To convert the probabilistic results of the logistic models into a dichotomous yes/no choice suitable for the statistical measures, two critical probability thresholds are considered. The HKD scores are higher when the climatological frequency of contrail occurrence is used as the critical threshold, while the PC scores are higher when the critical probability threshold is 0.5. For both thresholds, typical random errors in temperature, relative humidity, and vertical velocity are found to be small enough to allow for accurate logistic models of contrail occurrence. The accuracy of the models developed from synthetic data is over 85 percent for both the prediction of contrail occurrence and non-occurrence, although in practice, larger errors would be anticipated.
Extension of a theorem of P. Wolfe on singular integral equations

The integral operator which sends f (ζ) into $$\int_{|\xi |< 1} {\tfrac{{f(\xi )}}{{|x - \xi |^{p - 1} }}} d\xi = g(x)(|x|< 1)$$ x and ζ ∈ RP, is shown to map the space of functions f (ζ) on |ζ|<1, square integrable with respect to the weight (1-|ξ|2)1/2 one to one onto the space of functions g (x) on |x|<1 which possess gradients δg(x) in the sense of distribution theory, with both g(x) and δg(x) being square integrable with respect to the weight (1-|x|2)1/2. This extends to p≥3 a result of P. Wolfe's in the case p=2.
Atomic charges derived from a fast and accurate method for electrostatic potentials based on modified AM1 calculations

Atomic charges derived from a recently described approach to the very rapid computation of AM1 electrostatic potentials (ESP) accurately parallel, but are ca. 20% smaller than, the corresponding HF/6-31G* values. The dipole moments computed from the AM1 charges are virtually identical to those derived directly from the wave function and in rather better agreement with the experimental values than those computed using the HF/6-31G* charges. Unlike other approaches to the semiempirical calculation of ESP-derived charges, the present method also yields near HF/6-31G* quality potentials close to the molecular periphery. For medium-sized organic molecules (40-100 basis functions), the method is approximately two orders of magnitude faster than those involving prior deorthogonalization of AM1 wave function and explicit computation of the full ESP integral matrix. © 1994 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Simultaneous spectrophotometric determinations of cobalt, nickel, and iron

Abstract 2,2′-Dipyridylketone-2-pyridylhydrazone (DPPH) was used for the simultaneous determination of cobalt (0.6–6 ppm) and iron (1–12 ppm). Interferences from nickel, copper, zinc, and manganese were avoided by controlling the pH at 3.5. Isoquinoline-3-aldehyde-2-pyridylhydrazone (IAPH) was used for the simultaneous spectrophotometric determination of cobalt, nickel, and iron. Interferences from copper, zinc, and manganese were avoided by use of EDTA and ammonia.
5-Hydroxytryptamine accumulation in cerebrovascular injury

SEVERAL reports1–3 indicate that some biogenic amines may significantly affect the intensity of the brain tissue reaction to injury, and that 5-hydroxytryptamine may be an essential factor in the production of brain oedema. This study was undertaken to explore this possibility, using as an experimental model brain oedema produced by the application of a cold metal plate to the exposed cerebral cortex of the cat4. This procedure results in severe damage to the upper cortical layers, including the disruption of blood vessels and the development of a vasogenic type of oedema. Vasogenic oedema is characterised by extracellular oedema fluid, containing extravasated serum constituents, spreading preferentially through the underlying and adjacent white matter5. It has been shown that the leakage of serum constituents is confined to the site of cortical injury, and that vascular permeability in the area of oedematous white matter itself, as tested for by protein tracers, remains unchanged6.
Bayesian estimation of semi‐parametric non‐stationary spatial covariance structures

We use the Sampson and Guttorp approach to model the non-stationary correlation function r(x, x′) of a Gaussian spatial process through a bijective space deformation, f, so that in the deformed space the spatial correlation function can be considered isotropic, namely r(x, x′) = ρ(∣ f(x)−f(x′)∣), where ρ belongs to a known parametric family. Given the locations in the deformed space of a number of geographic sites at which data are available, we smoothly extrapolate the deformation to the whole region of interest. Using a Bayesian framework, we estimate jointly these locations, as well as the parameters of the correlation function and the variance parameters. The advantage of our Bayesian approach is that it allows us to obtain measures of uncertainty of all these parameters. As the parameter space is of a very high dimension, we implement an MCMC method for obtaining samples from the posterior distributions of interest. We demonstrate our method through a simulation study, and show an application to a real data set. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Segmentation in the informal credit markets: the case of the Philippines

This paper explains market segmentation that occurs in the Philippine informal credit markets through the matching of borrowers and lenders by their occupational specializations to internalize transaction costs and facilitate economic activity. The regression results support a predictable pattern of matching farmer lenders with borrowers specialized in non-farm activities and trader lenders with borrowers specialized in farming.
Craniofacial Anomalies And Biostereometrics

Man's oral-facial structures are vital for the functions of breathing, mastication, swallowing, vision, and communication. When defective development of these tissues occurs, function becomes impaired and the anatomic features of the afflicted individual will frequently deviate from the norm. This error of form and function will classify the individual as being physically and psychosocially handicapped. The successful habilitation regimen of the handicapped person depends on the accurate analysis of both craniofacial anatomy and physiology of these individuals, as well as psychological implications of the disfigurement. Biostereometrics can contribute to the establishment of operationally valid measures for assessing the severity of the handicapping conditions. The heterogeneous nature of diverse disfigurement suggest that an improved classification of malformations would be beneficial. Three-dimensional analysis may also have significant influence on the accuracy of the diagnosis, and the establishment of a biologically sound treatment plan. Biostereometrics will contribute more fully if the three-dimensional surface analysis can be coordinated with a study of 1) the underlying skeletal structures, and 2) the operational musculature. Increased communication between the stereometric experts and the biological scientists should accelerate the application of this technique to the health problem.© (1980) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Expanding Our Strategies to Study the Process of Change

The conceptual and methodological framework proposed by Doss (this issue) makes valuable suggestions for strategic choices in future research. This commentary addresses conceptual and terminological distinctions adopted by Doss, as well as his criticism of add-on/ dismantling studies. We also suggest research topics and methodological developments that could be integrated in Doss’s framework to further expand understanding of therapeutic change.
The Ames test: The two-fold rule revisited

Mutagenicity in the Ames assay is evaluated by comparing the number of revertants observed in treated cultures to those in untreated cultures. Often, some form of the '2-fold rule' is employed, whereby a compound is judged mutagenic if a 2-fold or greater increase is seen in a treated culture. In order to understand the underpinnings of this approach, we study some of its statistical properties. We assume that the number of revertants on any plate from a given two-group experiment follows a Poisson distribution and we address the following questions: (1) what is the false-positive error probability of observing at least a doubling of the number of colonies from the control to the treatment group?; (2) if a given mean number of colonies is postulated for a control group, what number of colonies above the observed control mean provides a false-positive rate of 5%? We also present results for question 1 in the case where the number of revertants follows a negative binomial distribution.
Attention deficit disorder in adolescents

Abstract The attention deficit disorder syndrome is one of the most common psychiatric problems of childhood. Previously, the prevailing view of the outcome of this disorder in adolescents was that it was a relatively benign condition and that most children “outgrew their problems” by adolescence. This article reviews data to suggest that the outcome of the untreated ADD syndrome in childhood is rather poor in the adolescent age group. The data also suggest that, contrary to what had been previously promulgated, stimulant treatment of adolescents with this disorder is probably as effective as treating children with this disorder with stimulant medication. However, a multimodality treatment approach will most likely be necessary for the majority of adolescents with this syndrome.
Extensions of Periodic Linear Groups with Finite Unipotent Radical

Abstract A group is called p-linear if it is isomorphic to a subgroup of GL(n,K) for some field K of characteristic p and some integer n. Let H be a normal subgroup of G and assume that both H and G/H are periodic and p-linear. In addition, assume that both H and G/H have finite unipotent radicals and that the Hirsch-Plotkin radical of H is C˘ernikov. The main result of this article is a proof that under these assumptions G is p-linear. An example is provided showing the result is false if the assumption regarding the Hirsch-Plotkin radical is removed.
Hepatocyte growth factor/scatter factor (HGF/SF) in early development: evidence for a role in neural induction

Since the pioneering work of Spemann and Mangold, who found that transplantation of the dorsal lip of the frog blastopore produces a secondary neural axis, embryologists have been intrigued by the process of neural induction. However, the molecular nature of the inducer(s) has remained obscure, largely due to the complication that neural induction often occurs as a secondary consequence of mesodermal induction. In the past few years, candidate molecules have been identified that are able to induce neural tissue in the absence of mesodenn in the frog. These include noggin and follistatin (reviewed in Ref. 1), which are thought to function by inhibiting activin. In the chick, recent experiments have implicated hepatocyte growth factor/scatter factor (HGF/SF) as a neural inducer based on it5 expression in the primitive streak and Hensen's node of the early chick embryo, and its ability to induce neural tissue in naive epiblast. This review describes the evidence supporting the possible function of HGF/SF as an early embryonic inducer.
Synthesis and characterization of novel spirooxazacamphorsultam derivatives

Derivatives of camphorsultam which contain novel spirooxazolidine and spirooxazine structures have been prepared in high yield and purity. Though it was expected that the ketone moiety would undergo acetal formation, the imine instead underwent reaction and was proven by X-ray crystallography and 2D NMR techniques. The initial ketone-containing derivatives were then reduced to produce exo-hydroxy analogs that have potential as a new family of chiral auxiliaries.
Application of image restoration and three-dimensional visualization techniques to frog microvessels in-situ loaded with fluorescent indicators

In situ experiments on microvessels require image sensors of wide dynamic range due to large variations of the intensity in the scene, and 3D visualization due to the thickness of the preparation. The images require restoration because of the inherent tissue movement, out-of- focus-light contamination, and blur. To resolve the above problems, we developed an imaging system for quantitative imaging based on a 12 bits/pixel cooled CCD camera and a PC based digital imaging system. We applied the optical sectioning technique with image restoration using a modified nearest neighbor algorithm and iterative constrained deconvolution on each of the 2D optical sections. For the 3D visualization of the data, a volume rendering software was used. The data provided 3D images of the distribution of fluorescent indicators in intact microvessels. Optical cross sections were also compared with cross sections of the same microvessels examined in the electron microscope after their luminal surfaces were labeled with a tracer which was both electron dense and fluorescent. This procedure enabled precise identification of the endothelial cells in the microvessel wall as the principal site of accumulation of the fluorescent calcium indicator, fura-2, during microperfusion experiments.© (1993) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Insulin-like growth factors and related proteins in plasma and cerebrospinal fluids of HIV-positive individuals

Clinically significant dysregulation of the insulin-like growth factor (IGF) family proteins occurs in HIV-infected individuals, but the details including whether the deficiencies in IGFs contribute to CNS dysfunction are unknown. We measured the levels of IGF1, IGF2, IGFBP1, IGFBP2, and IGF2 receptor (IGF2R) in matching plasma and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) samples of 107 HIV+ individuals from CNS HIV Antiretroviral Therapy Effects Research (CHARTER) and analyzed their associations with demographic and disease characteristics, as well as levels of several soluble inflammatory mediators (TNFα, IL-6, IL-10, IL-17, IP-10, MCP-1, and progranulin). We also determined whether IGF1 or IGF2 deficiency is associated with HIV-associated neurocognitive disorder (HAND) and whether the levels of soluble IGF2R (an IGF scavenging receptor, which we also have found to be a cofactor for HIV infection in vitro) correlate with HIV viral load (VL). There was a positive correlation between the levels of IGF-binding proteins (IGFBPs) and those of inflammatory mediators: between plasma IGFBP1 and IL-17 (β coefficient 0.28, P = 0.009), plasma IGFBP2 and IL-6 (β coefficient 0.209, P = 0.021), CSF IGFBP1 and TNFα (β coefficient 0.394, P < 0.001), and CSF IGFBP2 and TNF-α (β coefficient 0.14, P < 0.001). As IGFBPs limit IGF availability, these results suggest that inflammation is a significant factor that modulates IGF protein expression/availability in the setting of HIV infection. However, there was no significant association between HAND and the reduced levels of plasma IGF1, IGF2, or CSF IGF1, suggesting a limited power of our study. Interestingly, plasma IGF1 was significantly reduced in subjects on non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor-based antiretroviral therapy (ART) compared to protease inhibitor-based therapy (174.1 ± 59.8 vs. 202.8 ± 47.3 ng/ml, P = 0.008), suggesting a scenario in which ART regimen-related toxicity can contribute to HAND. Plasma IGF2R levels were positively correlated with plasma VL (β coefficient 0.37, P = 0.021) and inversely correlated with current CD4+ T cell counts (β coefficient −0.04, P = 0.021), supporting our previous findings in vitro. Together, these results strongly implicate (1) an inverse relationship between inflammation and IGF growth factor availability and the contribution of IGF deficiencies to HAND and (2) the role of IGF2R in HIV infection and as a surrogate biomarker for HIV VL.
Unusual phosphorescence and its pressure dependence in 4-N,N-dimethylaminobenzonitrile dissolved in solid polymers

Abstract Light-induced phosphorescence of 4-N,N-dimethylaminobenzonitrile (DMABN) dissolved in solid polymer has been observed for the first time. This unusual phosphorescence develops after continuous illumination of the sample at room temperature. The phosphorescence follows an initiation period the duration of which depends strongly on the exciting light intensity, concentration of solute in the polymer, pressure and the previous treatment of the sample. Under continuous illumination, the overall shape of the phosphorescence intensity curve versus time depends also on the exciting light intensity and concentration. At pressures higher than 13 kbar light-induced phosphorescence is no longer observed.
RHENIUM DIHYDROGEN COMPLEXES WITH ISONITRILE COLIGANDS : NOVEL DISPLACEMENT OF CHLORIDE BY HYDROGEN

The syntheses, properties, and characterization of several new complexes, Re(CNtBu)3(PCy3)2H (1a), Re(CNtBu)3(PR3)2Cl [R = Cy, Ph (2a, 2b)], the 17-electron [Re(CNtBu)3(PCy3)2Cl]+ (3a), the dihydro...
GaAs Monolithic Microwave Integrated Circuits

Rapid advances have been made in GaAs monolithic microwave integrated circuits (MMICs) during the past several years. This paper will review the status of monolithic technology, focusing on power amplifier development and the extension of amplifier operation to frequencies of 20 GHz and above.
Issues in Human Particulate Exposure Assessment: Relationship between Outdoor, Indoor, and Personal Exposures

The recent review of the National Ambient Air Quality Standard for particuslate matter and the resultant new health-based PM2.5 standard was in part motivated by findings from epidemiological studies. These studies reported significant associations between adverse health effects and concentrations of ambient particulate matter at levels below the previously existing PM10 standard. Interpretation of these results has been hindered by our relatively poor understanding of the relationship between personal exposures and concentrations in the indoor and outdoor environments. Individuals spend the majority of their time in indoor environments. Therefore, it is important to understand where and how they may be exposed to the contaminants which may be causing the health effects, and which activities place them at a higher risk of exposure to these agents. In addition, since particulate matter is a complex mixture of contaminants, further research is required to examine its formation process, sources, composition,...
Characterization of pVT736-1, a Rolling-Circle Plasmid from the Gram-Negative Bacterium Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans

Abstract The presence of plasmid DNA in Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans has been reported. Recently, the construction of an Escherichia coli/A. actinomycetemcomitans shuttle vector, based on the A. actinomycetemcomitans-derived 2.0-kb plasmid pVT736-1, was described (D. J. LeBlanc. A. R. Abu-Al-Jaibat, P. K. Sreenivasan, and P. M. Fives-Taylor, Oral Microbiol. Immunol . (1993) 8, 94-99). The current study was initiated with the determination of the nucleotide sequence of pVT736-1, which revealed the presence of two open reading frames (ORFs) encoding proteins of 293 (ORF1) and 95 (ORF2) amino acids. Evidence that pVT736-1 replicates via a single-stranded (ss) intermediate included: (i) the presence of ssDNA in cells and in cell-free supernatant. (ii) the presence of conserved sequence motifs in the predicted ORF1 protein that are typical of initiator (Rep) proteins associated with replication by a rolling-circle mode, and (iii) 39% amino acid identity between the putative Rep proteins of pVT736-1 and Pf3, a filamentous ssDNA bacteriophage of Pseudomonas aeruginosa. A putative plus origin of replication in pVT736-1 was located upstream of ORF1, in a 200-bp region with potential for secondary hairpin structures. The identification in gram-negative bacteria of extrachromosomal DNA (other than bacteriophage) that replicates by a rolling-circle mode and shows no extensive homology to plasmids from gram-positive organisms is rather unique.
Commercial Prospects for Natural Gas Extraction from Lake Erie

Abstract About four trillion cubic feet of gas are thought to lie beneath Lake Erie. Federal and State officials currently are considering opening U.S. portions of the lake for gas extraction. The generalized resource policy evaluation model (GEN2) is used here to evaluate commercial prospects for such extraction under risk. Using average data, discounted profits appear to be marginal, especially by comparison to the risks encountered. However, higher gas prices, above-average reserves, or slow rates of production decline improve commercial prospects considerably. While public revenues from Lake Erie gas extraction will be modest, output from such wells could help stabilize supplies in a region which is chronically short of gas.
Positive-outcome bias and other limitations in the Outcome of research abstracts submitted to a scientific meeting

Context.—Studies with positive results are more likely to be published in biomedical journals than are studies with negative results. However, many studies submitted for consideration at scientific meetings are never published in full; bias in this setting is poorly studied.Objective.—To identify features associated with the fate of research abstracts submitted to a scientific meeting.Design and Setting.—Prospective observational cohort, with 5-year follow-up of all research submitted for consideration to the major annual 1991 US research meeting in the specialty of emergency medicine.Participants.—All research abstracts submitted for consideration at the meeting for possible presentation.Main Outcome Measures.—Characteristics associated with acceptance for presentation at the meeting and subsequent publication as a full manuscript.Results.—A total of 492 research abstracts were submitted from programs in emergency medicine and other specialies affiliated with 103 US medical schools. A total of 179 (36%) were accepted for presentation and 214 (43%) were published in 44 journals. Of the 179 abstracts accepted for presentation, 111 studies were published. Scientific quality of abstracts or prestige of the journal in which the study was eventually published did not predict either of these outcomes. The best predictors (by logistic regression) of meeting acceptance were a subjective "originality" factor (odds ratio [OR], 2.07; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.13-3.89) and positive results (OR, 1.99; 95% CI, 1.07-3.84), and, for publication, meeting acceptance (OR, 2.49; 95% CI, 1.49-4.35) and large sample size (OR, 2.26; 95% CI, 1.23-4.31). Forty-nine percent (241) of abstracts did not report on blinding, and 24% (118) did not report on randomization. Acceptance and publication were both more likely for positive outcomes (P=.03). Funnel plots showed the classic distribution of positive-outcome ("publication") bias at each of the submission, acceptance, and publication phases. Meeting acceptance predicted publication with a sensitivity of only 51%, specificity of 71%, positive predictive value of 57%, and negative predictive value of 66%.Conclusions.—Positive-outcome bias was evident when studies were submitted for consideration and was amplified in the selection of abstracts for both presentation and publication, neither of which was strongly related to study design or quality.
Managing organizational productivity.

Improving productivity is a central concern of all American businesses today. While there are many approaches to boosting productivity, they all hinge on achieving the right mix of stability in routine operations and innovation in adapting to new conditions in the marketplace.
Animal models and HSV latency

Abstract The clinical significance of latent infection is its ability to reactivate in vivo causing recurrent herpes simplex virus infections. Animal models have greatly facilitated in vivo studies of latency, reactivation and recurrent disease. Two experimental models, HSV-1 keratitis in the rabbit and HSV-2 genital infection in the guinea pig, closely mimic the comparable infection in humans including limited primary infection, establishment of latent infection in sensory ganglia and both spontaneous and induced recurrent infections. Studies using these models have recently established the role of the latency-associated transcription unit in the efficient reactivation (both spontaneous and induced) of HSV in vivo. Along with newly developed mouse models of induced reactivation, these animal systems should be useful in continuing to explore the pathogenesis of latency and recurrent infection.
Down But Not Out An Emerging Role for the B-Type Endothelin Receptor in Placental Ischemia–Induced Hypertension

See related article, pp 632–643 Since its discovery in 1987, the vasoactive peptide endothelin has been implicated in the physiology of a broad range of organ systems and tissues, and its role in the pathophysiology of disease is widely investigated.1 The endothelin system is complex and unique, with many of its functions remaining unclear despite intensive research. The active ligand, endothelin-1 (ET-1), is derived from a pre-pro endothelin peptide, which is cleaved to big ET-1 and then to active ET-1. Secretion seems to be directional from the basolateral side of endothelial cells where it is secreted to act in an autocrine or paracrine manner on 1 of 2 different G-protein–coupled receptors with opposing effects on vascular tone.1 Endothelin receptor type A (ETAR) mediates vasoconstriction on vascular smooth muscle cells, whereas endothelin receptor type B (ETBR) generates either endothelial-dependent vasorelaxation or sequestration and clearance of ET-1 from circulation.1 Alternatively, by signaling through ETBR on endothelial cells, ET-1 is recognized as a proangiogenic autocrine factor that works in concert with vascular endothelial growth factor to promote angiogenesis.2 ET-1 is recognized as one of the most potent vasoconstrictors and has been implicated in several forms of hypertension. However, because increases in circulating concentrations of the peptide are often not evident, the exact role of endothelin has remained enigmatic in hypertensive disorders such as preeclampsia. Although circulating ET-1 is not frequently observed to be increased in preeclampsia and relevant animal models of the syndrome, …
Elastic Scattering and Single Meson Production in Proton-Proton Collisions at 2.85 Bev

The Brookhaven National Laboratory twenty-inch liquid hydrogen bubble chamber was exposed to a monoenergetic beam of 2.85-Bev protons, elastically scattered from a carbon target in the internal beam of the Cosmotron. All two- prong events, excluding strange particle events, were studied by the Yale High- Energy Group. The remaining interactions were studied by the Brookhaven Bubble Chamber Group. Elastic scattering was found to be mostly pure diffraction scattering at center-of-mass angles up to about thirty-five degrees. Some phase shift and/or tapering of the proton edge was required to fit the data at larger angles. No polarization effects in the proton-carbon scattering were observed using hydrogen as an analyzer of polarized protons. Nucleonic isobar formation in the T = 3/2, J = 3/2 state was found to account for a large part of single pion production. High- orbital angular-momentum states were found to be greatly favored in single pion production. The isobar model of Lindenbaum and Stemheimer gave good agreement with the observed nucleon and pion energy spectra. No polarization or alignment effects were observed for the isobar assumed in this model. (auth)
Drug toxicokinetics: scope and limitations that arise from species differences in pharmacodynamic and carcinogenic responses

Toxicokinetics describes the concentration and time course of a xenobiotic in the circulation under the conditions of a toxicology study. However, the fundamental challenge to the toxicologist, of extrapolating the findings in animals to a risk assessment in humans, requires knowledge and understanding of both the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamic responses in each species. This paper exemplifies situations where measurement of plasma concentrations may provide information useful in the design and interpretation of the toxicity observed in a given species; it also illustrates how intrinsic interspecies differences in pharmacodynamic response limit the extrapolation of toxicity data across species. The special case of the multistage cumulative phenomenon of carcinogenicity, with the implications of daily dose, duration of dosing, and species differences in response, is also discussed.
Drug-seeking behavior in the dog: lack of effect of prior passive dependence on morphine.

Abstract Twelve dogs were made dependent on morphine (20 mg/kg per 24 hours) by intravenous passive administration of the drug. Six were gradually with-drawn and six were withdrawn abruptly. Subsequent tests for self-administration of morphine began within 8 to 18 weeks after morphine was last administered passively. Morphine was available for self-administration at several unit dose levels for 8 weeks. In comparison with control dogs administered with saline, there was no evidence that prior dependence on morphine influences subsequent self-administration of morphine, or that morphine is a primary reinforcer for dogs. Possible implications of these and related observations are discussed.