cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Newer therapeutic approaches to the vasculitides: biologic agents.

In the past decade, biologic therapies have emerged as important treatments in chronic inflammatory diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis and inflammatory bowel disease, and are now garnering more attention as potential therapies in the vasculitides. Steroids and immunosuppressive agents have certainly chiseled away at the morbidity and mortality of the vasculitides, highlighted by advances such as Fauci and colleagues’ [1] revolutionary example of the efficacy of cyclophosphamide and prednisone in Wegener granulomatosis (WG) more than 30 years ago. Yet these conventional disease-modifying agents often have attendant severe toxicities that prohibit their use in certain patients, and can cause life-changing organ damage in others. Rather than the global impact on host defense mechanisms seen with many of these traditional immunosuppressive or cytotoxic agents that predispose to infection, malignancy, and other damage, the newer biologic agents often focus on specific components of the immune system. This article addresses the newer biologic therapies that are under investigation or are being used for this class of autoimmune diseases, characterized by necrotizing inflammation of blood vessel walls. The encouraging data and the possible pitfalls of these new therapeutic options are addressed because some carry their own risks (even inducing vasculitis in some cases) and are often not yet of proven efficacy. Because the vasculitides encompass different pathogenetic mechanisms, clinical profiles, and varying vessel size, this article reviews the experiences with
Relative permeability of nasal, tracheal, and bronchoalveolar mucosa to macromolecules in rats exposed to ozone.

Nasal, tracheal and bronchoalveolar injuries resulting from acute ozone exposure of rats were investigated by permeability changes. /sup 99m/Tc-labeled diethylenetriaminepentaacetate (DPTA) and /sup 125/I-labeled bovine serum albumin (BSA) were selectively instilled into localized airway regions of anesthetized rats exposed to 0.8 ppm O/sub 3/ or clean air for 2 h. Transmucosal transfer of the radiolabeled tracers was detected by counting the radioactivity in blood samples collected at short postinstillation time intervals. Permeability measurements were made on d 0, 1, and 2 after O/sub 3/ exposure to analyze the extent and persistence of tissue injury in the nasal, tracheal, and bronchoalveolar regions. Normal mucosal permeability was low in nose, intermediate in bronchoalveolar zone, and high in trachea. The O/sub 3/-related injury, reflected by elevated permeability, was substantial in the trachea and bronchoalveolar zone but was minimal in the nose immediately after the exposure. Abnormal permeability persisted for less than 24 h in the trachea but for more than 24 h in the bronchoalveolar zone. The results are consistent with the properties of O/sub 3/ of causing greater injury in the smaller airways and the alveolar zone than in the trachea.
Broadband quantum cascade laser gain medium based on a “continuum-to-bound” active region design

We present quantum cascade laser designs at 7–9 μm with two lower injector states strongly coupled with the upper laser state at the operating electric fields. Optical transitions from these three coupled states contribute to a large gain spectrum width (∼250 cm−1 full width at half maximum), which enables external cavity tuning of the lasers over 200 cm−1. Lasers show comparable performance to the conventional narrow band design at a similar wavelength with a peak modal gain coefficient of ∼10 kA/cm, a slope efficiency ∼1 W/A, and good temperature performance (T0=170 K) in pulsed mode operation at 295 K.
Pelvic Lymph Node Dissection for Prostate Cancer: Frequency and Distribution of Nodal Metastases in a Contemporary Radical Prostatectomy Series

Purpose: We determined the frequency and distribution of metastases to pelvic lymph nodes in a contemporary American radical prostatectomy series.Materials and Methods: In 642 consecutive patients with clinically localized prostate cancer treated by a single surgeon between 2002 and 2009 pelvic lymph nodes were removed and submitted to the pathologist in separate packets (external iliac, obturator and hypogastric). We assessed the total number of nodes and the number with metastases in each packet.Results: Complete pathological information was available for 427 patients, who had a median of 16 lymph nodes removed. Of the patients 35 (8.2%) had lymph node metastases, including 1.7% with low, 8.6% with intermediate and 23.9% with high risk cancer. Of those with nodal metastases 24 (69%) had positive lymph nodes in only 1 of the 3 areas, including the external iliac in 4 (11%), the obturator in 9 (26%) and the hypogastric in 11 (31%). Only 37% of the patients had positive nodes only in the external iliac are...
Thermal conductivity studies of a polyurea cross-linked silica aerogel-RTV 655 compound for cryogenic propellant tank applications in space

Abstract Silica-based aerogel is an ideal thermal insulator with a makeup of up to 99% air associated with the highly porous nature of this material. Polyurea cross-linked silica aerogel (PCSA) has superior mechanical properties compared to the native aerogels yet retains the highly porous open pore network and functions as an ideal thermal insulator with added load-bearing capability necessary for some applications. Room temperature vulcanizing rubber-RTV 655—is a space qualified elastomeric thermal insulator and encapsulant with high radiation and temperature tolerance as well as chemical resistance. Storage and transport of cryogenic propellant liquids is an integral part of the success of future space exploratory missions and is an area under constant development. Limitations and shortcomings of current cryogenic tank materials and insulation techniques such as non-uniform insulation layers, self-pressurization, weight and durability issues of the materials used, has motivated the quest for alternative materials. Both RTV 655 and PCSA are promising space qualified materials with unique and tunable microscopic and macroscopic properties making them attractive candidates for this study. In this work, the effect of PCSA geometry and volume concentration on the thermal behavior of RTV 655—PCSA compound material has been investigated at room temperature and at a cryogenic temperature. Macroscopic and microscopic PCSA material was encapsulated at increasing concentrations in an RTV 655 elastomeric matrix. The effect of pulverization on the nanopores of PCSA as a method for creating large quantities of homogeneous PCSA microparticles has also been investigated and is reported. The PCSA volume concentrations ranged between 22% and 75% for both geometries. Thermal conductivity measurements were performed based on the steady state transient plane source method.
An expectancy model for memory search.

A model for memory search is proposed in which S first forms an "expectancy" regarding the item to be tested on the next trial, then carries out a memory search. It is proposed that an expected item is encoded faster (or perhaps responded to more quickly), but the memory scanning process for expected and nonexpected items is otherwise identical. Assuming a serial exhaustive scanning process, we were able to fit much of the data in the literature. In addition, we tested the model by having S give his expectancy aloud before each trial. The data showed about a lOO-msec advantage for expected items that did not interact with memory load. The model fit this data reasonably well. Reaction time has long been used as a response measure to isolate and identify stages of information processing and retrieval (Donders, 1868). The use of this technique has increased markedly in recent years. In particular, Sternberg (1966, 1967, 1969a, b) has used reaction time to illuminate the process of retrieval from short-term memory. In the basic paradigm, called "memory scanning," two sets of items are specified. An item is then presented and S gives as quickly as possible one of two responses indicating which set contains the presented item. In many cases, only one of the two sets of items is explicitly given to S. A large number of memory scanning studies have been carried out, and a number of scanning models have been proposed to account for various aspects of the data. In this paper we will review briefly the major empirical findings, evaluate the primary theories and their failings, propose a model to encompass the existing data, and present an empirical test of this model. TERMINOLOGY
Research on Construction of E-Intelligence Maintenance System

Taking on the features of agility, intelligence, Internet and socialization in the wake of rapid expansion of global manufacture and cutthroat competition, to establish an e-intelligence maintenance system is crucial for manufacturing enterprise to reduce costs and increase profits in the global market. Based on the analysis of requirement for e-intelligence maintenance in manufacturing industry of our country, this paper puts forward a total solution to e- intelligence maintenance system. Moreover, it expounds in particular the system realizing technology, viz R&D methods and process to set up a framework based on .NET Framework. The key realizing technology is including grid-based computing model, system prototyping development, and development of personalized maintenance service kit.
Consanguineous marriages: Preconception consultation in primary health care settings

Consanguinity is a deeply rooted social trend among one-fifth of the world population mostly residing in the Middle East, West Asia and North Africa, as well as among emigrants from these communities now residing in North America, Europe and Australia. The mounting public awareness on prevention of congenital and genetic disorders in offspring is driving an increasing number of couples contemplating marriage and reproduction in highly consanguineous communities to seek counseling on consanguinity. Primary health care providers are faced with consanguineous couples demanding answers to their questions on the anticipated health risks to their offspring. Preconception and premarital counseling on consanguinity should be part of the training of health care providers particularly in highly consanguineous populations.
Effects of trace element stress on the morphology of developing seedlings of lettuce (Lactuca sativa L. grand rapids) as shown by scanning electron microscopy

Abstract Five‐day old lettuce seedlings, cultured in 1/10 Hoagland's solution to which copper was added in stepwise increments from 0 to 30 μeq./L., were examined by scanning electron microscopy. Morphological features of control and experimental specimens were analyzed. Observed changes were correlated with concentrations equal to or greater than the toxicity threshold of 14 μeq./L. of copper. The toxicity threshold is marked by a right‐angle bend of the primary root at the hypocotyl‐root junction, an increase in the number of secondary roots, and a reduction in number and length of root hairs. Increased concentrations of copper above the toxicity threshold were correlated with morphological alterations such as loss of the right‐angle curvature of the primary root, decrease in number and length of secondary roots, reduction in number and length of secondary roots, altered distribution and reduction in number of root hairs, reduction in size of the eophyll and cotyledons, and abnormalities in trichome and...
Improvements in graphite-based X-ray mask fabrication for ultradeep X-ray lithography

Hard x-ray masks for ultradeep x-ray lithography (UDXRL) at synchrotron radiation sources, such as the Advanced Photon Source, require a gold absorber thickness of 20–100 μm on a low-Z substrate, such as silicon, graphite, or beryllium. Graphite sheets of 0.5 mm were used for the fabrication of x-ray masks by standard optical lithography using a SU-8 photoresist. The conductivity of graphite is sufficient to perform electroplating directly without the need for a metal-plating base layer. Gold electroforming was used to deposit a 85-μm-thick patterned absorber layer. The masks were used for UDXRL using hard x-rays at the Advanced Photon Source.
Coming of age: orphan genes in plants

Sizable minorities of protein-coding genes from every sequenced eukaryotic and prokaryotic genome are unique to the species. These so-called ‘orphan genes’ may evolve de novo from non-coding sequence or be derived from older coding material. They are often associated with environmental stress responses and species-specific traits or regulatory patterns. However, difficulties in studying genes where comparative analysis is impossible, and a bias towards broadly conserved genes, have resulted in underappreciation of their importance. We review here the identification, possible origins, evolutionary trends, and functions of orphans with an emphasis on their role in plant biology. We exemplify several evolutionary trends with an analysis of Arabidopsis thaliana and present QQS as a model orphan gene.
Cis-acting sequences from a human surfactant protein gene confer pulmonary-specific gene expression in transgenic mice.

Abstract Pulmonary surfactant is produced in late gestation by developing type II epithelial cells lining the alveolar epithelium of the lung. Lack of surfactant at birth is associated with respiratory distress syndrome in premature infants. Surfactant protein C (SP-C) is a highly hydrophobic peptide isolated from pulmonary tissue that enhances the biophysical activity of surfactant phospholipids. Like surfactant phospholipid, SP-C is produced by epithelial cells in the distal respiratory epithelium, and its expression increases during the latter part of gestation. A chimeric gene containing 3.6 kilobases of the promoter and 5'-flanking sequences of the human SP-C gene was used to express diphtheria toxin A. The SP-C-diphtheria toxin A fusion gene was injected into fertilized mouse eggs to produce transgenic mice. Affected mice developed respiratory failure in the immediate postnatal period. Morphologic analysis of lungs from affected pups showed variable but severe cellular injury confined to pulmonary tissues. Ultrastructural changes consistent with cell death and injury were prominent in the distal respiratory epithelium. Proximal components of the tracheobronchial tree were not severely affected. Transgenic animals were of normal size at birth, and structural abnormalities were not detected in nonpulmonary tissues. Lung-specific diphtheria toxin A expression controlled by the human SP-C gene injured type II epithelial cells and caused extensive necrosis of the distal respiratory epithelium. The absence of type I epithelial cells in the most severely affected transgenic animals supports the concept that developing type II cells serve as precursors to type I epithelial cells.
A Novel Strategy for In Vitro Selection of Peptide-Drug Conjugates

The chemical diversity of peptide and protein libraries generated from biological display systems is typically confined to the 20 naturally occurring amino acids. Here, we have developed a general strategy to introduce non-natural side chains into mRNA-display libraries via specific chemical derivatization. We constructed a mRNA-display library containing 3 x 10(12) different peptides bearing a pendant penicillin moiety in a fixed position. In vitro selection using this hybrid peptide-drug library resulted in novel inhibitors of the Staphylococcus aureus penicillin binding protein 2a (PBP2a). This strategy resulted in a penicillin-peptide conjugate that has at least 100-fold higher activity than the parent penicillin itself. Our approach provides a convenient way to enhance the efficacy of known drugs and facilitates the discovery of powerful new hybrid ligands with functionalities beyond those provided by the 20 naturally occurring residues.
Enhancing effect of dietary supplementation with ω-3 fatty acids on plasma fibrinolysis in normal subjects

A supplement of MaxEPA oil containing 5 g of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids was given for two weeks to nine normal volunteers. The vascular plasminogen activator (VPA) level increased and there was a fall in the levels of inhibitors of vascular plasminogen activator (IPA) and of plasmin, alpha 2-antiplasmin (alpha 2-AP). No significant changes occur in serum cholesterol, triglycerides, HDL or LDL levels.
Diagnostic and therapeutic utility of monoclonal antibodies in urologic oncology.

Remarkable advances in the treatment of urologic malignancies have recently been made. Monoclonal antibodies selective for a variety of normal and malignant urologic tissues have been useful in defining normal antigens and tumor-associated antigens and have potential as diagnostic and immunotherapeutic agents. In renal cancer, monoclonal antibodies can define serum markers, radiolabel tumor xenografts, and assist in specific tissue diagnosis. Additionally, there is potential for these antibodies either alone or as conjugates to localize and kill tumors. Monoclonal antibodies to bladder cancer associated antigens are able to demonstrate differential antigen expression on superficial versus invasive tumors, to refine urinary cytologic diagnosis of bladder cancer, and to predict invasive recurrence of superficial cancer. Monoclonal antibodies have localized bladder tumor xenografts and can inhibit tumor growth when conjugated to radioisotopes or toxins. In prostate cancer monoclonal antibodies to prostate antigens are not usually tumor specific. Monoclonal antibodies to prostate antigen (PA) and prostatic acid phosphatase (PAP) are able to localize prostate cancer metastases. Chemotherapy-conjugated anti-PAP monoclonal antibodies have demonstrable inhibition on human prostate cancer xe-nografted tumor growth. Monoclonal antibodies have defined normal and tumor-associated antigens in urologic cancers and are expected to be useful in immunodiagnosis and cancer therapy in the near future.
Isolation and characterization of an environmental acid-fast organism producing diphenoloxidase activity in vivo.

Water and soil samples were collected from natural habitats of the nine-banded armadillo and tested for the presence of acid-fast organisms by injection into the foot pads of experimental mice. Sixteen months post inoculation an acid-fast organism was isolated from the foot pad and spleen of one of the mice. The isolate exhibited diphenoloxidase activity as determined by its ability to convert d-3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine to the corresponding quinone. The same organisms grown in vitro lacked detectable diphenoloxidase activity. However, diphenoloxidase activity was observed in acid-fast organisms harvested from spleen tissue of mice experimentally inoculated with a pure culture of the isolate. The environmental isolate was tentatively classed with the Mycobacterium avium-intracellulare complex.
Rocket-Borne 16mm Cine Photography

The ROME (Recoverable Optical Module Experiments) system was developed to measure optical, radiometric and dynamical behavior of artificial test objects in the exoatmosphere. The test objects and the instrumentation are carried into the exoatmosphere on board a multi-stage solid propellant sounding rocket and the test objects are deployed as nearby targets for the on board instruments which develop the desired data. The instrumentation module is then recovered by parachute. Onboard instruments have included 16mm cine cameras, I.R. radiometers, and vidicons. Test objects have included balloons and aerosols. Qualification of the cine cameras and optics for the sounding rocket environment is described. Our choice of cameras, optics and films, operating procedures and results are discussed.© (1975) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Use of a Novel Method to Find Substrates of Protein Kinase C Delta Identifies M2 Pyruvate Kinase

Abstract Protein kinase C (PKC) family members have been implicated in numerous cellular processes. However, identifying the substrates of each PKC isozyme remains a challenge. Here, we describe a method using two-dimensional (2D) isoelectric focusing gel electrophoresis to identify substrates of delta PKC (δPKC) in MCF-7 breast carcinoma cells. We show that M2 pyruvate kinase is a substrate of δPKC, and further characterize the interaction between M2 pyruvate kinase and δPKC in MCF-7 cells by immunoprecipitation. δPKC activation in vitro or in cells did not appear to alter the enzyme activity or polymerization of M2 pyruvate kinase.
Maintenance tocolysis for treatment of preterm labor: review of the evidence and meta-analysis

Abstract Objective: Maintenance tocolytics are used for treating preterm labor (PTL). We sought to review the literature on maintenance of uterine quiescence after use of a first-line tocolytic and to do a meta-analysis of the studies. Methods: We worked as part of the AHCPR Evidence Report on the Management of Preterm Labor. With ACOG and an advisory group, we developed a strategy to identify randomized controlled trials and observational studies. We did an exhaustive search, including the gray literature, for articles in English, French, or German from 1966 to 1998. We found 256 studies, which we narrowed to 10 studies that examined maintenance of uterine quiescence after use of a first-line tocolytic, with 40 or more subjects, gestational age at birth as an outcome, and without membrane rupture at enrollment. Reviewers and abstractors were masked to authorship and journal. Elements abstracted included definition of PTL, study design, population characteristics, masking, randomization, and analytic approach. Outcomes included delay in delivery, gestational age at birth, and proportion of births by prematurity (eg, Results: We will summarize the use of tocolytics for preterm labor. For the four randomized trials with sufficient detail, we will present the results of a meta-analysis estimating the influence on prolongation of pregnancy, gestational age, and birth weight. Conclusion: We will present the conclusions of the team.
Effect of 1,3-adamantane bridging units within the surrounding macrocycle of squaraine rotaxanes

A systematic comparison of empty tetralactam macrocycles containing 1,3-benzenedicarboxamide, 2,6-pyridinedicarboxamide, and 1,3-adamantanedicarboxamide bridging units finds that macrocycles with adamantyl bridging units exhibit weaker non-covalent affinity for an encapsulated guest. In the case of interlocked squaraine rotaxanes with macrocycles containing phenylene sidewalls, the structural change induced by the adamantyl bridging units produces a more loosely held rotaxane co-conformation that diminishes the ability of the surrounding macrocycle to protect the encapsulated squaraine dye from attack by nucleophiles. In the case of squaraine rotaxanes with macrocycles containing anthracene sidewalls, there is no obvious change in rotaxane co-conformation. But there is a difference with the corresponding squaraine rotaxane endoperoxide, namely a significantly slower rate of cycloreversion and oxygen release. A series of molecular dynamics simulations provides reasons for the differences in co-conformational mobility. The overall result is a new set of structural strategies to control the chemical and photophysical properties of luminescent squaraine rotaxanes.
Accuracy of semiclassical methods for shape-invariant potentials

We study the accuracy of several alternative semiclassical methods by computing analytically the energy levels for many large classes of exactly solvable shape-invariant potentials. For these potentials, the ground-state energies computed via the WKB method typically deviate from the exact results by about 10%, a recently suggested modification, using nonintegral Maslov indices, is substantially better, and the supersymmetric WKB quantization method gives exact answers for all energy levels.
A continuous flow bioassay method to evaluate the effects of outboard motor exhausts and selected aromatic toxicants on fish

Abstract A continuous flow bioassay system was designed to measure the effects of outboard motor exhaust (OME) emissions and selected volatile and evaporative aromatic toxicants on goldfish ( Carassius auratus ). Continuous flow bioassays were run for 24, 48, 72, 96, and 720 h to determine lethal concentrations for 50% of individuals (LC-50's) for leaded OME, non-leaded OME, toluene, xylene, and 1,3,5 trimethylbenzene, the three individual compounds having been identified as significant aromatic components of OME. The 96 h LC-50's for these substances were found to be 171, 168, 23, 17, and 13 ppm, respectively. The values of 171 and 168 ppm for the two OME's are given in terms of gallons of fuel burned per million gallons of water. The continuous flow bioassay method was demonstrated to be a more reliable indicator of the effects of OME pollutants on aquatic organisms than is the static bioassay method.
Can Science Determine Moral Values? A Reply to Sam Harris

Sam Harris’ new book “The Moral Landscape” is the latest in a series of attempts to provide a new “science of morality.” This essay argues that such a project is unlikely to succeed, using Harris’ text as an example of the major philosophical problems that would be faced by any such theory. In particular, I argue that those trying to construct a scientific ethics need pay far more attention to the tradition of moral philosophy, rather than assuming the debate is simply between a scientific ethics and a “supernatural” ethics provided by religion.
Backbone orientational order in fatty acid monolayers at the air-water interface

We report on the first observation of superlattice x-ray diffraction peaks (indicating herringbone ordering of the molecular cross sections) in a saturated fatty acid Langmuir monolayer. In the CS phase the ``forbidden'' (21) peak is observed with a resolution-limited width, implying that the herringbone order is long range. We also searched for this characteristic peak in the S, ${L}_{2},$ ${L}_{2}^{\ensuremath{'}},$ and ${L}_{2}^{\ensuremath{''}}$ phases. Although each phase displayed some higher-order peaks, only the lowest-temperature ${(L}_{2}^{\ensuremath{''}})$ phase showed the herringbone peak. These results do not preclude the existence of short-range herringbone order in the other phases; a Landau theory of lipid monolayers [V. M. Kaganer and E. B. Loginov, Phys. Rev. Lett. 71, 2599 (1993)] predicts the existence of local herringbone order in some tilted phases, manifesting itself in the distortion of the molecular lattice from hexagonal. We have studied this distortion as a function of temperature along low-pressure isobars. The distortion goes to zero as the temperature is increased, but we do not see a first-order transition.
Sedimentation Velocity Analysis of Polyglutamine Assembly in C. elegans using a Fluorescence Detection System

The presence of different size protein aggregates is a common feature of neurodegenerative diseases, and which types of aggregates (whether oligomeric or fibrillar) are toxic are still not well defined. using expression of various polyQ expression constructs in C. elegans, we apply analytical ultracentrifugation methods with fluorescence detection capability to determine size distribution of protein aggregation. We find that an increase in intermediate size range pools (80 S-120 S) is a direct result of an increase in polyQ length. Strains of worms expressing polyQ0-YFP, polyQ24-YFP, polyQ35-YFP, polyQ40-YFP, and polyQ40 (no YFP) in muscle wall were synchronized and grown at 20° C and harvested as one-day old adults. PolyQ40 without the fluorescent YFP fusion was labeled using an extrinsic dye, DCVJ, that emits fluorescence when bound to punctates. Quantitative analysis of samples prepared with minimal fractionation for polyQ40-YFP shows evidence of polydisperse aggregates with size range from 30-150 S similar in size to the oligomeric states observed in situ in a mouse neuroblastoma cell line. These intermediates were not observed in polyQ0-YFP control constructs. Our data show that the presence of a polydisperse oligomeric pool, and we suggest that this heterogeneity is associated with the cellular context since such polydispersity is not observed in in vitro model systems.
Effect of N(G)-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester on autonomic modulation of heart rate variability during hypovolemic shock.

Objective: To study the changes in neuroautonomic regulation of heart rate and the effects of N G -nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME), a competitive inhibitor of nitric oxide synthase, on efferent sympathetic cardiac activity and blood pressure during hypovolemic shock. Hypotension during hypovolemic shock may be attributable, in part, to the failure of neuroautonomic regulation of heart rate and blood pressure. In addition, the release of nitric oxide may contribute to hypotension through vasodilation and inhibition of efferent sympathetic activity. Design: Prospective, controlled trial. Setting: Experimental laboratory in a university hospital. Subjects: Seventeen anesthetized adult male New Zealand White rabbits. Interventions: The rabbits were divided into four groups: control (n = 3), control plus L-NAME (n = 5), hypovolemic (n = 4), and hypovolemic plus L-NAME (n = 5). Hypovolemic rabbits were bled of 10% of their circulating blood volume (85 mL/kg) every 10 mins until 30% cumulative hypovolemia was reached. Rabbits received either three doses of saline 1 mL/kg every 10 mins or L-NAME 10 mg/kg in 1 mL/kg of saline solution administered after each hemorrhage for a total of three doses. Changes in heart rate, respiratory rate, mean arterial pressure, plasma catecholamine levels, and heart rate power spectra were recorded every 10 mins during serial hypovolemia and during a 30-min recovery period. Measurements and Main Results: During hypovolemic shock there was a decrease in log low-frequency heart rate power (p = .001) and in systolic (p = .003), diastolic (p <.001), and mean (p <.001) blood pressures compared with control rabbits. Treat: ment with L-NAME during hypovolemia resulted in increased log low-frequency heart rate power (p =.03) and systolic (p =.01), diastolic (p =.007), and mean (p =.009) blood pressures compared with hypovolemic rabbits who received saline placebo. Conclusions: We found that treatment with L-NAME increased efferent sympathetic cardiac activity and mean arterial pressure during hypovolemic shock compared with control rabbits. We conclude that L-NAME may blunt hypotension during hypovolemic shock by inhibiting nitric oxide synthase and may act to restore neuroautonomic cardiovascular reactivity. Spectral analysis of heart rate variability may allow for insights into the pathophysiology of shock and provide a means of monitoring the neuroautonomic cardiovascular response to therapy.
Electrocardiogram in apical hypertrophic cardiomyopathy with a speculation as to the mechanism of its features

A variety of electrocardiogram (ECG) alterations in patients with apical hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (AHCM) have been described in the literature, but no relevant quantitative analysis has been provided; thus the objective of this communication was to review the relevant literature and using two cases of patients with AHCM, to provide such a quantitative analysis. Using PubMed to search the literature 13 studies on the ECG in patients with AHCM were identified and evaluated; also a quantitative analysis of the ECG attributes in two patients was carried out. Qualitative ECG features from the literature on patients with AHCM is discussed. Also a description of the ECG in two patients with AHCM has identified as typical features truly giant QRS complexes in the precordial leads, particularly in lead V4, with rightward superior, and posterior shift of the T-wave vector, the latter being a newly described ECG correlate of AHCM. A speculation as to the possible mechanism of the observed ECG features is included.
Organization of the sunflower 11S storage protein gene family.

Abstract We have isolated and characterized genes encoding the sunflower US globulin seed storage proteins, collectively termed helianthinin. One gene, designated HaG3 has a primary transcription unit of about 1750 nucleotides including two short intervening sequences. The predicted precursor polypeptide from HaG3 is 493 amino acids long, is rich in glutamine and other nitrogen-rich amino acids and includes the amino acid sequence NGVEETICS. This sequence is highly conserved among 11S seed storage proteins and is involved in the proteolytic processing of these polypeptides. Additional helianthinin sequences are conserved among other seed storage protein genes. Analysis of various cDNA and genomic sequences indicates helianthinins are encoded by a small gene family that includes a minimum of two divergent subfamilies.
Interface trapping properties of nMOSFETs with Al 2 O 3 /SiO x N y /Si(100) gate dielectric stacks after exposure to ionizing radiation

The interface properties of Al2O3/SiOx, Ny,/Si(100) nMOSFETs are examined using sub-threshold current-voltage. variable base charge pumping, and low frequency (1/f) noise measurements. It is shown that exposure to ionizing irradiation leads to a reduction in effective interface trap density (Dit) for both positive and negative bias irradiations. This effect may result from radiation-induced neutralization of a large pre-irradiation density of border traps.
Intransitive loops in ecosystem models: From stable foci to heteroclinic cycles

Abstract Several forms of intransitive loops are investigated with regard to their stabilizing properties in simple dynamic models. The intransitive loops are stabilizing when there is an odd number of species in the system. Furthermore, an intransitive loop can stabilize a chain of negative interactions that would otherwise be unstable.
Technetium-99m labeled monoclonal antibodies: Evaluation of reducing agents

We have evaluated five compounds, stannous chloride (SnCl2), 2-mercaptoethanol (2-ME), dithiothreitol (DTT), dithioerythritol (DTE), and ascorbic acid (AA) to reduce monoclonal antibody MoAb (disulfide groups and compared their efficacy for labeling MoAbs with 99mTc. The reduction of 99mTc with dithionite at pH 11 was nearly quantitative. The use of AA, at a molar ratio of 3500:1, for three IgG and three IgM antibodies examined, gave a labeling efficiency greater than 95%. Hence no purification was needed. The immunospecificity of AA preparations determined by specific antigen assay was 84 +/- 1% for an IgM and 82.6 +/- 1.1% for an IgG, highest among all agents tested. The stability of the tracer was evaluated by challenging the product with such 99mTc avid agents as cysteine, DTPA, and human serum albumin. By HPLC analysis, no 99mTc was transchelated using chelating agent to protein molar ratios as high as 500:1. In two separate groups of five mice each, the liver uptake at 4 h post injection averaged 6.8 +/- 2.9% per gram for 125I-TNT-1 (IgG) and 6 +/- 5.1% per gram for the same MoAb labeled with 99mTc using AA. The AA technique promises to label antibodies with 99mTc and perhaps with 186Re, by a simple "kit" procedure.
Thermal stability of a corona heated by fast mode waves

It has been proposed that dissipation of hydromagnetic waves is an important heat source for the solar corona. We consider damping by collisionless processes and by electron thermal conduction and ion viscosity, and calculate the wave energy density such that heating balances the energy radiated by the plasma. We then analyze the thermal stability of the wave heated medium. The fastest growing instabilities are condensations perpendicular to the fieldlines. The instability may be important for producing coronal fine structure, and in loops and streamers.
Interference with the cytolytic activity of interleukin-2-treated lymphocytes by bovine uterine luminal protein.

Bovine uterine luminal protein (ULP) components (> or = 4 x 10(6) and 21,000 M(r)) were obtained from uterine flushings on Day 17 of pregnancy. Experiments were conducted to determine the capability of these components to interfere with the cytolytic activity of interleukin-2 (IL-2)-treated peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBL), designated LAK (lymphokine-activated killer) cells, upon K-562 tumor cells. Proteins (10-100 micrograms) were added at the onset of a 5-day culture period to wells containing PBL (3 x 10(6) + bovine recombinant IL-2 (12,000 IU). After culture, percentage cytotoxicity (Cyt) was assessed by the 51Cr release assay at 4 and 22 h of incubation for ratios (5:1-200:1) of LAK:K-562 cells. Percentage Cyt was affected (p 0.05) percentage Cyt at 4 h. By 22 h of incubation, mean percentage Cyt values for the > or = 4 x 10(6) and 21,000 M(r) components at effector:target cell ratios of 150:1 (p 0.05) to affect percentage Cyt. In conclusion, both ULP components interfered with the cytolytic activity of LAK cells, presumably by the suppression of LAK cell generation.
Optimizability of utility and value functions

On analyse l'utilisation de fonctions de valeur et d'utilite dans un cadre de programmation mathematique et on montre que ces fonctions possedent souvent des proprietes interessantes du point de vue de l'optimisation
Direct and Temperature-Modulated Reflectance Spectra of MnO, CoO, and NiO

Direct near-normal-incidence reflectance spectra were measured for MnO, CoO, and NiO between 3 and 27 eV at room temperature and below, and the corresponding dielectric response functions, $\ensuremath{\epsilon}={\ensuremath{\epsilon}}_{1}+i{\ensuremath{\epsilon}}_{2}$, were obtained by Kramers-Kronig inversion. Thermoreflectance (TR) spectra between 4 and 8 eV at various temperatures were also measured. Spectra for all three materials support a model containing both localized and one-electron band states. In MnO peaks with temperature coefficients of \ensuremath{\sim} ${10}^{\ensuremath{-}3}$ eV/K were observed at 5.7 and 6.9 eV, temperature-independent structure occurred at 5.4, 6.3, and 7.2 eV, and spectral features with indeterminate temperature dependence were seen at 4.6 and 5.5 eV. The temperature-dependent structure was assigned to one-electron interband transitions associated with anion $2p$ and cation $4s$ states. The temperature-independent structure was assigned to crystal-field-split localized interionic transitions between the $3d$ states of neighboring Mn ions. The crystal field splitting of the $3d$ states was determined to be 0.9 eV. TR spectra for CoO exhibited temperature-dependent structure (9.5\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}${10}^{\ensuremath{-}4}$ eV/K) at 5.0, 6.0, and 7.2 eV and additional structure at 2.8, 3.2, 3.8, 4.2, 5.35, and 6.25 eV. Interpretations of the optical spectra of CoO and NiO analogous to those of MnO are proposed. The interband gap between the anion $2p$ and cation $4s$ bands was determined to be 5.7 eV in MnO, 6.0 eV in CoO, and 6.2 eV in NiO.
Simulated effects of racetrack material properties on the vertical loading of the equine forelimb

One of the factors cited as contributing to racing injuries of horses is the condition of the racetrack surface. This study examines the possible effects of different dirt racetrack surfaces by using dynamic modelling of the horse and track to quantify the vertical loading of the hoof and coffin joint. Results indicate that as the stiffness of the racetrack material increased from a weak soil to a rock surface (constant soil damping ratio of 15% of critical damping), the maximum track deflection decreased from 5.1 to 1.2 cm; stance phase duration decreased by 60%; energy dissipation decreased by 72%; maximum vertical ground reaction force and coffin joint force increased by 19% and maximum vertical rate of loading increased by 219%. Varying the soil damping ratio from 5 to 30% of critical damping had only small effects on the loading response, changing the above parameters by less than 5% for the medium soil type simulated. These results indicate that the track surface may have a profound effect on the loading conditions of the horse’s limb, with the surface stiffness properties having a greater effect on loading than the surface damping properties. Design of appropriate race track surfaces may therefore be more dependent on selection of soil for structure, rather than soil amendments which have been used primarily to alter damping characteristics.
Apply an analytical approach for predictable real-time systems

The rate monotonic scheduling (RMS) theory in an analytical approach that solves the most fundamental problems in constructing real-time software: providing predictable real-time response in the face of a high processing load while still supporting modern development methodologies and ease of maintenance after product delivery. Additionally, when all time constraints cannot be met, the system must be able to shed load in a predictable manner. RMS theory assigns priorities to tasks based on their periodicity. Tasks with shorter periods receive the higher priorities. Using this analytical approach provides the predictability required of real-time systems while still supporting modern design techniques. Theorems for the RMS methodology are used to predict system behavior. There are three principal theorems used in RMS to determine the schedulability of a specified task set. A brief overview of the three RMS theorems is presented. >
ULTRASTRUCTURE OF PORPHYRIDIUM AERUGINEUM A BLUE-GREEN COLORED RHODOPHYTAN(1,2,3) .

The ulstrastructural study on Porphyridium aerugineum showed vesicles in the peripheral cytoplasm which contain fibrous material similar in appearance to the cell sheath. In most respects the morphology of P. aerugineum, a freshwater form, is very similar to that of P. cruenturn, a marine species. However, there is a marked difference in the shape of the phycobilisomes which are attached to the chloroplast lamellae. In P. cruentum the phycobilisomes are always spherical or oblate, whereas in P. aerugineum they are disk shaped. The possibility is considered that the shape of the phycobilisomes may be determined by the phycoerythrin and phycocyanin content.
Nucleoside diphosphate kinase from Escherichia coli.

Nucleoside diphosphate (NDP) kinase from Escherichia coli was purified to homogeneity and was crystallized. Gel filtration analysis of the purified enzyme indicated that it forms a tetramer. The enzyme was phosphorylated with [gamma-32P]ATP, and the pH stability profile of the phosphoenzyme indicated that two different amino acid residues were phosphorylated. Both a histidine residue and serine residues, including Ser-119 and Ser-121, appear to be phosphorylated. A Ser119Ala/Ser121Ala double mutant (i.e., with a Ser-to-Ala double mutation at positions 119 and 121), as well as Ser119Ala and Ser121Ala mutants, was isolated. All of these retained NDP kinase activity; also, both the Ser119Ala and Ser121Ala mutants could still be autophosphorylated. In the case of the double mutant, a slight autophosphorylation activity, which was resistant to acid treatment, was still detected, indicating that an additional minor autophosphorylation site besides His-117 exists. These results are discussed in light of the recent report of N. J. MacDonald et al. on the autophosphorylation of human NDP kinase (J. Biol. Chem. 268:25780-25789, 1993).
The acid-induced operon Rv3083-Rv3089 is required for growth of Mycobacterium tuberculosis in macrophages.

Summary The Rv3083 – Rv3089 operon of Mycobacterium tuberculosis has been shown to be induced 17–33-fold when tubercle bacilli were exposed in vitro to acidic conditions which may mimic those that the bacilli encounter early during the infection and it is induced during growth in macrophages. To understand the role of this operon in intracellular survival, we constructed a knockout of the operon in the M. tuberculosis H37Rv strain. No differences were observed in the growth of mutant and wild-type mycobacteria on axenic media. Though the uptake of mutant and wild-type bacteria by eukaryotic cells was similar, the mutant failed to grow subsequently. By 192h post-infection, the fold differences between the wild-type and mutant bacteria were significant thus leading to the conclusion that the mutant is defective for intracellular growth in these cell lines. Complementation of the knockout restored intracellular growth to wild-type levels. During the first 24–48h post-infection, mutant bacteria also stimulated production of significantly less IL-1 β , IL-6, IL-8, RANTES, and MCP-1 by THP-1 cells than wild-type bacteria. Overall, the data indicate that the operon plays an important role in the ability of M. tuberculosis to grow inside host cells.
A Universal Code-Modulated Path-Sharing Multi-Antenna Receiver

Conventional multi-antenna systems require multiple RF chains, baseband blocks, and analog-to-digital converters (ADC) in the receiver front-end, mandating substantial increases in power consumption and chip area. In this paper, we introduce a new universal code-modulated path-sharing multi-antenna (CPMA) receiver architecture suitable for any multi-antenna scheme including spatial multiplexing and spatial diversity. The receiver utilizes code modulation to distinguish different antenna signals before combining them in the analog domain. The combined signals propagate through a single shared path and are later recovered in the digital domain for further processing. Due to the spread spectrum nature of code modulation, a larger bandwidth is required for the blocks in the shared path. To alleviate this effect, we examine the use of non-orthogonal signature codes. Analysis and simulation results indicate that by properly selecting non-orthogonal code sets, the spreading factor, and therefore, the overall analog signal bandwidth is reduced while incurring minimal performance degradation.
Aerosolization of fine particles increases due to microbial contamination of metalworking fluids

Abstract Aerosolization of microorganisms from metalworking fluids (MWFs) was studied using a laboratory-scale set-up simulating grinding operations. An optical particle counter (OPC), a condensation nucleus counter (CNC), an electrical low pressure impactor (ELPI), and a photometric aerosol mass monitor were used to measure the airborne particles and microorganisms aerosolized from MWFs. The tests were performed using a semi-synthetic MWF with and without bacterial contamination (Pseudomonas fluorescens). Microbial contamination of the MWF increased the number and mass concentrations of aerosolized particles by a factor of 2 (as measured by the OPC and the photometric aerosol mass monitor, respectively). At the same time, there was an up to 50-fold increase in the concentration of fine particles ( 0.02 – 1 μ m ) , as measured by the CNC. The data collected with the ELPI showed that the peak of the fine particle number concentration was at 0.37 μ m . The results indicate that MWF mist may contain high concentrations of microbial fragments, which may not be detected by traditional microbial analysis methods, such as cultivation or microscopic counting.
Stress, Gender, Cognitive Impairment, and Outpatient Physician use in Later Life

The purpose of this study was to look at the interface between stressful life events, gender, cognitive impairment, and the use of outpatient physician services among older adults. A theoretical rationale is presented, suggesting that older men who are suffering from either mild or moderate levels of cognitive impairment are especially likely to use outpatient physician services when they are confronted by undesirable stressful events. Analyses with data provided by a nationwide sample of elderly people provide support for this complex three-way interaction.