cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The effect of multifetal pregnancy reduction on serum relaxin

Objective: To determine the effect of multifetal pregnancy reduction on circulating relaxin levels. Methods: Patients with multifetal pregnancies had relaxin levels determined on the day of multifetal pregnancy reduction, after the procedure, and late in pregnancy. Results: Forty-eight women (26 presenting with three fetuses and 22 with four or more) were studied. All pregnancies followed some form of ovulation induction. All pregnancies (except for one, which was reduced to a singleton) were reduced to twins. Pre-procedure, post-procedure and late-pregnancy relaxin levels were significantly higher in the in vitro fertilization (IM-gamete intrafallopian transfer (GIFT) group compared with the human menopausal gonadotropin (hMG)-alone group ( P P = .002), relaxin levels continued to decrease throughout pregnancy, as evidenced by even lower levels later on ( P = .0001). Conclusions: Serum relaxin levels were significantly higher in the IVF-GIFT group than in the hMG-alone group, which probably reflects more aggressive ovulation induction in the former. Because relaxin levels continued to decrease throughout pregnancy, the difference observed between preand post-procedure levels are not considered to be due to the procedure itself.
A flavin-chlorophyll a complex resembling the P700 of photosynthesis

Abstract A model molecular complex of chlorophyll a and FMN is found to have properties resembling the P700 of photosynthesis. The model complex shows an absorption maximum near 700 nm which can be bleached reversibly by light. ESR studies show that the photobleaching is accompanied by light-driven electron transfer from the chlorophyll a to the flavin. These observations are consistent with the previous suggestion that P700 may be a molecular complex of chlorophyll a and the prosthetic group (FAD) of chloroplast NADP+-reductase.
Physical Agents Used in the Management of Chronic Pain by Physical Therapists

Evidence supporting the use of specific physical agents in the management of chronic pain conditions is not definitive; it is largely incomplete and sometimes contradictory. However, the use of agents in chronic pain management programs is common. Within the broad use of physical agents, they are rarely the sole modality of treatment. A 1995 American Physical Therapy Association position statement asserts that "Without documentation which justifies the necessity of the exclusive use of physical agents/modalities, the use of physical agents/modalities, in the absence of other skilled therapeutic or educational intervention, should not be considered physical therapy". Physical agents may serve as useful adjunctive modalities of pain relief or to enhance the effectiveness of other elements in therapy geared toward resolution of movement impairments and restoration of physical function. Given that a conclusive aggregate of findings is unlikely to exist for all permutations of patient conditions, combined with interacting therapeutic modalities, an evidence-based approach to pain management is not always possible or beneficial to the patient. In the face of inconclusive evidence, a theory-based approach may help determine if the therapeutic effect ofa given physical agent has the possibility of being a useful clinical tool in the context of treating a particular patient's mechanism of pain generation. Until controlled efficacy findings are definitive, careful individual patient response monitoring of thoughtful theoretical application of adjunctive physical agents may be a prudent approach to the management of chronic pain.
Self-consistent Photometric Calibration of a Mosaic Survey with Overlaps

We describe a robust and computationally efficient technique for arriving at a set of self‐consistent zero points for a set of overlapping photometric and nonphotometric images. This method allows the calibration of an entire survey from only a few photometric frames or at least the determination of mutually self‐consistent zero points in the absence of any photometric reference.
The Chesapeake Bay Research and Management Shoreline Data Bank

The Research and Management Shoreline (RAMS) Data Bank contains information relative to physical alterations of the shoreline and nearshore areas of Chesapeake Bay for which permits have been granted by the U. S. Army Corps of Engineers Baltimore and Norfolk Districts. The RAMS Data Bank is designed to provide information to persons making recommendations or decisions at the local, state or federal level relative to subjects such as land use planning, fish and wildlife management, and wetlands utilization. An IBM Model 360-91 Computer utilizing the IBM Generalized Information System stores the data and makes it available to regulatory and advisory agencies. In addition to the basic query capabilities, a capability to graphically display information contained in the data bank has been developed. A wide variety of map scales is available, and any of the information contained in the data base can be superimposed on a map printout.
Effects of acute and repeated clozapine injections on cholinomimetic-induced vacuous jaw movements.

Abstract Three studies were undertaken to investigate the effects of the atypical neuroleptic clozapine on the vacuous jaw movements induced by cholinergic stimulation in rats. In the first experiment, acute clozapine injections (4.0–16.0 mg/kg) produced a dose-related suppression of the vacuous jaw movements induced by 0.4 mg/kg physostigmine. In the second experiment, acute injections of clozapine (2.0–16.0 mg/kg) also suppressed vacuous jaw movements induced by 4.0 mg/kg pilocarpine in a dose-related manner. The third experiment was designed to compare the effects of acute and repeated administration of 16.0 mg/kg clozapine. In this experiment, there were three groups: one that received 4.0 mg/kg pilocarpine, a second group that received pilocarpine plus an acute injection of 16.0 mg/kg clozapine, and a third group that received injections of 16.0 mg/kg clozapine for 14 consecutive days, including the final day in which they also were injected with pilocarpine. For the third experiment, animals were assessed for the sedative effects of clozapine as well as vacuous jaw movements. The results indicated that either acute or repeated injections of 16.0 mg/kg clozapine reduced vacuous jaw movements relative to rats that received pilocarpine alone, and the two clozapine-treated groups did not differ from each other. The sedation ratings indicated that acute injections of 16.0 mg/kg clozapine produced substantial drowsiness and sedation, whereas rats that had received clozapine for 14 days did not show substantial sedation. These results indicate that clozapine can suppress cholinomimetic-induced vacuous jaw movements. The suppressive effects of clozapine on pilocarpine-induced vacuous jaw movements do not show tolerance within the 14-day period of repeated injections, whereas the sedative effects of clozapine do show tolerance. Thus, these results demonstrate that the suppression of pilocarpine-induced vacuous jaw movements by clozapine is not merely an artifact of clozapineinduced sedation. Because pilocarpine-induced vacuous jaw movements share some characteristics with human parkinsonian symptoms, the present results are consistent with previous reports indicating that repeated injections of clozapine produce anti-parkinsonian effects.
Who drives real interest rates around the Pacific Rim: the USA or Japan?

Abstract This paper investigates the relative influence of US and Japanese real interest rates in the determination of local Pacific Rim rates, where influence is defined by the presence of common stochastic trends. Furthermore, the degree to which long-run real interest parity holds is examined. The cointegration testing methodology of Johansen (1988) is adopted for this analysis, which allows for multiple cointegrating vectors. The results indicate that Hong Kong, Malaysia and Taiwan are linked with both the USA and Japan (in terms of cointegration and positive covariation), while only Singapore is solely linked with the USA. On the other hand Korea, and perhaps Indonesia and Thailand appear to be more closely linked with Japan. Real interest parity holds for only the following interest rate pairs: USA-Singapore, USA-Taiwan and Japan-Taiwan.
A computerized system for describing the tests offered by a clinical laboratory.

Abstract A system has been developed which allows for the easy display of information concerning tests performed in the clinical laboratory. The system is designed for use at nursing stations as well as in the clinical laboratory. The information which can be displayed includes: (1) general information, such as sample type, tube type and minimum sample volume; (2) price charged for the test; (3) special instructions, such as sample transportation, hours when test is available, and sample collection information; (4) normal or reference values for the results. The programs are written in FORTRAN IV and, together with the data files, require 422 kilobytes of storage space.
Group Ve infection: Case report of group Ve-2 septicemia and literature review

The second case of the Centers for Disease Control group Ve-2 septicemia from our hospital is reported herein. Literature review shows that group Ve bacteria can cause life-threatening disease in the debilitated hospital patient.
The CT halo sign in invasive aspergillosis

Key Clinical Message In immunocompromised patients, the pulmonary computed tomography halo sign is highly suggestive of angioinvasive aspergillosis. Early recognition may be life-saving.
Simulation of saturated fluid flow in packed particle beds—The lattice-Boltzmann method for the calculation of permeability from XMT images

Abstract Cone beam X-ray microtomography (XMT) instrumentation is a state-of-the-art non-invasive technology now used for several years to describe important characteristics of packed particle beds in three-dimensional (3D) detail. Many process engineering operations involve the transport of fluid in porous media. It is well known that the flow in porous media depends on the geometric properties of the pore network structure and in this regard X-ray microtomographic imaging captures the porous network structure of opaque packed particle beds which is later used for fluid flow analysis. The coupling of XMT 3D imaging with a novel fluid flow simulation method, known as the lattice-Boltzmann model (LBM), allows for direct local flow determination and micro-permeability calculations for complex porous structures. In this paper the methodology is briefly explained, implementations for some practical problems are addressed, the application of the technique from results for packed particle beds of interest are presented, and a comparison with experimental data is made.
Evidence for evolutionary specialization in human limbic structures

Increasingly, functional and evolutionary research has highlighted the important contribution emotion processing makes to complex human social cognition. As such, it may be asked whether neural structures involved in emotion processing, commonly referred to as limbic structures, have been impacted in human brain evolution. To address this question, we performed an extensive evolutionary analysis of multiple limbic structures using modern phylogenetic tools. For this analysis, we combined new volumetric data for the hominoid (human and ape) amygdala and 4 amygdaloid nuclei, hippocampus, and striatum, collected using stereological methods in complete histological series, with previously published datasets on the amygdala, orbital and medial frontal cortex, and insula, as well as a non-limbic structure, the dorsal frontal cortex, for contrast. We performed a parallel analysis using large published datasets including many anthropoid species (human, ape, and monkey), but fewer hominoids, for the amygdala and 2 amygdaloid subdivisions, hippocampus, schizocortex, striatum, and septal nuclei. To address evolutionary change, we compared observed human values to values predicted from regressions run through (a) non-human hominoids and (b) non-human anthropoids, assessing phylogenetic influence using phylogenetic generalized least squares regression. Compared with other hominoids, the volumes of the hippocampus, the lateral nucleus of the amygdala, and the orbital frontal cortex were, respectively, 50, 37, and 11% greater in humans than predicted for an ape of human hemisphere volume, while the medial and dorsal frontal cortex were, respectively, 26 and 29% significantly smaller. Compared with other anthropoids, only human values for the striatum fell significantly below predicted values. Overall, the data present support for the idea that regions involved in emotion processing are not necessarily conserved or regressive, but may even be enhanced in recent human evolution.
On Igusa zeta functions of monomial ideals

We show that the real parts of the poles of the Igusa zeta function of a monomial ideal can be computed from the torus-invariant divisors on the normalized blow-up of the affine space along the ideal. Moreover, we show that every such number is a root of the Bernstein-Sato polynomial associated to the monomial ideal.
tRNA‐guanine transglycosylase from Escherichia coli: recognition of full‐length ‘queuine‐cognate' tRNAs

Abstract A key enzyme involved in the incorporation of the modified base queuine into tRNA (position 34) is tRNA-guanine transglycosylase (TGT). Studies of the recognition of truncated tRNAs by the Escherichia coli TGT have established a minimal recognition motif involving a minihelix with a 7 base loop containing a U- G -U sequence (where G is replaced with queuine) [Curnow, A.W. and Garcia, G.A. (1995) J. Biol. Chem. 270, 17264–17267; Nakanishi, S. et al. (1994) J. Biol. Chem. 269, 32221–32225]. Still, a clearer understanding of the recognition of full-length `queuine-cognate' tRNAs by TGT remains lacking. In this paper, we report the in vitro transcription and enzymological characterization (Km and kcat) of all four `queuine-cognate' tRNAs from E. coli and from Saccharomyces cerevisiae with the TGT from E. coli. No primary or secondary structures emerge as important recognition elements from this study. The modest differences in substrate specificity (relative kcat/Km values vary from 0.5 to 8.4) seen among these `queuine-cognate' tRNAs most likely result from the accumulated effects of many subtle factors. Interestingly, the yeast tRNAs are essentially equivalent to the E. coli tRNAs as substrates for TGT, indicating that there is nothing intrinsic to the yeast tRNAs that accounts for the absence of queuine in yeast.
The effect of pleasant odors and hormone status on mood of women at midlife

The effect of odors on the mood of 56 women ranging in age from 45 to 60 years was determined using the POMS (Profile of Mood States). The 56 subjects were divided into four groups of 14 subjects each on the basis of hormonal status. Group 1 consisted of 14 women who were still menstruating; group 2 consisted of 14 women who were no longer menstruating and taking estrogen; group 3 consisted of 14 women who were no longer menstruating and taking estrogen and progesterone; and, group 4 consisted of 14 women who were no longer menstruating and taking no hormone replacement. Use of pleasant odors significantly improved scores on tension, depression, and confusion factors. In addition, women using estrogen replacement with or without progesterone had better mood scores than those who did not, which is consistent with previous studies.
Southern Integration: The Sui-Tang (581-907) Reach South

(2004). Southern Integration: The Sui‐Tang (581–907) Reach South. The Historian: Vol. 66, No. 4, pp. 749-771.
Subunit‐specific degradation of the UmuD/D′ heterodimer by the ClpXP protease: the role of trans recognition in UmuD′ stability

The Escherichia coli UmuD′ protein is a subunit of the recently described error-prone DNA polymerase, pol V. UmuD′ is initially synthesized as an unstable and mutagenically inactive pro-protein, UmuD. Upon processing, UmuD′ assumes a relatively stable conformation and becomes mutagenically active. While UmuD and UmuD′ by themselves exist in vivo as homodimers, when together they preferentially interact to form heterodimers. Quite strikingly, it is in this context that UmuD′ becomes susceptible to ClpXP-mediated proteolysis. Here we report a novel targeting mechanism designed for degrading the mutagenically active UmuD′ subunit of the UmuD/D′ heterodimer complex, while leaving the UmuD protein intact. Surprisingly, a signal that is essential and sufficient for targeting UmuD′ for degradation was found to reside on UmuD not UmuD′. UmuD was also shown to be capable of channeling an excess of UmuD′ to ClpXP for degradation, thereby providing a mechanism whereby cells can limit error-prone DNA replication.
Quantum Mechanical/Molecular Mechanical Study of the HDV Ribozyme: Impact of the Catalytic Metal Ion on the Mechanism

A recent crystal structure of the precleaved HDV ribozyme along with biochemical data support a mechanism for phosphodiester bond self-cleavage in which C75 acts as a general acid and bound Mg2+ ion acts as a Lewis acid. Herein this precleaved crystal structure is used as the basis for quantum mechanical/molecular mechanical calculations. These calculations indicate that the self-cleavage reaction is concerted with a phosphorane-like transition state when a divalent ion, Mg2+ or Ca2+, is bound at the catalytic site but is sequential with a phosphorane intermediate when a monovalent ion, such as Na+, is at this site. Electrostatic potential calculations suggest that the divalent metal ion at the catalytic site lowers the pKa of C75, leading to the concerted mechanism in which the proton is partially transferred to the leaving group in the phosphorane-like transition state. These observations are consistent with experimental data, including pKa measurements, reaction kinetics, and proton inventories with di...
Vibration and Snap-Through of Bent Elastica Strips Subjected to End Rotations

A flexible strip is rotated at its ends until it forms a deep circular arc above its ends. Then the ends are kept immovable and are rotated downward until the arch suddenly snaps into an inverted configuration. The strip is analyzed as an inextensible elastica. Two-dimensional equilibrium shapes, vibration modes and frequencies, and critical rotations for snap-through are determined using a shooting method. Experiments are also conducted and results are compared with those from the analysis. The agreement is good. In addition, a microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) example is analyzed, in which an electrostatic force below a buckled strip causes the strip to snap downward, and the critical force is obtained as a function of the vertical gap.
“The Odds and Ends of Things”: Dorothy Day's 1930s Catholic Worker Columns and the Prudent Translation of Catholic Social Teachings

This essay argues that Dorothy Day's 1930s Catholic Worker columns prudently translated Catholic social teachings in order to articulate a vision for radical Catholic social reform. Day's columns interpreted dogmatic Church texts in response to public outcries for social change during a period of economic and social collapse, specifically the doctrinal principles of human dignity, hospitality to laborers, and Catholic action. As a translator, Day balanced arguments for the relevance of traditional religious values with circumstances requiring innovative solutions. She used prudence in order to carve out a “middle way” between the two extremes of dogmatic fidelity to the views of established Church leaders and pandering to revolutionary sentiments that urged the working class to eschew traditional religion. Day's case illustrates an important relationship between translation and prudence—how prudent translation enables rhetors to craft innovations from within traditional belief systems in order to rework c...
Simulations of Solid-Propellant Rockets: Effects of Aluminum Droplet Size Distribution

Flow modeling and simulation of solid-propellant rockets from first principles is quite challenging with several physical problems, including complex evolving geometries, turbulence, and multiphase flow with a chemically reactive disperse phase. To this end, a flexible simulation framework has been developed, in which multiphase flow computations are performed that include three-way coupling between phases (mixture-droplet-smoke), conservative coupling approach, and full heat release for the burning mechanisms. Results obtained from computations with burning aluminum droplets generating aluminum-oxide smoke are described for a generic rocket geometry. The effects of injected droplet size distribution obtained with two models are investigated and show the sensitivity of these distributions to the chamber flow dynamics, primarily at the nozzle inlet. The residence time and burning droplet diameter are verified by comparison with simple analytical predictions.
Ischemia at a distancë during intermittent coronary artery occlusion: a coronary anatomic explanation

The mechanism of electrocardiographic ST segment changes during acute coronary occlusion was evaluated in 28 consecutive patients with single vessel coronary artery disease undergoing coronary angioplasty. Patients were continuously monitored with a six lead electrocardiogram. Twenty-three patients showed ST changes in the primary zone of occlusion, and 13 of these had additional ST changes in a remote zone. Ten of these 13 had unusually extensive arteries supplying the remote zone. The balloon occluded two adjacent normal arteries in two patients, and no coronary anatomic explanation was evident in one patient. Ten patients with striking primary zone ST changes showed no remote change. Seven had nonextensive primary zone arteries, and three others had abundant collateral vessels. Five patients showed no electrocardiographic changes in primary or remote zones. Four had collateral vessels, and one had left ventricular hypertrophy on the baseline electrocardiogram. It was concluded that remote electrocardiographic changes are probably due to occlusion of unusually extensive coronary arteries and are not simply reciprocal.
The irradiation-induced crystalline-to-amorphous phase transition in α-SiC

Abstract The ion-beam-induced crystalline-to-amorphous phase transition in single crystal α-SiC has been studied as a function of irradiation temperature. The evolution of the amorphous state has been followed in situ in specimens irradiated with 1.5 MeV Xe+ ions over the temperature range from 20 to 475 K using the HVEM-tandem facility at Argonne National Laboratory. Specimens also have been irradiated at 170 and 370 K with 360 keV Ar+ ions, and the damage accumulation process followed in situ by Rutherford backscattering spectroscopy in channeling geometry using dual-beam facilities at Los Alamos National Laboratory. The displacement dose for complete amorphization in α-SiC at 20 K is 0.25 dpa and increases with temperature in two stages. The simultaneous recovery process associated with the high-temperature stage (above 100 K) has an activation energy of 0.12±0.02 eV. The critical temperature above which amorphization does not occur is 485 K under these irradiation conditions. Dechanneling results are consistent with disordering occurring by the local accumulation of defects and show a decrease in disordering rate with increasing temperature.
Second-line Agents for Glycemic Control for Type 2 Diabetes: Are Newer Agents Better?

OBJECTIVE While metformin is generally accepted as the first-line agent in treatment of type 2 diabetes, there are insufficient evidence and extensive debate about the best second-line agent. We aimed to assess the benefits and harms of four commonly used antihyperglycemia treatment regimens considering clinical effectiveness, quality of life, and cost. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS We developed and validated a new population-based glycemic control Markov model that simulates natural variation in HbA 1c progression. The model was calibrated using a U.S. data set of privately insured individuals diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. We compared treatment intensification of metformin monotherapy with sulfonylurea, dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitor, glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist, or insulin. Outcome measures included life-years (LYs), quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs), mean time to insulin dependence, and expected medication cost per QALY from diagnosis to first diabetes complication (ischemic heart disease, myocardial infarction, congestive heart failure, stroke, blindness, renal failure, amputation) or death. RESULTS According to our model, all regimens resulted in similar LYs and QALYs regardless of glycemic control goal, but the regimen with sulfonylurea incurred significantly lower cost per QALY and resulted in the longest time to insulin dependence. An HbA 1c goal of 7% (53 mmol/mol) produced higher QALYs compared with a goal of 8% (64 mmol/mol) for all regimens. CONCLUSIONS Use of sulfonylurea as second-line therapy for type 2 diabetes generated glycemic control and QALYs comparable with those associated with other agents but at lower cost. A model that incorporates HbA 1c and diabetes complications can serve as a useful clinical decision tool for selection of treatment options.
The effect of post-creep thermal treatment on cavitation damage

Abstract Small-angle neutron scattering measurements have shown that nucleation and growth of grain boundary cavities occurs, in many ceramics, during the early stages of creep. Subsequent failure generally transpires by cavity coalescence to form cracks, followed by growth of the cracks. The effect on creep cavity populations of thermal treatment, both with and without pressure, has been investigated by comparing cavity distributions obtained from small-angle scattering measurements performed before and after the thermal treatments. The results of these measurements indicate that creep cavities can be removed if sufficient temperature and pressure are applied. From the results obtained on a sintered alumina and a hot-pressed silicon carbide, it appears that hydrostatic pressures approximately equal to the creep stress are required to afford substantial cavity sintering. The use of insufficient pressure not only fails to sinter the cavities formed during prior creep but has also been shown to lead to the nucleation of additional cavities, thus, apparently, increasing the level of damage.
The Response of Cancellous and Cortical Canine Bone to Hydroxylapatite-Coated and Uncoated Titanium Rods.

Because of the recent trend in total hip arthroplasty to achieve direct contact of the endoprosthesis with cortical bone, comparison of bone apposition from cortical bone and cancellous bone was performed. The response of cortical and cancellous bone to hydroxylapatite was also compared. Implants in cortical bone demonstrated a higher interface shear strength and more bone apposition than those in cancellous bone over all time periods tested. Hydroxylapatite coating increased the interfacial shear and bone apposition in cortical bone at all time periods and in both the 3- and 6-week cancellous bone models. The potential effect of stress shielding (and subsequent bone resorption) by femoral stems ingrown with cortical bone is discussed. © 1995 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Accelerated heat age testing of phenolics: Applicable temperature range

An upper bound in temperature for accelerated heat aging of a phenolic molding compound has been determined. Oxidative degradation based on time and temperature follows the Arrhenius relationship up to this upper temperature bound, after which thermal shock becomes the primary mode of failure.
Software architecture reconstruction: Why? What? How?

Software architecture reconstruction plays an increasingly essential role in software engineering tasks such as architecture renovation, program comprehension, and change impact analysis. Various methods have been developed which use a software system's implementation-level artifacts to recover the architecture of the software. This tutorial will answer three fundamental questions about software architecture recovery: Why? What? and How? Through several examples it articulates and synthesizes technical forces and financial motivations that make software companies to invest in software architecture recovery. It discusses what are the pieces of design knowledge that can be recovered and lastly demonstrates a methodology as well as required tools for answering how to reconstruct architecture from implementation artifacts.
Neuroimaging in the evaluation of children and adolescents with intractable epilepsy: I. Magnetic resonance imaging and the substrates of epilepsy

Recent advances in neuroimaging, particularly the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan, have greatly enhanced our ability to visualize intraparenchymal anatomy. With the linkage between intracranial pathology and epilepsy now clearly established, the MRI data provides detailed information for the clinician treating patients with epilepsy. This article supplies the reader with an overview of the new techniques in MRI brain imaging that allow us to identify intracranial abnormalities, and a survey of some of the MRI-identified substrates of epilepsy.
Chronic angiotensin AT2R activation prevents high-fat diet-induced adiposity and obesity in female mice independent of estrogen.

Abstract Objective Obesity is a known risk factor for various metabolic disorders and cardiovascular diseases. Recently we demonstrated that female angiotensin AT2 receptor (AT2R) knockout mice on high-fat diet (HFD) had higher body weight and adiposity with a parallel reduction in estrogen (17,β-estradiol/E2). The present study investigated whether the anti-adiposity effects of the AT2R are estrogen-dependent in female mice. Methods Female C57BL/6 ovary-intact (Ovi) mice were treated with an AT2R agonist (C21, 0.3 mg/kg, daily i.p.). Ovariectomized (Ovx) mice, supplemented with E2 (5 μg/day, pellets implanted subcutaneously), were treated with an AT2R agonist (C21, 0.3 mg/kg, daily i.p.) or vehicle. After 4-days of pre-treatment with C21, Ovi and Ovx mice were placed on either normal diet (ND) or HFD while the C21 treatment continued for the next 10 days. For a long-term study, Ovi mice were placed on HFD and treated with C21 for 12 weeks. Results Ovi mice fed the HFD had increased parametrial white adipose tissue (pWAT) weight, plasma free fatty acid and triglycerides compared to Ovi mice on ND. Ovariectomy alone caused similar changes in these parameters which were further increased by HFD-feeding. C21 treatment attenuated these HFD-induced changes in Ovi as well as Ovx mice. HFD also, increased the liver/body-weight ratio and decreased the liver expression of the β-oxidation enzyme, carnitine palmitoyltransferase 1 (CPT1-A). C21 treatment attenuated these changes as well. The long-term C21 treatment of Ovi mice lowered the HFD-induced body weight gain, increase in pWAT weight, parametrial adipocyte size and hyperinsulinemia induced by HFD. Finally, HFD drastically reduced urinary estrogen and the beneficial metabolic changes in response to C21-treatment occurred without significantly increasing urinary estrogen. Conclusion We suggest that the pharmacological activation of AT2R by the agonist C21 reduces adiposity and body weight gain independent of estrogen in female mice. Improvement in fatty acid metabolism is a potential mechanism by which the AT2R exerts anti-adiposity effects.
America’s first department of immunology: an informal history

America's first organized department devoted to the study of immunology was founded at Johns Hopkins University in 1916 by William Henry Welch. It has since generated multiple centers distributed throughout the university, which continue to promote education and conduct research in immunology to the present day. A review of its history may foretell future developments and directions of immunology in this and other institutions.
Proton pumps, angiogenesis, and metastatic breast cancer

We have previously shown the relationship between metastatic potential and plasmalemmal V-H + -ATPase (pmV-ATPase) expression in tumor cells. This led us to hypothesize that pmV-ATPase activity is involved in invasion. Angiogenesis involves invasion of adjacent tissues by microvascular endothelial cells, thus we hypothesized that pmV-ATPases contribute to pH in regulation and invasion in microvascular endothelial cells. Immunocytochemical experiments revealed pmV-ATPases at the leading edge of cancer and microvascular endothelial cells. We monitored pH in from leading- to lagging-edge at the single cell level using confocal/spectral imaging microscopy. Our data indicate that the pH in is more alkaline at the leading than at the lagging edge, in both these cell types, suggesting the presence of pH in gradients. Line scanning confocal microscopy demonstrated pH in oscillations whose magnitude were larger in the lagging than the leading edge. Exposure of the cell's leading edge to bafilomycin A l . a V-H + -ATPase inhibitor, decreased the migratory capabilities of the cells. Inhibitors for P- and F-type ATPases had no effect on these phenomena. Altogether, these data indicate that pmV-ATPases play a role in pH in regulation and invasion in tumor and microvascular endothelial cells. This could offer a potential target to modulate angiogenesis and metastasis.
Habit formation and the loss of control of an internal clock: inverse relationship between the level of baseline training and the clock-speed enhancing effects of methamphetamine

Drugs that modulate the effective level of dopamine (DA) in cortico-striatal circuits have been shown to alter the perception of time in the seconds-to-minutes range. How this relationship changes as a function of repeated experience with the reinforcement contingencies and the gradual adaptation of the underlying neural circuits remains unclear. The present study examined the clock-speed enhancing effects of methamphetamine (MAP 0.5 or 1.0 mg/kg, ip) in groups of rats that received different levels of baseline training (20, 60, or 120 sessions) on a 50-s peak-interval (PI) procedure before initial drug administration. A curvilinear relationship was observed such that rats that received either minimal or intermediate levels of training (≤60 sessions) displayed dose- × training-related horizontal leftward shifts in their timing functions, suggesting that the speed of the internal clock was increased. In contrast, rats that had received an extended level of training (≥120 sessions) did not show this “classic” DA agonist curve-shift effect, but instead displayed a dose-dependent disruption of temporal control after MAP administration. A transition from DA-sensitive to DA-insensitive mechanisms is proposed to account for the loss of control of clock speed, as timing behaviors associated with the PI procedure gradually become learned habits through the strengthening of DA–glutamate connections.
A people of migrants : ethnicity, state, and religion in Karachi

Since Pakistan was established in the name of Islam, religion has always played a major role in the construction of a national ideology. This ideology has been challenged by several ethnic groups ever since the day of independence. Most fascinating in this respect are the mohakirs, migrants from India, who for several decades championed the national ideology, but are recently involved in a process of becoming an ethnic group. Using a historical actor-oriented approach, Verkaaik discusses how this change of identity had altered mohajirs' interpretation of both pre- and post-independence history of Pakistan. Their claim to be a separate people calls for a new culture, a new set of traditions, symbols, heroes, as well as a revised reading of religion. He argues that this construction of a culture is an eclectic process that can only be understood by taking into account the modern, political context of Karachi and Pakistan.
Corneal iron deposits after laser in situ keratomileusis

Abstract PURPOSE: To report the occurrence and features of corneal iron line deposition after laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK). METHODS: We evaluated 83 eyes undergoing LASIK. Corneal iron line deposition was analyzed with respect to preoperative spherical equivalent, attempted correction, and postoperative time interval. RESULTS: Thirty-five (42.2%) of 83 eyes displayed a distinctive brown-colored corneal iron line of variable density in a ring or patch configuration near the margin of the ablated zone in the overlying corneal flap epithelium. The appearance of this iron line correlated positively with time after surgery (>3 months) and preoperative spherical equivalent (>−4.5 diopters). CONCLUSIONS: Corneal iron line deposition in a ring or patch can be associated with previous LASIK surgery. This iron deposition within the margin of the ablated zone may offer insights into the dynamics of epithelial cell hyperplasia as well as basal cell proliferation, differentiation, and migration after LASIK.
The Priesthood in Ancient Israel

The priesthood in ancient Israel developed through the confluence of different social forces over a broad spectrum of time. The social, textual, mythic and political concerns of Israel’s priestly groups are evident throughout the biblical record, and reveal the depth of influence the priesthood exerted not only on the formation of the Bible but on the growth of Israelite religion into early Judaism.
Inhibition of insulin-like growth factor I receptor tyrosine kinase by ethanol

Ethanol inhibits insulin and insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) signaling in a variety of cell types leading to reduced mitogenesis and impaired survival. This effect is associated with inhibition of insulin receptor (IR) and insulin-like growth factor-I receptor (IGF-IR) autophosphorylation, which implicates these receptors as direct targets for ethanol. It was demonstrated previously that ethanol inhibits the autophosphorylation and kinase activity of the purified cytoplasmic tyrosine kinase domain of the IR. We performed computer modeling of the ethanol interaction with the IR and IGF-IR kinases (IRK and IGF-IRK). The analysis predicted binding of alcohols within the hydrophobic pocket of the kinase activation cleft, with stabilization at specific polar residues. Using IGF-IRK purified from baculovirus-infected insect cells, ethanol inhibited peptide substrate phosphorylation by non-phosphorylated IGF-IRK, but had no effect on the autophosphorylated enzyme. In common with the IRK, ethanol inhibited IGF-IRK autophosphorylation. In cerebellar granule neurons, ethanol inhibited autophosphorylation of the apo-IGF-IR, but did not reverse IGF-IR phosphorylation after IGF-I stimulation. In summary, the findings demonstrate direct inhibition of IGF-IR tyrosine kinase by ethanol. The data are consistent with a model wherein ethanol prevents the initial phase of IRK and IGF-IRK activation, by inhibiting the engagement of the kinase activation loop.
Visible‐Light‐Responsive Reversible Photoacid Based on a Metastable Carbanion

A new photoacid that reversibly changes from a weak to a strong acid under visible light was designed and synthesized. Irradiation generated a metastable state with high CH acidity due to high stability of a trifluoromethyl-phenyl-tricyano-furan (CF3 PhTCF) carbanion. This long-lived metastable state allows a large proton concentration to be reversibly produced with moderate light intensity. Reversible pH change of about one unit was demonstrated by using a 0.1 mM solution of the photoacid in 95 % ethanol. The quantum yield was calculated to be as high as 0.24. Kinetics of the reverse process can be fitted well to a second-order-rate equation with k=9.78×10(2) M(-1) s(-1) . Response to visible light, high quantum yield, good reversibility, large photoinduced proton concentration under moderate light intensity, and good compatibility with organic media make this photoacid a promising material for macroscopic control of proton-transfer processes in organic systems.
Function of the cells in the motor root of the nervus trigeminus in the cat

The purpose of this investigation is to determine through experimental-histological methods the function of certain large and small nerve cells found in and about the motor root of the nervus trigeminus in close proximity to the ganglion, semilunare. These cells were noted in a previous paper and it was suggested that some of them in . :the connectivetissue sheath of the motor root were probably mandibular or maxillary-ophthalmic ganglion cells that had migrated centrally along the path of the motor root and others inside the motor root might be proprioceptive (muscle) sense cells. Similar cells have been recorded for the eye muscle, facial, and hypoglossal nerves. Those found in the eye-muscle nerves, especially in the ocnlomotor nerve, have received considerable attention, and the consensus of opinion is that they are concerned with proprioceptive sense.
HIV Production from Purified Monocytes Isolated from Antiretroviral-NaÏve and Protease Inhibitor-Treated HIV-1--Infected Patients

AbstractPurpose: We obtained peripheral blood monocytes from HIV-1-infected patients and differentiated them into macrophages in vitro to investigate the contribution of purified monocytes to plasma viremia in HIV-infected patients. Method: We compared the production of HIV-1 from purified monocytes isolated from patients who were receiving antiviral therapy to those who were not. We obtained monocytes from 29 antiretroviral-nai¨ve (ARVN) patients and 35 protease inhibitor (PI)-treated HIV-infected patients (20 with undetectable plasma HIV). Cells were cultured with phorbol myristate acetate to induce HIV replication. Results: HIV p24 core antigen was present in supernatants of 9/29 (31%) of ARVN patients (mean = 102 pg/mL). In contrast to ARVN patients, p24 was not found in supernatants of any PI-treated patient (p = .01). Thus, purified monocytes from some ARVN patients produce HIV, but we were unable to detect HIV production from monocytes from PI-treated patients, regardless of their virologic respons...
Transverse mode frequency pulling in free electron lasers

Abstract We consider the spectral evolution of transverse modes in free electron lasers. While the gain maxima of the various transverse modes occur at different frequencies, coupling between the modes via the electron beam causes the modes to shift frequency such that the final laser frequency differs from what one would expect if only the TEM00 mode were present. This can strongly effect the turn-on behavior in lasers with short electron pulses.
The management of idiopathic generalized epilepsies

Idiopathic generalized epilepsies (IGEs) are a well defined group of epilepsies, with onset predominantly in childhood. Recent evidence suggests that IGEs may also be prevalent but under-diagnosed in adults. IGEs respond well to appropriate treatment and 80-90% of cases become fully controlled. However, correct identification of IGE and selection of a broad-spectrum antiepileptic drug (AED) is crucial if cases of 'pseudo-intractability' are to be avoided. Preliminary evidence suggests that some of the newer AEDs are broad spectrum and may offer advantages in the treatment of IGEs. There is strong evidence that childhood-, adolescent- and adult-onset IGEs share biologic determinants and are best viewed as a spectrum or continuum of conditions. The diagnosis of IGE, even as a group, is very important for proper management.
Fast automatic registration of range images from 3D imaging systems using sphere targets

Abstract The use of 3D imaging systems (e.g., laser scanners) in construction has grown significantly in the past decade. Range images acquired with such systems often require registration. This paper describes an automatic method to rapidly locate spheres and perform a registration based on three pairs of matching points (centers of fitted spheres) in two range images. The proposed method is directly applicable for regularly gridded datasets obtained with instruments that are typically used for construction applications and whose maximum ranges are greater than 50 m. A lab was scanned from two locations at three different scan densities. Four spheres were located in the lab, and the total number of points hitting the four spheres was a small fraction ( 6 and 3.4 × 10 6 points is obtained in less than 30 s. At the medium scan density, two range images with 1.6 × 10 6 and 0.8 × 10 6 points can be registered in less than 2 s.
The molecular site of action of juvenile hormone and juvenile hormone insecticides during metamorphosis: how these compounds kill insects

Studies in a variety of insects during the past four decades has deepened our understanding of juvenile hormone (JH) physiology, but how this hormone works at the molecular level remains elusive. Similarly, the mechanism of toxicity of JH analogue insecticides is still in question. There is much evidence from laboratory usage that JHAs act as JH agonists and generally show the highest toxicity when applied at the onset of metamorphosis. A physiological basis for the toxicity and morphogenetic effects has been suggested by recent work linking these effects with interference with the expression or action of certain genes, particularly the Broad-Complex (BR-C) transcription factor gene, that direct metamorphic change. Misexpressed BR-C then leads to improper expression of one or more downstream effector genes controlled by BR-C gene products, resulting in abnormal developmental and physiological changes that disrupt metamorphosis. Therefore, JH is a necessary molecule at certain times in insect development but becomes toxic when present during metamorphosis.
Direct Imaging of Atomic Ordering in Undoped and La-Doped Pb(Mg1/3Nb2/3)O3

In this paper, the authors report the first direct observations of local ordering in undoped and La-doped Pb(Mg{sub 1/3}Nb{sub 2/3})O{sub 3} (PMN) on an atomic scale by high-resolution ({approximately}1.26 {angstrom}) Z-contrast imaging. The 1:1 ordering occurs by a variation in the occupancy of Mg and Nb cations between B{sup I} and B{sup II} sublattices. In ordered regions, the B{sup II} sublattice is dominantly occupied by Nb cations, but a small Mg occupancy cannot be excluded. The Mg cations were found to dominantly occupy the B{sup I} sublattice. Within the B{sup I} sublattice, the local Mg/Nb ratio was found to vary among the various B{sup I} sublattices. The results show that the random-site model, rather than the space-charge model, is a better structural model for the 1:1 ordering observed in PMN. A random distribution of Mg and Nb cations on the B{sup I} sublattice within 1:1 ordered regions is believed to be responsible for the relaxer behavior of mixed B-site cation relaxers, such as PMN.
Confirmatory mass-spectral data for cyclic fatty acid monomers

Cyclic fatty acid monomers (CFAM) are degradation products found in heat-abused edible oils. This study confirms previously published data and reports the structural elucidation of hydrogenated and deuterated monocyclic and bicyclic CFAM prepared from the corresponding unsaturated species that were previously isolated from heated flaxseed (linseed) oil. CFAM structures were determined as 2-alkyl-4,4-dimethyloxazoline derivatives by using gas chromatography-electron ionization mass spectrometry. The observed retention times for the deuterated CFAM were about 0.1 min shorter than those of the corresponding hydrogenated species. For two minor six-membered ring CFAM components, an increase in the mass of the unsaturated ring by eight mass units upon deuteration indicated the addition of four deuterium atoms to two double bonds in that ring. These data unequivocally confirmed the identity of cyclohexadienyl CFAM species in the original CFAM mixture that was isolated from heated linseed oil. The observed electron ionization mass spectrometic data for minor hydrogenated and deuterated CFAM species, which correspond to the last two eluting monounsaturated species, were consistent with CFAM having bicyclic (fused 5- and 6-membered rings) structures. The location of the ring along the fatty acid chain was also confirmed for all saturated CFAM mixture components. The presence of a pair of deuterium atoms on two adjacent carbon atoms further confirmed the previously determined double-bond position along the fatty acid chain of the corresponding parent (unsaturated) compound.