cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Equine Hepatic and Renal Metallothioneins: PURIFICATION, MOLECULAR WEIGHT, AMINO ACID COMPOSITION, AND METAL CONTENT

Abstract An improved, simplified, and greatly shortened isolation procedure for metallothionein from tissue extracts using gel filtration (Sephadex G-50) and DEAE-cellulose chromatography is presented. When isolated by this procedure, the molecular weight of both the liver and kidney metalloproteins is found to be about 6600, as determined by equilibrium centrifugation and gel filtration. The amino acid composition of both proteins is also closely similar. Their distinctive features include the extremely high content of cysteine which comprises about 33% of all amino acid residues, and the absence of phenylalanine, tyrosine, tryptophan, and histidine. In addition, both proteins show substantial microheterogeneity even when isolated from the organ(s) of a single animal. Based on a molecular weight of 6000, the nearest integral composition for a total of 61 amino acids is Lys6 Arg1 Asp3 Thr2 Ser7 Glu3 Pro3 Gly6 Ala6 Cys20 Val2 Met1 for both renal and hepatic proteins. All 20 cysteinyl residues are titratable with silver ions and hence the protein contains no disulfide bonds. The total metal content consisting of cadmium, zinc, and copper is close to 6 g atoms per mole for both liver and kidney metallothioneins; the liver protein contains predominantly zinc whereas that from kidney contains more cadmium. Thus, for each metal atom bound on the average 3 cysteinyl residues are available for binding.
Symbol manipulation languages

Publisher Summary Symbol manipulation is a branch of computing concerned with the manipulation of unpredictably structured data. Symbol manipulation languages vary in the generality of the lists upon which they operate. The development of such languages from IPL–V through LISP, L6, PL/l, SLIP, SNOBOL, COMIT, and EOL with comments on their relative capabilities, advantages, and disadvantages are presented. These languages may arise either through the embedding of symbol manipulation facilities in a general–purpose language or through the expansion of a symbol manipulation language to include general computation. L6 and EOL are low–level languages. Their simplicity contrasts with the complexity of the higher–level languages. The symbol manipulation must meet two requirements: (1) representation of lists and (2) language features, are also discussed. Pattern–matching is a recurrent theme in symbol manipulation languages. Symbol manipulation is a rapidly expanding branch of computing. It appears likely that symbol manipulation languages will stabilize as their use becomes more widespread, in much the same way as scientific and commercial languages have stabilized.
Resetting the circadian clock in cultured Xenopus eyecups: regulation of retinal melatonin rhythms by light and D2 dopamine receptors

A circadian oscillator is located within the eye of Xenopus laevis. This oscillator regulates retinal melatonin synthesis, stimulating it at night. The primary goal of the studies reported here was to define input pathways to this circadian oscillator as a step toward identification of circadian clock mechanisms. A flow-through superfusion culture system was developed to monitor circadian rhythms of melatonin release from individual eyecups. This system was used to determine the effects of light and dopaminergic agents on melatonin production and on the phase of the circadian oscillator. Six hour light pulses suppressed melatonin production and reset the phase of the free-running melatonin rhythm. Light pulses caused phase delays when applied during the early subjective night, phase advances when applied during the late subjective night, and no phase shift when applied during the subjective day. Dopamine receptor agonists mimicked light in suppressing melatonin release and resetting the phase of the circadian rhythm. The phase-response relationship for phase shifts induced by quinpirole, a D2 dopamine receptor agonist, was similar to that for phase shifts induced by light. Pharmacological analysis with selective catecholamine receptor agonists and antagonists indicated that there are pathways to the melatonin-generating system and the circadian oscillator that include D2 dopamine receptors. A D2 receptor antagonist, eticlopride, completely blocked the effects of dopamine on melatonin release and on circadian phase. However, eticlopride did not alter similar effects induced by light, indicating that dopamine-independent pathways exist for light input to these systems. The effects of light and quinpirole on melatonin release and circadian phase were not additive, indicating that the pathways converge. These pathways to the circadian oscillator in the retina present new avenues for pursuit of cellular circadian clock mechanisms.
Modulation of tRNA(iMet), eIF-2, and eIF-2B expression shows that GCN4 translation is inversely coupled to the level of eIF-2.GTP.Met-tRNA(iMet) ternary complexes.

To understand how phosphorylation of eukaryotic translation initiation factor (eIF)-2 alpha in Saccharomyces cerevisiae stimulates GCN4 mRNA translation while at the same time inhibiting general translation initiation, we examined the effects of altering the gene dosage of initiator tRNA(Met), eIF-2, and the guanine nucleotide exchange factor for eIF-2, eIF-2B. Overexpression of all three subunits of eIF-2 or all five subunits of eIF-2B suppressed the effects of eIF-2 alpha hyperphosphorylation on both GCN4-specific and general translation initiation. Consistent with eIF-2 functioning in translation as part of a ternary complex composed of eIF-2, GTP, and Met-tRNA(iMet), reduced gene dosage of initiator tRNA(Met) mimicked phosphorylation of eIF-2 alpha and stimulated GCN4 translation. In addition, overexpression of a combination of eIF-2 and tRNA(iMet) suppressed the growth-inhibitory effects of eIF-2 hyperphosphorylation more effectively than an increase in the level of either component of the ternary complex alone. These results provide in vivo evidence that phosphorylation of eIF-2 alpha reduces the activities of both eIF-2 and eIF-2B and that the eIF-2.GTP. Met-tRNA(iMet) ternary complex is the principal component limiting translation in cells when eIF-2 alpha is phosphorylated on serine 51. Analysis of eIF-2 alpha phosphorylation in the eIF-2-overexpressing strain also provides in vivo evidence that phosphorylated eIF-2 acts as a competitive inhibitor of eIF-2B rather than forming an excessively stable inactive complex. Finally, our results demonstrate that the concentration of eIF-2-GTP. Met-tRNA(iMet) ternary complexes is the cardinal parameter determining the site of reinitiation on GCN4 mRNA and support the idea that reinitiation at GCN4 is inversely related to the concentration of ternary complexes in the cell.
ABNORMAL LIVER FUNCTION IN SCRUB TYPHUS

Scrub typhus is one kind of rickettsial disease and may cause fever, cough, and skin rashes in infected humans. Regarding liver involvement, it was uncommon to be reported in previous medical literature from Western countries. This study observes the relationship between scrub typhus and liver function. From January 1998 to August 2003 in Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital in Taiwan, we observed 30 patients with scrub typhus, and 29 of them had liver function abnormality. In these patients, we found 89.3% with elevated aspartate aminotransferase (AST) levels, 91.7% with elevated alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels, 84.2% with elevated alkaline phosphatase (ALP) levels, and 38.5% with elevated total bilirubin levels. In our study, there is a close relationship between scrub typhus and impaired liver function tests. Therefore, if patients are found with fever of unknown origin and abnormal liver function, we should take scrub typhus into consideration.
Ku/Ka bands precipitation radar antenna: half-scale offset cylindrical reflector model [spaceborne]

Precipitation radar provides new and exciting data on 3D rain structures, for a variety of scientific uses. The second generation spaceborne precipitation radar is a proposed profiling radar that will enhance the capabilities aboard the TRMM satellite. The proposed radar system antenna is a 5.3 m offset parabolic cylindrical reflector antenna which has dual frequency operation at 13.6 GHz and 35 GHz. In order to demonstrate the technological readiness of the concept, this paper focusses on a half-scale model of 2.65 m operating at Ku and Ka bands, with an evaluation of the antenna feed and reflector antenna system.
Overworked in America

Purpose – Though a number of demographics (e.g. sex, age) have been associated with work overload, scholars have yet to consider the potential impact of immigrant status. This is important because immigrants constitute a significant proportion of the workforce, and evidence suggests many employers believe they are easier to exploit. This paper aims to examine work hours, interpersonal justice, and immigrant status as predictors of work overload.Design/methodology/approach – The hypotheses were tested using a large, national random telephone survey of employees in the United States (n=2,757).Findings – As expected, employees who worked more hours tended to perceive more work overload. Importantly, however, this effect interacted with interpersonal justice differently for immigrant and native‐born employees. Justice attenuated the effect of work hours for the former but seemed to exacerbate it somewhat for the latter. Of note, the interactive effect was more than five times larger for immigrants than for na...
Activity and expression of the vanilloid receptor 1 (TRPV1) is altered by long-term diabetes in epineurial arterioles of the rat sciatic nerve

Background Epineurial arterioles of the sciatic nerve are innervated by sensory nerves containing calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP). We postulated that treating these resistance vessels with capsaicin would cause the release of endogenous CGRP and vascular relaxation. Methods Videomicroscopy was used to examine the effect of capsaicin and neuropeptides on vascular reactivity of epineurial arterioles from control and streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. Using immunohistochemistry, we examined expression of neuropeptide Y (NPY) and vanilloid receptor 1 in epineurial arterioles. Results Instead of relaxation, capsaicin was found to cause a concentration-dependent vasoconstriction in epineurial arterioles. The effect of capsaicin was transient, refractory, blocked by capsazepine and duplicated by resiniferatoxin. When examining potential candidates for the mediation of capsaicin-induced constriction, we found that vasopressin (VP), NPY, serotonin (5HT) and endothelin (ET), but not neurokinin A or substance P, caused a concentration-dependent vasoconstriction of epineurial arterioles. Epineurial arterioles express NPY and receptor antagonists to NPY significantly decreased capsaicin-induced vasoconstriction. In long-term diabetic rats, vasoconstriction to capsaicin was significantly attenuated. However, long-term diabetes did not impair vasoconstriction of epineurial arterioles to exogenous VP, NPY, 5HT or ET. Examining the expression of vanilloid receptor 1 in epineurial arterioles from control and long-term diabetic rats, we found that immunoreactivity for vanilloid receptor 1 was decreased by diabetes. Conclusions These studies suggest that long-term diabetes causes vascular dysfunction in epineurial arterioles of the sciatic nerve that includes a decrease in capsaicin-induced vasoconstriction that is likely due to a decrease in the expression of vanilloid receptor 1. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Maize leaf and kernel starch synthases and starch branching enzymes

Abstract Soluble starch synthases and branching enzymes were partially purified from developing leaves and kernels of maize using DEAE-cellulose chromatography. One form of starch synthase and two forms of branching enzyme were detected in leaves as compared to two forms of starch synthase and three forms of branching enzyme isolated from the kernels. The starch synthase fraction from the leaves and the first starch synthase fraction from the kernels showed greater activity in reactions containing various glycogens as primers than in those containing amylopectin. In addition, both were capable of synthesizing a polyglucan in the absence of an added primer but in the presence of sodium citrate and bovine serum albumin (citrate-stimulated starch synthesis). The second starch synthase fraction from kernels showed greater activity with amylopectin as primer and had no citrate-stimulated activity. We suggest that the leaf enzyme and endosperm starch synthase I are the same enzyme and that it is ‘constitutively’ expressed. Branching enzymes from leaves and kernels differed not only in their elution profiles but also their stimulation of phosphorylase a (assay A) and amylose branching (assay B) activities. A minor branching enzyme fraction from leaves (leaf branching enzyme I) eluted from the DEAE-cellulose column after the addition of a salt gradient, whereas branching enzyme I from kernels eluted in the buffer wash prior to the application of the gradient. However, the ratios of assay A to assay B suggested that branching enzyme I from leaves was catalytically similar to branching enzyme I from the kernels. The major leaf branching enzyme (branching enzyme II) eluted at the same position from the DEAE-cellulose column as endosperm branching enzyme IIa. These enzymes had similar ratios of activity (Assay A/Assay B). The cross reaction of leaf branching enzymes with antisera prepared against maize endosperm branching enzymes in immunodiffusion experiments and enzyme activity neutralization experiments further demonstrated the relationship of the leaf and endosperm branching enzymes.
Prediction of Heat Transfer Behavior of Carbide Inserts With Embedded Heat Pipes for Dry Machining

The temperature of a tool plays an important role in thermal distortion and the machined part’s dimensional accuracy, as well as in tool life in machining. The most significant factors in tool wear are temperature and the degree of chemical affinity between the tool and the workpiece. This research focuses on developing a clear understanding of the temperature distribution with cutting tool inserts embedded with heat pipes to eliminate the use of cutting fluids and reduce tool wealr in machining. A novel approach using the finite element analysis was developed to simulate the thermal behavior of a carbide cutting tool in three-dimensional dry machining. The carbide tools possess high material strengths at room temperature, but they cannot retain useful hardness at temperatures above 900°C (1700°F). Therefore, the reduction of tool wear typically requires maintaining the temperature of cutting tool inserts below some critical values. The particular temperature distribution depends on density, specific heat, thermal conductivity, shape and contact of the tool and heat pipe. Finite Element Analysis (FEA) shows that the temperature drops greatly at the tool-chip interface and that the heat flow to the tool is effectively removed when a heat pipe is embedded.Copyright © 2002 by ASME
Control law development for a close-coupled canard, relaxed static stability fighter

The performance benefits to be gained from relaxed static stability (RSS) are illustrated for M = 0.9 and M = 2.0 flight conditions. The longitudinal, directional, and lateral control system structure is developed. The effect of static margin, bandwidth, and canard-wing interaction on canard rate requirements is analyzed. Control and maneuver limiter functions are developed and implemented about all three axes; simulation results strikingly demonstrate the concomitant improvement in energy management and improved resistance to departure and spin.
Multi-scale edge detection with local noise estimate

The (unrealistic) assumption that noise can be modeled as independent, additive and uniform can lead to problems when edge detection methods are applied to real or natural images. The main reason for this is because filter scale and threshold for the gradient are difficult to determine at a regional or local scale when the noise estimate is on a global scale. A filter with one global scale might under-smooth areas of high noise, but over-smooth less noisy area. Similarly, a static, global threshold may not be appropriate for the entire image because different regions have different degrees of detail. Thus, some methods use more than one filter for detecting edges and discard the thresholding method in edge discrimination. Multi-scale description of the image mimics the receptive fields of neurons in the early visual cortex of animals. At the small scale, details can be reliably detected. At the larger scale, the contours or the frame get more attention. So, the image features can be fully represented by combining a range of scales. The proposed multi-scale edge detection algorithm utilizes this hierarchical organization to detect and localize edges. Furthermore, instead of using one default global threshold, local dynamic threshold is introduced to discriminate edge or non-edge. Based on a critical value function, the local dynamic threshold for each scale is determined using a novel local noise estimation (LNE) method. Additionally, the proposed algorithm performs connectivity analysis on edge map to ensure that small, disconnected edges are removed. Experiments where this method is applied to a sequence of images of the same scene but with different signal-noise-ratio (SNR), show the method to be robust to noise.
Factors that influence adolescent reports of counseling by physicians on risky behavior

Abstract Purpose To determine factors that affect whether low-income adolescents report that their doctor talked with them about risky behavior. Methods Random digit-dial survey of low-income adolescents in New York City asking about depression, smoking, alcohol use, and sexual activity and the screening and counseling they received on these risk factors and risks during health visits. Results Prevalence of counseling by physicians was low, according to adolescent reports, ranging from 17% of adolescents counseled about depression to 52% about sexually transmitted diseases. Older adolescents were more likely than younger to receive counseling about all topics. In bivariate and multivariate models, having the risk factor was strongly associated with physicians counseling for depression (adjusted [adj.] OR=4.42; p p p Conclusions Adolescents are not receiving sufficient counseling about risks and risky behavior, according to their own reports. There is need to improve delivery of counseling and ensure that private and confidential visits are provided to youth.
Rank invariant tests with left truncated and interval censored data

Peto and Peto (1972) have studied rank invariant tests to compare two survival curves for right censored data. We apply their tests, including the logrank test and the generalized Wilcoxon test, to left truncated and interval censored data. The significance levels of the tests are approximated by Monte Carlo permutation tests. Simulation studies are conducted to show their size and power under different distributional differences. In particular, the logrank test works well under the Cox proportional hazards alternatives, as for the usual right censored data. The methods are illustrated by the analysis of the Massachusetts Health Care Panel Study dataset.
Pharmacokinetics of rose bengal in the rat, rabbit, dog and guinea pig.

Abstract Rose bengal is a dye that is not biotransformed before excretion into the bile and can be used as a measure of hepatic excretory function. Rose bengal disappeared from the blood with time in a biexponential manner. Blood disappearance curves of rose bengal after doses between 0.01 and 10 mg/kg in the rat were almost identical, having an initial biological half-life of 2 min and a terminal half-life of 100 min. With higher doses, rose bengal disappeared from the blood at a much slower rate, apparently due to saturation of hepatic excretory processes. Rose bengal was excreted into bile by a mechanism that is consistent with a first-order process which exhibits a biological half-life of about 30 min unless a high dose that saturated the process was given. Since the terminal half-life of the plasma disappearance is much different than the biliary excretory half-life, the two compartment model cannot be used to quantitate hepatic uptake and biliary excretion of rose bengal. Species variation in the biliary excretion of rose bengal was observed. The biological half-life for excretion of rose bengal into the bile of rats and rabbits was similar (30 min), that of the guinea pig shorter (17 min), and that of the dog longer (46 min). Rose bengal clearance was slower in the bile duct-ligated rat, the rat with two-thirds of its liver removed, and in newborn rats, conditions which are known to alter hepatic excretory function. The blood concentration of rose bengal was higher in the two-thirds hepatectomized rats only during the first 30 min after administration and not at later times; thus, if rose bengal is used as a measure of hepatic function and if only one blood sample is taken, the time interval chosen is critical.
A comparison of the forecasting performance of WEFA and ARIMA time series methods

Abstract This paper examines the forecasting performance of the Wharton model (MARK III) over the period 1973 through 1975 and compares it with that of ARIMA models' performance over the same period. Despite strong intimation in the literature to the contrary, we find that this econometric model, at least, exhibits greater accuracy in every respect relative to ARIMA methods, in terms of its forecasts cum constant adjustments. When constant adjustments are disallowed then its forecasts are still more accurate than ARIMA forecasts over a 4- and 8-quarter forecasting horizon, but less accurate over a 1-quarter horizon. The comparison was carried out over twenty three macrovariables, under a slight handicap for the Wharton Model, in that the latter's parameters were estimated over a sample ending in 1969.3 while the ARIMA models were reidentified and reestimated as of the quarter immediately preceding the forecast.
Circulating Practices: Migration and Translocal Development in Washington D.C. and Cochabamba, Bolivia

Migrant remittances are increasingly seen as a potential form of development in the global South, but the impact of international migration on sending regions is far from straightforward. In this article, I analyze migrant communities of origin in rural Bolivia as dynamic places that are constantly reproduced through connections with other places. I document the movement of migrant practices between Washington D.C. and Cochabamba and the influence of monetary and non-monetary flows on Bolivian cultural practices, politics, and development. I demonstrate how hometown associations and returning migrants have transferred organizational practices and political ideas about development from the United States to rural Bolivia. In addition, I explore migration’s role in struggles over belonging in Cochabamba, focusing on the efforts by migrants in Washington D.C. to stake their claim through transnational houses and collective remittance projects and on recent internal migration from other regions in Bolivia. Finally, I assess the sustainability of migrant-led development in Cochabamba. Although collaboration with migrants can strengthen the local state by providing more resources, it conditions the type of development that can take place and has yet to provide adequate opportunities for returning migrants or young people in rural Bolivia.
The Responsible Reporting of Suicide in Print Journalism

Prominently placed press reports of suicide have the ability to produce imitation among vulnerable individuals. This led to the release of consensus recommendations supporting the responsible news reporting of suicide in August 2001. This article summarizes research supporting the recommendations and indicates ways that reporters can cover suicide without encouraging imitation. Content analysis of the New York Times for 1990, 1995, and 1999 indicates that although the suicide rate did not increase during this period, the prominence of suicide reporting did. In addition, articles did not focus on treatable preexisting conditions (e.g., depression) that play a role in up to 90% of self-inflicted death. Interviews with 57 journalists indicated that they were unaware that their reporting could produce suicide imitation. Health professionals can aid journalists by underscoring the effectiveness of treatments for depression and encouraging reporters to include sources of help for the suicidal.
The physical mechanism for the production of hydrophilic polymer microparticles from aqueous suspensions

A previously reported method of producing spherical, hydrophilic microparticles by aqueous suspension polymerization is experimentally investigated. The phase separation is the result of a salting-out phenomenon. Characteristics of the salting-out effect between the monomer and suspending phase of aqueous NaCl solution are studied. The size and shape of the produced particles are characterized. It is concluded that the mechanism of polymerization is actually a combination of suspension and solution polymerization, and that the water content in the monomer phase is low enough to produce structurally homogeneous particles.
RNA-binding proteins and post-transcriptional gene regulation

RNAs in cells are associated with RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) to form ribonucleoprotein (RNP) complexes. The RBPs influence the structure and interactions of the RNAs and play critical roles in their biogenesis, stability, function, transport and cellular localization. Eukaryotic cells encode a large number of RBPs (thousands in vertebrates), each of which has unique RNA-binding activity and protein–protein interaction characteristics. The remarkable diversity of RBPs, which appears to have increased during evolution in parallel to the increase in the number of introns, allows eukaryotic cells to utilize them in an enormous array of combinations giving rise to a unique RNP for each RNA. In this short review, we focus on the RBPs that interact with pre-mRNAs and mRNAs and discuss their roles in the regulation of post-transcriptional gene expression.
Cryo-electron microscopy of GDP-tubulin rings.

Rings of guanosine diphosphate (GDP)-tubulin formed in the presence of divalent cations have been studied using conventional negative stain and cryo-electron microscopy. The structure of such rings resembles that of depolymerizing microtubule ends and corresponds to an “unconstrained” conformation of tubulin in its GDP state. The use of cryo-techniques has allowed us to image the ring polymers free from dehydration and flattening artifacts. Preparations of frozenhydrated GDP-tubulin rings are generally heterogeneous and contain a mixture of double, triple, and incomplete rings, as well as spirals and some rare single rings. Images of different polymer types can be identified and classified into groups that are then amenable for averaging and single particle reconstruction methods. Identifying the differences in tubulin structure, between straight and curve protofilaments, will be important to understand the molecular bases of dynamic instability in microtubules.
Potent inhibition of inducible nitric oxide synthase by geldanamycin, a tyrosine kinase inhibitor, in endothelial, smooth muscle cells, and in rat aorta.

Abstract We have examined whether specific protein tyrosine kinase (PTK) inhibitors (genistein, tyrphostin, or geldanamycin) prevent nitric oxide (NO⋅) production in rat smooth muscle cells (SMC), in murine brain endothelial cells (MBE), and in isolated rat aortas treated with endotoxin (LPS) and/or cytokines. Tyrphostin failed to inhibit either the release of nitrite in both endothelial and smooth muscle cells or vascular hyporeactivity in rat aorta, caused by immunostimulants. Genistein decreased nitrite production in MBE only at high concentration but had no effect on nitrite production in SMC and on the hypocontractility in aortic rings. In contrast, low concentrations of geldanamycin abolished the release of nitrite in MBE and in SMC treated with endotoxin and/or cytokines. Geldanamycin inhibited also the hypocontractility to phenylephrine in aortic rings treated with LPS or interleukin-1. This inhibitor failed to inhibit the release of nitrite and the vascular hyporeactivity once nitric oxide synthase (NOS) was induced by immunostimulants whereas methyl- l -arginine, an inhibitor of NOS, had significant effects. These data suggest that LPS- and cytokines-induced NO⋅ production initiate a common signaling pathway involving a PTK that is inhibited by geldanamycin but not or slightly by tyrphostin or genistein at a point that precedes the induction of NOS. ©1997 Federation of European Biochemical Societies.
Spectroscopic investigation of the photochemistry of uranyl-doped sol-gel glasses immersed in ethanol

Uranyl ion (UO{sub 2}{sup 2+}) has been doped in silica glasses through a sol-gel process. The photochemistry of UO{sub 2}{sup 2+}-doped glasses immersed in ethanol solution has been investigated. Our experimental results indicate that UO{sub 2}{sup 2+} in this system can be photochemically converted to U(IV) species, and evidence is provided for the possible formation of U(IV) species via a subsequent chemical reduction of the intermediate UO{sub 2}{sup +} instead of the conventional bimolecular disproportionation reaction. The latter mechanism is known to be a dominant mechanism for the photochemical reactions in homogeneous solutions.
Effect of Hoe 140, a new bradykinin receptor antagonist, on bradykinin- and platelet-activating factor-induced bronchoconstriction and airway microvascular leakage in guinea pig.

We have investigated the effect of a new bradykinin receptor antagonist, Hoe 140 (D-Arg-[Hyp3,Thi5,D-Tic7,Oic8]-bradykinin), on bradykinin- and platelet-activating factor (PAF)-induced bronchoconstriction and airway microvascular leakage in anesthetized guinea pigs. Extravasation of Evans blue dye and lung resistance were measured simultaneously. Both i.v. (15 nmol/kg) and inhaled bradykinin (1 mM, 45 breaths) caused a significant increase in lung resistance and leakage of dye at all airway levels. Hoe 140 (100 nmol/kg i.v.) almost completely inhibited these airway responses induced by bradykinin except for dye extravasation in trachea induced by inhaled bradykinin. Inhaled PAF (3 mM, 30 breaths) significantly increased lung resistance and leakage of due at all airway levels, but Hoe 140 had no effect on these responses. Bradykinin-induced bronchoconstriction and airway microvascular leakage are predominantly mediated by activation of B2 receptor, since Hoe 140 is a B2 receptor antagonist. Bradykinin receptor-mediated mechanisms do not play an important role on inhaled PAF-induced bronchoconstriction and microvascular leakage.
Rebalancing Equity Allocations

Developed here are specific strategies for rebalancing value in all-equity portfolios. The formalized rebalancing rules are classified according to the constant-proportion, buy-and-hold, and inverse-proportion strategies. Empirical analysis of model portfolios that implement these rebalancing rules illustrates the general characteristics of each approach and demonstrates how each rule would have performed in recent years. Practitioners can better understand the implications of a chosen style and how it might perform under various market conditions.
Effects of intrauterine administration of acetazolamide in rats

A technique was utilized for intrauterine deposition of acetazolamide, to study the locus of action resulting in malformations in fetal rats. A 30-gauge needle, attached to a Hamilton microliter syringe, was inserted through the uterine wall, and acetazolamide was deposited in three different regions. Deposition in the yolk sac and/or decidua capsularis produced typical forelimb deficiency in 7/46 surviving fetuses, while injection into the exocoelom produced 2/9 typically deformed fetuses. In contrast, deposition of acetazolamide into the decidua basalis and/or chorioallantoic placenta produced only 1/46 typically deformed fetus, suggesting that the chorioallantoic placenta is not the locus of acetazolamide action. The small amount of teratogen needed to produce the typical deformity when injected in the yolk sac or exocoelom, plus the total lack of deformed fetuses from control and noninjected implantation sites, eliminated disturbance of maternal metabolism as a causative factor in acetazolamide teratogenesis.
Analysis of local orientation gradients in deformed single crystals

Grain fragmentation and local orientation gradients in deformed single crystals are characterized using electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD) to obtain statistically reliable information. Interrogation of the dislocation substructure is accomplished by extracting information gleaned from small point-to-point misorientations as measured by EBSD. Along with an estimate of the geometrically necessary dislocation (GND) content, the point-to-point deviation from an average grain orientation is described by an orientation difference vector defined in Rodrigues space. Mapping of parameters such as GND, and divergence and gradient fields created from analysis of the difference vectors provide an alternative approach to obtain quantitative information and images from EBSD data.
Oxidation of Simple Alcohols in Supercritical Water III. Formation of Intermediates from Ethanol

Raman spectroscopy is used as an in situ diagnostic to measure the oxidation of ethanol by oxygen in supercritical water. An elementary reaction mechanism based on the work of Marinov is shown to predict accurately many of the experimental observations. Experimental measurements are reported at 24.5 MPa over a temperature range of 410−470 °C in supercritical water with reaction times ranging from 0.5 to 3.0 s. Concentrations of ethanol, acetaldehyde, formaldehyde, methanol, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, and hydrogen peroxide are measured as functions of time and temperature. The data show that the formaldehyde is the primary stable organic intermediate. An elementary reaction mechanism, modified for supercritical water conditions and supplemented with key methylperoxyl reactions, is used to interpret the observations. The experimental data are consistent with the purely radical chain oxidation process represented by this mechanism. Analysis of the mechanism identifies the primary oxidation pathway proc...
Infinite dimensional stochastic differential equation models for spatially distributed neurons.

The membrane potential of spatially distributed neurons is modeled as a random field driven by a generalized Poisson process. Approximation to an Ornstein-Uhlenbeck type process is established in the sense of weak convergence of the induced measures in Skorokhod space.
Anticoagulation in patients with acute ischemic stroke and atrial fibrillation--a balance of risks and benefits.

Objectives We reviewed the current literature regarding anticoagulation in patients presenting with acute ischemic stroke and atrial fibrillation.
Degradation of Islet Amyloid Polypeptide by Neprilysin

Aims/hypothesis A progressive loss of pancreatic beta cell function, a decrease in beta cell mass and accumulation of islet amyloid is characteristic of type 2 diabetes mellitus. The main constituent of islet amyloid is islet amyloid polypeptide (IAPP). In this study, we examined the ability of the peptidase neprilysin to cleave IAPP and prevent human IAPP-induced pancreatic beta cell toxicity.
Laser cooling of gases by reradiation at higher frequency transitions

Abstract A method is proposed to cool gases on a steady state basis by laser pumping followed by reradiation at separate transitions with higher frequencies. Numerical estimates of the magnitude of the effect are presented.
A Voice in the Nation: Women Journalists in the Early Nineteenth‐Century South

Recent work on southern women and intellectual life in the nineteenth‐century South has focused on women novelists. Relatively little scholarly attention has been paid to literary periodicals as important vehicles through which women earned financial reward and often regional or national reputations as authors and editors. Perhaps most significantly, southern women viewed periodicals as opportunities to speak out boldly on politics and current events, much more so than in the novel. The wide availability after 1820 of magazines and newspapers, made possible by their low cost and portability, provided the perfect forum for women who wished to push against traditional gender boundaries. In examining southern women’s contributions to early nineteenth‐century periodical culture, one sees a vital part of the foundation being laid for later movements for women’s suffrage.
Microstructural evolution and mechanical properties of a forged gamma titanium aluminide alloy

Abstract A two-phase gamma titanium aluminide alloy, Ti-47Al-1Cr-1V-2.5Nb (in at.%), was studied under forged and various subsequent heat treatment conditions, to investigate the microstructural evolution and the effect of microstructure on room temperature (RT) tensile properties and fracture toughness behavior. Four classes of microstructure and three types of lamellar formation were identified, and their formation mechanisms were analyzed using various analytical techniques including metallography, electron optics, differential thermal analysis (DTA), and crystallography. It was found that both tensile and toughness behavior were profoundly affected by the microstructural variations.
Ultrastructural localization of adenosine A2A receptors suggests multiple cellular sites for modulation of GABAergic neurons in rat striatum.

Activation of adenosine A2A receptors (A2AR) has been shown to antagonize the function of D2 dopaminergic regulation of striatal gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA)-ergic output and, thus, locomotor activity. Adenosine A2A receptor immunoreactivity (A2A-LI) has been localized to rat striatum by light microscopy by using a previously characterized human A2AR monoclonal antibody. In this study, we evaluated the localization of A2A-LI and its colocalization with GABA immunoreactivity (GABA-LI) in dorsolateral rat striatum by immunoelectron microscopy to further characterize the potential mechanism of purinergic control of striatal output. Ultrastructural analysis demonstrated A2A-LI associated with the plasma membrane and cytoplasmic membranous structures of striatal neurons. A2A-LI was prevalent in dendrites and dendritic spines ( approximately 70% of total A2A-profiles counted) and less prevalent in axons and axon terminals (23%), soma (3%), and glia (3%). Cellular elements exhibiting both A2A-LI and GABA-LI comprised 23% of the total profiles counted; colabeling was most common in dendrites. A2A-LI was observed primarily at asymmetric synapses (n = 70) (both pre- and postsynaptically but predominantly in the postsynaptic element) and less frequently at symmetric synapses (n = 17). Of the 714 A2A-immunoreactive profiles examined, 37% were apposed to GABA-labeled profiles. The most common appositions were A2A-labeled dendrites apposed to GABA-immunoreactive dendrites (n = 132), axon terminals (n = 28), and somata (n = 22) and A2A-labeled axons apposed to GABA-labeled dendrites (n = 58), axon terminals (n = 14), and somata (n = 9). Our findings suggest that adenosine may play an important role in modulating excitatory input to striatal neurons and that A2AR may modulate GABAergic signaling at several cellular sites within the rat striatum.
Effects of Tilting Disk Heart Valve Gap Width on Regurgitant Flow Through an Artificial Heart Mitral Valve

: While many investigators have measured the turbulent stresses associated with forward flow through tilting disk heart valves, only recently has attention been given to the regurgitant jets formed as fluid is squeezed through the gap between the occluder and housing of a closed valve. The objective of this investigation was to determine the effect of gap width on the turbulent stresses of the regurgitant jets through a Bjork-Shiley monostrut tilting disk heart valve seated in the mitral position of a Penn State artificial heart. A 2 component laser-Doppler velocimetry system with a temporal resolution of 1 ms was used to measure the instantaneous velocities in the regurgitant jets in the major and minor orifices around the mitral valve. The gap width was controlled through temperature variation by taking advantage of the large difference between the thermal expansion coefficients of the Delrin occluder and the Stellite housing of Bjork-Shiley monostrut valves. The turbulent shear stress and mean (ensemble averaged) velocity were incorporated into a model of red blood cell damage to assess the potential for hemo-lytic damage at each gap width investigated. The results revealed that the minor orifice tends to form stronger jets during regurgitant flow than the major orifice, indicating that the gap width is not uniform around the circumference of the valve. Based on the results of a red blood cell damage model, the hemolytic potential of the mitral valve decreases as the gap width increases. This investigation also established that the hemolytic potential of the regurgitant phase of valve operation is comparable to, if not greater than, the hemolytic potential of forward flow, consistent with experimental data on hemolysis.
The use of echocardiography in Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome.

Endocardial mapping and radiofrequency catheter ablation are well established modalities for the diagnosis and treatment of patients with Wolff–Parkinson–White (WPW) syndrome associated with tachyarrhythmias. However, the electrophysiologic techniques are invasive, require radiation exposure, and lack spatial resolution of cardiac structures. A variety of echocardiographic techniques have been investigated as a non-invasive alternative for accessory pathway localization. Conventional M-mode echocardiography can detect the fine premature wall motion abnormalities associated with WPW syndrome. However, it is unable to identify the exact site of accessory pathway with sufficient accuracy. 2D, 2D-guided M-mode, and 2D phase analysis techniques are limited by image quality and endocardial border definition. Various modalities of tissue Doppler echocardiography significantly increase the accuracy of left-sided accessory pathway localization to 80–90% even in patients with poor acoustic window. However, right-sided pathways remain a diagnostic challenge. Strain echocardiography by speckle tracking has recently been evaluated and appears promising. Different cardiac abnormalities have been detected by echocardiography in WPW patients. Patients with WPW syndrome and tachyarrhythmias have impaired systolic and diastolic function which improves after radiofrequency ablation. Echocardiography is useful in identifying patient with accessory pathway-associated left ventricular dyssynchrony and dysfunction who may benefit from ablation therapy. Transesophageal and intracardiac echocardiography have been used to guide ablation procedure. Ablation-related complications detected by routine echocardiography are infrequent, rarely clinically relevant, and of limited value.
Effect of sodium glycocholate and polyoxyethylene-9-lauryl ether on the hydrolysis of varying concentrations of insulin in the nasal homogenates of the albino rabbit

Abstract Protease inhibition has been postulated to be one of the several mechanisms by which penetration enhancers promote the mucosal absorption of peptide and protein drugs. The objective of this study was to determine whether protease inhibition by Na glycocholate and polyoxythylene-9-lauryl ether, two extensively studied enhancers, led to suppression of insulin proteolysis over a range of insulin concentrations. To this end, the rate of insulin proteolysis in nasal tissue supernatants of the albino rabbit was determined in the presence of 0.1–2% Na glycocholate and polyoxythylene-9-lauryl ether and at insulin concentrations ranging from 5 to 100 μM. Partly due to self-association, insulin was self-stabilizing against nasal proteolysis as its concentration was raised from 5 to 100 μM. At insulin concentrations lower than 50 μM, both Na glycocholate and polyoxythylene-9-lauryl ether reduced the rate of insulin proteolysis. By contrast, at 100 μM insulin concentration, both enhancers accelerated insulin proteolysis. Such an effect was attributed oo the deaggregation of insulin by the enhancers, increasing the proportion of monomers available for nasal proteolysis. The incorporation of 0.1 mM PCMPS, a potent inhibitor of insulin proteolysis, partly overcame the accelerating effect of Na glycocholate on insulin proteolysis.
Quantum pulse compression laser radar

High time-bandwidth product waveforms have long been used in radar systems to achieve high-resolution ranging at high signal-to-noise ratio under a peak power constraint on the radar transmitter. We consider a laser radar system in which a series of N-photon entangled-state pulses are prepared with only one photon from each pulse being used to interrogate the target while the others are detected within the radar itself. This send-one-detectall protocol (SODAP) achieves high time-bandwidth product pulse compression in a cryptographic quantum manner, i.e., the entanglement precludes any passive receiver from performing pulse compression on the target return.
The usefulness of clinical measures of psychologic factors in patients with spinal pain.

Abstract Objective The purposes of this study were to investigate whether a screening procedure could capture important psychologic factors with minimum burden to the patient and to investigate whether correlations exist among the various psychologic factors. Methods A screening procedure consisting of the 11-item Tampa Scale for Kinesiophobia, a 2-question coping strategies screen, and the depression and anxiety subscales of the Bournemouth Disability Questionnaire was provided to consecutive patients with neck pain (NP) or low back pain (LBP) as part of the usual initial assessment process at a busy spine center, which includes chiropractic and physical therapy. Correlations and associations between these variables were determined. Results Data were collected on 95 patients with NP and 260 patients with LBP. Statistically significant correlations and associations were found between all measures in both cohorts with the exception of depression and coping in patients with NP. Statistically significant associations were found among all measures in both cohorts with the exception of depression and coping and coping and fear in patients with NP. Conclusion This study showed that a screening procedure may provide useful clinical information regarding psychologic factors that are of potential relevance in patients with NP and LBP.