cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Influence of age on cyclosporin A-induced alterations in bone mineral metabolism in the rat in vivo

Cyclosporin A (CsA) administered to actively growing young rats produces a high-turnover osteopenia. We investigated and compared the effect of CsA on the bone mineral metabolism in young rats with that of older rats, which have a lower rate of bone turnover. A group of 24 young (9 weeks) and 24 older (9 months) male Sprague-Dawley rats were orally administered 15 mg/kg of CsA or placebo daily for 24 days. Rats were weighed and serum assayed serially for bone gla protein (BGP), parathyroid hormone, ionized calcium, blood urea nitrogen, creatinine, and 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D [1,25-(OH)2D]. After sacrifice, histomorphometric analysis was performed on undecalcified proximal tibial metaphysis with double-fluorescent labeling. Serum BGP levels were significantly elevated in both young and older rats administered CsA, and 1,25-(OH)2D levels were significantly elevated in CsA-treated young rats more than in older rats. Body weight was significantly reduced in CsA-treated older rats. There were mild but significant alterations in renal function in both groups receiving CsA. In the most comprehensive examination to date of the effects of CsA on bone histomorphometry, both young (-44%) and older rats (-20%) lost significant amounts of trabecular bone compared to their respective controls. Bone loss in young rats was mainly due to a reduced number of trabeculae; older rats lost mainly trabecular thickness. Microanatomic nodal studies were consistent with these results. These data demonstrate that although cancellous bone loss induced by CsA is more marked in young rats, older rats with slower bone turnover are also at risk.
Analytic sensitivities for shape optimization in equivalent plate structural wing models

Equivalent plate modeling techniques based on Ritz analysis with simple polynomials prove to be efficient tools for structural modeling of wings in the preliminary design stage. Accuracy problems are encountered, however, when these models are used to obtain finite difference behavior sensitivities with respect to planform shape. The accuracy problems are associated with the poor numerical conditioning of static and eigenvalue equations. As higher-order polynomials are being used to Improve the analysis itself, the more sensitive is the finite difference derivative to the step size used. This article describes a formulation of wing equivalent plate modeling in which it is simple to obtain analytic, explicit expressions for stiffness and mass matrix elements without the need to perform numerical integration. This formulation leads naturally to analytic expressions for the derivatives of displacements, stresses, and natural frequencies with respect to shape design variables. This article examines the accuracy of finite difference derivatives compared with the analytic derivatives, and shows that In some cases it is impossible to obtain any information of value by finite differences. Analytic sensitivities, in this case, are still sufficiently accurate for design optimization.
In Vitro Site-Specific Incorporation of Fluorescent Probes into β-Galactosidase

Fluorescence spectroscopy is a powerful biophysical technique for studying protein structure, function, dynamics, and intermolecular interactions. Such studies are often conducted using intrinsic probes, such as tryptophan residues, or extrinsic probes introduced by post-translational modification, such as dansyl. Specificity, however, is often a concern since many proteins contain more than one tryptophan and chemical modification often will occur at more than one site. Herein we report the in vitro, site-specific incorporation of three fluorescent amino acid analogues, 5-hydroxytryptophan, 7-azatryptophan, and e-dansyllysine, each of which was incorporated into β-galactosidase at a single designated site.
Relationship of Corn Earworm (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) Pheromone Catch and Silking to Infestation Levels in Oregon Sweet Corn

Corn earworm, Helicoverpa zea (Boddie), male catch in pheromone traps was monitored in western Oregon processing sweet corn, Zea mays L., fields during 1986-1990. Peaks in catches of males and degree-day calculations indicate only two generations per year. Using nominal values for the crop, treatment costs, and estimated loss of $16.63/ha per 10% infestation, an economic injury level was estimated at 27.4% infested ears. Correlation and regression were used to identify variables for predicting percentage ears infested on a per-field basis in 55 untreated fields in 1986-1989. A linear regression of date of 5% silk and moth catch from first tassel to 5% silk explained 63% of variation in infestations. Additionally, a variable accounting for a change in pheromone trap and lure type and two indicator variables accounting for relatively earlier beginning and higher increases of infestations for 1988 improved the model significantly (adjusted R2 = 0.73). Because July moth counts were higher in 1988 than in other years, the model was formulated so the indicator variables are used when moth captures are > 1.5 per trap per night during the month of July. A validation using 30 fields monitored in 1990 showed good correlation with model predictions (R2 = 0.69, P 5%, the model overpredicfed damage by a mean of $5.63/ha in seven fields and underpredicted damage by a mean of $5.86/ha in two fields. Overall, the model tended to overpredict damage in 1990, which had very light infestations.
Effect of schema size on fragmentation design in multi-relational databases

Abstract Vertical fragmentation in database design is aimed at improving database performance. In shared databases, referential integral constraints are maintained to ensure the consistency of database. The database fragment design differences and operating cost differences between large and small databases, in which differential levels of integral constraints exist, are presented. Experiments are conducted with database schema size ranging from 4 to 20 relations with six transaction environments and four fragment design methods. A total of 150 database design problems were solved. Statistically significant optimum design differences between small and large databases were observed. It is shown that the MRGB design is recommended in small and large database fragmentations. The other designs recommended are: unfragmented design in larger databases, trivially fragmented design in smaller databases and Hammer and Niamir's design in large databases with low updates and in smaller databases with medium updates.
Predictors of outcome after anterior temporal lobectomy: positron emission tomography.

We assessed the relationship between temporal lobe metabolism measured quantitatively and qualitatively with PET using [ 18 F]-fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) and postoperative seizure frequency after anterior temporal lobectomy. Forty-three patients with refractory partial epilepsy had anterior temporal lobectomy and preoperative assessment with PET-FDG. Qualitative PET analysis was performed visually by two blinded observers, and quantitative PET analysis was performed using an anatomic template for six control and six temporal lobe subregions, deriving an asymmetry index for each region. Seizure outcome was assessed 1 year after surgery; patients were classified as being seizure-free or as having persistent seizures. Qualitative data were analyzed using Fisher9s exact test and the t test, and quantitative data were analyzed using a repeated-measures ANOVA. Thirty-two patients (74%) were seizure-free at follow-up, and 11 had persistent seizures, although most improved. Twenty-nine of 35 patients (83%) with restricted temporal lobe hypometabolism by visual analysis were seizure-free, compared with three of eight patients (37.5%) with normal scans or multilobar hypometabolism. Quantitative analysis revealed that an asymmetry of mesial temporal lobe glucose consumption (uncal region) correlated with improved surgical outcome ( p
Changes in the Morphology of the Ventral Nerve Cord during the Life History of Amphimallon majalis Razoumowski (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae)

The embryonic and postembryonic development of the ventral nerve cord is described, figured, and compared with the nerve cords of the more generalized and specialized groups of Coleoptera. In early embryos there is a distinct ganglion in each of the 10 abdominal segments, but in late embryos the 8th, 9th, and 10th ganglia have fused and the nerve cord terminates in abdominal segment 9. Abdominal ganglia 6 to 10 are fused in the firstinstar larva and the cord terminates in the posterior part of the first abdominal segment, while in the second instar the fifth abdominal ganglion also is included in the terminal ganglionic mass and the cord terminates in the anterior part of the first abdominal segment. In the third instar abdominal ganglia 4 to 10 are fused, and the cord terminates in the mesothorax. In adults the ventral nerve cord consists of the subesophageal ganglion, a definite prothoracic ganglion, and a fused, terminal ganglionic mass consisting of the meso- and metathoracic plus all 10 abdominal ganglia, the cord terminating in the mesothorax.
Evidence for a prokaryotic insertion-sequence contamination in eukaryotic sequences registered in different databases.

An insertion-sequence of prokaryotic origin was detected in a genomic clone obtained from a Phaseolus vulgaris bacterial artificial chromosome (BAC) library. This BAC clone, characterized as part of a contig constructed near a virus resistance gene, exhibited restriction fragment length polymorphism with an overlapping clone of the contig. Restriction analysis of DNA obtained from individual colonies of the stock culture indicated the presence of a mixed population of wild-type and insertional mutants. Sequence analysis of both members of the population revealed the presence of IS10R, an insertion-sequence from Escherichia coli. A BLAST search for IS10-like sequences detected unexpected homologies with a large number of eukaryotic sequences from Homo sapiens, Arabidopsis thaliana, Drosophila melanogaster and Caenorhabditis elegans. Southern analysis of a random sample of BAC clones failed to detect IS10 in the BAC DNA. However, prolonged sub-culturing of a set of 15 clones resulted in transposition into the BAC DNA. Eventually, all cultures acquired a 2.3-kb fragment that hybridized strongly with IS10. Sequence analysis revealed the presence of a preferred site for transposition in the BAC vector. These results indicate that a large number, if not all, of the BAC libraries from different organisms are contaminated with IS10R. The source of this element has been identified as the DH10B strain of E. coli used as the host for BAC libraries.
EPR study of radicals derived from n-propyl formate☆

Abstract Using the TiCl3H2O2 radical-generating method, we have successfully characterized by EPR at ca. 25°C the radicals formed from the substrate n-propyl formate: CH3CH2ĊHOCHO, CH3ĊHCH2OCHO, and ĊH2CH2CH2OCHO. As expected on the basis of previous studies in our laboratory, the first two radicals showed a long-range formyl-proton coupling and the last one did not. Moreover, the size of the γ- and δ-CH formyl-proton couplings in CH3CH2ĊHOCHO and CH3ĊHCH2OCHO, respectively, agreed with the dependence of such couplings on radical structure previously predicted for species of types ĊOCHO and ĊCOCHO.
RNA-editing of the 5-HT(2C) receptor alters agonist-receptor-effector coupling specificity.

1. The serotonin(2C) (5-HT(2C)) receptor couples to both phospholipase C (PLC)-inositol phosphate (IP) and phospholipase A(2) (PLA(2))-arachidonic acid (AA) signalling cascades. Agonists can differentially activate these effectors (i.e. agonist-directed trafficking of receptor stimulus) perhaps due to agonist-specific receptor conformations which differentially couple to/activate transducer molecules (e.g. G proteins). Since editing of RNA transcripts of the human 5-HT(2C) receptor leads to substitution of amino acids at positions 156, 158 and 160 of the putative second intracellular loop, a region important for G protein coupling, we examined the capacity of agonists to activate both the PLC-IP and PLA(2)-AA pathways in CHO cells stably expressing two major, fully RNA-edited isoforms (5-HT(2C-VSV), 5-HT(2C-VGV)) of the h5-HT(2C) receptor. 2. 5-HT increased AA release and IP accumulation in both 5-HT(2C-VSV) and 5-HT(2C-VGV) expressing cells. As expected, the potency of 5-HT for both RNA-edited isoforms for both responses was 10 fold lower relative to that of the non-edited receptor (5-HT(2C-INI)) when receptors were expressed at similar levels. 3. Consistent with our previous report, the efficacy order of two 5-HT receptor agonists (TFMPP and bufotenin) was reversed for AA release and IP accumulation at the non-edited receptor thus demonstrating agonist trafficking of receptor stimulus. However, with the RNA-edited receptor isoforms there was no difference in the relative efficacies of TFMPP or bufotenin for AA release and IP accumulation suggesting that the capacity for 5-HT(2C) agonists to traffic receptor stimulus is lost as a result of RNA editing. 4. These results suggest an important role for the second intracellular loop in transmitting agonist-specific information to signalling molecules.
Distinct prognostic role of prostate-specific antigen doubling time and velocity at emergence of androgen independence in patients treated with chemotherapy.

OBJECTIVES To investigate whether the prostate-specific antigen doubling time (PSADT) and velocity (PSAV) at the emergence of androgen-independent prostate cancer (AIPC) provide independent prognostic information. METHODS Patients treated with chemotherapy were identified in an institutional prostate cancer database. The PSADT was calculated using PSA values from the first increase greater than the PSA nadir during androgen deprivation therapy until the start of the next treatment. The PSAV was calculated using the same PSA values over time. The association with overall survival (OS) from the date of AIPC was analyzed using the Cox proportional hazards regression model. RESULTS PSADT and PSAV at the emergence of AIPC were calculated in 91 patients. On univariate analysis, a shorter PSADT and greater PSAV were associated with decreased OS. On multivariate analysis, a PSADT of 12 weeks or less (hazard ratio 3.2), PSAV greater than 10 ng/mL/yr (hazard ratio 2.8), PSA nadir greater than 0.2 with ADT, low hemoglobin, and type of chemotherapy persisted as significant predictors of decreased OS (each P <0.01). A rapid PSADT (12 weeks or less) and high PSAV (greater than 10 ng/mL/yr) predicted for the worst prognosis (25 months median OS, unadjusted). A slow PSADT (greater than 12 weeks), and low PSAV (10 ng/mL/yr or less) predicted for the best prognosis (75 months); other combinations had intermediate prognoses (49 and 50 months). CONCLUSIONS The PSAV at the start of AIPC contributes prognostic information independent of the PSADT in patients receiving chemotherapy. Future studies should investigate the relative contribution of each of these factors in predicting survival.
Bifunctional effects of transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) on endothelial cell growth correlate with phenotypes of TGF-β binding sites

Transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) is a bifunctional, dose-dependent regulator of endothelial cell proliferation induced in vitro by heparin-binding growth factor 1 (HBGF-1, acidic FGF). Here we have examined the relationship between endothelial cell growth and the expression of cell surface binding sites for TGF-beta and HBGF-1. Fetal bovine heart endothelial cell (FBHEC) growth was stimulated by low concentrations of TGF-beta and inhibited by high concentrations of TGF-beta while expressing two distinct classes of TGF-beta binding sites with binding constants of 24 pM (6300 sites/cell) and 900 pM (12,000 sites/cell). In contrast, human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC), whose growth was slightly promoted by TGF-beta, exhibited a single class of high-affinity TGF-beta binding sites (Kd = 45 pM, 4500 sites/cell). Affinity crosslinking using [125I]TGF-beta showed that FBHEC expressed two distinct low molecular weight TGF-beta binding sites (Mr 85,000 and 58,000), while HUVEC expressed a single type of low molecular weight TGF-beta binding site (Mr 85,000). As detected by binding of [125I]HBGF-1, preincubation of FBHEC with high concentrations of TGF-beta transmodulated the expression of high-affinity HBGF-1 receptors. In contrast, no transmodulation of HBGF-1 receptors occurred in FBHEC during preincubation with low concentrations of TGF-beta. Furthermore, preincubation of HUVEC with TGF-beta did not transmodulate the expression of HBGF-1 receptors. The data suggest that the ability of TGF-beta to stimulate or inhibit endothelial cell proliferation in a dose-dependent manner correlated with the expression of specific TGF-beta binding site subtypes and involved the transmodulation of HBGF-1 receptors.
The direct measurement of the nucleation rate constants

Abstract In previous work the method of Laplace was applied to the evaluation of the nucleation integral with a rate given by the expression J = A exp (- B / T 3 ln 2 S ) to yield the duration of the nucleation pulse as a function of the time dependent temperature T and supersaturation S . We now demonstrate the measurement of the nucleation rate and the constants A and B that apply to the nucleation of subcooled water droplets formed in the presence of argon. These measurements are possible as a result of the development of a novel use of hot wire anemometry to yield the temperature history of the supersaturated vapor during the expansion process. The rate constants so obtained are based solely on experimental observations and, in particular, their derivation does not require a knowledge of droplet growth rate. The high supersaturations achieved, the high nucleation rates and particle concentrations suggest that homogeneous nucleation is being observed. The results clearly depict high sensitivity of the final particle concentration, the nucleation pulse duration, and the nucleation rate upon the rate of expansion as well as to the initial thermodynamic state of the vapor—inert gas mixture.
Constitutional Blemishes: American Alcohol Prohibition and Repeal as Policy Punctuation

Historical explanations for the American “noble experiment” with alcohol prohibition based on individual conspiracies, cultural changes, social movements, or self-interested bureaucracies are partial and unsatisfying. Recent advances in punctuated equilibrium theory shine new light on this historical enigma, providing a more persuasive account of the dramatic episodes associated with both constitutional prohibition and its repeal. Through longitudinal analysis of a unique data set reflective of early twentieth century public alcohol control sentiments, this article suggests that, as but one of a range of potential alcohol policy options, national alcohol prohibition was hardly a foregone conclusion. The ultimate adoption of prohibition over competing alcohol control alternatives, as well as its eventual repeal, can best be understood with reference to particular feedback processes inherent in the institutional structure of American policymaking, which readily account for both the mad dash for prohibition and the widespread clamor for repeal, which have traditionally eluded historical explanation.
Breastfeeding Fallacies: Their Relationship to Understanding Lactatlon

: When inaccurate information is the basis for clinical decision making, patient care is likely to be incomplete, inappropriate, and potentially harmful. We identified 17 fallacies relating to lactation and breastfeeding that exist in the professional and lay literature and that continue to be perpetuated among care providers and shared with new mothers. The inappropriateness and inaccuracy of these beliefs, and how they influence attitudes about, and practices relating to, breastfeeding, are discussed. Alternatives to these fallacies exist, and their use may contribute to more relevant care and advice giving, and to successful breastfeeding.
A Dihydropyridine Carrier System for Delivery of 2′,3′-Dideoxycytidine (DDC) to the Brain

Abstract The present study extends the dihdropyridine ⇌ pyridinium salt redox system to the delivery and sustained release of 2′,3′-dideoxycytidine (DDC) to the brains of mice in a continuing search for agents that may prove effective in reversing complicating neurological disorders of AIDS.
Visual acuity for vertical and diagonal gratings in human infants.

Abstract The present paper describes the development of a two-alternative forced-choice psychophysical method for use with human infants. The essence of the technique (see Fantz, 1965, 1967) is that an adult observer must, on each trial, state in which of two possible positions an acuity target is presented, by observing only the infant's eye and head movements. The per cent correct responses of the observer, for each of several acuity targets, are plotted to yield psychometric functions. The technique was used to test the performance of infants between 1 and 6 months of age, toward vertical and diagonal acuity gratings. Twenty psychometric functions, accumulated from a total of 8 individual infants at two illumination levels, and a longitudinal series on one infant, are presented. The data are orderly and reveal trends toward better performance with increasing age. No differences were found between psychometric functions generated in the presence of gratings in the two different orientations. The results are compared to earlier data in which orientational differences in acuity have been shown to exist in human adults. The implications of the results are discussed in relation to the development of orientational acuity differences.
A simulation model of island reef morphology: the effects of sea level fluctuations, growth, subsidence and erosion

Glacioeustatic sea level fluctuations continually cover and expose reefs, alternately allowing growth or erosion to operate. In a simulation model we examine the simultaneous effects of sea level change, island subsidence, reef growth, subaerial erosion, marine backwearing, and fluvial erosion (from central highlands) on reef development. Using values obtained from the literature, we vary the rates of these processes and compare the reefs produced. Our results indicate that subaerial erosion, subsidence and growth are of comparable importance in determining reef morphology. Fore reef terraces, as developed by the model, are primarily drowned growth features; marine backwearing is of little importance in their development. Reef terraces form readily at depths that never had a stable sea stand, their depth is influenced by growth, subaerial erosion, and subsidence rates. Thus reef terraces often do not indicate former sea stands. We examine the causes of reef drowning and attribute it primarily to rapid subsidence and subaerial erosion, not to truncation through marine backwearing. We propose that reefs deeply submerged today are not necessarily “drowned out”, but may be vertically stable through many sea level cycles. Fluvial erosion is likely an important agent of lagoon formation on high islands in areas with high erosion rates.
Developing Risk-Based Screening Guidelines: Translational Epidemiology in Action

The proliferation ofdisease riskcalculatorshasnot ledtoa proliferationofriskbased screening guidelines. The focus of risk-based screening guidelines is connecting risk stratification under natural history of disease (without intervention) and “benefi ts tratification”: whether the risk stratification actually distinguishes people who have high benefit vs. low benefit from a screening intervention. To link risk stratification to benefit stratification, we propose the principle of “equal management of people at equal risk of disease” .W hen applicable, this principle leads to simplified and consistent management of peoplewithdifferentriskfactorsortestresultsleadingtothesamediseaserisk, people who might also have a similar benefit/harm profile. We describe two examples of our approach. First, we demonstrate how the “equal management of equal risks” principle was applied to thoroughly integrate HPV testing into the new risk-based cervical cancer screening guidelines, the first thoroughly risk-based cancer screening guidelines. Second, we revisit our proposal to use risk of lung cancerdeathforestimatingbenefit stratification to better target CT lung cancerscreening.We showhow we calculatedbenefitstratificationfor CT lung screening, and also the analogous “harm stratification” and “efficiency stratification”. We critically examine the limits of the “equal management of equal risks” principle. Our approach of calculating benefit stratification and applying “equal management of equal risks” might be a template for translational epidemiology studies that help pave the way for risk-based medicine.
White-nonwhite differentials in occupational mobility among men in the United States, 1962-1972.

Intercohort shifts between 1962 and 1972 in the occupation distributions of white and nonwhite men are analyzed and compared at ages 35–44, 45–54, and 55–64. Both white and nonwhite occupation distributions were upgraded over the decade, but among nonwhites the shifts away from the lowest-status occupations were expressed partly in increasing rates of absence from the labor force. There are indications of especially rapid shifts in the occupation distributions of nonwhite men at ages 35–44. Among whites and nonwhites intercohort shifts in the occupation distribution can be attributed primarily to changing patterns of movement from first full-time civilian jobs to current occupations, rather than to changing occupational origin distributions or patterns of movement to first jobs. The white and nonwhite occupation distributions did not show a clear pattern of convergence over the decade. They became less similar at ages 35–44 and more similar at older ages. White and nonwhite distributions were most likely to converge in those occupation groups where the share of whites was stable or declining, rather than in groups whose share of the occupation distribution was increasing. Later cohorts of nonwhites would have a much more favorable occupational distribution if they had enjoyed the mobility patterns of whites in earlier cohorts. In 1972, as in 1962, the inferior occupational chances of nonwhites are due primarily to their disadvantageous patterns of occupational mobility, rather than to impoverished social origins.
Pectate lyase from Fusarium solani f. sp. pisi: purification, characterization, in vitro translation of the mRNA, and involvement in pathogenicity.

Abstract Since indirect experimental evidence suggested that penetration of Fusarium solani f. sp. pisi into its host (Pisum sativum) involved pectin-degrading enzymes (W. Koller, C. R. Allan, and P. E. Kolattukudy (1982) Physiol. Plant Pathol.20, 47–60) , direct tests were made for the production of such degradative enzymes by this pathogen. When the organism was grown on pectin, a pectate lyase (EC 4.2.2.2) was released into the media. This lyase was purified to apparent homogeneity from the culture filtrate by a two-step process involving passage through DEAE-Sephacel followed by hydrophobic interaction chromatography on octyl-Sepharose. The enzyme cleaved polygalacturonate chains in an endo fashion. The molecular mass of the mature extracellular form of this enzyme was estimated to be 26 kDa. The isoelectric point of the enzyme was 8.3 and the optimum pH for activity was 9.4. Calcium was required for activity and evidence is presented that calcium probably interacts with the substrate rather than the enzyme. When antibodies prepared against this enzyme were used for Western blot analysis of the extracellular culture fluid, a single band was observed at 26 kDa. Following in vitro translation of poly(A)+ RNA, a 29-kDa precursor polypeptide was precipitated by the antibodies. Antibodies inhibited both the catalytic activity of the enzyme and the ability of the fungus to infect pea stems, strongly suggesting that this lyase is involved in pathogenesis.
Adult congenital heart disease

The right ventricle (RV) is of lesser importance in acquired heart disease, but its role is of increasing importance in congenital heart disease. It may function as a subpulmonary ventricle or as a subaortic (systemic) ventricle in transposition complexes. The RV has a remarkable ability to adapt to pressure and volume load, but its size and function are often overlooked. Patients usually develop symptoms only after RV dysfunction has occurred, and in many diverse clinical scenarios, late referral is common. Advanced RV enlargement and dysfunction are responsible for not only impaired functional capacity but also lethal ventricular arrhythmias and sudden death. Appropriate imaging of the size and function of the RV are important because timely surgery on the pulmonary and tricuspid valves may preserve RV size and function. Adults with congenital heart disease should be followed at centers where there is an understanding of these problems so that valvular surgery can be considered when appropriate.
A Globally Convergent Method for Nonlinear Programming

Recently developd Newton and quasi-Newton methods for nonlinear programming possess only local convergence properties. Adopting the concept of the damped Newton method in unconstrained optimization, we propose a stepsize procedure to maintain monotone decrease of an exact penalty function. In so doing, the convergence of the method is globalized. Keywords: nonlinear programming, global convergence, exact penalty function.
Hydrocortisone-induced cleft palate in hamsters.

Single im doses of 25–30 mg hydrocortisone on day 11 of gestation produced 100% cleft palate in hamsters without undue fetal resorption; 75 mg produced a significantly larger resorption rate. The cleft palates varied in morphology, some being complete and others incomplete; the latter were relatively more common with smaller doses. The fetal birth weight of experimental offspring was greatly decreased.
The interrelationship among bradykinin, various vasoactive substances, and macromolecular permeability in the canine forelimb

Abstract Bradykinin (0.8 μg base/min) infused locally intraarterially into canine forelimbs perfused at constant inflow causes marked increases in lymph flow rate and lymph total protein concentration. This same dose of bradykinin infused locally intraarterially for 60 min into forelimbs perfused at constant inflow with vasopressin (0.8 P.U./min) or serotonin (15 μg base/min) or following a large intravenous bolus injection of methylprednisolone fails to increase lymph flow rate and lymph total protein concentration relative to control. When this dose of bradykinin is infused locally intraarterially for 60 min with papaverine (0.4 mg/min) or methylprednisolone (50 μg/min) lymph flow rate and lymph total protein concentration are markedly increased. The antagonism of the bradykinin-induced increase in protein efflux by vasopressin, serotonin, and methylprednisolone is independent of changes in blood flow, vascular pressures, or perfused surface area. Thus, some but not all vasoactive agents possess the unique ability to prevent the increase in protein efflux by bradykinin.
Numerically efficient mean squared error threshold SNR prediction for adaptive arrays

The method of interval estimation (MIE) is an established technique for extending asymptotic mean squared error (MSE) predictions like the Cramer-Rao bound to lower signal-to-noise ratio. While application of MIE to the adaptive array problem was successful in [1], the numerical integration required to compute the pairwise error probabilities central to MIE is computationally expensive. This is primarily due to the double integral required, moreover, the integrand itself involves the Marcum Q-function, a specialize function that can be represented as an integral or infinite series. System analysis and design often requires computing MSE performance over a wide search space that easily demands hundreds to tens of thousands of repeated calculations of the pairwise error probabilities. To support this demand two approaches to approximating the required error probabilities are explored herein, one yielding a near ~235 times speedup factor in computation without major loss in accuracy of MSE prediction.
Cardiac function is preserved following 4 weeks of voluntary wheel running in a rodent model of chronic kidney disease

The purpose of this investigation was to determine the effect of 4 wk of voluntary wheel running on cardiac performance in the 5/6 ablation-infarction (AI) rat model of chronic kidney disease (CKD). We hypothesized that voluntary wheel running would be effective in preserving cardiac function in AI. Male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into three study groups: 1) sham, sedentary nondiseased control; 2) AI-SED, sedentary AI; and 3) AI-WR, wheel-running AI. Animals were maintained over a total period of 8 wk following AI and sham surgery. The 8-wk period included 4 wk of disease development followed by a 4-wk voluntary wheel-running intervention/sedentary control period. Cardiac performance was assessed using an isolated working heart preparation. Left ventricular (LV) tissue was used for biochemical tissue analysis. In addition, soleus muscle citrate synthase activity was measured. AI-WR rats performed a low volume of exercise, running an average of 13 ± 2 km, which resulted in citrate synthase activity not different from that in sham animals. Isolated AI-SED hearts demonstrated impaired cardiac performance at baseline and in response to preload/afterload manipulations. Conversely, cardiac function was preserved in AI-WR vs. sham hearts. LV nitrite + nitrate and expression of LV nitric oxide (NO) synthase isoforms 2 and 3 in AI-WR were not different from those of sham rats. In addition, LV H2O2 in AI-WR was similar to that of sham and associated with increased expression of LV superoxide-dismutase-2 and glutathione peroxidase-1/2. The findings of the current study suggest that a low-volume exercise intervention is sufficient to maintain cardiac performance in rats with CKD, potentially through a mechanism related to improved redox homeostasis and increased NO.
Den-Site Characteristics of Black Bears in Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado

Abstract We compared historic (1985–1992) and contemporary (2003–2006) black bear (Ursus americanus) den locations in Rocky Mountain National Park (RMNP), Colorado, USA, for habitat and physiographic attributes of den sites and used maximum entropy modeling to determine which factors were most influential in predicting den-site locations. We observed variability in the relationship between den locations and distance to trails and elevation over time. Locations of historic den sites were most associated with slope, elevation, and covertype, whereas contemporary sites were associated with slope, distance to roads, aspect, and canopy height. Although relationships to covariates differed between historic and contemporary periods, preferred den-site characteristics consistently included steep slopes and factors associated with greater snow depth. Distribution of den locations shifted toward areas closer to human developments, indicating little negative influence of this factor on den-site selection by black be...
Congressional Politics of Financing the International Monetary Fund

We address the question of how international public goods are financed by analyzing voting in the U+S+ Congress on legislation to increase the U+S+ contri- bution to the International Monetary Fund ~IMF!+ We argue that legislators are more likely to vote in favor of an increase ~1! the more campaign contributions they obtain from banks that specialize in international lending, and ~2! the greater the share of high-skilled "proglobalization" workers in their districts+ The first argu- ment supports the inference that a financially strong IMF mitigates the risks of international lending, to the benefit of the lending banks+ The second reflects our claim that voters view the IMF as a positive force for global economic integration that—following Stolper-Samuelson reasoning—benefits high-skilled workers+ Lastly, we analyze IMF loan decisions and find modest support for the claim that IMF policy reflects the interests of major international banks+ Overall, our results sug- gest that private actors within the United States have individual stakes in funding the IMF+ The primary mandate of the International Monetary Fund ~IMF or Fund! is to safeguard the stability of the global financial system—an international public good+ The IMF obtains the resources it needs for its stabilization operations from mem- ber governments, with large members contributing most of the funds+ In this arti- cle, we analyze the politics of funding the IMF from the perspective of its largest contributor, the United States+ Rather than treating the United States as a single entity with a unified "national interest" at the Fund, we consider the preferences of political actors within the United States who exert power over financing the
Accurate Bond Energies of Hydrocarbons from Complete Basis Set Extrapolated Multi-Reference Singles and Doubles Configuration Interaction

Quantum chemistry has become one of the most reliable tools for characterizing the thermochemical underpinnings of reactions, such as bond dissociation energies (BDEs). The accurate prediction of these particular properties (BDEs) are challenging for ab initio methods based on perturbative corrections or coupled cluster expansions of the single-determinant Hartree-Fock wave function: the processes of bond breaking and forming are inherently multi-configurational and require an accurate description of non-dynamical electron correlation. To this end, we present a systematic ab initio approach for computing BDEs that is based on three components: 1) multi-reference single and double excitation configuration interaction (MRSDCI) for the electronic energies; 2) a two-parameter scheme for extrapolating MRSDCI energies to the complete basis set limit; and 3) DFT-B3LYP calculations of minimum-energy structures and vibrational frequencies to account for zero point energy and thermal corrections. We validated our methodology against a set of reliable experimental BDE values of CC and CH bonds of hydrocarbons. The goal of chemical accuracy is achieved, on average, without applying any empirical corrections to the MRSDCI electronic energies. We then use this composite scheme to make predictions of BDEs in a large number of hydrocarbon molecules for which there are no experimental data, so as to provide needed thermochemical estimates for fuel molecules.
Aqueous dispersion of plasmonic hollow metal nanoparticles

The centrifugation method was proposed to extract Au nanocages (AuNCs) from a mixture of the bimetallic Au and Ag alloyed nanocages, Ag and Au core–shell structure, and Au-pitted silver nanocubes. The DDA simulation was found to be a powerful tool to characterize a colloidal dispersion of the plasmonic nanoparticles. The effect of the irregularity of Au hollow cages and presence of the polymer shells around the cages on the surface plasmon resonance spectra (SPR) had been suggested based on the DDA simulations.
Influence of Convection Through Gas-Diffusion Layers on Limiting Current in PEM FCs Using a Serpentine Flow Field

Three gas-diffusion layers (GDL) with distinctively different gas permeability were used to study the influence of convection through the GDL on the cathode limiting current in proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cells. Several flow rates between 50 and 1000 cm 3 /min were used in constant flow rate operation with oxidant gases being air, 4% oxygen/nitrogen, and 21% oxygen/helium. The study was conducted at three cell temperature/relative humidity conditions: 80°C/75% inlet cathode R.H., 100°C/70% inlet cathode R.H., and 120°C/35% inlet cathode R.H., with the objective to evaluate the influence of cell temperature, oxygen mole fraction, relative humidity, and cathode flow rate on the limiting current due to reactant gas transport under conditions where there is no significant flooding. A conventional single-serpentine graphite flow field was used. Cell relative humidity significantly affected the limiting current by reducing oxygen transport through the ionomer thin film of the cathode catalyst layer as the relative humidity decreased. At all three conditions, increasing the cathode dry flow rate increased the limiting current mainly due to more convection. A GDL with higher gas permeability in the microporous layer had a higher limiting current due to more enhanced convection. This accentuates the significance of high gas permeability as a criterion for optimization of GDL. Convection contributes to the limiting current of hydrogen/air PEM fuel cells even when using a conventional flow field pattern (i.e., not interdigitated).
Links between alcohol consumption and breast cancer: a look at the evidence

Alcohol consumption by adult women is consistently associated with risk of breast cancer. Several questions regarding alcohol and breast cancer need to be addressed. Menarche to first pregnancy represents a window of time when breast tissue is particularly susceptible to carcinogens. Youth alcohol consumption is common in the USA, largely in the form of binge drinking and heavy drinking. Whether alcohol intake acts early in the process of breast tumorigenesis is unclear. This review aims to focus on the influences of timing and patterns of alcohol consumption and the effect of alcohol on intermediate risk markers. We also review possible mechanisms underlying the alcohol-breast cancer association.
Development of theoretical methodology for large molecules

A major advantage of the use of floating spherical Gaussian or vitals (FSGO) is the extreme rapidity with which the necessary quantum mechanical integrals can be evaluated. This advantage has been exploited in several quantum mechanical procedures for molecular electronic structure calculations, as described below. Several other properties of these functions have also been exploited, and have led to the development of semiclassical point charge and harmonic oscillator models capable of describing first and second order electromagnetic properties and intermolecular forces with reasonable accuracy in all cases and with considerably better accuracy than much more elaborate theoretical procedures in some cases. These applications are also described below. The primary intent of the current paper is to present an overview of some of the uses of FSGOs in the study of molecular electronic structure and properties and to indicate possible directions for future applications. No attempt will be made to include all possible applications. Rather, those applications of interest to the authors have been stressed. Hopefully, this paper will further stimulate the development of additional uses of these remarkable functions.
Heat and momentum transport to particulates injected into low-pressure ( approximately 80 mbar) nonequilibrium plasmas

An analytical model for plasma flow around a spherical particle has been developed using a two-temperature chemical nonequilibrium approach that includes rarefaction and particle-charging effects. The contribution of each component of the plasma to the heat and momentum transfer to injected particulates is studied by simulating the plasma flow around a sphere for conditions typical of thermal spray processes at pressures from 80 mbar to 1 bar. A parametric study of the 80-mbar case is also presented for free-stream velocities in the 0-3000 m/s range and free-stream temperatures in the 8000-12000 K range for both ionization equilibrium and nonequilibrium. The results demonstrate that there are departures from kinetic and ionization equilibrium in the plasma around a particle, and that heat transfer to a particle can be enhanced by the increased ion flux to the particle surface when the surrounding plasma is in ionization nonequilibrium. >
PTFE monocusp valve reconstruction of the right ventricular outflow tract.

Abstract Background . Transannular patching of right ventricular outflow tract obstructive (RVOTO) defects results in pulmonary insufficiency (PI). Biologic monocusp valves (MO) can prevent acute PI but are prone to early degeneration and progressive regurgitation. Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE, 0.1 mm) MO leaflets demonstrated favorable characteristics in animal studies, and the technique was applied to a variety of RVOTO anomalies. Methods . From June 1990 through June 1999, 158 patients underwent either PTFE MO RVOT reconstruction (n = 115 patients; 120 implants) or nonvalved transannular repair (TA) repairs (n = 43 patients; 5 subsequent MO implants) at our institution. Standard MO construction techniques and TA repairs were utilized. Intraoperative, postoperative, and echocardiographic data with a mean interval of 2.6 years (range 6 months to 8 years) were used in retrospective fashion to compare clinical outcomes. In addition, PTFE monocusp valves beyond 6 months post-implant underwent echocardiographic analysis of MO function and durability. Results . There were 4 early (MO-3, TA-1) and no late deaths. Overall, perioperative complications were not significantly different between MO and TA groups, nor were total hospitalization days (9.1 versus 10.7, p = 0.24). However, a significant difference in intensive care unit (ICU) utilization (3.6 versus 5.8 days, p = 0.03) favored MO patients. Patients with tetralogy of Fallot (TOF) and ventricular septal defect/pulmonary atresia (VSD/PA) undergoing the MO implant demonstrated a trend toward improved survival ( p = 0.08) when compared to TA repairs. Intraoperative PI was graded mild in the MO group and moderate-severe in the TA group ( p = 0.003). Progressive MO regurgitation occurred (mild-moderate) but remained significantly less than the transannular patch repairs ( p Conclusions . Utilization of a PTFE MO valve prevents short-term and significantly reduces midterm PI. It is inexpensive, easy to construct, and demonstrates no evidence of stenosis, calcification, or embolization. Despite longer cardiopulmonary bypass and ischemic times, it reduces ICU stay and, in both TOF and VSD/PA patients, decreases operative morbidity and mortality.
Some statistical aspects of relaxation time distributions

Abstract The distribution of relaxation times function, G(τ), often used to describe the response of a linear mechanical, magnetic, or dielectric system is identified as a probability density. The situation is examined where either τ or s  ln(τ/τ0) is made up of a linear combination of new variables, some or all of which may be themselves distributed. When the probability densities of the individual variables are specified, it is shown how the overall density describing the distribution of τ or s and the variance of the overall distribution can be calculated when the individual variables are either all statistically independent or all linearly related to a single distributed variable. To illustrate the above general results, the important specific example of thermally activated processes is examined. It is assumed that τ-1 obeys an Arrhenius equation and that both the pre-exponential factor and the heat of activation, or activation energy, may be separately distributed. For concreteness, the distributions of the two variables which combine to yield s are taken to be of the important exponential form, although many of the results apply as well for other distributions. Special attention is given to overall temperature dependence possibilities, and cases are described which lead to almost complete determination of the temperature dependence of the transient and frequency responses of the system. Finally, comparison is made between some of the temperature dependence predictions of the present work and internal friction and dielectric dispersion experimental results.