cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Adiposity in adolescents: change in actual BMI works better than change in BMI z score for longitudinal studies.

Purpose Longitudinal epidemiologic studies often relate adiposity changes to suspected causal factors. In growing adolescents, this becomes complicated. Many investigators use within-child change in body mass index (BMI) z scores (Δ z ) from sex- and age-specific BMI charts developed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). These charts, derived from cross-sectional data, may not represent BMI growth patterns of real children. Furthermore, because cross-sectional BMIs are not Gaussian, these z scores are from month-specific transformed distributions, with possible unintended consequences when used longitudinally. Alternatively, we can directly analyze BMI change (ΔBMI). We compare these two widely used measures of change in adiposity. Methods and Results With real adolescent data, we show that annual ΔBMIs have nonlinear peaks that are inconsistent with the CDC curves. We also show that a specified Δ z represents a broad range of adiposity changes for children measured at the same two ages. To see how this affects power, we performed simulation studies confirming that analyzing ΔBMIs in models with hypothesized factors is more powerful than analyzing Δ z s. Conclusions In longitudinal studies of adolescent adiposity, investigators should be encouraged to analyze ΔBMI rather than Δ z because analyses using BMI are more powerful and findings presented in BMI units are more interpretable.
Effect of chronic undernutrition on susceptibility to cold stress in young adult and aged rats

Chronically undernourished laboratory rodents live as much as 50% longer than matched control animals fed ad libitum. In their natural habitats, however, most mammals, including humans, appear to have shorter life expectancies when chronically undernourished. The present research demonstrated that both brief and chronic undernutrition speeds rate of body temperature drop in rats exposed to cold air. Furthermore, chronic undernutrition also decreased the rate at which body temperature returned to normal after animals had been removed from the cold environment. These results suggest that while chronic undernutrition may slow the rate of physiological aging it also increases the organism's susceptibility to stressor stimuli.
Electrochemical reduction and determination of cimetidine at nanomolar to micromolar levels of concentration

Abstract The electrochemical reduction of cimetidine, an H 2 -antagonist of histamine used in the treatment of duodenal and gastric ulcers, has been examined by using a variety of electrochemical techniques. Reduction in 0.1. M HCl occurs at −0.8 to −1.1 V vs. SCE depending on the experimental conditions. Square-wave and cyclic voltammetry were found to be the best techniques for the determination of cimetidine whereas sampled-d.c., normal pulse, and differential pulse polarography were not useful. The detection limit for the determination depends on the condition employed but can be as low as 1 ng ml −1 (4 nM). A linear calibration plot is obtained up to 2 μg ml −1 and calibration curves can be used at higher concentrations. The high sensitivity is due to reactant adsorption. The electrode process appears to involve a 4-electron reduction of the cyano group in cimetidine. The major metabolites of cimetidine can also be determined by this method.
Preoperative Nutritional Status Is an Important Predictor of Survival in Patients Undergoing Surgery for Renal Cell Carcinoma

Abstract Background The role of malnutrition has not been well studied in patients undergoing surgery for renal cell carcinoma (RCC). Objective Our aim was to evaluate whether nutritional deficiency (ND) is an important determinant of survival following surgery for RCC. Design, setting, and participants A total of 369 consecutive patients underwent surgery for locoregional RCC from 2003 to 2008. ND was defined as meeting one of the following criteria: body mass index 2 , albumin Intervention All patients underwent radical or partial nephrectomy. Measurements Primary outcomes were overall and disease-specific mortality. Covariates included age, Charlson comorbidity index (CCI), preoperative anemia, tumor stage, Fuhrman grade, and lymph node status. Multivariate analysis was performed using a Cox proportional hazards model. Mortality rates were estimated using the Kaplan-Meier product-limit method. Results and limitations Eighty-five patients (23%) were categorized as ND. Three-year overall and disease-specific survival were 58.5% and 80.4% in the ND cohort compared with 85.4% and 94.7% in controls, respectively ( p Conclusions ND is associated with higher mortality in patients undergoing surgery for locoregional RCC, independent of key clinical and pathologic factors. Given this mortality risk, it may be important to address nutritional status preoperatively and counsel patients appropriately.
A KNOWLEDGE-BASED APPROACH FOR THE SPECIFICATION AND ANALYSIS OF REAL-TIME SOFTWARE SYSTEMS

FRORL (Frame-and-Rule Oriented Requirements specification Language) was proposed to exploit knowledge representation techniques as an aid in the specification, analysis, and development of a software system. With the real-time software systems as our target systems, the merely mechanisms provided by FRORL cannot meet the specific demands on real-time software systems. As a result, in this paper, we propose RT-FRORL (Real-Time FRORL) as an extension of FRORL. RT-FRORL not only inherits FRORL's basic structure but also includes those language constructs needed to support the specification of real-time systems. The syntax of RT-FRORL is based on frames and production rules. The semantics of RT-FRORL is defined through the integration of first order logic and temporal logic extension. Using RT-FRORL, concurrent and absolute time properties of real-time systems can be easily specified.
Freehand homograft aortic valve replacement—the learning curve: A technical analysis of the first 31 patients☆

Abstract The technique for implanting the homograft aortic valve is significantly more complex than that of either the bioprosthetic or mechanical valve. During development of the procedure, errors of technique were committed; a critical analysis of the learning experience is presented. In the initial 31 patients, the following problems were encountered: mitral stenosis secondary to inadequate debulking of the homograft (1 patient), prolapse of a single homograft leaflet necessitating valve replacement three days later (1 patient), incorrect homograft orientation with torsion in a calcified aorta necessitating subsequent replacement (1 patient), and aortic sinus perforation (thawing injury) (1 patient). In addition, another 4 patients had diastolic murmurs thought to be secondary to inadequate tension setting of the homograft commissural posts. From this experience, several important technical considerations for homograft replacement of the aortic valve were noted: use of interrupted subannular sutures; careful inspection for aortic perforation (thawing); extensive trimming of the homograft septum and mitral remnant; orientation of the homograft to the recipient aorta to obtain the best commissural and sinus alignment; selection of another type of valve if the size of the recipient annulus is greater than 27 mm; retention of the homograft sinus, which orients to the recipient noncoronary sinus (for a calcified aorta); and exaggerated tension on the homograft commissural posts before initiation of the second suture line. There has been 1 hospital death and no late deaths. Adherence to rigid principles of technique has resulted in no further valve replacements and no incidences of valvular leakage at: early or late follow-up.
Connections of Cat Auditory Cortex: I. Thalamocortical System

Despite the functional importance of the medial geniculate body (MGB) in normal hearing, many aspects of its projections to auditory cortex are unknown. We analyzed the MGB projections to thirteen auditory areas in the cat using two retrograde tracers to investigate thalamocortical nuclear origins, topography, convergence, and divergence. MGB divisions and auditory cortex areas were defined independently of the connectional results using architectonic, histochemical, and immunocytochemical criteria. Each auditory cortex area received a unique pattern of input from several MGB nuclei; and these patterns of input identify four groups of cortical areas distinguished by their putative functional affiliations: tonotopic, non-tonotopic, multisensory, and limbic. Each family of areas received projections from a functionally related set of MGB nuclei; some nuclei project to only a few a few areas (e.g., the MGB ventral division to tonotopic areas), and others project to all areas (e.g., the medial division input to every auditory cortical areas and to other regions). Projections to tonotopic areas had fewer nuclear origins than those to multisensory or limbic-affiliated fields. All projections were organized topographically, even those from non-tonotopic nuclei. The few divergent neurons (mean: 2%) are consistent with a model of multiple segregated streams ascending to auditory cortex. The expanded cortical representation of MGB auditory, multisensory, and limbic affiliated streams appears to be a primary facet of forebrain auditory function. The emergence of several auditory cortex representations of characteristic frequency may be a functional multiplication of the more limited maps in the MGB. This expansion suggests emergent cortical roles consistent with the divergence of thalamocortical connections.
Deformability of isolated red blood cell membranes.

Abstract We have used a laser diffraction method (ektacytometry) to directly measure the membrane component of red cell deformability, without contributions from either cell geometry or internal viscosity. This technique was validated by subjecting resealed erythrocyte ghosts to manipulations previously shown to increase the membrane shear modulus. Heating above 45°C, pH greater than 9.0 and less than 5.0, and micromolar concentrations of the cross-linking agents, glutaraldehyde and diamide, all reduced the deformability of resealed erythrocyte ghosts. We have applied this assay to the study of reduced cellular deformability of calcium-loaded red cells, and have shown that, for physiological concentrations of calcium, the effect of calcium on the physical properties of the membrane may be negligible when compared to its effect of promoting cell dehydration and subsequent increased cytoplasmic viscosity.
Immune evasion by hepatitis C virus NS3/4A protease-mediated cleavage of the Toll-like receptor 3 adaptor protein TRIF

Toll-like receptors (TLRs) bind pathogen-specific ligands early in infection, initiating signaling pathways that lead to expression of multiple protective cellular genes. Many viruses have evolved strategies that block the effector mechanisms induced through these signaling pathways, but viral interference with critical proximal receptor interactions has not been described. We show here that the NS3/4A serine protease of hepatitis C virus (HCV), a virus notorious for its ability to establish persistent intrahepatic infection, causes specific proteolysis of Toll-IL-1 receptor domain-containing adaptor inducing IFN-beta (TRIF or TICAM-1), an adaptor protein linking TLR3 to kinases responsible for activating IFN regulatory factor 3 (IRF-3) and NF-kappaB, transcription factors controlling a multiplicity of antiviral defenses. NS3/4A-mediated cleavage of TRIF reduces its abundance and inhibits polyI:C-activated signaling through the TLR3 pathway before its bifurcation to IRF-3 and NF-kappaB. This uniquely broad mechanism of immune evasion potentially limits expression of multiple host defense genes, thereby promoting persistent infections with this medically important virus.
Muscarinic-receptor activation stimulates oscillations in K+ and Cl− currents which are acutely dependent on extracellular Ca2+ in avian salt gland cells

By utilizing the perforated-patch variant of the whole-cell patch-clamp recording technique, in order to maintain the integrity of the normal cellular buffering systems, we demonstrate that carbachol (CCh) stimulates simultaneous oscillations in a Ca2+- and voltageactivated K+ current and a linear Ca2+-activated Cl− current in an exocrine avian salt gland cell preparation. Similar conductance changes, although sustained rather than oscillatory, are stimulated by the Ca2+ ionophore A23187. The outward K+ current can be inhibited by tetraethylammonium chloride (TEA) whereas the Cl− current is inhibited by the Cl− channel blockers 5-nitro-2-(3-phenylpropylamino) (NPPB) and N-phenylanthranilic acid (DPC). The oscillations in current stimulated by CCh are acutely dependent on extracellular Ca2+ and are not affected by the application of low doses of caffeine. In addition, the application of caffeine at all doses fails to mimic the current transients stimulated by CCh. As both caffeine and A23187 are unable to stimulate oscillations under the perforated-patch conditions we suggest that in avian salt gland cells the primary oscillatory mechanism probably involves a one-pool mechanism of Ca2+ release which is intimately related to the activation of a Ca2+ influx pathway.
Murine model of the Ehlers-Danlos syndrome. col5a1 haploinsufficiency disrupts collagen fibril assembly at multiple stages.

The most commonly identified mutations causing Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS) classic type result in haploinsufficiency of proα1(V) chains of type V collagen, a quantitatively minor collagen that co-assembles with type I collagen as heterotypic fibrils. To determine the role(s) of type I/V collagen interactions in fibrillogenesis and elucidate the mechanism whereby half-reduction of type V collagen causes abnormal connective tissue biogenesis observed in EDS, we analyzed mice heterozygous for a targeted inactivating mutation in col5a1 that caused 50% reduction in col5a1 mRNA and collagen V. Comparable with EDS patients, they had decreased aortic stiffness and tensile strength and hyperextensible skin with decreased tensile strength of both normal and wounded skin. In dermis, 50% fewer fibrils were assembled with two subpopulations: relatively normal fibrils with periodic immunoreactivity for collagen V where type I/V interactions regulate nucleation of fibril assembly and abnormal fibrils, lacking collagen V, generated by unregulated sequestration of type I collagen. The presence of the aberrant fibril subpopulation disrupts the normal linear and lateral growth mediated by fibril fusion. Therefore, abnormal fibril nucleation and dysfunctional fibril growth with potential disruption of cell-directed fibril organization leads to the connective tissue dysfunction associated with EDS.
Procedures and potentialities in sugar beet production

Cultivation procedures for the sugar beet crop continue to change considerably in England. The average contract per grower has increased from 3.4 in 1936 to 8.2 ha in 1973. Within the last decade the use of genetic monogerm seed has extended to 65% of the area sown, and pelleted seed to 90%. Seed spacing has doubled and the hand work needed to establish the crop drastically decreased. Much of the crop is now sown in March, instead of April or even May. The average yield of sugar has increased since 1936 from less than 3.6 to over 6 t ha−1. These changes have been associated with routine usage of fungicide and insecticide on seed and chemical weed control on 90% of the crop in recent years; insecticide, mainly organophosphorus, has been used to control aphids and virus on 36 000 to 125 000 ha of crop annually on the basis of spray warnings; sporadic pesticide control has been used against an abundance of seedling, leaf- and root-eating pests and fungi. The changes in cultural practices have been paralleled by changes in the relative importance of the various pests and diseases—for instance, wide seed spacing and the use of herbicide have intensified seedling pest problems. The extent to which crop losses from weeds, pests and diseases have been assessed as a basis for recommendations for control is discussed, as well as the economics of control by pesticides.
Threshold of Axial Vibration Induced Fretting in Electrical Connectors

Random and single frequency vibration tests were used to investigate vibration behaviors and thresholds of the fretting corrosion of connector samples with different wiring tie-off lengths. Multiple vibration modes and the rocking style motion of the connector systems were observed. Through running threshold tests, the threshold behavior at various frequencies for the onset of fretting degradation was revealed. Typically the micrometer-scale axial vibration was able to trigger the fretting corrosion of the connector samples. It is also found that the threshold amplitude at the natural frequency of one of the modes was the lowest. Thresholds at this mode of the connectors with different wiring tie-off lengths were also tested. In addition, a discrete vibration model was developed to explain and predict the threshold behavior. Through a fit of vibration transfer functions, the thresholds predicted by the model correlated well with the experimental results. The analysis exhibited that the thresholds are greatly affected by the stiffness and damping as a result of tie configurations. Consequently, it is concluded that the dynamic response of the mechanical system under various tie off configurations can remarkably influence the performance of the vibration induced fretting corrosion of a connector system.
Diastereoselective self-assembly of a pentacoordinate siliconate tetraanionic molecular square. A mechanistic investigation

Condensation of (′)-5,5',6,6'-tetrahydroxy-1,1'-spirobis(indane) (1) and phenyltriethoxysilane with triethylamine in refluxing THF results in formation of a tetraanionic molecular square incorporating four pentavalent siliconates. The macrocyclization is stereoselective. Of the four possible macrocyclic tetramers, a single isomer, meso-2 (C 2 h ), is produced in high yield from racemic 1. Reaction intermediates leading to formation of macrocycle 2 were identified by electrospray time-of-flight mass spectrometry (ES-TOF-MS). The reaction proceeds by a path that deviates from conventional step-growth polymerization. The condensations produce linear dimers, trimers, and tetramers. The configurational flexibility of the pentacovalent siliconate and the angular connector, bisspirocatechol 1, predispose specific oligomers toward macrocyclization. At the linear tetramer stage, there are a total of six possible stereoisomers. Calculations reveal little difference in energy between the paths that lead to them. The RSSR and SSRR diastereomers undergo macrocyclization, and the product, meso-2 (C 2 h ), precipitates from solution. Crossover experiments establish the reversibility of the reaction, even after formation and precipitation of cyclic tetramer. The high reaction yields are accounted for by a self-correcting mechanism to produce what is found to be (computationally) the most stable (and most likely least soluble) diastereomer.
Observations of high-voltage atmospheric-pressure spark discharges in argon using a charge-coupled device detector

Abstract Charge-Coupled Device (CCD) detection of emission from a high voltage atmospheric pressure spark has shown behaviors previously not detectable. These include variation in the distance of excitation propagation from the cathodic electrode from spark to spark, even when the electrode surface is mechanically well defined. Line shape for emission from single sparks was observed, and the change in line shape on successive sparks during “burnout” documented. Spectral line shape as a function of time and space was monitored with a reliably linear two-dimensional detector. Observed behavior is in contrast to accepted models, in that previous integrated data are seen to be summations over qualitatively different sequential sparks, rather than averages of identical sparks.
A low-protein diet alters rat behavior and neurotransmission in normothermic and hyperthermic environments.

Dietary protein contains amino acids used in the brain for synthesis of neurotransmitters. Although information on pre- and post-natal exposure to low-protein diets in rodents is available, little is known about effects of such diets on adult animals. Therefore, the behavioral and neurochemical consequences of exposure to a brief (11 days), low (4%)-protein diet in animals exposed to normothermic and hyperthermic test conditions were examined. In separate groups of animals, the Porsolt Swim test and elevated plus maze were administered. These tasks are sensitive to nutritional and/or environmental manipulations. In other groups of rats exposed to the same dietary and environmental conditions, dopamine, norepinephrine, epinephrine, and serotonin in the striatum were assessed using microdialysis. In the Porsolt swim test, which assesses coping behavior, performance was impaired under normothermic and hyperthermic conditions in animals on the low-protein diet. Performance on the plus maze, a measure of exploration and anxiety, was altered in the hyperthermic condition by low protein, with the diet increasing exploration. Microdialysis detected increased norepinephrine in the striatium of hyperthermic animals on the low-protein diet. This study demonstrates that changes in stress-related behaviors of adult animals occur following brief exposure to low-protein diets.
1061 DISTRIBUTION OF TRANSFUSED LEUKOCYTES IN NEWBORN VS ADULT

Transfused polymorphonuclear leukocytes(PMNs) have been proposed as therapy for septic neonates, yet their distribution to lung(pneumonia) and brain(meningitis) is unknown. To determine this, we injected 104-105cfu/gm type III group B Streptococcus (strain GBS 130) into 52 newborn(NB) and 20 adult(A) rats ip. and phosphate buffered saline(PBS) into 19 NB and 10 A rats as controls. 51Cr-labeled human PMNs were given to all rats (A,0.2×106/gm; NB,1.1×106/gm) at 7 hrs. Lung, spleen, kidney, liver and brain γ counts were measured after sacrifice at 13 hrs. Organ indices were calculated as actual cpm/expected cpm, based upon each organ's % wt. All GBS-NB rats had 102-106cfu/gm GBS in both lung and brain, whereas only 32% of adults had 102-104cfu/gm in either lung or brain. The white cell count × 106 cells/ml (WBC) after transfusion(Tx) did not change in A and increased (p<.01) in NB PBS-rats, but increased (p<.05) in A and decreased (p<.001) in NB GBS-rats. In both A and NB rats, the distribution of PMNs to lung and brain did not change with either PBS or GBS injections. However, significantly more PMNs were present in both lung and brain of NB compared to A rats, p<.001. We conclude that significantly more transfused PMNs are distributed to lung & brain of infected or uninfected NB rats compared to A.
Fabrication of YBa2Cu3O7−x bulk superconductor from the powder without reoxygenation

The fabrication of YBa2Cu3O7−x sintered ceramic and YBa2Cu307−x melt product from the powder without additional reoxygenation is reported. The YBa2Cu3O7−x is fabricated inside a commercial silicon carbide tube. The SiC tube effectively does not react with the YBa2Cu3O7−x and acts to prevent oxygen from diffusing out of the YBa2Cu3O7−x. The fabrication procedure can, in principle, be used with any tube enclosure which neither reacts with YBa2Cu3O7−x nor allows diffusion of oxygen to the outside atmosphere.
Characterization of displaced bipolar cells in the tiger salamander retina

In immunocytochemical studies of the tiger salamander retina, 17% of neurons in the outer nuclear layer did not label for recoverin, a photoreceptor marker. Lucifer yellow injection showed a population of cells in the ONL to be displaced bipolar cells, with axon terminals that stratified exclusively in the OFF sublamina of the inner plexiform layer (IPL), and predominately within the cone-dominated region of the OFF sublamina. Glutamate generated a dendritic cationic conductance increase in all displaced bipolar cells tested, and typical cone-dominated bipolar cell light responses were observed among displaced cells that stratified in the central IPL. We conclude that displaced bipolar cells in the tiger salamander retina are entirely OFF-center cells, and predominately cone-dominated cells.
Suppression of a Field Population of the Hessian Fly by Releases of the Dominant Avirulent Great Plains Biotype

In small-scale field tests in which the dominant avirulent Great Plains biotype of Mayetiola destructor (Say) was released into a population of eastern soft wheat biotypes, the population of native flies was suppressed. An inundative release of 20:1 Great Plains biotype to native flies had the greatest impact after 2 releases. The native population was reduced from ca. 101,250/ha to less than 810/ha after the 4th release; the control population, meanwhile, increased to ca. 173,700/ha. The Great Plains flies were fully competitive with the native flies, an enhancement to the potential this method of control offers.
Deformation potentials in whole bone.

Abstract When freshly excised whole bone specimens were subjected to mechanical deformation or strain, electrical potentials were consistently generated. Compressed areas were electronegative with respect to areas under tension. Potentials reached a maximum of 2.7 mV in normal bones. Peak voltage increased as both deformation and rate of deformation increased, but the relationships were nonlinear. So long as deformation was maintained, a uniform steady-state potential persisted. This steady-state potential was directly proportional to the deformation but was independent of the rate of deformation. Although these studies were not specifically designed to determine the origins of the deformation potentials, they seem to indicate that these potentials do not arise through a single mechanism alone. The biological significance of these deformation potentials remains unknown, but it has been postulated that they may play a vital role in fracture healing, bone remodelling, growth and development, and the prevention of osteoporosis.
Adenylate cyclase in a sea anemone. Implication for chemoreception.

Abstract Adenylate cyclase of the sea anemone Anthopleura elegantissima was found to be associated with the heavy particulate fraction of the cell and to be activated by NaF and 2-mercaptoethanol. Reduced glutathione, which elicits the ciliary swallowing response during feeding, also activated adenylate cyclase in particles from the oral disc and pharynx. The GSH effect was dependent on homogenization procedure, whereas the NaF and 2-mercaptoethanol activation was not. The activation of adenylate cyclase from the oral disc and pharynx by GSH was correlated with increased Ca 2+ binding to the particulate fraction. When activation by GSH was abolished by mechanical homogenization, no increasea in Ca 2+ binding was observed in the presence of GSH. It is suggested that chemoreception for the swallowing response of this organism is mediated by cyclic AMP control of Ca 2+ distribution in the cell.
Thermal Conduction in Nonhomogeneous CVD Diamond Layers in Electronic Microstructures

Chemical-vapor-deposited diamond layers of thickness between 0.1 and 5 {mu}m have the potential to improve conduction cooling in electronic microstructures. However, thermal conduction in these layers is strongly impeded by phonon scattering on defects, whose concentrations can be highly nonhomogeneous, and on layer boundaries. By assuming that defects are concentrated near grain boundaries, this work relates the internal phonon scattering rate to the local characteristic grain dimension and to the dimensionless grain-boundary scattering strength, a parameter defined here that varies little within a given layer. Solutions to the Peierls-Boltzmann phonon transport equation for conduction along and normal to layers account for the nonhomogeneous internal scattering rate. Predictions for conduction along and normal to layers as thin as 0.2 {mu}m agree well with room-temperature data. This research helps optimize diamond layer thicknesses for specific microstructures, such as silicon-on-diamond (SOD) circuits. 28 refs., 7 figs.
Thiol/Disulfide Exchange Is Required for Membrane Fusion Directed by the Newcastle Disease Virus Fusion Protein

Newcastle disease virus (NDV), an avian paramyxovirus, initiates infection with attachment of the viral hemagglutinin-neuraminidase (HN) protein to sialic acid-containing receptors, followed by fusion of viral and cell membranes, which is mediated by the fusion (F) protein. Like all class 1 viral fusion proteins, the paramyxovirus F protein is thought to undergo dramatic conformational changes upon activation. How the F protein accomplishes extensive conformational rearrangements is unclear. Since several viral fusion proteins undergo disulfide bond rearrangement during entry, we asked if similar rearrangements occur in NDV proteins during entry. We found that inhibitors of cell surface thiol/disulfide isomerase activity—5′5-dithio-bis(2-nitrobenzoic acid) (DTNB), bacitracin, and anti-protein disulfide isomerase antibody—inhibited cell-cell fusion and virus entry but had no effect on cell viability, glycoprotein surface expression, or HN protein attachment or neuraminidase activities. These inhibitors altered the conformation of surface-expressed F protein, as detected by conformation-sensitive antibodies. Using biotin maleimide (MPB), a reagent that binds to free thiols, free thiols were detected on surface-expressed F protein, but not HN protein. The inhibitors DTNB and bacitracin blocked the detection of these free thiols. Furthermore, MPB binding inhibited cell-cell fusion. Taken together, our results suggest that one or several disulfide bonds in cell surface F protein are reduced by the protein disulfide isomerase family of isomerases and that F protein exists as a mixture of oxidized and reduced forms. In the presence of HN protein, only the reduced form may proceed to refold into additional intermediates, leading to the fusion of membranes.
The frequency doubled, synchronously pumped dye laser as a source for resonance Raman spectroscopy of nucleic acid constituents

The use of ultraviolet radiation for obtaining Raman spectra of nucleic acids, their constituents, and polynucleotides allows, through resonance and preresonance enhancement, both the reduction of detectable solution concentrations by several orders of magnitude and the determination of the electronic source of Raman intensities. Low repetition rate (<100 Hz) pulsed lasers, used in previous experiments to achieve adequate uv power, prevented incorporation of high sensitivity photon counting detection electronics. In this note it is demonstrated that the high repetition rate, frequency doubled, synchronously pumped dye laser (SPDL), while compatible with photon counting electronics, provides sufficient uv powers for obtaining satisfactory Raman spectra at low concentrations. This system possesses the added advantage that it is built from lasers widely used for conventional visible Raman spectroscopy. In addition, the optical pulse width is narrow enough (<10 ps) to allow the potential for time resolved rejection of fluorescence.
Response of Granular Juxtaglomerular Cells and Tissue Mast Cells in Various Experimental States

Mast cells, granular juxtaglomerular (j.g.) cells, and renal renin levels were studied in five different experimental conditions involving renal hypertension, DOCA hypertension, prolonged administration of NaCl in the drinking water, and treatment with compound 48/80, and dextran. The j.g. cells and mast cells behaved differently in each of these cir cumstances. A correlation between refill con tent and j.g. cells was observed. Metachro inasia could not be detected in j.g. cells and their location appeared to he unique.
Applications of microelectronics and microfabrication to ultrasound imaging systems

Recent work on techniques for applying microelectronics and related microfabrication technology to different aspects of ultrasound imaging systems is described. Particular topics addressed include integrated transducer arrays, acoustic crosstalk, microelectronics for front-end interface circuits, microelectronic preamplifiers, microelectronic design flexibility, microfabrication techniques for 2-D arrays, and 3-D interconnects for 2-D arrays. >
The effect of oxygenated mycolic acid composition on cell wall function and macrophage growth in Mycobacterium tuberculosis

There are three major structural classes of mycolic acids in the cell envelope of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB): alpha-, methoxy- and ketomycolate. The two oxygen-containing classes are biosynthetically related through a common α-methyl hydroxymycolate intermediate. BCG strains that fail to produce methoxymycolate and instead produce only keto- and alpha-mycolic acids show apparent defects in the O-methyltransferase MMAS-3. Overproduction of MMAS-3 from MTB resulted in a complete replacement of ketomycolate by methoxymycolate in both BCG and MTB. In vitro growth of these recombinant strains lacking ketomycolate was impaired at reduced temperatures but appeared to be normal at 37°C. Glucose uptake was significantly decreased in such strains, but uptake of chenodeoxycholate and glycine was unaffected. Although sensitivity to INH remained unchanged, these cells were found to be hypersensitive to ampicillin and rifampicin. Infectivity of BCG and H37Rv wild type or MMAS-3 overproducers in THP-1 cells was somewhat affected, but the ability of the strains lacking ketomycolate to grow within this macrophage-like cell line was severely compromised. In vivo labelling of mycolic acids during growth of H37Rv within THP-1 cells revealed a substantial increase in ketomycolate and alphamycolate synthesized by intracellularly grown mycobacteria. These results establish a critical role for mycolate composition in proper cell wall function during the growth of MTB in vivo.
Quantitative detection of HCO behind shock waves: The thermal decomposition of HCO

Using FM spectroscopy formyl radicals were detected for the first time behind shock waves. HCO radicals have been generated by 308 nm photolysis of mixtures of formaldehyde in argon. The HCO spectrum of the (A2A″ ← 2A′) (0900 ← 0010) transition was measured at room temperature with high resolution and the predissociative linewidths Γ of the individual rotational lines were fitted to Γ = X + ZN′2(N′ + 1)2, where X = 0.22 cm−1 and Z = 1.0 × 10−5 cm−1. Since FM spectroscopy is very sensitive to small line shape variations the spin splitting in the Q-branch could be resolved. Time resolved measurements of HCO profiles at temperatures below 820 K provided the temperature independent rates of reaction (4), H + HCO → H2 + CO, and reaction (5), HCO + HCO → CH2O + CO, k4 = 1.1 × 1014 cm3 mol−1 s−1k5 = 2.7 × 1013 cm3 mol−1 s−1and the low pressure room temperature absorption cross section of the Q(9)P(2) line at 614.872 nm, αc = (1.5 ± 0.4) × 106 cm2 mol−1 (base e). Measurements of the unimolecular decomposition of HCO, reaction (3) HCO + M → H + CO + M, were performed at temperatures from 835 to 1230 K and at total densities from 3.3 × 10−6 to 2.5 × 10−5 mol cm−3. They can be represented by the following Arrhenius expression. k3 = 4.0 × 1013·exp(−65 kJ mol−1/RT) cm3 mol−1 s−1 (Δ log k3 = ±0.23)The corresponding RRKM fit, 4.8 × 1017·(T/K)−1.2·exp(−74.2 kJ mol−1/RT) cm3 mol−1 s−1 (600 < T/K < 2500), supports the lower range of previously reported high temperature rate expressions.
A virtual node algorithm for changing mesh topology during simulation

We propose a virtual node algorithm that allows material to separate along arbitrary (possibly branched) piecewise linear paths through a mesh. The material within an element is fragmented by creating several replicas of the element and assigning a portion of real material to each replica. This results in elements that contain both real material and empty regions. The missing material is contained in another copy (or copies) of this element. Our new virtual node algorithm automatically determines the number of replicas and the assignment of material to each. Moreover, it provides the degrees of freedom required to simulate the partially or fully fragmented material in a fashion consistent with the embedded geometry. This approach enables efficient simulation of complex geometry with a simple mesh, i.e. the geometry need not align itself with element boundaries. It also alleviates many shortcomings of traditional Lagrangian simulation techniques for meshes with changing topology. For example, slivers do not require small CFL time step restrictions since they are embedded in well shaped larger elements. To enable robust simulation of embedded geometry, we propose new algorithms for handling rigid body and self collisions. In addition, we present several mechanisms for influencing and controlling fracture with grain boundaries, prescoring, etc. We illustrate our method for both volumetric and thin-shell simulations.
Major intracontinental strike-slip faults and contrasts in lithospheric strength

A large fraction of major intracontinental strike-slip faults, defined here as those slipping at rates of ∼10 mm/yr or more, lie adjacent to relatively strong regions, such as oceanic lithosphere or Precambrian shields. We suggest that such faults form adjacent to discontinuities in strength, because strain in a continuous medium must concentrate near such strong objects. Concentration in strain is enhanced in deforming continua where viscosity is non-Newtonian, and hence where strain rates vary with deviatoric stress raised to a power greater than one, as is the case for rock-forming minerals at low temperatures characteristic of the lithosphere. Conversely, in regions where deformation is spread over a wide region, such as in the Basin and Range Province of the western United States or in the high interior of the Tibetan Plateau, the absence of strong objects may allow deformation to be diffuse without the development of rapidly slipping faults.
Plasma corticosteroid dynamics in channel catfish, Ictalurus punctatus (Rafinesque), during and after oxygen depletion

Plasma corticosteroid concentrations in channel catfish, Ictalurus punctatus, (normally 1.0 ± 0.3 μg/100 ml) increased significantly (to 5.9 ± 1.2μg/100 ml) in response to acute oxygen depletion and then returned to control levels within 30 min after the dissolved oxygen concentration was increased; however, a secondary increase in plasma corticosteroid levels was observed 6 h after exposure. Corticosteroid levels also increased in fish exposed to dissolved oxygen concentration of <0.2 mg/1 for three days. Methylene blue was not effective in preventing interrenal response to low dissolved oxygen. No diurnal plasma corticosteroid rhythm was observed in fish exposed to diurnal chemical rhythms of culture ponds.
Gastrointestinal Pathology in Juvenile and Adult CFTR-Knockout Ferrets

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a multiorgan disease caused by loss of a functional cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) chloride channel in many epithelia of the body. Here we report the pathology observed in the gastrointestinal organs of juvenile to adult CFTR-knockout ferrets. CF gastrointestinal manifestations included gastric ulceration, intestinal bacterial overgrowth with villous atrophy, and rectal prolapse. Metagenomic phylogenetic analysis of fecal microbiota by deep sequencing revealed considerable genotype-independent microbial diversity between animals, with the majority of taxa overlapping between CF and non-CF pairs. CF hepatic manifestations were variable, but included steatosis, necrosis, biliary hyperplasia, and biliary fibrosis. Gallbladder cystic mucosal hyperplasia was commonly found in 67% of CF animals. The majority of CF animals (85%) had pancreatic abnormalities, including extensive fibrosis, loss of exocrine pancreas, and islet disorganization. Interestingly, 2 of 13 CF animals retained predominantly normal pancreatic histology (84% to 94%) at time of death. Fecal elastase-1 levels from these CF animals were similar to non-CF controls, whereas all other CF animals evaluated were pancreatic insufficient (<2 μg elastase-1 per gram of feces). These findings suggest that genetic factors likely influence the extent of exocrine pancreas disease in CF ferrets and have implications for the etiology of pancreatic sufficiency in CF patients. In summary, these studies demonstrate that the CF ferret model develops gastrointestinal pathology similar to CF patients.
Compliant contact models for rigid body collisions

Previous work in rigid body dynamic simulation has relied on rigid body impact models to model collisions. The well-known models due to Newton, Poisson, and Brach, are each based on a definition of a coefficient of restitution for rigid body impact. The objective of this paper is to develop a new model that overcomes the deficiencies of these models in frictional impacts and to present a formulation to solve problems with multiple concurrent impacts. The model is based on simple mechanical elements that model energy storage and dissipation at each contact. We present an algorithm for simulating concurrent impacts between rigid bodies and illustrate its application with a variation of the peg-in-hole insertion problem.
Induction of labor in women with a prior cesarean delivery

Given the historically high rates of cesarean delivery in the United States, obstetrical providers must often consider an induction of labor for women with a history of prior cesarean delivery versus repeat cesarean delivery. Clinical evaluation of this scenario involves weighing the benefits of a successful trial of labor after cesarean delivery against the risks associated with symptomatic uterine rupture. This article will review the uncommon but clinically important circumstance of labor induction following a cesarean delivery, including method of induction as well as induction in the setting of second trimester still birth and fetal anomalies.
Health Care Utilization and Costs Among Patients Treated for Bipolar Disorder in an Insured Population

OBJECTIVE: The study examined health care utilization and costs among patients treated for bipolar-spectrum disorders in an insured population. METHODS: Computerized data on prescriptions and on outpatient and inpatient diagnoses from a large health plan were used to identify patients treated for cyclothymia, bipolar disorder, or schizoaffective disorder. Three age- and sex-matched comparison groups consisting of general medical outpatients, patients treated for depression, and patients treated for diabetes were selected from health plan members. Utilization and cost of health services for the four groups over a six-month period were assessed using computerized accounting records. RESULTS: Total mean±SD costs for patients in the bipolar disorder group ($3,416±$6,862) were significantly higher than those in any of the comparison groups. Specialty mental health and substance abuse services accounted for 45 percent of total costs in the group with bipolar disorder (mean±SD=$1,566±$3,243), compared with 10 pe...
Evaluation of Predatory Mites and Acramite for Control of Twospotted Spider Mites in Strawberries in North Central Florida

Greenhouse and Þeld experiments were conducted from 2003 to 2005 to determine the effectiveness of two predatory mite species, Phytoseiulus persimilis Athias-Henriot and Neoseiulus californicus (McGregor), and a reduced-risk miticide, Acramite 50 WP (bifenazate), for control of twospotted spider mite, Tetranychus urticae Koch, in strawberries (Fragaria x ananassa Duchesne). In greenhouse tests, three treatments consisting of releases of P. persimilis, N. californicus, and an untreated control were evaluated. Both species of predatory mites signiÞcantly reduced twospotted spider mite numbers below those found in the control during the Þrst 3 wk of evaluation. However, during week 4, twospotted spider mite numbers on the plants treated with P. persimilis increased and did not differ signiÞcantly from the control. Field studies used releases of P. persimilis and N. californicus, applications of Acramite, and untreated control plots. BothN.californicus andP.persimilis signiÞcantly reduced populations of twospotted spider mite below numbers recorded in the control plots. During the 2003Ð2004 Þeld season P. persimilis took longer than N. californicus to bring the twospotted spider mite population under control (10 mites per leaset). Acramite was effective in reducing twospotted spider mite populations below 10 mites per leaset during the 2003Ð2004 Þeld season but not during the 2004 Ð2005 Þeld season, possibly because of a late application. These Þndings indicate that N. californicus releases and properly timed Acramite applications are promising options for twospotted spider mite control in strawberries for growers in north Florida and other areas of the southeast.
Sensory stimuli associated with gestation and parturition evoke cardiac and behavioral responses in fetal rats

We examined the ability of late-gestation (Day 21) fetal rats to detect and respond to stimuli associated with gestation and parturition. Previous work in rats suggests that maternal behavior and physiology provide specific tactile, vestibular, and thermal stimuli to fetal and newborn offspring. For example, fetuses in utero are exposed to angular acceleration and vibration as the mother engages in exploratory behavior and self-grooming. Late-gestation fetuses are compressed by strong contractions of the uterus during parturition. Newly born pups are exposed to intense tactile stimulation associated with maternal licking and to prolonged extrauterine cooling during the immediate postpartum period. In the present study, we simulated five forms of biological stimuli normally associated with gestation and parturition. Using in vivo observation techniques in which fetuses were externalized from the dam’s uterus, but retained an intact umbilical circulation, we measured cardiac and behavioral responses of Day 21 rat fetuses to stimulation. Each subject received a single 5-sec presentation of (1) angular acceleration, to mimic rearing of the pregnant dam, (2) vibration, to mimic hindlimb scratching of the dam, (3) mechanical compression, to mimic labor contractions, (4) stroking, to mimic postpartum licking, or (5) cooling, to mimic the thermal effects of birth. Fetal rats responded to each form of stimulation with bradycardia and behavioral activation. These findings provide evidence that fetal offspring can detect and respond to the classes and levels of biological stimuli that are normally associated with maternal behavior and physiology during perinatal life.
Regional lipolytic responses to isoproterenol in women

We previously found that epinephrine, a mixed beta- and alpha-adrenoreceptor agonist, stimulates systemic and nonsplanchnic upper body free fatty acid (FFA) release but not lower body FFA release i...
Persistent lobar consolidation: Diagnostic considerations

Abstract:The radiographic appearance of pulmonary opacities reflects the underlying anatomic structure and anatomic considerations influencing disease spread. Recognition of these considerations allows one pattern of pulmonary opacity often encountered at chest radiography, consolidation, to be grou
The management of head trauma.

Priorities in evaluation and management. Types of injury discussed include scalp lacerations, skull fractures, and hematomas.
Understanding and Treating Military Sexual Trauma

Military sexual trauma (MST) is defined as harassment, abuse, or assault of military service members by military service members. Military sexual trauma is a growing epidemic within military cultur...