cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Diversity of the Ig Repertoire is Maintained With Age In Spite of Reduced Germinal Centre Cells in Human Tonsil Lymphoid Tissue

Humans and almost all species studied to date exhibit a decreased responsiveness to immunization and increased autoimmunity with age. While this has been observed clinically for decades, only recently has an understanding of the molecular basis for these changes begun to be appreciated. Studies of the B-cell aspects of these changes in ageing mice and the very few reports in ageing humans have not been conclusive. Here we examine the nucleotide sequence of over 1250 VH transcripts from the tonsils of individuals of various ages for changes to the VH4 immunoglobulin repertoire. An exhaustive examination of VH, DH and JH gene segment utilization revealed a remarkable similarity of the repertoires. The extent of somatic hypermutation was fully maintained or even increased by some measures into the eighth decade of life. However, we found by middle age that the representation of naive and germinal centre B-cell subpopulations changed relative to total B lymphocytes in the tonsil. While the percentage of naive and germinal centre B-cell subpopulations changes during the second half of life, these findings suggest that even with advancing age, humans remain capable of generating an extremely diverse Ig repertoire while maintaining a similar spectrum of Ig rearrangements once the germinal centre reaction begins.
FOXP2: Novel exons, splice variants, and CAG repeat length stability

FOXP2 is a transcription factor containing a polyglutamine tract, a zinc-finger motif, and a forkhead DNA-binding domain. The FOXP2 gene is located on 7q31. A missense mutation in the forkhead domain (exon 14) and a balanced reciprocal translocation t(5;7)(q22;q31.2) with a breakpoint between exons 3b and 4 have recently been associated with a speech and language disorder (SPCH1). The role of FOXP2 in this neurodevelopmental disorder suggests that mutations in FOXP2 could cause other neuropsychiatric disorders. To begin investigation of this possibility, we examined the genomic structure and CAG/CAA repeat region of FOXP2. We detected little polymorphism and no expansions in the FOXP2 CAG/CAA repeat in 142 individuals with progressive movement disorders. We found evidence of alternate splice variants and six previously undetected exons: three 5′ untranslated exons (s1, s2, s3), two additional untranslated exons (2a and 2b) between exons 2 and 3, a translated exon (4a) between exons 4 and 5, and a longer version of exon 10 (10+) that contains an alternate stop codon and produces a truncated protein (FOXP2-S). Our results suggest that FOXP2 spans at least 603 kb of genomic DNA, more than twice the previously defined region, and provide evidence of a promoter region flanking exon s1. This demonstration of additional FOXP2 exons and splice variants should facilitate understanding of FOXP2 function and the search for additional FOXP2 mutations.
Use of naturally-occurring enzyme variation to detect and map genes controlling quantitative traits in an interspecific backcross of tomato

A backcross between the inbred parents, Lycopersicon esculentum (LA 490, recurrent parent) and Solanum pennellii (LA 716) constitutes ideal material for an investigation of linkage between enzyme marker genes and loci determining quantitative traits (QTL): the chromosomes of the parents are the same in number and are homosequential; the parents differ for well-defined alleles at 12 enzymatic loci, which represent at least 8 of the 12 chromosomes, and large differences exist between the parents for measurable metric traits. The four metric traits investigated in this study were inherited in typical quantitative fashion; the marker segregations fit monogenic ratios for all except four loci, for which there were deviations of three favoured alleles of the recurrent parent, in agreement with frequent observations in interspecific hybrids. Association between QTL and mapped enzyme markers were detected statistically from calculations based on the normal distribution. In this manner a minimum of 21 QTL were mapped. Two pairs of linked enzyme markers permitted application of a three-point mapping procedure by comparing the data with models expected for various positions of QTL. Data for three QTL fitted predictions specified for a locus closer to one marker than the other, and data for one QTL met all criteria save one for a locus between the two markers. Certain QTL coding for stigma exsertion and leaf ratio have effects opposite to those expected from parental values; i.e., for these traits both parents contribute alleles coding for positive and negative effects, resulting in the observed transgressive variation. When values observed for QTL linked with pairs of independent markers are compared with sums of separate values for each, significant epistatic interactions are detected. Although the extent of epistasis could not be determined precisely, it is probably not large. The paired interactions identified additional QTL whose individual effects were not otherwise detectable. Enzymatic markers offer a number of advantages for the analysis of quantitative genetic variation which include: (a) lack of detectable effects on the morphology and physiology of the soma, (b) codominant expression, permitting exact identification of genotypes, and (c) lack of epistasis, allowing classification of any number of such markers segregating simultaneously. A tester stock with linked enzyme markers on each chromosome therefore could conceivably be utilized to analyze the total quantitative differences between two parents in a single segregating progeny. Such a tester stock might be especially useful for probing exotic germplasm for genes controlling quantitative characters of economic importance. The methods of analysis outlined here could easily be adapted for analysis of F2 populations or generations from other mating designs where a fuller array of genetic variation would be revealed.
Determination of interaction second virial coefficients; He-CO2 system

We have obtained values for interaction second viral coefficients of the helium-carbon dioxide system in the range 230 ⩽ T/K ⩽ 300. Our experimental technique is essentially the Burnett mixing method described by Hall and Eubank (1973, 1974). We have modified the analysis to account for higher-order effects and to detect significant systematic errors. We also report virial coefficients for the pure components: helium in the range 100 ⩽ T/K ⩽ 300 and carbon dioxide at 300 K.
Exact simulation of feedback circuit parameters

Techniques for finding the important parameters of a single-loop feedback circuit at the closed-loop DC operating point are presented. The main advantage of these techniques is that they allow exact computer simulation of feedback parameters with a circuit simulator such as SPICE. Maintaining the closed-loop DC bias point in all test circuits makes it possible for the circuit simulator to compute the small-signal models for all nonlinear elements correctly. The methods presented for simulating loop transmission are particularly valuable since they can be used to accurately determine gain and phase margin using frequency-domain analysis, which is faster and more efficient than simulating step response via transient analysis. The equations behind the two methods for calculating loop transmission are presented as background. Examples are included to demonstrate the techniques. >
Some Factors Associated with Fluctuation in Year-class Strength of Sauger, Lewis and Clark Lake, South Dakota

Abstract The strength of sauger, Stizostedion canadense (Smith), year classes in Lewis and Clark Lake has fluctuated widely since formation of the reservoir in 1956. Our studies suggest that more than 80% of the variability in year-class strength measured from the catch of fish older than age 0 can be predicted from knowledge of water level change over the spawning ground, June reservoir water temperature, and reservoir water exchange rate. These factors were measured and probably function during the first 2 months of fish life. Sauger year classes of better than average strength can be expected in most years if both power-peaking operations at Fort Randall Dam during the fish spawning and incubation period, and the reservoir water exchange rate during June are minimized.
Critical Period Effects in Second Language Acquisition: The Effect of Written versus Auditory Materials on the Assessment of Grammatical Competence†

Current research has supported the existence of a critical period for the acquisition of the grammar of a second language. In one study, native speakers of Chinese and Korean, who had arrived in the U.S. at varying ages, were tested on their knowledge of English grammar using an auditory grammaticality judgment task (Johnson & Newport, 1989). Subjects were tested only after having lived in the U.S. for many years as students or academicians. The present study asks whether the poorer performance exhibited by the older arrivals was due to their difficulty with English grammar or merely due to extragrammatical properties associated with an auditory task. The same subjects who participated in the earlier study were tested a year later using an untimed written version of the same test. A strong negative correlation was still observed between age of arrival and performance on the written test: r=-.54 for subjects of all ages of arrival; r=-.73 for subjects who arrived to the U.S. before adulthood. Performance was higher on the written version than on the auditory version, but only for the older arrivals. The possibility that earlier formal classroom training boosted the adult arrivals’ performance on the written test is discussed.
Aldehyde dehydrogenase and monoamine oxidase in rat liver mitochondria.

Abstract Monoamine oxidase (EC 1.4.3.4) and aldehyde dehydrogenase (EC 1.2.1.3) activities were compared in the liver mitochondria of male and female rats. Monoamine oxidase activity using benzylamine as a substrate was significantly higher in males as compared with females: 1.45 versus 0.74 μmoles/mg mitochondrial protein/hr, respectively. Monoamine oxidase activity using tyramine as a substrate and aldehyde dehydrogenase activity were the same in males and females. Monoamine oxidase-tyramine and aldehyde dehydrogenase activities did not vary with the different phases of the estrous cycle in the female but the activity of monoamine oxidase-benzylamine did; rats in the proestrous phase had the highest activity and those in the estrous phase had the lowest.
A Proportional Hazards Cure Model for the Analysis of Time to Event with Frequently Unidentifiable Causes

We propose a semiparametric method for the analysis of masked-cause failure data that are also subject to a cure. We present estimators for the failure time distribution, the cure rate, and the covariate effect on each of these, assuming a proportional hazards cure model for the time to event of interest and we use the expectation-maximization algorithm to conduct the likelihood maximization. The method is applied to data from a breast cancer clinical trial.
Susceptibility to nucleases of DNA synthesized with nucleohistone primer

Abstract The susceptibilities to nucleases of primer and product with DNA and peaembryo nucleohistone as primers of DNA synthesis have been studied. The products of DNA- and nucleohistone-supported DNA synthesis are equally and readily susceptible to an endonuclease (pancreatic deoxyribonuclease, deoxyribonucleate oligonucleotide-hydrolase, EC 3.1.4.5) which attacks nucleohistone primer very slowly. Addition of endonuclease to a DNA polymerase reaction mixture primed with nucleohistone (after maximum DNA synthesis) results in a renewed but temporary DNA synthesis. Native DNA and nucleohistone primers are not attacked by an exonuclease (venom phosphodiesterase, orthophosphoric diester phosphohydrolase, EC 3.1.4.1). After heating, DNA (but not nucleohistone) primer is susceptible to exonuclease. The degree of attack of the native and heat-denatured product DNA of both DNA and nucleohistone-supported DNA syntheses is dependent upon the extent of replication. However, the nucleohistone-associated component of the product of nucleohistone-supported DNA synthesis is more resistant to exonuclease action than is the fraction of the product DNA not so associated. Removal of the histone renders the DNA product completely susceptible to exonuclease. These results lead to the following conclusions concerning the nature of DNA synthesized with nucleohistone primer: (1) It is not bound to the histone moiety in the same manner as is the DNA moiety of the nucleohistone. (2) Its association with the nucleohistone is such that its 3′-hydroxy groups are inaccessible to exonuclease action. (3) Its site of binding with the enzyme on the nucleohistone to form an inactive complex is sensitive to endonuclease action. (4) There is no evidence that it possesses a pleated or hairpin structure. (5) It is not synthesized as a consequence of participation as primer of only a small uncomplexed portion of the DNA moiety of the nucleohistone.
Study of phase changes of the water octamer using parallel tempering and multihistogram methods

Parallel tempering Monte Carlo and multihistogram methods are combined to study the phase changes of the water octamer. The heat capacity is calculated continuously from very low temperatures up to T=230 K. We find the melting temperature to be 178.5 K. In addition, a solid–solid phase change is found at 12 K. We introduce an order parameter to monitor this low temperature phase change.
Direct analysis of the chromosome constitution of human spermatozoa

ALL available information on the chromosome constitution of human gametes is speculative, having been obtained by inference from the chromosome constitution of conceptuses that survive sufficiently long to produce a clinically recognisable pregnancy. A minimum of 10% of all recognised human conceptions are chromosomally abnormal, and it has been estimated that 1–2% are the result of fertilisation by a spermatozoon with a chromosome abnormality1. Cytological evaluation of the chromosome constitution of human spermatozoa has been restricted to the staining of fixed smears of whole sperm2–13. Certain chromosome regions with peculiar staining properties, such as the long arm of the Y chromosome and the heterochromatic region of chromosome 9, are presumed to be represented in appropriately stained sperm nuclei by differentially staining spots. By counting the number of these spots per nucleus, the frequency of aneuploidy in the sperm of normal males has been estimated to be around 40% (refs 5, 9–11). The precision of the data obtained from stained whole sperm is dubious, because several factors must be taken into consideration when blobs are counted in sperm head nuclei, all of which could contribute to biased estimates of nondisjunction7,8,12. For this reason, some claims have now been retracted12,13. To investigate the true contribution of male gametes to the production of chromosomally abnormal conceptuses and the factors influencing the production and survival of chromosomally abnormal sperm, it is necessary to analyse the sperm chromosomes directly. However, after meiotic metaphase II sperm chromosomes do not reappear until the male and female pronuclei of the fertilised egg prepare for the first cleavage division. We report here the use of hamster eggs to activate human sperm to the point where their chromosomes can be studied directly.
FLIM Phasor Analysis for Time-Domain and Frequency-Domain Data

1779-Pos Board B671 FLIM Phasor Analysis for Time-Domain and Frequency-Domain Data Enrico Gratton, Michelle A. Digman, Chiara Stringari, Cosimo Arnesano. University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA. The phasor analysis of FLIM images provides a ﬁt free global view of molec- ular species and their interaction in cells and tissues. Different techniques are used to collect the original data either in the time domain or in the frequency domain. The ‘‘phasor transformation’’ which is based on the calculation of Fourier components should in principle make the phasor plot independent of the domain of data collection. However, technical differences between the modalities of data acquisition in various instruments result in slightly different phasor calculations. In this poster we discuss the origin of the variations be- tween the different methods of data acquisition. In particular we compare data obtained with the classical analog frequency domain instrument, data obtained with the FLIMbox principle that is based on a digital equivalent of the frequency domain instrument and data obtained with the popular time- correlated single photon counting instrument. We discuss how to minimize these differences which could results in phasors plots that can be directly com- pared form data obtained with different instruments. We also discuss and com- pare methods of data ﬁltering which can decrease the noise in the phasor plot without affecting the resolution of FLIM images. Finally we compare phasor plots obtained for different harmonics of the laser repetition frequency. We show that the phasor plot at high harmonics from autoﬂuorescence tissue sam- ples can distinguish between various extracellular components such as the weak ﬂuorescence from collagen and elastin. Work supported in part by NIH-P41 P41-RRO3155, 8P41GM103540 and P50-GM076516
Cost savings from alternative treatments for tuberculosis

Abstract The cost effectiveness of short tuberculosis treatment regimes using rifampicin (R) or thambutol (E) is calculated and compared to long regimes based on thiacetazone and isoniazid (TH). Although rifampicin and ethambutol are more costly per case they are only about one half the cost of the isoniazid based regimes per person effectively treated. This result is primarily derived from higher patient compliance with the short regimes. In addition, ambulatory treatment, where practical, is approximately one third the cost per person effectively treated of regimes using inpatient treatment for the first 2 months. Applied to 1982 data for Botswana, the analysis reveals that treating 80% of patients through ambulatory R and E regimes would have reduced total health expenditures for tuberculosis care by two thirds compared to inpatient regimes based on TH, and the number of people complying and cured would have doubled.
Edge determination for polycrystalline silicon lines on gate oxide

In a scanning electron microscope (SEM) top-down secondary electron image, areas within a few tens of nanometers of the line edges are characteristically brighter than the rest of the image. In general, the shape of the secondary electron signal within such edge regions depends upon the energy and spatial distribution of the electron beam and the sample composition, and it is sensitive to small variations in sample geometry. Assigning edge shape and position is done by finding a model sample that is calculated, on the basis of a mathematical model of the instrument-sample interaction, to produce an image equal to the one actually observed. Edge locations, and consequently line widths, are then assigned based upon this model sample. In previous years we have applied this strategy to lines with geometry constrained by preferential etching of single crystal silicon. With this study we test the procedure on polycrystalline silicon lines. Polycrystalline silicon lines fabricated according to usual industrial processes represent a commercially interesting albeit technically more challenging application of this method. With the sample geometry less constrained a priori, a larger set of possible sample geometries must be modeled and tested for a match to the observed line scan, and the possibility of encountering multiple acceptable matches is increased. For this study we have implemented a data analysis procedure that matches measured image line scans to a precomputed library of sample shapes and their corresponding line scans. Linewidth test patterns containing both isolated and dense lines separated from the underlying silicon substrate by a thin gate oxide have been fabricated. Line scans from test pattern images have been fitted to the library of modeled shapes.
Regulation of DNA synthesis and the cell cycle in human prostate cancer cells and lymphocytes by ovine uterine serpin.

Uterine serpins are members of the serine proteinase inhibitor superfamily. Like some other serpins, these proteins do not appear to be functional proteinase inhibitors. The most studied member of the group, ovine uterine serpin (OvUS), inhibits proliferation of several cell types including activated lymphocytes, bovine preimplantation embryos, and cell lines for lymphoma, canine primary osteosarcoma and human prostate cancer (PC-3) cells. The goal for the present study was to evaluate the mechanism by which OvUS inhibits cell proliferation. In particular, it was tested whether inhibition of DNA synthesis in PC-3 cells involves cytotoxic actions of OvUS or the induction of apoptosis. The effect of OvUS in the production of the autocrine and angiogenic cytokine interleukin (IL)-8 by PC-3 cells was also determined. Finally, it was tested whether OvUS blocks specific steps in the cell cycle using both PC-3 cells and lymphocytes. Recombinant OvUS blocked proliferation of PC-3 cells at concentrations as low as 8 μg/ml as determined by measurements of [3H]thymidine incorporation or ATP content per well. Treatment of PC-3 cells with OvUS did not cause cytotoxicity or apoptosis or alter interleukin-8 secretion into medium. Results from flow cytometry experiments showed that OvUS blocked the entry of PC-3 cells into S phase and the exit from G2/M phase. In addition, OvUS blocked entry of lymphocytes into S phase following activation of proliferation with phytohemagglutinin. Results indicate that OvUS acts to block cell proliferation through disruption of the cell cycle dynamics rather than induction of cytotoxicity or apoptosis. The finding that OvUS can regulate cell proliferation makes this one of only a few serpins that function to inhibit cell growth.
Lung function in infants with wheezing and gastroesophageal reflux

Summary. Eighty-four otherwise healthy infants with daily wheezing underwent infant pulmonary function tests (IPFTs) and 24-h esophageal pH probe studies. Fifty-four (64%) infants had positive pH probe studies, and 30 infants had negative pH probe studies. Many infants in both groups had evidence of peripheral airflow obstruction at tidal breathing and on forced expiration as measured by thoracoabdominal compression. In infants with gastroesophageal reflux (GER), only 9 of 54 (16.6%) responded to bronchodilator therapy compared to 20 of 30 (66.6%) in the group with negative pH probe studies (P < 0.0005). In infants with positive pH studies, family history of asthma (n = 16) correlated well with positive response to bronchodilators (P < 0.0005), and all infants exposed to maternal smoking (n = 11) had no response to bronchodilators. Forty-four percent of infants with a positive pH probe had no gastrointestinal symptoms suggestive of GER. In infants with a negative pH probe, family history of asthma (n = 24) correlated well with positive response to bronchodilators (P < 0.0005), and exposure to maternal smoking (n = 8) correlated well with no response to bronchodilator therapy (P < 0.0005). We conclude that silent GER is common in infants with persistent wheezing. Furthermore, infants with GER are less likely to respond to bronchodilator therapy, and exposure to maternal smoking and family history of asthma may be significant independent factors. Pediatr Pulmonol. 1999; 27:236‐241. © 1999 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Development of ulcerative colitis-associated anti-idiotype antibody using a novel monoclonal antibody against a colonic autoantigen.

Earlier studies have established reactivity of ulcerative colitis colon-bound IgG antibody with an autoantigen recognized by a novel monoclonal antibody, 7E12H12(IgM isotype). Purified 7E12H12-IgM was used to raise anti-idiotype antibody in the rabbit, and the presence of disease-specific idiotype(s) was evaluated in patients with ulcerative colitis. F(ab′)2 fragments were prepared from serum-IgG of the rabbit immunized with 7E12H12-IgM and extensively absorbed against unrelated mouse IgM and purified serum IgG from 4 normal subjects. The reactivity of the absorbed F(ab′)2 fragment was tested in an ELISA against the serum from 19 patients with ulcerative colitis, 15 patients with Crohn's disease, and 10 normal subjects. The OD values with ulcerative colitis sera were significantly (P< 0.0005) higher than those with Crohn's disease and normal sera. Blood serum from 84% of patients with ulcerative colitis contains antibodies that are reactive to the F(ab′)2 fragments of the immune rabbit serum-IgG. Further studies of the anti-idiotype antibodies may elucidate autoimmune processes in ulcerative colitis and may have diagnostic and therapeutic values.
A visual feedback design based on a brain-computer interface to assist users regulate their emotional state

In situations where there is a stressful workload or when unexpected things occur, people often find it difficult to regulate their emotions. To assist them in effective regulation, this design utilizes neurofeedback, providing users real-time emotion feedback to augment their emotional states through the use of a tangible interface. The visual feedback incorporates a series of colored LEDs that map an individual's affective state. This user study is structured to examine the effect of this training tool in a lab setting. The users are asked to watch several video clips to evoke an agitated state and then try to be calm by using this device. The results will be compared to the users ability to regulate their emotions without any visual tools. The longer term goal of this project is to develop a training tool, to teach people how to regulate their emotions more effectively in stressful situations.
Dr. Constantin Cope Medical Student Research Award Establishment of human metastatic colorectal cancer model in rabbit liver. Pilot study

Purpose To develop a human metastatic colorectal cancer model in a rabbit liver. Materials and Methods Immunosuppression was induced in 4 adult New Zealand White rabbits weighing 3.5 to 4.5 kg with daily sub-cutaneous injection of 15 mg/Kg Cyclosporine A (CsA). On day 3 open laparotomy was performed and the 4 livers were injected with 0.2 ml (1.8x10x (5) cells) suspension of HCT-116 and HT-29 human colorectal carcinoma (American Type Culture Collection, Manassas, VA), using a 1 ml luer lock syringe and 25G5/8 needle. On day 10 the CsA dose was reduced to a 10 mg/Kg daily maintenance dose until necropsy. Rabbits were weighed weekly. Closely monitoring for CsA side effects (weight loss, gingival hyperplasia, gut motility modification). Rabbits were serially sacrificed 5, 6, 7, 8 weeks after cells injection. Liver tumor and tissues control were collected for histopathology and immunohistochemical analysis. Results Tumor growth was observed in 3 rabbits (75%) from HT-29 cell. Tumors measured 3, 4 and 6 mm after 5, 6 and 8 weeks sacrifice respectively. Microscopically, tumors were confirmed to contain hyperchromatic, pleomorphic cells surrounded by fibrous stroma and chronic inflammation. Some cells were present in circumscribed clusters suspicious for lymphovascular invasion, while others exhibited single cell infiltration of fibrotic demoplastic-type stroma. Immunohistochemistry showed that the tumor cells stained positively for monoclonal carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), polyclonal CEA, and cytokeratin 20. Morphologic and immunohistochemical findings are compatible with involvement by the poorly differentiated colorectal cancer cell lines. No gross tumor growth or microscopic viability was observed from HCT-116 cell injection. Extra hepatic manifestations included minimal gum hyperplasia with in 1 rabbit at 2 weeks and 2 rabbits at 5 weeks (75%) under immunosuppressant therapy treated with Azithromycin 62.5 mg by mouth once a day for 7 days. Decrease in gut motility in 3 rabbits (75%) treated with Cisapride 0.5 mg/kg by mouth every 12 hours until improved. 100% recovery reached. Conclusion We successfully developed human metastatic colon cancer model in immunosuppressive rabbit liver using HT-29 cell lines.
Principles of Forest Hydrology

Principles of Forest Hydrology has been written to accompany class lectures for students pursuing training in forestry, wildland resources, environmental sciences, and geography. The book introduces basic principles and concepts of hydrology and it does this quite well. Principles of Forest Hydrology is a revision of an earlier book, An Outline of Forest Hydrology, coauthored with Wade L. Nutter. The new version is quite similar to the original with some important additions in the areas of precipitation, subsurface water, and evapotranspiration. Metric units are used in the examples and problems, and the soil water potential terminology has been updated.
The relationships among teacher immediacy behaviors, student motivation, and learning

Two studies investigated the relationship between teacher immediacy and student state motivation and the combined impact of these factors on learning. Study One participants completed all instruments based on a preceding class. The scales were randomly split between students in Study Two who completed them based on an intact class. Correlations revealed significant relationships between learning and both immediacy and motivation. Regression analyses indicated both unique and colinear predictability of learning by nonverbal immediacy and state motivation. Immediacy appears to modify motivation which leads to increased learning. Important implications of Study Two data indicate relationships observed in earlier research were not a simple function of confounding when scores were reported by the same subjects completing multiple instruments.
SMS 201–995‐induced stimulation of gastric acid secretion via the dorsal vagal complex and inhibition via the hypothalamus in anaesthetized rats

Abstract 1. SMS 201-995, a somatostatin analogue which interacts with highest affinities at somatostatin receptor subtypes 5 > 2 > or = 3, was microinjected into selective brain sites and its influence on pentagastrin (10 micrograms kg-1 h-1, i.v.)-stimulated gastric acid secretion was investigated in rats anaesthetized with urethane. Gastric acid secretion was measured by flushing the stomach with saline through a gastric cannula every 10 min. 2. SMS 201-995 microinjected into the dorsal vagal complex (DVC, 7, 15, 30 and 60 ng) dose-dependently increased pentagastrin-stimulated gastric acid secretion. The peak acid response was reached within 20 min and returned to basal level 50 min post-injection. SMA 201-995 (30 ng) microinjected into the surrounding area or the central amygdala did not modify pentagastrin-stimulated acid secretion. 3. SMS 201-995 injected into the lateral ventricle (i.c.v., 100, 200, or 300 ng), paraventricular nucleus (PVN) or lateral hypothalamus (LH) (7.5, 15, or 30 ng) dose-dependently inhibited pentagastrin-stimulated gastric acid secretion. SMS 201-995 (30 ng) microinjected into the area surrounding the PVN or LH did not modify the acid secretion response to pentagastrin. 4. Vagotomy prevented the effects of SMS 201-995 (30 ng) microinjected into the DVC and LH. 5. Spinal cord transection abolished the inhibitory action of SMS 201-995 (30 ng) microinjected into the PVN but not the LH. 6. These results demonstrate that SMS 201-995 acts in the DVC to enhance and in the LH and PVN to inhibit pentagastrin-stimulated gastric acid secretion.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Stereochemical studies of lasalocid aldol epimers. Assignments and interconversions.

Abstract The stereochemistries of the epimeric aldols of lasalocid have been determined by chemical correlation and new methods for establishing relative stereochemistry in this series have been discovered.
Does peak VO2 reflect VO2max in children?: evidence from supramaximal testing

A plateau in oxygen uptake during the terminal phases of a progressive exercise test has been considered a requisite indicator of achievement of a true VO2max. Whether this concept is valid in pediatric subjects is unclear, however, since children do not often demonstrate such a VO2 plateau during exercise testing. In this study, nine children underwent three treadmill tests with successively higher supramaximal workloads after an initial standard progressive test to exhaustion. Three subjects (33%) satisfied the criterion for a VO2 plateau on the initial test. Mean peak oxygen uptake values during the supramaximal tests did not increase significantly above that achieved on the progressive test. These results suggest that peak VO2 on the initial test was indicative of true VO2max despite the absence of a VO2 plateau. The findings further imply that a VO2 plateau should not be used as a requirement for defining a maximal exercise test in children.
Spanned patterns for the logical analysis of data

In a finite dataset consisting of positive and negative observations represented as real valued n-vectors, a positive (negative) pattern is an interval in R^n with the property that it contains sufficiently many positive (negative) observations, and sufficiently few negative (positive) ones. A pattern is spanned if it does not include properly any other interval containing the same set of observations. Although large collections of spanned patterns can provide highly accurate classification models within the framework of the Logical Analysis of Data, no efficient method for their generation is currently known. We propose in this paper, an incrementally polynomial time algorithm for the generation of all spanned patterns in a dataset, which runs in linear time in the output; the algorithm resembles closely the Blake and Quine consensus method for finding the prime implicants of Boolean functions. The efficiency of the proposed algorithm is tested on various publicly available datasets. In the last part of the paper, we present the results of a series of computational experiments which show the high degree of robustness of spanned patterns.
Improved capacity bounds for wireless networks

We obtain improved upper and lower bounds on the best case and random case transport capacities of wireless networks under the Protocol Model of communication in Reference [1]. These results bracket the best case transport capacity to within a factor of for wireless networks on a disk. This is done by identifying larger exclusion regions for receivers. The general result on exclusion regions can also be applied to arbitrary wireless footprints, including those arising from directional antennas, thus obtaining superior bounds for such technologies too. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Pavement Distress Under Accelerated Trafficking

A test pad was closely monitored for a 6-month period, with 640,000 axle load repetitions applied to the test pavement. The load was applied by the Texas Mobile Load Simulator, a full-scale accelerated loading device. Pavement performance data, such as rutting and cracking, were collected at intervals of 0; 2,500; 5,000; 10,000; 20,000; 40,000; 80,000; 160,000; 320,000; and 640,000 axle repetitions. Falling weight deflectometer (FWD) tests were performed at these same data collection intervals to characterize the structural capacity of the pavement system. Although there is a trend indicating that locations with higher FWD deflection result in higher rutting, a unique relation to predict rutting accurately from the surface deflection alone was not found in the study. The back-calculated asphalt concrete pavement moduli were reduced by 50 percent of the original value at the end of 320,000 repetitions. However, the test was not terminated until 640,000 repetitions, when moduli were reduced to 40 percent of...
Recurrent incapacitating mucosal ulcerations. A prodrome of the hypereosinophilic syndrome.

The hypereosinophilic syndrome is a multisystem disease characterized by infiltration of eosinophils in bone marrow, heart, and other organs. Cutaneous involvement occurs, but usually it appears late in the disease and is of less importance than the cardiac and other organ involvement. We describe two patients with the hypereosinophilic syndrome (HES) in whom the initial manifestations of the disease were recurrent, severe mucosal ulcers involving the mouth and genitalia. In both patients, the mucosal involvement antedated the cardiac manifestations of the disease, and in both, the disease was refractory to treatment. ( JAMA 1982;247:1018-1020)
Energy Futures: Five Dilemmas of the Practice of Anticipatory Governance

Public participation has become standard practice in both environmental communication and science and technology studies, with such engagement increasingly moving “upstream” to the early stages of technological development. One framework for these activities is anticipatory governance, in which foresight and public and stakeholder engagement are used to reflect on—and direct—the impacts of new technology. In this essay we draw on our experience of anticipatory governance, in the shape of the “NanoFutures” project on energy futures, to present a reflexive analysis of engagement and deliberation. We draw out five tensions of the practice of deliberation on energy technologies. Through tracing the lineages of these dilemmas, we discuss some of the implications of these tensions for the practice of civic engagement and deliberation in a set of questions for this community of practitioner-scholars.
PHOSPHOLIPID METABOLISM IN INTACT AND MODIFIED ERYTHROCYTE MEMBRANES

Erythrocyte membranes incorporated labeled phosphate from γ-adenosine triphosphate (AT32P) into phosphatidic acid and the polyphosphoinositides. Inositol-3H and palmitate-14C were also incorporated into the phospholipids but α-glycerophosphate-32P was not. The incorporation of γ-AT32P into phospholipids was increased when the erythrocyte ghosts were incubated in hypotonic media which lysed the cells. Lysis had little or no effect on the incorporation of inositol-3H and palmitate-14C into the phospholipids. If erythrocyte membranes were prepared in 1 mM ethylenediaminetetraacetate (EDTA), instead of 1 mM MgCl2, then the tonicity of the incubating medium did not influence the incorporation of γ-AT32P into the phospholipids. Erythrocyte ghosts, prepared by lysis in water, EDTA, or 1 mM calcium, lead, mercury, zinc, or cadmium, failed to reconstitute when placed in isotonic medium, inasmuch as they did not retain potassium against a chemical gradient. Ghosts prepared by lysis in 1 mM magnesium, barium, or strontium could be reconstituted. Ghosts which failed to reconstitute incorporated more labeled phosphate from γ-AT32P into the phospholipids than did intact or reconstituted ghosts. The larger incorporation of labeled phosphate by leaky ghosts was not due to a greater entrance of γ-AT32P into those cells. Primaquine phosphate and digitonin, at concentrations which are known to cause cells to form smaller vesicles or to lyse cells by removing cholesterol, did not increase the incorporation of labeled phosphate into the phospholipids. It is suggested that the increased metabolism of phospholipids may be involved in a membrane repair mechanism.
Analysis of computer-aided diagnosis on radiologists' performance using an independent database

We developed a computerized method for the automated classification of benign and malignant mammographic mass lesions. An independent evaluation of the automatic method on a database consisting of 110 cases showed that the classification method is robust to variations in case-mix and in film digitization technique. We also evaluated the effectiveness of the method as an aid to radiologists in differentiating between benign and malignant masses. A total of 6 mammographers and 6 community general radiologists participated in an observer study. In that study, the radiologists interpreted the 110 cases in the independent database, unknown to both the radiologist observers and the trained computer classification method, first without and then with the computer aid. Results from our observer study indicated that use of the computer aid improved the abilities for both the expert and general radiologists in the task of differentiating between benign and malignant mammographic mass lesions, as indicated by the increase in A z values and sensitivities at statistically significant levels. With the database we used, however, we were unable to demonstrate the effect of computer aid on radiologist performance regarding the number of benign cases sent for biopsy. In this study, we investigate the relationship between the value of the computer output and the effect on the observers in terms of changing their patient management decision upon viewing the computer output.
Justice Deprived, Justice Demanded: Afropentecostalisms and the Task of World Pentecostal Theology Today

By and large, Pentecostal theology has proceeded with little attention to black Pentecostalism except as `objects' of historical or sociological analysis. But what does Afropentecostalism—black Pentecostalism in its global contexts—have to contribute to the formulation of a world Pentecostal theology for the twenty-first century? The works of Frank Chikane in South Africa, Robert Beckford in Britain, and Cheryl Sanders in North America are discussed and analyzed as points of entry into the theology of Afropentecostal churches. This essay assumes that the future of world Pentecostal theology cannot ignore the important contributions of Afropentecostal theological traditions.
Phaedrus, Callimachus and the recusatio to Success

The following article investigates how Phaedrus9 Latin verse fables engage standard Callimachean topoi. When Phaedrus imitates the Hymn to Apollo he fails to banish Envy and when he adopts Callimachus9 own polemical allusions to Aesop he turns them upside down. Such texts are essentially Callimachean in spirit and technique and constitute a recusatio : by ““mishandling”” or ““abusing”” and thus ““rejecting”” various Callimachean topoi and the role of the ““successful”” Callimachean poet, the fabulist demonstrates his skill and versatility within the Callimachean tradition. This sort of recusatio satirizes those poets who unimaginatively rehash Callimachean staples and represents a strategy that gains momentum in the first century AD. It thereby provides a literary context for understanding Phaedrus9 engagement with the evolving traditions of Roman Callimacheanism.
Histone H4 Is a Major Component of the Antimicrobial Action of Human Sebocytes

Antimicrobial peptides, such as cathelicidin and β defensins, directly kill microbes and have been detected in human sebaceous glands and cell lines. Despite the presence of several such peptides, the apparent abundance of these is insufficient for direct killing of most skin pathogens. In this study, we sought to determine which molecules provide the majority of antimicrobial peptide activity in human sebocytes. Acid-soluble protein extracts of SEB-1 sebocytes were separated by reverse-phase high-performance liquid chromatography and were assayed for their capacity to inhibit the growth of Staphylococcus aureus. Antimicrobial activity was isolated in a single major fraction and identified to be histone H4 by mass spectrometry and western blot analysis. The importance of histone H4 in the antimicrobial activity of sebocytes was confirmed by a specific neutralizing antibody and by direct demonstration that recombinant histone H4 had antimicrobial activity against S. aureus and Propionibacterium acnes. In addition, histone H4 enhanced the antimicrobial action of free fatty acids in human sebum. Taken together, these results indicate that the release of histone H4 by holocrine secretion from the sebaceous gland may play an important role in innate immunity.
Social shopping website quality attributes increasing consumer participation, positive eWOM, and co-shopping: The reciprocating role of participation

Abstract This study examined the reciprocating role of participation in the social shopping website context. Drawing upon Foa and Foa (1974) 's resource exchange theory, this study examined social shopping website attributes as drivers of reciprocity, and positive electronic Word of Mouth (eWOM) and co-shopping were positioned as behavioral outcomes of reciprocity. The results support the conclusion that entertainment and community driveness attributes were significant drivers of reciprocity increasing consumer participation (i.e., reciprocity) and eWOM/co-shopping. Implications for designing a social shopping website that increases consumer participation and positive behavioral outcomes are discussed.
Immunocytochemical localization of α‐actinin in frog muscle treated with the ionophore A23187

Incubation of frog skeletal muscle with the ionophore A23187 induces severe damage in the muscle. At the level of the Z line, the ionophore induces redistribution and release of the protein alpha-actinin, as shown by immunocytochemical techniques. The ionophore does not induce damage in denervated preparations or in preparations pretreated with d-tubocurarine, which indicates that the effect is indirect and neurally mediated. It is concluded that the increase in spontaneous transmitter release produced by the ionophore induces Ca2+ influx through the acetylcholine receptor. Calcium ions activate neutral proteases which release alpha-actinin from the Z line.
Hyposmotic fluid formation in Hydra.

Abstract A detailed model for hyposmotic fluid formation in Hydra is presented. We propose that enteron fluid formation occurs in two steps: (1) segregation of an isosmotic fluid in large intercellular vacuoles with (2) subsequent reabsorption of solute in the intercellular channels to form the hyposmotic fluid of the enteron. Intercellular spaces in Hydra have been studied by light microscopy and thin-section electron microscopy, as well as by electrophysiological methods. These spaces are of two types: (1) large vacuoles which are located in the cells of both the epidermis and gastrodermis, being more numerous in the epidermis; and (2) lateral intercellular channels which run from the intercellular vacuoles, leading eventually to the enteron. These vacuoles and channels are highly convoluted, forming a complex three-dimensional network. We suggest that this network is involved in the water balance of Hydra .
3D printed microfluidic devices with integrated valves

We report the successful fabrication and testing of 3D printed microfluidic devices with integrated membrane-based valves. Fabrication is performed with a low-cost commercially available stereolithographic 3D printer. Horizontal microfluidic channels with designed rectangular cross sectional dimensions as small as 350 μm wide and 250 μm tall are printed with 100% yield, as are cylindrical vertical microfluidic channels with 350 μm designed (210 μm actual) diameters. Based on our previous work [Rogers et al., Anal. Chem. 83, 6418 (2011)], we use a custom resin formulation tailored for low non-specific protein adsorption. Valves are fabricated with a membrane consisting of a single build layer. The fluid pressure required to open a closed valve is the same as the control pressure holding the valve closed. 3D printed valves are successfully demonstrated for up to 800 actuations.