cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Newcastle Disease (Pneumoencephalitis) Virus Isolation in the State of Washington

Abstract In the last few years Newcastle disease virus has been identified by workers in various parts of the United States. Geographical distribution records of the extent of this disease in this country are doubtless still incomplete. For this reason, a report of the isolation of the virus from the State of Washington appears justified even though Newcastle disease was first diagnosed in this state in 1944 by Beach (1946) by the virus neutralization method. On June 4, 1947, two Single Comb White Leghorn chicks were brought to the Western Washington Experiment Station, Puyallup, Washington. The birds had a slight rale and a nervous tremor. The hemagglutination-inhibition test, according to the method used by the University of California for Newcastle disease, gave titres of 1:1280 and 1:640 in these birds. Five more chicks in the early respiratory phase of this disease were obtained for virus isolation. The brains and spleens were . . .
Skin prick test reactivity to dust mites, cockroach and molds correlates with reactivity to distinct sets of environmental allergens

Abstract Rationale The high humidity the Texas coastal areas increases exposure to allergens such as molds, dustmites, and cockroaches. These potent allergens contain proteases. These proteases augment permeability of the airway epithelium independent of adaptive immunity, and may enhance passage of other environmental allergens across the epithelial barrier inducing allergic sensitization to them. Methods We performed a retrospective chart review of 39 random patients with positive skin prick tests from the Galveston and Texas City areas and recorded the size of skin prick tests (SPT) of 57 inhaled allergens. The size of SPT of molds, dustmite and cockroach were correlated with the size of SPT of other allergens using Pearson Statistics. Statistical significance was set at Results SPT reactivity to Alternaria significantly correlated with SPT to Johnson Grass (R=0.568, p=0.0001), Ragweed (R=0.388, p=0.015). Aspergillus correlated with Johnson (R=0.643, p=0.0001) and Elm (R=0.619, p=0.0001). Neither molds correlated with mite, cockroach, cat or dog. D. pteronyssinus and D. farinae correlated with cat [(R=0.577, p=0.0001) and (R=0.390, p=0.014), respectively], but not with pollen. Cockroach correlated with both cat (R=0.472, p=0.002) and dog (R=0.458, p=0.003), but not with mites or pollen. Conclusions There was a significant correlation between SPT to specific environmental allergens and protease rich allergens. Future mechanistic studies should attempt to explain the molecular basis of this phenomenon of "collateral sensitization".
Effects of surface crosslinking on sieving characteristics of chitosan/poly(acrylonitrile) composite nanofiltration membranes☆

Abstract Effects of surface crosslinking of chitosan/poly(acrylonitrile) (PAN) composite nanofiltration membranes at different crosslinker (glutaraldehyde) concentrations and crosslinking times on their surface chemical composition and sieving properties such as pure water permeation, molecular weight cut-off and the rejection of mono/divalent salts and mono/oligosaccharides were investigated. Fourier transform infrared-attenuated total reflectance spectroscopy (FTIR-ATRS) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) studies revealed the crosslinking of chitosan with glutaraldehyde as well as variations in chemical composition with glutaraldehyde concentration and crosslinking time. Pure water permeation/swelling in water decreased and rejection of salts and sugars increased with increasing glutaraldehyde concentration, indicating pore contraction and increase in hydrophobicity as well as pore tortuosity due to crosslinking. Molecular weight cut-offs of surface crosslinked membranes were in the range of 550–700 Da, a characteristic of nanofiltration membranes, whereas uncrosslinked membrane had cut-off of >1500 Da. The crosslinked membranes were found to be stable over 10-h operation for pure water permeation and the stability increased with increasing glutaraldehyde concentration.
Parallel Block Preconditioning Techniques for the Numerical Simulation of the Shallow Water Flow Using Finite Element Methods

In this paper, we report our work on applying Krylov iterative methods, accelerated by parallelizable domain-decomposed (DD) preconditioners, to the solution of nonsymmetric linear algebraic equations arising from implicit time discretization of a finite element model of the shallow water equations on a limited-area domain. Two types of previously proposed DD preconditioners are employed and a novel one is advocated to accelerate, with post-preconditioning, the convergence of three popular and competitive Krylov iterative linear solvers. Performance sensitivities of these preconditioners to inexact subdomain solvers are also reported. Autotasking, the parallel processing capability representing the third phase of multitasking libraries on CRAY Y-MP, has been exploited and successfully applied to both loop and subroutine level parallelization. Satisfactory speedup results were obtained. On the other hand, automatic loop-level parallelization, made possible by the autotasking preprocessor, attained only a speedup smaller than a factor of two.
Geriatric conditions in heart failure

As the U.S. population ages, the prevalence of geriatric conditions in patients with heart failure is increasing, although they currently fall outside the traditional heart failure disease model. In this review, we describe the co-occurrence of four common geriatric conditions (cognitive impairment, frailty, falls, and incontinence) in older adults with heart failure, their mechanisms of interaction, and their association with outcomes. We propose a new paradigm to meet the needs of the aging heart failure population that includes comprehensive assessment of geriatric conditions and tailoring of therapy and surveillance accordingly. Coordination among relevant disciplines such as cardiology and geriatrics may facilitate this transition. Further research is needed in order to understand how to optimize care for patients with specific impairments in order to improve outcomes.
The thermodynamic properties of 4-methylphenanthrene

Abstract Measurements leading to the calculation of the ideal-gas thermodynamic properties for 4-methylphenanthrene are reported. Thermochemical and thermophysical properties were determined by adiabatic heat-capacity calorimetry, combustion calorimetry, comparative ebulliometry, and inclined-piston manometry. Results were used to calculate entropies, enthalpies, and Gibbs energies of formation for the ideal-gas state at selected temperatures to 500 K. Group-contribution methods involving comparisons for a series of methyl-substituted aromatic molecules were used to demonstrate the consistency of ideal-gas entropies and the enthalpy of formation determined for 4-methylphenanthrene with literature values for related compounds. The results are shown to be in accord with a barrier to methyl rotation from the literature determined using n.m.r. spectroscopy.
IMAPS: A smart phone based real-time framework for prediction of affect in natural dyadic conversation

The lack of ability to perceive emotions and affective states is a setback for people who are blind or visually impaired in professional and social communications. Towards developing assistive technology solution in facilitating natural dyadic conversations for people with such disability, this paper describes the development of a smart phone based system called interactive mobile affect perception system (iMAPS) for prediction of affective dimensions (valence-arousal-dominance). The proposed solution utilizes an Android platform in conjunction with a wireless network to build a fully integrated iMAPS. Empirical analyses were conducted to measure the efficacy and utility of the proposed solution. It was found that the proposed framework can predict affect dimensions with good accuracy (Maximum Correlation Coefficient for valence: 0.68, arousal: 0.71, and dominance: 0.67) in natural dyadic conversation. The overall minimum and maximum response times are (181 milliseconds) and (500 milliseconds), respectively.
Factors and measurement of mental illness stigma: a psychometric examination of the Attribution Questionnaire.

Objective A number of scales are employed to measure mental illness stigma, but many fail to have documented or adequate psychometric properties. The purpose of this study was to further evaluate the psychometric properties of one such measure, the Attribution Questionnaire (AQ). Methods Based on responses from 774 college students, exploratory factor analyses were conducted followed by an examination of the reliability and validity of the newly formed factor scales. Results A six-factor structure emerged and four of these factor scales (Fear/Dangerousness, Help/Interact, Forcing Treatment, and Negative Emotions) had acceptable internal consistency, test-retest reliability, and convergent validity with other stigma measures. Conclusions Twenty items from the AQ provide reliable and valid measurement of four important aspects of stigmatizing attitudes/beliefs towards the mentally ill. Accurate measurement of these attitudes/beliefs will be critical to more fully understanding the stigma process and developing effective strategies to address stigma.
The Rio Grande rift : new electromagnetic constraints on the Socorro magma body

Abstract The Socorro ‘magma body’ in central New Mexico is a prime example of an intrusive magma body associated with continental extension in one of the major active rift zones of the world: the Rio Grande rift. To study this feature further, in particular its relation to large-scale features delineated elsewhere beneath the rift, in 1988 Brown University occupied a sequence of densely spaced (5–10 km), wide-band (10–4000 s) remote referenced, three-component magnetic variation sites along an east-west line which transected the southern margin of the magma body. Our profile was deployed so as to cross precisely above the center of what has been the most seismically active portion of the structure southwest of Socorro. Complex magnetic transfer coefficients at up to 15 periods from 21 sites along our profile have been inverted to determine two-dimensional conductivity models for vertical cross-sections transverse to the strike of the rift. Two independent generalized inverse algorithms are used; an overdetermined block inversion and a mixed-determined ‘flat’ continuous resistivity inversion. Both inversions require the presence of a conducting zone beneath the rift at intermediate depths (15–20 km) in the crust. This feature has properties which are similar to those of the intracrustal conductor seen elsewhere along the rift. In addition to this conducting zone in the deeper crust, the data require a more conductive core at shallow depth (10–15 km) which appears to be associated with the base of a zone of increased microseismicity described by Sanford and his colleagues. This latter feature might be a zone of diffuse magmatic intrusions, enhanced hydrothermal circulation, or a combination of both. Finally, our two inversions suggest that the resistivity structure beneath the western end of our profile, which is physiographically adjacent to the Colorado Plateau, has properties which are similar to those reported for interior regions of the Plateau.
Isolation and structure of an acetolactate synthase gene from Schizosaccharomyces pombe and complementation of the ilv2 mutation in Saccharomyces cerevisiae

A gene encoding a functional acetolactate synthase (ALS) subunit has been isolated from the fission yeast Schizosaccharomyces pombe, and has been structurally and genetically characterized. The approximate 5-kbp cloned DNA segment was found to contain a 2007-bp open reading frame capable of encoding a 669 aminoacid polypeptide which exhibited 57.1% similarity to the corresponding ALS subunit from Saccharomyces cerevisiae. The putative ilv1 isolated from S. pombe was shown to encode a functional subunit of acetolactate synthase by complementation of an S. cerevisiae strain deleted for the ILV2 locus.
Prevention of browning of potato slices using polyphenoloxidase inhibitors and organic acids.

Browning of minimally processed potato slices stored at low temperatures without active modification of the atmosphere in the storage container was inhibited by use of combinations of polyphenoloxidase inhibitors with organic acids. Slices of two cultivars Atlantic' and Russet Burbank' were dipped in solutions of various combinations of 4-hexyl resorcinol, N-acetyl-cysteine and citric acid. Treated potato slices were kept in storage at 5C without browning or decrease in firmness for up to 21 days. The limiting factor in storage became visible microbial decay. Browning ofslices from potatoes stored 1 month longer at 10C was also inhibited, but storage was limited to 14 days because of increased susceptibility to decay and decreased firmness with most treatments. However, no differences were found in inhibition of browning or retention of firmness of slices of the two cultivars after treatment with the combination of 0.25 M citric acid, 0.25 M N-acetylcysteine and 0.01 M 4-hexylresorcinol. 2 cultivars de pomme de terre tranchees sont trempees dans des solutions de 4-hexyl-resorcinol, N-acetylcysteine et d'acide citrique, puis entreposees a 5°C. Il n'y a pas de brunissement ou de perte de fermete apres un stockage de 21 jours. Le facteur limitant au stockage est l'alteration due a la multiplication microbienne.
Growth and behavior of larval krill (Euphausia superba) under the ice in late winter 2001 west of the Antarctic Peninsula

Abstract In situ growth rates are one measure of the physiological condition of larval Antarctic krill in winter. During the southern ocean global ecosystem dynamics (SO GLOBEC) research cruise in July/August 2001 aboard the ARSV Laurence M. Gould west of Adelaide Island and Marguerite Bay, larval krill were observed in the under-ice habitat. Ten instantaneous growth rate experiments were conducted with larvae collected from the under-ice habitat on the outer shelf, mid-shelf, and just south of Adelaide Island in the mouth of Marguerite Bay. For all experiments, average growth increments for larval krill were about −1.6% per intermolt period, with a median intermolt period of 30.6 d. Larvae were observed feeding on the ice, even though no color was visible in the ice. Pigment (chlorophyll a equivalents) content of larvae from three of the sites was measured as an indicator of ingestion of sea-ice microalgae. Pigment values were above those found in starved controls, but only about 20% of maximum possible values. Although feeding, the data suggested that the larval krill were unable to ingest enough food to maintain growth. The results from this first SO GLOBEC winter process cruise were compared to growth rates of larval krill during previous winter cruises that covered all months from late May through September, except for the month of August.
Drift correction for fluorescence live cell imaging through correlated motion identification

Fluorescence live cell imaging is an important experimental technique for visualizing and recording dynamic cellular processes under physiological conditions. However, a problem commonly encountered during imaging is sample drift. Without correction, such drift will cause bias or even error in subsequent image analysis of intracellular movement. Traditional area-based and feature-based image registration techniques often fail to correct such drift because, in addition to whole cell drift, intracellular features of interest also undergo separate and complex motion. To address this problem, we developed an image registration technique based on identifying clusters of features that undergo highly correlated motion. Sample drift is determined from movement of these features and corrected. Experiments confirmed that this technique can effectively remove translational drift with sub-pixel accuracy. For drift that also involves rotation, an extension of the technique is developed to determine rotation angles both within and out of the image plane so that rotational drift can be corrected. The technique is general and can be used for drift correction in a broad range of biological studies.
The relation of canine size to pattern and extent of attrition in baboons

For most genera of animals the association between dental morphology and diet is such that inferences concerning the diet can be made on the basis of the dentition alone. The canine is the one tooth that appears exempt from such generalisation and exhibits a wide range of variability of size and shape in all groups. In order to determine the effect of dimorphism of the canine on the dental apparatus, male and female specimens of Theropithecus and Papio baboons were examined. Occlusal relationships and dental pathology for 21 Theropithecus and 40 Papio skulls were recorded, and crown height measurements obtained for maxillary incisors, buccal and lingual molar cusps. Attrition was the most common and severe cause of abscess formation in older animals: the pattern of attrition differed in adult males and females, the latter showing more wear of the incisor and lingual molar cusps. Partial correlations for incisor, buccal and lingual molar cuspal crown height show a significant correlation between incisor and lingual cusp attrition in juveniles of both sexes and adult females (p < 0.01). Adult males show no correlation of attrition. It is proposed that the correlation of incisor and lingual molar cusp attrition is associated with anterior-posterior grinding movements, such as take place during incision, that the large canine present in the male limits such movements, the sharp blade-like canine being employed as a cutting tool. This use of the canine by reducing functional demands on other teeth, prolongs the utility of the dental apparatus, and hence the lifespan of its possessor.
P03-190 - Case report of treatment resistant schizophreniaresponding to high dose quetiapine following clozapine withdrawal due to neutropenia

Introduction Patients suffering from treatment-resistant schizophrenia pose a difficult therapeutic challenge. Although Clozapine is a well-established treatment in such cases, there is a significant proportion of patients who have to discontinue Clozapine due to life-threatening side-effects, despite achieving good therapeutic response. There is very limited literature on the therapeutic alternatives to Clozapine in the treatment of resistant schizophrenia. Objective To report a case of resistant schizophrenia responding to high dose Quetiapine, following discontinuation of Clozapine due to neutropenia. Clinical details of the case: We are presenting a case of a forty-two year old female patient with treatment resistant schizophrenia who achieved remission following treatment with Clozapine, but had to discontinue treatment due to neutropenia, which occurred on two occasions. Clozapine discontinuation resulted in rapid and severe relapse in her condition and re-admission to hospital. Quetiapine was initiated as this stage, but only partial improvement was noted at the manufacturer's stated maximum daily dose of 800 mg/day. Since the drug was being well tolerated the dose was gradually further increased. Results The dose of Quetiapine was eventually increased up to 1400 mg/day, which produced significant response and the patient was discharged from hospital. Quetiapine at this dose was well tolerated with minimal side effects. Conclusion The above report indicates that high-dose Quetiapine is a viable alternative to Clozapine in treating refractory schizophrenia. The findings from this report support further investigation of this approach in the form of larger scale clinical trials.
Generative programming techniques for Java library migration

Embedded systems can be viewed as scaled-down versions of their stand-alone counterparts. In many cases, the software abstractions and libraries for embedded systems can be derived from libraries for stand-alone systems. One such example is the Java library for Java Virtual Machines. An embedded system does not always support all features as in the case of an embedded JVM that does not support floating-point operations. In such cases, an existing library needs to be migrated to the embedded platform. Libraries are large collections of code and manual migration is a daunting task. In this paper, we provide an automated approach to the library migration problem using program transformations. The solution developed in this paper enables rapid adaptation and re-targeting of Java libraries in the presence of evolving libraries and evolving embedded platforms.
Inhibition of benzoyl peroxide-mediated tumor promotion in 7,12-dimethylbenz(a)anthracene-Initiated skin of sencar mice by antioxidants nordihydroguaiaretic acid and diallyl sulfide

Benzoyl peroxide (BPO), a free radical generating compound, is widely used in topical medications prescribed for acne vulgaris and in cosmetic products. It has been shown to possess tumor-promoting activity in murine skin initiated with chemical carcinogens such as 7,12-dimethylbenz(a)anthracene (DMBA). In the present study we assessed the effect of the antioxidants nordihydroguaiaretic acid (NDGA) and diallyl sulfide (DAS) against BPO-mediated tumor promotion in murine skin. Pretreatment of Sencar mice with NDGA and DAS prior to skin application of BPO resulted in a time- and dose-dependent inhibition of epidermal ODC induction caused by BPO. Tumor initiation was achieved by a single topical application of DMBA (10 micrograms/animal) to Sencar mice. Ten days later tumor promotion was begun by twice-weekly topical application of BPO (20 mg/animal). The anticarcinogenic effects of NDGA (25 mumol/mouse) and DAS (20 mumol/mouse) were evaluated by administering these agents topically 60 min prior to each BPO application. After 26 weeks on test, the number of benign papillomas/mouse were 0.10 +/- 0.07 and 2.15 +/- 0.30 in the NDGA and DAS pretreated group of animals as compared to 4.40 +/- 1.14 in animals receiving BPO alone. After 51 weeks on test, the number of squamous cell carcinomas/mouse were 0.00 +/- 0.00, 0.35 +/- 0.10 in the NDGA and DAS pretreated group of animals as compared to 0.65 +/- 0.12 in animals receiving BPO alone. From these data we suggest that the antioxidants NDGA and DAS can abrogate the tumor-promoting effects of BPO in murine skin and that NDGA is substantially more effective than DAS in this regard.
The behavior of iron-sulfur species in fluidized-bed gasification on coal

Abstract The behavior of iron-sulfur species derived from pyrite, especially that present in the coal feed as particles of free pyrite, is of concern in the operation of fluidized-bed coal gasifiers. Work conducted at the Institute of Gas Technology (IGT) has shown that the decomposition of pyrite in a U-GAS® pilot plant has yielded a liquid phase that spreads on the surface of ash particles. Formation of a liquid phase in decomposition of pyrite in an inert atmosphere has also been observed in connection with the investigation of boiler deposits. To aid in understanding the behavior of iron-sulfur species, we have prepared an Fe S phase diagram at temperatures relevant to coal gasification and with equilibrium sulfur potentials exhibited, for the most part, as hydrogen sulfide to hydrogen mole ratios; in a fluidized-bed gasifier, the latter can easily be obtained from the composition of the reactor product gas, which closely approximates that in the back-mixed fluidized bed. To show, in addition, the effect of oxygen potential in the bed, we have also prepared phase stability diagrams at 100°F intervals from 1500 to 2000°F (816 to 1093°C). According to the Fe S diagram, formation of an iron-sulfur liquid in the gasifier or in an inert atmosphere cannot be explained on the basis of equilibrium considerations. Instead, a kinetic explanation, based on increased concentration of iron in the exterior regions of the decomposing pyrite particle, as sulfur is removed from the surface, is much more plausible. Phase stability diagrams indicate that a liquid composed of iron, sulfur, and oxygen could be formed in steam-oxygen gasification of high-sulfur coal at temperatures above 1850°F (1010°C). However, no evidence of its formation was found by optical petrography in the examination of solids from the U-GAS pilot plant in which steam-to-hydrogen mole ratios ranged up to about 2, but formation of a submicroscopic liquid layer on iron sulfide particles could have been responsible for deposition of these particles in the hot cyclone of the U-GAS pilot plant. Its formation in steam-air gasification, where the steam-to-hydrogen mole ratio typically is about 0.6, is less likely.
Increased expression of γ-glutamyl transpeptidase in transfected tumor cells and its relationship to drug sensitivity

To test the hypothesis that elevated expression of the glutathione (GSH) salvage enzyme, gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase (gamma-GT) can confer resistance to chemotherapeutic agents, the cDNA for human gamma-GT was introduced into human prostate carcinoma cells by calcium phosphate precipitation. The sensitivity of a stable clone expressing an 18-fold increase in gamma-GT activity to melphalan (L-PAM), cisplatinum and doxorubicin was compared to that of the parent cell line and a clone transfected with gamma-GT cDNA in the antisense orientation. Despite increased gamma-GT expression and the ability of intact cells to metabolize exogenous GSH, transfection did not result in increased intracellular GSH levels even when an exogenous source of GSH was provided. Furthermore, no change in sensitivity attributable to the transfection and increased expression of gamma-GT was detected with any of the three drugs. Our data indicate that an increase in gamma-GT expression, exceeding that typically associated with resistance phenotypes, is not sufficient to confer resistance to L-PMA, cisplatinum or doxorubicin in the absence of other alterations in GSH homeostasis.
Treatment Outcomes for Toddlers with Behaviour Problems from Families in Poverty

Background: Relatively few treatment studies address mental health issues in very young children. This study examined the effectiveness of a treatment program for toddlers whose behaviour problems were further complicated by living in poverty. Method: An evidence-based treatment program was adapted for use in the homes of 102 toddlers for an average of 12 weekly sessions. Results: Significant improvements were found for the children’s behaviour problems and their compliance to parent requests. Discussion: The inherent challenges in working with at-risk families and the challenges in delivering mental health services for very young children living in poverty are discussed.
Policy-Related Issues and Recommendations.

Those who address questions about phased retirement policies should see them in a larger context of needs for flexibility in the terms of faculty employment.
Laryngopyocele as a cause of airway obstruction

Symptomatic laryngoceles are unusual lesions. Laryngopyoceles are even more unusual, with a total of 32 cases reported in the world literature. Two cases of laryngopyocele presenting as airway obstruction are described along with a review of the anatomy, etiology, clinical course, and management of this lesion. An argument is made supporting the resection of the symptomatic laryngocele to prevent the rapid respiratory obstruction that may occur in the presence of a laryngopyocele.
The effect of matrone on oviposition in the mosquito, Aedes aegypti

Abstract Male Aedes aegypti produce a substance made or stored in their accessory glands, which when passed on to females via mating, will prevent subsequent insemination. In addition to becoming refractory with regard to further insemination, mated females also oviposit far more eggs than virgins. The male accessory gland substance, called matrone, has been highly purified and when injected into virgin females, prevents any initial insemination, and will also stimulate oviposition. Matrone can be fractionated into two protein fractions both of which are needed to prevent insemination. However, only one of the fractions will stimulate oviposition; the other has no discernible biological effect when administered by itself.
Theoretical study of the fluorine effect on the methylene insertion reaction in the hydrogen molecule, hydrogen fluoride, and the fluorine molecule

Abstract Complete ab initio studies were performed with the goal of determining the reactivity of methylene and fluorinated methylene in an insertion reaction with the hydrogen molecule, hydrogen fluoride, and fluorine molecules. An energy profile for these reactions was computed, elucidating the reactants’ complex and the transition state structures. The complexation energies, activation barriers, and enthalpies of the reactions were used comparatively to determine the relative carbene stability and reactivity, as well as the influence of fluorine as a substituent on the reaction potential energy surface.
Decreased prolactin secretion by explant cultures of fibroids from women treated with a gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist.

Endometrium, myometrium and uterine leiomyomata (fibroids) all secrete PRL. Although the regulation of endometrial PRL secretion has been extensively studied, little is known about myometrial and fibroid PRL. This study investigated the effects of the GnRH agonist (GnRH-a) leuprolide acetate depot, administered in vivo, on fibroid and myometrial PRL secretion by explant cultures. Tissue was obtained from 17 patients enrolled in a prospective, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial. Explant cultures of fibroid and myometrium were established in defined serum free media and harvested media assayed for PRL and total protein. Fibroid PRL secretion was substantially greater than myometrial PRL secretion. Fibroid PRL secretion increased with time whereas myometrial PRL secretion did not. Fibroid, but not myometrial, PRL secretion in GnRH-a treated patients was significantly lower when compared to controls. Fibroid protein secretion was not affected by GnRH-a administration in vivo. Progeste...
Polarized effects of amiloride and 4,4′-diisothiocyano-stilbene-2,2′-disulfonic acid on ATP-induced contraction of trachea

Polarity in the effects of amiloride and 4,4'-diisothiocyano-stilbene-2,2'-disulfonic acid (DIDS) in the guinea-pig isolated, perfused trachea was investigated to evaluate the roles of epithelial and airway smooth muscle Na+ and Cl- channels in the development of contractile responses to ATP. The blockers were applied to the mucosal (intraluminal) perfusing solution or to the serosal (extraluminal) bath before the second of two challenges with ATP (10(-4) M), which was added to the same bath as the blocker, or to the abluminal bath. In epithelium-intact tracheas, amiloride (10(-4) M) added to the extraluminal or intraluminal bath rapidly (1 min) and extensively inhibited contractions to extraluminally applied ATP (10(-4) M). In contrast, contractions to intraluminally applied ATP (10(-4) M) were relatively resistant to extraluminal and intraluminal amiloride (10(-4) M), in terms of the degree and onset of the inhibition. DIDS (10(-4) M) present in the extraluminal or intraluminal baths caused a slowly developing elevation of baseline tone. After a 30 min incubation, extraluminal DIDS potentiated responses to extraluminally added ATP, but intraluminal DIDS inhibited contractions to ATP added to the extraluminal and intraluminal baths. In contrast to the intact tracheas where there was no difference, the second response of epithelium-denuded preparations to intraluminally administered ATP was diminished. In rubbed tracheas the response to intraluminally added ATP was inhibited further by intraluminal amiloride but was potentiated by intraluminal DIDS. The results suggest that the effects of amiloride and DIDS were polarized across the tracheal wall and involved epithelial and smooth muscle ion channels.
Origin of high-alumina basalt, andesite, and dacite magmas

The typical volcanic rocks of most island arcs and eugeosynclines, and of some continental environments, are basalt, andesite, and dacite, of high alumina content. The high-alumina basalt differs from tholeiitic basalt primarily in having a greater content of the components of calcic plagioclase. Laboratory data indicate that in the upper mantle, below the level at which the basaltic component of mantle rock is transformed by pressure to eclogite or pyroxenite, the entire basaltic portion probably is melted within a narrow temperature range, but that above the level of that transformation plagioclase is melted selectively before pyroxene over a wide temperature range. The broad spectrum of high-alumina magmas may represent widely varying degrees of partial melting above the transformation level, whereas narrow-spectrum tholeiite magma may represent more complete melting beneath it.
Behavioral effects of morphine and cocaine in M1 muscarinic acetylcholine receptor-deficient mice

Muscarinic acetylcholine receptors (M1–M5) modulate the activity of the central nervous system and an array of physiological functions. Recent evidence has also implicated muscarinic receptors in behavioral effects of drugs of abuse such as morphine and cocaine. However, the genetic similarity between muscarinic receptors and the coexpression of multiple subtypes in most cells has impeded the development of selective antagonists and the determination of the role of each muscarinic receptor subtype in morphine’s and cocaine’s behavioral effects. The present studies employ mice deficient in the M1 receptor subtype (M1 KO) to assess morphine antinociception (2.5, 5.0, 10, or 20 mg/kg) and the conditioned rewarding effects of morphine and cocaine (2.5, 5.0, or 10 mg/kg). M1 KO and their wild-type (WT) littermates were tested using a 56°C hotplate assay and a conditioned place preference procedure. Parallel studies using the M1 receptor antagonist, pirenzepine, were also conducted in the background strain C57BL6 mice. The results demonstrate that M1 KO mice display a greater antinociceptive effect of morphine in the hotplate assay; however, the effects of morphine as well as cocaine were attenuated in the conditioned place preference procedure. Comparable results were obtained with the pharmacological antagonism of the M1 receptor by pirenzepine. These results suggest a modulatory role of the M1 muscarinic receptor in opioid antinociception and conditioned drug reward, and demonstrate the utility of M1 receptor knockout models for the determination of the role of the M1 subtype in the behavioral effects of morphine and cocaine.
Sequence and task analysis of instrument use in common laparoscopic procedures.

Background: In the area of instrument evaluation, one aspect that still requires objective assessment is the dynamics of instrument maneuver and exchange. If we could gain a better understanding of these phenomena, we could improve the design of the instruments themselves. Methods: A total of 29 laparoscopic procedures were videotaped and reviewed using time motion analysis. Instrument multifunctionality was determined using a standardized list of laparoscopic maneuvers. State transition diagrams were utilized to document the sequence of instrument exchanges. Results: The curved dissector, atraumatic grasper, and cautery scissors were identified as the most multifunctional instruments; each was able to perform five distinct maneuvers. Instrument sequences were found to consist of a three-part dissect ? clip ? cut cycle and a two-part dissect ? suction cycle of instrument exchange. Conclusion: This study demonstrated that laparoscopic instruments are often used to perform a variety of maneuvers in addition to their primary function. Furthermore, there are common patterns in instrument exchange that provide a potential source of design parameters for improved surgical efficiency.
Attitudes Regarding Laws Limiting Black-White Marriage A Longitudinal Analysis of Perceptions and Related Behaviors

This research effort explores attitudes toward interracial marriage and related behavior patterns in the United States. These patterns are examined longitudinally from the perspective of the genera...
The role of energetic ion bombardment in silicon-fluorine chemistry

Abstract Within the last few years there has been a considerable effort devoted to developing a more-fundamental understanding of the role of energetic ion bombardment in influencing the kinetics of reactive gas-surface interactions. Much of this work has been directed toward the silicon-fluorine system and still there are unanswered questions as to the primary role of energetic ions. In this discussion, the importance of ion-assisted gas-surface chemistry in plasma-assisted etching will be described and the current state of our microscopic understanding will be summarized.
Tomboys: Meanings, Marginalization, and Misunderstandings

Girls who act like boys are called "tomboys." This is an exploration using feminist guiding principles, about what "tomboyism" means to children and how adults around them construct it. The purpose is to examine tomboyism from literary, linguistic, historical and cultural perspectives. The exploration includes a review of selected scientific sources, children's and some adult literature, and conversations with adult women who recall their tomboyism from youth and how it now affects them as adults.
Response of "prolactin-secreting" cells of Tilapia mossambica to environmental salinity.

Abstract The cytological changes of the eta (“prolactin”) cells in the pituitary of Tilapia mossambica due to changes in environmental salinity have been described at both the light- and electron-microscope levels. In fish maintained in fresh water, the eta cells in the well-developed rostral lobe are large and contain many large secretory granules. A prominent Golgi system in addition to a multilayered endoplasmic reticulum suggests a high level of secretory activity. On the other hand the rostral lobe is smaller in seawater fish and the eta cells appear condensed, the organelles as well as granule size are reduced suggesting a diminished synthetic activity. The possible role of the secretion of eta cells in the osmoregulation of fishes is discussed.
Optimization of radiotherapy.

Abstract Carcinoma of the nasal pharynx, Spinal cord, Optimization of therapy, Treatment characteristic (TC), Radiotherapeutic operating characteristic (ROC).
Control of rotary lawn mower noise

Abstract The current state of knowledge regarding the noise generated by rotary lawn mowers is reviewed, with emphasis on the role of the rotating blade. Noise control methods are discussed and evaluated.
Superresolution capabilities of 3D optical filters

Multichannel sampling strategies have been considered for a number of applications including feature specific imaging, and digital superresolution. Typically, channel coding is accomplished with a thin modulating mask, either in the focal plane, or in the aperture of the imaging system. In this contribution, we extend the concept of multichannel imaging to systems by suggesting the use of 3D structures for channel coding. A single pixel camera design and the single scattering approximation are used to obtain a Fourier space interpretation of 3D filters. The k-space analysis indicates that the dispersion relation of propagating plane wave modes set severe constraints if 3D filters are used for channel coding. We relate this to the broader questions about the fundamental limits of optical and computational imaging and propose 3D filters for wavelength coding and superresolution applications.
Transient appearance of amyloid precursor protein plaques in the brain of thymectomized rats after human leptomeningeal cell grafts

Abstract Cells cultured from Alzheimer disease leptomeninges or skin were grafted into the cortex of adult thymectomized rats. At 3 days post-implant, plaque-like aggregates were found in the cortex, corpus callosum, septum and caudate nucleus. These structures were immunopositive for human amyloid precursor protein (APP), human amyloid beta peptide (Aβ), cathepsin D, apolipoprotein E and ubiquitin. Aberrant tau + neurites, reactive astrocytes and microglia were associated with many aggregates. Although birefringent amyloid occupied the central area of most aggregates, these structures had disappeared by l month post-implant. Aβ and APP produced by grafted non-neural human cells can penetrate rat brain and form plaque-like structures, which can be effectively cleared by the rat.
Synthesis of neoglycopeptides by chemoselective reaction of carbohydrates with peptides containing a novel N′-methyl-aminooxy amino acid

Abstract A novel N′-methyl-aminooxy amino acid has been designed, synthesized, and successfully incorporated into peptides using standard solid-phase peptide synthesis procedures. Reaction of these peptides with native reducing sugars yields neoglycopeptides via a chemoselective reaction with the aminooxy side chains. The key feature of the new amino acid is that it maintains attached sugars in their cyclic conformations and close to the peptide backbone.
Response of male brown bullhead catfish, Ictalurus nebulosus Lesueur, to gonadotropin-releasing hormone and gonadotropin

These studies were performed in order to investigate the roles of GnRH and GtH in the regulation of reproductive function in male brown bullhead catfish, Ictalurus nebulosus. Adult catfish were given intravenous injections of salmon GtH (SG-G100) or salmon GnRH (sGnRH), and plasma testosterone, 11-ketotestosterone, and estradiol-17β levels were measured. SGG100 elicited parallel increases in testosterone and 11-ketotestosterone, with peak levels between 8–12 hr after treatment. The effects of SG-G100 on plasma testosterone were dose-dependent, whereas increased 11-ketotestosterone was only seen with the two highest doses. Treatment with sGnRH elicited increased testosterone at 4 hr, and 11-ketotestosterone between 4–24 hr posttreatment. No clear dose-response to sGnRH was observed. The effects of SG-G100 and sGnRH varied with the annual reproductive cycle. During early testicular recrudescence in May, both the pituitary and testis were sensitive to trophic stimulation, with 2- to 4-fold increases in plasma androgens following sGnRH and SG-G100. Neither treatment was effective in mature animals trapped in July. In November, despite low basal androgen levels, SG-G100 and sGnRH elicited 2-fold increases in plasma androgen levels. The stimulatory effects of sGnRH, but not SG-G100, were abolished in hypophysectomized fish. These results indicate a functional hypothalamic-pituitary-testicular axis in this species, the components of which vary in sensitivity during the annual reproductive cycle in a manner consistent with the observed cycle of plasma steroids of this species.
Is an Ectoproct Possible

Mangum and Schopf1 claim on the basis of their calculations that the diffusion of oxygen into the body of an ectoproct is insufficient to supply the animal with its respiratory needs. They conclude that the periodic contraction of an ectoproct circulates its coelomic fluid. I believe their calculations are incorrect and that diffusion of oxygen into the ectoprocts is sufficient to supply their needs.
Distribution of transuranium elements between magnesium chloride and zinc-magnesium alloy

Abstract Distribution coefficients of neptunium, plutonium, americium, curium, californium and einsteinium between molten magnesium chloride and liquid zinc-magnesium have been determined as a function of magnesium concentration in the metal phase. The measurements were made at 800°C except in the case of einsteinium, for which the temperature was 710°C. In general, neptunium, plutonium, and curium tend to favour the metal phase, whereas californium, einsteinium, and to a lesser extent, americium tend to favour the salt phase. The distribution coefficients indicate that certain transuranium elements can be separated from one another and from fission products by a sequence of liquid metal-molten salt equilibrations. This procedure has the potential advantages of relatively large separation factors and the use of solvents that resist radiation damage.
PATTERNS OF VARIATION IN LEVELS OF HOMOPLASY.

Patterns of variation in levels of homoplasy were explored through statistical analyses of standardized consistency indexes. Data were obtained from 60 recent cladistic analyses of a wide variety of organisms based on several different kinds of characters. Consistency index is highly correlated with the number of taxa included in an analysis, with homoplasy increasing as the number of taxa increases. This observation is compatible with a simple model of character evolution in which 1) the probability of character-state change increases with the total number of branches in a tree and 2) the number of possible states of a character is limited. Consistency index does not show a significant relationship to the number of characters utilized in an analysis or to the taxonomic rank of the terminal taxa. When the relationship between consistency index and number of taxa is taken into account, there is no significant difference between plant and animal data sets in the amount of homoplasy. Likewise, the level of homoplasy in morphological and molecular data sets does not appear to differ significantly, although there are still too few molecular studies to be confident of this result. Future comparisons of consistency indexes, including studies along the lines established here, must take into account the influence of the number of taxa on homoplasy.
Frealix: model-based refinement of helical filament structures from electron micrographs.

Abstract The structures of many helical protein filaments can be derived from electron micrographs of their suspensions in thin films of vitrified aqueous solutions. The most successful and generally-applicable approach treats short segments of these filaments as independent “single particles”, yielding near-atomic resolution for rigid and well-ordered filaments. The single-particle approach can also accommodate filament deformations, yielding sub-nanometer resolution for more flexible filaments. However, in the case of thin and flexible filaments, such as some amyloid-β (Aβ) fibrils, the single-particle approach may fail because helical segments can be curved or otherwise distorted and their alignment can be inaccurate due to low contrast in the micrographs. We developed new software called Frealix that allows the use of arbitrarily short filament segments during alignment to approximate even high curvatures. All segments in a filament are aligned simultaneously with constraints that ensure that they connect to each other in space to form a continuous helical structure. In this paper, we describe the algorithm and benchmark it against datasets of Aβ(1–40) fibrils and tobacco mosaic virus (TMV), both analyzed in earlier work. In the case of TMV, our algorithm achieves similar results to single-particle analysis. In the case of Aβ(1–40) fibrils, we match the previously-obtained resolution but we are also able to obtain reliable alignments and ∼8-A reconstructions from curved filaments. Our algorithm also offers a detailed characterization of filament deformations in three dimensions and enables a critical evaluation of the worm-like chain model for biological filaments.
Short-term time variability of Cygnus X-1

A complete theory for shot-noise analysis is presented. The theory takes into account the effects of counting statistics, time resolution, and finite observing times on the autocorrelation function and on the moments of data assumed to consist of shot noise plus a steady component. When applied to X-ray observations of Cyg X-1 in the high and low states, the results provide evidence that both the typical correlation time (about 0.5 s) and the fraction of flux in shots (about 30%) are constant, independent of the state. The rate of occurrence of the shots may also be constant at approximately one shot per second, a possibility which, if verified, would imply that the principal difference in time variability in the two states is the amplitude of the shots. We also suggest that the occasionally observed large flares may possibly be just the rare superposition of several shots.