cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Hagfish, Genome Duplications, and RFamide Neuropeptide Evolution.

As a phylum, the chordates are remarkably similar in terms of body plan design compared with many of the other major phyla of metazoans. The minimal features for placement within the phylum are a dorsal nerve cord and a notochord and pharyngeal gills slits at some point in the developmental life history of the organism (1). As shown in Fig. 1A, chordates can be initially segregated based on whether the organism lacks an internal cartilaginous or bony skeleton (protochordates; such as Amphioxus or the tunicates) or have an internal skeleton (subphylum Vertebrata). The vertebrates can be further separated into those organisms that lack a hinged jaw (superclass Agnatha; such as the hagfishes or lampreys) and those organisms that have a hinged jaw (superclass Gnathostoma; such as the cartilaginous fishes, bony fishes, amphibians, reptiles, birds, and mammals). As indicated from the fossil record, the ancestral protochordates most likely emerged during the Cambrian Period, some 550 million years ago (MYA) (2), and were followed in relatively quick succession by the ancestral agnathan vertebrates (late Ordovician Period; 450 MYA), and later the ancestral gnathostomes (Silurian Period 420 MYA) (3). Although the external and internal morphological design of the vertebrates (agnathans and gnathostomes) is based on common themes, there are features of the chordates that clearly have undergone considerable change during the evolution of the phylum. Two of these features, the diversity of gene families, and the interactions between the brain and pituitary, are considered in the article by Osugi et al. (4) in this issue of Endocrinology on the evolution, characterization, and localization of RFamide peptides in the central nervous system (CNS) of a hagfish. Why study hagfish, and what information on neuropeptide gene family evolution and brain/pituitary interactions can be gleaned from these organisms?
Isolation of a 30 kDa immunoglobulin binding protein from Pseudomonas maltophilia.

Abstract We have demonstrated that Pseudomonas maltophilia (ATCC No. 13637) possesses and exposed, immunologically accessible protein which binds to the Fc region of several species of immunoglobulins. Whole bacteria suspensions were incubated for 18 h with purified 125 I-labelled antibodies with and without added non-labelled immunoglobulins. The suspensions were centrifuged for 30 min and the pellet containing bacteria was assessed for radioactivity. Using this crude assay, the whole organism bound 125 I-labelled rabbit and mouse immunoglobulins and the purified Fc portion of human IgG. All of these labelled preparations were competitively displaced by unlabelled rabbit and mouse immunoglobulins, and Fc of human IgG, as well as human immunoglobulin subclasses. The organism was sonicated to solubilize this immunoglobulin binding protein. Using this sonicated preparation, it was shown that unlabelled Fc of IgG, unlabelled mouse and rabbit immunoglobulins, all competitively displaced 125 I-labelled human Fc of IgG in a dose-response manner. A partially purified protein was prepared by Sephacryl S-300 followed by Sephadex G-100 column chromatography. This preparation was incubated with 125 I-Fcγ and with the following purified unlabelled preparations: F(ab′) 2 of IgG, Fc of IgG, murine monoclonal IgA, IgG1, IgG2, IgG3, and IgG4. All except F(ab′) 2 of IgG produced dose response competitive displacement. The molecular weight, as estimated by SDS-PAGE and Western blot, was 30,000 daltons. In Western blots, Fcγ, murine monoclonal IgA, and human immunoglobulin subclasses, all showed affinity for the immobilized protein. Human F(ab′) 2 fragments did not show affinity for the protein. Radioiodinated pseudomonal Ig-binding protein showed affinity for humanj IgG coupled to Sepharose, and was displaced by unlabelled pseudomonal Ig-binding protein. Scatchard analysis of binding showed two binding affinities: two distinct types of Ig-binding proteins were obtained, a high affinity with K d = 1.54 × 10 −10 and a lower affinity with K d = 2.36 × 10 −8 . This immunoglobulin binding protein may be useful in immunoglobulin purification or identification.
For What Conditions is There Evidence-Based Justification for Treatment of Helicobacter pylori Infection?

Evidence-based medicine combines clinical expertise and the best available evidence from systematic research to aid decision making in patient care. Levels of evidence can be graded from I to V, with level I, the strongest, coming from large randomized controlled trials (RCTs). When a definitive RCT has not been performed, or is impracticable or inappropriate, lesser grades of evidence are used. There is level I evidence supporting the treatment of Helicobacter pylori infection in patients with duodenal or gastric ulcers. Prospective RCTs have shown that cure of the infection is associated with ultimate cure of the ulcer diathesis. Therefore, this is a "grade A" recommendation for treatment. In nonulcer dyspepsia, numerous RCTs have yielded conflicting results regarding the benefits of treatment. Although there are methodological problems with many reported studies, there is some evidence (level II at best) to support treatment—a grade B recommendation. In early gastric cancer and gastric mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue lymphoma, the best available evidence supporting treatment of H. pylori infection is of low quality, i.e., levels III and V. Although these carry only grade C treatment recommendations, treatment is safe and carries at least some evidence of efficacy. It is therefore indicated based on the current best available evidence. No evidence exists to support treating the infection in patients receiving long-term proton pump inhibitors for gastroesophageal reflux disease or in patients with any of the nongastrointestinal conditions that have been tentatively linked to H. pylori .
Expression of a highly conserved anti-DNA idiotype in normal and autoimmune mice

The specificity and idiotypic relationships of a monoclonal anti-DNA antibody were investigated to evaluate genetic control in this autoantibody response. 6/0 is an IgG2a monoclonal anti-DNA derived by the fusion of spleen cells from an autoimmune MRL-lpr/lpr mouse and the cell line NS1. By an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for anti-DNA, 6/0 demonstrated preference for single-stranded DNA and bound deoxyribo- and ribohomopolymers of dissimilar base composition. The control of 6/0 expression was evaluated by idiotypic analysis using a rabbit anti-6/0 antiserum made specific by absorption with the BALB/c myelomas UPC 10 (IgG2a) and MOPC 21 (IgG1). The resulting preparation was fractionated by BALB/c IgG affinity columns to provide antibodies to idiotypic determinants essentially unique to 6/0 and those commonly expressed in sera. The commonly expressed 6/0 idiotype was found in sera of ten inbred strains of mice and was not exclusive to the autoimmune strains. MRL-lpr/lpr and A/J strain mice displayed idiotype levels almost fivefold greater than other strains, with 6/0 idiotype-bearing antibodies having serum concentrations as high as 1 mg/ml. Levels of the 6/0 idiotype, however, did not correlate with anti-DNA levels among the various strains. In addition to mice, the majority of individuals of three inbred rat strains showed detectable 6/0 idiotype in their sera. These results suggest that the 6/0 idiotype, although identified using a monoclonal anti-DNA antibody, represents a framework determinant that is phylogenetically conserved. The mechanisms for the expression of this determinant may differ among the normal and autoimmune strains.
Localization, pharmacology, and organization of brain locomotor areas in larval lamprey

Abstract In larval lamprey, spinal locomotor activity can be initiated by pharmacological microstimulation from the following higher order brain locomotor areas [Paggett et al. (2004) Neuroscience 125:25–33; Jackson et al. (2007) J Neurophysiol 97:3229–3241]: rostrolateral rhombencephalon (RLR); ventromedial diencephalon (VMD); or dorsolateral mesencephalon (DLM). In the present study, pharmacological microstimulation with excitatory amino acids (EAAs) or their agonists in the brains of in vitro brain/spinal cord preparations was used to determine the sizes, pharmacology, and organization of these locomotor areas. First, the RLR, DLM and VMD locomotor areas were confined to relatively small areas of the brain, and stimulation as little as 50 μm outside these areas was ineffective or elicited tonic or uncoordinated motor activity. Second, pharmacological stimulation with NMDA, kainate, or AMPA in the VMD or DLM reliably initiated well-coordinated spinal locomotor activity. In the RLR, stimulation with all three ionotropic EAA receptor agonists could initiate spinal locomotor activity, but NMDA or AMPA was more reliable than kainate. Third, with synaptic transmission blocked only in the brain, stimulation in the RLR, VMD, or DLM no longer initiated spinal locomotor activity, suggesting that these locomotor areas do not directly activate spinal locomotor networks. Fourth, following a complete transection at the mesencephalon-rhombencephalon border, stimulation in the RLR no longer initiated spinal motor activity. Thus, the RLR locomotor area does not appear able to initiate spinal locomotor activity by neural circuits confined entirely within the rhombencephalon but requires more rostral neural centers, such as those in the VMD and DLM, as previously proposed [Paggett et al. (2004) Neuroscience 125:25–33].
A cost–effectiveness analysis of chemotherapy for patients with recurrent platinum-sensitive epithelial ovarian cancer

Abstract Objective The majority of patients with advanced epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) will experience a recurrence after primary chemotherapy and receive second-line chemotherapy. Patients who have a disease-free interval >6 months (platinum-sensitive) will often receive multiple chemotherapy regimens. Therefore, our goal was to assess the effectiveness and medical costs of chemotherapy for platinum-sensitive patients with advanced EOC. Methods A decision analysis model compared several chemotherapeutic strategies in a hypothetical cohort of 10,000 platinum-sensitive EOC patients with recurrent disease: (a) best supportive care (BSC); (b) second-line monotherapy; (c) second-line combination therapy; (d) third-line chemotherapy after disease progression on second-line monotherapy or combination therapy; (e) fourth-line chemotherapy after disease progression on second- and third-line chemotherapy. Results BSC and second-line therapies were cost-effective strategies. The cost–effectiveness ratios ranged from $2896 for second-line monotherapy to $4914 for fourth-line previous monotherapy. Compared to BSC, second-line monotherapy gained an additional 8 months of overall survival (OS) with a favorable incremental cost–effectiveness ratio (ICER) of $24,228 per life year saved (LYS). The ICER for second-line combination therapy compared to second-line monotherapy was also favorable ($46,068 per LYS). Although third- and fourth-line chemotherapy provided small improvements in OS, they were dominated by other strategies or had an unfavorable ICER (>$50,000 per LYS). Conclusions Second-line chemotherapy is cost-effective for patients with platinum-sensitive recurrent EOC. Due to minimal improvements in overall survival, third- and fourth-line chemotherapy are not cost-effective strategies.
Grain size distribution effects in superplasticity

Abstract The influence of grain size distribution on the stress-strain rate behavior of superplastic metals has been investigated for steady-state as well as transient loading situations. The model, which considers a distribution of internal stresses based on grain size distribution, is a detailed development of one presented elsewhere [1]. Deformation is assumed to occur by a combination of grain- boundary creep (sliding accommodated by diffusion) and power law creep, constrained by equal strain rate in all grains during steady state. The analytical results of the model based on realistic grain size distributions simulate steady-state behavior, as well as loading and load relaxation behaviors of superplastic aluminum and titanium alloys. Several other features of material response are also explained.
The theoretical foundations of Wundt's folk-psychology.

Wundt’s folk psychology constitutes an integral part of his philosophical system. In some respects it must be regarded as the crowning achievement of his thought, inasmuch as its theoretical foundations presuppose all his former work. In order to gain a proper setting for our critical considerations, we must begin with a somewhat detailed discussion of certain general concepts employed in Wundt’s philosophy. Without a dear comprehension of these a criticism of his folk psychology would not be feasible.
mcl1+, the Schizosaccharomyces pombe homologue of CTF4, is important for chromosome replication, cohesion, and segregation.

The fission yeast minichromosome loss mutant mcl1-1 was identified in a screen for mutants defective in chromosome segregation. Missegregation of the chromosomes in mcl1-1 mutant cells results from decreased centromeric cohesion between sister chromatids. mcl1+ encodes a β-transducin-like protein with similarity to a family of eukaryotic proteins that includes Ctf4p from Saccharomyces cerevisiae, sepB from Aspergillus nidulans, and AND-1 from humans. The previously identified fungal members of this protein family also have chromosome segregation defects, but they primarily affect DNA metabolism. Chromosomes from mcl1-1 cells were heterogeneous in size or structure on pulsed-field electrophoresis gels and had elongated heterogeneous telomeres. mcl1-1 was lethal in combination with the DNA checkpoint mutations rad3Δ and rad26Δ, demonstrating that loss of Mcl1p function leads to DNA damage. mcl1-1 showed an acute sensitivity to DNA damage that affects S-phase progression. It interacts genetically with replication components and causes an S-phase delay when overexpressed. We propose that Mcl1p, like Ctf4p, has a role in regulating DNA replication complexes.
Group Theory Calculations Involving Linear Molecules

Most chemistry courses involving group theory do not treat the infinite point groups C∞v or D∞h. Even the character tables themselves are not transparent looking, with the profusion of ellipses. Because of this, it is not possible to deduce the vibrational symmetry modes of CO2, even though the symmetric, asymmetric stretch, and doubly-degenerate bending modes are discussed in almost all physical chemistry courses. In this paper we show how linear molecules such as CO2, C2H2, and HCN can be treated using the point groups Cnv or Dnh for general values of n. When determining which irreducible representations comprise the normal vibrational modes of a linear molecule such as CO2, we show that the n-dependence vanishes. The calculations presented here do not require advanced mathematical knowledge and could be incorporated into an undergraduate chemistry curriculum in which group theory is presented.
Structural organization and transcription of the mouse gastric H+, K(+)-ATPase beta subunit gene.

Abstract We have cloned and characterized the mouse gene encoding the beta subunit of H+, K(+)-ATPase (EC 3.6.1.36). The entire 10.5-kilobase transcription unit of the H+,K(+)-ATPase beta subunit gene was cloned in three overlapping cosmids encompassing approximately 46 kilobases of genomic DNA. A tight cluster of transcription initiation sites has been localized 24-25 nucleotides upstream of the translation start site and 28-29 nucleotides downstream of a TATA-like sequence. The H+, K(+)-ATPase beta subunit gene is split into seven exons encoding predicted structural domains of the beta subunit protein. The intracellular amino-terminal and putative transmembrane domains are encoded by individual exons, and the extracellular carboxyl-terminal domain is encoded by five exons. The exon/intron organization of the mouse H+,K(+)-ATPase beta subunit gene is identical to that of the mouse Na+,K(+)-ATPase beta 2 subunit gene. The conservation of genomic organization, together with the high sequence homology, indicates that the mouse H+,K(+)-ATPase beta and Na+,K(+)-ATPase beta 2 subunit genes originated from a common ancestral gene.
International R&D : The Establishment and Evolution of Research and Development Abroad by Seven U.S. Multinationals

This article summarizes the author's extensive investigation of the research and development investments made abroad by seven U.S.-based seven multinational organizations. The article describes the factors that affected the initial Investment in 55 RD the Exxon Chemical Company; International Business Machines (IBM); the chemicals and Plastics Group of Union Carbide Corporation; CPC International; Otis Elevator Company; and the Corning Glass Works. The article also discusses the evolution of the same 55 R&D units established abroad by these seven multinationals.
Increases in arterial blood oxygen during exercise in the lemon shark (Negaprion brevirostris)

Polyethylene cannulae were implanted in pre- and post-branchial blood vessels allowing nonstressful blood sampling over a variety of activity ranges in an active tropical elasmobranch, the lemon shark (Negaprion brevirostris). TheP50 was found to be 11.8 Torr at 24°C and pH of 7.7. A Bohr shift of −0.36 was also found. BloodPo2 and oxygen content were measured during rest, routine swimming, and exercise in unanesthetized, free swimming juveniles. Under all conditions venous oxygen levels were low with venousPo2 of 7.1±2.7 Torr, and venous oxygen content (\(C\bar v_{O_2 } \)) of 0.56±0.4 vol%. However, a large variability was found in arterial blood measurements. ArterialPo2 ranged from 7 to 80 Torr, while arterial oxygen content (Cao2) varied from 1.6 vol% to 6.8 vol% among ten experimental animals. A significant increase in arterialPo2, oxygen content, and hematocrit was noted during increased activity. Since the venous system provides little or no oxygen reserve, increased oxygen extraction from the blood (\(Ca_{O_{_2 } } - C\bar v_{O_2 } \)) appears to be met by an increase inCao2 rather than a decrease in\(C\bar v_{O_2 } \). Mechanisms to accomplish this may include increasing hematocrit and vacular gill shunts.
Primary pulmonary mucoepidermoid tumors in the goat.

In reviewing 2,500 complete goat autopsies, 15 were found to contain primary lung tumors. Grossly, the tumors were circumscribed and yellowish-to-grey in color. Microscopically, they were all mucoepidermoid in type with abundant keratin and minimal mucin production. Intrabronchial extension of the tumor was demonstrated in most cases. Squamous metaplasia was noted in bronchial structures, both within the tumor and in adjacent areas. The comparative incidence of pulmonary tumors in animals and man is discussed.
Amiodarone-induced thyrotoxicosis: A case for surgical management

Objective: Amiodarone can cause the development of thyroid dysfunction in patients with or without previous thyroid disease. Although most cases of amiodarone-induced thyrotoxicosis (AIT) are mild, a significant number become life threatening. Because of its pharmacokinetics, simply discontinuing amiodarone provides no relief and can worsen the patient’s condition. Medical management frequently fails, and many patients cannot discontinue amiodarone because of its effect against resistant arrhythmias. Methods: This retrospective chart review of a case at a tertiary care institution presents the case of a fifty-five-year-old male with dilated cardiomyopathy and no previous thyroid disease. The patient was in normal sinus rhythm on amiodarone for control of atrial fibrillation. He experienced the acute onset of symptoms with return to atrial fibrillation resistant to cardioversion. Physical examination, laboratory tests, and imaging findings were all consistent with a diagnosis of AIT. An attempt to withdraw amiodarone resulted in severe ventricular tachyarrhythmias. Results: Despite medical treatment, the patient’s condition continued to deteriorate. Because amiodarone was the only effective drug, surgical treatment was elected. The patient underwent a total thyroidectomy and experienced no difficulties or complications. Postoperatively, the patient’s condition improved, and he was successfully cardioverted. Conclusions: Although an uncommon clinical entity, life-threatening AIT has been reported. Thyrotoxicosis can develop in any patient during or after amiodarone therapy. Medical management of this entity is extremely difficult because of the lack of a proven, consistent therapeutic armamentarium. Surgical management should be considered for patients whose conditions necessitate the continuation of amiodarone or those with severe symptoms resistant to medical therapy. (Am J Otolaryngol 2002;23:358-361. Copyright 2002, Elsevier Science (USA). All rights reserved.)
Stable isotopes in modern ostrich eggshell: A calibration for paleoenvironmental applications in semi-arid regions of southern Africa

An isotopic study of modern ostrich eggshell (OES) is presented as a calibration for terrestrial paleoenvironmental applications. The stable carbon and nitrogen isotope fractionations of OES were determined for various organic fractions of eggshell by measuring the isotopic ratios of modern OES samples collected from controlled settings (i.e., zoos and farms) and corresponding ostrich diet. These fractionations were used to evaluate the relationship between the isotope composition of OES laid by free-range birds living in South Africa and their environment. The carbon isotope composition of the total organic and inorganic fractions of OES were enriched by 2 and 16‰, respectively, relative to the diet. In natural settings, the δ13C values of both the organic and inorganic fractions of OES reflected that of ambient vegetation, with a noted dietary preference for C3 plants. The nitrogen isotope composition of the total organic fraction of OES was 3‰ enriched relative to the diet, and varied inversely with mean annual precipitation (MAP) in natural settings. A decrease in MAP of 100 mm was accompanied by an increase in δ15N values of approximately 1‰. The oxygen isotope composition of the inorganic fraction of the OES varied linearly with that of the drinking water in controlled settings. However, in natural settings, the δ18O of OES values were highly variable and are thought to be controlled primarily by the δ18O of ingested plant leaf-water. The stability of the isotopic signal in the organic fraction of OES through geologic time was evaluated through a series of heating experiments. The δ13C and δ15N values of the total organic fraction of heated OES increased by less than 0.6 and 0.2‰ for carbon and nitrogen, respectively, in spite of extensive diagenetic alteration and changes in the amino acid composition of the samples. The results of this study indicate that the stable carbon and nitrogen isotope composition of OES is relatively stable under the experimental conditions used and may be used to derive a plethora of paleoenvironmental information, including changes in C3 and C4 vegetation and paleorainfall estimates. Additionally, carbon isotopic analysis of individual amino acids (IAA) in the OES and corresponding diet were determined to elucidate information on isotopic fractionation during OES protein synthesis. The δ13C values of IAA in OES range over 12‰ and provide valuable information for future studies of (1) diagenesis in fossil OES samples and (2) comparative animal physiology, including the determination of digestive and feeding strategies of extant and extinct animals.
Effects of acid precipitation on embryonic mortality of Ambystoma salamanders in the Connecticut Valley of Massachusetts

Abstract The phenomenon of increased embryonic mortality of the spotted salamander Ambystoma maculatum concomitant with breeding pond acidification from acid rainfall was investigated in the Connecticut Valley of Massachusetts. The pH and chemistry of rain and pond water were analysed, and embryonic mortality of spotted and Jefferson salamanders A. jeffersonianum was monitored in 1976 and 1977. Rainfall pH, 4·16 and 4·07 in 1976 and 1977, respectively, indicates that acid rain continues to occur in the area. Ambystoma breeding ponds are acidic, due to background and rainfall acidity. The average pH of six ponds dropped from 5·62 in 1976 to 5·10 in 1977. Pond pH decreased up to 0·75 pH units following heavy rainfall. These trends indicate that pond acidification from acid rain is occurring. Despite pond acidity, embryonic mortality of spotted and Jefferson salamanders was low. For spotted salamanders, mortality ranged from 2·1 to 30·2%, with 15 of 17 ponds below 16%. Embryonic mortality of Jefferson salamanders ranged from 12·4 to 40·3%. No significant correlation between pond pH and percent embryonic mortality was found. Estimates based on numbers of breeding females showed Connecticut Valley spotted salamander populations to be larger than in areas where their decline has been correlated with acid rain. The size of present populations, and the embryonic acid tolerance exhibited by spotted and Jefferson salamanders, indicate that acid rain has not affected their populations in the Connecticut Valley of Massachusetts.
Experimental detection and discrimination of buried targets using an improved broadband CW electromagnetic induction sensor

Experimental data measured at a field test site with a broadband electromagnetic induction (EMI) sensor are presented. The system is an improved version of the Georgia Tech EMI system developed over the past several years. The system operates over a 300 to one bandwidth and is more sensitive while being more power efficient than earlier systems. Data measured with the system will be presented with an emphasis on features in the data that can be used to separate metallic targets from the soil response and to discriminate between certain classes of metallic targets.
Processing and Properties of Biobased Blends from Soy Meal and Natural Rubber

Vulcanized blends from soy meal and natural rubber were successfully processed through semi-pilot scale extrusion, roll milling and compression-molding. Blends containing about 50 wt.-% of soy meal are elastic and water resistant, compared with the brittle and hydrophilic soy meal. The natural rubber component was well embedded into the soy meal matrix, indicating the existence of an interaction between them. The glass transition temperature of the rubber component in the blends increased due to the existence of this interaction. Calcium sulfate, as a compatibilizer, was a physical cross-linker to the proteins in the soy meal and in the rubber. The morphological analysis of the soy meal and natural rubber blend through scanning electron microscopy revealed a partial compatibility of the blend. The blends containing near 50 wt.-% of inexpensive soy meal have potential for various applications.
The preparation of organomagnesium fluorides by organometallic exchange reactions

Abstract The preparation of alkyl- and aryl-magnesium fluorides by the reaction of dialkyl- and diaryl-magnesium compounds with fluorinating agents, such as BF3 etherate, SiF4, Bu3SnF, Ph3SiF and Et2AlF in tetrahydrofuran were studied. Methyl-, ethyl-, and phenyl-magnesium fluoride were prepared in high yield by the reactions of dimethyl-, diethyl-, and diphenyl-magnesium with boron trifluoride diethyl etherate in tetrahydrofuran. Methylmagnesium fluoride was prepared in quantitative yield by the reaction of dimethylmagnesium with silicon tetrafluoride in tetrahydrofuran and butylmagnesium fluoride was prepared in quantitative yield by the reaction of tributyltin fluoride in THF with dibutylmagnesium. Other combinations of R2Mg compounds and fluorinating agents resulted in the formation of less pure products.
Secreted platelet thrombospondin binds monovalently to platelets and erythrocytes in the absence of free Ca2

Abstract Washed human platelets suspended in Ca 2+ -free buffer bind thrombospondin secreted in response to stimulation by the calcium ionophore A23187. Under these conditions, the secreted thrombospondin binds to the surface of the platelets monovalently, that is, the thrombospondin does not agglutinate the platelets. In addition, the secreted thrombospondin can bind monovalently to the surface of the erythrocytes used to assay the endogenous lectin of human platelets. These findings resolve the contradictions resulting from the apparent requirement for free Ca 2+ in the binding of secreted thrombospondin to the plasma membranes of platelets, the behavior of purified thrombospondin in hemagglutination assays and the characteristics of the endogenous lectin (thrombospondin) expressed by platelets stimulated with A23187 or γ-thrombin.
Gold Coins in Mediaeval English Literature

THE appearance of Professor Urban T. Holmes' observations on coins in Old French literature a few years ago' suggested to me the appropriateness of a similar treatment of some aspects of the literary and historical relationships of coins in mediaeval English literature. Because of the complexity of coinage in the late Middle Ages, it has seemed best to to restrict this paper to gold coins of fairly wide circulation or of special interest. This essay, then, is intended not as a numismatic study but as an illustration of certain literary and, to an extent, historical relationships of several mediaeval gold coins current in England or well known to English writers.2 I hope, in addition, to correct in passing two or three errors which have crept into scholarly annotation over the past seventy or eighty years. Most of the literary illustrations will be drawn from Chaucer for the obvious reason of his general availability. The coins chosen for discussion are the florin, noble, e'cu, mouton d'or, and ducat.
Protein requirements of milking cows.

Abstract During a short trial of 90 days and a longer trial of two lactations, cows were fed a ration containing about 10.7 or 12.6% protein. Cows received concentrate at 1 kg per 2.5 kg milk, and total digestible nutrient intake averaged 113 to 120% of requirement. Sufficient energy was fed so that differences in protein intake might be reflected in production. Cows on the short trial produced similar amounts of milk (18 to 20 kg/day), fat-corrected milk and fat with equal persistency on both rations (8 Holsteins/ration). In the longer trial 28 cows started on assigned diet at 45 days postpartum. Those receiving the lower protein diet produced less milk (P
Appreciating the ‘work’ of discourse: occupational identity and difference as organizing mechanisms in the case of commercial airline pilots

This article pursues two central goals. First, I seek to advance the sustained study of occupational identity as a pivotal mechanism for organizing work and, thus, as a productive means of integrat...
Prudence, Sincerity, and the Body's Betrayal of the Dissimulated Self in Cervantes' La señora Cornelia

While scholarship on dissimulation and the emergence of selfhood in early modern Europe has recently flourished, Cervantes' participation in this discourse has yet to be sufficiently examined.1 His...
Space-based planet detection using two MEMS DMs and a shaped pupil

NASA and the astronomy community hope to soon launch a new space-based telescope to detect and characterize extrasolar planets. Detecting extrasolar planets with angular separations and contrast levels similar to Earth requires not only a large space-based observatory but also advanced starlight suppression techniques. One promising approach is coronagraphy via shaped pupils. Shaped pupil coronagraphs are binary pupil functions that modify the point spread function of a telescope to produce regions of high contrast. Unfortunately, the contrast performance of coronagraphs is highly sensitive to optical errors, thus necessitating wavefront control to retrieve the necessary contrast levels. Using two MEMS deformable mirrors in series with the coronagraph allows us to control both the phase and amplitude aberrations over a finite wavelength range. Given an estimate of the wavefront we have developed an optimal controller that minimizes actuator strokes on the deformable mirrors subject to a constraint that it achieve a targeted contrast level in a defined region of the image. To provide an estimate for the controller that is accurate enough to converge to a solution that achieves the required ten orders of magnitude, the electric field must be estimated using the science camera to avoid any non-common path errors. The estimate is found by either using a batch process or Kalman filter technique which uses multiple image pairs with conjugated deformable mirror settings to estimate the field prior to evaluating the control shape. This paper outlines the algorithms used and presents our laboratory results.
Six new species of Timonius (Rubiaceae: Guettardeae) from Papuasia

Six new species of Timonius (T. alius, T. bosaviensis, T. creber, T. cyathicalyx, T. insularis, and T. pullenii) are described from New Guinea and surrounding islands. The new species are illustrated and notes are provided on their habitat, distribution and phenology. None of the new species is readily assignable to any previously recognized subgenus or species-group.
Boundary-Spanning Roles in a Research and Development Organization: An Empirical Investigation

The article reports on the importance of boundary-spanning roles (BSA), which serve to link organizations confirmed by research. They are vital to the effective monitoring of the environment as wel...
Regularized integral equations and fast high‐order solvers for sound‐hard acoustic scattering problems

This text introduces the following: (1) new regularized combined field integral equations (CFIE-R) for frequency-domain sound-hard scattering problems; and (2) fast, high-order algorithms for the numerical solution of the CFIE-R and related integral equations. Similar to the classical combined field integral equation (CFIE), the CFIE-R are uniquely-solvable integral equations based on the use of single and double layer potentials. Unlike the CFIE, however, the CFIE-R utilize a composition of the double-layer potential with a regularizing operator that gives rise to highly favorable spectral properties—thus making it possible to produce accurate solutions by means of iterative solvers in small numbers of iterations. The CFIE-R-based fast high-order integral algorithms introduced in this text enable highly accurate solution of challenging sound-hard scattering problems, including hundred-wavelength cases, in single-processor runs on present-day desktop computers. A variety of numerical results demonstrate the qualities of the numerical solvers as well as the advantages that arise from the new integral equation formulation.
Non-Opioid Additives to Local Anesthetics

Regional anesthesia techniques developed shortly after the anesthetic properties of cocaine were discovered. Almost immediately, the search for additives to decrease the complications associated with local anesthetic administration and to improve anesthesia and prolong analgesia was launched. In the modern era, the most commonly used additives have been vasoconstrictors, buffering agents, and opioids. More recently, other additives have been used as adjuncts to local anesthetics or even used as the sole anesthetic in peripheral and neuraxial blocks. These drugs have included adrenergic agonists, cholinesterase inhibitors, nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), and NMDA antagonists.
Etiology of syncope in patients hospitalized with syncope and predictors of mortality and rehospitalization for syncope at 27-month follow-up

The authors investigated the etiologies of syncope and risk factors for mortality and rehospitalization for syncope at 27-month follow-up in 325 consecutive patients, mean age 66 years, hospitalized for syncope. The causes of syncope were diagnosed in 241 patients (74%). Of 325 patients, 13 (4%) were rehospitalized for syncope and 38 (12%) died. Stepwise logistic regression analysis showed that significant independent prognostic factors for rehospitalization for syncope were diabetes (odds ratio [OR], 5.7; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.6-20.4), atrial fibrillation (OR, 4.0; 95% CI, 1.0-15.6), and smoking (OR, 4.6; 95% CI, 1.3-16.8). Stepwise Cox regression analysis showed that significant independent prognostic factors for time to mortality were diabetes (hazard ratio [HR], 2.7; 95% CI, 1.4-5.2), coronary artery bypass graft surgery (HR, 2.9; 95% CI, 1.3-6.5), malignancy history (HR, 2.5; 95% CI, 1.2-5.2), narcotics use (HR, 4.0; 95% CI, 1.7-9.8), smoking (HR, 2.8; 95% CI, 1.4-5.5), atrial fibrillation (HR, 2.4; 95% CI, 1.0-5.4), and volume depletion (HR, 2.8; 95% CI, 1.4-5.8). Copyright © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. The authors have no funding, financial relationships, or conflicts of interest to disclose.
A Review of: “Joyce E. Salisbury. The Blood of Martyrs: Unintended Consequences of Ancient Violence”

“The blood of martyrs is the seed of Christians,” wrote Tertullian in the third century. He recognized the importance of martyrs for the spread of Christianity. Joyce E. Salisbury in this book expl...
Elevated Uric Acid Levels Predict Allograft Vasculopathy in Cardiac Transplant Recipients

Background Cardiac allograft vasculopathy (CAV) poses the greatest threat to the long-term survival of cardiac transplant recipients, and these individuals often exhibit elevated levels of uric acid (UA), a stimulator of T cells. We hypothesized that hyperuricemia is associated with CAV in cardiac transplant recipients. Methods UA levels were measured in cardiac transplant recipients between January 2003 and January 2005. Surveillance cardiac catheterizations performed 3 months to 1 year after UA measurement were reviewed. The relationship between UA and CAV was adjusted for possible confounders with propensity scores and confirmed with goodness-of-fit tests. Results The 105 patients included in this study were a median 63.3 months post-transplant and their left heart catheterizations were performed a median 5.6 months after UA measurement. Focal stenosis was evident in 25 angiograms and 31 showed distal pruning of the coronary arteries. Compared with the lowest quartile of UA, the highest quartile had an increased risk of CAV: odds ratio (OR) 6.11 (95% CI 1.47 to 25.5; p = 0.013) for focal stenosis and OR 4.60 (95% CI 1.34 to 15.8; p = 0.015) for distal pruning. After adjustment, this relationship persisted for both focal stenosis (OR 5.53, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.29 to 23.7; p = 0.021) and distal pruning (OR 4.21, 95% CI 1.15 to 15.4; p = 0.029). Conclusions Elevated UA confers an increased risk of CAV. This association may be causal, with pathophysiologic implications for the role of hyperuricemia in allograft failure and, if substantiated, could have clinical implications for the use of xanthine oxidase inhibitors in cardiac transplant recipients.
Science and technology related global problems: An international survey of science educators

This survey evaluated one aspect of the Science-Technology-Society theme, namely, the teaching of global problems related to science and technology. The survey was conducted during spring 1984. Two hundred sixty-two science educators representing 41 countries completed the survey. Response was 80%. Findings included a ranking of twelve global problems (the top six were: World Hunger and Food Resources, Population Growth, Air Quality and Atmosphere, Water Resources, War Technology, and Human Health and Disease). Science educators generally indicated the following: the science and technology related global problems would be worse by the year 2000; they were slightly or moderately knowledgeable about the problems; print, audio-visual media, and personal experiences were their primary sources of information; it is important to study global problems in schools; emphasis on global problems should increase with age/grade level; an integrated approach should be used to teach about global problems; courses including global problems should be required of all students; most countries are in the early stages of developing programs including global problems; there is a clear trend toward S-T-S; there is public support for including global problems; and, the most significant limitations to implementation of the S-T-S theme (in order of significance) are political, personnel, social, psychological, economic, pedagogical, and physical. Implications for research and development in science education are discussed.
A dynamic model of regional population growth and decline.

This paper presents a two-sector dynamic model of regional population change. The model contains a migration equation an earnings equation and an amenity equation for each region. In the context of this model migration is seen as a disequilibrium process through which the regional populations move towards equilibrium positions. Migration occurs when one region is perceived to be superior to the other on the basis of its earnings and amenity levels. Equilibrium is achieved when population movements between the regions eliminate any differences in their relative attractiveness. A comparative-static analysis of the model is presented to analyze the effects of policy changes and exogenous shocks on the distribution of population among the regions. The geographical focus is on the United States. (EXCERPT)
Stand-replacing wildfires alter the community structure of wood-inhabiting fungi in southwestern ponderosa pine forests of the USA

Increases in stand-replacing wildfires in the western USA have widespread implications for ecosystem carbon (C) cycling, in part because the decomposition of trees killed by fire can be a long-term source of CO2 to the atmosphere. Knowledge of the composition and function of decay fungi communities may be important to understanding how wildfire alters C cycles. We assessed the effects of stand-replacing wildfires on the community structure of wood-inhabiting fungi along a 32-yr wildfire chronosequence. Fire was associated with low species richness for up to 4 yr and altered species composition relative to unburned forest for the length of the chronosequence. A laboratory incubation demonstrated that species varied in their capacity to decompose wood; Hypocrea lixii, an indicator of the most recent burn, caused the lowest decomposition rate. Our results show that stand-replacing wildfires have long-term effects on fungal communities, which may have
Structured channel estimation methods for cooperative underwater communication

This paper examines structured methods to perform channel estimation for cooperative underwater acoustic communication networks. A simplified channel model based on a geometric ray-tracing model is proposed. For this new model, an iterative structured channel estimation method is developed. The optimal training sequence for the method is determined. The proposed method exploits the sparse nature of underwater acoustic channels and inter-channel relationships, providing performance improvements over unstructured methods in the modest to low SNR region and robustness above that of structured single channel estimators. The efficacy of the proposed method is evaluated via simulations and compared to Cramer-Rao bounds.
Gonadal Function in Underfed Rats: II. Effect of Estrogen on Plasma Gonadotropins After Pinealectomy or Constant Light Exposure

The effect of underfeeding on the control of plasma levels of FSH and LH was investigated in female rats after long term food deprivation. Concentrations of these hormones were measured in ovariectomized animals by radioimmunoassay, before and after injection of a single dose of estradiol. Similar measurements were made in animals which had been previously pinealectomized or exposed to continuous illumination, since such treatment partially restores activity to the quiescent reproductive tissues of rats which are maintained on a low caloric diet. While levels of plasma FSH were comparable in fed and underfed ovariectomized animals. LH was significantly lowered in the latter group. It is suggested, therefore, that the major factor contributing to reproductive dormancy in the starved animal is reduced plasma LII. This reduction was not apparently due totally to enhanced feedback sensitivity by estrogen, since it was observed in ovariectomized rats, but occurred in part through some mechanism which is sensitive to constant light exposure or pineal gland removal. Such treatment resulted in elevations of blood levels of LH, but had little effect on plasma FSH levels in underfed rats. It is therefore suggested, that energy conservation during periods of food shortage is facilitated by the establishment of control mechanisms leading to gonadal quiescence by inhibition of LH secretion. This mechanism is in part dependent upon the pineal gland for optimal function and it is potentiated by a relatively short
Visualizing hierarchies and collection structures with fractal trees

This paper addresses the need for better information access to digital library collections. Without proper visualization tools, organizational and structural information is often lost or suppressed by digital library interfaces. We discuss a 2D fractal tree visualization tool that can be used to more accurately present the structure, organization and interrelation of collection metadata.
Cytochrome P450 2S1 Depletion Enhances Cell Proliferation and Migration in Bronchial Epithelial Cells, in Part, through Modulation of Prostaglandin E2 Synthesis

Cytochromes P450 (P450s) contribute to the metabolic activation and inactivation of various endogenous substrates. Despite years of research, the physiological role of CYP2S1 remains unknown. CYP2S1 has demonstrated NADPH P450-reductase-independent metabolism of cyclooxygenase (COX)-derived prostaglandins [e.g., prostaglandin G2 (PGG2)] at nanomolar concentrations. Arachidonic acid is converted to prostaglandin precursors [PGG2 and prostaglandin H2 (PGH2)] through COX. These precursors are used to synthesize numerous prostanoids, including PGE2. Prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) promotes cell proliferation and cell migration and inhibits apoptosis. CYP2S1 metabolism of PGG2 presumably sequesters PGG2 and PGH2, making them unavailable for synthesis of prostanoids such as PGE2. Whether CYP2S1 contributes to prostaglandin metabolism and influences cell physiological remains to be determined. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the physiological role of CYP2S1, if any, in human bronchial epithelial cells [SV40-derived bronchial epithelial cell line (BEAS-2B)]. To do this, we used small interfering RNA to deplete CYP2S1 mRNA and protein by approximately 75% and evaluated the impact of CYP2S1 depletion on cell proliferation and migration. CYP2S1 depletion enhanced both cell proliferation and migration in BEAS-2B cells. Consistent with the proposed role of CYP2S1 in PGE2 synthesis, the reduction in CYP2S1 expression doubled intracellular PGE2 levels. Pharmacological administration of PGE2 enhanced cell proliferation in BEAS-2B cells but failed to promote migration. Our data reveal an important role for CYP2S1 in the regulation of cell proliferation and migration, occurring in part through modulation of prostaglandin synthesis.