cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Effects of a Porcine Extracellular Matrix Nerve Wrap as an Adjunct to Primary Epineurial Repair.

Purpose Outcomes after end-to-end epineural suture repair remain poor. Nerve wraps have been advocated to improve regeneration across repair sites by potentially reducing axonal escape and scar ingrowth; however, limited evidence currently exists to support their use. Methods Forty Lewis rats underwent median nerve division and immediate repair. Half were repaired with epineural suturing alone, and the others underwent epineural suture repair with the addition of a nerve wrap. Motor recovery was measured using weekly grip strength and nerve conduction testing for 15 weeks. Histomorphometric analyses were performed to assess intraneural collagen deposition, cellular infiltration, and axonal organization at the repair site, as well as axonal regeneration and neuromuscular junction reinnervation distal to the repair site. Results The wrapped group demonstrated significantly less intraneural collagen deposition at 5 weeks. Axonal histomorphometry, cellular infiltration, neuromuscular junction reinnervation, and functional recovery did not differ between groups. Conclusions Nerve wraps reduced collagen deposition within the coaptation; however, no differences were observed in axonal regeneration, neuromuscular junction reinnervation, or functional recovery. Clinical relevance These findings suggest that extracellular matrix nerve wraps can attenuate scar deposition at the repair site. Any benefits that may exist with regards to axonal regeneration and functional recovery were not detected in our model.
What’s New in Cardiac Drugs?

Summary The previous discussion has indicated that labetalol possesses unique properties that isolate it from categorization with other antihypertensive drugs. By adding this drug to the armamentarium of the anesthesiologist, he or she can more effectively treat a wider range and variety of cases of hypertension without impacting on other physiologic parameters, thus optimizing more patients’ care.
Unsupervised Deep Learning for Gear Health Monitoring

Deep learning has revolutionized many fields in recent years by replacing expert-designed, handcrafted features with learned representations. Gear health monitoring is a field where expert-designed features are heavily used for predictive modeling. This paper investigates how unsuperviseddeep learning can be applied to gear health monitoring to make predictions on low frequency scales using high frequency data given small, sparsely labeled data sets. Deep convolutional autoencoders are trained and used to generate learned features. The learned features are compared with relevant handcrafted features via their performance in training machine learning models to predict discrete gear fatigue states. The learned features performed poorly against the handcrafted features, however models trained on feature sets tended to outperform those exclusively trained on handcrafted features. The top performing model was a multi-layer perceptron trained on both feature sets that leveraged the ability of the condition indicators to represent healthy and failure states and the ability of the learned features to represent the intermediate worn state. This work demonstrates that unsupervised deep learning techniques can be used to bolster the performance of handcrafted features in small, sparsely labeled data sets in gear health monitoring.
Hypocalcemia is associated with hypotension during CRRT: A secondary analysis of the Acute Renal Failure Trial Network Study.

Abstract Purpose We investigated the effect of potentially modifiable continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT)-related treatment factors on the risk of severe hypotension. Materials and methods We carried out a secondary statistical analysis of the Acute Renal Failure Trial Network (ATN) trial. The primary exposures of interest were CRRT treatment dose, ultrafiltration rate, blood flow rate, ionized calcium level and type of anti-coagulation used. The primary outcome was severe hypotension, defined as vasopressor-inotropic score > 18 and calculated based on treatment doses of vasopressor and inotropic agents. Results Of 1124 individuals enrolled in the ATN Trial, 786 were managed with CRRT. 265/786 (33.7%) patients experienced severe hypotension during the trial. A serum ionized calcium 1.02 mmol/l (hazard ratio 2.9; 95% CI 1.5–5.7). There was no significant difference in the risk of hypotension associated with other CRRT treatment factors. Conclusions Of the CRRT treatment factors studied, hypocalcemia with a serum ionized calcium
EMA modelled alternative EUV absorber materials considering optical and stability behavior

Alternatives to Ta-based absorbers are being considered for next generation lithography nodes to reduce 3D mask effects and to improve image modulation through phase interference. Low complex refractive index (n – ik) materials can provide phase shifting behavior at thicknesses less than those needed for conventional absorbers, essentially acting as attenuated phase shift mask (attPSM) films. Identifying attPSM absorber thickness and consequent phase requires determining optimum phase shift mask reflectance. Imaging with absorbers at high reflectance show better imaging performance. The absorber thickness is determined where the interference effects lead to high absorber reflectivity. Low refractive index (n) materials are therefore desired as candidate attPSM absorbers. Low – n material combinations identified using Wiener bounds and Effective media approximation (EMA) modelling are optimized for NILS and MEEF using absorber reflectivity on line-space and contact-holes patterns. Absorber candidates at optimum thickness for contact holes are compared with conventional Ta-based absorber using reflected nearfield intensity imaging.
Mental health consequences of traumatic brain injury

Abstract Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is associated with a host of psychiatric and neurobehavioral problems. As mortality rates have declined for severe TBI, attention has turned to the cognitive, affective, and behavioral sequelae of injuries across the severity spectrum, which are often more disabling than residual physical effects. Moderate and severe TBI can cause personality changes including impulsivity, severe irritability, affective instability, and apathy. Mild TBI, once considered a largely benign phenomenon, is now known to be associated with a range of affective symptoms, with suicidality, and with worsening or new onset of several psychiatric disorders including posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and major depressive disorder. Repetitive head impacts, often in athletic contexts, are now believed to be associated with a number of emotional and behavioral sequelae. The nature and etiology of mental health manifestations of TBI (including a combination of brain dysfunction and psychological trauma and interrelationships between cognitive, affective, and physical symptoms) are complex and have been a focus of recent epidemiologic and mechanistic studies. This paper will review the epidemiology of psychiatric and neurobehavioral problems after TBI in military, civilian, and athletic contexts.
Identification of PRRSV cross-neutralizing memory B cells (VIR7P.1062)

Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) is widely considered to be the most important pathogen of swine. Yet, there are no vaccines that produce effective broadly neutralizing antibodies to genetically diverse viral genotypes. We recently showed that adult sows develop cross-neutralizing antibodies following infection outbreaks. However, the relevant B-cells producing the cross-neutralizing antibodies have not been identified. Thus, we have characterized surface markers that differentiate porcine B-cell subpopulations and determined their antibody secretion characteristics. Culture of CD21+ B-cells sorted by surface Ig expression showed that surface IgM- and IgG-positive cells proliferated in response to mitogenic stimulation. Sequencing of light and heavy chain variable region mRNA revealed more extensive somatic mutation in the order of plasma cell < IgM-positive < IgG- positive complexity. The CD21+, IgG+ B-cells are putative class-switched peripheral memory B-cells. The isolation of class-switched memory B cells that display cross-neutralizing activity to PRRSV and the subsequent characterization of class-switched memory B cell genetic sequences will allow us to ascertain the necessary somatic mutations that result in the production of PRRSV cross-neutralizing antibodies.
Pharmacologic Management of Bladder Dysfunction in Adult Women

Women commonly experience lower urinary tract symptoms that can severely decrease quality of life. Symptoms are often associated with diagnoses such as urinary incontinence, overactive bladder, and bladder pain syndrome. Expanding evidence supports the effectiveness of many basic nursing interventions, including behavioral management education and optimal use of various pharmacologic agents. The primary focus of this article is pharmacologic treatment of urinary symptoms in women, including new and emerging agents.
The enzyme-enzyme complex of transaminase and glutamate dehydrogenase.

Glutamate dehydrogenase decreases the distribution coefficient of glutamate oxalacetate transaminase in Sephadex G-200. This is consistent with previous results which suggested that a complex is formed between these two enzymes. These gel filtration as well as kinetic experiments suggest that transaminase can react with monomeric but not polymer forms of glutamate dehydrogenase. When the levels of both mitochondrial enzymes are too low to form a complex, there is little TPNH and NH4+ generated by the combined aspartate aminotransferase and glutamate dehydrogenase reactions. This is because oxalacetate is a potent product inhibitor of transaminase, the reaction with glutamate and glutamate dehydrogenase is slow and α-ketoglutarate, oxalacetate, and aspartate all inhibit this latter reactions. When the levels of both enzymes are sufficiently high to form a complex, asparate can be dehydrogenated quite rapidly even in the absence of α-ketoglutarate. Furthermore, the aspartate dehydrogenase reaction catalyzed by the enzyme-enzyme complex is not markedly inhibited by oxalacetate, or activated by α-ketoglutarate, and can take place even in the presence of rather high levels of glutamate. Kinetic and gel filtration experiments suggest that the dissociation constant of the enzyme-enzyme complex is considerably lower than that of these substrates for the free enzymes. These results suggest that an important physiological function of the enzyme-enzyme complex is to catalyze the asparatate dehydrogenase reaction in organs as brain, liver, and kidney, where the mitochondrial levels of these enzymes are sufficiently high to form a complex. An advantage of catalysis by the complex over transamination with aspartate followed by dehydrogenation of glutamate is that the complex is not markedly inhibited by low levels of oxalacetate. When tyrosine is the substrate and the levels of these two enzymes are too low to form a significant amount of complex, the tyrosine aminotransferase and glutamate dehydrogenase reactions are coupled. This can occur with tyrosine but not aspartate because hydroxyphenylpyruvate is not a potent inhibitor. However, when the levels of both enzymes are sufficiently high to form a significant amount of the enzymeenzyme complex, the tyrosine dehydrogenase reaction can be catalyzed by this complex and again α-ketoglutarate has no effect on the reaction. Similar relationships occur when phenylalanine is the substrate. Thus, the enzyme-enzyme complex can facilitate dehydrogenation of these amino acids which do not react with glutamate dehydrogenase.
The "Structure" of Physics: A Case Study

We are used to talking about the “structure” posited by a given theory of physics, such as the spacetime structure of relativity. What is “structure”? What does the mathematical structure used to formulate a theory tell us about the physical world according to the theory? What if there are different mathematical formulations of a given theory? Do different formulations posit different structures, or are they merely notational variants? I consider the case of Lagrangian and Hamiltonian classical mechanics. I argue that, contrary to standard wisdom, these are not genuinely equivalent theories: they differ in statespace structure. I suggest that we should be realists about statespace structure.
Effect of Temperature on Growth of Salmonella in Rehydrated Skim Milk from a Food-Poisoning Outbreak

Low numbers of salmonellae in a dried skim milk sample that was implicated in an outbreak of salmonellosis grew rapidly upon rehydration and incubation.
A cell-based microarray to investigate combinatorial effects of microparticle-encapsulated adjuvants on dendritic cell activation

Experimental vaccine adjuvants are being designed to target specific toll-like receptors (TLRs) alone or in combination, expressed by antigen presenting cells, notably dendritic cells (DCs). There is a need for high-content screening (HCS) platforms to explore how DC activation is affected by adjuvant combinations. Presented is a cell-based microarray approach, "immunoarray", exposing DCs to a large number of adjuvant combinations. Microparticles encapsulating TLR ligands are printed onto arrays in a range of doses for each ligand, in all possible dose combinations. Dendritic cells are then co-localized with physisorbed microparticles on the immunoarray, adherent to isolated islands surrounded by a non-fouling background, and DC activation is quantified. Delivery of individual TLR ligands was capable of eliciting high levels of specific DC activation markers. For example, either TLR9 ligand, CpG, or TLR3 ligand, poly I:C, was capable of inducing among the highest 10% expression levels of CD86. In contrast, MHC-II expression in response to TLR4 agonist MPLA was among the highest, whereas either MPLA or poly I:C, was capable of producing among the highest levels of CCR7 expression, as well as inflammatory cytokine IL-12. However, in order to produce robust responses across all activation markers, adjuvant combinations were required, and combinations were more represented among the high responders. The immunoarray also enables investigation of interactions between adjuvants, and each TLR ligand suggested antagonism to other ligands, for various markers. Altogether, this work demonstrates feasibility of the immunoarray platform to screen microparticle-encapsulated adjuvant combinations for the development of improved and personalized vaccines.
Remembering nukes: collective memories and countering state history

Debating the utility and ethicality of nuclear weapons has often centred on the “unspeakability” of nuclear war, often drawing this silence from the apocalyptic power of nuclear technology. This can manifest itself in greater secrecy in policy decisions concerning nuclear technology and the phenomenon of “nuclear reclusion” in the public realm. This article compares the memorialization of nuclear weapons in Japan and the US, and explores how remembering the attack on Hiroshima from multiple viewpoints could lead us towards different policies or support more open debate about nuclear weapons and power.
Comparative analysis of bacterioplankton assemblages from Karenia brevis bloom and nonbloom water on the west Florida shelf (Gulf of Mexico, USA) using 16S rRNA gene clone libraries

The brevetoxin-producing dinoflagellate, Karenia brevis, forms nearly annual blooms off the Florida west coast, severely impacting the region's ecology and economy. Bacteria are often cited as either promoting or interfering with the development of algal blooms, and thus a detailed study of the bacterioplankton assemblages associated with K. brevis was undertaken. We developed sixteen 16S rRNA gene clone libraries from K. brevis bloom and adjacent nonbloom water to determine the bacterial groups present and assess the influence of K. brevis cell number and/or depth on bacterioplankton community composition. Most notably, bacterial groups such as Rhodobacterales (Alphaproteobacteria) and Cytophagales/Sphingobacteriales (Bacteroidetes), reported previously to be associated with other harmful algal species, were often abundant in the presence of K. brevis. Cyanobacteria frequently dominated surface samples containing no detectable K. brevis, consistent with earlier work suggesting that these photosynthetic organisms may be important in promoting the proliferation of these blooms by conditioning the water. Moreover, differences in the abundance/diversity of traditionally more rare and often undocumented phylogenetic groups (e.g. Betaproteobacteria, Deltaproteobacteria, Chloroflexus, Firmicutes) were apparent in bloom vs. nonbloom water. This is the first study to document the association of these phylogenetic groups with natural K. brevis populations and suggests a potential role for these microorganisms in K. brevis bloom dynamics.
Czochralski growth of Ba6Ti2Nb8O30

Abstract Ba 6 Ti 2 Nb 8 O 30 (BTN) single crystals have been grown by the Czochralski method under a reducing atmosphere. Crystals grown in an oxidizing atmosphere were opaque polycrystals. It was found that BTN decomposes into several phases at temperatures above 1330°C. No congruent melt composition was found around stoichiometric composition in an oxygen or air atmosphere.
Control of Cell Number in the Developing Visual System. III. Effects of Visual Cortex Ablation

The effect of unilateral deletion of the visual cortex on early cell death and eventual cell number in various structures of the visual system was examined. At minimum, this manipulation potentially provides excess retinal afference to the superior colliculi, partially denervates the superior colliculi, reduces normal retinal terminal area and opens up potential target space for the retina and superior colliculus in those areas where they share terminal space with the visual cortex. All layers of the superior colliculus, bilaterally, showed an initial decrease in the rate of cell death relative to normal followed by an increase in cell death rates. No change in the number or distribution of cells in the retinal ganglion cell layer resulted despite a substantial loss of retinal terminal area, and a substantial alteration of the pattern of retinal central termination. These results are interpreted as evidence for two stages in normally occurring cell death, a first in which axons compete to colonize any available terminal space, and a second in which axon-to-target specificity must be matched. These results also provide evidence that the amount of target required for neuron survival is clearly variable.
Production of muon pairs in K/sup 0//sub L/-Cu interactions

The dimuon production mass spectrum has been measured with a beam of 4-20-GeV/c ${K}_{L}^{0}'\mathrm{s}$ incident on a copper target. The production of ${\ensuremath{\mu}}^{+}{\ensuremath{\mu}}^{\ensuremath{-}}$ pairs resulting from the decay of vector mesons ($\ensuremath{\rho}, \ensuremath{\omega} \mathrm{and} \ensuremath{\varphi}$) was observed with a cross section of 55 \ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{} 10 nb per nucleon for ${x}_{F}g0.25$ based on a specific production model. In addition we measured upper limits for ${\ensuremath{\mu}}^{+}{\ensuremath{\mu}}^{\ensuremath{-}}$ pair production cross sections with ${x}_{F}g0.25$ of 20 nb per nucleon for ${m}_{\ensuremath{\mu}\ensuremath{\mu}}l0.5$ GeV/${\mathit{c}}^{2}$ and 35 nb per nucleon at the $\ensuremath{\psi}(3100)$.
Recent developments in biased agonism.

The classic paradigm of G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) activation was based on the understanding that agonist binding to a receptor induces or stabilizes a conformational change to an 'active' conformation. In the past decade, however, it has been appreciated that ligands can induce distinct 'active' receptor conformations with unique downstream functional signaling profiles. Building on the initial recognition of the existence of such 'biased ligands', recent years have witnessed significant developments in several areas of GPCR biology. These include increased understanding of structural and biophysical mechanisms underlying biased agonism, improvements in characterization and quantification of ligand efficacy, as well as clinical development of these novel ligands. Here we review recent major developments in these areas over the past several years.
Intergovernmental Lobbying for the Passage of TEA-21

This article explains the role of the IGR lobby in the passage of TEA-21 and the nature of the coalitions and partnerships formed by groups within the IGR lobby to accomplish their policy goals. The data for the study are divided into three realms. The first identifies the priorities of groups within the IGR lobby and the types of coalitions that groups entered into. These data were gathered through examinations of IGR lobby testimony before congressional committees, interviews with organizational and congressional staff members, and from secondary sources such as the official publications and websites of IGR lobby organizations. The second part seeks to gain a more precise understanding of how state and local officials use non-PIG coalitions and groups to press for their policy objectives by surveying selected state and local government officials. Finally, the survey assesses the impact that IGR lobbying had on TEA-21. Copyright 2002, Oxford University Press.
705 BIOCHEMICAL CHARACTERIZATION OF PERINATAL LETHAL OSTEOGENESIS IMPERFECTA (01) AND ITS PRENATAL DETECTION

Perinatal lethal 01 is characterized by severe bone fragility with in utero fracture & death in the perinatal period. Fibroblasts from 4 affected infants that we studied failed to secrete type I procollagen normally. In one case a structural mutation in one of the proαl(I) chains of type I procollagen prevents secretion of molecules which contain that chain. The basis of abnormal secretion in the other strains is not yet clear. We have now studied collagen metabolism in cells derived from an affected fetus detected by prenatal ultrasound and x-ray examinations. Amniotic fluid cells & dermal fibroblasts from the affected infant failed to secrete a substantial proportion of the type I procollagen they synthesized during 6, 12 & 18 hour labeling periods while appropriate control cells secrete virtually all the procollagen synthesized in the same periods. Ultrastructural examination of skin from the infant indicated that epidermal structures were normal but that there was a paucity of collagen in the dermis. These studies indicate that the perinatal lethal form of 01 is due to a variety of defects that lead to decreased secretion of type I procollagen. The disorder can be detected prenatally by ultrasound examination & the diagnosis confirmed by x-ray & by study of collagen metabolism in affected cells.
Guide to Social Service Directories

This is a selective guide to social service agencies in the U.S. which publish directories of their services. It is meant to assist collection developers in public, academic, and private agency libraries. A total of 154 agencies were contacted by mail and asked to complete a survey form. Twenty letters were returned, marked “no current address.” Fifty agencies returned the questionnaires and/or sent samples and other descriptive information. However, some organizations' information was insufficient or indicated that the agency/organization was inappropriate for inclusion. Only those that provided complete information are included.
Variations on a One-Dimensional Theme: The Hydrothermal Syntheses of Inorganic/Organic Composite Solids of the Iron Molybdate Family

The hydrothermal reactions of molybdenum oxide starting materials with iron(II) and iron(III) halides in the presence of 2,2‘-bipyridine have afforded the three related one-dimensional solid materials [MoO4{Fe(III)Cl(2,2‘-bpy)}] (1), [Mo3O12{Fe(III)(2,2‘-bpy)}2]·0.25H2O (2), and [Mo4O15{Fe(III)(2,2‘-bpy)}2] (3). The structures of these three materials are based on a common one-dimensional ribbon exhibited by 1. The ribbon is constructed from four-polyhedra rings consisting of two {MoO4} tetrahedra and two {FeXN2O3} (X = Cl for 1, O for 2 and 3) octahedra. These polyhedra corner share such that each molybdenum center serves to bridge the two iron octahedra in the ring. Attachment to the next such four-ring is through the third corner sharing interaction of each molybdenum tetrahedron. Replacement of the pendant chloride substituents on adjacent iron centers in 1 with an {MoO4} unit leads to compound 2, while an {Mo2O7} linkage between adjacent iron centers affords 3.
Adamah (Earth): Searching for and Constructing a Jewish Relationship to Nature

This article examines the Adamah (Earth) Fellowship, a multi-denominational Jewish, sustainable and organic farming program in Northwestern Connecticut. Using a micro-sociological framework, I present an analysis of how this group of young Jews is attempting to use religious language, text and ritual to create a meaningful relationship to nature. In this effort, individuals are self-reflective, picking, choosing and trying on various religious resources within but also outside of their tradition's boundaries. In conclusion, I discuss the struggle participants have in feeling "held" by the religious world they are constructing. This article contributes to understanding the growing number of land-based religious projects seeking to recover or renew a religiously inspired relationship to the earth.
A tripartite anoikis-like mechanism causes early isolated islet apoptosis

Abstract Background. This study examines the mechanisms of early isolated islet apoptosis (II-APO) and loss of functional islet mass. Methods. Rhesus islets were isolated for transplantation, and an aliquot was used for in vitro molecular studies of II-APO. These studies used Western blotting to examine caspase activation and perinuclear envelope protein cleavage that are associated with II-APO and used immunofluorescence analysis of Annexin V and mitochondrial permeability index to examine spontaneous and tripartite anoikis-like (TRAIL) mechanism–induced II-APO. Results. Caspase 6 was prominently activated in association with spontaneous II-APO, which occurred after overnight culture. In contrast, caspase 7, 8, and 9 were not activated. Cleavage of focal adhesion kinase and Lamin, substrates of caspase 6, was also evident in spontaneous II-APO. II-APO was exaggerated by the addition of the TRAIL mechanism. The TRAIL mechanism–induced II-APO was blocked by the caspase 6 inhibitor, VEID, and by the soluble fusion proteins, DR4 or DR5, which act as decoy receptors. In vivo studies in diabetic severe combined immunodeficiency disease mice showed that rhesus islets were cytoprotected by either ex vivo gene transfer of Bcl-2 or treatment of the isolated islet with VEID. Conclusions. These studies suggest 3 major mechanisms involved in II-APO: caspase 6 activation, a TRAIL-induced apoptosis pathway, and the mitochondrial-associated apoptosis pathway. Inhibition of these II-APO pathways may improve isolated islet survival and reduce functional islet mass loss, which compromises the stable reversal of diabetes. (Surgery 2001;130:333-8.)
Adsorption effects during temperature-programmed desorption of carbon monoxide from supported platinum

Experimental data are presented for the temperature-programmed desorption (TPD) of CO from porous PtAl2O3 into a vacuum. Most of the preadsorbed CO desorbs in a peak between 380 and 550 K. Other workers have measured desorption at substantially higher temperatures during TPD of CO into a carrier gas rather than a vacuum. A comparison of the experimental conditions suggests that the competition of CO adsorption with CO desorption may contribute to the differences between the TPD results. To investigate the effects of CO adsorption, we develop a mathematical model and use it to compute desorption spectra for the TPD of CO from Pt dispersed over a porous support into (a) an inert carrier gas and (b) a vacuum. Over the realistic parameter range considered, our model predicts that adsorption effects, caused by high concentrations of gaseous CO in the system, are always an important feature, broadening the desorption peaks and shifting them to higher temperatures. Indeed, we find that adsorption competes with desorption to the extent that adsorption equilibrium is always approached closely within the porous supported Pt samples. For desorption into a carrier gas, the adsorption effects result from limitations to the flow of CO from the sample cell, whereas for desorption into a vacuum, the adsorption effects result from limitations to the diffusion of CO from the porous sample. Our results suggest that significant adsorption effects will also be present during the TPD of CO from other Group VIII precious metals dispersed over porous supports.
On the term structure of interest rates and inflation in Japan

Abstract This paper empirically analyzes whether the term structure of interest rates contains information of Japanese inflation developments over the last two decades. Our study finds statistical evidence to support that (1) CPI and WPI inflation data behave in rather different ways, (2) term spreads, particularly the longer-term spreads, are useful predictors of the future course of CPI inflation, and (3) CPI inflation movements are more predictable prior to the structural change in 1988.
Multielement trace analysis of coals, ashes and related materials from coal-treatment facilities by instrumental neutron activation analysis

Concentration of trace elements found in coal, ash, and materials used in a fluidizedbed combustion process have been determined by thermal neutron activation and absolute Ge(Li) gamma-ray spectrometry. Described are the calibration of detectors and corrections associated with the method along with estimated uncertainties. A brief description of the computer code used in the processing of the Ge(Li) spectra is presented. Comparisons of instrumental neutron activation analysis results with NBS standards and those obtained by the atomic absorption technique are tabulated. A total of 21 trace elements have been determined or identified in the fluidized-bed products and these results are used in identifying trace element depositions in various stages of the fluidizedbed combustion process.
In vivo incorporation of 14C from acetate-1-14C into testicular steroids in the conscious, standing ram☆

Abstract Acetate-1- 14 C was infused at a constant rate into the testicular artery, while a series of blood samples was collected from the spermatic vein of four conscious, standing rams which had been treated with various levels of human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG). The amount of 14 C incorporated into testosterone, dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), androstenedione, 17-hydroxyprogesterone and progesterone was measured in all spermatic venous blood samples and infused testes. Data obtained show a definite pattern of 14 C incorporation occurred in the five steroids isolated from both testis tissue and spermatic venous blood of the rams. Testosterone was by far the most highly labeled with 14 C, followed by DHEA. Androstenedione 14 C activity was generally weak, but was always higher than 17-hydroxyprogesterone. Progesterone was devoid of 14 C activity. In the untreated animal no 14 C activity was present in the isolated steroids in the blood and a small amount of activity was present in DHEA in the testis tissue.
The Effects of Heat and Cold on Cellular Development in Synchronized Tetrahymena pyriformis WH‐6*

SYNOPSIS. Experiments were performed to ascertain the effect of heat and cold on oral and micronuclear development in synchronized Tetrahymena pyriformis WH-6. The developing oral primordium becomes insensitive to cold sometime during stage 2. Cold shocks cause the reversion of many stage 2 primordia to stage 1. Cells so affected are set back in division. The delayed division is always asynchronous. When heat shocks are applied prior to late stage 4, the developing primordium will regress. High temperature shocks applied at later stages permit continued development. However, when the cell begins to cleave at the high temperature, division is frequently arrested and the new oral areas regress. Subsequent cell separation is greatly delayed and asynchronous. Heat and cold affect the micronucleus in the same way. Both agents prolong the arrest of mitosis brought about by the synchronizing treatment. A temperature shock is ineffective if applied after there is a space completely separating the chromosome groups, so that mitosis is completed in the presence of the agent. Bimicronucleate chains result in those cases in which division is arrested by heat shocks. It is suggested that the different phases of sensitivity to heat and cold may reflect different types of syntheses necessary for development of the oral primordium. Division arrest and subsequent oral replacement might possibly be related to high temperature induced changes in the physical state of the ciliate cortex.
Identification of deoxyribonuclease II as an endonuclease involved in apoptosis

Cell death occurs by apoptosis during programmed deletion of cells and following exposure to cytotoxic agents. Central to the mechanism of apoptosis is internucleosomal DNA digestion by an endogenous endonuclease which is thought to mediate cell death. An axiom of apoptosis is that the endonuclease involved is a Ca2+/Mg2+-dependent endonuclease. During purification of endonucleases from Chinese hamster ovary cells, we found little Ca2+/Mg2+-dependent endonuclease activity, but large amounts of an endonuclease active below pH 7. This acidic endonuclease was activated in intact cells by reducing intracellular pH values below 7 with a proton ionophore. This activity generated internucleosomal digestion of DNA characteristic of apoptosis. Nuclear extracts contained a cation-independent endonuclease with identical pH-dependent activity. We have compared the acidic endonuclease to bovine deoxyribonuclease II (DNase II) and have found them nearly identical by all tests, including sensitivity to various inhibitors, purification by the same chromatographic steps, and recognition by antibody raised against the bovine enzyme. Addition of either the acidic endonuclease or bovine DNase II to isolated nuclei induced internucleosomal DNA digestion up through pH 6.5. These data demonstrate that DNase II can mediate internucleosomal DNA digestion characteristic of apoptosis following intracellular acidification. Furthermore, these data question the premise that the Ca2+/Mg2+-dependent endonuclease is the only endonuclease involved in apoptosis.
Indirect Mouse Model for the Evaluation of Potential Antiviral Compounds: Results with Venezuelan Equine Encephalomyelitis Virus

An indirect mouse model was utilized to evaluate the antiviral activity of several compounds against Venezuelan equine encephalomyelitis (VEE) virus infection in mice. Mice were given various dosages of lysine-stabilized polyriboinosinic acid-polyribocytidylic acid, a tilorone analogue, kethoxal, or mepacrine before and/or shortly after receiving one of several dose levels of attenuated strain TC-83 VEE virus. Twenty-one days later, the same mice were rechallenged intracranially with virulent Trinidad donkey strain VEE virus. Susceptibility to rechallenge was interpreted as evidence of drug effectiveness in completely preventing the initial immunizing virus infection. In contrast, if a drug lacked antiviral effectiveness, the initial attenuated infection stimulated sufficient immunity to protect mice against the virulent rechallenge. Both of the interferon inducers, lysine-stabilized polyriboinosinic acid-polyribocytidylic acid and tilorone analogue 11,567, possessed significant (P < 0.01) antiviral activity based upon this indirect model, whereas mepacrine and kethoxal were inactive. Results using the indirect method were confirmed by using the conventional direct method for evaluating the effectiveness of potentially useful antiviral compounds. The indirect mouse model described should prove useful for studying drug efficacy against certain viruses that are lethal only by intracranial inoculation.
The Multifunctional Role of Base Quenchers in Chemically Amplified Photoresists

A systematic investigation of four base quenchers in chemically amplified photoresist revealed that the role of the base quencher is more complex than rapid, stoichiometric neutralization of photoa...
Urinary cytology and bladder biopsy in patients with bladder cancer

Two hundred fifty patients with bladder tumor were evaluated over a three-year period. Cystoscopy, cytology, and random bladder and tumor biopsy were part of the workup. The follow-up of these patients resulted in a total of 509 cystoscopies, 772 specimens of bladder washings and urinary cytologies, and 503 tumor or selected mucosal biopsies. The value of cytologic study of bladder washings and cystoscopic urine samples as well as the importance of selected site mucosal biopsies in detecting "field changes" in the bladder epithelium associated with bladder tumors are discussed.
Traumatized Rat Striatum Produces Neurite-Promoting and Neurotrophic Activitiesin Vitro

We have previously reported that ciliary neurotrophic factor (CNTF) mRNA is upregulated in the rat striatum following trauma and that its peak is coincident with a peak in the number of GFAP-positive astrocytes. CNTF, or other neurotrophic factors present in the traumatized striatum, may be involved in the dopaminergic fiber sprouting seen following cavitation or graft implantation in animal models of Parkinson's disease. This study was undertaken in order to further characterize the neurotrophic activity present following trauma through the use of bioassays. Adult rats underwent stereotaxic biopsy of the right striatum, and gelatin sponge [gelfoam (GF)] was placed in the resultant cavity. GF was collected from 1 to 30 days following trauma and homogenized. GF extracts (with equal protein concentrations) were assayed using dorsal root ganglion (DRG) explants, dissociated ciliary ganglia (CG), and human dopaminergic neuroblastoma cell (SH-SY5Y) cultures. The GF extracts had significant neurite-promoting activity (NPA) for DRG, CG, and SH-SY5Y cells, with the maximum effect seen 7 days after trauma. NPA was not blocked by anti-nerve growth factor (NGF) Ab, but anti-brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) Ab significantly blocked the activity for DRG. The GF extracts protected the SH-SY5Y cells from the neurotoxins 6-OHDA and MPP+, as did NGF and BDNF. This neuroprotective effect of GF was not blocked by anti-NGF Ab. This study suggests that the neurotrophic activity in GF extracts has CNTF-like and BDNF-like components as well as another, undefined component.
Polymorphisms in genes involved in sex hormone metabolism may increase risk of benign prostatic hyperplasia.

Background This study investigates associations between polymorphisms in genes involved in sex hormone metabolism and measures of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Methods Community-dwelling Caucasian men (n = 510, median age 60 years in 2000) from the Olmsted County, MN, participated in a longitudinal study of BPH. From 1990 through 2000, urologic measures of BPH were assessed biennially from lower urinary tract symptom severity, peak flow rates, prostate volume, serum prostate specific antigen (PSA) level, acute urinary retention, and treatment for BPH. Men were genotyped for polymorphisms in genes involved in sex hormone metabolism. Results With the wildtype genotype as reference, men with HSD3B1 (c.1100 A/C) heterozygous genotype (hazard ratio (HR) = 0.7, 95% confidence intervals (CI) = 0.6, 0.9) were at decreased risk of an enlarged prostate and men with CYP19 (TTTA)n genotype homozygous for ≥175 TTTA repeats (HR = 1.5, 95% CI = 1.1, 2.1), and CYP19 (c.1531 C/T) homozygous T variant (HR = 1.6, 95% CI = 1.1, 2.2) were at increased risk of an enlarged prostate. The homozygous A variant of the PSA gene (g.-252 G/A), was associated with treatment for BPH (HR = 2.3, 95% CI = 1.2, 4.4). In multivariate analyses, the homozygous variant genotypes of AKR1C3 (c.15 G/A and c.90 G/A) were associated with a decreased risk of an enlarged prostate (HR = 0.56, 95% CI = 0.35, 0.90 and HR = 0.57, 95% CI = 0.33, 0.98). Conclusions Polymorphisms in HSD3B1, CYP19, AKR1C3 genes may be associated with an enlarged prostate in older men. These data provide insights into genes that should be examined further for their potential role in the pathogenesis of BPH. © 2005 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Measurement of Hemostatic Factors in EDTA Plasma

This study determined whether immunoassays of factors VII (FVII) and VIII (FVIII) and von Willebrand factor (vWF) in EDTA-anticoagulated plasma samples are comparable to bioassays and immunoassays of these factors in citrate-anticoagulated plasma. Blood from 40 healthy volunteers was collected in EDTA- and citrate-anticoagulant tubes and assayed using immunoassays (EDTA and citrate) and clotting assays (citrate). Linear regression analyses were performed and Pearson correlation coefficients recorded. The correlation coefficients (95% confidence intervals [CIs]) between levels in EDTA- and citrate-anticoagulated plasma samples were 0.893 (0.806–0.943) for FVII antigen (ag), 0.930 (0.870–0.962) for FVIIIag, 0.990 (0.981–0.995) for vWFag, and 0.949 (0.906–0.973) for vWF activity. Coefficients (CIs) were 0.811(0.668–0.896) for FVII coagulant activity (c) in citrate and FVIIag in EDTA and 0.608 (0.366–0.774) for FVIIIc in citrate and FVIIIag in EDTA. Measurements of FVII, FVIII, and vWF antigens in EDTA-anticoagulated plasma samples give values comparable to similar measurements in citrate-anticoagulated samples. Clotting activity, especially of FVIII, is less well correlated. Although antigen assays using EDTA are not recommended for patients with coagulopathies, they may be suitable for population-based studies.
The distribution of the frequencies of age-ordered alleles in a diffusion model

We prove that the frequencies of the oldest, second-oldest, third-oldest, … alleles in the stationary infinitely-many-neutral-alleles diffusion model are distributed as X 1 , (1 − X 1 ) X 2 , (1 − X 1 )(1 − X 2 ) X 3 , …, where X 1 , X 2, X 3 , … are independent beta (1, θ ) random variables, θ being twice the mutation intensity; that is, the frequencies of age-ordered alleles have the so-called Griffiths–Engen–McCloskey, or GEM, distribution. In fact, two proofs are given, the first involving reversibility and the size-biased Poisson–Dirichlet distribution, and the second relying on a result of Donnelly and Tavare relating their age-ordered sampling formula to the GEM distribution.
Metabolism of 2,2-dimethyl-2,3-dihydrobenzofuranyl-7 N-dimethoxyphosphinothioyl-N-methylcarbamate in the house fly, rat, and mouse

Abstract The metabolism of a selectively toxic derivative of carbofuran, 2,2-dimethyl-2,3-dihydrobenzofuranyl-7 N -dimethoxyphosphinothioyl N -methylcarbamate (PSC), was examined in the house fly, rat, and mouse. In house flies, PSC is metabolized mainly to carbofuran and related oxidation products containing the intact N -methylcarbamyl ester moiety. Degradation to phenolic products was the principal route of metabolism in rodents. The results indicate that the selective toxicity of PSC between insects and mammals is attributable to differing pathways of metabolism.
Optical AND operation based on Vertical-Cavity Semiconductor Optical Amplifiers (VCSOAs)

We have demonstrated, the first time to our knowledge, a low input intensity (16nW/mm2) high contrast (10:1) optical AND gate based on a VCSOA. In the experiment, the device also shows an optical gain of 10dB.
Fiber-optic and articulating arm implementations of laminar optical tomography for clinical applications

Laminar optical tomography (LOT) is a recently developed technique for depth-resolved in vivo imaging of absorption and fluorescence contrast. Until now, LOT has been implemented in a benchtop configuration, limiting accessibility to tissues and restricting imaging applications. Here we report on LOT implemented through an articulating arm and a fiber optic image bundle allowing flexible imaging for a range of clinical applications. We quantify the performance of these two implementations by imaging a tissue mimicking phantom.
Stimulus-driven reorienting in the ventral frontoparietal attention network: the role of emotional content.

Activity in the human temporoparietal junction (TPJ) and inferior frontal gyrus (IFG) is hypothesized to underlie stimulus-driven, or “bottom-up” attention reorienting. Demanding tasks require focused attention, and as task difficulty increases, activity suppression in the ventral network correlates positively with task performance, an effect thought to reflect the gating of irrelevant cues. However, activation in these structures is elicited by a range of stimulus features and task demands that vary across multiple characteristics, complicating the interpretation of the functional role of this pathway. Consideration of several current studies suggests that, in addition to task difficulty, the motivational relevance or emotional intensity of distractor stimuli may supersede ongoing task priority, and evoke ventral network activation. Support for this possibility is offered from a review of recent reports, and the import of this perspective for models of attention reorienting is discussed.
Nuclear initiated NF-κB signaling: NEMO and ATM take center stage

A large body of literature describes elaborate NF-κB signaling networks induced by inflammatory and immune signals. Decades of research has revealed that transcriptionally functional NF-κB dimers are activated by two major pathways, canonical and non-canonical. Both pathways involve the release of NF-κB dimers from inactive cytoplasmic complexes to cause their nuclear translocation to modulate gene expression programs and biological responses. NF-κB is also responsive to genotoxic agents; however, signal communication networks that are initiated in the nucleus following DNA damage induction are less defined. Evidence in the literature supports the presence of such signaling pathways induced by multiple distinct genotoxic agents, resulting in the activation of cytoplasmic IKK complex. An example is a pathway that involves the DNA damage-responsive kinase ataxia telangiectasia mutated (ATM) and a series of post-translational modifications of NF-κB essential modulator (NEMO) in the nucleus of a genotoxin-exposed cell. Recent evidence also suggests that this nuclear-initiated NF-κB signaling pathway plays significant physiological and pathological roles, particularly in lymphocyte development and human cancer progression. This review will summarize these new developments, while identifying significant unanswered questions and providing new hypotheses that may be addressed in future studies.
A high proportion of genes involved in position effect variegation also affect chromosome inheritance.

Suppressors and enhancers of position effect variegation (PEV) have been linked to the establishment and maintenance of heterochromatin. The presence of centromeres and other inheritance elements in heterochromatic regions suggests that suppressors and enhancers of PEV, Su(var) s and E(var)s [collectively termed Mod(var)s], may be required for chromosome inheritance. In order to test this hypothesis, we screened 59 ethyl methanesulfonate-generated Drosophila Mod(var)s for dominant effects on the partially compromised inheritance of a minichromosome (J21A) missing a portion of the genetically defined centromere. Nearly half of these Mod(var)s significantly increased or decreased the transmission of J21A. Analyses of homozygous mutant larval neuroblasts suggest that these mutations affect cell cycle progression and native chromosome morphology. Five out of six complementation groups tested displayed mitotic abnormalities, including phenotypes such as telomere fusions, overcondensed chromosomes, and low mitotic index. We conclude that Mod(var)s as a group are highly enriched for genes that encode essential inheritance functions. We propose that a primary function of Mod(var)s is to promote chromosome inheritance, and that the gene silencing phenotype associated with PEV may be a secondary consequence of the heterochromatic structures required to carry out these functions.