cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Extending the laser-specklegram technique to strain analysis of rotating components

A technique involving sandwich-speckle interferometry has been investigated for application in making strain measurements on rotating structures. The technique has proven to be effective in relaxing stringent timing requirements for recording laser photographs and provides extended ranges of displacement measurement. Application of the technique to an experimental rotating specimen has demonstrated the potential of the method for making accurate strain measurements.
Spontaneous deposition of Pt and Ir on Ru: Reduction to intermediate oxidation states

Abstract X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) was used to study the spontaneous deposition of Pt and Ir on Ru(0 0 0 1). The spontaneous deposition experiments were performed in a combined ultra high vacuum/electrochemistry (UHV–EC) system allowing sample transport between UHV and electrochemical environments under controlled conditions. The Ru(0 0 0 1) electrode surface was cleaned in UHV and then brought into contact with either a Pt-containing solution(10 mM K2PtCl6 + 0.1 M H2SO4 or 10 mM (NH4)2PtCl4 + DI water) or with solutions containing 10 mM (NH4)2IrCl6 in varying concentrations of H2SO4 corresponding to pH values of 0.5, 1 and 7 in the electrochemistry chamber for 30 min without an externally applied potential. XPS data acquired after rinsing in DI water indicated that each metal is present in intermediate oxidation states. Pt is found spontaneously deposited as Pt(II) on Ru(0 0 0 1) at pH 1. Similarly, intermediate states of Ir are observed, with higher binding energies, characteristic of higher oxidation states, observed at higher pH values. Annealing the spontaneously deposited adlayer in UHV to >500 K in each case results in the reduction of the Pt or Ir adsorbate to the metallic state. Typical metal surface coverages, determined by XPS, varied with number of immersions and solution conditions, but in all cases was observed to be
Applications of a dc constant-current source

Measuring resistance, performing a coulometric titration, measuring semiconductor breakdown voltages, operating IMPATT diodes, testing electrolytic capacitors, measuring magnetic field intensity?these represent only a few of the applications of constant-current sources. Some of the features of constant-current supplies, as well as the requirements imposed on these sources and techniques for using them in a variety of applications, are described in this article.
The clinical applications of human amnion in plastic surgery

Since the early 1900s, human amnion has been applied to a wide variety of clinical scenarios including burns, chronic ulcers, dural defects, intra-abdominal adhesions, peritoneal reconstruction, genital reconstruction, hip arthroplasty, tendon repair, nerve repair, microvascular reconstruction, corneal repair, intra-oral reconstruction and reconstruction of the nasal lining and tympanic membrane. Amnion epithelial and mesenchymal cells have been shown to contain a variety of regulatory mediators that result in the promotion of cellular proliferation, differentiation and epithelialisation and the inhibition of fibrosis, immune rejection, inflammation and bacterial invasion. The full repertoire of biological factors that these cells synthesise, store and release and the mechanisms by which these factors exert their beneficial effects are only now being fully appreciated. Although many commercially available biological and synthetic alternatives to amnion exist, ethical, religious, and financial constraints may limit the widespread utilisation of these products. Amnion is widely available, economical and is easy to manipulate, process and store. Although many clinical applications are of historical interest only, amnion offers an alternative source of multi-potent or pluripotent stem cells and therefore may yet have a great deal to offer the plastic surgery and regenerative medicine community. It is the purpose of this article to review the clinical applications of human amnion relevant to plastic surgery.
MOTOR VEHICLE CRASH INVOLVEMENT AND MOVING VIOLATIONS: CONVERGENCE OF SELF-REPORT AND ARCHIVAL DATA

In the crash involvement literature, it is generally assumed that archival and other "objective" criterion data are superior to self-reports of crash involvement. Using 394 participants (mean age = 36.23 years), the present study assessed the convergence of archival and self-report measures of motor vehicle crash involvement and moving violations. We also sought to determine whether predictor/criterion relationships would vary as a function of criterion type (i.e., archival vs. self-report), and if a combination of both criteria would result in better prediction than would either by itself. The degree of agreement between the two criterion sources was low, with participants self-reporting more crashes and tickets than were found in their state records. Different predictor/criterion relationships were also found for the two criterion types; stronger effects were obtained for self-report data. Combining the two criteria did not result in relationships stronger than those obtained for self-reports alone. Our findings suggest that self-report data are not inherently inferior to archival data and, furthermore, that the two sources of data cannot be used interchangeably. Actual or potential applications include choosing the appropriate criterion to use, which, as the finding of this study reveals, may depend on the purpose of the investigation.
Gwas to sequencing: Divergence in study design and analysis

The success of genome-wide association studies (GWAS) in uncovering genetic risk factors for complex traits has generated great promise for the complete data generated by sequencing. The bumpy transition from GWAS to whole-exome or whole-genome association studies (WGAS) based on sequencing investigations has highlighted important differences in analysis and interpretation. We show how the loss in power due to the allele frequency spectrum targeted by sequencing is difficult to compensate for with realistic effect sizes and point to study designs that may help. We discuss several issues in interpreting the results, including a special case of the winner's curse. Extrapolation and prediction using rare SNPs is complex, because of the selective ascertainment of SNPs in case-control studies and the low amount of information at each SNP, and naive procedures are biased under the alternative. We also discuss the challenges in tuning gene-based tests and accounting for multiple testing when genes have very different sets of SNPs. The examples we emphasize in this paper highlight the difficult road we must travel for a two-letter switch.
Prehospital cardiac arrest and the adverse effect of male gender, but not age, on outcome.

Objective: To analyze the incidence and outcome of prehospital cardiac arrest as it correlated to gender and age as a secondary end point in an interventional clinical trial. Methods: This prospect...
JSL: Joint time synchronization and localization design with stratification compensation in mobile underwater sensor networks

Time synchronization and localization are basic services in a sensor network system. Although they often depend on each other, they are usually tackled independently. In this work, we investigate time synchronization and localization problems in underwater sensor networks. We propose a joint solution for localization and time synchronization, in which the stratification effect of underwater medium is considered, so that the bias in the range estimates caused by assuming sound waves travel in straight lines in water environments is compensated. By combining time synchronization and localization, the accuracy of both are improved jointly. Additionally, an advanced tracking algorithm IMM (interactive multiple model) is adopted to improve the accuracy of localization in the mobile case. Furthermore, by combining both services, the number of required exchanged messages is significantly reduced, which saves on energy consumption. Simulation results show that both services are improved and benefit from this scheme.
The politics of domestication and curriculum as pasture in the United States

Abstract In this article, I argue that the enacted curriculum in the United States of America is driven by a politics of domestication—a negative process of acculturation by which individuals are required to conform uncritically to established norms in a community of practice, and by which they are prevented from using their own craft and/or professional knowledge to assist the community to grow. As a result, the science curriculum, instead of being a site for critical engagement, becomes more like a pasture—a site for the uncritical grazing of the ‘official knowledge’. Suggestions are provided to address this pervasive issue and to explore more effective ways to develop curriculum that enables teachers to teach for diversity and understanding.
Cytotoxic Effects of Resin Components on Cultured Mammalian Fibroblasts

The objectives of this study were to determine the cytotoxic concentrations of 11 components of resin composites on monolayers of cultured Balb/c 3T3 fibroblasts, to study the inhibitory effects of these components on DNA synthesis, total protein content, and protein synthesis, and to determine whether effects were reversible when the components were withdrawn from the medium. These data were reported as concentrations which inhibited 10% (ID10) and 50% (ID50) of a particular metabolic process as well as the range of concentrations over which cell metabolism was irreversibly inhibited. For any individual component, the ID50 values for all three metabolic parameters were of the same magnitude. The same was true for the ranges of irreversibility. Ethoxylated Bis-phenol A dimethacrylate (E-BPA) was the most toxic molecule of the group (ID50 being between 1 and 10 mumol/L). The ID50 concentrations for three of the components, including Bis-GMA, UDMA, TEGDMA, and Bis-phenol A, ranged between 10 and 100 mumol/L, while the ID50 values of three components (N,N dihydroxyethyl-p-toluidine, camphoroquinone, and N,N dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate) were above 100 mumol/L. The concentrations to which the cells and tissues are exposed in vivo are not known. This study should help to identify the concentrations of organic composite components which pose clinical cytotoxic hazards.
Participatory ergonomics in a red meat packing plant. Part II: Case studies.

Three ergonomics-related case studies are presented to demonstrate the problem-solving method used by two participatory ergonomics teams. The problem-solving method was adapted from principles related to quality management (e.g., participation, structure, a scientific approach, and decision by consensus). The first two steps of the problem-solving method were related to identification and evaluation of the problem; the latter three steps were related to solution development, implementation, and evaluation. The problem evaluation process included the collection of background, exposure, and effects data. Solution development following evaluation of the problem started with a brainstorming session, then discussion to select interventions by consensus. The format for presenting the case studies was intended to be concise and visual with the intent of effectively documenting the teams' problem-solving processes.
Methods to Compare Dissolution Profiles and a Rationale for Wide Dissolution Specifications for Metoprolol Tartrate tablets

The objectives of this work were to apply several profile comparison approaches to dissolution data of four different but bioequiva-lent metoprolol tartrate tablet formulations to (1) identify the advantages and disadvantages of each approach, (2) quantify the metric for comparing dissolution profiles of each method, (3) determine metric limits that are consistent with the observed bioequivalence, and (4) rationalize the observed metric limits with respect to the role of dissolution in overall metoprolol absorption. Dissolution was performed by the USP monograph method on four formulations of metoprolol tartrate tablets (Lopressor plus fast, medium, and slow dissolving test formulations). Three general approaches to compare dissolution profiles were examined; they were ANOVA-based, model-independent, and model-dependent approaches. It is concluded that model-independent approaches and several model-dependent approaches yielded numerical results that can serve as objective and quantitative metrics for comparing entire dissolution profiles of the four metoprolol tartrate formulations. However, these methods presented complications. Some metrics were dependent on the length of the dissolution profile and the sampling scheme. Results from the pairwise procedures also depended on the pairing assignment of individual profiles. In spite of complications, these methods suggested wide dissolution specification limits. Wide dissolution specifications were rationalized through an analysis of in vitro–in vivo relationships, which indicated metoprolol dissolution from these formulations was not the rate-limiting step; hence, a range of dissolution profiles can be expected to yield equivalent plasma profiles.
Systematics, distribution, and host specificity of Amblyopinus Solsky 1875 (Coleoptera Staphylinidae) in Mexico and Central America

The Mexican and Central American species of Amblyopinus Solsky 1875, adults of which are usually found in the fur of rodents, are revised. All species are fully described, and keys and illustrations of diagnostic features are provided to aid in their identification. A substantial quantity of new host and distributional data is provided. Five species, one of which consists of two subspecies, are known from Mexico and Central America Amblyopinus emarginatus Seevers 1955 (sanborni group) occurs in the montane regions of northwestern Panama and Costa Rica where it occurs on Oryzomys albigularis. In addition, four species and two subspecies of the jelskii group occur in Central America and Mexico: A. isabellae Barrera 1966, Sierra Madre del Sur in Mexico (host[s] various species of Peromyscus and Neotoma); A. barrerai Zaragoza Caballero & Sanchez Hernandez 1993, Sierra Madre de Oaxaca in Mexico (host[s], Peromyscus species, especially P. melanocarpus); A. schmidti schmidti Seevers 1944, highlands of Chiapas an...
Monoamine Transporters: Basic Biology with Clinical Implications:

Biogenic amine transporters mediate two important steps in the reuptake and recycling of monoamines released by neurons in the central nervous system. First, high-affinity transporters found in the plasma membrane of neurons and glial cells mediate the removal of neurotransmitter from the extracellular space, thus terminating the action of the monoamines serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine. Within the cell, vesicular transporters repackage monoamines into vesicles for additional cycles of release. Two gene families are involved in the transport of the biogenic amines—the Na+/Cl--dependent plasma membrane carriers and the H+-dependent vesicular amine carriers. These transporters are known to regulate neurotransmitter con centrations in monoaminergic pathways and are the primary targets for a wide variety of clinically important antidepressants, antihypertensives, stimulants, and stimulant drugs of abuse. The Neuroscientist 1:259-267, 1995
A study of the ηηπ− and ωηπ− systems produced in the reaction π−p → pπ+π−π−4γ at 18 GeV/c

Abstract Preliminary results are reported on the production of ηηπ − and ωηπ − in the reaction π − p → pπ + π − π − π 0 η at 18 GeV/ c where both π 0 and η decay to 2γ. The data were obtained using the MultiParticle Spectrometer at Brookhaven National Laboratory. In the ηηπ − channel, a strong a 0 (980) signal decaying to ηπ − is present. The accepted ηηπ − mass spectrum exhibits a structure consistent with the mass and width to the π(1800). In the ωηπ − channel, the ωπ − mass spectrum peaks at the mass of the b 1 (1235).
946 CGP 42446-phase I study of a new bisphosphonate in patients with osteolytic bone metastases

CGP 42446, a third generation bisphosphonate, is two orders of magnitude more potent than Pamidronate in inhibiting 1.25 (OH)2 D3 induced release of calcium from mouse calvaria in vitro. Twenty-three patients with osteolytic bone metastases have been included in this Phase I trial. Patients received: 100 ug (7 pts.), 200 ug (6 pts.), 400 ug (7 pts.), or 800 ug (3 pts.) IV over 15 minutes q month. Patient entry continues and will include patients treated at 1500 and 2000 ug q month. No hematologic or biochemical toxicity has been observed. Side effects were mild (Grade I) and included eye irritation (3 pts.), nausea or fatigue (2 pts.), and flu-like symptoms, chills and vomiting (1 pt. each). Data on pyridinium crosslinks and C- and N- telopeptides will be presented. We conclude that CGP 42446 is a well tolerated new third generation bisphosphonate.
Perceived timing is produced timing: a reply to Howell.

In his commentary on our paper (Cooper, Whalen, & Fowler, 1986), Peter Howell (1988) attempts to show that the center of gravity of an acoustic signal is sufficient to predict perceived timing of the signal. In our reply, we confine ourselves to four main points: 1. Howell offers a description of acoustic correlates of perceived timing. As such, it need not conflict with our explanatory account that listeners perceive timing as produced. However, Howell does not have the description right. It conflicts with already published data: . 2. Howell declined to apply his formulas to the stImulI of Cooper et al. and to model their data quantitatively. Apparently, he neglected to try it out on his own stimuli and findings too. It makes the wrong predictions. T?e problem is with his geometry, however; centers ofgravIty of his own stimuli and those of Cooper et al. do pattern in the same way as listener judgments. 3. In a replication and extension ofthe work by Tuller and Fowler (1981), we show that the phonetic composition of a syllable, and not its center of gravity, predicts perceived timing when phonetic composition and center of gravity are opposed in a set of stimuli.. . 4. Our account of perceived and produced tmung meets Howell's proposed criteria for adequacy better than does his own. These points, we acknowledge, go beyond our charge to address Howell's specific complaint that Cooper et al. wrongly discount his view on the basis of their findi?gs. We take the longer route for several reasons. First, although we stand behind our conclusions based on Howell's (1984) remarks, he has elaborated his earlier ideas here and they require their own assessment. Second, it is easy enough to ~ontrast certain pr~dictions of his account and ours expenmentally. In our VIew, Howell should have run such a test to ascertain that his account was worth trying to resuscitate before going to press with his complaint. He did not, and so we did it fo~ him. Finally, our view and Howell's differ markedly m respect to their contexts of theoretical and experimental support. We wanted to point that out.
Scalar Rayleigh–Sommerfeld and Kirchhoff diffraction integrals: A comparison of exact evaluations for axial points*

The second Rayleigh–Sommerfeld (RS) diffraction integral, wherein the normal derivative is specified, is evaluated in simple closed form for all axial points when a divergent or convergent spherical wave is incident upon a circular aperture or disk. These evaluations (solutions) are compared with known corresponding solutions of the first RS diffraction integral. These sets of solutions are intercompared with their mean value, i.e., the derived solutions of the Kirchhoff diffraction integral. The three diffraction formulations are shown to be in agreement for incident divergent spherical waves when the source and observation points are equally distant from the aperture or disk. Conversely, for convergent spherical waves, the three formulations are never in exact agreement for focal and observation points located at finite distances from the aperture, though at optical frequencies the relative error at the geometric focal point is vanishingly small. The second RS formulation predicts, in the limit of plane waves incident on a disk, that the axial irradiance is everywhere equal to the incident irradiance, whereas the first RS formulation predicts that the irradiance goes to zero at the back of the disk.
Proper handwashing promotes wellness in child care

Abstract Introduction. The purpose was to determine the effectiveness of an instructional program on handwashing. The hypothesis stated that an instructional program on germs and handwashing in child care could significantly reduce the spread of infectious diseases in the test center. Method. A longitudinal study was conducted in a field setting with a test group and a control group of 3-to 5-year-old children and their teachers in two similar child care settings. For 21 weeks illnesses and symptoms of infectious diseases were assessed with a health assessment checklist. the test group received a developmentally appropriate instructional program on germs and handwashing. The teachers in the test group attended workshops on infectious diseases and handwashing. The control group maintained their usual handwashing procedures. Result. At weeks 1 through 11 bench-mark data were collected. At weeks 12 through 21, peak cold and flu season, the test group had significantly fewer colds than the control group (chi-squared analysis, 4.338, 1 df, p Discussion. Handwashing has been recognized as one way to manage the spread of infectious diseases in child care centers. Handwashing helped to reduce colds at the test center where frequent and proper handwashing practices were incorporated into the curriculum through an intervention program.
Suppression of H-ras-mediated transformation in NIH3T3 cells by a ras ribozyme

Abstract Murine NIH3T3 cells were used to study the effect of ribozymes on H- ras -mediated transformation. Parental 3T3 cells were transfected with the activated H- ras -transformed cells had altered morphology and increased colony formation in soft agar in contrast to untransfected 3T3 cells. A hammerhead ribozyme (site-specific ribonuclease) designed to cleave codon 12 (GUC) of the activated H- ras RNA was expressed in transformed cells. 3T3 clones expressing the ras ribozyme displayed decreased expression of activated H- ras RNA. The ras ribozyme reversed the transformed phenotype to resemble that of untransfected 3T3 cells. Furthermore, 3T3 cells containing the ras ribozyme were shown to suppress transformation when they were subsequently transfected with activated H- ras . Insertion of a mutant ribozyme largely devoid of cleaving capacity into H- ras -transformed cells resulted in smaller reductions in H- ras gene expression and colony formation in soft agar when compared with the ras ribozyme. Finally, the ras ribozyme alone did not perturb normal 3T3 cell growth. This study suggests the possible utility of anti-oncogene ribozymes as suppressors of tumor cell growth as well as inhibitors of cellular transformation.
Microcontact printing: new mastering and transfer techniques for high throughput, resolution and depth of focus

Abstract We describe techniques for high resolution, high throughput, high depth of focus microcontact printing. Printhead masters are fabricated by focused ion beam (FIB) micro-machining. We describe the instrumental limitations of these techniques, and show how high-resolution features ( 100 μm). We also demonstrate scaling of feature writing rates to >10 4 /s through topographic mastering in PMMA. Microcontact printing resolution is assessed for different elastomer mold materials, and it is shown how rigid polymer composites allow pattern transfer of features finer than 100 nm, such that the current limit in pattern transfer resolution is defined by the grain size in the target Ag film. Finally, we describe an all-polymer microcontact printing process employing elastomer molding from topographically patterned PMMA printheads.
An analytical solution for a nonlinear differential equation with logarithmic decay

The problem is the ordinary differential equation dudt = - p exp(- qu) with u(0) = @a. We prove that the general three-parameter problem may be reduced through a group invariance to computing a single, parameter-free function w(t). This solution may be most compactly expressed in the form w = 1ln (t*ln^2(t*)B(@t)), where @t = ln(ln(t*)) and t* = t + exp(1). We compute a Chebyshev series for B(@t) for @[email protected] [0,6] and show that B(@t) ~ 1 + ([email protected] -2) exp([email protected]) + [email protected]^2exp([email protected]) to within 1 part in 10^4 for @t > 6. The problem was motivated by the similar logarithmic decay of certain classes of quasi-solitary waves, such as the ''breather'' of the @f^4 field theory.
Multiple Bud Formation by Cultured Embryos of Pinus ponderosa.

Summary Excised embryos of Pinus ponderosa Dougl. ex Laws formed callus and initiated a few buds from the tips of the cotyledons when placed on the full-strength medium of Sommer et al. (1975) or Cheng (1975). When excised embryos were placed on a full or half strength dilution of the medium of Reilly and Washer (1977) or on a half strength dilution of Cheng (1975), buds were initiated along the entire length of those cotyledons which were in contact with the medium. Initiating buds along the entire length of the cotyledon increased the yield of excisable buds. Benzyladenine must be present in the media for bud initiation; however, the addition of auxin may increase the yield of excisable cotyledonary buds.
Aqueous phase catalytic conversion of agarose to 5-hydroxymethylfurfural by metal chlorides

The production of 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (5-HMF) from agarose catalyzed by metal chlorides was studied in aqueous phase. A series of metal chlorides, including NaCl, CaCl2, MgCl2, ZnCl2, CrCl3, CuCl2 and FeCl3, were comparatively investigated to catalyze agarose degradation for the production of 5-HMF at temperatures of 180 °C, 200 °C and 220 °C, catalyst concentration of 0.5% (w/w), 1% (w/w) and 5% (w/w), time of 0–50 min, and substrate concentration of 2% (w/w). Results revealed that alkali and alkaline earth metal chlorides, including NaCl, CaCl2 and MgCl2, resulted in higher 5-HMF yields from agarose with negligible amount of byproducts, such as levulinic acid and lactic acid, derived from further degradation reactions. 1% (w/w) MgCl2 was the most efficient catalyst among the tested metal chlorides for 5-HMF production from agarose and resulted in both the highest yield of 40.7% and highest selectivity of 49.1% at 200 °C for 35 min. The cleavage of C–O–C bond in agarose with subsequent isomerization of galactose to its ketose was considered as a possible mechanism for formation of 5-HMF under MgCl2 catalyzed conditions.
Laboratory sleep correlates of nightmare complaint in PTSD inpatients.

Abstract Background: Nightmares are rare in the sleep laboratory, even in patients with posttraumatic stress disorder for whom nightmare complaints are diagnostic. Nevertheless, it is possible that laboratory conditions do not preclude the observation of telltales—nightmare-related modifications of tonic sleep—given sufficiently large samples. Methods: Sixty-three unmedicated, nonapneic Vietnam combat veterans undergoing inpatient treatment for posttraumatic stress disorder underwent polysomnographic testing and assessment of nightmare complaint. Results: Trauma-related nightmare complaint, but not non–trauma-related complaint, was associated with increased wake-after-sleep-onset in the sleep laboratory. No relationships between nightmare complaint and rapid eye movement sleep architecture were observed. Conclusions: Increased wake-after-sleep-onset was specifically associated with trauma-related nightmare complaint, confirming data from other quarters suggesting they are both phenomenologically and functionally distinct from normal dreaming.
Discovery point: enhancing the museum experience with technology

The Discovery Point prototype allows art museum visitors to hear stories about a work of art without burdening them with lengthy commentary. It is simple and compact; it has only four buttons and can be worn around the neck. It is a nearly invisible addition to the museum experience, but one that fills the need to deliver the right amount of information to visitors. To develop this concept, we observed and interviewed visitors, constructed a prototype, and then evaluated that prototype through two rounds of user tests at the museum.
On the specific activity of platinum catalysts

Abstract The specific activity for hydrogenation of cyclopropane at 0 °C on platinum catalysts was found to be independent of platinum content on two different forms of alumina, independent of the nature of the support with alumina or silica gel, and almost the same for highly dispersed samples in which nearly every platinum atom is a surface atom as for a platinum foil. The difference between the highly dispersed samples and the others (sintered, less dispersed, foil) was a modest twofold change in specific activity, while the platinum specific surface area varied by more than four orders of magnitude. In contradistinction, a very marked susceptibility to oxygen poisoning was found for the well-dispersed catalysts that was not observed for the other samples.
HL-1 myocytes exhibit PKC and KATP channel-dependent delta opioid preconditioning,

Abstract Background Opioid preconditioning protects the myocardium against ischemia/reperfusion (IR) injury. By enhancing cardiomyocyte viability, opioids can enhance cardiac function and recovery from IR injury during acute cardiac care. The myocyte model HL-1 is an immortalized, mouse atrial cell line that expresses functional delta-opioid receptors. The HL-1 myocyte may be useful for IR injury research exploring opioid cardioprotection. Materials and methods In study I, microplates of HL-1 were subjected to 10 min pre-treatment with either basal media, delta-opioid agonist DADLE(10uM), or DADLE(10uM) + delta-antagonist naltrindole (10uM). Study II treatment groups included PKC inhibitor chelerythrine (2uM), KATP channel closer glybenclamide (100uM), or mitochondrial KATP channel opener diazoxide (100uM) administered in various combinations followed by DADLE (10uM) or control. Microplates were subjected to normal oxygen/substrate conditions or ischemic ( Results Compared to untreated control, the LDH assay showed significant reduction in opioid-only pretreated groups at all time points. These effects were attenuated with delta-opioid antagonist co-administration. Co-administration of non-selective KATP channel closer glybenclamide and DADLE abolished DADLE cytoprotection, while selective mitochondrial KATP opener diazoxide mimicked DADLE cytoprotection Co-administration of chelerythrine and DADLE significantly reduced chelerythrine cytotoxicity. Conclusion Delta-opioid preconditioning of HL-1 myocytes significantly decreased necrosis from in vitro simulated ischemia/reperfusion as measured by LDH release; this effect was reversed by delta-antagonist naltrindole. Cytoprotection was PKC and KATP channel-dependent. HL-1 myocytes exhibit opioid-induced cytoprotection from IR injury, and present a novel model of pharmacologic preconditioning.
Reviews: Role of Albumin in Human Physiology and Pathophysiology

Albumin is one of the major products of hepatic protein synthesis. Although it is a small molecule, it is an important diagnostic and prognostic determinant, as well as a useful therapeutic agent. A review of the evolution and structure of albumin as well as a description of its colloidal and buffering properties is presented. Synthesis, distribution, and catabolism, the major determinants of serum albumin level, are discussed. Emphasis is given to those mechanisms responsible for the regulation of these processes, including the importance of nutritional status on substrate availability, energy supply, and hormonal modulation.
GLOBAL-LOCAL CONSTITUTIVE MODELING OF COMPOSITE MATERIALS BY THE HOMOGENIZATION METHOD

This paper discusses modeling issues in the constitutive relation of a composite material in conjunction with the asymptotic homogenization method. Since the constitutive relations for basic materials of the composite material is given in the microscopic level, the identification of micromechanics and the geometric modeling of the microstructure directly affects the overall mechanical behavior of the structural components. Therefore the modeling in the microscopic level is essential in the analysis of composite materials especially for nonlinear cases. Several numerical examples show that the overall mechanical behavior depends on the constitutive relations defined in the microscopic level as well as the geometry of the microstructure. The FEM-based asymptotic homogenization method and Digital Image-Based (DIB) modeling are utilized to simulate such a global-local nature of the mechanical responses.
Discussion of Privacy in E-Commerce: Development of Reporting Standards, Disclosure, and Assurance Services in an Unregulated Market

Jamal, Maier, and Sunder (hereafter, JMS), have written an interesting paper on the development of standards in an unregulated market. The development of private standards and assurance that there is compliance are important for creating trust among market participants and for the success of new markets. The paper is relevant for accounting professionals who are responsible for assuring investors that firms' financial information is reliable and trustworthy. It shows that there is demand for market standards absent regulation, that firms voluntarily adopt standards, and that they generally comply with them. The authors contrast these findings with the regulated outcomes in the capital market and raise questions about the merits of regulation.
Perspectives on MAO-B in aging and neurological disease: where do we go from here?

The catecholamine-oxidizing enzyme monoamine oxidase-B (MAO-B) has been hypothesized to be an important determining factor in the etiology of both normal aging and age-related neurological disorders such as Parkinson’s disease (PD). Catalysis of substrate by the enzyme produces H2O2 which is a primary originator of oxidative stress which in turn can lead to cellular damage. MAO-B increases with age as does predisposition towards PD which has also been linked to increased oxidative stress. Inhibition of MAO-B, along with supplementation of lost dopamine via L-DOPA, is one of the major antiparkinsonian therapies currently in use. In this review, we address several factors contributing to a possible role for MAO-B in normal brain aging and neurological disease and also discuss the use of MAO-B inhibitors as drug therapy for these conditions.
Effects of mother-litter separation and reunion on maternal aggression and pup mortality in lactating hamsters

Abstract This study examined the effects of a 24 hr mother-litter separation on maternal aggression and pup mortality in hamsters. There were four lactating groups tested for aggression in their home cages on days 5 and 15 postpartum: a group that was separated from their litters for 24 hr, a group that was not separated from their litters and two 24 hr separation groups in which the litters were returned 30 and 120 min prior to the aggression test. Nonreceptive, estrous cycling animals were used as controls (tested twice, 10 days apart) and as intruders. Measures of aggression recorded during the 10 min tests included the number of attacks, fights, chases and intruder retreats. Pup mortality was examined in the 4 lactating groups and in two additional non-tested groups, one of which was separated from their litters for 24 hr. Lactating hamsters initiated significantly higher levels of aggression than control animals. Mother-litter separation (24 hr) significantly decreased levels of aggression and these levels were restored when litters were replaced 30 and 120 min prior to aggression tests. There were few differences in levels of aggression between days 5 and 15 of lactation. Pup mortality was significantly greater between days 5–6 and 15–16 of lactation among those groups that were separated from their litters compared to those groups that were not separated. Significantly higher mortality levels were found between days 7 and 15 of lactation among the 2 groups in which pups were returned prior to the aggression test compared to all other groups.
Differential macromolecular leakage from the vasculature of tumors

Tumor-induced neovascularization is essential for invasion, metastases, and exponential growth of solid tumors. The authors studied the differences in macromolecular leakage from the neovasculature of a fast-growing, early-metastasizing tumor, the Walker 256 carcinosarcoma, and a slow-growing, nonmetastasizing tumor, a rat chondrosarcoma. A 1-mm3 piece of the Walker 256 carcinoma or the chondrosarcoma was implanted in the cremaster muscle of rats. Five days after surgery the cremaster muscle with the implanted tumor was placed in a special bath containing Krebs solution such that the circulation and nerves from the animal to the cremaster were intact. Fluorescein isothiocyanate-labeled rat serum albumin (FITC-RSA) was injected (intra-arterially) into each rat to permit visualization of the vasculature by fluorescent microscopy. A closed-circuit television system was used to quantitate macromolecular leakage as a change in interstitial fluorescent intensity. Data are given as a relative fluorescent intensity (mean ± standard error of the mean) in an area of the cremaster with tumor-induced neovascularization. These studies demonstrated that the vasculature induced by rapidly growing Walker 256 carcinosarcoma leak albumin freely when compared with the vasculature induced by the slow-growing chondrosarcoma. Furthermore, there was a significant increase in fluorescent intensity (albumin leakage) in the Walker tumor from 1 minute (24 ± 3.0) to 30 minutes (49 ± 5.6). In the normal cremaster area there was a significantly lower fluorescent intensity in the interstitium and a very slight increase with time (4 ± 1.5 at 1 minute vs. 7 ± 1.4 at 30 minutes). One interpretation of these data is that the mechanisms responsible for protein leakage from the vasculature of the Walker tumor may be involved in the fast growth and metastases of this tumor as compared with slower-growing tumors such as the chondrosarcoma.
Detection and identification of fluorescent compounds in potato tuber tissue with corky patch syndrome

A corky patch syndrome that effects potato tuber tissue may be a later manifestation of pink eye disease of potato although an actual cause and effect relationship between the two diseases has not been firmly established. The causal agent for pink eye of potato is unknown but the disease has been associated with the fungiVerticillium andRhizoctonia and the bacteriumPseudomonas fluorescens. Pink eye and corky patch symptoms on the periderm of affected tubers are accompanied by a band of tissue beneath that is intensely auto-fluorescent when viewed under ultraviolet illumination. Studies to determine the cause of the fluorescent reaction were performed using HPLC and a fluorescence monitor. Three phenylpropanoid compounds, chlorogenic acid, esculin and scopoletin, were found to be involved. It appears that these compounds are produced by tuber tissues in response to pathogen invasion and also as part of the wound healing process. Tissues with corky patch syndrome, silver scurf and root-knot nematode contained high concentrations of chlorogenic acid and esculin and low concentrations of scopoletin. Tissues infected with dry rot were visibly less fluorescent, and contained less chlorogenic acid and esculin, and no detectable level of scopoletin.
Chronic venous insufficiency is associated with increased platelet and monocyte activation and aggregation

Abstract Purpose: This study assessed whether the increased numbers of platelet-monocyte aggregates observed in patients with venous stasis ulceration (VSU) represent a response to dermal ulceration or if it is a condition associated with underlying chronic venous insufficiency (CVI). We also analyzed the expression of CD11b in patients with CVI to determine whether leukocyte activation, known to occur in VSU, is a precursor of or a response to ulceration. Methods: Patients with varying classes of CVI (n = 24) and healthy control subjects (n = 15), whose status was documented by means of duplex scanning, stood upright and stationary for 10 minutes. Two aliquots of blood, drawn from a distal leg vein and an antecubital fossa vein, were incubated with either buffer or one of three platelet agonists. After fixation, these samples were further incubated with fluorescent-labeled monoclonal antibodies (f-MoAb) specific for CD14 (monocytes) and CD61 (platelets). The activated leukocyte assay was performed by incubating another aliquot of the blood samples with f-MoAb specific for CD11b and CD14. All samples were evaluated by means of flow cytometry. Results: We observed significantly more platelet-monocyte aggregates throughout the circulation in patients with CVI than in control subjects (29% vs. 8%; P P = .05). The addition of platelet agonists to the blood of patients with CVI resulted in more platelet-neutrophil aggregates than in control subjects. Monocyte CD11b expression was higher in patients with CVI than in control subjects (7.5 vs. 3.7; P Conclusion: All classes of CVI are associated with significantly increased percentages of platelet-monocyte aggregates and increased percentages of platelet-neutrophil aggregates throughout the circulation. The presence of more of these aggregates and the increased propensity to form aggregates in the presence of platelet agonists in all classes of CVI suggests an underlying state of platelet activation and increased reactivity that is independent of the presence of ulceration. The increased expression of monocyte CD11b throughout the circulation in all classes of CVI suggests that although systemic monocyte activation occurs in CVI, its presence is independent of VSU as well. (J Vasc Surg 1999;30:844-53.)
The incorporation of [1-14C]glycerol, [1-14C]acetate anddl-[3-14C]serine into the lipids of rat-heart and liver homogenates

Abstract The incorporation of [1- 14 C]glycerol into the lipids of rat liver and heart homogenates showed that three neutral glycerides and at least five phosphatides were labeled. Liver was 200 times as active as heart. In both heart and liver most of the activity occurred in the triglycerides and lecithin. In liver, the specific activity of the diglycerides and triglycerides was higher than that of lecithin. The labeled triglycerides demonstrated a metabolic heterogeneity. Polyglycerolphosphatides (plus phosphatidic acids) were also labeled and their specific activity was higher than that of other phosphatides. In heart, the specific activity of the polyglycerolphosphatides (plus phosphatidic acids) was higher than that of all the other lipids. [1- 14 C]Acetate is incorporated to only a very small extent into the lipids of both rat liver and heart homogenates. In both these tissues the specific activity is about the same and the neutral lipids have a higher specific activity than the phosphatides. dl -[3- 14 C]Serine was incorporated into the lipids of rat-heart homogenates (liver not studied). The incorporation occurred predominantly in phosphatidylethanolamine and to a lesser extent in phosphatidylserine. A small but significant incorporation occurred in lecithin. CTP had a stimulating effect on the incorporation of glycerol into the heart lipids but had a slight inhibitory effect on the incorporation of serine into the heart cephalins. CTP had no effect on the incorporation of glycerol into the liver lipids in these homogenate systems.
Characterization of fluorine-, aluminum-, silicon-, and phosphorus-containing complexes in wet-process phosphoric acid using nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy

Wet-process phosphoric acid is one product of the reaction between phosphate rock and sulfuric acid. The limiting step in this process occurs when the acid is filtered from the reaction slurry, which also contains calcium sulfate (gypsum). The acid-soluble impurities present in the phosphate rock (e.g., fluorine, silicon, and aluminum) form complexes in wet-process acid which can alter the optimum size and habit of gypsum crystals, thereby reducing the filtration rates. Fluorine-containing complexes are strongly suspected of being potent modifiers of the crystal habit of gypsum. However, the identities of the complexes responsible for the habit modification have not been established. The identities of the complexes formed in phosphoric acid (28% P2O5) containing additions of fluorine (HF and H2SiF6) and aluminum [Al(NO3)3 · 9H2O or AlF3 · 9H2O] were established in this study by using fluorine-19 (19F) and phosphorus-31 (31P) nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopies. Peaks due to aluminum fluoride, fluorosilicate, and fluoroaluminum phosphate complexes were observed in the NMR spectra recorded from these solutions. In addition, the19F and31P NMR spectra of wet-process acids were recorded. These spectra contained peaks assigned to the hexafluorosilicate ion (major species), along with aluminum fluoride and fluoroaluminum phosphate complexes (minor species).
Gender and knowledge about HIV, risky sexual behavior, and safer sex practices

The purpose of this study was to examine gender differences in knowledge about HIV, the reported incidence of risky sexual behavior, and comfort with safer sexual practices among young adults. The conceptual framework was social role theory, which argues for the influence of gender roles on beliefs and social behaviors. Participants were 141 female and 131 male college students who responded to questions regarding their knowledge of HIV, risk-taking behaviors with respect to HIV, and comfort with safer sexual behaviors. Overall, respondents had accurate knowledge about HIV. However, men reported engaging in significantly more risky behaviors than women. More men reported that intercourse without a condom occurred in unplanned, spontaneous situations, while under the influence of alcohol or drugs, or with a person not well known. More women reported that intercourse without a condom occurred in long-term relationships. Women were significantly more comfortable abstaining from sexual intercourse and asking partners about their sexual history while men were significantly more comfortable buying condoms. Both men and women reported comfort using condoms. Gender roles help to explain why men are willing to take more risks, and in what situations risk taking is apt to occur.
HPLC Measurement of the Novel Non Nucleoside Anti-HIV Agent, (+) Dihydrocalanolide A

Abstract An HPLC assay was established to determine levels of the promising anti-HIV agent (+)dihydrocalanolide A (DHCa1-A; NSC 678323) in murine plasma. The structurally related compound costatolide (NSC 661122) was found to be a suitable internal standard. Drugs were extracted from plasma using a solid phase C18 cartridge. After injection onto an ODS analytical HPLC column, compounds were eluted using an acetonitrile: water mobile phase. Drugs were quantified over the assay range of 19.5 to 625 ng/mL with excellent within- and between-day reproducibility. Results are obtained from the application of the described method to determination of dihydrocalanolide A pharmacokinetics in mice. This is the first report of a validated HPLC assay for determining dihydrocalanolide A levels in biological fluids such as mouse plasma.