cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Identifying Functional Adenovirus-Host Interactions Using Tandem Mass Spectrometry

The initial steps of viral infection are critical determinants of viral tropism and pathogenesis. Intravenously applied Ad-based vectors were found to be cleared rapidly from the blood and transduce liver tissue, subsequently causing severe inflammatory responses. While virus interactions with blood factors, rather than with known Ad attachment receptors, have been suggested to mediate both virus clearance and liver cell transduction, the identity of factors in the blood interacting with Ad remains unclear. To identify proteins involved in functional Ad-host interactions following intravenous virus application, we describe a systematic, high-throughput approach based on the binding of putative cellular receptors/host factors to a structural Ad protein immobilized on Ni2+-agarose beads. Following expression in E. coli, purified Ad5 or Ad35 fiber knob domains were conjugated to agarose beads and mixed with freshly purified mouse plasma. After several washes, proteins bound to the Ad fiber knob domains were eluted with urea for subsequent analysis by tandem mass spectrometry. Using this approach, we identified a number of plasma proteins including C4-binding protein (C4BP), fibrinogen, and complement proteins C3 and C4, which efficiently bind to Ad fiber knob domains (MS/MS Mowse scores >35). To further confirm that these MS/MS-identified proteins are capable of direct binding to Ad fiber knob domains, we immobilized available plasma proteins on a nitrocellulose membrane and used the Ad fiber knob domains in a virus-overlay protein blot assay. This analysis revealed that both the Ad35 and Ad5 fiber knob domains efficiently bind to the proteins identified using our technique. Furthermore, we demonstrated that the infectivity of Ads can be modulated by interactions with C4BP but not other plasma proteins. Importantly, we observed a dramatic increase in Ad infectivity on a human hepatocarcinoma cell line that was dose dependent and required physiological concentrations of C4BP. To study whether blood factor binding to the Ad fiber knob domain can interfere with virus binding to known cellular attachment receptors we infected CHO-CAR (expressing CAR) or CHO-C2 (expressing CD46) cells with Ad5 or Ad5/35 vectors respectively. While infection of CHO-CAR with Ad5 in the presence of physiological concentrations of C4BP or other plasma proteins did not change virus infectivity, C4BP could efficiently compete with Ad5/35 infection of CHO-C2 cells. Here we demonstrate that by using a straightforward high-throughput approach, novel functional interactions of a virus with host factors can be identified. Despite the complexity of the mouse plasma protein composition, we were able to rapidly identify several new Ad-interacting partners, including one with immediate applications to Ad vector development. The approach of using a structural protein to identify host factors critical in viral infection, immune evasion, and tissue specificity can be universally applied to a variety of viral and non-viral pathogens and can reveal new targets for prospective therapies.
Dynamic injection control module for optical packet switching fabrics

A novel module that mediates packet injection into optical packet switching fabrics in the presence of contentions is presented. Functionality and design are discussed, and correct operation is verified for WDM packets with 12×10 Gb/s data. (2 pages)
Limit orbits of a power iteration for dominant eigenvalue problems

Abstract A variant of the power method is analyzed, and a geometric description of the orbits is given. Comparisons are made to the standard power method.
Reaction of ferric chloride with benzene

Black, insoluble organic material was obtained, together with chlorobenzene in low yield, from the reaction of benzene with ferric chloride. Small amounts of Bronsted acids, such as water, hydrogen sulfide, acetic acid, and nitroethane, markedly promoted the formation of black solid. The principal product, whose properties were investigated, is believed to be formed by a cationic polymerization of benzene, leading to chlorinated polynuclear hydrocarbons. In contrast, under similar conditions aluminum chloride yielded a high-boiling oil, but no black solid.
Funding home care in a climate of cost containment.

The health care industry is preoccupied with increased costs because total expenditures for health services in the United States more than tripled between 1971 and 1981. Policy makers and health providers are looking at what contributes to these expenditures and ways to contain the escalating costs. One solution suggested has been the consideration of alternatives to institutional care, particularly home care. Historically, home care was provided by official or voluntary nursing agencies. Recently, proprietary, private, not-for-profit organizations have entered the home care arena. Home care reimbursement methods are a patchwork, causing confusion and cash flow problems. Public funds are administered by different levels of government, by several agencies within each level, and with various eligibility requirements. Private insurance coverage is uneven and limited.
Thin film deposition on plastic substrates using silicon nanoparticles and laser nanoforming

Abstract Reduced melting temperature of nanoparticles is utilized to deposit thin polycrystalline silicon (c-Si) films on plastic substrates by using a laser beam without damaging the substrate. An aqueous dispersion of 5 nm silicon nanoparticles was used as precursor. A Nd:YAG (1064 nm wavelength) laser operating in continuous wave (CW) mode was used for thin film formation. Polycrystalline Si films were deposited on flexible as well as rigid plastic substrates in both air and argon ambients. The films were analyzed by optical microscopy for film formation, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) for microstructural features, energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) for impurities, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) for composition and bond information of the recrystallized film and Raman spectroscopy for estimating shift from amorphous to more crystalline phase. Raman spectroscopy showed a shift from amorphous to more crystalline phases with increasing both the laser power and irradiation time during laser recrystallization step.
Single-view reconstruction via joint analysis of image and shape collections

We present an approach to automatic 3D reconstruction of objects depicted in Web images. The approach reconstructs objects from single views. The key idea is to jointly analyze a collection of images of different objects along with a smaller collection of existing 3D models. The images are analyzed and reconstructed together. Joint analysis regularizes the formulated optimization problems, stabilizes correspondence estimation, and leads to reasonable reproduction of object appearance without traditional multi-view cues.
An Integrated Approach to Designing and Evaluating CollaborativeApplications and Infrastructures

Collaborative systems include both general infrastructures and specific applications for supporting collaboration. Because of the relative newness and complexity of these systems, it has been unclear what approach should be used to design and evaluate them. Based on the lessons learned from our work and that of others on collaborative systems, we have derived an integrated approach to researching collaborative applications and infrastructures. The approach can be described as a sequence of steps: We decompose the functionality of collaboration systems into smaller functions that can be researched more-or-less independently. For each of these functions, we adopt general (system-independent) principles regarding the design and implementation of the function, identify collaboration scenarios at multiple levels of abstraction, identify requirements based on the scenarios, adopt an interaction model to meet the requirements, realize the interaction model as a concrete user interface, develop a logical architecture of the system, identify a physical architecture for placing the logical components in a distributed system, develop infrastructure abstractions, use the abstractions to implement applications, and perform lab studies, field experiments, and simulations to evaluate the infrastructure and applications. As in other models with multiple phases, feedback from subsequent phases is used to modify the results from the previous phases. In this paper, we describe, illustrate and motivate this research plan.
Lateral sublingual dermoid.

Abstract A large sublingual dermoid cyst was excised from the oral cavity of a 56-year-old man who had had the lesion for 15 years. A brief review of the development and histology of these unusual lesions is given.
EXPERIMENTAL AND HISTOLOGICAL STUDIES OF THE PARATHYROID GLANDS OF FRESH-WATER TURTLES.

The structure and function of the parathyroid glands of fresh-water turtles, Chrysemys picta, Pseudemys scripta, and Graptemys pseudogeographica were studied. The turtles have two pairs of parathyroid glands which are composed of cell cords of typical endocrine appearance and follicles often containing PAS-positive material. The histological structure of the glands does not appear to vary seasonally, even during the reproductive period. Serum calcium concentrations of normal C. picta and P. scripta averaged 2.40 ± 0.06 mm/l, while the mean phosphate value of normal animals was 0.93 ± 0.04 mm/l. Parathyroidectomy was not followed by significant change in these levels, even after 8 weeks. Bladder urine showed wide fluctuations in calcium and phosphate concentrations. After parathyroidectomy there was no significant difference in urine calcium levels. Hyperphosphaturia occurred in sham-operated control animals, but this was not seen in parathyroidectomized animals. Following parathyroidectomy, calcium concentrations in fibulae of C. picta were not significantly changed. Injection of 100 or 200 units of mammalian parathyroid extract (Lilly) into intact or parathyroidectomized C. picta resulted in a striking increase in urine phosphate levels (p=<0.05–<0.01 from days 3–6 after injection). Smaller but consistent increases in serum and urine calcium concentrations were seen after the injection of 100 or 200 units of parathyroid extract. No changes occurred in serum phosphate values with the doses administered. Injection of parathyroid extract (189–378 units) did not affect calcium levels in fibulae, as measured by wet-ash analysis. Marrow cavities of femurs of hatchling G. pseudogeographica contained many osteoclasts, and these showed a consistent though not statistically significant increase in number after parathyroid extract injection. Large numbers of osteoclasts could also be found in femurs of older animals, but only in areas where the marrow cavities were lined with uncalcified cartilage. Several possible hypotheses are discussed to account for the lack of effect of parathyroidectomy on serum calcium concentrations in the turtles.
A modified Holland machine

A highly parallel machine is, in concept, a multiprocessor with more than one hundred semi-independent, program-controlled computing elements. One type of highly parallel machine is the parallel-network computer, wherein the computing elements are arranged in a geometrical array and direct communication among elements is restricted for each to a local neighborhood. (See Section II.) Most of the postulated network systems have a separate central control unit that directs the operation of the network. Examples of such are Unger's machine (References 17 and 18), McCormick's machine (References 5 and 13), and SOLOMON (References 1, 14, and 15). The only published example of a network machine without central control is that proposed by Holland (References 4, 9, 10, and 16), and is the organization to be considered here.
Critical Consideration of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual: Importance of the Inclusion of Cultural and Contextual Factors

The authors note that although the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (4th ed., text rev.; American Psychiatric Association, 2000) provides a useful tool for assessment and treatment planning, there has been debate over the lack of attention to issues of diversity. The elements of this debate are presented, along with arguments for inclusion of client strengths and resources as alternatives for diagnosis alone.
Epigenomic footprints across 111 reference epigenomes reveal tissue-specific epigenetic regulation of lincRNAs

Tissue-specific expression of lincRNAs suggests developmental and cell-type-specific functions, yet tissue specificity was established for only a small fraction of lincRNAs. Here, by analysing 111 reference epigenomes from the NIH Roadmap Epigenomics project, we determine tissue-specific epigenetic regulation for 3,753 (69% examined) lincRNAs, with 54% active in one of the 14 cell/tissue clusters and an additional 15% in two or three clusters. A larger fraction of lincRNA TSSs is marked in a tissue-specific manner by H3K4me1 than by H3K4me3. The tissue-specific lincRNAs are strongly linked to tissue-specific pathways and undergo distinct chromatin state transitions during cellular differentiation. Polycomb-regulated lincRNAs reside in the bivalent state in embryonic stem cells and many of them undergo H3K27me3-mediated silencing at early stages of differentiation. The exquisitely tissue-specific epigenetic regulation of lincRNAs and the assignment of a majority of them to specific tissue types will inform future studies of this newly discovered class of genes.
Autonomic response to upright tilt in people with and without Down syndrome

Abstract This study examined whether the autonomic response to passive upright tilt as evidenced by changes in measures of heart rate and blood pressure variability differs between individuals with DS and without DS. Beat-to-beat blood pressure was measured in 26 individuals with Down syndrome (DS) and 11 individuals without DS during 5 min of rest and 5 min of upright tilt. Dependent variables included heart rate, blood pressure, frequency component measures of heart rate and blood pressure variability, and baroreflex sensitivity. The normalized high frequency (HF) power, normalized low frequency (LF) power, and LF/HF of heart rate variability, as well as the LF of blood pressure variability were reduced in persons with DS in response to upright tilt ( p p p
Morphology and phenology of seeds and whole fruit eaten by Milne-Edwards’ sifaka, Propithecus diadema edwardsi , in Ranomafana National Park, Madagascar

Although it is an anatomical folivore, the diet of the Milne-Edwards’ sifaka (Propithecus diadema edwardsiA. Grandidier, 1871) in Ranomafana National Park contained 35% seeds, 30% whole fruit, and 28% leaves. Plant species used as seed sources differed from those used as whole fruit sources in terms of temporal variation in consumption, taxonomic affiliation, morphology, and phenology. Although seeds were destroyed in both exploitation styles used by the sifakas—seed and whole fruit-eating—the gross morphology of species used as seed sources conformed to the complex of traits typical for fruits experiencing seed predation, while species used as whole fruit sources conformed to traits typical for fruits that do not experience predispersal predation. Many of the 19 plant species from which the seed was extracted and eaten contained a single seed with moderate testa thickness, and fruits containing this type of seed were medium-sized with dry or fibrous flesh, moderate skin thickness, and a dull color. In contrast, brightly colored, juicy fruits with minimally protected seeds were characteristic of the 38 plant species from which both pericarp and seed were eaten. Compared to transectwide measures of fruit availability or patterns restricted to whole fruit sources, fewer species of seed sources produced fruit per month and fruiting activity was more seasonal.
Electron microscopy of chromosomal changes in ambystomal somatic cells during the mitotic cycle.

This sequence of electron micrographs shows the progressive changes undergone by the dispersed chromosomal fibrils of the interphase nucleus as they begin to condense, in early prophase, into clumps centered on three types of small nuclear structures. These bodies do not seem to have been described previously in detail in connection with mitosis, although they were mentioned as a group in a preliminary note by Bloom (1963). In the present report they are divided into three groups indicated as F1, F2 and F3 and are labelled 1, 2 or 3 in the accompanying electron micrographs. The clumps enlarge by continued accretion of more and more fibrils concentrated about these three types of bodies until the chromosomes of metaphase are formed. The inference that the bodies depicted here form focal points for the condensation of dispersed chromosomal filaments rests solely on the repeated finding of the progressive aggregation of the fibrils about them. Further studies are in progress on factors mediating these changes and on the nature of the F bodies.
Upper bounds for time-space trade-offs in sorting and selection

Abstract Upper bound time-space trade-offs are established for sorting and selection in two computational models. For machines with input in read-only random access registers, and for machines with input on a read-only tape, we present algorithms that realize tradeoffs of T · S = O ( N 2 ) for sorting and T log S = O ( N log N ) for selection, where S is thnumber of workspace registers.
Kinetics of Aggregation and Gelation

We define six kinetic growth models that have witnessed an explosion of recent activity: 1 Cancer Growth (Eden) 2 Colloid Growth (Langer-Muller-Krumbhaar; Witten-Sander) 3 Breakdown (Sawada et al.) 4 Crystallization (Rikvold) 5 Invasion Percolation (Schlumberger group) 6 Addition Polymerization (Manneville-de Seze; Herrmann et al.) We also describe briefly some of the approaches used to study these models, with emphasis on the re normalization group approach being developed by us.
Effect of sulfite on the covalent reaction of benzo(a)pyrene metabolites with DNA

Sulfur dioxide (SO2) potentiates the carcinogenicity of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. To investigate the mechanism of SO2 cocarcinogenesis, the effect of sulfite, the hydrated form of SO2, on the covalent reaction of benzo[a]pyrene (BaP) metabolites with DNA in vitro was measured. [14C]BaP was incubated with rat lung or liver post-mitochondrial supernatant (S9), an NADPH generating system, calf thymus DNA and sodium sulfite (0-20 mM). In the presence of lung S9, covalent reaction increased linearly from 0.66 to 1.20 pmol BaP metabolites per mg DNA with increasing sulfite concentrations. Addition of sulfite to rat liver S9 also increased BaP-DNA adduct formation with BaP-DNA adducts increasing from 80 to 120 pmol per mg DNA. Sulfite altered the amount and pattern of BaP metabolites formed by either lung or liver enzyme preparations. BaP was metabolized more extensively and the amount of water soluble BaP metabolites formed increased significantly with sulfite present. With lung S9, the amount of BaP-tetrols, diols, and phenols increased slightly. With liver S9, diol and phenol formation was significantly lower while tetrol formation was unchanged. Incubation of rat lung S9 with sulfite resulted in formation of glutathione S-sulfonate (GSSO3H), a known inhibitor of glutathione S-transferases mediating the conjugation of glutathione (GSH) and BaP epoxides. Our results suggest that sulfite may, by altering the overall metabolic activation and detoxication of BaP, or by reacting directly with DNA, subsequently affect the covalent reaction of BaP metabolites with DNA. These are offered as possible mechanisms to explain the cocarcinogenic effect of SO2.
The influence of conductivity on the electrophoretic mobility of red blood cells.

Abstract The electrophoretic mobility of a particle in suspension depends upon the ratio of the conductivity of the particle to that of the suspending medium. This investigation shows that, for the purpose of electrophoresis, normal blood cells appear to have zero conductivity even after exposure to low pH, low ionic strength environments which cause irreversible changes in mobility. Osmium-fixed red blood cells, on the other hand, have conductivities which are high enough to have a pronounced effect on their electrophoretic mobility.
Feasibility of energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence determination of gold in soft tissue for clinical applications

The feasibility of using EDXRF for a rapid quantitative analysis of gold in tumor tissue has been investigated. The protocol described here demonstrates that sample biopsies can be analyzed in as little as 8 hours, with minimal sample preparation. Samples were prepared by drying a 35 μL aliquot of tissue dissolved in KOH in a standard EDXRF cup on a Prolene® support, producing a thin sample. Calibration curves of XRF peak intensity (cps per mA) to the gold concentration (0–50 ppm) were prepared for liver, tumor, and a mix of tissue types. A linear regression demonstrated an R2 correlation of 0.93. Analysis of experimental samples showed that gold accumulation in tumors (5.8–41.3 ppm) was in agreement with previous studies, where samples were processed using INAA or ICP-MS. This report provides guidance for elemental analysis of gold in tissue in a shorter time span, showing potential for its use in a clinical setting.
Snow-Induced Building Failures

AbstractThis study examines 1,029 snow-induced building failure incidents in the United States between 1989 and 2009 and 91 international incidents between 1979 and 2009. Incidents were identified through newspaper archives, including 1,345 articles from 883 unique sources. Most U.S. incidents occurred in New York, New Hampshire, and Massachusetts. Findings show that 37% of all buildings experiencing snow-induced failure incidents in the United States were of metal/steel construction and another 37% were of timber, while 53% of international incidents were metal/steel and 17% were concrete. Warehouses, factories, and commercial buildings were the most common buildings affected. Failures were attributed to the amount of snow, rain-on-snow mixes, and building problems. Monetary impacts included building damages ranging between $1,000 and $200 million and business interruption associated with an average building closure of four months. Nineteen fatalities and 146 injuries were reported for the United States,...
Experimental Study of UWB Impulse Response and Time Reversal Communication Technique up to 12 GHz

In this study, we present an experimental study of the time reversal (TR) technique in a single-input single-output configuration over the frequency range of 2-12 GHz. Our TR implementation is demonstrated to have high accuracy by comparing experimental TR traces with theoretical traces computed from the measured channel response. A special emphasis of this work is to investigate the effectiveness of TR in typical line-of-sight (LOS) and non-line-of-sight (NLOS) indoor environments for omni-directional antennas. We discuss the effects of the channel multipath dispersion on the received responses in both time and frequency domains. "RMS delay spread" and "peak-to-average power ratio" are calculated as two basic parameters for impulse response and TR performance evaluations. Our study suggests that the effectiveness of TR is subject to a trade-off between competing effects - namely, compensation of spectral phase variation (which leads to compression) and aggravation of spectral amplitude structure (which opposes compression). TR appears to mitigate multipath dispersion in NLOS channels to a modest extent. However, in LOS scenarios the effectiveness of TR in compressing time spread associated with multipath delay appears to be very limited.
Design and control of optimal feedforward trajectories for scanners: STM example

This article addresses the design and control of optimal scan trajectories, which is important in applications such as the imaging of nano-scale surface phenomena using scanning tunneling microscopes (STM), quick-return mechanisms and cam used in manufacturing, and general repeating processes. In this article we pose the problem of designing the output trajectory for a scanner such that the input energy is minimized. The problem is solved by first integrating optimal control techniques with a model-based inversion approach. After this integration, the input-energy for the entire scan is then minimized to solve the optimal scanning problem. Additionally, the method is applied to high-speed scanning of an STM, which is a key tool in emerging nanotechnologies. Simulation and experimental results are presented to illustrate the technique and its advantages.
New approaches for chip-to-chip interconnects: integrating porous silicon with MOEMS

We describe two types of active optical devices developed for use as free-space optical interconnects FSOIs for chip-to-chip communications. The design of both types of devices—membrane and freestanding structures—includes both optical and mechanical components. The optical component contains porous silicon PSi with customized optical properties fabricated by electrochemical etching of silicon. The mechanical part of the devices is composed of metal/nitride bimorph thermal actuators. The membrane devices form concave mirrors when actuated, and can be used to focus the incoming optical signals and correct any optical misalignment within the input/output I/O fabric. The freestanding devices have out-of-plane optical components, whose tilting angle is controlled by the current applied to the actuator. These devices can function as either reflectors or tunable optical filters. By incorporating the developed PSi diffractive optical element DOE into the freestanding structure, another type of freestanding device is realized for beamsplitting applications. Details of the fabrication, testing, and integration of these PSi-based devices are presented.
THE EFFECTS OF HIGH IRRADIANCE ON THE SETTLEMENT COMPETENCY AND VIABILITY OF KELP ZOOSPORES

Elevated irradiance has a profound effect on the successful dispersal and establishment of kelp zoospores, affecting their physiology and viability. The research to date, however, has been on zoospores localized near the benthos, with little attention on the importance of vertical transportation and subsequent exposure to increased irradiance. Therefore, we wanted to investigate the effects of exposure to high irradiance on the reproductive planktonic life-history stages of kelps Macrocystis pyrifera (L.) C. Agardh and Pterygophora californica Rupr. Zoospores of both species were exposed to different irradiances (75, 275, 575, 1,025 μmol photons · m(-2) · s(-1) ) over varying durations (1, 2, 4, 8, 12 h) and subsequently monitored for settlement competency, gametophyte development, and reproductive viability. Settlement success for M. pyrifera was uniform throughout all irradiance × time treatments, while settlement for P. californica decreased with increasing exposure time but not irradiance, although settlement was generally reduced at the highest irradiance level. Following zoospore settlement, germ tube development was visible in the gametophytes of both species within 1 week, although a significant decline of germ tube density in P. californica was observed with increasing irradiance. Similarly, a decrease in germ tube development with increasing exposure was observed across all irradiance levels for M. pyrifera, but irradiance itself was not significant. Further development into embryonic sporophytes was remarkably similar to gametophyte development, suggesting that the effect of exposure of kelp zoospores to high irradiance on subsequent sporophyte production is mediated through gametophyte development as well as zoospore survival.
Human Color Perception, Cognition, and Culture: Why "Red" is Always Red

This article is an overview of color vision and color perception from an evolutionary and anthropological perspective. It is intended for an audience with no prior background in either of these fields of study. This is an effort to provide a general overview of some the more recent significant works regarding color vision and perception, in an evolutionary framework, that is accessible to a general audience. Though it is intended to explain some of the general dynamics of a detailed and complex history, this cannot be considered an exhaustive overview, but a general description of some of the fundamental anthropological and evolutionary understandings of color vision and perception.
Stimulation of normal human fibroblast collagen production and processing by transforming growth factor-β

Summary Transforming growth factor-β (TGF β) a growth factor with diverse effects on cellular growth and metabolism, caused dramatic stimulation of total protein and collagen synthesis by confluent normal human dermal fibroblasts in culture in a dose-dependent manner. Gel electrophoresis of the newly synthesized macromolecules from the culture media of TGF β treated cultures demonstrated accelerated procollagen processing. These results indicate that TGF β is capable of qualitatively and quantitatively influencing the biosynthesis of matrix molecules by fibroblasts, and raise the possibility that TGF may play a role in the development of normal and pathologic fibrogenesis.
Automatic monitoring of temperature and/or location: A computer-controlled radiotelemetry system

A radiotelemetry system for continuous monitoring of the temperature and/or location of small animals is described. All the functions of system control are carried out by an on-line microcomputer (TRS-80 Model III), resulting in a versatile system capable of alternating recording the temperature/location of multiple subjects with other behavioral or physiological events, such as activity level. We describe the use of this system in monitoring body temperature in hamsters and in recording the incubation pattern of breeding ring doves.
Rationalization of thermal injury quantification methods: Application to skin burns

Classification of thermal injury is typically accomplished either through the use of an equivalent dosimetry method (equivalent minutes at 43 °C, CEM43 °C) or through a thermal-injury-damage metric (the Arrhenius method). For lower-temperature levels, the equivalent dosimetry approach is typically employed while higher-temperature applications are most often categorized by injury-damage calculations. The two methods derive from common thermodynamic/physical chemistry origins. To facilitate the development of the interrelationships between the two metrics, application is made to the case of skin burns. This thermal insult has been quantified by numerical simulation, and the extracted time-temperature results served for the evaluation of the respective characterizations. The simulations were performed for skin-surface exposure temperatures ranging from 60 to 90 °C, where each surface temperature was held constant for durations extending from 10 to 110 s. It was demonstrated that values of CEM43 at the basal layer of the skin were highly correlated with the depth of injury calculated from a thermal injury integral. Local values of CEM43 were connected to the local cell survival rate, and a correlating equation was developed relating CEM43 with the decrease in cell survival from 90% to 10%. Finally, it was shown that the cell survival/CEM43 relationship for the cases investigated here most closely aligns with isothermal exposure of tissue to temperatures of ~50 °C.
Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone Stimulates Mass Changes in Phosphoinositides and Diacylglycerol Accumulation in Purified Gonadotrope Cell Cultures*

GnRH stimulates rapid and specific hydrolysis of the phosphoinositides and their conversion to diacylglycerols (DAGs) in enriched gonadotrope cultures. In short term labeling studies, we observed stimulation of 32P incorporaton into inositol phospholipids; no corresponding change was seen in other major phospholipids. The observation that this response continues in the presence of the Ca2+ channel antagonist D600 suggests that, unlike LH release, stimulation of phosphatidylinositol (PI) production is independent of mobilization of extracellular Ca2+. Agents that substitute for endogenous DAGs (phorbol myristate acetate) or mobilize Ca2+ directly (ionophore A23187) did not stimulate 32P incorporation into PI. Relative mass changes in Pis in response to GnRH were measured in a 32P/33P protocol. These showed a fall (40%) in the level of the inositol phospholipids within 45 sec, with a new steady state achieved at a lower level by 5 min. Phosphatidic acid formation was stimulated by GnRH within 2 min, with a ...
Variability of Selected Soil Properties and Their Relationships with Soybean Yield

Given the potential for high amounts of variability in yield-affecting soil factors, some soil property or properties may serve as a basis for site-specific soil management. The objectives of this study were to determine the variability of selected soil properties and to determine the relationships between these soil properties and soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] yield. Soil samples were collected from the center point of 0.5-ha grids in three fields and were analyzed for soil-test-extractable Ca, Mg, K, P, pH in water, and texture. Relative elevation, slope, aspect, and soybean yield were also determined at these points. Coefficient of variation, Pearson correlation coefficients, and principal component (PC) analysis coupled with stepwise regression were used to analyze the data. Two of the three fields had medium to high P and K values but low yields while the third field had low P and K values but relatively higher yields, suggesting factors other than P and K levels were affecting yield. Soil variability, with the exception of pH, was highest in the North field. Potassium in this field exhibited evidence of high amounts of small-scale spatial or temporal variability. Across all three fields, pH had the lowest amount of variability while variability in soil fertility varied from year to year and field to field. Fertility parameters had to be considered with other soil factors to determine their relationship to yield. Topography-yield relationships varied from field to field. Areas with higher clay content in all three fields had higher yield, suggesting clay could be used as a basis for site-specific soil management.
Personality pathology and substance abuse in eating disorders: a longitudinal study.

Objective: Substance abuse has been shown to predict poor outcome in eating disorder (ED) samples, and prior cross-sectional data on personality subtypes of EDs suggest that substance abuse is associated with dysregulated and possibly avoidant-insecure subtypes. This study investigates longitudinal associations between personality and substance use. Method: Personality pathology and substance use were assessed in 213 individuals with anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa at baseline; substance use was assessed at regular follow-up intervals over a 9-year period. Results: Of the five personality factors identified, the obsessional-sensitive and high-functioning types were negatively associated with substance abuse at baseline, while the behaviorally dysregulated type was positively associated with substance abuse at baseline. Longitudinal associations were observed, suggesting that obsessional-sensitive personality type was protective against the development of substance abuse. Longitudinal associations between the other personality types and substance abuse were nonsignificant after baseline substance abuse history was included as a covariate in the model. Conclusion: Substance use demonstrates cross-sectional associations with personality style, but substance abuse history appears to be the most important predictor of future substance abuse in women with eating disorders. © 2007 by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Eat Disord 2008
The crystal and molecular structure of trans-tetracarbonylbis(triphenyl-phosphine)chromium(0) in a new unit cell: Is the trans conformer more stable than the cis?

The crystal and molecular structure of trans-Cr(CO)4(PPh3)2 has been determined by single crystal X-ray diffraction. The structure differs from one previously reported, packing in a different unit cell with no molecular center of symmetry. This asymmetry, coupled with the noncoplanarity of the four equatorial carbonyl ligands indicates that the structure is dominated by steric interactions. In spite of this, density functional calculations oncis-M(CO)4(PPh3)2 vs. trans-M(CO)4(PPh3)2, M = Cr, Mo, and W, predict that the “gas phase” cis conformer is more stable than the trans conformer for all three metals. The complex crystallizes in the triclinic space group $$P{\bar 1}$$ with lattice parameters a = 10.139(5) A, b = 10.583(5) A, c =17.911(5) A, α= 75.860(5)°, β = 77.410(5)°, γ = 65.930(5)°, V =1686.3(12) A3, Z =2.
Psychological effects of hirsutism: Analysis of drawings by hirsute females

Abstract Many women in the United States are afflicted with hirsutism, or excess facial and body hair. Besides being indicative of a hormonal problem, hirsutism often appears to be associated with psychological manifestations. To better understand the psychological impact of hirsutism on women, the authors analyzed drawings by six hirsute females. These studies demonstrated disturbances in sexual identity, interpersonal conflicts, and social isolation in all six cases. In addition, the evaluations disclosed a significant degree of depression. These findings suggest that the psychological effects of hirsutism on women are unusually underestimated and should be given more recognition.
A method to produce two-phase nanocomposites in solid state

We demonstrate that full-density, bulk, two-phase nanocomposites can be produced stoning from a powder mixture of two coarse-grained individual phases in equilibrium. Instead of going through liquid or vapor phase precursors, mixing is achieved through mechanical milling, a highly nonequilibrium driven process imposing external forcing. The precursor created is a supersaturated solid solution with nanocrystalline grain sizes. Upon subsequent hot consolidation to bulk samples, phase separation occurs on the scale of the nanograins, forming two-phase nanocomposites in situ. Transmission electron microscopy of the Cu60Fe40 sample presented in this paper confirm that, after full density processing using the sinter forging consolidation scheme, nanophase grains are maintained and a homogeneous twophase micro structure is obtained.
The effect of a conditioned fear inhibitor (CS-) during response prevention upon extinction of an avoidance response☆

Abstract Pairing a Pavlovian safety signal ( CS —) with a response prevention period was contrasted with other response prevention procedures to determine relative effectiveness for the elimination of learned avoidance behavior. After acquiring a one-way avoidance response, five groups of ten rats received various blocking or control treatments and were then compared on extinction performance. The four blocking treatments included blocking paired with a safety signal; blocking only; blocking paired with a novel stimulus; and blocking paired with a preexposed noncontingent tone. The fifth group served as a handling control. Compared to the handling control, all four blocking groups reached extinction criterion in fewer trials. Further, the safety signal group extinguished faster than the blocking only group or the blocking with noncontingent tone group. Results were viewed as an indication of the potential efficacy of pairing-conditioned fear-inhibiting cues with response prevention procedures for the elimination of fear-motivated behavior. Implications for behavioral therapy techniques were discussed.
High Mobility Group Box 1 Inhibits Human Pulmonary Artery Endothelial Cell Migration via a Toll-like Receptor 4- and Interferon Response Factor 3-dependent Mechanism(s)

In pulmonary hypertension the loss of precapillary arterioles results from vascular injury causing endothelial dysfunction. Endothelial cell migration and proliferation are critical for vascular regeneration. This study focused on the effect of high mobility group box 1 protein (HMGB1) on these critical processes. HMGB1 had no effect on human pulmonary artery endothelial cell (HPAEC) proliferation. In contrast, treatment of HPAECs with HMGB1 dose-dependently inhibited VEGF-stimulated HPAEC migration. The effect of HMGB1 on HPAEC migration was TLR4-dependent because it was reversed by TLR4 siRNA or TLR4-neutralizing antibody. Exposure of HPAECs to hypoxia caused translocation and release of HMGB1 and inhibition of HPAEC migration. The effect of hypoxia on HPAEC migration was mediated by HMGB1 because HMGB1-neutralizing antibody but not control IgG restored HPAEC migration. Likewise, TLR4 siRNA but not control siRNA reversed the inhibitory effect of hypoxia in HPAECs. The canonical TLR4 signaling pathway requires the adaptor protein MyD88 and leads to downstream NFκB activation. Interestingly, HMGB1 failed to stimulate NFκB translocation to the nucleus, but instead activated an alternative pathway characterized by activation of interferon response factor 3 (IRF3). This was in contrast to human umbilical vein endothelial cells in which HMGB1 stimulated nuclear translocation of NFκB but not IRF3. IRF3 siRNA, but not MyD88 siRNA, reversed the inhibitory effect of HMGB1 on HPAEC migration. These data demonstrate that HMGB1 inhibits HPAEC migration, a critical process for vascular regeneration, via TLR4- and IRF3-dependent mechanisms.
New Drugs of 2000

Objective: To provide information regarding the most important properties of the new therapeutic agents marketed in 2000. Data Sources: Published studies, drug information reference sources, and product labeling. Data Synthesis: In 2000, 33 new therapeutic agents were marketed. The indications and information on dosage and administration for the new agents are reviewed, as are the most important pharmacokinetic properties, adverse events, drug interactions, and other precautions. Practical considerations for the use of the new agents are also discussed. Where possible, the properties of the new drugs are compared with those of older drugs marketed for the same indications. Conclusion: A number of the new therapeutic agents marketed in 2000 have important advantages over older medications. An understanding of the properties of these agents is important if the pharmacist is to effectively counsel patients about their use and to serve as a valuable source of information for other health care professionals regarding these drugs.
Thermodynamic Analyses of Tri-reforming Reactions To Produce Syngas

Thermodynamic analysis of tri-reforming reactions to produce synthesis gas has been conducted by total Gibbs energy minimization to understand the effects of process variables, such as temperature (200–1000 °C), pressure (1–20 atm), and inlet O2/CH4 (0–1.0), H2O/CH4 (0–3.0), and CO2/CH4 (0–3.0) mole ratios on the product distribution. The results reveal that high temperature and low pressure are favorable to achieve high H2 production and CO2 conversion. In addition, excessive additions of H2O, O2, and CO2 bring about lower H2 yield and CO2 conversion, while low concentrations of H2O, O2, and CO2 result in more intense carbon formation. To attain the maximum H2 yield and high CO2 conversion coupled with a desired synthesis gas (H2/CO) ratio for the downstream methanol production and effective elimination of carbon formation, the corresponding optimum feed ratio in tri-reforming process is identified to be CH4/CO2/H2O/O2 = 1:0.291:0.576:0.088.
A Methodology for the Characterization of Ion-Exchange Resins

Tremendous strides have been made in the field of stationary phase synthesis over the course of the last decade. Although important research has been carried out to elucidate the characteristics of various resins, there is currently a lack of understanding regarding the effect of the various resin materials on preparative modes of chromatography. To describe preparative chromatography, one needs to have appropriate isotherm and transport models. In this article a methodology is presented to enable the identification of appropriate transport models to describe the chromatographic behavior of solutes in preparative ion-exchange systems. The methodology involves simple pulse experiments to estimate the various transport parameters followed by the construction and analysis of various dimensionless groups to identify the dominant transport mechanisms in a given resin. Following this, one can identify an appropriate transport model to describe the chromatographic behavior of solutes on the resin material. This ...
Evolution in health and medicine Sackler colloquium: Evolution of the human lifespan and diseases of aging: roles of infection, inflammation, and nutrition.

Humans have evolved much longer lifespans than the great apes, which rarely exceed 50 years. Since 1800, lifespans have doubled again, largely due to improvements in environment, food, and medicine that minimized mortality at earlier ages. Infections cause most mortality in wild chimpanzees and in traditional forager-farmers with limited access to modern medicine. Although we know little of the diseases of aging under premodern conditions, in captivity, chimpanzees present a lower incidence of cancer, ischemic heart disease, and neurodegeneration than current human populations. These major differences in pathology of aging are discussed in terms of genes that mediate infection, inflammation, and nutrition. Apolipoprotein E alleles are proposed as a prototype of pleiotropic genes, which influence immune responses, arterial and Alzheimer’s disease, and brain development.
The neutron zero-energy total cross section and scattering lengths for tritium☆

Abstract New results for the neutron total cross section for tritium extrapolate to 1.70 ± 0.03 b at zero energy. With a theoretical constraint A 1 / A 0 =0.92 ± 0.04, the scattering lengths A 1 =3.60 ± 0.10, A 0 = 3.91 ± 0.12, and A c =3.68 ± 0.05 fm can be inferred independently of, but consistently with, the previous experimental value for the coherent length A c =3.82 ± 0.24 fm.
Establishment of Conditionally Immortalized Mouse Glomerular Parietal Epithelial Cells in Culture

Parietal epithelial cells (PEC) are major constituents of crescents in crescentic glomerulonephritis. The purpose of these studies was to establish an immortalized PEC cell line with similar characteristics to PEC in vivo for use in future mechanistic studies. Glomeruli were isolated from H-2Kb tsA58 transgenic mice (ImmortoMouse) by standard differential sieving, and several candidate PEC cell lines were obtained by subcloning outgrowths of cells from capsulated glomeruli. One clone, designated mouse PEC (mPEC), was extensively characterized. mPEC exhibited a compact cell body with typical epithelial morphology when grown in permissive conditions, but the cell shape changed to polygonal after 14 d in growth-restrictive conditions. mPEC but not podocytes used as a negative control expressed claudin-1, claudin-2, and protein gene product 9.5, which are proteins specific to PEC in vivo, and did not express the podocyte-specific proteins synaptopodin and nephrin. The junctional proteins zonula occludens-1 and beta-catenin stained positively in both mPEC and podocytes, but the staining pattern at cell-cell contacts was intermittent in mPEC and linear in podocytes. Finally, mPEC had thin bundled cortical F-actin filaments and no F-actin projections compared with podocytes, which exhibited thick bundled cortical F-actin filaments and interdigitating F-actin projections at cell-cell contacts. We conclude that immortalized mPEC in culture exhibit specific features of PEC in vivo and that these cells are distinct from podocytes, despite having the same mesenchymal origin. This mPEC line will assist in future mechanistic studies of PEC and enhance our understanding of glomerular injury.