cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Role of the Phospholipase C Pathway and Calcium Mobilization in Oxytocin-Induced Contraction of Lacrimal Gland Myoepithelial Cells.

Purpose We reported that oxytocin (OXT), added to freshly prepared lacrimal gland lobules, induced myoepithelial cell (MEC) contraction. In other systems, OXT activates phospholipase C (PLC) generating Inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (IP3) which increases intracellular calcium concentration ([Ca2+]i) causing contraction. The aim of the current study was to investigate the role of this pathway in OXT-induced contraction of MEC. Methods Tear volume was measured using the cotton thread method. Lacrimal gland MEC were isolated and propagated from α-smooth muscle actin (SMA)-green fluorescent protein (GFP) mice, in which MEC express GFP making them easily identifiable. RNA and protein samples were prepared for RT-PCR and Western blotting for G protein expression. Changes in [Ca2+]i were measured in Fura-2 loaded MEC using a ratio imaging system. MEC contraction was monitored in real time and changes in cell size were quantified using ImageJ software. Results OXT applied either topically to surgically exposed lacrimal glands or delivered subcutaneously resulted in increased tear volume. OXT stimulated lacrimal gland MEC contraction in a dose-dependent manner, with a maximum response at 10-7 M. MEC express the PLC coupling G proteins, Gαq and Gα11, and their activation by OXT resulted in a concentration-dependent increase in [Ca2+]i with a maximum response at 10-6 M. Furthermore, the activation of the IP3 receptor to increase [Ca2+]i is crucial for OXT-induced MEC contraction since blocking the IP3 receptor with 2-APB completely abrogated this response. Conclusions We conclude that OXT uses the PLC/Ca2+ pathway to stimulate MEC contraction and increase lacrimal gland secretion.
Power Consumption Estimation of a C Program for Data-Intensive Applications

A method for estimating the power consumption of an algorithm is presented. The estimation can be performed both from the C program and from the assembly code. It relies on a power model for the targeted processor. Without compilation, several targets can be compared at the C-level in order to rapidly explore the design space. The estimation can be refined afterwards at the assembly level to allow further code optimizations. The power model of the Texas Instrument TMS320C6201 is presentedas a case study. Estimations are performed on real-life digital signal processing applications with average errors of 4.2 % at the C-level, and 1.8 % at the assembly level.
Solubilization of prostacyclin membrane receptors from human platelets.

Abstract Prostacyclin (PGI2) receptors have been identified on platelets and other tissues but their physicochemical properties remain unknown due to difficulties in obtaining active solubilized receptors. We evaluated the ability of several detergents to release the receptors from platelet membrane preparations. In contrast to the results of Dutta-Roy and Sinha (Dutta-Roy, A. K., and Sinha, A. K. (1987) J. Biol. Chem. 262, 12685-12691) which revealed selective solubilization of PGE1/PGI2 receptors by 0.05% Triton X-100, we found that CHAPS (3-[(3-chlamidopropyl)dimethylammonio]-1-propanesulfonic acid) (10 mM) was far superior in releasing the PGI2 receptors. In fact, Triton X-100 failed to release detectable PGI2 binding activity into the supernatant. The CHAPS-solubilized receptor degraded rapidly unless 30% glycerol was added which greatly enhanced its stability. By employing an improved binding assay using [3H]iloprost as the ligand and selective membrane filters (AP-15 or GF/B) pretreated with polyethyleneimine for achieving a higher trapping efficiency, we showed by equilibrium binding measurements that the solubilized receptors exhibited a single class of binding sites with a KD of 18.5 nM and Bmax 0.5 pmol/mg. These values were similar to those of the membrane receptors, i.e. KD of 16.6 nM and Bmax 1.0 pmol/mg. Kinetic binding measurements of the solubilized receptors revealed an association rate constant of 0.51 x 10(6) M-1 s-1 and dissociation rate constant of 0.0041 s-1 yielding a calculated KD of 8.0 nM. Displacement of [3H]iloprost (Ki values) from the solubilized and the membrane receptors by diversified eicosanoids was parallel. Our data demonstrate for the first time a successful solubilization of platelet PGI2 receptors. The solubilized receptors retained almost identical binding characteristics as the native membrane receptors.
Altered Electron Flow in Continuous Cultures of Clostridium acetobutylicum Induced by Viologen Dyes

The physiological response of Clostridium acetobutylicum to methyl and benzyl viologen was investigated. Viologen dyes at low concentrations (at levels of parts per million [micrograms per milliliter]) caused significant metabolic shifts. Altered electron flow appeared to direct carbon flow from acid to alcohol production accompanied by decreased hydrogen evolution. Reducing equivalents normally released as free hydrogen were directed toward formation of NADH which, in turn, resulted in increased alcohol production. In addition, it was shown that solvent production can take place at pH 6.3. Contrary to previous reports, butanol production appears to be independent of high levels of acetate-butyrate and glucose.
Cementoblastoma. A clinical-pathologic study of seven new cases.

Abstract Results of a clinicopathologic study of seven cases of cementoblastoma revealed a narrow age distribution of 15 to 22 years, a tendency for the tumor to cause pain or discomfort, and relatively consistent radiographic findings showing central mottled opacity with a well-demarcated radiolucent border of variable width. Tumors were fused to teeth and microscopically resembled osteoid osteoma and benign osteoblastoma, lesions which may be related to cementoblastoma. Cellular areas can be mistaken for osteosarcoma. Treatment of all cases consisted of enucleation, and none of the tumors recurred during follow-up intervals of 6 to 10 years. There seems to be justification for retaining the term cementoblastoma.
For the Love of Women: Gender, Identity, and Same-Sex Relations in a Greek Provincial Town

For the Love of Women: Gender, Identity, and Same-Sex Relations in. Greek Provincial Town. Elisabeth Kirtsoglu. New York: Routledge, 2004. 192 pp.
The Many Faces of IL-7: From Lymphopoiesis to Peripheral T Cell Maintenance

IL-7 is well known as a lymphopoietic cytokine, but recent studies have also identified a critical role for IL-7 in peripheral T cell homeostasis. IL-7 is well poised to serve as a homeostatic cytokine because it is produced by resting stromal cells, the IL-7R is present on most T cells, and IL-7 down-regulates its own receptor. These features allow IL-7 to signal large numbers of resting T cells and to be efficiently used when supplies are limiting. Consistent with this, in normal hosts, IL-7 is required for survival of naive T cell populations, and IL-7 contributes to homeostatic cycling of naive and memory cells. In addition, lymphopenic hosts accumulate increased levels of IL-7, and the supranormal levels are largely responsible for inducing homeostatic peripheral expansion in response to lymphopenia. Thus, IL-7 plays critical and nonredundant roles in both T cell lymphopoiesis and in maintaining and restoring peripheral T cell homeostasis.
Detecting time series motifs under uniform scaling

Time series motifs are approximately repeated patterns foundwithin the data. Such motifs have utility for many data mining algorithms, including rule-discovery,novelty-detection, summarization and clustering. Since the formalization of the problem and the introduction of efficient linear time algorithms, motif discovery has been successfully applied tomany domains, including medicine, motion capture, robotics and meteorology.In this work we show that most previous applications of time series motifs have been severely limited by the definition's brittleness to even slight changes of uniform scaling, the speed at which the patterns develop. We introduce a new algorithm that allows discovery of time series motifs with invariance to uniform scaling, and show that it produces objectively superior results in several important domains. Apart from being more general than all other motifdiscovery algorithms, a further contribution of our work isthat it is simpler than previous approaches, in particular we have drastically reduced the number of parameters that need to be specified.
Stabilized rice bran and oat bran lower cholesterol in humans

Abstract Dietary fibers such as cereal brans may be used as a tool to reduce blood cholesterol in hypercholesterolemic individuals. This study compared the effects of rice bran and oat bran in eleven human subjects with moderately-high blood cholesterol levels. In a 10-week controlled feeding trial, subjects consumed 100 g/day stabilized rice bran or 100 g/day oat bran for two 3-week periods in a crossover design. Prior to each bran phase, a control diet without bran was provided for 2 weeks. Total cholesterol levels decreased 7.0% when subjects consumed rice bran or oat bran. The decrease was primarily the result of a reduction in LDL-cholesterol. HDL- and VLDL- cholesterol, in addition to triglycerides were not significantly changed by either bran source. Rice bran was equally effective as oat bran in lowering blood cholesterl levels.
Responsive materials: soft answers for hard problems.

Soft matter has the remarkable ability to respond to stimuli in a variety of ways. Not only does this enable its application to existing scientific problems, but it also allows previously unimagined technological directions to be explored.
Crystals for stellar spectrometers

Crystal evaluation as it applies to instrumentation employed in X-ray astronomy is reviewed, and some solutions are offered to problems that are commonly encountered. A general approach for selecting the most appropriate crystals for a given problem is also suggested. The energy dependence of the diffraction properties of (002) PET, (111) Ge, (101) ADP, (101) KAP, and (001) RAP are reported.
Steepest Descent For Efficient Covariance Tracking

Recent research has advocated the use of a covariance matrix of image features for tracking objects instead of the conventional histogram object representation models used in popular algorithms. In this paper we extend the covariance tracker and propose efficient algorithms with an emphasis on both improving the tracking accuracy and reducing the execution time. The algorithms are compared to a baseline covariance tracker and the popular histogram-based mean shift tracker. Quantitative evaluations on a publicly available dataset demonstrate the efficacy of the presented methods. Our algorithms obtain significant speedups factors up to 330 while reducing the tracking errors by 86-90% relative to the baseline approach.
Another brief recursion excursion to Hanoi

We propose another simple Towers of Hanoi variant, a hybrid between classical Hanoi and linear Hanoi, in which the rules governing movement depend on ring color. An optimal algorithm is presented. The problem and its heavily recursive solution are not difficult; perhaps one of its more interesting facets is that the optimality proof uses simultaneous induction on four statements. This paper can be viewed as similar in purpose and spirit to the author's previous work [1]; the goal here is again to present a fun example of potential usefulness in teaching discrete mathematics and data structures courses.
Hypoxia-Ischemia, But Not Hypoxia Alone, Induces the Expression of Heme Oxygenase-1 (HSP32) in Newborn Rat Brain

Heme oxygenase (HO) is the rate-limiting enzyme in the degradation of heme to produce bile pigments and carbon monoxide. The HO-1 isozyme is induced by a variety of agents such as heat, heme, and hydrogen peroxide. Evidence suggests that the bile pigments serve as antioxidants in cells with compromised defense mechanisms. Because hypoxia-ischemia (HI) increases the level of oxygen free radicals, the induction of HO-1 expression in the brain during ischemia could modulate the response to oxidative stress. To study the possible involvement of HO-1 in neonatal hypoxia-induced ischemic tolerance, we examined the brains of newborn rat pups exposed to 8% O2 (for 2.5 to 3 hours), and the brain of chronically hypoxic rat pups with congenital cardiac defects (Wistar Kyoto; WKY/ NCr). Heme oxygenase-1 immunostaining did not change after either acute or chronic hypoxia, suggesting that HO-1 is not a good candidate for explaining hypoxia preconditioning in newborn rat brain. To study the role of HO-1 in neonatal HI, 1-week-old rats were subjected to right carotid coagulation and exposure to 8% O2/92% N2 for 2.5 hours. Whereas HO enzymatic activity was unchanged in ipsilateral cortex and subcortical regions compared with the contralateral hemisphere or control brains, immunocytochemistry and Western blot analysis showed increased HO-1 staining in ipsilateral cortex, hippocampus, and striatum at 12 to 24 hours up to 7 days after HI. Double fluorescence immunostaining showed that HO-1 was expressed mostly in ED-1 positive macrophages. Because activated brain macrophages have been associated with the release of several cytotoxic molecules, the presence of HO-1 positive brain macrophages may determine the tissue vulnerability after HI injury.
A first principle pseudopotential calculation of the elastic shear constants of beryllium

Abstract The three independent elastic shear constants of beryllium are calculated from a first principle pseudopotential method.
Review times in statistical journals: tilting at windmills?

Summary. Using limited data, I argue that the review times in statistics are far too long for the field to keep pace with the rapidly changing environment in science. I note that statisticians do not appear to believe in statistics because data on the review process are not widely available to members of the profession. I suggest a few changes that could be made to speed up the review process, although it would appear that a change in our culture is required before the problem will be solved.
Synthesis and characterization of a pure zeolitic membrane

Abstract A new membranous material was synthesized, composed of a continuous intergrowth of 10–100 μm ZSM-5 crystals. The membrane was crystallized under hydrothermal conditions at 180°C on a variety of flat nonporous surfaces including Teflon, silver, and stainless steel and on the external surface of a porous Vycor disk. The permeability and selectivity of the membrane was measured for three bicomponent gas mixtures. The following permeability ratios were computed: O 2 N 2 : 1.07; H 2 CO : 1.62; n- C 6 H 14 CH 3 C(CH 3 ) 2 CH 2 CH 3 : 17.2. These results show that the material can discriminate between permeates at the molecular level because of shape-selective transport within the ZSM-5 pore system.
The embrittlement of nickel following high temperature air exposure

The embrittlement of three grades of nickel following air exposure at 1000 °C is reported. This embrittlement manifests itself in a dramatic loss in tensile ductility around the 800 °C range, and is accompanied by a transition to intergranular failure. Similar behavior has previously been reported in nickel-base superalloys, but is now shown to be a general property of nickel. Tests in a variety of atmospheres have established that the damaging species is oxygen, and that this can have a profound effect, even when present at very low partial pressures. Grain boundaries are observed to be pinned and recrystallization suppressed after oxygen exposure. This lack of boundary mobility has been used to explain the temperature dependence of the embrittlement observed, and has been related to some of the results seen in superalloys. Finally, a few implications for environment-property interactions are considered.
Synergistic activity of polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbon mixtures as aryl hydrocarbon (Ah) receptor agonists

The relative potencies of benzo[a]pyrene and a complex mixture of polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) produced as by-products of manufactured gas plant (MGP) residues as inducers of hepatic microsomal ethoxyresorufin O-deethylase (EROD) activity were determined in the B6C3F1 mouse. The ED50 values for the induction response were 78 and 65 mg/kg for benzo[a]pyrene and the MGP-PAH mixture, respectively. Analysis of the MGP-PAH mixture indicated that benzo[a]pyrene and other compounds containing four or more rings and which are known to induce EROD activity were only present as trace components of this mixture. A comparison of the EROD induction potencies of benzo[a]pyrene and the MGP-PAH mixture showed that the mixture was approximately 706 times more potent than expected based on its benzo[a]pyrene content (0.17%). This induced P-450 activity could significantly increase the metabolism of the carcinogenic PAHs and thereby modulate the overall carcinogenicity of the mixture. The apparent synergistic activity of the MGP-PAH mixture was further investigated by comparing the activities of this mixture and benzo[a]pyrene for several other aryl hydrocarbon (Ah) receptor-mediated responses including (i) induction of hepatic CYP1A1 mRNA levels, (ii) transformation of the rat cytosolic Ah receptor to a complex which binds to a dioxin responsive element, (iii) induction of EROD activity and (iv) antiestrogenicity in MCF-7 human breast cancer cells, and (v) inhibition of the splenic plaque-forming cell (PFC) response to both T cell-dependent and independent antigens in B6C3F1 mice. For the EROD and CYP1A1 mRNA induction and cytosolic transformation activities and immunosuppressive effects, the MGP-PAH mixture was approximately 100-900 times more potent as an Ah receptor agonist than expected based on its benzo[a]pyrene content. The synergistic activity was lower (19-fold) for the antiestrogenic response in MCF-7 cells. The reason for the synergistic effects of the MGP-PAH mixture were not due to contamination of the mixture by 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin and related compounds and the results suggest that the enhanced potency of the mixture is due to unknown interactions between the individual PAHs present in the mixture.
The short-term safety and efficacy of fluoxetine in depressed adolescents with alcohol and cannabis use disorders: a pilot randomized placebo-controlled trial

The objective of this study was to examine whether fluoxetine was superior to placebo in the acute amelioration of depressive symptomatology in adolescents with depressive illness and a comorbid substance use disorder. Eligible subjects ages 12–17 years with either a current major depressive disorder (MDD) or a depressive disorder that were also suffering from a comorbid substance-related disorder were randomized to receive either fluoxetine or placebo in this single site, 8-week double-blind, placebo-controlled study. The primary outcome analysis was a random effects mixed model for repeated measurements of Children's Depression Rating Scale-Revised (CDRS-R) scores compared between treatment groups across time. An interim analysis was performed after 34 patients were randomized. Based on the results of a futility analysis, study enrollment was halted. Twenty-nine males and 5 females were randomized to receive fluoxetine (n = 18) or placebo (n = 16). Their mean age was 16.5 (1.1) years. Overall, patients who received fluoxetine and placebo had a reduction in CDRS-R scores. However, there was no significant difference in mean change in CDRS-R total score in those subjects treated with fluoxetine and those who received placebo (treatment difference = 0.19, S.E. = 0.58, F = 0.14, p = .74). Furthermore, there was not a significant difference in rates of positive urine drug toxicology results between treatment groups at any post-randomization visit (F = 0.22, df = 1, p = 0.65). The main limitation of this study is its modest sample size and resulting low statistical power. Other significant limitations to this study include, but are not limited to, the brevity of the trial, high placebo response rate, limited dose range of fluoxetine, and the inclusion of youth who met criteria for depressive disorders other than MDD. Fluoxetine was not superior to placebo in alleviating depressive symptoms or in decreasing rates of positive drug screens in the acute treatment of adolescents with depression and a concomitant substance use disorder.
Using a folk story to generate discussion about substance over form

It is a well-established principle of financial accounting that the economic substance of transactions rather than their legal form should be reflected in published accounts. Recent revelations abo...
The effect of saturation on velocity in low porosity rocks

Abstract V p and V s are often significantly lower near atmospheric pressure than at pressures of a few kilobars for dry rocks with porosity in the form of cracks. When such cracks are filled with water, however, this lowering of velocity is significantly diminished for compressional waves. In contrast, V s is unaffected by the presence of fluid; low velocity persists at low pressure. The shape of the pores in typical crystalline rocks plays an important role: increase in V p due to saturation of pores occurs when the pores are in the form of cracks but not when they are in the form of round holes. As differences in V p of dry and saturated rock at low pressure may approach 50 per cent, the degree of saturation of rocks must be taken into account in many engineering and shallow seismic applications.
Analysis of changes in a yolk glycoprotein complex in the developing sea urchin embryo.

Abstract A sea urchin yolk glycoprotein complex (YGC) was isolated from several developmental stages by velocity centrifugation on sucrose gradients. The YGCs were analyzed by SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis to determine if the molecular composition of the YGC was changing during development. The mass of the YGC did not change with development. However, as development proceeded there were significant changes in the glycoprotein composition of the YGC isolated from either Lytechinus pictus or Strongylocentrotus purpuratus embryos. In both species the YGC isolated from eggs contained three major glycoproteins. The most abundant one had an apparent molecular weight of 190,000 and was designated GP-190. During development the three major egg YGC glycoproteins decreased in relative amounts as intermediate-molecular-weight glycoproteins increased. While these changes were detected in YGCs isolated from either species, the rate of change was much greater in S. purpuratus than in L. pictus. The most significant difference was observed in the rate of decrease in GP-190. In S. purpuratus, GP-190 showed a significant decrease by 8–10 hr postfertilization, while a similar decrease did not occur in L. pictus YGCs until 72 hr postfertilization. To determine how these changes were occurring, both amino acid and carbohydrate analyses were done on the YGC isolated from various stages. From examination of these data, it appeared that the molecular composition of the YGC was changing via very limited proteolysis. The intermediate and low-molecular-weight glycoproteins generated apparently remain assembled in the YGC, thus conserving its mass.
Use of Dietary Supplements Among United States Adults With Coronary Artery Disease and Atherosclerotic Risks

The study seeks to describe the use of dietary supplements promoted for cardiovascular health and the relation between supplement use and coronary artery disease (CAD) and the presence of major CAD risk factors. The aim is also to explore whether use of medications for the treatment of cardiovascular disease or diabetes mellitus (DM) is associated with supplement use. We performed a cross-sectional analysis of the 1999 to 2002 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) of 6,671 adults (representing 119.3 million US adults) aged ≥40 years. We categorized adults into 4 nonoverlapping groups as (1) having reported CAD or stroke (CAD/stroke), (2) DM without CAD/stroke, (3) hypertension (HTN) or hypercholesterolemia (HC) without CAD/stroke or DM (HTN/HC), or (4) none of these conditions (no reported CAD/CAD risk) and performed weighted (NHANES) multiple logistic regression to determine the odds of using supplements (reference group, no reported CAD/CAD risk). After controlling for sociodemographics, health, and lifestyle factors, we found that persons with CAD/Stroke used more supplements (any), vitamin E, folic acid, and niacin, and less fish oil. Those with DM used less coenzyme Q10, and adults with HTN/HC used more supplements (any), herbs (any), and ginseng. Adults with CAD/stroke who used medications for the treatment of cardiovascular disease or DM were more likely to use folic acid compared with those who did not use medications for these conditions. In adults with CAD/stroke, DM, or HTN/HC, those who did not use medications for these conditions were more likely to use herbs and other select supplements. In conclusion, use of dietary supplements is common in those with CAD or CAD risks.
Genome-wide SNP genotyping study using pooled DNA to identify candidate markers mediating susceptibility to end-stage renal disease attributed to Type 1 diabetes.

Aims Genetic factors play a major role in the progression of kidney disease in diabetes. To identify candidate single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) with potential effects on susceptibility to end-stage renal disease (ESRD), we performed a whole genome association scan using pooled DNA from Caucasian individuals with Type 1 diabetes. Methods We utilized the Illumina Infinium II HumanHap 550 beadchip platform to genotype 555 352 SNPs in DNA pools comprised of 547 cases with ESRD and 549 control subjects with Type 1 diabetes duration > 20 years and no ESRD. Pooled probe intensity was used to predict mean allele frequency (MAF) for each locus. Individual genotyping was performed using the iPLEX assay in conjunction with the MassARRAY platform (Sequenom). Results We identified 2870 markers showing substantial differences in MAF (5.0–10.7%) between pools. To initiate validation of these findings, we genotyped 22 high-ranking markers in 462 individuals with ESRD and 470 unaffected control subjects selected from the genome-wide SNP genotyping study sample. We observed the strongest evidence for association between ESRD and rs1749824, located in the ZMIZ1 gene [OR = 1.47 (1.21–1.78) per copy of T allele; P = 8.1 × 10−5] and rs9298190, located in the musculin gene [OR = 1.56 (1.28–1.91) per copy of C allele; P = 1.6 × 10−5]. Evidence for nominal association with markers in or near the IRS2, TMPO, BID, KLRA1, ELMO1 and CNDP1 genes was also observed (P ≤ 0.0006). Conclusions These findings identify several novel loci which may contribute to ESRD susceptibility in individuals with Type 1 diabetes.
Functional significance of predischarge exercise thallium-201 findings following intravenous streptokinase therapy during acute myocardial infarction.

Abstract The purpose of this study was to determine which predischarge exercise thallium-201 imaging pattern(s) best correlate with myocardial salvage following intravenous streptokinase therapy (IVSK). Myocardial salvage was defined as improvement in regional left ventricular function determined by two-dimensional echocardiography between the time of admission and time of discharge in 21 prospectively studied patients receiving IVSK within 4 hours of chest pain. all patients had coronary angiography 2 hours following IVSK. Whereas 16 of the 21 patients (76%) had patent infarct-related vessels, only seven (33%) showed significant improvement in regional function at hospital discharge. Eleven patients demonstrated persistent defects (PD), and five each showed delayed and reverse redistribution. Patients with both delayed and reverse redistribution demonstrated significant improvement in regional left ventricular function score, while those with PD did not (+3.9 ± 3.3 versus −0.5 ± 2.9, p = 0.004). All other clinical, exercise, electrocardiographic, scintigraphic, and angiographic variables were similar between all patients, with the exception of the interval between chest pain and the institution of IVSK, which was longer in patients with reverse compared to delayed redistribution (3.5 ± 0.4 versus 2.2 ± 0.4 hours, p = 0.001). It is concluded that both delayed and reverse redistribution seen on predischarge exercise thallium-201 imaging are associated with myocardial salvage, defined as serial improvement in regional systolic function. Despite a high infarct vessel patency rate in patients with acute myocardial infarction receiving IVSK within 4 hours of onset of symptoms, only one third demonstrated improvement in regional function that was associated with either delayed or reverse redistribution seen on predischarge exercise thallium-201 imaging.
Regulation of Human T-Cell Activation by Prostaglandins

Abstract Prostaglandins are known to influence a variety of functional activities of T cells. Prostaglandins such as PGE2 suppress T-cell function by mechanisms that depend on their capacity to stimulate adenylate cyclase and to increase cyclic AMP (cAMP) levels. PGE2 inhibits both antigen- and mitogen-stimulated T-cell DNA synthesis and IL-2 production. Inhibition of IL-2 production is a primary inhibitory effect of PGE2, as supplementation with IL-2 can overcome much of the PGE2-mediated inhibition of T-cell DNA synthesis. Study of purified human T cells has revealed a number of mechanisms by which PGE2 and increases in cAMP levels inhibit IL-2 production. PGE2/cAMP inhibit activation of phospholipase C, one of the early biochemical steps involved in T-cell activation resulting from ligation of the T-cell receptor-CD3 complex. This can result in diminished mobilization of intracellular Ca2+ stores or activation of protein kinase C. This is not the sole mechanism by which PGE2 inhibits IL-2 production, however, as phorbol esters, which directly activate protein kinase C, cannot prevent inhibition of IL-2 production. Even if initial activation is successful, elevation of cAMP levels can independently modulate gene transcription, leading to decreased mRNA levels for IL-2. In addition to suppressing T-cell responses, elevation of cAMP levels, which may also occur normally during T-cell activation, may be required for certain functional activities of T cells, including capping of the CD3-T-cell receptor complex or expression of the differentiation marker CD7. In this regard, PGE2 or other cAMP-elevating agents can facilitate cell cycle progression after initial receptor-initiated biochemical events are accomplished. Thus, PGE2 and other cAMP-elevating agents exert potent and specific regulatory influences on specific aspects of T-cell responsiveness to antigens and mitogens.
Guiding conceptual design through behavioral reasoning

This paper presents a model for conceptual design based on an explicit behavioral reasoning step to guide the design process. Rather than mapping directly from function to form, we treat conceptual design as a two-step process, first transforming functional requirements to a behavioral description and then matching physical artifacts to this behavior. We believe that behavior, in terms of physical principles and phenomena, provides a natural bridge between functional requirements and physical artifacts. Behavioral reasoning breaks preconceived links between functions and artifacts, allowing for innovative solutions to be found. A new representation calledbehavior graphs (derived from bond graphs) has been developed to facilitate behavioral reasoning. This paper discusses behavior graphs and their use in a design synthesis model that generates systems of pre-defined embodiments (e.g., motor, spring, valve) to meet functional requirements given in terms of input and output parameters (e.g., force, pressure, displacement, voltage). An experimental computer program implementing this model is discussed and illustrative examples presented.
Sensitivity and Specificity of Proposed DSM-5 Diagnostic Criteria for Autism Spectrum Disorder

Objective This study evaluated the potential impact of proposed DSM-5 diagnostic criteria for autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Method The study focused on a sample of 933 participants evaluated during the DSM-IV field trial; 657 carried a clinical diagnosis of an ASD, and 276 were diagnosed with a non-autistic disorder. Sensitivity and specificity for proposed DSM-5 diagnostic criteria were evaluated using field trial symptom checklists as follows: individual field trial checklist items (e.g., nonverbal communication); checklist items grouped together as described by a single DSM-5 symptom (e.g., nonverbal and verbal communication); individual DSM-5 criterion (e.g., social-communicative impairment); and overall diagnostic criteria. Results When applying proposed DSM-5 diagnostic criteria for ASD, 60.6% (95% confidence interval: 57%–64%) of cases with a clinical diagnosis of an ASD met revised DSM-5 diagnostic criteria for ASD. Overall specificity was high, with 94.9% (95% confidence interval: 92%–97%) of individuals accurately excluded from the spectrum. Sensitivity varied by diagnostic subgroup (autistic disorder=0.76; Asperger's disorder=0.25; pervasive developmental disorder—not otherwise specified=0.28) and cognitive ability (IQ Conclusions Proposed DSM-5 criteria could substantially alter the composition of the autism spectrum. Revised criteria improve specificity but exclude a substantial portion of cognitively able individuals and those with ASDs other than autistic disorder. A more stringent diagnostic rubric holds significant public health ramifications regarding service eligibility and compatibility of historical and future research.
Low concentrations of antibiotics

Low concentrations of antibiotics have been shown to alter the morphology and ultrastructure of bacteria. Exposure to beta-lactam antibiotics produces large Gram-positive cocci or long filaments of Gram-negative bacilli. The ultrastructure of staphylococci in infected animals and patients treated with beta-lactam antibiotics is comparable to the structure of staphylococci grown on a solid support medium such as hard agar or a filter membrane but is different from the structure of staphylococci grown in liquid media. Antibiotic-modified bacteria are phagocytosed very efficiently; considering their bacterial mass, Escherichia coli filaments are killed much more efficiently by PMNs than is an equal mass of normal sized bacilli. Antibiotics at sub-MIC alter the synthesis and excretion of bacterial metabolites which results in a change in their virulence. Antibiotics at a very low dosage, 10 mg of ampicillin per day which resulted in sub-MICs in the urine, were shown to cure urinary infections in patients. These therapeutic results were attributed to the inhibition of bacterial adherence by sub-MICs of ampicillin.
Is Wiener Filtering an Effective Method of Improving Evoked Potential Estimation

In order to obtain better estimates of the true evoked potential signal with fewer stimuli than is possible with classical signal averaging, the Wiener theory [16] for optimum linear filtering, as formulated by Walter [15] and Doyle [5], was implemented in four different versions of the Wiener filter?two a posteriori filters and two recursive filters. The effectiveness of the filters in separating signal from noise was tested in two simulations with known signal, and both simulated noise and real spontaneous brain wave activity. Correlation coefficients between the known test signals and filtered and unfiltered averages of test signal plus noise showed no significant difference between filtered and unfiltered averages.
Quantitative Label-Free Characterization of Avidin-Biotin Assemblies on Silanized Glass

In this study, a time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometer TOF-SIMS, operating in the event-by-event bombardment/detection mode was used to characterize avidin–biotin assemblies on silane-modified glass substrates. SIMS was used to analyze several variants of the biointerface, including avidin physically adsorbed on a monofunctional acryl silane surface and covalently attached on monofunctional (amine terminated) and bifunctional (amine and acryl terminated) silanes. The goal of these studies was to determine density of avidin and biotin layers chemically or physically adsorbed on silanized glass substrate. An individual impact of a C60 projectile used in this study creates a hemispherical crater (∼10 nm in diameter) and emits large numbers of secondary ions from the same nanovolume. Thus, a single impact enables one to unfold distinct secondary ions that span the thickness of the assembled film. This method was used to monitor the presence of glass, silane, and protein ions and to estimate the thick...
Fast composition of sparse maps

Abstract A fast algorithm for composition of sparse maps (i.e.,maps which act as the identity on most of the elements of their domain) is presented.
Control of Host Cell Phosphorylation by Legionella Pneumophila

Phosphorylation is one of the most frequent modifications in intracellular signaling and is implicated in many processes ranging from transcriptional control to signal transduction in innate immunity. Many pathogens modulate host cell phosphorylation pathways to promote growth and establish an infectious disease. The intracellular pathogen L. pneumophila targets and exploits the host phosphorylation system throughout the infection cycle as part of its strategy to establish an environment beneficial for replication. Key to this manipulation is the L. pneumophila Icm/Dot type IV secretion system, which translocates bacterial proteins into the host cytosol that can act directly on phosphorylation cascades. This review will focus on the different stages of L. pneumophila infection, in which host kinases and phosphatases contribute to infection of the host cell and promote intracellular survival of the pathogen. This includes the involvement of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinases during phagocytosis as well as the role of phosphoinositide metabolism during the establishment of the replication vacuole. Furthermore, L. pneumophila infection modulates the NF-κB and MAPK pathways, two signaling pathways that are central to the host innate immune response and involved in regulation of host cell survival. Therefore, L. pneumophila infection manipulates host cell signal transduction by phosphorylation at multiple levels.
An extended multiscale principle of virtual velocities approach for evolving microstructure

Abstract A hierarchical multiscale approach is presented for modeling microstructure evolution in heterogeneous materials. Preservation of momentum across each scale transition is incorporated through the application of the principle of virtual velocities at the fine scale giving rise to the appropriate continuum momentum balance equations at the coarse scale. In addition to satisfying momentum balance and invariance of momentum among scales, invariance of elastic free energy, stored free energy, and dissipation between two scales of observation is regarded as crucial to the physics of each scale transition. The preservation of this energy partitioning scheme is obtained through construction of constitutive relations within the framework of internal state variable theory. Internal state variables that are directly computed from the fine scale response are introduced to augment the state equations and describe the inelastic energy storage and dissipation within the fine scale. By virtue of a second gradient kinematic decomposition, the framework naturally gives rise to couple stresses.
Source of polarized negative hydrogen and deuterium ions

Abstract A high-performance source of polarized negative hydrogen and deuterium ions is described. The source uses charge exchange in cesium to produce an intense metastable beam, ‘spin filtering’ of the metastable atoms to select a particular nuclear substate, and charge exchange in argon to selectively convert the polarized metastable atoms to negative ions. A D − current of 600 nA with P 3 = 0.78 and an H − current of 300 nA with P = 0.90 have been obtained.
Octadecyltrichlorosilane self-assembled-monolayer islands as a self-patterned-mask for HF etching of SiO2 on Si

Octadecyltrichlorosilane (OTS), self-assembled-monolayer (SAM) grown on SiO2 in the submonolayer region is investigated by atomic force microscope (AFM), which is further applied to SiO2 characterizations technique. OTS-SAM forms characteristic dendrite-shaped islands in its submonolayer region, whose shape and size significantly depend on the surface roughness of SiO2 formed at different temperatures in the range of 700–1100 °C. Moreover, OTS-SAM islands have practical usefulness as a self-patterned-mask for HF etching. When an oxidized Si wafer covered by OTS-SAM islands is dipped into HF, SiO2 in the area uncovered by the islands is selectively removed. This technique is successfully applied for the precise SiO2 thickness measurement in ultrathin (<50 A) regions by AFM. In addition, this technique enables a simultaneous observation of the morphologies of SiO2 surface and SiO2/Si interface. The result shows, for the first time, the continuity of the steps on SiO2 surface and SiO2/Si interface, indicatin...
Assessment of analytic methods for the prediction of aerodynamic characteristics of arbitrary bodies at supersonic speeds

Trends toward the automation of the design process for airplanes and missiles accentuate the need for analytic techniques for the prediction of aerodynamic characteristics. A number of computer codes have been developed or are under development which show promise of significantly improving the estimation of aerodynamic characteristics for arbitrarily-shaped bodies at supersonic speeds. The programs considered range in complexity from a simple linearized solution employing slender body theory to an exact finite difference solution of the Euler equations. The results from five computer codes are compared with experimental data to determine the accuracy, range of applicability, ease of use, and computer time and cost of the programs. The results provide a useful guide for selecting the appropriate method for treating bodies at the various levels of an automated design process.
Optimal welding parameters for very high power ultrasonic additive manufacturing of smart structures with aluminum 6061 matrix

Ultrasonic additive manufacturing (UAM) is a recent solid state manufacturing process that combines ad- ditive joining of thin metal tapes with subtractive milling operations to generate near net shape metallic parts. Due to the minimal heating during the process, UAM is a proven method of embedding Ni-Ti, Fe-Ga, and PVDF to create active metal matrix composites. Recently, advances in the UAM process utilizing 9 kW very high power (VHP) welding has improved bonding properties, enabling joining of high strength materials previously unweldable with 1 kW low power UAM. Consequently, a design of experiments study was conducted to optimize welding conditions for aluminum 6061 components. This understanding is critical in the design of UAM parts containing smart materials. Build parameters, including weld force, weld speed, amplitude, and temperature were varied based on a Taguchi experimental design matrix and tested for me- chanical strength. Optimal weld parameters were identi ed with statistical methods including a generalized linear model for analysis of variance (ANOVA), mean e ects plots, and interaction e ects plots.
Rheological and tectonic modeling of salt provinces

Abstract Technological improvements and a more-rigorous research approach have led the petroleum industry to renew and expand its interest in physical modeling of faulting associated with halokinesis. Salt tectonics and the formation of structural hydrocarbon traps can be reproduced in models using viscous polymers for the substratum and frictional plastic granular materials for the overburden. The fault patterns simulated in these dynamically scaled models are remarkably similar to those in depth-converted seismic sections. Scale models are, therefore, useful for generating new concepts and for reconstructing the structural evolution of hydrocarbon traps. Although even unsealed models may help generating ideas, the full transfer of quantitative data requires that models be dynamically scaled to their natural prototypes. Previously, published scaling theory for salt tectonics has erroneously assumed fluid behaviour of the overburden. This paper provides a sound scaling approach for geological deformations involving brittle overburdens on ductile substrata. Rheological data from overburden rocks and salt are compiled and compared to model rheologies using dimensions of laboratory analogs and other, intrinsic material properties. Scaling approaches are compared and rules are formulated for achieving dynamic similarity in models of salt tectonics, including those with synkinematic sedimentation.
Location of proline derivatives in conformational space. II. Theoretical optical activity.

The coupling of theoretical optical calculations with experimental data provides a check of the validity of the theory or provides conformational information. The theory was validated by studies in which the approximate conformation was located independently. These studies have shown that a theory restricted to the two lowest energy transitions for each chromophore gives qualitative agreement with experiment. On the other hand, for some of the proline derivatives, the theoretical treatment allows detailed conformational assignments. Both successes and failures in correlating theory with experiment are discussed. The results presented provide a basis for assessing the prospects for relating protein and polypeptide optical activity to their conformations.
Folk Psychology as Simulation

Discussion sur la nature de la " psychologie populaire " (folk psychology). L'A. se concentre sur le probleme de la prediction d'un comportement (de soi-meme, et des autres) et examine, dans cette optique, le raisonnement hypothetico-deductif, ainsi que sur le probleme de l'attribution des croyances. L'A. soutient que meme si la psychologie populaire n'est pas une theorie mais une capacite de raisonnement pratique, elle demeure une alternative
Endogenous technical change with externalities in a classical growth model

Abstract A growth model with three inputs (capital, labor, and land) extends Foley and Michl’s [D. Foley, T.R. Michl’s, Growth and Distribution, Harvard University Press, Cambridge, MA, 1999] classical accumulation model by adding a Goodwin [R. Goodwin, A growth cycle, in: C.H. Feinstein (Ed.), Socialism, Capitalism and Economic Growth, Cambridge University Press, Cambridge, 1967] labor market and a model of endogenous technical change that can represent either Dumenil and Levy’s [Metroeconomica 46 (1995) 213; J. Econ. Behav. Org., this issue] or Kennedy’s [Econ. J. 74 (295) (1964) 541] models. When land is priced, there is a stable steady-state growth path with desirable allocational properties. When land is not priced, no steady state exists and the growth path leads to a catastrophe. These results hold when the elasticity of substitution between capital and labor is less than unity.
Fast separation and estimation of isomeric mononitrophenols

Abstract We have shown that o-, m-, and p-nitrophenols can be best separated from their mixtures by thin-layer chromatography on carbonate-treated silica gel with diethyl ether/petroleum ether (5:3), and that the compounds can be recovered from chromatograms and estimated by means of their ultraviolet absorption in 1 N NaOH solution. The compounds can be recovered from biological materials and quantitated, irrespective of percentage recoveries, by a method which utilizes isotopic dilution and chromatography. This latter procedure bypasses the usual laborious derivatizations, isolations, and repeated recrystallization of the compounds that usually accompany isotopic dilution quantitations. The method should be of particular interest in connection with toxicological studies of parathion when detection and estimation of p-nitrophenol are sought. The current ready availability of 14C-p-nitrophenol should make the application of the method to such studies particularly convenient.