cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Angiotensin II regulates the expression of monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 in pancreatic cancer cells.

Introduction Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDA) is one of the most lethal cancers with an overall median survival of less than 9 months and a 5-year survival rate of less than 5%. Increasing evidence indicates that inflammation facilitates PDA growth.
Allocating modelling resources in distributed model management systems

Due to the growing popularity of distributed computing systems and the increased level of modelling activity in most organizations, significant benefits can be realized through the implementation of distributed model management systems (DMMS). These systems can be defined as a collection of logically related modelling resources distributed over a computer network. In several ways, functions of DMMS are isomorphic to those of distributed database systems. In general, this paper examines issues viewed as central to the development of distributed model bases (DMB). Several criteria relevant to the overall DMB design problem are discussed. Specifically, this paper focuses on the problem of distributing decision models and tools (solvers), henceforth referred to as theModel Allocation Problem (MAP), to individual computing sites in a geographically dispersed organization. In this research, a 0/1 integer programming model is formulated for the MAP, and an efficient dual ascent heuristic is proposed. Our extensive computational study shows in most instances heuristic-generated solutions which are guaranteed to be within 1.5–7% of optimality. Further, even problems with 420 integer and 160,000 continuous variables took no more than 60 seconds on an IBM 3090-600E computer.
Solution structure of the aminofluorene-stacked conformer of the syn [AF]-C8-dG adduct positioned at a template-primer junction.

A solution structural study has been undertaken on the aminofluorene-C8-dG ([AF]dG) adduct located at a single strand-double strand d(A1-A2-C3-[AF]G4-C5-T6-A7-C8-C9-A10-T11-C12-C13).d (G14-G15-A16-T17-G18-G19-T20-A 21-G22) 13/9-mer junction (designated [AF]dG 13/9-mer) using proton-proton distance and intensity restraints derived from NMR data in combination with a computational protocol, which includes intensity refinement. This single strand-double strand junction models one arm of a replication fork composed of a 13-mer template strand, which contains the [AF]dG modification site, and a 9-mer primer strand, which has been elongated up to, but not including, the modified guanine. The NMR data establish that the duplex segment retains a minimally perturbed B-DNA conformation including Watson-Crick hydrogen-bonding at the junctional dC5.dG22 base pair. The NMR spectra are consistent with the guanine ring of the [AF]dG4 adduct adopting a syn glycosidic torsion angle and being displaced into the major groove with the adjacent dC3 residue displaced into the minor groove. Such a base displacement of the modified guanine is accompanied by stacking of one face of the fluorene ring of [AF]dG4 with the dC5.dG22 base pair, while the other face of the flourene ring is stacked with the purine ring of the nonadjacent dA2 residue in the intensity-refined solution structures of the [AF]dG 13/9-mer. A comparison of structural features of the C8-[AF]dG adduct (this study) with those of the (+)-trans-anti-N2-[BP]dG adduct [Cosman et al. (1995) Biochemistry 34, 15334-15350] in the same 13/9-mer junctional sequence context has identified common features associated with the alignment of the modified guanine adducts at the template-primer junction. Thus, despite differences in the covalent linkage site for the C8-[AF]dG and (+)-trans-anti-N2-[BP]dG adducts, one face of the aromatic ring of the carcinogen stacks over the junctional base pair and in so doing displaces the modified guanine in a syn alignment into the major groove. These results lend credence to earlier proposals that such an adduct alignment may represent a common mutagenic conformer at a template-primer junction associated with a replication fork.
Examining the Effects of Community Satisfaction and Attachment on Individual Well‐Being*

Abstract Using data collected in a general population survey from a random sample of individuals in four communities in Pennsylvania, I examine the effects of community satisfaction and attachment on self-assessed individual well-being. I find substantial support for the hypothesis that satisfaction with the community and attachment to the community are associated independently and positively with individual well-being. Bivariate and multiple correlation/regression analyses reveal that greater community satisfaction and attachment result in higher levels of perceived well-being. Although the total explained variances of the community satisfaction and attachment measures are small, they do not differ substantially from various social and demographic factors that have been found to be associated with well-being. I propose possible implications of these findings and make suggestions for future research.
Cloning and expression of a gene encoding a T-cell reactive protein from coccidioides immitis: homology to 4-hydroxyphenylpyruvate dioxygenase and the mammalian F antigen

The gene which encodes a previously described T-cell reactive protein (TCRP) of the human fungal pathogen Coccidioides immitis (Ci) was cloned and sequenced. Both the genomic and cDNA sequences were determined. The transcription start point was confirmed. The tcrP gene has three introns and a 1197-bp ORF which translates to a 399-amino-acid (aa) protein (45.2 kDa). The predicted protein has approx. 50% aa sequence identity and 70% similarity to mammalian 4-hydroxyphenylpyruvate dioxygenase (HPPD) proteins and mammalian F-antigens. Expression of the Ci tcrP in Escherichia coli resulted in production of a deep brown pigment, consistent with E. coli expression of the bacterial HPPD homolog from Shewanella colwelliana. The TCRP is likely the Ci form of HPPD.
Surface-associated serine-threonine kinase in Schistosoma mansoni

Existing evidence suggests that parasites of the genus Schistosoma are responsive to external stimuli derived from the host and from parasites of the opposite sex. We hypothesize that these interactions are mediated by receptors at the parasite surface. To begin to address this issue, we have employed surface labelling by biotinylation to identify and isolate the surface molecules of adult S. mansoni. Isolated surface molecules were subsequently analyzed for the presence of protein kinases, since protein kinase activity is frequently associated with signal-transducing receptors. Our results demonstrate that serine-threonine kinase activity is associated with the parasite surface and that surface proteins of 145, 125, 95 and 57 kDa became phosphorylated on serine and threonine residues under in vitro conditions. No significant tyrosine phosphorylation of surface molecules was detected, despite the presence of many tyrosine-phosphorylated proteins in tegumental extracts. An additional unexpected finding of these studies was that adult schistosomes express considerably more surface molecucles than previously indicated by radioiodination studies, and that the majority of these molecules are of parasite rather than host origin.
Protein-Protein Interaction of Retinoic Acid Receptor α and Thyroid Transcription Factor-1 in Respiratory Epithelial Cells

Surfactant protein B (SP-B) is a 79-amino acid peptide critical to postnatal respiratory adaptation and is developmentally regulated. Previous studies demonstrated that retinoic acid receptors (RARs) and thyroid transcription factor 1 (TTF-1) stimulated SP-B gene expression in respiratory epithelial cells. Clustered retinoic acid-responsive element and TTF-1 binding sites were identified in the enhancer region of the SP-B gene and were required for retinoic acid stimulation of the human SP-B (hSP-B) promoter. In addition, RAR and TTF-1 were colocalized in mouse bronchiolar and alveolar type II epithelial cells, the cellular site of SP-B synthesis. In the present studies, RAR and TTF-1 were colocalized in the nucleus of H441 cells. RAR and TTF-1 synergistically stimulated the hSP-B promoter in H441 cells. Direct protein-protein interactions between RAR and TTF-1 were demonstrated by the glutathioneS-transferase pull-down assay and the mammalian cell two hybrid assay. Truncation/deletion studies showed that the RAR-TTF-1 interaction was mediated through the RAR DNA binding domain (DBD) and the TTF-1 homeodomain. RAR DBD greatly enhanced TTF-1 homeodomain DNA binding activity to a hSP-B enhancer oligonucleotide, in which retinoic acid-responsive element and TTF-1 DNA binding sites overlap. Chromatin immunoprecipitation assay demonstrated that retinoic acid treatment of H441 cells greatly stimulated both RAR and TTF-1 DNA binding to the hSP-B enhancer region in H441 cells. These findings support a model in which RAR/retinoid X receptor, TTF-1, and coactivators (p160 members and CBP) form an enhanceosome in the enhancer region of the hSP-B gene.
Stereochemistry of epimeric 1‐hydroxy‐N‐methylquinolizidinium iodides

The methiodides of epimeric 1-hydroxy, 1-hydroxy-1-phenyl, and 1-hydroxy-1-methylquinolizidines were prepared from their respective bases. The previously described but not separated epimeric 1-hydroxy-1-methylquinolizidines were prepared and their configurations elucidated by the use of nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and infrared data. Structural assignments of the quinolizidinium iodides were made on the basis of NMR data.
Carbon coated alumina fiber/glass matrix composites

Abstract Carbon coated alumina fiber reinforced borosilicate glass composites were fabricated by slurry infiltration and hot-pressing. For fiber contents of 20 vol.%, composite strengths of 118 and 263 MPa were observed for uncoated and carbon coated composites respectively. Fiber pull-out was observed in fracture surfaces only for carbon coated composites, and pull-out lengths were approximately 30–60 μm. The fiber/matrix interface was studied to characterize the interfacial frictional stress. Direct measurements by indentation were compared with calculated values based on pull-out lengths and fiber strengths. Direct indentation measurements gave interfacial frictional stress values of 100 MPa, which were reduced by as much as 40% after a correction for Poisson's ratio effects. Values calculated from pull-out lengths suggested a value of 63–84 MPa, in good agreement with direct measurements. Elastic modulus and thermal expansion measurements confirmed the debonded character of the carbon coated fiber/matrix interface.
A comparison of some Ceratocystis species with Sporothrix schenckii.

Sympodulosporogenous states ofC. minor, C. montia, C. multiannulata, C. narcissi, C. nigrocarpa, C. perparvispora andC. pilifera were compared with typical and atypical strains ofS. schenckii from the aspects of some culture, morphological, serological characteristics, and mouse virulence. With a possible exception, all the former characteristics demonstrated among theCeratocystis species were either the same as, or varied in the same way as those observed amongS. schenckii strains. None of the former hydrolyzed starch, although all of the latter did. All species and strains cross reacted serologically in agglutination and Arthus-rype reactions, and produced similar gross pathological signs when injected with gastric mucin intraperitoneally into mice. Except for some variations in sizes and shapes of sympodulospores and of yeast-like budding forms observed in tissue smears and in cultures incubated at 37°C, theCeratocystis species were not significantly different from typical strains ofS. schenckii.
Reflections on Engineering Systems and Bond Graphs

An important aspect of modern engineering systems is their great diversity. Often they include interactions among different physical domains, contain control subsystems, and are large-scale and complex. The bond graph is a powerful and versatile tool that can help the engineer to design modern engineering systems. Three issues are explored from a bond graph perspective: modeling of engineering systems, simulation of their behavior, and teaching about engineering systems. It is the author’s observation that bond graph methodology is one of the most useful engineering system techniques available and belongs in the problem-solving tool kit of every mechanical engineer. This paper develops a rationale for this viewpoint both for readers familiar with bond graph methods and for readers to whom they are new.
On magnetic susceptibility in randomly dilute systems

Abstract An extension of molecular field theory to magnetic susceptibility of randomly dilute systems is presented. A useful expression involving the paramagnetic Curie temperature θ of the pure system is obtained.
Nontranscribed spacers in Drosophila ribosomal DNA

Ribosomal DNA nontranscribed spacers in Drosophila virilis DNA have been examined in some detail by restriction site analysis of cloned segments of rDNA, nucleic acid hybridizations involving unfractionated rDNA, and base composition estimates. The overall G+C content of the spacer is 27–28%; this compares with 39% for rDNA as a whole, 40% for main band DNA, and 26% for the D. virilis satellites. Much of the spacer is comprised of 0.25 kb repeats revealed by digestion with Msp I, Fnu DII or Rsd I, which terminate very near the beginning of the template for the ribosomal RNA precursor. The spacers are heterogeneous in length among rDNA repeats, and this is largely accounted for by variation among rDNA units in the number of 0.25 kb elements per spacer. Despite its high A+T content and the repetitive nature of much of the spacer, and the proximity of rDNA and heterochromatin in Drosophila, pyrimidine tract analysis gave no indication of relatedness between the spacer and satellite DNA sequences. Species of Drosophila closely related to D. virilis have rDNA spacers that are homologous with those in D. virilis to the extent that hybridization of a cloned spacer segment of D. virilis rDNA to various DNA is comparable with hybridization to homologous DNA, and distributions of restriction enzyme cleavage sites are very similar (but not identical) among spacers of the various species. There is spacer length heterogeneity in the rDNA of all species, and each species has a unique major rDNA spacer length. Judging from Southern blot hybridization, D. hydei rDNA spacers have 20–30% sequence homology with D. virilis rDNA spacers, and a repetitive component is similarly sensitive to Msp I and Fnu DII digestion, D. melanogaster rDNA spacers have little or no homology with counterparts in D. virilis rDNA, despite a similar content of 0.25 kb repetitive elements. In contrast, sequences in rDNA that encode 18S and 28S ribosomal RNA have been highly conserved during the divergence of Drosophila species; this is inferred from interspecific hybridizations involving ribosomal RNA and a comparison of distributions of restriction enzyme cleavage sites in rDNA.
Extreme ultraviolet composite spectra of representative solar features.

The spectral identifications and absolute intensities of lines in the EUV spectrum for various solar features, such as the quiet sun, active regions, coronal holes, and the off-limb corona, are presented and discussed. Composite spectra have been assembled and processed from the ATM ultraviolet spectrometer data with a spectral resolution of 1.6 A over the range 280-1350 A. These spectra represent a self-consistent set of observations with good photometric calibration, in which intercomparison of intensities from different regions is used to assist in line identifications and to draw general conclusions on average physical conditions in the solar atmosphere. The quiet-sun line intensities obtained near solar minimum are compared with OSO 6 results near solar maximum to provide an estimate for the changes over the solar cycle.
Genome-wide progesterone receptor binding: cell type-specific and shared mechanisms in T47D breast cancer cells and primary leiomyoma cells.

Background Progesterone, via its nuclear receptor (PR), exerts an overall tumorigenic effect on both uterine fibroid (leiomyoma) and breast cancer tissues, whereas the antiprogestin RU486 inhibits growth of these tissues through an unknown mechanism. Here, we determined the interaction between common or cell-specific genome-wide binding sites of PR and mRNA expression in RU486-treated uterine leiomyoma and breast cancer cells. Principal Findings ChIP-sequencing revealed 31,457 and 7,034 PR-binding sites in breast cancer and uterine leiomyoma cells, respectively; 1,035 sites overlapped in both cell types. Based on the chromatin-PR interaction in both cell types, we statistically refined the consensus progesterone response element to G•ACA• • •TGT•C. We identified two striking differences between uterine leiomyoma and breast cancer cells. First, the cis-regulatory elements for HSF, TEF-1, and C/EBPα and β were statistically enriched at genomic RU486/PR-targets in uterine leiomyoma, whereas E2F, FOXO1, FOXA1, and FOXF sites were preferentially enriched in breast cancer cells. Second, 51.5% of RU486-regulated genes in breast cancer cells but only 6.6% of RU486-regulated genes in uterine leiomyoma cells contained a PR-binding site within 5 kb from their transcription start sites (TSSs), whereas 75.4% of RU486-regulated genes contained a PR-binding site farther than 50 kb from their TSSs in uterine leiomyoma cells. RU486 regulated only seven mRNAs in both cell types. Among these, adipophilin (PLIN2), a pro-differentiation gene, was induced via RU486 and PR via the same regulatory region in both cell types. Conclusions Our studies have identified molecular components in a RU486/PR-controlled gene network involved in the regulation of cell growth, cell migration, and extracellular matrix function. Tissue-specific and common patterns of genome-wide PR binding and gene regulation may determine the therapeutic effects of antiprogestins in uterine fibroids and breast cancer.
High performance quantum dot-quantum well infrared focal plane arrays

Quantum dot (QD) devices are a promising technology for high operating temperature detectors. We have studied InAs QDs embedded in an InGaAs/InAlAs quantum well structure on InP substrate for middle wavelength infrared detectors and focal plane arrays (FPAs). This combined dot-well structure has weak dot confinement of carriers, and as a result, the device behavior differs significantly from that in more common dot systems with stronger confinement. We report on our studies of the energy levels in the QDWIP devices and on QD-based detectors operating at high temperature with D* over 10 10 cmHz 1/2 /W at 150 K operating temperature and high quantum efficiency over 50%. FPAs have been demonstrated operating at up to 200 K. We also studied two methods of adapting the QDWIP device to better accommodate FPA readout circuit limitations.
Using weighted rankings to test against ordered alternatives in complete blocks

Consider testing the hypothesis of no treatment effects against a postulated ranking of the treatments, given data from n complete blocks. A suitable test statistic is the weighted average rank correlation W = where Ci correlation between the postulated ranking and the ranking observed within the i-th block, Qi is the rank of the i-th block with respect to credibility, and the b's are weights such that 0<=b1<=...<=bn. Tests using Spearman and Kendall correlation are proposed and their distributions are obtained for both small and large experiments. These tests and others are compared in small experiments with respect to expected significance level. Finally, a simple illustrative example is presented.
A semi-automated computer-assisted method for measuring bone loss adjacent to dental implants.

The purpose of this study was to develop a repeatable method for measurement of bone support around root form and blade implants suitable for use in high-quality but unstandardized radiographs. 10 phantoms were fabricated to simulate progressive osseous defects around implants. Radiographs were taken in triplicate and digitized. Specialized software was written which placed a grid of known dimensions over the implant so that the top and the bottom of the grid were at the neck and the base of the implant, respectively. The investigators selected the edge of the bone at each point where the grid intersected the implant and the software automatically detected the implant edge. The software also outlined and displayed the defect on the computer monitor. Measurements were performed 5 times and the standard deviation was taken as a measure of the repeatability of the method. Repeatability for blades and root forms was 0.19 ± 0.07 mm and 0.08 ± 0.03 mm, respectively. There was no significant difference in the ability to measure bone loss in the blade versus the root form (pequals;0.17, NS). These results indicate that this semi-automated computer-assisted method for measuring bone loss around implants is repeatable and may be of value for clinical trials using either root form or blade implants.
In search of the australopithecines

Evidence from strontium isotope ratios preserved in fossil teeth provides a glimpse into the group dynamics and ranging habits of the australopithecines that can be compared with the patterns for modern primates. See Letter p.76 How do you estimate the home ranges and land-use habits of extinct species? One method is to measure the strontium isotope content of fossil teeth, because strontium isotope ratios are a good indicator of the source of the water that the creature drank during its life. This watermark is determined by the underlying geology. A strontium-isotope study of Australopithecus africanus and Paranthropus robustus specimens from South Africa shows that the smaller individuals, inferred to have been females, ranged further than the males. This suggests that females tended to move away from their natal groups and joined others, whereas males tend to stay at home, a behaviour characteristic of humans and chimpanzees, but not of most gorillas and other primates.
Foreign Aid, Time Horizons, and Trade Policy:

Although there are theoretical reasons to expect foreign aid to promote trade liberalization, empirical research has found no relationship. Without disputing this general nonresult, we argue that foreign aid can incentivize liberalization under certain conditions. In the absence of aid, the incentive to liberalize trade depends on government time horizons: Far-sighted governments have incentives to do so, whereas short-sighted governments do not. It follows that foreign aid should not encourage far-sighted governments to liberalize, as they do so in any case. Foreign aid can, however, induce short-sighted governments to liberalize by ameliorating short-term adjustment costs. We thus hypothesize that aid is more likely to promote trade liberalization when given to governments with short time horizons. We support this hypothesis with an analysis of aid, time horizons, and two measures of trade policy. Our results contribute to the growing debate about the conditions under which foreign aid encourages growth...
Active Control of Nonlinear Panel Flutter Using Aeroelastic Modes and Piezoelectric Actuators

Suppression of nonlinear panel flutter at supersonic speeds has been investigated traditionally with system equations of motion in terms of in vacuo modal coordinates. For isotropic and symmetrically laminated orthotropic composite plates, the limit-cycle oscillations converged with six in vacuo natural modes at a zero yaw angle. However, as laminated composite plates undergo the effect of an arbitrary yawed flow angle, complicated characteristics emerge by increasing the required in vacuo natural modes for an analysis of limit-cycle oscillations. To design an effective controller, the large number of modes should be reduced. As a result, the small number of modes produces a capability to alleviate the costly computational effort in designing controllers for the suppression of nonlinear panel flutter. In the present study, aeroelastic modes that provide the reduced order basis are used for panel limit-cycle motion. Two or six to seven aeroelastic modes are implemented for developing an active controller of panel flutter with isotropic and anisotropic laminated composite plates at a zero or nonzero yaw angle. Along with the aeroelastic modal equations of lesser number, a linear quadratic regulator, which is one of the output feedback controllers, is constructed to suppress nonlinear panel flutter. An added extended Kalman filter compensates for the nonlinearity of structural motion resulting from updating the system information online. The norms of feedback control gain and the norms of Kalman filter estimation gain are employed for the optimal placement of PZT5A or macro-fiber composite piezoelectric actuators and sensors. Numerical results show that the designed controller based on aeroelastic modal coordinates can suppress the large-amplitude panel nonlinear flutter response. The maximum flutter-free dynamic pressure for isotropic and composite plates is evaluated to measure how much the performance is improved.
Probing strong adsorption of individual solute molecules at solid/liquid interfaces with model-based statistical two-dimensional correlation analysis

Single-molecule spectroscopy is a powerful approach to studying adsorption phenomena at solid/liquid interfaces that are responsible for peak tailing in chromatography. For complete understanding of adsorption properties, a statistically significant number of strong adsorption events of single molecules need to be identified and their corresponding desorption times be determined. In this paper, model-based statistical two-dimensional (2D) correlation analysis is used to search/identify individual strong adsorption events from large data sets of single-molecule photon bursts. It is accomplished by correlating the single molecule photon-burst data with a model adsorption function. The desorption times are evaluated by varying the model size and moving the model function along time axis in 2D correlation analysis. It is shown that 2D correlation analysis can reliably determine strong adsorption events where many other molecules are diffusing through the laser probe volume during the adsorption of one molecule, and/or the adsorbed molecule experiences complex photophysical behaviors such as triplet blinking and spectral diffusion.
Dopamine receptor changes following destruction of the nigrostriatal pathway: lack of a relationship to rotational behavior.

Abstract Phenomena consistent with postsynaptic supersensitivity developed in the rat neostriatum following the destruction of dopaminergic afferent neurons. A gradual in-increase in the densoty of binding sites for [ 3 H]spiperone occurred over a 2–3 week period. This increase was apparent only after the almost complete loss of dopamine-containing nerve terminals as measured by the depletion of endogenous dopamine. The properties of the receptor labeled by [ 3 H]spiperone were not altered by denervation. Elimination of dopamine-containing nerve endings in the neostriatum was accompanied by the gradual development of an increase in dopamine-sensitive adenylate cyclase activity in homogenates of the caudate ipsilateral to the lesion as compared to the contralateral side. The administration of apomorphine led to pronounced circling behavior. This effect occurred rapidly and was maximal within 3 days following destruction of dopaminergic neurons. The increase in the density of dopamine receptors and in a receptor-mediated function may partially account for the development of enhanced electrophysiological responses to dopamine agonists in the neostriatum. However, the results do not explain the drug-induced rotational behavior which develops after destruction of the dopamine-containing nigrostriatal pathway. This behavioral phenomenon clearly preceded the appearance of receptor alterations in the corpus striatum.
The effect of pressure on the structure and volume of ferromagnesian post‐perovskite

[1] We determined pressure-volume (P-V) data for (Mg0.6Fe0.4)SiO3 post-perovskite (ppv) upon decompression from 140 GPa. The data can be divided into four regions: above 95 GPa, diffraction peaks are sharp and follow a smooth and tight P-V curve; below 90 GPa, peak widths increase, and a kink develops in the P-V curve; below 60 GPa, the broadening plateaus; below 4.6 GPa, the ppv pattern disappears. This suggests that defects and stacking faults start to develop in ppv at 90 GPa and saturate at 60 GPa, and the structure disintegrates below 4.6 GPa. The volume and density of the (Mg0.6Fe0.4)SiO3 ppv is well constrained by our data at the pressures relevant to the Earth's D″ layer. Our bulk modulus in this region is much higher than theoretical calculations for pure MgSiO3 ppv.
Nucleolar phagocytosis by HeLa and Chang liver cells in tissue culture as studied by time lapse phase contrast cinematography.

Abstract A micromanipulative technique is described whereby a nucleolus, teased from the nucleus of a donor cell, may be phagocytized by another cell. Thus, mechanical damage to the recipient cell is completely avoided. These experiments were performed using HeLa and Chang Liver strains, not normally considered phagocytic. After ingestion, the phagocytized nucleolus travels to the center of the cell and decreases in size by fragmentation or dissolution, the latter occurring in first a rapid and then a slow phase. The problems remaining and the possible theoretical implications are discussed.
Technical Challenges to Successful Dialyzer Reuse

Limitations of dialyzer reuse technology may contribute to adverse patient outcomes. Assessing changes in dialyzer performance by measuring changes in total cell volume may not be valid for all membranes and reprocessing methods. Systems which determine dialyzer performance on-line are superior. Compliance with standards for microbial contamination of reprocessing fluids is poor and improvements in water treatment system design and monitoring are needed. Technological innovation is required to enable dialyzer performance to be monitored over an expanded molecular weight range and to ensure that dialyzer reprocessing can be routinely performed with sterile, non-pyrogenic solutions.
Nisei girls’ kabuki in wartime Arkansas: Cultural segregation and cross-dressing at Rohwer and Jerome

Despite decades of scholarly research and popular accounts produced about the Japanese American internment since the last of 10 concentration camps closed at the end of World War II, two phenomena remain either unknown or relegated to the status of anomalies: two camps called Rohwer and Jerome were located in the Deep South, in the south-eastern corner of Arkansas known as the Delta; and Japanese American (Nisei) girls as young as six repeatedly performed traditionally all-male kabuki for huge, mixed crowds of spectators there. At Rohwer and Jerome, the US government's anti-Japanese policy enforced by the War Relocation Authority (WRA) intersected with the spectacular enforcement of anti-black Jim Crow segregation laws in the Deep South. The WRA patrolled internee relations at the Arkansas camps using a policy properly dubbed “cultural segregation,” which did little to prevent highly popular Nisei girls’ kabuki shows from being performed at Rohwer and Jerome.
Detecting Subclinical Change in Cognitive Functioning in Older Adults: Part II: Initial Validation of the Method.

Repeated measures of cognitive functioning may provide a clinically feasible supplement to standard operational criteria for the diagnosis of delirium or toxic or metabolic encephalopathies in older adults. This research reports on the feasibility of detecting change in cognitive functioning through repeated assessments. The findings demonstrate that the method of identifying excessive cognitive changes through repeated assessments is not compromised by fatigue or practice effects. Further, a controlled drug trial validated this method for detecting change in a situation in which investigators would expect mild cognitive change to occur. Significant change in memory functioning was detected after administration of 50 mg of diphenhydramine. The results suggest that repeated monitoring of cognitive functioning may be an objective tool for measuring cognitive change that may facilitate the identification of subclinical toxic and metabolic encephalopathies.
Alterations of cardiac sympathetic neurotransmitter activity in congestive heart failure.

The sympathetic nervous system exerts an important direct effect on cardiac function which is mediated by the release at the terminal sympathetic nerve endings of the neurotransmitter norepinephrine. These nerve terminals are complex structures involved in synthesis, uptake, binding and storage as well as release of norepinephrine. The evidence for alteration of many of these functions in congestive heart failure, which is characterized by a depletion of myocardial norepinephrine stores, is reviewed. Although cardiac norepinephrine depletion alone is not responsible for the intrinsic depression of cardiac contractility in failing heart muscle, this depletion probably removes a potentially important compensatory mechanism for augmenting myocardial force development and velocity of contraction in the failing heart. Evidence for parasympathetic-sympathetic system interactions as they affect the heart, as well as alterations in the parasympathetic nervous system in heart failure, is also presented briefly.
Response of bark beetles and their natural enemies to fire and fire surrogate treatments in mixed-conifer forests in western Montana

Four treatments (control, burn-only, thin-only, and thin-and-burn) were evaluated for their effects on bark beetle-caused mortality in both the short-term (one to four years) and the long-term (seven years) in mixed-conifer forests in western Montana, USA. In addition to assessing bark beetle responses to these treatments, we also measured natural enemy landing rates and resin flow of ponderosa pine (Pinus ponderosa) the season fire treatments were implemented. All bark beetles were present at low population levels (non-outbreak) for the duration of the study. Post-treatment mortality of trees due to bark beetles was lowest in the thin-only and control units and highest in the units receiving burns. Three tree-killing bark beetle species responded positively to fire treatments: Douglas-fir beetle (Dendroctonus pseudotsugae), pine engraver (Ips pini), and western pine beetle (Dendroctonus brevicomis). Red turpentine beetle (Dendroctonus valens) responded positively to fire treatments, but never caused mortality. Three fire damage variables tested (height of crown scorch, percent circumference of the tree bole scorched, or degree of ground char) were significant factors in predicting beetle attack on trees. Douglas-fir beetle and pine engraver responded rapidly to increased availability of resources (fire-damaged trees); however, successful attacks dropped rapidly once these resources were depleted. Movement to green trees by pine engraver was not observed in plots receiving fire treatments, or in thinned plots where slash supported substantial reproduction by this beetle. The fourth tree-killing beetle present at the site, the mountain pine beetle, did not exhibit responses to any treatment. Natural enemies generally arrived at trees the same time as host bark beetles. However, the landing rates of only one, Medetera spp., was affected by treatment. This predator responded positively to thinning treatments. This insect was present in very high numbers indicating a regulatory effect on beetles, at least in the short-term, in thinned stands. Resin flow decreased from June to August. However, resin flow was significantly higher in trees in August than in June in fire treatments. Increased flow in burned trees later in the season did not affect beetle attack success. Overall, responses by beetles to treatments were short-term and limited to fire-damaged trees. Expansions into green trees did not occur. This lack of spread was likely due to a combination of high tree vigor in residual stands and low background populations of bark beetles.
Lizards and Snakes of the Terlingua Local Fauna (Late Campanian), Aguja Formation, Texas, with Comments on the Distribution of Paracontemporaneous Squamates Throughout the Western Interior of North America

ABSTRACT The late Campanian—aged (= Judithian) squamates from the Terlingua Local Fauna of the Aguja Formation, southern Texas, includes four scincomorphans: a new taxon (Catactegenys solaster, gen. et sp. nov.), referable to Xantusiidae, that has massive teeth and tooth crown morphology similar to that of contogeniid lizards; an indeterminate scincomorphan (Apsgnathus triptodon, gen et sp. nov.) with robust teeth; and two unnamed scincomorphan morphotypes. Anguimorphans in the fauna include Odaxosaurus piger, cf. Parasaniwa wyomingensis, and a likely xenosaur. Ophidian jaw fragments confirm the presence of a snake in the fauna. The Aguja squamate assemblage is one of the most southerly of a series of paracontemporaneous squamate faunas extending from central Alberta to northern Mexico. Comparison of these faunas reveals that, although two taxa are endemic to the Aguja Formation, others show some latitudinal trends. Odaxosaurus and Parasaniwa are present in all well-sampled faunas from Alberta to Texas. T...
An Investigation into the Origin of Fe-Rich Presolar Silicates in Acfer 094

Presolar silicate and oxide grains from primitive meteorites are recognized as “stardust” on the basis of their extremely anomalous O isotopic compositions. We report data on 48 O-anomalous grains that were identified in grain size separates of the ungrouped carbonaceous chondrite Acfer 094. A majority of these grains exhibit high 17 O/ 16 O isotopic ratios along with solar to sub-solar 18 O/ 16 O ratios and may have originated in low-mass stars with close-to-solar metallicity. Four silicate grains that contain 18 O enrichments were also measured for their Si isotopes. A comparison of their O and Si isotopic compositions with model predictions indicates that these 18 O-rich grains may have formed in supernova ejecta. Four of the O-anomalous grains are oxides while the remaining 44 are silicates, based on elemental compositions determined by Auger spectroscopy. The presolar oxides include a TiO2 grain and a grain with spinel stoichiometry. The silicate grains largely exhibit ferromagnesian compositions, although a few grains also contain small amounts of Ca and/or Al. Stoichiometric silicates were further classified as either olivine-like or pyroxene-like, and in this study pyroxene-like grains are more abundant than olivinelike ones. The majority of silicates contain more Fe than Mg, including a few grains with Fe-rich end-member compositions. Spectroscopic observations indicate the presence of Mg-rich silicates in the atmospheres of stars and the interstellar medium. Mg-rich minerals such as forsterite and enstatite form by equilibrium condensation in stellar environments. However, non-equilibrium condensation can result in higher Fe contents and the occurrence of such processes in the outflows of stars may account for the Fe-rich grains. Alternatively, secondary processes may play a role in producing the Fe enrichments observed in the presolar silicate grains identified in the matrix of Acfer 094.
Cardiomyocyte function associated with hyperactivity and/or hypertension in genetic models of LV hypertrophy

We examined cardiomyocyte intracellular calcium ([Ca2+]i) dynamics and sarcomere shortening dynamics in genetic rat models of left ventricular (LV) hypertrophy associated with or without hypertensi...
Microeconomic algorithms for load balancing in distributed computer systems

A novel approach to allocating and sharing communication and computational resources in a distributed system is described. The approach, which is based on concepts drawn from microeconomics, uses algorithms that are competitive rather than cooperative. The effectiveness of these concepts is demonstrated by describing an economy that improves the performance of a distributed system by implementing load balancing. In this economy, competition sets prices for the resources in the system. Jobs complete for the resources by issuing bids, and the resource allocation decisions are made through auctions held by the processors. The benefits of the method include limited complexity and algorithms that are intrinsically decentralized and modular. Simulation studies show that these economies achieve substantial performance benefits. >
Halogenation of Heterocyclic Compounds

Publisher Summary The chapter focuses on the newer findings in the synthetic and mechanistic aspects of heterocyclic halogenation. Precise mechanistic descriptions of heterocyclic halogenation are not possible with the existing experimental information. Still it appears desirable to consider what mechanistic models may be involved in such substitution processes, in an attempt both to correlate what is known and to sharpen the focus of future research. In assessing the applicability of the foregoing model to a given heterocyclic halogenation, approaches such as the detection and isolation of intermediates, the kinetic behavior of these stable intermediates, possible kinetic isotope effects for deuterated heterocycles, and the kinetic response of halogenation to general base catalysis will prove especially valuable. The existing evidence on the mechanism of substitution is treated with reference to this model. The chapter discusses the nature of the reacting species in the reaction medium. Appreciable recent effort has been devoted to developing highly selective methods for halogenating heterocycles. As with most fields of chemical research, the synthetic aspects of heterocyclic halogenation have been mastered far better than have the underlying reaction mechanisms.
Scenario-based and model-driven information development with XML DITA

In this paper, I describe how I followed an end-to-end development process in the development of the user's guide and help information for XML DITA, using scenarios to define my information needs and maps to describe my information model. By using technology driven by maps and scenarios, I was able to keep the information focused on user goals and requirements from its inception through to its final form. The paper will also look at how an integrated end-to-end process can help keep information on track through staged delivery of content to ensure early and ongoing feedback, and will look at some future opportunities for further integration in the stages of the information development process.
Electromagnetic scattering from an arbitrarily shaped three-dimensional homogeneous chiral body

The method of moments technique for analyzing electromagnetic scattering from an arbitrarily shaped three-dimensional homogeneous chiral body is presented based on the combined field integral equations. The body is assumed to be illuminated by a plane wave. The surface equivalence principle is used to replace the body by equivalent electric and magnetic surface currents. These currents radiating in unbounded free space produce the correct scattered field outside. The negatives of these currents produce the correct total internal field, when radiating in an unbounded chiral medium. By enforcing the continuity of the tangential components of the total electric and magnetic fields on the surface of the body, a set of coupled integral equations is obtained for the equivalent surface currents. The surface of the body is modeled using triangular patches. The triangular rooftop vector expansion functions are used for both equivalent surface currents. The coefficients of these expansion functions are obtained using the method of moments. The mixed potential formulation for a chiral medium is developed and used to obtain explicit expressions for the electric and magnetic fields produced by surface currents. Numerical results for bistatic radar cross sections are presented for three chiral scatterers - a sphere, a finite circular cylinder, and a cube.
Actinomyces Adsorption Mediated by Type-1 Fimbriae

Monospecific antibody against the type-1 fimbriae of Actinomyces viscosus T14V reacted with 12 strains of A. viscosus (serotype 2), 12 strains of A. naeslundii (serotype 2 or serotype 3), but not with 11 serotype 1 strains of A. naeslundii. All strains positive for the type-1 fimbrial antigen adsorbed strongly to saliva-treated hydroxyapatite, and in many instances (18 of 24 strains) this interaction was inhibited by the monospecific antibody. These findings strongly suggest that only those strains of actinomyces which possess type-1 fimbriae adhere to the tooth surfaces, and that these fimbriae constitute the principal adhesin involved in this interaction.
036 Overexpression of Smad7 in Keratinocytes Accelerates Cutaneous Wound Healing

Transforming growth factor β(TGFβ) has both positive and negative effects on cutaneous wound healing. Smad7 acts as a major downstream antagonist of TGFβ signaling in keratinocytes and its role in wound healing has not been defined. We have established a Smad7 transgenic mouse line using a keratin 5 (K5) promoter (K5.Smad7) which expresses Smad7 transgene at a mild level (∼2 fold of the endogenous Smad7 in the skin). These mice did not have overt skin defects as shown from our previous Smad7 transgenic mice expressing much higher levels of the Smad7 transgene (EMBO J 2002, 21:2580–90). K5.Smad7 mice from the above low expressor line and non-transgenic littermates were subject to 6-mm full-thickness excisional wounding. K5.Smad7 mice exhibited early scab rejection, reduced inflammation, and accelerated re-epithelialization as compared to non-transgenic mice. To further determine the stage-specific effects of Smad7 on wound healing, we generated a transgenic model in which Smad7 transgene expression can be induced in the epidermis and hair follicles (gene-switch-Smad7) by topically RU486 application. Smad7 induction from day 3 to day 7 after excisional wounding reduced inflammatory responses through suppressing expression of a variety of inflammatory cytokines/chemokines in gene-switch-Smad7 mice as compared to control mice. Meanwhile, overexpression of Smad7 exhibited accelerated re-epithelialization, which correlated with increased expression of metalloproteinases and elevated Erk (extracellular signal-regulated kinases) signaling in the leading epidermal edges in gene-switch-Smad7 wounds compared to control wounds. Smad7 induction from day 7 to day 20 after excisional wounding reduced dermal fibrotic response and angiogenesis in the dermis, resulting in a better tissue repair. We conclude that the effectsof Smad7 on wound healing are likely due to blocking the negative effects of TGFβ on cutaneous wound healing.
Life events, self‐concept, and adolescents' positive subjective well‐being

This study investigated the interrelationships among global self-concept, life events, and positive subjective well-being (positive affect [PA], negative affect [NA], and life satisfaction [LS]) in a sample of 92 high school students. The results demonstrated that life events contributed significant variance to predictions of PA, NA, and LS, over and above that of global self-concept. Also, daily events contributed variance over and above that of major life events. Looking at the specific event types that related uniquely to the positive well-being measures, only negative daily events related significantly to PA and NA, and only positive daily events related significantly to LS. The results also indicated that the positive well-being constructs each contained unique variance and had different correlates, thus providing strong support for the multidimensionality of adolescent positive well-being reports. Implications for further research and intervention programs are discussed. © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.