cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The role of ubiquitin conjugation in glucose-induced proteolysis of Saccharomyces maltose permease

In Saccharomyces, the addition of glucose induces a rapid degradation of maltose permease that is dependent on endocytosis and vacuolar proteolysis (Medintz, I., Jiang, H., Han, E. K., Cui, W., and Michels, C. A. (1996) J. Bacteriol. 178, 2245-2254). Here we report on the role of ubiquitin conjugation in this process. Deletion of DOA4, which causes decreased levels of available ubiquitin, severely decreases the rate of glucose-induced proteolysis, and this is suppressed by the overproduction of ubiquitin. Overexpression of ubiquitin in an endocytosis-deficient end3-ts strain results in the glucose-stimulated accumulation of a larger molecular weight species of maltose permease, which we demonstrate is a ubiquitin-modified form of the protein by utilizing two ubiquitin alleles with different molecular weights. The size of this ubiquitinated species of maltose permease is consistent with monoubiquitination. A promoter mutation that reduces expression of RSP5/NPI1, a postulated ubiquitin-protein ligase, dramatically reduces the rate of glucose-induced proteolysis of maltose permease. The role of various ubiquitin-conjugating enzymes was investigated using strains carrying mutant alleles ubc1Delta ubc4Delta, ubc4Delta ubc5Delta, cdc34-ts2/ubc3, and ubc9-ts. Loss of these functions was not shown to effect glucose-induced proteolysis of maltose permease, but loss of Ubc1, -4, and -5 was found to inhibit maltose permease expression at the post-transcriptional level.
MO-C-17A-05: A Three-Dimensional Head-And-Neck Phantom for Validation of Kilovoltage- and Megavoltage-Based Deformable Image Registration

Purpose: To develop a three-dimensional (3D) deformable head-and-neck (H&N) phantom with realistic tissue contrast for both kilovoltage and megavoltage computed tomography and use it to objectively evaluate deformable image registration (DIR) algorithms. Methods: The phantom represents H&N patient anatomy. It is constructed from thermoplastic, which becomes pliable in boiling water, and hardened epoxy resin. Using a system of additives, the Hounsfield unit (HU) values of these materials were tuned to mimic anatomy for both kilovoltage (kV) and megavoltage (MV) imaging. The phantom opened along a sagittal midsection to reveal nonradiopaque markers, which were used to characterize the phantom deformation. The deformed and undeformed phantom was scanned with kV and MV computed tomography. Additionally, a calibration curve was created to change the HUs of the MV scans to be similar to kV HUs, (MC). The extracted ground-truth deformation was then compared to the results of two commercially available DIR algorithms, from Velocity Medical Solutions and MIM Software. Results: The phantom produced a 3D deformation, representing neck flexion, with a magnitude of up to 8 mm and was able represent tissue HUs for both kV and MV imaging modalities. The two tested deformation algorithms yielded vastly different results. For kV-kV registration, MIM made the lowest mean error, and Velocity made the lowest maximum error. For MV-MV, kV-MV, and kV-MC Velocity produced both the lowest mean and lowest maximum errors. Conclusion: The application of DIR across different imaging modalities is particularly difficult, due to differences in tissue HUs and the presence of imaging artifacts. For this reason, DIR algorithms must be validated specifically for this purpose. The developed H&N phantom is an effective tool for this purpose.
Variant XRCC3 implicated in cancer is functional in homology-directed repair of double-strand breaks.

Polymorphisms in DNA repair genes, including double-strand break (DSB) repair genes, are postulated to confer increased cancer risk. A variant of the XRCC3 gene, which is involved in DSB repair, has been associated with increased risk of malignant skin melanoma and bladder cancer. We tested the hypothesis that this variant, Thr241Met, may affect cancer risk by disrupting a critical function of XRCC3, i.e., promoting homology-directed repair (HDR) of chromosomal DSBs. Using a quantitative fluorescence assay, we find that the variant XRCC3 protein is functionally active for HDR, complementing the HDR defects of an XRCC3 mutant cell line as well as the wild-type protein. We also examined cells expressing this variant for sensitivity to the interstrand cross-linking agent, mitomycin C (MMC), as HDR mutant cell lines, including the XRCC3 mutant, have been found to be hypersensitive to this DNA damaging agent. Cells expressing the variant protein were found to be no more sensitive than cells expressing the wild-type protein. These results suggest that the increased cancer risk associated with this variant may not be due to an intrinsic HDR defect.
Dermatophilus Congolensis Infection of the Esophagus

We report the first case of Dermatophilus congolensis infection of the human esophagus. We demonstrate initial endoscopic diagnosis, progression and then spontaneous resolution of D. congolensis infection, once the patient's occupational exposure had ceased.
Life long calorie restriction increases heat shock proteins and proteasome activity in soleus muscles of Fisher 344 rats

Heat shock proteins (HSP's) closely interact with 20S proteasome and have been shown to maintain catalytic activity, responsible for the prevention of protein aggregation. A decrease in both proteasome activity and heat shock proteins (HSP's) has been observed with age. We investigated whether life-long calorie restriction (CR), a natural intervention, which prolongs life span, could prevent the age-associated decline in HSP's and restore the proteolytic activity of the 20S proteasome in skeletal muscle. Hence, we investigated HSP's and proteasome activity in the soleus muscle from 12-mo-old (Adult) and 26-28 mo old ad libitum fed (Old), and 26-28 mo old CR (Old-CR; fed 40% of ad libitum for their lifespan) male Fisher 344 rats. Trypsin-like proteasome activity in Old rats was significantly less than both Adult and Old-CR rats. Furthermore, no significant changes where found in chymotrypsin-like proteasome activity due to age or diet. Levels of HSP 72 and 25 were significantly less in Old animals when compared to both Adult and Old-CR rats. In contrast, HSP 90 was elevated in Old rats by 220% compared to adult animals and life-long calorie restriction caused a significant induction (150%) compared to age-matched ad libitum fed animals. Protein carbonyls were significantly elevated in Old when compared to Adult rats, but showed no significant decline due to life long CR. This study shows that HSP's may be largely responsible for the restoration of the trypsin-like activity of the 20S proteasome with age. The large increase in HSP 90 is intriguing and further studies are required to elucidate its role in maintaining 20S proteasome function.
Planar Supported Lipid Bilayer Polymers Formed by Vesicle Fusion. 2. Adsorption of Bovine Serum Albumin

Planar supported lipid bilayers (PSLBs) composed of phosphorylcholine (PC) lipids are known to be highly resistant to nonspecific adsorption of soluble proteins. However, these structures lack the stability desired for implementation in molecular devices (e.g., biosensors). In part 1 of this report [Ross, E. E.; Spratt, T.; Liu, S.; Rozanski, L. J.; O'Brien, D. F.; Saavedra, S. S. Langmuir 2003, 19, 1752−1765], we described preparation and characterization of (poly)PSLBs composed of diene-functionalized lipids. Here we have examined nonspecific adsorption of bovine serum albumin (BSA) to these (poly)PSLBs and several reference surfaces, using total internal reflection fluorescence and atomic force microscopy. The results show that the protein resistance of a cross-linked (poly)PSLB composed of bis-sorbyl phosphatidylcholine (bis-SorbPC) is equivalent to that of a fluid PSLB composed of 1-palmitoyl-2-oleoylphosphatidylcholine, even after the former has been dried and rehydrated. Since the lipids in a (poly...
Thoracolumbar fracture dislocation sustained during childbirth in a patient with ankylosing spondylitis.

Abstract Background context Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is a major subtype of the spondyloarthropathies. Uncoupling of bone formation and resorption along with ectopic ossification of paraspinal soft-tissue structures alters the biomechanics of the spine and leads to an increased susceptibility to fracture. Purpose To report on a thoracolumbar fracture dislocation sustained in a 33-year-old Gravida 2/Para 2 woman, which occurred during labor. Although there are several reports in the literature of thoracolumbar fracture dislocations sustained in patients with AS, none have been reported during childbirth. Study design Case report. Conclusions An elevated suspicion for injury should be maintained when patients with AS present with back or neck pain even without a history of significant trauma.
Treatment of clinical T2N0M0 esophageal cancer.

Management of clinical T2N0M0 (cT2N0M0) esophageal cancer remains controversial. We reviewed our institutional experience over 21 years (1990–2011) to determine clinical staging accuracy, optimal treatment approaches, and factors predictive of survival in this patient population. Patients with cT2N0M0 esophageal cancer determined by endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) were identified through a prospectively collected database. Demographics, perioperative data, and outcomes were examined. Cox regression model and Kaplan–Meier plots were used for statistical survival analysis. A total of 731 patients underwent esophagectomy, of whom 68 cT2N0M0 patients (9 %) were identified. Fifty-seven patients (84 %) had adenocarcinoma. Thirty-three patients (48.5 %) were treated with neoadjuvant chemoradiation followed by surgery, and 35 underwent surgical resection alone. All resections except one included a transthoracic approach with two-field lymph node dissection. Thirty-day operative mortality was 2.9 %. Only 3 patients (8.5 %) who underwent surgery alone had T2N0M0 disease identified by pathology: the disease of 15 (42.8 %) was found to be overstaged and 17 (48.5 %) understaged after surgery. Understaging was more common in poorly differentiated tumors (p = 0.03). Nine patients (27.2 %) had complete pathologic response after chemoradiotherapy. Absence of lymph node metastases (pN0) was significantly more frequent in the neoadjuvant group (29 of 33 vs. 21 of 35, p = 0.01). Median follow-up was 44.2 months. Overall 5-year survival was 50.8 %. On multivariate analysis, adenocarcinoma (p = 0.001) and pN0 after resection (p = 0.01) were significant predictors of survival. EUS was inaccurate in staging cT2N0M0 esophageal cancer in this study. Poorly differentiated tumors were more frequently understaged. Adenocarcinoma and absence of lymph node metastases (pN0) were independently predictive of long-term survival. pN0 status was significantly more common in patients undergoing neoadjuvant therapy, but long-term survival was not affected by neoadjuvant therapy. A strategy of neoadjuvant therapy followed by resection may be optimal in this group, especially in patients with disease likely to be understaged.
Abstract 1251: Increased expression of the plasminogen activator system due to differential protease-activated receptor signaling in breast cancer cells

Proceedings: AACR 101st Annual Meeting 2010‐‐ Apr 17‐21, 2010; Washington, DC Activation of protease activated receptor-1 and −2 (PAR-1 and PAR-2) on tumor cells by coagulation proteases, such as factor Xa (FXa) and thrombin, leads to the expression of urokinase plasminogen activator (uPA) and its inhibitor plasminogen activator inhibitor type-1 (PAI-1). uPA has been shown to contribute to malignancy by increasing tumor cell migration, survival, extracellular matrix degradation, and angiogenesis. The goal of this study was to determine how activation of PAR-1 and PAR-2 by coagulation proteases regulates uPA and PAI-1 expression. We used the 4T1 mouse mammary adenocarcinoma cell line as a model because it expresses both PAR-1 and PAR-2. Using shRNA technology, we made derivatives of the 4T1 cells with reduced expression of either PAR-1 or PAR-2. 4T1 cells carrying a non-targeting shRNA construct were used as negative controls. We found that FXa and thrombin induced uPA expression in the control and the PAR-2 shRNA cells, but not in the PAR-1 shRNA cells. In contrast, FXa treatment did not increase PAI-1 levels in the control, PAR-1 shRNA, or PAR-2 shRNA cells. Thrombin was able to induce PAI-1 in the control cells, but not in the PAR-1 shRNA or the PAR-2 shRNA cells. Taken together, our data suggests that uPA expression is dependent on PAR-1 activation whereas PAI-1 expression requires a PAR-1/PAR-2 heterodimer. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 101st Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2010 Apr 17-21; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2010;70(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 1251.
Firm strategies in a changing global competitive landscape

We can no longer discuss globalization in the future tense. Firms now operate in a global competitive landscape, one that is highly dynamic and continuously changing. Herein, we examine this global landscape in its current form, and the changes we expect to occur over the next few decades. Based on these analyses, we identify firm strategies that are necessary to be successful in this challenging competitive landscape. Certain real-life scenarios best depict the global environment in which firms now operate. For example, consider the impact of changing stock market valuations across the world. A year or so ago, the Shanghai stock exchange experienced a significant drop in value; in turn, this change in value reverberated through other stock exchanges around the globe and, in particular, that of the U.S. (Mu, 2007). More recently, China has taken actions to stem the inflation in its economy, and curtail its stock crisis related to concerns about inflation and the potential ripple effects of the economic slowdown in the U.S. (Barboza, 2008). Of course, China is also affected by the change in the valuation of its currency relative to that of the U.S. dollar. The value of the U.S. dollar has been falling for a considerable period of time (Kritzer, 2007).
All-window profiling of concurrent executions

This paper first demonstrates the need for all-window profiling in a concurrent execution, then presents an approximate algorithm, and finally discusses related work.
Purification and characterization of the polycation-stimulated protein phosphatase catalytic subunit from porcine renal cortex.

Abstract The predominant of phosphorylase phosphatase activity in porcine renal cortical extracts was a polycation-stimulated protein phosphatase. This activity was present in extracts in a high-molecular-weight form which could be converted to a free catalytic subunit by treatment with ethanol, urea, or freezing and thawing in the presence of β-mercaptoethanol. The catalytic subunit of the polycation-stimulated phosphatase was purified by chromatography on DEAE-Sephacel, heparin-Sepharose, and Sephadex G-75. The phosphatase appeared to be homogeneous on SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. The enzyme had an apparent M r of 35 000 on gel filtration and SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. The purified phosphatase could be stimulated by histone H1, protamine, poly( d -lysine), poly( l -lysine) or polybrene utilizing phosphorylase a as the substrate. It preferentially dephosphorylated the α-subunit of phosphorylase kinase. The phosphatase was highly sensitive to inhibition by ATP. These results suggest that the renal polycation-stimulated phosphatase catalytic subunit is very similar to or identical with the skeletal muscle phosphatase form which has been previously designated phosphatase-2Ac.
Potential importance of tissue angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibition in preventing neointima formation.

BACKGROUND Angiotensin II (Ang II) induces vascular smooth muscle cell migration and growth in vitro and induces DNA synthesis in vascular smooth muscle in vivo. Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors and angiotensin II receptor antagonists inhibit neointimal hyperplasia in many experimental models of restenosis. However, recent clinical trials (MERCATOR and MARCATOR) reported that treatment with low (antihypertensive) doses of an ACE inhibitor (cilazapril) failed to prevent restenosis. Because ACE activity is induced in the neointima after injury, we hypothesize that the inhibition of neointimal development may be dependent on the suppression of tissue ACE activity, which in turn is dependent on the dose of the ACE inhibitor. METHODS AND RESULTS To test this hypothesis, we treated rats with increasing doses of an ACE inhibitor, quinapril, before injury of the carotid artery. Blood pressure, serum and tissue ACE activity, and neointimal area were measured. The results demonstrated a dose-dependent inhibition by quinapril of serum and tissue ACE activities and neointima formation. However, the IC50s for blood pressure reduction and serum ACE inhibition were significantly lower than that observed for the suppression of neointima formation. The degree of neointimal formation showed a better correlation with residual tissue ACE than with serum ACE or blood pressure. CONCLUSIONS These results demonstrate a dissociation of the ability of an ACE inhibitor to decrease blood pressure and inhibit circulating ACE activity from its ability to inhibit tissue ACE activity. These results suggest that the need for a higher dose of an ACE inhibitor for the inhibition of neointima formation may be due to the relative difficulty in inhibiting tissue ACE activity.
Tunneling through Impure Barriers

We consider the influence of the presence of a nonmagnetic impurity inside a tunneling barrier on the wave function of a tunneling particle. We can thus evaluate the relevant cross sections and transmission coefficient for the particle. We then compute the tunneling current when the barrier contains many impurities. It is shown that when the impurities are distributed randomly inside the barrier, the tunneling characteristic displays the same features as if no impurities were present. On the other hand, when the impurities are not distributed randomly inside the barrier, an asymmetric tunneling characteristic and a strong rectifying effect may be obtained under certain conditions.
Identification and Differentiation of Verticillium Species and V. longisporum Lineages by Simplex and Multiplex PCR Assays

Accurate species identification is essential for effective plant disease management, but is challenging in fungi including Verticillium sensu stricto (Ascomycota, Sordariomycetes, Plectosphaerellaceae), a small genus of ten species that includes important plant pathogens. Here we present fifteen PCR assays for the identification of all recognized Verticillium species and the three lineages of the diploid hybrid V. longisporum. The assays were based on DNA sequence data from the ribosomal internal transcribed spacer region, and coding and non-coding regions of actin, elongation factor 1-alpha, glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase and tryptophan synthase genes. The eleven single target (simplex) PCR assays resulted in amplicons of diagnostic size for V. alfalfae, V. albo-atrum, V. dahliae including V. longisporum lineage A1/D3, V. isaacii, V. klebahnii, V. nonalfalfae, V. nubilum, V. tricorpus, V. zaregamsianum, and Species A1 and Species D1, the two undescribed ancestors of V. longisporum. The four multiple target (multiplex) PCR assays simultaneously differentiated the species or lineages within the following four groups: Verticillium albo-atrum, V. alfalfae and V. nonalfalfae; Verticillium dahliae and V. longisporum lineages A1/D1, A1/D2 and A1/D3; Verticillium dahliae including V. longisporum lineage A1/D3, V. isaacii, V. klebahnii and V. tricorpus; Verticillium isaacii, V. klebahnii and V. tricorpus. Since V. dahliae is a parent of two of the three lineages of the diploid hybrid V. longisporum, no simplex PCR assay is able to differentiate V. dahliae from all V. longisporum lineages. PCR assays were tested with fungal DNA extracts from pure cultures, and were not evaluated for detection and quantification of Verticillium species from plant or soil samples. The DNA sequence alignments are provided and can be used for the design of additional primers.
DOG1 utility in diagnosing gastrointestinal stromal tumors on fine-needle aspiration.

BACKGROUND: Gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST) are the most common mesenchymal tumors of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, and the majority contain KIT or PDGFRA activating mutations. Fine-needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) is a valuable technique in the diagnosis of GIST and may allow for preoperative therapy with tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKI). Because of the morphologic diversity of these tumors, routine diagnosis of GIST often relies on C-Kit immunohistochemical staining in addition to morphologic findings. However, up to 15% of GISTs are C-Kit negative. Antibodies with increased sensitivity and specificity for detection of C-Kit–negative GIST cases may be of value, especially because some of these cases may also benefit from TKI therapy. METHODS: Immunohistochemical staining for DOG-1, C-Kit (CD117) and protein kinase C theta (PKCθ) was performed on FNA cell-block preparations representing 30 GISTs, 17 leiomyosarcomas, 16 melanomas, 16 schwannomas, 11 adenoid cystic carcinomas, and 8 leiomyomas. RESULTS: DOG-1 was found to have 100% sensitivity and 100% specificity in diagnosis of GIST. C-Kit demonstrated 70% sensitivity and 76% specificity, and PKCθ showed 40% sensitivity and 86% specificity. When only spindle-cell neoplasms were considered (adenoid cystic carcinomas excluded), the specificity of C-Kit increased to 89%. Of interest, all C-Kit–negative cases showed DOG-1 positivity. CONCLUSIONS: DOG-1 was the most sensitive and specific of the 3 markers for the diagnosis of GIST in cell-block preparations and may be of particular use in the diagnosis of C-Kit–negative GIST. Cancer (Cancer Cytopathol) 2011;. © 2011 American Cancer Society
Manipulation of near field polarization by far field excitation

Metal nanoparticle assemblies of designed structure are investigated as substrates for polarization manipulation in the near field region. Gold nanoparticles are known for their optical response due to the excitation of surface plasmons. Surface plasmons in coupled particles can strongly modulate light either in the far or near field region. The most common near field application of coupled particles is as field enhancing substrates for amplifying signals of molecules, for example, Raman signals, IR signals or fluorescence signals. However, the capabilities of metal nanoparticle assemblies can be extended beyond field amplification. Groups of particles can function as small antennas which convert far field excitation into localized fields with specific polarization. Through simulations we demonstrate that the near field polarization can be partially controlled through suitable design of nanoparticle configuration. The benefit of this configuration is that no probe excitation or other localized excitation is needed. The far field signal is converted into specific spots with designed polarization, which is not necessarily the same as excitation. Polarization is manipulated through the coupling of different surface plasmon modes. This polarization modulation extends down to the few nanometer scale and may provide us more control of interaction of light with nano-scale emitters or molecules.
Thermodynamic formalism, topological pressure, and escape rates for critically non-recurrent conformal dynamics

We show that for critically non-recurrent rational functions all the def- initions of topological pressure proposed in (12) coincide for all t 0. Then we study in detail the Gibbs states corresponding to the potentials t logjf 0 j and their -nite invariant versions. In particular we provide a sucien t condition for their niteness. We determine the escape rates of critically non-recurrent rational functions. In the presence of parabolic points we also establish a polynomial rate of appropriately modied escape. This extends the corresponding result from (6) proven in the context of parabolic ra- tional functions. In the last part of the paper we introduce the class of critically tame generalized polynomial-like mappings. We show that if f is a critically tame and crit- ically non-recurrent generalized polynomial-like mapping and g is a Holder continuous potential (with sucien tly large exponent if f has parabolic points) and the topological pressure satises P(g) > sup(g), then for sucien tly small > 0, the function t7! P(tg), t2 (1 ; 1 + ), is real-analytic.
Role of opioid peptides in pulsatile release of gonadotropins and prolactin in the rat

Abstract To determine the role of endogenous opioid peptides in the pulsatile release of gonadotropins and prolactin in the ovariectomized rat, the opiate receptor blocker, naloxone, was administered intravenously, and its effect on plasma FSH, LH and prolactin was determined by multiple sampling prior to and after injection. Naloxone produced a dose-related increase in plasma LH and to a lesser extent FSH and decreased prolactin levels in the experiment in which they were examined. Higher doses of naloxone produced a significant increase in plasma LH pulse amplitude and lengthened the interpulse interval with a consequent decrease in pulse frequency. Minimum values between pulses were also increased. There was no clear effect on FSH pulsations but pulses of prolactin were blocked. Intraventricular (third ventricle) injection of a specific anti β endorphin antiserum (3 μl) produced an initial decline followed by an elevation of LH but had no effect on plasma FSH. The normal rabbit serum control injections were without effect. It is hypothesized that initiation of LH pulses in the castrated rat may be related to a periodic removal of tonic beta endorphinergic tone.
Building Humane Communities Respectful of Children: The Significance of the Convention on the Rights of the Child.

The greatest promise of international human rights law is in stimulating thoughtful self-examination by those who strive to do what is right. Perhaps more than any other instrument, the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC; 1989) offers the opportunity to use a global moral consensus to transform life at the neighborhood level in order to promote "the full and harmonious development of...[the child's] personality" (CRC, 1989, preamble). The CRC also presents a normative framework to guide psychologists' advocacy on behalf of children.
Scale-invariant Fermi gas in a time-dependent harmonic potential

A scale-invariant two-component Fermi gas in a time-dependent isotropic harmonic potential is investigated. The exact time evolution of the density distribution in position space in any spatial dimension is obtained. Two experimentally relevant examples, an abrupt change and a periodic modulation of the trapping frequency, are solved. Small deviations from scale invariance are addressed within first-order perturbation theory. The consequences for experiments with ultracold quantum gases, such as the excitation of a tower of undamped breathing modes and an alternative for measuring the Tan contact, are discussed.
A simple method for measuring interstitial fluid pressure in cancer tissues

A novel procedure using a polyurethane transducer-tipped catheter (Millar) is described that allows reliable measurement of interstitial fluid pressure (IFP) in cancer tissues. Before and after each use, the transducer is calibrated at 37 degrees C by a water column. After calibration, the transducer is passed through the lumen of a surgical needle. The sensor is kept in the lumen of the needle during penetration into the tumor. The sensor tip is then introduced into the center core of the tumor as the needle sleeve is withdrawn from the tumor surface. Our new technique is simple and provides IFPs equal to those provided by the well-established, wick-in-needle technique. Using our new technique, we compared IFP in skin melanoma grafts in NG2 knockout and wild-type mice. Knocking out NG2 proteoglycan on vasculogenic and angiogenic pericytes reduced interstitial fluid pressure in melanoma from +4.9 cm H2O to -0.4 cm H2O (P=0.0054 Mann-Whitney U test).
Immobilized glucose oxidase and d-amino acid oxidase: A convenient method for the purification of flavin adenine dinucleotide and its analogs

Abstract The preparation of flavin adenine dinucleotide-affinity columns employing glucose oxidase and d -amino acid oxidase covalently linked to Sepharose-4B is described. Both immobilized enzymes have very good long-term stabilities, retaining at least half of their original flavin adenine dinucleotide-binding capacity over 11 months. In both cases pure flavin adenine dinucleotide is obtained readily in good yields.
Assessing benefit transfer for the valuation of ecosystem services

The valuation of ecosystem services can play an important role in conservation planning and ecosystem-based management. Unfortunately, gathering primary, site-specific data is costly. As a result, a popular alternate method is to conduct a “benefit transfer” (applying economic value estimates from one location to a similar site in another location). Among the potential pitfalls of such an approach, the correspondence (or lack thereof) between the locations is probably the most important for evaluating the probable validity of the benefit transfer. A common type of benefit transfer in ecosystem service valuation applies an estimate of value per hectare to all areas having the same land-cover or habitat type, and is particularly susceptible to errors resulting from lack of correspondence. Enhancing the use of benefit transfers in this and other ecosystem service applications requires paying closer attention to simple guidelines, developed by economists, for improving validity and accuracy.
TARGET RECOGNITION BY MESENCHYME CELLS DURING SEA URCHIN GASTRULATION

Synopsis. During sea urchin gastrulation, mesenchyme cells must migrate to the correct locations and attach to specific sites within the embryo. Primary mesenchyme cells (PMCs) aggregate into two major clusters in the ventrolateral region ofthe embryo and other PMCs form an elaborate pattern that presages the skeletal pattern of the larva. Numerous exper? iments, including alteration of dorsoventral differentiation of the ecto? derm with NiCl2, indicate that the ectoderm provides much ofthe pattern information to which these cells respond. Secondary mesenchyme cells (SMCs) attach to the ectoderm at a specific site near the animal pole at the end of gastrulation, undergoing a dramatic change in protrusive behav? ior as they do so. Experiments indicate that the target region to which they respond is restricted to a small domain that will form the larval mouth, and that this region is unique in its ability to elicit these changes in behavior. A third population of patterned mesenchyme has recently been identified by their expression of the sea urchin homologue of the Drosophila transcription factor, snail. Snail expressing cells form two bilateral clusters near the sites where the larval arms will form as gastru? lation ends. Finally, we have identified two interactions between cells in the early embryo that seem to be important for the establishment of pattern information for mesenchyme: (1) interactions between macromere descendants and neighboring cells can establish new bilateral patterning sites for PMCs, and (2) interactions between the animal pole and cells in a more vegetal location appear to result in induction ofthe oral field and associated pattern information for both PMCs and SMCs.
An MRI study of septi pellucidi in relation to hippocampus volume and fornix integrity in schizophrenia

Septum pellucidum (SP) and cavum SP (CSP) were delineated in two samples. The Longitudinal Study examined structural MR-images in first-episode schizophrenia (FESZ) and controls at two time-points. The Cross-Sectional Study examined structural and diffusion-tensor MR measures, including hippocampus and fornix, in chronic schizophrenia (SZ) at one time-point. CSP and SP measurements remained stable over time in FESZ and controls. Compared to controls, CSP were smaller in FESZ, but not in chronic SZ. SP were larger in chronic SZ, but not in FESZ. In chronic SZ only, SP-Length was correlated negatively with fornix-FA and hippocampal volume, and positively with chlorpromazine-equivalent dosage.
An isolated, blood-perfused, feline heart preparation for evaluating pharmacological interventions during myocardial ischemia

Abstract A preparation is described in which feline hearts were perfused with arterial blood drawn from a blood-donor cat. Ventricular function was measured with a fluidfilled latex balloon within the left ventricle. Left ventricular developed pressure, maximum left ventricular dP/dt, ventricular compliance, and coronary blood flow changed only slightly during two hours of perfusion at a constant pressure of 75 mmHg. Water, sodium, potassium, and calcium contents, and creatine kinase activity of isolated hearts did not differ from the values obtained for intact hearts from the blood-donor cats. Isolated hearts subJected to 40 minutes of normothermic global ischemia with one hour of reperfusion exhibited significantly decreased contractility, but no change in ventricular compliance. Myocardial water and sodium contents were increased after 40 minutes of ischemia and reperfusion. Hearts subJected to 60 minutes of ischemia with reperfusion exhibited decreases in both contractility and compliance. A prolonged reactive hyperemic response was maintained throughout the hour of reperfusion. Myocardial sodium content increased more than could be accounted for by edema formation; decreases were observed in potassium content and creatine kinase activity while calcium content was increased. The applicability of this model for evaluating the effects of pharmacological interventions on myocardial ischemic injury are discussed.
Weighted scoring rules, the impartial culture condition, and homogeneity

The study considers the significance of weight selection for weighted scoring rules on three alternatives. Most research previously done in this area has been based on the assumption of the impartial culture condition. Intuition suggests that if preferences of individuals in a large group are at all distant or different from the impartial culture condition, then the weights selected for a weighted scoring rule become unimportant. It would seem likely in such a situation that one of the alternatives should be a clear front runner and win under almost any weighted scoring rule. A measure of social homogeneity is used in the study to represent the distance between a given set of individuals' preferences and the impartial culture condition. Based on computer simulation analysis, the results indicate that specific weight selection definitely becomes less important as the level of social homogeneity increases. However, the specific weight selection is still found to be of importance for situations with the greatest homogeneity that represent preferences the farthest distance from the condition of impartial culture.
Ion trap mass spectrometry affords advances in the analytical and atmospheric chemistry of 2-hydroxy-2-methylpropanal, a proposed photooxidation product of 2-methyl-3-buten-2-Ol.

In the western United States, in areas where emissions of the biogenic hydrocarbon, 2-methyl-3-buten-2-ol (MBO) are high, MBO contributes significantly to the oxidative capacity of the atmosphere. Hydroxyl radical oxidation of MBO can play an important role in forming tropospheric ozone, and MBO reaction products may contribute to the formation of secondary organic aerosols [1–3]. Although 2-hdyroxy-2-methylpropanal was tentatively identified as a product from the reaction of MBO with ·OH in indoor chamber studies, the identity of the compound was not confirmed due to the lack of an authentic standard. Further, no data exists on the atmospheric generation and fate of 2-hydroxy-2-methylpropanal in the ambient environment. Herein, we provide further evidence that 2-hydroxy-2-methylpropanal is generated by ·OH reaction with MBO by identifying 2-hydroxy-2-methylpropanal in an indoor chamber experiment and in ambient air sampled in the Blodgett Forest, where MBO emissions are high. We analyzed 2-hydroxy-2-methylpropanal by using a method that relies on O-(2,3,4,5,6-pentafluorobenzyl)hydroxylamine (PFBHA) and bis-(trimethylsilyl) trifluoroacetamide (BSTFA) derivatization along with ion-trap mass spectrometry. Tentative identification of 2-hydroxy-2-methylpropanal was possible by using knowledge gained in this study regarding the mass spectrometry of PFBHA-BSTFA derivatives of carbonyls with primary, secondary, and tertiary -OH groups, and ado- and keto-acids. The identification was confirmed by comparing the methane CI mass spectra and relative gas chromatographic retention time obtained by analyzing 2-hydroxy-2-methylpropanal in a sample extract and a synthesized authentic standard. Since the standard became available at the end of this study (after all samples were analyzed), we also developed a method for semi-quantification of 2-hydroxy-2-methylpropanal, with a detection limit of 27 pptv in air. We used the method to provide the first ambient air measurements of 2-hydroxy-2-methylpropanal. The analyte is not commercially available, and hence other researchers who have not synthesized an authentic standard can employ the method.
Community-based field experiences in teacher education: possibilities for a pedagogical third space

The present article discusses the importance of community-based field experiences as a feature of teacher education programs. Through a qualitative case study, prospective teachers’ work with homeless youth in an after-school initiative is presented. Framing community-based field experiences in teacher education through “third space” theory, the article discusses the value that such experiences have for prospective teachers’ learning. The goals of the article align with the commitment to preparing a future teaching force for the diverse educational settings that they will encounter in the twenty-first century.
Generating tests by exploiting designed behavior

One of the hardest problems in digital circuit design is test pattern generation for a complex device. This is difficult in part because it requires reasoning about how to control a device whose behavior can be extremely complex. Knowledge of the specific operations that the device was designed to perform can help solve this problem. The key observation is that a device's designed behavior is often far more limited than the device's potential behavior. This limitation translates into a reduction of the search necessary to achieve planning goals. We describe an implemented program based on this idea.
Age-dependent Effects of 17β-estradiol on the Dynamics of Estrogen Receptor β (ERβ) Protein–Protein Interactions in the Ventral Hippocampus

Recent clinical evidence suggests that the neuroprotective and beneficial effects of hormone therapy may be limited by factors related to age and reproductive status. The patient's age and length of time without circulating ovarian hormones are likely to be key factors in the specific neurological outcomes of hormone therapy. However, the mechanisms underlying age-related changes in hormone efficacy have not been determined. We hypothesized that there are intrinsic changes in estrogen receptor β (ERβ) function that determine its ability to mediate the actions of 17β-estradiol (E2) in brain regions such as the ventral hippocampus. In this study, we identified and quantified a subset of ERβ protein interactions in the ventral hippocampus that were significantly altered by E2 replacement in young and aged animals, using two-dimensional differential gel electrophoresis coupled with liquid chromatography–electrospray ionization–tandem mass spectrometry. This study demonstrates quantitative changes in ERβ protein–protein interactions with E2 replacement that are dependent upon age in the ventral hippocampus and how these changes could alter processes such as transcriptional regulation. Thus, our data provide evidence that changes in ERβ protein interactions are a potential mechanism for age-related changes in E2 responsiveness in the brain after menopause.
Fatigue of the Spirit in Organizational Theory and Organization Development: Reconnaissance Man as Remedy

The charge that the OD Division of the Academy of Management is a group from which "the zest is gone" is explored in an address to this division. Several images are presented regarding ways of observing and learning. OD professionals are advised to perform reconnaissance, which is defined as lowering one's defenses, seeing fully, looking again at things one considers already understood, capturing previously undetected nuances, and developing high-variety languages to describe what is discovered. Reconnaissance should also be applied to the values, beliefs, and practices of OD to determine their validity. OD practitioners are encouraged to study and disseminate the findings of theorists, to act incrementally at times, and to identify problems and issues that are not appropriately addressed by those working in OD.
Institutional Environments and Scholarly Work: American Criminology, 1951–1993

Neoinstitutional theses are examined for the constitution of criminological knowledge during the transformation of penal regimes and the accompanying emergence of a specialized field of criminology. Effects of this reorganization, historical period, and research funding on scholarly journal publications are examined. Results are based on a content analysis of 1,612 articles published in leading journals between 1951 and 1993. Multivariate analyses support neoinstitutional ideas, as topical and theoretical foci are associated with themes suggested by the policy sector. The replication of the policy sector in academic organization tightens this association. Further, articles based on political funding are more likely to engage new preoccupations of the political sector. Theoretical conclusions drawn in the articles under study, however, are independent of institutional factors.
Effectiveness of Over-the-Counter Nicotine Replacement Therapy: A Qualitative Review of Nonrandomized Trials

Aim: Randomized trials conducted in over-the-counter (OTC) settings have shown that nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) is effective. This paper reviews nonrandomized tests of the effectiveness of OTC NRT.
LAN protocols for high-performance distributed and concurrent computing

The number and variety of evolving high-performance distributed and concurrent applications motivate the development of novel and more suitable protocols for their support. We have developed a protocol framework within which concurrent applications may be developed and executed in a straightforward manner on heterogeneous LANs/ The protocols are specifically oriented towards the needs of concurrent applications, and are designed to be robust, efficient and lightweight. The protocols offer reliable and fast packet delivery in a variety of modes, including point to point broadcast, and dynamically variable multicast semantics. In addition, they support several high-level concurrent computing funcuons in an integral mamner, including global extrema and other arithmetic operations, polling, distributed consensus, and synchronization mechanisms. We discuss the salient design aspects of these protocols, describe the syntax and semantics of the user- interface protocol primitives, and, present performance results for varying network sizes and types.
Joint sonar-watermark detection using pulse compression filter

Sonar watermarking is defined by the secure embedding of a low power authentication code in selected components of a cover signal. The components to be watermarked are the selected time-frequency cells of the sonar pulse. In the past, watermark detection has been implemented as a step separate from sonar detection. From a practical standpoint, sonar detection must precede watermark detection. In this work, we present an integrated framework which brings together sonar and watermark detection in one step. The idea is that watermark detection should be attempted only after a sonar echo has been detected. For an LFM signal, a pulse compression filter is the most commonly used receiver. We propose an approach where watermark and signal detection takes place concurrently at the output of the filter. Implementation of both sonar detection and watermark detection is complicated by the fact that the sonar return time is unknown. We have incorporated a parameter estimation approach in the loop whereby sonar echo time of arrival is first estimated using a generalized likelihood function. This estimate is used in setting up a proper matched filter. Shallow water simulations are carried out and Receiver Operating Characteristics (ROC) curves are produced to quantify watermark detection performance under different signal-to-watermark ratios.
A Pacific Aerosol Survey. Part I: A Decade of Data on Particle Production, Transport, Evolution, and Mixing in the Troposphere*

Abstract Integration of extensive aerosol data collected during the past decade around the Pacific basin provides a preliminary assessment of aerosol microphysics for this region and cycling of aerosol in the troposphere. These include aircraft-based data collected as part of numerous field experiments supported by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), the National Science Foundation (NSF), and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) [Global Backscatter Experiment (GLOBE), First Aerosol Characterization Experiment (ACE-1), Pacific Exploratory Mission (PEM)-Tropics A and B]. Although these experiments had diverse goals, most included extensive data on aerosol size distributions, optical properties (light scattering and light absorption), and chemistry. Vertical profiles of aerosol concentration, size distribution, and light scattering were used to characterize vertical structure from 70°S to 70°N. The in situ data are placed in the context of meteorological regimes ov...
Omega-3 Fatty Acids in Diabetes Mellitus: Gift from the Sea?

The potential role of omega-3 fatty acids in the prevention of atherosclerotic disease in the nondiabetic population currently engenders interest, enthusiasm, and controversy. Some apparently beneficial effects of omega-3 fatty acids on platelet function, eicosanoid formation, plasma triglyceride levels, and blood pressure have been described in patients with diabetes mellitus. However, enthusiasm for the use of omega-3 fatty acids in diabetes has been dampened by reports of potentially deleterious effects of these agents, including increased plasma glucose, glycosylated hemoglobin, plasma total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol, and serum apolipoprotein B levels. These adverse effects have been achieved with large, perhaps excessive, doses of omega-3 fatty acids, in the range of 4-10 g/day. The magnitude of these adverse effects has been small (typically 10-36%). It cannot be assumed that the effects of omega-3 fatty acids are the same in patients with diabetes mellitus as in nondiabetic subjects or patients with primary hyperlipidemia. First, the biosynthesis and composition of fatty acids is abnormal in diabetic animals and possibly in diabetic patients. Second, many potential mechanisms implicated in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis are present in diabetic but not necessarily in nondiabetic subjects. Third, the mechanisms of many of the risk factors in diabetic patients differ from the mechanisms of these abnormalities in nondiabetic subjects, reflecting the effects of insulin deficiency, hyperglycemia, and their sequelae. Finally, because diabetes is a heterogeneous group of diseases, the effects of omega-3 fatty acids must be addressed separately for patients with insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus, non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus, and possibly other forms of diabetes.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)