cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Influence of pH on lidocaine penetration through human and hairless mouse skin in vitro

Abstract The permeation of radiolabeled lidocaine through full-thickness hairless mouse skin and dermatomed human epidermis was studied under infinite-dose conditions using a flow-through diffusion apparatus. The donors consisted of 5% suspensions in 40% propylene glycol gelled with 1% hydroxypropyl cellulose and preserved with 0.25% chlorobutanol. The pH was adjusted to several values and the solubility in each donor was measured. Steady-state flux values were subjected to mathematical treatment to estimate the permeability coefficients ( P ) of the ionized and unionized forms of lidocaine. The permeability coefficient for unionized lidocaine through hairless mouse skin was no more than 15 times greater than for the ionized form; a 50-fold difference was obtained with human epidermis. The permeability differences indicate that hairless mouse skin is not an adequate in vitro substitute for human skin when considering lidocaine penetration.
A Three-Dimensional Generalization of Reuleaux’s Method Based on Line Geometry

In kinematics, the problem of motion reconstruction involves generation of a motion from the specification of distinct positions of a rigid body. In its most basic form, this problem involves determination of a screw displacement that would move a rigid body from one position to the next. Much if not all of the previous work in this area has been based on point geometry. In this paper, we develop a method for motion reconstruction based on line geometry. An elegant geometric method is developed based on line geometry that can be considered as a generalization of the classical Reuleaux’s method used in 2D kinematics. The case of over determined system is also considered a linear solution is presented based on least squares method.Copyright © 2006 by ASME
Recipient intramuscular cotransfection of transforming growth factor β1 and interleukin 10 ameliorates acute lung graft rejection

Objective Multiple gene transfer might permit modulation of concurrent biochemical pathways involved in acute lung graft rejection. We investigated whether gene cotransfection into the recipient reduces acute lung graft rejection. Methods Brown Norway rats were used as donors, and F344 rats were used as recipients. Recipient animals were injected with saline (groups I/VI) or 1 × 10 10 pfu of adenovirus encoding β-galactosidase (groups II/VII), transforming growth factor β1 (groups III/VIII), interleukin 10 (groups IV/IX), or both transforming growth factor β1 and interleukin 10 (groups V/X) into both leg muscles 2 days before transplantation (groups I-V) or at the time of harvest (groups VI-X). The Kruskal-Wallis test for rejection score and 1-way analysis of variance were used to compare groups. Results Oxygenation was significantly improved in the cotransfected groups treated 2 days before transplantation and at the time of harvest. Rejection scores were also reduced in the cotransfected groups. In group V cotransfection suppressed endogenous interleukin 2 but not interferon γ and tumor necrosis factor α. Conclusion Recipient intramuscular cotransfection of transforming growth factor β1 and interleukin 10 suppressed interleukin 2 expression and provided a synergistic effect that reduced acute lung graft rejection. This approach might be applied to the clinical setting because transplant recipients could be treated at the time of implantation.
Mercury Concentrations in Hair from Neonatal and Juvenile Steller Sea Lions (Eumetopias jubatus): Implications Based on Age and Region in this Northern Pacific Marine Sentinel Piscivore

Mercury is a global contaminant of concern for the fetus and the neonate of piscivores. Methylmercury, produced within marine ecosystems, is of particular concern as a readily absorbed neurotoxicant transported across the blood brain barrier and transplacentally. In the North Pacific Ocean, Steller sea lions are broadly distributed apex predators and, as such, integrate complex food webs and the associated exposure and possible adverse effects of toxic and infectious agents. Hair, including lanugo, was examined using regional and age groupings to assess mercury concentrations in young Alaskan Steller sea lions. The highest concentrations of mercury occurred in the youngest animals, likely via in utero exposure. Based on the adverse developmental outcomes of methylmercury toxicity this specific cohort is of concern. Regionally, higher concentrations of mercury were observed in the endangered western population of Steller sea lions and mirrored patterns observed in human biomonitoring studies of Alaskan coastal communities. These data have broader implications with respect to human and ecosystem health as Steller sea lions rely on similar prey species and foraging areas as those targeted by commercial fisheries and subsistence users and are therefore valuable sentinels of marine ecosystem health.
Polarization studies of surgical materials in Ringer's solution.

The corrosion resistance of materials employed for surgical applications was dertermined and compared by means of potentiostatic anodic polarization techniques. In a physiological saline solution the passive breakdown potential of stainless steel materials was dependent upon the oxygen content opf the solution, and the microstructure of the material. The breakdown is passivity was found to be due to a pitting type of corrosion attack. Pure titanium remained passive within the limits employed in this investigation. Even though cast vitallium did not exhibit passivity breakdown in the form of a pitting attack, polarization behavior between the behavior for stainless stell and pure titanium was observed.
AUTOMATIC REPLENISHMENT PROGRAMS: THE IMPACT OF ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE

Many firms have shifted to response-based supply chain systems instead of traditional push systems. Research results are presented covering a specific type of response-based system, Automatic Replenishment Programs (ARPs), in which inventory restocking is triggered by actual sales. The paper looks at the influence of organizational structure, i.e., centralization versus decentralization, on ARP performance and information systems capabilities. Results are mixed. Decentralized firms reported higher performance relating to specific ARP-related goals. However, no differences were found at a more global level when ARP relationship performance and profitability were examined. Even fewer differences were found between centralized and decentralized firms with respect to their information systems capabilities.
The Stream of Consciousness: XXVI. Awareness as Commentary (Second Part)

This article, published in two parts, is propaedeutic to a consideration next of Weiskrantz's conception of consciousness from a perspective bequeathed to us by James more than a century ago. Weiskrantz has argued in support of a general account of awareness that resembles the “Intellectualist” notion of mind against which James strongly objected. Weiskrantz mainly addressed the question of where in the brain the stream of consciousness “flows,” but he also maintained at some length that all awarenesses, even those experiences that are involved in having pain, are matters of commentary. Contrary to how it may seem, every state of consciousness is in fact a certain kind of behavioral response—covert, overt, or incipient—that brings something or other under a heading. Although Weiskrantz explicitly rejected all eliminative strategies vis-a-vis awareness, he formulated his own concept of awareness in terms of the operations that allow him to judge whether a subject is aware of something in particular, and he...
The polyphenolase of tobacco and its participation in amino acid metabolism. I. Manometric studies.

Abstract 1. 1. An active polyphenolase has been isolated from tobacco free of any impurities which might interfere with manometric studies. 2. 2. Enzymic oxidation of catechol, caffeic acid, and chlorogenic acid has been studied. 3. 3. The phenolase of tobacco is capable of functioning similarly to that of other plants in relation to protein metabolism. 4. 4. Further evidence for the presently accepted mechanism of amino acid-oxidized polyphenol combination is presented.
Ethanol-Induced Behavioral Sensitization in Adolescent and Adult Mice: Role of the nNOS Gene

Background: In the brain, nitric oxide (NO) produced by neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS) has a role in synaptic plasticity. Recent evidence suggests the role of NO in a variety of effects produced by alcohol in the central nervous system. The current study investigated the role of the nNOS gene in the development of behavioral sensitization to ethanol in adolescent and adult mice. Methods: Adolescent and adult wild type (WT; B6;129SF2) and nNOS knockout (KO; B6;129S4-Nos1) mice of both sexes received saline or ethanol (1.5 g/kg; intraperitoneally) for 5 consecutive days, and locomotor activity was recorded daily. The locomotor response to challenge ethanol and saline injections was investigated at various time points following withdrawal from ethanol. Results: Adolescent WT but not nNOS KO mice developed a long-lasting sensitized response to ethanol as well as context-dependent hyperlocomotion (in response to saline) from adolescence through adulthood; sex-dependent differences were not observed. Compared to adolescent WT mice, adult WT males developed a short-term sensitized response to ethanol and context-dependent hyperlocomotion; adult WT females showed only short-term context-dependent hyperlocomotion. Adult nNOS KO males (like their adolescent counterparts) did not develop behavioral sensitization; no significant differences between adult nNOS KO and WT females were observed. Blood ethanol concentrations did not show genotype- or sex-dependent differences. Conclusions: (1) The nNOS gene is required for the development of behavioral sensitization to ethanol in adolescent male and female mice. (2) Adolescent exposure to ethanol results in long-lasting behavioral sensitization through adulthood, while adult exposure to ethanol results in a shorter behavioral sensitization. (3) Sex-dependent differences are observed when ethanol exposure begins in adulthood but not in adolescence. (4) Ethanol-induced behavioral sensitization in adulthood is nNOS-dependent in males but not in females. Taken together, results suggest genotype-, ontogeny-, and sex-dependent differences in the development of behavioral sensitization to ethanol.
Surface control of cold hibernated elastic memory self-deployable structure

A new class of simple, reliable, lightweight, low packaging volume and cost, self-deployable structures has been developed for use in space and commercial applications. This technology called 'cold hibernated elastic memory' (CHEM) utilizes shape memory polymers (SMP)in open cellular (foam) structure or sandwich structures made of shape memory polymer foam cores and polymeric composite skins. Some of many potential CHEM space applications require a high precision deployment and surface accuracy during operation. However, a CHEM structure could be slightly distorted by the thermo-mechanical processing as well as by thermal space environment Therefore, the sensor system is desirable to monitor and correct the potential surface imperfection. During these studies, the surface control of CHEM smart structures was demonstrated using a Macro-Fiber Composite (MFC) actuator developed by the NASA LaRC and US Army ARL. The test results indicate that the MFC actuator performed well before and after processing cycles. It reduced some residue compressive strain that in turn corrected very small shape distortion after each processing cycle. The integrated precision strain gages were detecting only a small flat shape imperfection indicating a good recoverability of original shape of the CHEM test structure.
Single-scattering cluster calculations and Fourier-transform analyses of normal photoelectron diffraction

The results of single-scattering cluster (SSC) calculations of normal photoelectron diffraction (NPD) from the S $1s$ level in $c(2\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}2)\mathrm{S}$ on Ni(001) are compared with multiple-scattering (MS) calculations by Tong and co-workers over the energy range 100 to 600 eV. It is found that the kinematical $\ensuremath{\chi}(E)$ curves are in good agreement with the multiple-scattering curves over the energy range \ensuremath{\sim} 160 to \ensuremath{\sim} 400 eV but in poor agreement elsewhere. The range of agreement between the SSC and MS curves can be directly associated with a relatively strong peak in the backscattering amplitude over essentially the same 160- to 400- eV range. The SSC curve for an adsorbate vertical height of $z=1.35$ \AA{} is also in good agreement with experimental data of Hussain and co-workers over the range of \ensuremath{\sim} 170-430 eV. Thus, it appears that this simple SSC model can be fruitfully used in analyzing NPD data, even if it may not be quantitative enough for refined structural determinations. The effects of cluster size are examined within the single-scattering model, and it is suggested that approximately eight Ni layers are needed to describe NPD at electron energies \ensuremath{\gtrsim} 300 eV. Inclusion of instrumental angular broadening is also found to be significant, and in particular increases the agreement between SSC and MS curves. Fourier-transform analysis of both the single- and multiple-scattering curves shows that peaks in the magnitude of the Fourier transform are most directly related to path-length differences between the direct wave and various scattered waves and not to perpendicular interlayer distances as previously suggested. These results thus indicate that the Fourier transformation of normal photoelectron diffraction data is not a particularly reliable method of obtaining surface structural information unless a very limited number of path-length differences are strongly predominant in the scattering.
Distinguishing between primary and secondary intergradation among morphologically differentiated populations of Anolis marmoratus

Distinguishing between primary and secondary intergradation among differentiated populations, and the relative importance of drift and selection, are persistent problems in evolutionary biology. An historical perspective on population interactions can provide insight into the nature of contacts, and thus help resolve these questions. Continuously distributed populations of Anolis marmoratus from the island of Basse Terre in the Guadeloupean archipelago of the Lesser Antilles show a striking degree of geographic variation in morphology. Initial surveys of mtDNA variation from throughout the Guadeloupean Archipelago revealed one case where levels of sequence difference and phylogenetic relationships of alleles from morphologically differentiated populations from the east coast of Basse Terre were consistent with primary intergradation. In this paper, I examine the genetic population structure of a series of populations spanning this north-south cline in morphological variation to test the hypothesis of primary intergradation. Sequences of the mitochondrial cytochrome-b gene from 50 individuals representing five populations spanning the cline were obtained and fourteen unique haplotypes (differing by 2% or less) were detected. Patterns of nucleotide substitution among haplotypes do not deviate from neutral expectation indicating no effect of selection at the level of mtDNA sequences. Estimates of population structure and gene flow were made using both summary statistics for nucleotide diversity (Nst) and cladistic methods. The results are sensitive to the choice of gene flow model, and this is discussed in detail. Mitochondrial variation in the northern populations may not be at equilibrium, and the phylogeny of alleles is consistent with a recent increase in effective population size. Estimates of nucleotide diversity, gene flow, and the phylogenetic relationships of haplotypes indicate that the southern-most population (representing the extreme of morphological variation along this cline) has been relatively isolated from populations to the north and has experienced a reduced effective population size. The apparent clinal variation between the southern population and the others may therefore reflect secondary contact and introgression rather than primary intergradation.
Development of the random-retardation-encoding anti-counterfeiting technology

The properties of periodicity and linear separation/combination of optical retardation are adopted to develop the Random-Retardation-Encoding anti-counterfeiting technology. In the experiments of this paper, the authentication pattern was divided into two parts with different random retardation distribution. The two parts of random retardation pattern were fabricated on two separate films. One of them can be used as the authentication tag, and the other is used for the identification of the authentication tag. Because the resolution of the random retardation pattern can be made very high, it's very hard to counterfeit the authentication tag without knowing the original design pattern. In addition, the transparency property of the retardation film makes it easy to be integrated with other anti-counterfeiting method, e.g. it can be laminated on a hologram without destroying the visual performance of the hologram while the authentication function of the retardation film is still maintained.
Cluster validation using legacy delineations

Abstract Validation is an important aspect of clustering, but is often overlooked. The existing cluster validity measures are often inadequate for practical applications. Inability to incorporate existing domain knowledge is a primary deficiency. We have proposed a measure which models the domain knowledge in the form of existing delineations, often available from legacy. The effectiveness of the measure in a practical problem is demonstrated.
Mechanisms of oral staphylococcal enterotoxin B-induced emesis in the monkey (38553).

SummaryVomition is the most consistent response to oral SEB challenge in the monkey. The technique of cross-circulation clearly differentiates local neural phenomenon from humoral mechanisms. Our results support the theory that SEB-induced vomition follows stimulation of local neural receptors in the gut. The evidence indicates no significant amount of enterotoxin absorption or stimulation of vomition by any centrally acting humoral mechanism.The authors thank Dr. Virginia McGann for advice helpful in this work; Mr. Michael Griffin, Mr. Glenn Crone and Miss Karen Bostian for chemical analysis; and PFC Jack Condon and PFC Clair Meske for technical assistance.
Adsorption Dynamics of α-Lactalbumin and β-Lactoglobulin at Air–Water Interfaces

Dynamics of adsorption of 14C radiolabeled beta-lactoglobulin and alpha-lactalbumin at the air-water interface was investigated through the measurement of surface pressure (pi) and surface concentration (Gamma) via a radiotracer technique. Adsorption was diffusion controlled at short times, the rates of increase of pi and Gamma being lower at longer times because of an energy barrier. At low concentrations, an apparent time lag was observed in the evolution of pi for beta-lactoglobulin but not for alpha-lactalbumin which was shown to be due to the nonlinear nature of the pi-Gamma relationship for the former. The area per molecule of an adsorbed beta-lactoglobulin during the dynamics of adsorption was smaller than that for spread monolayer since beta-lactoglobulin was not fully unfolded during adsorption. For alpha-lactalbumin, however, no such difference in the molecular areas for adsorbed and spread monolayer was observed indicating thereby that alpha-lactalbumin unfolded much more rapidly than beta-lactoglobulin. Evolution of Gamma for alpha-lactalbumin was found to occur in two steps possibly due to the change in the orientation of the adsorbed protein from a side-on to an end-on orientation. A previously developed mechanistic model (G. Narsimhan and F. Uraizee, Biotechnology Prog. 8, 187 (1992)) was improved to account for the presence of hydrophobic patches on the surface of the protein molecule as well as an adsorbed protein layer at the air-water interface. The model predictions agreed quite well with the experimental evolution of Gamma for beta-lactoglobulin and alpha-lactalbumin. The model calculations seem to indicate that alpha-lactalbumin changes its orientation at the air-water interface from side-on to other orientations at higher surface concentrations. Copyright 1999 Academic Press.
Predictors of Adolescent Drug Use: Cognitive Abilities, Coping Strategies, and Purpose in Life.

ABSTRACT Purpose in life and coping skills are hypothesized to mediate the association between cognitive abilities (e.g., fluid and crystallized intelligence) and poly drug use (alcohol, cigarettes, cannabis, illicit drugs). Self-report, cross-sectional data were obtained from a community sample of 144 junior high and high school students, 12 to 17 years old. Structural model results indicated that the relationship between crystallized intelligence and alcohol use was mediated by purpose in life. In addition, older age predicted higher cognitive abilities, stronger coping strategies, more poly drug use, and less purpose in life. Cognitive abilities predicted less cigarette and illicit drug use; existential confusion predicted more illicit drug use; and cognitive approach skills predicted more poly drug use. The implications of these findings are discussed.
758 THE ROLE OF MATERNALLY TRANSFERRED ANTIBODIES IN I THE RESISTANCE OF NEWBORN MICE AGAINST COXSACKIE B-3 VIRUS INFECTION

Experimental Coxsackie B-3 virus infection in newborn mice was utilized to examine the protective role of circulating antibodies. Subcutaneous administration of specific antiviral antibodies to the infected mice resulted in a significant protection against the lethal infection of Coxsackie B-3 virus. Exogenous administration of antibodies to pregnant mothers also resulted in an enhanced resistance to Coxsackie B-3 infection in the offsprings. These antibodies are transferred primarily through the placenta. However, intestinal absorption of the antibodies through breast milk may also provide some protection. These data suggest that antibody-mediated immunity play a significant role in resistance against Coxsackie B-3 virus infection in the newborn.
Locality sensitive hash functions based on concomitant rank order statistics

Locality Sensitive Hash functions are invaluable tools for approximate near neighbor problems in high dimensional spaces. In this work, we are focused on LSH schemes where the similarity metric is the cosine measure. The contribution of this work is a new class of locality sensitive hash functions for the cosine similarity measure based on the theory of concomitants, which arises in order statistics. Consider n i.i.d sample pairs, {(X1; Y1); (X2; Y2); : : : ;(Xn; Yn)} obtained from a bivariate distribution f(X, Y). Concomitant theory captures the relation between the order statistics of X and Y in the form of a rank distribution given by Prob(Rank(Yi)=j-Rank(Xi)=k). We exploit properties of the rank distribution towards developing a locality sensitive hash family that has excellent collision rate properties for the cosine measure.The computational cost of the basic algorithm is high for high hash lengths. We introduce several approximations based on the properties of concomitant order statistics and discrete transforms that perform almost as well, with significantly reduced computational cost. We demonstrate the practical applicability of our algorithms by using it for finding similar images in an image repository.
Solid thin film materials for use in thin film charge-coupled devices

Abstract Solid thin films deposited by vacuum deposition were evaluated to ascertain their effectiveness for use in the manufacturing of charge-coupled devices (CCDs). Optical and electrical characteristics of tellurium and Bi2Te3 solid thin films were obtained in order to design and to simulate successfully the operation of thin film (TF) CCDs. In this article some of the material differences between single-crystal material and the island-structured thin film used in TFCCDs are discussed. The electrical parameters were obtained and tabulated, e.g. the mobility, conductivity, dielectric constants, permittivity, lifetime of holes and electrons in the thin films and drift diffusion constants. The optical parameters were also measured and analyzed. After the design was complete, experimental TFCCDs were manufactured and were successfully operated utilizing the aforementioned solid thin films.
Is Seed Iron Concentration Predictive of Resistance to Iron Deficiency in Soybean

Within the last decade, studies involving numerous crops provide strong evidence that seed Fe concentration ([Fe]) is useful for identifying genotypes possessing superior resistance to Fe defi ciency. It is our opinion that using seed [Fe] is equivalent or superior to using visual chlorosis score as a measure of Fe effi ciency, that seed [Fe] can be used to identify resistance to Fe defi ciency in the absence of Fe defi ciency or in the presence of Fe defi ciency exacerbated by applying high rates of fertilizer N, that conventional plant breeding can be used to increase seed [Fe] as a strategy for improving resistance to Fe defi ciency, and that planting seed [Fe] can be used as a predictor of successful (nonchlorotic) seedling establishment. International agricultural agencies, such as HarvestPlus (CIAT, Cali, Columbia), have promoted using plant breeding as an intervention strategy focused on increasing micronutrient concentrations and bioavailabilities in crops consumed by populations with known micronutrient defi ciencies. Can conventional plant breeding be used to increase seed [Fe] as a strategy to reduce Fe defi ciency in soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.]? Evidence presented in this paper combined with earlier reports indicates that Fe-effi cient and Fe-ineffi cient varieties appear to have seed [Fe] maxima that are distinctly different and seldom exceeded; that is, soybean plants tend to maintain [Fe] in the grain within predetermined, genetically controlled limits. Seed [Fe] can be regarded as an integrated measure of resistance to Fe defi ciency that is manifest at maturity and that involves the coordinate expression of several genes regulating Fe reduction and uptake, transport, and storage.
Nitrate and ammonium uptake in Antarctic waters1

Nitrate and ammonium uptake rates were measured by the /sup 15/N tracer technique in Antarctic waters. The ratio f = NO/sub 3//sup -/ uptake/NO/sub 3//sup -/ uptake + NH/sub 4//sup +/ uptake averaged 0.54 in the Scotia Sea in early spring and 0.40 in the Ross Sea in summer, indicating that NO/sub 3//sup -/ and NH/sub 4//sup +/ contribute about equally to primary production in these regions and that a large proportion of the primary production is exported from the surface layers. Uptake rates in laboratory experiments increased with increasing temperature and the relative uptake of NH/sub 4//sup +/ was positively correlated with increasing mean ambient NH/sub 4//sup +/ concentration and depth in the water column.
Theoretical prediction of collision efficiency between adhesion-deficient bacteria and sediment grain surface

Abstract Our earlier results concerning bacterial transport of an adhesion-deficient strain Comamonas sp. (DA001) in intact sediment cores from near South Oyster, VA demonstrated that grain size is the principle factor controlling bacterial retention, and that Fe and Al hydroxide mineral coatings are of secondary importance. The experimentally determined collision efficiency ( α ) was in the range of 0.003–0.026 and did not correlate with the Fe and Al concentration. This study attempts to theoretically predict α , and identifies factors responsible for the observed low α . The modified Derjaguin–Landau–Verwey–Overbeek (DLVO) theory was used to calculate the total intersurface potential energy as a function of separation distance between bacterial and sediment surfaces and to provide insights into the relative importance of bacterial and sediment grain surface properties in controlling magnitude of α . Different models for calculating theoretical α were developed and compared. By comparing theoretical α values from different models with previously published experimental α values, it is possible to identify a suitable model for predicting α . When DA001 bacteria interact with quartz surfaces, the theoretical α best predicts experimental α when DA001 cells are reversibly attached to the secondary minimum of the energy interaction curve and α depends on the probability of escape from that energy well. No energy barrier opposes bacterial attachment to clean iron oxide surface of positive charge at sub-neutral pH, thus the model predicts α of unity. When the iron oxide is equilibrated with natural groundwater containing 5–10 ppm of dissolved organic carbon (DOC), its surface charge reverses, and the model predicts α to be on the order of 0.2. The theoretical α for DA001 in the natural sediments from South Oyster, VA was estimated by representing the surface potential of the sediment as a patch-wise binary mixture of negatively charged quartz ( ζ =−60 mV) and organic carbon coated Fe–Al hydroxides ( ζ =−2 mV). Such a binary mixing approach generates α that closely matches the experimental α . This study demonstrates that it is possible to predict α from known bacterial and grain surface properties.
Enzymatic cleavage as a processing step in the maturation of Muc4/sialomucin complex.

Cleavage of Muc4/SMC precursor into two subunits is an essential processing step for maturation and occurs within a GD-PH sequence. Recent evidence indicates that cleavage of the precursor of gel-forming mucin MUC2 within the same tetrapeptide sequence occurs by a non-enzymatic, autocatalytic cleavage at low pH, and in cells in the late secretory pathway. Here we provide evidence that the cleavage step of Muc4/SMC processing occurs by a proteolytic mechanism. First, processing of Muc4/SMC precursor to ASGP-2 was inhibited in the presence of the mechanism-based serine protease inhibitor, Pefabloc SC, under conditions that did not block synthesis of other proteins. This inhibition led to an increased level of the precursor. Second, neutralization of the acidic environment of the late secretory pathway with NH4Cl did not inhibit cleavage of Muc4/SMC precursor. These results indicate that the two mucins can be processed by cleavage at the same peptide site by different mechanisms. J. Cell. Biochem. 97: 1267–1274, 2006. © 2005 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
HYDICE postflight data processing

The hyperspectral digital imagery collection experiment (HYDICE) sensor records instrument counts for scene data, in-flight spectral and radiometric calibration sequences, and dark current levels onto an AMPEX DCRsi data tape. Following flight, the HYDICE ground data processing subsystem (GDPS) transforms selected scene data from digital numbers (DN) to calibrated radiance levels at the sensor aperture. This processing includes: dark current correction, spectral and radiometric calibration, conversion to radiance, and replacement of bad detector elements. A description of the algorithms for post-flight data processing is presented. A brief analysis of the original radiometric calibration procedure is given, along with a description of the development of the modified procedure currently used. Example data collected during the 1995 flight season, but uncorrected and processed, are shown to demonstrate the removal of apparent sensor artifacts (e.g., non-uniformities in detector response over the array) as a result of this transformation.
Gadolinium-containing phosphatidylserine liposomes for molecular imaging of atherosclerosis

Exteriorized phosphatidylserine (PS) residues in apoptotic cells trigger rapid phagocytosis by macrophage scavenger receptor pathways. Mimicking apoptosis with liposomes containing PS may represent an attractive approach for molecular imaging of atherosclerosis. We investigated the utility of paramagnetic gadolinium liposomes enriched with PS (Gd-PS) in imaging atherosclerotic plaque. Gd-PS-containing Gd-conjugated lipids, fluorescent rhodamine, and PS were prepared and characterized. Cellular uptake in RAW macrophages (fluorescent uptake of rhodamine) was studied on a fluorescence plate reader, while Gd-PS-induced alteration in T1 relaxivity was evaluated using a 1.5 T MRI scanner. RAW cells demonstrate PS-dependent uptake of across a range of concentrations (2, 6, 12, and 20%) in comparison to control liposomes with no PS (0%). In vivo performance of Gd-PS was evaluated in the ApoE−/− mouse model by collection of serial T1 weighted gradient echo MR images using an 11.7 T MRI system and revealed rapid and significant enhancement of the aortic wall that was seen for at least 4 h after injection. Gd-PS-enriched liposomes enhance atherosclerotic plaque and colocalize with macrophages in experimental atherosclerosis.
Stability problems in a theorem of F. Schur

Schur's theorem states that an isotropic Riemannian manifold of dimension greater than two has constant curvature. It is natural to guess that compact almost isotropic Riemannian manifolds of dimension greater than two are close to spaces of almost constant curvature. We take the curvature anisotropy as the discrepancy of the sectional curvatures at a point. The main result of this paper is that Riemannian manifolds in Cheeger's class ℜ(n,d,V,A) withL 1-small integral anisotropy haveL p-small change of the sectional curvature over the manifold. We also estimate the deviation of the metric tensor from that of constant curvature in theW p 2 -norm, and prove that compact almost isotropic spaces inherit the differential structure of a space form. These stability results are based on the generalization of Schur' theorem to metric spaces.
Identification and activity of two insertion sequence elements in Rhodococcus sp. strain IGTS8.

Abstract Two putative insertion sequence (IS) elements, IS/166 and IS1295, were identified on a plasmid present in Rhodococcus sp. IGTS8. Four copies of IS1166 were present in strain IGTS8: one copy on each of two separate plasmids and two copies on a third plasmid or in the chromosome. Of eight rhodococci tested, only R. zopfii contained a copy of an IS1166-like element. Two mutants of strain IGTS8 were isolated in which an additional copy of IS1166 was present, suggesting that at least one copy of this element may be able to transpose. IS1166 and IS1295 are new members of a family of IS elements which includes IS6120 from Mycobacterium smegmatis, IST2 from Thiobacillus ferrooxidans, IS256 from Staphylococcus aureus and ISRm3 from Rhizobium meliloti. The 24–25-bp inverted repeats of these six elements are highly similar and, with the exception of IS1295, their transposases exhibit moderate identities. In particular, the predicted amino-acid sequence of the transposase from IS1166 is 86% identical to that from the known transposable element IS6120.
Substrate Latent Heat Effects in The Calculations for Pulsed Laser Irradiated Thin Films

We present a numerical model for the calculation of the temperature rise caused by pulsed laser irradiation of a thin film/substrate structure. This model includes phase changes in both the thin film and the substrate. The inclusion of phase changes results in more complex thermal behavior and significantly affects melt durations. This model was applied to the AuGe/GaAs system. Morphological observation using the scanning electron microscope and SIMS profiles provides experimental verification for the numerical calculations.
Stopping smoking during first year of substance use treatment predicted 9-year alcohol and drug treatment outcomes

This study examined the association between stopping smoking at 1 year after substance use treatment intake and long-term substance use outcomes. Nine years of prospective data from 1185 adults (39% female) in substance use treatment at a private health care setting were analyzed by multivariate logistic generalized estimating equation models. At 1 year, 14.1% of 716 participants who smoked cigarettes at intake reported stopping smoking, and 10.7% of the 469 non-smokers at intake reported smoking. After adjusting for sociodemographics, substance use severity and diagnosis at intake, length of stay in treatment, and substance use status at 1 year, those who stopped smoking at 1 year were more likely to be past-year abstinent from drugs, or in past-year remission of drugs and alcohol combined, at follow-ups than those who continued to smoke (OR = 2.4, 95% CI: 1.2–4.7 and OR = 1.6, 95% CI: 1.1–2.4, respectively). Stopping smoking at 1 year also predicted past-year alcohol abstinence through 9 years after intake among those with drug-only dependence (OR = 2.4, 95% CI: 1.2–4.5). We found no association between past-year alcohol abstinence and change in smoking status at 1 year for those with alcohol dependence or other substance use diagnoses when controlling for alcohol use status at 1 year. Stopping smoking during the first year after substance use treatment intake predicted better long-term substance use outcomes through 9 years after intake. Findings support promoting smoking cessation among smoking clients in substance use treatment.
Pulmonary nocardiosis in cystic fibrosis.

Abstract Background The treatment of Nocardia species found in the sputum of cystic fibrosis patients is of unknown value. Methods We conducted a retrospective analysis of the impact of directed oral antibiotic therapy against Nocardia spp. isolated from the sputum of 17 cystic fibrosis patients over a 10-year period. Pulmonary Function Tests were used as the clinical indicator of the disease state and the data were analyzed by general linear mixed model statistics with univariate analysis. Results Pulmonary Function Test values of all patients studied showed no significant difference before, during, or after the antibiotic treatment period. Treatment groups did not differ from non-treatment groups. This held true for Forced Expiratory Volume over 1 s and Functional Vital Capacity analysis. In addition, individual patient analysis did not reveal any trends or outliers. Conclusions Oral antibiotic therapy of cystic fibrosis patients colonized with Nocardia does not appear to affect clinical outcome. This suggests that deferring therapy may be an acceptable alternative and justifies conducting a future placebo controlled trial. In addition, this study model may be useful in analyzing the effect of therapy on other rare and difficult organisms, such as fungi and mycobacteria in the cystic fibrosis population.
HIV-1 Tat enhances Kaposi sarcoma–associated herpesvirus (KSHV) infectivity

The high frequency of Kaposi sarcoma (KS) in immunodeficiency states, particularly in patients with AIDS, has been attributed to increased replication of KS-associated herpesvirus (KSHV), a necessary cofactor for KS development. However, experimental KSHV infection of endothelial lineage cells that compose KS lesions has been difficult even in the absence of immune cells. Here we show that HIV-1 Tat protein can directly promote KSHV transmission. Full-length HIV-1 Tat and a 13-amino-acid peptide corresponding to the basic region of Tat specifically enhances the entry of KSHV into endothelial and other cells, presenting evidence for an active role of HIV-1 in the development of KSHV-associated diseases. These results can explain why AIDS-KS is more frequent and clinically more aggressive than KS in other immunodeficiency states.
Biosynthetic arginine decarboxylase in phytopathogenic fungi.

Abstract It has been reported that while bacteria and higher plants possess two different pathways for the biosynthesis of putrescine, via ornithine decarboxylase (ODC) and arginine decarboxylase (ADC); the fungi, like animals, only use the former pathway. We found that contrary to the earlier reports, two of the phytopathogenic fungi ( Ceratocystis minor and Verticillium dahliae ) contain significant levels of ADC activity with very little ODC. The ADC in these fungi has high pH optimum (8.4) and low Km (0.237 mM for C . minor , 0.103 mM for V . dahliae ), and is strongly inhibited by α-difluoromethylarginine (DFMA), putrescine and spermidine, further showing that this enzyme is probably involved in the biosynthesis of polyamines and not in the catabolism of arginine as in Escherichia coli . The growth of these fungi is strongly inhibited by DFMA while α-difluoromethylornithine (DFMO) has little effect.
An analytic study of curricula in systems science and engineering

Abstract Science advances, on the one hand, by developing—in depth and in breadth—the traditional disciplines, and, on the other, by creating entirely new ones. The emergence of new scientific disciplines is governed, essentially by two major factors : (1) a tendency toward specialization, and (2) a tendency toward the generalization of science. Systems science and engineering was produced by the latter tendency. An objective of this paper has been to identify the topical areas of systems science and engineering curricula and thus provide an extensional definition of its main components of concentration.
The Hospice Farewell: Ideological Perspectives of Its Professional Practitioners.

This research examines a social service devoted to “good deaths” in our country: hospice. Using a modified Delphi technique, a national sample of hospice experts (n = 48) was questioned in order to elicit group judgments about hospice ideology, the issue of control over one's own death trajectory, and hospice's relevance for older individuals. The respondents generally concurred that hospice, influenced by the work of Kubler-Ross, represents a radical departure in how we die, a reaction to the quality of death within a cultural climate of death denial, and, in some sense, a demodernization movement. While a high rate of consensus was obtained on many of the issues that evolved, little evidence of a coherent ideology could be detected linking notions of hospice origins, issues of patient control, and suitability of hospice care for older individuals.
Comparison of the DiSCmini Aerosol Monitor to a Handheld Condensation Particle Counter and a Scanning Mobility Particle Sizer for Submicrometer Sodium Chloride and Metal Aerosols

We evaluated the robust, lightweight DiSCmini (DM) aerosol monitor for its ability to measure the concentration and mean diameter of submicrometer aerosols. Tests were conducted with monodispersed and polydispersed aerosols composed of two particle types (sodium chloride [NaCl] and spark-generated metal particles, which simulate particles found in welding fume) at three different steady-state concentration ranges (Low, 104 particles/cm3). Particle number concentration, lung deposited surface area (LDSA) concentration, and mean size measured with the DM were compared with those measured with reference instruments, a scanning mobility particle sizer (SMPS), and a handheld condensation particle counter (CPC). Particle number concentrations measured with the DM were within 16% of those measured by the CPC for polydispersed aerosols. Poorer agreement was observed for monodispersed aerosols (±35% for most tests and +101% for 300-nm NaCl). LDSA concentrations measured by the DM ...
Karyotypes of two rodents from perú, with a description of the highest diploid number recorded for a mammal

Se describe los cariotipos deAnotomys leander y Agouti taczanowskii del Peru. Las cromosomas deA. leander son 92, el numero mas alto conocido de un mamifero. Informes anteriores deA. taczanowskii en el Peru son discutido.
Differentiation and Dynamic Tensile Loading Alter Nuclear Mechanics and Mechanoreception in Mesenchymal Stem Cells

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are a promising cell source for tissue engineering applications, given their ease of isolation and multi-potential differentiation capacity [1]. Passive and active mechanical signals can direct MSC lineage commitment [2], however, the subcellular machinery that translates physical cues to biologic response remains unclear. Direct deformation of the nucleus may influence differentiation by inducing mechanical reorganization of nuclear chromatin. Because the nuclei of differentiated cells are stiffer than progenitor cells [3], it is possible that such mechanoregulatory mechanisms vary with differentiation state. Lamin A/C is a filamentous protein that largely defines nuclear shape, size and stiffness [3]. Recent work suggests that Lamin A/C also regulates chromatin organization and transcriptional activity [4]. Recently, we have developed an in vitro system to direct the functional differentiation of MSCs into fibrochondrocytes, using electrospun polymeric nanofiber substrates [5]. Alignment of nanofibers directs cell alignment, allowing external forces to be applied uniformly along the long axes of cells, emulating the mechanical microenvironment experienced by embryonic progenitors during fibrous tissue morphogenesis [6]. We have noted, however, that as MSCs undergo fibrochondrogenesis, translation of scaffold deformation to nuclear deformation is attenuated [7]. From those studies, it was not clear whether this was due to changes in cellular mechanics or to accretion of extracellular matrix during differentiation. Thus the objective of the present work was to specifically identify how fibrochondrogenesis of MSCs on aligned nanofibrous scaffolds alters nuclear mechanics and mechanoreception, and further to ascertain whether mechanical stimulation alone can elicit similar mechanoregulatory changes.Copyright © 2011 by ASME
Prior experience influences the fruit residence of male apple maggot flies,Rhagoletis pomonella

Male apple maggot flies spend considerable time residing on individual host fruit as territories on which they force-copulate arriving females in search of oviposition sites. Here, we present evidence from investigations in nature and the laboratory that shows the propensity of males to reside on a hawthorn or apple fruit as a territory is significantly modifiable through prior experience with fruit and, hence, involves learning. Previous studies revealed that after a female apple maggot fly, Rhagoletis pomonella, arrived on a host hawthorn or apple fruit, its propensity to accept or reject that fruit for egg-laying was similarly modifiable through prior fruit-exposure experience and also involved learning. We discuss how host fruit learning in males and females, in concert with genetic-based differences in host fruit residence and acceptance behavior between populations of flies originating from hawthorn and apple, could give rise to a reduction in gene flow between populations of flies on these two host types.
Hydrocarbons on Harvester Ant (Pogonomyrmex barbatus) Middens Guide Foragers to the Nest

Colony-specific cuticular hydrocarbons are used by social insects in nestmate recognition. Here, we showed that hydrocarbons found on the mound of Pogonomyrmex barbatus nests facilitate the return of foragers to the nest. Colony-specific hydrocarbons, which ants use to distinguish nestmates from non-nestmates, are found on the midden pebbles placed on the nest mound. Midden hydrocarbons occur in a concentration gradient, growing stronger near the nest entrance, which is in the center of a 1-2 m diameter nest mound. Foraging behavior was disrupted when the gradient of hydrocarbons was altered experimentally. When midden material was diluted with artificial pebbles lacking the colony-specific hydrocarbons, the speed of returning foragers decreased significantly. The chemical environment of the nest mound contributes to the regulation of foraging behavior in harvester ants.