cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
C5b-9 increases albumin permeability of isolated glomeruli in vitro

C5b-9 increases albumin permeability of isolated glomeruli in vitro . Deposition of antibody and activation of the complement cascade are important in both naturally occurring glomerulonephritis and in experimental models including passive Heymann nephritis. We studied the effect of antibody and complement on albumin permeability of isolated glomeruli to determine the role of the terminal complement components (C5-C9) in mediating the proteinuria in nephritis. Isolated glomeruli were treated with anti-Fx1a (Heymann antibody) and then incubated them with pooled human serum, serum in which complement had been inactivated by heat, or serum deficient in C6 or C7. The albumin reflection coefficient (σ albumin ) was calculated from the volumetric response of glomeruli to transcapillary oncotic gradients produced by albumin or high molecular weight neutral dextran (252 kD). Convectional permeability to albumin (P albumin ) was calculated as 1-σ albumin . Albumin permeability of control glomeruli was not different from 0. Albumin permeability was not altered by antibody alone but was increased to 0.65 ± 0.04 when antibody treated glomeruli were incubated for 10 minutes with pooled serum as a source of complement. Heat treatment of serum to inactivate complement prevented the increase in permeability. Incubation for 10 minutes with serum without antibody pretreatment caused a lesser increase in permeability of isolated glomeruli (0.18 ± 0.06). Serum deficient in either C6 or C7 did not cause an increase in albumin permeability of antibody pre-treated glomeruli, but incubation with a combination of these sera (now containing the complete cascade) increased permeability to the same extent as did pooled normal serum (0.58 ± 0.04). We conclude that activation of the terminal complement components is required for the increase in glomerular macromolecular permeability caused by anti-Fx1a and that terminal complement activation is sufficient to alter the permeability independent of complement hemodynamic events or contribution by circulating cells.
Perceived Control over Memory Aging: Developmental and Intervention Perspectives.

Age differences in control beliefs were examined for several domains, including intellectual aging and memory, with a sample of 200 adults (ages 20–89). There were no age differences in control beliefs for the interpersonal or political domains. For the domains of health and intellectual aging, however, the older adults had lower internal control and higher external control beliefs than young and middle-aged adults. The implications of these control beliefs are considered in the context of memory aging and memory training programs. A program of research is described that involves teaching older adults memory strategies in conjunction with cognitive restructuring of beliefs about the controllability of memory. The goal of the program is to optimize memory performance and attitudes about memory, as well as to identify some of the self-appraisal and motivational mechanisms involved in memory aging.
A Real PLUSS: An Intrusive Advising Program for Underprepared STEM Students

Increasing numbers of underprepared students are admitted to colleges and universities with aspirations of earning a degree in a science, technology, engineering, or mathematics (STEM) discipline. ...
Atomistic simulation of the absorption of carbon dioxide and water in the ionic liquid 1-n-Hexyl-3-methylimidazolium Bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide ([hmim][Tf2N].

The solubility of water and carbon dioxide in the ionic liquid 1-n-hexyl-3-methylimidazolium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide ([hmim][Tf2N]) is computed using atomistic Monte Carlo simulations. A newly developed biasing algorithm is used to enable complete isotherms to be computed. In addition, a recently developed pairwise damped electrostatic potential calculation procedure is used to speed the calculations. The computed isotherms, Henry's Law constants, and partial molar enthalpies of absorption are all in quantitative agreement with available experimental data. The simulations predict that the excess molar volume of CO2/ionic liquid mixtures is large and negative. Analysis of ionic liquid conformations shows that the CO2 does not perturb the underlying liquid structure until very high CO2 concentrations are reached. At the highest CO2 concentrations, the alkyl chain on the cation stretches out slightly, and the distance between cation and anion centers of mass increases by about 1 A. Water/ionic liqu...
Role of protein kinase C alpha in calcium induced keratinocyte differentiation: defective regulation in squamous cell carcinoma.

Calcium induces both involucrin and transglutaminase-K in normal keratinocytes (NHK) but not in squamous carcinoma cell lines (SCC). The protein kinase C (PKC) agonist phorbol myristoyl acetate potentiates and the PKC antagonist Ro31-8220 blocks the ability of calcium to stimulate the involucrin promoter in normal human keratinocytes but not in SCC4. We thus examined the ability of calcium to regulate the levels of five PKC isozymes in NHK and two SCC. In the normal keratinocytes, the levels of PKC [alpha], PKC [delta], PKC [eta], and PKC [zeta] increased over the first one to two weeks in a calcium-and time-dependent manner. PKC [epsilon] decreased in a time-and calcium-dependent fashion over the three-week period. All five isozymes showed little change during culture in SCC4 at any calcium concentration. Calcium and time of culture had partial effects on SCC12B2, a carcinoma that shows partial differentiation characteristics. Since PKC [alpha] is the only calcium responsive PKC isozyme in keratinocytes and most likely to be directly involved in calcium induced differentiation, we evaluated the effect of inhibiting its production with antisense oligonucleotides on calcium-regulated markers of differentiation. We found that the PKC [alpha] specific antisense oligonucleotide blocked calcium stimulated involucrin promoter activity as well as PKC [alpha], involucrin, and transglutaminase protein production, whereas the sense oligonucleotide control did not. We conclude that although a number of PKC isozymes are regulated during calcium-induced differentiation, PKC [alpha] plays a necessary role in mediating calcium-induced differentiation. Failure to regulate PKC [alpha] in SCC4 may underlie at least part of the failure of calcium to promote differentiation in these cells.
Identification of a third protein factor which binds to the Rous sarcoma virus LTR enhancer: possible homology with the serum response factor.

Abstract We have identified a new protein factor (EFIII) in nuclear extracts of quail fibroblasts and chick embryos which binds specifically in vitro to a 26-bp region of the Rous sarcoma virus (RSV) long terminal repeat (LTR) enhancer. The EFIII binding site in the RSV LTR exhibits a strong sequence homology to the serum response element (SRE). The SRE is a 22-bp cis -acting DNA sequence element, first identified upstream of the human c-fos gene, which can confer serum inducibility to heterologous promotors. The binding site for EFIII in the RSV LTR enhancer is also of interest because this region has been implicated in mediating trans -activation of the RSV LTR enhancer by the protein product of the v- fos gene. We show that avian EFlll binds with equal efficiency to both its binding sites in the RSV LTR and the human c- fos SRE. A dyad symmetry element in the c -fos SRE, previously shown to be critical for binding of the cognate human serum response factor (SRF), is also critical for EFIII binding to the LTR SRE-homologous sequences; similarly, EFIII and the human SRF exhibit identical protein-DNA contacts with their corresponding recognition sequences. We suggest that EFIII may be the avian homolog of the mammalian SRF and, in fact, have evidence to indicate that the RSV LTR is serum responsive.
Structural differences in active site-labeled thrombin complexes with hirudin isoinhibitors

Hirudin, a 65 amino acid polypeptide from the medicinal leech, is the most potent thrombin inhibitor known to date. Recently, recombinant forms have been reported, which are as effective as the isolated forms. The studies presented here demonstrate sensitive spectroscopic methods for distinguishing binding of two recombinant hirudins, HV1 and HV2-Lys 47, with active site-labeled human α-, e- and ζ-thrombins. Specifically, fluorosulfonylphenyl nitroxide spin labels, dansyl fluoride and p-nitrophenylanthranilate, were employed as active site-directed covalent reporter groups. In general, the nitroxide immobilization was greater for spin-labeled thrombin complexes with HV2-Lys 47 vs. HV1. The two fluorophore moieties, dansyl and anthraniloyl, were also sensitive to differences in HV1 and HV2-Lys 47 binding, including interactions with loop 145–150 of the thrombin structure where the e- and ζ-thrombin cleavages exist. Speculation over sequence differences between the two isoinhibitors centers on residues 24 and 47, both of which involve either a loss or gain of charge on the side chain.
Low cost, high resolution DPIV for measurement of turbulent fluid flow

An optimized cross-correlation based Imaging Velocimetry system is described and its performance is evaluated in numerical and physical experiments. Given a discrete image array pair, the flow seeding and image processing parameters are optimized to maximize displacement accuracy, regardless of the computational cost; collectively these techniques are known as Correlation Imaging Velocimetry (CIV). Order of magnitude improvements over standard DPIV methods can readily be obtained, allowing high resolution measurements to be made with low cost standard resolution cameras. Fundamental limits on the measurable range of length, velocity and vorticity scales are identified, and related to those encountered in homogeneous, 3D turbulence. The current restrictions apply to all imaging velocimetry measurements; some paths for future research that are likely to be profitable are identified, together with some that are not. Extensive use of CIV in this and other laboratories has allowed direct verification of these optimization principals.
Cholesterol Oxides in Foods of Animal Origin

The earliest discovery of an oxidation product of cholesterol from a natural source was reported in 1940. Additional discoveries of cholesterol oxidation products (COPS) in edible food products accelerated in the 1980s as gas chromatography and high performance liquid chromatography detection methods were improved. COPS have been found in several foods including liquid eggs and dried egg products, milk and milk products, meat and meat products, marine food products, and other processed foods. Compelling evidence demonstrates that several cholesterol oxides are cytotoxic, atherogenic, mutagenic, and carcinogenic. Therefore, the presence of COPS in foods raises questions about the safety of consumption of some products.
Mechanism of injury of Escherichiacoli by freezing and thawing

Summary Freezing and thawing of Escherichia coli B/r has two types of lethal effect, (i) immediate, i.e. that occurring during freezing at −20°C or −196°C and immediate thawing, and (ii) delayed, i.e. that occurring during frozen (−20°C) storage. Alkaline sucrose gradient (5–20%) centrifugation revealed 1 to 6 single strand breaks (SSB) in the [ 3 H] DNA from frozen E . coli cells. The number of SSB showed a quantitative correlation with the extent of cell death, immediate as well as delayed. On this basis we conclude that cell death of E. coli by freezing, cold storage, and thawing is due to DNA degradation and loss of its vital integrity.
Energy band structure and electronic transport properties of niobium monoxide

Abstract The energy band structure of niobium monoxide was calculated by Augmented Plane Wave techniques, including detailed calculations of the potential between APW spheres in the lattice. Predictions of isotropic electronic transport parameters were made from the band structure. The results yielded a density of states which was compatible with the X-ray photoelectron spectrum of the material. The band structure was consistent with a material with highly metallic properties. The work function was calculated as 9.4 eV, larger than observed. This difference may be due to an assumed one-electron charge transfer between the Nb and O APW spheres. Hall coefficients calculated from the band structure fell within observed ranges, but transverse magnetoresistances were larger than observed. A variety of possible phenomena were advanced to account for this discrepancy.
Multiphoton Ionization of Atomic Hydrogen

To resolve the discrepancy between the numerical results of Zernik and those of Gontier and Trahin for two-photon ionization of atomic hydrogen in the ground state, we have used a third method to obtain the numerical results. Our results agree exactly with those of Zernik.
Effects of upstream wall heating on mixed convection in separated flows

Measurements and predictions are reported for buoyancy-assisting, laminar mixed convection boundarylayer flow of air along a two-dimensional, vertical backward-facing step, in which the upstream wall and the step are heated to a uniform temperature while the downstream wall is heated to the same or different uniform temperature. The experiments were performed on a backward-facing step geometry, with a step height of 0.8 cm, over a range of freestream velocities 0.26 < u^ < 0.41 m/s and a range of temperature differences 0 ^ Ar < 34°C between the heated walls and the freestream. Laser Doppler velocimeter and cold-wire anemometer were utilized to measure, respectively, the air velocity and the temperature simultaneously. Flow visualizations were also performed to determine the flow reattachment length behind the backward-facing step. Reported measurements are limited to the case where the upstream wall and the step are heated to the same uniform temperature as the downstream wall, but numerical results are presented for the cases where these two temperatures are different and also for the situation when the upstream wall and the step are maintained as adiabatic surfaces. These results reveal that heating of the upstream wall and the step significantly affects the reattachment length, the velocity and temperature distributions, and the rate of heat transfer downstream of the backward-facing step.
Induction of Human Antibody Responses In Vitro with Emphasis on Allogeneic Helper Factors

Systems have been developed for the reproducible production of antigen-specific plaque forming cells for both tonsillar and peripheral blood B cells. Allogeneic helper activity was an essential supplement and monocyte removal was important, especially in the peripheral blood situation. Highly active allogeneic helper factors could be obtained from undirectional MLC supernatants which aided the proeuction of antigen-driven plaques. These factors also caused a polyclonal activation of B lymphocytes. A number of clinical applications of the above system were described. A defect in the T cells of patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia with respect to the generation of helper activities was delineated.
Probable horizontal transfer of a gene between a protist and a cnidarian.

The Hydra EST project is being carried out in collaboration with the Genome Sequencing Center at Washington University. The project is generously supported by grant IBN-0120591 from the National Science Foundation.
Kinetics of follicle growth in the prepubertal gilt.

Follicular growth rates were determined by histological examination of ovaries of five prepubertal gilts following treatment with the stathmokinetic agent colchicine. One ovary from each of five gilts was removed surgically and then colchicine (n = 3) or saline (n = 2) was infused i.v. Precisely 2 h after treatment with colchicine, the remaining ovary was removed. Ovaries were processed for histological analyses and sectioned at 10 microns; every twentieth section was stained with hematoxylin and periodic acid-Schiffe's. Sections were viewed with a projection microscope and individual follicles were measured. Eight classes of follicles were established such that the number of granulosa cells per cross section doubled in each class. Diameters of follicles for each class were as follows: 1) less than 106 microns, 2) 106-148 microns, 3) 148-206 microns, 4) 206-287 microns, 5) 287-400 microns, 6) 400-657 microns, 7) 657-1480 microns, and 8) 1480-3130 microns. A layer of thecal cells was first seen in class 2 follicles, and 76% of class 3 follicles had a thecal layer. Oocyte diameter increased through the first four classes and reached a maximum diameter of approximately 110 microns. Almost all follicles greater than 400 microns had an antrum. Preantral follicles had a lower mitotic index and a higher mitotic time and class time than antral follicles. Growth rate increased with increasing size of follicles. Preantral follicles grew at a rate of 5.2 microns/day whereas antral follicles grew at 313 microns/day.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Duration of warfarin anticoagulant therapy and the probabilities of recurrent thromboembolism and hemorrhage

Abstract To determine the association of duration of warfarin anticoagulant therapy after hospitalization for venous thromboembolism with the probability of recurrent thromboembolism and with the risks of hemorrhage, medical records of 2,422 patients hospitalized in 1970 through 1980 with pulmonary embolism, thrombophlebitis, or both were reviewed. Multivariate life-table analyses were performed for 370 patients who had positive results of venography or pulmonary angiography, or who had lung scanning evidence of a "high probability" of pulmonary embolsim and no history of the disease. For these patients, warfarin therapy for more than six weeks was not associated with a lower risk of recurrent thromboembolism when compared with warfarin therapy for one through six weeks (risk of recurrence for seven to 26 weeks of treatment 0.8; 95 percent confidence limits 0.3 and 2.5; risk of recurrence for more than 26 weeks of treatment 1.1; 95 percent confidence limits 0.4 and 3.1). The longer the warfarin therapy, the higher the risk of medically important complications from therapy. From one week through five years, the probability of major hemorrhage increased almost linearly: 10 percent for 12 weeks, 18 percent at one year, 26 percent at two years, and 41 percent at five years. This study suggests that intensive, long-term warfarin anticoagulation, in patients with a first episode of venous thromboembolism and no predisposing condition, is associated with more toxicity than efficacy and should be abandoned.
Assessing Cooperation and Change: The SFAA and the EPA

Barbara Johnston asked me to serve as her co-editor and write this endnote commentary as a logical conclusion to our five years of collaboration. As president-elect of the Society in June of 1996, I assisted then President Jean J. Schensul, Barbara, and others in the original negotiations with Theresa Trainor and the EPA about the provisions of the Cooperative Agreement. When I became President, I had the primary responsibility for oversight of the Agreement while Barbara served as Project Director. After rotating off the Board of Directors in March 2000, I have stayed in touch with the project as a member of the Advisory Committee and the SfAA Working Group on Contracts and Agreements. Although I was never involved in day-to-day management, Barbara and the current project director, Rob Winthrop, have kept me thoroughly informed in frequent reports and discussions. I am well qualified to say that in four years of service Barbara brought an extraordinary degree of competence, commitment, energy, and passio...
Experimental Violation of Bell's Inequality in Spatial-Parity Space

We report the first experimental violation of Bell's inequality in the spatial domain using the Einstein-Podolsky-Rosen state. Two-photon states generated via optical spontaneous parametric down-conversion are shown to be entangled in the parity of their one-dimensional transverse spatial profile. Superpositions of Bell states are prepared by manipulation of the optical pump's transverse spatial parity---a classical parameter. The Bell-operator measurements are made possible by devising simple optical arrangements that perform rotations in the one-dimensional spatial-parity space of each photon of an entangled pair and projective measurements onto a basis of even-odd functions. A Bell-operator value of $2.389\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.016$ is recorded, a violation of the inequality by more than 24 standard deviations.
Instrumented nanoindentation and 3D mechanistic modeling of a shale at multiple scales

Nanoindentation tests, spanning various length scales ranging from 200 nm to 5 μm deep, were performed on a sample of organic-rich Woodford shale in both the bedding plane normal and bedding plane parallel directions. Focused ion beam milling, scanning electron microscopy, and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy were utilized to characterize the shale at the scale of the nanoindentation testing as being comprised predominantly of clay and other silicate minerals suspended in a mixed organic/clay matrix. The nanoindentation tests reveal the mechanical properties of the relatively homogeneous constituent materials as well as those of the highly heterogeneous composite material. Loads on the order of a few millinewtons produced shallower indents and demonstrated the elastic–plastic deformation response of the constituent materials, whereas higher loads of as much as a few hundred millinewtons produced deeper indents revealing the response of the composite matrix. In both cases, significant creep was observed. We use nonlinear finite element modeling utilizing an isotropic critical state theory with creep to capture the indentation response by calibrating plastic material parameters to the laboratory measurements. The simulations provide a means of extracting plastic material parameters from the nanoindentation measurements and reveal the capabilities as well as limitations of an isotropic model in capturing the response of an inherently anisotropic material.
A Fast Location Service for Partial Spatial Replicas

This paper describes a design and implementation of a distributed high-performance partial spatial replica location service. Our replica location service identifies the set of partial replicas that intersect with a region of interest, an important component of partial spatial replica selection. We find that using an R-Tree data structure is superior to relying on a relational database alone when handling spatial data queries. We have also added a collection of optimizations that together improve performance. In particular, database Query Aggregation and using a Morton curve during R-tree construction produce significant performance gains. Experimental results show that the proposed partial spatial replica location service scales well for multi-client and distributed large spatial queries, queries that return more than 10,000 replicas. Individual servers with one million pieces of replica metadata in the backend database can support up to 100 clients concurrently when handling large spatial queries. Our previous work solved the same problem using an unmodified Globus Toolkit, but the work described here modifies and extends existing Globus Toolkit code to handle spatial metadata operations.
In vivo absorption of l-leucine by the intestine of the toadfish Opsanus tau - the effect of several heavy metal compounds

Abstract Increasing fluxes of heavy metals into coastal waterways and the accumulation of these toxicants in marine organisms cause a variety of biochemical and physiological dysfunctions. We have studied the effect of several heavy metal compounds on the membrane transport of essential nutrients in the intestine of fish. Using an in vivo technique, the effects of HgCl 2 , CH 3 HgCl and CdCl 2 on the absorption of the essential amino acid, l -leucine, by the intestine of the toadfish, Opsanus tau , were examined. HgCl 2 is the most potent inhibitor of intestinal l -leucine absorption among the heavy metal compounds tested. HgCl 2 appears to act on the active transport and facilitated diffusion components of uptake. CH 3 HgCl possibly acts on the active transport component. |CdCl 2 appears to affect only a low affinity facilitated diffusion component. Several mechanisms of action for the heavy metals are proposed.
Serum Retinol-Binding Protein 4 (RBP4) and retinol in a cohort of borderline obese women with and without gestational diabetes

Abstract Objectives To evaluate whether serum RBP4 correlates with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) in a cohort of borderline obese (BMI > 30) pregnant women. Design and methods Serum RBP4 and retinol were measured in pregnant women with ( n = 12) and without ( n = 10) GDM. Results RBP4, retinol and RBP4:retinol molar ratio were not different between the groups and were not associated with markers of insulin resistance. Conclusions GDM is not associated with RBP4 or retinol among borderline obese pregnant women.
Civil Liberties and the American Public

Important new survey findings show the American public's restrictive approach to the First Amendment rights of people who express deviant views to be moderating over the last two decades. This mellowing is backed up by parallel findings of major liberalizing of the consensus in other areas, notably equality and sexual freedom. Liberalization has been limited in such areas as criminal justice and separation of church and state. Post-McCarthy and post-Watergate developments are credited, along with educational progress, with much of the advance. Reduced value consensus and a growing sense of self-interest in civil liberties seem to have contributed to the trends in support of civil liberties.
Thin film nanotube transistors based on self-assembled, aligned, semiconducting carbon nanotube arrays

Thin film transistors (TFTs) are now poised to revolutionize the display, sensor, and flexible electronics markets. However, there is a limited choice of channel materials compatible with low-temperature processing. This has inhibited the fabrication of high electrical performance TFTs. Single-walled carbon nanotubes (CNTs) have very high mobilities and can be solution-processed, making thin film CNT-based TFTs a natural direction for exploration. The two main challenges facing CNT-TFTs are the difficulty of placing and aligning CNTs over large areas and low on/off current ratios due to admixture of metallic nanotubes. Here, we report the self-assembly and self-alignment of CNTs from solution into micron-wide strips that form regular arrays of dense and highly aligned CNT films covering the entire chip, which is ideally suitable for device fabrication. The films are formed from pre-separated, 99% purely semiconducting CNTs and, as a result, the CNT-TFTs exhibit simultaneously high drive currents and large...
Adenylate energy charge: Relation to guanylate energy charge and the adenylate kinase equilibrium constant

Abstract There is no functional cascade regulatory step between the adenylate energy charge and the guanylate energy charge in rat brain in vivo . In fact, the guanylate energy charge changes slower than the adenylate energy charge in phenobarbital, ether, ammonia, and insulin coma, in ischemia and in metrazol shock. It parallels the adenylate energy charge in fasting. The adenylate kinase equilibrium appears to be a good approximation to the normal in vivo distribution of the adenosine nucleotides and is thus useful in model studies.
Correction of the near threshold behavior of electron collisional excitation cross-sections in the plane-wave Born approximation

Abstract The modeling of NLTE plasmas requires the solution of population rate equations to determine the populations of the various atomic levels relevant to a particular problem. The equations require many cross sections for excitation, de-excitation, ionization and recombination. A simple and computational fast way to calculate electron collisional excitation cross-sections for ions is by using the plane-wave Born approximation. This is essentially a high-energy approximation and the cross section suffers from the unphysical problem of going to zero near threshold. Various remedies for this problem have been employed with varying degrees of success. We present a correction procedure for the Born cross-sections that employs the Elwert–Sommerfeld factor to correct for the use of plane waves instead of Coulomb waves in an attempt to produce a cross-section similar to that from using the more time consuming Coulomb Born approximation. We compare this new approximation with other, often employed correction procedures. We also look at some further modifications to our Born Elwert procedure and its combination with Y.K. Kim's correction of the Coulomb Born approximation for singly charged ions that more accurately approximate convergent close coupling calculations.
The Missing Discourse of Development: Commentary on Lerum and Dworkin

Lerum and Dworkin offer a provocative interdisciplinary feminist commentary on the Report of the APA (American Psychological Association) Task Force on the Sexualization of Girls. This commentary notes limitations to their argument and evidence, which make it a less convincing critique of the report's conclusions. Most notably, Lerum and Dworkin omit a developmental approach to the topic of sexualization and media exposure. In addition, their criticism that the report over-determines the negative effects (i.e., overstates the negative effects and ignores the positive effects) of sexualization on girls is unsupported by the empirical literature. This commentary also addresses their concerns about the language used in the report and highlights the need for clear and precise language in this dialogue.
Retroperitoneal fibrosis associated with carcinoma of the cervix: Review of the literature☆

Microinvasive cervical cancer presented in a woman with retroperitoneal fibrosis in remission following steroid therapy. The cervical lesion was treated surgically with good outcome. Review of the literature documenting this association reveals three other cases, one following and two preceding the diagnosis of retroperitoneal fibrosis. The case reports are reviewed and potential difficulties in the management of these patients are discussed.
Community‐based college guidance for the disadvantaged

New techniques of counseling and guidance must be developed in order to increase substantially the number of disadvantaged students going to college. One major effort should be an organized community guidance program whose essential elements are: (a) professional school and college counselors operating outside the school; (b) key community persons acting as links between potential college students and professional counselors; and (c) ongoing programs providing literature, speakers, and special services geared to motivate and help disadvantaged students to enroll in and be successful at college.
Effects of evolving surface morphology on yield during focused ion beam milling of carbon

Abstract We investigate evolving surface morphology during focused ion beam bombardment of C and determine its effects on sputter yield over a large range of ion dose (1017–1019 ions/cm2) and incidence angles (Θ = 0–80°). Carbon bombarded by 20 keV Ga+ either retains a smooth sputtered surface or develops one of two rough surface morphologies (sinusoidal ripples or steps/terraces) depending on the angle of ion incidence. For conditions that lead to smooth sputter-eroded surfaces there is no change in yield with ion dose after erosion of the solid commences. However, for all conditions that lead to surface roughening we observe coarsening of morphology with increased ion dose and a concomitant decrease in yield. A decrease in yield occurs as surface ripples increase wavelength and, for large Θ, as step/terrace morphologies evolve. The yield also decreases with dose as rippled surfaces transition to have steps and terraces at Θ = 75°. Similar trends of decreasing yield are found for H2O-assisted focused ion beam milling. The effects of changing surface morphology on yield are explained by the varying incidence angles exposed to the high-energy beam.
Combined Immunodeficiency Associated with DOCK8 Mutations and Related Immunodeficiencies

Studying rare inherited immune disorders in patients has led to improved understanding of how the human immune system is fundamentally regulated. This knowledge is needed to develop new therapeutic agents for immunodeficiency, autoimmunity, cancer, and transplantation. One such illustrative disorder is DOCK8 deficiency, whose molecular etiology was discovered only in the past year. The discovery of autosomal recessive DOCK8 mutations and the identification of associated biomarkers have identified new areas of research and have also provided insights into similar and potentially related disorders, including the pathogenesis of certain associated viral infections. These developments are discussed in the eight reviews that are brought together in this special issue of Disease Markers. In the first review, Alexandra Freeman and Steven Holland compare and contrast the clinical features of hyper-IgE syndrome due to STAT3, TYK2, and DOCK8 mutations. These three conditions were originally grouped as a single disease entity based primarily upon shared clinical findings of elevated serum IgE, eczema,
Portraiture and the Ethics of Alterity: Giacometti vis-à-vis Levinas*

One of the primary critical investigations around the work of Alberto Giacometti has been his experience of a crisis in representation: the anguished realization of his inability to re-create his perceptions. Indeed, while this crisis came to the fore at various times in his life, it forms the hinge on which his career is taken to turn, because it marked his rejection of the principles of Surrealism. As the oft-repeated story goes, when Andre Breton heard that Giacometti had returned to study from live models, he scoffed, saying, “Everyone knows what a head looks like.” Breton was right to sense the chasm that separated him from Giacometti, but the latter's reply, that “no one has ever really looked at a face before,” suggests that Breton had failed to grasp the nature of the divide. Giacometti's return to study from life was precipitated by a profound sense of doubt about the most apparently basic artistic transaction, that of looking carefully and representing what he has seen. This skepticism about the...
Prostaglandin F2α Regulation of LH-Stimulated Testosterone Production in Rat Testis

The effect of PGF20 on testicular testosterone (T) production and its possible influence on LH action was studied in adult male rats in vivo and in vitro. Various doses of PGF20 were administered by slow infusion of 4 h duration, and plasma T was determined by RIA in samples obtained through an indwelling cardiac catheter. PGF20 (250 Mg/rat) caused a rapid and consistent fall in plasma T to 50% of initial levels while during similar infusions of saline, plasma T increased by 60% on the average. PGE2 (250 pg/rat) had no significant effect on plasma T. Infusion of anti-LH serum for 4 h reduced plasma T by 72%; infusion of 250 Mg/rat of PGF20 in anti-LH-treated rats did not reduce plasma T further. LH administration (3 and 10, but not 1 mU/rat) overcame the PGF20-induced drop in plasma T in a dose-dependent manner. Indomethacin treatment (1 or 2 mg/kg for 10 days) caused a significant and sustained elevation in plasma T. The basal T output by the decapsulated testis preparation in vitro was not affected by either
Ag colloids and Ag clusters over EDAPTMS-coated silica nanoparticles: synthesis, characterization, and antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli

To produce better antibacterial water-insoluble nanocomposites of silver (Ag), silver–silicon dioxide (Ag-SiO2) hybrid and silver colloid (Ag-c) nanoparticles (NPs) were studied. Ag-c NPs were synthesized using reduction of AgNO3, and Ag-SiO2 composites were prepared on a core of silica NPs functionalized with ethylenediamino-propyltrimethoxysilane, where Ag clusters were fabricated on amino groups using seed-mediated growth and characterized by transmission electron microscopy and ultraviolet-visible absorption spectroscopy. Antibacterial effectiveness of the Ag-SiO2 NPs was tested against general Escherichia coli (E. coli ATCC 25922) and E. coli O157:H7 by measuring the growth based on optical density and digital counting of live-dead cells using a fluorescent microscope, and a field emission scanning electron microscope. Minimum inhibitory concentration values were studied against four representative bacteria along with E. coli O157:H7. Results showed that Ag NPs of 6.6 ± 4.5 nm were attached to the surface of SiO2 NPs (74 ± 13.5 nm), and the Ag-c NPs (3.5 ± 2 nm) showed excellent antibacterial properties.
Gabapentin's Effect on Agitation in Severely and Persistently Mentally III Patients

OBJECTIVE:To study the effects of adjunctive gabapentin on agitation in severely and persistently mentally ill (SPMI) inpatients.METHOD:Eleven chronic SPMI inpatients on stable psychotropic medication regimens were evaluated before and after the initiation of adjunctive gabapentin for six months. The following psychometric tests were used: Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale (BPRS), Corrigan Agitated Behavior Scale (CABS), and Clinical Global Impression (CGI)–Severity. Data collection was accomplished via retrospective chart review. An internal reliability check indicated that a chart review BPRS is significantly predictive of one performed face-to-face.RESULTS:Statistically significant reductions were found at six months for each assessment instrument (p > 0.05, two-tailed). BPRS scores were reduced from 40.6 to 33.2, CABS from 34.4 to 25.0, and CGI—Severity from 5.9 to 5.3. The bulk of the BPRS reduction was accounted for by several subscores exclusive of those assessing affective/anxious symptomatology. Adv...
A comparison of low-frequency noise characteristics and noise sources in NPN and PNP InP-based heterojunction bipolar transistors

Low-frequency noise characteristics of NPN and PNP InP-based heterojunction bipolar transistors (HBTs) were investigated. NPN HBTs showed a lower base noise current level (3.85 /spl times/ 10/sup -17/ A/sup 2//Hz) than PNP HBTs (3.10 /spl times/ 10/sup -16/ A/sup 2//Hz), but higher collector noise current level (7.16 /spl times/ 10/sup -16/ A/sup 2//Hz) than PNP HBTs (1.48 /spl times/ 10/sup -16/ A/sup 2//Hz) at 10 Hz under I/sub C/=1 mA, V/sub C/=1 V. The NPN devices showed a weak dependence I/sub C//sup 0.77/ of the collector noise current, and a dependence I/sub B//sup 1.18/ of the base noise current, while the PNP devices showed dependences I/sub C//sup 1.92/ and I/sub B//sup 1.54/, respectively. The dominant noise sources and relative intrinsic noise strength were found in both NPN and PNP InP-based HBTs by comparing the noise spectral density with and without the emitter feedback resistor. Equivalent circuit models were employed and intrinsic noise sources were extracted. The high base noise current of PNP HBTs could be attributed to the exposed emitter periphery and higher electron surface recombination velocity in P-type InP materials, while the relatively high collector noise current of NPN HBTs may be due to the noise source originating from generation-recombination process in the bulk material between the emitter and the collector.
ON THE INFLUENCE OF NUMERICAL SCHEMES AND SUBGRID-STRESS MODELS ON LARGE EDDY SIMULATION OF TURBULENT FLOW PAST A SQUARE CYLINDER

Influence of finite difference schemes and subgrid-stress models on the large eddy simulation calculation of turbulent flow around a bluff body of square cylinder at a laboratory Reynolds number, has been examined. It is found that the type and the order of accuracy of finite-difference schemes and the subgrid-stress model for satisfactory results are dependent on each other, and the grid resolution and the Reynolds number. Using computational grids manageable by workstation-level computers, with which the near-wall region of the separating boundary layer cannot be resolved, central-difference schemes of realistic orders of accuracy, either fully conservative or non-conservative, suffer stability problems. The upwind-biased schemes of third order and the Smagorinsky eddy-viscosity subgrid model can give reasonable results resolving much of the energy-containing turbulent eddies in the boundary layers and in the wake and representing the subgrid stresses in most parts of the flow. Noticeable improvements can be obtained by either using higher order difference schemes, increasing the grid resolution and/or by implementing a dynamic subgrid stress model, but each at a cost of increased computational time
Task-dependent adjustments to co-stimulation levels in functional neuromuscular stimulation systems

Many Functional Neuromuscular Stimulation (FNS) systems employ the strategy of co-contracting agonist/antagonist muscle pairs in order to stabilize posture and to resist internal and external disturbances. While increasing stimulation can improve posture control, it comes at a potentially high cost of increased energy expenditure. The suitability of a given co-stimulation level will depend upon the needs of a specific task. In this work, we have developed and investigated a scheme for providing the FNS system user with the ability to adjust co-stimulation levels to meet the needs of a specific task. Musculoskeletal models were used in a series of computer simulation studies to investigate the effect of co-stimulation level on disturbance resistance capability. Based on a cost function, the optimal open-loop co-stimulation level was determined for different weights on effort and controller performance. The results indicate that providing the user with the ability to modify co-stimulation level may be an effective means of adjusting posture in a task-dependent manner.
The acute and chronic effect of low temperature on survival, heart rate and neural function in crayfish (Procambarus clarkii) and prawn (Macrobrachium rosenbergii) species

The effect of acute and chronic cold exposure on heart rate (HR) and neuronal function in crayfish Procambarus clarkii and prawns Macrobrachium rosenbergii was addressed. This is particularly important since prawn farms of this species are used for aquaculture in varied climates world wide. The success of P. clarkii as an invasive species throughout the world may in part be due to their ability to acclimate to cold and warm habitats. A set of experiments was devised to address the physiological abilities of these species in managing rapid changes to cold environments as well as their ability to respond to sensory stimuli by using behavior and a bioindex of HR. Prawns died within 2 hrs when moved from 21℃ to 5℃. Crayfish reduced their HR but survived for at least a week with this rapid change. Changes in temperature of 5℃ each week resulted in death of the prawns when 10℃ was reached. Some died at 16℃ and some lasted at 10℃ for 1 day before dying. Crayfish remained responsive to sensory stimuli and survived with either rapid or slow changes in temperature from 21℃ to 5℃. Primary sensory neurons were rapidly inhibited in prawns with an acute change to 5℃, where as in crayfish the activity was reduced but not completely inhibited. An induced sensory-CNS-motor circuit elicited activity at neuromuscular junctions in prawns and crayfish at 21℃ but with acute changes to 5℃only in crayfish was the circuit functionally intact. The ability to survive rapid environmental temperature changes will impact survival and in time the distribution of a species. The significance of these findings is that they may account, in part, for the wide ecological distribution of P. clarkii as compared to M. rosenbergii. The invasiveness of organisms, as for P. clarkii, is likely linked to the physiological robustness to acute and chronic temperature changes of habitats.
Circadian Rhythms Confer a Higher Level of Fitness to Arabidopsis Plants

Circadian rhythms have been demonstrated in organisms across the taxonomic spectrum. In view of their widespread occurrence, the adaptive significance of these rhythms is of interest. We have previously shown that constitutive expression of the CCA1 (CIRCADIAN CLOCK ASSOCIATED 1) gene in Arabidopsis plants (CCA1-ox) results in loss of circadian rhythmicity. Here, we demonstrate that these CCA1-ox plants retain the ability to respond to diurnal changes in light. Thus, transcript levels of several circadian-regulated genes, as well as CCA1 itself and the closely related LHY, oscillate robustly if CCA1-ox plants are grown under diurnal conditions. However, in contrast with wild-type plants in which transcript levels change in anticipation of the dark/light transitions, the CCA1-ox plants have lost the ability to anticipate this daily change in their environment. We have used CCA1-ox lines to examine the effects of loss of circadian regulation on the fitness of an organism. CCA1-ox plants flowered later, especially under long-day conditions, and were less viable under very short-day conditions than their wild-type counterparts. In addition, we demonstrate that two other circadian rhythm mutants, LHY-ox and elf3, have low-viability phenotypes. Our findings demonstrate the adaptive advantage of circadian rhythms in Arabidopsis.
Size-specific shelter limitation in stone crabs : a test of the demographic bottleneck hypothesis

Habitat structural complexity can facilitate species persistence by providing refuges and the availability of refuges may control the size of many populations. In or- ganisms that increase greatly in size during ontogeny the size and abundance of refuges is particularly important, because population-regulating factors may operate strongly on only one size class or ontogenetic stage within a population, creating a demographic bottleneck. I test the demographic bottleneck hypothesis in stone crabs by first supplementing shelter with five different sizes of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) pipe at eight sites in St. Joseph Bay, Florida to determine the size class most likely to be shelter limited. I then used tethering experiments, cage studies, and natural observations to ask if habitat structural complexity regulates the stone crab population through its size-specific effects on growth, survival, and fecundity. Shelter availability appears to create a demographic bottleneck that affects the growth and fecundity of large crabs. In both 1991 and 1992, the largest PVC pipes were occupied in significantly greater proportions than smaller pipes, suggesting that this shelter size class is limiting. Predation is size specific; smaller individuals are at significant risk but no large crabs were taken by predators. However, shelter is particularly important for the growth of large crabs. There was a fivefold increase in molting individuals on shelter-supplemented sites relative to natural densities suggesting that the bottleneck size class has been identified correctly and that shelter additions can alleviate the bottleneck. Supplemental shelters also particularly attracted gravid females and, in tethering experiments, females with shelter produce egg masses twice as quickly as females without shelter. These results differ from most prior results in marine populations in two ways. First, it is factors affecting adults and not juveniles that may regulate the stone crab populations. Second, refuge use in those size classes likely to be shelter limited is not explained primarily by predation, but by effects on growth and fecundity. The evidence suggests the merits of the demographic bottleneck hypothesis; habitat structural complexity may affect both the size of populations and the size of individuals within the population.