cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Signal Transduction in the Intestinal Mucosa

This chapter considers the remarkable signal transduction networks that have evolved between intestinal microbes and their host in trying to maintain the balance of health and disease. Resident bacteria serve a central line of resistance to colonization by exogenous microbes and thus assist in preventing the potential invasion of the intestinal mucosa by an incoming pathogen. A number of enteric pathogens and some opportunistic commensal bacteria possess the means to provoke NF-κB activation and, subsequently, intestinal inflammation. Innate epithelial defense mechanisms provide a rapid response whereby microbial pathogens in the host are quickly detected and signals are generated that activate mucosal antimicrobial defense mechanisms. The intimate interaction between enteropathogenic Escherichia coli (EPEC) and the intestinal epithelium causes the induction of phosphate fluxes within the host cells, as well as the activation of protein kinase C (PKC), phospholipase C, and NF-κB. Chloride secretion in the intestinal mucosa involves the collaborative effort of several transporters. The current paradigm postulates that intestinal epithelial cells respond to Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium by the polarized release of distinct proinflammatory chemoattractants, which sequentially orchestrate neutrophil movement across the intestinal epithelium. Speculatively, microorganisms intimately associated with the intestinal mucosa may have evolved such mechanisms to dampen the host proinflammatory and immune responses without provoking apoptotic death. A more complete understanding of the signal transduction cascades that exist between the intestinal bacteria and the human host in the intestinal mucosa may uncover new insights into human diseases and reveal novel approaches to treating them.
Transfer of Salmonella and Campylobacter from Stainless Steel to Romaine Lettuce

The degree of transfer of Campylobacter jejuni and Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium was evaluated from a stainless steel contact surface to a ready-to-eat food (lettuce). Stainless steel coupons (25 cm2) were inoculated with a 20-microl drop of either C. jejuni or Salmonella Typhimurium to provide an inoculum level of approximately 10(6) CFU/28 mm2. Wet and dry lettuce (Lactuca sativa var. longifolia) pieces (9 cm2) were placed onto the inoculated stainless steel surface for 10 s after the designated inoculum drying time (0 to 80 min for C. jejuni; 0 to 120 min for Salmonella Typhimurium), which was followed by the recovery and enumeration of transferred pathogens (lettuce) and residual surface pathogens (stainless steel coupons). For transfers of Salmonella Typhimurium to dry lettuce, there was an increase from 36 to 66% in the percent transfer of the initial inoculum load during the first 60 min of sampling and then a precipitous drop from 66 to 6% in percent transfer. The transfer of Salmonella Typhimurium to wet lettuce ranged from 23 to 31%, with no statistically significant difference between recoveries over the entire 120-min sampling period. For C. jejuni, the mean percent transfer ranged from 16 to 38% for dry lettuce and from 15 to 27% for wet lettuce during the 80-min sampling period. The results of this study indicate that relatively high numbers of bacteria may be transferred to a food even 1 to 2 h after surface contamination. These findings can be used to support future projects aimed at estimating the degree of risk associated with poor handling practices of ready-to-eat foods.
Estimating a regional ventilation-perfusion index

This is a methods paper, where an approximation to the local ventilation-perfusion ratio is derived. This approximation, called the ventilation-perfusion index since it is not exactly the physiological ventilation-perfusion ratio, is calculated using conductivity reconstructions obtained using electrical impedance tomography. Since computation of the ventilation-perfusion index only requires knowledge of the internal conductivity, any conductivity reconstruction method may be used. The method is explained and results are presented using conductivities obtained from two EIT systems, one using an iterative method and the other a linearization method.
The rare earths—LXXXVII: Syntheses and properties of isocyanato adducts of the lanthanide(III) nitrates☆

Abstract Under strictly anhydrous conditions, the reaction of tetraethylammonium cyanate with a lanthanide(III) nitrate in acetonitrile yields solid adducts of general formula [(C2H5)4N]3[Ln(NCO)3-(NO3)3], where Ln3+ = La, Pr, Nd, Sm, Eu, Gd, Er and Yb. The complexes were characterized by i.r. spectroscopy and elemental analysis. I.R. data indicate that all three cyanate groups are nitrogen-bonded to the Ln3+ ions and that the three nitrate groups are also coordinated to the metal ions. Coordination number nine is indicated in all of the complexes.
The Whitaker Test

Purpose: The Whitaker test was conceived and developed by Roger H. Whitaker (May 25, 1939) while he was a resident at Cambridge University in the late 1960s and early 1970s. The test combines a urodynamic study with antegrade pyelography to measure the pressure differential between the renal pelvis and the bladder. The test can differentiate between patients with residual or recurrent obstruction and those with dilatation secondary to permanent changes in the musculature. Materials and Methods: We present the history of the Whitaker test and its place in modern practice. Results: It is useful in evaluating patients with questionable ureteropelvic or ureterovesical junction obstruction and primary defects in the ureteral musculature. It can also be used to determine when percutaneous nephrostomy tubes can be safely discontinued in postoperative patients. Conclusion: The merit of the Whitaker test in comparison to other less invasive tests, specifically diuretic renography, is the subject of much debate. However, such debate erroneously presupposes that the tests are directly comparable, which they are not. The correct use for the Whitaker test is to assesses potential upper tract obstruction in equivocal cases and should only be utilized when equivocal results are obtained by other less invasive tests, obstruction is suspected in a poorly functioning kidney, a negative renogram with colic, intermittent obstruction, and percutaneous access already exists and the cause of dilatation needs investigating.
Average Variable Costs

Average variable costs are defined. Keywords: fixed cost; marginal cost; short run
Estimation in a long-run short-run model

When inputs to production of a natural resource are committed both in advance of production and at the time of production, the discounted time series of the prices of that resource no longer have the martingale property of asset prices. Instead, they should be positively correlated to current demand conditions and negatively correlated to the demand conditions that were forecast at the time of the first decision to obtain in the current period.
The impact of clinical clerkships on medical students' attitudes toward contraception and abortion: a pilot study

Objective: Investigate the impact of clinical clerkships on medical students’ attitudes toward contraception and abortion. Methods: As part of their required curriculum, second-year medical students at the University of Iowa complete an anonymous survey that presents eight questions involving specific contraception and abortion scenarios. In this pilot study, all 159 members of the Class of 2013 who had previously completed this required anonymous survey were invited to re-take the survey at the conclusion of their fourth year. Additional questions, asking the students if they felt that clinical clerkships had changed their perspectives on contraception and abortion in general, were included. Results: Of the 159 members of the Class of 2013, 42 volunteered to participate, for a response rate of 26%. Twenty students (47.62%) felt that clinical clerkships had changed their perspectives on contraception and thirteen students (39.95%) felt that clinical clerkships had changed their perspectives on abortion. The percentage of students who felt comfortable referring a patient to a colleague for an abortion increased significantly from 71.33% to 90.48% (p=0.024). Responses to the other seven questions included in the survey did not differ significantly pre and post-clerkships. Conclusions: This pilot study, although limited by a low response rate, suggests that clinical clerkships have the ability to impact medical students’ attitudes toward contraception and abortion in general, as well as toward specific scenarios involving abortion.
Isolation and morphologic characterization of bile duct epithelial cells from normal rat liver

To study directly the functions of the cells that line the bile ducts inside the liver, we developed a new technique for isolating intrahepatic bile duct epithelial cells (IBDECs) from normal rat liver. Parenchymal and nonparenchymal cells were separated from whole liver by enzymatic digestion and mechanical disruption; subpopulations of individual nonparenchymal cells then were isolated by serial counter-flow elutriation, isopycnic centrifugation, and immunoaffinity separation with a specific monoclonal antibody against an antigen on the plasma membrane of IBDECs. Using this approach, we isolated 1.2 +/- 0.2 x 10(6) (mean +/- SE) viable (greater than 95% trypan blue exclusion) cells, greater than 95% of which were identified as IBDECs by morphologic appearance and specific cytochemical markers. The IBDECs averaged 7.4 +/- 0.16 microM in diameter and retained their in situ appearance, including morphologic polarity. They appeared as single cells or as cell doublets attached by tight junctions that excluded ruthenium red. Microvilli were abundant and were restricted to the apical (i.e., luminal) domain of the plasma membrane. Coated pits were observed on both apical and basolateral cell surfaces. Internally, IBDECs contained a well-developed system of organelles, including mitochondria, Golgi, and discrete types of vesicles, such as coated vesicles, multivesicular bodies, and lysosomes. These results indicate that a highly purified suspension of viable, morphologically intact, and polar IBDECs can be prepared from normal rat liver using a novel approach that separates liver cells on the basis of size, density, and specific membrane components. The availability of such a model will allow experimental studies to be performed directly on IBDECs, an approach that has not previously been possible.
Inclusive Victim Consciousness in Advocacy, Social Movements, and Intergroup Relations: Promises and Pitfalls

While researchers and policy makers often focus their attention on the detrimental consequences of collective victimhood, it has been posited that these negative outcomes are linked to particular construals of the ingroup's victimization: namely those that focus on the uniqueness of these experiences (exclusive victim consciousness). In contrast, perceived similarities across victim groups (inclusive victim consciousness) may be associated with more positive outcomes, including victim groups assisting and advocating for each other or engaging in joint collective action. Drawing on social psychological research and real-world cases, this review provides examples of inclusive victim consciousness in several policy-relevant domains. A distinction is made between conflict-specific and general inclusive victim consciousness. Additionally, motivations for expressing inclusive victim consciousness are discussed that vary in their degree of ingroup- versus outgroup-concern. Factors are suggested that may promote or decrease inclusive victim consciousness, including steps that can be taken by policy makers and practitioners. Finally, potential challenges and risks involved in attempts to promote inclusive victim consciousness are discussed.
Array regrouping on CMP with non-uniform cache sharing

Array regrouping enhances program spatial locality by interleaving elements of multiple arrays that tend to be accessed closely. Its effectiveness has been systematically studied for sequential programs running on unicore processors, but not for multithreading programs on modern ChipMultiprocessor (CMP) machines. On one hand, the processor-level parallelism on CMP intensifies memory bandwidth pressure, suggesting the potential benefits of array regrouping for CMP computing. On the other hand, CMP architectures exhibit extra complexities-- especially the hierarchical, heterogeneous cache sharing among hyperthreads, cores, and processors--that impose new challenges to array regrouping. In this work, we initiate an exploration to the new opportunities and challenges. We propose cache-sharing-aware reference affinity analysis for identifying data affinity in multithreading applications. The analysis consists of affinity-guided thread scheduling and hierarchical reference-vector merging, handles cache sharing among both hyperthreads and cores, and offers hints for array regrouping and the avoidance of false sharing. Preliminary experiments demonstrate the potential of the techniques in improving locality of multithreading applications on CMP with various pitfalls avoided.
Homocysteine and Hemostasis: Pathogenetic Mechanisms Predisposing to Thrombosis

Growing evidence suggests that moderately elevated levels of homocysteine are associated not only with arterial thrombosis and atherosclerosis but also with venous thrombosis as well. We have reviewed recent studies that indicate that homocysteine inhibits several different anticoagulant mechanisms that are mediated by the vascular endothelium. The protein C enzyme system appears to be one of the most important anticoagulant pathways in the blood. Homocysteine inhibits the expression and activity of endothelial cell surface thrombomodulin, the thrombin cofactor responsible for protein C activation. Homocysteine inhibits the antithrombin III binding activity of endothelial heparan sulfate proteoglycan, thereby suppressing the anticoagulant effect of antithrombin III. Homocysteine also inhibits the ecto-ADPase activity of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECS). Because ADP is a potent platelet aggregatory agent, this action of homocysteine is prothrombotic. Homocysteine also interferes with the fibrinolytic properties of the endothelial surface because it inhibits the binding of tissue plasminogen activator. Homocysteine stimulates HUVEC tissue factor activity. We have found that lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] also stimulates HUVEC tissue factor activity. The combination of Lp(a) plus homocysteine induced more tissue factor activity than either agent alone. These disruptions in several different vessel wall-related anticoagulant functions provide plausable mechanisms for the occurrence of thrombosis in hyperhomocysteinemia.
Social capital and labor politics in Japan: Cooperation or cooptation?

Social capital, derived from voluntary cooperative relationships and memberships, is thought to enhance a group's capacity to attain a common good. Japan enjoys plentiful social capital, which affects all aspects of society, even politics. One would expect that social capital would facilitate parties to arrive at equitable labor policies and reduce overt political conflict in Japan. Has this cooperation occurred, or has labor been coopted? My study addresses this question through the analysis of networks among organizations active in labor-related policy decisions. I focus on Japan with some reference to the United States. The analysis shows that, indeed, networks of social capital weave together government, business, and labor very tightly in Japan (but only labor in the U.S.). The more tightly social capital ties labor to the state, the less it differs from the state's preferred policy. Intense differences of material interests, though, as indicated by the case of a health care policy decision, weaken this integrative capacity of social capital. The Labor Ministry tries to use social capital to build consensus between labor and business, but diverging interests erode such consensus. These findings indicate that even under favorable conditions, social capital exists in tension with more instrumental interest patterns.
Immunofluorescence and inhibitor studies on creatine kinase and mitosis

Abstract Immunofluorescence microscopy of mitotiv PtKl cells with antibody against M-line creatine kinase from chicken breast muscle revealed spindle staining largely identical with that of antibody against tubulin. Treatment with epoxycreatine, a creatine analog and covalent creatine kinase inhibitor, allowed the study of creatine kinase function in these non-muscle cells. Cells fixed at interphase following epoxycreatine treatment maintained actin stress fibers and creatine kinase localization on intermediate filaments. Treated prometaphase cells lacked spindles as observed by immunofluorescence microscopy, but displayed instead a central region of diffuse immunofluorescent staining surrounded by condensed chromosomes. Those observed in metaphase or anaphase appeared normal by phase-contrast microscopy, but lacked immunofluorescent staining. Living epoxycreatine-treated cells were observed by phase-contrast microscopy to form spindles and progress through mitosis following an extended prometaphase.
Differential Effects of Cytohesins 2 and 3 on β1 Integrin Recycling

ADP-ribosylation actor 6 (ARF6) regulates the endocytosis and recycling of a variety of proteins and also promotes peripheral actin rearrangements and cell motility. ARF6 is activated by a large number of guanine nucleotide exchange factors, which likely regulate ARF6 at different locations and during different processes. In this study we investigate the roles of the cytohesin ADP-ribosylation factor (ARF)-guanine nucleotide exchange factors during the recycling of integrin β1. Intriguingly, we find that knockdown and overexpression of ARNO/cytohesin 2 and GRP1/cytohesin 3 have opposing effects on cell adhesion and spreading on fibronectin and on cell migration. We find that ARNO/cytohesin 2 is required for integrin β1 recycling, whereas GRP1/cytohesin 3 is dispensable for this process. This is the first demonstration of unique roles for these proteins.
Trace detection of NO and NO2 by photoionization and laser induced fluorescence techniques

Abstract The analytical capabilities of photoionization spectroscopy (PIS) and laser induced fluorescence (LIF) techniques have been evaluated to determine the relative merits of each technique for measurements of NO and NO2 at the ppb and sub-ppb level. For both techniques, excitation is accomplished via the A–X (1,0) band of NO near 215 nm. For the ionization measurements, a (1 + 1) PIS scheme is utilized where NO molecules are photoionized by a second laser operating at 355 nm. Nitrogen dioxide (NO2) is determined by a photofragmentation approach where NO is photofragmented from the parent molecule and then detected by PIS. Limits of detection by the PIS approaches are 0.05 ppb for NO in air and 6 ppb for NO2 in air. For LIF, fluorescence emission is measured via the A–X (0,1) band at 237 nm. Limits of detection by LIF are 0.2 ppb and 30 ppb for NO in N2 and air, respectively.
Two-exciton collective photon echoes in disordered molecular nanostructures.

A new disorder-induced two-exciton photon echo and its frequency-domain counterpart, a narrow four-photon extra resonance, are predicted in molecular aggregates. These effects are induced by the combined influence of aggregation and inhomogeneous broadening and provide a direct signature for the strong correlation between one- and two-exciton levels.
Unsteady Pressures on a Generic Capsule Shape

While developing the aerodynamic database for the Orion spacecraft, the low-speed flight regime (transonic and below) proved to be the most difficult to predict and measure accurately. The flow over the capsule heat shield in descent flight was particularly troublesome for both computational and experimental efforts due to its unsteady nature and uncertainty about the boundary layer state. The data described here were acquired as part of a study to improve the understanding of the overall flow around a generic capsule. The unsteady pressure measurements acquired on a generic capsule shape are presented along with a discussion about the effects of various flight conditions and heat-shield surface roughness on the resulting pressure fluctuations.
An assessment of contributions made by extracranial tissues during cerebral oximetry

SummaryThis study was designed to determine the extent of contribution made by extracranial tissues to estimation of regional cerebrovascular saturation (ScO2) during cerebral oximetry. Thirty four patients undergoing carotid endarterectomy under regional anesthesia were studied. Bilateral ScO2 moni
Kinetics of Water Adsorption-Driven Structural Transformation of ZnS Nanoparticles

Nanoparticles of certain materials can respond structurally to changes in their surface environments. We have previously shown that methanol, water adsorption, and aggregation−disaggregation can change the structure of 3 nm diameter zinc sulfide (ZnS). However, in prior observations of water-driven structure change, aggregation also may have taken place. Therefore, we investigated the structural consequences of water adsorption alone on anhydrous nanoparticles that were dried to minimize changes in aggregation. Using simultaneously collected small- and wide-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS and WAXS) data, we showed that water vapor adsorption alone drives a structural transformation in ZnS nanoparticles in the temperature range of 22−40 °C. The transition kinetics is strongly temperature dependent, with an activation energy of 55 ± 10 kJ/mol, consistent with atom displacement rather than bond breaking. At 50 °C, aggregate restructuring occurred, increasing the transition kinetics beyond the rate expected for ...
Activity of sterol-sulphate sulphohydrolase in rat brain: characterization, localization and change with age.

— Homogenates of rat brain hydrolysed the sulphate esters of dehydroepiandrosterone, oestrone and pregnenolone to free steroids. The pH optimum was 6.6 for all three steroid sulphates. Under similar conditions, cholesterol sulphate was not hydrolysed to a significant extent. Unlike sterol sulphatases (EC 3.1.6.2) from extraneural tissues, most of the activity in brain was found in the crude nuclear fraction. The remainder of the activity was found in the crude mitochondrial fraction and almost none was detected in microsomal or cytosol fractions. Sterol sulphatase activity was present in the foetal brain and increased rapidly with increasing postnatal age to a plateau at approx. 25 days of postnatal age. The enzymic activity did not differ significantly with the sex of the animal. The sulphatase activity was found throughout the brain, with cerebellum and brain stem exhibiting a slightly higher activity per wet wt. of tissue than other regions. Inhibition of enzymic activity occurred in the presence of sodium deoxycholate, Triton X-100, sodium dodecyl sulphate and inorganic phosphate or sulphate.
Silurian Fossils in the “Lower Old Red Sandstone” of the Curlew Mountain District

YOUR correspondent in NATURE, vol. xxi. p. 32, on the above subject has evidently misunderstood the notice (NATURE, vol. xx. p. 641). The rocks in question, though belonging to what is generally known as the “Old Red Sandstone,” contain Silurian fossils, which confirms the opinion of myself and others that the lower Old Red should be regarded as the upper part of the Silurian formation.
Preliminary Design and Simulation of a Pneumatic, Stored-Energy, Hybrid Orthosis for Gait Restoration

Loss of mobility due to lower limb paralysis is a common result of thoracic level spinal cord injury (SCI). Functional electrical stimulation (FES) can restore primitive gait in the vicinity of a wheelchair by using electrical stimulation to generate muscle contractions. A new concept for FES-assisted gait is presented that combines electrical stimulation with an orthosis that contains a fluid power system to store and transfer energy during the gait cycle. The Energy Storage Orthosis (ESO) can be driven through a complete gait cycle using only stimulation of the quadriceps muscles. The conceptual design of the ESO was completed and implemented in a dynamic simulation model and in a benchtop prototype for engineering measurements. No studies were conducted with human subjects. The results demonstrate the potential of the ESO concept and the validity of the simulation model as a means for designing the system.Copyright © 2004 by ASME
Multi-agent-based transport planning in the newspaper industry

Abstract In many cases of today's planning tasks, the synchronization of production and distribution is becoming increasingly important in order to minimize costs and to maximize customer satisfaction. This is especially the case if transport schedules are closely connected to production schedules, as it is in the newspaper industry—where perishable goods are distributed immediately after production. In order to achieve the above mentioned competing objectives, a special kind of vehicle routing problem, the vehicle routing problem with time windows and cluster-dependent tour starts (VRPTWCD), has to be solved. Moreover, the varying print and post-processing schedules due to unknown editorial deadlines lead to the need for a dynamic online control of the newspaper production and distribution process. In this contribution, the outlined dynamic transport problem is solved online under consideration of unforeseen changes in production schedules. The solution concept is based on a multi-agent system consisting of, amongst others, several Edition and Vehicle Agents. This system is exemplarily applied to a real life application case of one of the largest German newspaper companies. It is shown that a static (centralized) optimization of the underlying problem would even lead to worse results in comparison to the current situation and that the appliance of the multi-agent system is suitable in the newspaper industry.
A functional reference model of passive systems for tracing network traffic

Determining the originating node of network traffic is a key problem in network forensics. As a network attacker may leave little direct evidence of his identity, it is useful to find his point of entry into the network. This, along with further host-based investigation, can tie a given suspect to an attack. Past work at the origin identification problem has assumed cooperative users (authentication), simple mechanisms of origin concealment (i.e. correlating spoofing or island hopping traffic), modifying network protocols (traffic marking), or host-based protocols (e.g. Carrier's STOP protocol). As this work is usually specific to a single type of origin concealment, we know little in general about the origin identification problem. In this paper, we discuss passive approaches that do not modify traffic, but rather, they store observations for later analysis. We present a general reference model of passive origin identification. The reference model defines features of all passive origin identification systems known. It is a functional model as it defines the components in terms of their general behavior and goals. The reference model is useful for reasoning about the behavior and flaws of origin identification systems. The model is also quite useful for discussing and teaching origin identification techniques. The model leads to several necessary and sufficient conditions for some level of passive origin identification in general. The first is separation of the network by monitors. The second is sufficient storage to permit later analysis. Furthermore, the model leads to several additional mutually sufficient conditions for passive origin identification in general. These are accurate correlation of traffic outputs to corresponding inputs and a trusted communication path between the analysis agent and the network monitors. By examining each of these conditions in the context of their applicability to forensic evidence, we suggest that passive origin identification will remain a preliminary investigation tool unless monitors are widely deployed in network hosts. This work is the first general theoretical framework for network forensics using passive monitors. It facilitates comparison of origin identification techniques and suggests new problems facing the field.
"Traumatic tap" proportion in pediatric lumbar puncture.

Objectives: To determine the frequency of "traumatic" or "bloody" tap when pediatric lumbar puncture is performed by a physician who has completed training and performs the procedure frequently. Methods: The author identified 100 sequential patients presenting to a pediatric emergency department requiring lumbar puncture for clinical indications. Demographic information, cerebrospinal cell counts, and other relevant data were later obtained by retrospective chart review. Cell count results were categorized according to several previously used criteria: greater than 400, greater than 1000, and greater than 10,000/ unsuccessful. Results: One procedure yielded only a small amount of bloody fluid on which no cell count was performed. The remaining 99 procedures yielded red blood cell counts less than 1000. Conclusions: The proportion of bloody or traumatic results from pediatric lumbar puncture reported from pediatric training centers is typically in the 20% to 30% range. This represents an overestimation of a more ideal proportion possible when the procedure is performed by a physician who has completed training and performs the procedure frequently.
Role of turgor pressure in endocytosis in fission yeast

Yeast and other walled cells possess high internal turgor pressure that allows them to grow and survive in the environment. This turgor pressure, however, may oppose the invagination of the plasma membrane needed for endocytosis. Here we study the effects of turgor pressure on endocytosis in the fission yeast Schizosaccharomyces pombe by time-lapse imaging of individual endocytic sites. Decreasing effective turgor pressure by addition of sorbitol to the media significantly accelerates early steps in the endocytic process before actin assembly and membrane ingression but does not affect the velocity or depth of ingression of the endocytic pit in wild-type cells. Sorbitol also rescues endocytic ingression defects of certain endocytic mutants and of cells treated with a low dose of the actin inhibitor latrunculin A. Endocytosis proceeds after removal of the cell wall, suggesting that the cell wall does not contribute mechanically to this process. These studies suggest that endocytosis is governed by a mechanical balance between local actin-dependent inward forces and opposing forces from high internal turgor pressure on the plasma membrane.
Alkaline phosphomonoesterase activity in insects—I. Activity in various enzyme preparations from the blowflies, Phormia regina and Sarcophaga bullata

Abstract A relatively non-specific alkaline phosphomonoesterase activity with a pH optimum of approximately 9·3 has been demonstrated in enzyme preparations derived from larvae and adults of the blowflies, Phormia regina and Sarcophaga bullata . The nitrogen-containing phosphate esters, phosphorylcholine, phosphorylethanolamine, and phosphorylserine, as well as other phosphomonoesters, are hydrolysed. Enzyme assays show that the larvae of both species exhibit three to four times the activity of the adults. In both species a shift in the distribution of activity between mitochondria and the S 10.000 fraction can be seen between the larval and adult stages. In the larvae the mitochondria are about twice as active as the S 10.000 fraction while in the adults the S 10.000 fraction is the more active (ca. four times in the case of P. regina and ca. six times in S. bullata ). Comparison of the relative rates of hydrolysis of different phosphate esters by different fractions from the same insect indicate that the enzyme or enzyme complex of the mitochondria is different from that of the S 10.000 fraction.
Magnetic susceptibility of the TaV2/H2 system

Abstract The magnetic susceptibility exhibited by the ordered (C-15) and random bcc allotropes of TaV 2 decreases linearly with increasing hydrogen content. However, the susceptibility exhibited by the (C-15) form is about four times more sensitive to hydrogen than that exhibited by the bcc form. The results are in qualitative accord with the thermodynamics of hydrogen solution.
Distinctions in Behavioral Impulsivity: Implications for Substance Abuse Research

ObjectivesResearchers have clearly implicated impulsivity as having a key role in substance use disorders, and comparisons of self-report measures suggest that there are measurably different components of impulsive behavior. However, comparatively little research has been devoted to understanding th
Protection against gp120-induced neurotoxicity by an array of estrogenic steroids.

Abstract gp120, the coat protein of HIV, can be neurotoxic and is thought to contribute to AIDS-related dementia complex. Such toxicity involves activation of glutamate receptors, mobilization of free cytosolic calcium, and generation of oxygen radicals. We have previously shown that the estrogen 17β-estradiol, in concentrations of 100 nM or higher, lessens the neurotoxicity of gp120 in hippocampal and cortical cultures, blunts gp120-induced calcium mobilization, and lessens the oxidative consequences. In this study, we examined the protective potential of other estrogens. We found gp120 neurotoxicity in hippocampal cultures to be significantly lessened by estrone, equilin and estriol, although with an order of magnitude less potent than 17β-estradiol. We also found all four estrogens to blunt gp120-induced calcium mobilization, with estriol being more efficacious than the other three estrogens. These findings give insight both into the mechanisms of estrogenic protection (e.g. receptor-dependent versus independent actions) as well as into the potential therapeutic use of estrogens against AIDS-related dementia complex.
EQUITY ISSUES IN URBAN TRANSPORTATION

The problem of equity in urban transportation is examined. It is argued that three main concepts of equity coexist uneasily and compete for priority within the field of urban transportation. The three concepts are fee for service, equity in service distribution, and service distribution according to need. The recent trend is toward emphasis on the most redistributive of these concepts, but the main urban transportation (including mass transit) programs still channel their expenditures in ways that systematically favor those least in need. During the past several years there has been a significant growth of interest in the mobility problems of the elderly and hancicapped, but intense controversy persists about the priority that should be accorded their alleged "needs" and about the means that should be used to serve them.
Celiac disease: pathogenesis of a model immunogenetic disease

Celiac disease is characterized by small-intestinal mucosal injury and nutrient malabsorption in genetically susceptible individuals in response to the dietary ingestion of wheat gluten and similar proteins in barley and rye. Disease pathogenesis involves interactions among environmental, genetic, and immunological factors. Although celiac disease is predicted by screening studies to affect approximately 1% of the population of the United States and is seen both in children and in adults, 10%-15% or fewer of these individuals have been diagnosed and treated. This article focuses on the role of adaptive and innate immune mechanisms in the pathogenesis of celiac disease and how current concepts of immunopathogenesis might provide alternative approaches for treating celiac disease.
Trends in evolution of floral ontogeny in Cassia sensu stricto, Senna, and Chamaecrista(Leguminosae: Caesalpinioideae: Cassieae: Cassiinae); a study in convergence

Distinctions in floral ontogeny among three segregate genera (Cassia sensu stricto, Chamaecrista, and Senna) of Cassia L. support their separation. In all species studied, the order of floral organ initiation is: sepals, petals, antesepalous stamens plus carper, and lastly antepetalous stamens. Sepal initiation is helical in all three genera, which however differ in whether the first sepal is initiated in median abaxial position (Senna), or abaxial and off-median (Cassia javanica), a rare character state among legumes. Order of petal initiation varies: helical in Senna vs. unidirectional in Cassia and Chamaecrista. Both stamen whorls are uniformly unidirectional. Intergeneric ontogenetic differences occur in phyllotaxy, inflorescence architecture, bracteole formation, overlap of initiation among organ whorls (calyx/corolla in Cassia; two stamen whorls in Chamaecrista), eccentric initiation on one side of a flower, anther attachment, anther pore structure, and precocious carpel initiation in Senna. The asymmetric corolla and androecium in Chamaecrista arise by precocious organ initiation on one side (left or right). The poricidal anther character can result from differing developmental pathways: lateral slits vs. sealing of lateral sutures; clasping hairs vs. sutural ridges, terminal pores (one or two) vs. none; and clamp layer formation internally that prevents lateral dehiscence. Genera differ in corolla aestivation patterns and in stigma type. Convergence is shown among the three genera, based on intergeneric dissimilarities in early floral ontogeny (floral position in the inflorescence, bracteole presence, position of the first sepal initiated, order of petal initiation, asymmetric initiation, overlap between whorls, anther morphology, and time of carper initiation) resulting in similarities at anthesis (showy, mostly yellow salverform flowers, heteromorphic stamens, poricidal anther dehiscence, bee pollination, and chambered stigma).
Oxidative reactivity of the tryptophan metabolites 3-hydroxyanthranilate, cinnabarinate, quinolinate and picolinate

The oxidative reactivities of four tryptophan metabolites in the kynurenine pathway were examined as a potential mechanism for their reported neurotoxicities and carcinogenicities. Neither quinolinic acid, a neurotoxin, nor its monocarboxylic analogue, picolinic acid, auto-oxidized over a wide pH range. However, 3-hydroxyanthranilic acid (3-HAT), a carcinogen, readily auto-oxidized and the reaction rate increased exponentially with increasing pH. 3-HAT auto-oxidation likely involves two steps: (1) auto-oxidation of 3-HAT to the semiquinoneimine (anthranilyl radical) which oxidizes to the quinoneimine, followed by (2) condensation and oxidation reactions to yield a second carcinogen, cinnabarinic acid. 3-HAT auto-oxidation to cinnabarinate required molecular oxygen and generated superoxide radicals and H2O2. Superoxide dismutase (SOD) accelerated 3-HAT auto-oxidation 4-fold, probably by preventing back reactions between Superoxide and either the anthranilyl radical or the quinoneimine formed during the initial step of auto-oxidation. Catalase did not accelerate 3-HAT auto-oxidation, but it did prevent destruction of cinnabarinate by H2O2. Interconversion between oxyhemoglobin and methemoglobin occurred during 3-HAT auto-oxidation, although neither form of hemoglobin altered rates of 3-HAT auto-oxidation. Mn2+, Mn3+ and Fe3+-EDTA did not directly catalyze cinnabarinate formation in the absence of O2, but they did accelerate cinnabarinate formation under aerobic conditions.
Bison, Boundaries, and Brucellosis: Risk Perception and Political Ecology at Yellowstone

A controversial management plan designed to reduce the risk of domestic cattle contracting the disease brucellosis calls for government officials to haze, capture, and kill wild bison that cross Yellowstone National Park's boundary with Montana. Perceptions of the brucellosis risk have been amplified by the actions of state and federal governmental institutions. These actions are shaped by the economic and political contexts in which these institutions operate. In the mid-1990s, when the conflict over bison management escalated, negotiations of agreements for the free trade of cattle placed substantial pressure on the state to maintain a federal designation of “brucellosis-free.” An analytic-deliberative approach to risk assessment might benefit bison management at Yellowstone. Because contemporary environmental issues frequently revolve around the management of risk, risk perception literature should be added to the “eclectic equipment” that comprises political ecology.
Diazonia hexacyclic aromatic systems from bis(bromomethyl)naphthalenes

Starting with the appropriate bis(bromomethyl)naphthalenes, 14a,16a-diazoniaanthra[1,2-a]-anthracene salts (6), and the 4a,12a- (13, 14) 4a,8a-(15) and 8a,16a-diazoniadibenzo[b,k]-chrysene (16) salts have been prepared for the first time.
Enhancement of nigral graft survival in rat brain with the systemic administration of synthetic fibronectin peptide V.

A major obstacle in neural transplantation is a severe loss of neurons in grafts soon after implantation. In the present study, we have investigated whether the systemic administration of synthetic fibronectin peptide V can increase the survival of neural grafts. Synthetic fibronectin peptide V is derived from the 33,000 mol. wt carboxyl-terminal heparin-binding domain of fibronectin. Previous studies have shown that these polypeptides possess anti-inflammatory properties. However, it is currently unknown whether this peptide has anti-apoptotic properties. Dissociated neural grafts were prepared from the ventral mesencephalon of pregnant Sprague-Dawley rats and were stereotaxically injected as a cell suspension into the striatum of adult Sprague-Dawley rats. A group of recipient rats received i.v. injections of peptide V (5mg/kg, dissolved in saline) at 24 and 4h prior to transplantation, at the time of transplantation, and 24, 48 and 72h post-transplantation. Saline-treated rats served as controls. The rats were killed at two, four and 42 days post-grafting and the brain tissue was immunologically processed for tyrosine-hydroxylase, major histocompatibility complex class I and class II antigens, complement receptor type 3 and leukocyte common antigen immunocytochemistry, and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP-biotin nick end labeling assay. We found a significant increase (approximately twofold) in the number of dopamine neurons in the grafts for the peptide-treated group at four and 42 days compared with the controls. In contrast, there was no significant difference in the patterns of inflammation using different immunocytochemical markers in the two different groups. The levels of expression for these markers, however, were reduced over time. Interestingly, the number of apoptotic cells in the graft areas was significantly smaller in the peptide-treated group than in the control group two days after grafting. The results demonstrate that the systemic administration of synthetic fibronectin peptide V can dramatically increase the survival of nigral grafts in the brain and substantially reduce the number of apoptotic cells in the graft site, suggesting that this peptide may exert a beneficial effect on survival of nigral grafts through an anti-apoptotic mechanism.
Preliminary investigation into the use of diffuse optical tomography for monitoring and imaging stroke

For patients with ischemic stroke there is benefit to early treatment (within 3 hours) with recombinant tissue plasminogen activator, rt-PA, an FDA approved thrombolytic drug. The use of rt-PA within the first 3 hours of an ischemic stroke is based upon a clinical trial showing an increased probability of good functional recovery in the treated group. The challenge is now to individualize therapy in order to decrease the degree of permanent brain injury due to ischemia in as many patients as possible. This requires new tools to assay brian flood flow and tissue injury. However, there is currently no means to non-invasively monitor brain perfusion. There is no non-invasive method to determine whether administration of thrombolytic drug in an individual patient is actually effective in causing reperfusion. We have developed such a method based on using light in conjunction with periodic bolus injections of an optical vascular contrast agent to continuously monitor brain perfusion non-invasively.© (1999) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Pulmonary Toxicity of Amiodarone

Mild pleuroparenchymal fibrosis associated with amiodarone pulmonary toxicity is reported in a 63-year-old white man; partial radiographic resolution and complete symptomatic resolution with decreasing the daily dosage to 200 mg permitted continued anti arrhythmic therapy.
Morphology and microstructure in electrochemical deposition of zinc

We report an experiment in the Ohmically-limited electrochemical deposition of zinc which explicitly probes the link between microscopic structure and macroscopic morphology in the development of interfacial patterns far from equilibrium. We report a previously unrecognized transition region between diffusion-limited aggregation and dendritic growth; analysis of the microstructure suggests mechanisms for the macroscopic expression of crystalline anisotropy. We also report the discovery of a metastable crystalline form of zinc produced during electrodeposition.
Orlistat in the Treatment of NASH: A Case Series

Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis is now recognized as a common chronic liver disorder. Up to 16% of affected patients may progress to cirrhosis. The incidence and prevalence of this disease are noted to be increasing, in parallel with the nationwide increase in obesity and diabetes. Treatment options for these patients remain quite limited, however. Weight reduction has been advocated, but there are little data to support this practice, as most patients are unable to comply with the proper dietary modifications. We report three obese patients with biopsy-proven nonalcoholic steatohepatitis treated for 6–12 months with a weight reduction medication, orlistat, who lost between 22–42 lb, and had significant clinical and histopathological improvement on follow-up.
Mini workshop — How to organize a professional development workshop for high school CS teachers

This mini-workshop will follow a “train-the-trainer” model. Experts will provide guidance and resources for college computing faculty who wish to organize workshops for high school computer science teachers. These workshops will enable the teachers to attract more and diverse students to their computer science classes, which will add to the college-bound population of students prepared for and interested in a computing major.
Optical Properties of Germanium in the Far Ultraviolet

Reflectance measurements for Ge films evaporated in situ are reported for 16 wavelengths between 490 and 1610 \AA{}, corresponding to photon energies of 25.2 and 7.7 eV. Measurements were taken after 3-min exposures to ambient pressures of 5\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}${10}^{\ensuremath{-}7}$ Torr. Reflectance values at a number of angles of incidence were used to compute the optical constants: the refraction index $n$, the extinction coefficient $k$, and the real and imaginary parts of the frequency-dependent dielectric constant $\ensuremath{\epsilon}(\ensuremath{\omega})={\ensuremath{\epsilon}}_{1}+i{\ensuremath{\epsilon}}_{2}$. Values are also presented for the characteristic electron energy-loss functions, i.e., the volume loss, $\ensuremath{-}\mathrm{Im}{\ensuremath{\epsilon}}^{\ensuremath{-}1}$, and the surface loss, $\ensuremath{-}\mathrm{Im}{(\ensuremath{\epsilon}+1)}^{\ensuremath{-}1}$. The quantity $\ensuremath{-}\mathrm{Im}{\ensuremath{\epsilon}}^{\ensuremath{-}1}$ peaked at 16.1 eV and had a half-width of 3.9 eV. Electron oscillator strengths, summed between 8 and 25 eV, gave a $\ensuremath{\hbar}{\ensuremath{\omega}}_{p}$ value of 13.7 eV. The present data are in better agreement with the accepted plasma theory than are previous data. Some changes of optical characteristics caused by exposure to ambient pressures and air are presented.