cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Measuring shear strength of soft-tissue adhesives†

A method for evaluating strength of adhesives for hydrogels and soft tissues is presented. Quantitative measurements of shear strength for applications in tissue engineering and biomedicine are performed in torsion using a rheometer. Small, disk shaped specimens of soft biological tissues and/or hydrogels (8 mm diameter, 1–2 mm thick) are mounted onto rheometer tools and then bonded together using the adhesive to be tested. The torsional loading geometry imposes simple shear without deforming the planar adhesive bond, in contrast to the lap-shear test. It retains the advantages of the napkin ring test while reducing artifacts due to cutting and handling soft specimens. The method is demonstrated by measuring the shear strength of two types of biomedical adhesives (cyanoacrylate and polyethylene glycol-based) between model hydrogels (gelatin) and tissues (corneal stroma and skin).
Antinociceptive effect of brain-derived neurotrophic factor and neurotrophin-3

Abstract Infusions of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) or neurotrophin-3 (NT-3), but not nerve-growth factor, into the rat midbrain significantly elevated the tail-flick response latency. Analgesia was observed as soon as 24 h after the onset of infusion, reached maximum levels by day 5 and remained constant for a least an additional 6 days, suggesting no development of tolerance. BDNF infusion also increased latency in the hot-plate test. Naloxone administration reversed the BDNF-induced increase in the tail-flick latency. The antinociceptive effect of BDNF infusion was accompanied by an augmentation in serotonergic activity within the brain and spinal cord. These data demonstrate both an effedt of BDNF and NT-3 on serotonergic neurons and an analgesic property of these neurotrophins which appears to involve both serotonin and opioid mechanisms.
The feasibility of monitoring wilderness lake chemistry with remote sensing methods

Wilderness lakes in the U.S. are at risk to the effects of atmospheric pollution. The results of the EPA Western Lake Survey, for example, show that many of the lakes in the West have very low concentrations of dissolved constituents, and are sensitive to acidification. Lakes located in wilderness areas were found to be particularly sensitive: median ANC values of 91.4 μeq/1 compared to 282.7 μeq/1 in non-wilderness areas. Sampling remote wilderness lakes is difficult and expensive. For example, the cost of sampling each lake in the National surface water survey was about $ 4000 per lake. Remote sensing methods may provide an alternative means of monitoring the chemistry of wilderness lakes. This study defines the feasibility of the remote monitoring of lake chemistry in the Adirondack Park region of New York by comparing measured lake chemistry with field reflectance measurements, remote reflectance measurements from aircraft and satellite and laboratory and airborne laser fluorosensor data.Water samples collected from a representative population of Adirondack Park lakes were analyzed for pH, acid neutralizing capacity (ANC), dissolved organic carbon (DOC), total reactive aluminum and plant pigment concentration concurrent with the collection of remote sensing data. Lake parameters estimated from field reflectance measurements which directly effect lake optical properties, total pigments, DOC, and turbidity were estimated with less error and more precision than those parameters not directly related to lake optics, pH, ANC and A1 concentration. Results from airborne MSS and Landsat MSS data produced lower R(2) values than estimates using field reflectance.The concentration of DOC can be estimated remotely by using laser fluorosensing. The spectral-fluorescence properties of DOC were correlated with the pH and aluminum concentrations in the lake water. Remotely measurable DOC fluorescence spectra were used to estimate DOC, H, and A1 concentrations.Of the methods investigated, laser fluorosensing shows the most promise for the remote prediction of lake DOC, hydrogen ion and aluminum concentration in Adirondack lakes while reflectance measures may be used to estimate lake chlorophyll, DOC and transparency. Given the large number of wilderness lakes and the difficulty of sampling in remote wilderness, remote sensing methods may provide an alternative, while less precise, method of monitoring lake chemistry. The applicability of these findings to lakes in other wilderness areas is unknown. Similar studies of the feasibility of monitoring Western wilderness lake chemistry with remote sensing methods are being initiated.
Arteritis and Brachial Plexus Neuropathy as Delayed Complications of Radiation Therapy

Radiation-induced arteritis of large vessels and brachial plexus neuropathy are uncommon delayed complications of local radiation therapy. We describe a 66-year-old woman with right arm discomfort, weakness, and acrocyanosis that developed 21 years after local radiation for breast adenocarcinoma. Arteriography revealed arteritis, with ulcerated plaque formation at the subclavian-axillary artery junction, consistent with radiation-induced disease, and diffuse irregularity of the axillary artery. Electromyography showed a chronic brachial plexopathy. The patient's acrocyanosis, thought to be due to digital embolization from her vascular disease, improved with antiplatelet therapy. The concurrent combination of radiation-induced arteritis and brachial plexopathy is uncommon but should be considered in patients presenting with upper extremity pain or weakness after radiation therapy.
Massive condensates and scaling in string field theory

Abstract We argue that massive condensates can be geometrically interpreted as dynamically scaling distance. Massive condensates, in contrast to massless condensates, do not change the background geometry but modify the string tension. They may play a role in extending the uniqueness of the classical string field theory action to the quantum corrected effective action.
Structure of the terminal 300 kb of DNA from human chromosome 21q

The most distal 300 kb of human chromosome 21q was cloned and mapped using telomeric yeast artificial chromosomes (YACs). The region contains low-copy subtelomeric repeats at the telomeric end, chromosome 21-specific sequences more centromerically, and the S100B gene at a distance of 100-140 kb from the chromosome terminus. RecA-assisted restriction endonuclease cleavage of genomic DNA showed that the cloned fragments correspond to telomere-terminal genomic DNA, and restriction enzyme mapping of the YACs shows that the smaller clone (175 kb) corresponds exactly to the telomeric end of the larger one (300 kb). PCR assays for 21q-specific markers were used to show that COL6A1, COL6A2, and LA161 were all outside of the subtelomeric region spanned by the YACs and thus at least 300 kb from the 21q terminus. The molecular probes provide telomeric closure for existing 21q maps.
Endor on photoexcited triplets randomly oriented in solid solution

Abstract It is shown that hyperfine interactions in photoexcited triplets randomly oriented in solid solution can be measured with the aid of ENDOR. Results of measurements on naphtalene and zinc tetraphenylporphyrin triplets in polymethyl-methacrylate are presented. Preliminary results obtained with Zn(CN)4TPP show that ENDOR spectra of triplets with short lifetimes (less than 5 ms) can also be obtained due to the signal enhancement resulting from electron spin alignment.
Magnetospheric Emissions from the Planet Orbiting τ Bootis: A Multiepoch Search

All of the solar system gas giants produce electron cyclotron masers driven by the solar wind impinging on their magnetospheres. Extrapolating to the planet orbiting τ Boo, various authors have predicted that it may be within the detection limits of the 4 m wavelength (74 MHz) system on the Very Large Array. This paper reports three epochs of observations of τ Boo. In no epoch do we detect the planet; various means of determining the upper limit to the emission yield single-epoch limits ranging from 135 to 300 mJy. We develop a likelihood method for multiepoch observations and use it to constrain various radiation properties of the planet. If we assume that the planet does radiate at our observation wavelength, its typical luminosity must be less than about 1016 W, unless its radiation is highly beamed into a solid angle of Ω 1 sr. While this value is within the range of luminosities predicted by various authors for this planet, it is lower than recent estimates that attempt to take into account the stellar wind of τ Boo using the known properties of the star itself. Electron cyclotron maser emission from solar system planets is beamed, but with characteristic solid angles of approximately 1 sr illuminated. Future long-wavelength instruments (e.g., the Long Wavelength Array and the Low Frequency Array) must be able to make typical flux density measurements of approximately 25 mJy on short timescales (≈15 minutes) in order to improve these constraints significantly.
Sequence-structure analysis of FAD-containing proteins.

We have analyzed structure-sequence relationships in 32 families of flavin adenine dinucleotide (FAD)-binding proteins, to prepare for genomic-scale analyses of this family. Four different FAD-family folds were identified, each containing at least two or more protein families. Three of these families, exemplified by glutathione reductase (GR), ferredoxin reductase (FR), and p-cresol methylhydroxylase (PCMH) were previously defined, and a family represented by pyruvate oxidase (PO) is newly defined. For each of the families, several conserved sequence motifs have been characterized. Several newly recognized sequence motifs are reported here for the PO, GR, and PCMH families. Each FAD fold can be uniquely identified by the presence of distinctive conserved sequence motifs. We also analyzed cofactor properties, some of which are conserved within a family fold while others display variability. Among the conserved properties is cofactor directionality: in some FAD-structural families, the adenine ring of the FAD points toward the FAD-binding domain, whereas in others the isoalloxazine ring points toward this domain. In contrast, the FAD conformation and orientation are conserved in some families while in others it displays some variability. Nevertheless, there are clear correlations among the FAD-family fold, the shape of the pocket, and the FAD conformation. Our general findings are as follows: (a) no single protein `pharmacophore' exists for binding FAD; (b) in every FAD-binding family, the pyrophosphate moiety binds to the most strongly conserved sequence motif, suggesting that pyrophosphate binding is a significant component of molecular recognition; and (c) sequence motifs can identify proteins that bind phosphate-containing ligands.
Information Storage Requirements In Radiology

The number of bits required for storing the information contained in an x-ray image depends primarily on the x-ray exposure at the image plane and on the desired spatial resolution. This dependence has been determined from calculations of the maximum attainable signal-to-noise ratios for exposures and resolutions respectively in the regions from 10-2 to 102 milliroentgens and 10-4 to 1 cm2. The results show that for the different image sizes and exposures used in diagnostic radiology, the number of bits required for the storage of these images extends from approximately 105 to 108.© (1979) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Anesthesia for combined cesarean section and extra-adrenal pheochromocytoma resection: a case report and literature review

Abstract Pheochromocytoma during pregnancy is unusual, with approximately 250 cases now reported in the literature. The current case describes the anesthetic management of a patient with a large extra-adrenal pheochromocytoma who underwent a combined cesarean section and tumor removal in which perioperative hemodynamic control was difficult despite high-dose a-adrenergic blockade. In this case it is believed that difficulty in perioperative hemodynamic management was related to mechanical stimulation of the tumor by the gravid uterus. Review of published case reports since 1980 reveals that a pheochromocytoma during pregnancy may be diagnosed in an extra-adrenal location relatively more commonly compared to non-pregnant patients. Established criteria exist for the adequacy of α- and β-adrebergic blockade for the management of pheochromocytoma in the non-pregnant patient. We discuss how these criteria apply to pregnant patients with pheochromocytoma, and suggest possible modifications to the criteria.
Plantar loading and foot-strike pattern changes with speed during barefoot running in those with a natural rearfoot strike pattern while shod.

Abstract Background Claims of injury reduction related to barefoot running has resulted in interest from the running public; however, its risks are not well understood for those who typically wear cushioned footwear. Objectives Examine how plantar loading changes during barefoot running in a group of runners that ordinarily wear cushioned footwear and demonstrate a rearfoot strike pattern (RFSP) without cueing or feedback alter their foot strike pattern and plantar loading when asked to run barefoot at different speeds down a runway. Method Forty-one subjects ran barefoot at three different speeds across a pedography platform which collected plantar loading variables for 10 regions of the foot; data were analyzed using two-way mixed multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA). Results A significant foot strike position (FSP) × speed interaction in each of the foot regions indicated that plantar loading differed based on FSP across the different speeds. The RFSP provided the highest total forces across the foot while the pressures displayed in subjects with a non-rearfoot strike pattern (NRFSP) was more similar between each of the metatarsals. Conclusions The majority of subjects ran barefoot with a NRFSP and demonstrated lower total forces and more uniform force distribution across the metatarsal regions. This may have an influence in injuries sustained in barefoot running.
Polarization-temperature correlation from a primordial magnetic field

We propose a new method for constraining a primordial homogeneous magnetic field with the cosmic microwave background. Such a field will induce an observable parity odd cross correlation between the polarization anisotropy and the temperature anisotropy by Faraday rotation. We analyze the necessary experimental features to match, and improve, current constraints of such a field by measuring this correlation.
A stochastic operator for interface dynamics and the canonical relation between compliance update and modal frequency variation—I. Modeling of the stochastic stretch-shear-rotation operator for interface dynamics in ordered structures

Abstract A model that idealizes an elastic structure as comprising of discrete, statistically homogeneous, close-packed structured mesodomains is developed for the purpose of characterizing the inner foundation and pathology of the compliance influence coefficient variation process. The genesis of approach defines the bond rotation between disturbed contiguous mesodomains (nodes) as the vector that synchronizes the mechanical motions of interior microelements of these structured nodes, with the ingenerate local thermal fluctuations that characterize such mesodomain pairs. It is shown that this bond rotation vector enables the modeling of the desired “Stochastic Stretch-Shear-Rotation Operator”. In principle, this stochastic operator influences the co-operational phenomenon during the mesodomain kineto-elastodynamics, and facilitates the description of nearest-neighbor mesoscopic interactions. An expression for the matrix of correlation associated with this operator is given. The fundamental definition of the latter correlation matrix is such that it provides the topological basis for linking the inner foundations of the random compliance influence coefficient update process to modal frequency changes in a damaged or disordered disturbed structure. In addition, this presentation maintains that the correlation matrix can be conveniently employed for the specification of the statistics of the stress-stiffening effect and the coriolis factor at the mesoscopic level of observation.
Relationship goals of middle-aged, young-old, and old-old internet daters: An analysis of online personal ads

Abstract Purpose of the study Research on courtship patterns and romantic relationship in later life has not kept pace with the burgeoning number of older adults interested in dating. Design and methods We conducted content analyses of themes arising from 450 personal ads written by middle-aged (40–54), young-old (60–74), and old-old (75 +) participants. Results Significant differences between the young-old and the middle-aged were few; those between the young-old and old-old were numerous. Compared to the old-old, the young-old and middle-aged were more likely to mention adventure, romance, sexual interests, and seeking a soul mate and less likely to mention health. Implications This study increases our understanding of relationship goals in later life and highlights the error of treating all older adults as a homogeneous group. Practice and policy can benefit from more nuanced distinctions between age groups and an enhanced recognition of the vibrant emotional, romantic, and sexual lives of older adults.
Cocaine and amphetamine elicit differential effects in rats with a unilateral injection of dopamine transporter antisense oligodeoxynucleotides

We have developed an antisense oligodeoxynucleotide to the dopamine transporter and used it to discriminate the behavioral properties of amphetamine and cocaine. In SK-N-MC cells permanently transfected with the dopamine transporter complementary DNA, treatment with 5 mM antisense oligodeoxynucleotide reduced dopamine uptake by 25% when compared to sense control. Unilateral intranigral administration of dopamine transporter antisense (50 microM) twice daily in freely moving rats for 2.5 days was sufficient to reduce dopamine transporter messenger RNA by 70% as measured by in situ hybridization, but not protein levels as measured by [3H]mazindol binding. However, intranigral treatment via implanted osmotic minipump over a period of seven days produced reductions in both dopamine transporter messenger RNA and protein levels (32%) at a dose of 500 pmol/day. These results indicate a longer half-life for the dopamine transporter than expected. Potassium chloride depolarization of ipsilateral striatal slices showed a greater than 200% increase in dopamine overflow on the antisense-treated side compared to the control side. Since imbalance of dopamine tone is known to induce rotational activity, we tested this behavioral paradigm in rats treated with various oligodeoxynucleotides at different doses and time-points. We have found that antisense-treated animals did not rotate spontaneously under any experimental conditions. Using various psychostimulants that target the dopamine transporter and increase dopamine levels, we found that the antisense-treated animals consistently rotated contralaterally in response to amphetamine (2 mg/kg), but not to cocaine (10 mg/kg) or nomifensine (10 mg/kg). These results bring in vivo evidence for a different mode of action of amphetamine and cocaine on the dopamine transporter and lend direct support to the view that amphetamine acts as a dopamine releaser, whereas cocaine acts by blocking dopamine transport.
LIPIDS AND METALS IN FAT GLOBULE MEMBRANE FRACTIONS.

Abstract Fat globule membrane material (FGMM) was isolated from buttermilk of churned, washed cream. Unfractionated FGMM was obtained by isoelectric precipitation of buttermilk solids. Fractionated FGMM was obtained by differential centrifugation of buttermilk, yielding three pellets, and isoelectric precipitation of the remaining supernatant solids, yielding a fourth pellet. Two minor fractions were obtained by lyophilization of the final supernatants from the isoelectric precipitation steps. Analyses of the centrifugal fractions indicated two basic categories: 1) a high-density, reddish-brown fraction high in protein and low in lipid. 2) a low-density, cream-colored fraction low in protein and high in lipid. Lipid of the high-density fraction was higher in phospholipid and greater in total unsaturation and polyunsaturation than that of the low-density fractions. Fatty acid analyses showed virtually no qualitative differences, but quantitative differences among the various fractions did exist. Iron was high in the high-density fractions, whereas copper was more evenly distributed. Highest ratios of metal-to-fatty acid indicate one copper and one iron ion per 24 and 21 polyunsaturated fatty acid molecules, respectively.
Studies in Cyciocopoiymerization. XI. The Role of the Charge-Transfer Complex in the Initiation Step of the UV-lnitiated Cyciocopoiymerization of Divinyl Ether with Fumaronitrile

Abstract A soluble cyclocopolymer of 1:2 composition was obtained by UV irradiation of divinyl ether (DVE) and fumaronitrile (FN) in methanolic solution. By appropriate calculations based on the results of the rate observed under different concentration conditions and with different UV filters, it is shown that both the complex formed between DVE and FN, and the noncomplexed species (DVE, FN, and methanol) are able to initiate the polymerization by light excitation. A study was completed on the same polymerization in the same solvent initiated by a radical initiator. The characteristics of the polymers are me same as those of the photo-initiated polymers. The kinetic results are similar when the polymers are obtained by both kinds of initiation, indicating a similar polymerization mechanism.
A tritium-release in vivo assay of dopamine-β-hydroxylase activity in sympathetic neurons

Abstract Measurement of the rate of release in vivo of tritium from [β- 3 H]dopamine is proposed as an index of dopamine-β-hydroxylase activity in sympathetic neurons. After the systemic administration of this labeled compound to rats, the accumulation of tritium in body water is roughly linear with time and is partially inhibited by pretreatment of the animals with the dopamine-β-hydroxylase inhibitors, disulfiram and fusaric acid. Pretreatment of the animals with the monoamine oxidase inhibitor, tranylcypromine, alters neither the rate of tritiated water accumulation nor the extent to which this rate is slowed by the dopamine-β-hydroxylase inhibitors. The tritium-release assay has been tested in animals subjected to experimental protocols known to alter the levels of dopamine-β-hydroxylase in sympathetic neurons. Chemical sympathectomy with 6-hydroxydopamine, which leads to a decrease in dopamine-β-hydroxylase activity in tissue extracts, decreased the rate of tritiated water release in vivo . Chronic exposure of animals to cold, which leads to an increase in dopamine-β-hydroxylase activity in tissue extracts, increased the rate of tritiated water release in vivo . Furthermore, this effect of cold stress is prevented by dopamine-β-hydroxylase inhibitors. Our data thus suggest that accumulation of tritiated water in the whole animal after the administration of [β- 3 H]dopamine can be used as an index of dopamine-β-hydroxylase activity in sympathetic neurons.
A Growing Degree Day Model to Schedule Trinexapac-ethyl Applications on Agrostis stolonifera Golf Putting Greens

Trinexapac-ethyl (TE) is a widely used growth regulator in the turfgrass industry. Poor summer effi cacy has been related to more rapid metabo- lism in the plant. The purpose of this study was to determine if a growing degree day (GDD) model could be used to identify the optimum TE reappli- cation interval for putting greens. This objective was accomplished through model development and validation. Model development was con- ducted on a creeping bentgrass (Agrostis stolon- ifera L.) golf putting green in Madison, WI, during 2008. The treatments consisted of fi ve TE reap- plication intervals (100, 200, 400, 800 GDD, and 4 wk) and a control. Growing degree days were calculated in degrees C with a base temperature of 0°C. Trinexapac-ethyl was applied at the rate of 0.05 kg a.i. ha -1 . Clippings were collected daily. The 100- and 200-GDD reapplication intervals provided consistent 20 and 12% yield suppres- sion, respectively. Other reapplication intervals had alternating periods of yield reduction fol- lowed by yield enhancement. Model valida- tion occurred on a different creeping bentgrass green in 2009 and 2010. The experiment was a 3 × 2 factorial CRD with three TE rates (0.00, 0.05, and 0.10 kg a.i. ha -1 ) and two reapplication frequencies (200 GDD and 4 wk). The 200-GDD interval consistently suppressed clipping yield. Application rate had no effect on the duration of suppression. Reapplying TE every 200 GDD pro- vides more consistent growth regulation than a calendar-based application schedule.
Evidence that dopachrome tautomerase is a ferrous iron-binding glycoprotein.

Dopachrome tautomerase (DT) (EC 5.3.2.3) is a melanocyte-specific, membrane-associated, heat-labile, non-dialyzable, protease-sensitive factor which catalyzes the isomeric rearrangement of dopachrome to 5,6-dihydroxyindole-2-carboxylic acid (DHICA), apparently through a tautomerization reaction. Metal ions such as Cu, Ni, Co, Zn, Mn, Ca, Al, and Fe can also catalyze the dopachrome/DHICA isomerization. How is the reaction regulated in vivo? An attractive possibility would be that DT is a metalloenzyme. Here we present evidence that this may indeed be the case. Purified preparations or DT and tyrosinase, obtained from Cloudman S91 mouse melanoma cells. were assayed in the presence of a variety of metal chelators including EDTA (predominantly Ca and Mg). EGTA (predominantly Ca), phenylthiourea (PTU) (predominantly Cu), 2,2′-dipyridyl (predominantly Fe): 1,10-phenanthroline (predominantly Fe), and 2,3-dihydroxybenzoic acid (predominantly Fe). In addition. DT activity was assayed in the presence of two non-chelating structural analogs of 1,10-phenanthroline, Results were as follows: (i) iron chelators inhibited DT activity with no effects on tyrosinase activity; (ii) inhibition by the chelators was reversible with the addition of Ferrous iron; (iii) 1,10-phenanthroline pre-complexed to Ferrous iron was not inhibitory to DT: (iv) non-chelating analogs of phenanthroline were not inhibitory to DT; (v) PTU was inhibitory to tyrosinase but not DT; (vi) Ca2+ and Mg2+ chelators had little effect on either enzyme activity. Finally, studies with glycosylation inhibitors, glycosylase enzymes, and immobilized lectins, indicated that DT is a glycoprotein. The results suggest that DT is a metal-containing glycosylated enzyme, possibly with Ferrous iron at its catalytic center.
THE TENNESSEE SELF-CONCEPT SCALE: A REVISIT

The item responses of the Tennessee Self-concept Scale for 743 typical adults were factor analyzed. The Self-criticism, Social Self, Family Self, and Personal Self subscales of the external dimension were clearly unitary in composition. The Moral-ethical subscale was more narrowly defined than expected. The Physical Self subscale emerged as three separate factors. Evidence of an internal dimension was found but that differed from the model of the scale. Except for negative self-esteem factors found for atypical adults, similarity to the original factor structure is indicated across a wide range of samples.
Glucocorticoid-inducible transgene expression in loblolly pine (Pinus taeda L.) cell suspension cultures

Abstract A dexamethasone-inducible transgene expression system has been developed in transgenic loblolly pine ( Pinus taeda L.) cells. This system uses green fluorescent protein ( gfp ) gene as a reporter gene and is based on the chimaeric transcriptional activator GVG, which is originally developed by T. Aoyama and N.-H. Chua [Plant J. 11 (1997) 605] and improved by P.B.F. Ouwerkerk et al. [Planta 213 (2003) 370]. We have inserted a fragment of m-gfp 5 -ER into an optimized binary vector pINDEX3 and used this vector to produce transgenic loblolly pine cell lines via Agrobacterium -mediated transformation. Three transgenic cell lines were used to test the function of inducer. Though there are differences in transgene expression among transgenic cell lines, the highest level of green fluorescent protein expression was observed 48 h after addition of the glucocorticoid hormone dexamethasone and by the concentration of 5 mg/l for all three transgenic cell lines. Differential expressions of gfp at 24, 48, and 72 h after treatment of 0.5, 1, 5, and 10 mg/l dexamethasone, respectively, were confirmed by northern blot analysis and by quantitative fluorescence analyses of confocal images taken by a laser scanning microscope (LSM 510). This investigation has demonstrated that the gfp expressions in transgenic cell lines were tightly controlled by inducer and the inducible gene expression system could be useful in molecular physiology and functional identification of novel genes in cultured pine cells.
Heparin Administration Appears to Decrease Cellular Binding of Thyroxine

Heparin administered to 8 patients undergoing hemodialysis for chronic renal disease resulted in a decrease in plasma protein binding of thyroxine (T4), in confirmation of the report by Schatz et al. (J Clin Endocrinol 29: 1015, 1969). Despite this, there was no apparent shift of labeled T4 from plasma protein to the rapidly exchangeable cellular compartment. Since the partition of T4 between plasma proteins and cells is determined by the balance between plasma protein and cellular binding, these observations suggest that heparin administered in vivo reduces cellular as well as plasma protein binding.
Enhanced baryon number violation due to cosmic strings

Abstract When quarks and leptons propagate in the background of a grand unified cosmic string, various baryon number violating processes can occur. We argue that, because of the long-range pure gauge field that surrounds the string, the cross sections for these processes are generically enhanced by large factors over the naive, geometric, cross section. We explicitly calculate the cross section for quark to lepton transitions in a simplified model and find that it is enhanced by a factor of up to ( Λ / M proton ) 2 where Λ is the grand unification scale. In an appendix we discuss the possible boundary conditions for the fermionic wave functions, and calculate the correct choice of boundary condition for our model system.
A COMPUTERIZED METHOD TO ANALYZE THE CREEP BEHAVIOR OF VISCOELASTIC FOODS

A computer-aided method was developed to simplify the analysis of creep behavior and to determine the elasticity, the Newtonian viscosity and individual viscosities of viscoelastic foods. The method enabled the inclusion of all creep compliance data in the analysis, and reduced the analysis time from hours to minutes. The method was tested in the calculation of rheological properties of wheat flour dough.
Fractional occupation numbers in density-functional theory

Density-functional theory for ensembles defined by fixed weights and fractional occupation numbers is derived using a Lagrange-multiplier version of the constrained-search procedure. This is related to an adiabatic connection between a generalized Kohn-Sham ensemble for noninteracting electrons and a minimum-energy ensemble including the electronic Coulomb interaction. Using this formalism, it is shown that discontinuous changes of the chemical potential of a finite electronic system result from constraints on density variations imposed by Fermi statistics. Such discontinuities do not exclude the possibility of defining an exchange-correlation energy functional that is free of derivative discontinuities for unconstrained density variations.
Management of postoperative complications of skull base surgery

The limits of endoscopic skull base surgery have significantly expanded over the past decade. More complex and challenging skull base pathology continues to be treated using endoscopic approaches. The expanding role of endonasal skull base surgery has been possible by a concerted effort to prevent and manage postoperative complications such as cerebrospinal fluid leaks, vascular injuries, neurological deficits, cerebrovascular accidents, and infectious sequelae.
Cosmic superfluid phase.

The universe may have undergone a superfluid-like phase during its evolution, resulting from the injection of nontopological charge into the spontaneously broken vacuum. In the presence of vortices this charge is identified with angular momentum. This leads to turbulent domains on the scale of the correlation length. By restoring the symmetry at low temperatures, the vortices dissociate and push the charges to the boundaries of these domains. The model can be scaled (phenomenologically) to very low energies, it can be incorporated in a late time phase transition and form large scale structure in the boundary layers of the correlation volumes. The novel feature of the model lies in the fact that the dark matter is endowed with coherent motion. The possibilities of identifying this flow around superfluid vortices with the observed large scale bulk motion is discussed. If this identification is possible, then the definite prediction can be made that a more extended map of peculiar velocities would have to reveal large scale circulations in the flow pattern.
Liver and brain nucleic acids and body composition of growing rats fed dieldrin. 1.

SummaryLiver and brain nucleic acid concentrations and carcass composition were studied in young growing rats fed 0, 1 and 5 ppm Dieldrin (HEOD). HEOD did not change body fat and protein concentrations after a 2 or 4 week feeding period. Growth rates, and liver and brain weights were not affected by the consumption of 1 and 5 ppm HEOD. Liver RNA and DNA concentrations were elevated in rats fed 1 and 5 ppm HEOD after a 2 week feeding period, but declined nearly to levels noted for weanling rats after a 4 week feeding peroid. The consumption of HEOD elevated brain RNA levels after 2 and 4 week feeding periods, but DNA was elevated only after a 4 week feeding period. Since interference in organ development results in a decline in tissue nucleic acid concentrations, these results indicate that 1 and 5 ppm HEOD do not affect overall liver and brain development in young growing rats.
Initial Stages of Sintering of Copper and Nickel

Since the first classical experiments of Kuczynski [1] on the neck growth of spherical particles of copper sintered to a flat plate, analytical techniques have played an important role in our analysis of both neck growth and linear shrinkage during sintering. Kingery and Berg [2] measured neck growth and linear shrinkage in microspheres of a variety of materials including copper at temperature using a hot stage in conjunction with an ordinary petrographic microscope. Wilson and Shewmon [3] used both the optical microscope and electron microscope at room temperature to observe linear shrinkage and neck growth of copper after sintering for various times. These investigators used the linear change in dimension between individual particles or a line of equally sized particles to obtain their shrinkage measurements.
Immunostimulatory CpG-oligodeoxynucleotides induce a factor that inhibits macrophage adhesion.

Abstract Selected phosphorothioate oligodeoxynucleotides containing CpG (CpG-ODN) activate immune responses, including immunoglobulin synthesis, B cell proliferation, and cytokine production by monocytes. We examined the effect of a CpG-ODN (#1760) on the adhesion of macrophages derived from human blood monocytes in vitro. CpG-ODN (6 μg/mL) completely inhibited the adherence of macrophages to plastic or glass during 7 or more days of culture. A non-CpG control ODN (#1814) was without effect. Two other CpG-ODNs (#1826 and #1842) also completely inhibited macrophage adherence. The specific inhibitor of CpG-ODN, quinacrine (0.1 μmol/L), blocked this action. CpG-ODN reduced the rate of senescence and cell death of monocytes in culture but did not influence their phagocytosis, procoagulant activity, or support of the mixed lymphocyte response. Four days of exposure of monocytes to CpG-ODN up-regulated the expression of the endotoxin receptor CD14 and down-regulated the mannose (scavenger) receptor, a result that is consistent with blocking the maturation of monocytes to macrophages. Incubation of peripheral blood monocytes (PBMCs) with CpG-ODN resulted in the generation of a heat labile factor that inhibited macrophage differentiation and accounts for the efficacy of the CpG-ODN. T cells selected from PBMCs by magnetic beads generated the majority of this factor. Cytokines (interleukin-3 [IL-3], IL-4, IL-6, IL-10, interferon-γ, tumor necrosis factor-α, transforming growth factor-β, granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor, monocyte chemotactic protein-1) did not inhibit macrophage adherence like CpG-ODN did. Antibodies to IL-6 or IL-10 did not block the activity of CpG-ODN. Dexamethasone inhibited macrophage adherence, and lipopolysaccharide had a minor effect. We conclude that immunostimulatory CpG-ODNs inhibit macrophage adherence by provoking the production of an unidentified heat-labile factor. (J Lab Clin Med 1999;134:501-9)
Sarcoplasmic reticulum: the dynamic calcium governor of muscle.

The sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) provides feedback control required to balance the processes of calcium storage, release, and reuptake in skeletal muscle. This balance is achieved through the concerted action of three major classes of SR calcium-regulatory proteins: (1) luminal calcium-binding proteins (calsequestrin, histidine-rich calcium-binding protein, junctate, and sarcalumenin) for calcium storage; (2) SR calcium release channels (type 1 ryanodine receptor or RyR1 and IP3 receptors) for calcium release; and (3) sarco(endo)plasmic reticulum Ca2+-ATPase (SERCA) pumps for calcium reuptake. Proper calcium storage, release, and reuptake are essential for normal skeletal muscle function. We review SR structure and function during normal skeletal muscle activity, the proteins that orchestrate calcium storage, release, and reuptake, and how phenotypically distinct muscle diseases (e.g., malignant hyperthermia, central core disease, and Brody disease) can result from subtle alterations in the activity of several key components of the SR calcium-regulatory machinery. Muscle Nerve, 2006
In Silico Modeling of Axonal Reconnection within A Discrete Fiber Tract after Spinal Cord Injury

Following spinal cord injury (SCI), descending axons that carry motor commands from the brain to the spinal cord are injured or transected, producing chronic motor dysfunction and paralysis. Reconnection of these axons is a major prerequisite for restoration of function after SCI. Thus far, only modest gains in motor function have been achieved experimentally or in the clinic after SCI, identifying the practical limitations of current treatment approaches. In this paper, we use an ordinary differential equation (ODE) to simulate the relative and synergistic contributions of several experimentally-established biological factors related to inhibition or promotion of axonal repair and restoration of function after SCI. The factors were mathematically modeled by the ODE. The results of our simulation show that in a model system, many factors influenced the achievability of axonal reconnection. Certain factors more strongly affected axonal reconnection in isolation, and some factors interacted in a synergistic...
Studies on the differences in NaK-ATPase and lipid properties of liver plasma membranes in long sleep and short sleep mice.

Activity of NaK-ATPase, the biochemical equivalent of the sodium pump, may be reguiated by several factors including hormones, drugs, and inheritance. To evaluate further the possibility of genetic control, we investigated hepatic NaK-ATPase in mice selectively bred for differences in ethanol-induced sleep time, designated long sleep (LS) and short sleep (SS). In SS mice, specific acitivity of NaK-ATPase was 65% higher than in LS. Other plasma membrane enzymes were also increased in SS including alkaline phosphatase (176%), leucine aminopeptidase (115%), 5′-nucleotidase (49%). In contrast, basal adenylate cyclase and insulin binding, sodium do-decyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis patterns, and the cytosolic enzyme tyrosine aminotransferase were similar. Altered membrane lipid composition did not account for these differences since the cholesterol:phospholipid ratio and the enzyme activity response after addition of benzyl alcohol to membrane preparation were similar in both strains. Kinetic analysis of NaK-ATPase activity showed a similar Km, but Vmax was 60% increased in SS mice. Using sodium-dependent binding of [γ32P]ATP, a comparable increase in enzyme units was demonstrated. Since half-maximal ouabain inhibition was similar, differences in NaK-ATPase isoenzymes are unlikely. Differences in NaK-ATPase between LS and SS appear to be specific to the liver since activities were not different in kidneys and muscles. Induction of NaK-ATPase with tri-iodothyronine (T3) showed greater responses in LS (+53%) than in SS (+13%). These changes may relate to a post-receptor abnormality, since malic enzyme, a thyroid-responsive enzyme, was higher basally in LS mice, but similar to NaK-ATPase, the response to T3 administration was blunted in SS mice. To evaluate a possible link between NaK-ATPase activity and resistance to the hypnotic effect of ethanol, we examined inbred strains of mice with shorter (C57BL/6J) and longer (DBA/2J) ethanol sleep times. In contrast to LS/SS mice, NaK-ATPaae was higher In DBA and lower in C57. Our study adds an animal model of genetically controlled differences in NaK-ATPase, which is localized only to the liver. Although there seems to be no relationship between the different NaK-ATPase activity in LS and SS mice and their different response to ethanol, this model is of potential interest for the study of mechanisms leading to ethanol-induced liver disease.
Extended strongly interacting Higgs theories

For a large Higgs-boson mass, the Higgs/gauge-boson sector of the standard SU(2)/sub L/ x U(1) electroweak theory becomes strongly interacting suggesting that the neutral (iso)scalar particle in the theory might actually be a bound state of longitudinally polarized gauge bosons, W/sub L//sup +/W/sub L//sup -/ and Z/sub L//sup 0/Z/sub L//sup 0/. We investigate SU(2)/sub L/ x U(1) models with nonstandard Higgs sectors to determine whether charged scalar bound states, i.e., W/sub L//sup + -/Z/sub L//sup 0/ or W/sub L//sup +/W/sub L//sup +/, can possibly appear at low mass mimicking the physical charged Higgs particles present in these theories. We also examine the strongly interacting Higgs sector in an electroweak model based on SU(2)/sub L/ x U(1) x U(1) as an example where the gauge group is extended.
Plasmonic-enhanced conjugated polymer fluorescence chemosensor for trace nitroaromatic vapor

Abstract We report the combined use of low-density, ultra-thin oxide capping layers and plasmonic silver gratings to improve the utility of ultra-thin fluorescent conjugated polymer films for long-term, portable chem/bio sensing applications. Silver gratings produced by a low-cost micro-contact printing method enhance emission of poly-[2-methoxy-5-(2-ethylhexyloxy)-p-phenylenevinylene] (MEH-PPV) as much as 12-fold with respect to films on flat silver primarily through surface plasmon-coupled emission. Addition of a low-density, 5 nm SiO2 capping layer improved MEH-PPV photostability with respect to uncapped films under both continuous illumination as well as long-term storage in dark, ambient air, while retaining a rapid quenching response to nitroaromatic vapors. Capped, plasmonic-enhanced MEH-PPV film demonstrated 7-fold faster quenching to 2,4-dinitrotoluene vapor than capped films on SiO2-coated silicon, attributed to competition between surface plasmon-coupled emission and non-radiative energy transfer pathways. Additionally, the devices recover fluorescence spontaneously on removal from the nitroaromatic vapor source, suggesting they could be used for long-term, real-time measurements of nitroaromatic vapors.
Structural characterization of two-step growth of epitaxial ZnO films on sapphire substrates at low temperatures

We have investigated two-step growth of high-quality epitaxial ZnO films, where the first layer—the buffer layer (nucleation layer template)—is grown at a low temperature (230–290 °C) to induce a smooth (two-dimensional) growth. This is followed by growth at a moderate temperature ~430 °C to form high-quality smooth ZnO layers for device structures. It was possible to reduce the growth temperature to 250–290 °C and obtain a smooth epitaxial template layer on sapphire (0 0 0 1) substrates with surface roughness less than 1 nm. After the high-temperature growth, the film surface undulations (roughness) increased to about 2 nm, but it is still quite smooth. The calculation of c and a lattice parameters by high-resolution x-ray diffraction shows that the a lattice parameter is fully relaxed at the growth temperatures but the c lattice parameter is dependent on the defect concentration in the growing film. A decoupling between a and c lattice parameters of the films is observed, which leads to abnormal Poisson's ratios ranging from 0.08 to 0.54. The decoupling of the lattice parameters is analysed based on growth characteristics and the presence of strain and defects in the grown films. We present our detailed studies on the nature of epitaxy, defects and interfaces by using comprehensive x-ray diffraction and high-resolution TEM studies.
ADSORPTION CHARACTERISTICS AND REMOVAL OF OXO-ANIONS OF ARSENIC AND SELENIUM ON THE POROUS POLYMERS LOADED WITH MONOCLINIC HYDROUS ZIRCONIUM OXIDE

Adsorption properties for oxoanions of Se(IV), Se(VI), As(III), As(V), and methyl derivatives of As(V) have been examined by the porous polymer beads loaded with monoclinic hydrous zirconium oxide (Zr-resin). The retention of these ions on the Zr-resin has been analyzed using Langmuir model of adsorption. The equilibrium constants and the capacities for above ions have been determined. The equilibrium constants for monomethyl arsinic acid and dimethyl arsinic acid are similar to that of As(V) but the adsorption capacity depends on the number of methyl groups. As(V) and Se(IV) are effectively retained on the Zr-resin from an aqueous solution of acidic to neutral pH region, whereas As(III) is removed from neutral to alkaline solution. The column system packed with the present Zr-resin can quantitatively remove low levels of As(V) and Se(IV) from aqueous solution.
The influence of body weight on heating and cooling of selected Lake Michigan fishes

Abstract Kinetics of change in body temperature are given for eight species of Lake Michigan fish exposed to instantaneous change in water temperature. Seven independent variables were tested by least squares to develop models to predict heating and cooling half-times and rate coefficients. 1. 1. Fish body wt was the best predictor of temperature change and explained up to 96% of the variability between individuals. 2. 2. Cooling half-times were significantly longer than heating half-times for live fish; no differences were found between heating and cooling of dead fish. 3. 3. Significantly longer half-times for dead fish and a direct relationship between the ratio of heating-cooling times and body wt demonstrated the relative importance of circulatory heat exchange.