cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Nuclear transport of adenovirus DNA polymerase is facilitated by interaction with preterminal protein

Abstract The mRNAs for the 80 kd adenovirus preterminal protein (pTP) and the 140 kd DNA polymerase (AdPol) contain several exons spliced to the main open reading frames (m-ORFs) located in the early transcription unit E2B. These proteins were transiently expressed in monkey kidney cells (CV1) utilizing the first ATG (pTP1 and AdPol1) or the ATG of a linker inserted at the beginning of the m-ORFs (pTP2 and AdPol2). Only pTP2 and AdPol2 were functionally active in an in vitro replication initiation assay. Both pTP1 and pTP2 were transported to the nucleus. The sequence RLPV(R) 6 VP, which is present in both pTPs, is identified as their nuclear localization signal. In contrast, AdPol1 was cytoplasmically localized, whereas AdPol2 was distributed in both compartments, suggesting that the nuclear localization signal for AdPol is within the first 139 amino acids. Interestingly, when AdPol1 and pTP1 or AdPol2 and pTP2 were coexpressed in the transtected cells, the nuclear distribution of AdPol1 or AdPol2 was significantly increased. We demonstrate that the nuclear transport of AdPol is facilitated, irrespective of the presence of its nuclear localization signal, by interaction with pTP.
Dappled Discipline at Thirty: An Interview with Janice M. Lauer

2014 marks the thirtieth anniversary of Janice M. Lauer’s “Composition Studies: Dappled Discipline,” in which Lauer looks back to the field’s “pioneering efforts” at cobbling together a disciplinary identity—as she articulated, the field of rhetoric and composition’s most important questions “would have remained isolated and unexplored as they had been for decades if it were not for … a shared trait of these early theorists—their willingness to take risks, to go beyond the boundaries of their traditional training into foreign domains in search of starting points, theoretical launching pads from which to begin investigating these questions” (21). This interview reengages Lauer’s suggestion that the field’s early boundary-crossing transformed rhetoric and composition into a multifaceted and dappled discipline composed of a manifold of theoretical and onto-epistemological perspectives.
Origin and Correction of Magnetic Field Inhomogeneity at the Interface in Biphasic NMR Samples

The use of susceptibility matching to minimize spectral distortion of biphasic samples layered in a standard 5 mm NMR tube is described. The approach uses magic angle spinning (MAS) to first extract chemical shift differences by suppressing bulk magnetization. Then, using biphasic coaxial samples, magnetic susceptibilities are matched by titration with a paramagnetic salt. The matched phases are then layered in a standard NMR tube where they can be shimmed and examined. Linewidths of two distinct spectral lines, selected to characterize homogeneity in each phase, are simultaneously optimized. Two-dimensional distortion-free, slice-resolved spectra of an octanol/water system illustrate the method. These data are obtained using a 2D stepped-gradient pulse sequence devised for this application. Advantages of this sequence over slice-selective methods are that acquisition efficiency is increased and processing requires only conventional software.
A new method for analysis of phenylthiourea in biological fluids

Abstract A new method for the analysis of phenylthiourea is biological fluids is described. This method is approximately an order of magnitude more sensitive than is the standard using Grote's reagent.
FUNCTIONAL ASSESSMENT: A METHOD FOR DEVELOPING CLASSROOM‐BASED ACCOMMODATIONS AND INTERVENTIONS FOR CHILDREN WITH ADHD

Approximately 5% of school‐aged children will receive the label attention‐deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). The majority of these children receive most of their education in the general education classroom, and teachers are confronted with developing accommodations and interventions to meet the academic and social needs of these children. This article describes functional assessment as a method teachers can use to develop classroom accommodations and interventions for children with ADHD. Functional assessment focuses on analyzing environmental variables and determining the outcome a child is attempting to achieve by performing inappropriate behavior. This information helps teachers identify an appropriate behavior that has a similar function. The authors present a rationale for adopting a functional approach and describe the basic stages and steps of functional assessment and various accommodations and interventions for promoting appropriate classroom behavior.
Escherichia coli O157:H7

Summary Escherichia coli O157 was first identified as a human pathogen in 1982. One of several Shiga toxin-producing serotypes known to cause human illness, the organism probably evolved through horizontal acquisition of genes for Shiga toxins and other virulence factors. E coli O157 is found regularly in the faeces of healthy cattle, and is transmitted to humans through contaminated food, water, and direct contact with infected people or animals. Human infection is associated with a wide range of clinical illness, including asymptomatic shedding, non-bloody diarrhoea, haemorrhagic colitis, haemolytic uraemic syndrome, and death. Since laboratory practices vary, physicians need to know whether laboratories in their area routinely test for E coli O157 in stool specimens. Treatment with antimicrobial agents remains controversial: some studies suggest that treatment may precipitate haemolytic uraemic syndrome, and other studies suggest no effect or even a protective effect. Physicians can help to prevent E coli O157 infections by counselling patients about the hazards of consuming undercooked ground meat or unpasteurised milk products and juices, and about the importance of handwashing to prevent the spread of diarrhoeal illness, and by informing public-health authorities when they see unusual numbers of cases of bloody diarrhoea or haemolytic uraemic syndrome.
Advances in image segmentation

Abstract Image segmentation is a subfield of image analysis whose potential for applications has stimulated both practical and theoretical research, particularly in the last decade. A selection of papers is reviewed to give an idea of the main lines of attack that are being pursued at present.
Characterization of the Promoter Region of the Mouse Gene Encoding the Steroidogenic Acute Regulatory Protein

Steroidogenic acute regulatory protein (StAR) delivers cholesterol to the inner mitochondrial membrane, where the cholesterol side-chain cleavage enzyme carries out the first committed step in steroid hormone biosynthesis. StAR expression is restricted to steroidogenic cells and is rapidly induced by treatment with trophic hormones or cAMP. We analyzed the 5'-flanking region of the mouse StAR gene to elucidate the mechanisms that regulate its cell-specific and hormone-induced expression. In transient transfection assays, a luciferase reporter gene driven by the StAR 5'-flanking region was preferentially expressed by steroidogenic Y1 adrenocortical and MA-10 Leydig cells in a cAMP-responsive manner. 5'-Deletion and site-directed mutagenesis studies identified a region between -254 and -113 that is essential for full levels of promoter activity. This region contains a binding site for the orphan nuclear receptor steroidogenic factor-1 (SF-1) that, although not required for hormone induction, is critical for basal promoter activity, thus implicating SF-1 in StAR expression. Analyses of knockout mice deficient in SF-1 further supported an important role for SF-1 in StAR gene expression. These studies provide novel insights into the mechanisms that regulate StAR gene expression and extend our understanding of SF-1's global roles within steroidogenic cells.
War-Zone Exposure and Long-Term General Life Adjustment Among Vietnam Veterans: Findings From Two Perspectives1

This two-part investigation examined associations between service in Vietnam and indices of long-term general life adjustment using a national sample of male and female members of the Vietnam generation. In Study 1, we documented reasonably high levels of satisfaction and attainment among Vietnam veterans, levels that differed minimally, on average, from those who served elsewhere and those who never served in the military. In Study 2, dimensions of war-zone stressor exposure were only marginally related to satisfaction and attainment, in contrast with research documenting strong relationships with psychopathol-ogy. These findings support the importance of expanding our thinking about dimensions of mental illness and mental health.
Caring for Somali women: implications for clinician-patient communication.

Abstract Objective We sought to identify characteristics associated with favorable treatment in receipt of preventive healthcare services, from the perspective of resettled African refugee women. Methods Individual, in-depth interviews with 34 Somali women in Rochester, NY, USA. Questions explored positive and negative experiences with primary health care services, beliefs about respectful versus disrespectful treatment, experiences of racism, prejudice or bias, and ideas about removing access barriers and improving health care services. Analysis was guided by grounded theory. Results Qualities associated with a favorable healthcare experience included effective verbal and nonverbal communication, feeling valued and understood, availability of female interpreters and clinicians and sensitivity to privacy for gynecologic concerns. Participants stated that adequate transportation, access to healthcare services and investment in community-based programs to improve health literacy about women's preventive health services were prerequisite to any respectful health care system. Conclusion Effective communication, access to healthcare services with female interpreters and clinicians, and community programs to promote health literacy are themes associated with respectful and effective healthcare experiences among Somali women. Practice implications Adequate interpreter services are essential. Patient-provider gender concordance is important to many Somali women, especially for gynecological concerns.
Aberrant expression of E-cadherin in cervical intraepithelial neoplasia correlates with a false-negative Papanicolaou smear.

Abstract Objectives: E-cadherin is responsible for cell adhesion in normal cervical epithelium. It is normally absent in the superficial epithelial layers, allowing for exfoliation. We investigated the correlation between E-cadherin distribution and Papanicolaou smear in subjects with cervical dysplasia. Study Design: Tissue samples from 25 women with cervical dysplasia were tested for E-cadherin, β-catenin, and α-catenin expression by immunohistochemistry. The expression pattern of these proteins, whether full thickness or restricted to the basal layers, was correlated with the Papanicolaou smear result. Results: Of 12 women with normal Papanicolaou smears, 10 of 11 informative cases demonstrated E-cadherin expression throughout all epithelial layers. Eight of 10 informative cases with an abnormal Papanicolaou smear showed E-cadherin only at the basal layers. α-Catenin was distributed throughout the entire epithelium in samples of all 25 women. Conclusions: Expression of E-cadherin throughout all epithelial layers was correlated with a false-negative Papanicolaou smear. It is likely that aberrant persistence of E-cadherin in these lesions interferes with the exfoliation of abnormal cells. (Am J Obstet Gynecol 2002;186:1308-14.)
Radioimmunoguided surgery in primary colorectal carcinoma: An intraoperative prognostic tool and adjuvant to traditional staging

Abstract Background: The prognostic value of traditional staging classification for colorectal cancer has changed little since Dukes created the first staging scheme. Some patients with known metastatic disease are long-term survivors, while other patients with local disease die early. New intraoperative cancer detection technology, the radioimmunoguided surgery (RIGS) system, is being studied as a tool to aid in prediction of patient outcome. Patients and methods: Thirty-one patients with primary colorectal cancer were injected with the monoclonal antibody CC49, which was radiolabeled with iodine 125 ( 125 I). A hand-held gamma-detecting probe was used at surgery to detect the radiolabeled antibody. Patients were classified as to the presence or absence of 125 I-CC49-positive residual tissue at the close of surgery. Patient survival was analyzed. Results: Follow-up ranged from 30 to 54 months. Survival of 11 stage I or II patients was longer than in 20 stage III or IV patients ( P = 0.019). All 14 patients cleared of RIGS-positive tissue were alive at last follow-up, while 15 of 17 RIGS-positive patients died of their disease ( P Conclusions: The RIGS system used during surgery provides the surgeon with immediate prognostic information on patients with colorectal cancer and supplements traditional pathologic staging.
Physical optics and rigid/soft approximations to forward scattering by elastic shells

Our numerical results demonstrate that both Fraunhofer and Fresnel diffractions provide good approximations to forward scattering by elastic spherical shells and rigid/soft spheres, for nondimensional frequency values 20 < ka < 80, and scattering angles 0 degree(s) < 0 < 10 degree(s). There are only small differences among the Fraunhofer, Fresnel, and rigid/soft predictions for differential scattering cross sections. They arise mainly from the slightly varying degrees of compression (in angular space) of one pattern relative to another. The magnitudes of the maximums predicted by the four methods are in good agreement, but the minimums do not agree. Calculations for 1%, 5%, and 10% spherical steel shells indicate that variation of shell thickness has only a small effect on forward scattering.
Characterization of water structure on silver electrode surfaces by sers with two-dimensional correlation spectroscopy

Surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) spectra were collected continuously during cyclic voltammetric measurements on silver electrodes in alkaline aqueous solution at room temperature. Three water librational modes as well as the bending mode peak were observed in cathodic potential range. The 2D-COS analysis of spectra collected in LiOH and KOH solutions showed that the librational bands appear prior to the bending band on the cathodic scan, while in CsOH solution the potential dependence of these bands was identical. A comparison of librational band frequencies revealed that the water molecules around Cs+ cations arranged on the electrode surface were poorly hydrogen bonded in contrast to Li+ and K+. The water bending band of spectra collected in LiOH solution was found to be the convolution of two contributions, consistent with a two state model of water arranged on an electrode surface.
Snaring Otoferlin's Role in Deafness

Mutations in the gene encoding otoferlin are known to cause deafness, but the mechanism is unclear. In this issue, Roux et al. (2006) demonstrate that otoferlin interacts with SNARE molecules at the afferent synapses of cochlear inner hair cells to trigger exocytosis of neurotransmitter.
View factors for perpendicular and parallel rectangular plates

Simplified expressions (in comparison to currently used expressions, such as one developed by Howell, 1982) are developed for computing the view factors for rectangular perpendicular and parallel plates in the analysis of radiant exchanges between surfaces separated by a radiatively transparent medium. It is shown that the reported expressions for rectangular perpendicular and parallel plates with varying position and size having parallel boundaries satisfy the properties of the view factors.
Detecting rare events in video using semantic primitives with HMM

We present a new approach for recognizing rare events in aerial video. We use the framework of hidden Markov models (HMMs) to represent the spatio-temporal relations between objects and uncertainty in observations, where the data observables are semantic spatial primitives encoded based on prior knowledge about the events of interest. Events are observed as a sequence of binarized distance relations among the objects participating in the event. This avoids directly modeling the temporal trajectories of continuous observables, which is difficult when training data is scarce. The approach enables better generalization to other scenes for which little or no training data may be available. We demonstrate the effectiveness of our approach using real aerial video and simulated data.
How Well Do Academic Library Web Sites Address the Needs of Database Users with Visual Disabilities

Many libraries striving to provide accessible resources to people with visual disabilities stop at the door of the omnipresent database. Given the extent of database use today, the article questions whether we shortchange our visually impaired users if we do not examine the accessibility of these electronic resources and encourage database vendors to improve their products. Libraries have moved at varying speeds in servicing the needs of the visually impaired, both in providing helpful web site service pages and in providing the extra measure of reference assistance necessary for database access and use. This article examines a sampling of academic library web sites to determine how libraries might improve service and access for this specially challenged population.
Direct preparation of particles from liquid suspension for ESEM or SEM analysis

A simplified method for the preparation of particles from liquid suspensions has been developed. Particles are deposited directly on carbon planchets for rapid analysis by environmental scanning electron microscopy or by conventional scanning electron microscopy after an additional drying step. This is accomplished by filtering the liquid through thin carbon planchets. Three different grades of graphite were investigated for their suitability as the source material for these planchets. The high quality isomolded graphite is recommended for the filtration and direct observation of particles by electron microscopy. This technique is demonstrated for particles in hydraulic fluid and aquatic suspended particulate material from a natural water source.
Garnets with dodecahedral rare earths and scandium, octahedral scandium, and tetrahedral iron. II. Magnetic studies

Abstract Garnets with magnetic trivalent rare earth ions (Nd, Sm, Eu, Gd, Tb, Dy) filling all or nearly all dodecahedral sites while nonmagnetic Sc 3+ ions fill all octahedral sites and magnetic Fe 3+ ions fill all or nearly all tetrahedral sites have recently been reported by this laboratory. They afford an opportunity to seek magnetic interaction between dodecahedral rare earth ions and tetrahedral ferric ions in the absence of the additional interaction with octahedral iron which occurs in more conventional rare earth iron garnets such as {Gd 3 }[Fe 2 ](Fe 3 )O 12 . For each composition, dependence of magnetization on temperature was measured between room temperature and that of liquid helium. Measurements were also made at liquid helium temperature of the dependence of magnetization on applied field with values up to 60.7 kOe. Low temperature results are in most cases ascribed to ferrimagnetic ordering but with canting of ion moments to explain why magnetic saturation has not been attained even with the maximum field applied. As is usually the case, the magnetic behavior of the Sm compound is quite different from that of the others and the possibilities of antiferromagnetism, paramagnetism, and metastable ferrimagnetism are discussed.
Design for a Digitally-Rebalanced, Closed-Loop Velocity Meter Providing a Discrete Output

A design is proposed for a simple, inexpensive, accurate accelerometer (velocity meter) providing a discrete output signal for data-processing applications. The basic design is a digitally-rebalanced accelerometer mechanism operating in a closed-loop configuration and internally incorporating a simple digital transducer. The resulting design yields an instrument whose resolution is independent of accelerometer parameters. The fundamental details are described and the mathematical model of the instrument is analyzed by piecewise-linear, time domain techniques. The results of an analog simulation are also presented, verifying the analysis. In addition, an example design for the digital transducer and a design for the digital computer input section to process the accelerometer output are proposed in the accompanying appendices.
Cooling Performance Comparisons of Five Different Plate-Pin Compound Heat Sinks Based on Two Different Length Scale

Plate fin heat sinks (PFHS) are widely used to remove heat from the microelectronic devices. In the present study, a new type of compound heat sink, named as plate-pin fin heat sink (PPFHS), is employed to improve the air cooling performance. With CFD numerical method, PPFHSs with five forms of pin cross-section profiles (square, circular, elliptic, NACA 0050, and dropform) and PFHS were simulated. Two different length scales were adopted to evaluate the performance of six types of heat sinks, including PFHS. One of the length scales is commonly used by many investigators, which is two times of the channel spacing. The other length scale is suggested by volume averaging theory (VAT), which is four times of average porosity divided by specific interface. The influence of pin fin cross-section profile on the flow and heat transfer characteristics was presented by means of Nusselt number, pressure drop and overall efficiency. It is found that the Nu number of a PPFHS is at least 35% higher than that of a PFHS used to construct the PPFHS at the same Reynolds number no matter which length scale was used. It is also revealed that the heat transfer enhancement of square PPFHS is offset by its excessively high pressure drop, which makes it not as efficient as the other types of PPFHS. Circular PPFHS performs similar to the streamline shaped PPFHS when the Reynolds number is not too high. However, with the increase in Re the advantage of the circular cross-section diminishes. Using the streamline shaped pins, not only the pressure drop of the compound heat sinks could be decreased considerably, the heat transfer enhancement also makes a step forward. However, evaluating the performance of heat sinks by using the commonly used length scale, the benefit of streamline shaped types of PPFHSs is a little bit overstated. The VAT suggested length scale is more reasonable to do the performance comparison of different heat sinks, especially when it is difficult to provide a fair and physically meaningful basis for the comparison. In short, the present numerical simulation provides original information of the influence of different pin-fin cross-section profiles on the thermal and hydraulic performance of the new type compound heat sink and emphasizes the importance of choosing a proper length scale when evaluating heat transfer enhancement, which is helpful in the design of heat sinks.© 2011 ASME
On a conjecture of Aris: Proof and remarks

In this paper a conjecture of Aris is proved to be correct, that of all catalyst particles of fixed volume for isothermal first-order chemical reactions the spherical particle has the lowest effectiveness factor. The method of proof uses a process of symmetrization. Some conjectures are also made about other chemical reactions. The method of proof is also valid for two-dimensional domain (infinite cylinder).
Approximate solution of vibration-vibration energy transfer probabilities

Abstract An approximate solution of the time-dependent Schrodinger equation is developed for vibration-vibration energy transfer in a collinear collision of two diatomic molecules. It is shown that the solution can be obtained for an arbitrary form of the interaction potential. For the hyperbolic secant forcing function, an exact solution is available, and the present approximate solution agrees very closely with the exact result over a wide range of collision velocities.
The Relationship Between Self-Reported Neuropsychological Risk Factors and RBANS Test Performance Among Forensically Committed Psychiatric Inpatients

Patients who are committed to a psychiatric inpatient hospital are at increased risk for neuropsychological compromise. This study investigated a large (n = 260) and diverse sample of patients at a forensic state psychiatric hospital. A substantial proportion (35.8%) of the sample performed two standard deviations below the normative mean on the Repeatable Battery for the Assessment of Neuropsychological Status (RBANS). In addition, 65% of the participants reported a history of developmental delays, less than 12 years of education, or past learning difficulties. Participants who reported these developmental and academic problems performed worse on the RBANS compared with those without such a history. Additionally, the more developmental/educational risk factors a participant reported, the more likely they were to be impaired on the RBANS. Half of the sample reported a history of at least one neurological risk factor (e.g., history of head injury with loss of consciousness). However, in this sample, a hist...
Acetylcholinesterase-containing nerve fibers in the canine kidney.

The distribution of acetylcholinesterase in the canine kidney was studied by the histochemical method of Karnovsky and Roots and compared to the distribution of adrenergic fibers studied with the fluorescence histochemical method of Falck and Hillarp. Specific inhibitors of nonspecific cholinesterase and acetylcholinesterase were used to differentiate between the two enzymes. In the hilus, acetylcholinesterase-containing nerve fibers were found in large bundles lying adjacent to the media of the hilar arteries. In the rest of the kidney, these fibers traveled with the interlobar, arcuate, and interlobular arteries, the afferent arterioles, and the vasa recta in the outer medulla. The outermedullary nerves appeared to originate in the arcuate connective tissue sheath. Acetylcholinesterase-containing nerve fibers were not seen in association with any other structures. The distribution was similar to that of adrenergic fibers although the density of the acetylcholinesterase-containing fibers was less. Two weeks after unilateral renal denervation, no adrenergic nerve fibers could be detected histochemically in the denervated kidney, whereas acetylcholinesterase-containing nerve fibers were found in five out of seven kidneys. Acetylcholinesterase-staining ganglion cells found in the hilus of the unsuccessfully denervated kidneys appeared to be the source of the acetylcholinesterase-containing nerves. On the basis of these observations, it may be concluded that the kidney is innervated by acetylcholinesterase-containing nerves which are independent of the adrenergic nerve supply.
Emergency inventory ordering assuming Poisson demands

Abstract Most business and industrial firms use some procedure for emergency ordering. If independent demand for low-volume, high-cost items is Poisson distributed, subsequent analyses reveal that emergency ordering may be less expensive than carrying extra safety stock. Emergency ordering reduces the out-of-stock cost as well as the required safety stock. Total cost is sensitive to the lead time required for emergency orders. The results are particularly applicable to maintenance inventory. Under the assumptions of this study, the conclusion may be drawn that an emergency ordering system may approach the theoretical minimum for operating an inventory system.
An algorithm to simulate surface creation without element deletion or remeshing

One of the major obstacles to modelling discrete fracture and fragmentation of materials within the finite element (FE) framework is the inability to easily model the resulting geometry changes. This paper presents an algorithm for three-dimensional element cohesion and separation implemented in the explicit FE code DYNA3D. The algorithm handles mesh definition and solution difficulties necessary for general element separation with minimal additional effort required of the user. The algorithm modifies the standard mesh definition so that element separation does not require remeshing. The original continuity of the structure is maintained by averaging the nodal accelerations for each coincident node set then applying this average acceleration to each of the nodes in the set. When specified failure criteria for an interface are met, averaging is no longer performed, thereby allowing the coincident nodes to separate and create new surface. The new surface can be automatically incorporated in the contact definition so that the contact of these new surfaces is modelled using the same contact considerations of the original FE model. Following a discussion of historical and current FE fracture/fragmentation models, the general framework of the algorithm is presented. Also, results are presented which show that the algorithm simulates surface creation in a variety of simulations. Published in 2003 by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Information-Seeking Behaviors of Business Faculty

Numerous studies have been performed on information-seeking behaviors in specific disciplines but not in business. The purpose of this study was to gather a better understanding of business faculty research processes and, in doing so, come away with ideas on how best to support their initiatives. A comprehensive survey was sent to all business faculty members at the authors’ institution. The results led to discussions on topics including resource preferences, library usage, and institutional repositories.
Conformal organic-inorganic hybrid network polymer thin films by molecular layer deposition using trimethylaluminum and glycidol.

Growing interest in nanoscale organic-inorganic hybrid network polymer materials is driving exploration of new bulk and thin film synthesis reaction mechanisms. Molecular layer deposition (MLD) is a vapor-phase deposition process, based on atomic layer deposition (ALD) which proceeds by exposing a surface to an alternating sequence of two or more reactant species, where each surface half-reaction goes to completion before the next reactant exposure. This work describes film growth using trimethyl aluminum and heterobifunctional glycidol at moderate temperatures (90-150 °C), producing a relatively stable organic-inorganic network polymer of the form (-Al-O-(C(4)H(8))-O-)(n). Film growth rate and in situ reaction analysis indicate that film growth does not initially follow a steady-state rate, but increases rapidly during early film growth. The mechanism is consistent with subsurface species transport and trapping, previously documented during MLD and ALD on polymers. A water exposure step after the TMA produces a more linear growth rate, likely by blocking TMA subsurface diffusion. Uniform and conformal films are formed on complex nonplanar substrates. Upon postdeposition annealing, films transform into microporous metal oxides with ∼5 A pore size and surface area as high as ∼327 m(2)/g, and the resulting structures duplicate the shape of the original substrate. These hybrid films and porous materials could find uses in several research fields including gas separations and diffusion barriers, biomedical scaffolds, high surface area coatings, and others.
Blockade by naloxone and naltrexone of the TRH-induced stimulation of colonic transit in the rabbit.

Thyrotropin releasing hormone (TRH), administered intracerebroventricularly (i.c.v.) in microgram quantities to anesthetized rabbits, produces marked stimulation of colonic motility, transit, fluid accumulation, and accompanied by a portal hyperserotonemia. In this study we found that pretreatment of rabbits with naloxone (2.5 mg/kg) or naltrexone (1.0 mg/kg) attenuated or blocked the TRH-induced colonic transit and increase in luminal fluid, but not the hypermotility nor the hyperserotonemia. In this respect the narcotic antagonist effects resemble those produced by the antiserotonin compounds or opiate agonists.
The split-stomach fundoplication after esophagogastrectomy

Two complications associated with esophagogastrectomy are anastomotic leak and gastroesophageal re flux. We describe here a modification of an intrathoracic esophagogastrostomy using the gastric fundus to address these issues. After completion of the esophagogastrectomy, the fundus is divided to produce “wings.” After the esophagogastrostomy is performed, the wings are used to form a wrap around the anastomosis. This wrap is secured to the esophagus and to the stomach. All patients undergoing the split-stomach fundoplication were compared with all patients undergoing standard esophagogastrectomies. End points were in-hospital mortality, anastomotic leak, and postoperative endoscopic dilation. All living patients were contacted and questioned about refluxlike symptoms and completed the Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease-Health Related Quality of Life (GERD-HRQL) symptom severity questionnaire. Twenty-six patients underwent the split-stomach fundoplication (wrap group), compared to 54 patients undergoing standard resection (no wrap group). Occurrence of end points in the wrap vs. no wrap groups were, respectively, in-hospital mortality, 3.8% vs. 7.4% (P = NS); anastomotic leak, 0% vs. 17% (P = 0.03); reflux symptoms 20% vs. 60% (P = 0.001); postoperative dilation, 40% vs. 30% (P = NS). The median total GERD-HRQL score was 5 for the wrap group vs. 14 for the no wrap group (P = 0.03). The addition of the split-stomach fundoplication to esophagogastrectomy may decrease the incidence of anastomotic leak and postoperative refluxlike symptoms.
Comparisons of Cove Rotenone and Electrofishing Catch-Depletion Estimates to Determine Abundance of Age-0 Largemouth Bass in Unvegetated and Vegetated Areas

ABSTRACT We compared cove rotenone sampling and Leslie catch-depletion estimates of age-0 largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides) abundance in vegetated and unvegetated areas of Lake Guntersville, Alabama, in July—August 1992. With the Leslie catch-depletion method, bass abundance was estimated in 0.05 to 0.32-hectare areas enclosed with a block net. A 4.3-meter direct-current electrofishing boat was able to completely fish each enclosure with five to seven consecutive sampling runs and constant effort. Size-selectivity was not evident as no significant correlations existed between mean length and mean weight at capture for each sampling interval. In addition, catchability remained constant over time. In a cove that contained Eurasian watermilfoil (Myriophyllum spicatum), we estimated 1,088 age-0 largemouth bass/hectare from the two electrofishing catch-depletion samples compared to 1,386 bass/hectare by subsequent rotenone sampling. Cove rotenone density and biomass estimates in four unvegetated coves (1...
Mitigating the obsolescence of specification models of service-based systems

Service-based systems (SBS) must be able to adapt their architectural configurations during runtime in order to keep satisfied their specification models. These models are the result of design time derivation of requirements into precise and verifiable specifications by using the knowledge about the current service offerings. Unfortunately, the design time knowledge may be no longer valid during runtime. Then, non- functional constraints may have different numerical meanings at different time even for the same observers. Thus, specification models become obsolete affecting the SBS’ capability of detecting requirement violations during runtime and therefore they trigger reconfigurations when appropriated. In order to mitigate the obsolescence of specification models, we propose to specify and verify them using the computing with words (CWW) methodology. First, non-functional properties (NFPs) of functionally-equivalent services are modeled as linguistic variables, whose domains are concepts or linguistic values instead of precise numbers. Second, architects specify at design time their requirements as linguistic decision models (LDMs) using these concepts. Third, during runtime, the CWW engine monitors the requirements satisfaction by the current chosen architectural configuration. And fourth, each time a global concept drift is detected in the NFPs of the services market, the numerical meanings are updated. Our initial results are encouraging, where our approach mitigates effectively and efficiently the obsolescence of the specification models used by SBS to drive their reconfigurations.
CXCR4 and CXCL12 Expression is Increased in the Nigro-Striatal System of Parkinson’s Disease

Except for a handful of inherited cases related to known gene defects, Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a sporadic neurodegenerative disease of unknown etiology. There is increasing evidence that inflammation and proliferation of microglia may contribute to the neuronal damage seen in the nigro-striatal dopaminergic system of PD patients. Microglia events that participate in neuronal injury include the release of pro-inflammatory and neurotoxic factors. Characterizing these factors may help to prevent the exacerbation of PD symptoms or to remediate the disease progression. In rodents, the nigro-striatal system exhibits high expression of the chemokine receptor CXCR4. Its natural ligand CXCL12 can promote neuronal apoptosis. Therefore, the present study investigated the expression of CXCR4 and CXCL12 in post-mortem brains of PD and control (non-PD) individuals and in an animal model of PD. In the human substantianigra (SN), CXCR4 immunoreactivity was high in dopaminergic neurons. Interestingly, the SN of PD subjects exhibited higher expression of CXCR4 expression and CXCL12 than control subjects despite the loss of dopamine (DA) neurons. This effect was accompanied by an increase in activated microglia. However, results from post-mortem brains may not provide indication as to whether CXCL12/CXCR4 can cause the degeneration of DA neurons. To examine the role of these chemokines, we determined the levels of CXCL12 and CXCR4 in the SN of MPTP-treated mice. MPTP produced a time-dependent up-regulation of CXCR4 that preceded the loss of DA neurons. These results suggest that CXCL12/CXCR4 may participate in the etiology of PD and indicate a new possible target molecule for PD.
X-raying the Intergalactic O VI Absorbers

The observed intergalactic O VI absorbers at z>0 have been regarded as a significant reservoir of the missing baryons. However, to fully understand how these absorbers contribute to the baryon inventory, it is crucial to determine whether the systems are collisionally ionized or photoionized (or both). Using the identified intergalactic O VI absorbers as tracers, we search for the corresponding X-ray absorption lines, which are useful for finding the missing baryons and for revealing the nature of the O VI absorbers. Stacking the Chandra grating spectra along six AGN sight lines, we obtain three spectra with signal-to-noise ratios of 32, 28, and 10 per 12.5 mA spectral bin around the expected O VII Kα wavelength. These spectra correspond to O VI absorbers with various dynamic properties. We find no detectable Ne IX, O VII, O VIII, N VII, or C VI absorption lines in the spectra, but the high counting statistics allows us to obtain firm upper limits on the corresponding ionic column densities (in particular on average at the 95% confidence level). Jointly analyzing these nondetected X-ray lines with the averaged O VI column density, we further limit the average temperature of the O VI-bearing gas to be T 105.7 K in collisional ionization equilibrium. We discuss the implications of these results for physical properties of the putative warm-hot intergalactic medium and its detection in future X-ray observations.
A modified block FTF adaptive algorithm with applications to underwater target detection

In this paper, the problem of weighted block recursive least squares (RLS) adaptive filtering is formulated in the context of a block fast transversal filter (FTF) algorithm. This "modified block FTF algorithm" is derived by modifying the constrained block-LS cost function to guarantee global optimality. This new soft-constrained algorithm provides an efficient way of transferring weight information between blocks of data. The tracking ability of the algorithm can be controlled by varying the block length and/or a soft constrained parameter. This algorithm is computationally more efficient compared with other LS-based schemes. The effectiveness of this algorithm is tested on a real-life problem dealing with underwater target identification from acoustic backscatter. The process involves the identification of the presence of resonance in the acoustic backscatter from a target of unknown shape submerged in water.
Eggplant-based bioamperometric sensor for the detection of catechol

Abstract Polyphenol oxidases from eggplant have a high catalytic activity for the aerobic oxidation of catechol to o-quinone with selectivity over other phenolic substrates. An amperometric biosensor can therefore be constructed by incorporating selected portions of eggplant tissue in a carbon paste electrode. The proposed biosensor provides a selective response for catechol in the micromolar range, with a very fast response time and a useful lifetime of at least 3 weeks.
Ab initio study of the hydrogen-bonded complexes formed between N2/P2 and HF/HCl/HBr

Abstract Large basis set Gaussian orbital SCF-MO calculations are presented for the title molecules. Calculated equilibrium geometries, hydrogen bond energies and one-electron properties are given to supplement available experimental data. Changes in electron distribution on complex formation are discussed in terms of Mulliken population analysis indices.
Treatment of paruresis in the context of benign prostatic hyperplasia: A case report

Paruresis, the inhibition of micturition in public rest rooms, has been treated successfully by cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) with an exposure component. There are no reports of treatment for paruresis in the context of an organically based urinary dysfunction. This study examined the effectiveness of CBT for a 53-year-old male with chronic paruresis and benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Coping skills training and in vivo exposure were applied in 21 sessions over a 12-week period. Pre- and posttreatment subjective units of distress (SUDS) ratings upon entering various public rest room situations were obtained. Data collected during exposure trials included latency of micturition, ratings of urinary volume, and SUDS ratings. Increased ability to urinate in public rest rooms and reduced anxiety and urinary delays in the presence of others were achieved. Implications for the conceptualization of paruresis and the effect of BPH on its treatment are discussed.
ABCA1-mediated Cholesterol Efflux Is Defective in Free Cholesterol-loaded Macrophages: MECHANISM INVOLVES ENHANCED ABCA1 DEGRADATION IN A PROCESS REQUIRING FULL NPC1 ACTIVITY *

In advanced atherosclerosis, macrophage foam cells progressively accumulate large amounts of unesterified or "free" cholesterol (FC), a process that is thought to contribute to foam cell death and lesional necrosis. The cellular consequences of early FC accumulation, including those that lead to further FC accumulation, are poorly understood. In this context, we show that cholesterol and phospholipid efflux mediated by ABCA1, which is initially induced in the cholesterol-loaded macrophage, was inhibited by approximately 80% in pre-toxic FC-loaded macrophages. Cholesterol efflux to HDL(2), which is mediated by a non-ABCA1 pathway, was inhibited by only approximately 20% in FC-loaded macrophages. FC loading led to decreased levels of ABCA1 protein via increased degradation of ABCA1, and not by decreased transcription or translation of AbcA1 mRNA. The decrease in ABCA1 protein occurred relatively early and was not prevented by caspase inhibitors, indicating that it was not a consequence of FC-induced apoptosis. However, inhibition of proteasomal function by lactacystin largely prevented the degradation of ABCA1. Importantly, the FC-induced decrease in ABCA1 function and protein was almost entirely prevented in macrophages that had partial deficiency of npc1 or were exposed to nanomolar concentrations of U18666A, both of which lead to defective cholesterol trafficking to the endoplasmic reticulum, but leave trafficking to the plasma membrane largely intact. Thus, a relatively early event during FC loading of macrophages is increased degradation of ABCA1, which appears to require trafficking of cholesterol to a peripheral cellular site, but not bulk trafficking of excess cholesterol to the plasma membrane. These findings provide new insight into the post-translational regulation of ABCA1 and the pathobiology of the FC-loaded macrophage.
UV excimer laser drilled high aspect ratio submicron via hole

Abstract We have demonstrated UV excimer laser drilled a submicron via hole with an entrance diameter of 300 nm inside a via hole with an entrance diameter of 5 μm. The smaller via hole formation was due to the refocusing of the reflected UV light from the tapered side-wall of the bigger via hole and the wave-guide effect of the light trapped inside the smaller via hole. The aspect ration of the smaller vias hole was >200. This method could be used to fabricate microfilters or nanopores.
Serotonin Modulates Axo-Axonal Coupling Between Neurons Critical for Learning in the Leech

S cells form a chain of electrically coupled neurons that extends the length of the leech CNS and plays a critical role in sensitization during whole-body shortening. This process requires serotoni...
SELECTIVE INHIBITION OF N-FORMYLPEPTIDE-INDUCED NEUTROPHIL ACTIVATION BY CARBAMATE-MODIFIED PEPTIDE ANALOGUES

Stimulation of the leukocyte N-formylpeptide receptor (FPR) induces chemotaxis, cell adhesion, free radical release, and degranulation, responses associated with infection and inflammation. Under conditions where continuous activation of the receptor prevails, neutrophil-dependent tissue damage ensues. Antagonists of the FPR have potential for use as diagnostic and therapeutic agents. Hence, we have synthesized and evaluated a series of amino-terminal carbamate analogues of the peptide Met-Leu-Phe (MLF) in order to determine the structural requirements for imparting agonist or antagonist activity at the human neutrophil FPR. Peptides were evaluated in three in vitro assays: receptor binding, superoxide anion release, and cell adhesion. Unbranched carbamates (methoxycarbonyl, ethoxycarbonyl, and n-butyloxycarbonyl) resulted in agonist activity, whereas branched carbamates (iso-butyloxycarbonyl, tert-butyloxycarbonyl, and benzyloxycarbonyl) were antagonists. The peptide antagonists were more potent inhibitors of superoxide anion release than cell adhesion by 4-7-fold. When iso-butyloxycarbonyl-MLF (i-Boc-MLF) was further modified at the carboxy terminus with Lys, antagonist potency was retained but without functional selectivity. Further C-terminal modification with the radionuclide linker diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid did not alter the potency of i-Boc-MLFK. These results indicate that the switch from agonist to antagonist activity can be achieved by modifying the overall size and shape of the amino-terminal group; that modifications at both the amino and carboxy termini can alter the functional selectivity of the peptide; and that modifications can be tolerated at the carboxy terminus to allow for development of an antagonist for diagnostic applications.