cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Strategies for the Cytosolic Delivery of Macromolecules: An Overview

The advent of molecular biology and genetics has identified numerous biotechnology-derived macromolecular drugs as potential targets for development. The delivery of small molecules requires compromise between aqueous solubility and membrane partition properties while that of proteins and genes requires protection from enzymatic degradation and denaturation. This article focuses on strategies to promote the cytosolic delivery of macromolecular therapeutics. Keywords: cytosolic delivery; macromolecular therapeutics; drug carriers; molecular umbrellaspeptides
Adrenergic airway vascular smooth muscle responsiveness in healthy and asthmatic subjects

The purpose of the present study was to determine the responsiveness of airway vascular smooth muscle (AVSM) as assessed by airway mucosal blood flow (Q˙aw) to inhaled methoxamine (α1-agonist; 0.6–...
BEM for 3D unsteady-state flow problems in porous media with a finite-conductivity horizontal wellbore

This paper presents a Boundary Element Method (BEM) for the solution of unsteady-state fluid flow problems in a 3D domain. A general 3D reservoir model was developed in a bounded porous media with Neumann's, Dirichlet's or mixed boundary conditions. To consider the influence of frictional pressure loss in a horizontal wellbore on the reservoir performance behavior, a wellbore hydraulics model was developed and coupled with the reservoir model. The coupled model was solved using a sequential iterative approach, which converges rapidly.The model developed can account for practical reservoir and well conditions, and thus provides a powerful tool to reliably predict production performance and rigorously simulate pressure transient testing for horizontal wells. This model is validated by example problems and its applicability is demonstrated by various cases.
Role of adrenal imaging in surgical management.

Adrenal imaging using radiopharmaceuticals is a functional test that can contribute significantly to surgical management and follow-up of patients with either benign or malignant conditions of the adrenal cortex and medulla. Imaging of the cortex is achieved by iodine-131-labeled iodomethyl nor-cholesterol (NP-59), while adrenal medulla imaging can be successfully accomplished by 131I-metaiodobenzylguanidine (MIBG), which localizes in the adrenergic nerve terminal with norepinephrine. Both tests carry high sensitivity and specificity for functional tumors and hyperplasia, and often better than CT scanning. This article reviews the current status and clinical utility of nuclear imaging of the adrenal cortex in congenital hyperplasia, low renin hypertension and aldosteronism, and Cushing's syndrome. Adrenal medulla imaging is reviewed in light of our experience at the University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center in pheochromocytoma, neuroblastoma, and other neuroectodermal tumors. Investigation of 131I-MIBG therapy of metastatic tumors of neuroectodermal origin potentially offers a means of at least controlling symptoms of hormonal secretion in these patients.
Follow-up of Auditory Brainstem Evoked Response (ABR) Failures in an NICU Population † 1263

This study determined if infants initially failing the ABR test passed subsequent tests. A retrospective study of NICU infants having ABRs between 1993 and 1995 was conducted. Variables included maternal and infant history, demographics, and ABR results. Infants lost to followup (LTF) and those with complete hearing data (CHD) were compared using student's t and chi square tests. Maternal age, APGAR scores, birthweight, gestational age, and infant sex were similar for LTF and CHD. Means, standard deviations, and percents were used to describe and compare groups. Of the 869 children tested, 60% were male, and 46% were exposed to ototoxic drugs. Average birthweight of the infants was 2240 ± 863 grams. Maternal history included STDs, 11.3%, inadequate or no prenatal care, 14.5%, and cocaine use, 12.9%. Average APGAR scores at 1 and 5 minutes were 6 and 8. 44 infants failed intial screening. Of these infants, 9 failed their second ABR, and 5 failed their third screening. Ultimately 99% of infants passed ABR screening. Further research will determine if false positives on ABR are due to aminoglycoside toxicity, background noise, environmental factors, or arbitrary assignment of threshold values for test failures. The clinical significance of initial ABR failures should be assessed for all NICU programs. Figure
Elitist matching and skewness in income distributions

Abstract A simple competitive matching model is constructed, in which agents of two types freely form ‘firms’ to produce a single good. We find that labor complementarity guarantees the existence of an elitist, efficient equilibrium and imparts a positive skewness to the income distributions.
Squamous metaplasia and respiratory tumors induced by intratracheal installations of 7, 12-dimethylbenz(a)-anthracene in Syrian golden hamsters

Abstract Repeated intratracheal installations of 7,12 -dimethylbenz(a)anthracene in the respiratory tract of Syrian golden hamsters induced papillomas, carcinoma in situ and squamous cell carcinomas of the larynx and trachea. The neoplastic progression was characterized by pronounced and extensive squamous metaplasia showing evidence of hyperortho- and hyper-parakeratosis, without secondary changes, inflammation and fibrosis in the lung. The total number of tumors seen, 20 and 13 respectively, the short latent period ( 20 or 21 weeks) and the low doses, 0·85 mg and 1·2 mg in total respectively, show that DMBA is also a potent carcinogen in the respiratory system.
Is Mixed Methods Social Inquiry a Distinctive Methodology

This article addresses the merits of and warrants for considering mixed methods social inquiry as a distinctive methodology. In each of four methodological domains—philosophy, methodology, practical guidelines, and sociopolitical commitments—the status of the mixed methods field is reviewed. Signal accomplishments are noted in each domain, as are important priorities for further development.
A new parallel chasing algorithm for transforming arrowhead matrices to tridiagonal form

Rutishauser. Gragg and Harrod and finally H.Y. Zha used the same class of chasing algorithms for transforming arrowhead matrices to tridiagonal form. Using a graphical theoretical approach, we propose new chasing algorithm. Although this algorithm has the same sequential computational complexity and backward error properties as the old algorithms, it is better suited for a pipelined approach. The parallel algorithm for this new chasing method is described, with performance results on the Paragon and nCUBE. Comparison results between the old and the new algorithms are also presented.
Probing ischemic tissue fate with BOLD fMRI of brief oxygen challenge

Abstract It has been recently shown that at-risk tissue exhibits exaggerated T2⁎-weighted MRI signal increases during transient oxygen challenge (OC), suggesting that the tissue is still metabolically active. This study further characterized the effects of transient OC on T2⁎-weighted MRI in permanent focal stroke rats (N = 8) using additional quantitative measures. The major findings were: i) the ischemic core cluster showed no significant response, whereas the mismatch cluster showed markedly higher percent changes relative to normal tissue in the acute phase. ii) Many of the mismatch pixels showed exaggerated OC responses which became hyperintense on T2-weighted MRI at 24 h. The area with exaggerated OC responses was larger than the mismatch, suggesting that some tissue with reduced diffusion were potentially at risk. iii) Basal T2⁎-weighted intensities on the perfusion–diffusion contourplot were high in normal tissue and low in the core, with a sharp transition in the mismatch. iv) OC-induced changes on the perfusion–diffusion contourplot dropped as perfusion and diffusion values fell below their respective viability thresholds. v) Basal T1 increased slightly in the ischemic core (P
Measurement of Myoplasmic Calcium Transients in Mouse Slow-Twitch Muscle Fibers

Bundles of intact fibers from soleus muscles of adult mice were isolated by dissection and one fiber within a bundle was micro-injected with either furaptra or mag-fluo-4, two low-affinity rapidly-responding Ca2+ indicators. Fibers were activated by action potentials to elicit changes in indicator fluorescence (dF), a monitor of the myoplasmic free Ca2+ transient, and changes in fiber tension. All injected fibers appeared to be slow-twitch (type I) fibers as inferred from the time course of their twitch tension response, which was markedly slower than that in fast-twitch fibers from extensor digitorum longus muscle. The time of peak and full-duration at half maximum (FDHM) of dF were found to be essentially identical with the two indicators: 4.5 + 0.2 and 8.4 + 0.5 ms, respectively, with furaptra (n = 6) and 4.8 + 0.4 and 8.3 + 0.3 ms with mag-fluo-4 (n = 8) (16 oC). Mag-fluo-4's dF was also measured at 22 oC; its FDHM, 5.1 + 0.3 ms (n = 6), is about one-third that reported previously in enzyme-dissociated slow-twitch fibers that had been AM-loaded with mag-fluo-4: 12.4 + 0.8 ms (n = 20) and 17.2 + 1.7 ms (n = 23). We attribute the larger FDHM in enzyme-dissociated fibers either to an alteration of fiber properties due to the enzyme treatment or to some error in the measurement of dF associated with AM-loading. Supported by NIH (GM-086167) and the Muscular Dystrophy Association.
ETIOLOGIC FACTORS OF VISUAL IMPAIRMENT IN INFANTS, 0–3 YEARS

To identify etiologic factors related to major visual impairment in young children, a survey was done of 22 school districts providing educational services to visually impaired infants, birth to 3 years, in Harris County. Review of 102 records yielded the following: 17% had hearing loss, 49% cerebral palsy, 47% seizures (½ with infantile spasms). D.Q. was <50 in 78% of those tested. These data indicate that perinatal or postnatal CNS insult are major causes of visual impairment at 0-3 years. The high incidence of multiple handicap and significant medical problems indicate a necessity for interface between pediatrics and education in management of the young, visually impaired child.
Synthesis and Characterization of PEGylated Toll Like Receptor 7 Ligands

Toll-like receptor 7 (TLR7) is located in the endosomal compartment of immune cells. Signaling through TLR7, mediated by the adaptor protein MyD88, stimulates the innate immune system and shapes adaptive immune responses. Previously, we characterized TLR7 ligands conjugated to protein, lipid, or poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG). Among the TLR7 ligand conjugates, the addition of PEG chains reduced the agonistic potency. PEGs are safe in humans and widely used for improvement of pharmacokinetics in existing biologics and some low molecular weight compounds. PEGylation could be a feasible method to alter the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of TLR7 ligands. In this study, we systematically studied the influence of PEG chain length on the in vitro and in vivo properties of potent TLR7 ligands. PEGylation increased solubility of the TLR7 ligands and modulated protein binding. Adding a 6-10 length PEG to the TLR7 ligand reduced its potency toward induction of interleukin (IL)-6 by murine macrophages in vitro and IL-6 and tumor necrosis factor (TNF) in vivo. However, PEGylation with 18 or longer chain restored, and even enhanced, the agonistic activity of the drug. In human peripheral blood mononuclear cells, similar effects of PEGylation were observed for secretion of proinflammatory cytokines, IL-6, IL-12, TNF-α, IL-1β, and type 1 interferon, as well as for B cell proliferation. In summary, these studies demonstrate that conjugation of PEG chains to a synthetic TLR ligand can impact its potency for cytokine induction depending on the size of the PEG moiety. Thus, PEGylation may be a feasible approach to regulate the pharmacological properties of TLR7 ligands.
S-adenosylmethionine-dependent reduction of lysine 2,3-aminomutase and observation of the catalytically functional iron-sulfur centers by electron paramagnetic resonance

Lysine 2,3-aminomutase catalyzes the interconversion of l-alpha-lysine and l-beta-lysine. The enzyme contains an iron-sulfur cluster with unusual properties, and it requires pyridoxal-5'-phosphate (PLP) and S-adenosylmethionine (AdoMet) for activity. The reaction proceeds by a substrate radical rearrangement mechanism, in which the external aldimine formed between PLP and lysine is initially converted into a lysyl-radical intermediate by hydrogen abstraction from C3. The present research concerns the mechanism by which a hydrogen-abstracting species is generated at the active site of lysine 2,3-aminomutase. Earlier tritium tracer experiments have implicated the 5'-deoxyadenosyl moiety of AdoMet in this process. AdoMet is here shown to interact with the iron-sulfur cluster at the active site of Clostridial lysine 2,3-aminomutase. Reduction of the iron-sulfur cluster from its EPR-silent form [4Fe-4S]2+ to the fully reduced form [4Fe-4S]1+ requires the presence of either AdoMet or S-adenosylhomocysteine (SAH) and a strong reducing agent such as dithionite or deazariboflavin and light. The reduced forms are provisionally designated E-[4Fe-4S]1+/AdoMet and E-[4Fe-4S]1+/SAH, and they display similar low-temperature EPR spectra centered at gav = 1.91. The reduced form E-[4Fe-4S]1+/AdoMet is fully active in the absence of any added reducing agent, whereas the form E-[4Fe-4S]1+/SAH is not active. It is postulated that the active form E-[4Fe-4S]1+/AdoMet is in equilibrium with a low concentration of a radical-initiating form that contains the 5'-deoxyadenosyl radical. Initiation of the radical rearrangement mechanism is postulated to take place by action of the 5'-deoxyadenosyl radical in abstracting a hydrogen atom from carbon-3 of lysine, which is bound as its external aldiminine with PLP. This process accounts for the results of tritium tracer experiments, it explains the radical rearrangement mechanism, and it rationalizes the roles of AdoMet and the [4Fe-4S] cluster in the reaction.
Relation of leptin and insulin to adiposity-associated elevations in sympathetic activity with age in humans.

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether plasma leptin and insulin concentrations are related to adiposity-associated elevations in muscle sympathetic nerve activity (MSNA) with age in healthy adult humans. DESIGN: Cross-sectional investigation of young and older adult men. SUBJECTS: Thirty healthy adult men, 16 young (25 1 y, mean s.e.) and 14 older (61 1 y). MEASUREMENTS=RESULTS: The older men had higher (P< 0.05) levels of body mass, BMI, total fat mass and truncal fat mass (dual energy X-ray absorptiometry) than the young men. MSNA burst frequency (microneurography) was 75% higher in the older men (P< 0.001). Plasma leptin concentrations were 150% higher (P< 0.01), whereas plasma insulin concentrations were 70% higher (P< 0.05) in the older subjects. MSNA was related to both total (ra 0.51, P< 0.01) and truncal (ra 0.56, P< 0.01) fat mass. Plasma leptin concentrations were related to total and truncal fat mass (both ra 0.83, P< 0.001), and to MSNA (ra 0.49, P< 0.01). Plasma insulin concentrations were related to MSNA (ra 0.38, P< 0.05). We used partial correlation analyses to assess whether leptin and=or insulin are potential contributors to the relation between body fat and MSNA. Adjusting for the effects of plasma leptin, but not insulin, concentrations eliminated the significant relations between MSNA and total and truncal fat mass. CONCLUSION: Our results: (1) demonstrate a positive relation between MSNA and plasma leptin concentrations in young and older healthy men; and (2) support the concept that circulating leptin concentrations may act as a humoral signal contributing to adiposity-associated elevations in MSNA with age in adult humans. International Journal of Obesity (2000) 24, 1183‐1187
Characterization of an oligopeptide transporter in renal lysosomes

Abstract Renal lysosomes play a major role in catabolism of plasma proteins. Final products of this catabolism include dipeptides and tripeptides that must be exported to the cytosol for hydrolysis. The aim of the present study was to determine whether an oligopeptide transporter is present in the renal lysosomal membrane that could mediate this export. The existence of an oligopeptide transporter was probed with the uptake of glycylglutamine (Gly-Gln) by membrane vesicles prepared from renal lysosomes. Kinetic analysis showed the presence of a single transporter with a K m of 8.77 mM for the uptake of Gly-Gln. The Gly-Gln uptake was energized by the imposition of an inwardly directed proton gradient (pH out 5.0/pH in 7.3) and membrane potential (outside positive/inside negative) resulting in overshoot. The Gly-Gln uptake was inhibited by the presence of dipeptides and tripeptides, but not amino acids. Western blot analysis of lysosomal membrane proteins with Pept-1 (an oligopeptide transporter) antibody as the probe showed the presence of an immunoreactive protein. This immunoreaction was abolished when the antiserum was preabsorbed with the Pept-1 epitope (0.5 μg/ml). In conclusion, the present data show the existence of a low-affinity dipeptide transporter in the renal lysosomal membrane that appears to belong to the Pept family of transporters. The function of this transporter appears to be to prevent accumulation of dipeptides in renal lysosomes.
On the theory of gel electrophoresis of DNA: Extension and evaluation of the Lumpkin-DèJardin-Zimm model

Using fundamental concepts of hydrodynamics in porous media, we have rederived the Lumpkin-DeJardin-Zimm (LDZ) model for the gel electrophoresis of reptating, infinitely long, worm-like chains, such as DNA. The force balance provides a constraint for evaluating the correlation among the segment-to-field angles of a given molecular conformation. We have used an approximate analytical expression to account for this correlation in order to apply the present derivation to finite chain lengths. The resulting extended LDZ model predicts a nonlinear variation of electrophoretic mobility (mu) with reciprocal chain length (1/Lc) at low electric field strengths, similar to the one observed. The present derivation is valid only at low electric field strengths, and the predictions of the extended LDZ model fit data for a dimensionless electric field strength, E1*, of less than 1.23. An empirically useful criterion for determining the onset of reptation is also described. The present treatment shows how size-exclusion effects can be included in future theories. Models based on reptation alone are shown to predict a discontinuity in the molecular chain length dependence of mobility at a critical molecular size. Such discontinuities are not observed experimentally.
Health literacy: A barrier to pharmacist–patient communication and medication adherence

Abstract Objectives To present a summary of the existing literature on medication nonadherence, health literacy, and use of written patient information in health care and pharmacy in particular. Data sources Searches of Medline, PubMed, and International Pharmaceutical Abstracts databases were conducted using one or more of the following terms adherence/nonadherence, compliance/noncompliance, printed/written information, literacy, patient education, communication , and health literacy . These terms were combined with the following search terms: drug information, readability, medication/drug, patient, pharmacy/pharmacist , and prescription . References of pertinent articles were hand searched to retrieve additional articles. Data extraction By the author. Data synthesis Articles were grouped and summarized into three broad categories (nonadherence, health literacy, and communicating health information to patients), with an emphasis on the use of written patient information in health care and pharmacy practice in particular. The complexities inherent in nonadherence behavior, health literacy, and patient education are summarized, and suggestions for enhancing medication adherence, especially for patients with low health literacy skills, are provided. Conclusion The health literacy skills of American adults have not changed considerably during the previous decade. This makes use of written patient medication information in pharmacy practice problematic for some patients. Limited health literacy has been associated with poorer health, medication nonadherence, medication errors, higher medical expenses, and increased hospitalization. A need exists for identifying patients with limited health literacy and tailoring medication counseling to their needs.
Improvements in cloud identification over snow/ice surfaces from ERBE to CERES

[1] The procedure used in the Earth Radiation Budget Experiment for identifying the presence of clouds over snow/ice surfaces is known to have shortcomings, and this is corroborated through use of surface insolation measurements at the South Pole as an independent means of identifying clouds. These surface insolation measurements are then used to validate the more detailed cloud identification scheme used in the follow-up Clouds and the Earth's Radiant Energy System (CERES), and this validation is extended to the polar night through use of CERES measurements of the outgoing longwave radiation.
Melanoma genetics: a review of genetic factors and clinical phenotypes in familial melanoma.

Purpose of reviewThe clinical phenotypes of familial melanoma syndromes and genetic and environmental interactions are reviewed to summarize the current status of the field and to identify gaps in molecular and clinical investigations.Recent findingsThe familial melanoma syndromes are associated wit
Antidepressant use and glycemic control.

Past research on the association of antidepressant medication use with glycemic control abnormalities has produced mixed results. To examine the association of antidepressant use with glycemic control abnormalities and screen-positive diabetes in a representative population sample of US adults without a diagnosis of diabetes. Using data from adult participants of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES, 2005–2010), the association of antidepressant use with continuous measures of HbA1c, fasting blood sugar, 2-h oral glucose tolerance test, insulin sensitivity and screen-positive diabetes according to HbA1c, fasting blood sugar and 2-h oral glucose tolerance test were assessed. Antidepressant use was not associated with increased levels of HbA1c, fasting blood sugar, 2-h oral glucose tolerance test, reduced insulin sensitivity or increased prevalence of screen-positive diabetes. Results were mostly consistent across sociodemographic groups and across different lengths of exposure, different classes of antidepressants and levels of body mass index. In this representative population sample, antidepressant use was not associated with an increased risk of abnormalities in glycemic control or undetected diabetes. Positive findings from past research may be attributable to detection bias, in that individuals prescribed antidepressants may be more likely to be tested and diagnosed with diabetes.
Cytochemical Evidence for Urease Activity in Tetrahymena

SYNOPSIS. The cytochemical procedure of Sen was used to demonstrate urease activity in Tetrahymena pyriformis S.
Effects of some conformationally restricted GABA analogues on GABA membrane binding and nerve ending transport

By using a series of aminocyclopentane- and aminocyclohexanecarboxylic acids, as well as some naturally occurring amino acids, it was possible to determine some aspects of the spatial topography of the GABA membrane binding and transport sites. The NA-independent GABA binding site was found to have a different spatial topography than the Na-dependent binding site in that trans-3-aminocyclopentanecarboxylic acid (trans-3-ACPC) was 7 times more potent than cis-3-ACPC to inhibit Na-independent binding, but only 1.6 times more potent to inhibit Na-dependent binding. The nerve ending GABA transport site was found to be similar to the Na-dependent GABA binding site in that it will accommodate both cis- and trans-3-ACPC. However, the transport site differs from the binding site in that cis-3-aminocyclohexanecarboxylic acid (cis-3-ACHC) is a potent inhibitor of transport but a weak inhibitor of binding. In addition to the differences in spatial characteristics, differences in the subcellular distribution of Na-independent and Na-dependent binding sites were observed. The former were found primarily in the nerve ending-mitochondrial fraction, while the latter were primarily found in the microsomal fraction.
Reconsidering the Workplace: Faculty Perceptions of Their Work and Working Environments.

In an effort to foreground the impact of the material environment on faculty activities, this study examines the dynamic intersections among faculty work practices, the academic workplace and professional identity. Drawing on in-depth interviews with 16 social science faculty at one public university in the United States, this study reveals the impact of the physical environment on faculty perceptions of what they do, where they work and who they are. Analysis of interview data revealed overlapping themes regarding perceptions of faculty work practices, the inability of places to contain faculty work, faculty socialization, and questions concerning the ownership and distancing of particular work types. Findings from this study point to a need for administrative policy changes to be accompanied by a respatialization of the local campus that resists tendencies toward isolating environments.
Extralobar pulmonary sequestration presenting with torsion

The current report describes the case of a 13-year-old girl with an extralobar pulmonary sequestration who presented with chest and back pains without evidence of infection. Her symptoms were discovered to be secondary to torsion and infarction of the pulmonary sequestration. Although pulmonary sequestration is not an uncommon differential diagnosis for chest masses, it is rare for it to present in this manner.
Further characterization of cysteine proteinase inhibitors purified from rat and human epidermis.

Abstract Cysteine proteinase inhibitors isolated from rat and human epidermis were purified to homogeneity and had isoelectric points of pH 4.31 and pH 5.10, respectively. Both inhibitors caused noncompetitive inhibition to the same degree against papain (EC 3.4.22.2), but the activity of human inhibitor against rat liver cathepsins B (EC 3.4.22.1), H (EC 3.4.22.16), and L (EC 3.4.22.-) was more effective than that of rat inhibitor. Dependency on pH was observed with rat inhibitor for cathepsins B and H, and with human inhibitor for cathepsin L. The reaction of the inhibitors with papain and cathepsins H and L occurred immediately, while the inhibition reaction of cathepsin B increased progressively during a preincubation time up to 40 min. Incubation at pH 7.0 maximized the progressive inhibitory activity. These findings demonstrate that cysteine proteinase inhibitors from rat and human epidermis inhibited a variety of cysteine proteinases. However, the inhibitor and enzyme interaction depends upon the enzyme inhibitor source, and experimental conditions such as pH and preincubation time.
Development of a New Synthesis for the Large-Scale Preparation of Triple Reuptake Inhibitor (−)-GSK1360707

The triple reuptake inhibitor, GSK1360707, was synthesized via an efficient, scalable route, which features a vinyl triflate Suzuki coupling followed by a single-step, double alkylative cyclopropan...
Towards a synthetic model of own group biases in face memory

In the current work, we extend the Categorization-Individuation Model (Hugenberg, Young, Bernstein, & Sacco, 2010)—an existing model of the own race bias—to organize and explain the proliferation of own group biases in face memory. In this model, we propose that own group biases result from the coacting processes of social categorization,motivation to individuate, and individuation experience. This extended Categorization-Individuation Model affords a number of benefits. First, this model allows us to begin to consider various own group biases as manifestations a single class of phenomena, offering sensible predictions across and among biases. Further, this extended Categorization-Individuation Model makes novel predictions for how own group biases can be exacerbated and eliminated by both perceptual and motivational processes, allowing for potentially novel interventions forown group biases. Finally,we discuss a variety of open questions with regard to an extended Categorization-Individuation Model, with...
The effect of boronic acid acidity on performance of viologen-based boronic acids in a two-component optical glucose-sensing system

Abstract A two-component saccharide sensing system using the fluorescent dye, hydroxypyrene trisulfonic acid, combined with a boronic acid functional viologen as a receptor/quencher in pH 7.4 buffer solution has been further investigated. The effect of substituents on the acidity of the boronic acid was measured. The boronic acid pKa changed in the expected manner when electron donating or withdrawing groups were present. The glucose binding constants were dependent on pKa, but no simple correlation was observed for the Stern–Volmer quenching constants and the fluorescence signal modulation.
Quantitative and reproducible murine model of excisional wound healing

The goal of animal wound healing models is to replicate human physiology and predict therapeutic outcomes. There is currently no model of wound healing in rodents that closely parallels human wound healing. Rodents are attractive candidates for wound healing studies because of their availability, low cost, and ease of handling. However, rodent models have been criticized because the major mechanism of wound closure is contraction, whereas in humans reepithelialization and granulation tissue formation are the major mechanisms involved. This article describes a novel model of wound healing in mice utilizing wound splinting that is accurate, reproducible, minimizes wound contraction, and allows wound healing to occur through the processes of granulation and reepithelialization. Our results show that splinted wounds have an increased amount of granulation tissue deposition as compared to controls, but the rate of reepithelialization is not affected. Thus, this model eliminates wound contraction and allows rodents' wounds to heal by epithelialization and granulation tissue formation. Given these analogies to human wound healing, we believe that this technique is a useful model for the study of wound healing mechanisms and for the evaluation of new therapeutic modalities.
Initiation of repair of DNA-polypeptide cross-links by the UvrABC nuclease.

Although the biochemical pathways that repair DNA−protein cross-links have not been clearly elucidated, it has been proposed that the partial proteolysis of cross-linked proteins into smaller oligo...
Dyadic Perspectives on Advisor-Advisee Relationships in Counseling Psychology Doctoral Programs.

The authors present the results from a study investigating advisor-advisee relationships in counseling psychology doctoral training. Participants were 47 advisor-advisee dyads who were currently working together in an advising relationship. The results indicated that advisors and advisees exhibited significant agreement in their assessments of their advisory working alliance, the smoothness of their recent interactions, and the advisee's research competence. Alliance ratings were also associated with several relevant training variables. Neither science nor practice interest similarity between advisor and advisee was related to the quality of the advising relationship. Implications of the advisor-advisee working alliance for doctoral training are discussed, and suggestions for future research are provided.
Polyunsaturated fatty acids in lipid bilayers: intrinsic and environmental contributions to their unique physical properties.

Polyunsaturated lipids are an essential component of biological membranes, influencing order and dynamics of lipids, protein-lipid interaction, and membrane transport properties. To gain an atomic level picture of the impact of polyunsaturation on membrane properties, quantum mechanical (QM) and empirical force field based calculations have been undertaken. The QM calculations of the torsional energy surface for rotation about vinyl-methylene bonds reveal low barriers to rotation, indicating an intrinsic propensity toward flexibility. Based on QM and experimental data, empirical force field parameters were developed for polyunsaturated lipids and applied in a 16 ns molecular dynamics (MD) simulation of a 1-stearoyl-2-docosahexaenoyl-sn-glyerco-3-phosphocholine (SDPC) lipid bilayer. The simulation results are in good agreement with experimental data, suggesting an unusually high degree of conformational flexibility of polyunsaturated hydrocarbon chains in membranes. The detailed analysis of chain conformation and dynamics by simulations is aiding the interpretation of experimental data and is useful for understanding the unique role of polyunsaturated lipids in biological membranes. The complete force field is included as Supporting Information and is available from http://www.pharmacy.umaryland.edu/faculty/amackere/research.html.
Kinetics of the reactive spreading of molten aluminum on ceramic surfaces

The spreading kinetics of molten aluminum on ceramic surfaces bearing reactive coatings has been studied through the direct observation of sessile drops, either formed in situ or emplaced at temperature. Analysis of videotapes permitted the assessment of the rate of advance of rapidly spreading droplets. Experimental conditions in this study were chosen to avoid the severe retarding effect of the aluminum oxide film which is typically encountered in aluminum wetting experiments. A variety of reactive coating systems were examined (B, Cu, Ni, Ti, and Ti + B), and the effect of coating amount was assessed. Based upon the experiments of this study, the main effect of the coatings is to drive spreading due to strong exothermic interfacial reactions. The intensity of the interfacial reaction causes the change in free energy per unit area of interface to dominate the rate of movement of the triple line.
Chemical Sensors Based on Surface-Modified Sol-Gel-Coated Infrared Waveguides *

Attenuated total reflectance sampling, or waveguide sampling, is commonly used to obtain infrared spectra of aqueous solutions. The detection limits achieved for the determination of organic analytes in aqueous solutions using waveguide sampling are limited by the strong water absorption features and relatively small effective sample thickness due to the short penetration depth of the evanescent wave into the sample. Sol-gel processing has been used to produce a porous silica film on the surface of an infrared waveguide. The surface of the sol-gel film was modified with a silanizing reagent to produce a hydrophobic surface. The resulting waveguide was used to obtain infrared spectra from samples of benzonitrile in water. The benzonitrile spectral features obtained with the modified waveguide are enhanced by more than a factor of 103 when compared
ZP-binding peptides identified via phage display stimulate production of sperm antibodies in dogs

Zona pellucida (ZP) glycoproteins play a central role in sperm-oocyte binding and fertilization. Sperm protein sequences that are involved in sperm-ZP recognition and have an important role in fertilization represent attractive targets for development of contraceptive vaccines, yet are currently unknown. To identify peptide sequences that recognize and bind to ZP proteins, we developed a novel selection procedure from phage display libraries that utilizes intact oocytes surrounded by ZP proteins. The major advantage of this procedure is that ZP proteins remain in their native conformation unlike a selection protocol previously published that utilized solubilized ZP on artificial solid support. Several peptides of 7 and 12 amino acids with binding specificity to canine ZP proteins were identified. Four of them (LNSFLRS, SSWYRGA, YLPIYTIPSMVY, and NNQSPILKLSIH) plus a control ZP-binding peptide (YLPVGGLRRIGG) from the literature were synthesized and tested for antigenic properties in dogs. NNQSPILKLSIH peptide stimulated production of anti-peptide antibodies. These antibodies bind to the acrosomal region of the canine sperm cell, demonstrating ability to act as sperm antibodies. The identified ZP-binding peptides (mimicking sperm cell surface antigens) may be useful in the design of immunocontraceptive agents for dogs.
Morphometric Analysis Demonstrates that Metabolically Active Cardiac Triglycerides and 1H NMR Visible

The relationship between myocardial triglyceride content and 1H NMR visible fatty acid resonance intensity was investigated. Hearts from rats fed a 20% rapeseed oil diet contained markedly increased levels of triglycerides as judges by thin layer chromatographic analysis. This elevation in cardiac triglycerides was associated with sharp increases in the cell volume occupied by lipid droplets and in 1H NMR visible fatty acid resonances. Spin-lattice and spin-spin relaxation times of the 1H NMR visible fatty acid resonances from myocardium of rapeseed oil-fed rats were similar in value to those measured for neat triolein. Additionally, the fatty acids constituting these enhanced 1H NMR visible resonances were metabolically active. Perfusion of triglyceride enriched hearts in the presence or absence of glucose caused a time-dependent decrease in the intensity of their 1H NMR visible fatty acid resonances. In contrast, perfusion with glucose + acetate essentially prevented this time-dependent decreases in 1 H NMR visible fatty acid resonances. Morphometric analysis of these hearts demonstrated that the decrease in 1H NMR resonance intensity correlated with changes in the cell volume of triglyceride-enriched lipid droplets. These results demonstrate that metabolically active stores of cardiac fatty acids, presumably triglycerides, are 1H NMR visible. Further, they indicate the possible utility of 1H NMR spectroscopy in the future study of myocardial triglyceride metabolism.
User-adaptive mobile video streaming using MPEG-DASH

We describe an implementation of DASH streaming client for mobile devices which uses adaptation to user behavior and viewing conditions as means for improving efficiency of streaming delivery. Proposed design relies on sensors in a mobile device to detect presence of the user, his proximity to the screen, and other factors such as motion, brightness of the screen and ambient lighting conditions. This information is subsequently used to select stream that delivers adequate resolution implied by viewing conditions and natural limits of human vision. We show that in a mobile environment such adaptation can result in significant reduction of bandwidth usage compared to traditional streaming systems.
Henry vaguhan's landscapes of military occupation

Sur la dimension politique que presente dans Silex Scintillans la meditation mystique de Vaughan sur le paysage. La thematique est elargi a l'ensemble de son oeuvre poetique
Prevalence of amber suppressor-containing coliforms in the natural environment.

Amber suppressible genes have been introduced into vectors1,2 and proposed for use in recombinant DNA studies. Such genes can be expressed only in a host bacterium with amber suppressors. To assess the biological containment of this kind of mutation we have now examined the frequency of bacteria with amber suppressors in faecal samples from humans and animals in different environments. This approach allowed us to evaluate the number of individuals in an environment bearing bacteria with amber suppressor mutations and the frequency of these bacteria within the faecal samples of each individual. Of all individuals sampled 30.5% contained detectable levels of bacteria with amber suppressor activity. In >75% of these samples, the level of suppressor-containing bacteria was <10%, about half of which were <1%. Most of these were Escherichia coli: however, Citrobacter and Klebsiella were also found. In three samples, essentially all coliforms had suppressor activity. Excluding these three samples, the estimated frequency of amber suppressors among faecal coliforms was 1.5%; however, if the data from these individuals were included, the overall frequency among faecal samples could be as high as 10%. By itself, the finding suggests that amber suppressor mutations in recombinant DNA vectors may not offer as great a safety feature as originally considered. These data, however, must be considered together with the known low sensitivity of wild-type E. coli to laboratory phages3,4 and their low recipient ability for some plasmids.
Charge recombination in DNA hairpins controlled by counterions.

The slow charge recombination in DNA hairpins of various lengths is investigated. The distance dependence for the charge recombination rate between stilbene donor (Sd+) and stilbene acceptor (Sa−) ...
Characterization of the mRNAs for α-, β- and γ-actin

Abstract The mRNAs for α-, β- and γ-actin have been characterized with respect to molecular weight and poly(A) content. Polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis under denaturing conditions shows that the mRNA for α-actin (muscle-specific actin) is approximately 4.6 × 10 5 daltons in size, and that the mRNAs for β- and γ-actin (nonmuscle actins) are much larger, approximately 6.6 × 10 5 daltons in size. We therefore calculate that the noncoding regions of the β- and γ-actin mRNAs contain about 800 nucleotides. This is in marked contrast to the noncoding regions of α-actin mRNA which contain only about 180 nucleotides. During electrophoresis in high-resolution nondenaturing gels, the β-actin mRNA migrates slightly slower than the γ-actin mRNA. This indicates either that β-actin mRNA is about 100 nucleotides longer than γ-actin mRNA, or that these mRNAs differ in secondary structure. Fractionation of actin mRNA on the basis of poly(A) content shows that a substantial portion of the β-actin mRNA, but very little of the α- or γ-actin mRNAs, fails to bind to oligo(dT)-cellulose. Much of this poly(A)-deficient β-actin mRNA, however, does bind to poly(U)-Sepharose, a substrate with higher affinity for short poly(A) sequences. This indicates that many of these β-actin mRNA molecules are polyadenylated, but that they have unusually short poly(A) tails. The finding that β- and γ-actins are translated from mRNAs of different electrophoretic mobility and different poly(A) content strongly suggests that these two closely related proteins are products of different genes.
Atmospheric and Surface Contributions to Planetary Albedo

AbstractThe planetary albedo is partitioned into a component due to atmospheric reflection and a component due to surface reflection by using shortwave fluxes at the surface and top of the atmosphere in conjunction with a simple radiation model. The vast majority of the observed global average planetary albedo (88%) is due to atmospheric reflection. Surface reflection makes a relatively small contribution to planetary albedo because the atmosphere attenuates the surface contribution to planetary albedo by a factor of approximately 3. The global average planetary albedo in the ensemble average of phase 3 of the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project (CMIP3) preindustrial simulations is also primarily (87%) due to atmospheric albedo. The intermodel spread in planetary albedo is relatively large and is found to be predominantly a consequence of intermodel differences in atmospheric albedo, with surface processes playing a much smaller role despite significant intermodel differences in surface albedo. The CMIP...
Attitudes of High School Students Toward Individuals With Mental Retardation

The attitudes of 144 high school students toward individuals who have mental retardation were examined using the Mental Retardation Attitude Inventory-Revised (Antonak & Harth, 1994). The inventory is divided into four subscales consisting of statements regarding integration-segregation, private rights, social distance, and subtle derogatory beliefs. Each subscale was assessed along with gender, frequency of contact with individuals who have mental retardation, and prior knowledge about mental retardation. Results indicate that gender and frequency of contact does influence attitudes. These results are significant because these high school students either are or will soon become adults and impact the community with their attitudes.
Regional white matter volume and the relation with attentional functioning in survivors of malignant pediatric brain tumors

Quantitative assessment of MR examinations in 37 survivors of childhood cancer treated with central nervous system prophylaxis revealed that normal appearing white matter (NAWM) volume is associated with attention-related problems, localized specifically in the right prefrontal region. T1-, T2-, and PD-weighted images were segmented and divided into pre-frontal, frontal, parietal/temporal, and parietal/occipital regions for each hemisphere. These eight regions were analyzed in five slices centered at the level of the basal ganglia. The patient's age at diagnosis and time elapsed from diagnosis were used as covariates in the regressions. Attentional measures showed significant deficiency when compared to age and gender normative values. Total, frontal and/or prefrontal NAWM volumes from the range of slices examined were significantly associated with 5 of the 8 attentional measures. The frontal/prefrontal region of the brain is associated with executive functioning tasks and could potentially be spared as much as possible during therapy planning. The results of the present study further support the contention that NAWM is an important substrate for treatment-induced neurocognitive problems among survivors of malignant brain tumors of childhood.
Pathophysiology of Ringworm Infections in Animals with Skin Cycles1

The mouse has the reputation of being resistant to experimental ringworm infection. This is a paradox for in times past spontaneous infections have often occurred in this animal. The purpose of this paper is to demonstrate that ringworm infections can be consistently produced in mice and rats by taking into account the cyclical peculiarities of the skin of these animals.
A categorical approach to combinatorial geometry

Abstract A geometry structure on a category is defined in analogy with the structure of geometric lattice on a set. This definition includes that of geometric lattice. The elementary properties of projective space are developed in this setting, and the correspondence of the elements in a geometric lattice to closed sets in a topology is explored.
Attitudes Toward Mental Health Services and Illness Perceptions Among Adolescents with Mood Disorders

The present study describes how adolescents perceive their mood disorders (MD; e.g., acute vs. chronic) and their attitudes toward mental health services. The study also explores the relationships between demographics, clinical characteristics, perceptions of illness and attitudes. Finally, we examine the psychometric properties of the Illness Perception Questionnaire-Revised (Moss-Morris et al. in Psychology & Health 17(1):1–16, 2002). Seventy adolescents were recruited from the greater Cleveland area. Structured interviews were conducted utilizing standardized instruments. Results show that adolescents with MD have fairly positive attitudes, with Caucasian youth reporting more positive attitudes than their non-white ounterparts. Illness perceptions were related to psychological openness and indifference to stigma. Implications are discussed.